We want to make you aware of some work that will be occurring on and around our property this month, as it will -- at least for a couple of days -- impact traffic for those who are at Grace during the week.

The sidewalk will be closed off from our southwest lot entrance to Forest Ave. Tishman Construction will be placing signage and barricades. During this closure, work will occur on the island planter at the southwest corner of our lot.

Additionally, a trench will be cut through the sidewalk and apron of the southwest entrance of our lot in an area considered Village of Oak Park right-of-way. This is being done to pull electrical lines to replace the street lights along Lake St. that were removed during the construction. This work will not only close the sidewalk, but will temporarily close the southwest exit of our lot, meaning that traffic will be directed in and out of the southeast entrance. Please exercise caution.

-Chuck Tupta & Lillian Hohmann, Wardens

Conversations about the 2016 Journey to Adulthood (J2A) youth pilgrimage began last fall with a blank pad of paper and a sharpie. As the youth and leaders lounged on chairs in the "upper room," they brainstormed ideas that filled the page. They first talked about what pilgrimage is and is not. It is not a vacation nor is it a "missions trip" - locations were scratched off the list. It is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer - locations were added.

 

An important part of the J2A youth program is honoring the capabilities of the youth and encouraging them to take increasing leadership over their youth program. (While at age twelve the youth leaders likely open in prayer and direct the conversation, by age fifteen, the youth take turns leading prayer and initiate the conversations.) Pilgrimage, then, is an opportunity for growth and leadership by the youth long before the trip actually begins. The youth are encouraged to take responsibility for this trip: to work as a team, together with their leaders and parents, to think about where they are being called to go, what to do there, and how to make wise logistical and financial decisions.

 

Soon, the conversation around the pad of paper switched to values. "What matters most to you on pilgrimage?" they wondered together. This group of youth came up with five key themes for their pilgrimage: we pray differently, we seek a unique experience of another culture and faith, we experience God in nature, we value social justice, and we want to have fun!

 

The destination narrowed down to three locations, then two, and finally, to Southeast Mexico! Not only did this location resonate with the youth's five values, it was especially compelling to the youth because it brought us into deeper and tangible relationship with a companion diocese. "We pray for this community every Sunday, isn't it important that we know them?" a youth reflected.

 

Since 2001 the Diocese of Chicago has been in companion relationships with two dioceses in the Anglican Communion: Renk, Sudan and Southeast Mexico. The Commission on Global Ministry describes these partnerships as "mutual ventures in mission," involving "reciprocal visits, congregational links, language and cultural sharing, youth involvement, exchange of clergy and seminarians, and the exchange of spiritual and material resources."[1]

Grace already has an important connection with Renk, Sudan. Together with St. Christopher's we support Mother Alice in Renk Town, contributing to her salary and praying for her ministry in her conflict-ridden community - especially now, after the death of her husband, Justin, last December. Yet, as the youth have noticed, we have yet to explore an additional connection with SE Mexico. Because Mexico is logistically accessible to our parish in a way that Renk is not, it could provide a valuable opportunity for a relationship based on friendship and cultural exchange, and sustained through regular visits.

 

Grace is so fortunate that while we as a parish, led by our youth, begin to learn more about the Diocese of Mexico, the Bishop of Southeast Mexico is making his way to Chicago! Join the youth this coming Tuesday, May 10th at 7pm in the church to meet The Rt. Rev. Benito Juarez-Martinez and his family, learn about the life and faith of our brothers and sisters in Mexico, and imagine together what a deeper relationship could look like.