Keep Dreaming
… the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ - Matthew 1:20-21
When God wanted to open a new world, it began with a dream offered to one generation for the next. We learn of Jesus’ arrival by means of a dream in the Gospel of Matthew. Dreams are powerful tapestries of meaning speaking to our lives.
It took a lifetime for Joseph to understand the depth of meaning God intended in the dreams he was given to comprehend. That is the way with dreams. Some are passed down from one generation to the next. Some must come back to us time and time again as a challenge for something better.
Years ago the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King proclaimed that he had a dream from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In his speech, he articulated the dream all Americans were given by our founders. He said that, “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.” Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That was a dream.
In that same speech, Dr. King suggested that America had fallen short on that dream. He suggested that people of color had been given a check that came back marked, insufficient funds. But in the next breath, he did not wallow in bitterness. Instead he raised up the dream as a challenge.
He said, “We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.” This is a gift of dreams. They carry us to something more. They carry us beyond our fear and insufficiencies toward something better.
Together at First Pres, we seek to be a bridge through this pandemic and a bridge over barriers of racism toward the better day that God has in store for us all. I believe we have more than enough resources of God’s goodness and mercy to carry us through tough times to a better day. Do not be afraid. Keep dreaming.
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Sunday Morning Worship
Join us on Sunday at 10 a.m for online worship. The Rev. Ryan Wallace is preaching on is preaching on Recalculating Route.
The video will premiere on YouTube. You may also access the link on our website. Please sign the Fellowship Pad so we know you've join us in worship!
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Survey: "In Person" Indoor Worship
We're taking a survey to determine how many people would be interested in attending a proposed "in person" indoor worship service this fall. If you haven't had a chance to respond to the quick two question survey, please click the blue button below.
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30 Good Minutes
Join us at 11 a.m after our Sunday worship for 30 Good Minutes of conversation and sharing.
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Deacons' Winter Coat Drive
On October 3 and October 10, the Deacons will hold their annual Winter Coat Drive. The coats, hats and mittens collected will be distributed to Mobile Food Pantry guests on October 17.
Please bring your donations to the circular driveway at the portico entrance to the sanctuary between 10 am. and noon on either the 3rd or the 10th. Items should be clean and in good condition with no obvious stains, rips or tears.
Please put your donations in garbage bags sealed shut in the trunk of your car. Pull into the circle, remain in your car, and pop open the trunk. Volunteers will remove the items, close your trunk and send you on your way. Marie Kondo will be so proud of you for cleaning out your closet and providing a warm coat for a child or adult in need.
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Women's Fall Retreat
The Women's Fall Retreat is just a week away and we still have space for you!
Join the Rev. Amy Heinrich and the Women's Ministry Board for a renewing morning outdoors amidst the beauty of the fall foliage on Saturday, October 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m at Adler Park in Libertyville.
In these difficult days, it is essential to retreat, like Jesus did, to find the grounding and comfort of the good news: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:17
By intentionally caring for ourselves and opening our spirits to God’s grace and wisdom, we can find peace, perspective and purpose even in a pandemic.
Rev. Amy Heinrich will lead the opening and closing sessions and you'll be invited to move through four different spiritual practices throughout the morning:
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Centering prayer and Lectio Divina under the oak trees with Lori Sundberg
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Transforming Grief journal reflection in the pavilion with therapist, Rev. Erin Sharp
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Self-massage techniques in the Lodge with massage therapist Mary Slight
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Contemplative walk on the trail or solitary sitting in nature with a guided meditation provided by Rev. Amy Heinrich
Cost: $12
Space is limited to 50 people, including volunteers and facilitators.
Please wear masks, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. Bring a small backpack or drawstring bag with a water bottle and/or travel coffee mug, as well as a small towel to sit on.
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If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God. - Leviticus 25:35–37
Your Giving Matters
The First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville has had an incredible journey full of unexpected curves, surprising discoveries, and unforeseen challenges over the past 150 years. This year is certainly no different with the continued fight against Covid-19 and social unrest. We are very grateful, especially during this pandemic, for your continued giving online. Be sure to check out our ‘new & improved’ Giving section of our website at https://firstpreslibertyville.org/giving/. Thank you!
Endowment Giving
Did you know you can extend your financial support to future generations through the FPC endowment program? For a confidential discussion about legacy gifts and tax benefits, please contact Bill Chapman at 847-456-8647.
Giving by Praying
God’s faithfulness has provided for us in the past, is present with us today, and will lead us into a bright future. In addition to considering donating stock, bonds and mutual funds to the church (contact Cynthia @ cchurchwell@boxp.net to learn more), please continue to pray for the church staff, its members and all of those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Picnic in the Parking Lot
Join us on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. for a picnic in the south parking lot along Douglas Street. We invite you to bring your own chairs, your own mask, and a picnic lunch. We will have socially-distanced spaces marked out for you to set up your chairs. We'll also provide bottled water and a sweet treat. Music will be provided by the Kettle Brothers Jazz Band.
Please note that space will be limited to 50 people and everyone must wear a mask when they are not eating or drinking. Register at: https://forms.gle/gCLcqztX1x4vTb9n6
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Faith Formation at First Pres
Check out what's happening this fall in Faith Formation! We're excited to be collaborating with three other nearby Presbyterian congregations in a series of events, including our popular "Be A Bridge 101" small group studies. Click the button below to learn about some upcoming events.
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Faith at Home Together
Since our kids won’t be gathering at church for Sunday School classes this fall, we’re bringing opportunities to engage faith to you at home.
Each week, we're providing a short, simple, interactive lesson each week that will help you engage your kids in meaningful conversations and activities that connect to our faith. Look for more details soon about our first theme for the fall.
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Children & Family Ministry Family Pods
This fall, we’re encouraging our First Pres families to join a “pod”—a small group of up to four First Pres families committed to keeping connected to each other.
We hope these pods will be a source of community, support, and connection during a tough season. Each pod will decide for itself how, when, and where to gather (virtually and/or in-person).
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Gather Round
Calling all Kindergartners - 2nd graders (or anyone who likes a good story). Mrs. Boyce will be reading bedtime stories on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Sign up for the Children and Family Newsletter to receive the Zoom links.
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Family Tunes & Tales
Join us Thursdays at 9 a.m. for Tunes & Tales. This program is appropriate for young children between the ages of 3 and 5. Older children are welcome as well. Sign up for the Children & Family Newsletter to receive the Zoom links.
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After School Zoom Club
Students in 3rd -6th grade are invited to join Mrs. Boyce for After School Zoom Club beginning Thursday, Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Sign up for the Children & Family newsletter to get the weekly Zoom links.
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JHF and SHF Events
Sign up for the Youth Ministry Newsletter for updates on upcoming events!
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This community is a great way to connect with the church while we are physically separated!
This is a Facebook group for parents, students, and families.
This Instagram page is a central location for information for our Senior High activities, plans, times, and more!
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Your Realm account is ready for viewing
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Senior Ministry
Our Deacons are reaching out to seniors in our congregation who may need help accessing the technology needed to watch our Sunday worship services. If you or someone you know could use some assistance, please email office@boxp.net
The monthly Libertyville Senior Update is now available online.
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How to contact us:
Phone: Call 847-362-2174 and leave a message. Your call will be returned between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Pastoral Emergencies: Please call 847-367-6460 and leave a message. A pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.
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