With the retirement of Brian Hastings already announced and set for December 31, 2023, we wanted to quickly share all the ways you can join us in celebrating his ministry and time with Church of Our Saviour. We hope that you will all consider how you and your family might participate in these moments, not only to say 'goodbye', but to process Brian's departure with love, grace, and excitement about the future.
Per Brian's request, we have organized smaller, more personal opportunities to connect with him and with one another. Here are some ways to celebrate Brian's ministry. (further details are below).
- House Eucharists, hosted by COSers
- The Farewell to the Parish Hall Event, Dec 1
- Special Receptions Following Sunday Services on Dec 31
- Schedule a coffee or meal with Brian
- Contribute to Brian's Retirement Purse
Some COSers have offered to host House Eucharists in the style of the early church; gathering in fellowship and with a meal, while celebrating Holy Communion. If you are interested in attending one of these, please contact the hosts directly for availability. Seating is limited.
Kris and Greg Gleason (Wilmette)
11/11/23 | 7 available seats
Nancy and Jim Ruprecht (River North)
11/16/23 | 7 available seats
Peg and Don Swanson (Kenwood)
11/18/23 | 7 available seats
Salme and Michael Steinberg (Lincoln Park)
12/2/23 | 9 available seats
Morag Fullilove (Ravenswood)
Week of Advent II (date to be announced soon)
Along with the Farewell to the Parish Hall event, scheduled for December 1, another great opportunity to gather and celebrate together will be the special receptions following all three Sunday services on December 31. This will officially be Brian's last Sunday at COS so be sure to be there!
Finally, it is customary to gather a purse or farewell financial gift when a rector retires. If you would like to contribute to Brian's Retirement Purse you can do so online at www.chicagocos.org/give and select the Retirement Purse fund or by clicking here. You can also contribute via check, noting 'retirement purse' in the memo.
And, if you cannot make one of the gatherings above, or wish to visit privately, you can contact the office anytime before December 31 to set up a one-on-one time to visit with Brian over coffee or a simple meal.
We hope you are able to include one or more of the events listed above into your schedule so that we all have the chance to celebrate together and thank Brian for his many years of love and service here at COS.
