Dear St. Luke’s Atlanta Community, 

On behalf of the Vestry, I hope you’ve had a joyful and restorative summer. It’s been heartening to see our congregation so vibrant and full throughout May, June, and July. This season has brought both beautiful endings and hopeful beginnings, and it’s so important to reflect on these blessings. 

I’m deeply proud of our clergy and staff, whose tireless dedication reminds us that God’s spirit is alive and moving through St. Luke’s. We’re especially grateful to Reverend Brian Jemmott for leading worship while our clergy team took much-deserved time off in July. Recently retired from the Diocese of Northern New Jersey, where he served as Canon to the Ordinary for 10 years, Brian is also the spouse of our own, indispensable Michelle Jemmott. It’s been an honor to welcome him back to the St. Luke’s community. Please join me in expressing heartfelt appreciation to both Brian and Michelle! 

We also extend our thanks to Tony Johns and Kate Kennedy for their beautiful and inspiring sermons this summer. Both are long-standing, devoted supporters of our congregation, and their words continue to enrich our worship. 

Exciting improvements are underway on our church campus this fall. The backyard project has begun with the removal of the playground, making way for a more welcoming entrance to Crossroads Community Ministries, a brand-new St. Luke’s playground, and refreshed landscaping throughout the grounds. Stay tuned for updates as this transformation unfolds, and we appreciate your patience! 

As the 2025–2026 school year begins, we look forward to a lively and spirit-filled September. One highlight will be Rally Day – (Save the Date: Sunday, September 14) – our official launch of new programming, education formation opportunities, stewardship and more Children, Youth & Families (CYF) activities for the year ahead. We’ll also return to our regular Holy Eucharist schedule: 8AM, 9AM, and 11:15AM and Choral Evensong 4 p.m.

Lastly, as we journey further into this season of our rector transition, we walk together with faith, hope, and trust in God’s guidance. The past month has brought progress, and we want to share where we are and what’s ahead. 

Where We Are Now 

• Interim Rector Search
• The Vestry continues to network and evaluate candidates for interim rector, with the goal of welcoming someone by early fall. This interim period will be a time for healing, reflection, and preparation as we discern the future God is calling us toward. 
• Search Committee Formation 
• We are finalizing recommendations and expect to announce the rector search committee later this summer. This group of lay leaders will guide the discernment process, gather parish input, and help identify candidates who align with our mission and values. 
• Communication & Connection 
• We remain committed to open and consistent communication. Later this month, all parishioners will receive our new Vestry Newsletter with more details on the rector transition. Continue to be on the lookout for ongoing updates in the Shepherd’s Notes newsletter, the news section of stlukesatlanta.org, Realm, Sunday bulletins and social media.  

Not sure if you are receiving our digital newsletters consistently? Please reach out to Amelia via amelia@stlukesatlanta.org to confirm your email address is included in our digital newsletter distribution lists.  

Transitions are both uncertain and sacred times. We are in a liminal space—between what was and what will be—and God is with us in every step.  

Thank you for being part of this journey. 

In Christ, with gratitude and hope, 
Deneta Sells 
Senior Warden