.jpg)
Your neighborhood United Methodist Church.
668 Graceland Ave. Des Plaines, IL 60016

CALL
WRITE
Get to know First Church

​Watch Sunday's message (3/23/25):
Pastor Hope Chernich's lesson.
STAYING FRUITFUL & LETTING GO OF BUSINESS
Pastor Hope Chernich,
First Church of Des Plaines


Lent at First Church: A Season of Spiritual Gardening
​
In seasons of high stress and anxiety, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This Lent, join us at First Church in the weeks leading up to Easter as we take time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God. Before we move into celebration, it’s vital to pause and understand our deep need for God.
​
Lent: A Season to Grow and Let Go
Lent is like spring—a time for spiritual gardening. During this season, we invite God to:
-
Show us what has been ignored or forgotten in our lives.
-
Help us let go of distractions.
-
Make space for new growth and change.​
​
Worship Theme: Earthiness and Grit
This year, our worship services will focus on scriptures that highlight themes of earthiness and grit. Each Sunday, we will:
-
Reflect on the Bible readings to see what is being cultivated and what is being cut off.
-
Consider the different characters in the stories, their struggles, and their spiritual growth.
-
Explore how we, too, can tend to our spiritual gardens.
​
Ways to Grow in Your Faith This Lent
We’re offering tools and groups to help you grow closer to God. Email Pastor Hope to get involved:
-
Lenten Devotional: A booklet and adult coloring poster to guide you in prayer and scripture reflection.
-
Life Groups: Small groups that meet monthly to pray, study scripture, and connect with others. We’ll also focus on listening for God’s voice and His plans for us.
-
Give Something Up: Many people give up a habit or favorite thing during Lent to focus more on God. When you feel the urge to reach for that thing, reach for Him instead.
-
Be Generous: Use the money or time you save by giving something up to help others. Acts of kindness and generosity open space for God to work in you and through you.
-
​
There are many ways to grow spiritually during Lent. The specific actions don’t matter as much as your intention. By cultivating and letting go, you can create space for God to work in your life, even in the middle of a busy world.
In the coming weeks...
March 9 : Cultivating God’s Will & Letting Go of Fear
March 16: Cultivating Trust in God’s Care & Letting Go of Self-reliance
March 23: Cultivating Fruitfulness & Letting Go of Business
March 30: Cultivating Grace & Letting Go of Scarcity
April 6: Cultivating Lavish Love & Letting Go of Judging Others
April 13: Cultivating Praise & Letting Go of Loss
April 20: Easter: Cultivating New life & Letting Go of Limitations
Coming soon in March

Discover who you really are at this fun workshop with Life Coach Betty Howard. Join us for activities, snacks, and laughs while learning about your special talents and what makes you unique. Don't miss out!
Brrrr... it's cold outside. Let's warm up with a few snaps from last summer's festivities!
Good things:

We pray.
Each week, our prayer circle comes together to uplift the needs of those we know, and those we don’t. If you would like us to include you –and we would like to include you – use the QR code to let us know.
Your contact is confidential.​

If you believe you need more than prayer support, our Pastor invites you to come in, meet her, and have a heart-to-heart. You’ll like her; she’s a good listener.
We are all lost sheep. We are finding our way. We can do this together.
We're easy to find.
Our church is on the northwest corner of Prairie and Graceland Avenues in Des Plaines.


Text to support our work in our community.

Live streaming every Sunday at 10 a.m.

FOR YOU:
Our world needs help. Would you join us in Missions? (It's fun!)
A free dinner for anyone who is hungry, every Monday. Bessie's Table.
Take a break. We've got your back. Parent's Day Out.
We fight hunger in Des Plaines kids with Community Backpacks.