SERVE
SERVE
KNOW GOD, GROW IN FAITH, GO INTO THE WORLD EQUIPPED TO SERVE.
ELDERS
The Session is the governing body of the church, made up of pastors and active ruling elders. Elders are elected to three-year terms, though the office is ordained and perpetual. They provide leadership, guidance, and care for the congregation, oversee church finances and property, and support the work of the Deacons.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 7 PM.
The Session is organized into standing committees, each focusing on a key area of ministry and administration.
Buildings and Grounds
Maintains church buildings and properties to ensure safe, comfortable, and welcoming worship, education, and fellowship spaces. Oversees expenses and advises on future capital needs.
Business Affairs
Advises Session on financial matters and everyday business. Includes the Endowment Subcommittee, which manages funds to support the church’s mission and ministries in perpetuity.
Christian Education
Cultivates flourishing disciples by enhancing Biblical understanding, spiritual growth, and relationships with God and neighbors.
Committee on Anti-Racism & Equity (CARE)
Provides opportunities for members of our congregation and wider community to learn and grow in their understanding of anti-racism; establish and grow deeper partnerships that foster racial reconciliation with accountability to people of color and communicate about this work both within our congregation and in the wider world.
Congregational Care and Evangelism
Supports and connects the congregation through care, fellowship, and hospitality. Focus areas include welcoming new members, pastoral care, events and activities, and creating opportunities for faith-sharing while equipping members to share their faith confidently.
Long Range Planning
Guides the church in fulfilling its mission to embrace Christ’s transformative love, foster connections that transcend barriers, and celebrate and empower all people to flourish in God’s love. Advises on future challenges and opportunities through prayerful discernment.
Mission
Channels the congregation’s resources to Health and Hunger, Shelter, Proclamation, and Kairos ministries, helping the church live out its mission in the wider community.
Personnel
Oversees employment matters, staff development, policies, and budgets, while providing support and counsel to church staff.
Stewardship
Coordinates year-round stewardship education, helping members understand and support the church’s ministries.
Worship
Supports inspirational and contemplative worship through Music, Liturgical Arts, and Sanctuary Guild subcommittees. Strives to glorify God through music, art, worship, and the sacraments.
DEACONS
Deacons are called to a ministry of compassion, service, and witness, following the example of Jesus Christ. Chosen for their faith, integrity, and care for others, Deacons serve both within the church and in the wider community.
Deacons care for those who are sick, grieving, lonely, or in need, and support worship through prayer, Scripture reading, presenting offerings, assisting with Communion, and serving as ushers. As ushers, Deacons help create a welcoming, safe, and orderly environment for worship and deliver Sanctuary flowers to members who are hospitalized, recovering at home, or mourning a loss (Book of Order, G-6.0400).
To learn more or to volunteer, please contact the office.
Community Ministry
Supports individuals and families through events, donations, and hands-on service
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Hospitality Ministry
Builds connection by welcoming all ages and helping with church meals and events.
Senior Ministry
Cares for older adults through cards, visits, phone calls, and monthly worship services at senior living communities.
Meetings
Board of Deacons: Second Monday of each month, 7:00 PM
MISSION COMMITTEE
We are all one in mission; we are all one in call. A single great commission compels us from above to touch the lives of others by God's surprising grace; to plan and work together so every folk and nation may feel God's warm embrace. Our varied gifts are united by Christ, the Lord of all.
The Mission Committee is a committee of the Session of the Church. The purpose of this committee is to interpret the mission budget and to direct the activities of the congregation to use its varied talents and financial gifts to support our missionaries, other Presbyterian churches and charities. The Committee establishes appropriate guidelines for our donations to these entities and individuals. On an annual basis, the Committee interviews the recipients of Mission funds. We accomplish this support with the generous tithing gifts and our congregation's talents to help those in need.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
First Presbyterian Food Pantry distributes food every 3rd Saturday of each month. We gather near the sanctuary entrance at 7:30 AM to sort food and pack grocery bags. Guests begin arriving at 8:00 AM, and we typically wrap up by 9:15 AM.
If you are a group of 8 or more, please contact our volunteer coordinator Sue Ellen Skeens through the church office 847-362-2174 to volunteering to get on the group schedule. Thank you for giving your time to our pantry families.
PADS
Food Bag Donations – Wednesdays Only
We welcome your generous donations to support individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis.
Drop-off time: Wednesdays from 4:00–5:30 PM
Location: Sanctuary Narthex at First Presbyterian Church
Important Note:
We can only accept donations during these designated hours.
Please do not leave donations at the church outside of this time—thank you for respecting this request.
We are deeply grateful for your support and kindness!
GOD'S GARDENERS
Volunteer at the CARE Garden
Our "God's Gardeners" Community CARE Garden group is always looking for more helpers!
The CARE Garden - a joint effort between The Chapel and First Pres - is located on Winchester Road just east of Route 45, between The Chapel and the GLSA soccer fields.
To get on the email list, please reach out to Amy
You can also follow the garden on our FaceBook Page.
A/V TEAM
We provide all training; no experience necessary! Let us know you’re interested by emailing the church office.
AUDIO - Are you interested in microphones and mixing boards? Help deliver the message throughout the Sanctuary and Chapel!
VIDEO - Are you interested in camera controllers, video production, and YouTube?
SLIDES - Are you interested in keeping everyone in the Chapel on the same page?
TRAINING FAQ'S
Will I receive training?
Yes! Our training process involves having you participate in the A/V work for several services. You’ll start out observing (“shadowing”) and gradually transition to doing the work with coaching. We will try to schedule you with different team members to give you the broadest perspective.
How long does training take?
This is mostly up to you! Tell the team lead which services you’re available to attend for training. Figure on at least three services; those can be at whatever frequency is comfortable for you. Keep the team lead informed on how you’re feeling about your readiness . . . we can always schedule one more session with a current team member! When you’re comfortable to fly solo, let us know.
When does training happen?
Training mostly happens around regular services. For each service, your team member will coordinate with you so you know what time to arrive.
SCHEDULING FAQ'S
How often will I be scheduled?
Each additional team member lightens the load for everyone, so figure it will be a little less than the current workload if you join. At the beginning of 2025, one or two services per month is typical for audio, closer to two services per month is typical for video.
Holy Week (Easter) and Christmas Eve are extra busy. If you are able to volunteer for those services, the team lead will be quite grateful.
What if I’m not available?
Before the team lead makes the schedule they will ask for dates you know you’re unavailable. If your availability changes after the schedule is made, notify the team lead ASAP so they can help coordinate a replacement.
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crises and catastrophic events.