Parish Offerings

(Begin with adults and end with children)

 

8:15 AM on Sundays

SPIRITUALITY BREAKFASTS

This class, taught by the Rector, is the first of two adult offerings on Sunday mornings set informally within the context of a simple, tasty breakfast of scrambled eggs, English muffins, and fresh fruit.

 

9:30 AM on Sundays

THE JUBILATE CLASS

Nelson Smith, a parishioner, teaches this yearlong offering, while other members of the class participate in the leadership as well. The topics for this second adult offering on Sunday mornings are all related to issues that pertain to living the Christian life in today's world.

 

On Wednesday Evenings

SIMPLE SUPPER WITH TEACHING

A variety of Christian educational offerings are provided throughout the year with a tasty potluck meal included.

 

On behalf of others

OUTREACH

Outreach is an important part of our parish budgetary giving and also a hands-on activity for parishioners. Special outreach initiatives that involve both adults and children are undertaken each Advent and Lent.

 

The prayers of the people

THE PRAYER CIRCLE

Intercessory prayer is basic to our common life. Petitions are accepted throughout the week as parishioners add them to a sheet. A summary of those requests is offered at worship each Sunday during the Prayers of the People. The sheet with petitions listed in a confidential way is then taken home by parishioners to be prayed throughout the week.

 

9:30 AM on Fridays

TGIF

Taught by All Saints parishioner Don Drenth, a gifted lay teacher who has studied at Emory University's Chandler School of Theology, this class meets during the school year. The TGIF class has explored a variety of biblical topics that reflect the interest of participants, topics such as "Women in the Bible" and "The Lesser Prophets." The class lasts an hour.

 

 

7:00 PM on Wednesdays

THE ADULT CHOIR

This group includes a mix of professional and amateur musicians. The Choir's goal is not so much to perform, though an anthem is sung each Sunday, as it is to provide music leadership for parishioners during the liturgy in order that all who attend worship may "Sing to the Lord a new song!" (Psalm 96:1, 98:1). Our parish was given a set of hand bells, which are used on special Sundays, and a few parishioners are gifted instrumentalists. Our organist has a PhD in music and was a Fulbright Scholar. Our parish with its abundance of resources is blessed with good music in both traditional and contemporary styles.

 

On Sundays

THE GUITAR GROUP

A group of parishioners have a special talent for playing guitar. During the Communion, as worshippers come to the altar to receive Bread and Wine, music of a contemporary style is offered.

 

5:45 PM on Thursdays

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EFM)

The EFM program is designed for the serious student of Christianity. It is administered through the Program Center of the School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. A new class begins each October at All Saints. EFM involves a four-year commitment. The Old Testament is studied the first year, New Testament the second, Christian theology the third, and ethics the fourth. Spirituality is studied throughout the year. And classes meet for a period of nine months. The hallmark of EFM is its theological reflection process, designed so that participants eventually are able to make connections between their experience of daily life and their faith. There is a cost for EFM, with scholarship-aid available. A mentor who is especially trained and certified by the EFM program at Sewanee leads the group.

 

On Sundays

THE FLOWER MINISTRY

The Psalmist calls us to "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (Ps. 96:9). At All Saints, part of our response to that has to do with flowers and plants and the land on which our parish is located. Shirley Fifield and other parishioners who assist her prepare the flowers for the altar each Sunday. The beauty of their arrangements is enjoyed on other special occasions as well. A group of parishioners called the "Godly Gardeners" tend to the outdoors. Shirley offers a Workshop in Flower Arranging at the church for parishioners who would just like to try their hand at this or share in the Flower Ministry.

 

Offered four times a year

CURSILLO

Cursillo is one of a number of three-day spiritual renewal retreat weekends that are offered through the Diocese of Alabama. Others include Kairos for prison inmates, Happening for teens in grades 10 through 12,Vocare for young adults, and Epiphany for juveniles in detention. Retreats such as Cursillo provide many Christians with their first awareness of spiritual renewal and of what it means to have a personal life in the Spirit.

 

A number of reunion groups meet at All Saints each week for prayer and support. A person doesn't have to have already attended a weekend retreat in order to participate in a reunion group. The group experience is a great way to learn about Cursillo for someone who is newly interested. Reunion groups follow a prescribed spiritual discipline that is based on piety, action, and study.

 

Christian formation for youth and adults

ACOLYTES

The role of acolyte in Episcopal worship is important for young people. One way at All Saints that Christian formation and worship interplay is through the ministry of our acolytes. Acolytes play an integral part in our liturgy, and for youth, being an acolyte offers not just a way to serve and learn more about liturgy but the opportunity to provide leadership as well. Acolytes are trained by the Rector and serve in teams. Adults serve as acolytes at All Saints, too.

 

 

Christian formation for children and youth

YOUTH SUNDAY

Youth Sunday helps to integrate Christian formation and worship. On Youth Sunday the liturgy takes on a youthful flavor with a sermon designed for children, and our youth take on added responsibilities. Along with their usual role as acolytes, our children and youth serve as greeters, read the lessons and prayers, and offer the Bread and Wine. The goal of this special Sunday each month is to honor our young people for the gifts they bring to the parish as well as to provide them the opportunity to practice the skills of worship and thus become conversant with Episcopal liturgy.

 

Special program for youth

THE YOUTH GROUP

The group meets once a month for lunch, program and other activities while our youth are fully integrated into the life of our parish, with opportunities to grow spiritually and learn leadership skills for Christian living. A special retreat called Happening for youth in grades 10 - 12 is especially encouraged.

 

Reading the Scripture during worship

LECTOR MINISTRY

In an Episcopal Church the lessons appointed each Sunday for worship are set by the Lectionary. At All Saints our children take their place along with adults and are assigned to read the Second Lesson in the congregation. This ministry is open to all children and youth who take seriously the responsibility of proclaiming God's Word.

 

 

Christian formation for children

WORSHIP FOR CHILDREN

Church School starts with Children's Chapel. This unique setting is designed with child-sized appointments: altar, pulpit, baptismal font, and so forth. Our children themselves made altar hangings last year including cross-stitched kneelers, designed by Sarah Gorstski - a Girl Scout project for which she received the bronze metal for service.

 

From 9:30 AM until the end of worship, every Sunday

NURSERY

Nursery care is provided downstairs so that the parents of young children can attend the adult classes, worship, and have the opportunity to socialize with other older parishioners while their children are well cared for. Children at age 3 or 4 are invited to join the appropriate Church School class, at the discretion of their parents, so they can begin to get involved with Christian formation as early as possible.

 

 

 

From 9:30 until 10:15 AM, Church School

BCC: Building Christian Character by

Building Colorful Christians - NEW!

This new curriculum will help parents target and provide growth initiatives for their children. Through the "BCC" program parents are invited to choose the virtues they most want their children to develop. The curriculum is then designed to nurture the skills and abilities necessary for those ideals to grow strong within the context of life at All Saints Church. Learn it here, live it for life. Youth will work on exploring the person they'd like to become - and help to design their own approach to "BCC."

 

Music for children

THE JUNIOR CHOIR

The Junior Choir sings at special times and for special events and worship throughout the school year under the direction of Sarah Eckermann. Children learn the special skills of singing, such as how to read music, and they join in our Lord-s call that we "Sing to the Lord a new song!" The Junior Choir is open to all children who want to sing.