Community Contemplation Invites You To Meditate
If you’re a long-time meditator looking for a group or if you’re someone with curiosity about meditation
and would like to know more, we’ve got you covered.
Community Contemplation offers four opportunities per week for meditation:
Tuesday at Gorton room 215 at 5:30 PM with Venu Tummalapalli
Wednesday at Gorton room 215 at 9 AM with Zach Hancock
Friday at Gorton room 215 at 9 AM with Steve Stein
Sunday at Reid Hall room 100 at 9 AM with Zach Hancock
Every session runs 45 minutes start to finish.
Please contact Zach with any questions zach@thecommunitychurch.us
From September 29, 2019 through May 17, 2020 services will be held on Sundays at 10:00 AM
in the historic Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Lake Forest College.
in the historic Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Lake Forest College.
Late-start Thursday Breakfast w/Zach
Thursday, February 27th
Meet at Prairie Coffee at 8 am
Zach will provide a light breakfast in the form of bagels and such.
Please RSVP to Zach
Thursday, February 27th
Meet at Prairie Coffee at 8 am
Zach will provide a light breakfast in the form of bagels and such.
Please RSVP to Zach
A drum circle is a group of people playing drums together, usually hand drums such as
djembes, congas, bass drums and bongos.
They can have anything from a few to hundreds of participants. There is often an array of other percussion instruments, such as shakers and tambourines, and they are sometimes
accompanied by dancing.
The informal drum circle is a great place to listen, play or socialize. Many players of all levels and all ages usually turn up. Drummers bring their own instruments and jam along within a loose rhythmic structure. They're fun because newbies can blend in with the group while advanced players get a chance to practice more intricate patterns.
In informal drum circles, there is no leader, and whereas some might see this as a detriment, it often leads to a “communal groove” that builds and grows organically, transcending the individual.
djembes, congas, bass drums and bongos.
They can have anything from a few to hundreds of participants. There is often an array of other percussion instruments, such as shakers and tambourines, and they are sometimes
accompanied by dancing.
The informal drum circle is a great place to listen, play or socialize. Many players of all levels and all ages usually turn up. Drummers bring their own instruments and jam along within a loose rhythmic structure. They're fun because newbies can blend in with the group while advanced players get a chance to practice more intricate patterns.
In informal drum circles, there is no leader, and whereas some might see this as a detriment, it often leads to a “communal groove” that builds and grows organically, transcending the individual.
Drum Circle August 16 on the Beach
Women’s Meditation reconvenes this Monday Jan 27. Our group is open to all women in want need of an hour respite & restoration. We will be loosely looking at Pema Chodron’s book When Things Fall Apart - books will be available - just show up! 7:00 pm @ Gorton 215.
From the director of SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age comes SCREENAGERS NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience, a film about helping young people thrive in our screen and stress-filled world.
Filmmaker and physician Delaney Ruston uses a personal lens and professional eye to help us all flip the script on stress, anxiety, and depression. We follow Delaney as she finds herself at a loss on how to help her own teens as they struggle with their emotional wellbeing. Ruston sets out to understand these challenges in our current screen-filled society, and how we as parents and schools empower teens to overcome mental health challenges and build emotional agility, communication savvy, and stress resilience.
We witness Delaney as she finds her way from ineffective parenting to much-improved strategies. We follow other personal stories of families from an array of backgrounds with a spectrum of emotional challenges. We also observe approaches in schools that provide strategies relevant beyond the classroom setting. Interwoven into the stories are surprising insights from brain researchers, psychologists, and thought leaders that reveal evidence-based ways to support mental wellness among our youth. The impact of social media and other screen time is incorporated in all the topics raised Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER,
how it may be impacting our teen’s mental health, and what we can do to help foster youth in the face of struggles.
A panel discussion will follow the film compiled of community experts. This film is being co-presented with LEAD.
The Community Film Forum is generously supported by the Jannotta Family through the Gorton Producer Program.
Filmmaker and physician Delaney Ruston uses a personal lens and professional eye to help us all flip the script on stress, anxiety, and depression. We follow Delaney as she finds herself at a loss on how to help her own teens as they struggle with their emotional wellbeing. Ruston sets out to understand these challenges in our current screen-filled society, and how we as parents and schools empower teens to overcome mental health challenges and build emotional agility, communication savvy, and stress resilience.
We witness Delaney as she finds her way from ineffective parenting to much-improved strategies. We follow other personal stories of families from an array of backgrounds with a spectrum of emotional challenges. We also observe approaches in schools that provide strategies relevant beyond the classroom setting. Interwoven into the stories are surprising insights from brain researchers, psychologists, and thought leaders that reveal evidence-based ways to support mental wellness among our youth. The impact of social media and other screen time is incorporated in all the topics raised Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER,
how it may be impacting our teen’s mental health, and what we can do to help foster youth in the face of struggles.
A panel discussion will follow the film compiled of community experts. This film is being co-presented with LEAD.
The Community Film Forum is generously supported by the Jannotta Family through the Gorton Producer Program.
This Weekend!
Dr. Matt Dewar’s Winter Wellness Retreat
(A Few Spots Still Available!)
Due to a relatively quiet weekend at Joseph and Mary Retreat House they will allow us last minute reservations. Let Zach know if you’d like to join.
Saturday, January 18 - 10:30 AM
to Sunday, January 19 - 12 Noon
$100 covers accommodations and fare
The gist of the retreat in Matt’s own words:
“Begin the new year with a weekend of personal reflection and renewal. This retreat will focus on how to cultivate and maintain your well-being in the midst of day-to-day demands and stress. Specifically, we’ll explore how increased self-awareness can interrupt the often-unconscious internal states that lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. By learning simple techniques to increase self-awareness and improve self-care, you'll start the new year off with healthier habits, clearer purpose, and improved well-being.”,#1 Matt Dewar
To reserve your spot or to inquire about the event email Zach
Just 20 spots available - first come, first served,
$100 includes the retreat program, lunch-dinner-breakfast, and accommodations.
If you’ve never been before to a retreat with Matt, it is worth your time and resources to do so!
If you have been on retreat with Matt before, you have the opportunity to go that much deeper into your personal work.
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Joseph and Mary Retreat House:
1300 Stritch Drive. Mundelein, IL 60060 www.josephandmaryretreat.org
Dr. Matt Dewar’s Winter Wellness Retreat
(A Few Spots Still Available!)
Due to a relatively quiet weekend at Joseph and Mary Retreat House they will allow us last minute reservations. Let Zach know if you’d like to join.
Saturday, January 18 - 10:30 AM
to Sunday, January 19 - 12 Noon
$100 covers accommodations and fare
The gist of the retreat in Matt’s own words:
“Begin the new year with a weekend of personal reflection and renewal. This retreat will focus on how to cultivate and maintain your well-being in the midst of day-to-day demands and stress. Specifically, we’ll explore how increased self-awareness can interrupt the often-unconscious internal states that lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. By learning simple techniques to increase self-awareness and improve self-care, you'll start the new year off with healthier habits, clearer purpose, and improved well-being.”,#1 Matt Dewar
To reserve your spot or to inquire about the event email Zach
Just 20 spots available - first come, first served,
$100 includes the retreat program, lunch-dinner-breakfast, and accommodations.
If you’ve never been before to a retreat with Matt, it is worth your time and resources to do so!
If you have been on retreat with Matt before, you have the opportunity to go that much deeper into your personal work.
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Joseph and Mary Retreat House:
1300 Stritch Drive. Mundelein, IL 60060 www.josephandmaryretreat.org
Hi Folks,
Kurt Yost, who has graced us with his saxophone playing many times over the years, will be retiring from the wine business and moving to a
warmer climate.
I met Kurt in the early 1980's, fresh out of college, when I joined the Last Dance Band led by Tom Goetz in Lake Bluff, and I’ve been playing in various bands with Kurt ever since. Kurt played for my wedding reception in 1981 and 38 years later played for my daughter Jen’s wedding reception in 2019!
I’m going to miss Kurt deeply, but wish him well in his retirement!
Come join fellow longtime bandmates Jeff Lackie, Jim Seidel, Eric VanDuyne and myself as we play one last jazz service with Kurt at The Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel in Lake Forest this Sunday, January 19th at 10 am.
-Ken
Kurt Yost, who has graced us with his saxophone playing many times over the years, will be retiring from the wine business and moving to a
warmer climate.
I met Kurt in the early 1980's, fresh out of college, when I joined the Last Dance Band led by Tom Goetz in Lake Bluff, and I’ve been playing in various bands with Kurt ever since. Kurt played for my wedding reception in 1981 and 38 years later played for my daughter Jen’s wedding reception in 2019!
I’m going to miss Kurt deeply, but wish him well in his retirement!
Come join fellow longtime bandmates Jeff Lackie, Jim Seidel, Eric VanDuyne and myself as we play one last jazz service with Kurt at The Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel in Lake Forest this Sunday, January 19th at 10 am.
-Ken
Monday, January 20, 12:45 PM Market Square, Lake Forest
The MLK Day ecumenical celebration (co-sponsored by The Community Church LF & LB) will begin, in the spirit of MLK, with a march from Market Square to the sanctuary at Church of the Holy Spirit for a not-to-be-missed MLK inspired service, including: liturgy, film clips from MLK’s greatest sermons and speeches.
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.
This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Questions? Contact Zach
The MLK Day ecumenical celebration (co-sponsored by The Community Church LF & LB) will begin, in the spirit of MLK, with a march from Market Square to the sanctuary at Church of the Holy Spirit for a not-to-be-missed MLK inspired service, including: liturgy, film clips from MLK’s greatest sermons and speeches.
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.
This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Questions? Contact Zach
This Weekend!
Dr. Matt Dewar’s Winter Wellness Retreat
(A Few Spots Still Available!)
Due to a relatively quiet weekend at Joseph and Mary Retreat House they will allow us last minute reservations. Let Zach know if you’d like to join.
Saturday, January 18 - 10:30 AM
to Sunday, January 19 - 12 Noon
$100 covers accommodations and fare
The gist of the retreat in Matt’s own words:
“Begin the new year with a weekend of personal reflection and renewal. This retreat will focus on how to cultivate and maintain your well-being in the midst of day-to-day demands and stress. Specifically, we’ll explore how increased self-awareness can interrupt the often-unconscious internal states that lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. By learning simple techniques to increase self-awareness and improve self-care, you'll start the new year off with healthier habits, clearer purpose, and improved well-being.”,#1 Matt Dewar
To reserve your spot or to inquire about the event email Zach
Just 20 spots available - first come, first served,
$100 includes the retreat program, lunch-dinner-breakfast, and accommodations.
If you’ve never been before to a retreat with Matt, it is worth your time and resources to do so!
If you have been on retreat with Matt before, you have the opportunity to go that much deeper into your personal work.
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Joseph and Mary Retreat House:
1300 Stritch Drive. Mundelein, IL 60060 www.josephandmaryretreat.org
Dr. Matt Dewar’s Winter Wellness Retreat
(A Few Spots Still Available!)
Due to a relatively quiet weekend at Joseph and Mary Retreat House they will allow us last minute reservations. Let Zach know if you’d like to join.
Saturday, January 18 - 10:30 AM
to Sunday, January 19 - 12 Noon
$100 covers accommodations and fare
The gist of the retreat in Matt’s own words:
“Begin the new year with a weekend of personal reflection and renewal. This retreat will focus on how to cultivate and maintain your well-being in the midst of day-to-day demands and stress. Specifically, we’ll explore how increased self-awareness can interrupt the often-unconscious internal states that lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. By learning simple techniques to increase self-awareness and improve self-care, you'll start the new year off with healthier habits, clearer purpose, and improved well-being.”,#1 Matt Dewar
To reserve your spot or to inquire about the event email Zach
Just 20 spots available - first come, first served,
$100 includes the retreat program, lunch-dinner-breakfast, and accommodations.
If you’ve never been before to a retreat with Matt, it is worth your time and resources to do so!
If you have been on retreat with Matt before, you have the opportunity to go that much deeper into your personal work.
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Joseph and Mary Retreat House:
1300 Stritch Drive. Mundelein, IL 60060 www.josephandmaryretreat.org
November 16, 2019
Dinners for 8 (give or take) Hosted by Lynda and Jim O'Connor
Matt Dewar—Installment 2
All's well, even when it's not.
Keeping it real with Matt Dewar in this second installment
On The Brink of Everything (Penguin 2018)
by Parker Palmer
Why we chose to read this book:
Parker Palmer is one of the beloved writers about spirituality and wisdom, and now, on the cusp of his eighth decade Parker has written a beautiful book of reflections and wisdom gleaned from 80 years of life as he catches glimpses of “the brink of everything” not too far out in the distance of his long life.
This book is not for elders only. It was written to encourage adults of all ages to explore the way their lives are unfolding. It’s not a how-to-do-it book on aging, but a set of meditations in prose and poetry that turn the prism on the meaning(s) of one’s life, refracting new light at every turn.
At 215 pages On The Brink is right in the sweet spot of length—very manageable to read in a relatively short amount of time.
On the Brink will meet twice, once for a pre-reading discussion and once after all have read the book.
There will be an evening session and morning session to choose from.
Attendees are welcome to attend either time that works, no stipulation on choosing an AM or PM group. Come to the session that works for you.
October 14th 9 AM & 7 PM Gorton Center room 215
October 28th 9 AM & 7 PM Gorton Center room 215
Contact Zach with any questions.
by Parker Palmer
Why we chose to read this book:
Parker Palmer is one of the beloved writers about spirituality and wisdom, and now, on the cusp of his eighth decade Parker has written a beautiful book of reflections and wisdom gleaned from 80 years of life as he catches glimpses of “the brink of everything” not too far out in the distance of his long life.
This book is not for elders only. It was written to encourage adults of all ages to explore the way their lives are unfolding. It’s not a how-to-do-it book on aging, but a set of meditations in prose and poetry that turn the prism on the meaning(s) of one’s life, refracting new light at every turn.
At 215 pages On The Brink is right in the sweet spot of length—very manageable to read in a relatively short amount of time.
On the Brink will meet twice, once for a pre-reading discussion and once after all have read the book.
There will be an evening session and morning session to choose from.
Attendees are welcome to attend either time that works, no stipulation on choosing an AM or PM group. Come to the session that works for you.
October 14th 9 AM & 7 PM Gorton Center room 215
October 28th 9 AM & 7 PM Gorton Center room 215
Contact Zach with any questions.
Hi folks.
Recently, after hearing Eva B Ross and company rehearsing, Christine, who is involved in the music business for a living and has been worshiping with us asked me, “Where do you find all these wonderful musicians”? I’ve often thought about that and I would like to highlight a couple reasons. Number one is Fred Koch! He is kind of like the Tree that all the branches have grown from. I met Fred when my kids were toddlers attending
“Lil’ Cow Band” concerts and since then he has introduced me to a countless number of amazing musicians. Those musicians introduced me to more amazing musicians, and so on. If you see Fred, please say thank you for what he has done. I couldn’t be more grateful for his unselfish support through the years. Number two is all of you! When any musician plays for people that, as Eva put it, is “a good listening crowd” and ever so appreciative, that not only affects the performance, but naturally makes them want to come back. So thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown the musicians who have come to share their talents! The beauty is that the branches of the tree are still growing and you all nurture that.
May19 Terry Moran
May 26 Pred
June 2 Elliott and Phil Goldman
June 9 Bobby Newman
June 16 Eva B. Ross
June 23 Hanna Swoyer/Austin
June 30 (picnic) Joe Sonnefeldt and friends
July 7 Christina Trulio
July 14 Don Stiernberg
July 21 Blues Dudes
July 28 DBUTs
August 4 Nic Barnum
August 11 Blues Dudes
August 18 Hall/Koch/Delman/Hasty Families
August 25 Warren Beck
Sept. 1 Dana and Clara Gillis
Sept. 8 Don Stiernberg
Sept. 15 Bobby Newman
Sept. 22 Amy Sue Heard
May 26 Pred
June 2 Elliott and Phil Goldman
June 9 Bobby Newman
June 16 Eva B. Ross
June 23 Hanna Swoyer/Austin
June 30 (picnic) Joe Sonnefeldt and friends
July 7 Christina Trulio
July 14 Don Stiernberg
July 21 Blues Dudes
July 28 DBUTs
August 4 Nic Barnum
August 11 Blues Dudes
August 18 Hall/Koch/Delman/Hasty Families
August 25 Warren Beck
Sept. 1 Dana and Clara Gillis
Sept. 8 Don Stiernberg
Sept. 15 Bobby Newman
Sept. 22 Amy Sue Heard
Work Trip 2019
Have you ever wondered about
A Course in Miracles--what it is and sorta wanted to check it out? If so, this is a terrific opportunity.
Darrell Bloom is facilitating a group that will use Alan Cohen's book,
A Course in Miracles Made Easy
Oct. 3 at 9 AM
Gorton Community Center room 215
This group expects to meet for 6 weeks and could possibly go longer.
Contact Darrell Bloom with questions or for more details.
A Course in Miracles--what it is and sorta wanted to check it out? If so, this is a terrific opportunity.
Darrell Bloom is facilitating a group that will use Alan Cohen's book,
A Course in Miracles Made Easy
Oct. 3 at 9 AM
Gorton Community Center room 215
This group expects to meet for 6 weeks and could possibly go longer.
Contact Darrell Bloom with questions or for more details.
KEN’S KORNER
Arts for Alzheimer’s
There are so many wonderful events happening over the weekend of September 21st & 22nd at Barbara’s Bookstore in Vernon Hills. Here are a few highlights.
Music and Art Therapy
Music therapy is the use of music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a group or individual. It employs a variety of activities, such as listening to melodies, playing an instrument, drumming, writing songs, and guided imagery.
Click here for more info and to register (it’s free)
An Exploration of Alzheimer's disease
Dr. Charulatha Nagar, a neurologist from Northwestern Medicine, will talk about:
1) Alzheimer's disease and other dementia related medical conditions
2) Diagnosis
3) Treatment plans
4) Role of caregiver
5) Other topics
There will be a Q&A to follow.
Click here for more info and to register (it’s free)
Rush University: Lecture on Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research
Karen Graham, the manager of research education at Rush University Alzheimer's Disease Center, and Mushira Khan, a qualitative researcher, at Rush University Alzheimer's Disease Center, will be speaking about Alzheimer's disease. They will provide education on the disease, talk about healthy aging and their current research efforts.
Click here for more information and to register
Healthy Cooking with Plant Based Foods
Healthy Cooking with Plant Based Foods led by the team at Trader Joe's - Libertyville
Surprise menu. *
And you'll get your name put in a raffle for a chance to win a free bag of groceries from the Trader Joe's Libertyville.
*If you want to try cooking any one of these meals at home, you'll find all the ingredients at Trader Joe's - Libertyville. And as a special bonus for this event and added convenience, Trader Joe's will have the bag of ingredients all ready for you to pickup for purchase. Just talk to the Trader Joe's instructor.
Click here for more info and to register (it’s free)
Chair Yoga
Music this weekend:
Friday: Elliott Delman at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market
Saturday: Suede, Dave & Lynette at Deerfield Farmer's Market 9:30-11:30 am. Christina Trulio with Daniela Sloan and Victor Sanders at Jarvis Square Pottery in Chicago 8 pm.
Sunday: Blue Sunday, Special Edition with the NightCrawlers featuring our own Mike Landers & Rob Sulski at the Humble Pub in Highwood 2 pm - 5 pm.
Mark Your Calendars:
September 11, 18 For those of you who might be enjoying your Wednesday lunch outdoors at the 2 N. RIverside Plaza in Chicago, Elliott will be there aiding in your digestion
September 13: Elliott with Christina Trulio and Bob Hasty at the Canal Shores Golf Course,. 8-10 PM on the Post 42 Patio
September 14: The Love at Humble Pub in Highwood 8:30-11:30 pm
September 20: Terry Moran at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market
September 21st: Arts for Alzheimer’s arts-for-alzheimers.org at Barbara's Bookstore barbarasbookstores.com in Vernon Hills.
September 22nd: Arts for Alzheimer’s arts-for-alzheimers.org at Barbara's Bookstore barbarasbookstores.com in Vernon Hills
October 5: The Love at Gorton Center 7:00-10:00 pm
October 11: Elliott Delman at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market
See you soon!
Arts for Alzheimer’s
There are so many wonderful events happening over the weekend of September 21st & 22nd at Barbara’s Bookstore in Vernon Hills. Here are a few highlights.
Music and Art Therapy
Music therapy is the use of music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a group or individual. It employs a variety of activities, such as listening to melodies, playing an instrument, drumming, writing songs, and guided imagery.
Click here for more info and to register (it’s free)
An Exploration of Alzheimer's disease
Dr. Charulatha Nagar, a neurologist from Northwestern Medicine, will talk about:
1) Alzheimer's disease and other dementia related medical conditions
2) Diagnosis
3) Treatment plans
4) Role of caregiver
5) Other topics
There will be a Q&A to follow.
Click here for more info and to register (it’s free)
Rush University: Lecture on Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research
Karen Graham, the manager of research education at Rush University Alzheimer's Disease Center, and Mushira Khan, a qualitative researcher, at Rush University Alzheimer's Disease Center, will be speaking about Alzheimer's disease. They will provide education on the disease, talk about healthy aging and their current research efforts.
Click here for more information and to register
Healthy Cooking with Plant Based Foods
Healthy Cooking with Plant Based Foods led by the team at Trader Joe's - Libertyville
Surprise menu. *
And you'll get your name put in a raffle for a chance to win a free bag of groceries from the Trader Joe's Libertyville.
*If you want to try cooking any one of these meals at home, you'll find all the ingredients at Trader Joe's - Libertyville. And as a special bonus for this event and added convenience, Trader Joe's will have the bag of ingredients all ready for you to pickup for purchase. Just talk to the Trader Joe's instructor.
Click here for more info and to register (it’s free)
Chair Yoga
Music this weekend:
Friday: Elliott Delman at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market
Saturday: Suede, Dave & Lynette at Deerfield Farmer's Market 9:30-11:30 am. Christina Trulio with Daniela Sloan and Victor Sanders at Jarvis Square Pottery in Chicago 8 pm.
Sunday: Blue Sunday, Special Edition with the NightCrawlers featuring our own Mike Landers & Rob Sulski at the Humble Pub in Highwood 2 pm - 5 pm.
Mark Your Calendars:
September 11, 18 For those of you who might be enjoying your Wednesday lunch outdoors at the 2 N. RIverside Plaza in Chicago, Elliott will be there aiding in your digestion
September 13: Elliott with Christina Trulio and Bob Hasty at the Canal Shores Golf Course,. 8-10 PM on the Post 42 Patio
September 14: The Love at Humble Pub in Highwood 8:30-11:30 pm
September 20: Terry Moran at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market
September 21st: Arts for Alzheimer’s arts-for-alzheimers.org at Barbara's Bookstore barbarasbookstores.com in Vernon Hills.
September 22nd: Arts for Alzheimer’s arts-for-alzheimers.org at Barbara's Bookstore barbarasbookstores.com in Vernon Hills
October 5: The Love at Gorton Center 7:00-10:00 pm
October 11: Elliott Delman at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market
See you soon!