“One has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” That is a favorite American saying of mine that is most often attributed to Abraham Lincoln.* It is a saying I want to embrace in these days going forward. But is a saying that is easier said than done.

The Apostle Paul wrote to a divided community in Corinth and prayed that believers would search and know the heart that he and his companions brought when seeking to up build the community. The quote I offered above is drawn from his famous chapter on reconciliation. This work of reconciliation is ours as we have pledged to “Be a Bridge” with each other and for our community.

Last week I wrote about the importance of testifying to truth. Jesus told Pontius Pilate that truth was his calling and purpose among us. When Paul writes his passage on reconciliation, he grounds it in spiritual truth: Christ “died for the sake of all so that those who are alive should live not for themselves but for the one who died for them and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15) The central truth of God’s sacrificial and resurrecting love in Christ is the core truth that serves as a lens through which Christians view all of life.

This weekend we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He devoted his life to sacrificial love. It took him to a mountaintop view of God’s intention for our land. I wonder, are we guided by sacrificial love today?

I know that families are divided in their perceptions as thoroughly as our nation is divided in its perceptions. I want to apologize if this statement offends some of our church family, but the bipartisan affirmation of state and federal courts, governors, and legislatures as to the lawfulness in the November elections is a truth that I believe must be faced if our nation is to move forward with hope. I want to apologize if I have not underscored enough the previously stated and published opposition of our church and its officers to any kind of violence that undermines constructive discourse in the public arena. The constitutional framework of our democracy provides many avenues of recourse and for amendment. It is peaceful and constructive corrective work in pursuit of justice to which we are called to bear witness in trying times.

A violent attack on the seat of government while its duly elected officers are accomplishing their work on behalf of the people must not be diminished in its abhorrence. Our religious freedom and justice depends upon the effective ordering of society according to norms and procedures for amendment that are framed in our constitution. That means that everyone must learn to listen and work together.

The sacrificial love we affirm is precisely the kind of truth we need to get out of the ditch of division that we’ve fallen into. We speak truth – even hard truths – in love. That love has taken us to a mountaintop view of a better future for our nation and for the world.

Friends, our hearts are known to God. May they be filled with a reconciling love that is known to all.

* The saying likely originated with William Penn.

Join us on Sunday at 10 a.m. for online worship. The Rev. Ryan Wallace is preaching. 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!

We miss seeing you in the Social Hall after worship on Sunday, but we do have an online alternative. Join us at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17 for 30 Good Minutes of fellowship, prayer and conversation.

In his book “The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life,” Adam Hamilton posits that when we die the only things we can take with us are what we have given away. 

Do you currently have a will or trust or are you planning on making one? If you have answered "yes" to this question, please consider earmarking some of your estate’s wealth to our church. Gifts can donated be as a percentage of your estate value or a specified amount. If you have questions, please contact Bill Chapman at williamdchapman99@gmail.com. 

Thank you for your generosity. 

Explore what Presbyterians believe, what is distinctive about our Reformed heritage, and why our church is governed the way it is. This is a wonderful way to get to know our staff better and gain a deeper understanding for our priorities and passions, our ministries and missions. If you are curious, this class is for you!

Our classes are designed for those who are seriously considering joining the church as active members, those who need a refresher course, and those who are searching and discovering God’s leading in their lives.

This four-week online class will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 16 (7-8 p.m.) and continue for four weeks, through Tuesday, March 9. Prospective new members would meet with Session on Monday, March 15 and new members would be presented to the congregation on Sunday, March 21.

Interested? Email Michelle Groenke for more information.

This is a 5-week guided small group discussion for adults to learn and grow together in our understanding of white identity and to prepare ourselves to engage in the work of racial reconciliation in our community. Small groups will begin the week of January 18 and meet weekly for 75 minutes.

This 3-part online series for parents will explore big questions about how to raise our kids with anti-racist values.

Participants will receive resources to engage on their own (e.g. a podcast, a short article, or a YouTube video) and then we will have a live Zoom meeting that includes some teaching, some facilitated discussion, and some time to practice strategies for talking to our kids about race.

Each week, we're providing a short, simple, interactive lesson that will help you engage your kids in meaningful conversations and activities that connect to our faith. The links are posted in our Facebook group and sent to families via email. Contact Mrs. Boyce to sign up.

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.

Are you following our Advent posts on Instagram? If not, click the link below. Also, our Covenant Groups of JHF & SHF students are now meeting and we would love for you to join us! Email Rev. Kara Smith-Laubenstein for more information.

Facebook: First Pres Community & First Pres Libertyville Youth Ministries

Instagram: FPLSHF

PADS Lake County is collecting non-perishable food items that can be distributed to clients on a weekly basis. Please bring your donations to the First Pres sanctuary doors on Douglas Ave. on Tuesday afternoons between 3-5 p.m. We will have an outside drop off set up in front of the Narthex by the benches. Ideally, please email dgmarsden@gmail.com to let us know you are coming.

Realm is our church information management system and every adult member has their own log in and password. Log into your account using the email address we have on file for you to manage your online giving, update your contact information, and access information about groups. If you've forgotten your password or you're having issues getting access, please email office@boxp.net. Our administrative and program staff will be happy to help you!

Per capita is how Presbyterians share equally, responsibly, and interdependently in the costs of governing the Presbyterian Church (USA), providing the means to strengthen the connections of our work and build lasting relationships to help all Presbyterians share God’s love through mission and ministry.

Per capita contributions are requested from every congregation and based on each church’s total active membership as reported to the Office of the General Assembly. The $36 per person assessment for 2021 is based on the active membership of our church as of December 31, 2019.

Phone: Call 847-362-2174 and leave a message. Your call will be returned between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Email: Office@boxp.net (emails go to a member of the administrative team and will be forwarded to the appropriate person).

Pastoral Emergencies: Please call 847-367-6460 and leave a message. A pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.