Dear Friends, 

Well, I finally did it. I saw Wicked last weekend! I read the novel by Gregory Maguire when it came out 30 years ago and loved the way he retold a well-known story, providing a backstory and understanding for how someone could become known as the “Wicked Witch of the West” and a name—Elphaba—for a character most of us associate with a green face, flying monkeys, and “I’ll get you and your little dog Toto, too!” In that novel, the Wizard is not just a huckster but an authoritarian suppressing civil rights, and Elphaba has joined the resistance!

When we saw the musical a few years later, I loved some of the songs (I mean, is anything catchier than “Popular” or “Defying Gravity”?) but felt the story skimmed over the political and moral questions Maguire raises in the novel. Then we saw the movie!

I’m sure there are mixed reviews, but I loved it. First of all, it’s gorgeous—the settings at Shiz University and the Emerald City are magical, the costumes over the top—and the music and dancing are fabulous! Fiyero’s “Dancing through Life” is a show stopper. But more than its looks and great music, the movie captures the big questions and moral quandaries of the book: when do we need to stand up for justice? Are we willing to take risks, even if we'll be ostracized to do so? What are the qualities of a truly faithful friend?

I don’t usually make movie recommendations in our weekly eNews, but this is a movie worth seeing and pondering. And while it’s a lot of fun, it is also more complicated, more unsettling, than the average musical. Plus, you learn the origin of the flying monkeys.

I can’t promise we’ll live up to the looks and music of the movie at our Wicked Annual Meeting, but I do know that All Saints lives up to asking, wrestling with, and responding to the deep questions of life. 

So, plan to come to the Wicked Annual Meeting next Sunday, January 26 at 10 am! (Remember, no 11 am service that day.)

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

P. S. We could use help with set up, clean up, and FOOD for the Annual Meeting. See below to sign up!

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.

THIS Sunday: Inquirers Meeting

Sunday, January 19 at 10:15 am and 12:15 pm in the Reading Room

Are you new to All Saints? Perhaps you’ve just attended 1 or 2 times and would like to learn a little bit more about our community. Join us this Sunday, January 19 at 10:15 AM or 12:15 PM (just after the 9 AM and 11 AM services) in the Reading Room for a 15-20 minute gathering to connect with other newcomers and briefly hear from one of our clergy and vestry members. The reading room is located adjacent to the sanctuary. Join us for some coffee, donuts, and conversation.

Caregiver Connections

Monday, January 20 at 7:00pm



The next meeting of Caregiver Connections, our monthly support group for caregivers, will be held on Monday, January 20, at 7 p.m. 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.

Help Wanted: 

Annual Meeting Food & Setup/Clean up!

We need your help to ensure the Annual Meeting is Wicked good. There are opportunities to set up beforehand, help during, clean up after, and provide small bites to share. Please visit the link below to indicate how you can help make this journey down the yellow brick road easier. If you have questions, contact Dave & Joe Wernette-Harnden (wernetteharnden@gmail.com).

Small Groups in February

Sign Up NEXT Week!

This year, we’ve been talking about All Saints as a refugia, a small place of thriving during a crisis--ecological, political--that can endure and expand to nurture new life around it. Small groups provide a refugia to help us connect to God, one another, and our neighborhood.

Last fall, over 80 people joined a small group, and we are offering a few short-term small groups this February and again in Easter season.

February small groups will meet during the four weeks of February, providing time to share where we have recently experienced God's presence, read the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday, and discuss what is real in our lives. Groups will have 6-9 members and meet for 75-90 minutes each week. Some of the groups are ongoing from the fall but have room for new members; others are brand new. Because small groups require time to develop trust, please plan to attend no fewer than three out of four meetings.

Sign up begins January 24 and ends February 1. Check your eNews next Friday!

Questions? Email Suzanne at suzanne@allsaintschicago.org. 

Can’t join a group now? We’ll have more small groups after Easter (and “Not the Last Supper” Suppers in Lent)!

As concerns rise about when and if mass deportations will occur after Inauguration Day and as we wonder how this will impact vulnerable people in our own city and community, there are a number of resources available for education, information, and advocacy. 

• Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of The Episcopal Church (https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/ministrynetwork/) that is deeply engaged in refugee resettlement and also hosts the Episcopal Migration Response Network. They recently hosted an informative webinar, Family Preparedness: Supporting Newcomer Neighbors, which featured the Sanctuary Ministry program of the Washington National Cathedral, https://cathedral.org/congregation/ministries-outreach/sanctuary-ministry/. A recording of the training along with other resources will be available in the coming week and will be posted in future e-news. 

• Also next Friday, January 17 at 11 AM CT, ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries are co-sponsoring a webinar entitled “Walking With: Migrant Accompaniment for Ministry Leaders in 2025 and Beyond.” This webinar, designed for ordained and lay ministry leaders, will offer some basics on the US immigration system, “Know Your Rights” information, and practical suggestions for ministry leaders when an undocumented person or recent migrant comes seeking their accompaniment in navigating next steps to address their immigration status, as well as how to handle a situation if ICE comes to their church or ministry. Presenters will be lawyers from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Register here.

• The Diocese of Chicago Sanctuary Committee also provides resources and information through its list serve. To receive their periodic updates, email The Rev. Sandra Castillo (sca652@yahoo.com) and asked to be on the distribution list. 

Donations for Midwest Veterans

Looking for a way to keep your New Year’s resolution to declutter, reduce landfill waste, and help veterans make their homes complete?

Look no farther. The annual Midwest Veteran’s Closet collection is here! The Midwest Veteran’s Closet in North Chicago helps Veterans and active Military to transition from homeless to housed by providing them with donated goods, focusing on kitchen goods but also a variety of needs listed here: Military Need/Wish List.

A bin will be placed at the back of the Church starting January 19th until the last date, February 9th. Place items in the bin, arrange for a car to car transfer at Church, or call for a pickup.

Any questions you have about this endeavor please contact us a ktnolan@sbc.global.net or 573-727-9164 (no texts).

Thanks for any and all help.

VOLUNTEER AT RAVENSWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES (RCS)

TUESDAYS:

Click to Volunteer Hub! 

RCS is also looking for volunteers who would like 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.

All Saints is partnering with the Ravenswood Community Farmers Market!

Begins Saturday, January 18

Every 3rd Saturday of the month through March from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

In the Parish Hall – Entrance on Wilson.

Get warm and shop while listening to live music and enjoying a hot drink. Vendors include: Patyk Farms, Tamales Express, Hilary’s Cookies, DFT Designs & the Alchemy Kitchen, Monarch Beauty Farm, EE Mercantile, Pride Coffee Roasters, Nonie’s Bees, Lincoln Ice Cream, Nena’s Sweet Treats, and Cathie’s K9 Treats.

SAVE THE DATE!

The All Saints Annual Meeting is coming!

Sunday, January 26 at 10:00am

Annual Meetings at All Saints are joyous, festive affairs. Yes, we handle the business of the church—reviewing the past year, examining past financials, receiving the budget passed by vestry for the current year, electing members to the vestry and delegates to diocesan convention—but we also have fun sharing food and stories, and dreaming about the upcoming year. It’s sort of like the State of the Union but without partisan drama. Stay tuned for more, but plan to be there at 10:00am!

Please note: on Annual Meeting Sunday, we'll conduct services at 8:00 and 9:00am, but not at 11:00.

ELECTIONS at the ANNUAL MEETING

John Dufour

I have enjoyed being a part of this glorious All Saints community since 2021 when my wife Stina and our two kids, Elizabeth and Joshua, moved to Chicago from Brooklyn to be closer to family. We’ve found a beautiful home that fosters spiritual growth for us all, as well as actively demonstrates our faith in the community and city. 

The kind, vibrant, and authentic group of people we have at All Saints drew our family in, and inspired me to want to be more directly involved. I work as a school social worker with Chicago Public Schools, and am passionate about empowering young people and supporting the needs of our community and city. It is an honor to serve on the Vestry to continue the necessary and beautiful work we are already doing, and contribute to envisioning other opportunities for our community to grow and serve together. I enjoy cooking non-toddler-related food which is more rare these days, riding my bike when it’s not frigid outside, and discovering new reading recommendations for my daily CTA commute. 



Prince Fiyero Tigelaar

Handsome and charming, I know how to dance through life, never taking anything too seriously. I hope to lead All Saints into having more fun all the time! I pledge to woo every attractive member, but I confess I have no idea how to read a balance sheet. But why should I? They are SO stressful!

Still, I would like to be Co-Warden. Perhaps it will help me grow wiser? Oh, never mind!



VESTRY CANDIDATES

Chet Kelly

The All Saints community has given me a spiritual home, providing me with spiritual and emotional support, since I first walked through the doors seven years ago. Serving on the Vestry will allow me to draw upon my skills and experience to give back to the church and the community. Six years ago I retired after a thirty year career in public health administration at the local, state, and county levels. Working in various capacities I was responsible for financial and programmatic oversight of federal grants totaling $10 million annually, including program development, implementation, and evaluation. I can draw upon this experience to be an effect Vestry member. My husband Dale and I have been together for 32 years; 17 as legally married.



Tobias Lohse

Since 2019, Tobias and his wife Anika have been members of All Saints in Chicago, attracted by its vibrant community and commitment to social justice. Professionally, he has thrived as a software engineer, co- founding a startup and leading teams of up to 20 engineers with a focus on human-centered design and distributed authority in mission-aligned teams. The birth of his first daughter Lucia in 2023 brought new joy and fulfillment. Tobias is eager to contribute his varied experiences to further the growth of All Saints.



José Sanchez- Perry

I would like to serve and contribute to the congregation with my time. I hope to continue to build the amazing community that makes All Saints so special. I was born in Jalisco, Mexico and moved to the United States in 2001. I live in Roger’s Park and work at Loyola University Chicago.



Jane Schaefer

(One-Year Term)

The first All Saints service I attended with my husband Ken Jones and my baby Linnea was the Children’s Christmas Service in 2003. The joy, beauty, and faith of this little church combined with its quirkiness (and chaos) was striking. Suddenly Ken and I, who hadn’t been to church in years, were coming to church every Sunday. All Saints welcomed me without judgment, and being part of this community has made me a better mother, partner, and person. I’ve been involved in many ways at All Saints—Mexico Outreach, cake auctions, Ravenswood Runs, Open House Chicago, and countless coffee hours. I also served on the board of Ravenswood Community Services. Now that my children are (mostly) grown, I have the time to make a deeper commitment to All Saints by serving on vestry.

Ken and I have two college-aged daughters, Linnea and Iris. We met at Northwestern 40(!) years ago and have lived in Lincoln Square for 26 years. You can usually find me at the 9 AM service since Ken sings in the choir. 

My paid work is evaluating informal learning environments—museums, zoos, gardens, etc.—to help make them more accessible and engaging for visitors. Practically, this means I do things like asking people lots of questions or following them around during museum visits. 

I spent my childhood moving every few years with my three sisters, mom, and dad, who was an Army officer. We lived in Ohio, Virginia, Alabama, North Carolina, finally settling in Dallas. My experience always being “the new kid” makes All Saints' openness to all and radical hospitality especially important to me.



Delegates to Diocesan Convention

Lelia Fry

Hi, I'm Lelia! I've been worshipping at All Saints' for almost five years. You might see me reading one of the lessons or the Prayers of the People during the 11 am services, but I'm often back in the corner maneuvering the cameras with the livestream team. I work from home as an Associate Academic Dean at Bexley Seabury Seminary, and I'm a serious Bible nerd. I love listening to audiobooks, being around plants and flowers, and crafting. I'm trying to take up gardening and I hope to learn to juggle some day! My spouse Kuo and I live in Lindenhurst with Honey and Callie, two of the cutest cats in the world. We're grateful to be a part of the All Saints' community!





Annie Logue

Annie Logue is a long-time member of All Saints. She writes extensively about business and finance, and currently serves as a trustee of the Diocesan Foundation. At All Saints, she has had stints on the finance committee, running the Christmas Basket program, and recently organized the collection of items for refugees through Exodus World Service. She lives in Lakeview with her husband, Rik Lantz. 



Jennifer Reft

I have been a member of All Saints since 2006. I am a mother to three children, Eric, Eleanor, and Mothra, wife to Tom, and a home health physical therapist. I believe the All Saints community is special and want to share the needs and goals of this community in a larger institutional context and I am interested in increasing my knowledge of and participation in the larger Episcopal church and community.



Skip Yates

Alternate Delegate

I have served as a delegate to diocesan convention and am happy to stand in the wings this year, ready to serve as delegated, if needed.

Originally from Pittsburgh via New York, I am a cradle Episcopalian, encompassing a 12-year stint as a boy chorister and acolyte. I hold a life-long belief and devotion to our liturgy and a profound love for our music. I believe that Love and Faith are the cornerstone and the foundation of our strength as a family.

My Committee memberships: Rector Search, Buildings & Grounds, Worship, and Liturgical Ministry. 

My Services: Christmas Greening, Easter and Christmas Plant Caretaker, Semi-annual Coffee Hour co-host.

All of the above has nurtured the awareness of and has fortified my love for my All Saints family. I intend to ensure that All Saints Church continues to be the vital, viable, and stable yet growing community and beacon that we are.

The next vestry meeting will be on Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Vestry meetings are open to parishioners. To see the most current Vestry Minutes click here.

The results of the 2025 VOTE FOR ALL SAINTS Pledge Campaign are in!

We are so grateful for everyone’s generosity and for voting for all we do here.

Number of pledges: 185

Total pledge amount: $591,727

Number of new pledges: 45

Total amount if everyone renews who pledged last year: $628,719

Total amount we need to do all we hoped in 2025: $632,000

Your pledge supports our neighbors in need, help us build our community and faith lives so that they can be shared with all we encounter, and fuel the fight for justice in our city, country, and beyond. Thank you again for sharing your gifts!

And If you haven’t pledged yet, you still can!

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Dylan Masterson

Camera: Josephine Koo

www.allsaintschicago.org

Having trouble viewing? Open newsletter in web browser