Our summer schedule (services at 8 am and 10 am) begins this Sunday!
Did you know that "Lydia" is a Biblical name? In this Sunday's reading from Acts, we learn just a few details about Lydia, an early follower of Jesus. She seems to have been a woman of considerable power and means; she had her own business selling purple cloth (a luxury good at the time) and owned her own home, into which she welcomed other disciples.
This week, Lydia has me thinking about how each of us can use our resources -- and our power -- for the benefit of the whole community. The early church thrived because so many members used their unique gifts to contribute as they were able; where the church of today thrives, it will do so in the same way.
As our program year draws to a close, I am so grateful for each of you and the unique gifts that you bring to our community of faith. I look forward to seeing how SPR will grow, change, and thrive in the year to come.
Yours,
Catherine
Summer Service Schedule Begins | Sunday, May 26
Please note that we will be moving to the summer schedule of two services starting this Sunday, May 26. The services will be 8 am (Rite I) and 10 am (Rite II).
Wine & Cheese & Documentaries Night | Saturday, June 1
Come to this adults-only (childcare provided) mission trip fundraiser on Saturday, June 1, from 5-8pm 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.
Herbert Howells Choral Music | Sunday, June 2
On Sunday, June 2, at the 10am service, the SPR Choirs will reprise Herbert Howells’ Collegium Regale, with small orchestra in arrangements by Christian M. Clough. Please share this event by taking flyers from the table in the narthex (foyer) to distribute to friends or hang up around the neighborhood.
Garden Sunday | Sunday, June 2
Join us for Garden Sundays on the first Sunday of each month, in the garden after the 10am service. All skill levels are welcome! The next gathering will be Sunday, June 2. Future dates: July 7, August 4, and September 1. For details, contact George Chlipala.
Picnic Sunday | Sunday, June 9
Join us for Picnic Sunday, June 9, as we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. There will be celebratory music from all the choirs at the 10am service, a cookout afterward with games for kids, and a raffle to support the youth mission trip. For details, contact Barnabas Pusnur.
Final Sundays of Choir Season
There are three Sundays left in the choir season! Join us for these pieces and more: Sunday, May 26: Ubi Caritas (Imant Raminsh) Sunday, June 2: Collegium Regale (Herbert Howells, arr. Christian Clough) Sunday, June 9: Holy Spirit, Don't You Leave Me (William Grant Still) and anthems by the Choristers & St. Nicholas Choir
Raising Race Conscious Children Interactive Webinar and Workshop How do we talk with our children about race? Children notice similarities and differences between people. When we are silent, they are left to draw their own conclusions about what “different” means. Without coaching or support, their conclusions often reflect and reinforce biases. Fortunately – when we are intentional – we can impact the ways that our children see, categorize, and make meaning about race.
Please join ARWG member Megan Cather in an interactive webinar and workshop by Raising Race Conscious Children on Sunday, June 9, from 1:30-3:00 pm in the Byllesby Room. More information can be found here.
In this 1.5 hour-long workshop/webinar, you will:
- Develop confidence to talk about race with young children.
- Practice various strategies to proactively talk about race with young children.
- Strengthen children’s ability to become a change-maker.
The cost is $15 per participant. Space is limited, so sign up now! To sign up, email meganmcather@gmail.com or sign up in the Narthex this Sunday. Registration closes on June 2 at noon. Childcare is available by request.
Register for Vacation Bible Camp | Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2
It's that time of the year! This year's VBC will be Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2, from 9am to 12pm each day, plus a special service on Sunday, August 4 at 10am. Our theme will be "Who Is My Neighbor?: Learning to Love Like Jesus." Registration is $40 per child; scholarships are available. Click here to register your child as a participant or volunteer, or sign up in the narthex. For details, contact Cynthia Bagrowski.
Register for Youth Mission Trip | Sunday, August 18 – Friday, August 23 This year's SPR mission trip for grades 6-12 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. Click here to register your child. For details, contact Addie Domske.
Prayer Partners Needed for SPR Youth Mission Trip We need prayer partners for each youth mission trip participant this August! Contact Addie Domske for more information on becoming a prayer partner during the trip.
Register for Women's Retreat | Saturday, October 26 – Sunday, October 27
Join the women of SPR on retreat from October 26-27, 2019 at the Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Center in Woodstock, IL. This year's theme, led by Rev. Catherine Healy, is "Beyond Mary vs. Martha: Exploring Biblical Models of Womanhood." Registration is $100/person for a double room and $130/person for a single room; scholarships and ride shares are available, and participants may choose to arrive Friday evening for extended retreat time. Click here to register for one of the 30 spots! For details, contact Richelle Stackert.
Hunger Walk 2019 | Saturday, September 7
Save the date for this year's Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk on Saturday, September 7 at Jackson Park. For each walker, the SPR food pantry receives a $12 credit. Last year, we raised over $1,600, enabling us to purchase food from GCFD for six months. Registration will be open from mid-June to mid-August. For details, contact Shirley Knight.
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.
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! Saturdays in June and July can use additional volunteers. Sign up in the narthex or email Bob & Sheila Bator.
Seeking ESL Materials for Refugee Program
The refugee family SPR is supporting could use ESL materials for adults or children. If you have any to donate, please drop them off in the church office. For details, contact Bob & Sheila Bator.
Sacred Ground: Summer Series on Race & Faith | REGISTRATION FULL
The Anti-Racism Working Group will facilitate a summer series on race, racism, and faith using the Episcopal Church's new curriculum, Sacred Ground. Registration is now full. If you are interested in a future small group, contact antiracism@sprchicago.org.
