Elmhurst church sponsors Story Club

Story Club will return to Elmhurst's Bethel United Church of Christ later this month to give residents a chance to hear true stories told live by a mix of experienced storytellers and those taking advantage of an open mic opportunity.

The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the church, 315 E. St. Charles Road.

Organizers say the event's theme is simple: "We gather because we are hungry and desperate for the feelings that come from a well-told true tale: the feeling of understanding, the feeling of learning about the world and, most of all, the feeling of deep and honest connection."

"When you hear a story, your brain changes," Story Club founder Dana Norris wrote. "Your neurons begin to mirror those of the teller. You are affected. You become more than you. Stories are our primary mode of constructing our identity and sharing it with others. Stories are how we make sense of the chaos of the world."

Story Club works like this: you can attend as an audience member and have the experience of hearing real stories told live, or you can join in the storytelling by preparing an eight-minute tale to share. The theme for the evening is "Pride."

Story Club is geared for those 14 and older. There will be a freewill donation of $10 to support DuPage PADS, one of Bethel's Human Concerns mission partners.

Church facilities are fully accessible and parking is available behind the church; enter from St. Charles Road or Huntington Lane off Poplar.

For details, call (630) 279-4040.