DEVOTED COMMUNITY DEVOTED COMMUNITY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Wheaton Annual Report 2022
Inviting All Generations Into a Experiencing welcoming community, inclusive fellowship, and growth in our relationships with God _________ 2022 in Numbers Members: 1,004 New Members: 13 Confirmations: 12 Baptisms: 16
Growing Life with Jesus Christ Church Family, It was an honor to lead First Pres in 2022. Blessings abounded as we gladly saw more people return to worship, witnessed amazing outpourings of generosity, and joyfully welcomed new staff members. God’s grace continues to be made visible through the mission and ministries of our congregation. I am grateful for all the members and friends of the church as we grow together in our lives with Jesus Christ. Blessings, Rev. Dr. Kellen Smith Senior Pastor
Children & Youth Ministry Genesis Middle School Ministry Preschool Kids Ministry WF High School Ministry Kids Ministry had a fun and faith-filled year! We kicked off the summer with a well-attended VBS. We enjoyed many family events, including our first annual Fall Fest and the Jingle Bash. In Sunday School, we started a new curriculum and began learning a new song each month to sing for the congregation during worship. First Pres Preschool had another wonderful year. In addition to lots of friendship, play, and learning, we enjoyed fall festivals, Christmas concerts, and much more. As always, this past year we were blessed with wonderful preschool families who make First Pres Preschool such a special place! INTENTIONAL GROWTH INTENTIONAL GROWTH Middle schoolers started 2022 with the annual Winter Retreat at Camp Timber-lee. Other highlights from the year included volunteering at Feed My Starving Children and enjoying summer nights with games and Bible studies. The Service Squad students helped Outreach Community Ministries and assisted leaders at the church VBS. High school students took part in fall and winter retreats in 2022. The WF praise band was back in action, playing at several events. Students also spent time in small groups reading God's word together, praying for one another, and growing in their relationships with God. Confirmation The Class of 2022 was a special group of 12 students, each bringing their unique God-given gifts to this church. We pray for them as they continue in their journey of faith, that they would know the wonderful love of God, and that they would feel welcomed into their new membership here at First Pres!
Technology Adult Growth Bible Study – A Wednesday evening summer Pastor’s Bible Study explored the the book of Romans. Adult Education – Adult Education classes were offered on Sunday mornings, bringing engaging speakers and a variety of topics, viewed through a theological lens. CONNECT Classes – Four new member classes were held this year, with 13 new members joining First Pres. Distinguished Preacher Rev. Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross, presented the sermon “Only What is Useful” for this annual Sunday. Women’s Ministry – Women’s Ministry offered a number of ways for the women of First Pres to gather and participate in events, Circle meetings, outreach projects and Bible study. Men’s Ministry – Offerings for the men of First Pres included the annual Men’s Breakfast, First Light Men’s Collaborative Bible Study, and two fathers’ groups, providing dads a forum for discussion of family relationships, time management, and self-identity. Building and Grounds This year’s improvements included parking lot patching, concrete replacement, ongoing roof repairs, partial carpet replacement in the Sanctuary, and steam line replacement in the Parish House. Several volunteers stepped forward to help in patching the wheelchair ramps and painting the stairs for better visibility. There was also the addition of a bench and new shrubbery to enlarge and renovate the Slocum Patio. Music Ministry Weekly Lord’s Day worship has continued in paths former and anew, incorporating various soloists, instrumental groups, Westminster Choir, and monthly participation from Kids Ministry. The 2022 Lessons and Carols service was one of the greatest moments of synthesis of these continued efforts. We remain indebted to the anchoring support of Paul Burgess and Doug Zimmer, our Principal Worship Accompanists, as well as to in-house soloists who help bolster our worship experience throughout the year. AV Improvements – There were many changes on the First Pres balcony in 2022. The AV team hosted an Open House for the congregation in November, offering tours of the renovated space, showing the new capabilities to enhance our livestream services.
ABUNDANT COMPASSION ABUNDANT COMPASSION Mission at First Pres was supported by our generous congregation, showing God’s love in so many ways, including the following: Outreach Community Ministries – First Pres was one of the founding churches of Outreach in 1973 and has continued providing contributions and volunteer time for 49 years, supporting the mission to “Restore hope and provide opportunities for people to become all that God intends them to be.” PADS – As PADS transformed the delivery of services to those in need, our church also adapted our support. Meals were served once a month at a new interim housing site formerly known as the Red Roof Inn in Downers Grove. Exodus World Service – We engaged through Exodus to provide “Welcome to America” packs with household necessities for three Afghan refugee families. Mission USA: the Bridge – First Pres supports The Bridge, a prison/post-prison ministry designed to help men and women coming out of prison find a new church home. Ex-offenders, former gang members, and people recovering from addiction are treated to a time of worship, great food, and brief sermons. Bridge also ministers to men and women in the Cook County Jail. Support for Ukraine Refugees – PC(USA)’s response to the war in Ukraine included financial and technical humanitarian assistance. Thanks to our congregation’s generosity, we also provided clothing and over $2,100 in gift cards to help support and provide for the transition of two refugees who settled into the Wheaton area following relocation from Ukraine. School Supplies/Backpack Program – This annual program had another successful year of serving those in need of supplies. Backpacks were filled and delivered to our mission partners in addition to the $6,400 of supplies that were provided for the People’s Resource Center backpack and school supply program. Christmas Sharing Program – In December, Christmas Sharing physically returned to First Pres. Our fundraising goal of $15,000 was achieved, providing 150 local families with a $75 Wal-Mart gift card and additional contributions of sundry items, toys, diapers, bed sheets and towels. Micah 6:8 – The Micah 6:8 group continues its commitment to living out Christ’s commandment to “love one another” by supporting ministries that work for reconciliation and amplify that all people are equally loved and accepted by God. Additionally, Women’s and Men’s Ministry mission activities, Christmas Giving Trees, Blood Drives, Dress-A-Girl, Giving Garden, Preschool Toy Drive, Food Pantry collection, and so many more Mission efforts were led by small groups in our church, providing much-needed resources for many. Mission First Pres Abundant Compassion
2022 Financial Summary JOYFUL GENEROSITY JOYFUL GENEROSITY What Blessings! The First Pres congregation continues to pour out generosity, allowing us to continue ministry for our own church family and within our Wheaton community and beyond. We are truly blessed. Income Pledge Receipts $894,098 Unpledged Receipts $234,807 Per Capita Giving $6,350 Other Giving $55,650 Total Non-Operating Income $27,151 Total Revenue $1,218,057 Ministry Expenses Ministry Personnel $371,188 Worship $22,043 Youth Ministry $10,110 Christian Education $9,618 Member Life $9,148 Total Ministry Expenses $422,107 Administrative Expenses Administrative Personnel $203,941 Administrative Expense $120,571 Per Capita $35,280 (included in Administrative Expense # above) Interior Maintenance $110,956 Exterior Maintenance $42,718 Supplies $9,830 Utilities $64,439 Total Administrative Expenses $552,454 Mission & Outreach $100,000 Total Expenses $1,081,375 Net Operating Total/Income $136,682
715 North Carlton Avenue , Wheaton, Illinois 60187 630-668-5147 • firstpreswheaton.org • [email protected] Service Deacons – Our dedicated Deacons provided prayerful support all year, responding to individual needs, joys, and concerns of our congregation. Deacons joyfully greeted worshipers and served coffee on Sundays, extending the hand of Christian fellowship. What a blessing these individuals are to our church community. Front Desk Volunteers – Our team of front desk volunteers assisted staff and the congregation, keeping the church office running smoothly on a weekly basis. We are grateful for their invaluable support of our ministries! Staff Farewells – We give sincere thanks to Daniel Sommerville and Jordan Stevens as they concluded their service at First Pres. We are grateful to Tammy Brokaw for her years of dedication and support to our church family and staff as Office Manager. We also paid special tribute to Chandra Gravit, Director of Preschool and Kids Ministry, who faithfully and joyfully served the children and families of First Pres for 20 years. Welcome – We welcome the following staff members, each bringing their own gifts and talents to the First Pres family! Kat Hatting, Associate Pastor Donté Ford, Minister of Music and Worship Debbie Veal, Office Manager Stacey Chvatal, Director of Kids Ministry Melissa Coyne, Preschool Director Joshua Velez, Music Assistant Pastoral Support – We continue to be blessed to have the ongoing pastoral support of Pastor Greg Anderson and Pastor Diane Slocum.