Judy Hockenberry Retirement Celebration

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 4:00 PM

Choir, soloists and orchestra present Mendelssohn’s dramatic oratorio Elijah, which chronicles many episodes of the prophet Elijah’s life, including his challenge to Ahab and the contest of the gods, the miracle of raising the dead and his ascension into heaven. This piece was composed in the spirit of Mendelssohn’s Baroque predecessors Bach and Handel, whose music he greatly admired. Elijah is modeled on the oratorios of these two Baroque masters; however, in its lyricism and use of orchestral and choral color, the style clearly reflects Mendelssohn’s own skill as an early Romantic composer and it often feels operatic. The oratorio was first performed on August 26, 1846, at Birmingham Town Hall in England. The choir will be made up of voices from the First Pres Chancel Choir, Southminster Presbyterian, Faith Lutheran, St. John UCC, Christian Church of Wood Dale, Sounds Good Choir, Elgin Master Chorale and Apollo Chorus. An inspirational afternoon of music you will not want to miss!

Confirmation Sunday is April 28! Join us to celebrate important milestones in the lives of our youth. For 8th graders currently finishing Confirmation, we’ll celebrate their hard work and dedication to learning about their faith as they enter a period of discernment before choosing whether or not they’d like to join the church. For 10th graders, we’ll celebrate the culmination of their discernment following their time in Confirmation in 8th grade by welcoming them as members of the church. This is such a special Sunday. We hope you’ll join us!

May 1, 12:10pm | Christopher Urban, organ

Our final noontime recital of the 2023-2024 season. Chris will focus on music of spring and rebirth from the hymn tune All Things Bright and Beautiful to Edvard Grieg’s The Last Spring. A celebration of the new life and rebirth the season offers.

Child care is provided for 4:00 pm concerts by calling the office for a reservation (no later than four days in advance). All concerts livestreamed at firstpresah.org

Wednesday, May 8, 7:00pm

Our next God’s Honest Truth will be on the theme Untold: Hidden Stories from Our Past. We are looking for your own personal untold stories that have had a significant impact on your life. Please contact Rev. Rebekah Anderson with your story or talk to her at church. If you aren’t telling a story, plan to attend to support and hear the amazing stories from our congregation.