Miscellaneous postings of interest......

UPDATED WEEKLY

• This Week at First Pres - Provided for those who prefer comprehensive updates in Adobe PDF form.
• Upcoming Events for Adults - Read about future events primarily for adults
• Upcoming Events for Youth - Read about future events primarily for youth
• Bulletin Info - Announcements from our weekly bulletins
• Calendar - Weekly calendar of events at First Presbyterian

WEBSITE CHANGES

• January 28, 2010 - Two Quick Links were added on the Welcome page to enable online registration and payment for the WF Xtreme Winter Retreat and for the WF Summer Mission Trip.
• January 23-24, 2010 - Photos from the Genesis Winter Xtreme Retreat to Timber-lee on January 8-10, 2010, the December 28 Genesis BLAST ice skating and the December 9, 2009, Christmas Sharing volunteer work of our Genesis youth have been added to the website.
• January 10, 2010 - About 250 members enjoyed a simple meal in Stewart Hall and then did a number of fun exercises to determine our individual core values using a story line of an impending Blizzard.  These values will be used to shape our future together as a body of Christ. 
• December 27, 2009 - Thanks to the many people who volunteered to help and who made donations, we were able to serve about 170 families during Christmas Sharing, December 7-12, 2009.  Additional photos have been added to the page about the Genesis BLAST at Premier Gymnastics on October 25, 2009.
• December 26, 2009 - Photos have been added of Genesis members who helped decorate the church for Christmas on November 27, 2009, the day after Thanksgiving, and the twenty-five youth and parents who participated in the Genesis mission trip to the Northern Illinois Food Bank in St. Charles on November 24, 2009.
• December 12, 2009 - A Welcome page Quick Link has been added for quick access to the Estimate of Giving information on the Stewardship page.
• December 04, 2009 - Library Notes were updated.
• December 03, 2009 - A link to the online registration form for the 01.10.10 CORE VALUES CONGREGATIONAL GATHERING is now available in a news item on the Upcoming Events page.  There is also a link to this news item from the Welcome page Quick Links.
• November 17, 2009 - Photos from Consecration Sunday and the brunches following the worship services on November 15 were added to the website, along with photos from the PW Bake Sale on November 8 and the PW Program led by Mabel Koshey on October 20, 2009.
• November 11, 2009 - A good crowd enjoyed the breakfast and program by Abraham's Children and TESS on November 7, 2009. 
• WF WEBSITE:  Got an extra minute… check out the WF website www.ledbyyouth.com to see what is happening in the high school youth program.

HAITI DISASTER RELIEF:  The earthquake in Haiti continues to be a pressing humanitarian crisis.  The PCUSA is already present and sending aid to the worst-hit areas, but much more is needed.  If you would like to assist in helping, make your check out to First Pres and mention Haiti Relief in the memo line.  You can also log onto pcusa.org to donate online to current relief efforts.  The people in Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time are in our prayers.

A FEW BAGS OF PECANS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for sale in the church office for $8 per 1 lb. bag, and the proceeds support PW missions.  Contact Judy Den Uyl at 630-406-0968 or Dianne Lambert at 630-668-3269 with any questions. 

CARITAS VISITING TEAM:  If you have an interest or gifts in working with seniors, we would love to tell you more about the Caritas Visiting Team.  We ask you to go and visit a church member in a nursing facility each month whenever it’s convenient to your schedule.  We have many church members who have requested a visitor to chat with them, do a puzzle, read a book, listen to music, or look through old photo books.  We will be delighted to answer questions and give you more information if you contact Dianne Lambert didalamb@comcast.net, 630-668-3269, or Luanne Matlock Brennan luanne513@aol.com, 630-533-1843.

WE ARE STARTING A NEW FAITH-BASED, CANCER CARE support group for those in our congregation who have been touched by a cancer diagnosis.  Often it can be helpful and healing to gather with others who are going through similar experiences and to pray for and with one another.  All those in our congregation whose lives have been touched by cancer are invited to join us as we meet every other Friday in the Apartment at 2:00 p.m.  We will meet February 5 and 19, March 5 and 19. 

GIVING OPPORTUNITY:  Periodically the church receives requests for financial assistance from our members and those outside our membership who are in need.  Our pastors attend to those making requests and provide assistance from funds set aside for this purpose whenever it is possible and appropriate.  If you would like to make an extra gift at this time to help those needing assistance, please mark it “Pastor’s Assistance Funds.”

CELEBRATION SERVICE is under construction – No, it's not going away, but change is coming; and we’re not sure what the final result will be.  As we look to the future of First Pres, we are excited to find new ways to better serve our church and our community through our Contemporary Worship Service.  There is a dedicated team of people currently working on what our new service will look like.  Our vision is to offer a dynamic worship service that is appealing to today’s worshippers, and welcoming to those who are still being pursued by God.  However, no matter where we land, we do know that it won’t happen without your help.  Whether you are interested in music, sound, visuals, worship space experience, or coordination of events, there is a place for you in this new ministry and worship experience.  Please contact David Lincoln by or phone at 630-668-5147 x 22 if you are interested in getting involved or just in obtaining a little more information.  It doesn’t hurt to check it out . . . we think you will be pleasantly surprised!

GLORY RINGERS:  The Glory Ringers Handbell Choir is still looking for more ringers.  We need three more people for a total of five ringers to make up a handbell choir.  Please come and join us on Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. in the Bell Room at First Pres.  No prior experience is needed; we will train you all to be great musicians!

AS A PART OF OUR NEW SECURITY MEASURES our Church Office will be locked after regular business hours.  So that ministry teams might be able to pick up mail and leave information for each other, we have moved the large gray mail box unit to the parish house entry closet located just outside of the library. This closet will be open at any time the office is open and on Sunday mornings.  There is also a mail slot on the Parish House front door for mail and for members who want to leave mail-sized information during off hours.  Just a reminder that our regular office hours are M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and the building and office will be locked after these hours unless there are meetings scheduled.  Please use special care to make sure to schedule any planned meetings with Janet Rynne, our Administrative Assistant, to ensure the building will be open and available to you. We are working to be as accessible as possible while also being safe and secure.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call the church office.

WE HAVE TAKEN ONE MORE STEP to keep the building secure by putting locks on the Ministry Center doors, just as we have on our other classroom and office doors.  If you have plans to utilize the Ministry Center for any of your meetings or events, please reserve the space with Janet Rynne in the church office so we can make sure the room is open and prepared for your event.

CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  We are blessed with a very caring Nursery Staff who provide childcare during our worship services.  We invite other adults to volunteer on a rotating basis to be sure there are always at least two leaders with the children.  If you are a parent, grandparent, or just love to be with young children, please call Shelley at 668-5147 x 14 to talk about ways to volunteer.

DO YOU KNOW A FRIEND WHO JUST LOST A JOB OR WHO HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR WORK FOR SOME TIME?  Please tell them that First Presbyterian and Gary United Methodist Churches have a Career Ministry Group for people changing jobs or in any type of career transition.  They can join us each week on Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Gary United Methodist Church.  Please enter through the west doors of Gary UMC.  Signs will be posted to direct you to the meeting room.  For more information, please contact Angela Stephenson 630-784-0775.   We meet as a group to share ideas, inspiration, and prayer.  Then we break into small groups with facilitators to discuss challenges, successes, and where to get the resources you need. If you are the spouse of someone in career transition, we offer a spousal support group on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Gary UMC, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton.  This meeting is designed to support the men and women who in turn support their career-changing partners.  For more information, or to become a facilitator, please contact Rev. Tony Asta at 708-805-8669, Vickie Austin at 630-510-1900, or Angela Stephenson at 630-200-2533.  The Career Ministry program is hosted by Gary UMC and the First Pres Career Ministry.

FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY IS NOW THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH:  Please bring your non-perishable items with you to church on January 24, 2010.

DUPAGE PADS IS PARTNERING WITH Fundraise & Recycle Clothes Now, an opportunity to recycle clothing and shoes to assist men, women, and children who are homeless.  You may drop off donations of gently used clothing, shoes, and other soft goods in the green Donation Bin located at 703 West Liberty in Wheaton.  DuPage PADS receives payment based on the volume of all donations collected.  Check the website at http://www.dupagepads.org/difference/go_green.html for other donation bin locations.  For more information, please call DuPage PADS at 630-682-3846 X 222. 

BRIDGE COMMUNITIES SEEKS GAS CARDS FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES:  Bridge Communities, a non-profit transitional housing organization, a mission partner of First Pres, seeks donations of gasoline gift cards.  The current high price of gasoline has strained the budgets of Bridge Communities client families – many of whom are trying to make ends meet on $900-$1200 per month.  Filling a gas tank just to commute to and from work each month can easily be $180.  To donate a gas card, please mail it to Bridge Communities, 505 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL  60137, or call the office at 630-545-0610, ext. 12.  For more information you can visit the Bridge website at www.bridgecommunities.org.

OUR WESTMINSTER CHOIR and David Lincoln participated in the Wheaton City-Wide Family Heritage and Choir Festival on February 22.  The program was taped and can be seen on the Wheaton local access station, CWC10, online on demand from their website.  Just go to http://www.wheaton.il.us/video.aspx and search for keywords like family heritage choir festival and click on the link for video.

CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR JAY!  Jay Moses has received his Doctor in Ministry Degree from Northern Seminary in Lombard.  He did his study under the guidance of the late Robbert Webber, whose main focus had been the return of ancient catholic forms for a Post-Modern world.  Jay’s doctoral project concerned the teaching of our liturgical (worship) inheritance to our children in LOGOS through the use of story.  With the help of many people, including all of the children and parents of last years 4th and 5th grade students during worship skills time, an experimental form of catechesis was tried and found to be very transformative.  Please join the church family in congratulating Dr. Jay Moses.

WE HAVE THREE AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) installed in our facility.  They are located in the Ministry Center near the Memorial Garden Doorway, the Rotunda on the link wall, and in the hallway between Stewart Hall and the Parish House.  An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.  AEDs are designed to be simple to use by laymen.  Each staff member has received AED and CPR training along with many elders, deacons, and ministry leaders. 

RECYCLE, REUSE… RESTORE HOPE:  Jubilee Cars and Jubilee Furniture Co., both divisions of Outreach Community Ministries in Wheaton, offer you the opportunity to donate unused or unneeded items that can be used to help others. First Pres has supported Outreach since it's inception, and OCM continues to be a key mission opportunity for our church.  Jubilee Cars accepts donations of cars and trucks in any condition. Your donation will be picked up or towed at no charge. Cars are supplied to residents of Jubilee Village, a transitional living and independent supportive housing program for single, formerly homeless young mothers.  Jubilee Furniture Co. accepts donations of gently used furniture and household items from homes and estates. These items are sold to the public in a 20,000 square foot warehouse showroom in Carol Stream, and the proceeds help support the programs and services for children and families that are offered through Outreach. The showroom is open Fridays 3:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and is located at the corner of Schmale and North Avenue in the Wheaton Christian Center Church.  All donations to both ministries are tax deductible to the full extend of the law because Outreach is a 501 (c) (3) organization. For more information about how to donate your vehicle to Jubilee Cars, call Brian at 630-682-1910.  For more information about Jubilee Furniture, call Susan Galbraith at 630-337-1467.

BOX TOPS, BAR CODES, AND V-8 LIDS totaling $110 have been mailed to Kemmerer Village for their education program.  This is First Presbyterian Church's gift to them.  Thanks for not throwing away part of the packaging of products you use every day that can be changed into pennies, nickels, and dimes.  If you are not clipping and saving, please join us in collecting.  Take the sheet found in the narthex and rotunda that will tell you what products have these bar codes and box tops, or just check our website at www.firstpreswheaton.org/missions/kemmerer/overview.htm for information on what to collect and more about Kemmerer Village.  Let's see if we can collect another $110 by Christmas!

DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR OLD BIKES, SHOES, CELL PHONES, AND INK JET CARTRIDGES - Genesis will continue collecting these on an ongoing basis.  Please put your old cell phones and ink jet cartridges in the green bin in the church office - Genesis recycles them as a fundraiser for the child we sponsor through Compassion International.  We will have another shoe collection later in the year.  His Wheels International is low on bikes now.  If you have a bike you would like to dispose of, please drop it off at church or let Mary Kinsey know.

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH?  There are many ways that you can use your gifts and talents in the First Pres. ministry.  If you would like to find out more about the opportunities to connect with other people and projects, contact our Connections Ministry Coordinator, Paul Burgess, by phone at 630-668-5147 x 33, or by email at either pnburgess@mindspring.com or pburgess@firstpreswheaton.org.  A small sampling of opportunities is shown on our Volunteer Opportunities page.  We look forward to hearing from you!

GOD SPEED AND GOD BLESS:  Worship Planning Committee is starting a tradition of "God Speed and God Bless" for people who are moving away.  If you are moving in the near future, please let us know so that we will have the opportunity to recognize you during the service on the last Sunday you are in attendance.  Please do not take this as an invitation to move, rather an opportunity to recognize your service in the life of our congregation.  Please contact Janet Rynne in the church office with upcoming move dates or changes to your contact information.  

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE FIRST PRES NEWS ELECTRONICALLY?  If so, please contact Janet at the church office at 630-668-5147 or by to update your email address and preferences.  We can email your monthly newsletter to you, instead of mailing, which will allow you to receive it sooner, view it from anywhere, and help us save on mailing expenses.  You will also receive notice every Thursday of the weekly happenings with our “This Week at First Pres” email.  Sign up today!

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL has been serving the community since 1967.  Preschool is often a child's first school experience and sets the stage for future years of formal education.  First Presbyterian Preschool provides a safe, caring, Christian environment that stimulates the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.  Enrollment in the preschool for the 2010-2011 school year is open to the public beginning January 1, 2010, for the three and four year olds and beginning February 1, 2010, for two year olds.  Admission forms are now online linked from the preschool pages.  For more information on our programs, please contact Chandra Gravit, Director, at 630-668-5147 ext. 27.

WORSHIP SERVICE CDs - a CD of one of each Sunday morning's worship services is available in the library in the Parish House. 

DR. PAUL J. KIRBAS received a PhD. Degree in Theological Studies and Biotechnology from the Graduate Theological Foundation, a consortium of universities with offices in South Bend, Indiana, in late March 2007.   As a major component of his degree program, Dr. Kirbas wrote a thesis entitled Navigating through a Stipulated Freedom, in which he developed a theological and ethical compass to evaluate the moral implications of biotechnical subjects such as stem cell research, prenatal engineering, and artificial intelligence.  His book, Navigating Through a Stipulated Freedom: Discovering a Guiding Biblical Compass For the Journey of Biotechnology, published by Cloverdale Books in August 2007, is available for purchase in the church office or from other booksellers such as Amazon.com or Books.com.

FACILITY SCHEDULING: Janet Rynne, our Administrative Assistant, is now scheduling our facility and coordinating all requests to use the Church space, including equipment, weddings, meetings, activities, and programs. As First Pres continues to be a busy place for our members, committees, and programs, and for outside groups inquiring about using our facilities, it is imperative that requests be made to Janet as soon as you know your schedule, preferably at least two weeks prior to an event.  Outside groups may not reserve the facility more than three months in advance to give our own staff, committees, members, and programs the first opportunity to reserve dates.  If you need to use the Church building for any reason, please contact Janet in the church office at 630-668-5147.  Also, if you plan to sell or advertise tickets to an upcoming church event, or display/sell items between services, we have reserved Stewart Hall (right up the ramp) for you - please reserve your dates with Janet so a table might be provided.

THE OUTREACH COMMUNITY CENTER in Carol Stream serves many of the senior citizens in southeast Carol Stream who are in need of friendship and assistance.  There are many opportunities for service, but the two that need volunteers are the Friendly Visitors and Activities Programs.  If you feel you could give a few hours a month, please speak with Janet Cederquist, Alice Lechiara, or Jean Williams.

YOU CAN HELP PALESTINIAN CHRISTIANS - The Olive Branch Chapter of Pilgrims of Ibillin is continuing to sell the beautifully hand-carved olive wood items that were on display at our Advent Festival on December 3, 2006. These carvings come directly from Bethlehem and Beit Sahour - the town of the Shepherd’s Field next to Bethlehem. Proceeds go directly to Palestinian Christians to provide employment and education for the children at Mar Elias Elementary School, founded by Archbishop Elias Chacour. For more information or to purchase these beautiful items, contact Cerena Fischer at 630-289-4942 or by email at cmfischer2@aol.com. You can also view photos and obtain more information on the Bethlehem Imports website - http://www.bethlehemimports.org.

KEEPING IN TOUCH: One of the ways we can most efficiently, quickly and inexpensively keep you informed of upcoming church events is via email.  You could help us keep in touch with you better by providing us with your current email address and by letting us know when your email address changes.  Simply your current address to Janet Rynne at the church office, and we will take care of the rest!  Your email address will not be added to the church website unless you request it, either by noting this in your email to the church office or by emailing Susan Miller at GGM81@aol.com.

Wellsprings 2: Joyful - the new CD of piano and flute music by Glauber Ribeiro and Jack Urban - is now available on the internet at http://cdbaby.com/cd/glauber3.  Like their original CD, Wellsprings, it features the same style of peaceful musical conversations, perfect for meditation, prayer meetings, or personal relaxation at home.  Wellsprings2: Joyful was recorded in our church sanctuary on December 23, 2005. All of their CDs are available online at http://cdbaby.com/group/wellsprings, and you can even listen to the first couple of minutes of each song online.  These CDs are also available directly from Glauber Ribeiro or online from Amazon.com.

HOSPITAL VISIT UPDATE: In an effort to respect everyone’s privacy, hospitals no longer contact the church automatically when you become a patient. You must request that your church be notified. When we learn that you have entered the hospital, members of the pastoral visitation team will visit you Monday through Friday.  Members of the team are Pastors Paul and Jay, as well as Rev. Ed Lanier, Mabel Koshy, and Andrea Schewe.  If you would like to be on the prayer board, just call the church office and inform us.  If you do not want a visit, for any reason, let us know; and we will honor your request.  We understand!  All of us need different kinds of support when we are ill.

DO YOU SING OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT AND ARE NOT INVOLVED IN THE MUSIC MINISTRY AT FIRST PRES? – Contact David Lincoln by or by phone at 630-668-5147 (ext. 22) to get involved in Worship at First Pres.

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT) IS NOW AVAILABLE! – Your monthly pledge commitment can be automatically withdrawn from your checking account, savings account, or credit card! Sign up forms are available at the information desk, online, or you can also call the office for one. There are many reasons to sign up for this program:

• No need to write checks or bring cash to church
• Peace-of-mind knowing that the church is receiving your contribution even if you are unable to attend, which also makes for a more even cash flow for our church
• More secure than checks
• All contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement with date of settlement
• IT COSTS YOU NOTHING!

If you have any questions regarding the EFT program, please contact Denny Lawson.

GLORY BANNER: The beautiful Glory to God banner was first hung in the Sanctuary in September 2004. It was begun by Leana Fay and completed by Timothy Botts and is a gift from the late Jack Strunk back to the congregation, reflecting Jack’s mission here on earth. . . Glory to God!

JOIN A PW CIRCLE - We invite you to join other women in fellowship by attending Circle meetings. These groups meet on a regular basis and participate in Bible studies, mission projects and take time to get to know each other. For more information please contact Judy DenUyl (630-406-0968) or Liz Timmer (630-668-2743).

HELPING HANDS CARITASTEAM IS AVAILABLE! The ministry goal of this CaritasTeam Ministry is to maintain and strengthen ties among the Body of Christ by providing specific remedial repairs required for the health and/or safety of members of this church. We will perform minor home repairs or household odd jobs members cannot do themselves due to physical limitations (perhaps temporary) or lack of required tools, equipment or know-how. If appropriate, we’ll offer you an honest assessment and recommendation of a local service professional that will meet your needs. No member of our congregation should feel they must face a home repair problem alone. To request assistance or get more information simply call the church office at 630-668-5147 and leave a message at the CaritasTeam extension *840 or call the team’s coordinator Stuart MacDonald (630-510-8944).

DONATE YOUR USED CAR TO A HOMELESS FAMILY THROUGH BRIDGE COMMUNITIES - Bridge Communities, a non-profit, transitional housing program serving homeless families in DuPage County with headquarters in Glen Ellyn, is looking for individuals or businesses that would like to donate used cars. The cars are used by homeless families who are in transition to self -sufficiency; donated cars allow Bridge clients to commute to better paying jobs. Donations are tax deductible. To donate your used car to help homeless families served by Bridge Communities, or to find out how to support Bridge in another way, please call Mark Milligan at 630-545-0610, ext. 10.

WORSHIP FLOWERS - Church members or friends may donate flower arrangements for the Sunday services.  Arrangements, which are made by Expressions Flower & Gift Shop, cost between $45 and $60.  After the services, arrangements are delivered by the Deacons to the hospitalized or ill. Special announcements are posted in the bulletin before Easter and Christmas, when donations are taken for the Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias.  Please call Mary Burge at 630-665-7623 for additional information.

PORTABLE COMPUTER PROJECTION SYSTEM AVAILABLE - A computer projector, laptop, VCR, screen, and cart were purchased with funds from a gift to the church. The system has the ability to project computer slide shows (e.g., Powerpoint), DVD movies, VHS video tapes, and can be useful for Sunday School classes, committee meetings, retreats, youth fellowship, worship and special presentations. For reservations contact the church office 630-668-5147.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN . . . The Communication Ministry Committee strives to provide church news through the church publications, the website and press releases. If you or your group has news to disseminate outside of the church, please be aware of the following guidelines:

1. The website is updated weekly with information from the Sunday bulletin. Pictures are welcome and should be emailed to the web contacts.  Hard copy photos can be put in the web team’s mail slot in the church office.  All photos should be accompanied by a contact name, phone number and/or email address, and any other pertinent information.  Website contact:  Susan Miller, 630-682-0108, GGM81@aol.com.
    
2. Press releases are submitted regularly to the newspapers for church news of community interest.  Press release requests or suggestions are welcome and can be submitted to the press release contacts by either email or telephone and should include a contact name, phone number and/or email address.  At least four weeks lead time is required for press releases.  Please be aware that press releases are used as the newspapers choose.  Press Release Contact:  Beth Gustafson, 630-871-9572, bgustafson5@sbcglobal.net.

The Committee wants to get your news out - please help us!

CARE CARDS - Please write a note on the Care Card located in the pew racks. Sign your name, place it in the offering plate or in the care box at the Welcome desk in the rotunda, and we will send them. You may also send Care Cards from our website anytime - just click on care card, type in the information, and then click on send.

WORSHIP ASSISTIVE DEVICES CARTS are available in both the Narthex and the Son-Light Rotunda. These HELP carts provide a uniform site for parishioners with special needs to choose from an array of items that can enhance their worship experience. The items on each cart include large print hymnals and Bibles, as well as audio devices and individual pew cushions. Help yourself to items on the cart or ask an usher for assistance prior to each service. Please remember to return items to the cart after each service so that other parishioners may use them. The individually packaged ear piece portion of the personal hearing devices are available for $3.00 each and should not be returned (for hygienic reasons).

WHEELCHAIRS - Thanks to the generosity of Marion Glendenning, Grant and Theresa Lawson, and Denson's Medical Shop, First Pres has a wheelchair stationed at each of the four main entrances of our church. Whenever these wheelchairs are used, please be sure to return them to the proper location marked on each chair - Narthex, Rotunda, Parish House, or Madison Street Entrance. If there are any problems with the wheelchairs, please contact the church office.