Blizzard - January 10, 2010

On Sunday afternoon, January 10, 2010, our church family gathered to experience "The Blizzard," an event that took the first step to "believe in the future," the second half of our Centennial slogan.  We gathered in Stewart Hall for a simple meal and then did a number of fun exercises to determine our individual core values.  These values will be used to shape our future together as a body of Christ.  We did this using a story line of an impending blizzard.

The words on the screen by Dr. Paul Kirbas are:  "You are two miles from the safety of the retreat buildings -- you decide that the group can go forward together -- on foot.  You can take only the belongings that your group can carry with you through the snow.  From the top 8 values on the SUV, choose the 4 values you simply cannot live without."

Everyone met in Stewart Hall right after the 11:00 a.m. morning worship service and enjoyed fellowship and lunch prior to the meeting.

A big crowd was on hand - about 250 people.  This was the first adult event held in our church for which people could register online, as well as by phone, mail, or completion of forms.

	While the adults were busy in Stewart Hall, the children were having a great time enjoying a pizza lunch just outside the Ministry Center downstairs, followed by a "blizzard" of fun with activities provided by Victory Sports Camps for children age 5 – 12+.  Childcare and gym time for preschoolers was offered as well.

We had celebrated the Centennial of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton from September 2008 through April 19, 2009.  The theme chosen for the Centennial celebration was "Celebrating Our Past, Believing In Our Future."  Our official Centennial Logo on the right was designed by church member Tad Mallery.  Some of the ways we Celebrated Our Past can be viewed by clicking the links from our Centennial page. First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton was accepted as the 100th congregation of the Chicago Presbytery on April 20, 1909.

Obviously, based on the hard work of our Core Values Committee just in setting up this Blizzard and the large number of members who came to participate, the people of First Presbyterian Church do "Believe in Our Future" and want to be a part of determining its core values and direction.
	A great deal of thanks is due to the Core Values Committee and everyone else who helped make this Blizzard a success!

	The Core Values Committee will be processing the data collected and begin determining the principal values that define the present congregation.  They plan to report back with the results to Session and the church membership in a couple of months.

Our thanks to Bob Stevens for the photos and Paul Burgess for the information!

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