As we are called forward into the heart of the Easter season, this Sunday’s readings speak of the call for us to abide in God that God might also live in and through us. And as the beauty of the natural world is opening around us during this long cool Chicago spring, the flowering of community and connection continues at St. James. Our parish dinner groups have gotten off to an exciting start, newer members have been welcomed, small groups have gathered for book study and Christian formation classes, meals have been prepared and served for our most vulnerable neighbors, and of course our common worship enables us to dwell with one another and the Risen Christ .

As this community continues to grow and gather strength, we can expect that God, the tender of the vine, will be in our midst, pruning away all that does not lead to growth and bringing forth new shoots that surprise and delight us. If you are seeking a deeper connection within this community, I hope that you will stop in at coffee hour, or make yourself known to one of our cathedral clergy. We seek always to find ways to build the fabric of community so that all who come through these doors will find themselves abiding in love and falling within the embrace of a community of souls who make their home in God.

Peace,

Lisa+

Jesus, The Vine by Gloria Ssali

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sunday, April 28

8 a.m. - Spoken Eucharist

9 a.m. - Family Eucharist

10 a.m. - The Forum

10 a.m. - Sunday School & Youth Group

11 a.m. - Choral Eucharist (live-streamed)

12:15 p.m. - Coffee Hour

The Forum: Education for Ministry

Sunday, April 28 @ 10:00 a.m. in Kyle's Place

At this week’s Forum, led by Laura Jenkins, experience an introduction to theological reflection, a core practice of EfM groups. Education for Ministry engages participants in deep study of our faith traditions as a means of deepening our relationship with God and one another. We’ll talk a little about what EfM isn’t (formal discernment for ordained ministry) and is (an intentional spiritual community in which we discern the ministry we are each called to as Christians.)

Because EfM's core practices include worship and fellowship, you’re invited to extend the experience by incorporating your participation in the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. service, and joining others for coffee hour afterward.

Choral Evensong: Music of Leo Sowerby

Sunday, May 5 @ 4 p.m. (Lecture @ 3 p.m.)

"Dean of American Church Music" Leo Sowerby was the Organist and Choirmaster at St. James from 1927-1962. In addition to leading an excellent choir, Sowerby was an extremely active composer, publishing hundreds of works for organ, choir, orchestra, chamber ensembles, and voice. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1946 for his cantata Canticle of the Sun, the only active church musician ever to win this prestigious award. He is a fascinating figure in the history of St. James Cathedral and of American music in general.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Joseph Sargent, author of the new biography Leo Sowerby, who will give a lecture on Sowerby's life and prodigious output before Evensong in Kyle's Place (located on the ground floor of 65 E Huron). The lecture will begin at 3 p.m. and is sponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. After Evensong, you are cordially invited to return to Kyle's Place for a festive reception.

St. Andrew's Chapel Restoration

Beginning Monday, April 29

8 a.m. services in the Cathedral beginning Sunday, May 5

We are excited to announce the second project of our Capital Campaign, the restoration of the historic St. Andrew's Chapel, that will begin on Monday, April 29. The work is projected to be completed in early July.

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning Sunday, May 5, the 8 a.m. service will take place in the Cathedral.

Tarry Awhile: A Pentecost Vigil / Retreat for St. James and St. Martin's

Saturday, May 18 @ 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Martin's

The people of St. James and St. Martin's are invited to a joint retreat hosted by St. Martin's (5700 W Midway Park). Inspired by the book Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith by Selina Stone, which was Archbishop of Canterbury's book selection for Lent 2024, this retreat will explore the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives individually and as communities of faith. Dr. Stone's insightful book is not required for participation, but recommended.

A continental breakfast from 8:30 - 9 a.m. and lunch are provided. A donation of $20 is requested to cover the cost of food. You can donate HERE.

Please register below and let us know of any dietary restrictions, and whether you would like to carpool.

Retreat Leader: The Rev. Juan Reed

From 1991 to 2010, Fr. Juan Reed was vicar of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on Chicago’s West Side. He received a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work in 1981, later a master’s degree in divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and in 2004 a PhD in ministry from the Catholic Theological Union. From 1978 to 1980 he was a psychiatric technician at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. He was a clinical social worker from 1981 to 1984 for the Chicago Child Care Society and from 1984 to 1989 for Lawrence Hall Youth Services. In 1989 and 1990 he served as diagnostic treatment program director for Episcopal Charities and Community Services. He also conducted a private clinical social work practice from 1983 to 1990. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1991.

At St. Martin's, Fr. Reed made the church into a place where progressive LGBT persons can share worship with their heterosexual fellow Christians. He invites the congregation through his sermons and teaching to participate in a theology of liberation. In 2005, he was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame.

In retirement, Fr. Reed serves as a Spiritual Director in the Diocese of Chicago.

Wednesday Night Formation

Wednesdays beginning at 5:45 p.m.

Our Wednesday night offerings continue and all are invited to join for all or some.

The evening begins with a Chorister led Evensong at 5:45 p.m. in the Cathedral. After, all are invited for a community meal in the Great Hall at 6 p.m. Adult formation begins at 7 p.m. in Kyle's Place followed by Compline at 7:30 p.m. in St. Andrew's Chapel.

Compline Choir, which rehearses Wedneday nights at 6:45 p.m., then leads Compline at 7:30 p.m., is now accepting singers for the Easter term which runs through May 29. Email Associate Director of Music David Boeckh if interested in joining!

Formation: Our Book of Common Prayer

One of the primary foundations of The Episcopal Church's identity is The Book of Common Prayer. It shapes the way we worship, teach, and care for one another. Join us Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM as we learn about the different parts of the book, the history of how it was formed, ways that we use it at St. James, and ways that you can use it at home. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of our traditions and how you can use them in your own faith practices.

Chorister Tour to Washington DC

May 11-12

After an excitng year of immense growth, we are excited to announce our choristers have been offered the opportunity to sing alongside the choir of Washington National Cathedral during the weekend of May 11-12! This is a rare privilege, given exclusively to our choristers by WNC's director Michael McCarthy after he heard them sing earlier this year.

Each chorister family has pledged to contribute what they can to this upcoming tour to Washington, DC. We hope you will consider a donation to make this trip possible for those in need of financial assistance. Any excess money raised will be applied to the choristers’ annual choir camp. Below are some suggested sponsorship amounts:

$95 – the cost of one chorister’s meals for the weekend

$125 – the cost of one chorister’s lodging

$225 – the cost of one chorister’s roundtrip flight

$500 – the total cost for one chorister

Thank you in advance for your generosity in supporting our choristers!

Cathedral Choir School

Now enrolling for the 2024-2025 season

The Cathedral Choir School at St. James offers children a free, world-class musical education. Choristers sing together twice a week, building skills, values, and friendships to last a lifetime.

We are now enrolling new choristers for the 2024-25 season! Space is limited so email Canon Director of Music, Stephen Buzard today to express your interest!

Be a Chorister for a Day!

Want to test the waters? All are invited to an open rehearsal on Wednesday, May 15 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Free dinner provided for the whole family!

Summer in the City (SITC) will take place from July 22 - August 4. SITC is a 2 week arts and adventure day camp for 8-13 year olds from around the city. Campers will discover treasures in their city, in themselves, and in others.

Make sure to register today!

Book Group

First Tuesday of the month @ 6:30 p.m. in Room 307

The St. James Book Group continues to meet on the first Tuesday of the month in 307 in St. James Commons at 6:30 p.m., discussion begins at 7 p.m. This month’s book selection is A Gentleman in Moscow. If you are interested in learning more, please speak to Marcy and Craig Backhus or email Marcy at marcybackhus@me.com.

Safe Church Training

Friday, May 3 @ 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

St. James will be offering an in person Safe Church Training session on Friday, May 3 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Safe Church Training helps to create a safe environment and outline the theology, terminology, expectations, and implementation steps for compliance. It is required to be completed by all church staff and clergy, and volunteers who work with vulnerable adults and children.

This training can be done online on your own time, but if you are interested in taking it and it would be easier for you to complete it in person, you are welcome to join. Please RSVP to Jocelyn Colao at jcolao@saintjamescathedral.org, and let her know of any questions.

St. Martin's Prayer Brunch

Sunday, May 5

Join St. Martin's for their annual Prayer Brunch on Sunday, May 5 at 1 p.m. with keynote speaker, Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago. Tickets are $35

To purchase your tickets go HERE and select "Prayer Brunch". Or you can donate by mail to St. Martin’s 5700 W. Midway Park, Chicago, IL. 60644.

Restore Reimagine Rebuild

St. James Capital Campaign Prayer

“There's no question but that we have a big fundraising goal, and an uncertain time ahead here at St. James. But every time I want to feel overwhelmed by those things, I imagine what it must have been like for the people of St. James on the morning of October 10, 1871. They'd dedicated their brand new building just a few weeks before, and here it was, in ashes, with only the bell tower standing. How uncertain, how impossible, it must have seemed to rebuild. But rebuild they did, as a community of faith -- faith in God and in each other. We have so much more than they did. We have a building. Surely we can come together as they did, discern together what our future is meant to be, and create the spaces we need to continue to pursue our mission. ”



– Marianne Culver, Choir Member and Count Ministry