Dear Friends in Christ,

“Plenty good room.” 

What comes to mind when you hear that phrase? 

Maybe you think of Jesus’ promise, made to his friends before he died, that “in my father’s house there are many rooms…and I am going to prepare a place for you”—and you take comfort in his words.  

Perhaps you know that it’s the title of an old spiritual—and you start humming the tune without realizing it. 

Or maybe, like me, you think of a dinner table to which more people than expected keep showing up…and yet, somehow there’s enough for everyone to get what they need—nourishment for both body and soul. 

This Sunday, we will kick off our Annual Giving Campaign, where we invite every household to reflect on the abundance you’ve received from God, to celebrate the impact of our shared mission and ministry within and beyond the church, and to pledge to financially support the church’s 2027 budget. The theme for this year’s campaign is Plenty Good Room. On Sunday in our worship, we’ll hear from a few parishioners about how they feel nurtured or stretched by God’s grace at work in the church. After the service, we’ll celebrate with special treats during coffee hour in Puhlman Hall—where you can also pick up your giving campaign packet (and save us the postage of mailing it to you!). 

Over the course of the next few weeks, I look forward to discovering how God’s promise of plenty good room for all will take shape within us and among us, as we dwell together in the present and look together with hope to the future we share. 

In Christ’s expansive peace,

Nadia 

Please join us this Sunday, October 25, following the service as we welcome back our monthly Christian meditation group. Whether you are curious about meditation, trying it for the first time, or have an established practice, we would love to have you join us.

We will begin with a brief introduction and guidance, followed by a period of silent meditation and an opportunity for reflection and sharing.

Christian meditation invites us to step away from the busyness of everyday life and cultivate stillness of body and mind. In that stillness, we create space for prayer and a deeper awareness of the presence of the Living God in the here and now. Jesuit Priest, William Johnston, describes sitting meditation as the practice of sitting silently and receiving the love of God in the depths of one’s being. 

We will gather in the chapel 15 minutes after the Sunday service and finish in approximately 30 minutes.

No experience is necessary—just come as you are. All are warmly welcome!

On Sunday, November 1, as we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, you are invited to commemorate our beloved departed gastronomically—at a special All Saints Sunday potluck coffee hour. Make or pick up a treat or snack that was a favorite of someone you have loved and lost, and share it on the potluck table at coffee hour. (For example: Dad’s favorite lemon bars, or Aunt Emmy’s spinach dip.) We’ll have cards where you can list what you made, and in whose memory. Feel free to bring copies of the recipe to share too, if you’d like. As we feast together, we can share stories of the saints who have nourished us in our lives! Sign up on the bulletin board this Sunday to let us know what you will be bringing on November 1st!

St. A’s is once again participating in the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing Christmas Basket Program. There are a few families left to adopt! Wish lists and information for each household are posted on the Outreach bulletin board in the hallway. Please put your name and contact information on the sign-up sheet next to the number of the family you select. Detailed information on preparing your gifts is attached to each household wish list. Gifts are due to St. A’s no later than Sunday, November 29. Questions? Contact Theresa Kimball (augustine@staschurch.org; 513-460-9915) or Hilary James (pdjames3317@gmail.com; 847-644-9824). Thank you for your support of this wonderful and vital ministry!

Rose Hall Montessori School, located in St. A's building, has extended an invitation to all interested adults for their parent education night this evening, Thursday, October 22, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Puhlman Hall. Guest speaker Molly Pope will speak on "The Secret to Cooperation: Routines & Rituals That Work." Click here to learn more about this free, adults-only event; and please rsvp to admin@rosehallmontessori.org.

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 on Saturday, October 24, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Kristie Webber’s home (1508 Oakwood Ave, Highland Park). New participants are always welcome; patterns are provided. Please contact Kristie to let her know if you can attend. Then save the date for the next gathering on Saturday, November 14, 1:00 p.m. at Dorothy Dygos’ home.

A beautiful tradition at St. A’s is remembering the names of our beloved dead on All Saints’ Sunday. The names will be represented visually as we have done in the past few years. To be included in this remembrance, please submit the name(s) of those you love but see no longer by completing the form found in the pews this Sunday (or here) or by emailing Theresa. All submissions must be received no later than this Monday, October 26. All those whose ashes are interred in our Columbarium and all who have been buried from St. A’s in the last year will be remembered; please do not list those names. All others are remembered by request only.

Many thanks to the wonderful group of volunteers from St. A’s and St. E’s who supported our Family Promise families last week. Delicious meals, overnight support, and sincere fellowship happened every night. In fact, around the table after dinner one night the moms expressed their appreciation saying that, of the congregations where they were housed, St. Augustine’s is the one with the most welcoming set up, nice sleeping rooms and people every night who spent time in some great conversations. Our volunteers see that appreciation goes both ways as we engage with these determined parents working to return to stability. Thank you to all who support Family Promise in various ways: hands on support and in-kind donations of goods and funds. St. A's NEXT HOST WEEK is November 15-22. Help will be needed for set up, overnight support, meals and fellowship. Please click here to volunteer. Any and all support is welcome and needed. Many hands make work light! For more information please contact Kathy Gander or Julia Joehl, coordinators.

You are invited to a discussion of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi on Thursday, November 12, at 7:15 p.m. The meeting will be held both in Puhlman Hall and on Zoom (pw: lacroix). Everyone is welcome, even if you haven’t participated in one of our previous meetings. Questions? Please contact Sue Nebel.

Coffee Hour at St. A's

This Sunday: special coffee hour in celebration of annual giving kickoff

This Sunday's Music Notes; Seasonal Service Music Notes

Donate the Weekly Altar Flowers (bottom of page)

Music & Hymn Request Form

Supporting Our Neighbors (collecting: deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, and toothpaste)