Dear Friends, 

Well, I suppose we were bound to get some of the harsh summer weather others have been suffering around the country and the world, but I found the last few days to be nearly unbearable and am grateful that I have the luxury of an air-conditioned home and workplace. I hope you avoided the consequences of the extreme heat and that this weekend and next week will be more temperate.

But, clearly, we are living in an altered world. I clearly remember James Hansen of NASA warning against “global warming” back in the late 1980s when I was still in high school and have followed climate science since then, hoping against hope that we would come to our senses, personally, nationally, internationally. We have made some strong sides to move towards sustainable energy, yet our timeline has grown alarmingly short.

The climate crisis has been crystallized in recent months with deadly fires, hurricanes in the wrong part of the country, longer droughts, and blazing heatwaves. I think one of the challenges for people of faith is how to face existential threats like this and still find the strength, peace, and hope to go on, both working for the common good and just living our lives in joyful, meaningful ways.

You know what I’m going to say, right? I think the only way to do THAT is by being part of a faithful, loving community like All Saints. I’m so glad we’re in this together.

Faithfully, Suzanne+

P. S. Tuck pointing on the Parish Hall has begun! See article below for more information.

Worship and Service at All Saints

Back-to-School Backpack Blessing 2023

Thanks to all who attended services this past Sunday. It was a joy to bless those headed back to school, off to college, or otherwise take the next big steps in their lives! Thanks also to those of you who generously donated school supplies to the women of Grace House at St. Leonard's Ministries.

Interested in serving as an Acolyte?

Acolytes - adults and youth ages 9 and up - serve an important role in our 9:00 and 11:00am liturgies. Acolytes help lead our processions in and out of the sanctuary and serve at the altar as we prepare for Holy Communion. 

We'll hold a training for those wishing to be ADULT acolytes on Saturday, September 16 from 9:00-10:30am in the church. 

Training for YOUTH interested in serving as acolytes will be on Saturday, September 30 from 10:30am - 12:00pm and again on Thursday, October 5 from 4:30-6:00pm. 

Please sign up here. Contact Courtney with any questions.

Consider donating to the Rector's Discretionary Fund

The Rector's Discretionary Fund serves as a vital resource for helping out individuals in need of temporary financial assistance for rent, car repairs, health care, or other unexpected costs.

Please consider making a special donation this week by writing the words "Rector's Discretionary" on the memo line of your checks or specify the fund when you make online donations. Thank you!

It's time for our Fall Clean Up Day!

We'll provide the cleaning supplies, lists of tasks, and lunch. All we need is YOU! Join us on Saturday, September 16 beginning at 10:30am in the church. We'll clean until about 12 and then have a quick lunch.

Please RSVP to Courtney if you plan to attend so we have enough sandwiches. 

Formation and Fellowship

Hymns in the Courtyard:

postponed but not forgotten!

Wednesday, September 6 at 7:00pm

The excessive heat may have forced us to modify our plans this past week, but it won't entirely discourage us from gathering to raise our voices on September 6. Please consider joining us when (hopefully) the climate will be a little more cooperative. We'll have a few light snacks and beverages on hand, but feel free to bring your own to share. We'll provide the hymnals, you provide the hymn requests! 

Church School is Back September 10!

We can’t wait to welcome All Saints children back to the Atrium for the 2023-24 year.

If you’re the grown-up of a child who'd like to join our Church School, register for our free program and learn more by emailing Polly Tangora, Children’s Formation Coordinator.

Classes start Sunday, September 10 at 10:00am for returning and older students in Atrium I (3 to 6 years old), Atrium II (6 to 9), and Atrium III (9 to 12).

New 3- to 6-year-olds (and their grown-ups) should join us the following weekend, Saturday, September 16 from 9:30–11:00am, for snacks and a gentle orientation to Atrium I.

2023-24 Church School Events

Events calendars for the 2023-24 school year can be found in the church school wing. Or stay informed using our private, grown-ups-only All Saints Atrium Facebook group (email Polly if you’re not yet a member).

All Saints Youth Group Kick-Off Party

The new school year is just around the corner, and so is another year of the All Saints Youth Group (ASYG)! We'll be hosting a kick off party on Sunday, September 10 from 3:30-5:30pm in the parish hall. Anyone in grades 7-12 is welcome! Join us for games, snacks, and hanging out with friends, old and new. We'll also be brainstorming what kinds of things ASYG wants to do this year, so be sure to join us so we can make youth group the most fun for everyone. 

Parents: please fill out this form if your child is interested in joining ASYG. We'll also have paper copies at the first meeting. If you have any questions, please write us at [email protected].

All Saints Book Club

Summer 2023

The All Saints Book Club meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30pm on Zoom. If you're not a regular attendee, email Mike Burke at [email protected] for a meeting invite.

Our next meeting will be on September 14 to discuss the last of three books tied to the "Black Lives Matter" initiative: Three Girls from Bronzeville by Dawn Turner.

The All Saints Book Club supports the book sanctuary initiative. We plan to include at least one banned book each year in our 2023 reading plan. 

Save the Date!

Start Up Sunday:

September 17

We'll celebrate the “start up” of the program year with all children in Sunday School, celebratory coffee hours or sparkles, and an “All-Parish Photo”! Start planning your outfit now…

Save the Date!

Lunch for Adults Considering Baptism:

Sunday, September 24 at 12:30pm

If you would like to learn more about how adults prepare for baptism here at All Saints, please join us for lunch in late September. This is a chance to learn about the history and theology of baptism and the process of preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil here at All Saints. This is a no-pressure meeting—come to lunch for fellowship and learning.

Interested? RSVP HERE.

Tuck pointing on Parish Hall Begins

The north-facing wall of our parish hall is in serious need of attention and will be tuck pointed over the next few weeks. In addition, the front doors of the Parish Hall will be removed to be rehabilitated and refinished to their original charm. This means that the entrance to the Parish Hall on Wilson may be unusable for the next four to five weeks. Please use the side door from the ramp to enter the Parish Hall during that time.

Spanish Discussion Group

beginning August 28

Beginning August 28, All Saints is starting a Spanish Discussion group for people at all levels of learning the language. The group will meet at O’Shaughnessy's every other Monday starting at 7:00pm, and is open to anyone interested in developing or practicing their Spanish. RSVP-ing for the first gathering is helpful, but not essential. You can direct questions and RSVP's to Liz Bartels at [email protected]. 

Outreach and Justice

Refugees need SIM cards!

Many people arrive in Chicago with a phone, but they need SIM cards to use them here. Phones are vital for making court appointments, enrolling kids in school, looking for a job, and connecting to friends and relatives already in the US. You can purchase them from the Refugee Community Connection Amazon wish list:

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/32X1SUMSPDJXJ

If you have a different source for SIM cards, that's fine - just contact Annie Logue to arrange pick-ups or drop-offs. See also: yoga mats!

Did you know you can listen to All Saints sermons on Apple Podcasts?

www.allsaintschicago.org

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