Today, in the State of Illinois, Governor Quinn will sign into law marriage for same-sex couples - making Illinois the 16th state to take such action.  I hear he will be using the desk of President Abraham Lincoln.

Our state and President Lincoln are strong symbols of freedom and the ability to love for all people. As a person who was legally married after being in a relationship for 22 years, I know the joy and delight and the ways that this marriage bill matters in the lives of our gay brothers and sisters. Standing in front of some 400+ people and having our marriage blessed was just as much a celebration of the rights of gay folks as it was a moment for us to be surrounded by and lifted up by friends and family who witnessed and affirmed the day.  It was a "new day" kind of moment.

The desk of President Lincoln reminds me that we need to continue to overcome the struggles to free all people around this country and the world.  There are so many people who do not have the rights that we do in this country: religious freedom, freedom for GLBT folks, healthcare, jobs, etc.

At the same time, there is much work to be done in our own communities.  Too many people are unemployed, uninsured, afraid for their lives because of their skin color, homeless and the list goes on for way too long.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I give tremendous thanks for those who have worked so hard to bring to being more equality in our world. I am one who believes that every act of justice and movement towards equality is a step towards the kind of world that Christ has called us to live into and act in.

Let us take a moment to give thanks for what we have and to work towards a more just and peaceful society.

"'Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the hall,
The volunteers were working, to welcome PADS guests to all.
To the beds, to the tables, with all their beautiful food -
to warm smiles and warm hearts - the guests knew that it was good."

If you think this is a cheesy rip-off of the traditional poem, and have time to volunteer Wednesday night, November 27th, we would love to have a few extra hands to help with the PADS dinner shift.  We have shifts from 6:30 - 8:30, and also 8:30 - 10:30 for clean up.  Click here to contact Susan Gosdick.

Good Thanksgiving to all -  

The Oak Park River Forest Community of Congregations invites you to the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. 

Manya Brachear Pashman, a religion reporter at the Chicago Tribune, is the featured speaker. The service will represent diverse spiritual traditions as the community gathers in worship, finding peace and gratitude for God's many blessings. All community members are welcome and warmly encouraged to attend. After the service, United Lutheran will host a reception with refreshments and fellowship.

A collection will benefit the Holiday Food and Gift Basket Program and the Community of Congregations. Donations of non-perishable food items will also be received for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.

The Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest is beginning a new holiday tradition by hosting the Festival of Trees!  The weekend event will include a display of unique handcrafted trees (one of which was decorated by Grace's Outreach Team!) and wreaths.  A silent auction, live entertainment, and storytelling will also be present at the event.  You won't want to miss it!

The event will be held at Holley Court Terrace in Oak Park (1111 Ontario).  Tickets will be available at the door for $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $15 for families of five or more. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.

For more informaction, contact Kathryn Beedle, 708-383-1111, or Lesley Gottlinger, 708-366-2821, or visit www.oprfrotary.clubexpress.com.

Advent Wreaths don't just help us count down the weeks until Christmas - they help us stay mindful and connected to each other during a hectic season. Join us Sunday, December 1st after the 9 and 10:30am services for an intergenerational Wreath-making event and get your family set for Advent! We'll have greens, candles, ribbons, and all the other materials you and your family need for a beautiful Advent season. You just bring your creativity - and if you've got it, an old wreath base to reuse.

We're looking for a few more pairs of hands to help out on the day-of, so if you're interested please email Nick (nick@graceoakpark.org).  There is no cost to participate, but donations will be accepted. We hope to see you there!

Some ideas about different takes on Advent wreaths are at this link. 

Coffee Hour has long supported our community effort as we continue to grow as a congregation through this fellowship time.  We have struggled for the last few years with Coffee Hour for both the early and late services.  As a result, we'd like to create a new acronym! and a new ministry committee called the CHEERS Committee - Coffee Hour Efficacy and Entertainment Reserve Staff.  This group of fine hospitable people would  consist of 12-15 people responsible for providing beverage ONLY for the early and late services, each person having this duty once per quarter, no financial outlay, just that of time from 9am - 12n. 

Snacks, etc. could be provided by those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, etc. during that week and would be purely voluntary.  Those celebrating will be contacted a month out as a reminder to bring treats as they so choose.  Those celebrating are welcomed and encouraged to partner with the CHEERS host for that day.  In addition, CHEERS hosts will partner with the Newcomer's Committee to bring new congregants into the fold assisting with Coffee Hour while getting to know others. 

Anyone from both services can attend early or late, sort of a come and go "coffee experience".  This not only offers a co-mingling of both services but an opportunity to grab a cup of delicious coffee at any time during the morning.

The kitchen will be well supplied (thank you Sarah Hunt and Jane Shirley!) with coffee, decaf and regular, tea, coffee cream, juice for the children, lemonade/iced tea for the summer months,  and appropriate paper goods.  Assistance in learning the kitchen equipment will also be provided to those hosts in charge.

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SIGNED UP FOR COFFEE HOUR, please KEEP your hosting obligation as we get this ministry and schedule up and running.

-Cyndy Reynolds, Sarah Hunt, and Sam Love

Tickets are now on sale for our annual Boars Head Feast presented by the Madrigal Choir of Grace Church.

Come join us for a wonderful evening of an originally-scripted performance in period costume, with music and dance set in the splendor of our nave, magically transformed into your Lord's and Lady's great hall.

Dinner and General Seating tickets are available.

The dates are Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at 7PM and Saturday Dec. 14, 2013 at 7PM.

Dinner is $40 for adults and $30 for students, and General Seating is $15 for adults and $10 for students.

All patrons will receive a $5 discount for attending in renaissance style costume.

Dinner seating is by reservation only and must be made by Sunday Dec. 8th.

General seating is unreserved, and includes dessert and beverage.

Click here for a ticket order form. 

For more information click here to contact Silvano Brugioni, or call him at 708-655-1702.