Classes & Workshops at Willow

Willow South Barrington offers workshops and classes to help you grow in your relationships—with God, with others, and even with yourself. Dive deeper into your faith, find support through difficult seasons, or grow in practical skills like stewarding your finances or doing relationships better.

While you are engaged in any of the classes, workshops, or teachings at Midweek Willow South Barrington, your kids can grow in what they believe about God, Jesus, and the Bible through Awana and Midweek for Kids. Learn more here.

Wednesday Workshops

WORKING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
7:30 P.M. | ONGOING
Gather with other working women to study God’s word and learn how to apply it in your life and work. Learn more here. 

JOB-SEEKER INTENSIVES
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, SEP 5–OCT 17
Master the elements of a successful job search, and hear from human-resource professionals on current best practices for finding a job that fits your skills and interests. Learn more here.

DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, OCT 3
Discover and deploy the unique spiritual gifts, talents, and passions that God gave you to use for the sake of the church and the world. Learn more here

REBUILD | FINDING LIFE AFTER LOSS
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, SEP 12–NOV 14
Find comfort, hope, and helpful tools for healing after a significant loss—such as the death of a loved one, divorce, stillbirth, infertility, or miscarriage—in this workshop. Learn more here. 

ALPHA | EXPLORE THE BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY
7:30–9:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, SEP 19–NOV 11
Anyone curious about faith, Christianity or the church can explore these topics at Alpha, a series of weekly classes offering dinner, a brief talk, and casual conversation around tables with people from all walks of life. Share your thoughts and ask your hardest questions. Learn more here.

RESTORE | HOPE WHEN MARRIAGE IS HARD.
8:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M., SATURDAY, SEP 22 • 7–9 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, SEP 26–NOV 14
Resolve nagging issues, heal from wounds that feel unsolvable, outsmart patterns that keep you stuck, and reconnect with your spouse in a way that fosters healing, growth, and intimacy in your marriage. Led by therapists, pastors, and trained facilitators. Learn more here.

COMPUTER SKILLS: LEARN TO CODE
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, SEP 26–OCT 31
Learn to Code is a brand-new class designed to offer noticeable results in your computer skills. But if you still need to learn to type or learn Word or Excel, join us anyway and we’ll point you to valuable free on-line tutorial resources. Learn more here.

GETTING READY FOR MARRIAGE
WEDNESDAYS, OCT 10, 17 & 24
In this workshop, couples will learn the values from scripture that we believe are the foundation of building a lasting marriage. Learn more here.

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING MINISTRY FAIR
7:30–8:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY OCT 17
Learn about some of our anti-human trafficking partners and help us pack gifts to be given to women served by these ministries.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1, 2, 3
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, OCT 24–DEC 5
Learn the ins and outs of starting your own business—including web development and how to file the correct forms, to set you and your business up for success. Learn more here.

SPECIAL FRIENDS GROUP (AGES 13 AND OLDER)
7:30–9 P.M., ONGOING
Teens and adults with intellectual disabilities build community and learn from God’s Word. 1:5 volunteer to participant ratio. Support workers are welcome to come with those who do well with a lower ratio. All are welcome to join us for dinner at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. Learn more here.

RECOVER | REDEEM YOUR PAST. RECLAIM YOUR FUTURE.
7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, ONGOING
Journey through RECOVER’s four-stage curriculum—Anchor, Compass, Navigate, and Explore—and experience powerful teaching and confidential small groups to help you move toward healthy relationships, healing, and sobriety. No registration needed. Just show up! Learn more here.

HIRE-WAYS | HELPING INDIVIDUALS RETURN TO EMPLOYMENT
5 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, ONGOING
Statistically, people who have a support network find new jobs in half the time of those who don’t. Join this weekly group that provides encouragement, structure, helpful tips, and accountability in your job hunt. Learn more here.

Road to Peace Workshops

The Road to Peace is a journey of reflection to discover forgiveness and surrender. Learn more here.

REDEEMING PAIN
The prophet Isaiah called Jesus a “man of sorrows acquainted with grief.” Jesus himself said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” In our time together, we will see how our pain and sorrow can be redeemed and explore practical ways to experience the loving comfort of God. Register here.
Teacher: Jason Feffer
Date: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 7 | Chapel

STRENGTHENED BY SCRIPTURE
We live in a destabilizing world. There’s division in politics, division in families, and even division among friends. As hard as we try, it can be challenging to stay centered with all that swirls around us. Understanding the role Scripture can play in our lives is essential. How do we engage in Scripture in a manner that brings life, strength, and healing through the ups and downs of everyday living? These perspectives and practices will be discussed to help us move toward a more centered way living. Register here.
Teacher: Rick Shurtz
Date: 9 a.m., Sunday, November 11 | B205/7

THE GIFT OF LISTENING
Author David Augsburger wrote, “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” Many of us have experienced deep love, being heard and known, but most of us have also experienced deep pain from someone not listening well. How can we show love to the people in our lives by listening well and holding their stories? In this workshop, we will learn about the value of listening and be invited to practice listening to God and one another in community. Register here.
Teachers: Kellye Fabian, Sharon Swing, Joan Kellye
Date: 9 a.m., Sunday, November 18 | B205/7

A NIGHT OF WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE
Philippians 4:6–7 reads: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Join the Midweek team for an all-worship night on Thanksgiving Eve as we intentionally express our gratitude to God for who He is and what He’s done!
Date: 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 21 | Lakeside Auditorium

PARENTING KIDS AND TEENS THROUGH CRISIS
Parenting is challenging—and that’s on a good day! Come join us as we explore practical tools and resources to help you and other parents love your kids and teens well in the midst of crisis situations encountered at home, school, or in society. Whether there’s a difficulty you’re currently navigating or you simply want to strengthen your parenting toolbelt, we’ll be able to encourage and support one another in community as we learn together. Register here.
Teachers: Willow Creek Staff Panel
Date: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 28 | Chapel

THE D-WORD: AN INTRODUCTION TO DEPRESSION
Talking about depression can be intimidating and shame-filled, but it doesn’t have to be. What is it? How does one recognize it? And what are some ways you or a loved one can begin to take helpful next steps toward health? Join us as we hear from a licensed mental health professional about these introductory topics—and about how to reject shame in approaching mental health. Register here.
Date: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 5 | Chapel

Non-Wednesday Workshops

BUILDING STRONGER MARRIAGES
7–9 P.M., FRIDAYS, NOV 2
This monthly marriage enrichment workshop with teaching AND group discussion is a great way to build skills into any season of marriage. Learn more here.

ESSENTIALS OF ESTATE PLANNING
7–8:30 P.M., MONDAY, OCT 15
If you haven’t updated your legacy documents in the last five years, then this workshop is for you. Hear from an attorney and financial advisor to better understand the importance of wills, trusts, probate, preparing heirs, powers of attorney, charitable-giving strategies, and lowering your tax burden. Learn more here.

LOVE MOVES US
7 P.M., OCT 27
This gathering for families in the adoption, foster care, and Safe Families community provides support through the challenges of unconventional parenting. Email [email protected] to learn more.

WORK, LOVE, PRAY | GATHERING FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN
9 A.M., TWO SATURDAYS/MONTH
At this bi-weekly gathering, you’ll get connected with other women who are facing the inter-locking challenges of simultaneously keeping faith, work, and family relationships healthy. Learn more here.

Women's Daytime Classes