Weekly Update is now Parish Life

We're changing the name of our Weekly Update newsletter to Parish Life to better reflect the role it plays in keeping the congregation informed about upcoming worship, faith formation and fellowship opportunities. We hope this electronic newsletter helps you to stay connected to our life together as community of faith.
Pastor Brian's Weekly Word: Justice and Joy in June

Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more … - Psalm 51:8

Across America, people of privilege are listening to our neighbors in the African American community. It is not easy to stop and listen when the lilacs are blooming and summer is beginning. It is especially difficult when we have been locked up with anxiety of our own associated with the continuing onslaught of Covid-19. All of this is happening in an election year when so many of us are on eggshells of care because of the deep political divisions in our society. 

My heart is in lament. In our experience of church, I always want to offer durable gospel hope. I always want to count my blessings and reach for joy. June is for joy! But the spotlight is on injustice and the way, often without realizing it, we silently contribute to the suffering of our neighbors. Please pray with me and other religious leaders of Libertyville Township and Lake County. We want joy for all God’s people. So use your time of reflecting in June well.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

View Pastor Brian's weekly video message on YouTube .
 
Sunday Morning Worship

Join us at 10 a.m on Sunday, June 7 for online worship. The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching When Adversity Comes. The video will premiere on YouTube . You may also access the link on our website or on Facebook . We will be sharing communion, so please have bread and grape juice (or another beverage) available.
Zoom Coffee Hour is now 30 Good Minutes

J oin us this Sunday immediately following worship for 30 Good Minutes. We will gather together on Zoom using the same link we’ve been using each week for our Zoom Coffee Hour.

 We'll spend the first few minutes informally catching-up with each other and then break out into small groups . Each group will spend five minutes sharing their highs and lows from the week, five minutes discussing a spiritual question related to our worship theme, and then five to ten minutes sharing prayer requests and praying together. 

The Zoom link is emailed to everyone who has subscribed to our Friday newsletter and is also posted in our First Pres Community Facebook group.

We hope you’ll join us this Sunday. Let us know how you like the new format!
Family Sunday School at 11:15 a.m. on Facebook
 Parents and children are invited to join Mrs. Boyce on Sunday morning at 11:15 a.m. on our main Facebook page .
Prayer Vigil in Cook Park

"A Vigil of Lament and Love" will be shared on Sunday, June 7 at 3:30 p.m. in Cook Memorial Park. All participants are expected to wear masks and observe social distancing.
Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Support Group is a safe, supportive and confidential place to share your concerns, ask questions and seek guidance both for your loved ones and for yourself. 

This 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. There are many in our congregation/community who are caring for loved ones and could benefit from support. Please consider inviting someone you know who could use that support to attend. 

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 .
Growing Up With God : A Stay-at-Home Family Summer Camp

Families are invited to participate in our stay-at-home family summer camp -- Growing Up With God . Each week we’ll have a special online worship service just for families, kits with outdoor activities for you to do at home, and a weekly Zoom gathering with a few other families.  Watch this short video from Pastor Ryan  for more details, and sign your family up   to let us know you’ll be part of it!
Seeking Answers from God in Suffering: A Bible Study on the Book of Job  

It’s not too late to  sign up to join a small group !

We're studying the Book of Job in small groups that will gather weekly via Zoom. Our pastors provide the teaching with short videos available on our YouTube channel, and small groups are provided with a discussion guide each week. 

Watch this short video from Pastor Ryan  if you want a few more details about the study.  Sign up here  to join a small group or contact your Community Group leaders about forming a small group.
Tuesdays with Tucker

Join Stephen Ministry Leader Tucker Olson on Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. for an hour of sharing and prayer. The Zoom link is emailed to everyone who has subscribed to our Friday newsletter and is also posted in our First Pres Community Facebook group.
Job Search Group

I f you have lost your job as a result of Covid-19, we are here to help.
Rosemary Monahan is a professional executive and outplacement coach with over 30 years of experience helping people conduct successful job searches. She has created a virtual group just for First Pres to provide job search information, education, support and networking opportunities. The group meets on Zoom at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Email rmonahan47@gmail.com for more information.
Zoom Sing-a-long for Preschool

Join Mrs. Boyce at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning for a story, music, and some fun. She will email the link to parents who are registered in the Children's Ministry Program. If you don't receive the link or would like to be added to the list, email Carol at cboyce@boxp.net .
Stewardship Update

Thank you for your online donations. We are encouraging members and friends to continue to support the ongoing mission and ministry of FPC Libertyville by giving online at www.firstpreslibertyville.org . Don't forget to pay your per capita for 2020 to help cover the fee our church pays each year to the Chicago Presbytery to fund their operations along with the Lincoln Trails Synod and the General Assembly.

Did you know the CARES Act includes temporary charitable giving incentives that can benefit you and the church? Click here to learn more!

What is your Legacy?
The FPC Libertyville Endowment Program is here to help. For more information about making a legacy gift to FPC Libertyville, please contact Cynthia Churchwell, Business Manager, at cchurchwell@boxp.net and she will put you in touch with Bill Chapman, Endowment Committee Chairman. All discussions are confidential and without obligation...and all bequests are welcome!
 
"A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.”   Leviticus 27:29-31
Stay in Touch

Please reach out to us if you need support! We want to pray for you, to support you and to help you keep connected. Send us an email at  office@boxp.net  or leave a voicemail at 847-362-2174. 

How to reach us:
 Church office: C all 847-362-2174. Please leave a message and 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.