Allhallowtide

Allhallowtide, Hallowtide, Allsaintstide, or the Hallowmas season is the Western Christian season encompassing the triduum of All Saints' Eve (Halloween), All Saints' Day (All Hallows') and All Souls' Day, as well as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (observed on the first Sunday of November) and Remembrance Sunday (observed on the second Sunday in November) in some traditions. The period begins on 31 October annually. Allhallowtide is a "time to remember the dead, including martyrs, saints, and all faithful departed Christians." ~ from Wikipedia

My dear family in Christ,

We draw near to the next holy time in our Church year. Though it is not a formally established liturgical season like Lent, Eastertide, Advent, or Christmastide, it is nonetheless a time of special observance that has been acknowledged as sacred and marked by practices of devotion, penitence, worship, and baptism since ancient times. In our Anglican tradition, especially ~ perhaps as the Church in England (which predates the Church of England by centuries) had been influenced by the Celtic cultures of the British Isles ~ Allhallowtide is often understood to be a time when the so-called “veil” between this mortal life and the life to come becomes somewhat “thinner” than it is throughout the rest of the year. Certainly, in the West, it seems natural and intuitive as we move into the season of harvest and the transition between the growing season of summer and the darker, colder, less vibrant season of winter to contemplate our mortality and the ultimate impermanence of the material world and our material lives.

Read more...

From All Saints delegate Paul Van Duser:

The 177th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin took place Friday and Saturday, October 4th & 5th. Attendees from ASEC included Fr. Christopher, as Clergy Deputy and Sarah Gilbert & Paul Van Duser as Lay Deputies.

As you are aware, this was the 1st annual convention since the reunification of the three historic dioceses of WI - Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, and Eau Claire. Attendees included approximately 400 clergy, lay persons, volunteers, diocesan staff, and guests. The tone of this gathering was upbeat. The business of passing resolutions and elections that filled 34 positions was handled efficiently in a spirit of collaboration.

The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop-Elect, spoke to the convention Friday evening. He instructed us that as we address the challenges facing the church today, we must...1st) Observe, 2nd) Interpret and 3rd) Intervene. And in that process we must not be afraid to make mistakes. Because the 4th step is to Repeat the first 3 steps as often as needed in our efforts to move forward. Bishop Rowe also praised us WI Episcopalians for the courage we displayed in this historic reunification process!

A highlight of these two days was the Eucharist which was the celebration of the Reunified Diocese of Wisconsin and the installation of the Rt. Rev. Matthew A. Gunter as 12th Bishop of Wisconsin.

During Bishop Rowe’s homily he reminded us that Christ is the vine and we, the church, are the branches. We are called only to produce good fruit. Bishop Rowe speaks with enthusiasm and energy. His gifts and talents will serve all Episcopal peoples well as he follows the amazing work of his predecessor, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

Let us continue to hold our spiritual leader and the Episcopal Diocese of WI in prayer!

Thank you!

Seth Williams and Oliver Park are hosting an open mic night in the Palmer Room on Friday, October 11 at 7pm. Performances 7-8pm, socializing time 8-9pm. Come show off your poetry, music, dancing, etc. (original works only, please) and enjoy listening to what others have to share. Invite your friends!

On Monday, Oct. 21 at 7 pm, Music at All Saints presents the Fulton Chamber Players, a classical music ensemble that unites world-class artists (including Fox Valley native Paul Hauer) to provide exceptional programs. Reception to follow. No charge for admission; free-will donations will benefit the Fulton Music Society. Please invite your friends, family and neighbors! 

We'll need ushers to direct attendees from outside the parish, so please contact the office if you'd like to volunteer. For the reception, if you are able to provide a treat (sweet or savory), please indicate on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, or let the church office know. Thank you!

Since it turned out that no collection of knits for the Seamen’s Church Institute took place at the Diocesan Convention last weekend, we will mail our box of donations in.

Our current tally is: 2 scarf and hat sets, 7 scarves, 1 hat, 2 cowls. Thanks to all who contributed!

We will continue to collect donations to the Community Clothes Closet until October 15th, after which we will take the donation over to them. We will share information about the in-person volunteering opportunity in the near future as well. Thank you for the generous donations parishioners have already brought in (pictured above)!

Anglicanism 101: A Brief Introduction to The Episcopal Church continues on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. If you are new to the Episcopal Church, this series is for you. And if you’ve been an Episcopalian for decades, it will be a welcome refresher that just might answer questions you didn’t know you had! Come join us as we explore who we are—and why! 

The series will run through November 25, with a break on October 21 due to the Fulton Chamber Players concert being held that night. For more information, contact Fr. Christopher directly at fatherchristopherallsaints@gmail.com or 920.266.9262.

REMINDER: If you'd like to have your birthday or anniversary recognized, please contact the office.

October Birthdays

10/1 - Jim Marks

10/1 - Andi Wilkerson

10/9 - Oliver Park

10/10 - Ellyn Lepisto

10/10 - Thomas Lonzo

10/14 - Dan Dobkoski

10/16 - Jan Reeves

10/17 - Ann Leonard

10/18 - Janet Kaul

10/20 - Malcolm Allen

10/31 - Craig Augustine

The Episcopal News Service published an article about the Diocese of Wisconsin's diocesan convention this past weekend, including Presiding Bishop Elect Sean Rowe's remarks. Read the article here.

Episcopal Relief & Development is mobilizing in coordination with local partners to provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Please contribute to the Hurricane Relief Fund to support relief and recovery efforts.

The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe will be invested as the 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 2 at 10:00 am CST. All are welcome to watch the service live on the Episcopal Church's website or Facebook page.

For more information and downloadable resources, click here.

Are you or someone you know in need of confidential Christian caregiving? If so, please contact Julie Holly, Stephen Leader, at 920.809.2416 (c), 920.731.6896 (h), or email her at jmholly76@gmail.com. You may also contact Fr Christopher at 920.266.9262 (Pastoral Care Line), or Paul Van Duser, Pastoral Care Team Leader, at 847.287.2321.