2023 Annual Report of Wheaton FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2 2023 At A Glance Members 1,005 New Members 24 Baptisms 8 Inside A Message From Pastor Kellen / 2023 at a Glance.. 2 Intentional Growth........... 4/5 The Table.............................5 Adult Opportunities and Deacons ..................6/7 New in 2023......................8/9 Children’s Ministry ...... 10/11 Student Ministry ..........12/13 Mission ..............................14 Welcomes & Farewell and Finance.....................15 Our values of Abundant Compassion, Intentional Growth, Joyful Church Family, By God’s grace, 2023 was a blessed year of ministry. We saw new members join our community, experienced growth in participation and generosity, and expanded outreach opportunities. God was on the move at First Pres and so were our leadership teams and ministry committees. I am deeply proud of our church’s commitment to worship excellence, inclusive hospitality, and sacrificial giving. The people and numbers in these pages represent growing lives in Jesus Christ, our mission in action. With gratitude for all who call our church home, we celebrate the gifts that were shared and the lives that were changed this past year. Each generation in our church family tells the story of what the Lord is doing through our dynamic church. Blessings, Rev. Dr. Kellen Smith Senior Pastor
3 Confirmations 8 Easter Attendance 586 Christmas Eve Attendance 700 Average Online Views Per Week 148 Generosity, and Devoted Community characterize everything we do. Our Mission Inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ.
4 Leadership Development Elders and staff attended the 38th Annual Wheaton Leadership Prayer Breakfast on September 8 at Abbington Distinctive Banquets. Session and Staff Retreat The start of the new year was perfect timing for the Session and Staff Retreat, held in January. Staff and Session participated in a program titled “Learning Together: The Working Genius.” This valuable topic about various working styles proved to be Intentional Growth productive for all. The program was followed by lunch and a time for planning and dreaming together. This retreat gave birth to a new initiative called The Table. Church Master Planning Process: Looking Ahead 2023 saw the start of a process to develop a Master Plan for First Pres. The Session engaged local architect Doug Lasch from Faith Environ Studio, who we introduced at the Annual Meeting. Initially, time was spent gathering relevant facility blueprints from previous decades into one comprehensive facility overview. Additionally, church staff and ministry leaders were engaged to provide insight into ministry and facility needs. We conducted a detailed analysis of our current facility challenges and identified potential opportunities to bring our worship and ministry environments into alignment with our church’s vision and mission. The Master Plan is addressing these priorities: 1. Required Infrastructure Repairs 2. Sanctuary and Gathering Spaces 3. Children and Youth Education/Recreation Areas Looking ahead, the Master Plan Committee will continue evaluating plan options in collaboration with Session, Staff, and the Building and Grounds Committee. In 2024, feasibility studies and cost analysis will provide further information and direction to our leadership and members in order to advance into implementation phases. This vision creates exciting opportunities for our church as we continue to invite all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ.
5 The Table has been a wonderful addition to First Pres ministry this year! Starting in October, we have gathered weekly on Wednesday evenings to enjoy a meal, worship, and teaching. This intergenerational gathering has contributed to the community, sense of belonging, and family that we all need, with an average of 86 people attending each week. Thank you to the volunteers who have made this ministry possible! We also hosted two seasonal feasts, where families gathered around the table again for festive holiday meals and celebrations together. The Thanksgiving Feast had an attendance of 101, and there were 138 who joined us for the Christmas Eve Feast. Pastor Katherine Hatting’s Installation Pastor Kat was officially installed as Associate Pastor of First Pres at the installation service held on Sunday, April 30. Midweek Refreshment for all generations
6 Adult Opportunities Women’s Ministry The Women’s Ministry is very active in many ways within the church. The five circles gathered monthly for fellowship, service, and a Bible/book study. Highlights this year were two Saturday retreats, the annual bake sale, service at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the annual Strawberry Brunch, Dress-A-Girl workshops, and a monthly Bible Study. The women of the church enjoy being in fellowship with others, serving our church and neighborhood, and studying the word of God. All women are welcome to participate. Adult Education Sunday morning Adult Education classes provided engaging conversation on a variety of topics. Rotating speakers throughout the year brought interest in a number of new areas, viewed through a theological lens. Bible Study This year’s Wednesday evening summer Pastor’s Bible Study was “Hebrews: A Flourishing Faith,” focusing on exploring the riches of our faith. Distinguished Preacher Sunday We were blessed with the inspiring words of Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, the President of Columbia Theological Seminary, in October. Dr. Aloyo was our sixth Distinguished Preacher on the annual Sunday that celebrates the anniversary of Pastor Kellen’s installation. Men’s Ministry The men of First Pres had several opportunities for regular fellowship and study, including the annual men’s spring and winter breakfasts, First Light Men’s Collaborative Bible Study, and two groups for fathers, providing dads a forum for discussion of family relationships, time management, and self-identity.
7 Music Ministry The year for music ministry at First Pres was abundantly full. We are blessed to have such outstanding musical talent among our own ranks. The fabulous Westminster Choir continues to hold down the fort, routinely leading us in worship, along with our Kids Ministry. 2023 brought forth the re-launch of the handbell choir, which resurfaced in October. The players and guest musicians from Wheaton College shared their talents beautifully during our 2023 Lessons and Carols services. Holy Week and Easter Sunday, especially, involved musical guests who helped enliven our celebration of our crucified and risen Lord. July’s Family and Friends Choir Month proved successful and involved additional members of our congregation and some new faces. Blessed Aprons This new team of volunteers shared their passion for hospitality by serving at a number of church-sponsored events. Their service included preparing food for groups, serving catered food at gatherings, decorating for events, and more. The Blessed Aprons brought their own special touch to several events this year. One-To-One Care/ Stephen Ministry The One-To-One Care team of trained Stephen Ministers provided a listening ear and a nonanxious presence to help those in need of support through any pressing issues currently in their daily life. Grief Support and Chronic Illness/ Cancer Support Groups These groups were available to people with ongoing medical concerns, and those who have experienced loss, recently or in the past, and feel the need for a safe, confidential place to talk, share, support, and be supported by others. Deacons The deacons’ ministry of service, prayer, sympathy, and witness is the heart of our congregation. The deacons support our congregation through regular prayer for individual needs, joys, and concerns. They cheerfully welcome worshipers and serve coffee on Sundays, and help connect congregants to the larger church family. The deacons regularly provide hospitality for memorial services, the fall picnic, and our senior saints who worship from home. We are so grateful for their compassionate ministry!
8 Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 1 As caretakers of God’s animal creations, we hosted the Blessing of the Animals service on a beautiful October afternoon. The service was enjoyed by many, as people had a chance to meet the furry companions of their church friends and neighbors. The event included a short worship service and animal-themed hymns, followed by blessing lines, where pets received personalized blessings from Pastor Kellen and Pastor Kat. New in Neighborhood Cookout Sunday, June 25 The community was invited to our Neighborhood Cookout to kick off the summer season! Following the 10:30 service, we headed outside to the church lawn for free food, inflatables, games, and all kinds of family fun. The Blessed Aprons committee served hot dogs, hamburgers, and watermelon, along with other summertime favorites. The weather was wonderful and the fellowship of friends and our church community was even better. Seasonal Concerts July through December The first of three music ministry concerts was held in July, and featured Dawn Holt Lauber and her Sacred Jazz Band. October’s concert included Tony Payne and a mass choir consisting of vocalists from First Pres Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton Bible Church. December’s New Year’s Eve Concert featured Genuine Brass. This collection of concerts served as a soft launch for a forthcoming Concert Series, 5th Sundays at First Pres. Our Devoted The First Pres family enjoyed new with each event designed to connection for membe
9 2023! Christmas Tree Lighting Sunday, December 3 First Pres celebrated the beginning of Advent with a new feature in the Rotunda: the Children’s Christmas Tree. Thanks to our Visual Arts Committee, the tree was decorated with ornaments made by our Kids Ministry and Preschoolers. We experienced the inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony between services. The tree made for a beautiful addition to our space during the Advent season! Kids Ministry New Year’s Eve Ball Sunday, December 31 First Pres Kids Ministry rang in the new year early at the New Year’s Eve Ball. The event included an afternoon full of style, dancing, creativity, and fun! Among the many highlights were a styling/glam table, a dance floor, New Year’s Eve hat making, a photo booth, sparkling grape juice and snacks, and a countdown with a balloon drop. Our kids had a great time welcoming the new year! 60+ Christmas Luncheon Monday, December 11 Seventy-five older adults in the church family joined Pastor Kellen for a festive Christmas luncheon, held at Wyndemere Senior Living in December. Church members and friends joined together for a delicious lunch and an encouraging message. Pastor Donté led all who gathered in a medley of Christmas carols. The joy of the Savior was celebrated! Community w experiences and events this year, create a sense of welcoming ers, guests, and visitors.
10 2023 marked the 56th year that our preschool has been serving the Wheaton community. Our children were busy building new friendships, exploring and learning through play, and growing in so many ways. Each day, our children enjoy experiencing the different seasons on our beautiful playground; autumn is always a favorite as the leaves turn and fall to the ground. We are blessed with amazing preschool children, families, and teachers who make First Pres Preschool such a special place to play, learn, and grow! Children’s Ministry First Pres Preschool had another wonderful year! What a fun year in Kids Ministry! Vacation Bible School: We started summer with a “BANG! POW! ZOOM!” for our Hero Hotline VBS! Over 130 children came together to learn about God and how we can be real-life superheroes for Jesus. Making new friends, learning about God, and having tons of fun made for one amazing week! Our Family Events this year included the Valentine’s Day Tea, Easter Egg Hunt, 302 Family Night Out, Fall Fest, Gingerbread Nativity Night, and, new this year, the New Year’s Eve Ball! Our Kids Ministry Family Events are a great way to bring our church families together.
First Pres Kids First Pres Minis r y 11 An exciting addition to the preschool in 2023 was the purchase of our early childhood SmartBoard. This large, interactive touchscreen board engages children with learning activities that enhance and support our early childhood curriculum. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make everything above possible. Thank you to our church community for all of your support and prayers for Kids Ministry throughout the year. Sunday School met from September through May and Kids Church was held during the summer. We had three well-attended classes for preschoolers through 5th grade. In spring, we focused on the New Testament and learned how we can apply the lessons that Jesus taught us to our everyday lives. This fall, we explored the story of Moses, where the children were able to deeply examine the story through crafts, games, creative drama, and science! We also began singing in church once a month and the kids loved having a music component each Sunday and being able to add to the worship service.
12 Genesis Middle School Ministry Middle schoolers kicked off the new year with their annual Winter Retreat at Camp Timber-lee. Unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories catalyzed to form a wonderful year. The summer was highlighted by our local week of service, Service Squad. As we embarked on the fall, we began a new message series and shared new experiences, including trips to Feed My Starving Children, Sonny Acres, and West Suburban Community Pantry. Student Ministry WF High School Ministry High school ministry returned to Timber-lee in January, where they encountered God in the community that camp brings. This propelled the ministry forward into the summer highlight that was the Mission Trip to Pennsylvania. There, they selflessly served by offering their time and talents. Supplementally, this shared experience was the catalyst of many core memories among the group. The fall was highlighted by the Fall Retreat at Stronghold, where they spent the weekend cultivating a deeper relationship with each other and God.
13 We ended our Fall Retreat at Stronghold with a group picture Confirmation This year, we welcomed eight students as members through profession of faith on November 12. Each student attended Confirmation class throughout the year, was mentored by a First Pres member, attended a WF Retreat, memorized the Apostles’ Creed, and shared their faith before the Session. Welcome to the First Pres family!
14 Outreach Community Ministries – First Pres proudly continued its longstanding relationship with Outreach, as 2023 marked its 50th year. The organization serves people in vulnerable situations through relationships and services that prepare them to reach their God-given potential and enter into a relationship with God, through Jesus. PADS, Public Action to Deliver Shelter – PADS is dedicated to ending homelessness, providing interim shelter and assisting residents to find permanent shelter. First Pres volunteers gathered monthly to provide meals to the homeless living in the Downers Grove facility. Mission USA, The Bridge – First Pres supports The Bridge, a prison/ post-prison ministry which helps men and women coming out of prison find a new church home. Quarterly, a team from First Pres drives to the city to treat ex-offenders, former gang members, and people recovering from addiction to a time of worship, great food, and brief sermons. Mission The Mission Committee was hard at work throughout 2023, supporting missions that promote God’s love and call to action through our resources and gifts of time, talent, and financial support. Exodus World Services – We teamed up with Exodus World Services and provided a “Welcome to America” pack to welcome a refugee family from Venezuela. We were able to set up new housing for them, and assist them in settling into the Chicago area. School Supplies, Backpack Program – Thanks to a generous congregation, our annual program was again able to provide school supplies and backpacks for families in need. Micah 6:8 – As a Matthew 25 church, one goal is dismantling structural racism. The focus of the Micah 6:8 group is to learn about and engage with activities that bring us together, honoring God’s call to “love one another.” The group held a September event with speaker Reverend Robin Hood, a respected community leader, grassroots activist, and Chicago pastor. Christmas Giving Trees – Our team continued our annual support to Marklund, the Senior Center, Outreach Communities, and the homeless Veterans through our Giving Trees. Christmas Sharing 2023 Our generous congregation funded coats, sundry boxes, sheet sets, diapers, and gift cards for the 175 local families invited to Christmas Sharing, with an estimated $40,000 in donations. Toys for each child were provided by First Pres Preschool, Toys for Tots, and the congregation, and fresh food was provided by the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Additionally, Blood Drives, the Giving Garden, Food Pantry collection, and so many more Mission efforts were led by small groups in our church, providing much-needed resources for many.
Scott Rice completed his time as Building Facility Manager in September, after 17 years of service to First Pres! Upon his retirement, Scott and his family relocated to Alabama. The First Pres family kept true to its long history of generosity in giving. Financial pledges, combined with gifts of time and resources, make the continuation of inspiring worship, inclusive programs, and impactful mission possible. Thank you. THANK YOU 2023 Financial Summary Welcomes & Farewell Hannah Curry began her role as Director of Student Ministry in June. She has been busy connecting with students and their families, while developing programming for the youth of First Pres. Miguel Barrera was welcomed in October as our Building Facility Coordinator. He had previously served the church for 18 years through his continued role with Buck Services. 15 Income Pledge Receipts $ 1,032,379 Unpledged Receipts $ 204,199 Per Capita Giving $ 5,646 Other Giving $ 6,869 Total Non-Operating Income $ 142,605 Total Revenue $ 1,391,698 Ministry Expenses Ministry Personnel $ 419,516 Worship $ 24,906 Youth Ministry $ 12,000 Christian Education $ 14,614 Member Life $ 23,151 Total Ministry Expenses $494,187 Administrative Expenses Administrative Personnel $ 191,250 Administrative Expense $ 90,771 Per Capita $ 35,770 Interior Maintenance $ 104,236 Exterior Maintenance $ 59,552 Supplies $ 11,722 Utilities $ 76,360 Total Administrative Expenses $ 569,661 Mission & Outreach $ 110,000 Total Non-Operating Expenses $ 4,463 Total Expenses $ 1,178,311 Net Operating Total/Income $ 213,387
715 North Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187 • 630-668-5147 • firstpreswheaton.org Celebrating our blessings in 2023 ... of Wheaton FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH