Dear Friends, 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).

This is surely one of the most beautiful lines in scripture and one that comforts us in dark times. Even in the dark, we can find light. In the dark, the light is even more brilliant. 

It is a cliché now to reference Mr. Rogers and what his mother told him as a child when there was something frightening on the news: “Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.” That might seem a bit corny, but Mr. Rogers (from my hometown of Pittsburgh and surely a near saint) is corny in the way that holiness is corny. It takes courage to be corny in a cynical, frightening time. 

And, so, I look for the helpers, and there are so many to find. As we look north to Minneapolis, we see not self-righteousness or ego but a beautiful display of “neighborism” as Adam Serwer describes it in The Atlantic. He points out that people are not coming out in the freezing cold to protest so much as to protect their neighbors, which Serwer dubs “neighborism”—“A commitment to protecting the people around you, no matter who they are or where they came from.” The light shines in the darkness.

There has also been a lot of singing these past few weeks, and people have formed, are forming choirs for solidarity singing and rehearsing resistance songs created out of the crucible of Minneapolis. The songs are easy to learn and meant for large groups to sing together as away to lift the spirits of those who are afraid and to strengthen people’s courage. Singing together connects people and invites joy and peace even in the face of fear and violence. One of you shared that there will be an event here in Chicago on Friday, February 13—Singing Solidarity: Songs from and for Minneapolis. The light shines in the darkness.

In difficult times, we should look for the helpers, but that advice was given to Mr. Rogers when he was a child, and he shared it with and meant it for children. The advice for adults is this: BE the helper, BE the light. This Sunday, we hear from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount that WE are the salt of the earth, WE are the light of the world. 

Together, we can be neighbors, we can sing out, we can be salt and light.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

All Saints Lenten Suppers

Five weeks of Suppers

Deadline to sign-up is this Sunday

All Saints is again organizing weekly Lenten suppers which are a wonderful opportunity for fellowship during the Lenten season and a great way to get to know people and make friends beyond coffee hour in an intimate setting. Groups can gather at parishioners’ homes for potluck or at neighborhood restaurants once a week.  

You can sign up for your preferred evening (Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday) during the weeks of February 22-28, March 1-7, March 8-14, March 15-21 or March 22-28. More info on the Registration Form, link below, including info about dinners with kids or dinners free from pets if you have allergies.

Please complete a paper or on-line form by Sunday February 8 before 5:00 PM. 

Paper forms will be available in the back of the church. 

We’ve Been Changed for Good!

You can find the 2025 Annual Reports and the Rector’s Address HERE

And a few photos from the day below:

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 8:00AM, 9:00AM, and 11:00AM. Free childcare is available on Sundays for children 6 months – 3 years old, from 8:45am – 12:15pm.

THIRD SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE

Every 3rd Sunday of the month we offer Taizé at 6:00 pm.

WEDNESDAY EVENING CENTERING PRAYER

We offer Centering Prayer on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.



WEEKDAY MORNING PRAYER

We offer daily morning prayer (Monday – Friday) from 8:30 am – 9:00 am on Zoom.

Learn more about Worship at All Saints on our website.

LENT 2026

Shrove Tuesday, February 17 in the Courtyard

7:00pm - Palm Burning Service

Ash Wednesday, February 18

7:00am - Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes

7:00pm - Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes

Calling all singers and musicians!

Remember what St. Augustine once said: “The one who sings, prays twice!”

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a part of the music ministry at All Saints, we invite you to join us for Lent and Easter. No auditions necessary; the only requirement is a willing heart! if you play a string, woodwind, or brass instrument, we need you.

Contact Colin for more info: colin@allsaintschicago.org

The Saints Bake Auction is coming!

Sunday, February 22 at 10:00 am

The All Saints Church School students have hosted the Annual Bake Sale for over 20+ years. This thrilling and delicious event has funded much needed projects and services for our friends and partners in South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and other East African countries, including education, medical care, agricultural projects, and small businesses.

For more info and to sign up to bake, contact Polly: polly@allsaintschicago.org.

A Note from Polly:

In Atrium 3 this last Sunday students began talking with great enthusiasm about the Auction and how the group becomes a board of directors for what is sort of a “mini-foundation.” 

One of the things I love about this project is that it is a perfect match for the needs of this age group to have a real experience working together to make a change in the world.

In our discussions last Sunday it was clear they are concerned for the world right now.  

In connecting with groups as far away as Africa they begin to form a more complete picture of how different life and cultures are in these distant parts of the world. One revelation this last Sunday was the information that the students in Uganda start their school year in February, which finishes in early December - the long break in between is during their SUMMER when many students return to home villages to work on family farms.

Fondly, Polly

Witness Wednesdays is Returning

Wednesday, February 25

We will begin gathering weekly as a public sign of Christ's love in a time of great hardship. Episcopalians and friends will meet at noon in Federal Plaza on Dearborn, between Jackson and Adams (near the big red Calder sculpture), beginning on February 25, to pray for justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people.Being communal prayer, no signs or other materials are necessary, just a willingness to stand in solidarity with those who are hurting. All are welcome. 

Friends of the Cofans at All Saints

Sunday, February 15 at 12:30 pm

You are invited to hear a hopeful message in our anxious times of a modest size indigenous tribe which is located in the NE sector of Ecuador. The Cofans are working to protect, conserve, and manage over a million acres of pristine tropical, subtropical, and montane rain forests which are located at the Ecuadorian Amazonian headwaters. 

The modestly size Cofan tribe of approximately 1,500 have developed a comprehensive plan which our Friends of the Cofans work to support. The objective of the presentation is to build an awareness as to how you might consider becoming involved with us. There is a Chicago connection that will be shared on this Sunday.

Peace and many thanks!

Jim Geenen

Founder of the Friends of the Cofan 

Former Peace Corps Director in Guyana and Paraguay

BOD Member of the Environmental Action Community of Western North Carolina 

All Saints Book Club

Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 pm (On Zoom)

Hold Still by Sally Mann

This National Book Award finalist is a revealing and beautifully written memoir and family history from acclaimed photographer Sally Mann.

In this groundbreaking book, a unique interplay of narrative and image, Mann's preoccupation with family, race, mortality, and the storied landscape of the American South are revealed as almost genetically predetermined, written into her DNA by the family history that precedes her.

The All Saint’s Book Club meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM on Zoom. If you are not a regular attendee, contact Mike Burke mebcat@gmail.com for the meeting invite.

Knit, Purl, Pray

Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the Month

Calling all knitters, needle pointers, weavers, and crafters of all kinds! Are you interested in crafting while getting to know some of your fellow All Saints community members? Interested in learning more? Contact Colin at colin@allsaintschicago.org. 

8AM-ers Breakfast Club

Because pancakes are practically a spiritual practice.

Every 3rd Sunday of the month - February 15 is the next meet-up

8am attendees are warmly invited to gather for breakfast right after worship at The Golden Nugget (Lawrence and Ravenswood). (And truly, ANYONE is welcome to join! Even if you didn't wake up for the 8am... we won't tell.)

Note, breakfast is a pay-your-own-way, but the company is priceless.

Newcomer Conversations

Sunday, February 15

Brief Gathering after the 9 & 11 am Services

Coffee, Donuts, and Conversation.

Are you new to All Saints? Perhaps you’ve just attended one or two times and would like to learn a little bit more about our community.  Join us in the Reading Room for a 20-minute gathering to connect with other newcomers and briefly hear from one of our clergy and vestry members. 

Caregiver Connections

Monday, February 16 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Caregiver Connections is a monthly gathering for caregivers to share experiences, listen, vent, get a break, compare notes, and occasionally hear from experts on specific resources. All are welcome! Reach out to Kelly McNees (kellymcnees@gmail.com) with any questions.

All Saints Church School News

The All Saints Church School is offering Atrium Discussions

Thursday Evenings on Zoom from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

February 12 is the next session.

To learn more and see upcoming dates, click here.

If you are interested in joining these discussions or for further information, please contact Polly Tangora (polly@allsaintschicago.org)

A Note from organizers for the Midwest Veteran’s Collection

Thank you very much to all who participated in this year's Midwest Veteran's Collection. Many Veteran's homes are now more complete because of your generous donations. From Clothing to Vacuums, From Dishes to Stand Mixer, and everything in- between All donated goods were much appreciated!

Peace and THANK YOU!

Katie Nolan and Therese Stasik

It’s time again for the



First Fridays Food Drive to support Ravenswood Community Services!

This month's food drive runs February 6-12.

This month, new federal work requirements have gone into effect for many people who receive benefit through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This could cause upwards of 360,000 Illinoisans to lose their benefits, leading to increased demand at local food pantries. Let's help our neighbors facing this undue threat to their food security!

Where to Donate (all bins located on front porches)

• 4639 N Wolcott
• 4404 N Paulina
• 4837 N Hermitage
• 4730 N Winchester
• 1620 W Sunnyside
• 4450 N Wolcott

This food drive specifically supports RCS' After School Pantry program, which provides food distribution at three nearby schools during dismissal. The food distributed through this program is not subsidized by USDA or the Greater Chicago Food Depository, so we can make the biggest impact by offsetting program costs to provide some family staples.

Ravenswood Run - 30 Years Running

Learn more about this beloved 5K run in our neighborhood and register HERE.

Interested in volunteering? Learn More HERE

The Ravenswood Run was started by All Saints parishioners in 1996 and is now organized by and is a fundraiser for Ravenswood Community Services.

VOLUNTEER AT RAVENSWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES (RCS)

RCS & Tuesday Pantry Volunteers

RCS is always on the lookout for new volunteers. If you've been thinking you might like to give volunteering with RCS a try, now would be a really great time. 



Click to Volunteer Hub! 

RCS is looking for volunteers to join 

the Tuesday Delivery Crew. 

Every Tuesday between 12:30-2pm volunteers unload A LOT OF FOOD from pallets on the sidewalk to the Parish Hall for distribution. You should feel comfortable lifting 30-50 lbs and going up and down stairs. Those interested should reach out to Parker at parker@ravenswoodcommunityservices.org.



The Diocese of Chicago Youth Advisory Council invites you to two upcoming events:

1) Youth Retreat Day, February 28: at Holy Nativity from 10 am - 4 pm

Repair in a Fractured World

What do K-Pop Demon Hunters, repair, and Lent have to do with each other? Join youth in grades 8-12 from around the diocese for a day of reflection, fun, and plotting to make the world a more just and loving place. Registration link here.

2) Conversation with Bishop Paula, February 19: on Zoom at 7 pm

Bishop Paula Clark will be joining the Youth Advisory Council for our regular meeting. This is a chance to talk about hopes and priorities from the perspective of young people. We’d like to invite all youth delegates to join us for this conversation. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7195575956

Please let Rachel Snavely (rachel@holynativitych.org) or Kyle Oliver (koliver@episcopalchicago.org) know if you have any questions. We hope to see you at one or both of these events. Thanks for being an important part of the Diocese of Chicago family.

Blessings,

Rachel Snavely & Kyle Oliver, co-chairs, Youth Advisory Council

Access Contemporary Music presents

Meditative Mondays at All Saints

Monday, February 9 at 6:00 pm

Theme: Flow

We pair the meditation goal of embodied presence, incorporating gentle Qi Gong–inspired movement with music for guitar and flute by Bobby McFerrin and Casey Nielsen. 

Our next vestry meeting: February 17 at 7 pm in the Reading Room. Vestry meetings are open to the public. To see the most current Vestry Minutes click here.

8:00am

Altar Guild: Steve Larson

9:00am

Acolytes: Claire Kasten & Julie Sweeney

Altar Guild: Matthew Sanders & Clarine Stephens

Chalice: Benjamin Garbarek, Matthew Sanders & Skip Yates

Intercessor: Mark Sweeney

Lectors: Reader 1) David Springer; Reader 2) Paula Stevens-Conty

Ushers: Michael Mattson & Alice Wozniak

Vestry Announcement: Chet Kelly

Coffee Hour: Amanda Breffeilh

11:00am

Acolytes: Owen Fayer & Skip Yates

Altar Guild: Ashley Gilmore & John Tyler

Chalice: Ashely Gilmore, Priscilla McGraw, John Tyler, & Skip Yates

Intercessor: Richard Havard

Lectors: Reader 1) Raven Cullo; Reader 2) Barbara Manley

Ushers: John Williams

Vestry Announcement: Skip Yates

Sparkling Sunday: Allie Colina & Zain Jamshaid

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Jacob Farmer

Camera: June Coyne

For those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit:  especially for Roberta, Kerry Roehr, Beverly, Chris Hancock, Don Niepagen, the Catalano family, Trisha Diamond, Bob McCamant & family, Steve Murray, Bernie, and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.

For those on our long-term prayer list: especially for Noel McGraw, Allen Masterson, Ruth, Sherry, Ron Lee, Robert Winslow, LouAnne Severson, Anna K., Neal, Steve Burns, Ashton Christy, Eugene Washington, Helen LoRusso, Peg Deppe, Nina Chinn, Jim Crandall, Lionel Edes, and Clara Maddox.

For those around the world: the people of Gaza and Israel, the people of Ukraine, and all affected by war; and our siblings in Cuernavaca, Mexico; and Renk, South Sudan.

For those who celebrate birthdays this week:

2/8 - Hugo Joseph

2/9 - William Youngberg

2/10 - Kit Emery, Eli Garland, Ruby Gilmore

2/11 - Sandya Mathew, Anne Schuette

2/13 - Nella Maheshwary, Jacqueline Saldaña-Refior, Mae Van Der Laan, Nora Van Der Laan

2/14 - Dale Patton

For those who have died: especially Carl Youngberg, father of Laura Youngberg, grandfather to Anton and William; Charles Forrester, cousin of Jennifer Christy; and Melvin Niepagen, father of Don Niepagen. May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

If you'd like to have someone included in our community prayers:

www.allsaintschicago.org

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