You have some traveling clergy this week! KJ Oh and I will both be out of town, but Roger Ferlo, Shawn Evelyn, and Jack Seymour will be holding down the fort. I am incredibly grateful that SPR has such a capable team of deacons and priests, and have had many occasions to marvel at the ease and good humor with which the five of us all step in and cover for one another, sometimes on a moment's notice.
To me, this culture of camaraderie and support among the clergy is reflective of a larger culture of the same at SPR. As I get to know the parish more deeply, I continue to notice how ready people are to step in and help -- whether by filling in as substitute worship ministers on Sunday morning, making a meal for a member who is sick, or taking a minute during the peace to check in with someone who is back at church after a long time away. At SPR, we love to talk about "the radical hospitality practiced by Jesus." These small moments of care and compassion are emblematic of that hospitality, and contribute to an atmosphere that shares the love of Christ with all who enter our doors. I hope you will find a few chances to both extend and accept acts of kindness in the days to come.
Yours,
Catherine
Shoesmith Garden Volunteers Wanted
Gardeners of every experience level are invited to Shoesmith Elementary School (1330 E. 50th Street) on Saturday, November 9, from 10am to 12:30pm to weed, mulch, and help put the gardens to bed for the winter. For details, email Carolyn Pereira.
Everyone’s in the Choir: Rounds & Canons Join us this Sunday at 10:20am in the parish hall for an adult formation session with SPR music director Christian Clough, who will lead us all in singing a collection of rounds and canons.
Godly Play: The Ark & the Temple
Children in preschool through fifth grade are invited to Godly Play this Sunday, November 10, at 10:20am. This week's story is "The Ark & the Temple." Children are invited to join Godly Play at any time during the year. To learn more about volunteering with Godly Play, contact director of children's formation Cynthia Bagrowski.
Youth Group: God at the Movies
On Sunday, November 10, youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend youth formation at 10:20am and youth group from 5-7pm. This week, the youth group will watch the "Christian" movie God's Not Dead and discuss how it reflects God in the current political climate and how it portrays people of different faiths or no faith. Youth are invited to join at any time during the year. To learn more about volunteering with SPR youth, contact director of youth formation Liz Koerner.
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, November 10 at 12:30pm in the Byllesby Room.
20’s/30’s Game Night
All parishioners in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to a game night with other young adults on Friday, November 15, at 7pm in SPR’s St. Cecilia Room. We’ll provide pizza and snacks; BYOB and a favorite party game or board game. For questions or to RSVP, email Sarah Hallett.
CPR/AED/First Aid Training
SPR will host an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid training on Saturday, November 16, from 9am to 12:30pm in the parish hall. This course is appropriate for those with little to no medical training. Sign up in the narthex or at sprchicago.org/first-aid by Wednesday, November 13. The cost per person is $75; scholarships are available as needed. Please make checks out to St. Paul & the Redeemer, with “CPR” in the memo line.
Pie & Stewardship
Join the stewardship committee on Sunday, November 17 at 10:20am in the parish hall to enjoy some pie and learn about stewardship at SPR. Discover where our money comes from, where it goes, and how our financial stewardship enables our mission and ministry. And did we mention there will be pie?!
Fourth Coast Ensemble Concert at SPR
On Saturday, November 9, at 7:30pm, Fourth Coast Ensemble (featuring SPR staff singer Bridget Skaggs) will perform Lori Laitman's Are Women People?, a song cycle based on texts by suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Alice Duer Miller. Tickets are $45 ($15 with code [Student]). Click here to learn more or buy tickets.
SPR Art Show: Bird Photography The arts committee invites you to the chapel for its latest art show, by SPR parishioner Thomas Irving. This show highlights birds seen in the early spring in Arizona and New Mexico, a region of spectacular beauty with diverse animal and plant life seen nowhere else in the USA. At the end of the show, any of these pictures can be yours for a $50 donation to the food pantry. For more information, contact Jim Wright.
Office Closed on Monday, November 11 Please note that the church office will be closed this coming Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans' Day.
Save the Date: December Ordinations
Jaime Briceño will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons and Shawn Evelyn will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on Saturday, December 14, at 11:00am at St. James Cathedral (65 E. Huron). All are invited to attend.
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.
Bulletin Announcements
Announcements for printing in the weekly bulletin and e-News are due to Barnabas by Tuesday at noon each week. Please limit your announcement to 50-100 words.
