View the September Newsletter Here | |
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The Heart of the Church
September 17
“Knowing Your Gift”
Romans 12:1-8
Jesus had a personal mission statement. At the heart of why he came into the world, Jesus said, “The Son of Man didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people” (Mark 10:45). Christ came to serve. It was his mission. If serving was at the heart of his ministry, it should be at the heart of his church. Each Christian discovers that being more Christ-like entails cultivating a servant-heart. In this three-week sermon series, Pastor Kellen will explore why we are called to serve, what spiritual gifts we possess, and how to use them for good.
9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
– Childcare is available for ages 2 and under in LL103 –
(10:30 Livestream at firstpreswheaton.org/livestream)
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In case you missed
last week's worship,
you can watch here.
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“The Courage to Encourage”
Sundays through September 24
10:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall
Led by Parish Associate Greg Anderson
with several international guests
This class will trace the life of the too-little known biblical hero, Barnabas. The Book of Acts, chapters 9-15 and Jonathan Murphy’s book, Authentic Influencers, will guide our discussions. Topics include courage, trust, conflict, friendship, and reconciliation. This class will develop our ability to encourage each other by learning life lessons from Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement.” In a discouraging world, this course could help you change your world by your courage to encourage.
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Tomorrow – Micah 6:8 Speaker | |
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Micah 6:8 Presents: Rev. Robin Hood
Thursday, September 14 – 7:00 p.m. in Stewart Hall
Prominent Chicago Pastor and Activist
Founder, Mothers Opposed to Violence Everywhere
Executive Director, Illinois Anti-Foreclosure Coalition Inc.
The Micah 6:8 Committee is pleased to announce that Rev. Robin Hood will be speaking at First Pres Wheaton on Thursday, September 14. Rev. Hood is a respected community leader, grassroots activist, and prominent Chicago pastor. He has led several non-profits that help members of his community find affordable housing, meaningful employment, and decrease violence in Chicago. Tragically, Rev. Hood’s own grandson was a victim of gun violence this past July. Learn from Rev. Hood’s faith, resilience, and heart for justice.
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In case you missed Sunday's announcement ... the new midweek program "The Table" will be starting on Wednesday, October 18!
All ages are invited to join us for a meal, music, learning and fellowship. The Table will be held weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Watch for details.
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Interested in Membership or Learning More?
Connect Class for New Members
Sunday, September 24
11:30 a.m. in the Living Room
Would you like to explore First Pres a little deeper? 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. Refreshments will be provided and childcare is available.
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Celebrating God’s Love For All Creatures
Sunday, October 1 – 4:00 p.m. on the church lawn
As caretakers of God’s creations, we are hosting a Blessing of the Animals service on October 1. Saint Francis first blessed animals early in his ministry sometime between 1210-1215, and First Pres Wheaton will carry on this tradition. All animals … and humans … are invited to attend this special service, where we will be witnesses to God’s love and concern for his cherished creations. A short group service will be held, followed by a blessing line for those who would like their pet to receive a personalized blessing.
Note: Animals must be on leash or in appropriate carriers for the safety of all.
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“Chronic Illness/Cancer Support Group”
Friends, if your life or that of a loved one has been touched by cancer or chronic illness, and you are feeling the need for support and encouragement, we invite you to contact Pastor Diane Slocum, and talk with her about becoming a part of this ministry of support. Our mission is to provide a safe, caring, confidential environment for individuals to share their stories, stresses, worries, and celebrations. Meetings will be once a month beginning in October and will last no longer than an hour and a half at First Pres, most likely during the day. Our hope is that these meetings will be a time of encouragement, fellowship, prayer, and most importantly, a loving reminder that you are not alone. Please share this invitation with anyone you think might be needing such a resource.
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Dress-A-Girl Workshops
Thursday, September 14 – 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 15 – 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
All levels of sewing skills are welcome! Drop by or stay for the entire day as we sew dresses for girls in need around the world.
Women's Retreat
Friday, October 6-Saturday, October 7
For more information and to register, click here.
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The Nominating Committee is now accepting submissions for consideration for the offices of Deacon, Elder and 2024 Nominating Committee. Do you know someone who exhibits the skills, compassion and drive to serve in one of these positions? 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 1.
Your Nominating Committee – Chair: Nick Smith, Co-Chair: Sue Massaro, Judy Den Uyl, Lindsay Cochrane, Julie Hardwick, Dianne Lambert, Tom Powell, Pam Sanzotti, and Lisa Shine
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Fall Handbell and Choir Rehearsals – During the month of September,
Handbells will meet weekly for rehearsal on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. Weekly choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, September 21, at our new start time of 7:00 p.m.
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First Pres Preschool Parking Note | |
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We are excited that our preschool year has begun! There will be no parking on Carlton Avenue on school days until after 3:30 p.m. to allow for smooth preschool drop-off and pickup lines.
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Fall Sunday School at 10:30 – Fall Sunday School is available to children who are 3 years old through 5th grade. For more information, contact Stacey Chvatal. Register here.
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Preschool: Preschool children meet in LL102 at 10:30 a.m.
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Kindergarten-2nd Grade: Children meet in LL105 at 10:30 a.m.
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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.
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RESCHEDULED! Kids Ministry 302 Family Night has been rescheduled for Monday, September 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Families are invited to join us at 302 Wheaton in downtown Wheaton for some yummy food and fellowship as we celebrate the beginning of Sunday School and kick off the fall season! Can't wait to see you there!
Kids Ministry Fall Fest – Save the date for Sunday, October 15, following the church service for our Kids Ministry Fall Fest! Details to come.
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Genesis Middle School Ministry:
Genesis will be held on Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Confirmation Class:
Confirmation meets on Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
WF High School Ministry:
WF will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sundays
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“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” – John 11:25
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The longtime members named below have recently passed away. The dates for each of their memorial services is listed, and separate emails will follow with detailed information about each service.
- Dee (Garner) Oberhelman – 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22
- Bob Hartman – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23
- Brian Elliott – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29
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Calendar and Office Hours | |
Check the First Pres calendar regularly for updates.
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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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