A Pastoral Note from Abbi

We receive a lot of messages in our culture to "go it alone." These messages make us internalize the notion that somehow we're weak if we ask for help or even collaborate on a project. This is unfortunate; aren't we so much better together? God gives each of us awesome gifts, and when we have the opportunity to learn from one another and hear each other's stories we can experience God's profound grace. And we could use some grace in this world.
 
If you'd like to deepen your connection to this community--receiving the benefit of not going it alone--and if you'd like to have a chance to build relationships with one another, then join us on our fall retreat November 10-12. We'll gather at the church Friday evening, drive together to New Buffalo, MI, and then return Sunday afternoon. It's going to be fun--register soon!
 
With peace, 
 
Abbi
 
No Gathering This Week
 
Due to the congregational meeting taking place after the 11:00 a.m. service, there won't be a gathering this week. Going to the congregational meeting is a great opportunity to meet and hear from the new candidate for the Senior Associate Pastor position. If you're a church member, please come and vote. If you aren't a member you are welcome to observe and watch the Presbyterian process in action. It's always an exciting time in the life of a church to meet a potential new pastor!
 
If you have any ideas for upcoming Gathering topics or you're interested in leading a Gathering, email Abbi .
 
Time and place
Sunday, October 22
No Gathering 

Small Group: Prayers for a Privileged People
 
Our Micah Bible study was a beautiful time of building community, learning about each other's lives, and exploring the challenging ways God calls us to live as people of faith in this world.  
 
Because of the ways we grew together and found community, Sally Mindrebo has offered to lead a small group as a continuation of these Monday nights together. Instead of looking at a book of the Bible, though, we'll look at Walter Brueggemann's book Prayers for a Privileged People. You can buy a copy here , or borrow one from the library.  
 
Each week we'll share about our lives, explore one of the prayers in this book and what it means for us, and pray together. All are welcome!  
 
We'll be meeting in the Manse on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Some snacks will be provided. Questions? Email Abbi .
 
Time and place
Mondays
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Manse (at Fourth Church) 

October SpeakEasy: Pumpkin Carving at Declan's
 
Join us on Thursday, October 26 to kick off the Halloween weekend with SpeakEasy, our monthly night out at a Chicago establishment for food, drinks, fellowship, and--this month--pumpkin carving!
 
This latest installment will be one of our favorite traditions: our annual Halloween SpeakEasy and pumpkin-carving contest. Declan's will give away some fun prizes and their staff will be the judges! This month's Halloween-themed get-together is a great way to catch up with friends if you've been coming for a long time--and it's an easy introduction to the group if you're new!
 
It's going to be a great time at Declan's Irish Pub in the heart of Old Town, just north of Division Street.
 
New Belgium is, once again, sponsoring our event, so it's open to the general public. Bring your friends, put together your creative team, and help us make this Halloween SpeakEasy a spookily fun experience!
 
Time and place 
Thursday, October 26   
7:00 p.m.
Declan's Irish Pub (1240 N. Wells)

 
Fall Retreat: Koinonia--Building Our Christian Community

Koinonia is a biblical Greek word that means "Christian fellowship." We'll be celebrating just that on our upcoming fall retreat!  
 
Through different group-building activities and guided questions, we'll be getting to know one another at a deeper level--sharing stories, listening, and having fun.
 
When the world can feel like a chaotic and toxic place, when the pressure to "perform" at a higher-than-what's-possible level keeps us busy and overwhelmed, when we're unsure how to respond to the suffering we see in the world, we need community. Join us for some Christian community fellowship at this fall retreat. By growing closer, our community of support grows, which helps us feel connected and grounded.
 
We hope to see you there!  
 
The cost for the retreat is $150. To pay and register, click here. 
 
Have any questions about the retreat? Contact Abbi .
 
Time and place
Friday, November 10-Sunday, November 12
New Buffalo, Michigan
 
You're Invited to GLOW! 

You're invited to the Chicago Lights Associates Board's sixth-annual gala, GLOW!
 
Join other philanthropic-minded professionals for an evening out at Chez, a contemporary loft space situated in downtown Chicago just off of Michigan Avenue.
  • Specialty hors d'oeuvres
  • Tastings from award-winning mixologists
  • Music by the DJ Firm's own DJ Sye Young
  • Open bar
  • One-of-a-kind drawing packages
  • Premium photo booth
GLOW benefits the community outreach of Chicago Lights, Fourth Church's nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one tutoring, arts education, social services, and urban farming for children, youth, and adults facing the challenges of poverty.

Click here to purchase tickets for GLOW.
 
Time and place
Friday, November 10
8:00 p.m.
Chez (247 E. Ontario St.)

 
Calendar of Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 22
No Gathering--Congregational Meeting 
 
Monday, October 23
Small Group 
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Manse (Fourth Church)
    

Thursday, October 26 
SpeakEasy
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Declan's Irish Pub ( 1240 N Wells St.) 
 
Friday, November 10-Sunday, November12
Fall Retreat
New Buffalo, Michigan
 
Friday, November 10
GLOW Fundraiser
8:00 p.m.
Chez (247 E. Ontario St.)
 
 


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.


Fourth Presbyterian Church 
126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611
312.787.4570  www.fourthchurch.org