View the October Newsletter Here | | |
"You might remember when you were a child and someone let you “hold” something that didn’t actually belong to you—a friend’s prized baseball card, or maybe your grandmother’s special cookbook..."
... Continue reading in the October Newsletter.
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.
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"The Gift of Generosity"
This three-week series invites us to experience generosity as a joyful way of life. As we reflect on God’s gifts, we’ll discover how living generously deepens our faith, strengthens our community, and helps us participate in the Lord’s work in the world.
This week: The Generous God (2 Corinthians 9:6-15) – Our generosity is rooted in God’s overflowing grace. We begin by remembering that everything we have and all that we are comes first as a gift from God.
Sunday, October 5 – 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Worship
Childcare available – Livestream at 10:30
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Watch.
Share.
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You can view last week's service here.
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Save the Date!
Distinguished Preacher Sunday – October 26
Rev. Dr. Doug Brouwer
(Former senior pastor at First Pres Wheaton)
Sermon: "Longing for Home" (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)
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“The Study of Jonah”
Sundays October 5-26
10:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall
Led by Rev. Dr. John Armstrong
The book of Jonah is one of the most surprising and soul-stirring stories in all of Scripture. In this four-week study, we’ll uncover how this reluctant prophet’s journey reveals the depth of God’s mercy, patience, and love. Our guide for the exploration will be theologian Dr. John Armstrong, who will help us reflect not only on the meaning of the text, but also on what it stirs within us. You’ll come away with fresh insight, practical application through Lectio Divina, and a deeper sense of God’s presence in your own life.
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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.
It’s not too late to join us! Life Groups are forming this month.
Sign up here. Contact Pastor Kat with questions.
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Kids Ministry Welcome Team – Volunteers Needed!
Help us create a warm, friendly start for families on Sunday mornings! We’re looking for volunteers to greet families and assist with checking in the children in the Kids Ministry hallway on the lower level from 10:15–10:30 a.m. (just 15 minutes, no missed worship service). Flexible scheduling is available and quick training provided. Interested? Email Stacey Chvatal to sign up!
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Sunday School at 10:30 – Sunday School is for ages 3 years old 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.
Kids Church during the 9:00 service – Kids Church is held 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.
Childcare for children for ages 3 years and under is available during the services.
For more information, contact Stacey Chvatal.
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Sunday, October 19
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on the church lawn
Bring your family and friends! The fun includes: Food • Bounce house • Family games • Face painting • Pumpkin decorating • Sack races
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Genesis and WF meet weekly on Sundays:
Genesis – 10:30-11:30 a.m.
WF – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
(Note: WF will be on a break on October 12, due to the Holiday Weekend)
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“I Proclaim” and “I Practice”
– Taking Our Beliefs Seriously
Speaker: Dr. Vince Bacote
Wednesday, October 22
6:30-7:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall 106
Many of us have heard concerns about the disconnect between Christian beliefs and actions. How can we more faithfully align the two in our own lives? Together we will consider how to thoughtfully and compassionately look within ourselves while considering why the gap between belief and practice remains a great challenge among our Christian family. Together we’ll discern hopeful and practical steps we can take to become agents of peace and clarity in a world that deeply needs them.
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On Display through November 23
Woodworking by Anth Lechiara
Artist Reception:
Sunday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Stop by and say hi to Anth!
Anth Lechiara has been practicing the craft of woodworking for over 30 years. Inspired by the PBS show “New Yankee Workshop” with Norm Abrams, Anth's projects have included an over-ambitious toy box, clocks, boxes, headboards, various chairs and tables, and most recently cutting boards and wood art objects. His projects are primarily made of domestic hardwoods; maple, walnut, cherry and oak. He also works with a few exotics such as purple heart, leopard, zebra, teak and mahogany, along with cypress or cedar for outdoor projects. Anth says "The wood I use is a true gift from God. I marvel at its strength and beauty and feel an obligation to be respectful and not wasteful."
| | Women of the Word Bible Study Tonight | | |
Women’s Bible Study:
"Women of the Word"
Wednesdays through November 19
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 dive into Scripture, share in discussion, and pray for one another. Childcare available upon request. Please contact Pastor Kat if you plan to attend.
| | Register by October 10 – Women's Fall Retreat | | |
Join us on October 31–November 2 in Racine, Wisconsin for the Women's Fall Retreat! The program, Transformed: Discovering Your Identity, Purpose, and Belonging in God’s Story, will be held at the beautiful Siena Retreat Center. Register here by October 10. See the retreat details here.
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Dress-a-Girl Workshop
Tuesday, October 7, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 8, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Stewart Hall Room 104-107
All levels of skill are invited to join us as we make dresses for girls in other countries who normally can't afford a new dress. Please contact Jeanne Kovanda through the church office if you plan to attend and if you plan to bring your own sewing machine.
| | Scout Christmas Wreath Sales October 12 & 19 | | |
Scout Troop 23 Wreath Sales
Sunday, October 12 & 19
following both services in the Rotunda
– Sales end October 31 –
Church members are welcome to support our home troop by purchasing Christmas greenery, a fundraiser the church troop has been offering since 1966. Scouts will also be taking orders for “Fallen Heroes Wreaths” and are planning the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of Pearl Harbor Day, at the Wheaton Cemetery. Contact Carrie Olson, or Steve Yates with any questions or to express your interest in purchasing greenery. We appreciate your prayers and support of our church's largest youth outreach.
| | The Table Resumes October 15 | | |
The Table, our midweek refreshment for all ages, will resume on Wednesday, October 15.
We are looking forward to a new season of The Table, as we share a catered, buffet-style meal each week. We’ll be led in song, and have a brief teaching, and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. There will be activities for children and a Toddler Corner for kids two and under.
Watch for menu and registration details to come for October 15.
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Thursday, October 16 – 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Christmas Sharing Fundraiser at the Wheaton Panera
Sunday, October 9 – at the 10:30 a.m. service
Preschool Celebration Sunday
Thursday, November 13 – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Women's Ministry service at Northern Illinois Food Bank – Register by Wednesday, October 29.
Sunday, November 30 – 4:00 p.m.
"No Babysitters" 5th Sundays Family-friendly Concert
| | 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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