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New Member Orientation
Sunday, November 8
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Room 215
Do you have the desire to deepen your relationship with this community of faith? The two-hour orientation allows participants the opportunity to share their own expectations and consider the expectations of the larger congregation for its members. After the orientation, those who desire so will be received as members during one of the regular weekend worship services. The orientation is led by Pastor Scott. Even if you have not registered you are invited to stop by and join us. A light lunch will be provided
Faith Promise 2016
We're preparing a fresh, focused, practical partnership with God for the healing of the world in Jesus' name.
Don't miss out. Take time this Sunday (November 8) and next Sunday (November 15) to visit displays of the various outreach/mission teams of our congregation. Let it inform your mind, engage your heart, and inspire your prayers!
We're part of the company committed to doing whatever it takes for the Jesus mission.
Peace Of Christ Women's Conference
Last Weekend To Get Registered
November 13 - 14
Looking to find the peace of Christ in a distracting world? Join us for this two day conference here at First Church. Chrystal Evans Hurst (daughter of Dr Tony Evans) loves to encourage other women to love the Lord, love their families, and to love themselves. Learn more and sign up today at: PeaceOfChristConference.org. Scholarships are available for those who need them.
Who's in Charge Around Here?
Maybe you!
Check out the bulletin insert this Sunday for several opportunities to serve on decision-making groups that help lead the our congregation in fulfilling the First Church mission. We are blessed with outstanding leadership teams and want to continue to strengthen them going forward.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Wednesday, November 25
7:30 p.m. - Sanctuary
Join us for this special service as we reflect upon the blessing of the past year.
Bible Sunday - The Bible is God's Love Letter!
What does your Bible mean to you? Do you turn the pages to find favorite passages, seeking to come closer to God, perhaps you are searching for guidance, reassurance, or peace? As 'grown-ups', we know God shows us how much He loves us through the scriptures and stories found in the Bible. We want our children to know this amazing truth too!
Bible Sunday is November 22, 2015. In both our 9:15 Cornerstone and 10:45 Ignite worship services First Church, as a whole congregation & church family, will gift a Bible to boys and girls in Kindergarten & Third grade.
Just like signing on a card to gifts that you give, you are invited to sign your name near one of your favorite passages, or perhaps place a note or share a message of blessing in each of the Bibles for the children. What a wonderful way for all of our First Church family to share what faith means, what the Bible means, & God's love with our children. Bible Sunday at First Church promises to be a milestone moment for families.
The Bibles will be available in the Sanctuary for you to sign the next two Sundays, as well as anytime during the next 2 weeks that you may be in the church building.
Advent Study - Handle & Messiah
The second class of our Advent Study - Handle & Messiah will be held next Sunday evening, 11/8, 7 - 8:30 p.m., in Hale Chapel. We will be studying & listening to the section about Christ's Birth and it's Foretelling, using Scripture from both the Old and New Testament. We will start with the 'announcement to the Shepherds, in Luke, the promise that the 'eyes of the blind will be opened' by Isaiah, and then the statement by Matthew that 'His yoke is easy'! This class is fun, interesting, and the music will stir your heart.
Leaf Raking
Middle School and High School students' services for help with raking and bagging leaves. We ask for donations toward their mission trip for their service. If interested in having students come and rake up the leaves in your yard, please email Karen, call her at 815-670-0577 (cell) or the church office at 815-459-0785.
Stampin' Angels Sale
Women's Weekend, Saturday November 14th in the Community Room beginning at 3:00 after the Women's Weekend concludes.
Sunday, November 15th sale in the upper Narthex during the morning hours, 9 until noon. There will be various cards and small holiday items. Monies are submitted to UMW for missions.
Snowbirds
Please notify Janet in the church office of your date of departure, date of return and your winter address so church records stay current. Thank you!
White Angels
This is the 21st year that First Church will be providing Christmas gifts for HIV/Aids children, teens, and their caregivers from the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. We need your help to make 2015 a success! We have 34 children, 18 teens, and 45 caregivers needing a Happy Holiday.
If you can help, please stop by the White Angel Table in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 8th. Sign out an angel and be blessed knowing that you may be providing the only gift these children, teens, and caregivers will receive this Holiday Season.
Gifts need to be returned to a box in the Upper Narthex no later than Sunday, December 6th. Thank you!
UMW Book Talk
Meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 PM in the church library. The group meets Sept - May. All are welcome.
Camille King (815-404-3147) or
Penny Pelkey (815-477-2101)
Nov. 9 - The Stone Wife by Peter Lovesey
Dec. 14 - The House Girl: A Novel by Tara Conklin
Jan. 11 - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
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 winter socks, handkerchiefs, bandanas. If you wish to donate other winter items such as mittens, hats and scarfs to help those who need them, there is a donation box in Wesley Hall. These items are available to anyone in need.
Free Community Dinner
Do know someone who could use a hot meal? First Church offers a free meal each Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. This is open to anyone. We are also looking for volunteers. 5 volunteers needed 2 shifts - 3:30 to 5:15 and 5:15 to 7pm. to interact with people, set up tables, help prepare meals, serve and clean-up. If you are interested in helping please email Elyce Meador.
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