It is time to get spiritually fit! The weather is warmer and everywhere people are out walking, running, and cycling. Governor Pritzker announced this past week that Illinois will enter the “Bridge Phase” in a few days and that he expects Phase 5 of our recovery to arrive in mid-June. Our leaders are working with our health and re-opening task forces to move us into a new normal of ministry leading into the autumn season of events.

But are you and I spiritually fit? I encourage you to start focusing on three things. First, pray about the way you will gather with believers in your life of worship. Some may be ready to gather in person earlier than others, but whether you participate online or in person, is there a rhythm to your worship life? Are you connecting that life of worship to your relationship with other believers at First Pres?

Second, invest time in your life of prayer, your study of scripture, and spiritual conversations with other believers about ways God is calling you to live in these days. Are you growing and being attentive to your spiritual well-being? Have you seriously engaged with others at First Pres to help you grow? Finally, take a step of action that demonstrates the love of God that you have found in Jesus Christ. It may be participation in a ministry of service for the hungry or homeless. Perhaps you understand your witness as kindness and care for others in your neighborhood. Or you might find that your voice is needed to address issues of justice for the common good.

Worship, well-being, and witness are three legs that stand up a life that is rooted in the love of Christ. Our Matthew 25 initiative engages all of those dynamics and builds a vital congregation. But a congregation is only as fit as its people. Make sure you are growing as a Christian. Let’s do it together. It is time to get spiritually fit!

The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching. You can pre-register online, but we also accept walk-in registrations on Sunday morning.

The church office is open to aid your spiritual life Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. A member of our excellent administrative team will be in the office answering telephones during those hours.

The doors, however, will remain locked so that we can monitor entry into the building. Please call ahead to notify us of what you or your group needs to do inside the building and we’ll be sure to get you in the door. If you arrive without notice and have a cell phone, you can call 847-362-2174 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and someone will come to the door to let you in.

We still require a mask inside the church, but more and more we are opening our ministries for service and involvement. Thank you for bearing with us during the transition. We are thrilled to start hearing more voices and seeing more bright eyes in our wonderful church campus.

Join us at 10 a.m. for online worship. The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching. Our online worship premieres on YouTube at 10 a.m. and will be available for on demand viewing once the premiere is complete. Please sign our Fellowship Pad. Following worship, join us for "30 Good Minutes" of fellowship and prayer on Zoom.

Deacons will be in the front of the church between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 16 to accept your bagged food donations or you can take your donations directly to the Libertyville Township Food Pantry or St. Joseph's Food Pantry. See the list below for the May menu.

Check out this video from Deacon Chris Griffin to learn more: https://youtu.be/CBA47VEwtMY

Canned Meat

Canned Pork and Beans

Canned Vegetables

Corn Muffin Mix (that requires no eggs)

Canned Fruit

Items always needed:

Powdered or Canned Milk

Peanut Butter (plastic jar please)

Cereal

(Any unopened, unexpired non-perishable food)

Appreciated stocks, bonds and mutual funds are just a few assets that help sustain the mission and ministry of FPC Libertyville - and may offer you tax benefits. Please contact Cynthia Churchwell at cchurchwell@boxp.net to learn more.

The G.R.O.W. Team (a subcommittee of the Anti-Racism & Equity Task Force) is launching a monthly newsletter to promote anti-racism literacy. Check it out here: https://conta.cc/3epxHIS

 This month they are featuring:

Join us on Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the historic Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods as we explore how we emerge from the pandemic as our most authentic, compassionate, courageous and grateful selves. Our morning together will include music, worship, a contemplative walk on the beautiful trails of Ryerson Woods, a hands-on creative project, and group sharing. Register by May 23 to get the Early Bird rate.

If you like working with technology and are available to volunteer, please email Mary Kovatch at office@boxp.net.

Attention families! Join us outside at the church for a family fun time on Saturday, May 15. Children up through third grade are welcome to come between 10:30 a.m - 12 p.m. with a parent. Children in fourth through eighth grade are welcome to come on their own between 1:30 and 3:30. More details coming soon.

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.

Our Inquirers Classes are a great way to meet new people, learn more about our church, and explore about what it means to be a Presbyterian.

On Saturday, May 22 , we need four volunteers to help move furniture and other household items from Love INC's Gurnee warehouse to the residence of a Lake County neighbor in need of a fresh start.

Parents are welcome to bring their school age children who are able to help carry light items. You do not need to be a member of FPC to get involved.

Here's the link to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0845a8af2caafd0-furniture

The Libertyville Senior Center offers a number of programs and services for seniors in our community. You may access their monthly newsletter by clicking the blue button below.

Phone: Call 847-362-2174.

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 if you are church member and need to reach a pastor in an emergency. Leave a message and a pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.