Fall Sunday School Begins

The Sunday School season is upon us. We have two Sunday School hours (9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.). We will all (children, youth, and adults) begin the hour in the Sanctuary with worship. In the early part of the service, the children will be dismissed for Sunday School. Our Sunday School this year (Sept - May) will be organized according to six-week long themes, multiple learning stations/activities, and age-appropriate groups.

Bella Musika Academy

Fall semester registration is open at Bella Musika for all ages and levels interested in learning a musical instrument. We are offering private lessons in Piano, Cello, Violin, String Bass and electric bass. Register at www.bellamusika.org,   email Katrina Jackson or call 815-459-0786 ext 119.

Wesley Hall Café

Stop by Wesley Hall between worship services for a time of fellowship. We are moving from the Narthex to expand our café to include regular and decaffeinated coffee as well as provide more diverse snacks. The larger area gives us a larger space to get to know those who may be new to First Church or visit with those we have not seen in a while. Be sure to come by and bring a friend. Fellowship time is 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. each Sunday.

CROP Hunger Walk

Sunday, September 27

Meet at St. Paul's Church of Christ

485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake

Registration Begins 12:15 p.m.

Walk together with other Crystal Lake churches. The need for food and clean water grows every year and the number of walkers seems to grow also! Please join our First Church team and sign up email Sharon Karch or email Barb and Jim Laffoon.

Midweek

Midweek Meal and Children's education program for
Wednesday are postponed for this fall.

(We don't yet have a volunteer team able to lead it).

Music programs for children, youth, and adults, as well as adult classes, however, will proceed as scheduled.

The Way & The Word Adult Sunday School

Class is planning on studying Philippians this year led again by Don Rosborough. We are back in the same room - 216, but slightly earlier - 10:30 a.m.  Our regular Worship Service is now called Cornerstone and it begins at 9:15. Everyone is welcome. We will spend the first part of the Class discussing the Sermon, then Joys & Concerns, and then the Assigned Scripture. We plan to use the Study Guide by N.T. Wright as a guide. It is available now in the Church Office for $7(exact change preferred). Please bring your Study Bible and any commentaries or outside readings you might have. We will be done just before noon (especially when the Bears play at home). For more information email Don.

Women's Bible Study

Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study: Anointed  Transformed Redeemed A Study of David with Priscilla Schirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. A six week study every other week starting Sept 16, 9-11AM. Call Diane Williams to register 815-477-1626

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)

Sept 14  All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Oct. 12   A Spool of Blue Thread by Ann Tyler

"The Door is Open"...

Here are five types of care that we may find ourselves needing at some point in our life's journey:  Crisis Care (the kind of crisis that leads you to desire a sounding board, encouragement, and direction); Follow Up Care (A new living arrangement, a surgical recovery, you've made it through a crisis and would like a listening ear in the aftermath); Chronic Care (You or a loved one is experiencing an on-going health issue); Preventive Care (You would like help in assuring that you do not slip into old habits, you may have questions or concerns about a coming event that is stressful); Supportive Care (You've experienced a loss of some kind, you're worried about something or someone, you would like to explore deepening your faith)... A Stephen Minister is available to offer compassionate, Christ-like, confidential care.  Please contact one of our pastors if you would like to visit with a Stephen Minister.  No one should have to walk alone.

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 and bandanas to help those who need them. These items are available to anyone in need.