'The Power Train' of Prayer

This week's eNewsletter Feature

was written by Jim Teague,

FPCE director of communications.

Dear Jim,

A week ago, my mom moved from her home of 39 years in Northern California to Atlanta to be closer to my sister and a day’s drive from me and my family.

She has a good friend, Dora, whose regular morning route while walking her dog would take them past my mom’s house early every morning. Being a kind soul, Dora and her dog Tofu would stop and toss the morning newspaper from near the curb to the front door of my mom’s house. It was a kindness she did for many years, allowing my mom to grab the paper from the front stoop rather than having to parade out to the curb and back in her bathrobe.

Yesterday, my mom and this friend spoke on the phone, and Dora reported that the new homeowners have installed new drapes on the front windows. She also commented that Tofu continues to stop every morning out in front of the house, waiting for Dora to throw the paper to the front door.

The first couple of days, Dora tried to cajole Tofu into just moving along and learning a new pattern, but the years of stopping and waiting for Dora to pitch the paper had ingrained the habit. Finally, by the fourth day, Dora gave up and is now throwing the new residents’ paper to the front door of my mom’s former home every morning. It only takes a moment or two out of her day, and Dora figures the new residents will simply think the newspaper delivery person has an exceptional talent for tossing the paper accurately.

Like that dear dog, Tofu, we, too, have ingrained habits — as individuals and as a church.

Sunday Worship Service

March 26 | 9:30 a.m.

In person and online!

This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Raymond Hylton brings the sermon, "On Mission with Jesus," from John 6:1-15.

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Condolences

We offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to our senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Raymond Hylton, his wife Judith, and their children, Judene, Ray, Jr., and Joel, for the passing of Pastor Ray’s mother, Joycelyn Berneida Hylton, on March 21, 2023. A memorial service is planned for Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. in Middletown, N.Y.

Parish Nurse

Book Club

Tuesday, March 28

1:30-3 p.m. in the Parlor

Learn more.

Join us for our final

Taize Worship Service

Wednesday, March 29 | 7 p.m.

Walker Chapel, online, or on Zoom

Learn more.

Special Palm Sunday Ecumenical Processional

Sunday, April 2 | 9 a.m. | SW corner of Raymond Park

Join First Pres and our neighboring churches for a Palm Sunday processional! Lake Street Church, Immanuel Lutheran, First Congregational Church of Evanston, and First Pres are inviting attendees to gather together for an ecumenical processional–complete with a live donkey, strolling musicians and plam leaves for all involved.

At the end of the event, each congregation will head to their own church for Palm Sunday services. We will begin our service at 9:30 a.m.

Families are invited to gather after Good Friday Service for Gelato

The Our Families Our Children council invites families to attend the Good Friday service at 7 p.m. Following the service families can gather to walk down the street to enjoy “Easter is Coming” gelato at Frio Gelato. The council will be treating families.

Become a Stephen Minister–training applications due March 31

You are part of a caring congregation. Is God calling you to take a more active role in Christian caregiving? Then Stephen Ministry Training may be just what you’re looking for.

Training begins on Saturday, April 15, then meets weekly on Mondays from 7-9 p.m. until September 25. To apply, or learn more, click here!

Egg Hunt candy donations needed

Please consider donating plastic Easter eggs, individually wrapped candy, and small prizes for our Easter egg hunt. Drop off items at the Front Desk, labeled for Pastor Amanda.

'The Way of the Cross' exhibit for Lenten reflection

An exhibit of images by Kreg Yingst taken from his book “The Way of the Cross,” is now on display on the second floor of the church. There is an opening page as you turn to enter the staircase up to the second floor with details. Please take time to view the images and use them throughout Lent for reflection and prayer.  

Seder, Jewish Evangelism 101 Opportunities

John Mauck, First Pres member and Adult Ed instructor for the recently concluded course "The Book of Hebrews," is inviting anyone who is interested to participate in two teaching events about sharing the Christian faith with Jewish people. The first is a Seder hosted by Justin Kron at sister church Village Presbyterian Church in Northbrook on April 6. This is a ticketed event, and more info can be found here. The second is "Jewish Evangelism 101" a free training course offered by Jews for Jesus, taking place on Zoom April 26-28. Learn more and sign up for the course here.

Mission Prayer

Emmaus Ministries in Chicago: Finding solutions to end trafficking and exploitation.

Emmaus has asked that we join them in prayer. Their staff believe in the power of prayer and God’s ability to heal. Please pray that the Lord would guide the steps of their leaders in growth, outreach, and relationships built with the men and boys who are seeking aid. Pray that all who enter their space will recognize it is a place of healing and restoration. Lift up their Executive Director, Joel Mitchell, and their staff, inviting the Lord to provide the resources needed–from volunteers and from funds–to help the men they serve heal holistically. Finally, ask God that these men who have been victims of trauma and exploitation might find, with the help of Emmaus, new ways to live even through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

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