August 8, 2019
Heading for calendar section
What’s coming up on the church calendar? Quite a variety of things, including—

  • Grief Support Group beginning Monday, August 12 (preregistration required)
  • Horizons Women’s Bible Study on Wednesday, August 14
  • LGBTQIA+ Widening Our Welcome monthly brunch on Sunday, August 25 preceded by a time of conversation to discuss ideas for “what’s next” for the group
  • Knitting and Crocheting on Tuesday, August 27
  • “Get Connected” Sunday, when we kick off our fall programming for all ages, on Sunday, September 8
  • And next year, a Music Mission Trip to Cuba the week of March 2–9 (note the trip has been rescheduled from the original February dates; registration deadline: November 15)
  • Plus, save the date for the 2020 Gala of Hope: Friday, March 6!

The calendar, which is easily accessible from the home page of our website, also includes direct links to any online registrations (along with an option to make online payment of any registration fees).
Sunday, August 11: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

8:00 a.m. Communion
Lucy Forster-Smith preaching

9:30 a.m. Baptisms
Nanette Sawyer preaching

11:00 a.m. Baptisms
Nanette Sawyer preaching

4:00 p.m. Jazz Communion
Nanette Sawyer preaching

We are always delighted to have children with us in worship, but during August we particularly welcome their presence: Sunday School is taking a break until Sunday, September 8, so we encourage parents to bring their children to worship with them these summer weeks. Special children’s bulletins are available from the ushers.

This Sunday the Strategic Directions task force is hosting the second of their two Strategic Directions conversations.

The task force wants input from as many members as possible as part of the process of helping discern priorities for the next three to five years of our life together as a congregation.

So if you were unable to be with them this past Sunday, please give some time to thinking about the following questions and then join in the Strategic Directions conversation this coming Sunday.

  • What areas of our mission or ministry would you like to see Fourth Church prioritize?

  • Into which of those areas would you would want to invest energy and emphasis?

  • Are there areas of our mission or ministry together that you would like to see reimagined?

Strategic Directions Conversation
Sunday, August 11 at 9:45 a.m.
in Borwell Dining Room

Are you unable to be with us for the conversation?

If you weren’t with us for last week’s conversation and can’t be with us this Sunday, please take a moment to email to priorities@fourthchurch.org your thoughts about your hopes and vision for our congregational priorities and areas of commitment.
Thank you to all who donated and helped us fill backpacks for students in the Chicago Lights Dance Academy and Summer Day programs.

The youth were thrilled to receive these supplies for their upcoming school year!

Before Women at Fourth wrap up this year’s School Supply Drive, we also want to ensure our Chicago Lights Tutoring program has the materials it needs for their students’ learning activities.

Donations and supplies can be dropped off this Sunday during Coffee Hour or, during the week, at the reception desk.

The Chicago Lights Urban Farm has two ways to help you fill the produce needs on your grocery list:

Each Saturday the Farmstand is open at the Farm (444 W. Chicago) between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Or bring your list to church this Sunday, as it will be another Farm Market Day at Coffee Hour.

Come browse the variety of fresh produce grown at the Farm and know that your purchase supports the youth education and workforce development programs that take place there.
Our Care of Creation Committee invites you to join them in taking in the wonders of creation during a guided walking tour of the historic Wooded Island in Jackson Park on Sunday afternoon, August 18.

Wooded Island historian Jerry Levy and Fourth Church member and photographer Terry Evans will be our guides.

Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch to eat at the Japanese Gardens after our forty-five-minute walk.

Limited transportation to and from Fourth Church will be available; drivers are needed to drive to the south lot at Jackson Park (1987 E. Hayes Drive).

Space is limited to twenty-five individuals; RSVP with Nancy Davis

Sunday, August 18
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Meet at the bridge at the sound end of Jackson Park
(1987 E. Hayes Dr.)

(Those with prearranged plans to travel together from Fourth Church will meet at the reception desk at 12:10 p.m.)
With a new school year approaching, if you have a young child who is ready to begin learning about school, our Fourth Church Day School invites you to explore the options they offer.

There are still has a few spaces available in the three-afternoon preschool class that begins in the fall. An extended-day opportunity is also available.

If you’d like to know more about the learning and growing opportunities at our Day School, please let Director Kathy Hager know!
Might one of the following opportunities match your time, talent, interests, or schedule? We could use your help!

  • A database advisor to support the Social Service Center with improving the efficiency of how they use Salesforce
  • Cooks and servers for Meals Ministry Sunday Night Supper at the church
  • Docents to give church tours on a rotating basis, Sundays following the 11:00 a.m. worship service; training provided

Unless otherwise noted, sign up or learn more by contacting Robert Crouch, Director of Volunteer Ministry.
A change in travel plans for our previously scheduled musicians for August 9—the Ugandan Children’s Choir—means we will be welcoming the Jazz Ensemble from our Jazz at Four Communion service for this week’s Music by the Fountain concert.

We’re thrilled they will be with us and you will be too: if you’ve ever attended a Jazz at Four service you know you definitely don’t want to miss this musical treat!

Friday, August 9 at 12:10 p.m.
outdoors in the Courtyard
Jazz Ensemble from Jazz at Four

Friday, August 16 at 12:10 p.m.
outdoors in the Courtyard
Andy Brown

Friday, August 23 at 12:10 p.m.
outdoors in the Courtyard
Stu Mindeman

Friday, August 30 at 12:10 p.m.
outdoors in the Courtyard
Elsie Wagner Sherer

Fourth Presbyterian Church | 312.787.4570 | www.fourthchurch.org