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News for the Week of:

January 29, 2023

Dear Friends, 

 

All I want is to trumpet our Annual Meeting and make jokes about how spicy we are and encourage us all to celebrate all the “hot” things we’ve done in the past year. And there is SO much to celebrate! 

 

But I am also aware that this past week has been a particularly violent one in our too-violent country: three mass shootings, two within as many days in California. We have had 40 mass shootings so far in 2023—more shootings than days. We have all prayed and written to our elected officials and voted and, yet, gun violence persists. As a nation we seem unwilling to act for peace, and many of us grow weary, even hopeless, as we hear about the next shooting, and the next, and the next . . . 

 

One of the many things I love about All Saints, though, is our irrepressible spirit, our conviction that God calls us to act for justice, to find a way when there seems to be no way. I love that even in the face of sorrow we know how to laugh and dance and love one another. It is those very qualities, combined with faith, and the power of God that keeps us from giving up hope, that keeps us stretching towards God’s dream of justice and God’s that one day the lion will lie down with the lamb and swords will be beaten into plowshares.

 

So, come on Sunday and luxuriate in the Annual Meeting, take joy in our community. For as Sojourner Truth said, “Life is a hard battle . . . if we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”

 

See you in church, Beloved.


Faithfully, Suzanne+

There will be no 11:00am service this Sunday, January 29.
News and Events

Masks Strongly Encouraged

 

As people return from traveling during the Christmas holiday and a number of viruses are circulating, we know masking is an effective way to protect one another from contagion and illness. We strongly encourage the wearing of masks when in large groups at church. If you have forgotten your mask and would like one, there are masks near the front doors of the church; ask an usher. 

 

As we continue to care for one another and stay healthy in this time,

  • Please do not come to church if you or your child has any cold or flu symptoms (cough, sniffles, congestion, fever, etc.); instead, worship with us online at 11:00am!
  • Choose an effective mask; N95 and KN95 masks are best.
  • Ensure that you and your children are fully vaccinated.

 

If you have questions or desire a conversation, please contact Suzanne at [email protected] or 773.724.1352.

This year, we'll have a hybrid Annual Meeting: you can join the meeting in person in the parish hall or online. Whether you are in the house or online, you can comment, vote, and stand for election. 

 

Annual Meetings at All Saints are joyous, festive affairs. Yes, we handle the business of the church—reviewing the past year, examining past financials, receiving the budget passed by vestry for the current year, electing members to the vestry and delegates to diocesan convention—but we also have fun sharing food and stories, competing for that elusive “seconds” prize, and dreaming about the upcoming year. It’s sort of like the State of the Union but without partisan drama. And this year, it’s going to be SPICY! 


In case you missed it last Wednesday, you can find our detailed email here.


To join the meeting on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81334332369?pwd=QndCTG45RTd0dXQvR2VYdjArVERmQT09


Meeting ID: 813 3433 2369

Passcode: 445912


Our 2022 Annual Report can be found here.

An updated Gift Acceptance policy can be found here.


In order to conserve resources, we kindly ask that you download these documents onto your own devices, print them out at home, and bring them with you. We'll have a very limited number of printed copies available at the meeting.

 

Due to the Annual Meeting Sunday, we'll have an 8:00am and a 9:00am service, but no 11:00am service.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Chicago

Notice of Resolution to be considered at the 

Annual Meeting, January 29, 2023


Subject: Amend Section 9. Treasurer.  Article 9.1 of All Saints’ Bylaws


RESOLUTION


Resolved, that Section 9. Treasurer. Article 9.1 of the Bylaws of All Saints’ Episcopal Church be amended as follows.



Section 9.1 Eligibility.  The Treasurer shall be a Parish Member and of 21 or more years of age.  The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Vestry or Rector for a term of one two years.  A person may not serve more than two consecutive terms.  The Treasurer may be reappointed after the first two-year term for a one-year term.  A person may not serve more than four consecutive years.  However, that person may be reappointed after 12 months has elapsed since their last term.


EXPLANATION


The role of Treasurer is complex, and a one-year term is insufficient to become familiar with the finances of the church. By currently limiting the Treasurer to two consecutive one-year terms, the church loses a Treasurer just as that person has become competent in the role. An initial two-year term guarantees the Treasurer time to learn the role and complete the associated tasks with confidence. If the person desires and the Vestry or Rector agree, the Treasurer can be appointed for up to two additional one-year terms.



NOTE: According to Section 16 of the Bylaws of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, the Bylaws may be amended by 2/3’s majority vote at any annual meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose pursuant to the applicable Canon.  No such amendment shall be valid unless public notice shall have been given of the proposed amendment at all regular services on the two Sundays preceding the date of such meeting.

URGENT: ALL SAINTS NEEDS YOU!

Sign up below if you can help us out with setting up, providing food, or cleaning up after our Annual Meeting this Sunday, January 29:


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0a4caea622a1f94-annual#/

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. It also helps 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 to add your name to our volunteer email list and receive a message when care opportunities arise. Participate when you can and help lighten someone’s load! 

Calling All Newcomers!


Interested in connecting with others? Are you wondering about ways to get involved? Do you want to learn more about the seasons of Lent and Holy Week at All Saints? If so, join us for lunch, conversation, and connection on Sunday, February 19 at 12:45 PM


Sign up here


If you have questions, please email Courtney at [email protected]

THIS SUNDAY: All Saints Youth Group


The All Saints Youth Group (ASYG) will continue to meet in the Parish Hall on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 3:30-5:30pm. All youth (7th Grade and older) are welcome. Please email Liz Bartels with any questions. Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, January 29.

Bread, Wine, and Word: "Love Stories, Love Songs”

Friday, February 10, 6:30 - 8:30pm.

 

Just in time for Valentine's Day, our stories will focus on that loftiest of emotions. We'll provide a hearty soup or stew. Please brings drinks, simple food (cheese, bread, dips, etc.), and possibly a story to share. Or bring nothing and just come!

 

If you do plan to tell a story, prepare a 3-5 minute story about love: love for your spouse, love for your children, love for your pet, love for your favorite casserole recipe… The point of gathering is to connect with one another, so your story should be real, your own, and focus on events and feelings rather than proving a point or teaching a lesson.

 

No pressure if you don’t want to tell a story, but if you do, stay within 3-5 minutes and consider taking a risk. If you are new to storytelling, The Moth offers these great GUIDELINES

 

Interested? Sign up here!


Questions? Contact Colin Collette at [email protected].

Join webinars on racial reconciliation work


“Past Reckoning: Exploring the Racial History of the Moravian and Episcopal Churches,” a webinar series presented by the Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee Racial Reconciliation Working Group, examines racial histories of the two churches and how new methods for racial reconciliation are working in ecumenical contexts.

 

You can join the webinars on Zoom from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Central (7:00 to 8:30pm EST) on February 1 and February 8.


Register here.

United Power: Come Make Good Trouble in 2023!


February 18-20: Community Organizing Leadership Training 

Offered by United Power: this training will provide an overview of key concepts and critical components essential to building strong community groups and connecting those groups into a broad based organization necessary to create power.

 

TO REGISTER AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT: 

https://forms.gle/pefdwGqBJMR2n4CN6

Cost: $85.00. Scholarships available, speak to Courtney.

 

2022 Year-End Report

United Power’s work is tackling pressing issues in our communities—housing, mental health reform, gun violence—and holding the public and private sectors accountable for doing their part to address those issues. Learn more, check out the United Power year end report.

 

Questions? Contact Barbara Manley at [email protected] or 312-953–8802.

Food donation needed for RCS After School Pantries


Ravenswood Community Services is seeking donations of food items for its after school pantry program. Specific items are needed and include - canned pasta sauce, plastic jars of peanut butter, kid friendly cereal, and cans of chicken noodle soup.  Any brand of these items is acceptable, however, please do not donate any item in a glass jar. 


How to help:


● You may purchase any of these items and bring them to church where we will have collection boxes just inside the front doors.  

● You can purchase any of the items using the links below and ship them directly to Ravenswood Community Services, 4550 N. Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60640.

 

Canned pasta sauce


Plastic jars of peanut butter

 

Kid friendly cereal

 

Cans of chicken noodle soup

 

● Or you can donate directly to RCS here.

 

Any way that you choose to give will make a difference for the families we serve. And if you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, you can learn more here or email Parker Callahan.

Can You Help Veterans Make Their Homes Complete?


We’re collecting gently used (or new) small kitchen items - especially flatware, utensils, and anything needed for cooking. The Midwest Veteran’s Closet in North Chicago helps veterans and active military to transition from homeless to housed. A list of those needs can be found here.


We'll set up a box at the Church entrance to collect all donated items for four weeks starting January 22. We can also do car-to-car transfer on Sundays for larger loads or call Katie Nolan at 573-727-9164 (calls only please, no texts) for pick-up. We'll transport items to the site in North Chicago. 


Any questions you have about this endeavor please contact Katie Nolan or Therese Stasik at [email protected].

One Book, One Diocese: Resurrection Hope

An invitation from the Peace and Justice Committee


In 2023, the Peace and Justice Committee invites the diocese to participate in its inaugural "One Book, One Diocese" discussion of Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter by the Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas.


If enough of us from All Saints participate, we'll host our own book discussion after Easter. The Diocesan Peace and Justice Committee will also offer online discussions on Zoom on April 13 and April 25 at 7 pm.

Pre-Lenten Men’s Retreat 2023

February 10-11



The 20th Annual Diocesan Pre-Lenten Men’s Retreat will be held at the DeKoven Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin from Friday, February 10 to Saturday, February 11. This 24-hour event will be the first in-person Diocesan Men’s Retreat since February 2020, following a two-year break due to COVID.


The retreat will be led by Bishop Whayne Hougland Jr., interim rector of St. Chrysostom’s. The theme of the retreat is “Renewal and New Beginnings.” Find more details and a registration form online.

All Saints Book Club


The All Saints Book Club is now supporting the book sanctuary initiative. We plan to include at least one banned book each year in our reading plan starting in 2023. 


The All Saints Book Club continues to meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM on Zoom. If you are not a regular attendee, email Mike Burke at [email protected] for a meeting invite and our spring schedule.


Our next scheduled meeting will be on February 9, 2023 during which we'll discuss A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.

We Pray For

Those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit: especially for Bill Hamm, Lynn Goodman, Cynthia Flores, Jenna Rabideaux, Cynthia Flores, Hubert Hawbecker, Janet Morris Jones, Bob Hannah, Berenice Mascorro, Lori Fitzgerald, and for those whose hurt, burdens, and fears go unspoken.


For those on our long-term prayer list: Ashton Christy, Kirsten Rehnberg, Debi Armstrong, Mickey Safranek, Suzanne Shear, Ann J, Clyde Propst, Peter Donalek, James Guite, Nina Chinn, Jim Crandall, Juleigh Ruby, Lionel Edes, Clara Maddox, Kamila and Kathy, Paul, Mary Logue


For those around the world: the people of Ukraine and all affected by war; all affected by the pandemic; and our brothers and sisters in Cuernavaca, Mexico; Renk, Sudan; and throughout Latin America and East Africa


For those who celebrate birthdays this week:

1/29 - Yvette Hernandez, Jesse Marinelli

1/30 - Laura Youngberg, Charlie Simokaitis

1/31 - Matthew Hanes, Priscilla McGraw

2/1 - Sylvia Soyster

2/3 - Stephen Christy

2/4 - Lauren Erbach Barnfield, Libby Elliff


For those who celebrate anniversaries this week:

2/3 - Charlie and Jen Simokaitis

2/4 - Julie Deprey, David Jennerjahn


For those who have died: for Sandra Hazen Burke, sister of Lynda Hazen. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, and may God comfort those who grieve.


If you'd like to have someone included in our community prayers, please email: [email protected].

Request Prayer
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