We are a diverse and open fellowship committed to Christ's exhortation to love God and our neighbors. We come from different backgrounds and faith experiences. But together we agree to support one another in love and to unite and and serve our community and our world.
Engaging the Word, Connecting with our World
Good preaching is very important to our congregation. Through the sermon we hear scripture interpreted and learn to interpret it for ourselves. With pastoral insight, the sermon weaves together the Word of God and our experiences in the world. We see connections made between ancient sacred texts and our daily lives and cares. We are invited and inspired to stronger faith in God, deeper compassion toward one another, greater service in Christ’s name, and more expansive hope and love for the world.
Deepening Our Commitment
There are no taboo subjects in our preaching, though it is very important to us that a breadth of experience, opinion, and conviction, be respected and encouraged. Every sermon is an invitation to deeper commitment to Christ; many sermons conclude with calls to action and the promise of transformation in our lives. Throughout the year, we also welcome occasional guest preachers of the highest caliber, who keep us engaged in Christian perspectives beyond our own congregation. We want to hear a substantive Christian message that speaks to how we should live our faith in the world.
Good preaching is very important to our congregation. Through the sermon we hear scripture interpreted and learn to interpret it for ourselves. With pastoral insight, the sermon weaves together the Word of God and our experiences in the world. We see connections made between ancient sacred texts and our daily lives and cares. We are invited and inspired to stronger faith in God, deeper compassion toward one another, greater service in Christ’s name, and more expansive hope and love for the world.
Deepening Our Commitment
There are no taboo subjects in our preaching, though it is very important to us that a breadth of experience, opinion, and conviction, be respected and encouraged. Every sermon is an invitation to deeper commitment to Christ; many sermons conclude with calls to action and the promise of transformation in our lives. Throughout the year, we also welcome occasional guest preachers of the highest caliber, who keep us engaged in Christian perspectives beyond our own congregation. We want to hear a substantive Christian message that speaks to how we should live our faith in the world.
affiliation
A diverse fellowship,
a welcoming and affirming community,
affiliated with two denominations.
a welcoming and affirming community,
affiliated with two denominations.
Advent and Christmas
During Advent, we await together the coming of the Lord Jesus. There is special music during worship, families participate in the lighting of the Advent Candles, and the children present a Christmas Pageant. The season is especially meaningful to the community at Jackson Park Hospital. Our Gilead Ministry organizes Christmas Caroling at the hospital and a Christmas Eve cookie delivery for hospital staff working Christmas night. There is an evening service on Christmas Eve.
Lent and Holy Week
During Lent, we focus the music, prayers, preaching, and adult education on themes appropriate to this season of repentance, reconciliation, and renewal. We celebrate with the children Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and leading up to Good Friday and Easter, there are special opportunities for worship, reflection, and fellowship that include activities for children and families.
On Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, we share an Agape meal or love feast together with communion to commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. On Good Friday, there is an evening service of worship, prayer, and reflection. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate with early “sunrise” worship and communion, an Easter Breakfast with activities for children, and a rousing four-part congregational singing of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” at the conclusion of our regular Worship service. Please check the Church Calendar for exact times.
During Advent, we await together the coming of the Lord Jesus. There is special music during worship, families participate in the lighting of the Advent Candles, and the children present a Christmas Pageant. The season is especially meaningful to the community at Jackson Park Hospital. Our Gilead Ministry organizes Christmas Caroling at the hospital and a Christmas Eve cookie delivery for hospital staff working Christmas night. There is an evening service on Christmas Eve.
Lent and Holy Week
During Lent, we focus the music, prayers, preaching, and adult education on themes appropriate to this season of repentance, reconciliation, and renewal. We celebrate with the children Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and leading up to Good Friday and Easter, there are special opportunities for worship, reflection, and fellowship that include activities for children and families.
On Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, we share an Agape meal or love feast together with communion to commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. On Good Friday, there is an evening service of worship, prayer, and reflection. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate with early “sunrise” worship and communion, an Easter Breakfast with activities for children, and a rousing four-part congregational singing of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” at the conclusion of our regular Worship service. Please check the Church Calendar for exact times.