Updates from NOVI & Ukraine

On Sunday, October 20, Jon and Hannah Peerbolt from NOVI, will be at First Pres to share more about their recent work with children in the Ukrainian war zone.

• 9:00am Presentation and Update – in the Boardroom
• 10:00am Fellowship in the Parlor – Come to greet Jon and Hannah
• 10:45am – Family interactive event – in Fellowship Hall following Children’s Time in worship 
• 11:30am Fellowship in the Parlor – Come to greet Jon and Hannah

Our relationship began with this incredible organization last fall. You may remember the special sunflower ornaments made from Kiev newspapers.  Novi is focused on assisting children affected by the war in Ukraine, who are deprived of basic needs; including safety, education and nutrition, and are exposed to violence, displacement and emotional trauma. Novi’s “Life kits” help children develop self-regulation skills through structured adult-led interventions, and they collaborate with local organizations to prioritize sustainability and building partnerships that focus on prevention and intervention for vulnerable children. 

Sunday, October 20, 11:45am

We warmly invite you to our next New Members Class on Sunday, October 20 at 11:45 AM in the Boardroom. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our church, connect with others, and explore what it means to be a part of our community. Whether you’re new to the area or have been attending for a while, we’d love to have you join us. For more details or to sign up, please fill out the form below or reach out to Rev. Laura Sherwood. We look forward to welcoming you!

Our next Baptism Sunday will be Sunday, November 17, at either 9:00 and/or 10:30 am worship. In preparation for Baptism, there will be a class on Sunday, October 20, at 11:45 am in the Chapel. To begin the process of scheduling a baptism, please complete the baptism form on our website and submit to Mary Fino by email. Since all baptisms at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights must be approved by Session, which meets once a month, submitting a baptism form at least two months before the desired baptism date will help to ensure requested baptism dates can be honored. Baptism forms can be found at: https://firstpresah.org/about/
sacraments-ceremonies/baptism/

Our 5th annual Trunk or Treat is October 26! Families of all ages are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun in the West Parking Lot from 1:00 to 3:00pm! Car trunks will be decorated with spooky Halloween decorations to allow kids to trick-or-treat by going from car to car for candy. Allergen- free treats will be available and will be designated with a teal pumpkin on the trunk display. Be sure to bring your friends and family for this free Halloween event! We need your help to make Trunk or Treat happen! You can help:

• Donate candy! All candy donations for Trunk or Treat can be dropped off at the church in the Parlor.
• Decorate your car trunk! Consider working with family, friends and groups in the church to make your trunk extra spooky and fun!
• Invite your friends and join us! This event is fun for the whole family. In addition to candy, we’ll have light refreshments. We hope to see you there!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7:00 PM

Join us for a heartfelt community-wide All Saints’ Day service, where the power of music will bring us together. The Concert Series proudly presents Rutter’s Requiem, performed by a combined choir featuring singers from First Pres and neighboring Arlington Heights choirs, accompanied by talented soloists and a full orchestra. This moving tribute promises to be a beautiful and uplifting experience for all who attend.

High Schoolers are invited to a retreat at Camp Edwards. Join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal, games, team building, time outdoors and fun! The all-inclusive cost is $150 per person. We hope you can join us for an incredible weekend together!

November 16, 9:00 – 11:00 am

The Mission and Youth Ministries Committees are working together to sponsor a Service Saturday at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Schaumburg. Every year, millions of children die from preventable causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and undernutrition. Hunger is still causing nearly half of the deaths in children under 5 years old. From this data, we estimate at least 6,200 children die each day from causes related to undernutrition. This is heartbreaking.

FMSC believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC works with food distribution partners that stay with communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development. FMSC meals are developed by food science and nutrition professionals to supplement nutritional needs and reduce problems with malnutrition.

Nutrition allows children to grow, thrive and develop to their full potential. You can sign-up by scanning the QR code, or go to the Feed My Starving Children website and sign up with code 93VD5B. Contact Rev. Rebekah Anderson for more details.

90th Birthday Celebration! We will recognize and celebrate church members turning 90 in 2024 on Sunday, November 17, at the 10:30 am service. Join us for the joyous honor of recognizing our amazing nonagenarians!

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!

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!

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!