This Sunday Fourth Church sixth and seventh graders will be collecting money and nonperishable food items for the Souper Bowl of Caring--a national grassroots, faith-based campaign against hunger. As part of that effort in 2012, more than 10,000 groups collected more than $9.8 million in dollars and food for local hunger-relief programs--bringing the Souper Bowl total to more than $90 million in the past ten years!

This year our Elevation youth are again joining other churches, schools, organizations, and individuals across the country in this fight against hunger and poverty, with proceeds from the Fourth Church collection supporting the food programs of the Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Service Center.

So look for Fourth Church youth carrying large soup pots this Sunday following morning worship services and help end hunger in our community!

Today is the last day to get Carnaval tickets at the early-bird discount rate. On February 1, they go up to full price.

So make your reservation today, Friday, January 31, so you don't miss the discount--or the Carnaval fun!

January 31 is also the last day to enter the Two for Blu Getaway drawing, which offers the opportunity to win two tickets to Carnaval, an overnight stay for two in a Park Suite at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, and breakfast at Filini (a combined $1,200 value)!

Then mark your calendar for Friday, February 28, a night of festive fellowship and opportunity to join with Fourth Church friends in celebrating and supporting the life-changing work of Chicago Lights, the Counseling Center, and the Center for Life and Learning!

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held next Sunday, February 9 following the 11:00 a.m. service. As part of the meeting, the congregation will elect new officers and the congregation will act--at the request of Calum MacLeod--to dissolve the pastoral relationship with Calum, with his last Sunday at Fourth Church being February 23.

All members are encouraged to attend the annual meeting; child care will be provided.

Following next Sunday's Annual Meeting of the Congregation, all are invited to an intergenerational luncheon with a Mediterranean-themed menu of orzo pilaf supreme, Mediterranean chicken, roasted parmesan broccoli, pita bread and hummus, and homemade cupcakes. Tickets for this meal are available during Coffee Hour this Sunday and at the reception desk during the week.

We hope you'll join us for this opportunity to enjoy fellowship and a delicious meal!

Between now and February 20, we invite you to contribute notes and letters for Calum and Missy, thanking them for their ministry among us and wishing them well in the next phase of their ministry. Those reflections can be mailed to the church (Attn. Barbara Cleveland, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611.2014) or dropped off at the church reception desk, or they can be emailed to [email protected].

These private expressions of gratitude, shared memories, and well wishes will be collected and presented to Calum and Missy on Sunday, February 23--Calum's last Sunday at Fourth Church, when he will preach at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. services--as a gift from the congregation. Following the 11:00 service, all are invited to a reception for Calum and Missy in Anderson Hall and the Commons.

Please join us in sharing with Calum and Missy how deeply grateful we are for all that their presence among us has meant!

All couples are invited to take a break from busy schedules and join us this Sunday for the first session in the "Enriching Relationships" series at 9:30 a.m. in Room 4G. Each discussion will cover key topics, offer practical tools, and be directly applicable to everyday life as a couple. The February 2 session will explore the topic "Cultivating Communication."

Are you stressed and overextended, longing for stillness and calm?

The Lorene Replogle Counseling Center at Fourth Church is offering a five-week class on "Mindfulness and Meditation," led by Rabbi Ruth Durchslag and Nesita Kwan, on Wednesdays, starting February 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Conference Room of Parish House.

Using movement and breath along with stories and interactive experiences, participants will explore ways to achieve a strong and grounded inner space. Registration (in advance) is required. To register, call the Counseling Center at 312.787.8425.

Time: Wednesday, February 5-March 5, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Place: Third Floor Conference Room of Parish House

David L. Holmes will also present a follow-up discussion on "Faiths of Our Presidents" on Sunday, February 16 at 12:30 p.m. in the Gratz Center.

Enhance balance, strength, and coordination at a beginning T'ai Chi Chuan class, offered through the Center for Life and Learning. Held on Tuesdays, beginning February 4, at 2:00 p.m. in Anderson Hall, T'ai Chi Chuan consists of a fluid series of postures joined with deep-breathing exercises. Beginning students learn the history and fundamentals of T'ai Chi Chuan and will be prepared to join the intermediate class upon completion of the beginner series.

To register (required in advance) for this class for those sixty and over, contact Ashley Elskus.

Time: Tuesdays, February 4-April 8, 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Place: Anderson Hall

    January 9, 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014
12:10 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel
Red Riding Hood String Quartet
Cosponsored by the Musicians Club of Women

Friday, February 14, 2014
12:10 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel

Cole Seaton, tenor     

Friday, February 21, 2014
12:10 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel

Sheridan String Quartet

4:00 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel

Ottawa Hills High School Choraliers