You are Invited to a New Journey in Faith

 

“What do you seek?”


These four words, which form a question of great significance, are addressed to those who are preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception, or renewal into Christ’s body, the Church. 


The given answer, according to The Book of Occasional Services, is “Life in Christ.” Intriguing, however, are the words added in parenthetical italics: (The seeker may expand on the answer in their own words.)


In their own words … There have been times during this past year, were I to be honest, where all I seek is a bit of respite from the craziness of these times: a break from breaking news, gun violence, continuing COVID concerns, economic inflation, racial injustice, and all the other issues that just seem so far beyond my control. 


The remedy for weariness, however, is not to give up and disconnect, but to reconnect with the source of what gives us life. Whenever I find myself weary and overwhelmed I find myself especially drawn to the promise of Jesus, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


Paradoxically, the cross we are each called to carry as disciples of Christ is not intended to crush our souls and bodies. Yoked side-by-side with Jesus, we do not shoulder the cross alone. Learning from this gentle Jesus we find that this cross is “none other than the way of life and peace.” 


So, how might we lean into this life-giving promise? How do we come to Jesus, take up his yoke, and learn from him? How do we seek this life in Christ? 


This fall I would like to invite you into a new journey of faith at All Saints called The Catechumenate (pronounced kat-i-kyoo-muh-net.) This is an ancient process that has guided the church through times of plague and pestilence, the rise and fall of empires, persecutions, rebellions, and revolution. The Catechumenate is more apprenticeship than program, more journey than destination. It is an invitation to walk together the Way of Jesus. 



On Sunday, August 21 All Saints will be hosting a Christian Formation Open House at 9:45 in the Great Hall. Here you can learn more about the Catechumenate and all the other Sunday School classes offered for all ages throughout the fall.


We will begin the first phase of The Catechumenate on Sunday, September 11 in the Great Hall at 9:45am. This will include a 15-20 minute plenary session, small group table discussion, and summary. 


The Catechumenate is made up of four distinct phases, which roughly mirror the academic year: 


  1. Inquiry - Throughout late summer and early fall we will focus on foundational narratives in Holy Scripture such as Creation, the Flood, the Exodus, and the Promise of the Prophets.
  2. Exploration - This phase begins on the First Sunday of Advent (November 27) with the Admission of Catechumens and Renewers during the Sunday liturgy (renewers are those who seek confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation in the Episcopal Church). 
  3. Preparation - On the First Sunday of Lent those who have been preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception, or renewal will be enrolled as Catechumens and Renewers. The season of Lent is traditionally called a period of enlightenment and includes the customary lenten disciplines as the intensification of their preparation. This all comes to a crescendo in the administration of Holy Baptism and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows at the Great Vigil of Easter (April 8). 
  4. Reflection - Following the experience of Holy Week and the Great Vigil of Easter comes a period of reflection throughout Eastertide through to Pentecost. Those who have been preparing for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation will publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows at the Bishop’s visitation in May. 


So, who is the Catechumenate for? In short, the Catechumenate is for all of us. Coming through this bizarre season of pandemic, it is my strong conviction that nearly all of us are longing for a sense of reconnection and renewal. Whether you have been at All Saints your entire life, or whether you have only recently discovered our church - the Catechumenate is for you. 


I hope to see you in the coming Sundays as we continue on this journey of faith and follow the Way of Jesus together. 

 

Grace & peace,

More Announcements

Faith & the Modern Family

September 12, 2025
This fall, we invite you to join us for Faith & The Modern Family , an engaging series that takes a fresh look at the intersection of faith and family in today’s world. Each week, a different speaker will lead discussion on timely and relevant topics designed to help us grow in faith together. The series runs from September 14 through December 14 in Room 223, in between services .  Here’s the schedule of upcoming sessions: Sept 14 – The Rev. Ranie Neislar Sept 21 – Josh Reeves Sept 28 – The Rev. Ed Bacon Oct 5 – Emily Holm Oct 12 – The Rev. Ranie Neislar Oct 19 – Josh Reeves Oct 26 – Drew Hataway Nov 2 – No Class Nov 9 – David Smith Nov 16 – Chris Couch Nov 23 – No Class Nov 30 – Susanna Whitsett Dec 7 – The Rev. Kelley Hudlow Dec 14 – Memily Colvin Drop in anytime, each week features a new topic, so you can come when it works for you. For more details, contact the Rev. Ranie Neislar at rneislar@allsaintsbhm.org .

Wonder-Full Wednesdays

September 9, 2025
This fall, gather with us for Wonder-Full Wednesdays. Each week brings something different—game night, pet blessings, trunk-or-treat, a chili cook-off, caroling, and more. Share dinner, enjoy the company, and connect with community in meaningful ways. September 17 Game Night on the Lawn October 1 Pet Blessing Chick-fil-A dinner. Bring your furry, shelled, or scaly pet to be blessed. October 29 Trunk or Treat Pizza & Hot Dog dinner, come dressed to get those treat. November 12 Chili Cook-Off Chili dinner. Taste and judge some of the finest chili in the land. November 19 Service & gratitude Night Thanksgiving Dinner. Help us pack meals for those in need. December 3 Advent Festival Spaghetti Dinner. Prepping for Advent with things crafty and cool. December 10 St. Nick at Night Pizza Dinner. Come be a part of the story of St. Nick. December 17 Caroling in the Neighborhood Chick-fil-A dinner. Sing your favorite carols with a hot cup of cocoa.
A choir bbq is postponed until sept 22 due to rain

Choir BBQ Sept. 21

By choir bbq • September 5, 2025
The Choir BBQ is Sunday, September 21! Join us in the Great Hall for lunch following the 11:00 service. The Adult Choir will be serving bbq pork, buns, baked beans, slaw, brownies, and lemonade. Hot dogs will be available for kids. To-go plates are available after both the 8:30am and 11:00am services. Whole butts $45 Order by 9/17; quantities are limited, so order early to make sure you get one! Family Meals for 4 $35 Order by 9/17 Individual Plates $10 Eat-in or to-go; no reservation required Contact Melanie Couch at mcouch@allsaintsbhm.org with any questions. All proceeds will benefit the Adult Choir music ministry. Thanks for your support!

Game Night on the Lawn Sept. 17

September 2, 2025
Game Night on the Lawn – September 17 ! Starts at 5:30pm with pizza dinner, lawn games, and plenty of fun. A relaxed evening on the lawn with food, games, and fun for all ages.

Fiddlesticks Fun

August 28, 2025
What a summer it’s been for Fiddlesticks Music! From late May until now, we’ve been singing, dancing, and drumming our way across Birmingham, bringing people together from all walks of life into one joyful circle of music. Every time we sing with children, we’re shining the light of Christ in our community, breaking down barriers and building connections among families of many different stories, cultures, and resources. This summer alone, we’ve touched hundreds of lives through the power of music. Highlights from the season: In May, our Fiddlesticks Family Sing-along Concert filled the Great Hall with over 70 voices, young and old, singing in harmony. In June, we celebrated the National Day of Making at the McWane Science Center by making music together and helping little ones craft their own instruments. We returned to McWane to mark the 10th Anniversary of Itty Bitty Magic City with joyful songs and play. At the Birmingham Folk Festival, our classes at the Avondale Library had children and caregivers singing and moving together all afternoon. We brought free demo classes to the Homewood Library, introducing even more families to the joy of Music Together®. And all spring, we partnered with UAB Head Start, bringing music-making to families who might not otherwise have that opportunity. At Fiddlesticks Music Together®, we provide weekly 45-minute classes for children from infancy through age eight, following a research-based curriculum designed to nurture musical growth and create meaningful connections. But our calling is much bigger than that. Our doors are open to families of all identities, abilities, and ages—because music, and the love that pours out through All Saints, is for everyone. Fall Registration Registration is open for FALL Session 2025! The 11-week fall session is September 7 - November 22 . These Fiddlesticks Music classes are perfect for infants to 5-year olds and their "grown-ups." Parents, grandparents, or nannies come make music with your little one through singing, dancing, and musical play! When you register, make sure to let us know that you are a member at All Saints, to receive 20% off of the $195 tuition. We also have need-based scholarship options. Learn more or to register for the session today: www.fiddlesticks-music.com .

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

August 26, 2025
Have you ever wondered where your gifts might be leading you? This survey is designed to help you reflect on your strengths and how they might be used in meaningful ways. This will give you insights into areas where your talents and passions may align with opportunities to serve.  Once you’ve finished, we’ll receive your results and reach out to you to talk more about what they reveal.
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