06 Sep There are so many reasons – and so many ways – to come together this fall. With or without hairnets.
The pandemic taught us what most of us already knew – that isolation and loneliness is harmful to our health.
Last year the US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called it an ‘epidemic.’ Not only are 50% of adults lonely, 73% of 16-24 year olds say they struggle with loneliness, and younger children are also feeling it.
So, how do we find connection and community in today’s disconnected, still-recovering-from-the-pandemic world? How can we find a place where we can feel comfortable truly being ourselves, a place that welcomes us with all our opinions and life experiences and talents and flaws? How do we find real belonging?
At WCC we understand the importance of and value of bringing people together.
Honestly, it’s something we’ve been doing since we first opened our doors, 150 years ago, whether that’s through our worship gatherings, Rummage, Interfaith mission trips, food drives, community music-making, pickleball…you name it.
And we’ve been committed to continuing to evolve and to always being a place where anyone can feel not only welcomed but like they belong – no matter who they are, where they come from, who they love, how old they are, how much money is in their bank account. And that’s not just for Sunday mornings.
This fall, as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we’ve rededicated ourselves to being a place that brings people together – without a long list of expectations, or beliefs you must ascribe to, or boxes you need to check. A place where all of us can connect honestly, and perhaps more deeply than with just a hello in the grocery or a like on Facebook.
A place where we can all remember we’re not alone.
We hope you’ll join us. (And follow us on Facebook to get regular updates as we add new events and groups.)
A few of the activities going on at WCC this fall:
Someone You Should Know
A monthly series held on a Wednesday evening featuring a local resident’s profession. In person and on Zoom. Sept. 12, Oct 9., Nov 20. (Sept. is offsite, so best to check the event calendar for location.)
Men’s Fellaship
Held on the 4th Friday of the month, a gathering to eat brats and hang with the “fellas” – on the patio and in fellowship hall.
First Friday
Held on the first Friday of the month, this potluck dinner and time for casual conversation is a favorite of folks who are 60 and above, but open to all. Bring some food to share and enjoy!
Spiritual Enrichment
For those interested in exploring spiritual questions and looking at the Christian faith in a way that is fresh, relevant and for many, transformative, join us on Sundays from 8:30-9:45 AM in person or on Zoom.
Annual Organ Concert Series
Join us for an organ concert, Friday, November 8 at 7:00 PM, featuring Alcee Chriss on our Pasi organ, Opus 81.
Weekly Youth Choir
For kids ages 4-14 this is a no-audition-required opportunity for young kids and early teens to come together in an atmosphere that’s positive and empowering, where they can develop their confidence, have fun, find friends and experience the joy of singing. They don’t have to be a member of WCC to join – or even go to church here. All are welcome. Rehearsals happen after our worship service for 30 minutes, most Sundays.
Multifaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service
Sponsored by New Trier Multifaith Alliance, November 26th at 7:00 pm at Christ Church, Winnetka
Volunteer through WCC with Family Promise
Family Promise is a nonprofit organization addressing the crisis of family homelessness. Join us as a volunteer as we host families through this program in our building, the week of Oct 27.
Serve Lunch with us through A Just Harvest
Folks from WCC serve lunch on the first Monday of each month in the Community Kitchen in Rogers Park. It’s a great chance to serve and also to meet and get to know fellow volunteers.
Donuts & Discussion
Eating donuts and talking? What’s not to love? For ages 13-18 this is a weekly informal gathering from 9:30-10AM on Sundays. It’s a relatively non-awkward way to chat in person with other teens they might not otherwise get to meet. All youth are welcome – they meet in the downstairs youth room.
Rummage
Held the weekend of October 18-20, volunteers (and shoppers) needed! First held in 1902, Rummage is a Winnetka tradition raising millions of dollars to benefit numerous social service agencies in the Chicago area.
