May These Numbers Not Numb Us

This week’s eNewsletter Feature

was written by Rev. Raymond Hylton

FPCE senior pastor.

Dear Jim,

For more than 200 years, believers referred to America as a “Christian nation.” But if researchers from the Pew Research Center are correct, their numbers indicate this may no longer be the case in about 48 years. (See Modeling the Future of Religion in America for more details.) 

Here are a few of their grim data points: 

• US Nones — those without any religious affiliation will exceed Christians by the year 2070. 

• Only 63 percent of Americans self-identify as Christian this year, a marked drop from 75 percent only 10 years ago. 

• The number of Americans who say religion is “very important” in their lives is also falling: 41 percent of Americans consider religion “very important” in their lives, down from 56 percent in 2007. 

• The percentage of Americans identifying as Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and adherents of other non-Christian faiths could double. 

• Currently, about a third (31 percent) of Christians become disaffiliated before they turn 30. 

Conrad Hackett, Associate Director of Research and senior demographer at Pew Research Center, said that the projections for the country do not show the end of Christianity or of religion in general, which he expects to remain robust. And most “Nones”, while claiming no religion, do not identify as atheists either. Instead, the United States appears to be going through a pattern of secularization that has happened in other countries, though Hackett says “America may be a bit behind.” 

Sunday Worship Service

September 18 | 9:30 a.m.

In person and online!

Download Bulletin

This week in the "A Place at the Table" series, Rev. Raymond Hylton preaches the message "The Power of an Invitation" from Matthew 9:9-13.

Unicameral Governance Consideration

This fall, First Pres members are being asked to consider whether or not changes to the Bylaws should be enacted to streamline the operations of the church's governance. Three information sessions are being planned so members and regular attendees can come and ask questions about the proposals. These will take place Wednesday September 21 (7 p.m. in Room 213 and on Zoom), Sunday, September 25 (after the service in the Choir Room), or Sunday, October 2 (after the service in the Choir Room) to learn more and provide your thoughts.

Family Small Group begins Sunday

Every third Sunday 4-6 p.m. | FPCE Dining Room

Parents and caregivers with kids aged 0 – college are invited to join our monthly family small group. It will meet the third Sunday of the month with dinner provided. This group is for all parents and caregivers, come by yourself or with a spouse, whatever works for your family. Childcare will be provided for infant through fifth grade, youth will be in their own small group time. Click here to register.

Fall Adult Education Courses

'God's Big Picture'

Begins Sunday

Led by Phil and Marlene Sefton

Using the book "God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible" by Vaughan Roberts, this course traces the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation to see how it all fits together, telling of God's wonderful plan to save the world through Jesus Christ.

Learn more.

The Book of Ruth

Begins Sunday

Led by John Mauck

Ruth will be approached as a many splendored love story: Ruth’s love for Naomi; Boaz’s love for Ruth, and God’s love for Israel and the Gentiles. John will teach mostly by lecture with the class discussing applications in the last five minutes.

Learn more.

Life Together

FPCE membership class

September 25, October 9 & 16

This class is intended for those investigating membership at First Pres, and for those interested in learning more about engaging in the life of the church. The classes meet on Sundays after the worship service on September 25, October 9 and 16.

Click here to register.

Bright Stars of Bethlehem Virtual Gala Watch Party

Saturday, October 1 | 5:45 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. Virtual Gala

RSVP HERE.

Please join First Presbyterian Church Evanston for a watch party for Bright Stars of Bethlehem’s “Recipe for Hope” 2022 Virtual Gala. The evening will begin with fellowship and a Palestinian Dinner, followed by a virtual message from Dr. Mitri Raheb (founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University) and then the virtual fundraising Gala at 7 p.m. There is no cost for the dinner, but you must RSVP by Wednesday, September 28.

Eat, Knit, Laugh, Pray: Saturday, September 17 at Noon in Room 206. Learn more

Thursday Women's Bible Study: Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. in Room 213 and on Zoom. Learn more.

Loop Bible Study: Fridays at Noon at 1 N. LaSalle St. (25th floor) and on Zoom. This week we study Luke 6:17-7:10.

Saturday Men’s Breakfast: Saturdays at 8 a.m. Room 213 or on Zoom. Learn more.

Nourish Women's Bible Study: Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Room 213 and on Zoom. Childcare provided. Learn more.

Condolences

We offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Terri Englund and her family, for the passing of Terri’s mother, Louise Garner, on July 25, 2022. Please contact the church office if you would like her address.

The Memorial Service for James Latturner, father of FPCE member Catherine Lautturner, will be on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 3 p.m. at University Church in Hyde Park 5655 South University Ave.

Deacon's Backpack Project update

A sincere “thank you” for your generous support of the Board of Deacons Backpack Project. Together we raised more than $3,400 to assist at-risk students from Evanston’s District 65. New backpacks, water bottles, Target gift cards and Bluetooth earbuds (to help minimize students’ distractions as they study) were provided to get the school year off to a great start. The overwhelming support allowed the Deacons to supply Family Focus with writing journals and craft supplies for after-school projects.

Deacon volunteers met to fill the back packs and to write a personal message to each student. The back packs were delivered to Family Focus prior to the start of the school year.

For the 15^th year in a row, our anonymous donor generously provided all the backpacks for the students. In addition, a related fundraising effort by our friends at Northminster Pres extended the impact of the program at Family Focus increasing the number of families supported to 55!

Mission Prayers

Pray for Robert and Laurie Nordstrom

Please continue to pray for Robert and Laurie Nordstrom (Nordstrom News) as their team meets new students. Pray especially that they can develop relationships and build trust with students who have been warned by their government or families not to connect with Christians in the United States. God has answered prayers. They have had many opportunities to meet new students from Ukraine and Central Asia who are studying at their local community college for the year. Praise be to God for a great trip to Michigan with returning Illinois Tech students from China, India, and Iran. Continued prayers are requested for a successful launch for community groups and that students would come to faith in Jesus. 

Tumekutana Virtual Gathering

Please pray for our Tumekutana Sisters who will be holding a virtual gathering across 22 countries in Africa–and several continents–the mornings of September 21-23! It will be a real challenge for many of our sisters who don’t have access to good internet and who have never used zoom before. The theme of the gathering is “Resilience in the midst of Covid-19: The African Woman’s Perspective.” Psalm 40:2 : “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Speakers include Prof. Isabel Phiri, Deputy General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, and Rev. Dr. Jessie-Fubara Manuel, (someone who has visited First Pres Evanston often). Please pray that this will be a time of encouragement, challenge, and renewal, as well as a time to mourn the loss of several sisters who have passed away over the past year. Pray that business may be conducted well to elect a new Francophone secretary, and to move toward finalization of the constitution. And, please pray that our various speakers to be able to either send a video ahead of time or to be in a place where their internet connection is stable.  Pray for Caryl Weinberg as she and Pastor Younan Shiba will be the technical hosts for the gathering.