Dear Friends,

In September 2019, a group of “All Saintsers” boarded buses to participate in our first action with United Power for Action and Justice - a meeting with our new mayor at that time, Lori Lightfoot - at DRW College Prep in North Lawndale. I remember the excitement of that day, the crowd of over 1,000 people gathered from all over the city, the terrific music, and the sense of united purpose we had. At the same time, I remember wondering what would happen next? Would progress be made? Would commitments made about home ownership for working families and more crisis stabilization units for persons struggling with mental illness come to pass? I wasn’t sure, but I did know that it was vital for All Saints to stand with our neighbors throughout our city and fight for justice and equity. 

Fast forward four years. After a pandemic,a racial reckoning following the murder of George Floyd, the All Saints Greenlining Campaign, and leadership transitions both at All Saints and in our city, we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends and partners in North Lawndale, Grand Crossing, Back of the Yards, Roseland, and other Chicago neighborhoods calling to reclaim the soul of Chicago by investing in communities that have long suffered from disinvestment, redlining, violence, and struggling schools. There is still much work to be done and the work can be slow and frustrating. The community organizing principle that you have to be in this work for the long term rings very true.

What struck me last Sunday as over 900 people gathered at St. Rita of Cascia church on the southwest side were the relationships forged over the past four years. All Saints isn’t just a member paying yearly dues; we show up; we are known. Our leaders participate in actions large and small. We ask how we can help. Leaders from other organizations are no longer just names, but friends and colleagues. In building relationship, we build our power; we build a movement rooted in love, a love that I believe can transform our city.  That love, that power, and that unity were on full display last Sunday as we cheered and clapped and also asked our new Mayor to support the reclaiming work of United Power concretely with the release of vacant lots and funds for their remediation. While the Mayor’s “yes” was not as vigorous as we had hoped, he agreed to meet again in 6 months; he saw the extraordinary diversity of those gathered, and he witnessed our commitment to getting it done.    

Our work continues and I am so grateful for the leadership of Barbara Manley and the commitment of so many of you who keep showing up. When we show up with our neighbors from all sides of our city, we participate in something rarely seen in these fractious, divided times - people united across race, ethnicity, age, income, and neighborhood - knowing that our fate as a people, as a city - depends on all of us united in power for action and justice.

All my best,

Courtney+

THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19: Theology at the Annex,

a.k.a. Talking about God and Religion at O'Shaughnessy's

It’s easy to imagine those early church theologians finding answers to thorny or controversial theological issues over drinks with friends after a day of study and prayer. So bring your questions over to O’Shaughnessy’s Public House (4557 N. Ravenswood) on Wednesday, July 19 from 7-8:30pm for Theology at the Annex. If you’re wondering what Episcopalians believe about X (any number of issues), head on over. If you’ve asked yourself, "How does a loving God tolerate/endure/allow the suffering we perpetrate on one another?", stop by. If you’ve wondered "What's the meaning and purpose of all the Episcopal “gear” I see each Sunday?", then this is the gathering for you. 

Formation and Fellowship

Please consider hosting coffee hour!

We've lightened the burden of coffee hour on our hosts (and on the earth) by adding new compostable materials and collection receptacles thanks to our All Saints Sustainability Committee. You can find the sign-up for July, August and September here. Please reach out to Chad Kruse with questions. 

Thank you all for making coffee hour happen!

All Saints Book Club,

Summer 2023 Meeting Schedule

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

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

Our next meeting will be on August 10 to discuss the second of three books tied to the "Black Lives Matter" initiative: Deacon King Kong by James McBride

Outreach and Justice

Are you in a caregiving season?

Thank you to the brave souls who joined us on June 19 for our first meeting of Caregiver Connections, a monthly gathering of caregivers for listening, venting, sharing experiences, comparing notes, and hearing from experts on specific resources.

If you weren't able to make it, we look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming meetings on Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 21 at 7:00pm in the Reading Room. Please email Kelly McNees with any questions.

Want to help refugees in Chicago?

Thank you for your generous support for the newest Chicagoans! This week, Refugee Community Connection is looking for baby care items to support parents and little ones. If you would like to help, go to: 

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2S3TY9LQ7N00V?type=wishlist&filter=persistent_all&sort=priority&viewType=list

Any questions? Contact Annie Logue at [email protected].

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

www.allsaintschicago.org

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