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Among Us: A Christmas Story
“Behold the World”
John 1:1-5
In this season of Advent, we will explore the prologue of the Gospel of John. In John 1:14 we read that, “The Word became flesh and made his home among us.” What did it mean for God to take on human flesh and walk among us? As you grow in understanding Jesus’ arrival into this world, your heart will be more prepared for Christmas and for an encounter, once again, with the living God.
Sunday, November 27
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary
Livestream at 10:30 a.m. – firstpreswheaton.org/livestream
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In case you missed last week's worship,
you can watch here.
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Watch this video greeting from Dr. McGowin | |
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"Watch for the Light"
Sundays, November 27-December 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Led by Dr. Emily McGowin
We know there’s more to this time of year than shopping mall Santas, silver bells, and snow-flocked trees. But such things are so entangled with our experience of Advent and Christmas that it’s hard to know where the commercialism ends and the real deal church seasons begin. What are thoughtful Christians to do? In this series, Dr. Emily McGowin will offer historical and theological reflections on the seasons of Advent and Christmas from her research for The Fullness of Time series (forthcoming, IVP). Along the way, she’ll discuss biblical texts, hymns, prayers, and rituals of the seasons, helping us better understand what they mean and how they foster Christian faith today.
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Advent 2022 Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 11
9:00 and 10:30 a.m. – Sanctuary (10:30 livestream)
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Christmas Eve Services
4:00 p.m. Family Service
6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Services
All services are in Sanctuary and livestream
Note: Childcare available at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. services
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25
New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1
One service only at 10:30 a.m. – Sanctuary and livestream
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Advent Devotional – Prophets and Promises: Devotions for Advent & Christmas 2022-2023: Available for pickup in the church office and Rotunda.
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2023 Generosity Campaign Update | |
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As of November 22:
Total Amount: $846,354
New Pledges: 18
Total Commitments: 158
Increased Pledges: 61
For those who haven’t yet committed, there is still time to discern what God’s vision and this church mean to you and make a commitment. You are invited to prayerfully consider a generous gift that will help us continue the wonderful ministries of this church. You may complete a commitment card by hand and return it to the office or complete the online form. Thank you for your prayerful and financial support of God’s mission through our congregation.
Giving Notice: If you are making an IRA distribution to the church, please make sure to have your financial institution include your name in the documentation. This way we are able to credit your account appropriately. In the case of gifts of stock that you plan to send to the church, please notify Beth Spiegel.
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AV Team Balcony Open House | |
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Sunday, November 27
after the second service
There have been many changes on the First Pres balcony since March of 2020, and we look forward to giving you a behind-the-scenes view of what goes on each Sunday morning. Join us on the balcony after the second service on November 27th for an Open House and tour of the renovated space. You will see the capabilities that have been evolving over the last two years. If you can't make the 27th, feel free to stop by after the second service at a later date and check out what's going on up there.
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Grief Support Group
Having experienced some very difficult and painful losses myself these last few years, I am aware that the process of working through and learning to carry grief is not easy. If you have experienced loss, recently or in the past, and feel the need for a safe, confidential place to talk, share, support, and be supported by others, please consider joining this small group. In a world that has so completely changed because of your loss, you will be joining others who seek to learn how to live within this new normal. We will begin meeting once a week in early December, and into January, with the time and dates to be determined by the needs of the group. If you are interested or have questions, please contact me.
– Pastor Diane Slocum
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Kids Ministry
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Sunday School – Join us for Sunday School during the 10:30 service!
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Jingle Bash! Friday, December 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Stewart Hall – We will have games, treats, family nativity building, a magic show, and a visit from Santa! We are currently collecting items for the Christmas Sharing program. Please consider bringing diapers, wipes or a new toy to donate. Register here.
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Genesis and WF Ministries
Groups will not meet on Sunday, November 27.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Poinsettias adorn our chancel each Christmas. To dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, submit your order by Monday, December 19. A donation amount of your choice may be made. Your dedication will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. You may pick up your poinsettia following the last service on Christmas Eve or during office hours the week after Christmas. Place your order online here. If you prefer to pay by check, drop off or mail your payment and the dedication information to the church office. Dedication forms are available in the Rotunda and the office.
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Women's Ministry Christmas Gathering
Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Sharon Urban
All women of the church are invited to a Christmas gathering! Please bring an appetizer and/or bottle of wine. Dessert and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Kindly RSVP by Friday, December 9.
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Sunshine for Sonnie – Sonnie Gitonga, a Wheaton college graduate student from Kenya who attends our church, is moving into the church’s transitional house in the next two weeks. Her three children will join her in mid December. Sonnie is on a limited student stipend and is in need of the following household items. If you can be the hands and feet of Christ by donating anything from the list below, please bring to the church office by this Sunday, November 27 and label it for Sonnie Gitonga. If you have questions, or have one of the larger items and needs to be coordinated, contact Julie Hardwick or call at 630-926-0480.
• 2 Twin bed mattresses • End table for kids bedroom • Sheets - queen bed and twin beds • Comforter - twin beds • Flatware, plates, cups • 3-4 Glasses • Pots and pans • Toaster • Area rugs for bedrooms • Towels
Lastly, Sonnie is in need of a car. If you have a well-maintained car that you might be able to donate or make accessible, please let us know.
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Christmas Sharing returns to our church facility in a new format. Note: there will be no collection of used goods this year. First Pres will host District 200 families in need on Saturday, December 10, with the goal to provide $15,000 in $75 gift cards, winter coats (previously purchased on clearance) and new items from the list below. Donated items may be brought to church between Monday, December 5 and Friday, December 9.
Sundry boxes and contents lists are available for pickup in the Rotunda.
New Items Needed: Toys for ages 2-18 • Bath/shower towels • Twin sheet sets • Queen sheet sets • Diapers size 2-6 • Wipes
Financial contributions should be made before Thanksgiving so we can purchase the gift cards. Financial donations may be made by check or online, choosing "Christmas Sharing" in the drop down menu. Christmas Sharing questions may be directed to Sharon Carroll.
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Serve Holiday Joy to a Senior
Friday, December 16
Every year, First Pres partners with Outreach Carol Stream and Gary Methodist Church to host a Christmas luncheon at First Presbyterian Church for the Older Adults supported by Outreach. For many of these seniors, this annual event is the highlight of their holiday season, and for many, their only celebration. The luncheon will serve approximately 125 older adults. Guests will enjoy a traditional ham dinner, a holiday musical presentation by students from Franklin Middle School, and will receive a gift of kitchen gadgets.
First Presbyterian provides volunteers who contribute in many ways: helping with set-up/clean-up, making food, serving seniors at the tables, and making financial donations. A $12 donation provides a place at the table and gift for each older adult. Please make checks payable to Outreach Carol Stream and mail to Linda Hawkins, 345 S President St., Carol Stream IL 60188 or see the holiday tablescape display in on the welcome desk in the Rotunda. To sign up to volunteer for serving or cooking food, email or call Linda Hawkins at 630-260-7600.
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Christmas Giving Trees
As part of the Mission Outreach Ministry of the church, our congregation will be sharing Christmas joy with the annual Christmas Giving Trees.
The trees are decorated and set up on the ramp. There are trees for Homeless Veterans, Marklund, the Care Center and children of Outreach Community Center. You may select a tag from a tree and bring a gift and place it under the appropriate tree. Bring your unwrapped gift this year by December 11. Gifts will be wrapped by the tree sponsor. Contact the church office with questions. Thank you for your generosity this Christmas season.
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First Pres currently has the following job opportunities available:
– Director of Student Ministry
– Wedding Coordinator
If you are interested in learning about these positions, email Debbie Veal.
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Calendar and Office Hours | |
Check the First Pres calendar regularly for updates.
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The church office is closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.
Church Office Hours
Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
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