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We join congregations and communities across the nation in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was born ninety-two years ago today, on
January 15, 1929.
A banner with his image and in his memory hangs above our Sanctuary entrance as public witness for all who pass by. Proclaiming “Moving the Dream Forward,” it is a continued expression of our commitment to embrace racial equity by purposely including all people, striving for radical hospitality, and modeling an antiracist approach in all areas.
We remain steadfast in our theological conviction that the lives of our Black siblings matter both to God and to us and that their lives are sacred. We are committed to putting that theological conviction into practice and continuing to express it in a variety of ways.
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Worship This Week:
Sunday, January 17
11:00 a.m. worship online
Organ prelude beginning shortly after 10:45 a.m.
Shannon J. Kershner preaching
Connecting to Our Online Worship Services
Our online worship services are available live at 11:00 a.m. (Central) via
For those who do not have Internet access, we also make our worship services available to listen to via the phone. If you know of someone for whom this audio opportunity would be welcome, please encourage them to call 888.916.9166 (toll-free) at the time of the service.
Throughout the Week
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This Tuesday, January 19 at 4:30 p.m., Fourth Church will join congregations and institutions across the nation in tolling bells in remembrance of those who have died from COVID-19.
Our bells will toll once for every 10,000 individuals in this country who have died from the novel coronavirus.
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Video of Thursday’s Michigan Avenue Forum
The powerful and moving discussion of “Faith in Uncertain Times: Reflecting on the Past and Envisioning the Future”—which this past Thursday evening brought together conversation partners
- Shannon Kershner
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Horace Smith, Pastor of Apostolic Faith Church
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Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ
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David Crawford, President of McCormick Theological Seminary
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Ozzie Smith Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Covenant United Church of Christ
- with Lucy Forster-Smith moderating
We encourage you to listen in on their discussion of such questions as
- What is the role of faith and religious institutions in these unsettled times?
- How can our faith communities work together to rebuild society and become a unifying force in Chicago?
- What have you learned about faith and humanity from the pandemic?
- How do we survive, thrive, and flourish in these historic times?
- What is your biggest hope for the future?
Conversation about the Forum
Those who are interested in reflecting with one another on this conversation—and how the insights of the speakers can help us grapple with today's current events—are invited to join in a “Faith in Uncertain Times” adult education class via Zoom this Sunday morning.
Sunday, January 17 Follow-Up Discussion
9:30 a.m. via Zoom
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Those interested in becoming members of Fourth Church are invited to take part in our online Inquirers’ Class, which will be held this Sunday, January 17 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
For additional information about Fourth Church membership, please contact Joe Morrow. |
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Would you like to take part in a Bible study in 2021? Please join us!
Foundations of Faith Bible Study
Sundays, January 17 and 24
12:30 p.m. via Zoom
Our Sunday Bible study, led by members of the pastoral staff, is currently exploring “Varying Voices of the Prophets: Cries for Justice, Lamentation, and Consolation.” This Sunday and next, Jeff Doane, Parish Associate for Older Adults, is guiding us through texts from Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea.
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays
7:30 a.m. via Zoom
This weekly Bible study for men uses the lectionary readings for the church year to guide conversation.
Horizons Bible Study for Women
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
including Wednesday, January 27
12:00 p.m. via Zoom
This Bible study for women uses the material presented in Horizons, the women’s magazine of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
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In this new year we hope you will take opportunity to connect online with others in the Fourth Church community—whether it is to share in a time of fellowship with old friends or to make new ones!
Cornerstones
Friday, February 5
5:30 p.m. via Zoom
Those who are fifty and over are invited to join in a monthly Cornerstones time of fellowship followed by a program. For our next gathering, on February 5, we are honored to have artist Gerald Griffin joining us to talk about his work, the concepts that drive his creativity, and his view of the unique role Black artists play in this city and in our national conversations about race.
Virtual Coffee Hour
On Sunday we have opportunity to connect online with one another and share in a time of fellowship, when we hope you will join us after the congregational meeting for virtual Coffee Hour.
Following the postlude
Meeting ID: 963 5583 1751
Passcode: 631276
Phone: Call 1 312.626.6799
and enter Meeting ID 963 5583 1751#
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“Loving Our Neighbor in a Time of Social Distancing”
The Board of Deacons invites you to join them in a two-hour online workshop on Saturday morning, January 23, when David Hogue, Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology and Counseling at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, will lead a workshop on “Loving Our Neighbor in a Time of Social Distancing.”
This two-hour virtual workshop will offer a theological and biblical framework for the ministry of making phone calls to those who may be isolated during this season. Topics will include, among others, loneliness and depression, the COVID context of isolation and social distancing, and fears of the virus and the prospect of treatments, including hospitalization and ventilators.
Saturday, January 23
10:00 a.m. via zoom
Becoming a Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one ministry of care and supportive listening for those who are experiencing life’s challenges.
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On the church calendar are many opportunities to connect online with the Fourth Church community and one another. Included among them are—
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Sacred Pause on Saturday and Tuesday mornings
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Men’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings
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Morning Prayer on Wednesday mornings
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Benevolent Guild on Wednesday mornings
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Friday Noonday Concerts, featuring cellist Anita Graef on January 22
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Knitting and Crocheting on Tuesday, January 26
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Horizons Bible Study for Women on Wednesday, January 27
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First Tuesday Book Club discussing Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation on Friday, February 2
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Books by Women discussing Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson on Tuesday, February 9
For information about whom to contact for an event’s Zoom details, simply click on the down “arrow” to the right of the event name in the calendar (which is easily accessible from the “Calendar” button in the upper left corner of our website). |
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