"The Summer of Awesome" continues with another fabulous line up this Sunday. Andrew Freeman will be our guest preacher!  Andrew serves are our Director of Operations and as our interim Music Director.  He is one of the newest members of The Episcopal Church, having been confirmed at St. James' Cathedral just this spring. Raised in the Evangelical Covenant Church and a graduate of North Park Theological Seminary, Andrew previously served as a Covenant pastor and short-term missionary to Sweden.

Dent Davidson will also be back with us again this Sunday. Dent is the Associate for Liturgy and the Arts for the Diocese of Chicago. If you have not heard Dent or witnessed his creativity, you have another chance! 

That also means that if you enjoyed last week's music, you have another chance to take part this week. Once again, Dent invites anyone who is interested to come 20 minutes before either service to sing and play instruments. Dent makes it fun and easy for anyone to get involved. No prior experience required! All are welcome. 

Ruth Frey is offering two more yoga classes this summer on Monday August 20 and 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall.  If you have always wanted to try yoga here is your opportunity.  Ruth is a wonderful teacher and has been doing yoga for 15 years.  All levels are welcome. Mats are provided if you need one.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

Blessings,

Rev. Fran Holliday 

Once again, we invite you to join family and friends of Ricky Ramon Pike, murdered son of parishioner Steve Pike, this Sunday August 19, from 2-4 p.m. in the 2100 block of North St. Louis (Palmer and St. Louis). We will distribute reward flyers asking individuals with any information about the murder to come forward. Contact Joey Sylvester for information or if you plan to participate at jlsylvester@rcn.com. 

Yoga teacher and All Saints' parishioner Ruth Frey will teach a (free!) Gentle Yoga class on Monday nights in August. Join your friends and neighbors to stretch, breathe and relax in the All Saints' parish hall during this summer of awesome. Bring a yoga mat and a towel or small blanket.  If you don't have a yoga mat, one will be provided. 6:30 to 7:45 pm on August 20 and August 27.

Jim Hanna joined us in Mexico City on Monday and we returned to Xalapa on Tuesday to an incredible welcome, including a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner (you'll have to wait to hear all the details) and FOUR meals in six hours.  Mexican hospitality is beyond bounds. 

In the past two and a half days we have continued our conversations and w

orship with our friends at Santa María Virgen, getting to know each other, how we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and how we can continue to work together.  Jim's fluency in Spanglish has furthered the relationship tremendously.

The most powerful moment so far came last evening when the church was packed with worshipers to celebrate the life and to pray for the eternal life of Ricky Pike.  We mourned his death and the violence which seems to be enveloping both of our countries and asked for guidance in bringing peace to the world.

The next couple of days will be a run-up to Sunday's celebration of the feast day of the church's patron, Santa María Virgin, with services, a procession and busy preparations for the FEAST.

Join us for the fifth annual education celebration on Sunday, September 9.  Bring your backpacks to be blessed during worship services.  Come to coffee hour at 10:00 am to learn about Chicago public and private school options from our very own panel of All Saints parents and educators who have been through the process. Look for more details in the coming weeks.