This Fall at First Pres…
FAMILY + CHILDREN FAITH FORMATION
FAMILY WORSHIP
Family Faith Formation is launching “Family Worship,” an online, pre-recorded worship service. Families come in all shapes and sizes; even if you are a household of one, you are part of our family. This is for you too! This service, no longer than 30 minutes, will include all elements of worship to be enjoyed by all. Videos will be available Sunday afternoons and can be viewed anytime. Available on YouTube and Facebook. Contact Pastor Kristie Finley at kfinley@firstchurchlf.org for questions.
CHILDREN’S CURRICULUM
Children Faith Formation is offering faith building classes both virtually and in-person (small groups) on a weekday afternoon. Using “The Beatitudes,” a new curriculum, there will be faith building classes and family faith building materials that will correspond with our fall sermon series!
Visit www.firstchurchlf.org/children for more details of our offerings and to sign up for the best option for you and your family or contact Sarah Seccombe at sseccombe@firstchurchlf.org.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
First Pres Preschool is excited for the first day of school on Tuesday, September 8! Teachers and staff have been hard at work in preparation while following all CDC guidelines, and have made the necessary changes to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our children! For more details on reopening, or if you have any questions, visit the Preschool website at preschool.firstchurchlf.org or contact Suzie Brunner at sbrunner@firstchurchlf.org.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
SEPTEMBER 13 – OCTOBER 18: “WHAT IF JESUS WAS SERIOUS?”
Using Skye Jethani’s challenging book as our guide, First Pres is embarking on a church-wide exploration of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew. Each Sunday, different parts of the sermon will provide the text for a Sermon Series complemented by weekly Group Discussions via Zoom. More details here!
You may pick up a book, free of charge, at the Deerpath entrance on Sundays and during the week. They can also be mailed to you, if you would prefer, by contacting Debbie Tometz at dtometz@firstchurchlf.org.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25: SKYE JETHANI GUEST PREACHING LIVE AT FPCLF!
10:00 am in the Sanctuary (Masks and social distancing are mandatory)
Live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: KEN SAWYER IS LECTURING LIVE AT FPCLF
“Expanding the Frame” Engaging the past to better understand our present moment
11:00 am in the Sanctuary (Masks and social distancing are mandatory)
Read more here
Live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook
FIDE (Faith and Illumination in a Digital Environment)
First Pres is collaborating with First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield and First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville. Four congregations coming together through Adult Faith Formation offerings. Below are the different opportunities from our partner churches you are invited to participate in:
Be the Bridge 101 Wednesdays at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (September 16 – October 14)
presented by First Pres Libertyville for FIDE
Do you want to work for racial reconciliation? If you’re white, it begins with understanding some of the basic tenets and history of whiteness. Through learning and discussion, we will explore key biblical texts and four W’s of whiteness: white identity, white privilege, white fragility, and white supremacy. You may sign up in this link to join this guided small group discussion.
Spiritual Practices for a Pandemic Sundays at 9:00 AM (September 13, 20 & 27)
presented by First Pres Deerfield for FIDE
Join us for an online class led by award-winning author and artist Mary Wagner and Pastor Hawkinson. This is a fun class for grownups that desire spiritual renewal. These practices will feed body, mind, and soul.
Passcode: 017705
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Contact Jim Cochrane at for more information at jcochrane@firstchurchlf.org.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
As children grow out of elementary school and begin to build their own identities, this group exists as a place to question, explore, and build relationships. Through games, field trips, and fellowship, our middle schoolers have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with God and with one another. 5th-6th Grade Youth Group meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month, and 7th-8th Grade Youth Group meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
CONFIRMATION
This long-practiced Christian rite holds our church’s 8th graders in care as they begin to consider their faith more deeply and prepare for membership within the congregation. Classes meet weekly to explore the basic tenets of our faith and examine how God calls us to live fully as members of the church. Class culminates in the opportunity to join as full members of the church in April.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
This weekly group meets on Sunday nights to explore the connections between our faith at church and our daily lives outside of it. Every meeting has games, prayer, discussion, and fellowship with other high schoolers as they navigate the road to adulthood. Other special events occur throughout the year, including retreats, lock-ins, and the annual Work Trip.
MUSIC PROGRAMS
WORSHIP MUSICIANS
Our Sanctuary Choir will remain on hiatus for the foreseeable future, but as worship moves inside in October, we would love participation from our congregational musicians. Soloists or instrumentalists, small ensembles, or even bands. Please contact Music Director Tom Tropp at ttropp@FirstChurchLF.org.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC
We will meet on Tuesday afternoons, making music while performing short scripts from Bible stories. Playing new instruments and creating characters will be our focus as we celebrate the events of the church year in our small groups. Sign up to attend one of the rehearsals! Contact Susan Noble, Director of Children’s Music, at snoble@firstchurchlf.org for more information.
BACK-TO-BASICS BELLS (BBB)
Wednesdays, 4:00 to 4:30 PM
Have you ever thought “I can’t ring bells. I just don’t know how they do that!” Well now you can learn in a fun environment. All the bell ringing basics will be taught to you. Who can join? YOU can join…Adults, Youth, Children Grades 3 and up. For information and to reserve your spot – email bwenger@firstchurchlf.org.