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Spiritual Formation and Education Groups

Spiritual Formation Groups deepen one’s faith life through a shared commitment to study, fellowship, reflection, and prayer.

Faith Builder Groups
Faith Builder Groups are groups of 8–12 adults who meet regularly to study aspects of living out one’s faith in an intimate, supportive environment, focusing both on developing a sense of community within the group and on individual spiritual growth.

Groups are led by trained lay leaders and use a variety of materials. New groups form throughout the year. If you would like to participate in a group, or have an idea for starting a new one, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).


Bible Studies

Center for Older Adults (COA) Bible Study
Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., September through June
Page Smith Room
Our interactive Bible study welcomes any older adult (60+) who wants 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 even color a few pictures. The study is led by Patty Jenkins, Director of the Center for Older Adults. 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, 9:30 a.m.
Page Smith Room
This weekly Sunday morning Bible class, led by Fourth Church member Tassos Malliaris, focuses each week on several New Testament verses and includes lecture and discussion. All members and friends are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Sheila Cotter at 312.573.3366 (scotter@fourthchurch.org).

Noonday Bible Study
Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m.
Large Conference Room
This weekly devotional study explores the biblical text for the coming Sunday morning’s sermon. The group is led by members
of the pastoral staff and uses a discussion format. For information, contact Sheila Cotter at 312.573.3366 (scotter@fourthchurch.org).

Parents’ Bible Study
First and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., September through June
Large Conference Room
This group enjoys fellowship followed by Bible study and discussion led by John Cairns. During the fall, we will look at the Bible as a unique book with particular emphasis on exploring how and why it came into existence––and how we can begin to “study “ it. Through use of background information, we will equip ourselves with tools and techniques that are helpful for “tapping into the meaning” of various texts and contexts. Our goal is a clearer understanding of the Bible as the foundation for our Christian faith and the development of a user-friendly approach to our study of it. For more information, contact Sheila Cotter at 312.573.3366 (scotter@fourthchurch.org).

Women’s Bible Study
Fourth Thursdays at 11:30 a.m., September through May
Anderson Hall
Associate Pastor Carol Allen continues to lead us on a journey through the Bible. “The Scripture and Women’s Concerns” is the theme for this year’s series beginning with “Women, Betrayal, and Forgiveness.”

December 16, 2004	March 31, 2005
January 27, 2005	April 28, 2005
February 24, 2005	May 26, 2005

Box lunches are available for $5.00. To reserve a box lunch or for more information, please contact Carol Allerton at 312.640.5448 (callerton@fourthchurch.org).


Inquirers' Class

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 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 Alfred Kemp at 312.981.3599 (akemp@fourthchurch.org).

Class schedules are available in the church literature racks. All classes are held in the Page Smith Room.


Retreats

Winter Retreat for Women
Friday evening through Saturday, January 21 and 22
“If I am not waiting, I miss the best moments. I skim life’s surface without ever closing my eyes, holding my nose, and taking the full plunge into the depths,” writes author Cindy Crosby. Join her and women of Fourth Church for a time of purposeful waiting, reflection, and community-building. This annual winter retreat for women will be held at the Cenacle Retreat Center at Fullerton and Clark and will begin on Friday evening with dinner and end on Saturday afternoon with a 2:00 p.m. worship service. A brochure with registration details and costs is available. For information, call Lisa Cochrane at 312.640.5495 (lcochrane@fourthchurch.org).

Lenten Retreat: “It’s Not About Me?!”
February 25 and 26
This Lenten retreat will invite participants to take a break from a focus on the self and instead to be awakened to God’s dynamic activity—in our past and present histories, in the life of Jesus, and in the life of Fourth Church. Through multi-sensory presentations, interactive worship, and conversation, retreatants will begin their Lenten journey in the company of believers who will be equipped together to watch for the transforming action of God in their lives—and in the lives of those around them—during this Lenten season. For more immediate information, contact Lisa Cochrane at 312.640.5495 (lcochrane@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. Its 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/academy.html. For more information, contact Sheila Cotter at 312.573.3366 (scotter@fourthchurch.org)

Center for Older Adults Continuing Education
A wide range of intellectual and spiritual activities, including courses taught by local college professors, is one component of the COA’s broad mission. Classes are offered five days a week. See the Center for Older Adults catalogue for classes, locations, and times. For more information or details about COA membership, contact Mary Belcastro at 312.981.3386 (mbelcastro@fourthchurch.org).

Biblical Storytelling Tour
Join Fourth Church clergy on a biblical storytelling tour, “Journeys of Paul,” led by biblical storyteller Dennis Dewey. This cruise will follow Paul’s second journey to Greece and run from June 30 to July 9. An extension cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey will run from July 9 to July 13. For more information, contact Carol Allerton at 312.640.5448 (callerton@fourthchurch.org).

 

Common Connection Groups: Social Groups

Adult Fellowship Groups

Cornerstones
This group meets one or two times monthly to provide small group Christian fellowship for couples over 50 years of age.
For more information, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).

Fourth Forum
Second Sunday, after the 11:00 service, for brunch
Third Saturday, in the evening, at members’ homes for potluck
This fellowship group is a gathering of gays, lesbians, and their friends. The group ordinarily meets for brunch at nearby restaurants on the second Sunday of the month after the 11:00 a.m. service and for evening potlucks at members’ homes on the third Saturday of the month. Fourth Forum also plans occasional retreats, faith-based seminars, and hands-on service projects. See the Fourth Church website for dates and locations or call the info line (312.787.2729, ext. 367). For more information, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).

Parents of Tots
Every other Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Children are cared for in W22 by our nursery staff while mothers and fathers meet in the Crow’s Nest for fellowship and discussion. Contact Emilie Syberg at 312.640.2578 (esyberg@fourthchurch.org).

The Fourth Dimension
Third Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in area restaurants
Fourth Sundays at 12:30 p.m. in area restaurants
For all who have reached your first half century and are eagerly exploring the second. The Fourth Dimension is a group of adults,
55 years and older, coming together to foster faith, friendship, and intellectual growth. We currently meet monthly for brunch and evening conversation, with a new series of programming starting next spring. For more information, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).

Venture Fourth
Sundays at 11:00 a.m., brunch after the meeting on the fourth Sunday
Page Smith Room
Venture Fourth provides fellowship for single adults seeking to build a community of faith through Bible study, spiritual reflection, and service.
Venture Fourth activities include attending the Fourth Church Taize worship services on the Fourth Friday evenings each month, weekly gatherings, and making sandwiches once a month for the Monday Night Supper project. For more information, contact Anne Ellis at 312.573.3369 (aellis@fourthchurch.org).

Men

Fourth Church Men’s Group
Second Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., from September through June
Dining Room
Suggested donation: $10
The Fourth Church Men’s Group meets once a month for breakfast, program, study, and discussion led by members of the Fourth Church staff and special speakers. Make reservations by calling the church receptionist no later then noon on Friday preceding the meeting. Women are welcome anytime. For more information, contact Carol Allerton at 312.640.5448 (callerton@fourthchurch.org).

Women

Women@Fourth Connects with all women of Fourth Church and the community. To receive the Women@Fourth Connect e-mail newsletter, contact Lisa Cochrane at 312.640.5495 (lcochrane@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, please contact Lisa Cochrane at 312.640.5495 (lcochrane@ fourthchurch.org).

The Benevolent Guild
First, second, and fourth Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m., October through May
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 members and friends are welcome to attend and no special sewing skills are needed to participate. For more information, contact Lisa Cochrane at 312.640.5495 (lcochrane@fourthchurch.org).

Sewing and Knitting Workshop
Fourth Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m., September through May
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. These items are distributed to local social service agencies and shelters. For more information, contact Lisa Cochrane at 312.640.5495 (lcochrane@fourthchurch.org).

Women’s Bible Study
See description under Bible Studies.

Winter Retreat for Women
See description under Bible Studies.


Young Adults

Young Adult Ministries at Fourth Church is aimed at people aged 25–35 single, married, gay, or straight and seeks

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 Alfred Kemp at 312.981.3599 (akemp@fourthchurch.org).

The Gathering
Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
Randolph Room
The Gathering is Fourth Church’s weekly opportunity for young adults to meet after the 11:00 a.m. worship. We gather at 12.30 p.m. for coffee and pastries and good conversation.

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 is an Open House with no formal program.

SpeakEasy
Last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Local restaurants
SpeakEasy is the Young Adult’s monthly outing (on the last Tuesday of the month) to a local restaurant for good food 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 to tackle some of the important issues of the day and how we approach them as younger people seeking to follow Christ. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Alfred Kemp at 312.981.3599 (akemp@fourthchurch.org).

Monthly Mission Outreach
Mission Outreach––because it is 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 is in the weekly e-mail.

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 June
Anderson Hall
Join us for this evening of fellowship for families with children. 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, June 3 through 5
Presbyterian Camps in Saugatuck, Michigan
Kids and parents enjoy a weekend of family activities, crafts, hikes up Mt. 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 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 as well as the theological aspects of baptism. It helps parents understand the various parts of the baptismal service and their responsibility of raising their child in the Christian faith. Attendance at one of these seminars is one of two requirements for baptism to take place at Fourth Church. The other requirement is that at least one parent must be a church member. For more information, contact Emilie Syberg 312.640.2578 (esyberg@fourthchurch.org).

Biracial Family Network
Second Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
This network of families and individuals of diverse ancestry as well as 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 Dorothy Adams at 773.286.0080 or Irene Carr at 773.288.3644.

Youth and Campus Groups

Confirmation Class
Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Crow’s Nest
Eighth graders gather for education and preparation for church membership and join in fellowship and service. For more information, contact Keith Harris, Associate Pastor, at 312.981.3598 (kharris@fourthchurch.org).

Junior Highs
Sundays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Crow’s Nest
Sixth and seventh graders meet for a time of service, fellowship, and education. All are welcome—bring a friend! For more information, contact Keith Harris, Associate Pastor, at 312.981.3598 (kharris@fourthchurch.org).

Senior Highs
Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
Crow’s Nest
Ninth through twelfth graders gather weekly for service, fellowship, and education. All are welcome—bring a friend! For more information, contact Keith Harris, Associate Pastor, at 312.981.3598 (kharris@fourthchurch.org).

Undergraduate College Connection
Usually meets twice monthly on Sundays at 4:30 p.m.
Page Smith Room
Join undergraduate students for study, prayer, and fellowship. The College Connection group is led by Keith Harris, Associate Pastor. For more information, contact Keith Harris, Associate Pastor, at 312.981.3598 (kharris@fourthchurch.org).

Graduate College Connection
Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Page Smith Room
Join graduate students for study, prayer, and fellowship. The College Connection group is led by Keith Harris, Associate Pastor. For more information, contact Keith Harris, Associate Pastor, at 312.981.3598 (kharris@fourthchurch.org).

Service Groups and Opportunities

Service Opportunities
For one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities in the church or in the community, see the Time and Talent Volunteer Catalogue, stop by the Volunteer Table during Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings in Anderson Hall, 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 Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Cameroon, Northern Ireland, and with the Lakota on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. An additional Borderlinks mission trip, focusing on issues concerning the U.S.-Mexico Border, is a new opportunity for Fourth Church Young Adults. 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 mornings 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 information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 (jsherer@fourthchurch.org) or Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).

Cherub (Children) and Youth Choirs
For information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 (jsherer@fourthchurch.org) or Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).

Fourth Acts
Second Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Fourth Acts is a theatre ensemble devoted to exploring, expressing, and enjoying God’s presence through theatre. Fourth Acts presents plays, scripture, and other literature in support of worship, education, and congregational life at Fourth. You do not need theatre training in order to participate. Meetings are the second Sunday of the month; rehearsals and performances as scheduled. For information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 (jsherer@fourthchurch.org) or 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 Sunday evenings during 6:30 p.m. Vespers
The Vespers Choir, which sings at the weekly Vespers worship service, is open to anyone who loves to sing. For information, contact John Sherer at 312.981.3592 (jsherer@fourthchurch.org) or Beverly Escuder at 312.981.3595 (bescuder@fourthchurch.org).

Health and Wellness

Center for Whole Health

The Center for Whole Health 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 people annually for wholistic health through teaching, counseling, and spiritual care. Services are provided to participants in other Chicago Lights programs—the Center for Older Adults, 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
Blood pressure screens; height and weight screens
Individual health and wellness assessments and referrals
Caregiving consultation; end-of-life care and consultation
Domestic violence resources
Health and wellness lectures/discussion

Special Events
Blood Donor Sundays in January and July
Flu immunization campaigns in fall/winter
Back-to-School Health Fair in Cabrini-Green Schools in September
End-of-life issues and concerns (Five Wishes)
Mental illness programs, services, and consultation
Family caregivers seminar; caregiving celebration luncheon
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 October
Women’s Health Brunch Seminar three times per year
Organ Donor Sabbath in November
Hospice Care Awareness Sabbath in February
Vespers: Candlelighting Service for Mental Illness Awareness in May, World AIDS Remembrance Day in December

Volunteer Opportunities
These include Blood Donor events, flu immunizations, and special program events. Watch for Bulletin announcements, sign-up at Volunteers Table, call 312.981.3382, or e-mail Larry Nicholson, Director of Volunteer Ministry (lnicholson@fourthchurch.org)


Lorene Replogle Counseling Center

Mid-Winter Conference: We Are the Stories We Tel
Saturday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.
This daylong workshop is designed to help you tell your stories––those accumulated and significant tales of childhood, transition, adventure, loss, and triumph. We will use a series of creative journal-writing exercises to retrieve and record the important people, places, small moments, and big events in our lives. And we will talk about how telling our stories helps us better understand the meaning they have for us. The workshop is open to both writers and non-writers. For more information, pick up a brochure in the literature racks of the church, or contact the Lorene Replogle Counseling 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. The group is led by members of the Counseling Center and meets for six weeks on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. For more information and to find out the dates of future sessions, contact the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center at 312.787.8425.


Support and Self-Help Groups

Check the daily schedule on the Fourth Church bulletin boards for location of the meeting.

For more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, call 312.346.1475.