1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

A ug u st 2 0 1 4
FirstWord
V ol um e 1 9, N um b er 7
First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville
A Companionship of Faith
On A Spiritual Adventure
Following Jesus Christ
Mission Statement
Our mission is to gather
and grow disciples
of Jesus Christ.
Sunday Morning Schedule – See how we are continuing our
ministries with new vitality as we work around the
renovations that have begun in our church facility. Put this
schedule on your kitchen fridge so you don’t miss the
celebrations! See Page 6.
Broadcast Hours
Wednesday 5:30 p.m.
Channel 4, Vernon Hills
Wednesday 5 p.m.
Channel 17
Libertyville, Waukegan, Zion
Sermons also found on website each
week. (See web address below.)
Sunday at Six – Be sure to try our new worship service at 6
p.m. starting August 17 this month! It will be a traditional
service with some creative twists. Communion will be served
every week and first class music will lift our spirits. Finish the
week with a spiritual uplift! See Page 2.
Church Office
219 West Maple Avenue
Libertyville, Il 60048
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Website:
FirstRenewal is Beginning! – Learn about the construction
schedule and process and celebrate the fulfillment of a long
season of prayer and sacrifice! See Page 8.
(847) 362-2174
(847) 362-7691
[email protected]
FirstPresLibertyville.org
Summer Book Read! – It is not too late to participate in a
fascinating and informative summer book read! Join in the
conversation on Wednesday evening, Sept. 3. See Page 12.
Children’s Ministry Begins! – Sign up and make plans for your
kids to participate in the many opportunities for faith
formation we offer our children and their families.
See Page 11.
Inside Word
Parish News
2
Rally Day
3
School Supply Drive
3
Treasurers Report
3
Inquirers Classes
4
Baptism Dates
5
Session Highlights
7
Strategic Planning Team
8
Choir Schedule
9
Feed My Starving Children 10
First Formation – Children
11
First Formation – Adults
12
Prayer and Praise
15
Worship Schedule
16
Breaking Bread Together – Get to know other friends from
our First Pres family by celebrating a meal together in the
hospitality of a member’s home. This is a great way to
strengthen our family of faith! See Page 5.
Music Ministry Begins! – Let your voice be added to the gifts
of others in praise to God. See how you and your household
can participate and sustain our vital ministry of music!
See Page 9.
Building Faith – Read the Pastor’s Study and celebrate a
culmination of faithful giving to lead us into a new season of
life as God’s people in Lake County. See Page 2.
P ag e 2
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
Building Faith …
for our future
P A R ISH N E W S
I thank my God through Jesus Christ for
all of you, because your faith is proclaimed.
~Romans 1:8
Sunday at Six
In 2007, before the Great Recession, our
congregation launched a campaign of giving in faith toward
a future God was fashioning for us all. This month, our
congregation will build upon a legacy of faithfulness and
sacrificial love. As a consequence of our efforts, we will have
a campus that is infinitely more accessible and inviting than
what we share now. There will be a fresh look and feel
throughout our facilities. Faith will be built and sustained for
generations to come, all thanks to your generosity as a
congregation.
I thank God for this congregation and our commitment in
faith for a future that God is working out through our lives
together. As part of this effort, we are moving into a season
of adjustment as the work begins. Instead of sitting back on
our haunches and reacting to the fates, we see this as an
opportunity to expand our mission. Since our Sanctuary will
be under renovation until Christmas, and all the facilities will
not be completed until Easter, we are adjusting our worship
times to facilitate movement and ministry in smaller
quarters.
Beginning August 17, our traditional worship service in the
Sanctuary will move from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and will
meet in Fellowship Hall. Our Chapel service will move from
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A new service of worship will begin at
6:00 p.m. as a means of accommodating the reduced
seating due to our renovation. We pray all will “pardon our
dust” but we are not apologetic. We celebrate the faith
being demonstrated and built! This is a proclamation of our
faith to our community. This is a great time to invite your
friends to join our ministry.
Make sure to prepare for the fall season of ministry and
buckle up for new things ahead. Our theme for the year
before us is “Go Celebrate!” We will launch this theme and
our ministries in September. In the meantime, as the
summer concludes and FirstRenewal begins, let’s take a
moment to thank God for faithfulness through a time of
economic distress in our nation. We are certainly more than
conquerors through Christ who strengthens us!
A Wonderful Worship Opportunity!
Our new worship schedule is set for the fall season and we
want you to be a part of it! Beginning August 17, join us for
worship at 6 p.m. in the Chapel for a service that will share
our traditional worship elements in creative ways.
Communion will be served every Sunday, in a manner similar
to what we experienced at the 8 a.m. worship earlier this
year. This service will not have an
abbreviated feel. We will have the
benefit of the Rev. Luke Hyder and
AllAn Koetz directing a fresh and
inviting offering of music every week.
Additionally, every month there will
be “something different” adding a
creative twist to the experience. Our Session hopes a regular
core of worship attendees will gather at this time, but we
also expect it to be a great way to stay connected for people
whose weekend schedules occasionally pull them away from
church on Sunday morning.
Come celebrate Sunday at 6 p.m.!
Welcome 2014-2015 New Officers!
Every year on the final Sunday of
June, we ordain and install new
officers to serve on the boards of
our church. We rely on these
officers to provide wisdom,
energy, intelligence and
imagination. Please keep them in
your prayers and offer them your
support as they begin a term of
service (some for a renewed and
continuing term) to the glory of
God. We thank each one for their
commitment and witness of faith!
Elders: Jodi Craiglow, Mark Hartung, Troy Huber, Jacquie
Peterson and Ruth Schneider.
Deacons: Carol Braunschweig, Bill Butterworth, Chuck Clow,
Crystal Downing-Swanton, Stacey Friday, Chris Fry, Roxanne
Gilbertsen, Kirstin Griffith, Anna Groebe, Cliff Hieronymus,
Janet Korous, Learon McGinn, Pat Page, Katie Rosenson,
Sonya Stevens, Deb Tischendorf, Barb Walti, Ken Weller and
Stacey White.
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
P ag e 3
Come to the Triple “T” Rally
Celebrate God with Your
Time, Talent and Treasure
Support the Deacons’ School Supply
and Backpack Drive
Time for School!
Rally ‘round First Pres on Rally Day, September 7, as we
CELEBRATE God with our Triple “T” Rally — Time, Talent and
Treasure! We’re havin’ a good old-fashioned Big Tent Rally
with games and prizes and plenty of food, fun and friends.
The Board of Deacons and our
congregation once again will provide
new school supplies and backpacks for
our Mobile Food Pantry guests on
Saturday, August 16, and also for
students at Hope Presbyterian Church
in Chicago and Waukegan to College.
We will be providing more than 250
Kidz school supply kits and backpacks
at a cost of $26 per student. Donations
in any amount are greatly appreciated.
Rally Day is that day when cowboys
and cowgirls and all the little cowpokes
gather at the corral to check out the
opportunities for giving their time and
talent to in the year ahead. This year,
Rally Day adds the third leg of the
camp stool — Treasure! That’s why it’s
the Triple “T” Rally!
Your generosity makes it possible for these students to have
a great start to their school year! Checks should be payable
to First Presbyterian Church with “Deacons School Supplies”
written in the memo section. (Donation are due by Sunday,
August 3).
Learn all the ways we can share our time, talents and
treasure to help First Pres be the best it can be serving God
and helping our community and the world.
And why is it a Big Tent Rally? Because, thanks to your
generous gifts of treasure, First Pres renovations are under
way, and Rally Day cannot take place in Fellowship Hall. This
is an exciting time for our church as we make upgrades and
improvements to all parts of our building, and make it
handicapped accessible, so we’re an even more inviting
place for people to gather and worship God.
We thank the Alpha Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International for contributing financially to the supply
drive with its Educational Foundation Grant and personal
contributions, and for its assistance in distributing the
supplies during the Mobile Food Pantry. DKG is a society of
key women educators. For more information, please contact
Jan Shawgo,[email protected].
So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled to the First Pres news
(FirstPresLibertyville.org, facebook.com/FirstPresLibertyville
and twitter.com/FirstPresLib) for updates.
We thank you in advance for contributing to this worthwhile
community outreach!
Y’all come out to the Big Tent Triple “T” Rally and see how
you can celebrate God in the upcoming year at First Pres with
your Time, Talents and Treasure!
~ The Community Ministry of The Board of Deacons
Financial Summary – June 30, 2014
OPERATING
FUND
June
Budget
June
Actual
June Actual
Last Year
YTD Budget
YTD Actual
This Year
YTD Actual
Last Year
Total Pledges
$ 91,080
$
88,461
$
86,270
$
625,815
$
603,848
$
595,606
Total Revenues
$123,660
$ 105,216
$
98,229
$
805,546
$
757,752
$
756,070
Total Expenses
BUILDING FUND
$145,105
$ 131,100
$ 154,489
$
807,649
$
782,942
$
738,574
Total Revenues
$195,930
$ 174,667
$
67,150
$
$
253,560
$
156,865
Total Expenses
$
$
$
-
$
$
67,478
$
-
48,898
504,432
-
Contact the Treasurer with any questions/concerns about church finances — [email protected] or 224-207-5299
-
P ag e 4
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
Fun & Lunch Bunch:
Come Taste and See
That It is Good!
Mark Tuesday, September 16, on your
calendar for the first Lunch Bunch
gathering of the fall!
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun
and fellowship each month! Casual
lunch ($7 per person) is served at
noon in Fellowship Hall followed by a
variety of unique programs sponsored
by different First Pres members and
their acquaintances.
September 16 ● Exploring Our Dreams
with Ann Ohlrogge Johnson
Next Inquirers’
Class at
First Presbyterian
Church Libertyville
If you are curious to learn more
about First Pres, consider
participating in our fall class.
Each session will provide
a unique opportunity to
explore and discuss with
staff, officers and members…
Who We Are as Presbyterians;
Who We Are as a Congregation;
and Who We Can Become Together!
(Host: Gary Holland)
Come enjoy an overview of how
dreams have shaped our faith
traditions along with techniques for
remembering and exploring dreams.
The more ways we explore dreams,
the more possibilities there are for
healing, growth and understanding.
SALT
(Sisters Actively Linking Together)
invites women of all ages to the ...
Friday, October 4th
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
(dessert served; childcare provided upon request)
Saturday, October 5th
9:00 a.m. – Noon in Fellowship Hall
(childcare provided with reservation)
Monday, October 20th
6:00 p.m. Dinner with Andrew Ministers
in Social Hall
7:00 p.m. Meet with Session
in the Chapel
Sunday, October 26th
9:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Welcomed during Worship & Reception
Tempel Farms Lipizzan Show
Wednesday, August 20
Questions? Please contact a pastor at 847-362-2174
or the Director of Member Ministry, Kathy Chapman
(847-362-2174 or [email protected]).
The performance is from 1-3 p.m. (outdoors) and tickets
are $25.
ExtraWord (from the Congregation)
If interested, please make a reservation by contacting event
coordinator Ann Moran at [email protected]
or 847-336-1408.
FirstWord would like to add your words to news of the
congregation. If you have significant life events you’d like to
share in our newsletter, please send a note to our editor.
Our common life is enriched when we learn of each other’s
joys and challenges. Make the time to share a word and to
pray for the life we share in Christ! You may call the church
office or send an email to [email protected].
Ann has graciously offered to host a casual potluck supper in
her home following the performance for all interested. Give
Ann a call today!
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
P ag e 5
Men’s Fall Kick-Off Event:
4th Annual Burnt Offering Barbecue
Join in the fun! Be a part of
Breaking Bread Together (BBT)
Sunday, September 7 at 5:00
p.m.
Join us for our annual fall kick-off at
the home of Kirk Ergang,
1561 Saratoga Court, Green Oaks.
Fellowship and food will abound. Everyone is welcome, so
bring a friend and gather around the grill with men of FPC.
RSVP to Ed Slack ([email protected]
Customarily baptisms are conducted on the 3rd
Sunday of each month in either the
Sanctuary or the Chapel.
The Baptism dates for the
remainder of 2014 are:
August 31, September 21,
October 12, November 23,
December 28
Meal-A-Month Benefits Our
Community — it starts with YOU!
Do you ever wonder about the filled grocery bags gathered
below the coat racks? Those bags are powerful. They
represent a great weapon to combat hunger within our own
community. Our Meal-A-Month program fills the shelves of
the Libertyville and St.
Joseph’s food
pantries. There are
people who depend
on these venues to
help feed their
families and you can
be the one whose
generosity makes the
difference! Please
keep this in mind
when you see those empty bags waiting to be plucked from
displays in both the Sanctuary and Chapel Narthex. Take a
bag with you and, here’s the important part — bring your
filled bag back to the church by Sunday, August 17.
The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did
for me. — Matthew 25:40
When was the last time you enjoyed a relaxing meal
around a table in someone’s home? Potluck meals may
seem like a thing of the past but not at First Pres! Sign up
today by completing the form below or stopping by the
church office. Once during winter, spring, and summer
eight adults will gather for a casual dinner or Sunday
brunch in a member’s home. New members and longtime members will enjoy becoming better acquainted.
The host prepares the entrée and each person
contributes a salad, side or dessert.
Let us break bread together with our church family
throughout the year ahead!
Contact: Kathy Chapman ([email protected]
or 847-362-2174)
 Sign me up for BBT!
Name___________________________________________
Best way to contact me:____________________________
________________________________________________
 I / We would like to participate
 I / We can host in our home
The best month to host would be: _____________
Other considerations:
P ag e 6
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
focused on helping those in their care cope with life’s
complexities.
Should you wish to discuss the possibility of you or someone
you know being paired with a Stephen Minister, please call
Gail Starr at 847-680-9517, or contact a pastor.
Stephen Ministers are here for you!
Just what exactly is a Stephen Minister? Stephen Ministers
are individuals who have answered a call to be part of a
compassionate ministry to individuals who need to talk
through various life issues in a confidential, Christianfocused setting. Stephen Ministers undergo approximately
50 hours of training to be good listeners using reflective
questions to help their “care receivers” navigate through
troubled times in their life.
Revelation 21:4: He will wipe away every tear from their
eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former
things have passed away.
Have you visited our church website lately?
Stephen Ministers agree to meet with their care receivers for
an hour each week for as long as they both believe their
meetings are necessary and helpful. Because the Stephen
Minister is focused on their care receiver, and pledged to
confidentiality, the care receiver often feels freer to unload
their concerns. Stephen Ministers are nonjudgmental
listeners who support those in their care by listening, praying
and patiently walking beside them for as long as needed.
Whether the issue is big or small, short or long in duration,
Stephen Ministers are trained to be caring companions,
Did you know it is your one-stop source
for current information about First
Pres? Check on a scheduled event,
listen to a sermon, download a form or
a devotional or read FirstWord. It’s all
waiting for you at
www.firstpreslibertyville.org.
Get online today!
Sunday, August 17: New Worship Schedule begins
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Worship in Fellowship Hall
(Sanctuary Worship)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Worship in Chapel
(Chapel Worship)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Worship in Chapel
(Traditional Worship in Creative Ways)
Sunday, September 7: New Programming Schedule begins
Time
Worship
Children’s
Sunday
School
9:00 AM10:00 AM
10:10 AM11:00 AM
11:00 AM12:00 PM
12:00 PM1:00 PM
Worship in
Fellowship Hall
Social Hour
in Narthex
Worship
in Chapel
Social Hour
in Narthex
Graded
Sunday School for
Infants through 5th
Grade
Multi-Age
Children’s
Church Club
for Infants through
5th Grade
Multi-Age
Sunday School for Infants
through Kindergarten
1st Grade & Up in Worship
Worship Bags Provided
Youth
6th & 7th Grade
Sunday School
Confirmation Class
for 8th Grade & Up
Youth
Choirs
Senior High Choir
Practice
Adult
Education
Adult Sunday
School Offerings
6:00 PM7:00 PM
Worship
in Chapel
Childcare
for Infants through
Kindergarten
1st Grade & Up in Worship
Worship Bags Provided
4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Junior High Fellowship
7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Senior High Fellowship
Junior High Choir Practice
5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Youth Bells
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
P ag e 7
Mission Donations in Action
The Proclamation Focus Group and the Mission Committee voted
to fund two Cuban young people to attend the World Student
Christian Federation’s General Assembly in Columbia. This
furthers the First Pres primary mission to “Gather and Grow
Disciples of Jesus Christ,” by offering the opportunity of spiritual
growth to two students who would otherwise not be able to
attend the General Assembly.
One young person is Alexander Mulet delos Reyes. He is a
graduate of the University in Telecommunication and Electronics
and currently works as a professor in the telecommunications
department of the University in Santiago de Cuba. He is an active
member of the Pentecostal Christian community Oasis of Love,
where he is a youth leader. The other is Dianet de la Caridad
Martínez Valdés. Dianet writes, “I grew up as Presbyterian; the
church taught me the values of the kingdom of God and
sensitized me with the different realities of exclusion,
discrimination, poverty, etc. growing in me the desires to fight
against them in my local context and to serve others. Willing to
share my experiences of faith, I joined the Student Christian
Movement of Cuba in 2005, first as coordinator of my local group
in Sancti Spiritus, then as the SCM Leadership Training Secretary
and now as its chairperson.” Both of these young people will
have a tremendous opportunity to deepen their faith and bring
Christian leadership back to Cuba — all because of the generosity
of the congregation of First Pres!
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS ~
The Mission Committee provided
$10,000 to help fund the Senior
High Fellowship mission trip to
Virginia Beach in July. In addition,
$26,943 of unused Capital
Campaign funds originally
targeted to aid Hope Church of
Chicago’s mortgage retirement is
now available for other use: so
$4,000 will be directed to Youth
and Family Counseling to build
conference room space and up to
$22,943 will be used to build two
showers in our church for our
PADS visitors. The PADS project will be coordinated with
the upcoming FirstRenewal construction.
Rev. Paulson and Elder-Elect Jodi Craiglow provided
Session with an overview of the many important topics
addressed by the 221st General Assembly in Detroit.
Session then passed a resolution affirming the freedom of
conscience of our pastoral staff to conduct or not conduct
same-sex marriages as their individual consciences dictate
in accordance with the Authoritative Interpretation passed
in favor of same-sex marriage. A decision as to whether or
ELDER LIZ TANNER
not we will allow same-sex marriages to be conducted on
church premises will be delayed until October, allowing time
for further discernment by the congregation and their input
to Session.
Long Range Planning’s process for implementing regular
reviews of how our recently announced construction
worship schedules are functioning was approved. Input from
various committees and church groups will be solicited to
provide Session ongoing feedback to ensure everything is
running smoothly.
Session is grateful for each of the new Deacons and Elders
who, following training, were ordained or installed on June
29, and for the continued excellent support of Elder Kathy
Holland, who was unanimously nominated to continue to
serve as Clerk of Session for July 2014-2015. Our
congregation is blessed with so many willing and talented
members.
The evening also was bittersweet as we said a heartfelt
thanks to Elders Dan Brame, John Jepsen, Craig Lindley,
Lucy Rossen and Mike Thompson for their service over the
last three years. Each contributed significantly to the work of
our church and is a witness to the love of Christ.
P ag e 8
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
F I RS T R E N E W A L U P DA T E
You haven’t seen
scaffolding, roofers, masons,
electricians, painters,
carpenters, plumbers and
HVAC mechanics around our
buildings yet, but you will see
them very soon. Since June,
SPRUCe, staff and our
architects have been
working hard to set our
renovations in motion.
Here are some of the things we’ve been working on:
Selecting a general contractor: We issued a request
for proposal, reviewed those proposals and
selected a GC to perform our renovations. Efraim
Carlson & Son is a local general contractor who
specializes in church and school renovations. We
think they will be a great partner for us as we begin
work.
Finalizing scope and budgets: Working together
with our architect and GC, we’ve sharpened our
scope and budget. Our project cost stands at just
more than $2 million, so we have work to do with
our subcontractors to get our budget to an
acceptable level.
Submitting our plans for permitting: We’ve been
working closely with the village of Libertyville
throughout our planning process and submitted our
plans for permit in late June.
Creating a worship schedule for our renovation
period: While the Sanctuary is under construction,
services will take place in Fellowship Hall and the
Chapel. See page 7 for information about worship
times.
Join the Strategic Planning Team
New Members, Longtime Members and all those in
between — join our Strategic Planning team!
Over the next 18 months, our church will be working
through a process of discernment to identify our church’s
long-range vision for the next decade. We are looking to fill
a few open slots on our core strategic planning team with
members from the congregation, to help organize, plan
and execute the process in conjunction with church
visioning consultant Susan Beaumont. As a member of the
team, you will help design and facilitate the strategic
planning process of the congregation; encouraging others
to participate and inviting dialogue among a broad group
of leaders.
Developing a more detailed schedule and phasing
plan: Working with the staff, we identified space for
worship and Christian education that meets our
needs while turning over space to the contractors to
perform their work.
Planning all the “stuff” we must do to be ready for
construction: From moving and storing pianos,
classroom furniture, educational materials, Bibles
and hymnals, to protecting the Sanctuary organ,
there is a lot of stuff to do so clean space can be
turned over to our general contractor on Monday,
August 11. All that stuff is in motion and requires a
tremendous effort by our Staff. Stay tuned for
opportunities to help! We will need extra arms and
backs to get us ready.
To see plans, scope, budgets, schedules and updates,
please visit the FirstRenewal page on the church’s website.
Go to firstpreslibertyville.org and click on the Leadership tab,
then Session Communications, then Initiatives, then Building
Improvements. Once you’re there, you will find our project
plans. If you have questions, email them to
[email protected].
And giving to the Capital Campaign continues! Thanks to the
generosity of our members, we have $2.1 million available
to us for capital projects. As we refine the scope and budget,
we’re working with Session to ensure we use the funds
responsibly.
In the meantime, if you have a pledge to the Building
Campaign, please fulfill it. If you do not have a pledge, but
would like to make a gift to the Building Campaign, please
contact Treasurer Polly Vente at [email protected].
Construction begins August 11. We’ve broken the projects
into two phases so we can be back in the Sanctuary by
Christmas and be completed with all renovations by the end
of March.
Meetings will start in September, including a kick-off
workshop Monday, September 29, with our consultant, and
occur monthly through the end of 2015.
If you are looking for a way to get involved in discerning our
collective future, or just want more information about the
process, please contact Martin Frey, chairman of the Long
Range Planning Committee.
Member Pastoral Emergency Line: A
pastor of the church is available to
members for emergencies 24 hours a day.
Call 847-367-6460.
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
P ag e 9
GROUP
DIRECTOR
REHEARSAL
START-UP
Chancel Choir
Motet Choir*
David H. Edelfelt
David H. Edelfelt
Thursdays 7:30-9:15 p.m.
Thursdays 6:30-7:15 p.m.
8/28/14 Choir Room
8/28/14 Choir Room
Senior High Choir
Junior High Choir
Faith Choir
Cherub Choir
Joyful Noise
Bel Canto Ringers*
Vesper Bells*
Youth Bells
Alpha Chimers
Suzanne Jozwiak/LeAnn Malecha
Jane Orth
Gloria Horton
Sue Ellen Skeens
LeAnn Malecha
Jane Orth
Craig Lindley
Craig Lindley
Gloria Horton
Sundays 10:10 a.m.-11:10 a.m.
Sundays 11 a.m.-noon
Thursdays 4:15-5 p.m.
Thursdays 4-4:45 p.m.
Thursdays 4:15-4:45 p.m.
Thursdays 9-10:45 a.m.
Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sundays 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursdays 3:45-4:15 p.m.
9/7/14 Choir Room
9/7/14 Choir Room
9/4/14 Fellowship Hall
9/4/14 Chapel
9/4/14 Choir Room
9/4/14 Belfry
9/8/14 Belfry
9/7/14 Belfry
9/4/14 Belfry
(auditioned from Chancel Choir)
*Numerical or audition restrictions may apply
All groups lead in Sunday worship on a rotating basis.
ANNOUNCEMENT!
After 15 years of excellent service, Susan Henning has resigned as Senior High Choir director. We are so grateful for
her service all these years and have thanked her and wished her well. Now we move on and are happy to announce
the new Senior High Choir director will be not one but two directors: LeAnn Malecha and Suzanne Jozwiak will share
the job.
LeAnn is well known to all of our congregation because of her wonderful leadership of our youngest choir, the Joyful
Noise Choir. Now she will add to her duties by taking over the oldest youth choir. LeAnn also is one of the directors of
the Red Rose Children's Choir program. She brings much experience and expertise to this new position.
Suzanne Jozwiak is retired from many years as music director at Hawthorn Middle School. She has served as
accompanist for the Senior High Choir this past year, and now is happy to switch to sharing the conducting job with
LeAnn. She is an expert in the field of African drumming and has amazing skills, experience and instruments to share.
Suzanne also has great enthusiasm and knowledge to bring to the job. Our high school singers will be in good hands.
We welcome both these new directors to our staff. We are very fortunate to have such talent in our church.
From the Library Committee
The construction beginning mid-August
will not affect the Library through the
remainder of the year. Congregants will
have easy, but somewhat limited
access to the Library since the Junior
High Class will meet there at 10 a.m.
on Sundays. Visit the Library before the
9 a.m. service and after 11 a.m. Since
space will be scarce during the construction, the Library will
be used by various groups, so you may want to check with
the Church Office to see if it’s accessible.
The Featured Books for September deal with homosexuality
and the Bible. Several relevant books will be on display in
the Library.
The Library encourages groups, ranging from the Children’s
Department through Adult Education, to explore relevant
resources available and to suggest or even donate titles that
support group activities — which could pertain to specific
interest groups such as quilting, knitting, liturgical arts or
sports.
P ag e 1 0
C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N
M I S S IO N U PDA T E
~ELDER ELYSE DANCKERS
In June 2013, $250,000 of Mission-designated funds from
the Capital Campaign were granted to five
agencies: Samaritan Counseling, Feed My Starving Children,
PADS, Northern Illinois Food Bank, and Hope Presbyterian
Church (mortgage retirement).
Here’s an update on how two agencies are benefiting from
the generous support of First Pres:
Samaritan Counseling urgently needed to comply with
the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, mainly in
the area of electronic medical record keeping.
Samaritan's old process had to go, which required a
large investment in computer hardware, software
billing package and training in order to function in the
“new world” of the ACA. The First Pres grant of
$70,000 allowed Samaritan Counseling to do what
was required. To date, Samaritan has purchased a
new server and three laptop computers as well as
printers and hard drive backup. A software billing
package was selected and purchased last year, and
installation has occurred. Expenditures so far total a
little more than $27,000. Once training has been
completed by the end of the summer, the next phase
will consist of a new phone system, laptops for all the
therapists and the ability to tie all record keeping from
satellite offices to the billing that occurs in the
Naperville office. Watch for more good news as
Samaritan completes the implementation.
In June 2013, we provided $25,000 from the Capital
Campaign project to Feed My Starving Children to
open a new location in Libertyville. The grant enabled
FMSC to purchase needed materials and equipment
to meet the site’s goal of 16 million volunteer-packed
meals in 2013. This was its first mega-site, which
meant at the time it was the largest FMSC site to date.
FMSC opened this site in faith the community would
rally behind and support the mission of feeding God’s
children, hungry in body and spirit. The community
came through! FMSC Libertyville has increased its persession volunteer numbers from 140 to 150. And it
has increased the annual meal goal to 19 million. First
Pres is helping FMSC reach its ultimate goal — not to
just reduce hunger for the time being, but to eliminate
it!
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
New Monthly Volunteer
Opportunity for Church Family
and Friends!
For many years, Elizabeth
Groebe has felt called to
support Feed My Starving
Children - an organization
founded in 1987 by
Minnesota businessman,
Richard Proudfit who heard God say, “If you’ve seen my
starving children, feed them.” Since its founding, FMSC
has provided hope and meals to over 850 million people.
With the recently opened FMSC branch in Libertyville,
Elizabeth feels the call to organize a new service
opportunity for our congregation, through the Mission
and Congregational Care committees. At this site,
volunteers from ages five years and up, package a
rice/soy/vitamin blend that is shipped to 70 nations to
provide nutritious food for starving people. Volunteers
work together in small groups to create packages of food
and each person usually packs enough to provide
complete nutrition for one child for seven months.
Volunteer spots have been reserved for 90 minutes from
6:00—7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month
at FMSC located at 742 East Park Avenue (Hwy 176) in
Libertyville (behind Life Storage). It is a lively and fun
opportunity for members of the church to serve together
and friends are always welcome!
One may sign up via the website: fmsc.org or by
contacting Elizabeth directly at 847-558-9956 or
[email protected]. Follow the directions on the
website to “join a group” and enter First Pres Libertyville
to find the dates available. If you enter your email
address, you will receive reminders of your volunteer
date and time.
Thank you, Elizabeth Groebe for inspiring us to serve
others!
First Pres plans to send volunteer teams to FMSC
monthly — see FMSC article at right and watch Parish
Life for how you can serve on a volunteer team!
(Elizabeth with three of her six children at FMSC)
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
P ag e 1 1
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
JAN SCHUETT,
DIRECTOR
~ [email protected]
 GO Celebrate…
FirstRenewal and SPARK!
What do these three things have in common?
Yes, that’s correct, God!
GO Celebrate: Our church theme for the year
FirstRenewal:Building Construction: reworking of our
church spaces
SPARK: Sunday School Curriculum
When I think on these three things, I am SPARKed with
anticipation for the FirstRenewal, renovation of our
Sunday school classrooms, and excited to Celebrate all
God has allowed us to do and God’s challenge to each of
us to GO out into the world!
What keeps running through my head is the song
“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. I want to put on my
dancing shoes, dance through the halls of the church, out
the doors and down the sidewalk and tell the world about
GOD. I think I will…will you join me?
There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now, celebration
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
It’s time to come together
It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure?
Everyone around the world come on!
 Celebrate your Gift to Teach!
9 a.m. SPARK Sunday School… 2-year-olds-fifth grade
Come be a part of igniting our First Pres Children with
God’s love.
Two age groups per class (due to FirstRenewal).
The curriculum is user friendly and the children learn
lifelong lessons.
Don’t miss the opportunity to GO and make a difference
in a child’s life.
Teacher Training, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 26
 Children’s 2014-15
Sunday School Registration
August 24 10:00 a.m.
Make sure your child is signed up and all information is
current on their Child/Youth Forms.
All church Rally Day: September 7
 Starting September 7
Sunday Morning Schedule for
Children/Youth
9 a.m. Worship* and Children’s Sunday School for
2-year-olds (as of Sept. 1, 2014) through fifth-graders
10 a.m. Children’s Church Club, sixth- and seventh-grade
Sunday School and eighth-grade & older confirmation
11:00 a.m. Worship** and Multi-age Sunday School
(age 3 through kindergarten)
*Child care for infants and children younger than
2-years-old as of Sept. 1, 2014.
** Child care for infants through 2-year-olds.
 Bible Time for Toddlers
For 2- and 3-year-olds
Starts Thursday, September 4, 4:15-4:45 p.m. (during
Children’s Choirs) in room 105.
Your toddler will enjoy a Bible Story followed by songs,
large motor play and crafts led by Assistant Christian
Education Director Sandy Bean ([email protected]). Parents
are invited to enjoy fellowship at Caffeine Break in the
Sanctuary Narthex. Registration required — please contact
Sandy Bean at [email protected] to sign up.
P ag e 1 2
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
FIRSTFORMATION — ADULTS
REV. ROBERTA DODDS INGERSOLL ~

[email protected]
Keep your eyes peeled . . . It’s coming to your mailbox soon!
Our Adult Ministry Catalog for 2014-2015 is in final production. Consider it your invitation to join Our
Companionship of Faith on a Spiritual Adventure Following Jesus Christ. Take some time to look through
the pages and plan out a course of study and exploration for the year ahead. Opportunities for education
and nurture, service and mission, fellowship and worship abound. This year, our church is called to
“Go Celebrate!” the gift of new life in Jesus Christ with people every day.

It’s not too late to join the All-Church Summer Book Read
Dedicated to his daughters, Stephen Prothero (Chair of the Religion Department at Boston University),
explores the following paradox:
Americans are both deeply religious and profoundly ignorant about religion.
In his book he defines the problem as he sees it, explores the past to see how we have
arrived at the place in history on which we now stand, and makes some very interesting
proposals for the future.
How much do you know about religion? And how do you compare with the average
American? Here’s your chance to find out. Take the short, 15-question quiz, and see how
you do in comparison with 3,412 randomly sampled adults who were asked these and
other questions in the U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey. http:/www.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge.
The book discussion will be held on:
Wednesday evening, September 3, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.
Rev. Roberta will provide pimento cheese and chicken salad sandwiches, deviled eggs
and sweet tea. Hope to see you there!
First Pres E-Word Newsletter!
Our E-Word newsletter has been receiving rave reviews. This e-mail styled newsletter is intended to
provide updates for church events that may not have been noted in FirstWord or Parish Life. We
send our E-Word newsletter twice a month.
Registration is quick and easy and can be completed on the homepage of our church website
www.firstpreslibertyville.org.
Even if you have given your
email address to the church previously, you must register to receive the e-newsletter.
Contact Juli in the church office with questions (847-362-2174) or [email protected].
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
P ag e 1 3
FIRSTFORMATION — ADULTS
REV. ROBERTA DODDS INGERSOLL ~
[email protected]
The Bible & The Oriental Institute Museum Field Trip
Sunday • October 12, 2014
The mission of the Oriental Institute Museum is to promote interest in and understanding of ancient
civilizations of the Middle East telling the story of the rise of civilizations, communicating the excitement of
archaeological, linguistic, and historical discovery, enhancing understanding and appreciation of cultural
similarities and differences, and showing connections between the ancient and modern worlds.
Our tour will focus on the origins of Israel and the beginning of Judaism and Christianity. During the tour we
will have the opportunity to see actual artifacts from the biblical world that will let us into the lives of biblical
characters themselves. We will see what they saw, feel what they felt, and know what they knew.
The museum is free and open to the public. https://oi.uchicago.edu/museum-exhibits.
Our tour guide will be Dr. Theodore Hiebert. He is the Francis A. McGaw Professor of Old Testament and Dean of the Faculty
and Vice President for Academic Affairs at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He holds an M.Div. from Princeton
Theological Seminary, a Ph.D. from Harvard University, and has been a research fellow at the W. F. Albright Institute of
Archaeological Research in Jerusalem. He has taught at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and lectured at the Near
East School of Theology in Beirut. Currently, he is working on a commentary on Genesis.
We will meet at 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to share a light lunch.
We will meet at 11:30 a.m. in the visitors’ parking lot of FPC of Libertyville to carpool.
To register, please complete the form below and return to the church office by Sunday, September 28.
Questions: Contact Rev. Roberta at [email protected]
Name: ____________________________________________________________
E-mail and/or phone:
____________________________________________________
I’d like to have lunch with the group before we head into Chicago:
I am willing to drive:
□ No □ Yes
□ No
□ Yes
I can take ______ # of passengers including myself.
P ag e 1 4
F ir st P r e s by ter ia n Ch ur c h of Lib er ty v ll e
FIRSTFORMATION — ADULTS
REV. ROBERTA DODDS INGERSOLL ~
[email protected]
WEDNESDAY EVENING OFFERINGS
Learning In Fellowship Together (LIFT)
Gathering 7:00 to 7:15 p.m. ● Program 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. ● Fellowship Hall
Light Refreshments will be served
The Bible, Homosexuality, and Marriage - September 12, 17 & 24
At our LIFT weeknight class this month, our pastor, Brian
Paulson, will lead a threesession review of the way
Presbyterians are addressing a
range of issues connected to
the question of same-sex
marriage. On Friday, September
12, we will review the way
Presbyterians read scripture.
On Wednesdays, September 17
and 24, we will examine
different interpretations of
scripture regarding same-gender sexual relationships. Here
is some further detail about these classes:
For September 12: In selecting real estate, the rule is
"Location, location, location!" In interpreting the Bible, the
rule is "Context, context, context!" Interpretation is not a
luxury; it is a necessity. Interpretation may not always be a
conscious act, but it is always happening when we read the
Bible. Finding our way around in the world of an ancient text
is not easy and it takes time. To be sure, by the power of
God's Holy Spirit we are granted sufficient understanding,
but if the goal is to interpret the Bible ever more faithfully,
then gaining the familiarity and depth necessary for the task
will take time and effort. During this session, we will examine
some principle challenges of faithful interpretation, namely,
the importance of language and historical and social
settings, we will identify guidelines for interpretation, and we
will discuss the question of why people interpret the Bible
differently and how Presbyterians learn with each other even
when on occasion we read the scriptures differently. Finally,
this class will identify recent decisions of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church regarding same-sex
marriage and the preliminary response of our Session.
For September 17 and 24: This two-part study will begin by
asking why so many people regard this debate as of
paramount importance, and then move on to consider the
pertinent biblical passages. On Sept. 17, we will consider
passages that explicitly mention same-gender sexual
practice. On Sept. 24, we will address two other sets of
passages: for those who underscore a sense of “prohibition,”
we will see texts interpreted to mean God's will for marriage
is that one man and one woman are joined in a lifelong bond;
and for those who would underscore a sense of “affirmation,”
we will see texts interpreted to mean God does not want
humans to live alone, and that God regularly embraces
outcasts and sets prisoners free. Also in this final session, we
will consider how varied viewpoints handle non-Biblical
evidence from science, tradition and contemporary
experience, and conclude by reflecting on constructive
responses to disagreement among Christian brothers and
sisters.
Along the way, Brian Paulson will speak to the way his
reading of the Bible and pastoral care has grown on this
issue over 27 years of ordained ministry. In addition, the
class will be framed by the desire of our Session to create a
space in our congregation for discernment where members
can express their differences with care and respect even as
our leaders seek to provide guidance for the practice of our
ministry. The Session will consider its response to General
Assembly actions at its stated meeting in October. Please join
us for this important discussion as part of our journey of faith
together.
For Simple House Repairs— Call your Fix-It Crew!
The Fix-it-Crew Ministry is here to help! Our goal is to help seniors, widows/widowers and single moms who
need a helping hand with “around-the-house” repairs. This group of 25 volunteers donate their talents and
skills that include painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and general “fix-it” home repair jobs. Bob
Westrich coordinates the Fix-it Crew and can be reached at 847-267-0475.
P ag e 1 5
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
Dear First Pres Friends,
My grandson, Aiden Blenker, has successfully completed a three-year
protocol. He will have follow-up check-ups every three months. Aiden is
doing great, playing baseball and having fun being a kid!
Heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your prayers and kind
words. God bless you!
~ Bonnie Cavalier
Dear First Pres FriendsThank you for your wonderful and generous contributions to the recent Drive for
Independence. The four Lake County non-profit organizations that benefitted from
your abundant donations are making a positive impact on our neighbors in need.
Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
~Pat Page & Karen Cacich, Deacon Drive for Independence Co-Chairs
Dear First Pres Family,
How meaningful it was to Les and me to know all your prayers
were being said for my recovery! Our heartfelt THANKS,
dear church family. I am on the mend!
~ Letty Lindley
Our Christian Sympathy is extended to those who have experienced loss:
FirstWord is a publication of First
Presbyterian Church of Libertyville.
Our Mission Statement: To inform
and build up the Community of
faith which is First Presbyterian
Church of Libertyville.
Editorial Staff:
Scott Holland
Lennie Blair
Publisher:
Juli Dunsing
Contributors:
The staff and congregation of
First Pres.
Drew Morgavan and Kathy Louden on the loss of his father, Drew Morgavan Sr.
Karen and Bob Westrich and Amy and Pat Kamins on the loss of Karen and Amy’s
brother, Rex Peterson
Chris and Vanessa Griffin on the loss of his parents, Eugene and Elena Griffin
Congratulations on the birth of:
Kinsley Grace Houston, born May 28, 2014, to Jonathan and Jessica Houston;
grandmother is Nancy Telling
Rhys Oliver Jonas, born June 17, 2014, to Erin and Jules Jonas; grandparents are
Cynthia and Dusty Miller
Annabelle Joy Velander, born July 29, 2014 to Tim and Sara Velander; grandparents
are Jim and Jane Velander
On the baptism of:
Lawson Elaine Marsch, daughter of Kenneth and Brittany Marsch
Ian Patrick Hicks, son of William and Jody Hicks
Printed on recycled paper.
Anthony James Johannik, son of Thomas and Miranda Johannik; grandmother is
Janet Persson
Kenneth Darrell Chapin, son of Kenneth and Valorie Chapin; grandparents are Ken
and Diane Chapin
Monday, at noon August 11
Email all articles to: [email protected]
FirstWord is published by
First Presbyterian Church
219 W. Maple Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
A ug u st 2 0 1 4
Page 16
Sunday, August 24
Sunday, August 3 — Jazz Sunday — Communion
10:00 a.m. Combined Worship — Sanctuary
FPC Jazz Ensemble
Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 22;1-5, 22-24
Re-Made & Re-Named — The Rev. Amy Heinrich
Sunday, August 10
10:00 a.m. Worship — Sanctuary
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Matthew 14:22-33
Strong Dreams — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
10:00 a.m. Worship — Chapel
Chapel Music Team
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15
Here Comes This Dreamer — The Rev. Luke Hyder
Sunday, August 17—NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS!
9:00 a.m. Worship — Fellowship Hall
Red Rose Children’s Choir
Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Your Brother, Your Sister — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
11:00 a.m. Worship — Chapel
Chapel Music Team
Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Your Brother, Your Sister — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
6:00 p.m. Sunday at 6 — Chapel
Piano
Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Your Brother, Your Sister — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
9:00 a.m. Worship — Fellowship Hall
Staff Family Choir
Isaiah 51:1-11; Matthew 16:13-20
The Key is Faith — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
11:00 a.m. Worship — Chapel
Chapel Music Team
Isaiah 51:1-11; Matthew 16:13-20
The Key is Faith — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
6:00 p.m. Sunday at 6 — Chapel
Isaiah 51:1-11; Matthew 16:13-20
The Key is Faith — The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Paulson
Piano
Sunday, August 31 — Baptism Sunday
9:00 a.m. Worship — Fellowship Hall
Susan Henning, soprano
Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-21
On Romans 12:9-21 — The Rev. John Fawcett
11:00 a.m. Worship — Chapel
Chapel Music Team
Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-21
On Romans 12:9-21 — The Rev. John Fawcett
6:00 p.m. Sunday at 6 — Chapel
Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-21
On Romans 12:9-21 — The Rev. John Fawcett
Piano