A Vital Faith with Passion and Compassion
“… the kingdom of heaven will be like ten young bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Now five of them were wise, and the other five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t bring oil for them. But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil.” - Matthew 25:1-4
You and I need a vital faith for the future God has in store for this world. Make no mistake, God continues to reign with a mighty love that weaves all our lives into a common destiny. The question is whether we will participate in that transforming river of grace.
Jesus tells parables in the 25th chapter of Matthew. The most famous parable describes our eternal future in direct relation to our care and participation with “the least of these” among us. But the chapter begins with the parable that starts as I’ve quoted above.
Jesus invites us to consider whether we have fuel to light the way into a celebration of God’s future. I believe this generation of Christianity faces both an opportunity and a crisis. In so many way we have an opportunity to engage our community by speaking with compassion for those hard pressed by poverty and the structural impact of racism in our society. Surveys show such engagement of the world is what a generation of young adults expect of those who aspire to higher ideals.
But the fuel for our faith that lights the way is found in the strength of our relationships and our study of how God’s Word speaks for this age from the fuel found in eons of biblical wisdom. We are facing a crisis of biblical proportions. The crisis is a lack of knowing the Bible and the way it truly speaks – not in small aphorisms, not in historical curiosities – but in a depth of truth that anchors life.
In the months ahead, as we come out of pandemic, we need to invest in our faith and common life. We’ll need volunteers devoted to share the faith in new and dynamic ways. The word passion is derived from Jesus’ sacrificial love. If we follow him, we’ll need to prepare to stretch and strain with passion. The word compassion requires eyes that see, hands that serve, and a willing to come beside those who struggle in this world. – We can do all of this. That is why we believe we are Matthew 25 congregation. Let’s have fuel for the faith we witness.
Pastor Brian Paulson
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Online worship on Sunday, April 11, 2021
Join us at 10 a.m. for online worship. The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson offers a sermon on Luke 24:13-35 reflecting on how Easter news of resurrection overcomes despair with hope. Music is offered by Charles Murphy. Our online worship premieres on YouTube at 10 a.m. and will be available for on demand viewing once the premiere is complete. Please sign our Fellowship Pad, and join us at 11 a.m. on Sundays on Zoom for "30 Good Minutes" of fellowship and prayer.
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Worship in our Sanctuary
We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching. We are taking precautions to make sure that everyone is masked and socially-distanced.
Online registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday night, but we will accept walk-in registrations on Sunday morning as space allows.
*Registration for Sunday, April 18 will open immediately following the April 11 worship service. The link will be posted on the home page of our website at www.firstpreslibertyville.org.
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Acts: Catching Up With the Spirit
In the season between Easter and Pentecost, we focus on how God's Spirit is working in and through the Church.
This 6-week study will provide an introduction to the Book of Acts (the story of the early Church) and explore six key themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian message, the work of God’s people (the church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world.
Groups will meet weekly for 6 weeks at four different times:
Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. (beginning April 21)
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (beginning April 14)
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. (beginning April 15)
Sundays from 8:30-9:45 a.m. (beginning April 18)
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Reflecting on the Psalms with C.S. Lewis
During these times of crisis and COVID, the Psalms provide a great platform for discussion and growth.
Join Dr. Greg Anderson who will be discussing C.S. Lewis’ “Reflections on the Psalms” as a way of using the Psalms as a vital resource for times such as these.
Using insights from Lewis’ only biblical commentary, we will explore topics such as anger, death, justice, beauty, and biblical authority. Classes meet Wednesdays April 7, 11, 18, 25 on Zoom at 7:00 p.m.
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Easter to Pentecost: A Spiritual Journey
As we await the Church’s celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we will reflect on various definitions of spirituality; what Christian spirituality is, and what the Spirit invites us to do/be/become.
Join Mary Ann Spina for three faith-building weeks of exploring what it means to practice Christ-centered spirituality.
If you have time prior to class, write your own definition of spirituality and a short description (3-5 words) about your own spirituality.
Classes meet Sunday April 11, 18, 25 on Zoom at 8:30 a.m.
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Good News from Stewardship
This Sunday marks the start of a series of monthly messages from members of the congregation sharing “Good News’ about programs, initiatives and other good things that are happening in our church thanks to your ongoing generosity.
This week's message is from Suzanne Jozwiak on behalf of our “God’s Gardeners” program. If you would like any information about the programs we share in these monthly messages, please email the church office at office@boxp.net.
Your Giving Matters
We are grateful for all the ways the members of our church family continue to support the mission and ministry of First Pres and encourage you to give in the way that works best for you:
- Online giving through Realm, both ACH and credit cards
- Checks and cash
- Donor Advised funds
- Gifts of appreciated stock
Your financial support enables First Pres to provide services and ministries that feed our community in mind, body, and spirit. Thank you for your gifts. Contact Cynthia Churchwell in the Business Office at cchurchwell@boxp.net with questions you may have about giving.
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Join our AV Tech Team
We're looking for volunteers to join our Sunday Morning AV Tech Team.
We have installed new equipment and we need your help as we move towards livestreaming worship from the Sanctuary and Chapel in the coming months.
If you like working with technology and are available to volunteer, please email Mary at office@boxp.net.
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Election of Officers
The Session has voted to hold a Special Meeting of the Congregation following worship on Sunday, April 25 for the election of officers. More information coming soon.
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Movie Night for 4th-8th graders
Rev. Kara and Mrs. Boyce are planning an outdoor movie night on Friday, April 23 for kids in 4th -8th grade. More details are coming soon!
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Sunday School: Faith at Home Together
Each week, we're providing a short, simple, interactive lesson that will help you engage your kids in meaningful conversations and activities that connect to our faith. The links are posted in our Facebook group and sent to families via email. Contact Mrs. Boyce to sign up.
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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.
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Gather Round
Kindergartners - 3rd graders (or anyone who likes a good story) are invited to join Mrs. Boyce for bedtime stories on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
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PADS Food Collection
PADS Lake County is collecting non-perishable food items that can be distributed to clients on a weekly basis.
Examples of items that are needed include: Peanut butter, Easy Mac, oatmeal packets, microwavable meals, canned chicken/tuna, Chef Boyardee (pop top cans), soup (pop top cans), granola Bars, and $5-$10 fast food gift cards.
Please bring your donations to the First Pres sanctuary doors on Douglas Ave. on Tuesday afternoons between 3-5 p.m. Email dgmarsden@gmail.com to let the volunteers know you are coming.
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Volunteers needed
Love INC --"Love In the Name of Christ" - is a Lake County non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities.The church has made a commitment to continue this ministry on the fourth Saturday of each month. Can you help?
On Saturday, April 24 , we need four volunteers to help move furniture and other household items from their Gurnee warehouse to the residence of a Lake County neighbor in need of a fresh start.
Parents are welcome to bring their school age children who are able to help carry light items. You do not need to be a member of FPC to get involved.
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Inquirers Class coming soon
If you’re thinking about becoming a member of First Pres or just want to learn more about our church, please fill out the interest form below and we’ll work on putting together a late spring or early summer class.
Our Inquirers Classes are a great way to meet new people, learn more about our church, and explore about what it means to be a Presbyterian.
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Libertyville Senior Center
The Libertyville Senior Center offers a number of programs and services for seniors in our community. You may access their monthly newsletter by clicking the blue button below.
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How to contact a pastor or staff member
Phone: Call 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 and will be forwarded to the appropriate person).
Pastoral Emergencies: Please call 847-367-6460 if you are church member and need to reach a pastor in an emergency. Leave a message and a pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.
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