We’ve been talking a lot about being an “open house” at Winnetka Congregational Church. I really love this metaphor for our church. The other day, I was thinking about why it seems so right for us, and a sound came to mind.Yes, a sound.The sound of a slamming screen door. Now, I realize for some people, that is an incredibly annoying sound. But for me, it’s a good one. A sound that brings me joy. Maybe...
Multifaith solidarity is something our congregation has been committed to for a long time. One of the ways we’ve lived that out is by offering our sanctuary to Congregation Hakafa to use on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We’ve done this since 2016 and were privileged to do it again this year on September 6-7 for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. And on September 15-16 for Yom Kippur, the “day of atonement.”Because of the...
I want to just start by saying, if you and your family don’t go to church, this is not meant to feel like a “should” in any way. We all have enough “shoulds” in our lives, right? I have a lot of friends who haven’t made religion a part of their lives. And I understand why - these days churches don’t have such a great reputation. Mostly seen as judgmental, exclusive, mind-numbing, too often churches can also...
On June 19, WCC was a sponsor of HEROS' (Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools) Juneteenth community education event at Winnetka's Village Green "Hidden Stories of the North Shore: Call to Action." The purpose of the event was to bring light to the hidden history of racial discrimination in our own backyard, to raise awareness of HERO's work and to inspire friends and neighbors to get involved. It was a beautiful warm summer morning. Hidden stories of...
We just came out of a very difficult and uncomfortable year and a half. So many of us are feeling all kinds of things…all at once. We’re grieving losses and celebrating long-awaited hugs. We’re ready to move on, start our “real lives” again. And also NOT. QUITE. READY. It feels like a time of new beginnings…and one jam-packed with questions. We find ourselves wondering: “Will what’s next be incredible or far from it?” Basically, we’re swirling. This time we’re in reminds...
After worship this Sunday, we invite you to gather in the Churchyard for a time of remembrance of loved ones and those who served in the U.S. military. Flags will mark the resting places of those who served. If anyone wishes to wear a uniform, ribbon or other items representing their military service, or that of a family member, please do so. The Churchyard is a place of peace and reflection. You are welcome to visit at...
Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends, This past Thursday (5/20), I was pleased to announce Winnetka Congregational’s new masking and distancing guidelines, which align fully and without exception to the CDC’s new recommendations. Before sharing the announcement, I’d tested it with numerous people to ensure that the message I intended was the message people were hearing. However, a very helpful email exchange with a congregant yesterday (5/21) revealed that there was another way to interpret one key...
Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve prayed. And chances are, that when you think about prayer, you think about how you, or others, pray to God. But, as often as you’ve stopped to pray about others, about the world, or about a personal need… have you ever stopped to think that you’re not the only one praying? Because you’re not. Even as you might pray to God… Jesus is praying for you....
The escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians, triggered by recent events in Jerusalem are cause for global concern. Both because of the immediate impact this conflict is having on the people most directly affected, for whom God calls us to pray no less than if they were our across-the-fence neighbors, our closest kith and kin. And, also, because of the way in which these recent events and the overarching and ongoing conflict within that region...
Starting Sunday, May 9 at 9 am, along with our continuing online worship option, we will be offering worship outdoors on our church’s front lawn (unless weather conditions move us indoors). This setting will offer us plenty of space, with our sanctuary’s beautiful front porch as a backdrop.Have questions? Here are three that we’ve heard…answered. If you have more, don’t hesitate to be in touch. Photo by BP Miller on Unsplash 1. What will outdoor...