Berry Capital Campaign

Seeds Of Change Marketplace Sat. December 5th

2009-11-04T14:37:00.010-06:00

Berry United Methodist Church presents the annual Holiday Seeds of Change Marketplace, featuring fair trade coffees, tea, chocolate, clothing, olive oil, soaps, toys and much more. Fair trade vendors guarantee that the farmers and craftspeople who produce their products receive a living wage--enough money for housing, education for their children, healthcare, food and clothing. According to the New York Times, "[l]ike consumer awareness of organic products a decade ago, fair trade awareness is growing" (Fair Trade in Bloom, NYT, 10/2/07).

The Market will also feature local artisans' works for sale as well as a performance of Quest Ensemble’s Blue Nativity.

Homemade chili, baked goods and freshly brewed fair trade coffee and hot chocolate will also be for sale.

Berry UMC is a member of Chicago Fair Trade.

Block Party! Sunday, August 30th 10am-9pm

2009-08-20T19:10:00.009-05:00

Sunday, August 30th 10am-9pm
Giddings Ave between Leavitt and Oakley (~4750 N. and 2200 W.)
Free Admission! (Donation Jar for food, portraits and "photobooth")

Please join us in celebrating Berry UMC's 100th year as a welcoming community of spiritual seekers in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

Burgers & Dogs (Veggie and otherwise)!
Games & Activities!
Arts & Crafts!
Fire Truck!
Bouncy Castle!
Face Painting!
"Photobooth" with Costumes and Stuff!
Portrait Drawings by Alex!
Cupcake Walk!
The World's Most Difficult Skee Ball Ever!
Plentyathlon Games!
Fashion Show!
Stomp Rockets!
Root Beer by an Award Winning Homebrewer!

Silent Auction including 2 tickets for travel on Southwest Airlines, gift certificates to area businesses and more!

Live Music by Tim Lowly Ensemble, Phil Forsyth Co., Maurice and More!

Outdoor Celebrations Services:
11:00am - Berry UMC
1:30pm - African Community UMC

Dance Party in the Street:
6-8:30pm

We are a church of painters, doodlers, musicians, homebrewers, filmmakers, actors, directors, sculptors, photographers, crafters, sewers, gardeners, poets, baristas, dancers, opera singers, cyclists, walkers, runners, fair traders, chefs, bakers, composers, writers, questioners, seekers and dreamers, not to mention our day jobs. The Berry Church building houses not only the Berry faith community, but we also partner with African Community United Methodist Church—a “Home Away From Home” for Ghana and Nigeria immigrants, and we are home for the Lincoln Square Arts Center and Theatre, as well as twelve-step groups, the Northside Green Party, a dedicated 5-nights-a-week ping pong club, La Leche League Parenting Group, and Hull House Lincoln Square Daycare, Headstart, and After School Programs.

For an updated volunteer signup sheet, click here. For a schedule of events, click here.

Info Packets, Pledges, Fine China and YOU

2009-04-03T14:10:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends and Members of Berry Church,

By now, you should have all received, either by mail or in a small group meeting, an informational packet about Berry's Capital Campaign. We hope that you have had the opportunity to take some time to pray and consider how you can contribute to this very important effort in Building Together For the Next Century.

This Sunday (April 5th) is Palm Sunday, a remembrance of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. We will have a special Worship Service to celebrate Palm Sunday as well as to gather our Pledge Cards for the 3-year Capital Campaign. Please remember to bring your completed Pledge Cards to church this Sunday. Even if you are unable to commit financially at this time, we ask that you indicate this on your Pledge Card so that we won't need to contact you for follow up to make sure you haven't forgotten about it.

Also, after the Worship Service this Sunday, we will celebrate and consecrate our pledges for the Capital Campaign with a special sit-down luncheon in the Wesley room. And by special, we're talking appetizers, main course, coffee AND cake, served on Berry's own lovely china. We would be delighted if you would be able to share this meal with us.

If you are unable to join us this Sunday, please mail in the Pledge Cards using the pre-labeled envelope that was in the informational packets. If you have not yet received your packet, please reply to this email to request one. In the meantime, you can view the contents by clicking here.

Don't forget to visit here often for more information. You can also follow along in our last week of the Lenten Journey online here (with pictures!) or view the archives if you've missed any days.

In the coming weeks, we on the Leadership Team will be planning how to involve the community at large outside of Berry in joining with us in Building Together For the Next Century. We would be happy to get any ideas and suggestions from all of you to aid us in those efforts.

Berry is truly a community that depends and counts on one another, and we thank you for your continued prayer and support.

Peace and blessings,

The Berry Capital Campaign Leadership Team

Welcome To the Berry Capital Campaign Website!

2009-01-30T11:39:00.006-06:00

Dear Members and Friends of Berry UMC,

A great many things have been happening among us in recent years. Our congregation has steadily grown as we continue to be a beacon of openness, creativity, healing, and love in the Lincoln Square neighborhood (and beyond). On any given Sunday, you can see and hear and feel the testimonies of the unique and diverse individuals that make up our church family.

This year, Berry UMC will celebrate its 100th year. Whether you’ve been worshipping with us for decades or you’ve only recently become part of our church family, we’re sure you’re familiar with the beautiful building that is our spiritual home. We are blessed with an abundance of space to house our worship, study, play, and fellowship. And we are able to share much of that space with the wider community for creative, athletic, and educational endeavors.

As we approach our 100th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate the last century by Building Together for the Next Century. The Capital Campaign Leadership Team invites you to embark with us on an exciting journey to restore our building’s original beauty and improve its safety and accessibility.

Everything begins with a special worship service on Sunday, March 15th at 10:30 A.M. We very much hope you will be able to attend, as this will mark the beginning of our collective journey of faith and commitment in this Lenten season.

A number of informative small group meetings have been arranged for the weeks following the launch of the campaign. You will receive a call in the near future inviting you to attend whichever gathering is most convenient for you (see the Small Groups link for locations, and details). Childcare and transportation assistance are available if needed, so please notify the caller if such services would make it easier for you to attend. These meetings will be an opportunity for fellowship and a chance to learn more about the capital campaign from a member of the leadership team. The meetings will close with a message on stewardship and an informational brochure and commitment card will be presented for your prayerful consideration. There will be no solicitation at these group meetings.

Many exciting things are planned for the future of Berry Church and we welcome the opportunity to share our vision with you. We look forward to Building Together for the Next Century!

Peace and Blessings,

Frank Santoro & Mark Syverson
Capital Campaign Co-Chairs