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Church Family,
What a blessed Easter worship experience and culmination of Holy Week it was at First Pres Wheaton! Thank you for inviting your family and friends as we saw a 10 percent increase in attendance from last year. I'm grateful to our many ministry teams that helped make Easter extra special, from our Staff and Music Leaders, Visual Arts and Ushers, Kids Ministry and Blessed Aprons, to Deacons and AV Team. I appreciate you welcoming a guest, making room next to you for someone to sit, or giving with joyful generosity.
What's next? This Sunday is our second annual Mission Fest. In the scripture that follows our Easter text, in John 20:21, Jesus says, "As the Father sent me, so I'm sending you." We are a "sent" people, sent to love, serve, and care for our community and world. Please be sure to attend this week as we offer our prayers, encouragement, and support to several of our Mission Partners who will be with us in worship and our time of fellowship. You will have a chance to learn more about and become involved with them.
Christ is risen indeed! I can't wait to share the next season of mission and ministry with you.
Blessings,
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Pastor Kellen
P.S. – This Sunday we're welcoming the Wheaton College Women's Chorale and Men's Glee Club for special music during worship.
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Second Annual Mission Fest!
Please join us this Sunday as we celebrate God’s work in our local community and across the globe. During Mission Fest 2025, we will welcome several of our local mission partners and involve them in both Sunday services. Following services, the mission partners will share information with members and friends about their work and how to become involved. The following agencies will be represented at the event:
• Christmas Sharing • DuPage PADS • People’s Resource Center
• Exodus (Heidi’s House) • Outreach • ESSE
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Sunday, April 27
9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Worship (childcare available)
Livestream at 10:30
Sunday's Message:
"I Am Sending You!"
(John 20:19-23)
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Special Music This Sunday
Women’s Chorale – Comprised of 50-60 female students representing a variety of academic majors, the central goal of the Wheaton College Women's Chorale is to worship God through musical offerings, to uplift audiences through shared ministry, and to enrich the college experience for ensemble members. The chorale, directed by Lydia Vermeesch, maintains a busy concert schedule on the Wheaton College campus and beyond, singing for enthusiastic audiences around the United States, Europe, and the British Isles.
Men’s Glee Club – Truth, Integrity, Brotherhood. These are the core values that comprise the Wheaton College Men’s Glee Club. Known for its traditions, the MGC and its conductor, John Swedberg, continue to involve men in life-changing experiences. Founded in 1907, the ensemble is comprised of singers who hail from many different areas of study and many parts of the world.
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Music Ministry updates
We bid congratulation to Joanna Percy and Luke Hochstetler as they prepare to graduate from Wheaton College in a few weeks. We also offer additional congratulations to Joanna, who has decided to attend graduate school for vocal performance at University of Michigan. You invited to celebrate with her by attending her Senior Voice Recital this Saturday, April 26 at 4:30 p.m. in the recital hall of the Armerding Center for the Arts on the Wheaton College campus.
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In case you missed
last week's worship,
you can watch here.
| | | New Adult Education Series Begins This Week | | |
“The Transforming Fire of Divine Love”
Sundays, April 27-May 18
10:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall
Led by Dr. John Armstrong
Most Bible readers know “God is love” and most have heard the words “God so loved the world.” But few readers realize that these are perhaps the most daring verses in all the Scripture. Why? They tell us who God is and why we can trust him. Yet very few Christians realize how much of what they believe about the nature of God is rooted in ideas foreign to divine love. Based on his recently published book, Dr. John Armstrong will share a deeply personal story of his long, slow journey to know and experience God as a compassionate and loving Father. This class will help you develop a doctrine that can free you from guilt, fear, and many misconceptions we have about God. You will see that what you believe about God will truly affect everything else you believe. Books are available at church for a discounted price of $17. www.thetransformingfire.com
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Men’s Spring Breakfast
Friday, April 25
7:00-8:00 a.m. in Stewart Hall
All members and friends of First Pres Wheaton are welcome to join us for the Men’s Spring Breakfast. Make plans to be a part of this morning of fellowship and hear a message from Pastor Kellen planned especially for the men of our church and community.
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A Strawberry Brunch
Thursday, May 8
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in Stewart Hall
All women of the church are invited to attend A Strawberry Brunch sponsored by the Women’s Ministry of First Pres Wheaton.
Highlights include:
- "Art Heists of the 20th Century" presented by Susan Ciezki
- A Quiche with Salad Brunch
- Installation of Board Members for Women’s Ministry
- Presentation of the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Member award
Kindly RSVP here or by contacting the church office by Monday, May 5.
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Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. for children age 3 through 5th grade.
- Preschool 3's and 4's meet in LL102
- Kindergarten and 1st grade meet in LL105
- 2nd and 3rd grade meet in LL106
- 4th and 5th grade meet in LL107
Childcare is available during both services in LL103 for children ages 3 years and younger.
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Genesis Middle School Ministry Friday, April 25: Genesis Fun Night – Check your email for details. Sunday, April 27 – Genesis meets at 10:30 a.m.
WF High School Ministry: Sunday, April 27 – Scavenger Hunt Downtown – 5:30-7:00 p.m. Check your email for details.
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A Lost and Found table will be set up this Sunday, April 27 through Sunday, May 11, with items that have been left at the church over the past months. The table will be located on the ramp leading to Stewart Hall. There are water bottles, coats, umbrellas, and many more items that we hope will be reunited with their owners! Unclaimed items will be donated.
| | First Quarter Giving Statements | | First Quarter Giving Statements were sent on April 10. If you have an email on file, your statement has been emailed to you. Otherwise, you will receive your statement in the mail. Please call the church office or contact Beth Spiegel with any questions. | | Calendar and Office Hours | | |
Check the First Pres calendar regularly for updates.
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Regular Office Hours
Monday through Thursday – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
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