Dear Friends,

Some of you may have heard that the Episcopal Church has refused to help resettle white South Africans who have been brought to this country as refugees. 

As always, the issue is more complicated than it seems. First, some background: the United States, along with many other countries, participates in refugee resettlement through the work of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), which works to resettle those who have fled their country due to war or persecution. Most refugees—settled in asylum countries, often in camps—wait for years to be vetted for medical conditions, security clearances, and more. Once they are approved for resettlement in the U.S., they are handed off to a resettlement agency inside our country that helps our new neighbors settle into homes, get medical services, enroll children in school, and find jobs. The U. S. Government largely funds the work of these groups, often run by religious organizations. Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is one of those organizations and has resettled over 100,000 refugees in its 40 year history.

When I was in seminary we met with the Executive Director of the local resettlement agency who said that refugee resettlement was one of the best-kept secrets of our government. He argued that it was a moral good that was also safe and cost-effective; after all, refugees are carefully scrutinized and must repay the cost of their travel and, often, other resettlement costs. 

During my time as a priest, I have always had an association with the local resettlement agency, sometimes Episcopalian, sometimes Lutheran. Here at All Saints we have helped resettle families through Exodus World Service many times over, whether accompanying a family over time or just helping to set up a new apartment for a family. It is humbling to see the courage of a family leaving a home they love due to fear and violence in order to start over in a country often entirely different than their own. 

On his first day in office, the President signed an Executive Order suspending all refugee resettlement. In the past few days, a process reopened to resettle only a small group of white South Africans, whom the President claims are victims of genocide, a claim unsupported by any evidence. The Federal Government asked EMM to help resettle these white South Africans.

Sean Rowe, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, after consultation with the Anglican Province of South African, decided to end our relationship with the government to resettle refugees. As Bishop Rowe wrote in a letter to the church, our church cannot participate in a process where “one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years.”

This a long letter, but I wanted to write to you about this issue because it highlights the question Christians must always ask: what does our faith require of us? In this case, those who follow Jesus must say “no” to taking government funds, which means EMM employees will be let go and part of an agency that has done great good will, for now, be closed. EMM will continue to help recently resettled refugees and other migrants, but this is a blow. 

We live in a precarious time when the Gospel itself is being distorted, as basic Christian values of righteousness and mercy are being attacked. Following Jesus and his way of grace, love, and mercy is not easy and, often, not clear, but this time, I think we got it right. 

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

New Member Welcome

Sunday, May 18 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, May 18 at any of the services. 

During each 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 18th, 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

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.



Sunday, May 25 is Rogation Sunday

Calling All Gardeners and Lovers of the Earth for a Rogation Procession

10:30 am (between the 9 and 11 a.m. Eucharists)

Not a gardener? Join us to learn how we’re caring for the earth with multiple pollinator gardens, the children’s vegetable gardens (produce goes to the food pantry), the new garden shed (thank you Owen Kasten!), and the many newly planted and blooming trees on the property!

We will pause at stations around the church grounds where we are caring for the earth through gardening, composting/recycling, and other stewardship efforts, giving thanks to the Creator for the bounty of creation, acknowledge our dependence on God through intercessory prayer, and bless the labors of all who cultivate new life. 

If you or your children are indoor or outdoor gardeners, bring a gardening tool or gloves, packets of seeds, a seedling, a pot of herbs, or bulbs that you plan to plant and tend. During our procession, we will offer a special blessing of these items and all of you gardeners! 

Rogation Days are the church's original Earth Day! They go back a century and a half and are commemorate Jesus' final days on earth before his Ascension. They focus on the earth, agriculture, and human dependence on God. We will observe Rogation Day on Sunday, May 25, focusing on God's good creation.



Would you like to become an Episcopalian?

Confirmation and Reception

St. James Cathedral: June 7, 2025 at 11 am

Would you like to join the Episcopal Church as an adult? The way to do this is to be confirmed or received by a Bishop. Each spring there are confirmations held at various locations around the diocese; the one we plan to attend is at the Cathedral in June. If you are interested, please contact Suzanne by Monday, May 19!

Newcomer Conversations

Sunday, June 1

Are you new to All Saints? Perhaps you’ve just attended once or twice and would like to learn a little bit more about our community. Join us after the 9 AM and 11 AM services for a 15-20 minute gathering to connect with other newcomers and briefly hear from one of our clergy and vestry members. We will meet in the reading room adjacent to the sanctuary for coffee, treats, and conversation. 

Newcomer Lunch

Sunday, June 22 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

All Saints Love on a Plate is looking for volunteers!

Like to cook? Volunteer for Love on a Plate! 

Cooking and delivering a meal to a parishioner in need is a great way to connect with other members of the congregation, and help make some of life’s challenging chapters — illness, grief, welcoming a new baby — a little easier and less lonely.

No minimum commitment required. Email Kelly McNees (kellymcnees@gmail.com) to be added to our volunteer email list and receive a message when care opportunities come up. Participate when you can, and help lighten someone’s load.

Thank you for helping us care for each other!

Caregiver Connections

Monday, May 19 at 7:00 pm

The next meeting of Caregiver Connections, our monthly support group for caregivers, will be held on Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m. 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.

Photography as a Spiritual Practice

5-Week Small Group Focus: Creation

Participants in this small group will practice seeing Creation with new eyes by using their smart phone or other camera.

Gather on Zoom for this final Tuesday

May 20 from 7 - 8:30 pm

For more information, contact EileenCrowleyPhD@gmail.com.

2025 Climate Action Lobby Day

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Illinois State Capitol Building, 401 S. 2nd St. Springfield, IL 62756

Registration: free and open to all

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), in partnership with Faith in Place (an organization with which the All Saints’ is affiliated), is hosting another Advocacy Day next week in Springfield. You will have a chance to meet with your representatives to urge passage of legislation that accelerates climate and labor equity goals in the transportation, buildings, and power sectors. There will also be a rally. Free bus transportation is provided and you will be briefed on the issues on the way to Springfield. Click here to find out more. It’s not too late to register! (Remember to indicate on the form that you are affiliated with Faith in Place).

Mexico Outreach Thank You

Thank you to all who participated in the festivities on Sunday, May 4 to celebrate our relationship with Padre Bayron. He was very glad to see old friends and meet new members during the morning’s services and pleased to see that many of you expressed an interest in visiting him in Cuernavaca, which he considers an important part of the ongoing relationship with All Saints’ and his local congregations.



You can learn more here about this ministry and to donate to the 2025 fund.

ACTION! RECLAIMING CHICAGO, RECLAIMING OUR COMMUNITIES

THIS SUNDAY!  May 18, 2025 | 3 PM (SHARP) - 4:30 PM

 Immaculate Heart of Mary

 4517 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Join us as we recognize and celebrate: 60 homes sold and 60 new homeowners. And urge action on the next two steps in our Reclaiming Chicago campaign: 

• Securing a $15 MILLION commitment in the state budget for home buyers
• Obtaining permits for the next phase—70+ homes in development

Join new homeowners, potential homeowners, and neighborhood leaders working together across the south and west side to transform their blocks, neighborhoods, city and state!

REGISTER HERE To save your seat, and sign up to give or get a ride from All Saints

Have you wondered what happens to children in care who have nowhere to go?

Monday, May 19 at 6:00-7:30 pm

Center on Halsted

You are invited to an in-person Casual Conversation at the Center on Halsted to learn about being an Emergency Foster Home with Shelter Youth & Family Services. Get all your questions answered! Free event. Registration requested. MORE INFO HERE.

VOLUNTEER AT RAVENSWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES (RCS)

TUESDAYS:

Click to Volunteer Hub! 

RCS is also 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.

Parishioner Gina Shropshire is in the play!

TICKETS HERE

BRIDGE PERCUSSION CONCERT AT ALL SAINTS

Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: $10

Bridge Percussion is about collaboration and bringing people together. The members themselves come from a variety of backgrounds, including their professional experience in non-musical fields such as engineering, the restaurant industry, or law. Thomas Wolff, a member of the ensemble, is also a member of All Saints!

Website: https://www.bridgepercussion.com

Event at All Saints/Tickets: https://www.bridgepercussion.com/events/allsaints-5-24

The next vestry meeting will be on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00pm. Vestry meetings are open to parishioners. To see the most current Vestry Minutes click here.

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Dylan Masterson

Camera: June Coyne

www.allsaintschicago.org

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