I want to thank everyone who worked so very hard on creating and experiencing last week's annual meeting.  Hats off to Lisa Russell and Lynda Hazen and the gazillion people who made chili! I also want to thank our vestry members who did a wonderful job setting up and cleaning up after the big event.  As usual Eileen Krause was there to troubleshoot all of our technical needs.  I like to think of her ministry as 'microphones for Jesus'!  Charlie Simokaitis, Ahn Gallagher and Becky Gould were the masterminds behind the beautiful photos and Jack Garland was a magnificent presider.  We have more copies of the Annual Report which would not have happened without Christy Drackett, Michelle Mayes and Andrew Freeman.  This year, Andrea Knepper's slideshow was only second to the pink and purple hair dye so readily offered to me by our acolytes! Lastly, I want to thank all of you for the 11th edition of the newly revised Robert's Rules of Order and the Five Star BCU Sea Kayak Training.  I am so very thankful and proud to serve our congregation.  You rock!

Next week we'll be blessing our newly repaired foundation and newly re-installed ramp.

This week we'll be a bit more low key: gathering, connecting with each other, perhaps introducing ourselves or re-introducing ourselves to one of the people we see each week and just can't remember their name and we don't want to ask because we've asked them before and we are embarrassed that we just can't quite remember their name--but we'll do it anyway--because it turns out that person can't remember our name either.... We'll offer our hopes and fears to God, (who has never forgotten our name) and we'll continue to be that quirky faith community on the corner of Hermitage and Wilson filled with people who long to be loved and desire to make a difference.  I'm looking forward to seeing you all.

Blessings,

Bonnie

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 (that's TOMORROW, Saturday February 4th at 3pm). 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.

Following church next Sunday, the Young Adults Group will be heading over to Lincoln Lanes at 4874 N. Lincoln Ave. (directly above the hardware store, next to McDonald's).

Cost is $5/person per game, and $4 for shoe rental. CASH ONLY.

Pizza will be ordered, and there is a bar. 

Interested? Questions? Contact Austin O'Donoghue at amod1029@comcast.net 

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

This year the Solemn Communion Group will begin meeting on February 11th from 8:30 to 10:30am in the Reading Room.  Meeting dates are February  11, 18, 25 and March 3, 10 and an all-day retreat on March 17th.

Solemn Communion is a program for children aged 8 or older in which time is spent reflecting on and learning about the meaning of the Eucharist in preparation for making a "solemn communion."

The children meet for five two-hour sessions on  Saturday mornings and then participate in an all-day retreat  Saturday, March 17 from 9am to 4pm with a celebratory family Eucharist from 3-4pm and a short reception after. Children must be able to attend at least 4 of the two-hour sessions as well as the retreat day to participate.

If your child is interested in participating in this year's Solemn Communion group and you have not yet spoken with Polly Tangora please do so by February 5th .  For more information, contact Polly Tangora at polly@allsaintschicago.org.

All are invited to attend the Eucharist at 3pm on Saturday, March 17th and share in this celebration with our children. 

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!

Padre Byron Chanchavac being received as an Anglican Priest, January 21, 2012, in Tuxtepec, Oxaca, Mexico

Padre Byron celebrating his first Eucharist at Santa María Virgen on January 22, 2012

All Saints' is hosting 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:

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

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

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

Yes, another All Saints' bowling event... but this one's different.

Come for fun night out with the ladies and raise some money for a good cause!  Proceeds benefit Ravenswood Community Services.

Tickets are $50. Games, shoes, food, and beverages all provided. Space is limited. 

To sign up, contact Liz Embler, Fran Holliday, or Lori Gee. You'll be glad you did.