First Pres Fall Guide

 

The 2023 Fall Guide will help you learn more about the upcoming programs and events at the church.

Learn more below

Children’s Ministry

First Pres children’s ministry is excited about the upcoming opportunities this Fall. We love to see God at work in kids’ lives through Sunday morning worship programs and Spark.

Kids' Church

Nursery (0-2 years old): The nursery shows our youngest kids God’s love and care that starts from birth. We sing, play, and love our little ones adapting to your child’s developmental stage. Learn more.

Kids’ Church (Age 2.5-K): During the 8:45am and 10:30am service, kids’ love to discover God loves them, made them, and has a plan for them. They hear an exciting story from the Bible, sing high energy songs with big motions, do fun activities, and circle up for prayer time. And of course, Kids’ Church wouldn’t be complete without snack and a little play time squeezed in! Learn more.

Kids’ Church (1st-5th): During the 8:45am and 10:30am service, Kids Church of 1st -5th is an upbeat worship experience where kids learn to live out their faith. Children start the morning in a group led by volunteers. They participate in energetic music, intentional teaching, and small groups for fun activities, prayer, and discussion. Learn more.

Questions? Contact Associate Director of Children’s Ministries Kristen Symons.

Spark 2023-2024 “ibelieve”

First Day September 27

Spark is a fun after-school program that takes place on Wednesdays 3:45-5:30pm from the end of September through middle of March. Students in 1st-5th grades gather for worship, small groups, and specials which include all kinds of fun games, activities, art projects, and more. For questions, please contact Kristen Symons. Thank you for your interest – Spark is now full/at capacity.

3rd Grade Bibles

October 22 | 8:45am & 10:30am | Sanctuary

We are excited to present your child with a Bible at an event that honors them and recognizes that they have reached an age where they can begin to own their faith. This event is open to any 3rd Grader in the First Pres community whether your child has connected to First Pres through VBS, Spark, or Sunday program or in other ways, we want to be sure they receive a Bible from us. If you cannot attend, please still sign up and we will get a Bible reserved for your child. We’ll arrange with you to pick it up at the church. When you sign up you will have the option to pick a Bible verse that is significant to you (you can choose from a list as well to prompt ideas). We’ll also ask you how you would like your child’s name to appear in the Bible. If you have any questions, contact Kristen Symons.

Student Ministry

This fall in student ministries there will be lots of opportunities for fun, and spiritual growth. Students love our weekly gatherings (TNT and FPGE Youth Ministry), Confirmation, and the Fall Retreat.

High School Youth Group (FPGEY)

September 17 | 4-5:30 | Youth Lounge

FPGEY offers a welcoming environment specifically designed for high school students—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 life today. We meet on Sundays at, 4-5:30pm in the Youth Lounge. Register today!

Junior High Ministry (TNT)

Starts September 13 | 6:30-8pm | First Pres Gym and Youth Lounge

Fall TNT registration is open! Whether you grew up in church or have never stepped foot inside one, you are welcome at TNT! Try it once; come for the year. Join us for fun games, and a time of learning more about Jesus. Meet us inside the NE doors. Please register and complete the waivers online.

Equipped

This Fall adults of all ages can fill their calendars with fun, engaging activities within the First Pres community. Check out our Equipped classes that allow people the opportunity to dig deeper in knowing, loving, and serving our Lord Jesus Christ.

Equipped Classes

The teaching ministry of the church, “Equipped”, is vital for a dynamic and growing life in Christ. Our classes for adults are designed to help deepen your faith, engage your heart and mind, and encourage you to love and serve God and each other. Click here for class information.

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.

Faith Builders for Women

Wednesday Faith Builders
7-9pm | Parlor

Thursday Faith Builders
9:15-10:30am | Gathering Place

You are invited to be in community with women of all ages and stages of faith. We begin our new DVD study From Beginning to Forever by Elizabeth Woodson on either Wednesday (September 13) or Thursday (September 14). Sometimes we can be overwhelmed when it comes to reading and understanding the Bible. Our understanding can be fragmented as we look for verses or passages to help us live our everyday lives. Join us as we learn how the entirety of Scripture works together to show God’s bigger story of redemption and restoration of the entire world. Study Guide included with registration payment.

Wednesday Night Faith Builders 
Register Here!

Thursday Morning Faith Builders
Register Here!

Membership at First Pres

Sunday, October 22 | 11:30am-1pm | Parlor

Interested in becoming a member of FPGE? The New Member Class provides you with content about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and what it means for you to be an active member of First Pres. Prior to attending the Oct 22nd New Member Luncheon, you need to (1) register for the class to receive the NMC Notebook and (2) listen to Pastor Chris’ New Member Podcasts. At the lunch, you will meet church staff, Elders, and Deacons. Questions: contact Cinda Siligmueller.

Adult Ministries Events

God can uniquely work in our lives through relationships. We know everyone craves close, meaningful connection, and we believe in the impact these relationships can have on faith. This Fall there are a multitude of events for adults.

Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, October 28 | 7:30-9am | Gym

The Fall Men’s Breakfast that will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 7:30-9am in the Gym. Our speaker will be Rev. Doug Bradshaw, Executive Director of Facing Forward to End Homelessness, located in Chicago.  The cost is $20, which includes a hot buffet breakfast and helps cover the speaker honorarium. Don’t miss this chance to hear Rev. Bradshaw’s presentation and experience the joy and fellowship of spending time with other men of God. Register here today!

Women’s Advent Event

Tuesday, November 14 | 7pm | Gathering Place

Joy to the World – Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Advent is a meaningful season – of anticipation and of longing. Enjoy an evening of creative ways to invite Christ into your home during the Christmas season. Enjoy a special evening of preparing your heart for Advent. Invite friends and family to join you. Refreshments served. Register Here!

ALL IN

We are asking everyone to join us and go ALL IN for the new vision God has for our church. Learn more at our upcoming participation and information sessions this Fall.

Sanctuary Renovation

More information coming soon!

Refugee Mission Project

Learn more about the Refugee Mission Ministry Project by watching this recap video from the Information and Participation Session held on 10/15.

Identifiable Communities and Residential Internship

Stay tuned for more updates as we look to provide an in-service update in November on Identifiable Communities as well as a Participation Session in January.

Events

There are many annual traditions at First Pres,  and we invite you to join us for these events.

Live Nativity

Friday, November 24 | 6:30-7:30pm | Front Lawn

Just steps from the downtown tree lighting … Capture the wonder of season at the First Pres Live Nativity. Live animals including a llama, sheep, and ducks, complete the scene, and hot cocoa and cookies will be served. The event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact the front office at 630.469.2007.

Westminster Preschool

Westminster Preschool is thrilled to welcome students back into the building this Fall. Stay on the lookout for updates and upcoming events.

Academic Calendar

Classes start September 5 & 6 from 8:45 to 11:15am or from 12:30 to 3 pm. Classes end before Memorial Day. We follow the academic calendar of Glen Ellyn School District 41 for most holidays and school closings. Learn more here or by contacting Sue Clary, Westminster Preschool Director.

Fall Family Night

October 23 & 24 | 6:30-7:30pm | Gym

Families of Westminster Preschool are invited to visit school from 6:30-7:30pm on their assigned night for fall family fun. See the classroom, visit the music room, enjoy carnival style games in the gym, get a family photo taken, and meet other families, classmates, and staff.

Worship Ministry

We take joy in gathering together to worship the God of the universe. Each worship experience is an opportunity to experience God in a new way.

Worship Schedule

September 10, Regular Sunday Worship Resumes
8:45am  |  Classic Worship
10:30am  |  Modern Worship

Fall Sermon Series | The Apostles’ Creed: Essential Truths of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed is one of the most universally recognized summaries of the Christian faith. Though not written by the apostles, it offers a concise summary of the teachings of the apostles and is the oldest creed in the Christian church. It is used widely today throughout the world in worship as a joyous expression of the truths that Christians proclaim. For some people of faith, it is the statement of faith owned personally on the occasion of their baptism. For others who are still exploring faith, it is an invitation to consider what Jesus is inviting them to receive, believe, and exhibit to the world.

This fall at First Pres on Sunday mornings we will dive into the heart of the understanding of the Gospel shared by all Christians. We will examine the relationship between faith, human reason, human experience, and Christian doctrine. We will explore how we come to understand our own faith in Jesus in an increasingly deep way over time. And we will discover the rich meaning and significance that the Apostles’ Creed can have for helping us live in the way of Jesus.

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 wesbite.

Missions

At First Pres, we live our faith through service. We love and serve in response to Christ’s call and the needs around us. Learn more about upcoming opportunities this Fall.

My Brother’s Kitchen

Meets once a month

My Brother’s Kitchen meets once a month for Saturday Brunch. They offer meaningful fellowship and serve 100+ meals to the YMEN community in Chicago. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Bonnie and Steve. The next few service opportunities are 9/2, 10/7, 11/4 and 12/2.

Kids Alive Trip (November-December)

Looking for an opportunity to visit our mission partner in the DR while getting in the Christmas spirit?  A small group of women will be heading to the Dominican Republic November 30- December 4 to wrap Christmas gifts and put together gift bags for the kids of Constanza. Contact Jen Eldersveld for more information 630-244-7895.