Dear Friends,

God be Godding at All Saints!

Our Bishop gave us that great phrase when she visited last week, encouraging us that when "Life be life-ing," God will still be "Godding" (you can listen to her whole sermon here). And, oh, did we see God at work last week! The pews were full as we greeted Bishop Paula in her first visit to All Saints, the music was off the hook, and the Bishop brought her characteristic authenticity and joy to her meeting with our children, her confirmation and reception of over 20 All Saints folks, and her preaching. Thankfully, parishioner Charlie Simokaitis took his usual glorious photos, which you can see below.

One of the ways we know God and God's friendship is through our friendship with others, and this weekend another friend is with us--Padré Bayron from Cuernavaca! It has been five years since Bayron has been able to visit us, and we are so glad to have him back, to hear of all the good he is doing in his parishes, and to celebrate our ongoing relationship with him and his parishes. You can read more about him and this Sunday in the article below.

Finally, this Sunday is the last Sunday of Easter, and the Sunday after the Feast of the Ascension, which was yesterday. Jesus commends us to God as he returns to the Trinity. That could be a lonely moment! But Jesus makes clear that we are not left alone. WE are now the Body of Christ on earth, Jesus' joy is within us, the Holy Spirit will be with us. This means we are all friends in God and that God will be Godding, in our lives and forever.

See you in church!

Faithfully, Suzanne+

suzanne@allsaintschicago.org



THIS SUNDAY, MAY 12

Mexico Outreach Sunday

Padré Bayron returns to All Saints after his last visit in 2019!

Fiesta between the 9 & 11 services.

This Sunday, we celebrate the remarkable 15-year relationship between All Saints’ and the ministries in Mexico of Padré Bayron, a dynamic church leader and longtime friend of this congregation. He will preach at all three services.

You are invited to meet Padré Bayron in person during coffee hour after the 9am service. There will be food, conversation, piñata, and an opportunity to learn more about his ministry and how he grows his community in ways that will feel very familiar to us.

We hope to raise $6000 this year for our “Companeros en Cristo” in Mexico. Read about our long-term relationship HERE and donate HERE or by putting a little (or more) in the collection plate on May 12. As in the Butterfly Effect, our efforts here have a far greater effect in Mexico.

Padré Bayron provides a necessary inclusive alternative to other religious institutions in Mexico, and has grown his faith communities with only a small stipend from his diocese. All Saints’ provides some support for developing his congregation and a yearly fundraiser, El Efecto Mariposa, has allowed Bayron to continue his work while affording health insurance for his family, maintenance on a well-used vehicle, and beginning work on a small home.

Any questions, contact Jim Hanna at jhanna48@att.net. Thank you so much.

The Bishop’s visit last Sunday was filled with joy and connection.

On Sunday, May 5 we had our FIRST visitation from our new Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend Paula Clark.

SMALL GROUPS AT ALL SAINTS

Another Round to Begin!

We are experimenting with small groups at All Saints! In a busy, fragmented society, taking time to connect regularly and deeply with others and with God is a balm.

We will offer another round of small groups after the May 18 Conversation.

Centering Prayer

Wednesdays, May 15, 22, 29, and June 5. 6:20 - 7:00 pm. Reading Room.

Learn the basics of centering prayer, sit together and pray in silence, and end with a brief conversation about faith and prayer.

God Sightings & Bible Study

Wednesdays, May 22, 29, and June 5. 11:30am - 12:30pm. Reading Room.

This small group will check in with one another about where and how they have experienced the Holy in the past week and then read and discuss the scripture for the upcoming Sunday.

On-Line Option: God Sightings & Bible Study

Wednesdays, May 22, 29, and June 5. 7:30 - 8:30pm. On Zoom.

This small group will check in with one another about where and how they have experienced the Holy in the past week and then read and discuss the scripture for the upcoming Sunday.

You can sign up for these groups HERE.



Questions? Contact suzanne@allsaintschicago.org.

CONNECTING CONVERSATIONS

Saturday, May 18

This spring, we want everyone at All Saints to come to one of our community conversations to get to know one another, share our hopes for our lives together at All Saints, and to dream about our future.

If you did not receive an invitation to one of the conversations or have not yet responded, you can use this FORM to RSVP.

Shout out to all those who attended the 2024 Climate Action Lobby Day rally in Springfield yesterday, Thursday, May 9. All Saints members joined Faith in Place to champion the passage of crucial clean energy and transportation policies. Pictured is State Senator Mike Simmons (7th District which includes Ravenswood) speaking to the crowd and with Faith in Place participants. 

Ravenswood Community Services (RCS)

is looking for Tuesday Afternoon volunteers!

RCS is currently experiencing an historic increase in neighbors seeking assistance. If you've been thinking you might like to give volunteering with RCS a try, now would be a really great time. If you've tried volunteering in the past but were discouraged by full sign ups - please give us another shot! 

TUESDAYS:

Check out the new RCS Volunteer Hub!

This page will feature all available upcoming Tuesday volunteer opportunities with RCS. Bookmark it for easy access to available spots without searching through your inbox for newsletters!

We're also looking for volunteers who would like to join our Tuesday Delivery Crew.

Every Tuesday between 12:30-2pm volunteers unload A LOT OF FOOD from pallets on the sidewalk to the Parish Hall for distribution. You should feel comfortable lifting 30-50 lbs and going up and down stairs. Those interested should reach out to Parker at parker@ravenswoodcommunityservices.org

THURSDAYS: After School Pantries

We're looking for volunteers for our After School Pantries on Thursdays.

More information in the link: Thursday After School Pantry Sign Up 

Second Tuesday Cooking Team Opportunity

Parishioner and volunteer chef Steve Pike is looking for additional help on his cooking team for Ravenswood Community Services. Steve's team preps and cooks for the second Tuesday of each month. Their next Tuesday will be May 14th. If you're interested in joining Steve and his crew, please reach out to him directly at pikestephen@hotmail.com. If you're interested in other volunteer opportunities with RCS, please visit the volunteer page on our website.

An Invitation to An Open EfM Seminar

Two Education for Ministry (EfM) groups are opening up their seminars to anyone who has been curious about the program and would like to learn more. Interested or prospective participants are invited to attend the following sessions:

May 15, from 6 - 9 pm at St. Luke's, Evanston. 

Contact Mary Clark (clarkmaryc@gmail.com) for more information or to register.

Monday, May 20, from 7 - 9:30 pm at Grace, Oak Park. 

Contact Cherryl Holt (cherrylcholt@gmail.com) for more information or to register.

Meditative Monday at All Saints



Monday, May 13 | 6-7pm

Access Contemporary Music presents

Finding Space

Take a moment to shut off phones, improve self-awareness, and acknowledge thoughts, feelings and sensations without necessarily reacting to them.

Meditation for relaxation will be paired with Brian Eno’s ambient masterpiece Music for Airports, Eve Beglarian’s transcendent piece Until it Blazes, and Casey Nielsen’s Wuji No. 1 all performed on solo electric guitar. 

Guided Meditation by Hannah Grove

Music performed by Casey Nielsen

Reserve your ticket HERE

Our next Vestry meeting is Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 pm in the Reading Room.

Any member of All Saints is welcome to sit in on our monthly meetings.

Facebook Livestream Team at the 11:00am Service

Audio: Dylan Masterson

Camera: Josephine Koo

www.allsaintschicago.org

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