We are now seemingly in the midst of the bleak mid-winter!  That's ok--it's Chicago, it's January, it's supposed to be way cold.  Good news: we continue to move ahead with our construction work.  I am grateful that the vestry has approved two change orders (for approximately $32K--we have $28K in cash and will use approximately $4k on our line of credit) that will among other things enable us to create a much more accessible crawl space to reach and maintain many of our heating and water pipes.  Up to now those pipes have been left to their own devices because only a plumber the size of 9 year old could wriggle into the space.  At our most recent city of Chicago building inspection, the inspector was extremely impressed with the quality of the work.  I am delighted due to your incredible generosity that we are shoring up our foundation for, hopefully, another 125 years of ministry.  Many thanks to Ron Young our contractor and his very skilled and conscientious team.  You will have a chance to meet Ron at our ANNUAL MEETING which will be taking place next Sunday at 10:00 am.  I hope to see all of you there!!

We are still in need of people to bring side dishes and chilli so please contact, Lynda Hazen at lynda.hazen@sbcglobal.net to sign up.  This year's annual meeting theme is depending upon how you spell it:  Wholly, Holy (W)Hole!  

HAVE YOU MADE A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT OUR MINISTRIES IN 2012?  IF SO, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!  IF NOT--CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO MAKE OUR MINISTRIES A REALITY RIGHT NOW!

This Saturday (tomorrow!), I invite you to join me for a conversation about our worship services: What they have been and what we would like them to be.  We'll gather from 9 to 1, engage in some thoughtful conversation and have a light lunch.  No previous worship planning experience needed!

This Sunday our Youth Group will gather at 2 for a couple of hours of pre-finals bowling.  If you find yourself in 7th grade or older--come on out!

In the meantime--enjoy the snow and stay warm.

All the best,

Bonnie 

Now that all of those "official" holiday parties are over, it's time to let down your hair and enjoy a relaxing evening. Thanks to the generosity of Mark Ballard, we will be having a fundraising party at the Fat Cat, 4840 N. Broadway on Saturday, January 21. For your donation of $25 you will get plenty of holiday cheer, an open bar from 7:00-8:30 pm, (of course, you are welcome to stay as long as you like), and the great feeling of helping some friends.  Highly-rated comfort food as well as valet parking is also available.

Your donation will go to help our friends at Santa María Virgen.  Padre Byron Chanchavac and his congregation have been working ever since our visit there in August to develop goals and a program to revive the church and plan for the future. At the top of almost every list they have compiled is "learning more about what it means to be an Anglican". There are very few materials available in Mexico, but the Episcopal Church here has been developing educational resources in Spanish.  We would like to help out by sending Padre Chanchavac materials (in Spanish) that they can use as well as some new prayerbooks for his growing congregation.

It's not too late! Get your tickets here. Tickets also available at the door. Contact Dave or Karen Howe for more information.

When:  Sunday, January 22nd at 1:00 pm-3:00pm

Where:  3700 N Western

How:  You can drop your youth off at All Saints' by 12:30 pm OR drop them off at Waveland Bowl, just let us know!

Shoe rental included, electronically scored lanes!  WOOHOO!

Lunch at a local mexican restaurant will immediately follow the bowling extravaganza. The day should conclude about 4:30-5:00 pm.

Please, please, please RSVP if your child will attend if you haven't already done so! Contact Beth Lee with questions or email asyg@allsaintschicago.org

The Liturgical Ministers are the group of folks at All Saints' who enrich our worship services by serving as Ushers, Scripture readers, Prayers of the People leaders and Chalice bearers. Training is provided. If you are interested in helping with this important ministry to our parish, please contact Kathy O'Donoghue, Liturgical Minister Coordinator at liturgicalministers@allsaintschicago.org.

We will gather at 6:30 for a light supper, followed by an Adult Faith Explorations session. Our meal will be hosted by Lionel Edes and the AFE discussion will be facilitated by Kathy O'Donoghue.  This month's 

AFE topic: Celtic Spirituality.

Our look at Celtic Spirituality will highlight a number of features of the Early Celtic Christian Church, which included a love of nature and a passion for the wild and elemental as a reminder of God's gifts to humankind. Celtic Spirituality emphasized the belief that there were "thin spaces", where God was closer to us than in other places. They also developed the idea of having a "soul friend" (anamchara) to help in one's spiritual direction, highlighted the need for personal confession and had a mandate for hospitality within their communities. Come and learn a little about this important tradition and then share in a time of Celtic prayer and meditation.

Suggested Donation to cover meal cost is $7 per person. Childcare will be provided. Reservations for childcare are necessary to provide an adequate number of volunteers for the kids.

Sign up for the supper by emailing Andrew Freeman at andrew@allsaintschicago.org. Please sign up by Sunday, January 29 to reserve your place at the supper- we need to know in advance so we know how much food to prepare.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Michelle Lester or email adultformation@allsaintschicago.org.

If you didn't take Bonnie up on her invitation to read the Gospel of Mark, you are off the hook.

Experience the action-packed Gospel of Mark brought to life as Biblical storytellers from the Chicago-area Prairie Wind Guild, including our own Juleigh Ruby, ­­­­­­­­­tell it by heart. Mark is about the length of a feature film. Admission is free but a collection will be taken to defray expenses and continue the work of the guild, which is to "encourage everyone to learn and tell Biblical stories."  Please spread to word to neighbors, friends, and nearby churches.  This is an event not to be missed.

Sunday, February 12, 3-5 pm. Parish Hall

Would you be willing to bake a casserole for a family who has had a new child? What about giving a ride to someone who can't otherwise make it to church? 

If you are interested in serving the All Saints' community, please join the Care Database! Send your email and phone number to care@allsaintschicago.org. When a need arises, you will get an email and information on how to help. 

Just one visit, one meal, one ride can make all the difference in the world to someone who needs it! Thank you!

Beginning in February, All Saints' will host a monthly "Interview to Win" Boot Camp offered by the nonprofit Jobbing America Foundation.  This one and a half day workshop helps unemployed and underemployed participants identify their strengths and passions, refine their interview skills and develop a personal brand to communicate the best they have to offer to potential employers.  Each participant also makes five video presentations and receives individual coaching and peer group feedback to improve their presentation skills.  The "Interview to Win" Boot Camp will maximize your strengths, help you build an interviewing strategy and provide a forum for you to practice with your peers.  Our workshop will positively, absolutely, and dramatically increase your chances to land the job of your dreams.  

There is a maximum of 15 participants per month, so early registration is encouraged.  The full workshop cost, including 12 hours of training and two meals, is $279, and there are scholarships available for those who need it the most and can afford it the least.  Register online at www.JobbingAmerica.org, or contact Laura Youngberg at Laura@JobbingAmerica.org to learn more about the program and possible scholarships.

 Program Dates:

February 16 (6-9pm) - February 17 (8am-5pm)

March 15 (6-9pm) - March 16 (8am-5pm)

April 19 (6-9pm) - April 20 (8am-5pm)

May 17 (6-9pm) - May 18 (8am-5pm)