The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K takes place this Sunday morning, which will lead to some road closures in the Loop and on the near South Side. A map of the race route and listing of the road closures is posted online. 

Do you have your ticket to GLOW, this Saturday's annual Chicago Lights Associates Board gala at the Museum of Contemporary Art? Today is the last day to purchase tickets online! Discounted "bring-a-buddy" tickets--along with regular tickets--are available until midnight. Tickets for $120 will be available at the door.

GLOW, a social and philanthropic event hosted by young professionals, will feature a look at the "David Bowie Is" exhibition, Chicago's DJ Sye Young, complimentary drinks, appetizers from Wolfgang Puck Catering, cupcakes from Sprinkles, and an afterparty at Cuvee.

All proceeds benefit the community outreach programs of Chicago Lights.

Time:

     Saturday, November 8, 8:00 p.m.

Place:

     Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.)

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Why and when does faith come more readily to some and not to others? How much of a role does our family of origin occupy? Join us this Sunday as we explore these questions and more during the class "A Look into Psychology and Faith" at 11:00 a.m. in Room 5G.

Led by Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being Director Tom Schemper and Human Resources Consultant and Executive Coach Elinor Hite, this three-week Academy for Faith and Life class will discuss what contributes to a vibrancy of faith and how we often can get in the way of our own spiritual growth.

Time:

     Sundays, November 9 - 23, 11:00 a.m.

Place:

     Room 5G in the Gratz Center

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Give thanks and enjoy a time of fellowship with friends old and new at the annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner on Thursday, November 27 at 12:15 p.m. in Anderson Hall. Tickets are required for this traditional dinner and are available online or by contacting Anne Ellis.

Tickets are limited, so don't wait too long to reserve your spot!

Time:

     Thursday, November 27, 12:15 p.m.

Place:

     Anderson Hall

We hope you'll join Fourth Church this month for three opportunities to give thanks through worship! 

Thanksgiving Gospelfest

Sunday, November 23

3:30 p.m. at St. Matthew United Methodist Church

(1000 N. Orleans, at Oak Street)

Sponsored by the Near North Ministry Alliance, of which Fourth Church is a participant, the Thanksgiving Gospelfest will include music sung by the Fourth Church Morning Choir along with several choirs from our partner congregations in the Near North Ministry Alliance. A community meal will follow.

Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 25

7:30 p.m. at Chicago Sinai Congregation

(15 W. Delaware)

Fourth Church joins our partners in faith Chicago Sinai Congregation and Holy Name Cathedral for opportunity to worship in an interfaith setting and express our gratitude through word and song. Shannon Kershner will preach.

Thanksgiving Day Service

Thursday, November 27

11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

A special Thanksgiving Day worship service will be held at Fourth Church, with Joyce Shin preaching.

A time of reflection at the annual Advent Contemplative Retreat offers a unique way to prepare, in the busy Advent season, for the birth of Christ.

This year's retreat will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14 at The Well in La Grange Park.

Led by Associate Pastor Vicky Curtiss, the retreat will engage participants in a variety of spiritual practices, including meditation and worship, to open their hearts and minds to reflect on the gift of God's love.

Registration forms are due by Sunday, December 7.

Time:

     Saturday, December 13, 9:00 a.m.

         through Saturday, December 14, 3:00 p.m.

Place:

     The Well (1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park)

Ring in the Christmas season with the award-winning voices of Chanticleer! They will be in concert at Fourth Church on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The a cappella ensemble will perform traditional Christmas favorites, from Baroque classics to twenty-first-century carols.

Tickets are available online through the concert's cosponsor, Symphony Center Presents.

For a complete list of Christmas concerts at Fourth Church this season, visit the Fourth Church website. 

Time:

     Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2 and 3, 7:30 p.m.

Place:

     Sanctuary

Save the date for the annual Fair Trade Gift Bazaar on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7!

From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on both days, Anderson Hall and Borwell Dining Room will be filled with handcrafted merchandise, including jewelry, folk art, toys, textiles, and more.

Groups in countries around the world benefit from the proceeds of this bazaar, making it possible for artisans to earn a fair wage for their labors and thus to provide food, shelter, health care, and education for their families.

We hope you'll mark your calendars and come shop for a difference!

Time:

     Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8

     9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Place:

     Anderson Hall and Borwell Dining Room

Help decorate the Sanctuary and Gratz Center with flowers and garland while at the same time memorializing or honoring loved ones this holiday season.

Forms must be received by Friday, December 12 for names to appear in the bulletin.

Sermons

from previous weeks are posted online at www.fourthchurch.org/sermons 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014
7:30 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel
Chicago Ensemble
Tickets available through Chicago Ensemble
www.thechicagoensemble.org | 773.558.3448

Friday, November 14, 2014
12:10 p.m. in the Sanctuary 

Roosevelt University Choirs  

Friday, November 21, 2014
12:10 p.m. in the Sanctuary
John W. W. Sherer, organist
(Organist and Director of Music at Fourth Church)

Friday, November 28, 2014
12:10 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Mary-Christine Stingley, flutist