On The Boulevard

2008 Festival of the Americas a Great Success

2008-11-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Every year, we celebrate the beautiful diversity of God's creation in the annual Festival of the Americas. We come together - people from various countries in Latin and North America and share our food, cultures, language, music and dancing. This year, the Festival of the Americas took place on Saturday, September 27.

We had a great time savoring delicious homemade food. We admired and learned about the Aztec religion through traditional dance. We had great DJ's who got us out on the dance floor. We danced to boleros and romantic music.

Many thanks to everyone at Advent and Nuestra Senora for all their hard work in making the Festival of the Americas a great success. In particular, thanks to the dedication and commitment to this year's Co-chairs: Idida Perez, Charles Hayes (who also contributed the photos) and Johanna Castro!

FESTIVAL DE LAS AMERICAS

2008-09-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Come join us on Saturday, September 27, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and experience the culture, food and music of the Americas!

There is no cover charge for the music - but remember to bring your dancing shoes.

There will be delicious homemade food from all over South and North America and the Caribbean at very reasonable prices. So come hungry and be ready to take home "doggie bags."

Your support will go towards the ministries of Church of the Advent and Nuestra Senora de las Americas.

We're easy to find - on the northwest corner of Logan Boulevard and Francisco Avenue. For more information, call Johanna Castro, 773.235.1161.

NUESTRA SEÑORA CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

2008-06-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 26th, Nuestra Señora de las Americas celebrated its 30th Anniversary with the Sacred Eucharist at 5:00 p.m. and Dinner Dance at 7:00 p.m. This was a joyous occasion for all of us and we were fortunate that many of our friends from Logan Square and other Episcopal Churches joined us in the celebration. The Rev. Pedro Lopez, Rector of Church of the Redeemer and Chair of the Diocese’s Hispanic Affairs Committee served as guest preacher. Numerous members of Nuestra Señora prepared and served the delicious meal that followed the Eucharist. DJs, “Sonido Angel” served up energetic music for dancing.

Our many supporters included Holy Comforter Episcopal Church; St. Mary’s Episcopal Church; Illinois Action for Children, Episcopal Church of the Advent, Charles Hayes, Angelo Urbina, DSI, Bishop’s Warden Elena Hernandez, Faith in Place, Infant Welfare Society, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Michael Feinerman, West Side Domestic Abuse Project, Peter Bustamante, Rev. Carolyn Bavaro, Rev. Christopher Griffin, Rev. Elaine Bellis, Rev. Linda English and Bob Cook, Rev. Lynn Ramshaw, Samuel Briones, St. Andrew's/Church of the Pentecost, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, St. Peter's and the Rev. Gordon Stanley, State Representative Iris Martinez, State Representative. Maria Berrios, Episcopal Charities, Deborah McCoy, Church Publishing Club, Dominican Community of St. Pius V, Episcopal Church Women, Eleanor Waltemede, West Town Leadership Project, Isidro Padilla, Jubilee Ministries, John and Pat Casey, Audra Abt and Jen Feather, Anthony, Alex, Christopher and Elizabeth Didato and the Rev. Sandra Castillo, Vicar.

Before our congregation was established, the Episcopal Church of the Advent began welcoming Hispanic members in about 1967. The Rector, the Rev. Robert Orpen, learned Spanish so that he could preside at the Eucharist in Spanish. When St. Luke’s Episcopal Church closed, its Spanish-speaking members transferred to Advent. In 1978, the Diocese of Chicago established La Iglesia Episcopal de Nuestra Señora de las Americas, the oldest Hispanic congregation in the Diocese. The congregation’s first vicar was the Rev. Rex Bateman and it rented space at Advent. After Rev. Bateman’s death, he was succeeded by the Rev. John Graham. The Rev. Sandra Castillo now pastors the congregation. Nuestra Señora de las Americas is committed to social justice with ministries that include a weekly lunch program which includes Church of the Advent and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. In conjunction with Advent, we operate the Orpen After School Study Center and a Summer Youth Program for neighborhood children and teens. During the Amnesty Program of the 1980s, the congregation helped community members fill out their applications, taught English as a Second Language and helped applicants prepare for their citizenship tests. In 2007, we hosted two successful Citizenship Workshops in partnership with Advent and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. We are also active with LSNA in advocating for immigration reform, supportive housing and balanced development.

Following are some of Isidro Padilla’s photos from Nuestra Senora’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.

2008-06-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

2008-06-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

NBC News features Morning Prayer Service and Araujo Family

2008-01-31T08:35:00.000-08:00

View the January 17 news broadcast on the local NBC television station on the Morning Prayer for Dog Walkers and focusing on the Araujo Family by going to the following link: http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=206562

Celebration of Sixteen Years of Life

2007-12-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

At Nuestra Señora and Church of the Advent, we regularly celebrate a young member’s fifteenth (“La Quinceañera) or sixteenth birthday with a special Eucharist followed by a family party. During the Eucharist, the young woman may present the Virgin Mary with a bouquet of roses. Here are some photographs of a recent Eucharist held in honor of one of our young women celebrating her sixteenth birthday. She honored a cherished family tradition by wearing a beautiful dress that had been handed down for several generations. Thanks to Tony Torres for the great photographs!

Christmas at the Church of the Advent/Nuestra Señora – La Navidad en Nuestra Señora/Adviento

2007-12-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

All are Welcome – Todos son Bienvenidos!

December 24/24 de diciembre

4:00 pm Children’s Eucharist/ Eucaristía para Niños
7:00 pm Villancicos y Eucaristía/Spanish language carols and Eucharist
10:30 pm Carols followed by a sung EucharistVillancicos y Eucaristía en ingles

December 25/25 de diciembre

10:00 a.m. bilingual Eucharist and community meal/Eucaristía bilingüe y comida comunitaria

9 de diciembre Festival de Adviento con lecciones y música/December 9 Advent Festival of Lessons and Music

2007-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Nuestra Señora de las Americas and the Church of the Advent are hosting a bilingual Advent Lessons and Carols this Sunday, December 9, at 4 PM. All are welcome. A free will offering will benefit the MegaMall Families Fire Fund.

Nuestra Señora de las Américas y la Iglesia del Adviento estarán auspiciando un bilingüe 'Festival de Adviento con lecciones y música' este domingo, 9 de diciembre, a las 4 de la tarde. Todos son bienvenidos. Una donación voluntaria beneficiara al Fondo de Emergencia (‘MegaMall Families Fire Fund’).

NOVEMBER 17 CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP GREAT SUCCESS

2007-11-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Citizenship Workshop hosted by Nuestra Señora de las Americas and Church of the Advent and organized by LSNA, Erie Neighborhood House and Albany Park Neighborhood Council was a great success with over forty community members applying for U.S. Citizenship and assisted by over twenty-five volunteers. Gloria Granda and Miguel Pantoja from Nuestra Señora greeted the visitors along with Rev. Sandra. The most enthusiastic volunteers of the day were the numerous teenagers who are members of the National Honors Society at Roosevelt High School. Here are some photos of the Citizenship Workshop.

17 DE NOVIEMBRE TALLER DE CIUDADANIA /CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP

2007-11-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

When/cúando: sábado, 17 de Noviembre,07 ( November 17 th)
Time/horario: From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location/lugar: Nuestra Sra. De Las Americas
2610 N. Francisco - (3 blks east of Sacramento blvd)
Parking/estacionamiento disponible.
¡CIUDADANIA AHORA!
CITIZENSHIP NOW!
¡Aplique antes de tener que renovar su tarjeta de residencia!

Llámenos si Necesita un PRESTAMO para pagar el costo de la
solicitud para la ciudadanía.
Call us if you need a loan to pay the application fee.

Llame/Call Rufina Valladares at
Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA)
at (773) 384-4370 ext. 49 for more information
about becoming a US citizen* and about the loan.

Citizenship Workshop requirements list/Lista de requisitos para el taller de ciudadanía.
REQUISITOS PARA EL TALLER DE CUIDADANIA
Si cumple con los requisitos y está listo para aplicar, éstos son todos los documentos que deberá traer al taller de ciudadanía:
q Su tarjeta de residencia (greencard), su seguro social y su licencia de manejar o identificación. Tiene que haber sido residente por 5 años (o 3 años si está casado con un ciudadano de los E.E.U.U.)
q Todas las fechas en que ha viajado afuera de los Estados Unidos desde que obtuvo su residencia.
q Una lista de las direcciones en donde ha vivido por los últimos 5 años.
q Todos los lugares y fechas en donde ha trabajado en los últimos 5 años.
q Si está casado deberá tener los siguientes datos de su cónyuge: nombre, fecha de nacimiento, seguro social (si lo tiene), número de residencia o, en caso de que su cónyuge sea ciudadano, la fecha que en que se naturalizó.
q Si su cónyuge actual estuvo casado anteriormente deberá traer la fecha en que comenzó y terminó el matrimonio anterior.
q Si tiene hijos: los nombres, fechas de nacimiento, números de residencia (y su dirección si no viven con Ud).
q Si alguna vez fue detenido: el motivo, la fecha de dónde y cuándo ocurrió y los resultados de esa detención.
q Si es hombre: el número de Servicio Selectivo y la fecha de registro - si no lo sabe puede llamar al 847-688-6888 o buscar en www.sss.gov
q Un giro postal de $675 a nombre de: USCIS ($595 si tiene más de 75 años)
NO se necesita hablar inglés si:
1) es incapacitado
2) tiene 50 años y ha sido residente por 20 años
3) tiene 55 años y ha sido residente por 15 años

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP
To fill out the necessary citizenship form, please bring the following documents:

q Bring permanent residence card-you must be a legal permanent resident for at least five years (3 years if you are still married to a U.S. Citizen) in order to apply.
q Have your alien card, Social Security Card, State ID or Drivers License and PASSPORT
q List of places you have traveled to during since you received your residency, including: month, day and year of travel
q List of where you have lived and worked for the past five years
q Information about your spouse including: name, date of birth, social security number, alien number and/or date of naturalization (if applicable)
q Information about your children including: address, name, date of birth and alien number (if applicable)
q Information about previous marriages for both you and your spouse (if applicable):
date of prior marriage; date the marriage ended and reason the marriage ended.
q If applicable, information about any arrests: reason for the arrest, date, place and dispositions
q For men only: Selective Service number and date of registration: call (847) 688-6888 if you don't know
q A money order for $675.00 made out to the U.S.C.I.S. (for those older than 75 years of age $595)
o English NOT needed for U.S. Citizenship if:
§ You have a disability
§ You are 50 years old and have been a resident for 20 years
§ You are 55 years old and have been a resident for 15 years

HALLOWEEN AT ADVENT/NUESTRA SEÑORA

2007-11-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

On Halloween, we hosted an Open House for over 700 neighborhood trick-or-treaters and their families at Advent and Nuestra Señora! Visitors could use the church's washrooms. We distributed candy, offered hot tea and coffee to the grown-ups and water for the children. We even had "pan"/"bread" for Dia de los Muertos for parents and children. In the chapel, visitors could stop at our Dia de los Muertos altar and include the names of their beloved departed relatives and friends in the prayer list for our November 4 "All Saints" Eucharist. Our Dia de los Muertos altar will continue through the end of November. All are welcome to leave a memento of a beloved deceased on the altar.

Festival of the Americas a Great Success

2007-10-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, 840.

Each year, Church of the Advent and Nuestra Senora de las Americas celebrates God's creative gift of our diversity of cultures, language, food, music and dance in an annual Festival of the America. This year's Festival on September 29 was a great success.

We can't thank everyone enough for all of the hard work and great support that not only our parishioners provided but the community at large. Folks came out and blessed us with their presence and performed from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. non-stop. A great Thanks goes out to La Primera Orquesta de Guiro en Chicago, Overhang, the Aztec dancers, Moriyah and New Community Covenant Church, a neighboring church that provided beautiful spiritual music. They all made the hours fly by too fast. Thanks for everyone who obtained donations and operated the great Silent Auction. Most importantly, Thanks to all the great cooks for a first time sold out event and a special thanks to all the co-chairs and committee chairs that took the lead and made the event possible. Thank you and God Bless you all. Please enjoy some of the photos below of our 2007 Festival de las Americas!

Festival de las Americas un Gran Exito!

2007-10-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Oh Dios, que creaste a todos los pueblos a tu imagen, te damos gracias por la maravillosa diversidad de razas y culturas en este mundo. Enriquece nuestras vidas con crecientes lazos de fraternidad, y muéstranos tu presencia en aquéllos que más difieren de nosotros, hasta que nuestro conocimiento de tu amor sea hecho perfecto en nuestro amor hacia todos tus hijos; por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén.
Libro de Oración Común, 732

Cada año La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Americas y la Iglesia del Adviento celebran el gran don creativo de Dios en la diversidad de nuestras culturas, idiomas, musica, comida y baile en El Festival de las Americas. El Festival de este año que se llevó a cabo el 29 de septiembre, era un gran exito. Damos gracias a todos para el esfuerzo y apoyo de nuestros miembros y tambien a la comunidad en general en llevando a cabo el Festival de las Americas de este año. La asistencia de muchos de nuestros vecinos era una bendición grande. Varios grupos nos ofrecieron su musica y bailes desde las 5:00 de la tarde hasta la 9:00 de la noche sin intermisión. Muchas gracias a La Primera Orquesta de Guiro en Chicago, Overhang, los Bailadores Azteca, Mariyah y New Community Covenant Church, una congregación acercana quien nos ofrecieron musica linda espiritual. La horas volaron rapidamente. Gracias a todos quien consiguieron donaciones y supervisaron la Subasta. Mas importante, Gracias a todos los cocineros magnificos porque para la primera vez, vendemos toda la comida y tambien a todas las co-dirigentes y dirigentes de los sub-comites. Ellos llevaron a cabo este evento tan exitoso. Gracias a todos y que Dios les bendigan!

12 de agosto formación cristiana

2007-08-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Mi nombre es Sonia Andrade y empezando este domingo 12 de agosto seré la maestra de formación cristiana. Las clases son un requisito para La Primera Comunión, Confirmación y Bautismo. Las clases se darán cada domingo desde las 10:30-11:30 a.m. Siendo que ustedes, los padres de familia, son los primeros responsables de la formación en la fe católica de sus hijos, mis clases serán sólo un complemento a aquello que ustedes ya han iniciado desde el día de su Bautismo, en la cual es muy importante que participen en la misa de las 12:00 p.m. cada domingo como familia. Es un requisito que todo padre que registre a sus niños en las clases que también se inscriba a las clases de adultos ya que los niños aprenderán y tendrán muchas preguntas. La clase de adultos será un complemento a lo que los niños aprenderán. Sin más por el momento quisiera ponerme a sus órdenes, para cualquier pregunta que tengan. Si desean pueden hacer una cita conmigo en cualquier momento al
(773) 235-1161.

Fechas Importantes:
08/12/2007 Primer día de clases
10/07/2007 Día de la Primera Comunión y Bautismos en Nuestra Señora
10/13/2007 Día de Confirmación en la Catedral
11/25/2007 Ultimo día de clases

August 11 Keeping God's People Safe Training

2007-08-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 2610 N. Francisco Avenue, is inviting the other faith communities of Logan Square to attend the two step “Keeping God’s People Safe” training on Saturday, August 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The ‘Protecting God’s People” class is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Beverages and snacks will be provided. There will be a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their brown bag lunches. The “Leading & Caring for God’s People” class is scheduled from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The class descriptions follow.

PROTECTING GOD'S PEOPLE is the first step in the program. WATCH – ACT – TEACH are the key actions needed to protect against child sexual abuse. Each one of us shares the honor of helping shape a child’s environment. For this reason, the class is suitable for all adult members of the congregation – even those without children. The sexual abuse of children is not an exclusively church problem; it happens wherever children gather. PROTECTING GOD'S PEOPLE can be added to adult education programs or be part of a parenting class series.

LEADING & CARING FOR GOD'S PEOPLE is the second step. This step has two goals. First, Church leaders learn of ways to form abuse-resistant organizations and discuss ways of spreading this awareness through their communities. Its second purpose is to call attention to unintended consequences that sometimes arise in pastoral relationships. Care-givers need to be cautiously mindful of their own needs. By appropriately caring for themselves, they can be the caring and careful care-givers the Holy Spirit inspires.

To register for the training, contact the Church of the Advent at 773/235-1161. For more information, please contact the Rev. Sandra Castillo at the above phone number.

July 28 Painting Party

2007-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 28, Advent and Nuestra Señora were abuzz with activity. The Rite 13 group of St. Christopher’s Journey to Adulthood program (J2A) spent the day painting the choir room and hallway with Nuestra Señora’s children and teenagers along with their respective adult chaperones, Barbara Kohnhurst, Rich Nied and Kelly Clissold (St. Christopher’s) and Charles Hayes (Advent), Johanna Castro, Miguel Gonzalez, José Salgado, Ángela Salgado and Sonia Andrade(Nuestra Señora). Nuestra Señora contributed the meals, prepared by Abigail Contreras and NSA member Ivan Medina donated the supplies and equipment. World Vision, a non-profit located on the West Side of Chicago, donated the paint.

The youth got to know each other during lunch, talking about where they went to school, their grades and favorite things to do. Barbara Kohnhurst described the Journey to Adulthood Program and, in particular, the Rite 13 group, in which the visiting teens participated. Ángela Salgado, Jr., talked about the After School Study Center and how most of the teens volunteering that day had grown up together through the program.

At the end of the work day, Kevin Palmer, a member of Advent, led the St. Christopher group on a tour of Logan Boulevard ending at the Eagle, a World War I monument at the west end of the Boulevard. Following dinner, José and Ángela Salgado hosted the J2A group at their home where the adults showered and the young people played board games and watched television.

The following day began with the group being hosted by Advent member, Idida Perez and the Salgado family for showers and a hearty breakfast prepared by Mrs. Contreras. Afterwards, the J2A group helped set up chairs for the annual “Mass on the Grass” - a bilingual, English and Spanish service that takes place on the boulevard in front of the church. The teenagers enjoyed the potluck parish picnic that followed with its wide range of American and Hispanic food.

The Church of the Advent and Nuestra Señora de las Americas thanks the teenagers and adults from St. Christopher and our own congregations who worked so hard during the July 28 Painting Party to make our church home attractive, welcoming and hospitable.

2007 Summer Youth Program

2007-08-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Summer Youth Program is progressing well under the capable leadership and supervision of Coordinators Johanna Castro and Diane Lopez, Counselors Joaquin Perez, Jasmine Gonzalez and Cynthia Hernandez as well as the help of volunteer teachers, Ivelisse Muñoz (Nuestra Señora), Kevin Palmer and Sue Gordon (Advent). With the generosity of donations from Northern Trust Bank, Strack & Van Til Grocery Store, Nuestra Señora de las Americas, Advent and several of its members, as of today, we are serving sixteen campers. Often, the staff donate some of the snacks for the children. Most surprisingly has been the response of neighborhood teenagers with thirteen youth volunteering their time as assistant counselors in the five week program. The campers have a breakfast snack on their arrival. They have arts and crafts activities and go on outings to a community computer lab where they learn basic computer skills. Advent member, Kevin Palmer, is instructing the campers and teens on gardening. He is supervising them on trips to the Whipple/Drake Community Garden where they have the chance to put their new knowledge to work. The children are also taking outings to Lincoln Park Zoo, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum and other locations. We are taking advantage of the beautiful green space in front of the church for picnic lunches. The 2007 Summer Youth Program will conclude with a theatrical work written, directed and produced by the children, volunteers and Counselors on Friday, August 17. For more information, contact Johanna Castro.

JULY 21 PARISH CLEAN UP DAY

2007-08-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

On July 21, members of Advent and Nuestra Señora rolled up their sleeves and spent the day cleaning and preparing the walls in the choir room and hallway for painting. They moved everything out of the area, scraped peeling paint off the walls, dusted, cleaned the wood doors and baseboards in preparation for the following week’s Painting Party. A volunteer also cleaned chalices, patens and other items in the sacristy. Advent hosted a volunteer lunch to which members of both congregations donated snacks, drinks and food. Brendon Hunter, Advent, prepared the luncheon on site while Nuestra Señora member Beatriz Carbajal delivered homemade mostaccioli and salad. We also celebrated the birthdays of Nuestra Señora and Advent members Fabian Castro and Barbara Susman respectively. We also wish to thank volunteers Gerardo Ocampo and his younger brother, Angel, for their help in cleaning and moving the heavier file cabinets and boxes out of the choir room. Everyone involved likely slept very well that night from all the physical activity and with the satisfaction of helping improve the appearance of our church home!

105 ATTEND JULY 14 CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP

2007-07-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 14, 2007, Nuestra Señora de las Americas and Church of the Advent co-hosted the most recent Citizenship Workshop organized by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association in collaboration with Erie Neighborhood House, the American Polish Association, West Town Leadership United and other community organizations. Approximately 105 persons from the Hispanic, Polish, African and Asian communities took advantage of the Workshop where fifty trained volunteers helped the aspiring citizens determine their eligibility and complete the complicated application. The Workshop was the last opportunity for those attending to apply for citizenship before the registration fee increased by $250.00 at the end of the month – a significant increase for low income families.

“At 6:00 a.m., there were already half a dozen people waiting” said the Rev. Sandra Castillo, “and by 8:00 a.m., there was a line around the corner.” Advent's senior warden, John Medenwald, greeted the applicants and volunteers as they arrived and helped direct traffic. Advent parishioner, Idida Perez and Nuestra Senora member, Elena Hernandez, helped people complete applications. Organizers arrived at 7:00 a.m. to set up the stations. The doors opened at 9:00 a.m. and the volunteers continued working until 1:00 p.m. Marcelo Ferrer, LSNA Immigration Organizer said, “The people really felt welcome and supported here. That makes a big difference.” The entire building was utilized. Volunteer lawyers did screening and trained volunteers helped people complete applications in the basement. People waited in the quiet tranquility of the church nave. Free passport photographs and the final review station were located in the choir room and the rector's office became the volunteer lounge. Nuestra Señora de las Americas and the Church of the Advent especially thank St. John Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for their help in making the Citizenship Workshop possible.

JULY 29 BILINGUAL "MASS ON THE GRASS" AND PICNIC

2007-06-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, July 29 following the 11:00 a.m. Bilingual “Mass on the Grass”, Advent and Nuestra Señora will be holding its annual pot luck Parish Picnic. Both the Eucharist and picnic will be held on the boulevard in front of the church. In case of rain, we will move to the church basement. This year, Bill Haljun, a member of our partner in mission, Holy Comforter Church, is helping us organize a series of intergenerational games that we hope everyone will participate in. If you’re interested in helping organize the games, please all Johanna Castro, or Charles Hayes. If you are interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact Rev. Sandra, 773/235-1161. Please also let John Medenwald or Ivelisse Muñoz know if you can help with food, beverages or paper goods.

ST. CHRISTOPHER YOUTH GROUP VISIT

2007-06-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

On the weekend of Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29, the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) “Rite 13” youth group from St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Oak Park, (Rev. Sandra’s home parish) will visit Advent and Nuestra Señora for its mission trip. On Friday, the J2A group will work with the Night Ministry in the Lakeview neighborhood handing out hygiene kits. On Saturday, they will work with youth from Advent and Nuestra Señora painting the choir room and the hallway behind the church and in front of the sacristy. The youth will conclude their painting party that day with a celebratory pizza party. On Sunday, the J2A group will join us for our 11:00 a.m. Bilingual Eucharist and Parish Picnic before departing to Oark Park.

The following description of the Journey to Adulthood program comes from St. Christopher’s web site.

Christian formation is a lifelong process. The Journey to Adulthood program gives young people a firm foundation on which to build. It is divided into three phases: Rite 13 (Grades 7-8), Sojourners (Grades 9-10) and YAC (Young Adults in Church - Grades 11-12. The Journey to Adulthood program was developed over a ten-year period by parishioners at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church in Durham, N.C. The curriculum was written by two parishioners, Amanda Millay Hughes and David E. Crean. The Rev. C. Thomas Midyette, Amanda Smith and the Rev. William 1. Roberts, Jr. contributed original ideas and key concepts which were incorporated into the program. Development was funded, in part, by a grant from the Episcopal Church Foundation. This information …was taken from promotional materials produced by Leader Resources, the originators of The journey to Adulthood program.

What is The Journey to Adulthood? A parish program for young people between the ages of 11 and 17 which: provides a liturgical frame for their experience in our modern culture; celebrates their individuality and their creative potential; and, instructs them in the skills required for their successful adult participation in the church community and in society It is based on two key concepts: manhood and womanhood are gifts from God; and, adulthood must be earned. The Journey to Adulthood program includes in-depth exploration of the four realms of: self, sexuality, spirituality, and society.

The three phases of The Journey to Adulthood program [are]: Rite 13; Sojourners; and Young Adults in Church. “Rite 13” assists the young people as they take the first steps away from their families into their own lives; includes a liturgical celebration of the gift of manhood and womanhood when they are 13; stresses the group as community encouraging friendship; and, creates a safe place to explore new ideas, new interests and new abilities. “Sojourners” blends action and contemplation in teaching young people faithful living; teaches six basic skills to prepare them for adulthood: active listening, assertion, research/information management,
negotiation, partnership and leadership; invites the young people to make a holy pilgrimage together following the second year; offers the young people the opportunity for Confirmation; and, acknowledges the young adults as equipped for new levels of responsibility. Young Adults in Church are: guided by adult advisers as they use Scripture, reason and the tradition of the Church to begin a lifelong pilgrimage in their faith; encouraged to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of parish life and the local community; and, challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure. Each of The Journey to Adulthood groups meets regularly, apart from church school, for other activities. Occasionally the three groups meet for shared events. Adult leadership is provided by the group leaders and volunteer chaperones.

JULY 14 CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP

2007-06-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

On July 14, Nuestra Señora de las Americas and Church of the Advent are hosting the Citizenship Workshop sponsored by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. At these workshops, between 50 to 200 individuals are screened and assisted in the application process for U.S. citizenship. Attendance on July 14 is expected to be high because the application fee will increase after July 31. The volunteers will arrive at 7:15 a.m. to set up their supplies for the day. The doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and applicants will be registered through 12:00 p.m. noon. Because the process takes about an hour per person, the volunteers will work until about 2:00 p.m.

The entire church and parish house will be utilized to accommodate the projected attendance of applicants. Volunteers will register the applicants at the church entrance. In the basement, volunteer lawyers will review the applicants’ eligibility to apply for citizenship and other volunteers will help applicants complete the paperwork. A photographer stationed in the basement will take the photos required to accompany the application. Another group of volunteers in the choir room will do “quality assurance”, reviewing all the paperwork.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church are lending us additional tables to accommodate the projected attendance. Our sexton, Sam Summerville, will be setting up tables and chairs the evening of Friday, July 13 and taking them down the afternoon of Saturday, July 14.

Your help in hosting this event is greatly appreciated. Both Nuestra Señora and Advent were very involved in the amnesty program twenty years ago and many members of Nuestra Señora were introduced to the congregation at this time. Through our active participation in this event, we are living out the gospel by opening our churches to the community. If you are interested in volunteering in the application process, you must be at least 18 years of age, speak some English and attend a training either at LSNA on July 9 from 6 to 8 pm or at Advent/Nuestra Señora (date/time to be determined). We also need volunteers to pick up and return tables as well as to help Sam set them up and take them down. High school students can earn community service hours as volunteer runners during the event. For more information, please contact Gloria Granda, or Rev. Sandra, 773/235-1161.

VERACRUZ PROJECT

2007-06-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

VERACRUZ PROJECT

On Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30, members of Church of the Advent and Nuestra Señora de las Americas will begin picking up donations of clothes from several churches throughout the Diocese. We will need help picking up the donations and sorting them. Please contact the following people to volunteer: Rev. Sandra, 773/235-1161; John Medenwald, Ignacio Cruz, Amada Gomez, Ivan Medina, and Ivelisse Muñoz.

We will take the clothes to Georgia where an organization will purchase the clothes. We will donate the net proceeds as follows. A percentage will be donated to the Roman Catholic lay ministry organized last summer in Medias Aguas that has been providing food and clothes to the South and Central American immigrants when they come in on trains from Chiapas that stop at that village. Another percentage will be disbursed to the Anglican congregations of San Juan Evangelista in the city of Acayucan and to La Iglesia de la Asención in the village of Nuevo Morelos to help them develop their ministries to the immigrants. Another percentage will be disbursed to these two congregations for the earned income projects being organized there through the Diocese of Southeast Mexico. These projects provide income for not only the congregations but also for the individuals employed by the projects. These projects provide the income that people need to take care of their families and eliminate the need to migrate to the United States. At its June meeting, the Advent Vestry suggested a guideline of 20% for each of the above disbursements.

If you are interested in helping drive the clothes to Georgia and/or making the follow-up visit to the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and to Medias Aguas, contact any of the people listed above.

SALGADO FAMILY HOUSE BLESSING

2007-06-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

On June 18, Rev. Sandra visited the Salgado Family and blessed the home they moved into several weeks ago. As the group moved throughout the house, everyone joined in the prayers and felt the spray of holy water as Rev. Sandra asperged the rooms. Summer is an especially good time for this liturgy since we can include the blessing of the family’s garden as well as the interior of the house. If you’d like to schedule a house blessing, please call Rev. Sandra at 773/235-1161.

2007 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

2007-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

We are currently developing a one month youth program for this summer at Advent and Nuestra Señora and are asking for assistance from members of both congregations to obtain the needed resources to make the program possible. The planned time period for the program will be from July 16 to August 17, Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3 pm. We are hoping to have a total group of 30 children from kindergarten to eighth grade in the program. They will be divided into groups of 10 and each group will be supervised by one college age counselor.

Activities will include games, craft projects, garden projects, bible study, theater activities and weekly field trips. Lunch and snacks will be provided. In addition to monetary donations, please consider donating food; office, school and craft supplies; and, volunteering your time to lead some of the activities or help supervise the children on field trips. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please feel free to contact Johanna Castro, Program Coordinator or Rev. Sandra, 773/235-1161.

A WORD FROM REVEREND SANDRA

2007-06-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him. Lk 8: 38-39

The Old Testament reading and Gospel of June 24 bring to mind the grandeur of God’s power and how it manifests itself throughout humanity. Retiring to Mt. Horeb in fear of retaliation by Jezebel, Elijah, the great prophet of Israel, witnesses the coming of God’s voice in the wind, earthquake and fire. But those awesome phenomena simply precede the sheer silence that accompanies the reassuring voice of God. Jesus’ disciples, the swineherds, the country people and city dwellers of the Gerasenes witness Jesus’ powerful healing love in the exorcism of the “Legion” of demons possessing the man who lived in the tombs. In both instances, human beings were blessed to be witnesses to God’s power and love at work in our world. In his encounter with God, Elijah received the strength and power needed to return to his ministry of prophecy – serving as a messenger of God - confronting King Ahab and Jezebel. Jesus’ disciples were already committed to his ministry of healing and love. Yet, the other witnesses to the exorcism reacted in fear occasioned by lack of understanding, closing themselves off from the transformative power of God’s love. Although the man who had been possessed begged Jesus to allow him to become part of his company of disciples, Jesus instructed the man to return to his home town. This man’s ministry was to proclaim in his community how much Jesus had done for him – a complete transformation that no one could deny.

We continue to see God’s handiwork in our lives albeit in a world torn with violence and conflict. We see God’s power in the bonds of our loving relationships. This week, meeting with two different families in preparation for their children’s baptisms, God’s love was manifest within the families and in the commitment the sponsors were making to their friends and the children. One prospective godfather, traveled from his job in Las Vegas in order to attend the preparation class! Another family who had grown up in Nuestra Señora is traveling from their home in Kenosha, Wisconsin for the baby’s baptism. Our world is continually beset by the violence that led to the shooting death of thirteen year old Schanna Gayden in Logan Square two days before I write this message. Yet, last night, the power of God’s love was manifest as the community came together in prayer to console Schanna’s family following the death this innocent victim of gang crossfire.

Just as God reaffirmed Elijah’s ministry, his power and love continues to reaffirm and reassure us in this sometimes frightening world. Just as Jesus directed the man who had been possessed to proclaim how much Jesus had done for him, we and our congregations are called to proclaim the God’s blessings – loving families, good health, solid Christian formation, educational and career opportunities. Given the gang violence in our community, let us double our efforts in reaching out to the young people in our neighborhood. By sharing our blessings and ourselves with the young people through our various church events and activities, let us proclaim how much Jesus has done for all of us. Let us be witnesses to the power of God’s love.