The Awesome Power of the Cross

A Mission Partner Testimony


This week’s eNewsletter Feature

was co-written by David Ivaska, FPCE missions prayer team leader,

and Caryl Weinberg, FPCE director of mission.

Dear Jim,


Recently, 30 members of our church family heard in person an awesome in-person report from our mission partner Jamil, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) Regional Secretary for university student and graduate work throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Most amazing were the many reports Jamil gave us of how God comes alongside Christians, in the most trying situations, to provide the strength and resiliency needed to walk with Him.


Jamil first highlighted his deep gratitude for our church’s longstanding friendship, prayer, and financial support. That support has carried him and IFES-MENA through many challenges. 


Secondly, he outlined events for 2023 for mobilizing and equipping students and graduates to strengthen and expand their work. (You can pick up that monthly events list at Fellowship Time in Roy Hall following this Sunday morning's worship service.)


Thirdly, he asked prayer this week for his senior team (himself, Hussam from Jordan, Elie from Lebanon) as they travel to two "closed" countries in the Gulf region. There they will meet with church leaders to build trust and explore what doors God is opening for ministry in that region.

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Sunday Worship Service

January 29 9:30 a.m.

In person and online!

Rev. Dr. Raymond Hylton brings the sermon, "Consider Your Call," from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.


Download Bulletin


See Sunday Christian Education class information below.

Click here to learn more

Condolences


We offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Carole Hendricks for her passing on January 20, 2023. A memorial service is being planned, with details to be shared later.


We offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Dr. Richard Morgan and Dr. Wamucii Morgan, for the passing of Rick’s mother, Maria Pickard Morgan, on January 17, 2023.


Memorial services for Jennifer Klandrud, who passed away January 14, will be held at the Donnellan Funeral home in Skokie, this Saturday, January 28, at 9 a.m. A burial service will be private.

Chicagoland United in Prayer this Sunday

Sunday, January 29 | 5-7 p.m.


Concerned about gun violence in Chicago? Join First Pres in attending "Chicagoland United in Prayer." This event will gather churches throughout Chicago and the suburbs to pray for an end to gun violence. The event is free, but you must register online in advance by clicking the button below. Those unable to attend in person can access a live stream here.


We will travel as a group to the event in the church bus, meeting in the FPCE parking lot at 3:45 p.m. and departing by 4 p.m. RSVP to reserve your seat by emailing Caryl at cweinberg@firstpresevanston.org or Annette at alogan@firstpresevanston.org.


You are also invited to "join the fast!" First Pres has committed to fasting as a church the week following the event, but you are welcome to begin now.  Let us start 2023 by asking the Lord to heal our city and unite us in that cause. 

Register for Chicagoland United in Prayer

Sign up to volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School!


The Our Family Our Children council is in need of loving adults to make VBS possible this summer July 31-August 4, 9 a.m.-noon.


Positions include: leading a mixed age group through the different stations, leading a specific station like games, crafts, or bible discovery. Some behinds the scenes volunteer positions also available. Sign up by emailing Pastor Amanda at agolbek@firstpresevanston.org.

First Pres musicians to perform at Northwestern tomorrow

Friday, January 27 | 7:30 pm in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University

Tickets: $8; purchase tickets here.


First Pres musicians Emma Shaw, (horn), Bethany Vaughan, (trumpet), and Quincy Erickson (soloist, guest trumpet at FPCE in summer 2022), perform with Northwestern University's Symphonic Wind Ensemble on Friday.

Annual Chili Cookoff Tailgate

February 5 | 11 a.m.

FPCE Parking Lot.


Gather together and cast your vote for the 2023 First Pres Chili Champion. This year's winner will take home a handmade wood cutting board (see photo) crafted by Facilities Manager Andy Wallgren! Click here to see a larger photo.

E-mail Hannah McConnell at hmcconnell@firstpresevanston.org to bring a slow cooker of chili, cornbread, or a hatchback auto.

Parish Nurse Book Club

February 14 | 1:30-3 p.m.


For our next Book Club we will be reading "O Caledonia" by Elspeth Barker. 

Stephen Ministry Training

April 15-September 25


You are part of a caring congregation. Is God calling you to take a more active role in Christian caregiving? Then Stephen Ministry may be just what you're looking for.


Learn more.

Sunday Christian Education

The Letter to the Hebrews

Sundays at 11 a.m.

Room 213 & on Zoom


For Sunday’s class, please read Hebrews Chapters 1 & 2 in your bible and the Messianic writings. Note any differences. Read chapters 1 & 2 of Capernicus and the Jews and watch an episode or two of How the Universe was Made on the science channel. Learn more.

How to Read the Bible?


Sundays at 11 a.m.

FPCE Dining Room


Learn more.

Life Together

New Members Class 


Sunday at 11 a.m.

FPCE Parlor & on Zoom


Learn more.

Loop Bible StudyFridays at noon at 1 N. LaSalle St. (25th floor) and on Zoom.


Saturday Men’s Breakfast: Saturdays at 8 a.m. Room 213 or on Zoom. 


Nourish Women's Bible Study: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 213. Childcare provided. The Bible study for the winter term is Romans.


Thursday Women's Bible Study: Winter term is February 9-May 11, 2023. The group meets Thursdays from 5:45-7 p.m. in Room 213 and on Zoom. We will study the second half of John Stott's guide: "ACTS: Seeing The Spirit at work." There will be a welcoming for newcomers with light refreshments to be served. All women are welcome. Contact Jennifer Randolph at jen.rn@verizon.net or Alyce Claerbaut at a-claerbaut@neiu.edu for more info and Zoom Link.

View all FPCE Events

Mission Prayer


Prayers needed for International Fellowship of Evangelical Students/Middle East and North Africa Region (IFES MENA)


Pray for JC and his senior team as they travel to the Gulf at the end of January to meet with senior church leaders in two countries. Pray for God’s safety, wisdom, and peace. This is a very strategic open door for student work in this pioneering region that has been closed to the gospel.


Life up the senior team as they finalize planning and find funding for the major events they have planned for 2023. Pray for all the efforts of fundraising for both World Assembly and the general budget. 


Ask God that the planning and preparations for the quadrennial IFES World Assembly will go smoothly and the experience will be a blessing to the over 160 national movements as they gather together in Indonesia in August 2023.

Learn more about FPCE Missions

No clothes donations being accepted



We are not accepting donations for the Deacons Clothes Closet at this time. Donations left at FPCE (other than new face masks), will be discarded. CLICK HERE for alternative giving locations!

View November 2022 Session notes here.


The most recent summary of the Chicago Presbytery Meeting is available here 


Paper copies are also available in our literature racks.

1427 Chicago Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1472

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