First Presbyterian Church - Calendar of Events

First Presbyterian Church is a busy congregation. The following calendar is designed to provide an overview of a typical year. Specific events will be noted in the weekly bulletin and the monthly newsletter, The Evangel. If you are looking for an opportunity to enrich your spiritual growth and participation in church activities, please browse the events below and get involved! (For a schedule of Sunday Morning Worship Activities, please click here.)

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January

The Ordination and Installation of officers - In January new Deacons and Elders are commissioned for service, and serve terms of three years. 

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February

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March

Lent - This moveable season of preparation also includes a mid-week series which offers an evening meal, fellowship, worship and education. 

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April

Easter - On this triumphant day we celebrate the Resurrection with two, nearly identical worship services, and a congregational brunch prepared by the Board of Deacons.

 
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May

Confirmation Commissioning - In the Winter and Spring, often overlapping the Lenten season, we focus on the Commissioning of our Confirmands. The Youth Ministry Committee endeavors to make the seventh and eighth grade years of intentional preparation, which culminate in full membership. 

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June

Baccalaureate Service - Each year we honor our High School Seniors in the worship service nearest their Graduation. At this time we also recognize the notable accomplishments of the graduates through the Constance Bills Good Samaritan Award. 

Summer Worship Schedule - In the Summer, our Sunday schedule becomes slightly abbreviated as we move our worship to 9:30 and provide a recess from Sunday School Classes. This schedule typically begins the Sunday after Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. 

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July

VBS - Vacation Bible School has become an adventure-filled journey every year, and is intended for children from 4 years of age through grade six. There are many opportunities for people of every age to volunteer.

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August

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September

Fall Festival Sunday - “Commotion Sunday” - Usually the Sunday after Labor Day, we kick off a full schedule of activities in a day of orientation to new Sunday School Classes and a variety of offerings and opportunities for the months ahead. On this day, there are no Sunday School classes, but the Worship time returns to 10:30 am. 

Higher Education Sunday - In connection with a Denominational emphasis on Higher Education, we acknowledge our unique relationship with Illinois College, MacMurray College, and Lincoln Land College in Jacksonville, along with two other Presbyterian related colleges in our Presbytery. 

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October

World Communion Sunday - On the first Sunday in October, we remember that we are sharing the sacrament with Christians around the world. On occasion, we make use of multi-colored breads and a variety of languages. 

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November

All Saints Commemoration - On the first Sunday in November, we commemorate the lives of members who have died in the past twelve months. 

St. Andrew’s Festival - In recent years, we have acknowledged our Scottish roots by including the St. Andrew’s Pipes and Drums in worship. 

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December

Advent and Christmas - Advent is marked by decorations and special services which guide our spiritual preparation and reflect the spiritual significance of the season.

An Advent Wreath contains candles which are lighted each Sunday by a different family in the congregation. 

The Chrismon Tree - contains hand-made symbols of white, silver or gold which interpret some element of the Christian Faith.

The Illinois College Concert Choir joins us annually in December. Their musical talents have become a highlight of our Advent preparations. 

A Candlelighting Service - Patterned after the traditional service of Lessons and Carols made famous by King’s College, Cambridge, this glorious service is a seasonal treasure for young and old. 

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