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Greetings!
My children are finishing up their school years this week. Last night we celebrated our older daughter’s 8th grade graduation and tomorrow my younger daughter finishes 4th grade. A tradition at our elementary school has been to finish the year with a countdown to the last day of school and usually consists of an acrostic list of activities and events that will take place during these final days.
Some years it feels like the activities go on and on. One year it was an ABC countdown, meaning that we had 26 days of activities. That was exhausting. This year, Charlotte’s class is simply celebrating the final 11 days celebrating “FOURTH GRADE”. Below is a picture of the list hanging on the fridge, complete with food stains and several wrinkles. Charlotte has enjoyed popsicles outside and presenting her State Fair Project to the entire school (hers was on the great state of Arkansas). Tomorrow is her last day, E for “Exit for Fifth Grade!” Each day is fun, celebrating the end of the year, but it is also a recognition of who they have become, the community they have built through this school year. A celebration of what they have learned and who they have become together.
As I looked at that list on my refrigerator this weekend, I was reminded of the book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 119. Psalm 119 is 176 verses long, making it the longest chapter in the Bible. The Psalm is broken into 22 different stanzas, each beginning with a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet. I decided to listen to a reading of the Psalm and found that most recordings are 14-18 minutes in length! I found one that was closer to 9 minutes, and listened to it while in my car. I was surprised, and delighted, by the number of familiar verses nestled within the Psalm. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” - verse 105, the first sentence in the “Nun” stanza. “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your Word” - verse 114, in the “Samekh” stanza.
This Psalm extols the goodness of God, and the importance of following God’s instructions (law). The Psalmist praises God’s goodness time and time again.
These 176 verses read like the ABC’s of faithfulness. And they highlight what the Psalmist has learned, and how a relationship with God brings blessings and joy. “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” - verse 103, in the “Mem” stanza.
So, if you find yourself with 15 or 20 minutes to spare, I encourage you to spend time reading Psalm 119. Allow it to be an ABC reflection of faithfulness - God’s faithfulness, and our faithfulness in return. It truly is something to celebrate!
Kara Smith-Laubenstein
Associate Pastor
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On Sunday, June 11 we will be pleased to welcome the Rev. Robert L. House
and members of his congregation from New Life Baptist Church
to our worship service.
Located on Chicago's South Side, New Life Baptist Church is a mission partner of First Pres Wilmette. Through its outreach efforts, New Life offers food and shelter to homeless people in the community.
Following the June 11 service, we invite you to join our friends from New Life for lunch and conversation in the Wallace Moore Fellowship Center.
This is the third summer pulpit exchange between New Life and First Pres Wilmette. On Sunday, July 23, Pastor Jeff will preach at New Life. Join him and members of the New Life congregation that morning! Carpools available; contact the church office for details (office@fpcw.org | 847-256-3010).
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Listen to Jeff Lehn Interview Scott Black Johnston, Author of "Elusive Grace"
Jeff recently interviewed his friend and mentor Scott Black Johnston about Johnson's book, the focus of our just-concluded study in the Adult Faith Formation class, titled Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God's Justice. Scott serves as Pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. Watch Jeff and Scott in conversation on YouTube.
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Bridge the Gap Community Outreach Event at Learning Bridge Early Education Center
Celebrate children and community with face painting, music, and a chance to meet City of Evanston fire fighters during Learning Bridge Early Education Center's Bridge the Gap community outreach event this Saturday (June 10) beginning at 9:00 am at 1840 Asbury Avenue in Evanston. Registration encouraged; use the link at lbeec.org/upcoming-events.
First Pres Wilmette includes Learning Bridge Early Education Center among its mission partners.
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Join the 2023 Ricky Byrdsong Memorial
Race Against Hate
Register now for the 10K run, 5K run/walk, or the youth mile on Sunday, June 18 beginning at 7:30 am at Long Field in Evanston. The YWCA Evanston/North Shore uses funds raised during the Race Against Hate to engage children and adults in dialogue, nonviolent action, and the pursuit of racial justice. Besides contributing their registration fee, participants may raise additional funds toward this year's overall fundraising goal of $75,000.00.
Learn more about the Race Against Hate at the YWCA website; the site also provides access to the online registration form.
(Long Field is located at the corner of Sheridan Road and Lincoln Avenue in Evanston.)
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Attend the Book Group's Discussion of Tilar J. Mazzeo's "Sisters in Resistance"
The Book Group will meet on Wednesday, June 21 at 7:00 pm in the Church Lounge to discuss Sisters in Resistance: How a German Spy, a Banker's Wife, and Mussolini's Daughter Outwitted the Nazis. Kirkus Reviews calls the book "A tantalizingly novelistic history lesson." Join us! Contact Joyce Knauff (joyce@jckassociates.com) with questions.
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Rhythm and Word: Midweek Online Worship from Fourth Church
For the past couple of years, our friends at Fourth Presbyterian Church have been creating this midweek offering on their YouTube channel. The brief ten-minute services weave together scripture, prayer, and American vernacular music, specifically jazz and its related genres: blues, soul, and Gospel. The Fourth Church pastors and the Jazz at Four Ensemble put together these online midweek worship experiences which bring together the sacred and everyday life. Watch a recent service with Rev. Shannon Kershner; then sign up to receive the weekly “Rhythm and Word” video by email each week.
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Seeking a New Vision for the Sanctuary and Pipe Organ
The newly-formed Bill Tempelmeyer Committee, composed of several church members and led by Peggy Massello, had begun exploring updates, improvements, and potential changes to the layout and use of the sanctuary and, in particular, the organ. The committee will consider a wide-range of options that seek to better align the physical space with the church's theology and better reflect the present era. The committee welcomes additional members. If you are interested in joining, please contact Peggy Massello to learn more (pmassello@fpcw.org | 847-256-3010 x103).
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Our Call to Racial Justice: Diversity and Inclusion
Do you know the difference between diversity and inclusion? Having one doesn’t necessarily mean having the other. Diversity is the presence of differences, while inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel welcome, respected, supported, and valued. This effort shouldn’t be limited to workplaces; it should stand wherever and whenever we gather in groups. The integration of personal, physical, and social characteristics makes us better thinkers, problem solvers, and a stronger community, but it needs to go beyond the optics of diversity alone. The full story needs inclusion, which promotes the full participation at all levels of all people, especially lifting those who have been historically underrepresented or discriminated against. Although some of the provided resources discuss the workplace, we must implement diversity and inclusion in all of our spaces.
Learn: Defining diversity and inclusion
Advocate: To speak up for inclusion, we need to speak about inclusion
Activate: Three ways to be more inclusive
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The Deacons' Fund Needs Your Support
Our Deacons work hard to support the people of First Pres Wilmette. Did you know that the budget for our Board of Deacons is funded solely through donations made in the green pew envelopes? Deacons support their Care Partners through monthly visits, seasonal gifts, supportive cards, and prayers. They need funds to purchase cards, postage, and seasonal gifts such as Christmas poinsettias and Easter flowers. Deacons also put contributions toward training materials and costs associated with maintaining our church's defibrillator.
Please consider supporting the work of our Board of Deacons by making a donation in the green envelopes found in the pews. Our Deacons thank you for your ongoing support of their important ministries!
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Get the word out about an upcoming meeting, program, or event by sending information to office@fpcw.org. For consideration, send a submission by 5:00 pm on Mondays for the next day's release of Daily Bread; send a submission by 12:00 noon on Thursdays for the following Sunday's Common Life section of the Worship Bulletin. Questions about these publications and their contents always welcome. Write to office@fpcw.org or call the church office at 847-256-3010. | | | | |
