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​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

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Lent at First Church: A Season of Spiritual Gardening

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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.

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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.​

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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.

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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.

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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

Children and teens jumping with  joy. The words "whpo I am" are  overlaid.

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!

Scenes from a music festival at First Church, Des Plaines in the summer of 2024.
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Good things:

Hands of man praying

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.​

QR Code to prayer requests

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.

Street signs in Des Plaines, IL
The historic building of First Church Des Plaines, IL

Text to support our work in our community.

A graphic encourages people to give offerings by texting.

Live streaming every Sunday at 10 a.m.

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FOR YOU:

Group from First Church, Des Plaines on a mission trip to Wyoming.

Our world needs help. Would you join us in  Missions? (It's fun!)

A FREE meal is given to anyone who is hungry.

A free dinner for anyone who is hungry, every Monday. Bessie's Table.

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Take a break. We've got your back. Parent's  Day Out.  

A hungry child who has no food looks ibto the camera.

We fight hunger in Des Plaines kids with Community Backpacks.

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First Church

The First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, IL

Worship: Sundays, 10 am

 

Office:

Mon - Thurs 9 am - 3:30 pm

Friday 9 am - 3 pm

View of First Church from Prairie Ave., Des Plaines

On the corner of Graceland and Prairie Avenues.

668 Graceland Ave.

Des Plaines, IL 60016

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