Week of March 9, 2025

Don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

See you on Sunday: Join us for worship at 10 AM on Sunday, March 9. Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson is preaching in the sanctuary. The service will also be available on our YouTube channel.

Flower Dedications: The flowers on Sunday are placed to the glory of God by Sally and Connie Kowal In memory of their daughter, Lauren, on her birthday.

Social Hour & 4Ocean Bracelet Sales: Confirmation youth will be selling bracelets in Social Hour after worship. Bracelets that were pre-ordered will also be available for pick-up.

Since 2020, our congregation has been a Presbyterian Matthew 25 church. That means we place special emphasis on Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31–46. The Matthew 25 Initiative asks us “to act boldly and compassionately to see our neighbors through Jesus’ eyes and serve those who are marginalized or in need — people who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, imprisoned, strangers, poor or oppressed in other ways and in need of welcoming”.

At the Feb. 24 meeting of our Session, Pastor/Head of Staff Brian Paulson shared that many congregation members are voicing concerns to our pastoral team about vulnerable populations. The pastoral staff suggested that the congregation take initial steps to engage in positive, legal, appropriate, and Christian ways. The Session unanimously affirmed the recommendations and referred them for planning as outlined below.

The key areas of focus include humanitarian assistance, community solidarity, and equity efforts. For humanitarian assistance, the proposal is to provide legal aid for those facing documentation challenges, several trusted organizations are being considered. This proposal was referred to the Mission Committee and the Committee on Anti-Racism & Equity (CARE) for volunteer participation and funding consideration.

In terms of community solidarity, the Mission Committee proposed action to support the LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County. The Session affirmed this decision, and staff will coordinate with the center for action and support opportunities.

Our equity efforts align with our Matthew 25 commitments and the work of CARE. Special emphasis will be with our Bridge Partners* for volunteering opportunities and the potential funding of needed initiatives. On third Sundays of the month, each of our Bridge Partners will be highlighted in worship. This proposal was referred to CARE for consideration and action.

Additionally, there are recommendations for generative conversations and legislative support. The Parlor may be used for discussions after worship for those motivated to address societal concerns aligned with our mission and calling. This proposal was referred to the staff, the Congregational Care & Evangelism Committee, and CARE for consideration. Legislative opportunities that align with our Christian values and mission may be highlighted in coming months. This proposal was referred to the CARE committee for consideration.

*Our Bridge Partners are vetted organizations that accomplish critical community support work in Lake County and beyond. Learn more here.

THE WEEK AHEAD

 Sunday, March 9

10:00 AM Worship (Sanctuary)

10:15 AM Sunday School Pre-K - 8th grade

11:00 AM Social Hour & 4Ocean Fundraiser (Social Hall)

11:15 AM Alpha Chimers & Trinity Choir

11:45 AM Confirmation (Youth Education Room)

1:30 PM Green Oaks Senior Living Worship (Offsite)

4:00 PM Junior High Fellowship (Youth Lounge)

5:30 PM Youth Bells

6:30 PM Youth Leadership Team Meeting

7:00 PM Senior High Fellowship (Youth Lounge)

Monday, March 10

9:00 AM Habitat Quilting (Social Hall)

1:00 PM Lenten Labyrinth (Social Hall)

2:00 PM “Hard & Holy Work” Lent Book Study (Dougherty Room)

6:00 PM “Hard & Holy work” Lent Book Study (Zoom)

6:30 PM Vesper Bells

7:00 PM Scout Troop 71 (Social Hall)

7:00 PM Caregiver Support Group (Zoom)

7:00 PM Deacon Meeting (Fellowship Hall)

Tuesday, March 11

7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)

Wednesday, March 12

7:30 AM Morning Bible Study (Zoom)

12:00 PM “Lent of Liberation” Discussion (Zoom)

4:00 PM PADS Donation Drop Off

6:00 PM “Lent of Liberation” Discussion (Zoom)

Thursday, March 13

9:00 AM Bel Canto Ringers & Women’s Disciple Bible Study

4:20 PM Faith Choir (Sanctuary)

4:30 PM Cherub Choir (Chapel)

6:30 PM Motet Choir (Sanctuary)

7:00 PM Scout Troop 71 (207)

7:30 PM Chancel Choir (Sanctuary)

Friday, March 14

9:00 AM Hannah Circle (Parlor)

Saturday, March 15

7:30 AM Confirmation Volunteering

7:30 PM Men’s Sounding Board (Conference Room & Zoom)

8:00 AM Mobile Food Pantry

9:30 AM Youth Sunday Rehearsal

Sunday, March 9

Youth Sunday

10:00 AM Worship (Sanctuary)

10:15 AM Sunday School Pre-K - 8th grade

11:00 AM Pi Day Fundraiser (Social Hall)

11:15 AM Alpha Chimers & Trinity Choir

1:30 PM Sedgebrook Senior Living Service (Offsite)

5:30 PM Youth Bells

7:00 PM Junior & Senior High Fellowship (Youth Lounge)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coffee & Conversation for Older Adults: If you consider yourself an older (and wiser!) adult, we invite you to join us for coffee and conversation in the Dougherty Fireside Room after church on Sunday, March 23. Rev. Amy will be there to offer hospitality and would love to hear your thoughts on starting regular gatherings for lunch and meaningful discussions after worship.

A Service of Lament & Hope

Inspired by the wisdom of Mister Rogers

Sunday, March 23, 5:00 - 5:45 PM, in our Chapel

Join the pastoral staff for a time of reflection, song, readings, prayer, and the opportunity to name aloud both the heartaches that grieve us and the sources of hope that heal us.

As Fred Rogers once said, "Anything that is mentionable can be more manageable."

Daily Devotions: Daily Lenten devotions written by members of our First Pres family are being emailed to everyone on our Devotions List. If you’d like to be added to the list (or if you'd like to be removed), please email mhuber@boxp.net.

Lenten Labyrinth: There will be a labyrinth set up in Social Hall every Monday from 1:00-7:00 PM during Lent.

"Hard & Holy Work" discussion begin on Monday

Join Rev. Nicole Chapman-Farley on Mondays during Lent for a discussion of Hard and Holy Work: A Lenten Journey through the Book of Exodus. We'll gather from March 10 to April 14.

In-person sessions are from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, and Zoom sessions are from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

In the book, Pastor Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Hebrew Bible scholar Tyler Mayfield reflect on the brave action of the midwives Shiphrah and Puah and other faithful women in Exodus, Moses’ awakening to the plight of the Hebrew people, Moses’ life-changing encounter with the burning bush, the Israelites taking the risk of crossing the Red Sea, and more―alongside numerous contemporary stories―to help readers to see anew and contemplate how God is calling them to respond to injustice in our world.

Email Megan at mhuber@boxp.net to sign up.

"Lent of Liberation" discussion on Wednesdays

Join Pastoral Resident Alex Barnes for a Lent lunchtime/early evening offering on Wednesdays through April 16. We meet on Zoom from 12:00 to 12:30 PM or 6:00 to 6:30 PM to explore questions from the devotional Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery.

Each session includes a testimony from someone who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad, a Scripture passage, and a reflection connecting biblical and historical themes. This devotional reflects on Lenten themes of exodus, redemption, discipline, and repentance.

Email Megan at mhuber@boxp.net to sign up.

Caregiver Support Group: The Caregiver Support Group is back! Their next meeting is on Monday, March 10 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. This group is a sanctuary for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other chronic illnesses such as COPD, stroke, cancer, and more. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Can you donate a pie for the Pi Day Fundraiser on March 16? Any type of pie (homemade or store bought) is appreciated and can be dropped off in Social Hall that morning before worship. The youth will will be selling slices of pie for $3.14 in Social Hall that morning! The money raised goes to support our JHF & SHF summer trips. Call the church office at 847-362-2174 or use this form to let our youth know how many pies to expect!

Men’s Retreat at Siena Retreat Center

Rev. Dr. Phil Butin will lead our fall Men’s Retreat on Nov. 21 & 22 at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine. Recently retired from First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, AR,

Phil brings vast experience. He holds degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and Duke University, and has served as a pastor, seminary professor, and president of San Francisco Theological Seminary.

The Siena Retreat Center hosts retreats and programs designed to renew lives and deepen holistic spirituality. Nestled in an environment of peace, joy, and beauty along the shore of Lake Michigan, the center aims to be a catalyst for a more just and compassionate world.

Stay tuned for registration information!

Executive Assistant to the Pastor/Head of Staff

Click here for the updated job description.

Chapel Music Director

Click here for the job description.

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about supporting a vibrant ministry and looking for a part-time role where you can make a real difference? We are seeking a dedicated and organized individual to join our team as an Executive Assistant to the Pastor/Head of Staff. In this role, you will manage schedules, coordinate important events, and provide essential administrative support to ensure our church runs smoothly. If you have excellent communication skills, a knack for organization, and a heart for service, we would love to hear from you!

We're also seeking a talented musician to help lead our contemporary chapel worship service. The Chapel Music Director is a part time (20 hours per week) position with on-site responsibilities primarily on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons/evenings. Experience as a worship leader preferred.

Flower Calendar

If you'd like to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion by dedicating a floral arrangement to be used in our worship spaces on Sunday mornings, please fill out the form below or call the church office at 847-362-2174.

PADS Food Collection

Drop off on Wednesdays between 4-5:30 PM in the Sanctuary Narthex. Please only bring items from the list below:

Breakfast: Bagels, cream cheese, instant oatmeal, store-bought muffins, granola or breakfast bars, meal replacement drinks

Lunch: Crackers, chips, ramen noodle cups or packages, protein bars, tuna or chicken salad packs, beef jerky, microwave popcorn, Jell-O cups, apple sauce pouches

Dinner: Non-perishable microwave dinners, canned baked beans, mac and cheese in boxes or cups, canned chili, microwave rice packs, sardines

Drinks: Apple or fruit juice packs, water bottles, hot chocolate packs, small containers of milk

Other: Can openers, plastic cutlery and plates, baby food

Libertyville Senior Center News

Click here to read the March newsletter from our friends at the Libertyville Senior Center.

Join our Sunday Morning AV Team!

Audio

Are you interested in microphones and mixing boards? Help deliver the message throughout the Sanctuary and Chapel!

Video

Are you interested in camera controllers, video production, and YouTube?

Slides

Are you interested in keeping everyone in the Chapel on the same page?

We provide all training; no experience necessary! Use the QR code to access the interest form or email the office at office@boxp.net. 

Sermon Podcasts

Podcasts of previous Sunday sermons are available on the listening platform of your choice, including Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Music. The links are also available on our website at www.firstpreslibertyville.org/podcasts. New podcasts are generally uploaded midweek.

How to contact a pastor or staff member

Call 847-362-2174 or email office@boxp.net.

The office is open M-F 9 AM - 4 PM.

Pastoral Emergencies

If you are a church member and need to reach a pastor in an emergency, please call 847-367-6460. Leave a message and a pastor will return your call as soon as they are able.

Beware of Scams!

To avoid falling victim to scams, please verify the sender's email address before responding to any messages that appear to be from our pastors or staff. Our pastors only send email from boxp.net and will never make personal requests for money, gift cards, or any kind of assistance through email. If you have any doubts, please call the church office at 847-362-2174 to verify before taking any action.