To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme?

So much of the Bible is poetry, even if it's easy to forget that, since most of the Bible doesn't look like poetry on the page. 

The Psalms and the prophets employ the poetic muse regularly. Jesus's parables — extended metaphors — require imagination the same way that poetry does. In the Biblical text, poetry is not just a decorative way of saying something that could be expressed plainly: sometimes poetry is the only way at all to express what someone is trying to say.

Poetry opens a door into the Spirit and allows us to approach realities where we could not otherwise go. Poetry makes connections that ordinary language cannot. As English speakers, we have inherited a treasury of poems.

We find among the most remarkable voices of English poetry a Mister John Donne (1572-1631), whose work will inaugurate our “Anglican Poets” series that begins this weekend.

Donne’s world, like ours, was one of tremendous upheaval. Old certainties were collapsing; new ways of understanding were emerging. In many ways, the early modern world he inhabited is still our own.

Donne’s poetry confronts this uncertainty in a way that can be helpful to us.  Love and death, faith and doubt, the body and the soul all collide in unexpected comparisons as Donne tries to make sense of a paradoxical world.

When our spiritual lives become particularly complicated, humans regularly reach for poetry, where familiar words are employed strangely to help articulate difficult truths.



John Donne was a master of that struggle, and he can help us in ours. This Sunday morning at 9 am in the conference room, Michael Shoenberger will lead a discussion on the poetry of Donne. I am really looking forward to it — and looking forward to seeing many of you there.

Wishing you peace,

Gregory Peebles, Director of Ministry

Stewardship Update

I’m deeply grateful that COS has welcomed me as I’ve made a life here, while also embracing the people close to me who attend less often. I look forward to continuing to offer my time, talent, and treasure so that COS remains a welcoming place for everyone—whether they are seeking a temporary stop or a long-term home.

Natasha Chrisandina’s words reflect the warmth our parish extends to its congregation and visitors alike. We are a community of people who care for each other and those beyond our doors. As our Warden, Peter Civetta, shared during his homily, the kingdom of God is like a big party that everyone is invited to – there’s plenty of room for all. COS truly has Plenty Good Room for all. Through our time, talents, and financial gifts, we can continue sharing God’s love through worship, fellowship, and care for others by helping COS remain a place where everyone can find a home.

As we look ahead to 2027, please consider making your pledge to COS today in gratitude for God’s abundance.

Kris Gleason and Shirlene Paul, 2027 Stewardship Chairs

Sunday Forum: Anglican Poetic Traditions: John Donne

October 18

The Anglican lineage of which Church of Our Saviour is a part has a rich literary heritage. This intermittent series will offer introductions and brief examinations of several poets in that line, beginning with John Donne (1572-1631), metaphysical poet, priest, and dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral. On Sunday, October 18, come to the Parish Commons at 9 am to learn about an important establishment church figure who struggled to navigate his religious world safely while also being an important avant-garde poet.

Monthly Vestry Meeting

October 21

The regularly scheduled monthly vestry meeting is this coming Wednesday at 7pm. This meeting is open to all active members of the parish. Visitors are invited to attend using this Zoom link. Please contact the wardens, Peter or Betsy, with any questions.

Spooktacular Sunday

October 25

It's that spooky time of year again! Don't miss Spooktacular Sunday with special treats at coffee hour and a very special Forum at 9am in the conference room. Costumes are welcome, and you can sign up to bring a special, spooky treat on the sign up sheet outside coffee hour THIS SUNDAY.

Parish Commons Anniversary Luncheon

November 1

Please plan to attend the November 1 luncheon to celebrate the first anniversary of the Parish Commons following the 10:00am service. We are so fortunate that Salvatore’s Weddings and Event Venue will be providing the buffet. Salvatore’s graciously hosted our services during construction of the Commons, part of COS’ long and fruitful history with them. Also, please consider if there is anyone you’d like to invite to the luncheon – a former COS member or someone who might appreciate all COS has to offer.

Please RSVP for the celebration here.

Vigil on the Eve of an Election

November 2

Please join us on November 2 at 7pm as we gather in the church for prayer ahead of the Midterm Elections. This is a time to reflect as a community and hold space for peace and justice.

Celebration of Life Service for Joan Flanagan

November 16

The funeral service for Joan Flanagan will be held on Monday, November 16, at 1pm, followed by a reception in the Parish Commons. You can read her obituary here and leave a message for the family in the digital guest book.

ReVive Christmas Basket Ministry

COS has the opportunity to help Chicago families in need this holiday season by participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing Christmas Basket program. This has been a cherished ministry at COS for decades and we need your help once again this year to support 19 families with presents and a grocery gift card. Click here for more information and to sign up to sponsor a family. All donations are due at COS on Sunday, December 6th. Please contact nissacox@gmail.com with questions.

ARC Upcoming Events

Check out these upcoming events communicated by the Antiracism Committee and sign up using the bulletin board just outside coffee hour! You can find more details for the events here: www.chicagocos.org/arc-events

• Saturday, Oct 17, 5:00pm Jazz in the Sanctuary at St Martin’s Episcopal Church
• Sunday, Oct 25, 2:00pm Matinee at the Lyric Opera for a Performance of “Omar"
• Sunday, Nov 15, 11:30pm group lunch at Cleo’s in Lincoln Park

Children in Worship

As Pastor Charlotte mentioned on Sunday, we are happy to have children and youth participating in our Eucharist services. We know it's hard to see what's happening on the altar from the Prayground, though. If your kid wants a closer view, you're invited to bring them up to stand at the fringed edges of the big rug. Preteens may be fine without an adult. We ask that you stay with your younger child for now, at least, while we make this shift in our practice. We'll have small bells available for children to ring during the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) and the elevation of the bread and wine. You'll return to your seat when I make the Invitation ("The gifts of God for the people of God.")

We thank all of you, whatever your age, for your patience and help as we strive to offer points of connection for all our worshippers!

Witness Wednesdays

In a time of great hardship, we believe that simply being present is a powerful act of faith. 

Each Wednesday at noon, Episcopalians from several nearby churches and friends gather at the Immigration Court Building at 55 E Monroe, to pray for justice, mercy, and the dignity of every human being. We come together as a public sign of Christ’s love and as a visible witness to those who are hurting, afraid, or separated from the people they love. We pray especially for our immigrant neighbors and for all those affected by unjust and harmful immigration enforcement. We also pray for those in positions of power, that they may be merciful and compassionate to all people.

Got Some News to Share?



If you have some COS ministry news to share in the weekly eNews, please complete the Communications & Promotions Request by end of day Wednesday to make it in the Friday publication. For privacy reasons we do not include phone numbers only links to email addresses. Contact the office with any questions.