All Job’s brothers, sisters, and acquaintances came to him and ate food with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him … - Job 42:11
 
On this weekend of gathering – even socially distanced gathering – I pray that you will feel comforted and consoled after such a trying year filled with pandemic anxiety and political protest. I’ve titled my sermon on the final chapter of Job, “Comfort Food,” as friends reconcile themselves with each other and God shows compassion for a humble believer.
 
There is much work for America to do in order to arrive at the promised land that binds our highest ideals as a nation. I hope this weekend is helpful time to reflect, reconcile, and commit toward the better day ever before us all. As Christians, we draw from the deep reservoir of God’s renewing grace and wisdom. It supports our tireless efforts to work with others for the common good.
 
I believe that better days lay ahead of us all. My prayer is that you are sustained in God’s goodness, convicted by God’s call for justice, and filled with comfort and consolation by the reconciling love of Christ.
Sunday Morning Worship

Join us online at 10 a.m on Sunday, July 5 for worship with communion. The Rev. Brian Paulson is preaching Comfort Food. The video will premiere on YouTube . You may also access the link on our website .
Drive-By Fourth of July Social Hour
Sunday July 5 from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

This Sunday after worship, the pastors of First Pres will be on the sidewalk outside the church on Douglas St. for a Fourth of July Celebration.

We hope you will drive or bike by the church to wave, say hello and get a Popsicle!

To prevent a traffic back-up on Route 176, we're asking everyone to come down Jackson St. (the street that runs along Brainerd Field) towards the church, and turn left on Douglas St. The pastors will be socially-distanced along the sidewalk and you'll be able to greet each one and pick up a Popsicle treat.
Route for Sunday's Drive-By 4th July Social Hour
Conversation about Coronavirus

More than 50 members of our congregation participated in last Sunday's Conversation about Coronavirus for an update on the Session's working plan to align in-person worship with Phase Five of the Illinois Recovery Plan.

During the Zoom call, we also also reviewed the the Presbytery of Chicago Coordinating Commission’s advice to refrain from in-person worship at least until August 30. Participants then broke into small groups to offer feedback to these plans. Members of Session listened carefully to the comments, concerns and advice of participants.
 
A poll of participants found that 98 percent do not want to return to worship before August 30. The poll also found that 83 percent of participants were content to wait for in-person worship until Phase Five -- when a vaccine or treatment is widely available -- while 18 percent said they were eager to look for ways to worship in-person before the uncertain date of Phase Five arrives.

Following the call, the Worship Committee met and decided to encourage our Session to continue with plans that hold back from in-person worship until Phase Five, while continuing to evaluate any changes to the situation from a social and health standpoint. A prevailing sentiment was to have in-person worship at a time when no restrictions on participation would exclude any member from our worship. The feedback and recommendations will be reviewed by the Session at its July 20 meeting.
Raising Anti-Racist Children

There is still time to join our online series for parents where we explore big
questions about how to raise anti-racist children.

The Zoom gatherings are on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m .

Please sign up online , and we’ll send you an email each week with details about the upcoming conversation, including a Zoom link.
Films on Racism: Stories that Speak to Our Souls

This summer adult Faith Formation is offering three films to watch from home followed by group discussions. These online discussion groups will not be for the purpose of sharing already formed opinions or persuading others to agree.

These will be times of healthy curiosity, reflection, and questions—sharing confusion, frustration, challenges, and new learning. We will ask, “Where is God in all of this?” and “What do we imagine Jesus would think/feel/do after seeing this movie?”

The series will be facilitated by Rev. Melanie Hammond Clark, and our first film will be Just Mercy . Sign up online to let us know you’re interested , and we will follow up with additional details about how and when to join a discussion.
Dialogues on Race

O ur high school youth are participating in Dialogues on Race , a 7-week study exploring racism and racial identity through a Christian lens. Email Pastor Kara for more information.
Junior High Fellowship

JHF is holding small in-person gatherings this summer. Groups will be limited to 10 students and we will practice appropriate social distancing, so please BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair).

Email Pastor Kara for more information.
Growing Up With God at 9 a.m. on Sunday

Don't miss the third week of our family series Growing Up with God on YouTube . We're using nature, gardening, and other outdoor activities to learn together about how God calls us to care for creation and grow up our in faith.
Tunes & Tales

Children in preschool through second grade are invited to join Mrs. Boyce at 10 a.m. on Thursday mornings for a story, music, and some fun. The Zoom link is sent out each week in an email from Mrs. Boyce.

Email cboyce@boxp.net to be added to the list.
Zoom Lunch for 3rd-7th grade

Join your friends and Mrs. Boyce for a Zoom lunch at 12 p.m. on Thursdays. The Zoom link is sent out each week in an email from Mrs. Boyce. Email cboyce@boxp.net to be added to the list.



Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Support Group is a safe, supportive and confidential place to share your concerns, ask questions and seek guidance both for your loved ones and for yourself. 

This group is open to all who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's/Dementia as well as any chronic illness requiring extensive care, i.e. COPD, stroke, cancer, opioid/alcohol related illnesses, accident/trauma, etc.

If you would like to join our private Facebook group, or participate in Zoom calls on the first and third Sundays of each month, please email Rosemary at  rmonahan47@gmail.com .
Job Search Group

If you have lost your job as a result of Covid-19, we are here to help. Email Rosemary Monahan for more information.
Bright As Day

Help support those in our community who are dealing with food insecurity.  

Stewardship Update

Thank you for your online donations. We are encouraging members and friends to continue to support the ongoing mission and ministry of FPC Libertyville by giving online at www.firstpreslibertyville.org .

Don't forget to pay your per capita for 2020 to help cover the fee our church pays each year to the Chicago Presbytery to fund their operations along with the Lincoln Trails Synod and the General Assembly.
Phone: C all 847-362-2174 and leave a message. Your call will be returned between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Email: Office@boxp.net (emails go to a member of the administrative team).

Pastoral Emergencies: Please call 847-367-6460 and leave a message. A pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.
Join us on Facebook!

Please like our Facebook page and consider joining our First Pres Community Group on Facebook. The community group is a private bulletin board space where we post our Sunday Prayer Box, share in joys and concerns, and provide access to Zoom links for Social Hour and other online programs.