FROM THE RECTOR'S STUDY

Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome as you are at St. Chrysostom's, to hear the call of God in your life and to receive the blessings of God freely given.

CLICK HERE for more about our community and our mission.

Dear Members and Friends of St. Chrysostom’s Church & Day School, 

As I write, mid-August, we are finalizing plans for another busy fall of growing, serving, and giving in Christ’s name. In addition to the highlights below, please watch your email for more opportunities to celebrate and share the good news of our Christian faith.

SIGN UP HERE if you don’t already receive our Connecting at St. Chrysostom’s eNewsletter and monthly magazine, The Beehive. 

DISCIPLESHIP BIBLE STUDY Thursdays 10-11:15 a.m.

Get to know what's in the Bible with fellow seekers, inquirers, and travelers on the journey of faith. Conversation focuses on what it might mean actually to follow Jesus (the meaning of the word "discipleship") in addition to believing in him. 

LEARN MORE HERE

SPIRITUAL FORMATION for all ages Sundays at 10 a.m.

Sunday, September 10 marks the beginning of a new year for spiritual nourishment and growth. Join us for worship at 8, 9, or 11 a.m. and for whichever of our 10 a.m. formation programs suits your needs

Our 9 a.m. service on Sept. 10 will include a Blessing of the Backpacks for all children starting a new school year, and our customary Children’s Chapel for ages 3 and up during the sermon.

Something for everyone at 10 a.m. on September 10—JOIN US!

• KIDS: Bouncy House in the Gym!
• PARENTS: Meet our Sunday School teachers and register your children. We offer three play-based programs encompassing children from pre-K through Grade 6.
• YOUTH: Learn about our junior and senior youth groups, Beeswax (grades 5 & 6) and The Bridge (grades 7–12). We’ll also have information about Confirmation class and help with sign ups for those ready to move into the next phase of spiritual growth.
• ADULTS: Join us for the first session of our 2017-2018 Adult Form series, Christian Responses to Crime and Punishment, led weekly by renowned scholars and community leaders.

MUSIC AT ST. CHRYSOSTOM’S begins a new season September 12.

Every year, our Music at St. Chrysostom’s program offers the community an opportunity to enjoy world-class music making in our serene, architectural gem of a Church. The 2017-2018 concert series kicks off with a visit on September 12 from internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated harpsichordist Jory Vinikour. These concerts are open to everyone and many are free thanks to generous parishioners and other supporters. We hope to welcome you soon!

MORE HERE about this special program and the 2017-2018 season.

ST. CHRYSOSTOM’S BOOK CLUB begins September 13

St. Chrysostom’s Book Club meets at 1:30 p.m. each second Wednesday of the month from September through May, in the North Room. Men and women of all ages are welcome to attend. There is no commitment or membership requirement. The group will discuss Sebastian Barry’s Days Without End on September 13, and Fredrick Backman’s A Man Called Ove on October 11.

            CLICK HERE and see page 8 for the complete schedule.

OUR CHILDREN’S CHOIR RESUMES September 21

Free and open to all children ages 4 and up from the neighborhood and surrounding community, St. Chrysostom’s Children’s Choir lets kids learn to read music, discover their voice, and have fun. Richard Hoskins, renowned Chicago organist, choirmaster, and professor of organ teaches and leads rehearsals every Thursday at 4:15 p.m. starting September 21.

To register, please send an email to St. Chrys office or phone use at 312.944.1083.

CREATION CARE focuses on the animals October 1st

Our annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi takes place Sunday, October 1 at 5 p.m. in our courtyard. Parishioners, day school families, and neighbors are welcome to bring any and all animal companions (stuffed animals, included!) There will be prayers, a short hymn, and a blessing for the animals. Immediately following there will be a 5:15 p.m. Eucharist in the Church for human creatures (sorry no animals in the Church).

Please pray for everyone who is traveling and preparing for new beginnings this fall. And please call our office with any special prayer requests you may have.

Faithfully,

The Rev. Wes Smedley
Rector, St. Chrysostom's Church & Day School