Chimes, March 2023

Christmas Camp is returning this year in November and December! Christmas Camp incorporates the music, drama, crafts and fun of Vacation Bible School with the joy of our Children’s Christmas Pageant.

This year, we’re trying something new: The pageant will start at 10:30 am on Christmas Eve rather than the afternoon.

Christmas Camp will take place during Family Night on Wednesday evenings beginning November 20. Families are invited to enjoy Family Night dinner in Fellowship Hall from 6:00-6:45 pm before Christmas Camp from 6:45 to 8:00 pm.

Please note that Family Night and Christmas Camp will not be held on November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Christmas Camp will meet on Wednesday, November 20, December 4, December 11 and December 18. Friends are welcome—We hope you’ll join us!

Sunday, November 24, 4:00 pm

Join us for a delightful concert featuring long-time First Pres member Bruce Blanck, known for his unique jazz piano stylings. He’ll be joined by other talented musicians for an engaging program that includes both sacred and secular selections. It’s an evening of musical variety and brilliance that you won’t want to miss!

Sunday, November 24

Get excited for this beloved tradition! On Sunday, November 24, High School youth will cook, serve and clean up at the Wise and Sage dinner, an evening when youth serve a Thanksgiving meal for our members who are 60+. Check the Youth Ministries Weekly News for a link to sign up to serve.

Saturday, November 30, 9:30 am

Join us for a joyful morning of transforming our building into a holiday wonderland! We’ll be decking the halls with Christmas décor, and we’d love for you to be a part of it. Bring the whole family—there’s fun and meaningful work for all ages. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season, share in the holiday spirit, and help create a warm, festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Christmas Camp is returning this year in November and December! Christmas Camp incorporates the music, drama, crafts and fun of Vacation Bible School with the joy of our Children’s Christmas Pageant.

This year, we’re trying something new: The pageant will start at 10:30 am on Christmas Eve rather than the afternoon.

Christmas Camp will take place during Family Night on Wednesday evenings beginning November 20. Families are invited to enjoy Family Night dinner in Fellowship Hall from 6:00-6:45 pm before Christmas Camp from 6:45 to 8:00 pm.

Please note that Family Night and Christmas Camp will not be held on November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Christmas Camp will meet on Wednesday, November 20, December 4, December 11 and December 18. Friends are welcome—We hope you’ll join us!

December 4, 12:10 PM
Chuck Beech, piano & Christopher Urban, organ

We invite you to experience a special holiday performance featuring Chuck Beech on piano and Christopher Urban on organ. This concert will take you on a delightful journey through the season with a selection of beautiful Christmas music. The program includes Joel Raney’s Christmas Excursions, featuring pieces like Prophecy in Blue, A Merry Tango, and The Gospel of Peace, as well as beloved carols such as Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Still, Still, Still, and Joy to the World. From the serene beauty of In the Bleak Mid-winter to the festive joy of Noël X, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring a friend, and come enjoy an afternoon of music that will fill your heart with holiday cheer!

Christmas Excursions – Joel Raney

I. Prophecy in Blue
II. A Merry Tango
III. The Gospel of Peace
IV. An Angelic Celebration

In the Bleak Mid-winter – Lyndell Leatherman
Noël X – Louis Claude Daquin
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – Douglas Wagner
Still, Still, Still – Mark Hayes
Joy to the World – Joel Raney

DECEMBER 8, 4:00 PM

Join us for a magical evening of festive music as the Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, and Orchestra present their highly anticipated Annual Christmas Concert. This year’s performance will feature the beautiful choral works of John Rutter alongside the vibrant orchestral arrangements of Mannheim Steamroller—a perfect blend of classical and contemporary holiday music. Highlights include Rutter’s beloved What Sweeter Music, Angel’s Carol, Candlelight Carol, and O Holy Night, as well as the joyful sounds of The Very Best Time of Year and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Always a crowd favorite, this concert fills the air with holiday cheer, so be sure to arrive early to secure your seat. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music with family and friends!

• Angel’s Carol
• Candlelight Carol
• Christmas Lullaby
• O Holy Night
• Shepherd’s Pipe Carol
• Star Carol
• The Very Best Time of Year
• We Wish You a Merry
• Christmas
• What Sweeter Music

Wednesday, December 11 at 1:30pm

A Heartwarming Afternoon of Music and Fellowship

The entire congregation is warmly invited to join the Presbyterian Women on Wednesday, December 11, for a delightful musical Christmas program and tea. The afternoon will begin at 1:30 PM in the Sanctuary, where we’ll be treated to a stunning performance by the eighteen Madrigal Singers from Rolling Meadows High School, directed by the talented Caitlyn Walsh. Their beautiful voices will fill the air with the sounds of the season, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Following the performance, we invite you to gather in the Parlor for a cozy and elegant Christmas Tea, where you can enjoy delicious treats and warm conversation with friends. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season in the spirit of community and celebration. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in this special time together!

Saturday, December 14, 9 am

The Men’s Monday Morning Bible Study group invites you to our annual All-Church Christmas Breakfast. We welcome all members of the congregation, along with family, friendsand neighbors.

The festivities take place Saturday morning, December 14, from 9:00 to 10:30 am in Fellowship Hall. Come and enjoy great food, hot coffee, fine conversation and good cheer. Our own Scout Troop 32 will prepare and serve a traditional tasty breakfast. The Scouts will post the colors and report on their activities. Following breakfast, to kick off the holiday spirit, we will join in seasonal fellowship by singing a few Christmas carols and hymns.

To help us plan for the amount of food to prepare, please make your reservations by scanning the QR code or calling the church office at 847-255-5900. The deadline for making your reservation is Tuesday, December 10.

In addition to a free-will offering at the event to help pay for the meal, we invite you to make a gift to First Pres, on behalf of the Men’s Bible Study group. Your gifts, along with weekly giving by those participating in Men’s Bible Study, help fund missions of the church such as Scout Troop 32, FamilyForward, Journeys and the Pastor’s Emergency Fund. Please send your check to the church, labeled “Men’s Giving Project,” or use the online giving alternative, selecting the “Men’s Giving Project” Fund, as found in the Donate tab of the church website.

Sunday, December 14, 4:00 pm

Caroling is a beloved tradition that dates back to the 13th century, when people would go door to door, sharing well wishes and spreading cheer during the cold winter months. Over the centuries, this simple act of goodwill has transformed into a joyful Christmas tradition that continues to bring communities together. First Presbyterian Church is excited to carry on this cherished custom with our Caroling Event on Sunday, December 15. We invite everyone—families, friends, and neighbors of all ages and abilities—to gather in the Parlor at 4:00 PM as we prepare to spread holiday cheer throughout our community. Whether you’re an experienced caroler or a first-timer, your voice will add to the joy of the evening. And if you play an instrument, bring it along to help keep us in tune! After we finish caroling, we’ll return to the church to enjoy a festive pizza party and share in the warmth of good company. It’s the perfect way to connect with others, share the joy of the season, and create lasting memories. For more details or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Rebekah. We can’t wait to see you there and make this holiday season extra special!

Sunday, December 22, 4:00 pm

Join us for a truly unforgettable evening of music as the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, under the expert direction of Timothy Semanik, and talented soloists present our beloved Annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along. This cherished holiday tradition invites YOU to be a part of the musi —becoming one with the orchestra and soloists as the audience serves as the chorus! Warm up those vocal cords and get ready to raise your voice in song as we fill the Sanctuary with the powerful and moving sounds of Handel’s masterpiece, including the iconic Hallelujah Chorus. It’s a beautiful way to honor the birth of our Savior and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through the timeless joy of music. Whether you’ve sung Messiah before or this is your first time, the experience of singing together in such a majestic setting is sure to be a highlight of your holiday season. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to lift your voice in unity and reverenc —we can’t wait to see you there!

Tuesday, December 24 starting at 10:30 am

This year, we’re excited to offer a new Christmas Eve worship schedule that will provide opportunities for all to celebrate the season in meaningful ways.

Our traditional Children’s Pageant will take center stage at 10:30 AM, marking the culmination of Christmas Camp, which began on November 20. This special service, full of heartwarming moments and the joy of young voices, will allow families the chance to gather and worship together in the morning. The earlier service time is perfect for those traveling in the afternoon to visit family, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the Christmas story at First Pres.

New this year, we’re thrilled to introduce a 4:00 PM Service of Lessons and Carols, led by our talented youth, as well as the Youth Handbell and Vocal choirs. This beautiful service will be enhanced by the return of our college students, joining together to retell the birth of Jesus through scripture and song. It’s a truly special service that promises to bring the hope and joy of Christmas to life through the voices of our young people.

Rounding out our Christmas Eve celebration, we invite you to join us for the 8:00 PM Service of Lessons and Carols, featuring the powerful voices of our Chancel Choir. This moving service will beautifully retell the Christmas story through the familiar biblical narrative and the splendor of sacred music. Arrive early to enjoy the prelude, which begins at 7:30 PM, setting the tone for a night of reverence and celebration.

We warmly invite you to join us for these Christmas Eve services as we come together to honor the birth of our Savior. Whether you attend one service or all three, we look forward to sharing this holy night with you and your loved ones!

We’ll gather at 7:00 pm to start the year off right with an evening of fun! We’ll go offsite by bus to places like Enchanted Castle, Sky Zone, Spunky Dunkers and enjoy fun at the church with games, food, movies and more. Students in grades 5 through 8 are invited to join from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am and students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to join us from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. The cost of this event is $55. We can’t wait to see you there!