This Sunday, August 4, as we celebrate Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) Sunday, you will get a glimpse of the wild and wonderful time SPR has enjoyed this week at VBC. Under the exceptional leadership of our director of children's formation, Cynthia Bagrowski, a huge crew of parish and neighborhood kids have spent the week exploring Jesus' question: "Who is my neighbor?" I am so grateful to the volunteers and staff who have led everything from music to sack races to arts & crafts and more. Our 10am worship service will include a Godly Play story and music led by the VBC campers.
For me, VBC has brought back a lot of wonderful camp memories and reminded me of all the counselors, teachers, and family members who inspired me in the Christian faith. If you have a few moments this weekend, I hope you will have a chance to think about who those people have been for you -- and how you might become, or continue to be, such a mentor for someone else.
Yours,
Catherine
Picnic for 50s and Better Group
Parish members who are 50 or older are invited to a potluck picnic on Sunday, August 11, at noon in the picnic area of Vista Homes Apartments, 5844 S. Stony Island. In case of rain, the picnic will be moved to the board room of Vista Homes Apartments (same address). RSVP to Robert Bator or Sheila Bator.
Nominations for Diocesan Offices
The Diocese of Chicago is accepting nominations until September 30 for Standing Committee, Bishop & Trustees, Cathedral Chapter, and Deputies to General Convention. Nominees will stand for election at diocesan convention in November 2019. Please prayerfully consider the nomination opportunities and notify Rev. Catherine Healy if you are interested in running for a diocesan office.
20’s/30’s Potluck
All members in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to a potluck on August 25 following church. Bring a dish to share with the group. RSVP to Julia McMillan.
Summer Inspirations: Art Exhibit
Visit the art show up in the chapel which will be on display through August. The show exhibits art works by SPR parishioners on the theme “Summer Inspirations." For details, contact Jim Wright.
Bishop Search Listening Sessions
The Bishop Search & Nomination Committee invites all to attend listening sessions as they begin to discern what the Diocese of Chicago seeks in its next bishop. The Chicago sessions will be Thursday, August 8, 7-8:30pm at Church of the Ascension, 1133 N. LaSalle; and Saturday, August 10, 10-11:30am at St. Edmund's Episcopal/Anglican Church, 6105 S. Michigan. Make your voice heard and let the search committee know your hopes for the future of the diocese.
SPR Block Party
SPR and the Food Pantry will be sponsoring our first Block Party on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 1:00 - 4:30pm. Dorchester Ave. will be blocked off from 49th Street to 50th Street. Join us for food, fun, music, and games for the kids. A great time to meet each other and our neighbors. If you can help with setup, cooking cleanup, kids games, please sign up in the Narthex. For more information contact Shirley Knight.
Register for Women's Retreat Only a few spots left for the October 26-27 women's retreat! Join a vibrant group of intergenerational women as we get better acquainted with our new rector Catherine Healy, who will help us explore roles of women in the Bible and how they apply to our lives now. The LUREC Retreat Center in Woodstock, IL, is only an hour away and provides a perfect setting for rest and renewal. Registration is $100/double room or $130/single room and includes 4 meals, with an optional Friday night extension. Ridesharing will be coordinated for those needing transportation, and scholarships are still available for double rooms. Register now to secure your spot. Click here to register or sign up in the narthex (deadline September 22). For details, contact Richelle Stackert.
Hunger Walk 2019
Save the date for this years Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk, Saturday, September 7 at Jackson Park from 7:30am to 11:30am. Sign up in the narthex by August 25. For each walker, $12.00 is credited to the SPR Food Pantry’s account. If you would like to donate directly to our account or if you would like additional information, contact Shirley Knight.
Understanding & Analyzing Systemic Racism Training
Chicago ROAR and the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will partner to offer their next 2.5-day anti-racism training from Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 19, at the nearby Catholic Theological Union (5401 S. Cornell). This training is encouraged for all SPR members, especially ministry leaders. C-ROAR trainings fill up early, so register now to secure a spot. Use code EDOC for a discounted rate of $105. Professional development/continuing education credits are available. Click here to sign up.
Summer Choir
Join us for summer choir every Sunday at 9:15 am in the church, July 16 – September 1. Learn the morning’s hymns and a simple anthem. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, adults and school-age children alike. For details, contact Christian Clough.
