Spiritual Formation and Education Groups

Community Book Group

Join fellow Fourth Church members and friends for a monthly evening of discussion about a book that brings words and faith together. Each month features a different book; participants need not commit to attend every gathering but can join as their schedules permit and the books interest them. Discussion is led by a member of the pastoral staff in a casual atmosphere with opportunity to get to know others, exchange ideas, and enjoy a time of community. For more information, please contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).


Bible Studies

Women’s Bible Study: “Women at the Well: Encounters with Women in the Bible and in Our Midst”
Third Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by lunch
October through May
Page Smith Room

Women of Fourth Church are invited to join Pastors Joyce Shin and Ali Trowbridge and Parish Associate Elizabeth Andrews for a monthly gathering. Sharing a simple meal, we will reflect upon the ways in which women in the Bible have encountered and responded to God. Letting their songs, lamentations, prayers, and exultations resonate with us, we will deepen our appreciation for the ways in which God works in the lives of women. For more information, please contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).


Center for Life and Learning (CLL) Bible Study
Fridays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
September through June
Page Smith Room

Holy Scriptures are a blessing and a challenge. Our interactive Bible study welcomes older adults (60+) who want to learn more about Christian scripture and their own faith. Be prepared to open your mind, contribute your own ideas, learn of other faiths, meet biblical characters, and enjoy refreshments.

The study is led by Patty Jenkins, Director of the Center for Life and Learning. Come along for a blessing and a challenge as we study the Bible together. For more information, contact Mary Belcastro at 312.981.3386 (mbelcastro@fourthchurch.org).


John Knox Bible Study
Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Page Smith Room

The Bible study combines lecture and discussion. Each week’s lesson is presented individually so participants can attend as their schedule permits. For more information, contact Christina Wollerman at 312.573.3364 (cwollerman@fourthchurch.org).


Men’s Morning Bible Study
First and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 a.m., beginning in October

The Men’s Bible Study meets before work for breakfast, fellowship, and study. The group is led by Adam Fronczek, Associate Pastor for Adult Education and Worship. For more information or to register and order breakfast, contact Adam Fronczek at 312.640.5298 (afronczek@fourthchurch.org).


Noonday Bible Study
Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m.
Large Conference Room

This group, which is led by members of the pastoral staff, uses a discussion format to review the biblical text for the upcoming Sunday morning’s sermon. For more information, contact Christina Wollerman at 312.573.3364 (cwollerman@fourthchurch.org).


Theological Roundtable
Begins Sunday, September 23 at 11:00 a.m. (8 weeks)
Anderson Hall North Balcony B

The Theological Roundtable gathers for in-depth discussions of texts on a variety of theological subjects. This fall we will read Why Are We Here? Everyday Questions and the Christian Life, a collection of essays edited by William Platcher and Ronald Thiemann. For more information, contact Christina Wollerman at 312.573.3364 (cwollerman@fourthchurch.org).


Wednesday Morning Bible Study
First and third Wednesdays of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Large Conference Room

This group gathers twice a month between October and May for conversation about a topic they’ve selected for discussion throughout the year. For more information, contact Christina Wollerman at 312.573.3364 (cwollerman@fourthchurch.org).


Inquirers’ Class
Three Days Each Month
Page Smith Room

Explore membership at Fourth Presbyterian Church by taking an Inquirers’ Class. Learn more about Presbyterianism––its history, its governance, its sacraments, and worship. Meet staff members and elders, enjoy refreshments, and ask everything you ever wanted to know about Fourth Church. To be eligible for church membership, attend a one-session class; classes are held three times each month. For information, contact Calum MacLeod at 312.981.4025 (cmacleod@fourthchurch.org) or Laura Ericson at 312.981.3599 (lericson@fourthchurch.org).


Other Spiritual Growth and Educational Opportunities

Academy for Faith and Life
The Academy for Faith and Life provides short-term and ongoing adult education for the members and friends of Fourth Church and for the larger community. The Academy’s mission is to draw participants into the many realms of God’s activity, emphasizing the intersection of faith and life. Classes meet on Sunday mornings as well as weeknights. Classes, locations, times, and registration information are available in the Academy catalogue as well as at www.fourthchurch.org. For more information, contact Christina Wollerman at 312.573.3364 (cwollerman@fourthchurch.org).


Center for Life and Learning Continuing Education
A wide range of intellectual and spiritual activities, including courses taught by local college professors, is one component of the Center for Life and Learning’s broad mission. Classes are offered five days a week. Pick up a guest pass at the Center reception desk to visit a class of your choice. See Your Time, the Center for Life and Learning bimonthly newsletter, for classes, locations, and times. For more information or details about membership, contact Mary Belcastro at 312.981.3386 (mbelcastro@fourthchurch.org).


Common Connections

Common Connection Groups

The Common Connection Groups of Fourth Church seek to inspire people by their love for Christ and the church, to join the church’s mission, to give what is most precious to them, to befriend one another, and to serve one another and the community. To learn more, please contact Joyce Shin, Minister for Congregational Activities, at 312.274.3835 (jshin@fourthchurch.org).


ThirtiesForties
Join our regular program the third Sunday of every month and for additional activities as planned.


Cornerstones
A group of adults over 50, including couples, partners and spouses, Cornerstones meets on the first Friday of the month at 6:00 p.m.


Fourth Forum
Fourth Saturday of alternate months, in the evening, at a member’s homes for a potluck dinner

A gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals, their friends, and any other accepting and inclusive-minded people from Fourth Presbyterian Church. For days and locations, call 312.787.2729, ext. 367.


The Fourth Dimension
Second Friday in the Manse
Refreshments 6:00 p.m., program 6:30 p.m.; occasional social events
$10 Program Fee

The Fourth Dimension is a group of individual adults (47+ years). For more information, call 312.787.2729 ext. 494.


Young Adults

Young Adults at Fourth Church is aimed at people aged 25–35 who are single, married, gay or straight and seeks

• to offer a place of connection for people of similar ages
• to be an entry point for young adults into the life of Fourth
• to welcome seekers, questioners, the convinced, and the agnostic
• to provide opportunities for serving others
• to engage in thoughtful exploration of discipleship
• to be a space to encounter the intersection of faith and (post)modern life
• to achieve the above while holding on to a sense of humor.

For information on Young Adult Ministries or to receive our weekly information e-mail, contact Calum MacLeod at 312.981.4025 (cmacleod@fourthchurch.org) or Laura Ericson at 312.981.3599 (lericson@fourthchurch.org).

The Gathering
Sundays at 12:30 p.m. in the Randolph Room

The Gathering is Fourth Church’s weekly opportunity for young adults to meet following 11:00 worship. We gather at 12.30 p.m. for coffee and pastries and good conversation with other 20s and 30s. Each week we explore topics to do with faith, discipleship, the Bible, and the wide ranging ministries of this church. Formats vary, with outside guest speakers, group members, and Fourth Church staff leading discussions. On the third Sunday of each month there is an Open House with no formal program.


SpeakEasy
Last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. around the neighborhood

SpeakEasy is the Young Adult’s monthly outing (on the last Tuesday of the month) to a fun local hangout for a bite to eat and great discussion about faith and life in a loosely guided format. The aim of SpeakEasy is to provide a good social space for people to meet and at the same time tackle some of the important issues of the day and how we approach them as younger people seeking to follow Christ. For more information, contact Laura Ericson at 312.981.3599 (lericson@fourthchurch.org).


Booked!
A monthly opportunity for young adults at Fourth Church to explore books together. Information can be found in the weekly e-mail newsletter or by contacting Laura Ericson at 312.981.3599 (lericson@fourthchurch.org).


Monthly Mission Outreach
Mission Outreach––because it’s not all about us! Once a month we go as a group to provide service to different agencies working with the marginalized in our city. Information can be found in the weekly e-mail newsletter or by contacting Laura Ericson at 312.981.3599 (lericson@fourthchurch.org).


Men’s Group

Fourth Church Men’s Group
Second Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., September to June
Dining Room
Suggested donation: $10

The Fourth Church Men’s Group meets once a month for breakfast, a program, study, and discussion led by members of the Fourth Church staff and special speakers. RSVP for breakfast by calling the church receptionist by 12:00 noon on the Friday preceding the meeting. All are welcome. For more information, contact Carol Allerton at 312.640.5448 (callerton@fourthchurch.org).


Women’s Group

Women@Fourth Connects with all women of Fourth Church and the community. Along with these ongoing programs, Women@Fourth Connect offers monthly special events and mission projects. To receive the Women@Fourth Connect e-mail newsletter, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).


Books by Women
First Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., September through June
Large Conference Room

This Women@Fourth Connect book group reads and discusses classic and contemporary works by women authors. Upcoming book titles are listed at www.fourthchurch.org/women.html. All members and friends are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).


The Benevolent Guild
First, second, and fourth Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m., October to May in the
Page Smith Room

The Benevolent Guild has been going strong for more than fifty years as a service and fellowship group that sews stuffed toys and makes seasonal party favors for children in hospitals and shelters. The group meets every Wednesday morning (except the third Wednesday of the month) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Members are encouraged to bring a brown-bag lunch for a time of fellowship following the meeting. All are welcome to attend and no special sewing skills are needed to participate. For more details contact Jeanette Krenek at 312.787.1270 (jkrenek@fourthchurch.org).


Sewing and Knitting Workshop
Fourth Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m., September through May (no December meeting)
Large Conference Room

This lively service group meets the fourth Tuesday evening of the month, accommodating creative women who are not available during the day. They gather for an hour to deliver finished articles such as children’s sweaters and clothes, baby sets, winter hats, scarves, and slippers and to pick up supplies for the next few weeks. For more information, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).


Children and Family

To receive a bimonthly family newsletter and a monthly information card with a full schedule of events, contact Emilie Syberg at 312.640.2578 (esyberg@fourthchurch.org).


Family Night
Third Fridays at 6:00 p.m. September through May in Anderson Hall

This evening of fellowship for families with children includes dinner, crafts, and games for all. Parents of infants and toddlers are welcome. For more information, contact Emilie Syberg 312.640.2578 (esyberg@fourthchurch.org).


Family Camp
Friday evening through Sunday, October 6–8, 2007
(Columbus Day Weekend)
Friday evening through Sunday, June 6–8, 2008
(first weekend after Memorial Day)
Presbyterian Camps in Saugatuck, Michigan

Kids and parents enjoy a weekend of family activities, crafts, hikes up Mount Baldy, and campfires on a beautiful Lake Michigan beach at Presbyterian Camps in Saugatuck, Michigan. On Sunday, worship is held in the outside chapel (weather permitting).

For more information, contact Emilie Syberg at 312.640.2578 (esyberg@fourthchurch.org).

Baptism Seminar
One Saturday morning per month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Anderson Hall South Balcony

This seminar, led by Donna Gray, Minister for Children and Families, covers the practical and theological aspects of baptism. Before a child can be baptized at Fourth Church, at least one parent must be a member and both parents must attend this baptism seminar. For more information, contact Emilie Syberg at 312.640.2578 (esyberg@fourthchurch.org).


Day School
Established in 1968, the Fourth Church Day School is located in Westminster House and is in session September through May. The Day School is NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children) accredited and provides half-day preschool classes for children ages two through five. Members of Fourth Church are given priority for admission, after returning children. For a tour of the school, please call Ruth Hornaday, Director, at 312.640.2579.

Four classes are offered:
8:30 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday
Twos-and-Parents Class
10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday
Twos-and-Parents Class
9:00 to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday
Morning Pre-School
1:00 to 3:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Afternoon Pre-School


Biracial Family Network
Second Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

This network of families and individuals of diverse ancestry, their friends, and extended families gathers for an interracial and intercultural support group that offers potlucks, guest speakers, dinner outings, children’s activities, picnics, and more. For more information, contact Lee Christopher at 630.289.0480.


Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday Mornings (alternating Sundays during the school year or during our summer months) or Vacation Bible School (one week in August). Call Donna Gray at 312.640.2577 or the Children’s Office at 312.640.2578 for information on volunteering.


Youth and Campus Groups

For more information about any of the following programs, please contact John Vest, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry, at 312.981.4037 (jvest@fourthchurch.org) or Natasha Holbert, Coordinator for Youth Ministry, at 312.274.3831 (nholbert@fourthchurch.org).

Fourth Church Youth is a ministry for youth in grades 6 through 12 to experience discipleship, fellowship, and service. The core of Fourth Church Youth takes place on Sunday mornings. There are also many opportunities for fellowship and service throughout the school year and summer.


Elevation (grades 6 and 7)
Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon (unless otherwise noted)
Manse Basement


Fourth Church Rising (Confirmation; all 8th graders welcome)
Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon (unless otherwise noted)
Page Smith Room


Senior Highs (grades 9–12)
Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon (unless otherwise noted)
Crow’s Nest


Service and Mission

Service Opportunities

Mission, fellowship, or service groups care for the needs of others in the community. For one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities in the church or in the community, see the Time and Talent Volunteer Catalogue or contact Larry Nicholson, Director of Volunteer Ministry, at 312.981.3382 (lnicholson@fourthchurch.org)


Mission Trips

Join one of Fourth Presbyterian Church’s mission trips and experience a challenging opportunity for spiritual growth across geographical and cultural boundaries. Mission trips allow us to appreciate the reality of people’s lives in another culture. As partners in faith, we build relationships, listen to stories, and work alongside our neighbors across the globe.

Most of this year’s mission trips focus on existing relationships that Fourth Church has already begun in New Orleans, Cuba, Guatemala, Cameroon, and with the Lakota on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. Mission trips are a wonderful way to connect with and meet other Fourth Church members.

For more information, contact Vicki Reynolds, Director of Mission, at 312.981.3384 (vreynolds@fourthchurch.org).


Music and Performing Arts

Chancel Choir
Rehearsal on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary
Performance on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the sanctuary

The Chancel Choir, which sings at the 8:00 a.m. Sunday worship services, is open to anyone who loves to sing. For more information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 (jsherer@fourthchurch.org) or Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).


Youth Choir (grades 6–12)
Rehearsal on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Dining Room.
Sing in 9:30 worship every third Sunday.

For more information, contact Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).


Children’s Choir (grades 2–5)
Rehearsal on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Dining Room.
Sing in 11:00 worship every third Sunday.

For more information, contact Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).


Cherub Choir (ages 5 and 6)
Rehearsal on Sundays from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. in the Dining Room.
Sing in 11:00 worship occasionally.

For more information, contact Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).


Vespers Choir
Rehearsal on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary
Performance on Sundays during 6:30 p.m. Vespers in the sanctuary

The Vespers Choir, which sings at the weekly Vespers worship service, is open to anyone who loves to sing. For more information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 (jsherer@fourthchurch.org) or Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).


Handbell Choirs
Fourth Presbyterian Church Handbell Choirs occasionally ring in worship on Sunday mornings and for special services. There are opportunities for adult and youth beginners as well as experienced ringers. For more information about ringing opportunities, contact Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).


Fourth Acts
Third Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
Additional rehearsals and performances as scheduled

Fourth Acts is a theater ensemble devoted to exploring, expressing, and enjoying God’s presence through theater. Fourth Acts presents plays, scripture, and other literature in support of worship, education, and congregational life at Fourth Church. Because most performances are concert readings rather than staged plays, you do not need theater training in order to participate. Meetings are the third Sunday of the month; rehearsals and performances as scheduled. For more information, contact Sue Pellowe at 312.981.3593 (spellowe@fourthchurch.org).


Health and Wellness

Center for Whole Health

The Center for Whole Heath supports neighboring communities and Fourth Presbyterian Church members by promoting health and well-being that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. The Center for Whole Health strives to be a resource to 2,500 individuals annually for holistic health through teaching, counseling, and spiritual care. Services are provided to participants in other Chicago Lights programs—the Center for Life and Learning, the Elam Davies Social Service Center, and Partners in Education—as well as Fourth Presbyterian Church congregation and staff, and the community.

Terrill L. Stumpf, Director
312.981.3396 (tstumpf@fourthchurch.org)

JoAnn Gruca, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
312.981.3397 (jgruca@fourthchurch.org)


On Going Activities
• ADD Recovery Group meets weekly
• Individual Blood pressure screens, height and weight screens
• Individual Caregiving consultation, end-of-life care, consultation
• Domestic violence resources
• Health and wellness lectures/discussions
• Individual health and wellness assessments and referrals
• Individual assistance and consultation with lifestyle changes
• Individual State and Federal Medication programs consultation
• Pathways to Wellness classes
• Health and Wellness Drop-in Service with Sunday Evening Supper
• Near North Women’s Healthy Heart Program

Special Events
• Blood Donor Sundays in January and July
• Blood Pressure Screenings in neighboring residence buildings
• Flu Immunization Campaign in fall/winter
• Health Fairs with the Near North Ministry Alliance
• End-of-Life advanced directives with Five Wishes
• Mental illness programs, services, and consultation
• Family caregiving seminar; caregiving luncheon celebration in fall
• Women’s National Health Week in May
• Domestic Violence awareness advocacy/information in October
• Gun violence awareness from children’s perspective in June
• Arthritis Seminar in fall
• Women’s Health Brunch Seminar 2-3 times per year
• Organ Donor Sabbath in November
• Hospice Care Awareness Sabbath in November
• Vespers: Candlelight Service for Mental Illness Awareness in May
• World AIDS Day Remembrance in December


Volunteer Opportunities
These include blood donor events, flu immunization campaign, blood pressure screenings, and special events. Watch Bulletin announcements, sign up at the Volunteer table during Sunday Coffee Hour, call 312.981.3382, or e-mail Larry Nicholson, Director of Volunteer Ministry (lnicholson@fourthchurch.org).


Lorene Replogle Counseling Center

The Lorene Replogle Counseling Center is Fourth Presbyterian Church’s response to the mental health needs of its congregation and community. Enhanced by its role as a ministry of Fourth Church, the Center values all spiritual issues and respects all religious orientations. Services include individual and couples counseling, including crisis intervention; short term support groups; assessments and referrals; educational seminars and workshops; and bimonthly premarital seminars. For more information about any of the Center’s services or events, or to schedule an appointment, call the Center at 312.787.8425.


Grief Support Group
This group is for those experiencing significant loss and leave-taking experiences and is designed to enable participants to help one another deal with grief. John Boyle and other members of the Counseling Center will lead the group. There is no fee for this service. For more information, call the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center at 312.787.8425.


Divorce Support Group
This group is for those dealing with issues related to the experience of divorce. This group is designed to enable participants to learn from one another how to cope with the experience in ways that can contribute to emotional and spiritual growth. John Boyle and other members of the Counseling Center will lead the group. There is no fee for this service. For more information, call the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center at 312.787.8425.


Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is an ongoing conversation between a trained director and a person seeking self knowledge and an understanding of what the spirit invites that person to do with his/her life. This is accomplished through regular private meetings in which the seeker is invited to relate and embrace his or her life experiences, both conscious and unconscious; to recognize the movement of God in these events; and to respond in a way that leads to greater compassion, freedom and mission. The ultimate goal for the individual is to gain a conscious awareness of and participation in the ongoing dialogue with God that gives meaning to life. Spiritual Direction is available at Fourth Presbyterian Church for all interested members of Fourth Church. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center at 312.787.8425.


Premarital Seminars
Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago takes the complexity of marriage seriously and we are committed to supporting couples as they work to create a fulfilling, life-long bond together. Several times a year we present Premarital Seminars where couples will learn and practice some of the most important skills necessary to building a healthy, marital relationship which will endure and grow. The purpose of the seminars is to determine where you are in your development as a couple, build on your skills in various areas and have the chance to talk with other couples preparing to be married at Fourth Church and elsewhere. The important areas that will be highlighted include:

Marriage Expectations
Communication
Financial Management
Sexual Relationship
Role Responsibility
Parenting
Personality Issues
Conflict Resolution
Leisure Activities
Children
Family and Friends
Spiritual Beliefs

Space is limited, so you should sign up early. We expect that you plan to attend a Premarital Seminar at least four months before your wedding. There is preparatory material required, and this material must be filled out at least two months prior to the seminar you plan to attend. Reservations and arrangements to fill out the preparatory material may be made by calling the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center 312.787.8425.

Premarital Seminars will be held on the following Saturdays in 2008:
January 19, March 15, May 3, July 19, and October 18.