What’s coming up on the church
calendar? Among other things—
- Andrea Denney leading discussion of Mark 7 during the “Foundation of Faith” Bible study this Sunday morning, February 23
- Nanette Sawyer and Derrick Dawson talking about “Roles of LGBTQIA People in the Civil Rights Movement: Lifting up Voices Not Recognized by History” during this Sunday’s class on “Black History: Impact on Our Faith Traditions”
- A new Sunday morning class on Barbara Brown Taylor’s “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others” beginning this weekend and led by Lucy Forster-Smith; participants are encouraged to read the book in advance
These are just some of the many opportunities you will find on our
calendar, which is easily accessible from the home page of our website.
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Transfiguration of the Lord: Sunday, February 23
8:00 a.m. Communion
Lucy Forster-Smith preaching
9:30 a.m.
Junior High and Confirmation youth leading
11:00 a.m.
Senior High youth leading
4:00 p.m. Jazz Communion
Nanette Sawyer preaching
As we do each Sunday before Ash Wednesday, this Sunday we will celebrate the
Transfiguration of the Lord. In this mountaintop experience with the disciples that is described in Matthew 17, Jesus is seen as the manifestation of the law (Moses) and prophets (Elijah) and is once again named by God as “my Son, the Beloved.” This is a transitional event in Jesus’ ministry, as he will then “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51) on the journey that will lead to Good Friday.
We are delighted that on this Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday our
annual youth-led services of worship will take place at 9:30 (junior high and Confirmation) and 11:00 a.m. (senior high). Our youth have been spending their Sunday morning group time planning and preparing these services, and we look forward to having them lead us in worship this weekend!
We also look forward to the
Alma College Choir sharing with us their musical gifts at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. This choir from Alma, Michigan, represents one of the fifty-six
colleges and universities associated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Wednesday, February 26: Ash Wednesday
12:10 p.m.
Communion and Imposition of Ashes
Shannon Kershner preaching
7:30 p.m.
Communion and Imposition of Ashes
Shannon Kershner preaching
On Ash Wednesday, we enter into the season of Lent. The Lenten season calls Christians to embrace the faith journey by reflecting upon and deepening their relationship with God and by acting upon their Christian beliefs.
Although often considered a time for giving up something as a way of symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice and his struggle in the wilderness, the forty days of Lent also offer an opportunity for taking up. During this season, we are invited to thoughtfully take up the gifts of faith—worship, study, prayer, and service—in preparation for Holy Week and Christ’s journey to the cross.
Looking Ahead
Next Sunday, March 1, we will begin our
2020 Lenten sermon series on “Questions Jesus Asked.” The first question—the “Question of Longing”—will be “Who are you looking for?” (John 18:1–11).
Then on Sunday, March 8 we will welcome
Dr. Stephen Ray Jr., President of both Chicago Theological Seminary and the Society for the Study of Black Religion, as our guest preacher at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m
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Ashes on the Way
Wednesday, February 26
7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The imposition of ashes will be available in the Narthex and outside the Sanctuary throughout the day on Ash Wednesday. This is offered for those in our community who are unable to be with us for worship but who find the ashes to be a meaningful way to mark the beginning of this season of repentance and reflection.
Lenten Devotions
Beginning Wednesday, February 26
A resource for prayer and personal meditation, our Lenten devotions will this year reflect on the text of Lenten hymns new and old.
These devotions, written by Fourth Church members and staff, will be available through five different means beginning on Ash Wednesday:
In print (in the church literature racks)
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, February 26
12:10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
To begin our Lenten journey, we will gather for worship this coming Wednesday. Shannon Kershner will preach at both Ash Wednesday services, which will include Communion and the opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes.
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Led by the associate pastors and hosted by the Spiritual Formation Council, the weekly study and shared meal will take place on Tuesday evenings.
Tuesdays, March 3–April 7
6:00–8:00 p.m.
(dinner included)
Cost: $65 to cover meals
(some scholarship assistance is available)
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This Friday, February 21 is the deadline for
applications to take part in our next fifty-hour Stephen Ministry training class, which will begin in March.
If you have gifts for compassionate listening and feel called to be present with and pray for individuals experiencing challenging times, we encourage you to consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
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Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Fourth Church family—those who were received into Fourth Church membership this past Sunday:
Carol Aymar
Deanna Cisar
William Cisar
Rodney Dawkins
Charlotte Glashagel
Koby Hatch
Robert Jensen
Marcus Mason-Vivit
Roel Mason-Vivit
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The countdown is on for our 2020 Gala of Hope!
With just two weeks to go until this fun and festive benefit in support of Chicago Lights—the community outreach arm of Fourth Church—and the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being, if you haven’t yet reserved your Gala tickets, today is the day to do so!
Reserve your tickets online—or get them at Coffee Hour this Sunday—and plan to join us on Friday, March 6 for an evening of fun that makes a difference in the lives of so many.
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Are you looking for ways to connect with others at Fourth Church?
There are a variety of opportunities to do so this month, including—
Winter Carnival Family Night, an evening that begins with a shared meal and continues with a bounce house and other carnival games in Anderson Hall, this Friday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m.
LGBTQIA Brunch, this Sunday, February 23 at 12:30 p.m.; meet at the church reception desk at 12:15 p.m.
Knitting and Crocheting, a monthly time for fellowship as well as dropping off completed items for families in shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes, next Tuesday, February 25 between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.
Women at Fourth, a time for fellowship and snacks as well as conversation with Lucy Forster-Smith on the importance of community and connection in our lives, next Thursday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m. (for refreshments; conversation with Lucy begins at 6:00).
The “Leap into Learning” Fourth Church Day School benefit invites adults to bring the young children in their life (be they children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews) to a playful morning next Saturday, February 29 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. There is no charge for this fun event that includes a balloon artist, a bounce house, refreshments, and more.
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The Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being invites you to set aside some time in March to invest in your well-being.
Among their upcoming offerings are—
SoulCollage® and Poetry:
Making Space for Your Soul
March 7
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Boyle Conference Room
Presented by Elise Magers and Margaret Brennan
Experience the power of SoulCollage® and poetry as doors to greater self-understanding and self-care.
Through the magical and intuitive use of images, informed by poetry, you will discover what delights, calls, and engages your soul.
Living Your Best Life:
A Support Group for Young Women
Mondays, March 16–May 4
(no meeting April 13)
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Young women ages 19–29 are invited to gather in a safe space to share ideas and experiences and get support around work life, family, friendships, romantic relationships, self-care, and adulting.
In doing so, we will emphasize strengths, resilience, community and connection, personal values, communication, and assertiveness.
Since this opportunity is designed as a seven-week series, participants are asked to attend at least five of the seven sessions.
Chronic Illness Support Group
Mondays, March 30–April 27
(no meeting April 13)
7:00–8:30 p.m.
$40 for four sessions
Individuals living with an ongoing illness are invited to come together in a safe space that offers a place to connect with others facing similar challenges and to cultivate skills that foster resilience, acceptance, and deepen self-compassion for themselves and others.
Anyone interested in taking part or learning more about the group is asked to please call Bill Singerman at 312.787.8425, ext. 2210 to set up a pre-group conversation to ensure that this program will be a good fit for you at this time.
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Make sure to mark Monday, March 9 on your calendar: that is the day we will welcome back the
Morehouse College Glee Club for a 7:30 p.m. concert in the Sanctuary.
We are honored to again host this musical group whose distinguished 109-year history includes among its many highlights singing at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., performing for United States presidents, and taking part in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. You won’t want to miss this moving performance!
Friday, February 21 at 12:10 p.m
Renoir Trio
in Buchanan Chapel
Tuesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Chicago Ensemble
in Buchanan Chapel
Friday, February 28 at 12:10 p.m
John Sherer, Organ
in the Sanctuary
Friday, March 6 at 12:10 p.m
Katie Calcamuggio, Mezzo-Soprano
in Buchanan Chapel
Monday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Morehouse College Glee Club
in the Sanctuary
Suggested $20 freewill donation at the door
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Are you looking for ways in which to serve?
You can find volunteer opportunities—and sign up for them—on VOMO (
www.bit.ly/fpcvolunteers), our
volunteer management software.
Among our current volunteer needs:
greeters for our Sunday afternoon Jazz at Four services and
grocery shoppers for our Meals Ministry program as well as
adult leaders for our summer youth trips.
To learn more, to express interest, or for assistance with VOMO, please contact
Robert Crouch, Director of Volunteer Ministry.
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Death
We give thanks to God for the gift of life eternal.
Whitney Wood Addington
Died February 11, 2020
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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Fourth Presbyterian Church | 312.787.4570 | www.fourthchurch.org
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