Dear friends,

Back when I was a young parent, our playgroup families gathered one Saturday afternoon in the weeks before an election to hold a "voting party." In California, we voted on lots of ballot propositions, and voting parties were the time for us to argue for and against each proposition. Depending on the year, we'd have at least a couple hours worth of debate ahead of us, along with plenty of pizza, salad, and drinks.

The first time I attended, I was so uncomfortable! I'd grown up prizing the secrecy of an individual's vote above almost everything else having to do with elections, and I had never thought local and state elections were that important. Looking back, I understand how my comfortable suburban white Christian life made it extremely easy for me to stay politically uninvolved.

Our playgroup voting parties helped me develop ways of critical thinking and talking about the political choices we make every election. It taught me to value our freedom to participate in our democratic system, and I have voted in every election since.

In a week and a half, we will be receiving a delivery of official polling equipment in preparation for the November 3 election. On November 2 at 7 pm, we'll hold a Vigil on the Eve of An Election. We'll pray the Great Litany and other prayers from our prayer book, hear readings from Isaiah and the gospel of Matthew, and we'll sit in candlelit silence. We'll pray for peace, wisdom, safety, freedom, and justice for our leaders and for all who live in this country. There will be no sermon or reflection, just praying together in God's presence. I hope you'll join us; but whether you can make it or not, do vote if you're eligible!



In Christ's love,

Charlotte+

Stewardship Update

Praise, praise, praise the Lord! Praise God's holy name, Alleluia!

(Cameroon traditional)

On Sunday, COS Music Director and parishioner Cate Mascari spoke about the joy of sharing music with the congregation. Cate expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve in COS’s music ministry and for the contributions we all make. She and her family have made COS their spiritual home for more than 20 years, instilling love and responsibility in her children as they grew up. To the Mascaris, COS is so much more than just a place on Sunday morning - it’s a community. They support COS financially to assure that it continues to be here for families like theirs, looking for a church home.

Everyone is welcome to share their gifts at COS whether they be in the arts, teaching, healing, giving, leading or connecting.

Think about the joy you find in our music ministry and all the ministries of this parish. Make your pledge to COS today to assure that we continue to be a home of plenty good room.

Kris Gleason and Shirlene Paul, 2027 Stewardship Chairs

Spooktacular Sunday This 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 to share.

Sunday Forum: Deacons & Demons

October 25

What does The Episcopal Church actually teach about exorcism and deliverance ministry? More than most parishioners realize. Join Deacon Jess for this Forum workshop, where we’ll separate what we think we know from what the Church has actually taught and practiced for centuries — drawing on the Gospels, the Exeter Report, firsthand conversations with Episcopal clergy who do this pastoral work today, and what we’ve learned from our siblings across the Anglican Communion.

Monthly Makers Crafting

This Sunday, October 25

Calling all knitters, needle pointers, painters, coloring book aficionados, makers and crafters of all kinds! Are you interested in crafting while building community? Join us for a monthly gathering on the last Sunday of the month at 12pm in the first floor conference room.

All Saints Sunday One Service

November 1

On November 1 we celebrate All Saints Sunday which will include the baptism of Henry Bortz, the child of Stephanie and Greg Bortz. There will also be only ONE service at 10am as the Parish Commons anniversary celebration will follow the service. Please join us on this celebratory day!

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. All are welcome.

ARC Upcoming Events

On Sunday, November 15th, please join the members of the Anti-Racism Committee to see the play, King Hadley II, by August Wilson at 3:00 pm at the City Lit Theater in Edgewater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. You can come to the play after brunch at Cleo’s or come to brunch or come to the play!

Check out 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

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.

September Vestry Meeting Minutes

The vestry met on Wednesday, September 16^th with all attending except Peter Civetta and Trask Printz. The August minutes were approved along with a new charter for the Social Justice Committee. The vestry voted to approve the moving of $50,000 to establish a separate account for the new capital campaign; the amount is equal to the first gift of the campaign (from an anonymous donor). Kris Gleason and Shirlene Paul gave updates on this year's stewardship campaign including themes, timing, communication methods, and vestry support. The vestry discussed the treasurer's report along with an update from the Finance Committee, including the budget challenge of forecasting expenses connected to the new building, which should improve as we complete our first year in the space. The vestry was updated on the fundraising efforts of Morag Fullilove, including the celebration event scheduled for November 1st. In a space utilization update, the vestry learned that Cate Mascari's grant to bring back the William Ferris Chorale in February was successful, and gratitude for her efforts were shared. The rectory continues to have small maintenance issues that Betsy Sharpe updated for the vestry. Pastor Charlotte discussed planning and expectations for the upcoming vestry retreat.

September Vestry Minutes

Baptism Candle Creation

Did you know the children in the 9-12 atrium have the happy task of preparing the Baptismal candles? Each candle is unique. They might include the symbols of Baptism such as water, light, oil. The candle also reminds us that it is Jesus and the Holy Spirit that invite us to this moment so they might add a cross, dove, flame or True Vine. These candles are a gift from the children to the newly baptized, welcoming them into their life in Christ and to the community of COS.

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.

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.

Convention Materials for Review in English & Spanish

As we prepare to conduct the business of convention, all essential materials will be published on the diocesan website. The following documents are now available for review:

• For Episcopal Elections: Nominations packet in English and Spanish
• Resolutions proposed to the convention in English and Spanish
• Reports to convention from committees, commissions, governing bodies and affiliated organizations, in English and Spanish