In Our Community

What an incredible summer it's been, filled with joyful community events!

The Little City Chorus at our Celebration of Unity

From our lively Family Fun Night, where we enjoyed games, stories, and activities for all ages, to the heartwarming Pet Blessing where new human and furry friends were made - our community came together in wonderful ways.

The highlight was the uplifting Celebration of Unity, featuring musical performances that truly showcased the diversity of our community. We were treated to a contemporary trio, a talented Brazilian classical guitarist, and a beautiful chorus from a local shelter. And the vibrant Mexican folk dances were simply mesmerizing!

These events reminded us of the strength in our diversity and the power of coming together. We're so grateful to everyone who participated and made this summer so special. Can't wait for more community celebrations ahead! ❤️

Family Fun Night

Pet Blessing

Sol Azteca at our Celebration of Unity

Community Back Pack Program

The Community Backpack Project is an outreach program of the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Each week a backpack filled with easy-to-prepare meals such as oatmeal, canned soup, instant pasta dishes, canned protein, applesauce, snacks, and juice items will be dropped off.

Currently, First Church of Des Plaines is sponsoring up to (4) children in District 62.

There are several ways to donate to this program. Monetary donations can be given, and our Missions team will do the shopping, or you can shop and bring your items on Sundays.

Here is a list of the specific kid friendly items that are to be included in each bag. Items Needed:

Individual size snacks (cookies, granola bars, chips, pudding cups, cheese crackers, Rice Krispie bars)
Microwavable cups of macaroni & cheese • Soft side juice pouches (Capri Sun, Kool-Aid)
Small cans of meat & pasta (Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Chicken, Pork & Beans) • 8 to 8.25 oz. cans of vegetables
7oz. size microwavable kid friendly soups
Small boxes of cereal, oatmeal packets
Fruit & applesauce cups Thank you for your generous donations!

Reusable Containers Needed

Bessie's Table is in desperate need of your clean takeout containers!

Containers can be dropped off at the church. Your help is greatly appreciated!

SQ Storage Containers 14457592_l_300x196.jpg

Join a Life Group!

Contact Pastor Hope to get plugged in! pastorhope.fumcdp@gmail.com

LIFE GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:

• Life Group Facilitator training with Pastor Hope is held on the 1st
Thursday of the month at 6 pm. This will be an in-person and Zoom
meeting.

• Spirit of the Living Lord Life Group meets two times a month on a
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm at the Duncan’s home. Contact Facilitator Harolyn Thogersen for more information.

• Faith Seekers Life Group meets once a month on a Thursday
evening, date and time TBD. Contact Facilitator Kay Maloney for more information.

• Pilgrims Life Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evening 6:30-7:30 pm at 751 Graceland Ave. This apartment building is 1 block south of the church. We meet in the 1st-floor conference room off the lobby. Park next to the building or on the street. Transportation can be provided to anyone needing a ride. Contact Facilitators JanWeber or Janine Forney for more information.

• Gray Hairs Life Group meets of the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays via Zoom at 4:30p. For more information or the Zoom link, contact Facilitator Karen Boesche.

• Youth Life Group meets Wednesdays at 7pm at First Church. For
more information contact Pastor Hope. Ages 6th Grade - Young Adults.

Make a Pledge to Give in 2024

Throughout November, we discussed “A Future with Hope,” and what God is calling us to in 2024, and how we can best use our resources towards that future. Stewardship, how we use the resources God gives us, is an important part of our spiritual life and has implication not only for us as individuals or for our families, but for the community and the whole of creation. We are asking everyone to consider how you can financially support First Church in 2024. It is not too late to submit your 2024 pledge card!