View the September Newsletter Here | |
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Welcome Back Sunday! 🎉
This week, we celebrate Welcome Back Sunday and the beginning of a new ministry year at First Pres Wheaton!
There is something energizing about a new beginning, there’s an excitement in the air. Our fall ministries are getting underway, Life Groups are launching, kids and students are returning to their programs, and we have many opportunities ahead to grow and serve together.
Most of all, we gather again around the life we share with “one another” in Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for this church family and encouraged about all that God has in store for us in the year ahead.
I pray you’ll join us this Sunday and invite someone to the Welcome Back Picnic!
Blessings,
Pastor Kellen
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Welcome Back Sunday is September 13
• Return to two services: 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
• Kids Church at 9:00 a.m. and Children's Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.
• A new year of Confirmation kicks off at 9:00 a.m.
• Adult Education at 10:30 a.m.
• Genesis Middle School Ministry at 10:30 a.m.
• WF High School Ministry "WF First" at 7:00 p.m.
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Welcome Back Picnic at noon
- Friends and neighbors are invited!
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Food and fellowship, bounce house, and activities for all ages!
- Deacons are grilling hamburgers, hotdogs, brats and chicken breasts.
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Church members: Last names A-M, please bring side dishes, and N-Z, please bring desserts.
We look forward to seeing you!
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One Another: The Way of Jesus
Jesus calls his followers to a different way of life with one another. We see this in how the phrase “one another” appears dozens of times throughout the New Testament. In this three-week series, we’ll explore the common thread in these “one another” commands: what it means to belong to one another, build one another up, and bear with one another. Ultimately, this isn’t about how to have better relationships at church; it’s about what happens when those who have been loved by Jesus begin to live the way of Jesus with one another.
This Sunday: "Belong to One Another"
Romans 12:3-5
The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Though we are many, we are one body in Christ. Following Jesus means recognizing that we are not simply individuals who attend the same church; we have been joined together as Christ’s people. Loving one another as Scripture commands begins with understanding that we belong to one another.
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Sunday, September 13
Service at 10:30 a.m.
Childcare available.
Livestream at 10:30 a.m.
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Watch. Share. Subscribe.
You can view last week's service here.
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Adult Education
“C.S. Lewis on Love, Justice and Your Eternal Future”
Sundays, September 13, 20 and 27
10:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall 106
Dr. Jerry Root, one of the world’s top C.S. Lewis scholars, will join Pastor Greg Anderson to lead a three-session course on “C.S. Lewis on Love, Justice and Your Eternal Future.” We welcome you back to Adult Education with this engaging program.
| | For All Generations Halfway Celebration | | |
For All Generations Campaign — Halfway Celebration
Sunday, September 20
At both services, with a reception held between services
Whether running a race, taking a hike, or working on a project, there’s something significant about realizing you’ve come halfway. This fall, we’ll pause to celebrate a significant milestone in our For All Generations campaign.
Join us for our For All Generations Halfway Celebration on September 20th as we give thanks for how far we’ve come, hear impactful stories from our congregation, and look ahead to the exciting work still before us. We pray you’ll be part of it!
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We can't wait to welcome your family to Kids Church at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. this week!
Kids Church during the 9:00 service – We are offering Kids Church during the 9:00 service for children 4 years old through 5th grade! Children will start in the Sanctuary with their families and then be invited down to LL105 during the service for a Bible lesson and activity.
Sunday School at 10:30 – Sunday School is for ages 3 years old (by Sept. 1) through 5th grade. Please be sure to check in at our kiosks in the Kids Ministry hallway on the lower level before dropping your child off in their classroom.
Children 3 years old and younger are welcome in the Childcare Room in LL103.
For more information, contact Stacey Chvatal.
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Rooted Kids, our new mid-week program for grades K-5 is here!
Wednesdays, September 30 – November 18
3:45–5:30 p.m.
We can’t wait to make Wednesday afternoons the highlight of your child’s week and a place to make friends, discover God’s love, and grow in faith together. Volunteer opportunities are available. Questions? Contact Stacey Chvatal.
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Genesis Middle School Ministry meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in The Attic.
WF High School Ministry meets this Sunday, September 13 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in The Attic for "WF First."
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New Life Groups Forming Now!
At First Pres, Life Groups are a place to grow in your life with Jesus Christ by developing close relationships with others, engaging Scripture in community, and supporting one another in prayer. Life Groups offer connection with the First Pres family and play a key role in our faith journey. Groups are formed based on season of life, availability, and areas of interest. New Life Groups will begin in October and meet weekly for 6 weeks, with the option to continue beyond your initial commitment.
To connect with a Life Group, sign up here, or complete a sign-up card in the Rotunda or Narthex.
| | WOW – Women's Bible Study | | |
"Women of the Word" Bible Study
Wednesdays, September 16-November 18
6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Living Room
Looking for some connection with other women at First Pres? This group is for both career and stay-at-home women who are looking to deepen their faith and form friendships. Each week we'll study the story of Joseph in Genesis, share in discussion, and pray for one another. Please contact Pastor Kat if you plan to attend.
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– Women's Ministry –
Circle Leaders & Meeting Times 2026-2027
• GRACE Circle: 2nd Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. in the Living Room – Dianne Lambert and Jeanne Kovanda
• HANNAH Circle: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 9:30 a.m. in the Living Room – Erin Schnack
• JOY Circle: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. by Zoom – Emily Herndon
• RUTH Circle: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9:00 a.m. in the Living Room
• SARAH Circle: 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at Offsite Location
4th Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m. in the Living Room – Kate Hinson
Horizons Women’s Bible Study
First Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Living Room
All ladies are invited to this year’s Horizons Women’s Bible Study, United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other, by Rhonda Mawhood Jee.
– Men's Ministry –
• Finding Fathers: Small group of committed fathers with school age children (K-12). Fridays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. – September 18-December 18 (No meeting November 27) – Church Living Room
• D.E.N. for Men: For committed working fathers transitioning to life as empty nesters. Fridays, 7:00-8:00 a.m. – September 18-December 18 (No meeting November 27) – Church Reading Room
• First Light Men’s Collaborative: Saturdays, 8:00-9:30 a.m. Year-round fellowship and study – Church Reading Room
| | The Table Starts September 30 | | |
The Table Returns September 30
We are looking forward to a new season of The Table, as we share a catered, buffet-style meal each week. You’ll enjoy seeing old friends and making new ones around the table. We’ll celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, be led in song, and have a brief teaching. There will be activities for children and a Toddler Corner for kids two and under.
This fall, The Table will run for eight weeks, from September 30 through November 18. Watch for menu and registration details to come.
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Serve at The Bridge This Tuesday!
This Tuesday, September 15, we will be the host team at The Bridge, a 20-year mission project in Chicago, now supported by First Pres. The Bridge is a weekly worship service for people who are coming out of incarceration, addiction, or the street lifestyle.
What we do:
- Travel to 1443 Roosevelt at Ashland in Chicago, carpooling from First Pres around 5:30 p.m. to arrive at 6:30 (or you can drive on your own)
- Short training/update session, and welcome of our guests (some of whom will be new to The Bridge that night)
- Participate in their worship service, then serve guests a wholesome meal that may be their best (or only) one of the day
- Clean-up and return home around 9:30 p.m. This will be an unforgettable experience!
For details on this service opportunity or to let us know you’ll be attending, contact the church office.
| | Special Presentation and Breakfast | | |
“Life in Jesus’ Hometown Amid Crisis”
Breakfast and program on Saturday, September 26 at 8:30 a.m.
Register by Friday, September 18 by emailing the church office.
Join us for this breakfast and presentation, sponsored by NPI Nazareth Hospital. Christine Farah, spiritual care practitioner and counselor at the Nazareth Hospital in Israel, will present her unique perspective on the daily lives of those living in and around Nazareth. This is an incredible opportunity to hear what is actually happening in and around Nazareth, and to learn of ways we can provide support to those ministering in this troubled land.
There is no cost to attend the event, and all members of the public are welcome. An offering will be taken to support the chaplaincy work at Nazareth Hospital.
| | Pastor Kellen to Lead Prayer at City 9-11 Ceremony | | Pastor Kellen will lead the opening prayer at the City of Wheaton's September 11 Remembrance Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Memorial Park.
See the details here. | | |
The Nominating Committee is now accepting submissions for consideration for the offices of Deacon, Elder and 2027 Nominating Committee.
Do you know someone who exhibits the skills, compassion and drive to serve in one of these positions? You can submit names of members and/or your own name by filling out an online Nomination Form. Nominations are due by Sunday,
September 27.
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First Pres Preschool and Carlton Avenue Parking Notes
The 2026-2027 Preschool year begins next week! There will be no parking on Carlton Avenue on school days until after 3:30 p.m. starting Monday, September 14. Prayers for a strong start to the school year!
| | 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
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