Fifth Sunday of Epiphany, February 4

9:30 a.m. worship in person and online

with Communion

Tom Are Jr. preaching

Worship bulletin

11:00 a.m. worship in person

with Communion

Tom Are Jr. preaching

Worship bulletin

2:00 p.m. worship in person and online

The Gathering: Communion at 2:00

Rocky Supinger preaching

Worship bulletin

Celebrating Communion

This Sunday we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper at all three services. Those worshiping with us online are invited to have bread and juice on hand as we share in this meal from wherever we are.

Youth-Led Worship Next Sunday

We look forward to Fourth Church youth leading us in worship next Sunday morning, February 11.

That day we will celebrate Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday, as we move from the season of Epiphany into Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

This Sunday, the Long Range Planning Task Force will hold the last in a series of feedback sessions at which they are sharing the proposed strategic directions and goals with the congregation and inviting feedback.

To ensure everyone has a chance to participate, we are requiring preregistration to manage group sizes, and we are also asking those who have already participated in a session to not sign up for this one. (All sessions have presented the same material.)

For those attending this Sunday, we encourage you to read the summary materials in advance.

Sunday, February 4

12:30 p.m. in person

Borwell Dining Room

Register

If you are unable to join us in person, by Tuesday, February 6 please email the task force your questions, ideas, or reactions to the proposed directions and goals found in the summary materials linked above.

Tom Are spoke at last Sunday’s feedback session, at which participants shared their “I like…,” “I wish…,” and “I wonder…” statements in response to the proposed strategic directions and goals.

Next Sunday, February 11 will be a big day at Fourth Church: not only will we be led in worship by our youth and hold our Annual Meeting, but it is also Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday!

You can help score a victory in the Souper Bowl by bringing cans of soup, nonperishable food items, or monetary contributions to the church that day.

Our youth will be on hand next Sunday morning to collect the donations, which will support Fourth Church Meals Ministry and the Chicago Lights Social Service Center Food Pantry.

You can also make a Souper Bowl of Caring gift online, selecting the “Youth Ministry (Souper Bowl)” designation.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation, at which we will elect new officers, will be held in person and via Zoom at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 11.

We will also be voting on three proposed amendments to the bylaws, codifying the practice of having two youth Elders on Session as well as codifying the practice of extending tenured officers — Elders, Deacons, and Trustees — past their full term to fulfill an unexpired term created by the early withdrawal of an officer in a different class. You can read the full text and background on our website.

The Zoom link will be accessible from our website as well as printed in next Sunday’s worship bulletin.

The recommended slate of officers that will be presented by the Nominating Committee will also be posted on our website in the coming week.

Sunday, February 11

12:15 p.m.

in the Sanctuary and via Zoom

We want to know what hymns you would like to sing during our February 11 hymn sing!

Immediately following the 11:00 service next week, while we set up for the 12:15 p.m. Annual Meeting, we will enjoy a time of singing favorite hymns.

Email your recommendation to info@fourthchurch.org, and we’ll add it to the list of possibilities!

This year Ash Wednesday falls on February 14. To observe that solemn day and the Lenten season of reflection, we invite you to take part in one or more of the following opportunities.

Ash Wednesday Services

Wednesday, February 14

12:10 p.m. in person

6:30 p.m. in person and livestreamed

To begin our Lenten journey, we will gather for worship on Ash Wednesday. Both the 12:10 and 6:30 p.m. services will include Communion and the opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes.

Ashes on the Way

Wednesday, February 14

8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

outside the Sanctuary

On Ash Wednesday, members of the pastoral staff and Discover Fourth Committee will be present outside the Sanctuary to impose ashes for those passing by. This practice is a way of extending our congregation’s invitation to all people to have a meaningful and transformative Lenten season.

If you would like to volunteer to impose ashes and greet passersby, please sign up online for an hour time slot. For more information, contact Joe Morrow.

Lenten Devotions

Beginning Wednesday, February 14

Offered as a resource for personal meditation and prayer, our daily Lenten devotions are written by Fourth Church members and staff. If you would like to receive them in your inbox each day during Lent (and do not already receive our daily devotions), simply sign up at www.bit.ly/fpcdevotions or email devotions@fourthchurch.org.

Lenten Rhythm and Word

Also available for your reflection during the season will be a Lenten “Rhythm and Word” video series.

These brief online worship experiences (approximately ten minutes each) weave together scripture, prayer, and music and will be released on our YouTube channel on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. beginning on February 14. To receive them by email, sign up online at www.bit.ly/rhythmandwordemail

Path of Discipleship

Tuesdays, February 20–March 26

6:30–8:00 p.m.

in Anderson Hall and via Zoom

Registration required

If you're yearning for a dynamic way to learn more about the portrait of Jesus in the Gospels, absorb firsthand experiences of pilgrimages through the Holy Land and other lands, deepen your relationship with God, and make meaningful connections with others, then please join Pastors Nancy Benson-Nicol and Joe Morrow along with members of the Spiritual Formation Council as we explore James Martin’s New York Times bestselling work Jesus: A Pilgrimage.

This six-week course will focus on a sampling of chapters of this marvelous and sweeping work, guiding us through Lent with both in-person and online experiences of discussion, spiritual practices, shared meals, special guests, and other activities.

Pilgrimage is a spiritual practice that spans many faith traditions, one that can be a source of healing, a tool for discernment, and a foundation for spiritual renewal.

This June 9–17 we are excited to offer opportunity to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain, one of Christianity’s oldest and most popular pilgrimage routes, as part of an intergenerational group of members and friends of Fourth Church.

For six days, we will walk a portion of the Camino Portuguese, a relatively level route that can accommodate walkers with a wide range of experience and ability. Each day we will walk between eight to seventeen miles, stopping when necessary for rest, meals, and sightseeing and staying at simple but comfortable hostels or bed-and-breakfasts.

We will also have opportunities for excursions, worship at local churches, and daily time for devotion and reflection. Our destination will be the city of Santiago de Compostela, the legendary resting place of the apostle James the Elder.

Registration for this trip will be due Wednesday, February 14. If you are interested in learning more about this pilgrimage, contact Associate Pastor Joe Morrow.

A new art exhibit honoring Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March) will open in the Loggia next Friday, February 9 (and will be on display through April 5).

Curated by Monica J. Brown, “The Boldness of Being” features the art of two African American women artists, Natalie Jackson and Natasha Giles Somerville.

Please join us on Friday evening for an opening reception as well as opportunity to hear the artists speak about their art.

Friday, February 9

5:30–7:00 p.m.

in the Loggia

Artist comments to begin around 6:15 p.m.

In partnership with the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, we hosted a January 25 panel discussion about the influx of migrants moving to our sanctuary city.

Natalie Moore, WBEZ journalist covering race, class, and communities; Aimee Hilado, Assistant Professor at the Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice and expert in immigrant trauma and mental health; Brandie Knazze, Commissioner, Chicago Family Support Services; and Theresa Thornburg, Director of the Chicago Lights Social Service Center, discussed policy successes and failures, as well as the necessary wraparound supports for health care, education, and the welfare of our newest neighbors.

During worship on January 28 we commissioned Robert Crouch to begin service as a Stephen Leader in our congregation.

We are grateful to Robert and all our Stephen Leaders, who bring their gifts for leadership, vision, wisdom, administration, discernment, and teaching to select and equip those who will be Stephen Ministers — lay Christian caregivers — in our congregation. We are also deeply thankful for our Stephen Ministers, whom God has called and equipped for this caring ministry.

We are grateful as well for all who give of their time to serve as ushers (and who last Sunday gathered for a time of fellowship and information).

If you would like to be part of this wonderful group extending hospitality to those who come through our doors, please sign up online or contact Robert Crouch, Director of Volunteer Ministry.

The annual Chicago Lights Gala of Hope will be held on Friday evening, March 1, beginning at 6:00 p.m., this year at a new location: The Old Post Office!

This annual event supports the life-changing work of Chicago Lights, the nonprofit community outreach arm of Fourth Church, which includes the Tutoring and Summer Day, Urban Farm, and Social Service Center programs.

To reserve tickets or become an event sponsor, visit one.bidpal.net/galaofhope2024 or stop by Coffee Hour this Sunday.

For more information, contact Caryn Blomquist.

Friday, March 1, 2024

6:00 p.m.

at the Old Post Office (433 W. Van Buren)

RSVP by February 24

Zoom Small Groups are starting again!

The next groups will discuss Robert P. Jones’ book The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy.

Additional groups on a variety of topics will start after Easter.

If you are interested in being part of a group of six to ten people who meet for four to six weeks via Zoom to explore a topic together and connect with others, please let Simon Crow know.

Author Robert P. Jones spoke at our Michigan Avenue Forum “The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Future of American Democracy” — moderated by Cynthia Johnson — on Thursday evening, January 31. If you missed the event, you can watch it online.

The Adult Education class exploring our role as Christians in combatting antisemitism continues this Sunday with Dr. Robert Cathey, Professor Emeritus, McCormick Theological Seminary, speaking.

You need not have attended the first session in order to join the class this week as we continue to look at the scriptures used as the justification for antisemitism, the historical roots of antisemitism, and the rise of antisemitism today.

Sundays, January 28 – February 11

11:00 a.m.

Borwell Dining Room and via Zoom

For Zoom details, register here

Rabbi Michael Weinberg of Chicago Sinai Congregation led the January 28 session of the class.

We hold in prayer those who departed for India on Wednesday night to take part in our music tour to that country.

Every other year, Fourth Church undertakes a music tour bringing together singers and fellow travelers to share the gift of music with our siblings around the globe.

This year, the tour is visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mumbai. During their two weeks in India the group will perform concerts, learn about daily life in India, and be enriched by interfaith exchanges and customs. We wish them safe and rewarding travels!

The touring choir got in one last pre-departure rehearsal this past Sunday.

Curious to discover more about this congregation, and the opportunities and resources available to you here, as well as learn about the Presbyterian Church (USA)?

Interested in becoming a member of Fourth Church?

Join us for one of our upcoming one-session Inquirers’ Classes!

Wednesday, February 7

Via Zoom

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Register

Sunday, March 24

In person | Room 5F

12:15–2:30 p.m.

Register

For additional information about Fourth Church membership, visit our website or reach out to Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children, Family, and Welcoming Ministries, who would welcome hearing from you.

Births

We give thanks to God for the gift of new life.

Cordelia Schmitz

Child of Zach and Samantha Schmitz

Spencer Lennox Manny

Child of Kate Lennox and Grant Manny

Conversation and Presence

If you would like to talk to a pastor, please call the church (312.787.4570) and your request will be forwarded to someone on the pastoral staff.

If you would like to alert pastoral staff to emerging pastoral care needs, illnesses, hospitalizations, or deaths, please email Gloria Fleming, Assistant for Caring Ministries and Spiritual Formation; however, if the situation is an emergency or requires immediate attention, please call the church at 312.787.4570 to be connected to the Minister on Call.

For one-to-one spiritual and emotional support through life challenges, we encourage you to consider being paired with a Stephen Minister. To learn more about this resource, contact Nancy Benson-Nicol, Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries and Spiritual Formation, or leave a confidential message for a Stephen Minister at 312.573.3365.

To set up a time to talk or for more information about how the staff of the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being can be a resource for you, call the Center at 312.787.2729, ext. 2260.

To join a Grief Group facilitated by our Replogle Center, email Sharon Crawford-Tucker. A new group will be starting in March.

Prayer

If you would like to submit a prayer request to our Morning Prayer or Deacon Prayer Ministries, please email Gloria Fleming or Nancy Benson-Nicol.

If you would like to join in praying for others—members of Fourth Church and those in need—we invite you to gather with us for Wednesday Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom or at 10:00 a.m. in person. For Zoom details, email Nancy Benson-Nicol.

Children in Worship

Children are always welcome in worship at Fourth Church! If you need to step out to comfort your child, the Hospitality Suite, on the second floor of the Gratz Center, is a quiet space for families where worship is livestreamed.

During Sunday morning services nursery care is available on the fourth floor of the Gratz Center for infants through two-year-olds.

Livestreamed Services

Livestreamed worship services (9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) 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.

These livestreams are available to view anytime after the service begins if you would prefer to connect online at a later time. For tips on how to watch — from the beginning — a service already in progress, see www.fourthchurch.org/watch-from-the-beginning

Audio-only by phone is available (toll free) by calling 888.916.9166 just prior to the start of the service 9:30 service.