Bella Musika Academy

First Church now has a brand new music academy, Bella Musika, starting this fall.   We are offering Piano, Violin, Cello, String Bass, & Electric Bass private lessons and are actively looking for students to be a part of this new school.   Bella Musika's Mission is to provide an enriched musical environment with high quality instruction, inspiring performances, and a dynamic community.

Our goal is to connect the musical arts to the celebration of our faith and outreach for our community by introducing children, youth, and adults to a repertoire of classical and contemporary music, by offering excellent musical instruction and environment through private lessons, ensembles and group classes, and by providing frequent opportunities to perform publicly. 

Come and learn more about our program and meet the faculty at our Open House on Sunday, Aug. 30th from 2-4pm in the Lower Narthex, outside of the Sanctuary. You can email Ching-Yun Huang or email Katrina Jackson  to get more information or to sign-up.

Fun, Fellowship, and  Fulfilling Worship

Would you like to be a part of a group who has fun & fellowship together, who cares for each other and has the amazing privilege to praise our Lord and Savior in worship? Would you like to be a part of leading worship in the new "Cornerstone" service that begins this fall? The worship group, "Celebration Singers", is having an open house, with pizza and soft drinks, on Wednesday, August 26th from 6:30-7:15pm in the Lower Narthex (area outside of the Sanctuary). This is open for anyone who wants to learn more about the choir, what we do, and/or how to be a part of it and if you would like to experience a rehearsal, we will be having an hour rehearsal from 7:15-8:15pm in the choir room. Anyone who is an adult or a teen is welcome to be a part of this group. Email Katrina Jackson if you have any questions .

Do you have a heart for serving?

We are having an informational meeting, with lunch, for anyone interested in enhancing our worship experiences through Ushering, Greeting, the Welcome Center, Fellowship time, and new opportunities to provide hospitality to our members and visitors.   Please join us on Sunday, Aug. 23rd from 12:30-2:00pm in the Community Room to hear more about our vision for these teams.  This invitation is for people already serving in these capacities and anyone wanting to be a part of these teams. 

Kids wanted!

Katrina Jackson, Director of Worship, is looking for kids of all ages to sing with the adult choir 3 times a year. The first one is the first Sunday of the new worship schedule, Sept. 13th at the 9:15am service, the second is for the Christmas concert on December 6th and season, and the third is a TBD in the Spring.  Each time will have 2 rehearsals and a performance. The rehearsals for Sept 13th are Sunday morning, Aug. 30th from 10:45-11:15 am in the choir room and Wednesday evening, Sept 9th from 6:45-7:15pm with the adult choir in the Sanctuary. Please email Katrina Jackson if your child is interested in participating in this group. 

 

Fall 2015 Student Ministries

Kick Off Brunch

Families with students in grades 6-12

Saturday, September 12th 10:30am to Noon in Wesley Hall at First Church. 

What you will receive:

*Please email Nicole to RSVP for a catering count for the breakfast

-Note Middle School Youth Group begins Wednesday, Sept. 16th 6:30-8pm & High School Youth Youth Group beginsSunday, Sept. 20th noon to 2 (with lunch).

United Methodist Men

All men and friends of First Church are invited to the first U.M.M. breakfast of the fall season to be held on September 5, 2015. Please come and join us at 7:15 a.m. for fellowship and devotionals/breakfast 

at 7:30. Any questions email Carl Moon 

UMW Book Talk

Meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 PM in the church library.  The group meets Sept - May.  All are welcome.

Camille King (815-404-3147) or  Penny Pelkey (815-477-2101)

Sept 14   All The Light We Cannot See  by Anthony Doerr

Oct. 12   A Spool of Blue Thread by Ann Tyler

Mobile Food Pantry

Mobile Food Pantry 8/22/2015 from 3- 6pm.  Volunteers needed to help assist our guests - no heavy lifting.   Please consider supporting this far reaching ministry.  We have served up to 200 families in a weekend.  Interestsed - email Elyce Meador or call 815-455-4701.

Service of Healing and Spiritual Renewal

If you are weary and heavy laden in your life (Mt. 11:28) or if you need to pray for your family or friends, come to the service of healing and spiritual renewal for peace, rest, and healing in body, mind and spirit. The service will help you to draw near to the Lord and provide a space to reflect your life and faith through a quite time, prayer, hymns, communion, and anointing with oil. The service will be held on September 3 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm at Hale Chapel. 

Small Group Leaders/Members' Gathering

As fall is approaching soon, it is a time to prepare for growing our discipleship through our small groups, home groups, adult Sunday school, and Bible study. 

The small group leaders and members are invited to the gathering for learning, sharing, and supporting one another on Aug 30 (Sun.) from 12:30pm to 2:00 pm. 

They will be informed about the upcoming sermon series and the related resources for the small groups and other resources for adult Bible study. Light lunch will be provided. To RSVP email Pastor Charles or call the church office at (815) 459-0785.

Fall Men's Bible Study

You are invited to an upcoming fall men's Bible study "Horizontal Jesus" being led by Brad Meador.  This practical study looks deeply into how you can spread His life by living out the "one another" passages of scripture including...love one another, forgive one another, welcome one another, accept one another, encourage one another and restore one another.  The study is a focus to move from being self-centered to serving.  The study guide has thirteen sessions with a book to read that follows the sessions. Each session will be Wednesday night, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, in the church library and begins September 9th.  The book and study guide are available at the church office. The cost is $20.

Feeling unsettled?

Could you use a listening ear; a confidential friend; a Christian guide?  Are you struggling with an area of your life and seeking God's peace?  If so, perhaps a Stephen Minister could offer you support and help guide you through this time as you seek to bring a sense of joy back into your life.  "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5.  If you would like to know more about having a Stephen Minister visit you, please contact one of our pastors 815-459-0785 or Barb Bradford 815-459-5346.

Great things are happening at
First Church!

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