TESS
Too Early and Short Stack Society

TESS (Too Early and Short Stack Society) is the flagship of the men's ministry of First Presbyterian. Started in 1983, it is a fellowship of men who seek to know each other better and, in the process, accept each other unconditionally.  It is a distinctively Christian group looking to God each week through a devotional and prayer.  It exhibits care by being available to each other during time of crisis.  It plays a very important role in the life of every member.

The two men's breakfast groups meet every Friday morning for fellowship over breakfast at the Seven Dwarfs Restaurant at 917 East Roosevelt Road in Wheaton.  The first group, led by Harold Crittenden, meets at 6:00 a.m.  The second group, founded by Al Webster, meets at 7:15 a.m.  All First Presbyterian Church men are warmly invited to attend.  Contact Harold Crittenden (630-668-7754) and Dick Mitchell (630-668-4707) for additional information.

The above photo was taken at the Men's Breakfast on December 21, 2007.  The men from left to right are Knox Williams, Harold Crittenden, Peter Wilkie, Roy Finley, Ed Williams, Dick Mitchell, Bob Young, Bill Iverson, Dean Incopero, Bob Back, Chet Henry, Ben Heaton, Joe Frances, and John Herndon.

The name came from a combination of factors:  "Too Early" comes from the early meeting hour (some arrive at 5:45 am or so) and "Short Stack" comes from the fact that some members have the short stack of pancakes for breakfast.  Al Webster later founded the second group, which meets at 7:15 a.m.

While the earlier group meets every Friday morning for breakfast, they occasionally have a social dinner with spouses and friends at a local restaurant.  Although there are no formal programs, there is an abundance of good food, fellowship and camaraderie.

TESS reaches out beyond itself through support of a variety of church-related projects primarily through time, talent and occasional financial contributions.  Funds are obtained through a weekly "collection" of one dollar from each member in attendance.   Informal guidelines help give direction to the causes to be supported. 

TESS is loosely organized and has no formal structure.  It is sometimes referred to as a "leader-less group."  However, leadership spontaneously arises from within the group depending on a particular initiative, e.g. father-son breakfast, TESS dinners, etc.

Weekly worship leaders are arranged well in advance, and a schedule of dates is distributed to all members.