We celebrated All Saints' Sunday with a parish family party following the late service in Woodsby Hall. This was one of the biggest highlights of the year and a great way to kick off the holiday season. The Youth Ensemble sang with the Adult Choir as part of the 10:50 a.m. service. It is one of our holy and festive days in our church year. We also had a special luncheon and enjoyed many families that came to join us for food and fellowship.
Our annual Fall Festival took place this past Wednesday, October 30th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Children young and old dressed in creative costumes and brought their a goodie bags to join in the festivities. The popular event featured carnival-like games, a cakewalk, craft, and lots of goodies. Parents and grandparents participated in the evening making it fun for the entire family!
First Holy Communion took place October 27, at the 8:50 a.m. service. We celebrated Holy Communion with the following students and their families: Campbell James Mank, Harrison Thomas Nance, Lucille Margaret Nance, Jonah Elliott Penick, Fisher Thomas Schley, and Billie Michealle Torres. Photos are below.
“I will bless you; you shall be a blessing; I will bless those who bless you.” (Gen. 12:2-3 
)
The morning of Saturday, Sept. 21, was full of “white polished blessings” for the 45 women who attended All Saints’ Women’s Retreat. I was fortunate to be among them.
Our fall Compassion Day in the N. Lake Wire Community brought many people together to bless residents of the neighborhood in the name and love of Jesus Christ. Over 140 All Saints' members participated and were joined by members of New Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Police Chief Ruben Garcia and officers of the Lakeland Police Department, City Commissioner Walker, President and Vice President of the N. Lake Wire neighborhood association, City of Lakeland, Major Corbett and the Salvation Army, LVIM, The Dream Center, and students from Southeastern University.
When you step into All Saints’ Episcopal Church on a Youth Sunday you will be greeted by a young smiling student dressed as one of our stewards (or ushers). You will then sit down in a pew and listen to the sweet voices of our middle and high school students read the lectionary scripture readings. You will hear the amazing voices of our Youth Ensemble sing throughout the service. You watch the Youth Stewards pass the offering plate and greet you to come to the Lord’s table for Holy Communion. This is a normal Youth Service; led mostly by the youth within our church which occurs three Sundays throughout the year.
You’ve probably seen Realm® mentioned in the Sunday bulletin a few times recently. So, what is it? Realm® is our new church database management system, which our staff uses to run the daily operations of our church. Not only will this improve the work life for our ministry and administrative staff, but it also offers some exciting opportunities to enhance our communications and support the way you are involved in our church.
During the 8:50 a.m. service last Sunday, children and teens were invited to come forward to particpate in a special blessing for the beginning of the school year.
| First Lesson | Isaiah 65:17-25 |
| Psalm | Psalm 98 |
| Second Lesson | 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 |
| The Holy Gospel | Luke 21:5-19 |
