Sunday, May 5

Communion Sunday

10:00 AM Worship in Sanctuary & Chapel

10:20 AM Sunday School Pre-K - 7th grade

11:00 AM Congregational Meeting (Sanctuary)

12:00 PM Confirmation Luncheon (Fellowship Hall)

1:00 PM Sacred Ground Small Group (Library)

6:00 PM JHF & SHF End of Year Gathering

Monday, May 6

6:30 PM Tutti Bells (Classroom 04)

Tuesday, May 7

7:00 AM Men's Bible Study (Zoom)

6:00 PM Bible Stories for Grown-Ups (Zoom)

Wednesday, May 8

7:30 AM Breakfast & Bible (Zoom)

4:00 - 6:00 PM PADS Food Donation Drop Off (Sanctuary Narthex)

Thursday, May 9

9:00 AM Women’s Disciple Bible Study (Conference Room)

6:00 PM Chapel Music Team (Chapel)

6:30 PM Motet Choir (Sanctuary)

7:30 PM Chancel Choir (Sanctuary)

Saturday, May 11

2:00 PM iConfirm Service & Party (Chapel & Sanctuary Portico)

Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day/Chancel Choir & Orchestra Major Work

10:00 AM Worship in Sanctuary

10:20 AM Sunday School Pre-K - 7th grade

11:00 AM Social Hour (Social Hall)

1:30 PM Green Oaks Senior Living Worship Service (Offsite)

Upcoming Events

 “iConfirm” Service & Party (May 11)

Chancel Choir & Orchestra Major Work: "Lux Aeterna" (May 12)

Confirmation & Baccalaureate Celebration/Pentecost Sunday (May 19)

Spring Blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden (May 21)

Senior High Montreat Conference in North Carolina (June 8-15)

Deacons Ice Cream Social (June 16)

Installation of Church Officers (June 23)

Juneteenth Dinner & Evening Service (June 23)

Worship with us!

Join us at 10 AM in the sanctuary or chapel. Rev. Nicole Chapman-Farley is preaching in the sanctuary and Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching in the chapel. The services will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Flower Dedications

The flowers in the sanctuary this Sunday are placed to the glory of God by Rev. Barbara Peter in loving memory of her husband, Ron, and her son, Doug. The flowers in the chapel are placed to the glory of God in honor of Betsy Davison’s induction into the Libertyville Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame.

Congregational Meeting to Elect Officers on May 5

The Session has called a Congregational Meeting to be held this Sunday, May 5 immediately following worship for the purpose of electing officers. All church members are encouraged to attend.

A.J.’s Walk for Joy on May 5

In memory of A.J. Bianco, the Bianco family is hosting a walk at the Libertyville High School Track this Sunday at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration at Brainerd Field. Click here to learn more or reach out directly to Jenny or David.

Congratulations to Betsy Davison

We're proud to announce that Betsy Davison has been inducted into the Libertyville Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame. She was honored on Thursday at a ceremony at the Senior Center along with seven other volunteer leaders from the local community

Betsy has served as both an Elder and a Deacon, providing critical leadership to our congregation on countless occasions, including serving as Interim Director of Children's Ministry during a period of transition for our Christian Education program. Post-pandemic, she has played a vital role in re-establishing our weekly Sunday School program.

“Betsy Davison is a mighty oak of faith and encouragement for our congregation who carries her life and her faith with humility,” Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson says. “Anyone who meets Betsy will know that she is more comfortable lending encouragement than receiving it, but we won’t let that stand in the way of our singing her praise.”

Beyond her exemplary work with children, Betsy is a gifted historian and storyteller, making her a popular speaker for our Lunch & Learn series. Her work with the Congregational Care Committee, SALT, the Committee on Anti-Racism & Equity, and other groups demonstrates her adaptability and eagerness to contribute wherever needed.

Retirement has afforded Betsy the time to follow her passion for serving others, and the friendships she has cultivated as a volunteer are a cherished reward. "I'm incredibly grateful for the welcoming community I’ve found here," she says.

Congratulations to Betsy on this well-deserved honor! 

Graduate info needed: Please submit your student’s high school or college graduation info using this link or call the church office at 847-362-2174. Graduation info will be included in our bulletin on May 19 and we’ll have a cake reception immediately following worship.

Foreign language speakers for Pentecost: Do you speak a language other than English? We are looking for people who can speak a foreign language to help with scripture reading in worship on Sunday, May 19 (Pentecost Sunday). All languages are welcome - including Biblical ones like Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic - as well as Gaelic, Native American languages, and ASL. The scripture is Acts 21:1-21. You will need a Bible or online source to find the text in your language. There will be a rehearsal on Monday, May 13 at 7 PM in the sanctuary.

Please contact Paul McKenzie at pmckenzie@boxp.net with any questions or to sign up.

Janice G. & Charles M. Savidis Fine Arts Scholarship: Applications are being accepted for a $1,000 college scholarship available to a graduating First Pres high school senior who plans to study music, theater, or any other fine art in college. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 6. The scholarship will be awarded on Baccalaureate Sunday, May 19.

Click here for the application. Call the church office at 847-362-2174 or contact Jerry Brann with any questions.

Everyone is invited to the iConfirm Service & Party on Saturday, May 11 at 2 PM in the Chapel, followed by a celebration outside beneath the Sanctuary Portico (weather permitting).

This service allows us to get to know our newest members as they share a little bit about themselves, as well as tell us why they chose the scripture passages (10 verses long or more!) that they memorized and will share during the service.

After the service, we're having a party outside with fun, games, and free ice cream from the Rainbow Cone Truck. All are welcome and we hope to have a big crowd to support our Confirmation students!

Chancel Choir & Orchestra Major Work: Lux Aeterna on May 12

Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light) by Morten Lauridsen will be the featured major work presented by the Chancel Choir and Orchestra on Sunday, May 12 during our 10 AM worship service.

This five movement work is sung entirely in Latin. The texts are drawn from sacred Latin sources, each containing references to light. 

It is said of composer Morten Lauridsen by musicologist Nick Strimple that he is

 “...the only American composer in history who can be called a mystic, whose probing, serene work contains an elusive and indefinable ingredient which leaves the impression that all the questions have been answered.”

Lauridsen, who taught composition at UCLA for fifty-two years until his retirement in 2019, has received many prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Arts.

Last Call: Spring Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Join Rev. Amy Heinrich on Tuesday, May 21 from 11:45 AM - 2 PM for a delightful afternoon at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The cost is $30, which covers parking, admission, a lovely lunch in a private dining room, and a private tram tour through the breathtaking gardens.

Feel free to linger after the event to explore the gardens at your leisure. If you need assistance with transportation, please inform us so we can assist you.

When you sign up, kindly indicate your choice of sandwich for lunch:

• Tarragon Chicken Salad
• Cranberry & Brie Turkey
• Pesto & Mozzarella Caprese Focaccia (Vegetarian)

Each sandwich comes with a seasonal side salad and a delicious house-baked chocolate chunk cookie. Gluten-free modifications available upon request.

We have a few spots left, but we need to give the Botanic Gardens a final headcount next week, so please sign up today.

PADS Food Collection

Drop off on Wednesdays between 4-6 pm in the Sanctuary Narthex. Please only bring items from the list below:

Breakfast: Bagels, cream cheese, instant oatmeal, store-bought muffins, granola or breakfast bars, meal replacement drinks

Lunch: Crackers, chips, ramen noodle cups or packages, protein bars, tuna or chicken salad packs, beef jerky, microwave popcorn, Jell-O cups, apple sauce pouches

Dinner: Non-perishable microwave dinners, canned baked beans, mac and cheese in boxes or cups, canned chili, microwave rice packs, sardines

Drinks: Apple or fruit juice packs, water bottles, hot chocolate packs, small containers of milk

Other: Can openers, plastic cutlery and plates, baby food

Flower Dedications

Honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion by dedicating a floral arrangement to be used in our worship spaces on Sunday mornings. The cost is $40 per arrangement.

Libertyville Senior Update

Click here to read the May newsletter from our friends at the Libertyville Senior Center.

How to contact a pastor or staff member

Call 847-362-2174 or email office@boxp.net. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday 9 AM - 4 PM. The office will be closed on Monday, April 1, but a pastor will be on call for emergencies.

Pastoral Emergencies

If you are a church member and need to reach a pastor in an emergency, please call 847-367-6460. Leave a message and a pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.

Beware of Scams!

To avoid falling victim to scams, please verify the sender's email address before responding to any messages that appear to be from Pastor Brian. Pastor Brian only sends emails from bpaulson@boxp.net and will never make personal requests for money, gift cards, or any kind of assistance through email. If you have any doubts, please call the church office at 847-362-2174 to verify before taking any action.