Coming Soon at SPR!
Black History Month Speaker
Sunday, February 15, 10:00 am
Black History Month at SPR explores the rich tapestry of American history—from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the 250th anniversary of our nation. Join us for a special presentation by Ted Williams III, an educator, performer, global lecturer and pastor. He will deliver the sermon and offer a performance/talk featuring excerpts from his acclaimed works, 1619: The Journey of a People and America 250: Securing the Dream for Us All. Through his engaging presentations, Ted shares his passion for political science and social justice, using theater as a powerful medium. More information can be found here.
Waffles and Work on Mardi Gras
To mark Lent as a unique time in the church calendar, we rearrange our seating in the sanctuary. But those seats don't move themselves! This year we're going to make a small weeknight party of it: Come on Tuesday, February 17 at 5:30pm for waffles and breakfast sausage in the narthex, followed by a group effort to reorient the sanctuary. We'll aim to be done by 7:00pm. Kids are welcome. Contact Jason Evans (jasoncoryevans@gmail.com) with questions.
Ash Wednesday at SPR
Ash Wednesday is February 18. Our schedule for the day is as follows:
12:00pm Spoken Eucharist
5:30pm Family Eucharist
6:30pm Lenten Pasta Dinner
7:30pm Choral Eucharist
Ashes to Go - Volunteers Needed
We’re preparing once again to offer Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday, February 18, sharing a moment of blessing and care with commuters at the Hyde Park/Kenwood Metra stations. We’re looking for a few volunteers to help offer ashes and a warm presence. No experience is needed. If you’re interested in serving or learning more, please reach out to Mel Parks (makersmel83@gmail.com). We’d love to have you be part of this meaningful ministry.
Visit from Mosaic
Our friends from Mosaic will be joining us for the 10:00am worship service on February 22. Mosaic is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and we are excited to welcome them with SPR’s warmth and radical hospitality.
DuSable Museum Visit
Sunday, February 22, 12:00pm (following the 10:00am service)
The Anti-Racism Working Group invites you to a field trip and guided tour of the DuSable Black History and Education Center, focusing on their current exhibition, PARIS IN BLACK. This exhibit highlights the journeys of Black artists, writers, performers, and intellectuals who found inspiration and liberation in Paris, often in defiance of American racism. Discover the stories of figures like Henry Ossawa Tanner, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin—who lived and created in Paris, seeking freedom and expression. Please RSVP to Kimberly Martin at kimartin0623@gmail.com by Wednesday, February 18. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Kimberly will be at the museum by noon to welcome everyone. Adults $11, Children under 6 Free, Children 6-11 $5, Students $9.
Lent Study 2026: For Such a Time as This - An Emergency Devotional
Join in the all-parish Lenten study using the book For Such a Time as This — An Emergency Devotional, by theologian Hanna Reichel. Books are available from Amazon and other book sellers. Small groups will be available during the week for conversation over coffee, a beer, and/or a meal. Conversations will continue Sundays after the 8:00am worship service in the first-floor Byllesby Room, and after the 10:00am worship service in the downstairs St. Cecilia Room on 2/22, 3/8, 3/15 & 3/22. The Rev. Wes Smedley, Interim Rector, will facilitate Sunday conversations. For more information or to register for a small group, contact the church office at church@sprchicago.org or 773-624-3185.
Holy Communion Classes This Lent
We are excited to offer Holy Communion classes again this Lenten season for children ages 4 and up. Classes will meet each Thursday from 5:30–6:00pm at St. Paul and the Redeemer starting February 26 and running through March 26. Do not worry if you cannot attend all sessions! Children will learn more about the holy sacrament through hands-on activities, discussion, and singing. We will celebrate all our young communicants during the Maundy Thursday family worship service, 5:30pm on April 2. For more information or to register, please contact Lindsey Strieter at strieter@sprchicago.org.
Save the Date for Women’s Retreat
The 2026 Women’s Retreat is Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 (with the option to arrive on Friday night, May 15). Take some time to enjoy worship, learning, art, nature, and getting to know other women from SPR! More retreat details coming soon. Register by March 27 by filling out the registration form. New this year: We’re getting t-shirts, so get ready to look good! Click here to register!