First Pres is one of many partner churches who work with Journeys | The Road Home, a non-profit that advocates for those experiencing homelessness in the Northwest suburbs. The PADS program provides hospitality, food, and emergency shelter from October 1 through April 30 of each year.

The First Pres PADS site is staffed by volunteers every Tuesday night October through April. Volunteers prepare and offer dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch, all in a welcoming, supportive, safe environment. Monetary and food donations are needed each week as well as volunteers to staff each of the three shifts (6:00 pm -11:00 pm; 11:00 pm-3:00 am; 3:00 am -7:00 am). A dedicated team of volunteers also assists with Wednesday morning clean-up. For more information contact [email protected].

Every Wednesday, Family Night begins with dinner, served buffet style, from 6:00-7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Dinner offers an excellent chance to connect with old friends and make new ones, all while enjoying great company and delicious food. After dinner, we offer programming for the whole family from 7:00-8:00 pm.

• Children’s Choir (Grades K-5) rehearses from 6:30 – 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
• Adults are encouraged to attend the adult education offering of the evening. Adult ed offerings range from book discussions to current event discussions to storytelling and beyond.
• Middle schoolers (6th-8th grade) meet for youth group.
• K-5th graders participate in Kids Connect.
• High schoolers (9th-12th grade) are invited to volunteer with Kids Connect or attend the adult ed offerings.
• Nursery care offered, if needed, based on attendance.

We hope you will give Family Night a try this year! Please contact Rev. Rebekah Anderson if you have any questions or anticipate needing nursery care.

Souper Bowl of Caring/Youth Sunday February 9 is an exciting day…and not just because it’s the Super
Bowl! On February 9, First Pres youth will lead the elements of our Sunday morning worship service including liturgy, preaching, and music at both 9:00 and 10:30 am!

Youth are at the heart of our church and we’re excited to have them lead us. As part of the service, youth will also participate in the 34th annual Souper Bowl of Caring. Each year, Souper Bowl of Caring takes place across the nation to encourage neighbors to tackle hunger in their own communities. Please consider donating a few dollars after worship on February 9. Our youth will be at the doors of the Sanctuary and Chapel after worship to greet you and collect for this mission

The 40th Annual Organ Fest is Sunday, February 16, at 4:00 pm. Join organists Michael Gagne, Marianne Kim, Christopher Urban and Gary Wendt as they team up to provide another dynamic and inspiring organ concert. Always a popular event and one you won’t want to miss.

The Middle School Retreat for students in grades 5-8 will take place from Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 2, at the Daycholah Center in Ripon, Wisconsin. We’re so excited for a weekend of fellowship, games, time outdoors and fun! The all-inclusive cost of the retreat which includes lodging, meals and transportation is $240. Scholarships are available as we do not want cost to prevent any person from joining us on this trip. For registration and additional details, please contact Rev. Rebekah Anderson.

Mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation immediately following the February 23 10:30 am worship service. Please plan to attend in person, as we need a quorum of the congregation to conduct business.