Weekly News — April 8, 2026

Contents

News

• Easter at First Pres - NEW
• Matthew 25 Lent Campaign - UPDATED
• Mom's Group This Sunday - NEW
• Worship Night This Sunday - NEW
• Single Service April 19
• Spring Midweek Journey's Study - NEW
• Church Grounds Clean Up - NEW
• VBS Volunteers
• VBS Registration

Prayers

Easter at First Pres

What an amazing and worshipful Easter at First Pres! We had beautiful music from our Chancel Choir, The Miner Street Brass, and our Contemporary Worship Band. Hearts were full and singing out praises as we celebrated the new life we have in Christ.


May we continue to live as Easter people proclaiming with our lives that He has risen indeed!

Matthew 25

Celebrating the Matthew 25 Campaign (and matching gift opportunity!). Each year during Lent, we work to raise $25,000 to assist Chester County residents with emergency housing, utility, and transportation needs. Every cent of every dollar given helps seniors, veterans, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and others who are going through challenging times in their lives.We are thrilled to report that his year, we raised $41,941 - exceeding the goal by almost $17,000. With an average disbursement of about $350, that means about 120 Chester County families will receive assistance. On behalf of the pastors, staff, and mission committee, thank you for your generosity. 

 We have another exciting piece of news to share regarding Matthew 25. A family in the church has committed to match any additional gifts that we make up to $25,000. That means that if you give $500, your gift will be doubled to $1000. This offer applies to any donations that are made between Easter and the end of April. If you haven’t had a chance to participate, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. And if you already gave but want to make an even bigger impact in the lives of our neighbors, please consider jumping back into this initiative one more time. You can give online (select Matt 25 Lent from the drop-down menu) or by making a check to First Presbyterian Church (put Matt 25 in the memo line).

Thank you so much to this family for an extraordinary opportunity and to all of you who are making a profound impact in the lives of local families. 

April Mom's Group This Sunday

All First Pres moms are invited to gather for Mom's Group Sunday, April 12 from 4 - 5:30pm at church. Dr. Tracy Burke will be joining us for her annual Questions from a Hat! Tracy is a psychologist who brings professional and personal insight into all of your questions about your kiddos. We ask anonymously so bring your worries! Contact Mary Hambleton (emham@verizon.net) or Liz Single (lizsingle@gmail.com) with any questions.

Single Worship Service Sunday, April 19

There will be a single worship service at 10:00am on Sunday, April 19. The nursery will be open, but except for the Children's Musical, there will not be any other children's programs that morning. 

Spring Midweek Journeys Study

A new book study will begin later this month of Reading the Bible from Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation by T. Christopher Hoklotubbe and H. Daniel Zacharias. This book will explore what it means to read the Bible from the lens of Indigenous peoples in North America, inviting us to learn from the faith of others and view Scripture from a new perspective. This study will meet on Zoom at 6:30 pm each Wednesday night starting on April 22. Participants are asked to purchase the book on their own and let Sara Pantazes know if you plan to participate. 

Church Grounds Clean Up Day

Now that spring is here, the grounds around the church and our rental properties need some attention. We are looking for volunteers to help out on Saturday, April 25 (rain date Saturday, May 2), starting at 8:30am, to do weeding, mulching, trimming bushes, etc. If you would like to participate, please contact Carmelo Ortiz (2021cortiz@gmail.com) to sign up or for additional information.

VBS Registration is Open

Registration is now open for this summer's Vacation Bible School! Open to kids ages 4 - 5^th grade, this fantastic week will be filled with fun games and science experiments, playing with Bible stories, great music and friends! VBS will take place Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24 from 9am - noon everyday. Sign up through the button below and talk to Director of Faith Formation Sara Pantazes with any questions.

VBS Volunteers 
Planning is underway for this summer's Vacation Bible School and we are looking for teen and adult volunteers willing to help! We are looking for station leaders (recreation, art, and science) as well as group leaders to accompany each group of kids. VBS will take place Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24 from 9am - noon. If you are only available a couple days that week, we would still welcome your help! Talk to Sara Pantazes to sign up and get more information (spantazes@firstpreswc.com)

Thursday First Pres Prayers

This Month’s Prayer Request:

God of Renewal, as we journey through this month of April and witness the signs of new life all around us, we give thanks for the hope you bring. As the earth awakens and blossoms, remind us that your love is always making things new within us and around us.

Help us to live as people of resurrection hope, carrying light into places of darkness, offering kindness where there is need, and standing alongside those who long for comfort, stability, and peace. Strengthen us to be faithful neighbors, not only in word but in action, reflecting your grace in all that we do. We pray for all who feel weary or uncertain, that they may find rest and assurance in you. May our community grow in compassion and unity, so that all may experience belonging and care. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen.

Each week we pray for our congregation at 12:00 pm on Thursdays.

Set an alarm or schedule it in your calendar to join us! You don’t need to only pray for the topic of the week, but you can continue to pray for previous topics as well or anything that God lays on your heart.

For those who would like to set up time to meet one-on-one with someone to navigate a time of transition or difficulty, Stephen Ministers are here to help.

Prayer Requests

If you would like to add a prayer (in joy or in time of need) to our Prayer Band, complete the website form, send an email, or call the church at the number below.

First Presbyterian Church | 130 W. Miner Street | 610-696-0554

GIVE | Visit firstpreswc.com

Thank you for your gifts supporting the mission and ministries of First Pres.