Dear Friends,

In less than two weeks we have lost remarkable people to death—Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Wendell Berry, and Gloria Steinem. Though spanning music, theater, movies, philanthropy, essay and poetry writing, political activism and more, these four strike me as sharing some remarkable qualities. They were each smart and funny. Though they each saw reality clearly, they were each generous and large-spirited, pointing to the goodness of this world and of humans and working for it when that goodness wasn’t always evident (or poking fun of it, in the case of Parton and Curry). 

Each one of these folks had reached a ripe age, long enough to evolve and change and influence culture over decades (the first two died at 80; the last two at 92). No one could say their death was a “tragedy” after long, full lives and, yet, we mourn them. We mourn whenever someone dies that we love, of course, but even though we don’t know these four, we mourn all they represent and the ways they made us, collectively better. From them we learned to laugh at ourselves, cherish the beauty of this world, protect the vulnerable, and fight for the world we (and God) dreams of. 

I am especially heart broken at the death of Wendell Berry, a writer and philosopher, small farmer and conservationist. He wrote novels and poetry, though he was probably most famous for his passionate essays urging us to resist “the machine”—of capitalism, of modern life, of bureaucracies that want to make us less human. A Christian, Berry didn’t go to church much but walked his land in Kentucky on Sundays, which often ended in one of his Sabbath poems. I love that Berry is contrarian in the way Christians ought to be, confounding both Republicans and Democrats, refusing to be defined by the terms of this world. Of course, we often fail, but that’s the aim. If I’ve piqued your interest, you might read one of the volumes of his Sabbath Poems or the collection The World-Ending Fire: The Essential Wendell Berry. 

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

P.S. The Season of Creation is in full swing. See the articles below about this, especially about moving some things around in church--look for our new baptismal font!

Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front

Written by: Wendell Berry

Love the quick profit, the annual raise,

vacation with pay. Want more

of everything ready-made. Be afraid

to know your neighbors and to die.

And you will have a window in your head.

Not even your future will be a mystery

any more. Your mind will be punched in a card

and shut away in a little drawer.

When they want you to buy something

they will call you. When they want you

to die for profit they will let you know.

So, friends, every day do something

that won't compute. Love the Lord.

Love the world. Work for nothing.

Take all that you have and be poor.

Love someone who does not deserve it.

Denounce the government and embrace

the flag. Hope to live in that free

republic for which it stands.

Give your approval to all you cannot

understand. Praise ignorance, for what man

has not encountered he has not destroyed.

Ask the questions that have no answers.

Invest in the millenium. Plant sequoias.

Say that your main crop is the forest

that you did not plant,

that you will not live to harvest.

Say that the leaves are harvested

when they have rotted into the mold.

Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.

Put your faith in the two inches of humus

that will build under the trees

every thousand years.

Listen to carrion — put your ear

close, and hear the faint chattering

of the songs that are to come.

Expect the end of the world. Laugh.

Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful

though you have considered all the facts.

So long as women do not go cheap

for power, please women more than men.

Ask yourself: Will this satisfy

a woman satisfied to bear a child?

Will this disturb the sleep

of a woman near to giving birth?

Go with your love to the fields.

Lie down in the shade. Rest your head

in her lap. Swear allegiance

to what is nighest your thoughts.

As soon as the generals and the politicos

can predict the motions of your mind,

lose it. Leave it as a sign

to mark the false trail, the way

you didn't go.

Be like the fox

who makes more tracks than necessary,

some in the wrong direction.

Practice resurrection.

Church Clean Up Day: THIS Saturday

Saturday, September 5 from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Join us to make the church sparkle for the start of the program year. Meet in the sanctuary. Please let Courtney (courtney@allsaintschicago.org) know if you’re able to attend.

A Wedding at the 11 AM service

On Sunday, September 6, Scottie Caldwell and Duncan Reilly will be married during the 11 am service; their vows will take place mid-service, after the sermon. The readings will be the usual Sunday readings, though the prayers will be altered a bit so that we pray for the church and the world AND the couple, and there will be more people than usual at the service. So, plan to arrive a bit early to get a seat and to worship and to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage for Duncan and Scottie!

Let us know you’re coming on Saturday so we can provide the right amount of food and refreshments!

Hey All Saints! Are you ALL IN?

All Saints Annual ALL SAINTS | ALL IN Weekend

Saturday, September 12: a day of events for everyone

Games and Events begin at 4:00PM

Pizza Dinner and Music at 6:00PM

We're kicking off our return to the program year with a Saturday celebration. There will be Games, Pizza, PhotoBooth, Music, Crafts, Tie-Dye (supplies and t-shirts provided), and more!

Sunday, September 13: All Parish photo between the services

We’ll gather at 10:45am in front of the church for our annual Parish Photo

The Pantone Color of the Year is Cloud Dancer, a soft off-white that has garnered its share of controversy as being uninspired and tone-deaf to current political tensions regarding race, the economy, and whether white is even a color. So, we’re inviting you to wear white with accents of colors from our stained glass windows to illustrate the beauty of faith, connection, and the diverse ways we come together to create God’s Beloved Community at All Saints.

Register below for Saturday so we know you’re coming.

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.

SEASON OF CREATION WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICE

September 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 6:00 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.

Witness Wednesdays at Noon

On Wednesdays, a group made up of participants across the Diocese 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!

Season of Creation at All Saints

Wednesday Services at 6:00 pm

September 9, 16, 23, & 30

As we approach the Season of Creation, the first Sunday in September to our annual Pet Blessing, the Feast of St. Francis, on Sunday, October 4, we invite you to a mid-week, quiet reflective eucharist.  

On the Wednesdays of the Season of Creation, we will gather at 6 pm in the church for eucharist straight from The Book of Common Prayer. In the place of a sermon, we will have a brief guided meditation on the theme of the season this year, “Living Water.”  

We would also invite you to consider staying for our Centering Prayer that will follow the eucharist at 7 pm.  

Season of Creation: Changes to Our Sanctuary (Worship Space)

To celebrate the Season of Creation, we have made some changes to our liturgy and to our space. The theme this year is “Living Water,” so one big change to our sanctuary is moving our new baptismal font near the front doors. It is ideal to have the baptismal font at the entryway of a church to remind us of our baptism as we enter and in line with the altar, where the Eucharist, our other major sacrament, takes place. 

Placing the font in this location means we removed the two short pews closest to the doors and have moved the tables that are behind the pews (two are now in the entryway and one of each is in front of the windows). We will be putting out extra chairs but place them in away that allows space around the front.

This is another experiment as we think about our space and look towards a Capital Campaign, but, mainly, it is about placing baptism front and center in our liturgy. This particular experiment runs during the Season of Creation, which began on September 1 and ends on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis and our pet blessing!

If you’re curious about this, please contact any of the clergy.

What is the Season of Creation? Why and How to Celebrate it?

The Season of Creation is a global ecumenical expression of the recognition that it is the biblical, theological, spiritual, and missional calling of the Christian churches to respond to the ecological challenges facing the planet and its inhabitants. The season is a time set aside for focusing on and giving thanks and praise to God the Creator for the gift of creation. It is a time for liturgical celebration, reflection, conversion, and creation-caring action. 

To learn more about the Season of Creation at All Saints with suggestions for action, reading, and contemplation, download this PDF written by parishioner Terry DeLisio.

Interested in Baptism for your Child or Yourself?



Traditionally, we baptize four times a year: The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord in January, The Easter Vigil, The Feast of Pentecost in late Spring, and the Feast of All Saints in November. Our next baptismal date is All Saints Day on November 1; if you are interested in having your child baptized then or any other dates, contact Suzanne at suzanne@allsaintschicago.org. 

If you are an adult interested in baptism, please see the article about the Catechumenate and contact Suzanne.

Wade in the Water

Deepening Faith and Connection

We invite you this Fall to “Wade in the Water,” to go deeper in your relationship with God and one another. For us, water is an image that beckons refreshment, cleansing, baptism, and can be at times challenging - to discover the depth of our connections in community and beyond.

There will be many ways to Wade in the Water this Fall by joining a small group (see the announcement and sign up links below), participating in worship focused on creation, renewal, and baptism, joining a group on Sunday mornings to learn more about our faith, by continuing your friendships here, in prayer alone and with others, conversations at coffee hour, and in singing hymns.

How will you Wade in the Water?

EfM: Catechumenate - Begins in October 

Ready to go deeper in faith? Thinking about baptism or confirmation?

Sign up below to receive more info.

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of study, prayer, and reflection using trained mentors to facilitate small group discussions and guide participants to examine life through an increasingly informed and inspired theological lens. 

This year they are piloting a new program EfM: Catechumenate, and we are one of the “test sites.” In fact, Colin, Courtney, and Suzanne were part of a group that reflected on this curriculum with the creators, Jim Turrell, Dean of The School of Theology at Sewanee, and Jeff Lee, former Bishop of Chicago and All Saints parishioner!

This fall, we are inviting ALL members at All Saints who want to learn more about and discuss their faith to join this group, which will meet Sundays between the 9 and 11 am services. There is reading or other “homework" between weekly meetings, and participants should plan to attend most weeks. 

In January, we will turn our attention to what it means to make a mature decision to partake in the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, reception into the church, and reaffirmation of baptismal vows) as we move towards the Easter Vigil, when adults are traditionally baptized. 

Questions? Contact Colin (colin@allsaintschicago.org) or Suzanne (suzanne@allsaintschicago.org).

Read to sign up and dip your toes in the water?

Sign up. HERE.

Knit, Purl, Pray!

Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 am



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. 

Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the Month from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

All Saints Book Club

September 10 at 7:30 pm (Zoom)

Chicago, by Brian Doyle

A love letter to Chicago, the Great American City, and a wry account of a young man’s coming-of-age during the one summer in White Sox history when they had the best outfield in baseball, Chicago is a novel that will plunge you into a city you will never forget and may well wish to visit for the rest of your days.



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.

Newcomers Lunch

Sunday, September 20 at 12:15 pm

Are you new to All Saints? Are you interested in meeting other newcomers and learning more about our community? Have you been attending a few months and are looking for ways to connect with our ministries? 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

Caregiver Connections

Monday, September 21 at 7:00 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.

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.

Open House Chicago Volunteers Needed

If you are interested in learning the history and architecture of All Saints and educating visitors, then we need you to help on October 17 or 18th. Open House Chicago is a city-wide event that opens interesting buildings to the public. During last year’s Open House Chicago, All Saints had over 1200 visitors! Volunteers do NOT need prior knowledge or experience. We will provide all the history and architecture information you will need to know. And it is fascinating. Did you know:

• Our wooden altar is original from All Saints’ founding in 1883.
• The pews are original, but we did not always hold services “in the round.”
• Our architect John Crombie Cochrane also designed the Illinois State Capital building.
• All Saints’ bell was used as a fire alarm for the Ravenswood area.
• The famous poet Carl Sandburg attended All Saints, and even wrote a poem about its parishioners.
• Our renovation during 2014-17 won the Driehaus Preservation Award. 

Greeting and sharing the church with inquisitive visitors is always fun. Please sign up here for a two hour shift.  

Volunteer Sign-UP

Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18



Open House Chicago (OHC), one of the largest architecture and urban exploration festivals in the world, is back for its 16th year of celebrating architecture, culture and community. This free public festival offers behind-the-scenes access to 200+ sites, including many not normally open to the public.

Connecting at All Saints: All Saints Small Groups

September - December 2026

Our Fall groups are filled. If you’re interested in learning more or have questions contact: Suzanne or Rich Havard.

You can also put your name on a waiting list HERE.

Listen to Richard Havard's announcement about the meaning of Small Groups HERE

These groups that meet for three months allow participants to get to know one another more fully and to connect with others across our various service times while trying out a variety of spiritual practices together. Group conversations are supplemented with a weekly video by the clergy discussing the upcoming Gospel, a fun and enriching way to hear first-hand how our priests wrestle with the text.

Church School Re-opening: Save the Dates

There's nothing like the energy at All Saints when our buildings are filled with kids! As the Church School team prepares the Atria to welcome students back for the 2026-27 year, these are the key dates you need to know.

Sunday, September 13

First day in the Atrium for the following children:

- Returning Atrium I students (ages 4–6), at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

- New and returning students in Atrium II (6–9) and Atrium III (9–12), at 10 a.m.

Saturday, September 19

Children ages 3–6 who are new to Atrium I this year and their families are invited to a gentle orientation just before their first day. Please join us for this Saturday introduction to the Atrium from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Sunday, September 20

First day in Atrium I for new students.

If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 12 who would like to join the All Saints' church school for the first time, you can register for our free program and learn more by emailing Children’s Formation Coordinator Polly Tangora: polly@allsaintschicago.org 

The Spirits of Ravenswood

Friday, October 16 at 7:00PM

Join Ravenswood Community Services for a spirited evening of Halloween themed fun featuring a costume contest, local beer and spirits, games and prizes, tarot readings, and more! Come raise a glass and help raise essential funds for RCS' Food Pantry and Community Kitchen.

This is a neighborhood Halloween party where all levels of costume appetites are welcomed and encouraged. From over-the-top to not-your-thing, come in something festive and fun!

The Spirits of Ravenswood is a fundraiser to feed our neighbors. This year we invite you to raise

more than just the dead at this spirited evening of Halloween fun! Costumes welcome and encouraged but not required (but like…it's Halloween).

Tickets and Info HERE

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.



Our next vestry meeting: September 15 at 7 pm in the Reading Room. Vestry meetings are open to the public. To see the most current Vestry Minutes click here.

The Church Office is closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.

It’s time for our fourth annual Breeze (our secure directory database) update. 

Please complete the update by Sunday, September 20

UPDATE Link Here

We want to know and serve you and your family better! 

When we know more about our All Saints community, we can serve you better. In that spirit, we invite you to complete the demographic section of the update so that we can continue to learn more about our demographics, particularly race and age. 

You can check your own Breeze profile to make sure it is up to date by clicking the Member Login button. And we ask that you fill out the form whether you’re new to the directory or already have info there.

How to ddd a current photo of yourself, your family:

Log into Breeze and update or add photos. 

You can click here to see how to do this. 

MORE INFO HERE

Thank you for helping us to update our database. 

Questions? Contact Courtney: courtney@allsaintschicago.org.

8:00am

Altar Guild: Pam Palmentera

9:00am

Acolytes: Willem Kapteyn Dekkinga

Altar Guild: Nick Hatzis

Chalice: Paula Stevens-Conty

Intercessor: Paula Stevens-Conty

Lectors: Reader 1) Priyanka Jacob; 2) David Springer

Ushers: TBD

Vestry Announcement: José Sanchez-Perry



Coffee Hour: summer casual, if the spirit moves, you are invited to set up the ice tea and lemonade on the front lawn. All the supplies you need are in the Reading Room (tables, cups, and beverages in the fridge).

11:00am

Acolytes: Ashley Gilmore & Bryan Matias

Altar Guild: Jacob Farmer & Alexandra Sandin

Chalice: Ashley Gilmore, Liz Morris, & Gretchen Schlabach

Intercessor: Susie Griffith & John Williams

Lectors: Reader 1) Ann McKenzie; Reader 2) Jacqueline WayneGuite

Ushers: Jim Hannah & Ingrid Upchurch

Vestry Announcement: TBD

2nd Sunday Sparkling Sunday: 



4th Sunday Coffee Hour:

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Megan Turnquist

Camera: Mark Piroch

Those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit: especially for D.L., Farley Sirockman, Pete, Phyllis, the Buzzell family, and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.

For those on our long-term prayer list: especially for Andrea K., Judy Palapala, Ashley D., Bryan Bergman, 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:

9/6 - Linnea Jones

9/7 - Matt Nickel

9/8 - Nan Brewer

9/9 - Stephanie Evans

9/11 - Eric Swiecki



For those who celebrate anniversaries this week:

9/9 - Anika & Tobias Lohse

9/12 - Alex & Katie Eddy



For those who have died: May the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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