There’s always something going on at First Presbyterian of Glen Ellyn! Check our weekly publication, News and Events, to learn more about the ways you can join in the worship, mission, education, and fellowship of the church. View the calendar to know what is happening and when. Check news articles to find out what is new and coming up at First Pres.
- This week’s scripture-Philippians 4:10-23
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Flowers are given in honor of Dave Bianchin with thanks for his ministry at First Pres.
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On Sunday, February 12th, we celebrated worship with 391 people.
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Sanctuary Flowers Thank you for filling in the flower donation chart. There is one last date available for donating the Sanctuary flowers, November 25. If you want to claim this date, sign up on the chart which is hanging near the balcony stairs.
Video Greeting from Chris Griggs
Time to Soar An information meeting about the capital campaign, Time to Soar, will be held during the Mid-time hour (10:15-11:00am) on February 26th in the Parlor. Please take this opportunity to learn more about the campaign, including why the time is right, what’s specifically being planned, and how you can help. This meeting is especially important for those individuals who were not able to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting.
Let’s Give Pastor Dave a Good Send-Off! We’re having a party and … “It’s all about Pastor Dave!” Sunday, February 26, at 12:15pm in Celebration Hall; there will be lots to eat, great music and some very special entertainment. Come to celebrate Pastor Dave and his amazing ministry at First Pres!
New Small Group Series Begins! We will be launching a new Small Group Series during the Adult Education hour from March 11 – April 29. Our study will be based on N.T. Wright’s book Surprised by Hope. The format will be similar – video in the sanctuary, followed by small group breakouts. Below is a description of the series.
Wonderful as is the promise of heaven, a glorious hereafter is just part of what salvation is about. What about today? Jesus called his followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Your life here and now is of tremendous consequence, and what you believe about the future has a direct impact on how you live in the present. In six transforming, video-based sessions, premier biblical scholar N. T. Wright opens your eyes to the amazing full scope of what God’s Word has to say about the world to come and the world that is. Sign up in the Gathering Place on Sunday mornings or by contacting Cinda at csiligmueller@firstpresge.org or 469-2007.
Prayer for Mission Please pray this week for Ann Duncan who is on an 11-month mission trip with Adventures in Mission, an international organization that focuses on discipleship. During the 11 months, Ann will visit 11 different countries, helping local missionaries in different types of mission work. Please pray for Ann and the work she is doing. Also pray for additional financial support as Ann is in danger of being asked to come home prematurely if her support is not completed.
2012 Montana Mission Trip This year our Montana Mission trip will be July 22-27, 2012. This is a multi-generational, family-friendly trip to the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation in Northeastern Montana where we host a vacation Bible school for the children and participate in construction and maintenance work on the churches on the reservation. If you are interested and would like more information, call Mary Clauss for details, 630-790-2642.
Message to our volunteers working with our children and families…
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:14-15
The whole church family appreciates your ministry and thanks you, our volunteers working with our children and families. Our children and families are blessed each week by your caring, your teaching, your nurturing in the faith.
Thank you to Sunday School teachers, SPARK leaders, Worship and Church School leaders, Westminster Ministry Advisory Board, Vacation Bible School leaders and volunteers, and all others who serve our children and families. As we live in this time of transition between Mickie and the next Director (a search will begin soon), be encouraged by the work you have accomplished and are accomplishing for the Kingdom. Please do not hesitate to call on the Faith Journey Council and our congregation for help and support.
Blessings from the Faith Journey Elders,
Doug Rundell, Debbie Page, Lisa Jones, Jan Chindlund
Getting to Know Rev. Chris Griggs Are you eager to spend a little unstructured time just getting to know Chris? He is eager to do the same with you. Throughout March, Elders and PNC members will host informal events where small groups can gather for a bite to eat and spend time visiting with Chris.
Look for Debbie Page and Peggy Peterson after worship. They will have sign up sheets for the March gatherings so you can sign up for the date that works best for you.
Events like these, hosted by Deacons, will pick up again after Easter. Stay tuned for additional announcements about schedules and sign- ups for those events.
Have an odd job or project you need help with? Our senior highers want to help. Students going on the annual mission mystry road trip will help you or a friend out in return for donations that support the mission trip. They will help you in babysitting, yardwork, moving, cook a meal, an etc. If we could help you, or you want to hire us for a friend, contact Jos at jsmolik@firstpresge.org or 630-469-2007. Thanks for your help.
Are You Able to Offer Hospitality to a Visiting Missionary? The Missions Council is compiling a list of people who would like to provide HOSPITALITY to visiting missionaries. Occasionally, when the missionaries we support come to town, they need a place to stay for a few days, transportation, and various other things. Would you be willing to offer:
• a place to stay for a few days
• pick-up, return to the airport
• meals
• host a dinner for missionary and guests from the congregation
• transportation
• loan of a car
• other needs
Please email or call Barb Retelny at 630-858-3171, bretelny@sbcglobal.net.
SPARK Needs your old computer equipment! SPARK is looking for your computer “discards” and parts for an elective called “Computer Take-Apart.” Please bring items listed below to the church office or call if you have questions:
- desktop computers
- hard drives
- keyboards
- laptop computers
- mice
(Please, no monitors, which have glass.)
Thank you for your donation, and contribution to this popular SPARK elective! We need these ASAP!
The SPARK Team
“Thanks, First Pres Family” Just one more ‘Thank you’ to everyone for the wonderful send off in January. I am missing you all of course. We are loving being in Connecticut. Since we now have a house, we even have a dog named Zander. It’s lots of fun and I like my new church family too. Blessings on everyone! God is getting ready to do a great thing at FPGE with Pastor Chris. I’ll be praying for you.
Mickie O’Donnell
Saint for a Day Reminder-The Deacons continue to recognize lay people or groups that have volunteered in a significant way to support the life of the church. You can nominate a “Saint for a Day” by completing a form and placing it in the box on the counter by the News and Events bulletin board in the Gathering Place. We will be recognizing honorees each month.
Glen Ellyn Food Pantry Thanks to all those who read my plea and responded. I now have a nice “sub” list of volunteers for the Food Pantry. Also just a reminder…the annual open meeting of the Food Pantry is Monday, Feb. 27th at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal church, corner of Hillside and Main Street, Glen Ellyn. All those interested in the Pantry are welcome. Thank you, Marti Thompson
DuPage Habitat has immediate opportunities available for folks with a heart for service. Here’s how you can help:
Volunteer at the Addison ReStore
• Flexible 4- hour shifts, Wednesday – Saturday
• Sales floor help and drivers needed
Construction Volunteers
• Experienced construction workers – we need you now!
• Unskilled workers – we welcome anyone with the desire to learn
• Applications are now being accepted for 2012 for hardworking, limited-income families in need of safe, affordable housing.
Visit www.dupagehabitat.org or call 630-510-3737 to learn more.
VBS-It’s sooner than you think! Plan your summer vacation accordingly. . .Don’t miss Vacation Bible School – June 18-22, 2012. COURAGE IN BABYLON. Watch for more details to come. . .
Join the Service Team-Would you like to be on call twice a year to deliver a meal to a member of our congregation who is ill, has just had a baby, or is dealing with a difficult situation? If so, contact Linda Carter at 630-567-0855 or lcarter930@aol.com. Linda is the Deacon chairperson for the Service Team this year and can answer questions you might have about this ministry.