Easter Letter

Easter Letter

Spirit of the Living God,

who offers respite for the weary and life-giving hope:

Awaken in this your gathered faithful people of Berry UMC

Renewed vision in your Holy Spirit and hope for the future ministry

that we may serve the Lincoln Square community with a healing balm

worthy of your grace and splendor,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Berry Offers Hope With Glitter Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday, March 1st, Berry UMC offered glitter ashes to commuters at the Western CTA Brown Line station.  This action was an intentional participation in a movement of other welcoming Chicago churches. Berry’s pastor, Rev. April Gutierrez, was quoted in the Chicago Tribune as a proponent of the movement. The glitter ashes were met with surprise by some and gratitude from many, including one man who drove into the city from Elmhurst to receive the ashes.

Parity, a faith-based LGBTQ-oriented organization based in New York City, organizes the Glitter+Ash initiative. From their website: “Glitter+Ash is an inherently queer sign of Christian belief, blending symbols of mortality and hope, of penance and celebration. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, a season of repentance. During Lent, Christians look inward and take account in order to move forward with greater health. At this moment in history, glitter ashes will be a powerful reminder of St. Augustine’s teaching that we cannot despair because despair paralyzes, thwarting repentance and impeding the change that we are called to make.” Read more about Glitter+Ash here.

Berry November 2017 Newsletter

Berry Work Day Saturday, Nov. 19th, 9 am – 1 pm
with First UMC Downers Grove

  We are looking forward to working with volunteers from First UMC Downers Grove at our Church Work Day on Saturday, Nov. 19th! We will focus primarily on painting and mulching, and will also have a variety of smaller projects around the church. We invite your participation as we continue to make our church more hospitable to all.  If you can attend or donate a dessert or drink, please sign up online or RSVP to the church office Lunch will be provided. Desserts and drinks can be dropped off at the church office by Wednesday, Nov. 16th.  Thank you!

Save the Date: Seeds of Change Fair Trade Marketplace & Farmers Market

We are excited to host our annual Seeds of Change marketplace and farmers market!  This popular event features local, fair trade certified products around Chicago, a winter farmers market sponsored by Faith in Place, a children’s activity time, homemade chili, and more!  If you’re interested in making chili to sell, please contact Susan Geil. Tickets will soon be available to purchase quarts of chili to take home.

Order Your Poinsettia Today!

Fill out the form here and email it to the church office.  Poinsettias will grace our worship space beginning on Sunday, December 11th. Donor names will be listed in the bulletins on Dec. 11th, 18th, & 25th. The office will bill you after you submit your order form. Each poinsettia costs $14.

Halloween Happenings: Thank You!

On Saturday, Oct. 29th, Berry participated in Lincoln Square’s annual Halloween Happenings festival.  We handed out candy to trick-or-treaters, gave out free picture books, and had Halloween themed temporary tattoos. Over 50 kids came by, and we had a lot of fun meeting them! Thank you to Brent Holman-Gomez and Chuck Fowler for helping out with this event!

Submit Your Favorite Hymn for Sunday,
Nov. 20th Hymn Sing

Please submit your favorite hymn (including verse numbers) to Adrienne in the church office by Wednesday, November 16th.

Upcoming in Worship

This Sunday, Nov. 13th – Re-imagining Generosity
Message offered by Lay Leader Brent Holman-Gomez

Sunday, Nov. 20th – Stewardship Sunday & Hymn Sing

Upcoming Family Advent Events
Sundays, Nov. 20th & Dec. 4th

2017 Pledge Form Now Available

The 2017 Berry Pledge Form is now available!  Forms can be submitted via email, placed in the offering plate on Sunday, or mailed to the church office. Thank you for your giving to our mission and ministry!

Sanctuary Helpers Needed

Pastor April would like help preparing the sanctuary for worship. This could include setting up before each of the new sermon series’, or helping to visually plan the space. Please contact Pastor April if you’re interested. Thank you!

Sign the Petition: End Prolonged Solitary Confinement

Our Sunday School class on prison has joined with thousands of other Christians in speaking out against prolonged solitary confinement.  Join us in signing onto the Statement Against Prolonged Solitary Confinement, or look for the posting at the bottom of the sanctuary stairs.

Desires visitors:

Dave Stewart, at Birchwood Nursing facility in Rogers Park (1426 W Birchwood).

Ralph Weber. Contact the church office for Ralph & Anne’s contact information.

We are Praying for…

-A new living arrangement for Michael A.
-Those seeking life after imprisonment
-Michelle G.
-Donald M.
-Nancy, aunt of Doug R.
-For our country: to listen and care for each other

Healing:
-Scott B.
-Pastor Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, as she continues to recover

Comfort:
-The family and loved ones of Constance, who just passed away
-Jacob, Patti, and Nina as they grieve Teri L.