Week of July 26, 2020
Can’t I deal with you like this potter, declares the Lord? Like clay in the potter’s hand? – Jeremiah 18:6
 
T hese days it is easy to feel like clay in the hands of fate. Our best plans constantly change. Our hopes seem deferred time and again. Our self-perception is challenged day by day as the world is reframing patterns and purposes day by day.
 
Jeremiah offered the word of a Lord who expects much but loves more. His word is a challenge to let our lives be transformed by God’s will. But this same prophet announced that there would be a new day. In troubled times of imminent dislocation, Jeremiah bought a plot of land on faith and the promise of a better day.
 
I pray that you are finding time to trust in God. Allow God’s hands of love to reframe the structure of your life with goodness, justice, and mercy. We all are earthen vessels. But God places gospel treasure in our lives. Let that precious gift shine!
 
Sunday Morning Worship
Join us online at 10 a.m on Sunday, July 26 for worship. The Rev. Brian Paulson is preaching on The Light Shining Through. The video will premiere on YouTube . You may also access the link on our website .
30 Good Minutes
Join us immediately following 10 a.m. worship for 30 Good Minutes of conversation and sharing.

The Zoom link is the same from week to week. You'll find it in the emailed version of this newsletter.
Join us on Realm
Have you logged into your Realm account yet? If you are a member of our congregation, your profile is ready for your review. You can update your contact information and view your giving. This new system will make it easier for our church family to connect with each other, keep up with what’s going on, and grow as a connected community of believers. If you haven't received an invitation to join Realm , please email office@boxp.net and we will send you an invite.
Black Lives Matter
Our pastoral staff has created a series of videos on the biblical basis to affirm Black Lives Matter.

This week, Rev. Ryan Wallace explores Exodus 22:21-24 and other biblical texts that lift up orphans, widows, and immigrants.
Picnic in the Parking Lot

Join us on Friday, July 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. for a picnic in the south parking lot along Douglas Street. Music will be provided Jim and Susan Henning.

We invite you to bring your own chairs, your own mask, and a picnic supper. We'll provide socially-distanced spaces marked out where you can set up your chairs and our Deacons will provide bottled water and some ice cream treats.

Please note that space will be limited to 50 people at each event. Everyone will be required to wear a mask when they are not eating or drinking.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also . Matthew 6:21

Generous Hearts
Your heartfelt gift sustains and furthers the work of Christ in our world. We are grateful, especially during this pandemic, for gifts made online at www.firstpreslibertyville.org .    
 
Blessing Future Generations
Did you know you can extend your financial support to future generations through the FPC endowment program? For a confidential discussion about legacy gifts, contact Bill Chapman, at (847) 456-8647.
 
Other Treasures
Stocks, bonds and mutual funds are just a few assets that help sustain the mission and ministry of FPC Libertyville (and may offer you tax benefits). Please contact Cynthia Churchwell at cchurchwell@boxp.net to learn more.
School Supply & Backpack Drive

The Board of Deacons and our congregation will once again be providing backpacks and school supplies to our Mobile Food Pantry guests, students at Hope Presbyterian Church in Chicago, and students in the Waukegan to College program. 

We hope that you consider donating by clicking the link on the church's website. It costs about $25 per child to provide a backpack and school supplies. Please give generously so that these kids can have a great start to the school year. 
Social Media Connections for JHF & SHF Youth & Parents
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!
Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Support 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

Looking for support in your job search? Email Rosemary Monahan for information about her Job Search Group.
How to contact us:
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 our Facebook Group!

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 Prayer Box, share in joys and concerns, and provide access to Zoom links for Social Hour and other online programs.