I heard the choir practicing Wednesday night--they sounded fabulous.  I got a preview of the sermon Wednesday afternoon--its a very good piece. Lots of compelling things coming our way Sunday morning during our worship.  It's going to be one of those "normal" days at All Saints'.  No streamers, no tubas, no bishops--just a space to sit with God and each other, hear some scripture and spend some time making sense of our lives.  Good things to do on a fall morning.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you.

 

All the best,

 

Bonnie

 

P.S.

Please pledge.  We'd love to have an idea of what sorts of cool ministries we can do in 2012.  Knowing how invested you are in making events come to fruition will enable us to create a compelling budget. (yes, yes I did pair compelling and budget...)

 

By way of an update on our building, we continue to make substantive progress on our North wall project.  We're also finally fixing the crumbling steps on the South side of the rectory by the gangway.  Never a dull moment. 

 

We thank all who took time to write powerful prayer flags, hang the flags and the papal picado, and create the ofrendas and the 86 flowers placed around our altar to remember 86 Chicago children killed by violence in 2010.  We invite you to take a flower or two home with you and to pray for these children, their families, and their perpetrators. If you are interested in working with the Justice Circle to address the root causes of this violence and reclaim urban childhood for all, contact Joey Sylvester (neworleans@allsaintschicago.org) or come to the December 12 Justice Circle meeting at 7 pm.

It's time to trim our mitten tree with warm hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves for our neighbors who come for food and fellowship every Tuesday evening. The tree will go up for the first Sunday of Advent (November 27) and remain in the sanctuary to be draped with warm gifts until after the Christmas pageant on December 18. Donations will be accepted any time, though. Chicago's winter is long and cold, especially for folks who are living on the streets; the need is enormous and continues long after the holidays. Store-bought and handmade items gratefully accepted.

And, please join the ECW on Monday, December 12th at 7:30pm in the parish hall to finish any mitten tree projects! Feel free to bring Holiday snack and/or libations to nosh on while we put the finishing touches on this season's additions to the All Saints' tree!

 

Come join us for an oasis of quiet in the midst of holiday frenzy at 7:00 pm on Wednesdays: November 30; December 7, 14, and 21. 

 

This service of Evening Prayer is in the style of the Taizé community in France. Each candle-lit service lasts about 40 minutes and features meditative music, readings, prayers, and silence. Please join us in the choir area.

Advent Quiet Day
Saturday, December 3, 10am-2pm

This year in addition to Advent Camp for our little ones, we'll also be having a Quiet Day for anyone interested in spending some time in reflection and contemplation on Saturday, December 3 from 10 to 2.  The Rev. Linda Packard, retired rector of Church of Our Savior will be our guest leader.

for Children 4-9 Years-Old
Saturday, December 3 from 10am-2pm

All children 4 to 9 years old are invited to join in our "Saturday Camp" day for Advent - We will celebrate the beginning of this liturgical season with songs, prayer, stories, games and crafts that help us think more about how we prepare for the coming of Christ. We will begin in the Parish Hall (1757 W. Wilson) at 10:00am. Friends and neighbors (4 to 9 years old) are welcome to join us. Simple lunch will be included. We are asking for a $5 fee per child to cover the cost of lunch and materials. 

 

If your child wants to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Polly Tangora (773-878-7118 or polly@allsaintschicago.org) as soon as possible as we only have room for 20 children. We will not be able to accept reservations after noon on Wednesday, November 30th. 

 

Adults (parent or not) willing to help with the day would be most welcome- please let Polly know if you are available to help. There is also room for some 9+ children willing to assist.

 

First Wednesday Supper Club
Wednesday, December 7 at 6PM (a change from the normal 6:30)

Ground Sirloin Chili w/Red Means; Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup (made with vegetable stock); Panzenella Salad (freshly baked Italian seasoned croutons with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and pesto drizzle); Bread and Butter. 

 

Suggested Donation to cover meal cost

$7 per person

 

Babysitting Day December 10 from 11am-2pm
Looking for kid-free time to get your Christmas shopping done?

Good news!!! We are holding another babysitting day here at All Saints' on Saturday, December 10th from 11:00 - 2:00. All ages are welcome. We will have games, movies, and snacks/lunch. Cost is $15 per child per hour, and all money raised benefits our operating budget!

 

Please e-mail Christy Drackett (christydrackett@gmail.com) to register in advance. (We need to know how many kids we'll have to make sure we have enough volunteers!)

No shopping to finish. No presents to wrap. Just our lovely old building dressed up in its Christmas best, Advent readings and beautiful music to help us reflect on the season and its loveliness.

Beer and Carols

Sunday, December 18 at 5:30pm (following Lessons and Carols)

 

The only thing better than going caroling is going caroling at your neighborhood Irish pub. We'll gather in the back room at O'Shaughnessy's Public House at the corner of Wilson and Ravenswood (fondly known as the church annex), eat food, drink beer (and other equally attractive non-alcoholic beverages) and sing carols....lots of carols. This is arguably the best way to keep warm on a cold winter's night. RSVP via the Facebook event here or email beau@allsaintschicago.org.