Church News
The latest news, announcements, and church publications to keep you up to date.
Summer Youth Group
Summer’s here, and the fun doesn’t have to stop! We had an amazing year in Youth Group, and we’re gearing up for an epic summer filled with laughter, adventure, and growing closer to God. Whether you’re a Youth Group veteran or curious to check us out, there’s a place for you! Join us for unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and tons of summer fun!
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Meets on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm for light snacks, games and a lesson on:
- June 26
- July 17
- July 24
- July 31
- August 7
- August 14
- August 21
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Meets on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for light snacks, games and a lesson on:
- June 23
- June 30
- July 7
- July 14
- July 21
- August 4
- August 11
- August 18
Summer Sunday School
This summer, we’re thrilled to offer an all-ages Summer Sunday School program from 10:00 to 11:00am, open to any children and youth! Join us for a fun-filled morning of learning inspiring Bible stories, playing engaging games, and working together in the Loaves and Fishes Garden. It’s a perfect way for children and youth to grow their faith in a joyful and welcoming environment.
Chimes, Summer 2024
Donate Backpacks for Christopher House
We are again supplying money to purchase backpacks and school supplies for the students at Christopher House. When school begins in the fall, we want the children to have the excitement of having these new supplies. The suggested donation is $20, but all contributions are very welcome! Please donate checks, cash or use the church’s website choosing Christopher House Backpacks from the dropdown menu. Make checks payable to Presbyterian Women and indicate CH Backpacks on the memo line. We are asking for these monetary donations only. Your support is needed now more than ever! Thank you.
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 nine 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.
Veteran’s Exiting Homelessness Essentials Drive
Collection Drive to Honor Memorial Day
May 1 – May 29, 2024
We will collect new household items for Veterans Exiting Homelessness. VEH seeks to provide new move‐in‐essentials to veterans as they transition to permanent housing.
Throughout the month of May, First Pres will again host a drive to collect NEW move-in essentials for veterans transitioning to permanent housing. Beginning May 1, there will be an information table in the Narthex where you can pick-up a list of needed items, drop off donations and get more information. Donated items can also be dropped off during the week in the church office and in the Parlor during the Memorial Day Parade on May 27. The Veterans Exiting Homelessness Program is a collaborative effort between Military Outreach USA and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Below is a list of needed supplies. Questions? Contact Kim Hogan, [email protected].
Veterans Exiting Homelessness Move-In-Essentials
Personal Hygiene
Bath Soap
Hand Soap
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Shaving Cream
Toothbrush
Hair Brush/Comb
Nail Clipper
Kitchen + Cleaning
Dishwashing Liquid
Paper Towels
Kitchen Trash Can
Dish Cloth
Mop & Bucket
Sponge
Broom & Dust Pan
Windex
Bathroom
Toilet Brush
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Towels/Wash Cloth
Plunger
Shower Curtain
Laundry Basket
Light Bulbs
Toilet Paper
Miscellaneous
Flashlight
Garbage Bags
Sandwich Bags
Laundry Detergent
Aluminum Foil
Pot Holders
Hamper
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].
