News @ Fourth Church: December 15, 2018

December 15, 2018

What’s coming up on the church calendar ? Among other things, on this Sunday alone there is—

An informational meeting about Prison Ministry
This month’s “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Bible” class led by Rocky Supinger and Matt Helms
The final session of “Longing for God: Faith Development over a Lifetime” with Lucy Forster-Smith
The all-youth Christmas party

Third Sunday of Advent, December 16

8:00 a.m. Communion

Rocky Supinger

9:30 a.m.

Shannon J. Kershner

11:00 a.m. New Members

Shannon J. Kershner

4:00 p.m. Jazz Communion

Joseph L. Morrow

Looking Ahead: New Year’s Eve Taizé Service

At the turning of the year—on Monday evening, December 31—we will come together with neighbors for our annual New Year’s Eve service in the style of Taizé.

This quiet 7:30 p.m. service in Buchanan Chapel offers moving music, space for prayer, and meditative pause for reflecting on the year past and looking ahead to the year to come.

More about worship, including bulletins.

For many the celebration of Christmas is made difficult by feelings of loneliness, grief, alienation, and sadness, whether personal or collective.

The “Longest Night” service, which will be hosted by our Stephen Ministers this Tuesday evening, December 18, recognizes and makes space for these feelings and challenges.

Tuesday, December 18

6:30 p.m.

in Buchanan Chapel

You are invited to Christmas dinner!

Come join old friends or make new ones, all while enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner after worship on Christmas Day.

Seating is limited, so if you haven't already, be sure to reserve your spot now!

Tuesday, December 25

12:15 p.m.

in Anderson Hall

We hope you will join us in celebrating the birth of Emmanuel, God-with-us, this Christmas! On Monday, December 24, we will gather for four candlelight Christmas Eve services:

4:00 p.m. Children’s Pageant

6:00 p.m. Family Service

8:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols

10:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols

On Tuesday, December 25 we will also come together for Christmas Day worship at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

This season we invite you to join us in sharing Christmas joy with those in need.

Gifts to the “Light Up a Life” offering support congregational programs, mission, and community outreach—including Chicago Lights programs—as well as denominational efforts.

In this season when needs for many are great, “Light Up a Life” gifts make it possible for us to provide meals for those who are hungry, a shower and clean clothing for those living on the street, a warm place to escape the winter cold, a listening ear for those searching for a supportive community, and so much more.

“Light Up a Life” gifts can be made using the envelopes in the pew racks or online .

To celebrate the start of Christmas break, families are invited to take part in a “Cookies, Cocoa, and Caroling” Family Night on Friday, December 21.

We’ll have a variety of crafts, including several ornaments that children will be able to make for friends and family, as well as a shared dinner that will start around 6:00 p.m.

After dinner, we’ll decorate Christmas cookies for dessert before heading over to Anderson Hall for a few games and Christmas carols.

Friday, December 21

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Borwell Dining Room

“Be not afraid!”–this greeting extended by angel messengers will guide our reflections when Shannon Kershner preaches at this Sunday’s Advent Jazz service.

If you have never been to Jazz at Four, why not make it one of the ways you observe this Advent season: come join us in Buchanan Chapel on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.!

Sunday, December 16

4:00 p.m.

in Buchanan Chapel

More about Jazz at Four

Sunday Night Supper volunteers to greet and serve guests on Sundays, December 23 and 30 from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. (sign up here)
Volunteers to unload food trucks at the church on second and fourth Mondays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.; must be able to lift 50 pounds
Candle-sleevers on Thursday, December 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to prepare for Christmas Eve candlelight services