Community life

Summer really is a magical time in Chicago. Because we know winter will be back sooner than we’d like, the opportunities to experience music, art, and food run at a gluttonous pace from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is so much happening that it’s difficult to keep up. And it’s even more difficult to compete for the attention of city full of people with so many options. That’s why we’ve decided to create a summer program schedule that seeks to compliment all the stuff that makes a Chicago summer great. We’re calling it “Urban Spirituality,” and we hope it will be a chance for you to encounter God this summer through the sights and sounds of city living. We hope it will be a fun way for you to live in our mission.

Personally, I see this as a biblical experience … not unlike the one the apostles had on Pentecost. Inspired by the Spirit of God, they were sent from their sacred place and into the streets of their city. Eventually, the ended up in cities throughout the region. While in those places, they were intentional about listening to the rhythms of daily life and culture. They got neck-deep into custom, art, and sport, so they could experience enough of the world to transform it with the gospel. This summer, I hope that can happen for you in Chicago. Check out the new summer groups below!

Peace,

Pastor Matthew

Monday Night Music Club
7 weeks * Beginning May 20
Every summer, the Chicago skyline becomes the backdrop for some of the world’s greatest artists and performers. From the deceivingly simple blues it made famous, to lush layers of symphonic orchestras, Chicago may offer the best summer music scene in the world. Nearly every day, we can experience the euphoric rush of unbridled rock exuberance or the thoughtful melancholy of piano-accompanied poetry. What an amazing gift! Why ever would we want to just meet inside when all this is going on?

Each week, beginning with online discussions and ending with free concert meetups at Millennium Park, we will use scripture to see where God is in the music that makes up our personal soundtracks. Be sure to sign up now to get in on the discussion and alerts for all the meetups.

Art Walk
8 weeks * Beginning June 19
Chicago is renowned for all the art that is curated within the city limits, and much of it is outside. Join with your friends from “The Church with the Mural” as we travel around the city to Chicago’s unique public art inspire us as we look at it through the lens of scripture. Contact Pastor Matthew if you are interested.

One Book, One Chicago, One Church
8 weeks * Beginning July 17
The Chicago Public Library always chooses the most delightful and thought-provoking books for their “One Book, One Chicago” program. This year should be no different, as the city joins together in reading “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.” We will join with the city and read Isabel Wilkerson’s in tandem with the Exodus story from Hebrew scripture. Physical and virtual/Google+ discussion groups will be formed on demand. Contact Pastor Matthew if you are interested.

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I have to say, Holy Covenant, this has been quite a year for me as one of your interns. You all have quite the reputation for cultivating some amazing interns, so I knew going into this that I could only grow and improve. In the beginning, I found myself feeling excited yet nervous about what type of role I would play and what I could bring to the already bustling life of this community with so many gifts. Over time, I found opportunities to open myself, to become vulnerable, and even mess up more than a few times, and you all graciously opened yourselves individually and communally to receive what I had to offer. Weekly, I would make my commute to church by bus and train praying for the life of the community that week and reflecting on the written prayers or sermons I had in tow for worship. However, the return commute home I felt I was bringing so much more home with me than I had brought, that had enlarged my soul, that had challenged my preconceived notions, that had awakened my call to ministry. For these things and so much more Holy Covenant, I am moved and grateful.

But before we say the long goodbyes and thank you’s, mainly I’m talking to myself here, know that I am not going far. After a summer sabbatical of sorts, I will be coming back as a member of Holy Covenant, and look forward to building relationships in new ways. This summer I will be serving as an intern within the Urban Clinical Pastoral Education program, continuing to expand my call to ministry. I’ll also be resting on the beaches of Mexico and connecting with my family, visiting friends and old colleagues in Austin, and finding new places in Chicago for rest and adventure! As commissioning for the United Methodist Church is less than a year away for me, I know that this time of rest as well as my continued involvement with Holy Covenant will provide much needed nourishment and challenge for the ministry in my future. I am thankful for the ways we have grown together over the last year, for the ways you will extend the same hospitality and challenge to incoming ministry interns, and for the grace of God that will connect and go with us no matter where ministry takes us.

Blessings,

Britt

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The Wickman Family

Nate, Lindsay and Talinn Wickman live in Lakeview. They have been attending Holy Covenant for more than a year now. Nate works as a trader downtown, while Lindsay stays at home with Talinn, their two-year-old son. They are expecting another son at the end of July.

The Wickmans love to travel and often visit their families, which are based in Connecticut and Colorado. They love to take advantage of the great outdoors whenever they can, whether that’s biking around the city or hiking in the Rockies.

***

Annaliisa Ahlman

Annaliisa Ahlman was introduced to Holy Covenant two years ago by Georgette Kelly, and she is happy to now be an official member of this dear community. Liisa loves teaching high school theatre and English in the northern suburbs. In all of her free time, she practices yoga and dance, explores the city, and perfects her gluten free baking.

On March 25 and 26, 2013 the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will consider two important cases: challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8 (Prop 8). Bringing these cases before SCOTUS is a pivotal opportunity for far-reaching, lasting change for LGBTQ people and their partners — including the opportunity to legally marry, and to receive benefits that are in many states only available to heterosexual married couples.

Holy Covenant’s Church & Society Committee invites you to show your support, in any way that speaks to your heart and fits into your schedule:

Rally & March
On Monday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m., gather in Federal Plaza (Adams & Dearborn) for a rally followed by a candlelight march to Pioneer Plaza (near Tribune Tower). (March 25 is also the anniversary of the 1965 march from Selma that Dr. King described as “a shining moment in the conscience of man.”) Please bring a candle, and dress warmly! RSVP and more info on Facebook.

Virtual Vigil
At 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 27, you are invited to take 10-15 minutes, find a calm space (even if only in your heart), and dedicate this small window of time to prayer. Spread out across the city, in offices, homes, coffee shops, cars, trains, buses, churches, and on the sidewalk, we will lift up our hearts together in wishes for clarity and acceptance among the judges of the Supreme Court, and strength of purpose for those who speak to them on behalf of LGBTQ Americans. Tuesday’s case is about Prop 8, and Wednesday’s case is about DOMA. Click here for our “virtual vigil” prayer guide/resource.

Social Media Support
Between now and the end of the hearings, show your support and share your thoughts and prayers by connecting with Holy Covenant via social media:

“Like” the Holy Covenant page on Facebook

Join the Holy Covenant Facebook group

Follow us on Twitter: @holycov

Handles and hashtags to follow & mention:
@holycov
@rmnetwork
#scotus
#Time4Marriage
#UnitedforMarriage
#pray4LoveJustice
#loveprevails
#lgbt
#marriageequality
#repealdoma
#NoH8

More Information & Inspiration

Greetings from your Church & Society Team!

In our first meeting of 2013, we spent a few minutes recollecting our justice-oriented activities and accomplishments as a committee and as a faith community at Holy Covenant. It turns out that we had a busy and productive year in 2012, and we are excited to share with you, our church family & friends, some of those accomplishments, as well as dreams for 2013.

When Church & Society first formed as an official committee last year, as with so many groups within Holy Covenant, we each brought our own passions, experiences, and ideas to the table. Many of us had previously served on other committees, and/or had given our time, energy, and gifts in less formal ways that still contributed our church’s life. Now, as a group, we organize and participate in events that promote inclusivity of all people, sensitivity to the Earth and its resources, and a greater presence in the world that exists beyond our church’s front doors. The nature of Church & Society at Holy Covenant is to lift up the ideals of social justice through action that is possible on the ground, such as:

• Participating in discussions about and peace marches to protest gun violence in Chicago.
• Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to promoting LGBTQ equality in our neighborhood and within the UMC at large, by marching in the Pride Parade, and writing letters to General Conference delegates.
• In partnership with Lakeview Action Coalition, organizing an educational opportunity at church to learn about issues addressed at the Action Assembly: transgender policy for the Chicago Police Department, access to healthcare, and affordable housing in Lakeview.
• Raising nearly $3,000 at the fourth Alternative Giving Fair, using primarily recycled materials.
• And many others! Take a look at our 2012 Activity Report (pdf).

What we are most proud of, dear Holy Covenant family, is that we as a committee couldn’t possibly have accomplished these things just by sitting in meetings, or even alone as a group marching or writing or speaking up – we needed you, and you were right there with us. You increased our body by inviting even just one friend to come along. You stood arm-in-arm and marched down the street. You added your voice, your ideas, and your spirit to the mix. Thank you for being the church in the world, for speaking and living for justice and fairness and love.

In the coming year, we will keep listening, working, talking, and marching. We have witnessed the power of many individuals united in purpose, and we invite you to be with us as we continue the work of Jesus within Holy Covenant, and beyond.

In Peace,

Laura Dean Friedrich, Shirley Garland, Brit Holmberg, Mark Hopwood, Candie ODell, Laura Selby, Liz Shickles, Andrew Wheatley, Katie Wickman

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As a member of the global United Methodist Church – what some of us refer to as “the connection” – about 10 percent of Holy Covenant’s yearly income is given to support the work of the UMC around the world. But what is that work, exactly? I know it is a question that often comes up. And, because our work of reconciliation is at odds with the current teachings of the global church, many of us wonder if we are contributing to the forces working against biblical obedience and inclusion. Every time I hear these questions individually, I will say “there are so many great things that happen out of love in the UMC,” and I will name a few examples. And every time I do that, those who ask the questions say “More people should know this.” That is a very good point. More people should know. You should know.

So, beginning with worship this week, and on every second Sunday throughout the year, we will be highlighting the amazing ministry that is happening because of your gifts and our connection to the global UMC. We will also be collecting an offering specific “Global Sharing” offering to go toward our responsibility to these ministries. These great ministries of mercy, justice, faith sharing, and leadership development would not be possible without the support of local congregations like Holy Covenant.

This month, our focus will be on the UMC’s dedication to improving Global Health; specifically the “Imagine No Malaria” Campaign. What began with bed nets for at-risk people in Africa has now become a push to end Malaria deaths by the year 2015. While this may seem ambitious, the UMC’s leadership on this has the backing of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The World Health Organization, and the United Nations. It is possible. And it is measurable. Holy Covenant’s share of this cause can save the lives of more than 100 children in the next year, with the possibility of millions in the years to come.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of Global Health this week in worship. But you can also give online by selecting the “Global Sharing” line.

Thanks for all you are doing to help, and thanks for making it possible for us to live out that ambitious part of our mission statement: Change the World.

Peace,

Pastor Matthew

Next week:
Ministry Intern Britt Cox will be sharing her thoughts, observations and experiences as she travels in the Israel and Palestine. Be sure to check out this space over the next two weeks to learn more. And if you have questions for Britt as she travels, feel free to submit them to us.

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It’s the reason for the season.

It’s the thought that counts.

It’s meaning in giving.

What is this season all about, anyways?

Christmas-time, it comes every year and every year we are reminded to buy more so that we can give more. But where is our money going, are we really giving with meaning, thought, or reason.

Tuesday morning, I was watching the Today Show (like I do every morning while I drink two cups of coffee and monitor the CTA bus tracker) and I was reminded why I love the holiday season with a segment called TODAY’S Professionals; they “weigh in” on today’s hottest topics. Matt Lauer asked “Is it okay to outsource your holiday chores?” I guess you can hire someone to complete everything for you, like picking out a tree or wrapping your gifts or evening picking out the presents you give to family and friends. And I thought “we are kinda doing that at the Alternative Giving Fair…”

The AGF committee and volunteers have spent time making hand-made gifts and up-cycled presents for you to purchase. And the money you spend on these items will go to a charity, The Crib – a youth shelter on Chicago’s north side. Is it wrong that you purchase already hand-made gifts? No! Is this like outsourcing crafting or baking or candy making? Yes, and that’s okay.

AGF is a place you can come to get away from the hustle of the Mag mile or State Street, all the traffic on the Dan Ryan, Kennedy, or IKE, and even pushy sales associates. AGF is a place that welcomes all to take part in the main reason for the season; to celebrate the love, light, and glory Christmas is all about.

At the 4th Annual Alternative Giving Fair, adults and kids can all learn to make fun, creative, and low-cost gifts. This year’s event will include many “upcycled” projects, to re-use things that we might otherwise toss. Instead of throwing it away, you can learn how turn a t-shirt into a beautiful hand-made gift. If you teach a man to fish…

Gift stations will include jars of cookie and soup mixes, dog treats, candle luminaries, cardboard tube ornaments, bottle top magnets, cork planters, coasters, spiced nuts, home-made soda, t-shirt scarves, and more. There are projects for all ages and abilities! We have all the supplies ready to go and friendly instructors ready to teach you how to make the gift. “Ready-hand-made” or “Outsourced-hand-made” gifts will also be available for purchase as well. Let us know you’re coming on Facebook.

Christmas-time for me is about loved-ones, God, the birth of my Savior, and celebrating life everlasting. Because like Star Jones says, “I focus on, honestly, the religion part of it. I really and truly do. I can’t outsource that part of it.”

Emily Davis Arthurs
AGF Committee

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“Why don’t you just tell me the name of the movie you selected?” This classic Kramer line from the TV series “Seinfeld” has become synonymous in our house with instances when Emily and I have trouble sharing with (and understanding) one another. And this scene is so funny because it hits a collectively uncomfortable nerve about the way we relate to one another.

There are many reasons why we don’t just “tell” somebody what is on our mind; we don’t think they will listen, the topic/question embarrasses us, we are afraid of hurting the other person, and we are afraid of being hurt ourselves. Because of this, our culture has made it more and more convenient for us to never have to “tell” anybody anything.

The face-to-face conversation – the most effective way to communicate – is a dying art. It has been replaced by electronic communication. Binary code brokers our love. Transmitter towers lob our emotional bombs. Handheld devices host the most intimate moments of our lives. “Tagging” our friends and family in social media posts, we draw the whole world into our disputes. Unfriending/unfollowing become easy ways to cut someone out of our lives. Through it all, we become more and more incapable of being human with one another. This is not relationship.

To speak to one another with trust, and to listen with love, takes more than forming audible sounds or the ability to cluster a limited number of keystrokes into a coherent thought. It takes doing the hard work of being with one another. And while there is much that stands in the way of our ability to do that relationship work, our faith says that what you and I have with each other – as sisters and brothers, and children of God – is too important to let those things come between us.

What made Jesus’ ministry so unique was in both the way he was present, and the way that others took a risk to be in his presence. It was there, in a physical space and proximity that was illegal and/or taboo, that the reign of God shone like a blinding light.

My hope is that this fall you will challenge yourself to be present to one another, and to God, in our faith community. Through our extensive fall programming (which you can see and sign up for online), we have created the space, and many of your friends and neighbors have set aside the time to lead and facilitate. Now, it is up to you to make presence a priority. I know you will be blessed when you do.

Peace,

Pastor Matthew

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This summer, many of us went to the peace marches all over the city, and felt profoundly moved by it; moved that these communities embraced us with open arms. Surprised that they wanted us to be there at all.

This Saturday we can bear witness to what’s hopefully a part of the solution to this summer’s violence, and a part of Chicago history. The Peace Basketball Tournament brings together four rival gangs, taking them off the street and onto a basketball court. Its a tournament to see which gang has the best basketball skills. An idea thats as crazy as it is brilliant. Brought to you by Father Michael Pfleger. Inspired by God.

The event is free and takes place at Saint Sabina’s gymnasium from 12-6 p.m. this Saturday, September 22, and we want to be there. A group will leave Holy Covenant by 10:30 a.m. so we can get good seats. The place will probably be packed as Pfleger has gotten basketball legend Isiah Thomas, and Bulls center Joakim Noah to participate.

Contact me if you can make the time to be there. Drivers are also needed.

Peace,

Josh Bonifas

How good can we really be at anything if we only give it four or five hours of our time per month? If we are serious about our relationships within the community, they require more of us than an hour a week. The good news is, Holy Covenant has plenty of opportunities for you to grow in fellowship in the coming months. Be it on weekday evenings, weekends, lunch hours, or before or after worship, We hope that you can find another way to connect with your Holy Covenant family soon.

“In the Loop” Lunch
We know, you’re busy, on-the-go, urban professional folk. But you do eat lunch, right? Grab some carry-out, share the time with others, and hear thoughts on topics like how to balance in the holidays and ways to pray through your day. Once per month, Third Tuesdays, 11:45a-1p. For more information, contact Pastor Matthew.

77 W. Washington (Chicago Temple Building)
2012 – October 16, November 20, December 18,
2013 – January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21

Evening Meetups
We live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, so why not enjoy it together. Evening meetups are casual, come-as-you-are, often no-cost ways to enjoy the culture of our neighborhoods and meet a few new people along the way. For more information, contact Pastor Matthew.

October 23, Time TBD – River North (Chicago International Film Festival) $
November 27, 7p – Lakeview (Karaoke Night at Trader Todd’s) $
January 24, 6p – The Loop (Art Institute of Chicago) Free
February 26, 7p – Logan Square (Logan Hardware) Free
March 26, 6p – Streeterville (Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art) Free
April 23 – TBA
May 28 – TBA

Weekend Fun-For-All
Spend a few Saturdays letting the kid in you and/or the kids that live with you have fun. For more information, contact Pastor Matthew.

October 13 – All-Seasons Apple Orchard, Woodstock, IL $
November 10 – “Duck for President” Lifeline Theatre, Rogers Park $
December 8 – St. Nicholas Day Party @ HC Free
January 12 – Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier $
February 9 – Valentine’s Day Craft Party @ HC Free
March 9 – Garfield Park Conservatory Free
April 13 – Movie Matinee @ HC Free
May 11 – Lincoln Park Zoo Free

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AT HOLY COVENANT
Connections Sunday Brunch
1st Sundays at 11:30a
2012 – October 7, November 4, December 2
2013 – January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5

Evening Community Potlucks
3rd Sundays at 8p
2012 – October 21, November 18, December 16
2013 – January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19

Pizza with the Pastors
2nd Thursdays at 7p
2012 – October 11, November 8, December 13
2013 – January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9

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