Church News
The latest news, announcements, and church publications to keep you up to date.
Welcoming & Hospitality Team
Do you like to bake cookies? Do you have a heart for welcoming strangers? We are in the process of forming a new “Welcoming & Hospitality Team” to provide receptions for our various programs and events, as well as having a welcoming presence to anyone who comes through our doors. The goal is to have a team of 10-15 people so each person will not be burdened with too much work. Interested? Contact Rev. Barbara Gorsky.
Join the First Pres Golf League
We are organizing teams for the 2024 season at Palatine Hills Golf Course. May through August, we will have Tuesday evening tee-times for 9-hole rounds. Whether you are already a great golfer or just learning how to play, you are welcome to join the league. We also need substitutes! For additional information, please contact Arlene Bullerman at [email protected] or 847-670-0319.
Looking For A New Way To Serve Our Church Community?
The Community Life and Education Committee needs your help.
Do you like planning parties and social events or do you have a passion for adult education and spiritual growth? Maybe you are looking for a new way to serve our church community? Then we have a place for you: the Community Life and Education Committee! We develop activities, events and opportunities to bind our church members together as a family. We also provide input and support to our pastoral staff as they develop adult education opportunities to help our congregants grow in their faith. Our programing includes:
- Sunday School Classes
- Engage & Encounter Classes
- God’s Honest Truth
Presentations - The Annual Speaker Series
- Retreats
- The Fall Kick-Off
- Fellowship Hour
- Life Stage Groups
- Restaurant Walks
We are looking for additional committee members to help us diversify our programing and provide support when needed. We meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm at church. Our major work is done in the spring so that all of our programing is set for the fall. For those new to the church, this group is a wonderful way to get to know other members and the functions of the church as a whole. If you would like to serve in this capacity, please contact Rev. Laura Sherwood or Lori Chandler at 330-212-9460 or
[email protected].
April Restaurant Walk
DATES: APRIL 16, 21, 28 & 30.
Our popular Restaurant Walk fellowship program returns for another session in April! This is a great way to connect with other members of the congregation and support a local restaurant. Details to come. Watch Church Life and Weekly Highlights for how you can sign-up. Questions contact Barbara Gorsky.
Calling ALL TALENTS!
Calling ALL TALENTS of Arlington Heights!! First Pres will be hosting our Annual Talent show on Sunday, March 17th, at 4pm and we invite everyone in the community to come share their talents! If you sing, play an instrument, tell a good story, juggle or even tell a good joke we have a spot for you!
There are four categories of performers with prizes for each category:
- K-5th grade
- 6th-12th grade
- Adults (non-retired)
- Adults (retired)
For vocalists or instrumentalists, we are happy to provide keyboard accompaniment.
Contact Adam Hendrickson at [email protected], for more information or to sign-up. Deadline for sign ups is March 13th.
One Great Hour of Sharing
February 14 – March 31
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)
1. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
2. Presbyterian Hunger Program
3. Self-Development of People
They all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance and hope. Received during the season of Lent (February 14 – March 31), each gift to OGHS helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. There are several ways you can donate to support One Great Hour of Sharing:
• Pick-Up a Fish Bank in the lobby on Sunday mornings or at Family Night. Add your change each day and return the bank on Palm Sunday.
• Donate with an envelope designated for One Great Hour of Sharing in the pews.
• Donate online by selecting One Great Hour of Sharing in the dropdown menu.
Stop by the One Great Hour of Sharing information table in the lobby on Sunday mornings to find out more on how your contributions provide relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry and support for the poor and oppressed.
Keep Someone Warm in Winter
On our cold winter nights, it is wonderful to have a warm house and a cozy blanket to wrap ourselves in. Not everyone is lucky to have that warmth and comfort. During the month of February, Presbyterian Women will be collecting for the Church World Services Blanket Drive. A $10 donation will provide a blanket for someone needing a little support, warmth and encouragement. Please help by donating! Checks may be made out to First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, indicate Blanket Drive in the memo, or you may donate online by selecting Blanket Drive in the drop down menu. Questions? Contact Lois Meisterheim, at [email protected]
Invite a Neighbor to Family Night Wednesday, March 20
Wednesday, March 20 is Fred Rogers’ birthday and we will be celebrating at First Pres Family Night. There will be dinner, activities and a small neighborhood build to celebrate the message of community that Mr. Rogers spread throughout his life. Invitations for you to give to a friend will be available at Family Night beginning February 28. Start thinking now about who you might invite to be a part of the celebration. And of course, if you are able please wear a cardigan sweater!
Join the Golf League
The First Pres Golf League is organizing teams for the 2024 season at Palatine Hills Golf Course. During May through August, we will have Tuesday evening tee-times for 9 hole rounds. Whether you are already a great golfer or just learning how to play, you are welcome to join the League. We also need substitutes! For additional information, please contact Arlene Bullerman at or [email protected] or
847-670-0319.
Donate Easter Flowers
Please consider being a part of transforming the church into the beautiful display of lilies, tulips, and other colorful plants as we celebrate Easter. Presbyterian Women will be accepting suggested $40 donations to support the purchase of these plants on February 18, 25 and March 3 after both services. You may dedicate your donation and if you wish you may take a plant with you after the 11:00 am service on Easter. Please contact Sue Henderson (847-804-1682) with questions.
Thank you from RefugeeOne
“Dear First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights Members,
On behalf of the clients and staff of RefugeeOne, THANK YOU for your generous donations of household goods. Three Arlington Heights congregations – you, FUMCAH, and St. John UCC – collected enough items to help setup apartments for at least one month of arrivals – likely more. The staff were excited, amazed and so grateful when we pulled up with our vehicles packed to the gills with your donated items. I know families will be just as excited and grateful to have the items set-up for them as they start their new lives in the US. One again, thank you for your kindness and support.”
– Jenn Borrell, Board President
Third Annual Shrove Tuesday Celebration
Join Bruce Blanck and Friends at Hey Nonny in downtown Arlington Heights for an evening of jazz, celebration and New Orleans inspired food before we begin our Lenten journey.
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of our Lenten journey. It is observed by many Christians who make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they need to ask God’s help in dealing with during Lent.
The expression “Shrove Tuesday” comes from the word shrive, meaning “absolve”. The observance can include practices like indulging in food that one might give up as their Lenten sacrifice for the upcoming forty days. In French, it is referred to as Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday”, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. So, join us for a Mardi Gras inspired evening of great jazz and New Orleans inspired food and then consider what you might want to shrive or “absolve” for Lent.
Reservations can be made for dinner at heynonny.com or by calling 224-202-0750. Bruce Blanck and Friends will be doing three 45-minute sets between 6:30 and 9:30 pm. Make your dinner reservation in that time frame. The music is on us, the dinner tab is on you!
Hey Nonny
10 S. Vail Ave
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Youth Handbells
This year, we’re excited to begin a brand new music opportunity for all youth in grades 5-12: Youth Handbell Choir! It was amazing to hear youth ring at the Christmas Pageant and we’re thrilled to have more opportunities for youth music! Youth Handbell Choir will rehearse on Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 5:45 pm in the bell room starting on January 7. All youth who participate in bell choir are invited to join us for dinner afterward with students attending HSYG, but dinner is optional. Email Rebekah Anderson with any questions.
Keep Someone Warm This Winter
On our cold winter nights, it is wonderful to have a warm house and a cozy blanket to wrap ourselves in. Not everyone is lucky to have that warmth and comfort. During the months of January and February, Presbyterian Women will be collecting for the Church World Services Blanket Drive.
A $10 donation will provide a blanket for someone needing a little support, warmth and encouragement. Please help by donating! Checks made be made out to First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, indicate Blanket Drive in the memo, or you may donate online by selecting Blanket Drive in the drop down menu. Questions? Contact Lois Meisterheim, at [email protected].
Bookmark Donations
For the past several years, those attending worship on Sunday mornings have had an opportunity for additional giving by attaching cash to bookmarks available in worship. These donations are used for many different missions that the congregation supports. One of the first projects that benefitted from the bookmark collection was the Mary and Martha Lending Closet; allowing the closet to stock up for its grand opening. The bookmarks have benefitted Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Family Forward, NOVI, RefugeeOne and several other organizations that First Pres partners with.
As we enter 2024, the bookmarks will benefit the PC (USA) Native American Church Property Fund during the first quarter of the year. Following the Engage and Encounter class in November and December around the Doctrine of Discovery and Native Americans, the donation to this fund will show our continued commitment to learning and awareness of the harms caused to Native Americans by the larger church over much of our history.
The Native American Church Property Fund assists with needed repairs of Native American churches and chapels in the Presbyterian Church, PC (USA). Repairing the infrastructure of Native American churches and chapels also supports the mission, ministry and presence of Native American congregations in the PC (USA). The need for funds to conduct urgent and immediate repairs and improvements, including health and safety repairs, will enable continued use of the facilities by congregations and the public who visit the churches. Currently, there are approximately ninety- five Native American PC (USA) congregations in the United States. The property fund is just one way that First Pres can support these congregations.
Watch for more information on other ways you can learn more about this fund and the churches work to repair relationships with our Native American siblings.
The Little Helper House
In the spring of 2023, Delaney Lopuszynski presented the plan for her Eagle Scout project to the First Pres Board of Trustees. The Trustees gave her their overwhelming approval and work began to build the Little Helper House. The Little Helper House will be located outside on First Pres property and will provide supplies for those in need. Perhaps there is a need for a snack, a toothbrush, shampoo, a warm hat, a pair of gloves or a poncho. Those passing by can discreetly get the items they need.
You can help by donating needed supplies. Please refer to the list below for more information on donations. Donations can be dropped off at the Lopuszynski home or at First Pres in the designated barrel in the lobby. Delaney is a child of First Pres. She grew up attending Sunday School, VBS and many other activities. She is an active member of First Pres Scout Troop 32.
Some of the items that would be helpful to stock in the Little Helper House:
• Travel sized toiletries/hygiene products such as: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, brush, soap, deodorant, lotion, chapstick, bandaids, etc.
• Feminine products
• Small individual sized nonperishable snacks: granola bars, fruit snacks, candy, protein bars, beef jerky, peanut butter crackers, etc.
• Winter hats, gloves, scarves
• Individual toilet paper rolls
• Men’s and women’s underwear and socks
• Hand sanitizer (small bottles)
• Small wet wipe or baby wipe packages
• Rain ponchos
• Small sized laundry detergent
A Message of Inclusivity
The Session approved a motion brought by the Mission Committee and Stone Catchers at their December Session meeting to place the logo, to the right, on our Dunton Avenue sign showing our commitment to welcoming all to the First Pres community. The following is the statement given by First Pres member, Lee Bruce, prior to the Session decision:
“As most of you already know, my name is Lee Bruce. I have been a member of First Pres for the last five years. I’ve served as a Deacon, volunteered on numerous occasions and am currently serving on the Mission Committee. While here, I have finally felt comfortable enough to speak publicly, socially interacting with others within a church and felt welcomed and accepted for who I am and not be judged for my lifestyle. Accepted to the point that I was legally married here. This year at the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade in June, was the first time that this church ever participated in an LGBTQIA+ event, even though we have given to several different organizations as an ALLY. However, being an ally is not visible enough. We must let it be known that WE are here, not just financially but physically, spiritually and emotionally. That our doors are open and welcoming to everyone. That we are a safe space for all. I have visited several other churches and didn’t have that feeling of acceptance. This can be very challenging for the gay community to find comfort within a church home. I’ve often asked myself, what can we do as a church community, that will allow the world to know that we too are making a change? So, I come before you wearing several different hats: a very active church member, a Mission Committee member, but most importantly for me, a member of the gay community. The purpose for me speaking today is this, we, the Mission Committee, are requesting approval from the church to display a pride flag/banner inside and outside the church. This will be the next step in letting the world know that we are working on putting some action to our words and to live by our motto: Choose Love (being Gay is all about love) Be the Light (open your eyes and see us) Change the world (accept us within your hearts)! As you can see, just by driving through the neighborhood, our neighboring churches have already made that step. Let’s not continue to stay 10 steps behind. Let’s put some action to our words!”
The Session will continue to work with the Mission Committee and Stone Catchers to ensure that our message of inclusivity is visible to the community. Watch Weekly Highlights and other church news sources for ways you can get involved. Perhaps you can mark your calendar today for June 2, 2024, for the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade.
Advent Devotional
Our Advent Devotional this year is titled, bless the Advent We Actually Have by Kate Bowler. There is a special emphasis on the words “bless” and “Actually” which tells you the general focus of this devotion.
It will be a time to bless what really is… what is true about our lives as we prepare for Christmas and the coming of Jesus. It is the time to open our hearts to the reality that our lives are anything but perfect. Joy, sadness, celebrations, disappointments and everything in between are a reflection of who we are as we anticipate again what it means that God is with us.
You can view the devotional online by clicking the button below or pick up a copy in the literature rack in the back of the Sanctuary starting Sunday, November 26.
The First Pres Family Night Favorites Cookbooks Make a Great Holiday Gift
The new First Pres Family Night Favorites cookbook has arrived. The cookbooks are available on Sunday mornings in the Lobby and Wednesday evenings in Fellowship Hall. You can also contact the cookbook team at [email protected] to order a copy or
arrange for delivery of your cookbook. The cost is $20.
This beautiful 3-ring binder style book contains over one hundred delicious recipes. The cookbook is a collection of recipes created by the Family Night food team that are often enjoyed at Family Night. The book makes a wonderful gift for family and friends as well as a great addition to your own cookbook collection. With each purchase you will also receive access to an e-version of the cookbook.
Proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will provide some new Fellowship Hall kitchen equipment with 10% of the proceeds going to mission to support food programs.
Support RefugeeOne in December – HouseholdGoods Drive
Over the past several months, the congregation has been focusing on our journey of faith. Some of this has involved looking inward at our own faith journey, enjoying fellowship within our faith community or practicing our faith through service and action. In December, you have the opportunity to be a part of a refugees journey to the Chicago area by donating household goods. First Pres is partnering with First United Methodist Church Arlington Heights and St. Johns United Church of Christ to assist RefugeeOne in stocking apartments for newly arriving refugee families.
Visit the giving tree in the Lobby on Sunday mornings or in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evenings through December 10. You can select from a variety of needed items. All new items should be returned to church by December 17. If you have any questions please contact Michele Holifield.
