I am so looking forward to seeing all of you this Sunday as we celebrate our big kickoff to the program year, with worship at 8:00, 9:15, and 11:15. Join us at 10:20 for workshops to learn about five different Sunday morning ministries of the church: Godly Play (children's formation), choir, lectors (Scripture readers), chalice bearers, and ushers. Children will join Godly Play with Cynthia, our children's director; youth will attend formation with Liz, our new youth director. Invite your friends to come check out this amazing church and get a sense of all we have to offer!
I am also getting very excited about our fall small group series, 1 Corinthians: Life in Community. Small groups will begin the week of September 29 and will be available during the day, in the evening, or on Sundays after church. Each group will be capped at 10 people, so sign up for a small group now and explore how we can use the Bible as a tool for understanding our life together.
Yours,
Catherine
Kickoff Sunday: September 8
This Sunday, September 8, we will kick off the program year by returning to our three-service Sunday schedule, with worship at 8am, 9:15am, and 11:15am. Godly Play, youth formation, adult formation, and the 9:15 & 11:15 choirs will also resume on September 8. Invite your friends to join us as we celebrate a joyful start to the year!
Youth Group: Thrift Shop Formal
This Sunday, September 8, from 4-7pm [note extended time], the SPR youth group returns with the fifth annual Thrift Shop Formal! We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 4pm and head over to the thrift shop to buy hilarious “formalwear” for our fancy dinner of Chinese takeout back at the church. Bring $10. Bring friends. Bring your game face. Best dressed wins Thrift Shop Formal of 2019 Trophy!
Letter Writing Ministry
On Sunday, September 8, join the letter writing ministry in the church office to write letters to elected officials on the issue of voting rights. Amanda Ruch will facilitate this meeting.
Fiber Arts Group
Anyone interested in knitting and related needle arts is invited to be part of this monthly gathering to share projects and skills — and also to share each other’s company. We will meet this Sunday, September 8 (and every second Sunday of the month) at 12:30pm in the Byllesby Room. Contact: Rebecca Luttrell.
Youth Sunday: September 15
On Sunday, September 15, the SPR youth will take the pulpit to share some of the lessons they learned on their recent mission trip. Come prepared to learn about indigenous rights and restorative justice, develop a bigger vision of the kingdom of God, and remember how much young people have to add to our community.
Art Sale to Benefit Unaccompanied Migrant Children The SPR arts committee will hold an art sale on Sunday, September 15, from 2-4pm in the parish hall. The sale will feature art by Anne Harlan, Jim Wright, and Carolyn Pereira. All proceeds will go to LEAF (Legal Representation, Education, and Advocacy Fund for Unaccompanied Children), a division of RAICES (Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services). For details, please contact Anne Harlan.
20s/30s Group and 50s & Better Group Get together On Sunday, September 15 at 12:15pm, SPR members who fit our demographics (as well as those in the middle) are invited to gather in the St. Cecilia room for fellowship. Contact Bob Bator or Julia McMillan for more details.
Haiti Sunday: September 22
On Sunday, September 22, we will celebrate our partnership with St. Patrick's Church & School in Tom Gateau, Haiti. Join us to learn more about how the people of SPR and St. Patrick's are working together to empower the St. Patrick's students and teachers by providing hot lunches, teacher salaries, a music program, and more. Make sure to stay after church to enjoy a Haitian meal!
Love in a Dish
Please sign up to bring a meal to Mary and Bob Naftzger as Mary recovers from knee surgery. The sign-up sheet is in the narthex. For details, contact Megg Hoover.
September Adult Formation: Sundays, 10:20am September 8: Ministry Workshops | Choose one: Train or refresh as a lector, usher, or chalice bearer; check out a choir practice; or enjoy a session of Godly Play for All. September 15: Youth Sunday | Learn from our youth about their recent travels to visit urban indigenous communities and explore restorative justice in Minnesota. September 22: Haiti Sunday | Enjoy delicious Haitian food and learn more about SPR's partnership with St. Patrick's in Tom Gateau, Haiti. September 29: 1 Corinthians Series Begins | Stay tuned for more details on our fall small group/formation series, 1 Corinthians: Life in Community.
Fall Small Group Series: 1 Corinthians: Life in Community
A five-week small group series to read 1 Corinthians will begin the week of Sunday, September 29. Signups are available online and in the narthex. For details, contact Rev. Catherine Healy.
Morning Prayer
Join us for a time of morning prayer every Thursday at 9:30 am in the Chapel. For more information contact Barnabas Pusnur.
Save the Date: Haiti 2020
Join the team for SPR's next annual visit to St. Patrick's, our partner parish in Haiti, from February 7-11, 2020. The trip cost is approximately $1500, including hotels and airfare. For details, attend the Haiti Sunday adult formation session on September 22, or contact Haiti team chairs Gail Williams or Linda Thisted. All SPR members are invited to join the trip.
Join the Anti-Racism Working Group
All SPR members are invited to join the Anti-Racism Working Group. Members commit to attend monthly meetings; complete a 2.5-day anti-racism training; facilitate a parish-wide activity; and promote anti-racism efforts within the church and community. Apply online or pick up an application in the narthex and return it to the office by Sunday, September 8. If you cannot commit to the working group, you may still sign up to volunteer with anti-racism efforts at SPR. For details, email antiracism@sprchicago.org.
Gratitude from the Bators
Bob & Sheila Bator are thankful for the first aid, prayers, and emotional support of SPR members when Sheila collapsed in church last Sunday. They felt truly sustained by the generous and responsive care they received, and are glad to report that Sheila is safely home.
Women's Retreat Wait List The fall Women's Retreat has reached capacity. If you have registered and have not yet submitted payment, please do so by the September 22 deadline. If you have not registered and would like your name placed on a wait list in case of cancellations, please contact Richelle Stackert at sprwomensretreat@gmail.com.
Illness and Off-Hour Emergencies
The clergy are always available to assist you. Please email Rev. Catherine or call or text her at 312-719-0925 if you or a family member expects to be in the hospital and wishes to be visited. Email Barnabas to add names to our prayer list. Our prayers are with all those in need.
