God’s Extravagance
“The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
very patient, and full of faithful love.
The Lord is good to everyone and everything;
God’s compassion extends to all his handiwork!”
All that you have made gives thanks to you, Lord;
all your faithful ones bless you!
- Psalm 145:8-10
When the leaves turn from green, to gold, to crimson and brown, there is an extravagance in the air. When the mellow mists of autumn surround our souls with the turning of seasons the precious elegance of life wraps us deep in reflection. There is an extravagance in the creation of God. And that same extravagance is in your life and mine.
On any given day, we all can point out the flaws and imperfections of our lives. But God is merciful and compassionate, very patient and full of faithful love. We worship a God who receives us and works with us through every hardship and heartbreak toward a better day.
In this harvest season of year, even through days of uncertainty, the heart of faith turns to God with gratitude. The officers of our church and I want to thank all of you for the sincere prayer you are putting into your giving intention forms for this year. We have 150 years of faith we are sustaining through challenging times and your expression of praise unto God will see us through to a brighter future.
We are carefully watching data from the Lake County Health Department and starting an in person option for Sunday worship. If you feel able and desire to participate, please thoughtfully register in advance through our website. But whether we worship in person or online, we are united by the gift of thanksgiving and praise for a God who sustains us from one generation to the next. Make time to count your blessings, and give thanks.
|
|
Sunday Morning Worship
Join us on Sunday at 10 a.m. for online worship. The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching On The Basis of Love.
The video will premiere on YouTube. You may also access the link on our website. Please sign the Fellowship Pad so we know you've join us in worship!
|
|
30 Good Minutes
Join us at 11 a.m after our Sunday worship for 30 Good Minutes of conversation and sharing.
|
|
In Person Worship on Sunday, Nov. 1
We will be offering an "in person" worship service in our Sanctuary at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Registration is required, as seating is limited to allow for appropriate social distancing. Please note that masks will be required at all times while you are in the building.
Registration for the Nov. 1 worship service will open this Sunday morning (October 25) at 11 a.m. and we ask that you sign up by 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 so we can make sure we have our seating arranged appropriately. Please call the church office at 847-362-2174 or email office@boxp.net if you have any questions.
We will continue to offer our online worship service at 10 a.m. each Sunday morning for those who don't feel comfortable attending worship in person.
|
|
Halloween at First Pres
I know that Halloween will be a little different this year for our kids, but we want to find a way to put on our costumes and have some fun!
When: Saturday, October 31 from 1-2:30 p.m. (stop by anytime)
Where: Church parking lot on Douglas St. (next to the Sanctuary)
What: Safe, socially distanced, outside Halloween fun! Wear your costume! We’ll have an outdoor “photo booth” to snap a family photo, individual pre-packaged treats (from our deacons), and a family craft. And if you remember, bring a canned food donation for the food pantry.
We plan to set up physically distanced tables in the parking lot (one table per family) so that families can do their craft together outside. Please wear a mask and practice appropriate physical distancing.
If it’s raining (or if public health concerns make it unsafe for us to gather in person), we will still hold a “drive-thru” Halloween celebration at the same time and place. You’ll be able to hop out of your car to take a family photo and grab your craft and treats to take home with you.
Blessings,
Rev. Ryan Wallace
|
|
Your Giving Matters
droppable-1603492246993The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
-Proverbs 10:22
When it comes to stewardship, our thoughts usually turn to money. Financial management is certainly part of stewardship. Regardless of how much money we have, it is by the blessing of God that we have any at all. Therefore, we are to use it in ways that glorify Him. But King David of Israel recognized that “all things come from God” (1 Chronicles 29:14) – not just our money, but our health, our gifts and abilities, our families and relationships, and more. So stewardship is not just about managing money; it is about managing all that we are and have in ways that glorify God.
Think of all you have and all you are today. Consider how you can spend your life today so that it brings glory to God.
We are very grateful for your continued giving online. Check out the new Giving pages, and Stewardship updates toward the October 30Giving Estimate due date on our website at https://firstpreslibertyville.org/giving /.
Endowment Giving
Did you know you can extend your financial support to future generations through the FPC endowment program? For a confidential discussion about legacy gifts and tax benefits, please contact Bill Chapman at 847-456-8647.
Giving by Praying
Giving by praying is another way you can support the ministry and Mission of First Pres. God’s faithfulness has provided for us in the past, is present with us today, and will lead us forward. Please offer prayers this week for all church members, whatever their joys and concerns, the church staff as they facilitate ministry and worship, and our surrounding communities as we wrestle with current social, health, and economic situations.
Other Giving
In addition to donations of cash, the church is able to receive gifts of stock, bonds and mutual funds. Contact Business Administrator, Cynthia Churchwell at cchurchwell@boxp.net. to learn more.
|
|
Faith at Home Together
Since our kids won’t be gathering at church for Sunday School classes this fall, we’re bringing opportunities to engage faith to you at home.
Each week, we're providing a short, simple, interactive lesson each week that will help you engage your kids in meaningful conversations and activities that connect to our faith.
|
|
Children & Family Ministry Family Pods
This fall, we’re encouraging our First Pres families to join a “pod”—a small group of up to four First Pres families committed to keeping connected to each other. Email Pastor Ryan or Mrs. Boyce to get connected.
|
|
Gather Round
Calling all Kindergartners - 2nd graders (or anyone who likes a good story). Mrs. Boyce will be reading bedtime stories on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Sign up for the Children and Family Newsletter to receive the Zoom links.
|
|
Family Tunes & Tales
Join us Thursdays at 9 a.m. for Tunes & Tales. This program is appropriate for young children between the ages of 3 and 5. Older children are welcome as well. Sign up for the Children & Family Newsletter to receive the Zoom links.
|
|
After School Zoom Club
Students in 3rd -6th grade are invited to join Mrs. Boyce for After School Zoom Club on Thursday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. Sign up for the Children & Family newsletter to get the weekly Zoom links.
|
|
JHF and SHF Events
Sign up for the Youth Ministry Newsletter for updates on upcoming events!
|
|
This community is a great way to connect with the church while we are physically separated!
This is a Facebook group for parents, students, and families.
This Instagram page is a central location for information for our Senior High activities, plans, times, and more!
|
|
Your Realm account is ready for viewing
|
|
Senior Ministry
Our Deacons are reaching out to seniors in our congregation who may need help accessing the technology needed to watch our Sunday worship services. If you or someone you know could use some assistance, please email office@boxp.net
The monthly Libertyville Senior Update is now available online.
|
|
How to contact us:
Phone: Call 847-362-2174 and leave a message. Your call will be returned between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Pastoral Emergencies: Please call 847-367-6460 and leave a message. A pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
