Dear Friends,

We certainly know summer is here, don’t we? Schools are out, the beaches and outdoor seating at restaurants are full, we’re all trying to figure out how to avoid traffic from festivals even if we want to go to the festivals, and we’re a little less attentive at work. Ah, the joy of summer! 

And with those joys come . . . crazy temperatures! This weekend promises to be a scorcher, and you might remember that we don’t have air conditioning at All Saints. Now, don’t be scared! Worship is still joyful and meaningful even when we’re hot. So, wear your linen, bring ice-filled drinks, claim a seat in front of one of the fans, and offer your suffering up to Jesus.

Seriously, we’ve got some great music and readings as we start “Track 1” in the Old Testament during this season after Pentecost. During this season we can choose one of two tracks to follow: Track 1, which follows major themes and stories of the Hebrew scriptures, or Track 2, which aligns the reading from the Hebrew scriptures with the Gospel of the day. In odd years, we use Track 1, and each year has a different focus: Year A focuses on Genesis, Year B on the monarchy narratives, and Year C (this year), on the prophets. We’ll hear passages about Elijah (1 and 2 Kings), Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. These prophets are the ones who have spoken truth to power when Israel—its leaders and its people--have fallen away from God and God’s ways of mercy and justice. 

This seems like a good summer to hear from them, doesn’t it? If you’d like to follow along, you can go to the lectionary calendar and perhaps read what comes before and after the passages we will read in church. You might also look at the fabulous summaries (with cartoons!) provided by the Bible Project to round out your knowledge. One of the features of the prophets is that they speak both judgment and hope to the people—God’s judgment on their unjust actions and God’s hope for their redemption and for God’s dream to be enacted. Another features of reading the prophets is that we are to remember we not the narrator! We’re not the good guys on the side of the prophet; no, we must hear the prophet’s words as being to and for us. From that, we will be shaped into those who might live in God’s ways.

Embrace the heat—from the summer temperature to the fiery words of the prophets.

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

Newcomer Lunch

THIS Sunday at 12:30 pm

Are you new to All Saints? Are you interested in meeting other newcomers and learning more about our community? If yes, please join us for our next Newcomers lunch. We’ll gather in the parish hall for a casual luncheon, conversation, and a chance to learn more about All Saints and ways to continue connecting with our community. Please RSVP so we can plan food accordingly.

REGISTER HERE



Questions, please contact Courtney at courtney@allsaintschicago.org



United Power / Social Justice Information Session

THIS Sunday at 10:15 AM, All Saints Reading Room

Come learn more, hear stories, ask questions, and share ideas.

All Saints, you have been a part of this work for the last 5 years! You have persisted in your faith and commitment to show up with and for our neighbors across Chicago who have long been neglected and ignored.  Your showing up has made all the difference!



Low-Gluten Communion Wafers



We will be trying a new wafer for those who need to avoid gluten. The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration make a low-gluten wafer that is safe for almost all those with Celiac disease. You can read more about the wafers here.

Bell Restoration begins June 25

Our beautiful old church bell needs some work! 

Verdin Bell Company of Cincinnati, Ohio last repaired the bell in the 1940s and will return next week to remove the inner workings of our bell for repair. Until they are repaired and replaced, our bell will be silent! Stay tuned for progress on our bell repair.

Consider donating to the Rector's Discretionary Fund

The Rector's Discretionary Fund serves as a vital resource for helping out individuals in need of temporary financial assistance for rent, car repairs, health care, or other unexpected costs.

Please consider making a special donation this week by writing the words "Rector's Discretionary" on the memo line of your checks or specify the fund when you make online donations. Thank you!

Liturgical Ministers Day - Save the Date

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.

Witness Wednesdays: Pray for Mercy and Justice

Federal Plaza (Jackson and Dearborn)

Noon on Wednesdays

Our second Witness Wednesday tripled in size with 30 gathered at noon in the Federal Plaza. Read more below.

We will be praying for our nation, our government, and for those harmed by government actions for six Wednesdays, and then decide whether and how to continue.

Please join us if you are able; contact Suzanne or Courtney for more information.

We Invite You to Sow, See, & Share

As the days of Summer open before us, we invite you to share what is happening in your corner of creation. Have you started a new garden, bought a new plant, turned your balcony into an urban oasis? Perhaps you are taking a holiday and are being renewed with new nature surroundings?

Not only are we excited to hear from you about the wonders of creation that you are experiencing and fostering, but we would also like to hear how you are encountering the holy in all you “sow or see.” As Suzanne mentioned in a homily a little while ago, before we had the book of the bible, we had the book of nature. 

As for us in the Collette/Nifong household, we are marveling in the clover lawn that we planted last year and has really taken off this summer (photo below). Not only does it require very little extra water, but the neighborhood rabbits love it, and we love them!!! Hip-hop holy!

We invite you to share photos on social media and tag All Saints. Or consider sending a photo to media@allsaintschicago.org, and we'll share it for you!

This Summer we can connect together as we care for creation and encounter the holy in the beauty of summer.

Summer blessings,



Colin Collette, Deacon & Director of Music

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!

We're serving up fun in the sun at the beach from 3pm - 5pm, followed by food, songs, and prayer on the north lawn at Church of the Atonement until 6pm. We will have some signs (maybe an Episcopal flag) at the beach so you can find us. 

Parking is available in the lot across from the church, with additional street parking nearby. Despite what the parking lot signs say, parking is free throughout the lot for church events.

In The Episcopal Church, a deanery is a geographical grouping of parishes within a diocese, led by a dean, typically a priest appointed by the bishop.Deaneries serve as a way to organize the diocese, facilitate communication and collaboration between parishes, and provide support for both clergy and laity. 

Calling all Saints to a Hymn Sing

Hymns in the Courtyard, Sunday, July 20 at 7:00pm

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. 

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, July 27, 4 PM

UNITED POWER ACTION



Celebrate 5 years of persistent work with our key supporters.

Experience the impact of this work on individuals and neighborhoods.

Push the City to increase its commitment and move faster.

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.

Presiding Bishop’s letter 

responds to Trump’s travel ban, immigration crackdown

[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe released a letter to The Episcopal Church on June 11 responding to a series of Trump administration policies on migration and immigration, including the use of the military for crowd control at protests.

After federal agents conducted immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles on June 6, protesters clashed with law enforcement in parts of the city over the weekend. Trump, against the wishes of California leaders, ordered the California National Guard to deploy thousands of soldiers to assist. His administration also has deployed Marines to the city to secure federal properties. California leaders have sued the Trump administration to reverse the decision to send in troops.

READ THE PRESIDING BISHOP’S LETTER HERE

Pride Parade on June 29

Opportunities for All Saints to watch or participate

Chicago’s Annual Pride Parade steps off on Sunday, June 29 at 11 AM. Our friends at St Peter’s, 617 W. Belmont, have invited us to join them for their Sunday Eucharist at 10 AM and a chance to watch the parade from their front steps and ramp as the participants march down Belmont to Broadway. St Peter’s will hand out water to parade watchers and invite folks to come into the church to talk or rest. Plus there is a restroom available (all great things on Pride Sunday!). Public transportation is the best way to get there and if you take the red/brown line stop, be sure to exit on the south side of Belmont.

If you’re up for marching in the parade, we will again join the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches contingent. If you are interested in marching, let Courtney know as soon as possible. Space is limited as the Coalition is limited to 150 marchers.

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.

Please Note: On Friday, July 4, the church office will be closed.

Banns of Marriage

I publish the Banns of Marriage between Ariana Giblin & Paul Campion of Chicago. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the first and last time of asking.

Banns of Marriage

I publish the Banns of Marriage between Josephine Needs & Ethan Jenkins of Chicago. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the first time of asking.

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Jacob Farmer

Camera: Josephine Koo

www.allsaintschicago.org

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