First Pres Spring/Summer Guide

 

The 2025 Spring/Summer Guide will help you learn more about the upcoming programs and events at the church.

Learn more below

Children’s Ministry

Kids' Church

During worship on Sunday mornings, children worship with the First Pres Community before going to Kids’ Church, where they learn and grow in their faith. 

  • Nursery (0-2 years old): The nursery shows our youngest kids that God loves them. Learn more here!
  • Kids’ Church (Preschool-5th): During worship, children who are preschool age – 5th grade participate in Kids’ Church. Each week, they start in worship before heading to their classrooms to play games, pray, create, and explore Bible stories together in fun and interactive ways.

Questions? Contact Jen Bradbury, Senior Director of Family Ministries.

Communion Workshop

Wednesday, April 23 & April 30
4-5:30pm
John Knox Hall

We invite all children to learn about the importance of communion. We will explore the who, what, when, where, why, and how of communion through fun, engaging activities. All children are welcome – whether they’ve never taken communion or they’ve been taking it for a while and want to know more about it (or you want them to know more about it). The class will be geared toward 2nd/3rd graders. Kids are expected to attend both Wednesday classes, with a guardian joining from 5-5:30pm, childcare will be provided. The kids will have an opportunity to participate in communion on Sunday, March 4. Please reach out to Brooke Sawyer with any questions or concerns.

Register here today!

Vacation Bible School

June 16-20
9-11:30am
Registration Closes May 2

Get ready for an epic week of fun, faith, and games at this year’s Vacation Bible School: Game On! Each day, our Bible story will be loosely tied to a different popular board game to which all children can relate. Your children will learn how Jesus heals, forgives, and loves all. Whether you’re a seasoned ‘player’ or a ‘first-timer’, we promise there’s something for everyone!

VBS is for incoming Kindergarten – 5th graders. Preschool VBS is offered for children ages 4 (having attended a preschool for one year) to 5 (not yet entering Kindergarten).

Registration costs include a VBS t-shirt, snacks each day, and some take-home crafts/projects.

Register here today!

Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 24
10am
Sanctuary

Children are invited to come with their backpacks as we celebrate the start of the school year and pray for them as they go back to school.

Family Camp

Families with kids are invited to join us for Family Camp over Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy programming at a retreat center from Saturday to Monday. Connect with other families and grow in faith together. This event is targeted for families with kids in K-8th grade; all ages welcome! Contact Jen Bradbury for more information.

Student Ministry

Confirmation Sunday

Sunday, April 27
8:45am & 10:30am
Sanctuary

Join us on Confirmation Sunday as our 8th graders proclaim their faith and become members of the First Pres community. A brunch for confirmation families will be held between services in the Gym.

Student Sunday

Sunday, May 4
8:45am & 10:30am
Sanctuary

Student Sunday at First Pres is a time when our students take the lead, sharing their faith through worship! This vibrant and heartfelt Sunday is a great opportunity to hear what God is doing in students’ lives and to experience a deeper connection together. Students who want to participate can contact Mike Henry to get involved.

Chicago Hounds Rugby Game

Sunday, May 4
1:30pm – 4pm

8th graders and high schoolers, come celebrate the end of Student Sunday services and another awesome year of FPGEY with an unforgettable trip to the Chicago Hounds Rugby Game on Sunday, May 4th! We’ll roll out on the church bus at 1:30pm, headed for nonstop action. Cost is just $20 — that covers your ticket and the ride. This is the perfect way to cap off the year together!

Register here today!

High School End of Year Dinner Night

Sunday, May 18
7-8:30pm
Youth Lounge

‘Twas the night before finals, and all through the halls,
The students were stressed, just climbing the walls.
But wait! There’s a refuge, a break from the grind—
A dinner with laughter to help you unwind!

So join us this Sunday, come feast and be merry,
With food that is tasty and jokes that aren’t scary.
Take one night to breathe before hitting the books,
We promise some fun (and no pop quiz hooks)!

TNT Trampoline Event

Thursday, June 5
3-5pm
Get Air Trampoline Park

Jump into fun at our Middle School Party at Get Air Trampoline Park! Bring your friends for an epic afternoon of bouncing, games, and laughter—all while enjoying awesome snacks and music. Don’t miss out on the chance to flip, fly, and have a blast!

Student Ministry Pool Party

Friday, June 20
6-8:30pm
Mead’s Home

Join us for an epic Student Ministry Pool Party with games, food, and a ton of fun! Bring your friends, your best cannonball, and get ready to enjoy summer the right way. Don’t miss it—cool off, hang out, and make some unforgettable memories!

Student Spike Ball Tournament + Dinner

Wednesday, June 25
6-8:30pm
Walters Home

Get ready for an epic Spikeball Tournament and Backyard Party with First Pres Student Ministry! Bring your A-game, your friends, and your best dive moves—then stick around for food, music, and good vibes. Whether you’re playing or just hanging out, it’s gonna be a blast!

High Schoolers Day in Chicago

Wednesday, July 23
Chicago

Get ready for an unforgettable day in the city—exploring, eating, and making amazing memories with friends! We’re planning something awesome, so stay tuned for all the details. Mark your calendar and get excited—Chicago is calling!

Student Ministry Pool Party

Sunday, August 3
Gifford Home

School’s almost back, but summer fun isn’t over yet! Join us in August for an epic pool party with food, games, and one last splash before the school year begins. Bring your friends, soak up the sun, and make the most of summer while it lasts!

Equipped

Small Groups

Being a part of a small group provides the environment which allows God to work in our lives through relationships and learning. Click here for more information.

EXPLORE First Pres - Introduction to Membership

Sunday, May 4
5-7pm
Parlor

Join us for dinner and connect with others who are exploring First Pres as you consider your next steps in this community. Learn more from pastors and ministry leaders about First Pres and how you can participate in the new member process.

Register here today!

Adult Ministries Events

Creative Arts Community

April 27 | 4-6pm

Jeanie Griffin will display and talk about her series of paintings. All are welcome. Refreshments and pizza will be provided.

Register here today!

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, May 3
7:30-9am
Gathering Place

Men, put the Spring Men’s Breakfast on your calendars! Our speaker will be Chris Griggs, and the title of his presentation is Cultivating Christ-Centered Friendships. The cost is $20, which includes a hot buffet breakfast. All are welcome!

Register here today!

Men's Night Out

Wednesday, June 18
6-9pm
Jorgensen Home

Join us for this year’s Men’s Night Out on Wednesday, June 18, starting at 6pm. This year’s event will be at the Jorgensens’ home, located at 738 Brentwood Court in Glen Ellyn. Enjoy a casual evening filled with fellowship, games, beverages, and snacks. Please bring your own lawn chair. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here today!

Women's Night Out

Wednesday, June 25
6:30-8:30pm
Cheairs Home

Enjoy a summer night with friends. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Come when you can and leave when you must. Invite a friend for an enjoyable night out.

Register here today!

Events

Kane County Cougars

Friday, June 27
6:30-8:30pm
Northwestern Medicine Field

Mark your calendar for June 27th and join us for a Family Night Out at the Kane County Cougars, complete with post-game fireworks! Tickets are $10, and a limited number of parking passes are available. Pay for your tickets online. Electronic tickets will be distributed.

Students are encouraged to take the church bus to the game!

Register here today!

4th @ First

Friday, July 4
11:30am-12:30pm
First Pres Front Lawn

Celebrate Independence Day at First Pres! Join us for a lawn party and picnic with a front-seat view of Glen Ellyn’s 4th of July parade. Enjoy music, freshly cooked hot dogs, chips, and more, brought to you by our group of volunteers! Donations will go to the Glen House Food Pantry, a mission partner of First Pres.

Invite your neighbors, friends, and family. There will be a fun-filled photo booth where you can share your experience with friends and family using the hashtag #4th@First.

Interested in joining the volunteer crew? Please contact Sue Clary or call the front desk at 630.469.2007.

Westminster Preschool

Westminster Preschool Open House

Tuesday, April 22
7-8pm

Parents interested in enrolling at Westminster Preschool for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to join us. Come see our classrooms, campus, ask questions, and receive registration information.

Register here today!

Worship Ministry

Worship Schedule

Sundays May 25-August 31

One Worship  |  Sanctuary 10am

More Than Sunday Podcast

God’s love for us impacts and inspires every part of our lives—our relationships, families, day-to-day experiences, and more. On the More than Sunday podcast, we will encourage, challenge, love, and listen to one another as we learn what Jesus wants for us. Come to study, connect, laugh, hope, and be inspired. Listen today on AppleGoogleSpotify, or the First Pres website.

Missions

My Brothers Kitchen

Meets once a month

My Brothers Kitchen meets once a month for Saturday brunch, offering meaningful fellowship and serving 100+ meals to the YMEN community in Chicago. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bonnie and Steve. The upcoming service opportunities are 5/3, 6/7, 7/5, and 8/2.

YMEN Community Garden

Sunday, June 8
12:30-3pm
YMEN Chicago

Each year, First Pres joins with the YMEN community to prepare and plant a vegetable garden. Throughout the summer, the garden is tended by junior high students employed by YMEN. The space is open to anyone in Lawndale to harvest and use tomatoes, peppers, squash, potatoes, raspberries, apples, and strawberries. While registration is encouraged, it is not required. We encourage you to register online in advance if possible.

Register here today!

Montana Mission Trip

July 13-19
Ft Peck. Montana

Join First Pres for our annual mission trip to the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. Help with VBS, sports camp, church construction, and fellowship. If you have questions contact Mary Clauss.

Partners in Mission Bike Ride

Saturday, August 2
7:30am
First Pres Glen Ellyn

Join us for the 12th Annual Partners in Mission Bike Ride to raise funds for Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School in Uganda! Choose between a 25-mile or 50-mile loop starting at First Pres and ending at Two Hound Red in Glen Ellyn.

Riders, volunteers, and sponsors are needed. Contact Gary Alcock. 

Register here today!