Planning Our Future Together!

We are inviting you to complete the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), an on-line instrument that will help leaders gauge the strength, vitality, and trends in our church.  The information gained from this assessment will be valuable in helping the leaders of  our congregation as they make decisions about the future of First United Methodist Church.

We're sending our members and friends a unique email link to take the survey.  Beginning this weekend (April 19th) we are asking you to go online by clicking on the link provided and tell us about your experiences in and priorities for our church.  Please do not discuss the survey or your answers with others as this may influence their answers.

If you need a paper copy, please come to the office, and we will provide one for you along with a self-addressed stamped return envelope.

All answers are strictly anonymous.  We have no way of matching any assessment to a particular person, so please feel free to candidly share your perceptions, opinions and experiences.  Our future together is dependent on your participation and honest answers.

If you have questions, please contact the church office, Pastor Scott, or Brad Vollmert, Chairperson of the Vision Team.

Many thanks,

First Church Vision Team

Brad Vollmert, Joan Fielding, Nick Deka, Heather Kinsley, Tim Fraser, Diane Williams

A Cappella Russian Ensemble "LYRA"

Friday, May 1st at 7 p.m.

"LYRA" is an international award-winning  Russian Vocal Ensemble performing a wide range of songs including many from the masters: P. Tchaikovsky, I. Stavinsky, 

D. Bortniansky and multiple others.  They travel around the world in groups of 5-6 people giving people the chance to experience the Russian culture through music and dance. Join us for this dynamic, and culturally diverse experience you won't want to miss. This is a free concert; a love offering will be taken at the concert.

Sign Up For VBS

Calling all potential VBS campers age 4-8th grade.... You can now sign up for Vacation Bible School, a time where you will conquer chase he's with God's mighty power at Everest!  Registration packets are available in the narthex, church office or click here to sign up online.  We hope to see you and friends there this summer June 22-26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.  Questions?? Contact the church office!

Volunteers Needed to Usher for
Saturday Night Service

We are in need of volunteers to help usher during the Saturday evening service; especially during the 1st week of the month. If you are interested and are available to help please contact Nicole at the church office: 

815-549-0785 X122.

Parents Night Out

Jennifer Rokusek - 815-459-0785 ext 146

Saturday, May 2 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Wesley Hall

Children ages 2 - 10 are invited to come to Parents Night Out for an evening of fun and activities while parents have an adult night out!  Care provided by our trained nursery staff.  Please bring a sack dinner for each child attending. $12 per child/$30 family maximum.  Register by calling Jennifer no later than Wednesday, April 29.

2015 Graduates

Click here to email Jennifer Troy

Deadline is May 1. Only 1 week left!

First Church will be holding a Worship Service of Celebration for our 2015 Graduates on Sunday, May 17th at the 9:30 a.m. service.  If you have a graduate in your family, who is graduating from 8th grade, high school or college, please visit us online at www.FirstChurchOfCrystalLake.org/graduate and fill out a graduation card.

iPhone How-to Workshop

Monday, May 18  - 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Room 215

Click here to email Colby Smith

iPhones are a great and powerful tool in staying connected with friends and family, but it can be overwhelming. These one hour classes are designed to give you the basics on taking and sending photographs, texting and a brief look at Facebook on your phone. If you have questions or would like to attend either workshop, please contact Colby.

High School Bowling Fiesta &
8th Grade Test Drive

RSVP to Heather by Sunday, May 3

Click here to email Heather Oysti

High School and current 8th grade students are invited to join us at Brunswick Zone XL on Friday, May 8 from 6:00-9:00 pm.  We'll have a Mexican fiesta dinner, bowl, and enjoy two rounds of laser tag and arcade time.  Bring $15 (8th grade students come for FREE). 

HS Mission Team Prayer Partners

Sign up by May 10

Click here to email Heather Oysti

We'd love for our church family to support the 45 members of our High School Mission Team in prayer as they travel to Parma, Ohio June 21-27.  Please sign up to be a prayer partner by writing your name on the poster in the Narthex or by contacting Heather Oysti.

Young Married Group 

Cinco de Mayo Party

Click here to email Julie Benton - Julie.benton82@gmail.com

Saturday May 2 at 3:00 p.m. 

Four Colonies Club House, 680 Cress Creek Ln, Crystal Lake.  Those who attend are asked to bring a Cinco de Mayo themed side dish;  a taco bar will be provided.  Any questions can be directed to Julie.

Rockford Mission Trip

Click here to email Jim Nelson

The United Methodist Men of First Church have two local opportunities to serve others through mission work. They are in Rockford working with the Rockford Urban Ministries (R.U.M.) . These mission opportunities are designed for men to come for just a day or any part of the time we will be working on the site. All men are welcome regardless of their skill level. The dates are Monday-Friday, April 20-24.If you are interested in participating or have any questions please contact Bob Riepl, Carl Moon or Jim Nelson.

May Baskets

To All Women of First Church

Click here to email Karen Gilmer

Thursday, April 30th 

1:00 p.m. in the Art Room 222

Each year the UMW delivers May Baskets to all church members who are homebound or in nursing homes, about 30 people. We'll put the baskets together with a variety of items and flowers, and the baskets will be delivered on May Day (Friday, May 1). If you'd like to make a card to include in a basket, we'll have materials set out to do that as well, or we'd be happy to include cards you've made at home. We'll hope to see you then. Thank you for caring.

UMM Breakfast

Saturday May 2, 2015 The Legacy United Methodist Men of First Church will hold their monthly breakfast meeting in Wesley Hall. Fellowship at 7:15, devotions and breakfast at 7:30 and the program at 8:00. Our guest is Colby Smith, Director of Communications at First Church. Colby will be talking to us about how social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.). So please join us for good fellowship, good food, and learn something new. 

UMCOR Sager- Brown Mission Trip
August 2015

Click here to email Mike or Diana Friske 

Click here to email Paul or Molly Azzaline 

Do you have a passion to help people? Sager Brown Mission Trip may be the perfect opportunity for you. We are reaching out to invite YOU to join the team attending the United Methodist Committee On Relief, UMCOR  Sager Brown International Relief Mission Trip Aug 8-15 at Baldwin, La . If you feel stirred or have interest or questions please contact Mike or Diana. There will be an organizational meeting Sun. May 3, 2015 at 12:15 p.m. in room 215.

UMW Book Talk

Camille King 815-404-3147

Meets in the church library at 1:00 PM 

2nd Monday of the month Sept.-May.

All are welcome. We do not meet in the 

summer, but will resume in September.

May 11 - The Language of Flowers: A Novel Summary and Study Guide