"Lights, camera, action…
let the Christmas season begin! ..."
– Read more of Pastor Kellen's article here in the December Newsletter –
The "First Look" monthly newsletter is published at the beginning of each month, and is found on the church website homepage in the Resources area. If you or someone you know would like to receive a printed copy of the newsletter, please call or email the office and we will be happy to send you a printed version.
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Advent with First Pres
Family Nativity Night: Friday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 12 at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Eve Services: 4:00 (Family Service),
6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Candlelight
In-person and livestream
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2021 Advent Devotionals
Enter what C.S. Lewis described as “The Grand Miracle” with this collection of reflections designed to draw you into the story of the Incarnation day-by-day through the season of Advent. Scripture, prayer, and full-page contemplative images complete each entry. 28 days, 64 pages. Booklets are free and available to pick up in the Rotunda on Sundays and in the Church Office during the week. You can download an e-devotional here.
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SERMON SERIES
Advent: The Unexpected King
Throughout the Bible, births often herald great hope and expectations, and are the result of great faith in God. Many births are a foreshadowing of the greatest birth of all, the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, December 5 – 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
"The Birth of Peace"
Like in the birth of Moses, the Lord will bring about his peace in miraculous ways. Exodus 2:1-10
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Communion This Sunday – Communion elements will be provided to those worshipping in person. In preparation for receiving communion at home, we encourage you to gather your favorite bread and a small cup of juice in advance of the 10:30 a.m. livestream start time. In the event that you are unable to collect your own elements, just participate as you are able.
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This Sunday we welcome Guest Conductor, John Patrick Rakes. Dr. Rakes is a versatile artistic director, conductor, professor, and vocal instructor whose dedication to artistic and educational excellence is evident in his performing and teaching. He is the Artistic Director of both the Downers Grove Choral Society and the Naperville Men's Glee Club. Recent performances include Mozart's Requiem, J.S. Bach's Christ lag in Todesbanden, and Orff's Carmina Burana. Dr. Rakes is also an Adjunct Professor at both Wheaton College and Kishwaukee College, while serving as Chancel Choir Director at Hinsdale Covenant Church.
Also on Sunday: We are happy to have the Recorder Ensemble back in worship this morning. The members are Kathy Pirtle, Norman Adams, Lora Ilhardt (recorder and guitar), Peter Richey, and Nancy Cinatl, bass.
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In case you missed last week's worship, watch here.
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Adult Education:
The Grand Miracle
Sundays through December 19
10:30 a.m.
Led by: Dr. David Downing and Dr. Crystal Downing
C.S. Lewis once referred to the Incarnation, God taking on flesh, as the Grand Miracle. In this season when we celebrate the Grand Miracle swaddled in a manger, we will talk about how that miracle affected the lives of C.S. Lewis and one of the most important influences on his spiritual life, Dorothy L. Sayers.
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Christmas Mission Opportunities
The need to support our Mission partners continues more than ever. Below are several ways for you give to those in our community who are in need this Christmas season. Contact the church office for additional information.
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Christmas Sharing
Gift Card Funds Needed This Week: The most pressing need is raising money for the purchase of gift cards. We are still in need of $4,865 in gift card funds. Forty-eight family sponsors at $100 each will meet our goal, and all amounts are greatly appreciated. Cash donations are accepted online or by check. Select “Christmas Sharing” fund online or add it in the memo line of your check. A BIG thank you to all who have already contributed, as we continue to move towards meeting our goal!
Volunteers Needed: Twenty volunteers are needed on Saturday, December 11 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, come rain, snow, or sun at Holy Cross Church on Geneva Road. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the church office.
Non-Food Boxes Due Next Week: Empty gift boxes, content lists and instructions are available in the Rotunda and church office. When picking up boxes, please sign the Box Signup Form. Gift boxes must be returned to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 802 E. Geneva Road, Wheaton between Monday, December 6 and Friday, December 10. The cost of the contents of the non-food boxes is approximately $17.
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Serve Holiday Joy to a Senior from Outreach Community Center
Friday, December 17
Outreach Community Center is looking forward to hosting the annual in-person Christmas luncheon for 150 older adults at First Presbyterian Church on December 17. First Pres is one of the biggest supporters of OCC, and through your past generous donations and gracious service, this annual event has graced the lives of many older adults. At this year’s luncheon, we will be serving a traditional holiday meal to the guests. Entertainment will be provided by a student musical group from District 200 and each guest will receive an individual gift.
There are two ways you can help serve holiday joy to a senior:
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Your generous donation of any amount can be made online and selecting the "Outreach Senior Luncheon" fund. Donations will help provide this Christmas experience to an Outreach senior. Checks can be made out to Outreach Community Center and given to the church office.
- We are also seeking volunteers to help serve at the December 17 luncheon.
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Giving Trees
Through Christmas Giving trees, we have shared with sisters and brothers in need for over 35 years. The three Giving Trees are located on the ramp.
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Midwest Center for Homeless Veterans - We are helping 19 veterans in need of gas cards, and Jewel or Target gift cards. Hanging on the tree will be envelopes with the initials of each veteran and indicating if they have cars (for gas cards).
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DuPage Care Center - This tree will have 30 tags listing suggested gifts. Gifts should be left unwrapped and placed in the box under the tree, along with the tag.
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Marklund Home - We are collecting $25 Target cards for 32 residents. There will be 32 envelopes on the tree.
The deadline for giving is Monday, December 13. You can support this ministry online by selecting the "Missions" fund or by check, and designating the tree you wish to support in the Memo line of the online form or your check.
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DuPage PADS
Tuesday, December 14, from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
We will be providing meals to 55-65 guests at the Red Roof Inn (1698 W. Diehl Rd, Naperville). If you are available to help distribute meals, please contact the church office.
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Kids Ministry
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Family Christmas Eve Service – Friday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m.
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Join us on Wednesday evenings for SHINE! from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Register here.
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Join us for Sunday School, every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Register here.
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Genesis – Middle School Ministry
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Meeting on Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.in Stewart Hall
- Save the Date! Winter Retreat will be February 11-13 at Timberlee
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WF – High School Ministry
- WF meets on Sundays from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Save the Date! Winter Retreat will be February 25-27
- Sunday, December 12 will be our annual Progressive Dinner. Details coming soon!
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Women's Ministry Christmas Social
Sunday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m.
at the home of Carol Brcka
• Last names A-J bring appetizers
• Last names K-Z bring dessert or a bottle of wine
A donation of feminine hygiene products will be collected for PADS.
RSVP below by Friday, December 3.
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Poinsettias adorn our chancel each Christmas. To dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please submit a form no later than Monday, December 20. Order online or use a printed form, available in the Rotunda or church office.
Your dedication will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. You may also pick up your poinsettia following the last service on Christmas Eve, or during office hours during the week after Christmas. You may make a donation in the amount of your choice. If you prefer to pay by check, you can complete the online form without the dollar amount and mail to the church.
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Calendar
The current calendar for First Pres events is available
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Church Office:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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