Merry Christmas!  Almost.  I know many of you are racing around trying to get everything done before the big day.  I find myself in a similar position.  I know that many of us are somewhat overwhelmed with all we have to do.  I find myself in a similar position.  I know that many of us may be hit with unexpected waves of grief as we find ourselves missing loved ones.  Again I find myself feeling similarly.  

I also know that some of us are about to start brand new phases of our lives--when come what may--we are striking out on a different path.  And isn't that much of what the birth of Jesus is all about?  In the midst of these dark, somewhat overwhelming days, isn't this just the time to see new life born in our midst? To see and nurture a vulnerable new way, a new life.  My prayer for you and for myself is that we may each stop long enough to see that Holy  life being born in our midst.  

"For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord....You will find the babe wrapped in bands of cloths lying in a manger...!"

May we take a left, a right or make a u-turn and go and see that babe in that manger.  May we begin, again, anew.  

In Christ's Holy Name,

Bonnie

P.S. I'll be away visiting family the week between Christmas and New Year's. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Fran at 312-401-2058.

On the building side of things--once again we were blessed with weather in the forties as we poured our new foundation!!!!!  We are making great great progress.  I am so grateful to David Jennerjahn, Ron Young, Stephen Christy, and Ed Torrez for their hard work and leadership on this project.

Here are some photos of the foundation pre and post cement.

Bonnie inspecting excavation work under the church

Note the beautiful new steel joists!

        Ready to pour concrete!            Note the red wall jacks for more                                                            stability

 Our new foundation!

Come join Bishop Lee and eminent authors Brian McLaren and Diana Butler Bass as they light fires, issue permission slips and dismiss fears about the future of the church.  It's all part of the Great Awakening and its a festival that you don't want to miss.  Visit www.seabury.edu/events for more information and to register.  

If you or your child would like to be baptized at All Saints', you'll need to plan on attending one of the pre-baptismal counseling sessions in advance of your baptism date. To sign up for a particular date, please contact the Parish Office at 773-561-0111 or info@allsaintschicago.org. To find out more information about baptism, please contact one our clergy, either Bonnie Perry (bonnie@allsaintschicago.org) or Fran Holliday (fran@allsaintschicago.org), or call the church office at (773) 561-0111.

Pre-Baptismal Counseling Sessions on Saturday, January 7 or 14 at 9am