The Tapestry of Pentecost

This week's eNewsletter Feature

was written by Jim Teague,

FPCE director of communications.

Dear Jim,

I had been a believer in Jesus for many years, perhaps more than two decades, before I made the connection that Pentecost is directly connected to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost at our 10 a.m. worship service (please note the time change), remembering when the Holy Spirit came upon the Disciples and then to others in Jerusalem who were likely there to celebrate Shavuot.

According to an article from earlier this month on the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews website (https://www.ifcj.org/learn/jewish-holidays/what-is-shavuot-the-jewish-pentecost), Shavuot takes place 50 days after Passover. The original Shavuot holiday was celebrated to mark the giving of the Torah, the first five books in the Hebrew Bible (or the Pentateuch) to Moses at Mount Sinai. It is really two holidays in one, as it coincides with the beginning of the harvest season (“first fruits”) and the celebration of God’s provision.

Shavuot also has a direct connection to the story of Ruth and Naomi.

Gift Card Scam Warning

If you have recently received a text or email from someone claiming to be Pastor Amanda Golbek or another First Pres staff member soliciting gift cards or other items, DO NOT respond. These are fraudulent requests and should be ignored. NO member of the First Pres staff or lay leadership will ever solicit assistance in purchasing gift cards or seek other financial assistance on his or her own in these ways. 

Always make sure the texts or emails you receive are from legitimate First Pres phone numbers or accounts. Emails from church personnel will always be sent from addresses ending in @firstpresevanston.org. If the phone number is not one you recognize, it is likely a scam. If you are unsure, ignore them, or contact the FPCE office at 847-864-1472. 

International Potluck this Sunday – Sign up to bring a dish!

Sunday, May 28 at 11:15 a.m.

First Pres' next Agape Meal is a beloved International Potluck on Pentecost. Bring a dish from the country of your heritage or the country of your heart. Agape Meals are our way of continuing the feast we share at the Communion table.

The church building will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29.

Pillars of the Reformed Christian Faith Summer Term begins June 18

This course is an overview of biblical theology in our Reformed tradition. Each class will begin with a 25-minute recorded lecture by R.C. Sproul, selected from his famous series "Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology", and will continue with seminar-like discussion. The Summer term includes Sproul’s seven lectures on the doctrine of God.

Loop Bible Study: The study resumes Friday, May 5 at noon at 1 N. LaSalle St. (25th floor) and on Zoom.

Saturday Men’s Breakfast: Saturdays at

8 a.m. in Room 213 or on Zoom. 

Pillars of Reformed Christian Faith : Sundays at 11:30 a.m. in Room 213.

When God says "But" Adult Ed: Meets this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Parlor.

Nourish Women: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 213. Childcare provided.

Pastoral Care



Those seeking pastoral care support can reach out to Pastor Amanda (agolbek@firstpresevanston.org) or Parish Nurse Julie Ruchniewicz (jruchniewicz@firstpresevanston.org) for support or to be connected with the appropriate ministries.

Koinonia Meals Return, Coordinators needed!

You are invited to join a summer meal group that will meet at least once to build Christlike relationship with one another, while enjoying the nourishment of good food. Koinonia groups can meet at a home, a park, or the church.

We are first looking for 20 coordinators to sign up between now and May 31. We will make groups according to your availability. As the coordinator, you just need to get the group on the same page regarding food, location, and specific meeting time. Reach out to Sally Ivaska or Kathy Shiau, if you have any questions. Sign up here to be a coordinator!

We will open up general participation signup on June 1st!

Mission Prayer

Pray for Langham Partnership

Our mission partner, Langham Partnership, invites us to remember to pray for all 97 Langham Scholars who are currently studying for PhD’s worldwide. It’s exciting to watch as that number continues to rise. Pray that God would continue to grow the Scholars program so that these scholars might return to their homes and equip even more Bible centered, skilled, and wise global church leaders. Pray for those that are going into the end of the academic year that they will be equipped to finish with strength and excellence.

Lift up Rev. Dr. Riad Kassis who leads this worldwide scholars program. Please also pray for the new Director of Langham Literature, Rev. Dr. Hani Hanna, who will start later this year. Pray for a smooth transition, even as he leaves his position at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, Egypt.

Book of Judges Bible Study hosted by the Evanston Vineyard

12:30-2 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of June, July, and August

Evanston Vineyard: 2495 Howard St.. Evanston, IL

You're invited to join this outside event, hosted by the Evanston Vineyard! This bible study will be a lunch and lecture with Dr. Brittany Kim, PhD, Old Testament scholar and adjunct professor at North Park Theological Seminary and Northeastern Seminary, and co-author of the book, “Understanding Old Testament Theology: Mapping the Terrain of Recent Approaches.” 

The lecture will be followed by a deep dive into scripture using the study guide “Judges: The Flawed and the Flawless” (Good Book Guide) by Timothy Keller. This study guide is available on christianbook.com and on Amazon. Sign up here!

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