First Pres 2024 Annual Report

 

We invite you to join us in reflecting on this past year and celebrating the ministry done here at First Pres. In this video and below we will provide a comprehensive overview of the activities, milestones, and initiatives that have shaped the life of our community in 2024.

Learn more below

ALL IN

This year, through ALL IN, we’ve seen incredible progress—launching new ministry initiatives, growing in financial generosity, serving the broader community in Jesus’ name, and deepening our care for one another. Two years ago, we sensed God leading us into a new season, and now we celebrate His faithfulness as we continue entrusting ourselves to Him. As ALL IN culminates this March, our journey is far from over. There are still people to reach, needs to meet, and opportunities to grow in fellowship and faith. In this new year, we look forward to all Jesus will teach us and the love we’ll experience together.

Children’s Ministry

Children’s Ministry had an incredible year of spiritual growth and meaningful connections, made possible by the dedication of staff and volunteers.

  • Vacation Bible School welcomed 120 children and 60 volunteers for five days of underwater adventures.
  • Spark registered over 100 kids, supported by 28 volunteers teaching the Bible through engaging activities.
  • New events like Trunk-or-Treat and PJ & Prayers were standout successes, bringing together the community and reconnecting with long-lost church members.

Reflecting on this year, we are filled with gratitude for the progress made and excitement for the opportunities ahead to share God’s word and grow together.

Family Ministries

Family Ministry bridges preschool, children’s, and student ministries, ensuring families with infants through high schoolers receive care and support. This year, we focused on building a strong team of staff and elders united by shared mission and values, while refining how we connect with and care for families at all levels of involvement. Our reimagined confirmation ministry provided students with a space to explore their identity, purpose, and belonging as they affirmed their baptismal promises and joined the First Pres community. Looking ahead, we’re eager to continue strengthening our support for families and helping them grow in faith together.

Equipped & Small Groups

The Equipped Ministry had an impactful year, offering men and women opportunities to grow in faith and build community.

  • In 2024, the New Member Class was revamped into a flexible format with a four-session podcast and discussions with staff about faith journeys and involvement at First Pres.
  • Small groups thrived, with many of the 27 groups welcoming new members.
  • Nearly 200 adults participated in Sunday Equipped classes and events led by Nancy Cavanaugh, exploring Scripture, theology, and Christian living.
  • Special events like the Men’s Golf Outing, Women’s Morning Apart, and Advent Evenings fostered fellowship and connection.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to expand these opportunities for spiritual growth and community.

Catalyst

Catalyst is a new ministry at First Pres that was born out of the ALL IN Initiative to create a safe place to ask questions, build meaningful relationships and deepen their faith. This fall, two groups of 11 men and 12 women, gathered to participate in the Catalyst curriculum and receive leadership training. Catalyst is already underway and will conclude the last week of March.

Student Ministries

This year, student ministry focused on rebuilding relationships and creating a safe space for students to grow in faith and community. Students made significant strides through small groups and Bible study, deepening their walk with Christ and each other. One middle schooler shared that after a semester of TNT, they felt more connected to God than ever before.
  • With 58 middle school students in TNT, full Winter Retreats, and increasing freshmen attendance in the High School group, we’re excited about the continued growth.

Looking ahead, we are eager to equip the next generation to lead boldly, deepen their faith, and impact the world for God’s glory.

Worship Ministries

This year was a season of growth and transition for the worship department.

  • Lily Serfass began as Director of Modern Worship in June.
  • We welcomed Emma Ware as choir director in September, while Curt Mattson graciously served as interim director during the transition.
  • Jerry Goodwin joined as Band Music Director in December.
  • The band partnered with Children’s Ministries for live worship at VBS and SPARK, and the choir, band, and bell choir grew with new volunteers and collaborative worship pieces. Highlights included the choir’s partnership with First Pres Wheaton in July, singing together and alternating locations.

We look forward to continuing this momentum of growth and collaboration.

Missions Ministries

In 2024, the Mission Council made significant strides in supporting our Mission Partners through financial aid and service initiatives. A major highlight was launching a refugee support ministry as part of the ALL IN initiative.
  • With a $170,000 budget, we helped partners address pressing needs, including expanding Jubilee Furniture through Outreach Community Ministries and providing a large bus for Kids Alive.
  • We also organized a mission trip to the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana and collaborated with the Glen House Food Pantry for a successful October food drive.
  • My Brothers Kitchen faithfully served the community of North Lawndale.

This year’s efforts have met immediate needs while building a foundation for lasting support and meaningful global engagement.

Deacons Ministry

The Deacons, a dedicated team of seventeen, have been steadfast pillars of support at First Pres throughout 2024. They provided regular visits and communion to thirteen older members, offering prayer and care. In addition to coordinating events like the Easter Brunch and Pie in the Parlor, they sent cards and delivered flowers to encourage others. Deacons also recruited volunteers for Sunday coffee service, greeting, and the Welcome Center. Consider thanking a deacon for their service and volunteering to help in one of these areas to support our community.

Properties Ministry

2024 was a busy year for the properties team, with several major improvements and repairs.

  • In the spring, we completed the concrete stair and railing replacement leading to the chapel, painted the front exterior, and replaced the furnace.
  • As worship moved to the gym, we upgraded the light fixtures for better control.
  • Led by Tom Tuscher, we replaced the 20-year-old concrete roof above the gym kitchen.

The largest project of the year was the complete renovation of our sanctuary, which began in early 2021 as an idea and became a design that balanced the original essence with modern technology. The renovation aimed to enhance the worship experience, attract new members, and create a versatile space to honor God.

  • From the demolition of the white wall in April to the installation of new pews, flooring, AV systems, and lighting near Christmas, the renovation team displayed unity and dedication.

Our hope and prayer is that this newly renovated sanctuary will allow God’s hope and eternal love to blossom for all to see and feel in this space in the years and decades to come.

Westminster Preschool

Westminster Preschool, with over 65 years of service to the Glen Ellyn community, continues to provide a strong foundation for early childhood education, serving around 240 students.

  • In 2024, family events like Dad’s Night and the Mother’s Day Teas brought families together and into the church community, with highlights including the Kindergarten Opera.
  • The annual commencement celebrated students’ achievements, honoring them both individually and collectively.

With a dedicated staff of 20, Westminster ensures the highest quality of education, and the team sees their work as an extension of the ministry of First Pres, nurturing each child and family with love and care.

Communications Ministry

The Communications Ministry is dedicated to strengthening faith within our church community and connecting individuals with First Pres to deepen their relationship with Christ.

  • This year, we streamlined the video creation process to help staff and session produce clear, purposeful videos, including several updates for the ALL IN campaign.
  • We also enhanced the gym worship space with new banners
  • The new social media team focused on creating engaging content.

Moving forward, the Communications Ministry remains committed to fostering connection and sharing Christ’s message with our church and beyond.

Thank you for an amazing 2024, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2025!