Faith in Motion: A Guide to Local Church Events

Many people believe that their faith and spirituality are stagnant, stuck in a routine that lacks excitement and adventure. But what if I told you that there are ways to inject some thrill into your worship experience? Look no further than the local churches in the area, which are offering a range of unique and engaging events for the faithful. First up, we have the Oak Lawn's St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, which is hosting its annual wheel blessing on May 26. This one-of-a-kind event invites community members to bring their vehicles – whether it's a motorcycle, bicycle, wheelchair, stroller, or scooter – to the north parking lot of the church. The blessings will take place after the 11:30 a. m. Mass, and attendees are encouraged to come prepared with their wheels in tow. With the blessing of the wheels, participants can expect a boost of spiritual energy to carry them through their daily lives. But wheel blessings aren't the only thing cooking at St. Catherine's. The church is also teaming up with the Flossmoor Community Church to celebrate Pentecost on May 19. The two churches will be wearing red to show their solidarity with the Holy Spirit, and Betsy Hanzelin will be preaching a special sermon. Following the service, the community is invited to join in a retirement celebration at the Community House, honoring Hanzelin's years of service to the community.For those looking for a more laid-back vibe, the Flossmoor Community Church is also hosting an "Evenin' Weedin'" event on May 21. This 5-7 p. m. gathering is all about relaxation and community-building, with attendees encouraged to bring their own coolers full of beverages and snacks to share. The church will provide the snacks, and the group will work together to spread mulch and give back to the community. Other local churches are also getting in on the action. The St. Patricia Catholic Church in Hickory Hills is hosting weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on Thursday nights, providing a safe and supportive space for those struggling with addiction. On May 20, the St. Jude Parish in New Lenox is presenting a program on "Healing Our Throwaway Culture – a Focus on Plastics," exploring the impact of plastic pollution on our planet and encouraging attendees to take action. Last but not least, the Palos United Methodist Church is offering a warm and welcoming worship service on Sunday mornings, with communion available the first Sunday of each month. And for those looking for something a little more festive, the Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Palos Park is hosting a Fabulous Sunday of Myrrh-bearers Lamb & Chicken Roast on May 19, complete with a free children's egg hunt and a blessing of the iconostas by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel. So whether you're looking for adventure, community, or simply a chance to get your faith back on track, there's something for everyone at these local church events. So why not take a chance and join the ride? As the great philosopher once said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. " And what better way to love what you do than to share it with your community and build connections that last a lifetime?