Dear Friends,

I'm writing this on Thursday afternoon, July 17, the fifth anniversary of the death of John Lewis, an icon of the civil rights movement, a notable member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a faithful follower of Jesus.

In 2018, Congressman Lewis tweeted this: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."

I am constantly reminded that the work of justice is slow, that the struggles of our forebears can be instructive and inspirational; and that hope, as Bryan Stevenson reminds us, is our superpower because  hope is the enemy of injustice.

Even in the dog days of summer, when heat and humidity sap our energy and we start packing in last minute plans and activities before school and normal routines resume, All Saints folks are showing up to pray, to advocate, and to stand for justice.  Witness Wednesdays continue through at least August 27 where we join for prayer in Federal Plaza at 12 PM to pray with Episcopalians and others from around Chicago.  Two weeks ago, several people walking by stopped to pray with us; an attorney representing a woman who had just been detained asked us to include her name in our litany; and a federal employee thanked us for our presence saying they could hear us in their offices when we sang.  Prayer and faithful witness truly make a difference, and it’s been such a meaningful experience for all of us gathered.  Join us if you can either in person or by praying with us wherever you find yourself on Wednesday at noon.  You can find a link to our prayers in this e-news.

And next Sunday, July 27, I hope you’ll join in with fellow members of United Power for an action on the southwest side, celebrating the construction of homes recently built and sold, and pressing our elected officials to follow through on the commitments they have made to us.  We are halfway to our goal of 100 attendees.  The sign up can be found in this e-news.

So friends, let’s keep making good trouble through prayer and action knowing that we will continue to show up in the places where we are called to bear witness to injustice and to point out the places where God’s kingdom is breaking in.

All my best,

Courtney+

p.s.  Your cards, texts, emails and calls expressing your condolences for the death of my mom last week have truly been a balm to my soul.  My deepest thanks and gratitude to all. 

Funeral Service for Beloved Parishioner Carol Reese

Saturday, July 26 at 2:00pm at All Saints' Episcopal Church.

Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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)

TUESDAYS:

Click to Volunteer Hub! 

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.

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

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.

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Jacob Farmer

Camera: Josephine Koo

www.allsaintschicago.org

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