Dear Friends, 

It’s been a wild ride of a week with a dizzying number of alarming statements and actions from the President. If you came to one of the conversations we held around the election, you might remember that we talked about this being expected—100 days of “shock and awe”—but it can still feel overwhelming and disorienting. 

We received great advice from parishioner and democracy advocate Matt Davis during those conversations: strengthen our own community, focus on one thing we can do as a community, and be ready to come out strong when the administration oversteps. We're already working to protect immigrants who attend our Tuesday Food Pantry and will gather trans and non-binary folks for conversation (see below for more). I will have more to say about all this at the Annual Meeting.

Speaking of the Annual Meeting, it’s going to be wicked good! There’s lots of good news to share and lots of fun to be had, so plan to be there! 

One of the things that makes our annual meetings a success is our great potluck treats, and we need more treats! Please sign up below! And if you plan food that is pink or green or wicked in some way, well, even better! 

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

P. S. Small Group sign up begins today! See article below to sign up!

THE ANNUAL MEETING IS SUNDAY

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.

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

We invite you to review the Candidates for Vestry and the Delegates to the 2025 Diocesan Convention in the Business Section below.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING REPORT TOMORROW!

We’ll send the Annual Meeting Report (PDF) in an email tomorrow. Make sure to download it one of your devices or print it before the meeting on Sunday. We’re printing a few for those who might need one, but it will be a limited number to save trees and reduce costs!

Annual Meeting: Help Wanted!

Food, Setup, and 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).

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.

Check-In Conversation for Trans and Non-Binary Folks and Parents

Tuesday, January 28. 7-8:30 pm. Zoom.

The past week has been filled with inflammatory words and actions targeting Trans and Non-Binary people, and we want to gather our beloved members for conversation. This is a time to share concerns and experiences and to discuss how we at All Saints can support and protect one another. If you would like to attend, please e-mail Suzanne at suzanne@allsaintschicago.org for the Zoom link. 

Inquirer’s Meeting: Adults Interested in Baptism

Sunday, February 9. 12:30-1:45 pm. Reading Room.

Are you interested in being baptized at the Easter Vigil this year? Are you new to the Christian faith and want to explore what it means to follow Jesus? Join us to discuss how you might grow deeper in faith during the season of Lent, meeting regularly with a group of other inquirers and the program staff to study scripture, learn about the history and faith of the church, and to share your own faith journey. Even if you’re not sure you’re ready for baptism, come learn more on February 9! Please RSVP HERE.

New Member Welcome

Sunday, February 9 at all services

If you've been coming to All Saints and think this is the place where you want to grow in faith through worship, fellowship, and service, consider participating in a New Member Welcome on Sunday, February 9 at any of the services. 

During the service, we'll recognize you and ask if you're willing to commit to All Saints for a time, the congregation will commit to walking with you, and then we’ll say a brief prayer. We will also invite you to enter your name into our parish registry after the service. Though this is not necessary to be a member at All Saints, to participate, or be involved, it's a nice way to mark your next step at All Saints. Also, if you aren’t able to attend on the 9th, but wish to be known as member of All Saints, please reach out to Courtney. 

You can sign up for the New Member Welcome HERE.

Small Groups in February

Sign Up NOW!

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.

We are offering small groups that will meet during the four weeks of February, sharing where we have recently experienced God's presence, reading the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday, and discussing what is real in our lives. Groups will be limited to no more than 9 members and meet for 60-90 minutes each week. Some groups are ongoing from the fall but have room for new members; others are brand new. Some have a focus for discussion, while others are "genera" in their approach. Because small groups require time to develop trust, please plan to attend no fewer than three out of four meetings.

Sign up begins TODAY and ends February 1. Choose the group the interests you and sign up below.

God Sightings for Justice: Thursdays, February 12, 19, 26, and March 12. 7:00 PM. O'Shaughnessey's. This group will read Howard Thurman's Jesus and the Disinherited to discuss how to stay spiritually grounded while working for justice. Sign up HERE.

God Sightings: Educators. Wednesdays. 7:30 pm. Private Home. Sign up HERE. 

God Sightings: LGBTQ+ Folks. Mondays. 6:30 pm. Reading Room. Sign up HERE.

God Sightings. Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Zoom. Sign up HERE.

God Sightings: Young Adults (20s and 30s). Wednesdays at 8:10 pm. Reading Room. Sign up HERE.

God Sightings: Parents. Thursdays at 7 pm. Reading Room. Sign up HERE.

God Sightings: Living Gospel Values. Tuesdays: 12:00-1:15. Reading Room. Sign up HERE.

God Sightings. Thursdays in February at 11:30 am. Mainly on Zoom. Sign up HERE.

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)!

Migration with Dignity Sunday

Sunday, February 2 at All Saints

In a recent statement, the Episcopal Migration Caucus called upon all Episcopalians to take action now to prepare for the anticipated mass deportation and detention efforts of the new administration. The caucus specifically encourages all Episcopalians and Episcopal communities/ministries to designate a Sunday in the Season after the Epiphany as Migration with Dignity Sunday. All Saints has chosen Sunday, February 2 for this day.

We will also gather between the services at 10:15 for conversation about how our faith calls us to be during this time, resources for training and action, and our work with RCS to assure food pantry guests feel safe in our space and have access to information to get the resources they need.

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. 

• 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. 

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!

Next Saturday, February 15

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.

At the Annual Meeting we will vote on Vestry Candidates and

Delegates to the 2025 Diocesan Convention.

Please review all the candidates below.

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:

Camera:

www.allsaintschicago.org

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