Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church The Weekly Newsletter | | Message from Pastor Mori
Dear RFUMC Family
We heard the news that early data on the new Omicron variant suggests it does not cause severe disease as often as the Delta variant does. But it does not mean that Omicron is milder for everyone. I think about this in regard to the RFUMC congregation. We have an elderly active congregation who are eager to back to the sanctuary and they say that they miss it a lot and the church misses them, too.
But, we cannot say, "please come no matter what" right now because public health officials and others warn that Omicron is especially dangerous for older adults because it is so contagious and widespread and that means the chance for infection for those people with a compromised immune system is even greater.
As a pastor, it is such a sad moment that I could not physically visit our shut-ins or encourage people to come to church and sit in the pews. We could not meet in person- but I am making phones to you. During January and February all of the RFUMC family will receive at least one phone call from Mori. And, please feel welcome to use Zoom to attend Sunday worship, too.
So, if you were missed Sunday's worship, please let us know, we record the worship video and can send the link to you through email. (Jan 09 worship https://youtu.be/BoZ1z_lO3Wg)
If you don't have a smartphone or computer, here is a phone number ( 773-219-0861) that you can call to listen to the latest sermon anytime without a smartphone.
I want to meet you in person, more than anyone, but to prevent the spread of COVIS, I am recommended that you join worship through one of these online or telephone options.
This is a bizarre time when a pastor asks people to not come to church, but if you feel ill or if you live with people who fragile, I believe that through any form of worship, God still works and makes us united as a Christian community.
My prayers are with you!
Blessings
MORI
| | Community Info & Links Social media graphics celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.  As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions, we remember his tireless advocacy and vision for a more just and compassionate country. This vision arose from his deep faith and was shaped by the biblical witness of justice and compassion. His words continue to guide us forward as we strive to become a more peaceful and just people. Celebrate King's legacy by sharing these social media graphics on your Facebook page.
Worship service scripture readers Wanted!
Would you be interested in volunteering to be a scripture reader during worship service? You may read in-person or by using the zoom worship option. To sign up, please click here and here Click here for the sermon series and scripture information. Thanks for your assistance!
Lake North Leadership Training
 Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 8:30 am to 12 noon
UMW Mission U 2022  NIC UMW Mission u - (Jan. 21 - 22) ONLINE Mission u is presented by United Methodist Women for all (children, youth, men and women). Fees $15 for each virtual adult, $5 for each child or youth with a maximum of $15 for children and youth per family. Another session will be held Feb. 4 -5 at Hinsdale UMC. Click here for details. Christmas Tree Recycling  Chicago Christmas tree recycling returns this weekend, running from January 8-22 at 26 locations throughout the city. The closest location in the 47th Ward is at Clark Park, 3400 N Rockwell St. Only live/natural trees without flocking are accepted (no garland or wreaths). Because the trees are mulched, all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed. Plastic bags used for transport should also be removed before putting trees in the stalls. Six locations will also provide free mulch on a first-come, first-served basis, starting Monday, January 10: Lincoln Park, Margate Park, Mt. Greenwood Park, North Park Village, Warren Park, and the Forestry Site. View a map of all locations and see more details here.
Homeless Prevention Program
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of homelessness due to missed payment of rental costs due to unforeseen crises, they may be eligible for the Department of Family and Support Services Rental Assistance Program. The deadline to apply has been extended through January 31, 2022. Learn more and apply here or call the North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson, at 312- 744-2580. Chicago Vaccine Requirement  Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, any individual 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Learn more about the Chicago Vaccine Requirement here. CDC shortens quarantine guidance: The CDC has shortened the quarantine and isoation period to five days. Click here to more guidance about what to do if you've been exposed to COVID-19. Get vaccinated: Booster doses for everyone 16 years and older are now available at all CDPH clinics and even at home! Getting boosted helps keep you and your family protected from the virus.Make a plan for your family at chi.gov/covidvax. Get tested: Anyone, including people who are fully vaccinated, should consider getting tested before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household. Find testing locations here.  As Chicago provides us with new guidance regarding the suggested vaccination of people who are participating in public events, we would like to update our congregational safety survey. In this revised survey, we want to ask three questions to improve safety during the recent spike in COVID-19 infections. . Click hear to take survey Upcoming Meetings
SPRC Meeting
Tuesday Jan 18
7:00 PM (Zoom online)
Early Adopter Team with Rev Beth
Wednesday Jan 26
Zoom online
AD Council
Sunday Jan 23
11:30 AM (In Person + Online)
Sermon by Phone service
 If you do not have computer access or cannot access our Sunday worship service through a smart phone, we now have a sermon by phone service, which is available at any time! The phone number is (773) 219-0861. You can listen to a recent version of Pastor Mori's Sunday sermon and it's free!
RFUMC Building Ministry  Ravenswood Fellowship UMC February 2022 Calendar Here
Church Room Reservation Form (to request use of the common areas of the church Click Here
After Covid-19 Updates.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Illinois' first known COVID-19 case caused by the Omicron COVID-19 variant (B.1.1.529), identified in a Chicago resident and known contact of a confirmed Omicron case from another state who visited the city.. Read the full news release here.
Links for Worship \  - Join Zoom worship by going to this link at 10:30 AM on Sunday: https://zoom.us/j/806489040. Or call in at 1-312-626-6799 (Meeting ID: 806 489 040).
- Let's boost our worship! Please sign-up for Worship service Bible reader Sign-Up here. January Scriptures and sermon titles are here
- Young People's Bible Study. Ages 12-18 are invited to join the Zoom discussion of Jesus stories at 9 AM on Sunday mornings. Join the Zoom call here (Meeting ID: 828 2305 3546, One-tap mobile+13126266799)
- Want prayer? During our Prayers of the People, we will read your prayer requests. Submit your prayer requests here.
- Download. Get your bulletin here.
- Having trouble? Try logging off and logging back on to Zoom during the video. Or simply log off and call in.
- Missed last week? Check out the Facebook Live video on our page here.
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