24 minute read
out & about
By Katy M. Clark
This year the holiday season may look different. Masks and social distancing have put a damper on the usual gatherings at schools and in our communities. My own kids are sad that their holiday concerts and our town’s parade have been canceled.
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But there’s no need to be filled with despair. After all, it is still the most wonderful time of the year! Why not take this opportunity to rediscover the joy of slowing down and savoring the season right where you spend most of your time? Here are 7 sweet and simple ways to celebrate the holidays at home.
1. Send cards in the mail. Now is a great time to rediscover the tradition of sending Christmas cards. There are tons of online photo sites that allow you to personalize photo cards. Or simply ask your kids to draw or paint handmade greetings. No matter how fancy the cards may be, just imagine how much joy they will bring the recipients, especially Grandmas and Grandpas who love getting good old-fashioned mail!
2. Bake. Spend time together cutting out sugar cookies, rolling rugelach, or making a special recipe that your family treasures. Tell your kids about the relatives who wrote the recipes in cursive on those cards passed down from generation to generation. Maybe you can drop off your homemade treats to essential workers, homebound seniors or veterans in your neighborhood.
3. Make music. The usual school holiday concert may look different this year, if it can be held at all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t host one in your own home. Have your child play a solo in front of the family. Or be like the Partridge Family and encourage everyone to pick up an instrument for a holiday jam session. Sing your favorite hymns or holiday classics. Most lyrics can be found online.
4. Read together. Be like Clark Griswald and his clan in Christmas Vacation and gather round to read The Night Before Christmas. There are also classic audio books your family could listen to as you wrap gifts or unwind after work or school. Books are the perfect way to learn about different holiday traditions, too. Ask your local librarian for recommendations of books about Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or celebrations such as Lucia Day or Three Kings Day.
5. Watch holiday movies. Going to the movies may not be feasible this year, but that only inspires me to create a cozy movie night in my own living room. My family likes to don holiday pajamas, snuggle up in throw blankets with snacks and hot cocoa, and laugh away at Elf and A Christmas Story. There are so many great shows and movies celebrating the season that your family is sure to find one that inspires festive spirit in everyone!
6. Celebrate outside. No matter the temperature it’s always an excellent idea to head outside. Go for a walk and listen to the wind whistling through bare trees or whipping around buildings. Notice the birds that winter in your area. Decorate a tree outside, whether in your backyard or on your balcony. Get warm by a backyard bonfire or stargaze on a frosty evening. Maybe the best outdoor activity of all is piling into the car to see the holiday lights and outdoor decorations in your neighborhood.
7. Go Virtual. Whether it’s Facebook Messenger, Zoom, or Skype, there are a myriad of ways to extend season’s greetings to friends and families. So plan that video chat with Aunt Susie or hang out online with your best friend. Reaching out and connecting, even in a virtual format, benefits everyone, especially during the holidays.
The holiday season is starting amidst the worst pandemic in a century! In spite of that, we have managed to come up with quite a few safe opportunities to get your holiday cheer on! Please follow CDC guidelines when participating in any activity. Be sure to check with event organizer before you go as circumstances may have changed since time of print.
The FORGE: Lemont Quarries
Cozy up under the Stars with Forgefire Globe Dining: an outdoor dining experience unlike any other! Adventurous foodies will bask in the wintry beauty of The Forge: Lemont Quarries while enjoying delectable bites and beverages inside one of our private illuminated dining globes. Guests can also enjoy special holiday activities & installations throughout December. For more information, visit: www. forgeparks.com/forgefire-globe-dining (See our ad on Back Cover.)
Lighting Up Lemont
Come brighten up your holiday season in Lemont and stroll all around our historic downtown during “Lighting Up Lemont.” Our dazzling illuminating holiday displays are nestled throughout our quaint, family-owned shops, restaurants, taverns, and brewery. It’s the perfect place to capture your holiday photos and magical moments. We can’t wait to see you in Lemont this holiday season! “Lighting Up Lemont” is sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association and the Village of Lemont. www.lemont.il.us/Holiday | @lemontdowntown | www.lemontdowntown.com
WhirlyBall
Whether you’re planning your next date night, work outing or family gathering, WhirlyBall Naperville has you covered for non-stop fun! Choose from a variety of activities including WhirlyBall, LaserTag, HyperBowling and bowling. Enjoy delicious food, craft beer and signature cocktails at The Pivot Room, open for lunch and dinner daily. Reserve your space today! WHIRLYBALL NAPERVILLE, 3103 ODYSSEY CT, 630-932-4800 www.whirlyball. com [See our ad on Page 5.]
Burr Ridge Village Center
Burr Ridge Village Center is an upscale mixed-use lifestyle center featuring unique shops, restaurants and spas. Key Tenants include: Kohler Waters Spa, Cooper’s Hawk Winery, The Design Bar, The Hampton Social, Kelley Cawley Boutique, Keema Aveda Salon, Peak Running With A Twist, Sephora, Starbucks Coffee, Topaz Café, Two Bostons and Wok ‘n Fire. Connect with Us: Website: www.shopburrridge.com Instagram & Facebook: @ShopBurrRidge 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. (630) 654-2782.
Winter Wonders: Boerner
Bigger & Brighter Holiday Light Displays from the Safety & Comfort of Your Car! Winter Wonders is a 1.4-mile touchless, drive-through holiday light show featuring more than one million LED lights set in the area surrounding Milwaukee’s Boerner Botanical Arboretum and Whitnall Park. This year’s display opens November 20 and runs thru January 3. The event is made possible in part through a Joint Effort Marketing grant from the Department of Tourism. A COVIDSafe Event. All displays are viewed from the safety and comfort of the family vehicle. Online ticket purchase, all ticket scanning, and even the delivery of holiday gift bags are touchless/no contact.
Special Promotions : Illinois Weekend All vehicles from Illinois will receive a special gift bag December 4th, 5th & 6th. Tickets on sale at www.WinterWonders.org (See our ad on inside front cover.)
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Autumn at Cantigny Park
November is not too late to enjoy the fall colors at Wheaton’s Cantigny Park, and you might even see a wild turkey! Check www. Cantigny.org for the current event schedule, which includes in-person and “virtual” opportunities. If you go, don’t miss the all-new Rock Garden and the farm-themed playground— both added during the park’s recent renovation. Text PARK to 36000 to receive updates. Parking is just $5 seven days a week, and FREE on the first Wednesday of the month.
14th Annual Festival of Lights
Presented by the Rotary Club of Aurora. Enjoy the magic of the 2020 Festival of Lights. New this year is Santa flying high above the park in his own customized helicopter. The 20’ tall Dancing Christmas Tree & SINGING Reindeer are still @HEAR” to delight you. This is the largest FREE outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois and is presented by the Rotary Club of Aurora in partnership with the City of Aurora. It is a mile-long drive-through of spectacular displays. Staged at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora. Open nightly 5 to 9, Nov. 27 through Dec. 27. Freewill donations appreciated. www.aurorafestivaloflights.com
Celebrate the Holidays in Naperville!
It’s the holiday season in Naperville, and it’s time to gather with those closest to you. For those with family coming from out of town, Naperville is home to 17 hotels who are dedicated to the health and safety of their visitors. Don’t forget about a delicious holiday meal. With over 300 restaurants in Naperville, you and your family can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or take it to-go. More information can be found at www.VisitNaperville.com and www.DineNaperville.com.
Apple Holler
Pick your own memories at Apple Holler orchard and family farm with a farm to table bakery cafe, gift shop, offering pick your own apples, peaches, pears and pumpkins. Visitors will enjoy four seasons of family fun and activities including; Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, children’s shows, orchard and farm tours, school field trips, hayrides, barnyard animals and outdoor Kids Korral play areas. Apple Holler is located 20 minutes north of Gurnee Mills between Racine and Kenosha, WI at exit 337 off I-94 (5006 S. Sylvania Ave. Sturtevant, WI 53177) Call (262) 884-7100, or visit www. appleholler.com, for further information. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]
Abbey Farms
Start Your holiday season at Abbey Farms! Searching for an old-fashioned treat to bring home for the holidays? Apple crisp, pies, award-winning donuts – plus our farm store offers a wide range of gifts and a variety of time-tested flavors for your seasonal cooking at home. Christmas trees, wreaths and garland are available beginning November 21 – please reserve your spot at www.WinterCheer.org. No contact delivery available! Reserve your socially distanced visit with Santa, or enjoy the German comfort food of our Pine Tree Cafe – outdoors on the patio by the fire. For more info, visit www.AbbeyFarms.org! [See our ad on Page 3.]
Lyman Woods Nature Programs
Nature programs at Lyman Woods offer outdoor adventures to explorers of all ages! Kids can enjoy programs such as outdoor cooking, gardening, campouts, scavenger hunts and more. For adults, Lyman Woods offers beekeeping workshops, dog training classes and more! Looking for a unique date night? Join our Wild Nights Out for Adults featuring a nighttime hike. Once the cold weather sets in, visitors can enjoy the wonders of winter at Lyman Woods with snowshoe rentals! 901 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. 630.963.9388. www.lymanwoods.org Learn more and register at www.dgparks.org.
Whitecap Mountains Resort
A fun-filled experience for family, friends, and adventurers. Whitecap Mountains Resort offers year-round family recreation, lodging, and down-home hospitality in Northern Wisconsin. Spread over a vast 400 acres within the ancient Penokee Mountains, it’s the perfect location for a corporate retreat, mountaintop wedding, extended family reunion, or relaxing getaway. Discover three mountains with 43 trails for every ability. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect with nature and each other. 9106 W County Road E, Upson, WI 54565. 715561-2227. www. whitecapresort.com
Holly Days in Westmont
Westmont’s annual Holly Days is back! The holiday fun begins November 28, and will include our Holly Days Food Drive, Holly Days Giving Tree, Home and Business Decorating Contests, Letters to Santa, and more! For a complete list of Holly Days activities, please visit www.hollydaysfestival.com or by calling 630.963.5252.
Seeing Is Believing!
Come Enjoy the Wonderful Colors of Fall CANTIGNY
Plan your visit today at Cantigny.org
NOVEMBER
VIRTUAL Holiday Market – 11/12-12/6. Presenting more than 300 artists, artisans, and makers from across North America online. Shop, experience studio tours and demonstrations. oneofakindshowchicago.com Jingle Mingle – 11/13. A festive parade through the Village Center starting at 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Children’s giveaways, crafts, concessions and visits from special well-known characters are all part of the fun of Jingle Mingle. Burr Ridge. burr-ridge.gov. Long Grove Vintage Holidays – 11/1212/25. Features merchant open houses, holiday music, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more! LongGrove.org Annual Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo – 11/14-15 and 11/21-22. Families and groups can sponsor a tree to decorate that will be on display for the holiday season and then participate in the tree trim. 10 AM-4:30 PM. Brookfield. Register for a tree now at czs.org/ treetrim.
Let It Shine Lightshow
— 11/15 - 1/9/2021. Drive thru holiday light show at Northbrook Court. 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook. shinelightshow.com
VIRTUAL Holiday Folk Fair
International - 11/20-22. Enjoy traditional music and dance, traditional dishes, unique traditions and customs wherever you are. West Allis, WI. Information at folkfair.org.
Illumination: Tree Lights at the
Morton Arboretum – 11/20-1/3. Illumination will return for the eighth year as a reimagined driving experience featuring new displays, a customized music soundtrack and returning favorites. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org.
Winter Wonders – 11/20 through 1/3/21. This spectacular drive-through holiday lights display is back for its second year! Includes dramatic lighting techniques and new displays throughout the forests and fields of the Boerner Arboretum and Whitnall Park. Franklin, WI. winterwonders.org.
Lincoln Park ZooLights – 11/21/20 – 1/3/21 4-10PM. ZooLights illuminates the zoo with more than 2.5 million lights and hundreds of dynamic displays. This will be a ticketed event this year. Lincoln Park Zoo. lpzoo.org. Aurora Festival of Lights – 11/27-12/27. One of the biggest and best light displays in the area during the holiday season. Fri-Sat 5-10 PM; Sun-Thurs 5-9 PM. Phillips Park, Aurora. aurorarotary.org.
Light Up the Holidays
Festival and Parade – 11/27. Parade, fireworks, tree lighting and activities presented by local businesses. 10 AM-7 PM. Downtown Joliet. jolietdowntown.com. Holiday Magic – Brookfield Zoo is offering an expanded schedule with 24 nights—Friday-Sunday, November 27-29; Wednesdays-Sundays, December 2-6, 9-13, and 16-20; and Saturday-Thursday, December 26-31, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. CZS.org/OnlineTicketing. Festival of Lights and Tree Sales – 11/27-
12/30. Cosley Zoo is transformed with 20,000 twinkling lights, spectacular displays, a selection of Christmas trees for purchase, hot chocolate and gifts. 9AM-9 PM daily. Wheaton. cosleyzoo.org. Holiday Homecoming – 11/27-2.8 Trail of Trees, Santa House, holiday related deals, specials and events. St. Charles. stcholidayhomecoming.com. Westmont Holly Days Begins – 11/ 28, and will include our Food Drive, Giving Tree, Letters to Santa, and more! For a complete list visit hollydaysfestival.com.
DECEMBER
Winter Wonderland – 12/3. Santa, story time and special performance. 4 - 5PM. Heritage Park. Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com Holiday Tree Trimming – 12/3. Community businesses, organizations, neighborhoods and families are invited to sponsor a tree which will be on display along Lake Street in Memorial Parkway. River Forest. rfparks.com. Holiday Trees at Wilder Park – 12/3.- 12/30. Enjoy the lights and seasonal cheer in Elmhurst. epd.org
Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift and
Craft Fair – 12/3-6. Thu 1-9 PM, – Fri 11 AM – 9 PM, Sat 9 AM - 6 PM, Sun 10 AM – 5 PM. Arlington International Racecourse, Arlington Heights. holidaylightslambsfarm.com. VIRTUAL Holiday Housewalk – 12/4 - 12/30. Virtual tour of Holiday houses in Oak Park and River Forest. Benefits OPRF Infant Welfare Society. The Nineteenth Century Club, Oak Park. childrenscliniciws.org.
Virtual Holiday Housewalk and Grand
Raffle – 12/4-30. Virtually tour 5 beautiful Oak Park & River Forest homes, festively decorated for the holidays, view how-to holiday videos from local merchants and participate
Welcome Home for the Holidays...
BURR RIDGE HOLIDAY EVENTS
Mistletoe Market
Saturday, December 12 | 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Join us for a special Holiday Market at Burr Ridge Village Center and shop a unique mix of local vendors.
Story Time With Mrs. Claus
Sunday, December 6 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm Sunday, December 13 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Enjoy story time, photos with Mrs. Claus and cookies. Pajamas, blankies and teddy bears welcome! Space is limited for your safety. RSVPs required.
Strolling Holiday Characters
Saturday, December 12 | 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday, December 20 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Meet strolling holiday characters (Reindeer, Santa & Mrs. Claus) and more holiday fun!
SCAN HERE
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MORE EVENTS IN BURR RIDGE
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SHOP & DINE IN BURR RIDGE
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in raffle to win $10,000. Tickets childrenscliniciws.org. Geneva Christmas Parade – 12/4. Parade starts at 7PM with Santa and sing-a-long. 6:00 PM - 9:00. Geneva. Genevachamber.org. Breakfast with Santa — 12/5. Family breakfast with Santa. Make a holiday craft, play games, and have a one-on-one visit and photo with Santa too. Register. 8:30-11:45 AM. Prairie Activity & Recreation Center, 24550 W. Renwick Rd., Plainfield. plfdparks.org. Holiday Market – 12/4 6-9 PM; 12/5-6 Noon – 5 PM. Old-fashioned carriage rides, Ice carving, Photos with Santa, Campfire and S’mores, crafts, market. Tinley Park. tinleypark.org. Toyland Parade – 12/5. Celebrates the official arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will visit the Oak Park Avenue train station immediately following the conclusion of the parade. Please bring an unwrapped gift for any age for donation. 11:45AM Tinley Park. tinleypark.org. Winter Wonderland – 12/5. Santa will turn on our tree lights and read “The Night Before Christmas”. Hot chocolate and craft bag full of activities to take home. 4-5:00 PM. Heritage Park, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com. Festival of Lights – 12/5-1/1. Visit the Museum at Old Town Park throughout the Festival of Lights for a seasonal holiday show. Other entertainment includes horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts and train ride. Bloomingdale. Bloomingdaleparks.org. Holiday Flower Show – 12/5-1/10. Visit to enjoy this seasonal display of mums and other fall plantings. 8AM-6PM. Wilder Park Conservatory. Elmhurst. epd.org. Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival – 12/5. The park will be decorated for the holidays, and an assortment of activities and offerings are planned to kick off the season in style. 1 – 7 PM. Cantigny, Wheaton. Cantigny.org. LaGrange Hometown Holiday – 12/5. Santa arrives by firetruck to light a giant Christmas tree. Carolers, ice sculptures 3-8 PM.. La Grange is decked out for fun with holiday festivities all season long. Downtown LaGrange. lgba.chambermaster.com. Candlelight at the Inn – 12/5-6. Experience 1840s winter travel and tavern hospitality like travelers to the Garfield’s in their 1846 brick inn. Hospitality, refreshments, live music, and a bake sale in the Burr House. 3-7 PM. Campton Hills. garfieldfarm.org. Parade of Lights – 12/6. The Parade of Lights will march north down Oak Park Avenue from 177th Street to the Subway parking lot. 5PM. Tinley Park. tinleypark.org. Chris Kringle Market – 12/6-8 and 12/1315. Features artisan gift vendors, holiday treats, German-style beer and activities for the whole family to enjoy! See website for
hours. Ottawa. pickusottawail.com JingleBell Jubilee – 12/7. Come see beautiful holiday lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, hear stories, listen to carolers, drink hot cocoa, and much more! Lombard. lombardparks.com. Victorian Christmas – 12/7. Visit the Historic House at 311 Windy Point Drive and experience what a “Victorian Christmas” might have been like 100 years ago! Free tours and craft for kids. 6:30 -8:30 PM. Glendale Heights. ghprf.com. Adults Night Out: Holidaze! – 12/10. 18+ entry to zoo after hours. Holiday lights, ugly sweater contest, activities, music, Food, hot chocolate and festive cocktails, (for those ages 21+) for purchase. 6:30 – 10 P.M. Lincoln Park Zoo. lpzoo.org/events. Oswego Holiday Express – 12/10-13. Offering 12 person trips that are 10 minutes apart. Take an imaginary train to Mrs. Claus’s Cookie House for coffee, cocoa and cookies. Write letters to Santa and have a socially distanced visit. 4-10 PM. Oswego. oswegolandparkdistrict.org Carriage Rides – 12/11-12 and 12/18-19. Cruise the lights and sights of Old Town Park’s Festival of Lights on an old-fashioned carriage ride. FREE with registration. 6:308PM. Bloomingdale. bloomingdaleparks.org. Christmas Lights Trolley Tours – 12/1113 and 12/18-20. Illuminated tours of the LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby and Utica area to visit light displays on the fully enclosed trolley. 6-8 PM. Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center. starvedrocklodge.com. Candy Cane Hunt – 12/12. Dress warm & bring a basket for your goodies. Hunt is divided by age group. Prizes given. A visitor from North Pole, too. Ages 10 and under. 10 AM Community Park Bandshell, Lisle. Register. lisleparkdistrict.org.
Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christ-
mas – 12/14. History discussion of Victorian Christmas in Downers Grove. Ages 6-12. Register. 3-4:30 PM. Lincoln Center, Downers Grove. Dgparks.org. Holiday Express – 12/17. Sign up for your festive open-air sleigh ride to meet Santa at the North Pole. Prior to meeting Santa, we will have socially distant activities including crafts and games in the gym. 4-8PM. Register. Family Recreation Center, Oak Brook. obparks.org. Happy Noon Year – 12/17. Games, music, massive balloon drop and sparkling grape-juice toast. 10 - 11 Am. 12 - 1 PM. Community Rec Center. Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com. Noon Year’s Eve — 12/31. Children can ring in the New Year with music, inflatables, games, crafts, snacks, family-friendly entertainment! Register. 11 AM-1 PM. Prairie Activity & Recreation Center, 24550 W. Renwick Rd. Plainfield. plfdparks.org.
Odyssey Fun World - Tinley Park
The place for out of this world family fun for all ages! Indoor Arcade (no rides or playland) open Thursday-Sunday, Noon-8pm. Tickets must be purchased for all who enter and may be purchased in advance at odysseyfunworld.com or onsite based on capacity availability. Birthday party packages available, visit www.odysseyfunworld.com or call 708-429-3800 for more info. 19111 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park.
Fleetwood Roller Rink - Summit
Fleetwood Roller Rink (established 1957) is a family owned business. Our venue hosts public skating, birthday parties (our specialty) privates and fundraisers. We promote family fun for all ages plus for “health sake, roller skate” Come visit us and join in our fun. Instruction available every Saturday at 1 pm Check for our ongoing specials and public skating times www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com
SAFARI LAND - Villa Park
Safari Land is the ultimate, INDOOR entertainment center, plus home of the largest yearround indoor roller coaster in Illinois. Open seven days a week, offering eight amusement rides, over 100 arcade games and 12 lanes of bowling. Attractions include: Tilt-A-Whirl, Bumper Cars, Merry-Go-Round, Monkey Jump, Soft Play Area temporarily closed until Phase 5, Max Flight Simulator, Roller Coaster & Kiddie GoKarts. Free parking and a perfect spot for birthday parties! For more information visit www. safarilandfun.com or call 630-530-4649.
WhirlyBall - Naperville
From friendly competition and entertainment to exceptional food and drink, WhirlyBall Naperville provides the perfect venue for all ages and occasions. The two-story “eatertainment” complex features a variety of activities including WhirlyBall, LaserTag, HyperBowling and bowling plus private event spaces for groups of any size. Round out your event with customized menus featuring The Pivot Room’s selection of elevated American fare and craft beverages. Book your event today! WHIRLYBALL NAPERVILLE, 3103 ODYSSEY CT, 630-9324800. www.whirlyball.com [See our ad on Page 5.]
The Celebrate section has been combined with the holiday section in this issue.
Christ Community Church
St. Charles, Aurora, Dekalb, and Streamwood • www.ccclife.org
Nothing is typical right now. Christ Community Church (with campuses in St. Charles, Aurora, DeKalb, and Streamwood) wants to assure you that this is not the way it is supposed to be. While none of us know why God allows suffering, we can take comfort knowing he didn’t exempt himself from suffering. In fact, he showed up on earth in the person of Jesus to suffer and die. He did it to give us life. To breathe life into our lungs. To give us hope. During 2020, Christ Community has been reminded again and again of this hope—and that being the church was never about a building. It’s about being like Jesus where we are. Christ Community left its four Chicagoland buildings during shelter-in-place, but saw God move. Now, in-person worship services have resumed in St. Charles, Aurora, Dekalb, and Streamwood with safety measures including social-distancing and mask-wearing. If you are looking for a safe, loving, and inspiring place to worship, we’d love to meet you. You can join us online at ccclife.org as well. Not only do we broadcast four services per weekend, but we have a slate of online programs for kids and youth, support and recovery groups, and more. If you are feeling anxious, fearful, grief-stricken, or confused, we have a place for you called Care Night (www.carenight.org). We’d like to extend two special invitations. First, we believe stories matter. They move us and remind us of hope. This is why Christ Community brings in guests with inspiring stories three times a year. On December 12 & 13, our Inspiring Stories guest is Captain Tammie Job Shults, one of the U.S. Navy’s first female fighter pilots and former Southwest Airlines pilot. On April 17, 2018, she safely landed Flight 1380 after the aircraft suffered engine failure and rapid decompression of the aircraft.
Second, we hope you will join us in-person or online for Christmas Eve services on December 23 & 24 as we ask, “What are you looking for?”
Learn more about Christ Community Church at www.ccclife.org.
“My goal is not to be better than anyone else, but to be better than I used to be” Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
“Do something today that your future self will THANK YOU for.” Unknown
Congregation Etz Chaim
1710 S Highland Ave, Lombard, IL 60148 Rabbicosnowsky@congetzchaim.org www.congetzchaim.org
To be a human being is both simple and simultaneously complicated. The answer on how to live can be found in the Torah (Hebrew bible/Old Testament) in Leviticus 19:18 where it says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Rabbis have long interpreted this to mean that what you would not do against yourself, you cannot do to another person. The main taproot of Judaism, it has often been referred to as the Golden Rule. When we follow these words, we have a guide as to how we are to act in our lives.
We strive to remember to be a person of integrity. To be kind and merciful and temper justice with compassion. That ultimately, all of humankind is responsible for one another. Jews have been referred to as “The People of The Book.” We study to remind us how to live our lives as if no one is watching - and yet as if we still answer to a Higher Being. All that matters is our actions in the here and now. Even if there is a hereafter, it will take care of itself. Faith is good but not required. Judaism is a religion which compels us to take action: To heal the world and be partners with God in the ongoing process of creation. And in this way, we continue to living the words of the Prophet Micah (6:8) What does God ask of us? “To Do Justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly in God’s ways.” When we follow this guidance, we are led to living life with the highest level of dignity for all.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao Tzu
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” Dalai Lama.
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” John Lennon
What do you want in a synagogue?
✓ welcoming community ✓ weekly shabbat services ✓ vibrant religious school ✓ youth involvement ✓ adult education ✓ friendships to last lifetime ✓ volunteer opportunities
Community, Spirituality and You.
Congregation Etz Chaim 1710 S. Highland Ave Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-3912 www.congetzchaim.org rabbicosnowsky@congetzchaim.org
