Week of November 1

Coming up at First Pres

All Saints Communion Worship at 10 AM in the Sanctuary

Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching on November 1 in the Sanctuary. The service will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. A digital bulletin is available on our website for those worshiping online.


Flower Dedications

The flowers on Sunday are placed to the glory of God by:

  • Gini & Brad Baker with joy and in celebration of their granddaughter Ellie Summers’ 13th birthday on November 4th.
  • Juli & Jamie Dunsing in recognition of National Adoption Month and with thanks to God for the gift of adoption: "We pray for adoptees, birth families, adoptive families, and all who work to provide children with safe, loving, and permanent homes."
  • The pink rose on the organ is in joyous celebration of the birth of Kennedy Anne Friestedt, born on October 9. Grandparents are Betsy & Brad Friestedt.


Childcare | Birth–PreK

Childcare is available in our Nursery (birth–2) and Pre-K room (ages 3–4).


Sunday School | ages 3–7th grade

Come learn, play, create, and discover! Kids explore Bible stories through games, crafts, activities, and conversation. Families begin together in worship, then children head to their classrooms at 10:15 AM.

 

Wiggly Worship Tables in Sanctuary & Chapel

Little hands are welcome here! Kids in 3rd grade and younger can join us at our Wiggly Worship tables, where hands-on activities help them participate, explore, and engage with worship. Sit nearby and worship together!


Click here to access our online giving.

The Week Ahead

Sunday, November 1

Dedication & All Saints Sunday

10:00 AM — Worship (Sanctuary)

10:15 AM — Sunday School

11:00 AM — Social Hour

4:00 PM — Youth Group

 

Wednesday, November 4

4:00 PM — PADS Food Donation Drop-Off (Sanctuary Entrance)

 

Friday, November 6

7:00 PM — David Edelfelt in Concert (Chapel)

 

Saturday, November 7

10:00 AM — First Pres Coffee Tour to Karina’s Bakery in Mundelein

 

Sunday, November 8

10:00 AM — Worship (Sanctuary & Chapel)

10:15 AM — Sunday School

11:00 AM —Congregational Meeting (Sanctuary)

4:00 PM — Youth Group

 

Looking Ahead

November

November 21— Mobile Food Pantry Volunteering

November 22 — Advent Wreath & Crèche Lunch

November 22 — First Light Service: Love Finds Us Here

November 23 — Advent Book Study Begins

December

December 6 — Advent Vespers

December 13 — Christmas Pageant

December 13 — Holiday Taizé

December 19 — Mobile Food Pantry Volunteering

December 20 — Chancel Choir Major Work

December 24 — Christmas Eve Worship at 4, 7 & 10 PM

Stewardship: Commitment & Dedication

This past Sunday, our congregation gathered for Commitment Sunday, a joyful moment when we dedicated our pledges to the Lord with faith and anticipation. Together, we affirmed our trust that God will equip us to pursue the God Sized Dreams set before First Pres and our wider community.


As a tangible reminder of this shared commitment, members of the Stewardship Committee offered keepsake compass pins at the close of worship. These small tokens serve as both a memento of the day and an expression of deep gratitude for the faithfulness this congregation has shown year after year.


If you have not yet submitted your pledge, there is still time. You may use the link below to submit your pledge online, mail your form to the church office, or pick up a Giving Estimate form during the week. Every pledge—large or small—strengthens our ministry and helps us move forward in hope.


As we continue our work to fulfill our God-sized dreams for First Pres, this Sunday commemorates Commitment Sunday — our annual formal opportunity to submit our financial pledges for 2027.

 

David Edelfelt in Concert

Friday, November 6 at 7 PM in the First Pres Chapel

In this one-man performance, David shares his most personal show to date, offering songs about love, life and laughter - through the lens of joy, gratitude and inspiration. Come for the fun and bring a friend! Doors open at 6:30 PM.

 

Coffee at Karina's Bakery on Saturday, November 7 at 10 AM

First Pres folks will be hanging out at Karina's Bakery in Mundelein on Saturday, November 7 from 10:00-11:00 AM. It's part of our monthly First Pres Coffee Tour to support local Black- and Brown-owned businesses. No program, no agenda, just a chance to grab a drink and hang out with First Pres folks for as much or as little of the hour as you’d like. Bring a friend!

Special Congregational Meeting on November 8

The Session has called a special meeting of the congregation for Sunday, November 8, to elect an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) and at-large members of the Congregational Nominating Committee. Please join us immediately following worship on November 8. Childcare will be provided.

 

Holiday Meal Boxes for Mobile Food Pantry

This holiday season, the church will provide Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams to local families in need. A gift of $23 covers the cost of a complete turkey or ham dinner—enough to feed up to eight people.


You may donate online by clicking here or by writing a check with “Holiday Meal Box” in the memo line.



Thank you for helping share the joy of the holidays with our neighbors!

First Light Service: Love Finds Us Here

Sunday, November 22 at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary

Sometimes life takes us down roads we never expected to travel. Whether we are grieving a loved one, facing an uncertain future, or carrying losses we can't easily name, the holiday season can make the journey feel especially lonely.


At First Light, we gather to remember that we do not have to know the way forward to be accompanied by love. Through scripture, prayer, music, and reflection, we will make space for our sorrow and find comfort in the promise that God's love meets us wherever we

Advent Wreath Workshop & All Church Lunch

Sunday, November 22, 2026 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Join us in Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday, November 22 for lunch and a hands-on Advent wreath-making activity using fresh-cut greenery.*


If you’ve been creating handmade crèche pieces each year, your next piece will be waiting for you. If you’re new to the tradition, come pick up your first piece and begin building your own nativity set. All are welcome!


*If you have garden gloves and snippers, please bring them along. A few pairs will be available to share.


Please RSVP so we have enough food and wreath materials for everyone!

 

Flower Dedications

Honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion with a beautiful floral arrangement in our worship spaces on Sunday mornings. The cost is $45. Click here to make a dedication or call the church at 847-362-2174.



Libertyville Senior Center Update

Click here for their October newsletter.

Phishing Texts & Email Scams

Scams like spoofed emails and texts are becoming more common and can be very convincing. In some cases, scammers may pose as pastors, staff, or fellow members and ask for gift cards, money, personal information, or a quick response to a link.


Our pastors and staff will never ask for gift cards, money, or sensitive information by email or text. If something seems off, please call the church office at 847-362-2174 before taking any action.

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