of WheatonFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AnnualReport2025Inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ
2A Word at the BeginningAs we look back on 2025, we do so with gratitude. This past year has been marked not simply by programs or numbers, but by people—gathered in worship, growing in faith, serving our neighbors, and inviting others into community. In familiar rhythms and new opportunities, the Lord has been faithful to meet us again and again.This Annual Report tells the story of a congregation seeking to follow Jesus with faith and trust. Within these pages you will find ministry highlights, financial details, and snapshots of shared life that reflect participation in God’s work among us. Each story is a reminder that the church is not a building or an institution alone, but a living body, called and sustained by grace.As you read, you’re invited to thank God for what has been, to celebrate what is taking shape, and to look ahead with hope. The same God who has carried us through this past year is already at work, calling us forward into what comes next.With gratitude for you and for this shared life in Christ.Pastor KellenInsideA Message From Pastor Kellen ...................2For All GenerationsInitiative...............................4Church Life .......................5Adult Opportunities ..6,7 Preschool & Children’s Ministry ............................... 8Middle School,Confirmation & High School Ministry ...9Mission ........................10, 11Finance ..............................11Thank You Volunteers ........................12Our Values• Abundant Compassion • Intentional Growth • Joyful Generosity • Devoted CommunitySo much to celebrate!
3So much to celebrate!
4Intentional GrowthThe For All Generations campaign kicked off in March. The initiative marks a significant opportunity in the history of First Pres Wheaton. The vision is to see more families and individuals experience a life-giving relationship with God in Christian community by refreshing and renovating our church campus. Faced with the challenges of meeting modern ministry needs and supporting an aging facility, the lasting impact of the capital project will usher new life into the church, enhancethe use of our facility for all generations, and expand mission in the community. As a vital neighborhood church, investing in the For All Generations initiative will spark momentum now and sustain First Pres Wheaton for years to come.The target financial goal for the campaign was to raise $2.5 million. During the For All Generations MilestoneCelebration in November, Campaign Chair, Richard Lauber, announced that the pledged amount, plus unpledged giving, had surpassed the goal!“From the youngest to the oldest generation, our congregation has enthusiastically committed to give towards an effort that will further our church’s mission of inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ. We are blessed.” – Richard LauberCampaign Goal:$2,500,000Pledged Amount Plus Unpledged Giving Total:$2,592,702“Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.” ~ Ephesians 3:20-21
Ministry EventsThe life of the church is enriched in several areas beyond worship, including a variety of events and gatherings that foster faith and connection.Church Life5Easter Egg Hunt April 20NeighborhoodCookoutJune 22Welcome Back PicnicSeptember 7 Devoted CommunityGroups MinistryOur groups ministry continues to be a vital place of connection, spiritual growth, and care within our congregation. This fall, nine Life Groups launched with 65 participants, and they continue to meet regularly for fellowship, study, and prayer—offering meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging. Men’s and women’s groups also remain an important part of our shared life, with Wednesday night WOW (Women of the Word) Bible study standing out as a particular highlight, nurturing faith and deep engagement with Scripture. FamilyFall FestOctober 19GingerbreadNativityNightDecember 55th Sundaysat First PresConcert SeriesMarch 30June 29August 31 November 30
6Women’s MinistryOnce again our Women’s Ministry enjoyed a successful year of serving others, meeting together in Circles, and enjoying fellowship with one another, including the rejuvenating retreat that was held in Wisconsin in October.Men’s Ministry The men of First Pres came together throughout the year for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth through the First Light Men’s Collaborative Bible Study and two dedicated groups for fathers: D.E.N. for Men and Finding Fathers. In addition, Men’s Breakfasts in April and December offered meaningful opportunities for connection, each featuring an inspiring message. This year’s Men’s Barbecue in August brought everyone together for great food and community.Honoring Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Doug Brouwer, on Distinguished Preacher SundayOn October 26, it was a joy to welcome back Rev. Dr. Doug Brouwer for Distinguished Preacher Sunday, who faithfully served First Pres Wheaton from 1991-2004. A resolution of the Session also bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus upon Dr. Brouwer during worship, which brought many smiles, tears, and a standing ovation from the congregation. We thank God for this historic day in the life of the church. Adult Opportunities
7Adult EducationApplying scripture to daily life for spiritual growth was a central theme of this year’s Adult Education program. Our 2025 series featured a variety of topics, from the study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, to the books of Jonah, Philemon, Philippians, and more. We even enjoyed learning about the carved saints on the First Pres pulpit and lectern at one of the classes. Special guest presenters throughout the year kept our minds and hearts engaged on a weekly basis.Music MinistryThe Music Ministry of First Pres continues to thrive, due to the tireless efforts of our regular choir volunteers and other musical guests from among our congregation, and those outside of it. Our 5th Sundays Concert Series featured not only our own Westminster Choir with guest soloists, but also various instrumental groups, including a local handbell ensemble. Easter, Lessons and Carols, and Christmas Eve services in honor of our Lord, showcased the breadth of our music ministry, providing a musical soundtrack that embraces both traditional and contemporary music for all generations. Older AdultsTwo 60+ Luncheons included great food, special messages, and plenty of time to visit and enjoy being together.Maundy Thursday Communion Services were held at Wyndemere and Windsor Park, and Pastor Kellen also brought fellowship and cheer with holiday visits to both retirement communities.
8First PresKids First PresMinis r yPreschool & Children’s MinistryKids Ministry had a wonderful year in growing in faith, enjoying fellowship, and having lots of fun along the way! Sunday Schoolstudents dove into God’s Word through the Sparkhouse curriculum. They also did an incredible job leading worship at the Children’s Christmas Eve service.Families enjoyed meaningful and joy-filled events, including our Valentine’s Day Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Fest, and Gingerbread Nativity Night. VBS was an annual highlight as we hit the road with Cokesbury’s Road Trip VBS (welcoming nearly 200 kids)! Children learned that God is with them wherever they go, while making new friends and lasting memories along the way. First Pres Preschool enjoyed another wonderful year! We celebrated the 58th year that our preschool has been welcoming young children in our classrooms to play, learn, explore, and grow! We continue to be blessed by the incredible support of the church family as we serve the community with our quality early childhood programming in a caring Christian environment.
9High School MinistryMiddle School Middle School & High School MinistryGenesis Middle School Ministry had an amazing year, marked by spiritual growth, deepening relationships, and memorable experiences. Together, we regularly dove into Scripture, strengthened friendships, and witnessed growing excitement as students engaged more deeply with their faith. Many students shared in a winter retreat at Camp Timber-lee, where they experienced the gift of extended time together and faith formation. In the summer, the Genesis Service Squad embarked on a week of hands-on opportunities to serve the local community.A new confirmation class began with eight freshmen this fall. Students attended class segments, served alongside their mentors, and worshipped with our congregation regularly. They look forward to continuing their journeys this spring, and becoming official members of First Pres Wheaton in April. WF High School Ministryhad a spiritually impactful year, centered on intentional community and growing together in our faith. In the winter, we journeyed to Timber-lee and focused on strengthening our spiritual foundations through shared time together studying God's Word. Our spring series at WF centered on the Lord's Prayer. A mission trip in Memphis, TN, involved local community service and learning. In the summer, we did a Bible study on Romans, and during the fall, we put our metaphorical shoes into the Parables of Jesus. The fall retreat was centered on Jesus as the true anchor of our faith.
10The Mission Committee continues to work with the many gifts provided by First Pres Wheaton to support our local community and beyond. Using our time, talents, and financial resources, we share the message of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. As a Matthew 25 church, we focus on the three core beliefs of Matthew 25; dismantling structural racism, building congregational vitality, and eradicating systemic poverty.Outreach – Our longstanding partnership with Outreach continues. Our teams tutored children, and also assisted with the annual Christmas store, spreading the Christmas spirit to those in need. We also hosted the annual Senior Christmas Luncheonin Stewart Hall. PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter)First Pres Wheaton provides a hot meal each month to those living in interim housing in Downers Grove. We also provided toys for the children at Christmas, along with socks and home baked goods.Abundant Compassion– Our Mission Partners –Mission:USA – The BridgeThree times a year we gather in Chicago for this program for adults in recovery, former gang members, or those recentlyreleased from jail. Our First Pres Wheaton team talks with them, listens to their stories, participates in worship and serves a hot meal.Exodus World ServicesIn 2025, we welcomed and assisted in settling two refugee families in the Chicago area. There were also opportunities to assist Exodus through Heidi’s House in Wheaton, with tutoring and getting to know some of the families in the area.Additional Mission EffortsSchool Supplies, Backpack Program – This year’s annual program provided 54 new backpacks to children at The Bridge in Chicago and the PRC in Wheaton, along with over $5,600 in school supplies and monetary donations. It was a great way to help students start out the new school year!Micah 6:8 Group – Micah 6:8 hosted an event in October with Dr. Vince Bacote, a professor at Wheaton College. His talk “I Proclaim and I Practice – Taking Our Beliefs Seriously” engaged the group in conversation around the topic of aligning our faith and actions in a divided world.Giving Trees Ministry – The annual Giving Trees supported Marklund, Outreach Community Christmas Store and the Care Center. We provided 250 gifts for these wonderful organizations supporting those in need.Food Pantry – Our church responded generously to increased needs at our local food pantries, the People’s Resource Center and the Interfaith Food Pantry.Volunteer hours from First Pres Wheaton – More than 2,000volunteer hours were provided over the past year in cooperation with our mission partners. The mission committee could not accomplish so much without the support of an amazing congregation.Mission Fest 2025 was held in April, highlighting six of our mission partners: ESSE, PADS, Exodus, Outreach, People’s Resource Center, and Christmas Sharing. Each group participated in worship and spoke with people after the service about their work and volunteer opportunities.
11IncomePledge Receipts $ 1,078,281 Unpledged Receipts $245,911 Per Capita Giving $ 5,794Other Giving $ 10,135 Total Non-Operating Income $ 156,677Total Revenue $ 1,496,798Ministry ExpensesMinistry Personnel $ 493,986 Worship $ 33,656 Youth Ministry $ 15,500Christian Education $ 13,061 Member Life $ 24,005 Total Ministry Expenses $ 580,208Administrative ExpensesAdministrative Personnel $ 157,272 Administrative Expense $ 96,529Per Capita $ 38,228Interior Maintenance $ 114,350Exterior Maintenance $ 34,257 Supplies $ 8,556Renewal & Replacement Fund $ 27,015 Utilities $ 79,318 Total General and Administrative Expenses $ 555,526 Mission & Outreach $ 120,000 Total Non-Operating Expenses $150,173Total Expenses $ 1,255,733 Net Income $ 234,561 Generosity 2026 CampaignOur campaign theme was The Gift of Generosity. The Bible verse that inspired our giving was James 1:17: “Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above.” All gifts come from the Father, our Creator. Christmas Sharing 2025Rounding out the year was our annual collaboration with Christmas Sharing. First Pres Wheaton hosted 174 families, each receiving gift cards, a grocery pack, at least two coats, diapers and wipes if needed, new sheet sets, and a toy for every child, by partnering with Toys for Tots. Through the generosity of this congregation, approximately $40,000of goods and funds was given.Joyful Generosity2025 Financial Summary
715 North Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187 • 630-668-5147 • firstpreswheaton.orgof WheatonFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Thank You To All Our Amazing Volunteers!The heart of First Pres Wheaton is seen in the dedication of those who give their time and talents in service. Your commitment makes a difference every day — creating welcoming spaces, supporting meaningful programs and events, and sustaining the ministries that shape our church community.“For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”~ Mark 10:45