Join us for a compelling report and conversation on the
218th General Assembly


Speakers for 5:30 PM Vespers, 6:00 PM Carry-in Supper and Evening of Conversation: Bring a covered dish to share :-)

Wednesday, July 30 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) was the theme for the 218th General Assembly in San Jose, California in June.

GA Commissioner Ann Kelson, together with Presbytery of Great Rivers Staff Member Mike Orr, Rev. Dr. David MacDonna, Carolyn MacDonna, and Presbytery of Great Rivers Moderator Julie Peterson, will share experiences from the recent General Assembly meeting in San Jose — and they will share some of the ideas and actions that came out of the Assembly.

PC(USA) leaders GA Moderator Reyes-Chow, GA Stated Clerk Parsons, and GA Council Executive Director Valentine acknowledge anxiety that the decisions and discussions at this year's Assembly have incurred. They ask for members to become informed and they ask for unity: Their first letter to Presbyterian congregations can be read here.
~ ~ Their follow-up letter, which is a summary of topics the GA dealt with can be read here.
~ ~ For a list of actions of the 218th General Assembly, visit this webpage on the PC(USA) site.
~ ~ Bruce Reyes-Chow, our Moderator has a very interesting blog, which can be read here.
~ ~ The Presbyterian News Service, which is published by the Office of Communication of the PC(USA), is a good resource to stay informed about what is happening in your denomination. Visit this webpage on the PC(USA) site to subscribe to the news format that interests you.

Serve in our music ministry-
First Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary Choir
- resumes choir practice on Wednesday -
August 20 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Would you like to sing in a historic church with wonderful acoustics? Make new friends? Widen your musical repertoire? If your answer is "yes," come to First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir weekly rehearsals, which begin August 20. If you are new to the choir, call Choir Director Bernie Wiseman (217-529-6870) for an introduction to the Choir Ministry. The choir sings most Sundays, from September through May. There is a 10:00 AM rehearsal on Sunday mornings, before the 10:30 service. The music will be stylistically varied from week to week, so if you don't like what we sing one week, come back the next: It will be different. Each rehearsal will end at 8:30 PM.

If you wish, join us for Wednesday Vespers at 5:30 PM and/ or a carry-in supper at 6:00 PM, prior to each rehearsal.

First Presbyterian Church is also raising funds for new choir robes. Why do we wear choir robes? Because we do not want to focus on the individual, but instead on the cross and the choir as humble worship leaders.

Children and Youth Opportunities
Summer Sundays | 9:00 AM
— in the Children's Wing

This summer the children are learning the books of the Bible in our multi-dimensional learning workshops. Our summer workshops include art, movie, computer, and cooking.

The drama unfolds: Children's multi-dimensional learning will take place in our new Theater Workshop on Christian Nurture Kick-off Sunday - September 7. Twelve new theater seats have been purchased at a cost of $480. plus delivery and installation. Please make a contribution of $40. to sponsor one seat in this developing workshop. You can see one tier of seats in the picture below. Chris Young will be delighted to give you a tour of our Children's wing and developing Christian nurture for Children ministry.

View a slide show about
multi-dimensional learning
in First Presbyterian Church
Children's Sunday and Vacation Bible School.

— View large format | View small format —



Habitat for Humanity —
Youth Build Blitz
July 24, 2008 | 7:00 PM
— at the build location, 2200 E. Enterprise St.
Interested in helping? Contact Don Ecklund (217-787-7810).
More information here . . .

working for a fully inclusive church