Tuesday, January 13, 2026

As we approach the observance of Martin King Luther Jr. Day, it is a good time to reflect on his nonviolent mission and ministry for civil rights. I was reminded of this hope-filled song written by James Taylor years ago called “Shed a Little Light”. (The Chancel Choir and a soloist sang it at our church several years ago!)

The song was originally written in honor of Black History Month in 1991, and James Taylor later performed it following the hateful shooting at AME Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015. He is joined by a South Carolina based group called “Lowcountry Voices” in this video. Click this link to view the lyrics and watch a YouTube (need to scroll down).

Where can you “shed a little light” this week?

With hope,

Peggy Massello

Director of Worship & Music

Start 2026 with Adult Faith Formation

Classes continue this Sunday (January 18) at 8:45 am in the Church Lounge. Pastor Jeff Lehn leads a series on the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans using New Testament scholar Beverly Roberts Gaventa's 2016 book When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul. The series continues through Sunday, February 8. Participants welcomed weekly or any week you wish to attend; request class updates and optional readings by email from the church office.

Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the

Walk for Warmth

Sponsored by our mission partner Interfaith Action of Evanston, the annual Walk for Warmth on Martin Luther King's national holiday will take place Monday, January 19 at 11:00 am starting at First United Methodist Church located at 516 Church Street in Evanston. This marks the seventh year of this event that brings hundreds of community members together in support of neighbors experiencing homelessness. Walkers of all ages are welcome; the event is an ideal way to honor Dr. King's legacy and fight for economic justice. Walkers may choose the full two-mile route or a shorter walk around the block. Those interested in joining the walk or donating to support it will find more information and registration at https://bit.ly/4nVCfav. Advance registration strongly encouraged as on-site registration the day of the event will be limited.

Join the Next Operation Sandwich

Plan to stay after worship on Sunday, January 25 for another opportunity to make sandwiches and pack sack lunches for delivery to Connections for the Homeless, an Evanston-based mission partner. Helpers of all ages encouraged to take part. Please come for this opportunity to engage in fellowship and service!

Read Stories from God's Money Project 2025

Mission Committee members collected stories from project participants and created a brochure to share their retellings with the congregation and community. Pick up a copy, ask for one by mail, or read it online. Give us the address for a friend who's like one and we'll send it.

Don't Miss

FPCW Connections

Our monthly newsletter features highlights from recent activities, photos, upcoming events, and more. If you'd like to receive it by email but haven't been or have had trouble opening the newsletter, email Rick Flintz, Director of Congregational Engagement. Paper copies are available in the Narthex and by mail; request a subscription from the church office for yourself or a friend.

2026 Stewardship Update: Thank You!

Our 2026 stewardship campaign, “A Chorus of Generosity,” is progressing successfully. Thanks to all who have submitted their pledge to the life and ministry of our church during the year just begun. We are deeply grateful for financial commitments of every size, for they all matter and help us fulfill our mission in this time and place. The Giving Committee has received 91 pledges so far for a total of $857,798. We are over 90% of the way toward our goal of $900,000. We continue to welcome your pledge card by mail, hand delivery to the church office, and through the online form. You will find an introduction and invitation to the 2026 Stewardship Campaign on the stewardship page of the church website. Thank you for your commitment and generosity!

Lunch Group for Women

11:30 am on Wednesday, January 14 | Church Lounge

Lunch followed by a program

Chancel Choir & Chancel Bell Choir

7:30 pm Rehearsal On Wednesdays & Thursdays Respectively | Music Room

Contact Peggy Massello, Director of Worship & Music, for more information

Thursday Bible Study

10:00 am Thursdays | Upper Room & Zoom

Discussing scripture and application; ask for the weekly passages by email

Men's Hour

7:00 pm Thursdays | Church Lounge

Gathering for silent meditation, readings, sharing, and prayer

Men's Council

8:00 am on Saturday, January 18 | Church Lounge

Breakfast followed by a program featuring travelogues on Alaska and Hawaii from member Dick Schroeder; all welcomed to attend once or every week

Adult Faith Formation

8:45 am on Sunday, January 18 | Church Lounge

Continuing a series on Paul and the church in Rome; sign up for weekly updates and optional readings by email

Senior Meal Group

12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 20 | Ridgeview Grill

Meeting monthly for fellowship; gathering time determined by participants each month

Book Group

7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 21 | Church Lounge

Discussing James by Percival Everett, a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Ask the church office how to reach out to group leaders for more information

Requesting Prayer in the Sunday Bulletin

Please contact Associate Pastor Kara Smith-Laubenstein about placing a

joy or a concern in an upcoming Sunday bulletin.

ksmithlaubenstein@fpcw.org | 847-256-3010 x102

This Week, Please Remember To...

Serve as a Greeter or an Usher

New participants always welcome; training provided beforehand

Contact the church office for links to online sign-up sheets

Looking Ahead to Sunday, January 18, 2026 

Mission Testimony from Good News Partners

8:45 am Adult Faith Formation in the Church Lounge

9:45 am Nursery Care in the Nursery

10:00 am Worship Service* in the Sanctuary

10:15 am Children's Chapel in the Chapel and Nursery

11:00 am⁺ Fellowship Hour on the Main Level

11:00 am⁺ Donuts & Devos in the Purple Room

* Livestream available on YouTube

⁺ Immediately following the worship service

WMFC | Wallace Moore Fellowship Center