September 2022 Newsletter

FIRST LOOK

September 2022

Renewal

Church Family,
It’s been wonderful to return to church and ministry after spending some time away settling in with
our new daughter, Hayden Jane. Sarah and I are tremendously grateful for your prayers, cards, and
meals. We are so thankful that she will grow up as part of such a loving, supportive congregation.
While spending several weeks adjusting to being a father of three, I found myself reflecting on how
God renews us in body, mind, and spirit. I wonder what comes to mind when you think about this
question: What are ways that you are renewed spiritually? As we begin the fall season, I’m praying
that you will experience a time of renewal in your own faith and walk with Christ.
In his life and ministry, Jesus modeled ways in which he renewed his relationship with the Father.
Through daily prayer, weekly worship, acts of service, and times of retreat, Jesus embodied the
reality that we are invited to be active participants in our own growing life with Jesus Christ. We
have to be ready for renewal!
We’ll begin this fall reflecting on how being part of a church family means you are first and foremost
part of a worshipping community. I invite you to join us and experience a season of renewal in your
heart for God.
God bless you,

Pastor Kellen

Welcome Back Picnic

Sunday September 11
11:30 a.m.

Invite Your Friends!

• Food and fellowship; bounce house, snow cones
and games for kids
• Deacons are grilling hamburgers, hotdogs, brats
and chicken breasts
• Last names A-M are asked to bring a dessert to
share, and last names N-Z are asked to bring a
side dish or salad to share

Fall September 11
Sunday Worship
Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Schedule Welcome Back Picnic at 11:30 a.m.

Starting September 18

Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
(Livestream at 10:30)

Adult Education: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Welcome Katherine Hatting,
Associate Pastor

On Sunday, September 4, Katherine Hatting
was officially approved by the congregation

to be our next Associate Pastor.

SEPTEMBER SERMON SERIES ADULT EDUCATION

Jesus:

A Jewish Storyteller

Renew the Vision Jesus: A Jewish Storyteller

September 11-25 Sundays, September 18-October 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Led by Dr. Paul Bischoff
This three-week series explores the
theme of true worship in the book of This 4-week class positions Jesus as an itinerant Second Temple
Haggai. By calling the Hebrew people rabbi whose Hebraic teaching method used parables to convey the
to rebuild the temple, God led them in Gospel. He did so in the tradition of a parabolic teaching device
a renewal of the heart. In the same derived from rabbinic tradition and the Old Testament. Historic
way, when God calls us to consider our views of Jesus are far more domesticated than he really was when
own actions and how they impact our he taught. His stories were provocative, edgy, and at times shocking.
worship, he will lead to a renewal of Jesus’ main purpose was not to present moralistic lessons that
our hearts. explain theology, but rather to convey the kingdom of God.

September 11: Haggai 1:1-15 September 18: What is a Parable?
September 18: Haggai 2:1-9 September 25: Parables from Rabbinic Tradition
September 25: Haggai 2:10-23 October 2: Jesus: An Edgy Storyteller
October 9: The Kingdom of God
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ChNuormchinating Committee

The Nominating Committee is now accepting submissions for consideration for the offices of Deacon,
Elder and 2023 Nominating Committee.

Do you know someone who exhibits the skills, compassion and drive to serve in one of these
positions? You can submit names of members and/or your own name by filling out the online
Nomination Form at firstpreswheaton.org/Nominate2023. Printed forms are available in the pews.
Nominations are due by Sunday, October 2.

Dear First Pres!

It is a joy to join you as your new Minister of Music and Worship. I am delighted
to serve as a part of the fantastic ministry team, and my wife Latoya, son
Donovan, and I are excited to be a part of this new church family. Among offering

greetings, please receive this note as a clarion call, not of desperation but an invitation, to all those
who have participated in the music ministry in the past; this call is also for anyone who is thinking
about joining for the first time. If you are interested in serving God both joyfully and skillfully through
music, whether routinely or now and then, please send me a message at [email protected]

with your voice type and/or instrument.

I look forward to connecting with as many
of you as possible in the coming months!

Blessings!

– Donté A. Ford
Minister of Music

Westminster Choir Retreat

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We had a great summer in Kids Ministry! Our Kids Church Summer Sunday
School was so much fun! We focused a lot on the Old Testament and learned
about the Fruits of the Spirit and how to share our spiritual gifts; Psalms and
what it means to praise God and how to be salt and light to those around us.

Fall Sunday School: As we move into the fall, we look forward to Fall Sunday School and
a brand new curriculum! I'm so excited to share this curriculum with the kids and families
of our church. This year we will be introducing the Sparkhouse Rotation Curriculum. Each
month, we will focus on one Bible story and experience it from a different learning perspective
each week. This rotation curriculum not only allows children to learn about the Bible from
different perspectives but will focus on a different aspect of the story each week. Another benefit to a rotation
curriculum is if a child misses a week of Sunday School they don't miss out on the story! In the fall we will primarily
be covering the Old Testament until we move into Advent. We will explore these Bible lessons through art, cooking,
games, drama, digital media and more! I'm hoping that this is a great hands-on experience that will help children
dig deep and internalize the messages each week. Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 11!

We have some fun events coming up in Kids Ministry! Mark your calendars for our Fall Fest on Sunday, October 2,
following the church service and our Family Nativity Night on Friday, December 9. Details coming soon!

We're looking forward to a lot of fall fun, learning and fellowship in Kids Ministry! – Stacey Chvatal,
Director of Kids Ministry

WHEFAPTON August was such a great month for our middle school students. The highlight of
the month was heading out to Aurora to serve at Feed My Starving Children. It
Genesis is always such a special time to serve together
Middle School in a fun and unique way. This month we also
spent time praying together for the school year
Ministry ahead and playing fun games like water balloon
capture the flag!

WF August was a little bit bittersweet as we sent off and said goodbye to our Seniors.
High School As hard as it was, we are very excited to see what God will do in the next
chapters of their lives! This month we spent time
Ministry praying together and talked a little bit about the idea
of knowing God personally. We are very excited to
kick things off this fall and to see the amazing things
God will do in the lives of our high school students!

– Jordan Stevens,
Director of Student Ministries

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First Pres Preschool is grateful for the ongoing
support of the First Pres Wheaton community. We
are excited to officially get back to school the week
of September 12. Please pray for a successful
school year.

Thank You

With deeply heartfelt appreciation we want to thank the First Pres congregation for the many
expressions of support and love shown to Carol during these last trying months, and for the
outpouring of sympathy and support at her passing. It has been an overwhelming stream
of cards, thoughts, prayers and acts of kindness. The turnout for Carol’s memorial service
indicated just how many people were touched in Carol’s own quiet, sensitive and gentle way.
While we are not able to respond to every one of you personally, I and the family want you to
know of our sincere gratefulness for all your support.
~ Ron Brushwyler on behalf of the family

Wyndemere
August Gathering

The deacons hosted a gathering
at Wyndemere last month for
our church members and friends
who live there to chat with
Pastor Greg Anderson. One of
Greg’s teachers from Wheaton
College attended as well!

Thank you Pastor Greg!

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September Micah 6:8 Group Outing
Happenings DuSable Black History Museum

Saturday, September 17 – 11:00 a.m.

As a way to better understand,

Women’s Bible Study build bridges across racial

First Tuesday of the month, starting September 6 divides and combat social
10:00 a.m. in the Living Room
injustice, the Micah 6:8 group Micah 6:8
This year’s Women’s Bible Study is based is planning an outing to the
on the book Celebrating Sabbath:
Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight by Carol M. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Bechtel. Books are available at meetings or in the Church
office for $10. at 740 East 56th Place in Chicago on September 17.

In the nine lessons of this Bible study – with passages Timed entry tickets are necessary, so please go to the
from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Matthew,
Luke, and Acts – we’ll consider Sabbath: museum website at firstpreswheaton.org/DuSable to

• as a celebration, not a day of dreary formality secure your tickets for the September 17, 11:00 a.m.
• as God’s intent for all of creation that includes busy
women too entry time. All are welcome to join!
• as one day of the week, perhaps a Sunday
• as a time to surrender unhealthy striving and frantic Please email Barb Gassensmith at
busyness, and instead trust that God will provide [email protected] for more details
• as a reminder that life is precious and working too if you plan to attend.
much is against God’s plans for our precious lives
• as a day devoted to community and justice and not
exclusively to self-care.

Ultimately, Sabbath reminds us to honor God who D.E.N. for Men – Dads with Emptying Nests
honors us by giving us a day each week to reset our Thursdays, September 8-December 1
pace, our priorities, and our lives. 6:00-7:00 a.m. in the Parish House Dining Room
D.E.N. for Men is a First Pres small group for
Women’s Ministry Fall Card Writing Workshop committed working fathers transitioning to life as
empty nesters.
Thursday, September 15
1:00-3:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall Finding Fathers Small Group
Fridays, September 9-December 2
Join us as we gather together to make fall greeting cards 6:00-7:00 a.m. in the Parish House Dining Room
to send to the women of our congregation. You can put Finding Fathers is a small group of committed fathers
your artistic talents to work by creating some cards or with school-age children (K-12).
copying the samples, or you may write notes and address
the envelopes. There is something for everyone! Come First Light Men’s Collaborative – Bible Study
for the entire time or drop in for a few minutes. You do Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. – at Windsor Park (ongoing)
not need to be a member of a circle to participate – 124 Windsor Park Drive in Carol Stream, near Gary
come and join this wonderful time of fellowship. Supplies and North Avenue. Breakfast is available for purchase.
will be provided and light refreshments will be served. Look for us right off the lobby.
Please RSVP at firstpreswheaton.org/FallCards.

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COMMUNICATIONS SUBMISSIONS July Blood Drive
Recap
We welcome your submission of information
for our upcoming communications! Ten units of blood were collected at
our July Blood Drive. Every donation is
Weekly Emails: greatly appreciated, and, because of our
• Emails are sent on Wednesday afternoons each week generous blood donors, up to 30 lives
• Deadline to submit materials is the previous Friday were saved!

Monthly Newsletter: The next blood drive is
• Generally distributed the first week of each month scheduled for
• Deadline to submit materials is the 15th of the month before
publication (i.e. the deadline for the October newsletter is Saturday, November 19
September 15)

How to submit information:
Materials should include program details, with day of week, date,
time, a brief description, and contact information, along with any
photos you would like to have used. We may edit your information
as needed. Please carefully proofread material prior to submitting.

Please email items to: Caryn Andrews, Communications
Coordinator, [email protected]

September Book Club

Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is our FPC book club read for September.
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after running away at age 16,
everything is different as adults. Many years later, one sister lives with her black
daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly
passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Weaving
together multiple strands and generations of this family, from the Deep South to
California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Brit Bennett produces a story that is at once
a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history
of passing. Looking well beyond issues of race, The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the
past as it shapes a person’s decisions, desires, and expectations. Join us via Zoom for lively discussion and
great fellowship. For questions and the Zoom link, contact the church office at [email protected].

Program Schedules and Church Office Hours

The First Pres calendar of events is available online at: firstpreswheaton.org/calendar.
Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 715 North Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Phone: 630-668-5147
of Wheaton
www.firstpreswheaton.org [email protected]

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