Dear Friends, 

This Sunday we continue the three great readings from the Gospel of John that make up the heart of the Lenten readings this year—the woman at the well, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. This Sunday we see Jesus heal a man blind from birth by placing mud made from earth and his own spittle on the man’s eyes. 

This healing upsets the religious leaders for a variety of reasons, and they question the man’s parents and the man himself. The man is questioned by many, and he enters into quite the theological argument with his questioners. In fact, the man is cheeky and very, very funny as religious leaders try to trip him up, accusing him and Jesus of being sinners, of violating the Sabbath. He remains entirely self assured, confident in this wonderful thing that has happened to him. Then he offers the simplest statement of faith I can imagine: “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 

One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. 

Those words anchor one of the most beloved and well known hymns “Amazing Grace,” which captures the gratitude the author John Newton felt upon being spared while aboard ship during a violent storm that caused him to cry out for mercy. From that experience, Newton wrote, “Amazing Grace (how sweet the sound) / that saved a wretch like me! / I once was lost, but now am found, / was blind but now I see.” Newton’s opened eyes led to an ongoing conversion as he forsook his profession as a slave trader and became an ardent abolitionist. 

It is this kind of turning, this kind of revelation and opening of eyes, we seek in our faith and, especially, in the season of Lent. It is this kind of revelation and opening of eyes that we celebrate especially on this fourth Sunday of Lent—Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice” taken from the ancient opening words of the Mass. This Sunday is also called “Refreshment Sunday”; in England it is called “Mothering Sunday” and is when people celebrate their mothers. It is also called “Rose Sunday,” so you will notice the clergy wearing rose vestments. All of this points to what we know even in the midst of Lent: death and sin have been defeated, we follow a God of hope and love, mercy and resurrection who offers new life to us and the possibility of living into God’s kingdom by living in those ways.

May our eyes always be open to that Good News.

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

Newcomers Lunch

Sunday, March 15 from 12:30 - 2:00 pm

Are you new to All Saints? Are you interested in meeting other newcomers and learning more about our community? If yes, please join us for our next Newcomers lunch. We’ll gather in the parish hall for a casual luncheon, conversation, and a chance to learn more about All Saints and ways to continue connecting with our community. 

Please RSVP so we can plan food accordingly.

If you have any questions, please contact Courtney at courtney@allsaintschicago.org

RSVP HERE

Join us for Youth Group this week!

Our teens will be meeting from 3:30 to 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall. Our activity is team charades—come ready for fun and friendly competition (and chocolate)!

If you’d like more information about All Saints Youth Group, please email us at youthgroup@allsaintschicago.org.

8AM-ers Breakfast Club



Because pancakes are almost a spiritual practice.

Every 3rd Sunday of the month - This Sunday, March 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.

3rd Sunday Evening Service: Taizé Service with Healing Prayer | 6:00pm 

Taizé nurtures inner peace, spiritual renewal, and a sense of unity. The worship is characterized by simple repetitive chants with periods of silence for contemplation and readings from scripture.

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

Try one of our weekly services during Lent

Weekday Morning Prayer | 8:30am on Zoom 

Give this Small Group a try during Lent. Cross-section of All Saints folks, near and far, who attend daily or once a week, before they start work or when they wake up. Resources

Wednesday Evening Centering Prayer | 7:00pm

Join this small prayerful group on Wednesdays in the Reading Room for 20 minutes of centering prayer, followed by an optional time of discussion. Interested in learning more? Doors open at 6:45 for those who would like instruction in and more information about silent prayer.

Palm Sunday & Holy Week are coming!

Saturday, March 28: Palm Sunday Camp for children ages 5 - 12

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Please reserve your spot(s) by Tuesday, March 24, by emailing Polly Tangora (polly@allsaintschicago.org). This event can accommodate up to 16 children. 

More info below in the Formation & Fellowship section.

Sunday, March 29: Palm Sunday

Services at 8:00, 9:00, and 11:00am

Drummers & Procession with Palms at the 9 & 11 services

Wednesday, April 1: Holy Wednesday

7:00pm Taizé Service

Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday

7:00pm Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar

Friday, April 3: Good Friday

12:00pm Stations of the Cross

7:00pm Service of the Day with Veneration on the Cross

Saturday, April 4: The Great Vigil of Easter

10:00am Service of the Day

8:00pm Eucharist with the lighting of the new fire, salvation history, adult baptism and renewal of baptism vows, and first Eucharist of Easter.

Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday

8:00am Quiet, said Eucharist

9:00 and 11:00am Sung, celebratory Eucharist

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4 at 10:00am (Parish Hall)

All children between 0 and 8 are invited to hunt for eggs. Rumor has it the Easter Bunny will be stopping by

Confession in Holy Week

There are three set times scheduled for Holy Week. Just show up and a priest will see you as you arrive, in Courtney’s office down the school hallway.

Monday, March 30 at 12 Noon

Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 pm

Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00 pm

In the Episcopal Church, confession (known as “reconciliation of a penitent”) is a sacramental rite available to all but required by none. Most Sundays we participate in a General Confession, but there are times when participating in individual Confession makes sense, such as when a particular sin weighs heavily on us, we seek counsel, or we are in a time of penitence like Lent. Confession differs from pastoral care in that it is brief, focuses on where we have “erred and gone astray like lost sheep,” and offers absolution and God’s forgiveness. 

Preparing for Confession

The rite of Confession is a matter of a few minutes but truly begins as one prepares for it through reflection. There are many ways to prepare for Confession. Some might reflect on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) or the Great Commandment, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40), and where and how one has fallen short of them. Brother Curtis Almquist, SSJE offers a reflection on confession and ways to prepare in this article. Some people bring in notes to help jog their memories during confession.

Confession is Relief not Judgment

The Sacrament of Reconciliation of a penitent is not a time to heap coals upon one’s head or to “face the music” of one’s faults or to wallow in guilt. The confessor does not sit in judgment of the penitent. Confession, like Lent, is an opportunity to reflect on one’s direction, to turn back to God, and to receive the Good News of God’s grace and forgiveness. Having a priest as your witness and confessor provides human assurance of that divine grace. 

To learn more about the rite, see pages 446 - 452 of The Book of Common Prayer, where there is a description and two forms of the Rite of Reconciliation. The priest you meet with will guide you through the rite. As the prayer book reminds us, "The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. The secrecy of a confession is morally absolute for the confessor, and must under no circumstances be broken."

If you want confession but are unable to make the set times listed in this note, a priest is always available by appointment; contact Colin, Courtney, or Suzanne to arrange for private confession. 

Faithfully, Suzanne+

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

Become a Quadrant Buddy (QB)!

Are you interested in being part of our welcoming initiative for newcomers and visitors to All Saints? 

Quadrant Buddies commit to being attentive for new/newish folks sitting in their particular quadrant offering a welcome to people they don’t recognize, inviting them to coffee hour or sparkling Sunday, asking if they have any questions, or if they would like to sign the red book. 

QB’s provide a welcome touch, an invitation and not a pressure conversation, to those who are new or newish. Even if you’re fairly new yourself, anyone who attends fairly regularly can be a QB!

Sign up here to become a Quadrant Buddy. 

If you are interested, please fill out the form and select which dates work for you.You will receive a reminder several days before you are scheduled to serve. And if you have any questions, feel free to email Courtney.

Palm Saturday Camp for children ages 5 - 12

Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Please reserve your spot(s) by Tuesday, March 24, by emailing Polly Tangora (polly@allsaintschicago.org). This event can accommodate up to 16 children. 

As we look forward to Easter, the “Palm Saturday” Camp introduces our All Saints children to the traditions and theology of Holy Week through stories, songs, reflection, and crafts centered around the events that took place in the last week of Christ’s life.

The day also includes lunch, as we remember the Passover meal that Jesus and his friends celebrated together. All Saints children, friends, and neighbors are invited to attend. Parents of 5 year-olds should plan to stay with them to assist from 10:00 am to 12 noon. 

Adults interested in helping—to prepare our “Passover feast,” assist with crafts, or clean up at the end of the day—are also welcome. Please connect with Polly at polly@allsaintschicago.org.

We ask for a $5 fee per child to help cover the cost of materials and lunch. 

Witness Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon | Federal Plaza (Jackson & Dearborn)

We gather weekly as a public sign of Christ's love in a time of great hardship. Episcopalians and friends will meet near the big red Calder sculpture at noon to pray for justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people. We pray especially for immigrants, refugees, and all those who are being detained or deported. And we remember all those impacted by unjust policies and actions. 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.

All Saints Church School News

The All Saints Church School is offering Atrium Discussions on Thursday Evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. (on Zoom)

Final discussion is on Thursday, March 19 – Essential Elements of the Liturgy for the 3 to 6 year-old child.

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

Knit, Purl, Pray

Saturday, March 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. 

Caregiver Connections

Monday, March 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.

Coffee & Connection

Sunday, March 22 after the 11 service for coffee and a light snack.

Coffee will be brewing in the reading room, so come and grab a cup. Stay awhile and connect with friends—old and new. All are welcome! Our plan is to host a fourth Sunday coffee after the 11 am for the next several months. A sign up sheet to help host or bring some simple treats will be on clip boards by the front door beginning this Sunday.

No Kings Rally and March

Saturday, March 28

Are you planning to attend the No Kings rally and march on March 28? Would you like to be part of an All Saints contingent going to the march together?

The first No Kings March and rally of 2026 falls on the eve of Palm Sunday, a day we remember as a rally and march in Jerusalem as Jesus entered to shouts of Hosanna while at the same time the Roman troops entered the city via another gate. 

On March 28, we will meet at All Saints at 11:00 AM to make signs. Poster board and markers will be provided. We will have lunch then head downtown on public transportation for the rally start at Butler Field in Grant Park. 

If you’d like to be part of our group, please email Courtney (courtney@allsaintschicago.org)

All Saints is hosting Singing Resistance

Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Singing Resistance is a movement across the US bringing people together to sing grounded in love, nonviolence, and solidarity. We sing because song is an antidote to fear, song helps us connect to each other, and through song we can name and protect what we hold sacred.

All Saints Ravenswood Run Team

Ravenswood Run - 30 Years Running

We have Co-Chairs for the All Saints Running Team! Sign up HERE to let us know you are interested, and our co-chairs will be in touch!

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.



Save the DATE!

Mexico Outreach: Padré Bayron will be at All Saints on Sunday, May 3

The Mexico Outreach Team is pleased to report that Padré Bayron will be able to join us for our annual celebration of the ongoing relationship between All Saints and his ministries in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Please join us to welcome this longtime friend of our church May 3

.

For the past (can it be?!) fifteen years, All Saints has supported his works through a line item in our annual budget. We also supplement a small stipend for his ministry and family through a fundraiser known as El Efecto Mariposa, the Butterfly Effect, symbolizing how a small change in one location can result in far greater change elsewhere.

In past years, members of our congregation have visited his ministries in Mexico. Our similarities are far greater than our differences. When we take these trips we make hew friends and insight into the local culture and faith, including extra pounds as a result of the hospitality displayed by welcoming people.

Please join us to meet a remarkable faith leader and big fan of Chicago barbecue. Coffee Hour will include treats and the likely demise of a pinata.

Chorale's second major concert of the season features The Peaceable Kingdom, an extended choral work by American composer Randall Thompson. Commissioned by the League of Composers in 1935, it was inspired by the primitivist painting “The Peaceable Kingdom” by Edward Hicks (1780-1849). Thompson selected eight passages from the Book of Isaiah referencing themes of peace and vividly depicts stark contrasts between good and evil, peace and war, imaginative text-setting, appropriately dissonant harmonic passages, and large sections of recitative-like declamation with luscious, lyrical sections. The concert will also feature motets by Briggs, Centeno, Clausen, Howells, Palestrina, Pärt, and Paulus.



Saturday, March 14 at 8pm St. Vincent de Paul Parish 1010 W Webster Avenue, Chicago

Sunday, March 15 at 3pm Hyde Park Union Church 5600 S Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago

Access Contemporary Music presents

Meditative Mondays at All Saints

March 16 at 6:00 pm

Spaciousness

Musicians pair the meditation goal of cultivating inner peace with gorgeously spare music for piano and electronics inspired by Iceland’s serenely beautiful landscape. 

Seth Boustead – piano

Mamie Amin – meditation guide from Katie Bellamy & Associates

Tickets: $20

Waycross Camp and Conference Center Camp Creative Arts Camp

June 21–27

Creative Arts Camp is for campers who have completed 2nd–11th grade. It’s a classic summer camp experience with an added focus on the arts. Campers can expect: Traditional arts & crafts,

Music, Drama, Culinary arts, Archery, Canoeing, Hiking & ropes course, Swimming, and so much more!

During the same week, Waycross also hosts a Middle School Canoe Camp for those who want a more adventure-focused experience. For older youth (completed 9th–11th grade), there are leadership development opportunities through:

• Leaders in Community
• Leaders at Camp

These programs are fantastic for teens who are ready to grow their leadership skills, build confidence, and deepen their faith in community. Multiple churches are organizing and planning to send groups. Church of Our Saviour and St. John’s are exploring the possibility to rent a van or bus if there is enough interest.

If you’d like more information, or if you’d like to set up a Zoom to talk it through, I’d be happy to connect!

Grace and peace,

The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts

Deacon, Church of Our Saviour

jesselfring@gmail.com

Our next vestry meeting: March 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: Tony Swain

9:00am

Acolytes: Benjamin Garbarek & Nolan Kruse

Altar Guild: Eric Swiecki

Chalice: Michael Mattson & Skip Yates

Intercessor: Jennifer Christy

Lectors: Reader 1) Douglas Matteson; Reader 2) Kristen Schenk

Ushers: Alice Wozniak

Vestry Announcement: Halley Hoffman

Coffee Hour: TBD

11:00am

Acolytes: Jenni Masterson & Gretchen Schlabach

Altar Guild: Sarah Hallett

Chalice: Rachel Jacobs, Jenni Masterson, Priscilla McGraw, & Gretchen Schlabach

Intercessor: Jesse Jardim

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

Ushers: Nancy Kipnis & Bill McHugh

Vestry Announcement: Terry DeLisio

Sparkling Sunday: Every 2nd Sunday

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Kuo Tye

Camera: Lelia Fry

For those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit: especially for Bryan Bergman, Chad Bergman, Susie Griffith and Scott Porterfield, Carrie Griffith and Tom Griffith and their families, Chet Kelly, Dale Patton, Jude Flores, Nancy Guthrie, and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.

For those on our long-term prayer list: especially for Trisha Diamond, Bob McCamant & family, 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: especially those affected by war; and our siblings in Cuernavaca, Mexico; and Renk, South Sudan.

For those who celebrate birthdays this week:

3/15 - Sarah Wain

3/18 - Carmichael Washington

3/19 - Sebastian Booten, Lucia Lohse

For those who celebrate anniversaries this week:

3/19 - Vincent Wiggins & Herbert Henderson

For those who have died: especially for Leslie Henry, former parishioner; and Carol Griffith, mother of Susie Griffith and mother-in-law of Scott Porterfield. 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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