VBS starts Monday!
Calling all potential VBS campers age 4-8th grade.... You can now sign up for Vacation Bible School, a time where you will conquer challenges with God's mighty power at Everest! Registration packets are available in the narthex, church office. 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!
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School is offered every Sunday through August 30th at 9:30 a.m. Children are expected, encouraged, and welcomed to come to the sanctuary and participate in the first part of the worship service with the rest of the First Church family. After a Children's Time in worship, the children and adult helpers will leave for Sunday School in room 120. Sunday School will include an interactive re-telling of the parable of the morning, small group discussion and prayer, and activities that underscore the theme of the day.
Summer Worship Outdoors
Weather permitting, the 8:00 am worship service will be outdoors in the Chapel in the Woods, thru Labor Day weekend, Sept. 6.
Church Conference
Tuesday, June 23rd at 7 p.m. will be our Annual Church Conference. Please join us while we approve annual budgets, elect leaders, and consider proposals for a permanent church endowment fund. All First Church members are welcome to attend and vote at this event.
HOT DOG BOOTH - PARADE
Come and share the day as we celebrate the Fourth of July on SUNDAY, JULY 5TH! This is a great opportunity for us to welcome our friends and neighbors who come to watch the parade which begins at 1 pm and makes its way down Dole Avenue. At 11:00 am, we will begin selling hot dogs and concessions. If you are interested in helping with the Hot Dog Booth, please email Karen Kopp or call the church office. Proceeds this year will support SUMMONED2SERVE ~ MEALS FOR LIBERIA.
Love Gardening???
We are looking for anyone interested in helping us maintain, water, & weed the plants in the island areas in the church parking lot. This task could have several volunteers on a rotation type basis if need be to accomodate everyone's schedules. Anyone interested in helping for the summer should contact Jack Gilmer at: 312-218-3827.
Have you liked First Church on Facebook?
Our Facebook page is a great place to see upcoming concerts and events. Don't forget to share posts on your own timeline. It is a great way to share information with your friends and neighbors. You can read past editions of the First News that is sent out every week and view the church calendar online to see what is happening here at First Church.
Articles for First News
Anyone interested in putting articles or event updates in the First News section should email Nicole. She will now be the main contact for anything bulletin moving forward.
Update Database Information
Have you stopped using a landline phone? Moved in the past year? A new church directory is in the works, to be sent to everyone in our church family. If there have been any changes in your family over the past year, please email Janet your updated information for stop by the church office. This includes birth, death, marriage, divorce, address, phone number. Guide Book Directory will again process the publication of the book at no cost to the church & will mail a directory to each family. There is also an opportunity to advertise in the directory, which subsidizes the cost of production. If you own or manage a business & would like to learn more about advertising, please contact Janet.
Young Marrieds Summer Beach BBQ
Saturday, June 27th at 3:30 p.m.
Crystal Lake Main Beach
Tom and Lauren Vedder will supply the grill, hamburgers, hot dogs & condiments. Please let us know what dish you will be bringing when you RSVP. Bring swim suits for the kids, if they plan to swim!
Email Lauren to RSVP
Stephen Ministry Moment
Could you use a listening ear? A confidential friend? A Christian guide? Stephen Ministry is available to all First Church members and the community age 18 and older. Each Stephen Minister has received many hours of training and continues to receive support and training through peer group activities. A minister will be matched with you based on your need. You might meet together once a week or twice a month, and for as long or short as you would benefit. If you would like to know more about having a Stephen Minister visit with you, please contact one of our pastors 815-459-0785 or Barb Bradford 815-459-5346. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Socks For Those In Need
Many of those who attend our community dinners each Sunday evening lack some of the most basic items. In the Narthex is a box for those who wish to donate socks to help those who need them. These socks are available to anyone. Please help us donate summer ankle socks to parishioners in need this season.
Mobile Food Pantry Volunteers Wanted
Email Elyce Meador
Email Scott Goodwin
Our next Monthly Mobile Food Pantry is June 27th and we're hoping to make it a great success. Serving an average of 175 families each month with an average of $150 of food. Each Mobile needs approximately 30 volunteers to help with preparing a light soup dinner for while guests wait, setting up and working the truck and escorting our guests while meeting interesting new people. Volunteer time is 3:00- 6:30pm
(unless helping with the meal which is 1-4) If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, once or on a regular basis please contact either Elyce or Scott.
