Program Details during COVID-19

As of June 11, 2021, when the state of Illinois entered Phase 5, First Pres has updated guidelines. Our course of action throughout the Covid pandemic has been to review and follow the state of Illinois guidance for each Phase of Restore Illinois.

Our Re-opening Task Force, comprised of First Pres members who are professionals in health care, have reviewed and supported all First Pres guidelines as they were created for each Phase. You have been patiently supportive throughout the many months as we waited for Phase 5 to arrive. We have cared for one another, often making personal sacrifices. With thanksgiving, we praise God for His faithfulness to us.

First Pres Phase 5 Guidelines: (aligned with State of Illinois Phase 5 Guidelines)

• Fully vaccinated persons can be on campus without wearing a mask. Fully vaccinated persons can choose to wear their mask, but they are not required to wear mask. The only exception is if they are in a space and/or working with children younger than age 12, then masks are required. Examples of such environments are Sunday School, Nursery, Westminster Summer Camps, Vacation Bible School.
• Unvaccinated persons should wear a mask and maintain six feet social distance when indoors. When outdoors on First Pres campus, unvaccinated persons may choose to not wear a mask when able to maintain a six-foot social distance.
• Children’s programming will require children and all adults (including fully vaccinated) working with them, to wear masks. We are choosing to protect our children who are younger than 12 years of age until a vaccine for their age group is available.
• Worship: Registration to attend Sunday worship is no longer required. You have the freedom to attend without registering. Together, we will come to worship and lift up our voices in corporate singing, reciting creeds, prayers, etc.
• Donuts and Coffee are Back! Fellowship under the tent follows worship.

We take joy in worshipping the God of the universe. Even during hard times, we know we can experience God’s presence no matter where we are and who we are with. We worship God each Sunday morning at 10:00. All people are welcome to join us for a time of community prayer and the opportunity to participate in worship in the sanctuary or from your home. With Illinois Phase 5 guidelines in place, in-person registration is no longer necessary. Join us in the sanctuary or online shortly before 10:00 each Sunday morning.

In case you’ve missed a previous service, you can view past online worship services.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” – Hebrews 13:8.
We hope your child will be encouraged to know that in a world full of changes, Jesus doesn’t change. His love for us never stops, his grace is constant, and his presence is always there to guide us. Because Jesus is who he is, we can build our lives on his teaching which is rock solid. We hope that this is a year that your child’s faith will grow and blossom.

This time of covid has reminded us that faith formation starts at home. The church is always here to support you but when you take ownership of growing your child’s faith at home, your child will start to take ownership of their faith and internalize it at a much deeper level. That in turn makes what we do as the church much more effective. It’s a partnership and we’re so happy to be in it with you. We are rooting for you and here to support you with whatever you may need.

We have a number of opportunities for your family to grow in faith together so keep reading. Please Text FPKids to 94090 to stay up to date on all First Pres Kids news, and text SPARK to 94090 for the latest Spark information.

Kids’ Church (for 3-year-olds – 5th graders) happens each Sunday morning at 10:00. Advance registration is no longer necessary. Check-in by 9:50 in the preschool hallway.

Also, Church@Home resources are being sent by email each weekend with links to teaching videos and songs. Discussion questions and bonus materials will be available to guide your child through a short, faith-building experience. If you don’t yet receive these emails, check your junk folder, or email David Profitt and we’ll add you to the list.

Spark for 1st-5th graders will resume in September 2021.

Westminster Preschool has joyfully re-opened for learning following all covid guidelines. Classes are for children, almost age 3 through Kindergarten. Even in this unusual time, the children are learning, playing and growing – while appropriately distanced and wearing masks.

Watch our video: What a School Day will be like: Part One
Watch our video: Part Two: What the School Day will be like

We prepare students to succeed in kindergarten and beyond through a daily balance of “free-play” and interactive structured learning time. We learn about the world around us while building a strong foundation for reading and math skills. We also practice cognitive skills, fine motor skills, healthy self-concepts, socialization, and negotiation so kids graduate with a strong foundation for school.

Select enrollment openings are still available. Please contact Sue Clary, Director of Westminster Preschool, if you need more information. Or call the preschool office at 630-469-2090.

In Student Ministry at First Pres, we hope to give students an onramp to adulthood, preparing them to participate fully in life. We want them to be socially and emotionally engaged, able to identify how God is at work in their lives. Middle School and High School programs encourage students and point them to Christ. Our mission in Student Ministry this season is to provide opportunities for in-person gatherings that protect our young people while still growing their faith.

Keep reading for details and registration links; new students are welcome to join us throughout the year. Questions about any Student Ministry program? Contact Blake Riboli or Michel Curth.

At First Pres we are very excited to offer a mid-week program for your Middle Schooler! Some significant changes for the fall included wearing facemasks, social distancing, registration limits, no dinner, and a new time (Wednesdays, 7-8pm) while CDC guidelines allowed us to meet in person! When necessary, we moved to remote meeting options.

Beginning February 24, 2021, we are meeting in person while still following proper safety guidelines. We hope to partner with you this year to provide a place for your teenager to process the world around them and to grow closer to Jesus.

Confirmation at First Pres follows the academic year calendar. Usually we meet in person and work through the hard and challenging questions that define the faith of a young person. We will focus on challenging questions, and we’ll provide a rich environment for connecting through faith. Every gathering will have an emphasis on fun and joy in the community. 2021-2022 Confirmation will be an excellent opportunity for your 8th grade student to find belonging and to grow in his/her faith.

Please contact Blake Riboli, Director of Student Ministries, if you would like to receive information about the Confirmation Class of 2022.

Inferno, our High School youth group, offers a welcoming environment specifically designed for a high school student—it’s a place they can belong while trying on who they are. Here, participants have an opportunity to try on what it means to be a Jesus follower. Students hear about and discuss the person and character of Jesus reflective of the Biblical narrative, and they see how it applies to their lives today.

Inferno meets on Sundays, September through May, 7-8pm.

To receive information about High School Ministry, contact Blake Riboli.

Adults at First Pres have opportunities to live out their faith anywhere, all the time. Adults of all ages can participate in engaging activities within the First Pres community. If you want more — more opportunity for personal growth, more connection with others and with God, and more ways to expand your knowledge and deepen the foundation of your faith — you’ve come to the right place.

The teaching ministry of the church is vital for a dynamic and growing life in Christ. Our classes are designed to help deepen your faith, engage your heart and mind, and encourage you to love and serve God and each other. We would love to have you join us for Adult Education. Classes are typically held September – May. View the classes being offered in 2021-2022.

Lunch Bunch normally meets for lunch, fellowship and a special program on the third Wednesday of the month, 12noon-2:00. Call the church office (630-469-2007) to add your name and address to the Lunch Bunch mailing list and we will invite you to the next Lunch Bunch.

Since early on in the pandemic, a small gathering of people have come together on Zoom to pray on Wednesday evenings. Are you looking for a place to pray with others, or are you open to that idea? Whether you have never prayed in a group before or are a veteran, you can jump in any time. Whatever weighs on your heart and mind, bring those with you as we seek God together.

Midweek Prayer is each Wednesday, 7-7:45pm on Zoom, and is facilitated by Jonathan Hancock. Please register once and then come weekly, periodically or often as it works for you. Once registered, we will send you the Zoom invitation. If you have questions, contact Pastor Jonathan Hancock.

At First Pres, we live our faith through service. We love and serve in response to Christ’s call and the needs around us. We share God’s love with the world by partnering with local, national, and global organizations, diverse in their missions and locations. They share a common goal of Christ’s love in action. We send our members into these partnerships in fun, creative ways. Read more about the current needs of our mission partners. The Missions Council continues to update the church on the ways we can respond as the hands and feet of Christ as we move through this crisis. Questions? Contact the Missions Council by way of Keith Mote or Erik Peterson, Missions Elders.

Mothers of Preschoolers is an International Organization dedicated to hosting women’s gatherings that welcome moms to share life, motherhood and Jesus. Whether you are a first time mom, mom of 5, or grandmother caring for children, this time will be for you to receive refreshment, encouragement, inspiration and affirmation for the important job you hold of MOTHERHOOD.  Bring a friend, share with a neighbor you know.  MOPS is for everyone. To join our invitation list for future events, contact Sue Clary.

Are you new to First Pres? We offer New Member classes twice each year. The two-session classes meet in-person on Sundays, early evenings, at First Pres with social distancing, hand sanitizer, and masks available. Pastor Chris leads the informative classes. You will learn more about following Jesus, and about the programs and ministry of First Pres. The class provides a great opportunity to meet other folks who, like you, are new to First Pres. If you would like to attend a future class, contact Cinda Siligmueller. Our next class will be held on 2 Sundays in the fall of 2021. We look forward to meeting you!

God can uniquely work in our lives every day through relationships. We know everyone craves close, meaningful connection, and we believe in the impact these relationships can have on faith. We work intentionally to cultivate Christ-centered relationships, strong marriages, healthy families, and transformative friendships. First Pres offers a variety of Small Groups: Mens, Womens, Co-ed, Couples and Family Groups; some groups even meet via Zoom during this time. The Small Group leadership team would love to help you find or build a group that is a great fit for you. Contact Cinda about joining a small group.

To read the most recent First Pres news, return to the First Pres home page and scroll to the bottom of the page.