Christian Education for Adults

Our work helps to shine light on our God given identity. Who does our work say that we are?

Who have we become through our work? This retreat will focus on work, vocation, and masculinity in the three stages of our lives- Morning (youth), Noon (middle age) and Night(senior).

Come for a 24-hour Men’s Retreat to discover your purpose, engage in some spirited conversation, get to know some Christian men and enjoy each other’s company.

A $195 fee for Friday and Saturday includes all meals and lodging in a double room ($265 for a single room). You may attend Saturday only for a $60 fee (breakfast and lunch included).
We will meet at GW Conference Center between 5 and 6:00 PM on Friday night, and close before 5:00 on Saturday. A map and other details will be provided prior to the event. Make plans to join us today!

REGISRATION OPENS SOON!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL MIKE CASTNER (847) 650-0253, OR
GARY HOLLAND (847) 367-6254

Fridays: October 6, October 13, October 20 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

Led by Christian Ethics Professor Brian Smith

Christians face many moral decisions daily, from small ones like “Should I tell this little white lie?” to larger and more consequential ones. Christians ponder, along with others, questions of right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust. But what goes into the Christian decision-making process? The Bible of course, but what other tools and resources does the modern Christian have in making those decisions? The class will not specifically look at those hot button, often controversial, moral subjects that are present in 21st Century, but rather look at guides available to the Christian when making those often tough ethical decisions. Each session will be stand-alone and open to all. Make a night of it - come to learn with friends and then go out for more conversation after!

(childcare provided)

Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Join us for the return of this popular event, where we will consider the perspectives of our Filipino-American neighbors—their histories, voices, culture and contributions
to our community and in Lake County today.

We will hear stories from members of our own congregation who have family roots in the Philippines.

We begin with pizza/salad and fellowship from 5:30-6 p.m. and enjoy program and conversation from 6-7 p.m. This program is best for ages 10-110, and both a children’s program and childcare are provided.

RSVP’s are encouraged for food planning purposes, but not required—drop in if you can.

Sunday, October 29, 2023 after worship (11:15 a.m.) Fellowship Hall

Join us after worship to learn more about the vibrant, life-affirming ministry of these two pastors from Waukegan. Together they founded the Legacy Reentry Foundation, a not-for-profit that helps reintegrate formerly incarcerated people back into the community. The organization also works on community development, gun violence prevention, and more. Join us to welcome them and learn more! Registration is encouraged but not required—drop in if you can.

Explore Our Neighborhood is modeled in part after Mister Rogers' trips to places beyond the neighborhood (i.e. crayon factory, emergency room, National Zoo, etc.).

From about 12:00 - 3:00, we will share a meal with folks doing good work in Lake County, learn about the work they are doing and how it ties to our lives as followers of Jesus, and then help with their service. These trips are for people of all ages, members of the congregation AND friends.

November 5, 2023
We will connect with an organization serving veterans and help them with the services they provide.

January 21, 2024
We will head to an organization focused on grief ministries, in conjunction with the Follow Me unit on Comfort Those Who Mourn, and then help with the services they provide.

March 10, 2024
We will head to an organization supporting underserved women to learn more about their ministry, and then work alongside them to help them be ready to serve.

June 23, 2024
TBD

January 21 - June 2024 Small Groups

Kicks off January 21, 2024 and small groups meet every other week until June 2024

Past First Pres participants have been deeply moved by this 11-part study, being offered in partnership with the Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church in Gurnee and North Suburban Mennonite Church in Libertyville. This study is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on black, indigenous, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history on race and racism while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. Participants will have the option of both in-person virtual/zoom groups. The series kicks off with a screening of Traces of the Trade on November 12 (see above) and the study groups will meet every other week from January through June. Find out more about the study here.

Monday, Feb. 19 - Monday, March 25

Lent Book Study in-person 2:00 PM-3:00 PM

Lent Book Study Zoom 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

God is often at work through the ordinary: ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary grace. Through the ordinary, God communicates epiphanies, salvation, revelation, and reconciliation. It is through the mundane that we hear God’s quiet voice. The book, Lent in Plain Sight, will help us to focus on spiritual lessons and recognize how the seemingly ordinary can reveal the extraordinary presence of God in our lives.

2nd & 4th Saturdays, 7:30 am to 9:00 a.m. on Zoom

Contact: David Heusinkveld through the church office. 847-362-2174

Join us for breakfast, study, conversation, and prayer as we explore passages of scripture, passages of life, contemporary issues, and literature for men. There is no homework, and the leadership rotates among participants.Our goals are fellowship, and to learn and grow in our Christian faith.

For inspiration we typically rely on a book selection and cover a chapter per session with discussion leadership rotating among members. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, we’d welcome having you join our conversation and fellowship.

Explore what Presbyterians believe, what is distinctive about our Reformed heritage, and why our church is governed the way it is. This is a wonderful way to get to know our staff better and gain a deeper understanding for our priorities and passions, our ministries and missions. If you are curious, this class is for you!

Our classes are designed for those who are seriously considering joining the church as active members, those who need a refresher course, and those who are searching and discovering God’s leading in their lives. If at the end of the inquiring process you want to become an active member, there are simply two requirements—professing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and baptism. We recognize all Christian baptisms. However, if you haven’t been baptized, a baptism date will be scheduled during a Sunday morning worship service.