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The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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View the December Newsletter Here | |
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The December newsletter is here! Please enjoy the recaps from last month, along with seeing what December holds.
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.
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ADVENT SERMON SERIES
Prophecies of Christmas
Today’s Message:
“The Time is Coming”
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Christmas is a joyous celebration with a deeply prophetic history. In the Bible, a prophecy is a message that God delivers through a human vessel. As the single greatest prophecy fulfilled, the birth of Jesus as Messiah was foretold long before it happened. In this Advent sermon series, we will explore prophecies that point to Christ’s birth on Christmas. In uncovering the ancient story, our understanding will shed new light on Christmas and illuminate our faith.
9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Services
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In case you missed
last week's worship,
you can watch here.
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Adult Education is on break on Sunday, December 1.
We resume on December 8, with the new series "The Glory of God in the Season of Advent." This 3-week series will be led by Pastor Steve Kellough and will be held on Sundays, December 8-22 at 10:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall.
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Advent Devotionals Now Available | |
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2024 ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
Good News, Great Joy: Devotions for Advent & Christmas 2024-2025
Available in the Rotunda, Narthex and church office
This devotional explores, shares, and celebrates that joyous good news by continuing a centuries-old Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. The Advent season of preparation then unfolds in the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany.
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Master Plan Town Hall Meetings | |
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Town Hall Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. and
Sunday, December 15 at 11:30 a.m.
You are invited to attend one of two Town Hall Meetings to hear an update on the master planning process. The first will be held on Wednesday, December 11, following The Table and the second on Sunday, December 15, following the 10:30 service.
Church and ministry leaders have made good progress on the master plan and it’s time to have our discoveries and opportunities shared with the congregation. You will learn more about how we can meet our ministry needs and fulfill our mission. There will also be time to ask questions and tour the facility. We look forward to your attendance and participation.
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Sunday, December 1
10:15 a.m. between services
Thanks to our Visual Arts Committee, the Rotunda will again be graced with the Children's Christmas Tree, decorated with ornaments made by our Kids Ministry and Preschoolers. You are invited to our annual Christmas Tree Lighting between services on Sunday, December 1. Join us for this festive beginning of the season!
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Gingerbread Nativity Night | |
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Friday, December 6
6:00-7:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall
Kick off the Christmas season at our Kids Ministry Gingerbread Nativity Night! Kids are invited to wear Christmas pajamas or other festive outfits for this cozy family event.
• Family gingerbread nativity building • Crafts • Santa’s Toy Walk • Holiday dance floor • Christmas photo booth • Sweet treats • At the end of the night, we'll grab a hot chocolate and settle in for the story of the very first Christmas
We will also be collecting diapers and baby wipes for Christmas Sharing. Donations are optional and are very much appreciated. Sign up here.
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Midweek refreshment for all ages
Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
NOTE: The Table will not be held tonight, November 27, and resumes on December 4.
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Christmas Dinner
Wednesday, December 18 – 5:30-6:30 pm
in Stewart Hall
Join your church family for a celebratory Christmas Dinner! All generations are invited to enjoy the celebration, sharing a delicious meal, Christmas carols and a teaching. There will be activities for children and a Toddler Corner for kids two and under. Feel free to wear your craziest Christmas sweater! Cost: Adults $15 / Children ages 4-12 $5 / Family Maximum: $40
RSVP here by Sunday, December 15 or by contacting the church office.
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Scout Troop 23 – Wreath Overstock & Wreath Ceremony | |
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Sunday, December 1 – Thank you for your continued support of Troop 23’s Wreath Fundraiser! Due to an error in the shipments, there are some beautiful items remaining. Troop 23 will be present in the parking lot between services and after the second service this Sunday, December 1. They hope to be able to find homes for the extra swags, garland, wreaths and holiday décor.
You are also invited to attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony on Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wheaton Cemetery. Following a short ceremony, you can participate in laying over 100 donated Fallen Hero wreaths on Veteran graves.
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2024 Christmas Sharing is Saturday, December 14
Christmas Sharing will again be held at First Pres Wheaton in the same format as last year. Please note there will be no collection of used goods. First Pres has set high goals to provide for 175 families and pray the congregation will be able to fully support the effort in providing for District 200 families in need.
New Items Most Needed:
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Twin / Queen / King sheet sets. See Macy's Black Friday sale link here.
- Gifts for children age 12 and up (athletic balls, bluetooth headphones, bluetooth speakers $20 or less)
- Empty sundry boxes and content lists are available for pickup in the Rotunda. Filled boxes should be returned from December 8-13.
All volunteer help is needed and appreciated! Sign up to volunteer here.
- Volunteer to distribute boxes: Sundays through December 8 (10-11 a.m.)
- Volunteer at church the week of Christmas Sharing: December 9-14
Financial Contributions Before Thanksgiving: Financial contributions are encouraged before Thanksgiving, so we can purchase gift cards for families. Financial donations can be made here, using the Christmas Sharing drop down.
Questions can be directed to Sharon Carroll.
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Christmas Giving Trees
December 1-8
As part of the mission ministry of the church, our congregation will be sharing Christmas joy with the annual Christmas Giving Trees. Gift and monetary donations toward the Giving Trees support Homeless Veterans, Marklund (individuals with disabilities), the DuPage Care Center (long and short-term rehabilitation), and children of the Outreach Community Center.
Beginning December 1, the trees will be on the ramp near the Rotunda, where you can select a tag from a tree, purchase a gift, and return it UNWRAPPED under the appropriate tree. Or, you can make a monetary donation online by selecting “Giving Trees Mission.” Gifts and donations are due by December 8. Contact Pastor Kat or the church office with questions. Thank you for your generosity!
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Poinsettias adorn our chancel each Christmas. To dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please submit a form no later than Wednesday, December 18. Your dedication will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. You may also pick up your poinsettia following the last service on Christmas Eve or during office hours the week after Christmas.
An online form to make your dedication in the amount of your choice can be found here. Or you may make a donation by completing the Poinsettia Dedication form which can be found at the Welcome Desk, Narthex, and the church office.
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DuPage PADS – Christmas Donations | |
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With the holidays quickly approaching, we have special requests for items to give to our PADs families during our December 20 meal service date:
1. We are looking for bakers to make homemade cookies so each family will have a dozen to enjoy during the holiday season (approximately 50 dozen are needed). If you are able to bake cookies, please email Kathy Paradise to let us know the quantity, so we can keep a count.
2. Donations of activity books, markers, crayons, etc. for the elementary school aged guests to use during their break from school.
3. New Socks – any age or gender
Drop off cookies or other items at church by noon on December 20 or email for a pick up. Many thanks for your continued support to the PADS
community. First Pres meal service dates are the third Wednesday of each month. Help is always needed and appreciated. Contact the church office for additional information.
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Women's Christmas Gathering | |
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Women’s Christmas Gathering
Sunday, December 8
4:00 p.m. at the home of Betty Joseph
All women of the church are invited to a Christmas gathering! Please bring a table-ready appetizer and/or a bottle of wine. Dessert and non-alcoholic beverages provided. Please RSVP here or by calling the church office by Sunday, December 1.
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Men's Christmas Breakfast | |
Men's Christmas Breakfast
Friday, December 13
7:00-8:00 a.m.
All members and friends of First Pres Wheaton are welcome to join us for the Men’s Christmas Breakfast. Make plans to be a part of this morning of fellowship and hear a message planned especially for the men of our church and community. The breakfast is FREE, but please RSVP by registering or contact the church office by email or phone.
All are welcome! Bring a friend. RSVP here or by calling the church office by Tuesday, December 10.
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Sunday School is for children age 3 through 5th grade during the 10:30 service.
- Preschool 3's and 4's meet in LL102
- Kindergarten and 1st grade meet in LL105
- 2nd and 3rd grade meet in LL106
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4th and 5th grade meet in LL107 Childcare is available during both services in LL103 for children ages 3 years and younger. For more information, contact Stacey Chvatal.
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• Genesis Middle School Ministry meets on Sunday
mornings at 10:30 in The Attic.
• WF High School Ministry meets on Sundays from
6:30-8:30 p.m. in The Attic.
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Calendar and Office Hours | |
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Check the First Pres calendar regularly for updates.
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The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Regular Office Hours
Monday through Thursday – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
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