THE WEEK OF
October 19, 2014


Join Us for Sunday Worship
 
Traditional @ 8:45 a.m.
Contemporary @ 11:00 a.m.

The Lesson
Psalm 99
Exodus 33:12-23

The Message
The Cart Before the Horse - Dr. Jay Moses
Sermon Audio Files
Recordings of our past sermons are available on our website by clicking HERE.                      
Adult Education
This Weekend's Study... 
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

 

September 21st - October 19th 

 

Gospel Justice 
(Mission Spotlight)
Adult Ed and Mission Outreach are working together to spotlight a First Pres sponsored Mission during each Adult Education session this year, starting with a new series on Justice.  For this Session, the Mission of God in Jesus Christ at First Pres Church of Wheaton is:  To initiate and devote ourselves to a Peace that goes beyond border, religion and ethnicity.  Join us on Sunday for a class will stir your soul, show how to provide hope for the hopeless, show mercy and compassion to those in need, and provide clear biblical teaching about justice.  

Books are available for a $10 donation in the church office and in the Rotunda following the 8:45 am worship service in September.  All proceeds go back to supporting "Administer Justice." Please see Cerena Fischer with book-related questions.  

"How good it is when people dwell together in peace." Psalm 133:1   

Jesus and the Walking Dead

It is one of the most popular shows on television and also one that has saturated much of the pop culture of our day.  "The Walking Dead", a show depicting the survival of human beings in the wake of an apocalypse now filled with fallen loved ones and zombies, has caught the imagination of a generation.  Come to this class to seek the answers to questions that this story has touched upon in our culture, and also the roots of a great deal of theology that can and should be pondered by the context that surrounds us.  DISCLAIMER:  Only the living shall attend. Led by Pastor Jay and Allison Kunz.

 

Discovering the Right Fit: Understanding and Guiding God's Children

Parents/Grandparents:  When you look at your child, do you ever wonder, Who is this amazing gift that God has given to me?  What does God have planned for them? Come and explore and discuss the identification and development of your children's and/or grandchildren's spiritual gifts.  Learn more about their talents, personalities and passions! You will gain tools for better understanding and communication with your children/grandchildren.  This class is designed for parents/grandparent with children/grandchildren of any age.  Led by Maryanne Kyle & Robb Frank.

 

Our Pastor Said What? 

Would you like to have a cup of coffee and a donut, while casually discussing Sunday's sermon? Our pastors are providing questions related to their Sunday sermon to facilitate a deeper discussion during the Education Hour.  Facilitated by Denny Lawson in SH 101. 

Children & Youth Education Hour
Grow, Proclaim & Serve 
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

Children: Twin Brothers (Genesis 25:19-34)

 

6th Grade: Journey with Abraham & Sarah

7th Grade:  Jesus Proclaims the Reign of God


8th Grade: We Want a King

 

High School: Revelation: A Wedding Party

Upcoming Events
In the Life of the Church
Growing Generosity

Did you notice the tree in the Rotunda?  It's Stewardship season and time to decorate our Tree of Generosity with red, orange and yellow leaves that symbolize our investment of time, talent and treasures for God's kingdom here at First Pres. 

In baskets near the tree are colorful leaves for you to indicate your commitment of your gifts.  You can use pictures or words to describe the ways you want to give, or simply write your name on each colored leaf; use as many as you like.  You can then use the tape provided to put your leaf on the tree, or leave it in the basket under the tree and someone will do it for you. 

Let's fill our tree with all of the colorful leaves of generosity as we consider together and dedicate our time, talents and treasures back to God!

Oktoberfest

Join the Fun Time Folks in October for our first Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, October 18th from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.  Fun Time Folks will provide sausages, breads, condiments, coffee, iced tea, water, games and prizes.  Attendees please bring your favorite Oktoberfest beverage and a dish to pass from the menu.  The cost is $8 per person with a dish to pass, $15 per person without.

There is plenty of room for a larger group so invite your friends!  To register please email The Fun Time Folks.

Blood Drive

The First Pres Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, October 19th, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall. Our sign ups are light so far so we need everyone's support to hit our goal! To schedule your appointment click HERE or contact Ben Heaton at 630-653-2229. 

 

Students between ages 17-21: you may qualify for one of 5, $1000 scholarships by having one successful donation between now and December 31st.  Full details and requirements at www.heartlandbc.org or contact Ben Heaton.

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Genesis (Middle School) BLAST

Join us at Sonny Acres this Sunday, October 19th for a Haunted BLAST!   Arrive at 6:30 p.m. with $15 for food, hayride and haunted barn. Pick up is at 8:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Mary Kinsey by October 17th. 

lion-profile.jpg Fall Sr. Luncheon

Our Fall Senior Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, at 11:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall.  Our Luncheon will be followed by a program "Why I Chase After Lions" by Bill Ball from Passport Travel.  Please RSVP to Janet or Lisa in the church office at 630-668-5147 by October 17th.

A Note from Office & Finance

We are entering the last three months of the year and our blessings are many.  Thank you for your support of our Church during 2014.  The contribution of your financial resources together with your time & talents are truly the life of our Church.  Our financial challenges are significant as our revenues are limited and our desire to serve one another and our community is large and growing. 

 

Our current operating deficit at the end of September is $94,807. We would like to substantially reduce our loss and avoid borrowing to support our programs.  Traditionally, about 1/3 of our giving is received in October, November and December.  Let's work together to finish in a strong financial position!

 

First Pres offers a variety of ways to give, including safe online giving and Electronic FundsTransfer.  For more information, contact Scott Slate in the church office at          630-668-5147 x 18 or click  HERE.

Kirkin' O' the Tartans

Sunday, October 26th at 8:45 & 11:00 a.m.  This year, our Kirkin' celebration will focus on our church's connection and  support for Presbyterian missions and our partnership with our denomination's seminaries.  Our special guest preacher for the day is Dr. Frank M. Yamada, President of McCormick Presbyterian Seminary in Chicago. 

We will also have the procession of tartans carried by those members of Scottish blood. If you already have a personal tartan, or you'd like to join this colorful procession, RSVP to Ruth Lundy today!

During the Education Hour our Executive Presbyter, Rev. Bob Reynolds, will be with us in Stewart Hall to eat some pancakes and explain to us how Christ's Mission is expressed through our corporate witness (ie. As churches).   

Abraham's Children

Democracy or a Hypocracy? Israel and                 Illegal Settlements

Sunday October 26th, 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Our speaker is Jeff Halper, Jewish activist, Israeli citizen and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who is fighting for the rights of Palestinians to keep their homes from being demolished to build houses in illegal settlements.

"Meat" Me at Trivia Night

On Saturday, November 1st, join your friends for an evening of fun while raising money for our church!  6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Carol Stream. 

From the hosts that brought you last year's comedy night "Hoots for Yoots", this year's theme is "Meat Me at Trivia Night". Curious what that means? Well, grab some friends, buy some tickets, pick a table theme and head over to the American Legion Hall to find out. The night guarantees a ton of fun with trivia, raffles, auctions, music and games to play! 

All proceeds from this event will go towards First Pres missions. Purchase tickets between services in the Rotunda during October.

Calling the Writer in ... YOU

A group has gathered to put together a Devotional for Lent and we need a lot of help to prepare the booklet before Ash Wednesday, February 18th. Each page in the devotional will have a Bible verse and a few paragraphs reflecting on that verse and the writer's own spiritual journey.  Please speak with Pastor Kyle if you are willing to help by writing your commentary on a given verse or a favorite of your own.  Betty Strunk, Kim VanOss, Angela Stephenson or Jean Rosen will also be happy to answer any questions.  Please pray for us as we work to bring together a devotional for our whole church family.   

Holy Land Trip

First Pres is going to the Holy Land in March of 2015.  Paul and Jennifer Kirbas will lead members of our church on the Spiritual Journey of a Lifetime. You will have the opportunity to walk in the same places that Jesus walked. You can  experience the world where our faith began. Everyone whoever goes talks of the spiritual change that occurs.  For more information you can pick up a flyer at the Welcome desk, or contact the church office.  The deadline to register is extended to December 3rd so act now!

Small Group Survey

The small group committee would appreciate your input as we plan new groups for the 2014-2015 year. Please print the survey HERE and return it to the church office.


Save the Dates

Online Calendar
Looking for even more details about what's coming up? Access a comprehensive list of all events scheduled at the church by clicking HERE. On this calendar, click on any event for more detailed information.

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October
19 - Blood Drive
       Genesis BLAST Sonny Acres
21 - Fall Sr Luncheon
26 - Kirkin' O' the Tartans
       Abraham's Children Event
30 - FPC Book Club

November
1 - "Meat" Me at Trivia Night
9 - Stewardship Sunday
14 - HS Fall Retreat
20 - Adler After Dark
30 - 1st Sunday of Advent
        Hanging of the Greens


 
Ongoing Gatherings
Join a regular meeting or small group... 
Children and Youth Ministries
Children's Ministry
Contact - Shelley Iliff 
 
Genesis Middle School Ministry
Contact - Mary Kinsey
 
WF (High School Youth Group) 
Sundays 6:00 - 8:15 pm - contact Allison Kunz
 
High School Bible Studies 
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm - contact Allison Kunz
Adult Ministries
Pastor Jay's Bible Study  
This Fall we will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays.  Our study is The Sign of Jonah.  Contact: Jay Moses


Women's Bible Study

Join Pastor Kyle on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Living Room for study and lively discussion of the book Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. Contact:  Kyle Roggenbuck

First Pres Book Club
 
Once monthly. Our next meeting is October 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Living Room and we are reading The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Contact: Mary Kinsey


Small Groups

We offer a wide variety of Small Groups and are always open to creating more. If you are interested in a Small Group please visit our website by clicking HERE.
Men's Ministry
First Light Men's Collaborative

Saturdays at 7:00 am in Stewart Hall. We are currently studying The Message of Galatians by John Stott. Contact:  First Light 

 

Men's Luncheons

Our Men's Luncheons have ended until Fall of 2014.  Please look in upcoming publications for the new schedule.  

Women's Ministry
Presbyterian Women Circles

Contact the church office at 630-668-5147 to inquire about our circles and meeting times.  

Music Ministry
Celebration Ringers
Westminster Choir

Contact David Lincoln for more information on Music Ministry at First Pres.

Support Groups
Cancer Support, Loss Support

Contact Kyle Roggenbuck for times and locations of our support groups.  

Mission Opportunities
Together we serve... 

Food Pantry Sunday

Our next Food Pantry Sunday is October 26th and we will be collecting toothbrushes & toothpaste.  Mark your calendars!

 

Roseland Good News Day Care

 Pearl Willis is an amazing woman who runs Roseland "Good News" Day Care Center for children of high school mothers.  A mission of our church, we collect diapers, wipes, children's toys and books, and clothing for the children and the moms.  If you have things to donate, please call Jan Foster at 630-653-2612.

 

Prescription for Life

The Prescription for Life campaign to help the Older Adults from the Outreach Community Center will take place in the spring but we have bottles available now in the Rotunda and the office to start collecting those spare coins.  Your donations help isolated older adults in South Carol Stream to get regular visits, go on weekly shopping and entertainment excursions, and receive counseling from the OCC. Questions? Contact Alice Lechiara or Rachel Abbott.

 

Box Tops for Education

Stock your cabinet for the cold!  Progresso soup cans have double the box tops at stores now.  Meijer has a coupon for 20 bonus box tops when you buy any 5 participating General Mills Cereal, Nature Valley, Green Giant Frozen Vegetables, or Pillsbury refrigerated baking items.  The offer ends November 23rd.  Find coupons for your grocery trip at HERE and bring the box tops to church! 

 

JUST Correspondence
We are seeking donations to help our inmate Bible Study. A generous donor has offered to match contributions so your donations at this time are greatly appreciated! They may be made to JUST of DuPage, PO Box 1253, Wheaton, IL 60187.  
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