January 7, 2026

View the January Newsletter Here

This month's newsletter features photo recaps from our many December events. Click here to view them and learn more about what’s happening this month.

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.

Sunday's Services

Steady Ground: A Journey Through the Psalms
"The Voice That Still Speaks"
Psalm 29


What if a new year didn’t start with pressure, but with spiritual grounding? Most of us enter the year carrying questions, stress, and hopes we’re not sure how to name. Steady Ground is a six-week series that explores ancient songs written for people facing real life—fear, waiting, doubt, joy, and the search for meaning. The Psalms don’t offer easy answers or religious clichés, they speak honestly about life as it is and point toward a real presence that holds us when everything feels uncertain. Whether you’re full of faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this series is an invitation to begin the year rooted, encouraged, and not alone.

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Childcare available. Livestream at 10:30 a.m.



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You can view last week's service here.



January Adult Education Series

"Unity in the One Body of Christ: Exploring the Orthodox Church"


Led by Rev. Wilbur Ellsworth

January 11-25


This three-week adult education class invites participants to explore the Orthodox Church with curiosity, humility, and charity. Together, we will consider how the Orthodox tradition shares deep oneness with the wider Christian family while also embodying distinctive practices and perspectives shaped by centuries of faithful witness. Each week highlights a particular gift the Orthodox Church offers to the whole church, encouraging appreciation rather than comparison, and unity rather than division.


Rev. Wilbur Ellsworth is an archpriest of the Antiochian Orthodox Church and Pastor Emeritus of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in Warrenville. He’s a graduate of Ithaca College, Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, having written and spoken widely on the Orthodox faith.

Cocoa Sunday This Week!

Join us for Cocoa Sunday on January 11!

• Return to two services: 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
• Hot cocoa bar between services
• Kids are invited to wear pajamas

Children's Sunday School & Childcare This Sunday

• Kids Church at 9:00 – for children 4 years old through 5th grade
• Sunday School at 10:30 – for ages 3 years old through 5th grade 
• Childcare for children ages 3 years and under is available at both services.

For more information, contact Stacey Chvatal.

Youth Ministry

• Genesis Middle School Ministry: Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Confirmation Class at 10:30 a.m.
• WF High School Ministry: Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Table

The Table is on holiday break today and will resume on Wednesday, January 14 with "Breakfast For Dinner."

Sign up here by Sunday, January 11.

Life Groups

Longing to Connect?

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. Life Groups offer connection with the First Pres family and play a key role in our journey of discipleship.

Several Life Groups began last fall, but now is another opportunity to get involved! New Life Groups will begin in February and meet weekly for 4-6 weeks, with the option to continue beyond the initial commitment. Sign up for Life Groups here, or contact Pastor Kat.

Women's Yoga Morning

Women’s Yoga Morning

Saturday, January 17

9:00 a.m. in Stewart Hall

Join us for a refreshing morning of chair yoga! This yoga session is designed for all ages and abilities where you can enjoy gentle stretches and breathing exercises from the comfort of a chair, with optional standing poses and challenges for those who want them. Women of every fitness level will find a comfortable way to move, breathe, and connect with others from First Pres.

Amy Jackson, Founder and Director of The Perch in Aurora, will be leading our time together. Amy is a RYT-200 yoga teacher and has been practicing yoga for more than 15 years. This event is free to attend but free-will donations will be accepted to help cover costs. RSVP here by Wednesday, January 14. 

Congregational Meeting

– Save the Date –

Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, January 25 at 11:30 a.m.

2026 Giving Envelopes Are In

If you requested giving envelopes for 2026, they are available to pick up in the Rotunda. Please contact Beth Spiegel with any questions.

Presbyterians in Partnership – Per Capita

All churches are invited to support the mission of the PC(USA), our larger church family. You can help First Pres to fulfill this Per Capita commitment by making a contribution of $38.00 for each church member in your family in addition to your regular giving. Our fully funded per capita commitment to the Chicago Presbytery will be $36,708.00 for 2026. You are welcome to make your check out to First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton  and note “Per Capita” in the memo line, or contribute online and select the Per Capita fund from the drop down menu. Thank you for your support of the greater church.

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