First Pres Winter Guide

 

The 2025 Winter 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 continued  opportunities this Winter. We love to see God at work in kids’ lives through Sunday morning worship programs and Spark.

Kids' Church

During worship on Sunday mornings, children love to take part in their own age-appropriate worship experience. Questions? Contact Senior Director of Family Ministries, Jen Bradbury. 

Learn more here!

Family Fun Night

Saturday, January 25 | 4-6pm Gym + John Knox Hall

Get out of the house this winter and join other families for fun and fellowship! We will have lots of games in the gym for kids, adults, and families, followed by conversation and food in John Knox Hall. It will be a great opportunity to meet other families and get out of the house! We will provide pizza. Attending families with last names starting with A-L should bring a side dish and those with last names starting M-Z should bring a dessert.

Register here today!

Spark (Winter Session)

Starts January 22 | 3:45-5:30pm

Spark is a fun after-school program that takes place on Wednesdays from 3:45-5:30pm, throughout the school year. This winter, we’ll use large group worship and games alongside small group rotations that include Bible adventures, games, and a mystery activity to explore eight Bible stories that show us who we are as followers of Jesus. For questions, please contact Jen Bradbury, Senior Director of Family Ministries.

Register here today!

Spark Sunday

Sunday, February 23 | 8:45am & 10am | Sanctuary

On this special Sunday, Spark children are invited to help lead First Pres in worship before heading to Kids’ Church. Afterwards, join us for lunch and games in the gym!

PJs & Prayers

Sunday, March 9 | 6-6:45pm Parlor

Families with kids in Preschool – 2nd Grade are invited to PJs and Prayers on Sunday, March 8 from 6-6:45pm in the Parlor. Kids should come dressed in their PJs (parents can too!) We’ll have a bedtime snack, share a Bible story, and pray and learn together in fun, interactive ways. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other families. Grown-ups need to stay with their kiddos. If you’ve got kids who are older or younger than the above age range who you think would still enjoy this, they’re welcome too. Register by Wednesday, March 5 so we can make sure we have all the supplies we need!

Register here today!

Student Ministry

This winter 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 Winter Retreats.

High School Youth Group: Bowling Night

Sunday, January 12 | 4-6pm Bowlero

Kick off 2025 with First Pres Student Ministries at Bowlero in Glendale Heights! This will be one of our most fun events of the season – don’t miss out! Open to anyone in 9th-12th grade. The cost of $20 per person includes two hours of bowling, pizza, drinks, and a t-shirt! This is a perfect opportunity to invite friends to join in the fun. Space is limited – so register here today! Register by January 5th!

Register here today!

Chicago Wolves Hockey Game - TNT & High School

Saturday, February 22 | 6-9pm

Join First Pres Student Ministry for an unforgettable night of action and fun at the Chicago Wolves hockey game on Saturday, February 22 at 6pm! Transportation is provided. Meet at the church at 6pm for a ride. Your ticket covers it all—dinner, an awesome free Wolves hat, and the thrill of live hockey. Don’t miss this chance to cheer, connect, and make epic memories—grab your spot today! The cost is $30 per ticket.

Register here today!

TNT Summer Mission Trip | Detroit

July 12-18 | Detroit

Send your student on a life-changing mission trip to Detroit, where they’ll build meaningful relationships and witness firsthand the incredible work God is doing in the city. Through serving others and experiencing urban ministry, your child will grow spiritually, develop leadership skills, and deepen their faith in transformative ways. This is an opportunity for them to step outside their comfort zone, gain a broader perspective, and come back with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity!

Equipped

This Winter adults of all ages can fill their calendars with fun, engaging activities within the First Pres community.

Equipped Classes

The teaching ministry of the church, Equipped, is vital for a dynamic and growing life in Christ. Join us for classes and events designed to deepen your understanding of Scripture, theology, church history, and Christian living. 

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
9:30-11:30am | Parlor

Faith Builders welcomes women of all ages and stages of faith. Invite a friend to join you!

Join us on Wednesday evenings for a five-week, video-based study with Margaret Feinberg | James: What You Do Matters.

Join us on Thursday morning for a four-week, video-based study with Andy Stanley | Miracles – Then & Now.

Register here for Wednesday Night Faith BuildersRegister here for Thursday Morning Faith Builders

EXPLORE First Pres - Introduction to Membership

Sunday, February 23 | 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

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.

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, February 8 | 7:30-9am | Gathering Place

Join us for the Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, February 8! Enjoy great food and meaningful fellowship.

Register here today!

Women’s Morning Apart

Saturday, March 8 | 8:30am-12pm | Gathering Place

Join us as Amy Hogan guides us through the Enneagram. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of the Enneagram and learn about the nine valid ways to see and experience the world. This insight can foster greater respect for others and inspire a deeper understanding of ourselves and one another.

Register here today!

Catalyst

Catalyst allows women and men of all stages of faith to come together to explore faith and experience community. Over the span of nine weeks, Catalyst will give you the opportunity to experience community while having conversations about faith and its relevance to your life.

Catalyst Men

Starts Monday, January 27 | 6:30-7:45am | Parlor

Catalyst is a nine-week program where men of all stages of faith come together to seek a designated place to explore faith and experience real community. In this program you will form relationships of substance. Catalyst is a place where you can grow your faith, participate vulnerably, and experience genuine acceptance. Alongside others, you can expect to learn more about yourself and strengthen your identity in Christ.

Register here today!

Catalyst Women

Starts Thursday, January 30 | 1-2:15pm | Parlor

Catalyst is a nine-week program where women of all stages of faith come together to seek a designated place to explore faith and experience real community. In this program you will form relationships of substance. Catalyst is a place where you can grow your faith, participate vulnerably, and experience genuine acceptance. Alongside others, you can expect to learn more about yourself and strengthen your identity in Christ.

Register here today!

Events

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

Sanctuary Dedication & Grand Opening

Sunday, January 26 | 8:45 & 10:30am | Sanctuary

We’re thrilled to invite everyone to the dedication of our beautifully renovated Sanctuary on Sunday, January 26! Together, we’ll celebrate God’s goodness, prepare for living into our mission and ministry in this new space, and invite the Spirit to be powerfully at work in our midst as the gathered community of Christ.

Annual Meeting & One Worship

Sunday, February 9 | 10am | Sanctuary & Gym

On February 9th, there will be one worship service at 10am. Following the service, all are invited to participate in the Annual Congregational Meeting. We’ll share lunch together, review all that God has done in our community in 2024, and look ahead to the vision of First Pres. You’ll hear important updates, exciting stories, and be encouraged for the year ahead.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, March 5
7pm | Sanctuary

SPark

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!

Westminster Preschool

Westminster Preschool is excited to continue education this Winter. Stay on the lookout for updates and upcoming events.

Westminster Preschool Parent Open House

Tuesday, January 14 & January 21 | 7-8pm

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

Register for January 14 here!Register for January 21 here!

Kindergarten Readiness

Monday, January 27 | 7-8pm | Sanctuary

Come learn more about the expectations and curriculum of Kindergarten in our community. Representatives from both public and private schools will share a typical Kindergarten Day. The Glen Ellyn Public Library will also share information about their 1K club. This is a community event; we hope you join us. Invite friends and neighbors!

Register here today!

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

Sunday, December 29: One Worship | Sanctuary | 10am

Regular Sunday Worship Resumes: January 5

8:45am | Classic Worship

10:30am | Modern Worship

The Temple and the Spirit of God

The book of Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God dwelled in perfect communion with His created humans. After sin enters the world, God’s purpose in creation continues, but God’s presence in creation changes. The Spirit of God is described in the Bible as breaking into the creation, present in the Tabernacle, in the Temple, and in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, God’s Spirit is poured out on the church, and in the book of Revelation, there is a promise of a new heaven and new earth where God’s Spirit once again dwells perfectly with us.

This winter, our Sunday morning sermon series will focus on the presence of God in these various periods of history. We will learn how understanding the Tabernacle and Temple of Israel helps us to understand the mission of the church today. We will come to feel the link between the presence of the Spirit in the Temple, in Jesus, and in those who have faith in Him. God’s Spirit is alive and at work in the world right now. This series will help us to recognize and join the ongoing work of God’s Spirit in us.

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.

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 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5 & 5/3.