Our Publications

Christopher Urban, organist

PROGRAM

Grand Chœur – Théodore Dubois
Christos Patterakis – Roy Perry
Outer Hebrides – Paul Halley – A Fantasia on Three Celtic Melodies
Variations on Kum Bah Yah – John Behnke

1. Someone’s Praying Lord
2. Someone’s Crying Lord
3. Someone’s Singing Lord

Toccata in D Minor – Gordon Balch Nelvin

A local music prodigy and student at The Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Miroslav began studying piano in his native Ukraine before he moved to Chicago with his family. The concert will feature classical Ukrainian music for piano and voice as well as Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 18 in D major and Brahms’ Rhapsody Op. 79.

A work day at Christopher House in Logan Square. We will be working on fall clean-up and planting some fall flowers. Our group size is limited to 15 people. Children age 7 and up are welcome with an adult. We will meet at First Pres at 9:00 am and carpool to the site. For questions, contact Michele Holifield or Kim Nowak at [email protected].

Click here to sign up!

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER HOUSE
Christopher House was originally one of the Presbyterian church’s neighborhood houses founded in 1906. Christopher House has grown to be a family of schools that provides personalized education and immersive family support. Our congregation has supported Christopher House for many years through Presbyterian Women’s mission. For more about Christopher House, visit christopherhouse.org/about/

Registration for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Work Trip will close on Friday, September 15.

The Mission Committee is sponsoring this opportunity to work with PDA on recovery efforts in Calvert City, KY from October 15 to 21, 2023. We will be partnering with organizations in the area to assist in rebuilding the area due to the devastation that resulted from the December 2021 tornadoes and recent flooding. All skill levels are welcome.

The cost for the trip is $275, which includes all lodging, meals, supplies and activities. If you have questions or would like more information please contact Michele Holifield or Kim Hogan at [email protected].

This year our Annual Speaker Event will host Steve Gumaer
and Jon Peerbolt from Novi. 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. The organization prioritizes community building, emotional support, nutritious food and access to education to meet the primary needs of these children. Novi’s tools also 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. While over two-thirds of Ukrainian children have been forced to flee for safety, Novi’s efforts are focused on the 4.5 million children who remain in Ukraine and are surviving the war. Plan to join us on October 15 to find out how you can help Novi’s efforts in Ukraine.

Steve Gumaer, Co-founder & CEO
Steve has dedicated his life to helping children in war-torn communities. For more than three decades he has worked to deliver relief, aid, and programs to support families uprooted by war in SE Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine. He has a Master’s Degree in Transformational Development, is an EMT, and is the driving force behind the development of the Novi community.

Jon Peerbolt, Development Associate
After building a career in luxury goods sales, Jon decided to turn his attention to serving children marginalized by war. For the past two years, he has worked in development for international aid. He loves to get to know people and help connect them with things that bring them meaning and joy.

An evening of storytelling where members of our community talk about important moments from their lives.

Seeking Storytellers!

Have you ever traveled somewhere, encountered a new culture or people that had a profound impact on how you think, feel or believe? Would you be willing to share the story of that journey and transformation? Then we have the evening for you! We are looking for five to six storytellers to share their tale about a time when travel or another kind of journey changed their life, their faith or both. Pastor Laura will work with you to craft the story, just drop her an email. If you aren’t telling a story, plan to attend to support members of our community as they talk about an important moment in their life. Honest, funny, heartwarming, emotional and brave, every story opens a door that brings our community closer together.

Join Children’s & Youth Ministries and First Pres PDO in the West parking lot as we invite children in our community to trick or treat from the decorated trunks of our cars.

Christopher Urban, organist
Rev. Laura Sherwood, reader

The Beatitudes of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew, are some of the most beloved verses in all of Scripture. The recital will feature nine short pieces, each one a lyrical and beautiful musical reflection on one of these blessings by Roberta Rowland-Raybold. Rev. Laura Sherwood will interweave short reflections between the pieces.

A community-wide All Saints’ Day service with a presentation of Mozart’s Requiem. The choir will be made up of singers from First Pres and neighboring Arlington Heights choirs and they will be joined by soloists and orchestra.

Adam Hendrickson, conductor
Diana Richardson, soprano
Kristen Walter, alto
Nick Pulikowski, tenor
Dan Richardson, bass