ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION

An opportunity to grow continues in our short book study which started last Sunday after church at 11:50 AM, and will be ending next Sunday, February 19. If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person by Phillip Gulley and James Mulholland will explore question of the eternal fate of humanity, and how Gulley Mulholland came to the conclusion that the perfect grace of Christ will save everyone. You may pick up a copy of If Grace Is True at the back of the church. The book is $15.00, payable to EUCC.

Please read chapters 2-4 before today’s meeting.

You’re invited to join a monthly Theology On Tap group which will meet at Black Rock Pub & Kitchen (3614 N. Damen Ave) where participants will explore theological topics, usually based on selected short articles or book chapters. The next gathering will be on Monday, March 5^th at 6:30 PM . The focus for this gathering will be on three important strands that came out of the Protestant Reformation: Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Methodism. A set of short articles will be available next Sunday, February 19.

Lenten Study Series For 2011: The Challenge of Forgiveness: the struggle, the limits, the freedom. Pastor Kevin will be leading a six part topical series on forgiveness, exploring the personal, theological, and philosophical dimensions of this life-long struggle. Included in this study will be a two session book study on Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower, which will be available at church for purchase. The study will take place on Wednesday evenings (7:30) and will be replicated on Sundays morning (12:00 PM), offering two opportunities to attend.

Meeting One (Feb 26 & Feb 29)—The Meaning of Forgiveness: what it is and isn’t

Meeting Two (Mar 4 & Mar 7)—Discussion on The Sunflower

Meeting Three (Mar 11 & 14)—Discussion on The Sunflower

Meeting Four (Mar 18 & 21)—Forgiving Ourselves & Forgiving God

Meeting Five (Mar 25 & 28)—Forgiving The Unforgivable: the Helen Prejean story

Meeting Six (Apr 1 & Apr 4)—Human & Divine Forgiveness: Jesus’ unforgivable sin

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YOUTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicago Metropolitan Association NYE Youth Event: March 24^th (2-6 PM) at University Church (5655 S. University Ave). Youth and Parents, please put this in your calendar.

The Confirmation Class will be meeting this Monday, Feb 13^th from 4-6 PM at the church. They will be learning more about prayer, and history of the United Church of Christ and this congregation. Audrey Dieball, a long-time member of the church, will be their special guest.

Tentative plans for Planning/Fun Event for our Ravenswood & Epiphany Youth Group: Friday, March 2 at 7:00 PM. The youth will be planning a fundraiser for the National Youth Event and then participating in some “get to know you” activities. Contact Pastor Kevin for more details.

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CHILDREN’S SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Today, our children will be learning about the healing of the centurion’s servant found in Matthew 8 and Luke 7. Pastor Kevin attempts to connect the children’s sermon to the scriptural focus of the Sunday school lessons.

Considering membership here at Epiphany UCC? A new member orientation is set for Sunday, March 4 right after the worship service. At this one-hour orientation, you’ll have a chance to hear some of Epiphany’s history, our values, and our mission as a congregation. In addition, you’ll also be able to dialogue with members of the Church Council and the pastors about Epiphany. If you are interested or have questions about possibly becoming a member, please contact Pastor Kevin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 773-717-0029 (cell).

“Connect With Ministry” Event Scheduled For Sunday, March 4 After Worship Looking for ways to serve the congregation, perhaps as an usher, a committee or team member, or even during the Welcome Meal? Stick around after worship on March 4 and learn how you can help your community of faith!

A Night In Romania: A Celebration & Fundraiser for The Homework Project set for Friday, March 9. 6:30 PM – Romanian Cocktails; 7:30 PM – Romanian Dinner. Special program to follow. More information to follow, but save the date!

The 118^th ANNUAL MEETING of Epiphany United Church of Christ will be held on Sunday February 26^th. The Meeting will be held after Worship & lunch will be provided. Budget Hearings will be held at 9:45 am on February 19^th. If you have a report for the annual meeting, please send it to Dianne in the church office by THIS Wednesday February 15^th.

The church will be starting an email and phone prayer chain in the coming weeks. This list will share requests for prayer by members and friends of the church. If you would like to be on this email list, you must “opt-in” by telling us you would like to receive an emails asking for prayers. Those who do not have email will be contacted via phone, thus starting a “phone tree.” Please contact Dianne in the church office at 773-281-4144 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You many also indicate your desire to be added to this list by putting “prayer chain” next to your name in the red pads.

Our Ash Wednesday Service will be on February 22 at 7:30 PM. Please join us at this beginning service of the Lenten Season.

Pastor Kevin will be leading up an 8 month Confirmation class starting in January 2012 through August 2012. The class will meet twice monthly at a time to be figured out when all participants are finalized. Please contact Pastor Kevin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have questions. This class is open to youth from 7th grade and up, and is also open to youth outside the Epiphany UCC community. The class will explore the tenets of the Christian faith, while also thoughtfully and respectfully exploring the faith claims of other religions outside the Christian tradition. Visitations to other worship services, both inside and outside the Christian tradition, and chances for service to the community will also be included.  An organizational meeting for all interested youth and parents is set for Sunday, January 15 at 11:50 AM.

 

Ravenswood UCC and Epiphany UCC are beginning the dialogue on creating a joint youth group (13-18). Please join us on Sunday, January 22 at 1 PM at Ravenswood UCC to discuss what that youth group might look like. We especially want to encourage youth and parents of youth (including ones who anticipate their children being youth at this church in the upcoming years) to join us for this gathering. In addition, we will discuss the upcoming UCC's National Youth Event at Purdue University on July 10-13, 2012. For more information, contact Pastor Kevin.

 

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - You’re invited to join a monthly Theology On Tap group which will meet at Black Rock Pub & Kitchen (3614 N. Damen Ave) where participants will explore theological topics, usually based on selected short articles or book chapters. The first gathering is tomorrow Monday, January 9, starting at 6:30 PM. The food special on Monday evenings: delicious sliders for 50 cents apiece. The first article to be discussed is “This Present Paradise” by Rita Brock & Rebecca Parker. Copies are available on the narthex table. Or you may contact Pastor Kevin for a copy

Another opportunity to grow can be found in a new short book study starting on Sunday, February 5 after church at 11:50 AM, and ending on Sunday, February 19. If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person by Phillip Gulley and James Mulholland will explore question of the eternal fate of humanity, and how Gulley Mulholland came to the conclusion that the perfect grace of Christ will save everyone. The book is available for purchase from the church for $15. Consider joining this faith stretching study.

For those that don't know it, we filled out an application for food baskets from the CTA early this year.  One day he heard back; we were to get 10 baskets of food, they recommended we come with a cart and a copy of this email saying our organization won.  We get there, and they arrive on the back of the santa train, they stacked 9 boxes for each of the 10 organizations they had there that day See photo.  The 10th was handed out when the head of the organization took a picture with the President and Chairman of the CTA.  While we never knew about this before, CTA employees have been raising money for this annual event for some time.

Pastor Kevin will teach a three session Bible study on the The First Christmas, beginning 11-27 after worship with subsequent meetings dates on December 4 & 11. The class will explore the two different birth narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, as well as the question of why the Gospel of Mark does not contain a birth story, and the Gospel of John ignores it altogether, choosing instead to birth Jesus into this world as the “Cosmic Christ.” Study begins at 11:50 AM in the “Sunshine Room” near the church offices. No need to pre-register. Contact Pastor Kevin for more information.

Two Other Adult Christian Education Opportunities For 2012: You’re invited to join a monthly Theology On Tap group which will meet at a local bar where participants can explore theological topics, usually based on selected short articles or book chapters. Details are being worked out, but look for more information soon.

Another opportunity will be a couple of books studies in January and February. If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person by Phillip Gulley and James Mulholland will explore question of the eternal fate of humanity, and how Gulley Mulholland came to the conclusion that the perfect grace of Christ will save everyone. The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits Of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal asks the following question of dozens of thinkers: You are a prisoner in a concentration camp. A dying Nazi soldier asks for your forgiveness. What would you do? Both books will soon be available for purchase from the church, and book groups will be forming in early 2012. Consider joining one or both of these faith stretching studies. Contact Pastor Kevin for more information.

CALLING ALL BAKERS !! Come to the Annual Epiphany Holiday Cookie Exchange on Monday, December 5th th 7 p.m. at Bill and Kate Warner’s home - 3447 N. Hamilton. This is the event everyone talks about every Advent!The exchange is simple… bake 100 small cookies, make 20 copies of your recipe, and then bring an extra cookie tin to collect an assortment of homemade holiday favorites.  We will enjoy a light dinner and then the cookie exchange.  And significant others are welcome to come.  So, start baking and book a babysitter for the little ones! Please RSVP to Kate Warner – 773.868.6528 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thanks to all who volunteered to make this happen, including Jeremy Glen and Gloria Heatedly who helped to plan this project. Jeremy received the following note from Katrina Coleman of the Mission: Just wanted to tell you thank you and your group for the extremely thoughtful and wonderful gift! They are gorgeous! The moms and kids are so excited and now staff will start donating books to help the "library" grow. This was a great idea.