Dear friends, 

Giving thanks is woven throughout our scriptures, prayers, and songs. This Thanksgiving week, I invite you to devote some time practicing the discipline of gratitude each day. On page 836 in our Book of Common Prayer, you’ll find this General Thanksgiving:  

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have 

done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole 

creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, 

and for the mystery of love. 

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for 

the loving care which surrounds us on every side. 

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best 

efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy 

and delight us. 

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures 

that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. 

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the 

truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast 

obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, 

through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life 

again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. 

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and 

make him known; and through him, at all times and in all 

places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen. 

Happy Thanksgiving! I thank God for you and for our ministry together. 

Blessings, 

Pastor Charlotte

Stewardship Campaign Closing this Sunday

The Pledge Campaign officially ends this Sunday and we want to thank everyone who has participated so far. There's still time to make a pledge or a one-time gift to COS for the 2026 fiscal year and we need your help to make our goal.

The vestry is hard at work developing a balanced budget for the coming year based almost exclusively on the results of this campaign, so we hope that all members can pledge whatever they are able. You can complete a pledge form here. There are also pledge forms available on the narthex table Sunday.

So far, we have received 52 pledges, totaling $355,290*, and we set a hopeful goal of $500,000.

Please contact Br Will if you need any assistance in making a pledge or setting up an online payment.

*Pledges as of 11/26/2025

No Sunday School this Sunday | Nov 30

There will be no Sunday School this Sunday, November 30. Sunday school will resume on Sunday, December 7 at 9am.

WBEZ's What's That Building: Featuring COS & CFF

Last week, COS and CFF were featured in the WBEZ segment, What's That Building! "A visibly new structure in Lincoln Park is actually the physical embodiment of the Episcopalian Church of Our Savior, dating back to clashes during the Democratic National Convention in August 1968."

Listen to this wonderful report about the history and partnership of COS and CFF by clicking here.

Adult Forum: Advent Series | starting Nov 30

This year, over the four weeks of Advent, on Sundays at 9am in the Parish Commons, we will explore Mary’s connection to our Advent journey. We will hear some ancient plainsong honoring Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Our practical musical focus will be learning to chant the Song of Mary in English (The Magnificat, or “My soul magnifies the Lord”).

Advent Centering Prayer on Thursdays | starting Dec 4

Join us each Thursday in Advent at noon for centering prayer in the church. This gentle, reflective prayer service is a wonderful way to make space this season to encounter the incarnate Christ. This is a space for all God's people so come just as you are!

Towels & Transit/Grocery Cards Needed for CFF

The Care for Friends Foot Clinic is in need of bath-sized towels. If you have new or gently used towels you can donate please leave them in a bag just inside the stairs across from the elevator of the Parish Commons (leading down to CFF Community Hub Space). They are also in need of $5/$10 CTA transit cards or grocery store gift cards (in any amount) for guests which can be dropped in the offering plate or at the office. Please contact Hope Pavich with any questions.

Save the Date: COS Christmas Pageant | Dec 14

Sunday, Dec 14, will be the date for our all-in-one-day Christmas pageant! Any kids interested in participating will meet on the second floor of the Parish Commons at 11:30am. We will start with a quick lunch (BYO) before Peter Civetta will lead the kids in reflections on the Christmas stories as we begin to stage the show. The performance will be at 1:30pm in the church, where we will sing hymns and get excited and joyful together. If you have any questions, please reach out to Peter.

Vestry Nominating Committee

The vestry nominating committee has formed in preparation for our 2026 Annual Meeting on Feb 1. The members of the committee - Betsy Peterson, Todd Young, Mark Shields, Greg Gleason, Peter Civetta, and Pastor Charlotte - have been charged with bringing forward a slate of nominees for three 3-year vestry positions. 

Please hold our nominating committee and all those in parish leadership positions in your prayers. 

Witness Wednesday's Continues in Federal Plaza

The Witness Wednesday's weekly prayer gathering for peace and justice continues through December 17. All are invited to join other Episcopalians at 12:15pm in Federal Plaza for a 'litany of justice' as we lift up those impacted by our government's current migration policies.

Shannon Page Ordination & Watch Party | Dec 6

Bishop Paula Clark will ordain: Bryan Matias, Shannon Page, and Stephan Quarles to the Sacred Order of Priests on December 6 at 11:00am at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Peoria, Illinois. If you are unable to attend in person but would like to gather at COS for a watch party, please contact Carol Blendowski.

William Ferris Choral | Dec 6

Click here for info and tickets. and use the code COSFRIEND for $20 off!

Churches for Middle East Peace

Weekly Briefings

Thursdays from 9-9:30 am Central

Join weekly briefings on the Israel-Hamas war hosted by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). The Episcopal Church is a founding member and active on the board of CMEP, an organization that mobilizes Christians in the United States to advocate for equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East. Learn more and register.

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for the Week of November 23

Intercessions and thanksgivings are offered today for the clergy of our Diocese: our Bishops, Priests and Deacons, and their ministries in parishes, as well as our clergy in specialized ministries such as chaplaincies, teaching, and hospice care. And for our relationship with our companion Dioceses of Renk, Sudan and SE Mexico.