It's stump the staff this Sunday.   Please come prepared with any question for any member of the staff concerning, theological, biblical, spiritual, liturgical, musical or kayaking  matters that you may have.  We've been studying all week long to give you the best possible answers!

Next Sunday, I am delighted that the Rev. Mote Magomba from Tanzania will be visiting and preaching at all three of our worship services.  Mote and I met while we were both attending a consultation on sexuality in South Africa this past fall.  I recount a bit of our encounter in my "Papayas for All" sermon that you may access on our website. 

Mote will be staying with me through the middle of July and traveling with me to the Episcopal General Convention on July 3.  On July 2 is Mote's birthday and I'd like to throw him an All Saints' Bar-b-que at 7 pm on that Monday evening.  I'll provide the burgers and dogs might you be able to attend and bring salads, drinks and side dishes?   I think we should have s'mores for dessert.  Please let me know if you can assist me (bonnie@allsaintschicago.org)  with this party and if you and your children will be attending.  Just RSVP to info@allsaintschicago.org. 

We'll also have a time for conversation with Mote after both the nine and eleven o'clock services on the first of July.

Join us for the Hunger Walk tomorrow.  Meet us tomorrow morning at 7:30.  We'll hop on the bus, drive down to soldier field, enjoy a stroll by the lovely lake and be done doing that bit of good by around 10:30.

Enjoy the beautiful weather.  If you feel yourself getting a bit cranky in the heat, remember to drink more water.

All the best,

Bonnie

TOMORROW, Saturday, June 23, the Greater Chicago Food Depository steps off for its 27th annual lakefront Hunger Walk rally to raise money and awareness for hunger relief in our community.  Hunger Walk will take place at Soldier Field again this year.  Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., and step-off is at 8:30 a.m.

Haven't signed up yet? Don't worry, it's not too late: we've ordered a third bus to make room for more walkers. Buses leave All Saints' promptly at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Ride down with us, or meet us there and look for Fran and the pink flamingo on a stick! 

100% of the funds raised by RCS walkers will go directly to the purchase of food for our Tuesday night Food Pantry and Community Kitchen.

Learn more about the event, how to register, and RSVP on the Facebook event page HERE. 

Staging begins between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Marchers should join with the entry (marching at #17) at Montrose and Broadway no later than 11 a.m.; Parade steps off at Noon

With over 750,000 people attending last year's parade, this is an amazing opportunity to deliver our message of hope in Christ, of complete love and acceptance in God, and of changing the world through the Holy Spirit to a massive audience. While the world hears many stories of religion on the side of exclusion, we mean to show our Church on the affirming side of inclusive love.  

This year's parade features a new route that is about 2.5 miles long, beginning at Montrose and Broadway and ending at Diversey and Sheridan. If you've never marched before, it is an amazing experience you'll never forget.

We'll have a giant puppet, signs, streamers, music, and even a minivan if you get too tired! All you need to do is show up-- and wear a blue t-shirt!

To march with us, please email Matthew Zaradich for more information at  matthewzaradich@gmail.com. Please put "Episcopal Pride" in the subject line. Further information will be provided as it comes available. We need an accurate count of marchers, so please email as soon as possible!

A recent AFRECS email included the following news below about the ongoing need in Renk to help support thousands of refugees. We can still help and support Bishop Joseph and his people from afar.  The strain on the community's resources is enormous. Please continue to pray and hopefully send a donation to AFRECS for Renk.

From the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan 

Continuing Humanitarian Need in the Diocese of Renk

The crisis-level need for food assistance in the Diocese of Renk continues. Upper Nile State, where the diocese is located, juts northward from the main body of South Sudan and lies between South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan. Renk itself is by far the northernmost town of any size in South Sudan. Thus Renk Diocese is bearing a huge burden of hospitality and care for the thousands refugees entering South Sudan from these troubled Sudanese states. With food prices soaring and the harvest season not yet here, feeding the hungry has become a desperate challenge for the Church. In collaboration with Renk's partners in the Diocese of Chicago and a cluster of parishes in northern Virginia, AFRECS is collecting funds to assist the Diocese of Renk in buying food and continuing its care for refugees. Donations can be sent to AFRECS for immediate transmission to the Diocese of Renk.

For more information and a report from UNHCR about their work establishing an air bridge into Renk Diocese, read more here:  http://allafrica.com/stories/201206191204.html 

Is your child interested in serving as an acolyte?  Is your kid a member of the Youth Group and interested in reading or becoming a Chalice Bearer? Join our All Saints Acolyte team. We are holding training for new and experienced acolytes.  New acolytes will learn what to do.  Experienced acolytes will learn new roles, brush up on liturgical behavior, and help new acolytes.

And.... Then we all go to GREAT AMERICA!!!!!

Who:  Kids over 8 years old who are interested in the acolyte ministry.

When:  Monday, July 16th at 8 AM for training.  We will leave around ~10 AM for Great America.  Returning after dinner.

Where:  Meet at All Saints

Help Needed:  We need some adults who are willing to drive, chaperone the kids, and ride the rides at Great America.

RSVP:  Please contact Ken Jones by July 11 so we can plan for transport and tickets. Kjones1997@ameritech.net or (773) 575 1629