Sunday, July 16

10:00 a.m. worship in person and online

Nanette Sawyer preaching

Worship bulletin

In person and streamed from the Sanctuary on our YouTube channel: www.bit.ly/fpcvideos

Audio available by phone (toll free) by calling 888.916.9166

Livestreamed worship services are accessible by going to www.bit.ly/fpcvideos, subscribing to our YouTube channel, or clicking on the photo with a “Play” arrow on the home page of the Fourth Church website.

Children are always welcome in worship! During the service nursery care is also available, and Summer Sunday School meets at 10:00 a.m. as well.

The School Supply Drive is underway!

This annual effort organized by Women at Fourth gathers school supplies for children taking part in the Chicago Lights Urban Farm, Summer Day, and Tutoring programs.

You can contribute to the drive in a variety of ways.

• Purchase items from our wish list and drop them off at the church reception desk.

• Order items online and have them shipped directly to the church.

• Give a monetary gift (with the designation School Supply Drive), which we will use to purchase needed supplies.

• Volunteer your time to help us unpack, inventory, sort donations, and fill backpacks. (We’ll have our first backpack assembly on Sunday, July 23 to have backpacks ready for the Summer Day youth.)

For more information, contact Simon Crow.

Caring and sharing, community and opportunity, hope and love. These were among the words used to summarize recent interfaith conversations among Fourth Church members and some of our Jewish neighbors. The conversations focused on how our faiths call us to care for others and how we give and serve in our communities and our city.

Nanette Sawyer introduced the topic with a reading of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Asked who was a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers, an expert in the law replies that it was the one who showed mercy. Jesus then says, “Go and do likewise.” 

Barbara Kantrow, Assistant Director of the American Jewish Congress (AJC) Chicago Regional Office, explained the concept of tzedakah, which is commonly translated as charity but also encompasses justice. She listed the eight levels of charitable giving, as defined by Maimonides, with the highest level, number 1, being to give so a person becomes self-sufficient, and number 8 being to give grudgingly.

This first in-person gathering of Neighbor-to-Neighbor: AJC and Fourth Church in Conversation in over two years was attended by more than twenty people.

If you are interested in participating is future sessions, contact Nanette Sawyer.

Recently Women at Fourth gathered for a fantastic “Paint and Sip” event that blended fellowship and creativity. The group gathered in the newly renovated Borwell Dining Room, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, to savor the pleasure of painting while sipping on beverages and enjoying light refreshments.

Those attending report that, guided by skilled artists Sarah from Paint the Town and Women at Fourth Board member Karen Kennedy, “we explored our artistic abilities, each expressing our unique talents on canvas. Laughter, conversation, and friendship filled the room as we shared our experiences and got to know one another better. The event was an empowering and enjoyable platform to connect, unwind, and unleash our inner creativity. Thank you to all that attended!”

Our Music by the Fountain concerts are off to a wonderful start! Jazz pianist Elsie Carlisle kicked off the series on July 7, and guitarist Andy Brown (above) followed with a performance this Friday, July 14.

The outdoor concerts continue on Fridays through August, with the Elaine Dame vocal jazz ensemble this coming Friday, July 21 and, on July 28, jazz vocalist Libby York.

A full concert listing is available online.

Thank you to the Fourth Church Women’s Choir for providing musical leadership in worship during the first half of the summer! Beginning this Sunday, the Men’s Choir will be singing during the remainder of July and August.

Are you interested in singing with a Fourth Church choir? If so, please be in contact with John Sherer.

This Sunday, Shannon Kershner will preach for the first time at her new congregation, Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.

As we shared in a letter from this congregation to Central earlier this month, we hold Shannon and that faith community in our prayers as they embark on their shared ministry.

The memorial service for Nan Birmingham, whose death was previously announced, will be held on Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. It will also be livestreamed at www.bit.ly/fpcservices