Labyrinth as Spiritual Practice Tonight

This past Wednesday, twelve folks learned about the ancient tradition of walking labyrinths as prayer and meditation. On January 20th, you have another opportunity to share in this experience. You are invited to join members of the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist congregation at First Pres, 6-8:00 pm. If you would like to learn more about labyrinths, join us at 6:00. If you are familiar with the practice, you are welcome to come at any time that evening.

“Creating a Church Green Team”

January 22, 2023 Luncheaon at noon in the Commons

Presented by Faith in Place

Sponsored by the Building and Grounds Committee

Are you interested in environmental issues, sustainable living, and care of the earth? Would you like to be part of First Presbyterian’s response to these concerns within our church and in our community?

If so, mark your calendar for the following informational meeting:

A light lunch will be served so reservations are needed. Please let Judy Bartels (217.303.1646) or [email protected] know if you plan to attend no later than January 18th.

Choir Resumes

The First Presbyterian Church Choir will resume this Sunday, January 22nd at 9:15.

Gratitude for Gratitude Reception

Oh my goodness!

Last Saturday afternoon’s Gratitude Reception on MLK weekend for local community organizers and church members was amazing! 

Having the opportunity for local people to meet the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director if the PCUSA’s Office on Public Witness in DC and Liaison to the United Nations was a gift. Gathering dozens of neighbors who volunteer their energy and vision to make our community more healthy and equitable was beautiful. Thanking these friends for all of their efforts to change policies and practices is particularly fitting for a holiday weekend that honors King’s civil rights work.

Our members did a fabulous job with warm hospitality and shared gratitude! Kathy Bacon and Linda Wheal‘s hors d'œuvres were beautiful and delicious and bountiful! Outstanding job! They were generously assisted by Chris Wheal, Steve Wright, Keith Dhom, Bob Immel, Don Ecklund, and Anne Wharff. Thank you to our staff: Pastor Susan Phillips, Michelle Wilson, Tom Melton, Tim Haworth, Tara Kaeding, and Michelle Hastings who helped make this possible.

In the days that followed, we heard enthusiasm to make this gathering an annual event. Thank you to everyone who shared faithful welcome and heartfelt gratitude!

Being Matthew 25!

Livestream Series

Being Matthew 25 kicks off 2023 with a conversation with the Co-Moderators of the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Mark your calendar for 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 26 for a conversation with the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis and the Rev. Ruth Santa-Grace as they talk about what they have experienced in their first half year in these roles and their hopes for the remainder of the year ahead and the Matthew 25 vision for the church. Available on the PCUSA Facebook and YouTube page.

WATCH HERE

Inauguration Day Interfaith Prayer Service

For more than 50 years, First Presbyterian Church of Springfield has hosted the Interfaith Service for Illinois' constitutional officers on inauguration day. On Monday, FPC welcomed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Treasurer Michael Frerichs, along with faith leaders from around Illinois.

~Chris Young

Sharing this service with such a fabulous group of interfaith leaders (The Rev. Dr. Greg Busboom, Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Pastor Michelle Dodson, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, me, Imam Hassan Aly, Rev. Dr. Marshall Hatch, Rabbi Seth Limmer, Bishop Ocie Booker, and missing is the Rev. Dr. Lesa Branham) is such an honor and a gift! I’m grateful to share in this long tradition of blessing elected officials to servant leadership.

~Pastor Susan

Thank you to our staff and volunteers who helped make this event happen!

Matheny Withrow Thanks!

Volunteers Needed for 2023

Sanctuary Tours

Every year we have visitors that want to see the Lincoln Pew, our gorgeous stained glass windows, and learn about the life of our active church. We would love to be able to give tours next year during the months of June, July and August. In order to do so we would need two volunteers for each day. Even if you don't want to give a tour we could use a hospitality person to greet people as they come in. Might you be interested? If you are interested please email Michelle Hastings .

Worship Readers

We are in need of responsive readers for our Zoom service and liturgists for our sanctuary service. If you are interested please email Michelle Hastings.

Coffee Fellowship

We love visiting with old friends and making new ones. So if you would like to host a coffee fellowship please contact Michelle Hastings.

Updates Needed for Church Directory 2023

We are getting ready to update the printed version of the church directory for 2023. If you have any changes to your information or want to add a photo please email [email protected] by January 23rd.

Cuba Trip April 12 - 19

We have 8 church members planning to go and spaces still available. Please email Mick Bernasek if you are interested by January 27th.

Webinar January 31 at 1:00 EST

What has God called us to do with all that is entrusted to us? God calls us to be good stewards, and that means making investments that are consistent with our values as well as pushing corporations to be better global citizens. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) does both, and this webinar will be your opportunity to learn more.

READ MORE

Creative Writing as a Spiritual Practice

February 2nd at 7:00 EST

Join Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott in a conversation with Mary O’Shan (Shan) Overton, the director of the Center for Writing and Learning Support at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the director of the seminary’s Doctor of Ministry in Creative Writing and Public Theology degree program. READ MORE

Tuesday Night Study

This week we will conclude our study of Jesus' parables with a look at Lazarus and the rich man. Join us Tuesday night at 6:00 on Zoom. The Tuesday study will not meet January 31 and February 7. We will resume on February 14. Watch this space for more information about the next study topic.

Here is the Zoom connection info:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86283653297

Meeting ID: 862 8365 3297

One tap mobile. +13126266799,,86283653297#

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799

George M.

Jane R.

Randy W.

Elliott L.

Cayden T.

All events are via Zoom unless otherwise specified.

January

24

Tuesday Night Bible Study 6:00

25

Wednesday Worship 6:00 Commons

29

Reverend Susan Phillips to lead worship 9:00 Zoom and 10:45 Sanctuary

NOTE: Links to all events are attached to items on the church calendar found at https://www.lincolnschurch.org/calendar. If you click on any item in the calendar, the Zoom invitation will open.

How to Join a Zoom Meeting

From your computer, cell phone or tablet:

Click the link provided.

To join a Zoom meeting via telephone:

Dial number given for the meeting. You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID provided followed by #.

Sunday Attendance

Different Ways to Give

Thank you to everyone that shares in the Joy of Generosity at First Presbyterian! There are several ways to support our ministries and many ministries to support. In order to ensure your gift is credited to the correct fund, please take a moment to include the following information when making a donation:

1. Writing a check – Add the fund name in the memo section (Capital Campaign, Peacemaking, Samaritan Ministry, etc.)
2. Online portal – Select “Other Donations” when entering the amount then enter the name of the fund in the Notes section
3. Text giving – Text “$10 CC” to 217-284-2546, this example is a $10 donation for the Capitol Campaign fund. Other commonly used text codes are: Pledge, SM (Samaritan Ministries), Donate (Non-pledge), Peace, Joy, OGHS, Pentecost and BB (Brown Bag)

Church Contact Information

Pastor Susan Phillips

[email protected]

217.528.4311 ext. 1020

Chaplain Tim Haworth

[email protected]

217.528.4311 ext. 1030

Bookkeeper, Tara Kaeding

[email protected]

217.528.4311 ext. 1050

Administrative Assistant, Michelle Hastings

[email protected]

217.528.4311 ext. 4