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June 22 | 10 a.m.
"More Work, Not Faith!"
Luke 17:1-10
Rev. Prof. Esther Acolatse, Guest Preacher
In person and online!
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| Our Guest Preacher: Rev. Prof. Esther Acolatse | |
Our sermon this Sunday is brought by guest preacher Rev. Prof. Esther Acolatse, a regular attendee and active participant here at First Pres. She is a professor of pastoral theology and world Christianity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she has worked since July 2022.
A lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, Esther is an ordained clergyperson in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She earned a bachelor of arts (with honors) Magna Cum Laude from the University of Ghana, a master of theological studies from Harvard University, and a doctor of philosophy from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Prior to moving to Evanston, she was professor of pastoral theology and intercultural studies at Knox College, Toronto School of Theology, at the University of Toronto. An accomplish author, Rev. Acolatse's recent research has focused on issues around care and counseling with migrant families and implications for intra/interfaith dialogue and spiritual care for re-missioning the global church.
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Outdoor Service & Deacons' Hot Dog Social Sunday, June 29
Our annual outdoor Sunday Worship Service takes place June 29 at 10 a.m. in the FPCE parking lot, weather permitting.
This change in our regular venue provides some summertime variety while making us a little more visible to our wonderful neighbors. We will have folding chairs available but encourage those who can to bring their own to do so.
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Following the service, the First Pres Deacons host our annual Hot Dog Social. We provide everything, so just bring yourselves (and maybe a friend) to enjoy this wonderful time of fellowship on the front lawn.
The Hot Dog Social will also serve as a fundraiser for the high school mission trip to Milwaukee. The youth will be serving beverages and snow cones and are counting on your support!
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Our Summer calendar is shaping up. We hope you all will plan to attend the following special events:
WEDNESDAY OPEN GYM DATES FOR FPCE FAMILIES
June 25, July 9, August 6 & 13
The First Pres gymnasium (Roy Hall) will be open for use by First Pres families and their friends on the listed afternoons at 4 p.m. FPCE staff members will also be on hand to supervise for those who wish to drop off their children.
Sunday, June 29
Outdoor Worship Service in the FPCE Parking Lot - 10 a.m.
Deacons' Hot Dog Social after the worship service
Friday, July 11
Youth Group and Children's Ministry outings to Skokie Sports Park Mini Golf, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 13 thru Friday, July 19
High School Youth Mission Trip
Tuesday, July 29 thru Thursday, July 31
Vacation Bible School - 1 to 4 p.m. each day (Register Here)
Sunday, August 3
Outdoor Worship Service at Dawes Park near Greenwood Beach - 10 a.m.
Church Picnic
More dates to come!
| | More Volunteers Needed for Summer Children's Worship | No prep, no teaching—just your presence, a warm smile, and maybe a snack. The kids head upstairs partway through the service, and your role is simply to be with them, help them feel safe, and enjoy the time together. It’s an easy way to support our youngest members and their growing faith. Let us know if you can help on a Sunday or two during service! Contact: acunningham@firstpresevanston.org. | | | Decorations Sought for Vacation Bible School | | |
If you have any of these treasures to share, we’d love to put them to good use:
- Old bed sheets any color
- Cardboard boxes of any size
- Seashells, decorative beads, rocks, containers, and other beach-themed décor
- Bulletin board supplies, art supplies, and crafty materials to add that extra sparkle
You can drop off donations anytime in the Children’s/Youth Director’s Office near the SLC wing. Got questions or want to coordinate? Just email me at acunningham@firstpresevanston.org.
A decoration party will be held Sunday, July 27, to help us transform parts of FPCE into a seaside wonderland!
Thank you for helping us create a magical VBS experience for our kids!
| | Women's Summer Bible Study | Women's Summer Bible study classes are underway on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 5:45 to 7 p.m. in Room 206. July 10 and August 14 are potluck dinners- you are invited to come and bring a dish to share. The last class is August 28. For more information please contact Jen Randolph at jen.rn@verizon.net. | | | Come Pray for FPCE Sundays at 9 a.m. | Join us each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. in Room 102 as we pray for the needs and concerns of First Presbyterian Church of Evanston. Each Sunday throughout the summer all are welcome to come and lift up prayers for the pastoral search, the search for a permanent youth director, our Session, church councils, pastoral and program staff, and other church employees. This is NOT a prayer time for personal needs. We will end no later than 9:40 a.m. | | | Deacons' Clothing Drive Ends Soon! | Throughout the month of June, the Deacons will be collecting gently used “interview clothes” including pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, suits, and shoes. These items will be used at Heartland Human Care Services where member Angela Muganwa is a program manager for refugee employment. Items should be in good condition and ready to wear. Bring them on hangers directly to the rack in the basement or drop them at the front desk. Men’s polo shirts and plain (no text) tee-shirts are also welcome. Additionally, Heartland is collecting children’s books so please drop those off as well. Questions: Please contact Joel Bregman at 847-476-0116 or jkjka6@sbcglobal.net. Thank you in advance for your generosity! | |  | June 26 Fundraiser at Hub's for Ukraine Mission Partner | |
On Thursday, June 26 we will have a chance to eat out Hub’s restaurant AND raise funds for a gift for our partner, the Tavriski Christian Institute (TCI) in Ukraine. 20% of all money spent at Hub’s between 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. will go to TCI. PLUS our good friends at Hub’s will match that, so 40% of everything spent by those mentioning First Pres when they order on June 26 will go to TCI. It’s a great family place, and a perfect location to meet with folks from the church – especially those who you don’t know as well. And you can always carry out your order. Hubs is located at 3727 Dempster St. in Skokie. Look for the yellow sign.
| | | Deadline Approaching for Mission Trip Opportunity this Fall | Interested in serving in Turkey this fall? Our partner, The Outreach Foundation, is inviting a group of us from First Pres to join them in an immersive experience among their partners in the Persian Diaspora, and to walk in Paul's footsteps, learning about the early church. November 2 - 14, 2025 with optional 3-day extensions in the area. If interested, contact Cam Traut camtraut@gmail.com or Caryl Weinberg cweinberg@firstpresevanston.org by June 25. | | | Nominations Sought for 2026 FPCE Officers | | The Officer Nominating Committee is seeking nominations of FPCE members to serve as Elders and Deacons as well as for other Council and Committee positions. Nomination forms are available at the church front desk or can be made via this online form. Please contact one of the co-chairs Annette Stover or Sonia Bodi with any questions or email firstpresnominate2026@gmail.com. | | Register for VBS 2025—Splash & Spirit: Dive into Fun! | | | | Get ready to make a splash! Our 2025 Vacation Bible School will take place July 29-31, 1 to 4 p.m. at FPCE. Join us for three unforgettable afternoons filled with water games, music, crafts, and faith-filled fun! Designed for kids K - 5th grade, our Water Adventure VBS will keep your child cool while they grow in friendship and faith. Cost: $35/child ($5 off for each additional sibling). Bonus: Kids of volunteers attend for FREE! ONLY 30 SPOTS AVAILABLE! | | Book Club to Discuss "To Kill A Mockingbird" on Tuesday, July 22 | |
Book Club is "going old school" as the next selection to read is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The club will meet July 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor.
Goodreads describes the book this way: "A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel - a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s."
| | | Pastor Nominating Committee Seeks Candidate Suggestions | |
The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is looking for your suggestions for potential pastor candidates and anyone you think might know some good candidates. Use the QR code shown here, click this link, or find one of the printed forms at the front desk to make your suggestions.
Please do NOT tell people you have suggested them. We cannot promise that we will contact every suggestion.
| | FPCE Member, Handbells Finishing Run at Joffrey Ballet | |
This is the last week to hear 30 of First Pres’s beautiful handbells that have been ringing in the Lyric Opera Orchestra percussion section during the Joffrey Ballet’s three-week run of “Alice in Wonderland” (June 5-22, www.joffrey.org). First Pres percussionist Tina Laughlin made a “ringing” endorsement of our bells to the Joffrey, and the bells have been enjoying a vigorous workout in the large 5-player percussion section of composer Joby Talbot’s colorful and cinematic musical score. Going farther “down the rabbit hole”, First Pres member Dr. Robert McConnell (pictured) has been guest conducting three of the Joffrey’s “Alice in Wonderland” shows on Saturday – the last one is this Saturday, June 21 at the 2 p.m. performance.
| | PRAY FOR THE FIRST FRIENDS MINISTRY OF FIRST PRES. | |
First Friends is a ministry of our church that welcomes and supports refugee families as they begin new lives in the U.S. Through shared meals, simple acts of kindness, and monthly gatherings like the First Friends Breakfast, we offer friendship and community rooted in Christ’s love.
We also recognize the work of World Relief Chicagoland, a Christian organization that supports immigrants and refugees through resettlement services, job training, and community care.
This month, we also remember Angela Muganwa, one of our mission partners, who is helping refugees from Uganda find jobs and stability here in the U.S.
As we approach World Refugee Day on June 20, we lift up refugees around the world who are seeking peace, safety, and a place to call home.
Praises
- We give thanks for the faithful volunteers who open their hearts for the refugee families.
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Praise God for the beautiful connections formed through the monthly First Friends Breakfasts.
- We are grateful for the safe arrival of refugee families and their resilience in starting anew.
- Thank God for Bridgette and her family as a leader who serve with compassion and joy.
- We give thanks for the ministry of Angela Muganwa and her faithful service to Ugandan refugees.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for refugee families that they would feel welcomed, supported, and find peace and healing as they adjust to life in a new land.
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Ask God to continue to bless the First Friends Breakfast Gatherings, making them spaces of joy, connection, and Christ-centered community.
- Pray for more hearts to be stirred within our church to volunteer whether through First Friends or with World Relief.
- Lift up the upcoming training sessions at World Relife, that they may prepare and equip all who feel called to serve.
- Pray that our church would remain a place where strangers become friends and Christ’s love is lived out in action.
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We pray especially for Angela Muganwa for her health and the wellbeing of her family. May God grant her wisdom, strength, ideas, and open doors to continue her work. May she be guided, guarded, and protected each step of the way.
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As we approach World Refugee Day (June 20), we lift up all refugees around the world especially the most vulnerable. Lord, protect them physically and emotionally. Be near to those who feel lost or afraid. May they experience Your Fatherly love, provision, and peace.
Amen.
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