Dear Friends in Christ,

I’m delighted to share that next month, St. A’s will welcome our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Paula Clark, as preacher and presider on Sunday morning, March 30! This is what is known as an official Episcopal visitation—where the bishop comes to worship with, hear from, and share fellowship with the parishes of the diocese, typically every 2-3 years. 

Episcopal visitations include the opportunity for baptism, as well as for the sacramental rites of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation. (You can read more about Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation here, if you’re interested.) Today I’m writing to ask: are you or a member of your household interested in being baptized, confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, or reaffirming your baptismal promises in a more public way, when the bishop visits on March 30? If so, please contact me today so we can begin planning together!

If you participated in our “St. A’s 101” formation series back in the fall, you may recall our discussion of how Reception into the denomination is not a requirement for membership and full participation in the life of St. A’s parish! But for some folks, it is a meaningful step to take, honoring and reflecting the spiritual journey that has led you to the church you call home today.

If you are interested in baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation with the bishop, please contact me now, before March 1. For those who did not attend St. A’s 101 in the fall, or who have not completed a baptism prep session with me, preparation will involve a couple of meetings (depending on group size) with me and other church leaders for study, prayer and fellowship during the month of March. I look forward to further conversation with you! 

In peace,

Nadia

I really do not have words for the overwhelm of love and gratitude I experienced last Sunday! Thank you to all who participated in creating the amazing scrapbook, thank you for the delicious Tag's cake and my favorite Waterloos, and mostly -- thank you for entrusting the children, youth and family formation programs to my leadership over the past years! I look forward to seeing how God continues to work at St. A's!! ~Becky

What does it mean to be spiritually inclusive of those living with dementia? To be dementia aware is not as easy as it sounds. Corkey and Larry Waite will again help us explore how supportive we are -- personally and as a parish -- of people living with dementia and those who love them. Please wear your name tags!

Gal pals, non-binary friends, and anyone who identifies as a woman: please join us for a Galentine’s celebration this Saturday, February 15, 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Parish Lounge! This adults-only event will celebrate feminine spirit and friendship. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) will be provided. Please bring a snack or treat to share if you are able. Questions? Contact Sarah Noda (sarah.trumble@gmail.com) or Devon Law (devon.prewitt@gmail.com).

Knitters and crocheters of any skill level (and those wanting to learn) are invited to the next gathering of St. A’s Prayer Shawl Guild this Saturday, February 15, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., hosted by Edie Stewart and held at Tina Haight's home (950 Augusta Way, Apt 301, Highland Park). New participants are always welcome; patterns are provided. Please contact Edie to let her know if you can attend. And save the dates for upcoming gatherings: March 22 and April 19.

Brew for Good is just around the corner -- time to buy your tickets! Bring your family and friends for live music and good brews and other beverages in the fabulous taproom at Sketchbook Brewing Company, Saturday, February 22, 7:30-10:00 p.m. This fun evening will support helping families secure and sustain stable housing through our common ministry, Family Promise Chicago North Shore. Please check the flyer or the link for more information and to purchase your tickets. Thank you for your continued faithful support. See you there! For more information contact Julia Joehl.

Last week, 16 members of St. A's -- both staff and parishioners -- completed the American Red Cross CPR/AED training. Everyone should be aware that St. A's has an AED. It is located in the hallway, next to the nametags, just before the pulpit-side entrance to the Sanctuary. Thank you for making note of its location!

Congratulations to parishioners Margot & Buz Graettinger on the birth of their (6th!) grandchild, Benjamin Winters Graettinger, who was born on February 6, weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. Benjamin and his mom, Anna Douglass Graettinger, who live in Arlington, Virginia, are both doing well. Congratulations may be sent to the Graettingers; their address can be found in Realm.

A funeral service for parishioner Chuck Powell, who passed away on February 3, will be held at St. Augustine's on Saturday, March 8, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in Puhlman Hall. All are welcome to attend.

• February’s Food Collection is for St. Cyprian’s Food Pantry in Chicago. Your donations can be left in the hallway. Questions? Please contact Bruce Caris.

• If you are interested in volunteering your time in the Nursery or Sunday School, please contact Becky Wright. Lessons will be planned and materials are provided.

• If you would like to contribute to the new Chapel door (more info here), checks may be written payable to St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (1140 Wilmette Ave. Wilmette, IL 60091) with “Memorial Chapel Door” in the memo, or through Realm (Giving, +Give, select Memorial Chapel Door from the fund drop down menu).

• The next meeting of St. A's Book Group will be Thursday, March 6, at 7:15 p.m. (If God is Love, Don't Be a Jerk by John Pavlovitz)

• A limited number of large print bulletins are now available on Sundays. Please see an usher.

• After the Sunday service, check out the beautiful St. Mary's needlepoint kneelers photos by parishioner Bill Walter, located in the hallway (left of the altar) going into St. Mary’s Chapel.

Support Newly Arrived / Migrant Donations Ministry (new kitchen items needed!)

Coffee Hour at St. A's - This Sunday: last names beginning K-R

This Sunday's Music Notes

Season of Epiphany Service Music Notes

Sign Up to Donate the Weekly Altar Flowers (scroll to bottom of webpage)