Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving | | The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving. | | View the December Newsletter Here | | |
As we enter this season of hope and celebration, our December newsletter shares uplifting reflections, upcoming Christmas events, and opportunities to serve and grow together as a church family.
The First Look monthly newsletter is published at the beginning of each month, and is found on the church website homepage in the Resources area. If you or someone you know would like to receive a printed copy of the newsletter, please call or email the office and we will be happy to send you a printed version.
| | Children's Christmas Tree Lighting | | |
Children’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 30
Following the 10:30 service
Thanks to our Visual Arts Committee, the Rotunda will again be graced with the Children's Christmas Tree, decorated with ornaments made by our Kids Ministry and Preschoolers. You are invited to our annual Christmas Tree Lighting following the 10:30 service on November 30. Join us for this festive beginning of the season!
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November 30 at 4:00 p.m. in the First Pres Sanctuary
Free Concert
No Baby-Sitters Concert Featuring: 3+1 String Quartet. All ages welcome at this family-friendly concert.
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Advent Sermon Series
Awake to Wonder
November 30-December 21
Sunday's Message:
“Alert to His Coming”
Matthew 24:36-44
Advent invites us to slow down, look up, and awaken to the wonder of God’s presence among us. In a season so easily filled with noise and hurry, Jesus calls us to stay alert — to hope renewed, hearts prepared, joy restored, and love made flesh. Each week in this series, we’ll follow the Gospel of Matthew as we learn to awaken again to the beauty of God’s promise, leading us to the joy of Christmas Together.
Sunday, November 30
9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Worship
Childcare available – Livestream at 10:30
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Watch.
Share.
Subscribe.
You can view last week's service here.
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Advent Devotional Now Available
“Grand Miracle” Daily Devotions for Advent
Author: Joel Heck, Inspired by C.S. Lewis
Copies are available in the Rotunda, Narthex, and Church Office. Quotes from C. S. Lewis, alongside Scripture, guide us through these daily devotions for Advent. Each day, Lewis’ words point to the saving, life-changing aspects of Christ’s birth, which he calls “a Grand Miracle.”
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Adult Education will be on break this Sunday, November 30. Classes resume on December 7, with the new series "The Words of Advent," led by Pastor Kat.
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Kids Church at 9:00 – for children 4 years old through 5th grade!
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Sunday School at 10:30 – for ages 3 years old through 5th grade.
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Childcare for children ages 3 years and under is available at both services.
For more information, contact Stacey Chvatal.
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• Genesis Middle School Ministry: Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• WF High School Ministry: Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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The Table – Midweek refreshment for all ages
We look forward to seeing you for a catered, buffet-style meal starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. You’ll enjoy seeing old friends and making new ones around the table. We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, are led in song, and have a brief teaching. There are also activities for children and a Toddler Corner for kids two and under.
Sign up here by this Sunday, November 30 for The Table on December 3.
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Poinsettias adorn our chancel each Christmas. To dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please submit a form no later than Monday, December 15.
Your dedication will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. You may also pick up your poinsettia following the last service on Christmas Eve or the week after Christmas during office hours. You can make your dedication in the amount of your choice, and can use the online form, or complete a Poinsettia Dedication form which can be found at the Welcome Desk, Narthex, and the church office.
| | Lighting of the Advent Wreath | | |
If you would like to light the Advent Wreath at one of the upcoming Sunday morning Advent services, please contact the church office.
| | 60+ Christmas Luncheon – Register through Today | | |
60+ Christmas Luncheon
Tuesday, December 2
11:30 am-1:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall
Cost: $15
Inviting all 60+ members and friends to join together for an uplifting time of fellowship and inspiration. We will have a delicious catered lunch, enjoy entertainment, and welcome a guest speaker. Invite a friend to join for this delightful occasion. Register here by today, November 26.
| | Kids Ministry Gingerbread Nativity Night | | |
Gingerbread Nativity Night
Friday, December 5
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall
Activities:
• Family gingerbread nativity building
• Crafts • Santa’s Toy Walk • Holiday dance floor • Christmas photo booth • Sweet treats • At the end of the night, we'll grab a hot chocolate and settle in for an interactive story of the very first Christmas
Christmas Sharing info: We will also be collecting diapers, baby wipes, and PullUps for Christmas Sharing. We are in greatest need of diaper sizes 4 and above, but all sizes are welcome and appreciated. Donations are optional.
Sign up here!
| | Christmas Sharing Volunteer Opportunities | | |
2025 Christmas Sharing is Saturday, December 13
See the details, including list of most-needed items here.
Sundry boxes and contents lists are now available for pickup in the Rotunda. Filled boxes should be returned to the church from Sunday, December 7-Friday, December 12. There are many volunteer opportunities at church the week of Christmas Sharing, December 9-13. Sign up to volunteer here.
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Christmas Giving Trees
November 30-December 7
As part of the mission ministry of the church, our congregation will be sharing Christmas joy with the annual Christmas Giving Trees. Gift and monetary donations toward the Giving Trees support Marklund (individuals with disabilities), the DuPage Care Center (long and short-term rehabilitation), and children of the Outreach Community Center.
The trees will be on the ramp near the Rotunda, from November 30-December 7, where you can select a tag from a tree, purchase a gift, and return it UNWRAPPED under the appropriate tree. Or, you can make a monetary donation online by selecting “Giving Trees Mission.” Gifts and donations are due by December 7. Contact Pastor Kat or the church office with questions. Thank you for your generosity!
| | Women's Ministry Christmas Gathering | | |
Women's Ministry Christmas Gathering
Sunday, December 7 – 3:00-7:00 pm
All women of the church are invited to a Christmas open house. Please bring a table-ready appetizer and/or a bottle of wine. Dessert and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Get the details and RSVP here by Monday, December 1, or by contacting the church office.
| | Men's Christmas Breakfast | | |
Men's Christmas Breakfast
Friday, December 12 – 7:00-8:00 a.m.
All members and friends of First Pres Wheaton are welcome to join us for the Men’s Christmas Breakfast at 7 a.m. on Friday, December 12 in Stewart Hall. Make plans to be a part of this morning of fellowship and hear a message planned especially for the men of our church and community. The breakfast is FREE, but please RSVP here or by contacting the church office by email or phone. All are welcome! Bring a friend. RSVP by Monday, December 8.
| | Calendar and Office Hours | | |
Check the First Pres calendar regularly for updates.
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Regular Office Hours
Monday through Thursday – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving.
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