Newsletter, January 2022

Click January 2022 for the first Newsletter of 2022  from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  Be sure to catch up from the holidays on what is happening…

  • Congregational Meeting this Sunday, January 16, immediately following the 9 am service.  Watch Friday mailer for zoom link.
  • In-person Sunday School resumes in February.  Resources available through Firstpres.church/kids throughout January.
  • Grab your Small Group/Adult Ed brochure beginning this Sunday, January 16.  Join a small group this new year!
  • ESL classes resume with remote learning week of January 17.
  • John McCutcheon in Concert Sunday, February 20, 2 pm.  Concert is FREE.  Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required.  Masks must be worn.

In an effort to publish the monthly newsletter earlier each month, the deadline has now changed to the 3rd Monday of the month preceding the issue.  February 2022’s deadline is Monday, January 17.


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Newsletter, December 2021

Click the December newsletter for updates of what is happening at First Presbyterian Church this month.   In this issue…
    • Upcoming special services starting with the Chancel Choir’s Music Sunday this Sunday, December 12, and throughout the remainder of December including Christmas Eve;
    • Annual Youth Cookie Sale Sunday, December 12;
    • Updates from Children, Youth and Family;
    • Christmas Caroling party December 19;
    • Mission updates including the Christmas Joy Offering beginning December 19.

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Newsletter, November 2021

Click November 2021 to find the November newsletter for First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  In this issue…
  • “Faith in the Real World” on this Sunday, November 7, finds Pastor Matt having a conversation with our very own Harvey Hodges about his WWII experience. Please bring your questions for Harvey (and your own family stories) during the Sunday School hour for discussion. Harvey brought music–of all things–to the front lines of the European Theater. He crossed the English Channel with an M-1 and the Rhine with a trombone. This conversation will be one way we can think about and thank all of our Veterans. Remember, Veterans Day is Thursday, November 11th.
  • This Sunday too we will remember those who have died.  A special reading of the names from the last two years will be part of Sunday’s service.
  • Advent will be here before we know it.  Read what plans your church has for the coming Advent season.
  • CYF updates…including a Fellowship Event at Hardy’s Reindeer this Sunday, November 7.
  • Mission updates
  • Welcome to our new ESL Director Val Smith. 

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Newsletter, October 2021

Below is the October Newsletter from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  There is lots happening this Fall…

  • It’s back!  Trunk or Treat returns on Sunday, October 24, from 5-6 pm with  safety measures in place due to Covid.
  • Faith in the Real World continues through October.  This Sunday, October 10, at 10:15 enjoy Matthew Storie’s Quartet playing jazz music.
  • We welcome Judi Geistlinger to the staff!
  • CYF updates include more information on Trunk or Treat and how you can get involved.  Youth will have a fellowship outing to Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch on November 7.
  • Your Green Team (Environmental Stewardship) is promoting a discussion with Stephanie Jones, an Attorney in Climate Risk and Financial Regulations for the Environmental Defense fund, on October 14 from 3:30-4:30 pm.
  • Celebrate Fall…DREAAM is hosting a fall festival/fundraiser on Saturday, October 16, from noon to 3 pm at the Phillips Recreation Center.  Your Nurture Committee invites you for special treats on Sunday, October 24, at 10:10 am.
https://firstpres.church/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/October – 2021.pdfOctober 2021

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Newsletter, September 2021

Below is the September Newsletter for the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  Lots of exciting things this fall…

  • Faith in the Real World series resumes this Sunday, September 12, at 10:15 am in the Sanctuary.  This Sunday Matthew Storie will talk about jazz and faith…you might even hear a little saxophone.
  • Music opportunities include our Chancel Choir which rehearses on Wednesday evenings.  This fall we welcome a new Bell Choir Director Libby Sternhagen.  Bell Choir has also resumed rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.
  • Presbyterian Women’s Circles will meet the 4th Thursday of the month at 10:30 am, 1 pm or 7 pm beginning in September.  Meetings are held either in-person or via zoom.
  • Youth will want to join the group on Friday, September 10, at 5 pm at the Old Orchard Links for the first youth fellowship event of the year.
  • Youth Sunday School starts this Sunday, September 12.
  • We now have a Free Little Pantry on church grounds in front of the CE Building on Church Street.  Check out how you can help us keep the pantry stocked.
  • Mission news includes an update from the Environmental Team, ESL and our letter writing ministry with local prisoners.
https://firstpres.church/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/September – 2021.pdfSeptember 2021

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Newsletter, August 2021

Click here to read the August news and updates from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  In this issue you can find information on…
  • In-person Worship on Sundays at 9 and 11:15 am;
  • “Fun in the Sun” Sholem Fest Sunday, August 15 (rain date August 22)…  7 pm Carnival games and fun food at Centennial Park Pavilion;  8 pm FREE swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center;
  • Sunday School resumes September 12…watch for details as we watch reports on COVID;
  • Update on the Raindrop fundraiser for SAFE House;
  • Successful Immigrant Back-to-School Resource Fair with 20 receiving the COVID vaccination;
  • Mark your calendars for February 20, 2022 “John McCutcheon In Concert”

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Newsletter, July 2021

Click here to read the July news and updates from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  Read about…

  • Saturday, July 10, is the Adopt-A-Highway street clean-up at 8 am along with a Styrofoam collection from 9-11 am that morning in the church alley;
  • We wish goodbye and good luck to the Corbin family this Sunday, July 11, with an outdoor reception immediately following the 9 am Worship service;
  • Sholem Fest (swimming and potluck) returns August 15;
  • Our Covid Team met July 6 with updated recommendations;
  • Children, Youth and Families host their Summer Programming beginning this Sunday, July 11, on Sundays through August 1, at Hessel Park from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm;
  • Immigrant Back-to-School Resource Fair Saturday, July 31, 1-5 pm outside Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana, IL;
  • Raindrop special offering in July to benefit Canaan Men’s SAFE House.
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Newsletter, June 2021

Click here to read the June Newsletter from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. This month’s features include…
  • Sadly the church is saying goodbye to Eric Corbin and family.  Read about the Corbin’s new adventure in the June issue.
  • Session shares their recent discussion on Vision and “Being Church;
  • Summer programming for Children, Youth and Families;
  • DREAAM’s Summer Program at the church has begun;
  • Mission updates.
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Newsletter, May 2021

Click here to read the May Newsletter from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. This month’s features include…

  • Your Session is in the midst of a six-month visioning process.  Read Matt’s thoughts on the process.
  • Children, Youth and Family will recognize graduates this Spring along with celebrating Pentecost and holding a 3rd and 4th grade Bible Class.  
  • Children’s Ministries is creating a special space for DREAAM students this summer…read how you can help.
  • Check out the pictures from the recent Earth Day celebration with our youth and families.
  • A message from Pastor Daniel Izquierdo in Cuba.
  • Join us in May to view a cooking benefit for PEB.
  • ESL Program updates including the need for summer tutors.
  • Mission News.

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Newsletter, April 2021

Click here to read the April Newsletter from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  We highlight…

In April we celebrate the gift of God’s great earth.  Here are some of the events happening throughout the month

  • April 17 cleanup of State Street
  • April 21 mid-week gathering focuses on Earth Day, April 22
  • April 24 Styrofoam collection
  • April 25 worship service celebrating Earth Day

Children, Youth and Family Ministries invite you to consider how you might be a part of their ministry.  The Sunday School program hopes to actively participate with special events commemorating Earth Day on Sunday, April 25.

At the beginning of May is the celebration of our relationship with our sister church in Cuba.  Set aside May 1 and 2 for our Annual Cuba Celebration.  Check out how you can participate in this issue.

Our ESL program continues to thrive through weekly Zoom classes and monthly Zoom Cafe times.


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