The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago

In this episode we are exploring the return from exile and the era of the Second Temple. What seems to have emerged in the century following the return from exile was a tension between a sort of isolationist wing and a more universalist wing. There were those who wanted to remove all foreigners and double and triple down on following the Law, while others advocated for understanding God as being the God of all people and all nations, not just Israel alone. Here Matt Helms invites us to reflect on some thoughtful and incisive questions that the book of Jonah has to ask of us, primarily around our own sense of self-righteousness, and times when that conflicts with an expansive understanding of God's love and mercy. Ultimately, this view that God is the God of all people wins out. And even though things aren't perfect, hopes begin to rise around a Savior, a Messiah, who will help to truly usher in an age where God is in control — not just in the present time, but forever.

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

In this episode we are focusing on hope in exile. Today we specifically focus on the prophet Jeremiah and the boldness of promising those who are in exile that they will return home and the encouragement to continue living life to the fullest, even in a land and place they did not choose or want.   Matt Helms invites us to reflect on how God's grace pushes and challenges us to expand our hearts and minds — not dividing this world into “friends” and “enemies,” but seeking to broaden our definition of neighbor.  That's no small feat, and it won't easily be done, but it is the base on which our collective hopes might begin to flourish — trying to build a world that cares for all people, one in which there is a future defined by hope over fear, and abundance over scarcity.  

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

On this Thanksgiving Day, we invite you to join Matt Helms for a time of centering, reflecting, and giving thanks as we stand on the cusp of an entirely new season in our church calendar known as Advent.  As we continue along our Bible in 100 Passages journey, our scripture passages this time are perhaps discordant with the celebrations of Thanksgiving. However, one of the remarkable things about the prophets, even in the early days of the Exile, was that they refused to lose their faith in God's future.  The dichotomy between mourning and expectation, loss and new vision is a perfect way to enter into the season of Advent this upcoming Sunday, beginning a new liturgical year with an acknowledgement that our world is not yet the way we know God would have it be, and yet remaining ever hopeful for the day when God's promises are known in full. 

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Nancy Benson-Nicol. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

In this tenth week of our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey, we are exploring the prophets. Today we specifically focus on the prophet Amos, who told the people that if they think they are following God's will, they have failed. They have focused on the ritual of looking faithful rather than actually being faithful.   Here, Matt Helms invites us to reflect on how the vision the prophets provide is compelling and hopeful — as it dares us to believe that a world of justice, a world where millions aren't marginalized in poverty, might one day exist.  

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Matt Helms continues our weekly “Rhythm and Word”  reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. In this ninth week, we are exploring the fracturing of the kingdom. In this divided time, we see the rise of the countercultural voice of the prophets, who are often the lone dissenters to kings. How can these prophets give us courage to be truth-tellers in our own contexts?

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

In this eighth week of our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey, we are exploring the life of Solomon, son of David. In his story, we see the construction of the long-awaited temple, and we enter a golden age of this journey. Today we particularly reflect on the wisdom of Solomon as found in the words of Ecclesiastes.

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

In this episode, Matt Helms continues our weekly reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. This week we are exploring the story of David. We see God make a covenant with David, building upon the one made with Abraham, understanding that God will be with David and his descendants forever, establishing an eternal kingdom. As we look back and look ahead as we approach the midpoint of this series, we can see God at work in these stories in our own lives.

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Matt Helms continues our weekly reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. In this episode we are exploring the establishment of the monarchy, focusing on how God chooses to lead those we would least expect. We ponder what it means to look not on appearance or stature but, as God does, on the heart.

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Jonathan Walton. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Matt Helms continues our weekly reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. This week we are focusing on the Israelites' entry into the promised land and some of the thorny theological questions that come with it. Today we ponder how we are to engage with these more challenging texts.

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Matt Helms continues the reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. In this fourth week, we shift our focus to Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy as we ponder what it means to live a holy life. 

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Matt Helms continues our weekly “Rhythm and Word” reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. In this third week, we shift our focus to Exodus. As we read about the doubts that Moses had about his role in this story, we ponder how we can learn to navigate our own doubts.

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

This evening, Matt Helms continues our weekly “Rhythm and Word” reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey. In this second week, we are specifically looking at the family story of Abraham and his descendants. How do we see ourselves in these familial relationships and in our own relationships with God?

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Camille Cook Howe. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Associate Pastor Matt Helms begins a “Rhythm and Word” video and podcast series of reflections on texts in our “Bible in 100 Passages” journey, which kicked off on Sunday, September 14. In this first week, we are specifically looking at the first eleven chapters of Genesis, otherwise known as the “prehistory texts.” How do we live as a people made in the image of God? For details on the Bible in 100 Passages" series, see http://www.fourthchurch.org/bible100  

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Nanette Sawyer. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Parish Associate Amy Pagliarella concludes a two-part series on prophetic wisdom for an age of outrage, inspired by The Tears of Things by Richard Rohr. Join Amy as she explores how to move from outrage to a healthier place, inspired by the fruits of the seventh chapter of Matthew. How do finished prophets lead us forward with good fruits, serving us and serving God?

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Rocky Supinger. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Amy Pagliarella begins a two-week “Rhythm and Word” series on prophetic wisdom for an age of outrage, inspired by The Tears of Things by Richard Rohr.  Join Amy as she explores the wisdom of the prophet Amos. How is everyone impacted when justice rolls down like water and righteousness like and ever-flowing stream?

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Rocky Supinger. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

In this episode Nancy Benson-Nicol concludes her series about the “spiritual bookmarks” in her faith journey.  Join Nancy as she explores the lesson of learning to pay attention to what is before us, specifically through her mother, Nanette Benson-Nicol. What spiritual bookmarks might remind you of what is important and what to pay attention to?

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Nancy Benson-Nicol. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

Nancy Benson-Nicol continues the series about the “spiritual bookmarks” in her faith journey. Join Nancy as she explores her experience of the connectional aspect of the church while being a youth advisory delegate to the 207th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  What spiritual bookmark might you have that expands your sense of what the church is or how the Spirit of God may move among large groups of people outside of yourself?

The worship service recording includes both pre-service and post-service music. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

A sermon by Matt Helms. View PDF of worship bulletin |  (Right-click on link and open it in a new tab if you want podcast to keep playing)

In this podcast, Nancy Benson-Nicol continues her series about the “spiritual bookmarks” in her faith journey. Join Nancy as she explores the spiritual bookmark of experiencing giving life to the sacrament of Communion in a particularly meaningful way. How have the Sacraments been transformational to you? As you continue to make note of your faith, how may you be open to such transformation?