Every day of our lives is an opportunity to “come before God with joyful songs” (Ps. 100). Within the Episcopal tradition, there are some feasts days and services which call us to make even more joyful noises.
Music Program Highlights for the 2025/26 Year
Choral Evensong: All Saints’ Sunday
Join us for one of the gems of the Anglican Music Tradition: Evensong.
Based on medieval monastic offices, this service takes place in the evening, marking the passing of another day. Sung primarily by the choir, Evensong allows those gathered an opportunity for contemplation, prayer, and inspiration.
Join us on Sunday, November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm as we remember those who have gone before us: our holy forebears who have lived lives of faithful and joy-filled service. A festive reception to follow.
Music selections by Frank Ferko, Maxine Thevenot, Peter Aston, Healy Willan, and others.
Advent Lessons & Carols
The service of Nine Lessons and Carols began in 1880. It was started by Bishop Edward White Benson as a way to attract the Christmas crowds away from the pubs and into the pews. After Benson’s appointment as Bishop of Canterbury in 1883, the service gained a wider following throughout the U.K.
Our service on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 7:00pm offers us a time of reflection and anticipation during the Advent season; as White wrote: “not to celebrate Christmas, but to expect it.” A festive reception to follow.
Music selections by Kerensa Briggs, Benedict Sheehen, Franz Biebl, Boris Ord, and others.
Carnival Sunday
Join us in worship on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 10:00am for a raucous, spirit-filled service in the style of Mardi Gras and Carribean Carnivale traditions, as we prepare for the approaching season of Lent.
With us in worship is the Uniting Voices Chicago Choir from our neighbors and partners at Beulah Shoesmith Elementary School. A catered lunch will follow our worship service, along with our annual Bake Sale to support the music program at Shoesmith.
Four days later, with uplifted spirits, we embark upon the profoundly spiritual journey of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday
Nico Muhly’s “The Street”
As Lent begins, join as we contemplate Christ’s journey towards the cross.
The SPR Choirs, along with guest harpist Kari Novilla, will present Nico Muhly’s “The Street: Fourteen Meditations on the Stations of the Cross.”
Written in 2022, this work for solo harp, narrator, and plainchant premiered at King’s College, Cambridge, and offers a time of quiet reflection and introspection within our Lenten journeys.
Holy Week at The Church of St. Paul & the Redeemer
Beginning with a joyful Palm Sunday procession through our neighborhood led by a bagpiper, and culminating on the Day of Resurrection: Easter Sunday, the Church of St. Paul & the Redeemer offers nearly a dozen services throughout this most holy of weeks, as we walk with Christ through his passion, death, and resurrection.
Through solemn liturgies, prayer, and sacrament, we enter into the mystery of God’s redeeming love revealed in Jesus Christ.
Choral Evensong: Ascension Day
Join us for one of the gems of the Anglican Music Tradition: Evensong.
Based on medieval monastic offices, this service takes place in the evening, marking the passing of another day. Sung primarily by the choir, Evensong allows those gathered an opportunity for contemplation, prayer, and inspiration.
Join us on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:30pm to celebrate the Ascension of Christ into heaven. A festive reception to follow.
Music selections by William Walton, Maxine Thevenot, Judith Ward, and others