During the season of Easter, many of our Scripture readings focus on the hopes, dreams, and stumbles of the early church: the disciples' efforts to spread the message of Jesus in the Acts of the Apostles, and Jesus' most important commandments to us, which we must remember if we are to keep the church alive today. This Sunday, we recall the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."
Most of us have heard these words many times. The hard part, of course, is figuring out how to put that love into action. The good news is that each time we gather in worship, we get a fresh chance to think, pray, and talk about how to translate Jesus' love for us into our own actions in the world. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday, when we will begin the adventure anew.
Yours,
Catherine
20s/30s Gardening Day
All SPR members, especially those in their 20s and 30s, are invited to join the garden team on Saturday, May 18, at 9am in the garden to help plant new crops for the season. Breakfast pastries and beverages will be provided. No gardening experience necessary, just a willingness to get slightly dirty! RSVP to Julia McMillan.
Beyond Mary vs. Martha: Exploring Biblical Models of Womanhood The 2019 SPR Women’s Weekend Retreat |October 26-27, 2019 | Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Center, Woodstock, Illinois
Come join the women of St. Paul and the Redeemer as our new rector and speaker Catherine Healy helps us explore the various roles of women in the Bible and break through the false dichotomy of “Are you a Mary or a Martha?”
The LUREC retreat center is located just an hour away but feels like a world away from the city. Retreat is a wonderful opportunity to relax and recharge as we form new friendships and strengthen existing relationships within our vibrant, intergenerational group of women. There will be sessions with Catherine, small group discussion, large group activities, and plenty of free time to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Registration is $100/person for a double room and $130/person for a single room, and we are happy to honor roommate requests. The retreat begins at 10 am on Saturday and will include 4 meals: Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch. If you would like to arrive Friday evening to enjoy extended time on the campus, that can also be arranged. Ridesharing will be coordinated for those in need of transportation, and scholarships are available for double rooms if cost is a barrier.
There are 30 openings to participate in this year’s Women’s Retreat. Register now to secure your spot! You may do so by completing the online registration HERE or use the registration forms in the narthex. The registration and payment deadline is September 22. Ask around -- many women at SPR can share how they have enjoyed past retreats. We hope you will join us! Questions? Contact Richelle Stackert at sprwomensretreat@gmail.com.
Two Services: 8 am & 10 am starting Sunday, May 26
Please note that we will be moving to the summer schedule of two services starting the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, May 26. The services will be 8 am (Rite I) and 10 am (Rite II).
Choirs of SPR sing Herbert Howells’s choral music on June 2
Sunday 2 June (The Sunday after the Ascension), the combined SPR Choirs reprise Herbert Howells’s choral music for King’s College, Cambridge, Collegium Regale, with small orchestra in arrangements by our Director of Music Christian M. Clough, which were premiered last All Saints’ Sunday. The choirs loved these pieces, and so did many in attendance. Please come hear them once more before the arrangement license expires! Take flyers from the table in the back of the church (narthex) to distribute to friends and colleagues or hang up around the neighborhood.
Native Language Revitalization: Parish-Wide Youth Group Meeting
Join us for our annual all-ages, mission trip-themed youth group on Sunday, May 19, from 5-7p. Rev. Catherine Healy will discuss endangered languages and native language revitalization efforts around the country. Dinner provided.
Vacation Bible Camp | Save the Date: Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2
It’s that time of the year! Yes, VBC season is almost here and we want your children to have the opportunity to attend/volunteer. Please save July 29 through August 2 for a week filled with fun (and God)! If there are any questions, you may contact Cynthia Bagrowski at bagrowski@sprchicago.org. Thanks!
Come to SPR for the last Sundays of the choir season Sunday 26 May (Easter 6C), The Adult Choirs sing Imant Raminsh’s lush’n’lovely “Ubi caritas”, beloved by choirs and listeners alike. Sunday 2 June (The Sunday after the Ascension): The combined SPR Choirs reprise Herbert Howells’s choral music for King’s College, Cambridge, Collegium Regale, with small orchestra in arrangements by our Director of Music Christian M. Clough, which were premiered last All Saints’ Sunday. Sunday 9 June (Pentecost), the last day of the choir season: The St. Nicholas Choir and Choristers will offer anthems to wrap up their seasons, and the combined choirs will sing William Grant Still’s “Holy Spirit, don’t you leave me”.
Sign Up for Sacred Ground: Summer Series on Race & Faith
The Anti-Racism Working Group will facilitate a summer series on race, racism, and faith using the Episcopal Church's new curriculum, Sacred Ground. Participants will meet for 10 sessions (missing no more than three), every other Sunday from 11:30-1:00. Tentative dates: 6/2, 6/16, 6/30, 7/14, 7/28, 8/11, 8/25, 9/8, 9/22, and 9/29. Access to all texts, films, and readings will be provided. Core texts include Jesus and the Disinherited (Howard Thurman) and Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race (Debby Irving). To register, sign up in the narthex or email antiracism@sprchicago.org.
Wine & Cheese & Documentaries Night Come to this adults-only (childcare provided) mission trip fundraiser on Saturday, June 1, from 5-8p for wine, cheese, fresh-baked bread, and a screening of Dawnland, a documentary exploring the devastating impact of residential schools and forced child removal in Native American communities. Gluten-free and non-alcoholic options will be available. $20 suggested donation. Click here to RSVP.
Small Groups to Meet Rev. Catherine
Rev. Catherine Healy is eager to get to know all of us! She is meeting with parishioners in small groups of up to 8 people during her first few months at SPR. Sign up to host a small group or join a small group.
Prayer Partners Needed for SPR Youth Mission Trip! This year's SPR youth mission trip will be August 18-23 to St. Paul, Minnesota. We will learn about reconciliation and reparations, and how First Nations and Native people in North America have worked with white settlers to repair relationships. Ready to sign up for the mission trip? Click here. We also need prayer partners for each mission trip participant! Contact Addie Domske for more info on becoming a prayer partner during the trip.
Syrian Refugee Family Visits
So far, 15 SPR adults and three children have signed up for weekend visits to our Syrian refugee partner family in their Rogers Park home. The weather is now making it possible to go for walks and outdoor adventures with the four children! All Saturdays in June and July can use additional volunteers. Sign up in the narthex or email Bob & Sheila Bator.
