News for the Week of July 13, 2025 | | |
Dear Friends,
We are in the glory days of summer now, aren’t we? The days are long and hot, though right now, not TOO hot, and vacations are welling up, ensuring that no one is in the same place at the same time, which means work slows down a bit, church slows down a bit. Though traffic and crowds in Chicago expand!
The slowness of summer, lazy days, picnics, and lighting bugs still bring joy to this middle-aged priest. I’ve immersed myself in long (and short) novels, lazed at the beach, slept in, and enjoyed a variety of crisp white wines.
But even the joys of summer don’t always blunt the realities of life as we mourn the loss of one of our beloved parishioners, Carol Reese, who I will miss the rest of my days, and send condolences to our Associate Rector Courtney as she gathers with family in Richmond, VA to mourn her mother Susan and make funeral arrangements.
Ah, life. Fast and slow, sweet and sour, joy and sorrow. How can we hold it all in one hand, eschewing bitterness when our joy is impinged upon, remembering the sweet when life turns, for a moment, bitter?
I think this is the secret of a well-lived life: counting the graces and beauties of life even in hard times and letting ourselves feel all the feelings until they soften and round out into something like grace.
I hope your days are slow, sweet, and joyful right now, but if they are not, know that we are here to walk though the difficult and sad ones, too.
See you in church!
Faithfully, Suzanne
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Witness Wednesdays has been extended!
Wednesdays at noon through August 27
On Wednesdays, the group will meet 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.
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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.
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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.
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SAVE THE DATE
ALL SAINTS | ALL IN
Saturday, September 7
We’re kicking off our return to the program year
with a celebration on Saturday, September 7!
Followed by our annual congregational photoshoot on Sunday!
Stay Tuned for more Details
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Caregiver Connections
Monday, July 21 at 7:00 pm
The next meeting of Caregiver Connections, our monthly support group for caregivers, will be held on Monday, July 21 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.
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North Deanery Meet-Up
Saturday, July 19 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Church of the Atonement (Kenmore & Ardmore)
Meet fellow Episcopalians from Chicago’s north deanery and join us for a beach day at Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) Beach. Bring your outdoor games and beach blanket to this family-friendly event! MORE INFO
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Calling all Saints to a Hymn Sing
Hymns in the Courtyard, Sunday, July 20 at 6:30 pm
We'll provide the hymnals, you provide the hymn requests! We'll have a few light snacks and beverages on hand, but feel free to bring your own snacks to share or beverages of choice.
| | SOCIAL JUSTICE & OUTREACH | | |
UNITED POWER
PUBLIC ACTION with ELECTED OFFICIALS
Something exciting is happening on the South and West sides of Chicago!
Sunday, July 27at 4 PM
Back of the Yards Neighborhood
Join with residents from across Chicago to celebrate 5 years of persistent work to build 2000 affordable single family homes across the South and West sides of Chicago. See 28 homes under construction. Push the City to increase its commitment and do more.
MORE INFO & REGISTER
| | VOLUNTEER AT RAVENSWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES (RCS) | |
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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.
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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.
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Bishop Paula Clark Calls for Prayers, Donations for Texas Flooding Victims
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago,
Please join me in praying for the people of central Texas, where flooding has killed more than 100 people, including 27 children and adults at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. For those who would like to contribute financially to the recovery efforts, the Diocese of West Texas has launched a donation webpage.
As the scope of the loss and destruction continues to be uncovered, I share with you a prayer offered by West Texas Bishop David Read:
Almighty God, your Holy Spirit moved over the waters in the beginning of creation, and your Son Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee:
Be mightily present with all those impacted by catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country. Be close to the lost that they may be found; Guide and protect those who search; Strengthen those who await news of loved ones; Comfort those who mourn; Provide for those who have lost homes and livelihoods. And in the midst of things we cannot understand, empower us to entrust all to your never-failing love, and give us the will to persevere in our response to their needs.
All this we ask through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Yours in faith,
Bishop Paula Clark
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The July vestry meeting has been cancelled, as allowed by our by-laws. To see the most current Vestry Minutes click here.
Our next vestry meeting is August 19 at 7 pm in the Reading Room and is, as always, open to the public.
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8:00am
Altar Guild: Bryan Matias
9:00am
Acolytes: Anderson Bergman & Julie Sweeney
Altar Guild: Nicholas Hatzis
Chalice: Michael Mattson & Raquel Flores-Maki
Intercessor: Raquel Flores-Maki
Lectors: Reader 1) Douglas Matteson; Reader 2) David Springer
Ushers: Alice Wozniak
Vestry Announcement: TBD
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11:00am
Acolytes: Gretchen Schlabach, Sam Love, & Owen Fayer
Altar Guild: John Tyler & Ashley Gilmore
Chalice: Rachel Jacobs, Gretchen Schlabach, Liz Morris, & Polly Tangora
Intercessor: Barbara Manley
Lectors: Reader 1) John Williams; Reader 2) Richard Havard
Ushers: Lorraine Langer
Vestry Announcement: TBD
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Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service
Audio: Kuo-Lun Tye
Camera: Lelia Fry
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Those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit: especially for Therese Stasik, Edward Reid, Courtney Reid, Doris Day Poulson-Griffin, Martha Horner, Becky and Doug Jones, Carol Griffith, Robin Pennington, Edward LoRusso, Charles Lewis, and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.
For those on our long-term prayer list: especially for 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:
7/13 - Elizabeth Arenas
7/14 - Martha Palmentera-Reid, Susan Palmentera-Reid, TJ Houlihan
7/16 - Jackie King
7/17 - Walt Belton, Aaron Hay, Kerry Staurseth
7/19 - Lori Sweeney
For those who celebrate anniversaries this week:
7/16 - Lori & Mark Sweeney
7/18 - David & Krys Springer
For those who have died: especially for long-time parishioner Carol Reese; Susan Reid, mother of Courtney Reid; and Kathleen Marie Rose Dada, sister of Therese Stasik. May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
We give thanks for the birth: of Amelia Mae Alexander, daughter of Katie and Zach, who was born on June 7, 2025
We give thanks for the weddings of parishioners: Paul Campion & Ariana Giblin, married on June 28; and Ethan Jenkins & Josie Needs, married on July 12.
If you'd like to have someone included in our community prayers, visit our website.
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