Weekly Highlights

September 21, 2022

View the September Newsletter Here

Family Fall Fest

Sunday, October 2 – 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Join us on October 2nd after the church service for our Kids Ministry Family Fall Fest! The Festivities include:

Doctor Dogs Food Truck
Bounce House
Bubble Show
Lawn Games
and more...

Everyone is welcome! The Fall Fest will take place on the church lawn following the service/Sunday School. Please remember to bring your blankets and/or chairs! Come out to support Kids Ministry and enjoy some food, fun and fellowship!

This Sunday's Worship

Renew the Vision

"A Soul for Worship"

Sunday, September 25

Haggai 2:10-23

Pastor Kellen presents this three-week series, which explores the theme of true worship in the book of Haggai. By calling the Hebrew people to rebuild the temple, God led them in a renewal of the heart. In the same way, when God calls us to consider our own actions and how they impact our worship, he will lead to a renewal of our hearts.

9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary

Livestream at 10:30 a.m. – firstpreswheaton.org/livestream

In case you missed last week's worship, you can watch here .

Distinguished Preacher Sunday – October 2

Each fall, on the anniversary of Pastor Kellen’s installation, we host a nationally-recognized speaker for our Distinguished Preacher Sunday. This year we welcome Rev. Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross, Professor of Speech Communication in Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is a member of the Academy of Homiletics, and the National Communication Association/Religious Communication Association. Her areas of teaching interest include speech communication, preaching, especially preaching from the Apostle Paul, and worship. An ordained Presbyterian minister, she has served churches in California and New Jersey, holding membership in the Presbytery of New Brunswick. She enjoys being involved in children’s ministry in a local congregation.

One of her recent publications is Women’s Voices and the Practice of Preaching (Eerdmans, 2017).

Adult Education

Jesus: A Jewish Storyteller

Sundays through October 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Led by Dr. Paul Bischoff

This 4-week class positions Jesus as an itinerant Second Temple rabbi whose Hebraic teaching method used parables to convey the Gospel. He did so in the tradition of a parabolic teaching device derived from rabbinic tradition and the Old Testament. Historic views of Jesus are far more domesticated than he really was when he taught. His stories were provocative, edgy, and at times shocking. Jesus’ main purpose was not to present moralistic lessons that explain theology, but rather to convey the kingdom of God.

Interested in Membership or Learning More?

Connect Class for New Members

Sunday, September 25

11:30 a.m. in the Living Room

Would you like to explore First Pres a little deeper? A new Connect Class is coming up and we would love to share our mission and tell you about our congregation. Whether you are new to our church, attending livestream worship, exploring faith, or want to become a member, our Connect Class is an ideal place of learning.

Informational Session

Sunday, September 25

11:30 a.m. in the Dining Room

The Nominating Committee is now accepting submissions for consideration for the offices of Deacon, Elder and 2023 Nominating Committee.

Have you wondered what the role of an Elder or Deacon is? On Sunday, September 25, there will be an informational session to give those interested an overview of the Deacon and Elder roles. There will be a couple of deacons and elders on hand to help answer questions and provide their perspectives. Plan to attend so you can nominate good candidates and/or self-nominate for the role you think you’re a good match for!

You can submit names of members and/or your own name by filling out the online Nomination Form. Printed forms are available in the pews. Nominations are due by Sunday, October 2.

Free Living Legacy Seminar

Sunday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Complimentary Lunch Provided

Have you considered your legacy? Learn more at this seminar featuring Steve Keizer, PC(USA) Foundation Ministry Relations Officer. You’ll gain helpful insights about ways to build your legacy now and in the future. Hosted by the First Pres Generosity Committee. Contact the church office with questions or to RSVP. Watch for additional details.

Fabric Pumpkin Workshop and Lunch

Tuesday, October 4

11:00 a.m. in Stewart Hall

You are invited to attend a workshop to make a fabric pumpkin or two for your fall decor! Minimal sewing is involved and all supplies will be provided. The fun starts at 11:00 a.m. and plan to stay for a bowl of soup! Bring a friend. You do not need to be in a Women’s Circle to attend. Kindly RSVP by October 3, so we have enough supplies and food for everyone.

The Community Art Gallery highlights the artistic creations of members of First Pres and local artists.

Featured Artist: Janice Zeuch through October

Artist's Reception: Sunday, September 25

Between services in the Rotunda

Janice was a teacher in the Cleveland area prior to moving to Wheaton in 2005. She was lucky to find Wheaton, this church and be able to stay home to raise her children. Eight years ago, she went back to teaching children’s classes at the DuPage Art League. When not at the league working with pastels, Janice is home painting a house for her side business, watercolormyhouse.com, or creating large-scale abstract work for anyone looking to fill an empty wall space.

Kids Ministry

Sunday School – Join us for Sunday School during the 10:30 service!

Preschool: Preschool children (age 3 by 9/1) meet in LL102 at 10:30 a.m.
Kindergarten-2nd Grade: Children meet in LL105 at 10:30 a.m.
3rd-5th Grade: Children will attend the 10:30 church service with their parents and be dismissed to Sunday School before the sermon. Pick up is in LL107 following the service.

This Sunday, September 25, our Sunday Schoolers will sing "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho" during the service! Everyone, including grades 3-5, will meet in the Sunday School rooms at 10:30 to practice the song before going up to the sanctuary to sing. Hope to see you all there!

3rd Grade Bible Presentation – Sunday, October 2

This is a special Sunday where each of our 3rd graders is presented with their own Bible from the church. An RSVP email will be going out to families soon.