May 15: Celebrate Your Urban Spirituality
Friday, May 17th, 2013Summer 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.

