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 Stephanie Freemyer, Director of Children’s Ministries.

Wednesday, April 22 & April 29
4-5:30pm

Communion Class for Kids & Families
Children and their parents are invited to a special, interactive communion class designed to help kids understand and experience this important practice of our faith. Through games, storytelling, and hands-on activities, children will explore the Last Supper, learn why we take communion, and discover what makes it meaningful. Families will also have the opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and share together as they prepare for their child’s participation in communion. Designed for children in 2nd or 3rd grade, though all ages are welcome! Parents will join each day for the final 30 minutes. April 22 and 29 from 4-5:30pm.

Please reach out to Stephanie Freemyer with any questions or concerns.

June 22-26
9-11:30am

Join us in prayer for Road-Trippin’ with Jesus, a fun-filled week of adventure as kids travel the High Way—learning to follow Jesus in everyday life! Through stories, games, music, and hands-on activities, kids will discover what it means to let Jesus lead.

VBS runs daily from 9:00–11:30am.

Sunday, August 16
10am
Sanctuary

Bring your backpack to worship as we pray over students and the upcoming school year. This special moment invites God’s presence, guidance, and peace as kids step into a new year of learning and growth.

September 5-7

Mark your calendars for Family Camp over Labor Day Weekend! This is a special opportunity for families to step away from the busyness of everyday life and spend meaningful time together—connecting with one another, with other families, and with God.

We’ll share meals, worship, play, rest, and create space for both fun and faith to grow side by side. Whether your family is brand new or has been around for years, Family Camp is a place to belong. Contact Jen Bradbury for more information.

Registration opens soon!

Sunday, April 22
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. 

Wednesday, April 29
6:30-8pm

TNT will be taking a short break, and we look forward to gathering again in the fall!

Sunday, April 26
7-8:30pm

High School Ministry is heading off-site for a night that’s all about connection, good food, and being together. On Sunday, April 26 from 7:00–8:30 pm, we’ll gather at Jen’s house for a cookout—think burgers, games, laughter, and the kind of unhurried time that helps friendships grow.

This is one of those nights that feels different in the best way—more relaxed, more relational, and full of moments that stick. Friends are always welcome, so encourage your student to bring someone along. More details (address, what to bring, etc.) will be shared soon!

Sunday, May 10
8:45 & 10:30

On Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day), we will celebrate our high school seniors with a Graduation Blessing during both worship services at 8:45 and 10:30 am. This is a meaningful moment in the life of our church as we recognize who these students have become, give thanks for the ways God has been at work in them, and send them forward with prayer and encouragement.

Wednesday, May 27
11am- 3pm
Blackwell Forest Preserve

On May 27 from 11:00 am–3:00 pm, High School Ministry is heading to Blackwell for Bible & Boats—a day that brings together time on the water, meaningful conversation, and space to connect with God and each other. We’ll spend part of our time enjoying the lake and part of our time opening Scripture in a setting that invites us to slow down and pay attention. It’s a simple rhythm—fun and faith, side by side—and a great way to step out of the usual routine together.

May 31- August 30
9am-10am
Youth Lounge

In response to your requests, middle schoolers are invited to start their Sunday mornings with Cereal Club, happening all summer from 9:00–10:00 am before worship. We’ll eat cereal, play a game, and dig into the Scripture that will be explored in worship that morning. Then, at 10:00 am, we’ll head into worship together and sit as a group—already connected, already thinking about the passage, and ready to engage.

June 4, July 1, July 10, July 21, Aug 5

High school students are invited to join us for Food Run—an easy, low-key afternoon to hang out together. We’ll meet at a designated spot, grab lunch(bring money for your meal), and sit down together to eat, talk, and enjoy the time. No big agenda—just good food, good people, and space to connect.

June 10, June 30, July 16, July 29, Aug 6

S’More Scripture is a simple, meaningful night for high school students to gather around a fire, enjoy something sweet, and spend time in God’s Word together. It’s relaxed, relational, and rooted in conversation—creating space for faith to grow in the middle of real life.

We’re also looking for hosts who are willing to open their backyard and fire pit for an evening. If that’s you, we’d love to connect!

Monday, July 6 | 6-8pm

Jen Bradbury’s House

Join us as we welcome Ben and his family to First Pres with a backyard BBQ at Jen’s house! Middle schoolers, high schoolers, and their families are all invited for a relaxed evening of good food, conversation, and connection.

This is a great chance to meet Ben, spend time together across families, and begin building relationships as we head into a new season of ministry.

Sunday, April 12

Sunday, April 12, Pastor Chris will host a conversation on becoming more involved in the first Presbyterian Church community following each service. No registration is required, the conversation will take place in the sanctuary and all are welcome.

Tuesday, April 18
6:30-8:30pm

Calling all Catalyst women – past and present!

It’s time to celebrate us! Join us for a night of laughs, connection, and just plain fun with the amazing women who’ve made Catalyst what it is.

April 28th
7:00–9:00 PM

Good food, great conversation, and zero agenda. Sign up to bring an appetizer if you’d like – plus a cash bar will be ready and waiting. (I’ll put in a sign-up genius link here)

Whether you joined for a week, a season, or never missed a gathering – you’re part of this story. And we’d love to celebrate it together.

Get ready for a fun night of celebrating this community together!

Saturday, May 2
7:30-9am
Gathering Place

Men! Put the Spring Men’s Breakfast on your calendars! Our speaker will be Mark Soderquist. The cost is $25, which includes a hot buffet breakfast. All are welcome!

Wednesday, June 17
6:30-8:30pm
Bev Cheairs’s 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.

Registration opening soon!

Saturday, 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.

Are you interested in enrolling at Westminster Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year? Register is open now!

Sundays May 24-September 6

One Worship  |  Sanctuary 10am

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 Apple, Google, Spotify, or the First Pres website.

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 4/4, 5/2, 6/6, 7/4 and 8/1.

July 12-17
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.

Saturday, August 1
6am-1pm
First Pres Glen Ellyn

Join us for the  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.