News for the Week of August 17, 2025

Dear Friends,


Though it’s still summer hot outside, fall is clearly approaching as we prepare for school to start and our own program year to begin. This Sunday we’ll bless students, teachers, and all who are returning to school in any way, and we’ll hear from preacher Sarah Phillips, parishioner, former CPS teacher and current director in the CPS Office for Students with Disabilities.


So please come to church, bring backpacks to be blessed and school supplies to donate! You can see the announcement below about what schools supplies are needed and how to donate to buy paper for students at our neighborhood school, Ravenswood Elementary. 


Then, return at 6 pm for our first Third Sunday evening service when we will gather for song, silence, and contemplation at a Taizé service. After that contemplative experience, gather in the Reading Room for treats and fellowship. 


Then, if you have any interest in serving on Sunday as an acolyte, a reader, prayer leader, usher, or altar guild member, be sure to sign up for our Liturgical Ministers Day taking place on Saturday, August 23 when we’ll gather for some theological reflection on leading worship and to get trained in our ministries. You can sign up below. 


And, of course, mark your calendars for All Saints / All In when we’ll gather on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 to kick off our program year with fun, games, pizza, live music on Saturday and then parish photos on Sunday!


I hope everyone has had some rest and refreshment this summer and look forward to upcoming days and weeks as we all gather again in our beloved All Saints community!


See you in church!


Faithfully, Suzanne+


THIS SUNDAY

Back to School Blessing

Sunday, August 17


We will be blessing all those who are starting a new school year (students, teachers, school staff, all ages) at the 9 & 11 services. Bring your backpacks to be blessed!

Beginning This Sunday


Lectio Divina

2nd & last Sundays of the month

10:15 am - 10:50 am (between the 9 & 11 services)


Please join our seminarian, Sam Love, for a new formation offering!



Our focus will be the Gospel lesson for that Sunday. You can access the readings for that day here (www.lectionarypage.net) or bring your bible!

3rd Sunday Evening Service at 6:00 pm

Sunday, August 17


We introduce a 3rd Sunday Evening Service with a Taizé Service



Join us for a contemplative form of worship rooted in the practices of the Taizé Community in France. This service is offered to nurture inner peace, spiritual renewal, and a sense of unity. Taizé worship is characterized by simple repetitive chants with periods of silence for contemplation and readings from scripture.

Back to School Drive for Ravenswood Elementary School


Bring supplies to church this Sunday for our back to school blessing.


Our friends at Ravenswood Elementary have asked us to collect paper and supplies to get the school year off to a great start. Anything we are able to give will be welcomed by the staff and students at Ravenswood. 


Please bring supplies to church on August 17 for our back to school blessing and no later than August 24 so that we can get everything delivered to the school. Below is a list of what they’ve requested.


More info on what to donate in the Social Justice & Outreach section.

 

WORSHIP & SERVICE

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.


Liturgical Ministers Day

Saturday, August 23 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm



Do you currently serve as a liturgical minister - Reader/Intercessor, Chalice Bearer, Usher, Acolyte, or Altar Guild? Or would you like to learn how to serve in one of these roles? 


Mark your calendar for Liturgical Minister Day on Saturday, August 23 and sign up here. https://allsaintschicago.breezechms.com/form/LMtraining2025 


More details and a final schedule will be sent later this summer.


If you have any questions, please contact Courtney, Suzanne, or Colin.

You are invited to the All Saints Summer Schola Choir

All are welcome and invited to sing in one or all rehearsals!


Joyful voices, open hearts, and a lot of fun — come join the choir! We will focus on learning New Choral Anthems for Worship throughout the Liturgical Year.


For more information, please contact our Director of Music, Colin Collette, via email at Colin@allsaintschicago.org.


Find rehearsal schedule on the Music Page of our website.

FORMATION & FELLOWSHIP

 

Caregiver Connections

Monday, August 18 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.

Parish Clean Up Day

Saturday, August 23 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm


it’s time to spruce up the inside of our parish campus with some organizing, straightening up, and cleaning. We will gather next Saturday, August 23 from 1:30-3:15. Many hands will make for light and quick work! Let Courtney know if you can help out. 

Newcomer Conversations

Sunday, August 24 after the 9 & 11 Services


Are you new to All Saints? Perhaps you’ve just attended once or twice and would like to learn a little bit more about our community. 


Join us after the 9 AM and 11 AM services on Sunday, August 24 for a 15-20 minute gathering to connect with other newcomers and briefly hear from one of our clergy and vestry members. We will meet in the reading room adjacent to the sanctuary for coffee, treats, and conversation. 

Church School Re-opens Soon! 


It's almost time to welcome children back to the Atrium and we couldn't be more excited!


Sunday, August 24

For returning Atrium I students (ages 4–6) and both new and returning students in Atrium II (6–9) and Atrium III (9–12), the 2024–25 church school year kicks off on Sunday, August 24. 


Saturday, September 6

Children ages 3–6 who are new to Atrium I this year are invited (with their grown-ups) to an introduction Saturday, September 6 from 9:30–11 a.m., before starting church school the next day, Sunday, September 7. 


Registration Information

Grown-ups of any child age 3 to 12 who would like to join the All Saints' church school for the first time can register for our free program and learn more by emailing Children’s Formation Coordinator Polly Tangora.

Lectio Divina

2nd & last Sundays of the month

10:15 am - 10:50 am (between the 9 & 11 services)

in the Reading Room

Beginning Sunday, August 17 thru October


Please join our seminarian, Sam Love, for a new formation offering!



Our focus will be the Gospel lesson for that Sunday. You can access the readings for that day here (www.lectionarypage.net) or bring your bible!


You are invited to join us as you’re able, but we hope to see you regularly.

ATTENTION ALL SAINTS PARENTS

Sunday, September 7 at 12:30 pm


If you have a child currently in Middle and/or High School, we need your input!


Join the All Saints Youth Group Leadership Team on Sunday, September 7th, for a special Parents Meeting. The meeting will take place in the Parish Hall at 12:30 PM.


If you have any questions or are planning to attend, please let us know by sending an email to youthgroup@allsaintschicago.org

All Saints welcomes all of our newly married and engaged couples

for connection and fellowship.


Sunday, September 14

12:30 (after the 11 service)

at Winnemac Park (5100 N Leavitt St)


We have been lucky to celebrate a dozen weddings here in the last three years, and are welcoming new couples all the time. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a picnic and the chance to meet each other--no recurring meetings (unless you really, really connect and want to do so)!


All Saints will provide the picnic lunch; BYO blankets, chairs, and lawn or outdoor games!


Please RSVP through Breeze with this link.


If you're interested in more information, look for Matthew Sanders and Clarine Stephens at 9 am, or Mark Piroch and Megan Turnquist at 11 am.

ALL SAINTS | ALL IN WEEKEND

Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual


ALL SAINTS | ALL IN

PARTY on Saturday, September 6

The party starts at 4:00 pm with games and activities for the kids and refreshing beverages for all. 
At 6:00 pm we’ll share pizza and start dancing to the lively tunes of The All Saints All In Band. 
All you need to do is RSVP! We need to know how many pizzas to order and glasses to fill.
RSVP HERE
We also need lots of volunteers to help set up, clean up, and assist with games. You can sign up on the registration form.  

Congregational Photo(s)

Sunday, September 7

Wear the Pantone Color of the Year - Mocha Mousse

OR a Calming Complementary Color

 



And get ready to take photo(s) of your fellow parishioners for a Congregational Photo Collage!


More Info Coming

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE & OUTREACH

Back to School Drive for Ravenswood Elementary School


Our friends at Ravenswood Elementary have asked us to collect paper and supplies to get the school year off to a great start. Anything we are able to give will be welcomed by the staff and students at Ravenswood. 


Please bring supplies to church on August 17 for our back to school blessing and no later than August 24 so that we can get everything delivered to the school. Below is a list of what they’ve requested.


Copy Paper Drive: Rather than donating paper to the school, we are collecting money and will order paper to be delivered right to the school’s loading dock.


Contribute to the Paper Drive HERE

(Choose Ravenswood School Outreach)



Backpacks: We need 10-12 backpacks for students who are enrolling in school for the first time.  


School Supplies: Pencils, erasers, markers, notebooks, etc (All the things you can find in the “Back to School” aisle) to fill up the backpacks. Here is a link to the list of school supplies for Ravenswood to help you choose some of the items. https://www.ravenswoodelementary.org/school-supplies


Get your tickets for this fall event, the Spirits of Ravenswood. 


Early bird ticket prices available!!


This event plays a crucial role in funding Ravenswood Community Services’ programs every year, and the funds it generates will be even more important this year.


Recent changes and cuts to the SNAP program will have a major impact on families across Illinois. Over 360,000 residents are expected to lose their benefits in the coming months. RCS is preparing for longer lines with new faces and more neighbors to visit the food pantry.

VOLUNTEER AT RAVENSWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES (RCS)

RCS & Tuesday 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.

TUESDAYS:

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.

 

IN THE COMMUNITY

For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood will be closed!

Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24


Our neighbor, Access Contemporary Music, sponsors the Thirsty Ears Festival, Chicago’s only classical music street festival. Event includes delicious beer and wine, vendor booths, kid-friendly activities and food trucks.


See Event Schedule HERE


CHURCH BUSINESS

Our next vestry meeting: August 19 at 7 pm in the Reading Room. Vestry meetings are open to the public. To see the most current Vestry Minutes click here.

Serving This Sunday

8:00am
Altar Guild: Pam Palmentera
9:00am
Acolytes: Chet Kelly, Nolan Kruse, & Sam Love
Altar Guild: Eric Swiecki
Chalice: Chet Kelly, Sam Love, Skip Yates
Intercessor: Jennifer Christy
Lectors: Reader 1) Douglas Matteson; Reader 2) David Springer
Ushers: Michael Mattson & Lori Sweeney
Vestry Announcement: TBD
11:00am
Acolytes: Jenni Masterson & Gretchen Schlabach
Altar Guild: Liz Morris
Chalice: Richard Havard, Bill McHugh, Liz Morris, & Gretchen Schlabach
Intercessor: TBD
Lectors: Reader 1) Lorraine Langer; Reader 2) Caroline Moore
Ushers: Amy Jacobson
Vestry Announcement: Josephine Koo

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service


Audio: Kuo Tye

Camera: June Coyne


We Pray For

Those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit: especially for Doug, Isabelle, and Ted Jones; Ed Zender; Ashley D.; Joanne Hollatz; Martha C. Wilson-Harris; “Tortellini”; and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.


For those on our long-term prayer list: especially for Becky Jones, 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, and Clara Maddox.


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


For those who celebrate birthdays this week:

8/17 - Joanna Evans

8/18 - Joshua Harris, Maureen Kupstas, Teddy Rivers

8/19 - Rudy Faust

8/20 - Vicki Dooley, Beatrix Kurtz

8/21 - Mary Fergus, Jeff Wain

8/22 - B.A. Church, Valentina Tikoff, Xander VanHaerents


For those who celebrate anniversaries this week:

8/18 - Halley & Paul Hoffman

8/20 - Jesse & Stephanie Marinelli, Bruce & Mary Walters


For those who have died: especially for Cyndi Flores, beloved mother of parishioner Raquel Flores-Maki and grandmother to Isabella. 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, visit our website.

www.allsaintschicago.org

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