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A Pastoral Note from Abbi
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Come to me, all you that are weary
and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.
--Matthew 11:28
I was reminded recently by a colleague in ministry who also works with young adults about the challenges of "adulting" that we face. Our transition in adulthood includes reconciling the "shoulds" and expectations that we've learned and received all our lives and discovering that whatever "success" is, it's not all humanly possible. We can't do it all.
When we're figuring out how faith fits into all these worldly pressures, it can feel like another checklist, something to accomplish. So what does this mean for our lives, our self-worth? Faith is a journey embracing the healing, courage, and wholeness found in Jesus and extending that healing, courage, and wholeness in the world.
It's simple, yet counter to what we learn about what it means to be an adult. I know that some of you are overburdened with work, you're discerning your vocation, you're job searching, you're trying to take care of yourself, you're seeking to serve others and work for justice, or you're working and in school. In the midst of all the things, God is making it known to you that you are deeply loved. And in your knowing that love, God wants you to let go of those expectations and make choices for your and others' alive-ness.
Pinch yourself and remember that you're one person. One person that God created and interacts with and loves and delights in. God's love frees us from the burdens of those "shoulds" making choices for us and opens us up to live out of God's love.
What piece of your journey will you embrace today? How can you rest in God's deep and abiding love? I'd love to know. I'm praying for you to meet God's love for you today and this week.
With peace,
Abbi
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This Sunday the congregation's Annual Meeting is taking place after the 11:00 a.m. service. Because this conflicts with our usual Gathering, we won't be meeting this week. But we encourage you to join us for the meeting!
Attending the congregational meeting is a great way to learn about what's going on in the church, see the budget, and more. If you're a church member, you can vote. If you're not a member, you're still welcome to stay for this meeting!
A group of us will be staying, so let's look for each other and sit together. Abbi will be around to debrief afterward if you'd like. See you Sunday!
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February SpeakEasy: Save the Date
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SpeakEasy is our monthly night out at a Chicago establishment for food, drinks, and fellowship. This month we will get together on February 22; stay tuned for the location.
This monthly gathering is a great way to catch up with our community, meet new friends, and get a sweet break before the weekend begins. Hope to see you then!
Time and place
Thursday, February 22
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Location TBD
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Volunteer for the Chicago Lights Gala of Hope
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Join us on March 2 at the luxurious Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and be a part of the 25th Anniversary of the Gala of Hope--the signature event benefiting the outreach programs of Chicago Lights and the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being!
We are in need of volunteers to help greet and register guests, assist with silent auction and drawing sales, and check out guests at the end of the night. Sign up here (spots are limited!).
Volunteers are required to attend an orientation so they'll be prepared for the night. Orientation dates will be sent in the weeks ahead. For more information, contact Lauren Suppes (312.981.3383
).
Time and place
Friday, March 2
4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
221 N Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601
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Logged In; Checked Out?
How the Constant Use of Technology Is Changing Us
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Did you know that Fourth Church has a center for counseling and well-being? It's called the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being, and they are hosting a fascinating conference that may interest you!
On Saturday, February 24, come explore how reliance on technology--from texting and social networking to video games and constant Internet access--is affecting our brains, our sense of self, and our relationships with others. Doreen Dodgen-Magee, a clinical psychologist, will explore the impact of these technologies on our lives and offer guidance on how to break destructive habits and create new ways for healthy technology use.
Doreen Dodgen-Magee is a therapist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. A nationally known speaker, she explores the ways technology is shaping the neurological, intrapersonal, and interpersonal lives of individuals today.
Click here for tickets and more information about this event.
Time and place
Saturday, February 24
Fourth Church
8:30 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Conference
Box lunch provided
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We have an opportunity to join with children, youth, and their families this Lent for a SNAP challenge. Lent (which begins on Valentine's Day this year) is a time of self-reflection in our church year, and we wanted to design an activity that would be both easy for all of us to participate in from our homes and thought-provoking and meaningful for our faith.
SNAP stands for "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" and refers to a stipend that low-income families receive for food each month. Our challenge will be to pick a week or a few days to live on a SNAP budget and to notice the challenges of this experience. There will be a Facebook page where we can collaborate and reflect together with our church community intergenerationally. If you're interested, email Abbi
to join our mailing list and receive the details of the challenge.
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Spring Retreat: Save the Date
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At the end of April, we'll be done with winter and ready for spring to begin. Plan to join us for our annual spring young adult retreat in Michigan, just outside of Indiana. We'll be staying in a new, beautiful home by Lake Michigan, with opportunities for respite, faith-filled rejuvenation, and fellowship. Stay tuned for the retreat theme. There is a maximum of fourteen participants, so when registration is ready, sign up early to grab a spot. Cost will be $150.
If you have any questions about the retreat, contact
Abbi
.
Time and place
Friday evening April 27-Sunday afternoon April 29
Lakeside, Michigan
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Sunday, February 11
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
12:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Gathering resumes at 12:30 p.m. February 18
Thursday, February 22
February SpeakEasy
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Location TBD
Saturday, February 24
Day Conference
"How the Constant Use of Technology Is Changing Us"
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Friday, March 2
Chicago Lights Gala of Hope
4:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Friday, April 27-Sunday, April 29
Spring Retreat
Lakeside, Michigan
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Young Adults Ministry at Fourth Church welcomes those twenty-two to thirty-five or thereabouts, whether new to the city or native to Chicago, whether single or married, gay or straight.
We provide meaningful ways to connect through fellowship, enrichment, and service opportunities.
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Fourth Presbyterian Church
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