"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. "
~1 John 3:1
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First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
600 Ninth Street
Wilmette, IL 60091-2779
847-256-3010
[email protected] |
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Dear Friends,
On the Fourth of July, when we remember and celebrate the founding of our country, I wonder if you're aware that the only clergy person to sign the Declaration of Independence was a Scottish Presbyterian?
His name was John Witherspoon. He was not only a minister at the time, but also the president of the College of New Jersey (which later became Princeton University).
You may also be aware that Witherspoon and his co-signers modeled the U.S. Constitution on the National Church of Scotland's Form of Government. Our Form of Government in the Presbyterian Church, which came to us from the Scottish Church, is a representative form of democracy. It is based on the congregation electing leaders or representatives (Elders, Deacons and Trustees) from the body at large and investing them with the power to make decision for the good of the church.
The Founders took this same concept and created Senators and Representatives, elected from local districts to sit in the Senate and House, with the authority to make decisions and enact law on behalf of the larger population.
So the U.S. Constitution is based, in essence, upon Presbyterian polity. In fact, during the war of independence, the British often referred to the American uprising as "The Presbyterian revolution!"
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How about that?
In the aftermath of the war, as the Founders continued to lay the groundwork for our nation, an old Latin phrase emerged as emblematic of our biggest struggle and strongest hope. The phrase was e pluribus unum, which translates, "Out of many, one." Ever since, we've been engaged in the challenge of living up this motto that ended up on our nation's seal.
We are many states, but one union. We are many peoples, with many languages and many cultures - remember, all of us are immigrants, if we go back far enough- but one community. We are many faiths, many perspectives, many political leanings, but share one commitment to pursue the common good for all. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one.
Of course, we have had countless breakdowns and innumerable sins in our nearly 245-year American experiment. No honest accounting of our history can avoid them, including what some scholars have called our "original sins": the displacing of native peoples and the enslavement of an entire race of God's children for our own profit.
As we observe Independence Day tomorrow, we give thanks to God for the many freedoms we enjoy and for all those who've sacrificed for our benefit. We reread the Declaration of Independence. We sing patriotic songs. We head to Gilson Park to watch fireworks, maybe attend a parade too. We grill out and spend time with family. But we also take time to acknowledge how far we have to go as a nation before we've fulfilled our motto, e pluribus unum, "out of many, one." The political gridlock in Washington D.C., the division throughout our country, the humanitarian crisis at the southern border, continue apace. It reminds me of that line from a Robert Frost poem. We still have "promises to keep / and miles to go before we sleep." The work goes on. There is so much to do. And we can all do something.
With gratitude in Christ,
Jeff Lehn
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am
Gillson Park Beach Service
8:45 am
Childcare
9:00 am
Summer Adult Book Study
10:00 am
Worship
11:15 am
Lemonade on the Lawn
8:00 pm
Tower Youth Campfire
Our summertime beach service meets at 8 am, in Picnic Area 1 on Overlook Dr. next to the sand volleyball court. Wear whatever you like, bring beach chairs or blankets, and gather with other families to sing, pray, and explore the parables of Jesus at our newly refreshed beach service. Come with your kids and worship with us under the canopy of trees at Gillson Park and stay for breakfast afterward! Sunday school at the 10 am service will resume in the fall.
This year we'll gather for
First Festival on Sunday, August 25th. In past years First Festival was on the Sunday after Labor Day. So please mark your calendars for this special event to kick off our program year.
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Once again the Mission Ministry Group will be sponsoring the summer backpack project to provide much needed backpacks and supplies for 60 students from the neighborhood around our sister church, First Presbyterian Church in Rogers Park. By contributing $25, you're ensuring a child will have the supplies they need to begin the school year.
 Lemonade on the Lawn
Our summertime fellowship tradition is underway. Please consider hosting this summer, it's easy, fun to do and always appreciated. Please
click here to access the SignUpGenius link.
 Summer Book Study
on MLK Jr and Racism in Chicago and Memphis
We're inviting the whole church to join us in a different "Summer Book Read" this year. Our main text will be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s singular "A Letter from Birmingham Jail," written in April 16, 1963. We will also listen to and read King's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, delivered the night before he was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968. Please click here to read more about the "Summer Book Read."
Join us on Wednesday, July 24th for a movie on the lawn! We'll gather around 8 pm in the Fellowship Garden for a fun and entertaining evening. A movie has not been picked yet but we will keep you posted. Stay tuned and save the date.
Children and Family Ministry
Throughout the summer we will be sending out a short weekly text to spark meditation and encourage you in your faith, and you don't need to have (or be) a child to sign up! We use the Remind app, so your phone number will remain private. If you'd like to receive these texts, email Lindley Traynor ([email protected]) with your cell number.
Mission - Transform Lives
Stock the Shelves
Provides what food stamps won't and stretched incomes can't cover by
giving Chicago area refugees and their families the household and hygiene supplies they need
to lead thriving lives.
How can you help?
Click here
to access the Stock the Shelves website for ways to donate and to volunteer.
Wilmette Food Pantry
fpcw
contributes food and non-food items to the Wilmette Food Pantry. Donations may be left in the containers located in the
fpcw
parking lot lobby.
Need some glad tidings?
More activities, inspiration, and cheer
available on our
website
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