Grace found in a t-shirt
My friend David posted this as a Facebook status update last week: "I think the Bob Ross 'painter of happy little clouds and trees' t-shirt I am wearing should be quite intimidating to the other team when playing volleyball later today."
I chuckled for many reasons, but one of them is that I have a fond place in my heart for Bob Ross (and if you don't know what I'm talking about, watch him in action and I guarantee your blood pressure will be lower). I responded to David's status by writing (in jest), "I want a t-shirt!" And I left it at that.
Read more of Christian's reflection here:
P.S. Urban Village Church Downtown is celebrating our 2nd birthday this Sunday. We would love for you to join us in celebration! For folks driving to our downtown location this Sunday, be sure to note these street closings due to the Shamrock Shuffle.
A Journey to Good News
Thanks to everyone who participated in last Saturday's retreat! We had a great turnout and we hope all felt like it was a good way to kick off our "Church Without Walls" initiative. In next Wednesday's eNews, we'll have downloads available of all the handouts that were distributed so everyone can have a chance to explore how the gospel is good news because (as Jamie Frazier reminded us) it is liberating, it is inclusive, and it reminds us of the need to love God, love self, and love neighbor.
Coming this Sunday :: Scripture preparation Read Mark 13-14 in your Bible and make notes in the margins. Don't have a Bible? Email us and we'll get you one for free. Until then, find Mark 13-14 online here. :: Lenten Reflection and Discussion Join us on Facebook for reflection and discussion during Lent.
:: Current Sermon Series
Don't Go There: Following Jesus in the Gospel of Mark
 :: Baptism 101
We'll be celebrating baptisms on Easter Sunday. Want to be baptized? Join us after worship at all sites on Sunday, March 25 for Baptism 101. At this session, we'll review the biblical and theological basis for baptism, connect baptism to the ongoing Christian journey, and answer any questions you may have. Sign up on our website.
Easter's Coming... Join Urban Village to remember Jesus' last week and why it matters. :: Holy Monday CrossWalk April 2, 5:30-8:30p, starts at St. James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron UVC joins with other people of faith for a prayerful 4-mile procession across the heart of Chicago to remember the more than 600 youth murdered since 2008 and to connect participants with opportunities to protect children, mitigate violence and support families struggling with these issues. Learn more here. :: Holy Thursday Dinner Gatherings April 5, 7p Join other UVC folks in homes around the city as we gather together to eat together and reflect on the ways Jesus gathered with his friends for his final meal. There will be lots of locations to choose from. Email brittany@urbanvillagechurch.org if you're interested in hosting. Learn more here. :: Good Friday Service April 6, 7p at UVC: Andersonville, 1602 W. Ainslie A multi-sensory service of mediation at the cross. Learn more here. :: Holy Saturday Urban Gardening April 7 at 3333 S. Iron St Spend this in-between day in the Growing Power Garden. Learn more here. :: Easter Sunday Celebration April 8 at all worship sites Let us know you're coming and invite a friend here.
Giving
Giving online is simple. Simply click here -- from there you'll be able to make a commitment, manage the amount and schedule of yourgiving, and print receipts for tax purposes. If you have questions, check out our FAQ Giving section.
Prayer Practices Retreat :: Saturday, April 14, 9AM-1PM, Downtown Drawing from new and old paths of prayer, we will explore practices to help us speak honestly to God and listen carefully for God's voice speaking to us. No prior knowledge/experience needed. Contact emily@urbanvillagechurch.org for more information and sign-up on our website.
Calling All People of Color* Dive in with us as we begin to create spaces for individuals of color to process, fellowship, and contribute to the ongoing church-wide conversation about our commitment to inclusion at Urban Village Church. If you are interested in participating in this process, please join us on Saturday, April 7th for the first Community of Color gathering. It will take place at Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington at 11:00 am. We will talk more about the community and discuss ideas for greater inclusion at UVC. Contact Jamie Frazier, one of UVC's Church Planting Interns at jamie@urbanvillagechurch.org or Elena Taryor from UVC's Strategy Team at tieyourshoes@ymail.com for more details. *We respect the complex realities of race, ethnicity, color, and personal identity. Whether your describe yourself as a person of color, a racial minority, or a person with a marginal ethnic identity; whether you are bi- or multi-racial; whether you embrace multiple ethnicities/cultures or just one; whether you see your identity as fluid or constant--however you self identify--we welcome you.
Your help is needed!
Two of our mission sites are in immediate need of items so they can function at their various agencies. Urban Village would like you to consider donating items for the Cornerstone Community Outreach Center and The Crib. Items currently needed:
Cornerstone Community Outreach Center: feminine products/supplies
March Madness
March Madness has come to Urban Village! Take part in our first annual NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge and compete with other folks from Urban Village and win a traveling trophy that promises to be kitschy and worthy of envy from co-workers. Go to this site (group name: uvcchicago, password: Jesusfreaks). The deadline to enter is Thursday before the first game begins. Contact Jeffjones312@gmail.com if you have any questions. Christian Coon has guaranteed victory so make him eat his words. Good luck! | 
