First Press Together we Celebrate, Journey & Serve November 2017 Page 1 • November 2017 What’s Inside: Announcements Page 2 Director of Music Ministry Search, Thank You Page 3 Preschool, Children Page 4 Genesis, High School News Page 5 Adult Education, Stewardship, Men’s/ Women’s Ministry, Mission trip Page 6 FPC Book Club, Stephen Ministry, Women’s Bible Study Page 7 Thanksgiving Eve Service Page 8 A Message from Pastor Kellen Dear First Pres Family, I’m deeply grateful for your faithful response to our Fearless Generosity sermon series and stewardship campaign. I pray that each of us will continue to live with greater generosity in all aspects of our lives. We can give of ourselves without fear, because Jesus tell us in John 16:33: “Be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Thank you for your generous financial commitments to the mission and ministries of First Pres and if you haven’t yet done so, please consider making your pledge as the elders plan the church budget for 2018. In this new season, may we see the abundance of the Lord of the harvest. The church and the world changed significantly 500 years ago. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in Wittenberg which critiqued corruption in the church and sparked the Protestant Reformation. During the month of November, we’ll be starting a new sermon series called Reformed and Always Reforming: Faith Essentials. A core Presbyterian belief is that we are called to continually reform who we are and what we do as Christians. In its various forms, the Reformation sought to restore the Bible to a central place in Christian doctrine and underscore grace (not “good deeds”) as the means of salvation for humanity. Over four weeks, Pastor Kyle and I will be preaching sermons on several of the central beliefs that emerged from the Reformation but are just as relevant for us today: November 5 – God is God and We are Not November 12 – Irresistible Grace November 19 – The Incomparable Christ November 26 – Welcome to the Priesthood In addition to Reformation-themed worship, we’ll be offering a four-week adult education program entitled “Marin Luther: The Reluctant Revolutionary,” based on a PBS film. The documentary depicts the penniless monk who was the catalyst for a revolution that would change everything. Filmed across Europe, the dramatized story retells the extraordinary life of Luther who reluctantly took on the most powerful institution of his day and won. (Continued)
Transcript
First PressTogether we Celebrate, Journey & Serve
November 2017
Page 1 • November 2017
What’s Inside:
AnnouncementsPage 2
Director of Music Ministry Search, Thank YouPage 3
FPC Book Club, Stephen Ministry, Women’s Bible StudyPage 7
Thanksgiving Eve ServicePage 8
A Message from Pastor Kellen
Dear First Pres Family,
I’m deeply grateful for your faithful response to our Fearless Generosity sermon series and stewardship campaign. I pray that each of us will continue to live with greater generosity in all aspects of our lives. We can give of ourselves without fear, because Jesus tell us in John 16:33: “Be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Thank you for your generous financial commitments to the mission and ministries of First Pres and if you haven’t yet done so, please consider making your pledge as the elders plan the church budget for 2018. In this new season, may we see the abundance of the Lord of the harvest.
The church and the world changed significantly 500 years ago. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in Wittenberg which critiqued corruption in the church and sparked the Protestant Reformation. During the month of November, we’ll be starting a new sermon series called Reformed and Always Reforming: Faith Essentials.
A core Presbyterian belief is that we are called to continually reform who we are and what we do as Christians. In its various forms, the Reformation sought to restore the Bible to a central place in Christian doctrine and underscore grace (not “good deeds”) as the means of salvation for humanity.
Over four weeks, Pastor Kyle and I will be preaching sermons on several of the central beliefs that emerged from the Reformation but are just as relevant for us today:
November 5 – God is God and We are NotNovember 12 – Irresistible Grace November 19 – The Incomparable ChristNovember 26 – Welcome to the Priesthood
In addition to Reformation-themed worship, we’ll be offering a four-week adult education program entitled “Marin Luther: The Reluctant Revolutionary,” based on a PBS film. The documentary depicts the penniless monk who was the catalyst for a revolution that would change everything.
Filmed across Europe, the dramatized story retells the extraordinary life of Luther who reluctantly took on the most powerful institution of his day and won. (Continued)
Page 2 • November 2017
Announcements
Faithful farmer Jerry Meyer picked 54 tomatoes, bag of beans, bag of peppers and that humongous gourd.
“Whisk” Seniors a Happy Holiday
Every year, First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, partners with Outreach Community Center and Gary Methodist Church to host a Christmas luncheon for the Older Adults Program at Outreach Community Center who live in South Carol Stream. 1st Pres has graciously helped each year by providing volunteers who contribute in many ways: helping with set-up or clean-up, making food, serving seniors at their tables, providing transportation, as well as making financial donations to make the day possible. For many of these seniors, this annual event is the highlight of their holiday season, and for many, their only celebration.
A $12 donation will provide one older adult of Outreach Community Center a place at their annual Christmas Luncheon table.
Be on the look out for the holiday tablescape display where you will find donation envelopes. It's easy to make a donation - put your check in the envelope provided and drop it in the mail or leave it in the church office. Kindly make checks payable to Outreach Community Ministries.
This year’s luncheon will held on Friday, December 15, for approximately 150 older adults from South Carol Stream. Our guests will enjoy a traditional ham dinner with all the trimmings, enjoy a holiday musical presentation by students from Franklin Middle School, and receive an individual gift of kitchen knives, and a cutting board. Your donation is greatly appreciated for this event.
Thank you for helping to “whisk” our seniors a happy holiday season. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Van Oss (630-609-6956) or Alice Lechiara (630-462-0536).
(Continued from page 1)
During a significant anniversary season in the church, we’ll also celebrate Thanksgiving. I pray that as you gather around your tables on Thanksgiving, you would see the blessings of God all around you. This year, I hope you’ll join me for a special Thanksgiving Eve worship service on Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00pm. As Sarah and I celebrate our first Thanksgiving in Wheaton, we’ll give thanks for all of you, the people who help to make First Pres a grace-filled church home.
God bless you,
Pastor Kellen
Sing-Along Messiah
The Westminster Choir is presenting a Sing-Along Messiah on Sunday, December 17, starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We would like to invite everyone to come out and join us in singing selected parts of this masterpiece by George Frideric Handel. If you have a copy of the score, please bring it along. If not, you can rent a score for just $5. There will also be an open choir rehearsal on Thursday, December 14, at 7:30 for anyone who wants to feel extra prepared before the big event. There will be a offering collected during intermission and all proceeds will go towards the music ministry and a special Music & Missions initiative. The Westminster Choir is working to partner with local organizations to create a special arts education fund to benefit immigrant and refugee children in DuPage County. To RSVP or for more information visit: www.firstpreswheaton.org.
Page 3 • November 2017
First Pres Blood Drive
The Deacons will be hosting another blood drive on Sunday, November 12th. Please consider donating!
Have you ever wondered what happens to the beautiful chancel flowers donated by our members each Sunday? The Deacons create several bouquets from them and deliver them to those in the hospital or home-bound. Thank you to all who donate the flowers! Please let Kyle Roggenbuck know if you or a family member have been recently hospitalized and would enjoy a visit from a Deacon or Pastor.
ESSE Adult Day Services(Ecumenical Support Services for the Elderly)
ESSE will be holding their 21st annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton from 7:30-11:00 am. Tickets are $5 (all you can eat) and are available at the door. There will also be silent auction and raffle prizes. As one of our mission partners, please consider supporting this major fund raiser for ESSE. Contact Donna Boyd if you have any questions. (630-752-9957) Thank you for your support.
Christmas Sharing is Coming December 8th and 9th! Mark your calendars and start cleaning out your closets. Volunteer sign up and donation information will be available in the weekly November First Pres communications. Food boxes will be available the last 3 Sundays in November in between the services or in the church office. Most needed items are children's clothes, toys and all sizes of coats and outerwear Donated items can be brought to the church December 5th through December 7th. Questions? Call Tanya Downing at 630-699-6782 or [email protected].
CAN (College Age Network)
We need your help to show our First Pres College students that we love them and haven’t forgotten them! We will be sending letters and gift cards to all of the college students In November. If you would like to donate money or $5.00 gift cards (to places like Starbucks, Target, Wal-Mart, or fast food), please drop your donations in the office by Wednesday, November 15. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Goodwin at [email protected].
Director of Music Ministry
First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Director of Music Ministry, who is committed to growth both individually and collectively. This is a full- time position responsible for leading our Music Ministry in collaboration with the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff. The ideal candidate will have a vision for music ministry that connects our souls with God in a profound and dramatic way in worship. For a full job description please go to our website at www.firstpreswheaton.org/job_opportunities. Cover letter and resume can be sent to Jan Buscher, Church Administrator at [email protected].
Christmas Sharing FundraiserChristmas Sharing will be having a fundraiser with Chipotle on Butterfield. The date is Thursday, November 9 from 4 - 10 pm. 50% of profits will go to Christmas Sharing
Food Pantry
Soon the November winds will be blowing and Thanksgiving will arrive. Thanks so much for your consistent generosity to the food pantries, PRC and Interfaith, that we at First Pres support.
This month both pantries again are requesting many of the same products we have been donating. They are: tea, pineapple, bar soap, women's products, baby wipes and diapers sizes 3,4,and 5. The new addition is toilet paper. The only food products on the list are tea and pineapple. The other requests are much needed non-food necessities. Our food pantries meet many needs in our community.
Have a happy, warm and safe Thanksgiving.
Luke 18:16
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Page 4 • November 2017
ChildrenPreschool
First Pres Preschool is now accepting applications for the 2018 – 2019 school year from Church members. Priority registration is open to church members and returning families beginning November 1st and ending November 30th. Open enrollment to the public begins in January. We offer preschool programs for children from the ages of 2 ½ to six years of age. For more information on the preschool, take a look at our preschool link on the Church website www.firstpreswheaton.org. Call Chandra Gravit at (630) 668-5147 x27 to request information or set up a classroom visit. Our preschool classes usually fill soon after priority enrollment ends so if you are a Church member or attending our Church and you are thinking about preschool for your child, now is the time to contact the preschool.
November is a month that is rich in teaching opportunities. All of our classes are busy learning about the Thanksgiving holidays, including our early ancestors, the pilgrims, and Native Americans. Each classroom ends the month celebrating Thanksgiving with their own ‘feast’ provided and created by our children.
Lynn Nuzzo is joining us monthly for a special story time where she shares a Bible story in a creative and fun way with our preschoolers. We are happy to have her in our classrooms!
All of our enrichment programs are well underway for the school year, including music, art and sports. Our art enrichment program, taught by Lauri Malee, is full of preschoolers enjoying various art mediums and being creative as only preschoolers can. Victory Preschool Sports Camp is also off and running with their soccer camp for our three, four and five year olds. This is always a favorite with the children and they look forward to each new sports camp throughout the year.
LOGOS is GROWING…..Come Join Us! • 11/1 Safari Night• 11/8 Red,White & Blue Night• 11/15 Luau Night• 11/29 Advent Night LOGOS is a place where church is fun and everyone matters!Wednesday nights (Oct.-March) 5:00 – 7:15pm
Children, youth and adults come together to practice the art of Christian relationships.Questions? Contact Lynn Nuzzo for K – 5th Grade and Mary Kinsey for 6 – 8th Grade.
Children and Stewardship – A Visit From Stu BearStu Bear was back to help the children learn that through sharing, caring and helping others they are being the good-stewards that God wants us to be.Stewardship is a lifetime investment that can help children learn how to set priorities and prepare them for their adultrole in the church.Thanks Stu Bear for helping us to grow our faith and be good stewards! Contact Lynn Nuzzo for children’s pledge cards and offering envelopes.
Family Nativity NightFriday, December 1st 6:30 – 8:00pm
Bring the whole family for a fun night of exploring Advent together!Create a gingerbread NativityEnjoy cookies and hot chocolateEach family will receive an Advent bag to take home!
Oct. 22 - A Surprise Visit from Stu Bear!
Page 5 • November 2017
Genesis News WF High School NewsThe WF High School Ministries are well under way this fall, and we have been having a great time together, building our friendships and growing deeper in faith. October was a busy month! At the beginning of the month, we had a fun time at Bring Your Parents to WF night, where we got to share with our folks what WF is all about. Mid-month, we were blessed to confirm 17 students into the membership of First Presbyterian. The services were led by our very own WF band and student readers, and we got to hear about the fearless generosity of the confirmands as they took on additional mission projects as a class. It was a very meaningful service for the confirmands and their families, as well as an uplifting, hopeful service for the entire church family. God is so good! The end of the month brought Small Group Fun Night, and the Fall Retreat, where we talked about finding ways to hit pause, and find God in our busy lives.
Genesis BLAST is going to the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum.Thursday, December 28. 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, IL 6053 Cost is $10.00. Save the date and watch for more in-formation coming soon.
Northern Illinois Food BankJoin your Middle School friends on Tuesday, November 21 on a trip to the Northern Illinois Food Bank to sort food for the many hungry people in DuPage County. Meet in the church parking lot at 12:30 for carpools. We will return at 4:30. Adult volunteers and chaperones always welcome. Contact Mary Kinsey for more information.
25 middle schoolers and 4 adults had a wonderful time at the Timber-lee JUMP-START Fall retreat. We arrived on a wet Friday night for the Hoedown, hayrides and bobbing for apples. Giles Davis was our excellent and inspiring speaker, and we rocked out in worship with the Arbor Vitae band. We had a great time competing in the Harvest tournament Saturday morning with an afternoon filled with laser tag, trail rides, zip lining, fun at the animal farm and nature center, and most fun with the karaoke Satuday night. A huge THANK YOU to Megan Zorn, Darren Lange and Mike Spires for joining us for the fabulous weekend.
We were blessed to confirm 17 students into the membership of First Presbyterian!
Join us in November for more exciting installments of WF on Sunday nights, from 6-8:15pm, and Guys’ and Girls’ Small Groups on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8pm. And don’t forget Sunday AM, between services on Sunday mornings! Friends are always welcome and encouraged to join us for all High School Ministry activities!
Hot Breakfast – Sunday November 19 between services in the kitchen. Thank you, God, for pancakes and bacon. Amen.
Alumni Pie Night – Wednesday, November 22 from 8-9pm. All college students are welcome to come back to visit with the current HS students and WF alumni, eat pie, and play a few games with your old buddies. I know you miss playing Four on a Couch! I hope you can make it!
Progressive Dinner – Sunday, December 10, from 5-9pm. Get all dressed up and we’ll have a fun night eating appetizers, entrees and desserts at different homes around town. This event is one that the students really look forward to each year! We may even have a visitor from the North Pole!
Page 6 • November 2017
Women’s Ministry
Adult Education
Women’s Ministry: Jesus is Calling You to Tea at K’TizoJoin us for a deep breath of peace and calm with a Jesus Calling devotion at K’Tizo Tea & Coffee Shop, 1915 North Gary Ave on the 4th Thursday of each month.Questions? Call Angela Stephenson at 630-200-2533.
Adult Mission Trip to Cuba
In May, we plan to join with our sister church, Hope Presbyterian, on a mission trip to Cuba to build friendships with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Havana. The trip will be led by Pastor Kyle and Pastor Jay Moses. There will be an informational meeting for all interested on November 19 during education hour in the Living Room. Please contact Pastor Kyle if you are interested, [email protected].
Men’s First Light Collaborative
On Saturday, 11/4, we start a 10 week study - Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven (Author)On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.Breakfast starts at 7AM next to the kitchen. Please contact [email protected] to be sure we have enough bacon for all.
Martin Luther: The Reluctant Revolutionary
New four week Adult Ed beginning next week, Nov 5th. 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of one of the most important events in Western civilization. A penniless monk named Martin Luther sparked the revolution that would change everything. This movement, the Protestant Reformation, changed Western culture at its core and
continues to shape the life of every American today. Using a PBS documentary that was filmed across Europe, we’ll follow the dramatic story of Luther who reluctantly took on the most powerful institution of his day and won.
Going Deeper: Sermon Discussion Class
Would you like to go deeper with the pastor's message? Explore the scripture, go further with your faith, and engage in discussion based on the sermon in worship. Sunday mornings, 9:45 a.m. Sanctuary Hall. Led by Denny Lawson
Thank you to all who have submitted a 2018 Giving Card.
We will be tallying the results and providing an update soon. Having each member’s participation is essential for planning ministry and mission at First Pres in 2018. If you have not yet completed a card please consider doing so. If you would like a card sent to you, please contact the church office at (630) 668-5147. Giving cards are also at the welcome desk, in the pews and online at http://www.firstpreswheaton.org/online_giving.
Stewardship
Men’s Ministry
Mission Trip
Thank You
Dear Friends at First Presbyterian, The interfaith Food Pantry volunteers and the families who come for our help are most thankful for the wonderful support you give us each month. Your financial donations as well as the many bags of groceries and sundry items you send are most appreciated. Every little bit helps (and thanks especially for asking each month what items we need.)What are we most thankful for? The volunteers from First Presbyterian who faithfully staff our Pantry every week. Without all your help this ministry would not be successful.
Mary Stollberg
Page 7 • November 2017
Stephen Ministry
Please join Pastor Kyle as we gather together for Bible Study on the first Tuesday of each month. This year we will be studying “Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews” as we delve into the Book of Hebrews. Meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Living Room. Books are available in the church office for $10.
Women’s Bible Study
Sarah circle recently attended a farm dinner at heritage prairie farm.
Halverson Benediction Prints
High quality copies of all the print designs are still available to order. You can order these at: https://firstpreswheaton.webconnex.com/printsor visit https://goo.gl/fVdGrV to download the order information and pay by check.
FPC Book ClubLilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly is your FPC book club’s book to read for November. In September of 1939, Caroline Ferriday is busy with her post at the French consulate in New York along with a new love interest. Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, is getting deeper and deeper into the underground resistance movement and Herta Oberheuser, a young German doctor, applies for a medical position only to find herself trapped in a male-dominated world of Nazi secrets and power. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten. Read this New York Times best-seller and join us on Thursday, November 30, 7:00 for great discussion and even better fellowship. Questions? Contact Mary Kinsey 630-668-5147 x20 or [email protected].
New Stephen Minister ClassBeginning the second Monday in January and lasting through the end of May, a new Stephen Ministry training class will take place. If this program is of interest to you, here is a snapshot of what Stephen Ministry entails.Responsibilities of a Stephen Minister:
-Daily prayer for their care receiver -Usually meet once a week with their care receiver -Listening (not fixing) -Dealing with feelings -Sharing distinctively Christian caring resources -Remain process oriented….not results oriented -Relating assertively -Maintaining boundaries -Maintaining confidentiality -Help identify people in need of Stephen ministry -Participate in twice-monthly supervision and continuing education -Agree to serve two years -50 hours of training
If this is something that is of interest, please contact Pastor Kyle (630-668-5147), Henrietta Ribeiro (630-221-1994), Diane Easter (630-835-4223), or Bob Young (630-668-6886). There is an application form to fill out and be returned and then followed up with an interview.
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December newsletter submissions are due by November 15. Email them to [email protected]. This is a monthly publication. If you move please call the church office with your new address.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship “Abundant Harvest”
Wednesday, November 22 - 7:00 PMCome for worship and stay for pie in Stewart Hall. Bring your favorite pie to share.
Care Cards are powerful little yellow pieces ofpaper that provide comfort, strength,
and support to others in need of prayers. They are available in the pews at each
service for quick little notes to let one another know that we are thinking aboutthem and praying for them. They can be dropped
off in the offering plate during services.They can also be sent online from this page. The church office forwards online
and handwritten care cards to the recipients.https://firstpreswheaton.webconnex.com/CareCard
