Dear Friends,

Last week I wrote about the courage and beauty of Chicagoans pouring out to surround schools and health clinics in Logan Square to protect people from ICE.

We had the chance to see that spirit again last Friday as the call went out in our own neighborhood that ICE was all over the north side. Once again, people showed up—there must have been over 200 people out and surrounding our two nearest elementary schools, McPherson and Ravenswood. 

The pressure on our city continues, coupled with pressure from the relentless news of attacks on the free press, universities, and voting rights; of cuts to funding for worthy institutions and programs; of accusations that protesters are terrorists; of political operatives using racist, anti-semitic, violent language, and more. This pressure can make it hard to remain peaceful, can harden our hearts, can paralyze us. 

As people of faith, we come back, again and again, in humility to the God who sustains us. We cannot do everything, and the world may not conform to our hopes and efforts, but our God is still good. God is still powerful. God is still faithful. When I lose hope, when I think it’s all down to me, I remember Martin Luther’s famous quip that he prayed two hours a day unless he was busy, then he would pray for three hours. I don’t pray two or three hours a day, but I know when life gets more stressful and out of control, praying more, not less, keeps my heart from growing hard, helps me love those who anger me, lowers my anxiety. If only I could remember that wisdom, day to day!

Perhaps you, too, could use some peace amidst the current chaos? Well, then, perhaps our daily Morning Prayer on Zoom or Wednesday night centering prayer or monthly Taizé services would be a help? Alongside our Sunday morning services for joy and strength, these provide space for contemplation and calm, so we might re-center ourselves on the ancient truth and promise that we are held in the palm of God’s hand and we will not be left comfortless.

And, of course, we can also pray with our bodies, as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said after participating in a Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery: “I felt my legs were praying.” You can pray with your body by being trained as a Rapid Responder, by volunteering to be a public presence at schools or our own food pantry, and more. See below for that information.

But, first, pray in quiet and with others at All Saints, for that will fuel your body to act in love and peace.

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

Sunday, September 28: Pledge Campaign Kickoff

THRU

Sunday, October 26: Ingathering & Celebration

View a message from Pledge Committee member Luke Abdow who relates how joy and faith inspire his family to pledge. Plus read a recent message from the Pledge Committee.

CLICK HERE

Join us this evening!!

THE SPIRITS OF RAVENSWOOD

Friday, October 17 at 7:00 pm

The Spirits of Ravenswood is RCS’s biggest fundraiser of the year!



GET YOUR TICKETS!!

All Saints is once again a site for the 

Chicago Architecture Center's Open House Chicago.

Saturday, October 18 from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Sunday, October 19 from 12:30 to 5:00pm

Come find out why All Saints Chicago is designated as a Chicago Historical Landmark!



All Saints Youth Group Pumpkin Carving

at 3:30 pm

The Youth Group will be meeting this Sunday for a special pumpkin carving event! If your child is interested in attending, please RSVP by emailing youthgroup@allsaintschicago.org 

We look forward to a fun and festive afternoon together!

3rd Sunday Evening Service at 6:00 pm

On the Third Sunday Evening Service in October we offer Evensong, a time for reflection, contemplation, and finding spiritual peace as the day ends. Join us for sung psalms and canticles with readings.

Prepare to Celebrate our Feast of Title - All Saints Sunday!

All The Saints

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2



All Saints’ Day is celebrated with Day of the Dead traditions, a New Orleans style brass band, and a sanctuary full of prayer flags inscribed with names and remembrances of those loved and lost by members of our community. It is one of the principal feasts of the Episcopal Church, when the church remembers the saints, known and unknown. 

We invite everyone to fill out prayer flags for their beloved departed. Be watchful! Flags will soon be available near the entrance to the church for you to add the names of your beloved departed.

Baptism at All Saints!

Are you curious about baptism for yourself or for your child? 

For Infants & Children

Sunday, November 2 | All Saints Sunday

Our NEXT baptism date is when we celebrate All Saints Day--a great party!

For Children: To sign up for baptism and the baptismal preparation class, go to our website. You can also reach out directly to Suzanne at suzanne@allsaintschicago.org.

Traditionally, we baptize children in January on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, in late spring on the Feast of Pentecost, and in the fall on the Feast of All Saints.

Witness Wednesdays at Noon

On Wednesdays, the group meets at Federal Plaza near the Calder sculpture (near the corner of Jackson & Dearborn). The prayer service begins at about 12:15 pm and lasts about 20 minutes. The focus is on communal prayer, so no materials are necessary and no RSVPs are required. Any and all are welcome to show up and join in prayer!

Those who cannot attend in person but still want to join in praying are encouraged to use the attached liturgy to pray from home, work, or school.

Centering Prayer at All Saints

Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the Reading Room

Silence is God's first language" (St. John of the Cross)

Join practitioners of centering prayer on Wednesdays in the Reading Room at 7 pm 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.



Spiritual Care Visitor Training

Saturday, November 15

9:00 am - 3:00 pm at All Saints

$100 registration (free for All Saints parishioners)

Bishop Anderson House, in partnership with All Saints Church in Chicago, is hosting a one-day workshop to help lay leaders explore their spirituality, develop active listening skills, and learn how to support others through the process of grief. 

Led by the Rev. Thomas S. Rogers, III and the Rev. Dr. Ebony D. Only, this workshop is ideal for congregations seeking to start a spiritual care team where there aren’t enough clergy to cover the pastoral care needs. The $100 cost includes continental breakfast, light lunch and membership in the Spiritual Care Visitors Alumni Group.

For more information contact Suzanne (suzanne@allsaintschicago.org) or Colin (Colin@allsaintschicago.org).

Sign Up for

Episcopal 101

Three Wednesdays: October 15, 22, & 29 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm

We gathered last Wednesday to discuss the theology of the church. This coming Wednesday we’ll talk about worship. On the 29th we’ll talk about history and polity. Come for all or just one session.

Episcopal 101 provides an introduction to the history and culture of All Saints, the Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion; how we worship and why; and our approach to scripture, theology, sacraments, and social issues.

This is also a way to prepare for confirmation and reception in the Episcopal Church; if that interests you, please join us! Reach out to Suzanne or Courtney with any questions.

Caregiver Connections

Monday, October 20 at 7:00 pm

The next meeting of Caregiver Connections, our monthly support group for caregivers, will be held on Monday, October 20 in the Reading Room. If you've thought about attending this group but haven't yet been able to make it, please join us. All are welcome! Reach out to Kelly McNees (kellymcnees@gmail.com) with any questions.

Pray. Hang Flags. Drop off Flags. Eat Pizza. 

Saturday, November 1 at 6:00 pm

Join us as we gather to hang the flags that commemorate our beloved departed. You can drop in and write the names of your departed as well, just in time to be hung above the pews!

Make Candle Ofrendas.

Bring photos / images of your dearly departed to make candle ofrendas to take home.

We’ll have all the supplies!

We will begin with a brief prayer service at 6 pm and then get to the work of hanging flags and making ofrendas. Pizza arrives around 7 pm!

Community Defense Workshop

This Sunday, October 19

Luther Memorial Church from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Sponsored by Alderpeople Matt Martin and Andre Vasquez, this event is free and open to the public. Other sponsors include Indivisible (Lincoln Square), D19 Mutual Aid, and The Resurrection Project. RSVP HERE.

1:00 - 2:00 pm: Assemble Emergency Whistle and Know Your Rights Kits.

2:00 - 3:00 pm: Rapid Response Training.

Download this flyer(PDF) to learn more and to share with others!

ICE Patrol Volunteers Needed on Tuesdays during pantry

During this time of more ICE presence and ICE raids in our neighborhoods, we are increasing our presence outside during pantry hours on Tuesday nights. And we need your help. We need 2 groups of 6 volunteers for each shift (4:30-6 and 6-7:30) who will work in pairs to monitor Wilson Ave. The sign up form is below and there is a link in the form to sign up for a shift. When you sign up, you will receive our volunteer guidelines and a link to our signal channel.



SIGN UP HERE

Rapid Response Trainings

ICIRR offers Rapid Response Trainings every Tuesday at 4 PM. These trainings help individuals connect with Rapid Response Teams in their neighborhoods and provide valuable tools for responding and document when ICE is present.

Tuesday Training Registration Link

Can you volunteer a few hours a month to stand with detained immigrants?

Court Watch volunteers attend as many of these hearings as possible (most hearings are currently conducted online via Webex). We partner with legal organizations and pro bono attorneys, highlighting problems we observe and cases where unrepresented detainees are in need of legal help.  If you'd like to volunteer, please email icirrcourtwatch@gmail.com.

Know Your Rights Training (Zoom)

Oct 20, 2025 03:00 PM

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is one of the key training and convening organizations defending and advocating for the rights of our immigrant and refugee neighbors. During this time of increased ICE enforcement in our city, there are a number of actions you can take. Register

The Sanctuary Working Group is a solidarity organization that supports and accompanies vulnerable migrants in their journey towards sustainable independence.

They are looking for help.

Their Emergency Fund is getting dangerously low with the increasingly overwhelming needs being brought each week. From families who are stuck inside due to federal threats in their neighborhood, to families who have had the primary breadwinner of their household forcibly taken away, to individuals who were detained without a warrant, people are struggling. They are getting requests weekly from organizations like National Immigrant Justice Center, RefugeeOne, and Organized Communities against Deportation who are unable to cover the needs of their clients. Here are just some examples:

• $5 is the amount that many detention centers charge for someone to make just a 15 minute phone call
• $75 is the difference between being able to take the bus or train vs having to walk or bike
• $100 is the unwaivable fee charged by USCIS for asylum seekers that they must pay each year while they wait for their case to be processed
• $200 is the average request we receive to help cover the cost of monthly necessities for a struggling family
• $275 is the amount immigrants have to pay just to renew their work permit
• $550 is the amount immigrants must pay if they are applying for a work permit for the first time
• $900 must be paid if an immigrant wishes to appeal a decision by an Immigration Judge or DHS officials
• $1400 is the average cost for a month of rent which most families directly impacted by current events are unable to pay.
• $5000 is the unwaivable fine being charged to anyone who has either missed a court date, or has entered the US not at an official Port of Entry.

The group has asked All Saints to publicize their upcoming Fall Fundraiser. As well they are looking for sponsors for the event. See the attached flyers or visit this site for more info.

Fall Fundraiser Promo Flyer

Sponsor Request Flyer

Sanctuary Committee and Justice Ministries Continue to Respond to Immigration Crisis

The Sanctuary Committee and the justice ministries of the Diocese of Chicago continue to provide assistance for the immigrants and asylum seekers being targeted and unlawfully detained in our communities.

There are many ways to get involved with this work, from raising funds to providing accompaniment to virtually monitoring immigration court hearings.

LEARN MORE HERE

All Saints has supported our neighbors in need on the west side of Chicago through the Christmas Basket ministry at ReVive Center for Housing and Healing for many years. This year we have been initially assigned 30 families ranging from 1-8 individuals. If initial interest is very high, ReVive has a waiting list of families, but our first priority is supporting our assigned families.

Each family receives wrapped gifts for each person and a Jewel gift card for food. There are many ways to participate depending on your interest and budget.

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE

If you have questions or want to talk more about the program, contact Katy Kelsey-Morgan at katy.kelsey@gmail.com

Ravenswood Neighborhood Association is excited to launch First Fridays Food Drive in support of Ravenswood Community Services After School Pantry Program, which provides food distribution at three schools during dismissal.

Food insecurity affects many families in our community, and this pantry provides vital support. We're proud to partner with RCS to make a difference.

📍 Donate at one of our drop-off locations:

• 4639 N Wolcott – Parkway near Little Free Library

• 4404 N Paulina – Front porch

• 4837 N Hermitage – Front porch

• 4730 N Winchester – Front porch

• 1620 W Sunnyside – Front porch

• 4450 N Wolcott – Front porch

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.



Episcopal Church Immigration Action Toolkit

Updates and New Materials

For those seeking to support immigrant and refugee neighbors, The Episcopal Church offers advocacy tools, ways to help, and links to multiple resources in the Immigration Action Toolkit. 

Find new resources under “Know your rights” about the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Home app and rights for green-card holders, as well as a new section under “Additional resources” with materials related to the impact of new H.R.1 legislation. Toolkit resources are available in Spanish where indicated. 

Our next vestry meeting: October 21 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: TBD

9:00am

Acolytes: Nolan Kruse & Sam Love

Altar Guild: Eric Swiecki

Chalice: Chad Kruse, Sam Love, Skip Yates, and TBD

Intercessor: Douglas Matteson

Lectors: Reader 1) Mark Sweeney; Reader 2) Maggie Cassidy

Ushers: Michael Mattson & Lori Sweeney

Vestry Announcement: Jane Schaefer

Coffee Hour: Rohan Mascarenhas

11:00am

Acolytes: Sam Love, Jenni Masterson, & Gretchen Schlabach

Altar Guild: Liz Morris

Chalice: Rachel Jacobs, Jenni Masterson, Liz Morris, & Gretchen Schlabach

Intercessor: Rachel Jacobs

Lectors: Reader 1) Eileen Crowley; Reader 2) Steve Pike

Ushers: John Williams & TBD

Vestry Announcement: Ann McKenzie

Sparkling: John Masterson and Ann McKenzie

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 Doug Jones and his children Isabelle and Theodore, Dolly Parton, Nick Campanile, the Jones family, Claudia Dunn, Christina Herceg Tembo, Dave & Peggy Schaeffer, and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.

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

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:

10/21 - Sarah Booten, Finn Landis, Sam Shull

10/23 - Nora Lumsden, Donald Niepagen, Sarah Starasta

10/24 - Amelia Buzzell, Priyanka Jacob

10/25 - Rohan Thiruvathukal

For those who celebrate anniversaries this week:

10/23 - Matt & Alison Mankowski

For those who have died: especially for Becky Jones, sister-in-law of Ken Jones. May her soul 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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