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CONTENTS
Labyrinth Peace Walk
Reflect on the Life of MLK Jr. and Mass Incarceration
Join us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a special labyrinth walk as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and also reflect on the issue of mass incarceration. This hosted walk will take place in Anderson Hall on Monday, January 18 between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.
 
The labyrinth is a walking tool for prayer and meditation for those seeking God. Rediscovered in recent years as a fruitful spiritual practice, it is an archetypal sacred pattern for walking a path of pilgrimage and offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection.
 
Time:
     Monday, January 18
     6:00 p.m.
 
Place:
     Anderson Hall
  
"Look Around: The Cries Will Be Heard"
Following Monday's labyrinth walk, a two-part Michigan Avenue Forum series on mass incarceration will kick off with "Look Around: The Cries Will Be Heard."
 
We are honored to welcome Iva Carruthers, professor emeritus and former chairperson of the sociology department at Northeastern Illinois University, to this Academy for Faith and Life event. Dr. Carruthers and WBEZ's Natalie Moore will discuss the church's place in the greater conversation about our nation's prison systems and how we, as a people of faith, can find God in this complex issue.
 
Don't miss the chance to attend this important educational opportunity!
 
Time:
     Monday, January 18
     7:00 p.m.
 
Place:
     Buchanan Chapel
 
threeA Gala of Hope!
Benefiting Chicago Lights and the Replogle Center
Plan to join us on Friday evening, March 4 for a fun-filled evening benefiting Chicago Lights--the local mission arm of Fourth Presbyterian Church--and the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. This year's Gala of Hope will again be held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, located in the stunning and universally hailed Aqua Tower, designed by acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang.

Festivities will include dinner, dessert, and complimentary beverages; live music courtesy of the Ken Arlen Orchestra; silent and live auctions; a Mystery Wine Sale; and more.

You can reserve your tickets to Gala of Hope online here at early-bird ticket prices, which are available through Friday, February 5.
 
Those who reserve early-bird tickets will also be entered into a special drawing to win an overnight stay at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and brunch for two at Filini! That drawing will be held on February 5 (winner need not be present).

Early-bird ticket deadline: 
     Friday, February 5
 
Gala of Hope date:
     Friday, March 4
     5:30 p.m.   

Place: 
     Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel (221 N. Columbus Dr.)
fourThe Five Wishes Program
Creating a Living Will
In our culture talking or thinking about death and end-of-life issues is something that people often prefer to avoid. Unfortunately, by avoiding this discussion, it can leave families confused during an already difficult time.
 
To encourage discussion about this important topic, the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being is offering the Five Wishes Program on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. This workshop will help participants discuss and formulate plans for their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs--as well as their medical wishes at the end of life--by creating a living will.

Join us for this workshop and create a plan that will give your loved ones the tools to handle your end of life with ease and the knowledge that they are respecting your wishes. A light supper will be provided.

To register, click here. For more information about this event, call the Replogle Center at 312.787.8425. 
 
Time:
     Thursday, January 21
     6:30-8:30 p.m.
 
Place: 
     Boyle Conference Room
 
fiveThis Week in the January Series
Daily Lunch-Hour Lectures Continue
The Calvin College January Series continues next week as live video feed of speakers will again be offered at Fourth Church. The "fifteen days of free liberal arts education" will be streamed at 11:30 a.m. each weekday in the Page Smith Room.
 
This week's topics include diversity in Christian missions, the Earth Harp Collective, our national parks, Latino churches, and "Reframing Justice: Models from Honduras." A complete schedule of speakers and their topics is available online here.
   
We hope you'll join us for one--or more--of these enriching conversations! 
       
sixA Place for Grief
New Grief Group Starts February 22
A Grief Support Group for those dealing with significant losses is offered through the Replogle Center at Fourth Church. The next Grief Group will meet on Monday evenings, beginning February 22, for six weeks in the Boyle Conference Room.
 
The group is professionally led by two experienced counselors--Maureen Garvey, L.C.P.C., and Mary Jo Hubick, L.C.P.C.--and offers support and education. This service is offered free of charge approximately five times a year (based on interest, as a minimum of six people is needed to start a group).
 
For more information, to register for the February 22 group (required), or express interest in a future group, please call the Center at 312.787.8425.
 
worshipWorship This Week
Sunday, January 17, 2016
8:00 a.m. with Communion
Nanette Sawyer, Minister for Congregational Life, preaching
Scripture texts:
   Psalm 36:5-10
   Isaiah 62:1-5
   John 2:1-11

9:30 and 11:00 a.m. New Members (11:00)
Shannon J. Kershner, Pastor, preaching
Scripture texts:
   Isaiah 62:1-5 
   Psalm 36:5-10
   John 2:1-11

4:00 p.m. Jazz Service with Communion
Nanette Sawyer, Minister for Congregational Life, preaching
Scripture texts:
   Psalm 36:5-11 
   Isaiah 62:1-5
   John 2:1-11
 
Worship bulletins

for this coming Sunday are available online Friday afternoon at www.fourthchurch.org/worship/this-week.html
 
"News and Opportunities"
is the weekly printed newsletter distributed with the Sunday bulletin and is available online Friday afternoon at www.fourthchurch.org/news/2016/011716no.pdf

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

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musicConcerts at Fourth Church
Concerts at Fourth Church 
Friday Noonday concerts are free.

Friday, January 22, 2016
Ryan Loeckel, violinist/violist
12:10 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel

Friday, January 29, 2016
John W. W. Sherer, organist
(Organist and Director of Music at Fourth Church)
12:10 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Chicago Ensemble
7:30 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel
Tickets available through Chicago Ensemble
| 773.558.3448

Friday, February 5, 2016
Yana Reznik, pianist
12:10 p.m. in Buchanan Chapel
Cosponsored by the Musicians Club of Women

A complete concert schedule is available online. 
 
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volunteerVolunteer at Fourth Church
There are several ways to get involved in the mission and ministry of Fourth Church. See below for details!
 
Current Volunteer Needs
 
Sunday School teachers

Tutors
for Chicago Lights Tutoring
Tutors are needed one evening a week--Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday--from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. New volunteers are asked to attend an orientation session. A schedule is available
here.

Members to assist a child with special needs during 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

Ushers
for the 11:00 a.m. services

Drummers to perform with the Fourth Church Drumming Circle.
The Drumming Circle is open to anyone who enjoys playing percussion instruments; participants of all ages are welcome. During the 2015-2016 season, the group will play in 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship on the first Sunday of each month through May and rehearse before each performance.

To sign up for any of these volunteer opportunities or to learn more about them, stop by Coffee Hour on Sunday morning or contact Larry Nicholson, Director of Volunteer Ministry.
 
A complete list of volunteer needs is available online