Coming up at First Pres

Worship at 10 AM on November 15 in the Sanctuary & Chapel

Alex Barnes, M.Div., is preaching in the Sanctuary and Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching in the Chapel. The services will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. Digital bulletins are on our website for those worshiping online.

Flower Dedication

The flowers in the sanctuary are placed to the glory of God by Dee and Derek Rogers in memory of Mark, beloved son, on his birthday. The rose on the organ is in celebration of the birth of Renee Gembra’s granddaughter, Willamina Cecilia Gembra, born on October 21 to Grant and Malin Gembra.

Click here to access our online giving.

Sunday School & Childcare on Sunday

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!

Current Events, Eternal Questions (CEEQ)

Sunday, November 15 at 11:10 AM in the Conference Room

Alex Barnes is leading a CEEQ discussion about El Niño this Sunday, November 15 after worship. All are welcome! No homework, no expertise, and no right answers required—just come ready for a flexible, discussion-based conversation. Look for a new topic on the third Sunday of each month!

Volunteers needed for Mobile Food Pantry

Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 AM

Come join us next Saturday to sort food and pack grocery bags. Guests begin arriving at 8:00 AM, and we typically wrap up by 9:15 AM. We're giving out the Holiday Meal Boxes and could use some extra help! Just come to the Sanctuary Narthex entrance!

Thanksgiving Deacons Collection

We invite you to participate in the annual Thanksgiving collection to support the Deacons' Operating Fund. The funds raised go directly to support the essential ministries of our Deacons, who serve those in need within our community. Write Thanksgiving Fund on your check or click the blue box below.

Advent Wreath Workshop & All Church Lunch

Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11 AM

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.*

Also, 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.

Click here to RSVP, so we have enough food and wreath materials for everyone!

First Light Service: Love Finds Us Here

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

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 are.

Advent Book Study Begins Monday, November 23

"Advent Can Still Change the World:

Bringing Christmas Past into Christmas Present"

By Josh Scott

This four-week Advent study, led by Rev. Nicole Chapman-Farley, invites you into the historical and cultural world of the nativity narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Explore how the birth of Jesus fulfills Old Testament hopes, revealing God entering human history as the Word made flesh. Guided by author Josh Scott, you’ll discover how reading these texts in their original context opens fresh meaning for contemporary faith, illuminating the gifts and challenges of Christmas for our lives today.



Register Today!

Advent Candle Lighting Opportunities during Advent

Anyone who would like to be part of lighting the Advent candles - families, individuals, friends, or any combination - are invited to help lead our Advent liturgy. Sign up here to tell us your availability!

Sign up your kids to be part of the Christmas Pageant

There's a place for every child and youth in this year's Christmas Pageant!

Whether your child loves being in the spotlight or prefers a non-speaking role, we'd love for them to participate! Click here to learn more and sign up!

Help Us Cook Dinner for PADS

Dinner makes a difference! Our church is joining other faith communities to help ensure families staying at the new Pathways Family Shelter in Waukegan have a nourishing meal and feel cared for as they work toward stable housing. Together, we can offer a little extra support during an important time in their lives.

We've committed to providing dinner for up to 100 people on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Our trial run last month was a great success! Volunteers planned the menu, purchased groceries, prepared dinner in our Fellowship Hall kitchen, and then delivered and served the meal at Pathways.

Want to help make this possible? Click here to learn more and sign up to volunteer!

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 the November 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.