Winter Guide 2023

Sunday January 1
One Worship  |  Sanctuary 10am

Regular Sunday worship resumes
January 8, Regular Sunday Worship Resumes
8:45am  |  Classic Worship
10:30am  |  Modern Worship

Have you ever noticed the relationship between the words “characteristic” and “character”? Characteristics refer to the qualities of a person, place, or thing in order to describe it. Character is the make up or persona of a person. When we consider the characteristics or attributes of God, we are considering God’s character; His nature, temperament, and disposition towards us. But how do we know who God truly is? Do we take the Bible’s word for it without examination? Do we rely on our personal experience to date? Do we consult the philosophers, our neighbors, or the opinion of the guy working the machine at the coffee shop? In this 6-week winter series, we will reflect on why and how God is knowable, what knowing God means for our lives, and the power that comes from incorporating this knowledge into our spiritual journeys.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation follows worship on Sunday, February 5. Join us for the meeting and lunch in the gym at 11:00.

Wednesday, February 22 | 7pm

Spark Service | 5:5:30pm

These services mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of reflection before Easter. Administration of ashes, and the themes of repentance and surrender will be the focus. All people are welcome!

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 Director of Children’s Ministries David Profitt

• Spark Starts | January 11

• Spark Sunday | January 29

• Last Day of Spark | March 15

VBS at First Pres is a highlight of June. We invite all children in the community to join us this summer for a fun week learning about Jesus! VBS is for rising Kindergarten – 5th graders. Preschool VBS is offered for children who turn 4 before June 1, 2023.
Registration opens March 1, 2023 at 9am
Cost: $50 per child. Scholarships available.

Volunteer with us! Help make VBS an enriching experience for the children of our community by volunteering! Our biggest need is small group leaders who shepherd a small group of 10 kids through the program. Other roles are available too! For more info or to sign up please email David Profitt at dprofitt@firstpresge.org

Volunteer luncheon 12pm-1:30pm, OR Zoom 7pm-8pm April 20th OR Student Volunteer Dinner 6pm-7pm April 23rd

February 17-19 | Sign up today!

Don’t miss out on a weekend of Xtreme winter fun at camp Timber-lee! Broomball, snow tubing, and zip lining are just a few of the fun activities planned for this weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in faith and build community with friends. Early bird rate of $235 if you register by December 26th. $255 thereafter. Scholarships are always available. Space is limited. Contact Courtney Osterholm with questions costerholm@firstpresge.org.

The Confirmation Retreat is a culminating element of the Confirmation Class. This retreat provides time away before getting confirmed to remember all that has been learned and write a personal faith statement. Along with the reflection time will be opportunities to continue to grow as a class and have a lot of fun! This retreat is a great opportunity for the Confirmation students and is one that all students should attend. The retreat will be at Covenant Harbor on April 21^st-22^nd, 2023.

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.

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 welcomes women of all ages and stages of faith. Join a community where you can connect and grow spiritually.

‘Resolution’ – an Andy Stanley DVD series begins Thursday Jan 6, 9:15-11am. We meet weekly in large group for teaching and small groups for discussion and prayer. We often start the New Year making resolutions, turning over a new leaf of self-improvement. This study will challenge us to think differently. “We tend to forget that the people we respect most don’t devote their lives to becoming the best version of themselves. Rather, they devote their lives to making a difference in the world….or in someone’s life.” Childcare provided.

Next study: Beth Moore’s ‘Chasing Vines’ – Discover the true meaning of a fruitful life.

Are you looking for an evening Bible study? If so plan to join this group as they begin a new study, meeting weekly Wednesday, January 11 through March 8, 7-9pm in the Parlor. The DVD study is The Epic of Eden: Psalms by Sandra L. Richter. You will learn: how you can trust God with all your emotions- grief, anger, praise, fear, and hope; the history of Psalms in ancient worship; how Psalms can deepen your prayer life and more.

Men are invited to the Winter Breakfast: Saturday, February 11th from 7:30-9am. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and fellowship. Jesse Scott, Head Football Coach at Wheaton College, will be the featured Guest Speaker. His topic is Football as the Microcosm for Life. Please consider having your son or grandson attend with you. A plated breakfast will be provided at a cost of $20. $10 for participants 18 & under. We’re looking forward to seeing you there. Register here!

Women are invited to a special event Saturday February 18, 8:30am-12pm in the Gathering Place. Begin the morning with a Cozy Country Brunch catered by Carol Butala. Be inspired by Special Guest Allie Plieter – speaker, author, coach – with her message ‘The Five Friends Every Person Needs’. Discover what the five different types of friends bring to your life and work. Get motivated to gather your own “Friend Corps” for richer relationships, greater support, growth, and healthy boundaries. Register here today!

Parents interested in enrolling at Westminster Preschool for the 2023-2024 school year are invited Tuesday, January 17 from 7-8pm. RSVP requested: westminster@firstpresge.org