View the May newsletter here
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NEW SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
STARTING THIS SUNDAY, MAY 9
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Beginning this Sunday for Mother’s Day, we look forward to welcoming you back for Church on the Lawn at 9:00 a.m. Outdoor worship will allow us to accommodate a larger number of attendees and no reservations are needed.
Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. Feel free to invite a friend or neighbor!
We will slightly shift our sanctuary/livestream worship service time to 10:30 a.m. Regular reservation procedures will remain in place for our limited, in-person sanctuary worship and the livestream will continue to be offered on our YouTube channel.
Sanctuary Reservations: Email or call the office for 10:30 in-person reservations. Face coverings are required to be worn and remain on throughout the service. Social distancing of six feet will be maintained between attendees who are not part of the same family. If you are vulnerable or displaying any Covid symptoms, please enjoy livestream worship at home.
We look forward to having you with us for worship in-person or online!
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Sermon Series:
“What is Your Name? The Life of Jacob”
Sundays through May 16
Pastor Kellen explores the highs and lows of Jacob in the book of Genesis. Through Jacob’s birth, family conflict, and relationship with God, we see God’s redemptive plan on the move. God transforms Jacob from a deceptive young man into Israel: the one who wrestles with God.
This Sunday: "Wrestling with Destiny"
Genesis 32:22-32
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Adult Education – New Series Begins Tonight
“Mission:USA – Ministering to the Least of These”
Wednesdays, May 5-26
7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Peter Lawson, Director of Outreach for Mission:USA leads this 4-part series, beginning with a description of the work of Mission:USA, and giving some tools to use in ministry to others in the following weeks.
Week 1: Description of Mission:USA’s ministries – We will begin by hearing about Mission:USA ministries, a little bit of background and stories from the mission field in Chicago.
Week 2: What is ministry and how do we accomplish it?
Week 3: Being prepared to serve
Week 4: Boundaries and Expectations
Peter Lawson serves as Director of Outreach for Mission:USA. In this role, he oversees our Cook County Jail ministry and street-level outreach, creating innovative new strategies for ministry behind bars. Peter is originally from Wheaton and grew up at First Pres Wheaton.
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Free Mother’s Day Professional Photos
Sunday, May 9, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Whether you’re coming for our outdoor service or sanctuary worship on Sunday, you’re invited to come for a free professional photo at the church. Come dressed up or casual, with your family, as a couple, or by yourself! We will send the photos digitally to all those who come to have their picture taken. Even if you’ll be watching the livestream at home, you’re welcome to come between services for a photo. Photos can be taken outside on the church steps or inside in the Rotunda. Happy Mother's Day!
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Kids Ministry
In-person Sunday School during the worship service begins this Sunday, May 9, and will continue throughout the summer.
- 9:00 a.m. Outdoor Service – Children ages 2½ through 5th grade may attend in-person Sunday School. Face masks and social distancing will be required, along with all mandated cleaning protocols.
- 10:30 a.m. Livestream Service – Zoom Sunday School will continue during the livestream worship through May 23, which will be our last Zoom Sunday School.
Kids Together today at 4:00 p.m. – Join us today as the older kids complete their birdhouse project with Dick Routsen, and the preschoolers create maracas for Cinco De Mayo. Each week includes a time of recreation and sports for all ages. RSVP for supplies and planning is helpful, but not required.
Vacation Bible School: Adventure Island – June 14-18 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Kids Ministry is excited to invite you to join us for this outdoor VBS adventure. Preliminary RSVP for planning and supplies.
Genesis – Middle School Ministry
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Today, 5:00-6:00 p.m. – Genesis in the Gym! Socially-distant games and a look at the book of James
WF – High School Ministry
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Tonight, 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Girls small group will meet on the 3rd floor. Guys will meet in the Rotunda. We will head outside if the weather is nice.
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Sunday, NO WF – Spend the day with mom!
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You Can Help With Youth Sunday – Send Us Your Pictures!
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Congregation – We Would Love Your Help!
Please take a "God Is Here" photo! For Youth Sunday this year on June 6, our high school youth want to communicate the idea that God is always with us: in our exciting experiences, in our routine everyday existence, in our joy and in our struggles. We would like photos of YOU, doing your daily things, with a sign that says "God is Here" for our Youth Sunday project. Please email your photo (iPhone Live Photos welcome!)
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2021 Men’s Breakfast Event
Thursday, May 20
7:00-8:00 a.m.
All members and friends of First Pres are welcome to join us for the 2021 Men’s Breakfast. Make plans to be a part of this morning of fellowship and hear a special talk from Pastor Kellen called “Our Greatest Hope,” a message planned especially for the men of our church and community. We will be following Covid safety protocols. The breakfast is FREE, but please RSVP in advance by contacting the church office by email or phone at 630-668-5147.
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Adult Volunteers Needed
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35
Have you considered how you might be called to befriend refugees in your community? Exodus World Service equips Christian volunteers to walk beside families who are rebuilding their lives after fleeing war or persecution. Exodus provides training and support, you give one hour per week for three months. You can help a refugee kid with homework, or practice English conversation with an adult, all by video/Zoom call. It’s never been easier to make a difference in the life of a refugee family! Learn more here.
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Blood Drive
If you've been looking for a way to help people in need, here's an opportunity! Blood is needed now more than ever.
One unit of blood can save up to THREE lives!
Saturday, May 22
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Appointments are encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
New Covid19 Information:
PLEASE NOTE: You DO NOT need to be vaccinated to donate blood. Donors who have received the COVID Vaccine are eligible if they received it ON or BEFORE May 19.
Photo ID is required. Thank you for supporting our blood drive.
Note: Versiti has suspended their COVID19 antibody testing as of 3/27/21.
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Music Director Search
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout out loud to the Rock of our salvation” - Psalm 95:1
On July 18, we will say goodbye to Kedrick Armstrong, who has beautifully and creatively led our music ministries for nearly four years. We send him with our blessing as he goes on to graduate school. The Human Resources Committee has formed a search committee to find a new Director of Music Ministry. Those serving on this search team are:
– Steve Van Oss – Paul Burgess – Georgia Hamilton –
– Dave Geddes – Laurie Harrington – Pastor Kellen Smith –
We thank God for the commitment these individuals have to our church and music program. Please keep the search committee in your prayers as they look for the next person to lead our music ministries. We look forward to discovering who the Lord already has in mind for this important role in our congregation.
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A confirmation email was sent this morning from Tammy Brokaw to all women who are registered for the Springtime Luncheon. Please contact the office if you didn't receive it.
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Eagle Scout Service Project |
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Andrew Kurtz, of Boy Scout Troop 23, is doing a pet supply drive as his Eagle Scout Service Project. Andrew is collecting pet supplies that will be donated to Starfish Animal Rescue in Batavia, an organization that rescues animals from high kill shelters and provides many other animal welfare services.
A collection bin is located in the Rotunda through May. Additional donation methods are also available. Learn more about Andrew's project and see a list of needed items here.
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Church Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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