This Week at First Pres!
July 12-18, 2020
FEATURE ARTICLE
Saved!

This week’s eNewsletter feature story
was written by Rev. Ray Hylton
FPCE Senior Pastor.


Greetings!

Can whales say thanks? I am serious. This is not a trick question. Do whales express gratitude?

Let me explain my reasons for asking.

In the middle of December 2016, out in the waters of Bodega Bay, CA, two fishermen found a whale ensnared in netting used as crab pots. The poor creature was bleeding from the net cutting into its flesh. With the whale trapped, unable to break free, the fishermen’s first concern was predator sharks lurking nearby waiting for the chance to devour this massive being.
TAKE NOTE
On Sunday, the way we take part in online worship will change. Read this recent feature story to learn more, or visit us at live.firstpresevanston.org on Sunday.
An Arts & Faith Fellowship event will be held Wednesday on Zoom. See below for more details.
Books for an All-Church read on racial reconciliation are still available. See below for details.
NEW ONLINE SERVICE PLATFORM LAUNCHES THIS SUNDAY!
In order to take part in the live presentation of our worship service, click on the button like the one below (found on our home page on Sundays),
Beyond Colorblind book still available
As our nation wrestles with the issues of race, social justice and economic equity, we at FPCE are invited, together as one church, to read the book Beyond Colorblind: Redeeming our Ethnic Journey by Sarah Shin . We've purchased your household a book so we can continue to engage together. 

If you were unable to pick up your book in person last week and would still like a copy, please contact, Janice at jdobschuetz@firstpresevanston.org to make other arrangements.  (There is no need to do so again if you have already emailed her).
 
We'll gather together on Zoom on Wednesday, July 29, at 7 pm, for a virtual All-Church Townhall on the book's many timely themes.
FPCE member Nelda Hobbs spoke on July 4 at the FPCE Men's Breakfast Zoom meeting. She shared her experiences growing up and attending college in the south during the Civil Rights Movement, and spoke about her interactions with people at FPCE and around the world, too.

(Please do not share this link with those outside the FPCE community).
Prayer Companions available this Sunday!
Visit the FPCE home page at firstpresevanston.org for details immediately following the service.
Online FPCE New Members' class this Saturday!
There is still time to sign up for our online FPCE membership class! Those seeking to become new members of First Pres will attend a single session on Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to Noon . Those interested in signing up or seeking further details should contact Janice Dobschuetz TODAY at jdobschuetz@firstpresevanston.org.
After our
Sunday Service
Online fellowship time/adult education will take place on Zoom following our Sunday service. Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/478195199?pwd=eFNvbzgrakZQcTkzQ1FnbDBWUnlYZz09. The Zoom Meeting ID is 478 195 199 and the password is 207174. This information will also be available on our home page immediately after the service. This will lead into our adult education time, when we will continue our look at God's assuring words of "Be Not Afraid". Please note that each class is a "standalone" event and does not require any previous attendance.

Sunday June 12 will be taught by Rev. Dr. Atef Gendy, the president of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo where he also serves as Professor of New Testament (NT). He also is the New Testament editor of the Arabic Bible Commentary, publishes by Langham Publishing. He serves on the board of Salaam Medical Center in Egypt, and is a translation consultant for the Van Dyke Translation of the Bible. He will be teaching on the NT stories of Jesus, Peter and others.

Sunday, July 19 will be taught by Rev. Dr. John Azumah, founder and director of the Sanneh Institute in Accra, Ghana. John came from a Muslim background eventually becoming a pastor in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana with whom he planted multiple churches among former Muslim and Animist people from Northern Ghana. As a professor he has taught in seminaries in several countries, most recently at Colombia Seminary in Georgia, where he focused on World Religions and more. His passion is for Muslim/Christian dialogue and now research promoting dialogue and thoughtful mutual engagement. All this which led to the establishment of the Sanneh Institute. He will be teaching on a number of the letters in the New Testament. 

July 26 will be a final class led by Dave Ivaska. We will have an opportunity for discussion, prayer and encouragement as we are sent out from this class.
Arts & Faith Fellowship on Zoom, Wednesday at 7 pm
Join us for Arts & Faith Fellowship on a Zoom meeting, Wednesday, July 15, at 7 - 8 pm. FPCE artists Alyce Claerbaut, Hannah McLeod, Carol Smith, and Tricia Vaaga will each share some of their work, and we'll converse and fellowship as a group about art, faith, the creative process, and the devotional aspects of creating. All are welcome! The Zoom link for the event is: https://zoom.us/j/92133150136?pwd=SDY3QXAxWXhuZ25GVitKZE1PeEV0dz09
Making, sharing face masks for health and safety
Can you sew? Donate homemade masks to the church!

The COVID-19 Task Force is accepting donations of face masks to share with congregational members in need as well as Souper Saturday guests we serve each week. There is a particular need for children's sized masks for some of our refugee families. If you sew, or have extra face masks please consider dropping them off at the the church on Saturdays between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at the rear door (ring the bell and then you can open the door, drop the masks in the appropriate box and exit. New unused masks only. For guidance on wearing and making face masks please check out the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html 

If you are in need of a face mask please email the COVID-19 task force email at: covid19@firstpresevanston.org and we can help match you with a donation.
New Email Devotional Series begins Saturday
Like the readers of the book of Hebrews, Habakkuk and the godly people of his day wondered at the disparity between the promises of God and the fulfillment of those promises. Today, also, we look forward to the time when " the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea " (Habakkuk 2:14). God has much to teach us in this time of waiting just as Habakkuk learned from his time of waiting on God. Join us for a daily study of Habakkuk and see what lessons God has for you during this time in your life.
Follow this link to sign up online if you are not already receiving these daily emails.
Deacons’ Back-to-School Backpack Project
It’s that time of year again! — or is it? Perhaps you are wondering about our annual Backpack Project? With all the details of the school year up in the air, clearly our Deacons’ collection of school supplies for needy students will have to change this year. We are working with Evanston Family Focus to try to figure out the best way to help out. We know our many faithful contributors over many years may be concerned not to have heard any plans yet. Please be assured we will let you know how you can help as soon as details are pinned down. As ever, we thank you for your generous hearts.  
Mission Prayer
Please pray for Rebuilding Together of the Northern Chicagoland area. Pray for impact of the pandemic upon their programs, the needs already presented by their pending applications, and the needs that they expect to witness in the coming months. Pray for donors to understand that although Rebuilding Together has had to post-pone their Volunteer Team Rebuilding Month Projects, they continue to press on with other projects using skilled trade-persons. Finally, pray for homeowners to stay safe and well. Many can be medically fragile, which makes entering their homes to perform the repairs challenging and possibly risky for them and the volunteers. 
Community "justice mural project" seeks submissions
Evanston Vineyard Church is coordinating a "Justice Mural Project" this season. During this pandemic, with the many challenges and injustices that we have seen in our country we want to bring our community together using our creative gifts to make a difference and bring change. We are inviting our whole church, those from other churches and the community at large to be involved. We would love to have members of the 'First Presbyterian Church of Evanston' to join us in this digital project as well.  

The 'Justice Mural Project' is a community-wide artistic call for justice. In an effort to promote respect and love, while seeking to create and be one who encourages justice, peace and change, working together for the common good; the 'Hope for Artists arts community' is currently working on a collaborative mural to be displayed initially in digital format. Our theme for this mural will be, "Justice. Mercy. Love".  

Parish Nurse Book Club meets online August 11
The Parish Nurse Book Club will be meeting again online on Tuesday, August 11, from 1:30-3 p.m. We will be reading The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg. According to Amazon: When Doris was a girl, she was given an address book by her father, and ever since she has carefully documented everyone she met and loved throughout the years. Looking through the little book now, Doris sees the many crossed-out names of people long gone and is struck by the urge to put pen to paper. In writing down the stories of her colorful past—working as a maid in Sweden, modelling in Paris during the 30s, fleeing to Manhattan at the dawn of the Second World War—can she help Jenny, haunted by a difficult childhood, unlock the secrets of their family and finally look to the future? And whatever became of Allan, the love of Doris’s life? Contact Julie Ruchniewicz at jruchniewicz@firstpresevanston.org for the meeting link.
Thursday Women's Bible Study
The Thursday Women’s Bible Study meets on Zoom, Thursdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. It will run through August 13, 2020. Meetings focus on the fruits of the spirit guided by the Hazel Offner study: FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. It is not necessary to purchase the book in order to participate. Please contact Alyce Claerbaut at  a-claerbaut@neiu.edu  to access the link and for any other information.
Men's Breakfast on Zoom
The Men's Breakfast group continues to meet weekly on Saturday mornings from 8-9 a.m. via Zoom for scripture, prayer and speakers (but BYO Breakfast). Please join us!

Contact Bob Bastian at Bob.Bastian55@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Nourish women's bible study meetings on Zoom
Nourish, a women's Bible study, meets during the summer on alternate Thursdays, at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Our meetings focus on the parables of Jesus and include time for sharing and prayer. Women of all ages are welcome to attend and can contact Sally Ivaska at sallyivaska1@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Officer Nominations Invited
The Nominating Committee asks you to suggest elder, trustee, or deacon candidates for the 2021 slate. A candidate must be a church member, gifted by the Holy Spirit, and willing to serve. Confidential suggestions may be given to Rosemary Mauck or Richard Bell.
No clothes donations being accepted
We are not accepting donations for the Deacons Clothes Closet at this time. Donations (other than new masks ), will be discarded.
Summary notes from the May Session Meeting are available  here .  
The most recent summary of the Chicago Presbytery Meeting is available  here  
Paper copies are also available in our literature racks.
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Evanston, IL 60201
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