Highlights
Dec. 23 and 30 — No Church School or Adult Education
Dec. 23 — Fourth Sunday and Christmas offering for Syrian refugee children
Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve worship: Pageant 5 p.m., Candlelight Service, 9 p.m.
Dec. 25 and 26 — Church office closed
Dec. 30 — "Sticky Church" worship, including breakfast
Dec. 31-Jan. 1 — Church office closed
Jan 6 — Epiphany Sunday
Jan. 21 — Church office closed for Martin Luther King Day
Jan. 27 — Congregational Annual Meeting and lunch, noon
Evotional
"Silent Night, Holy Night"
"The lyrics of this carol are simple. With brief but vivid images, the words draw our attention to the child, the light of the star and the song of the angels, and the mystery of God’s presence made flesh in the baby Jesus. Apart from the opening words evoking a silent night, however, there is little in the lyrics that indicates silence. The quietness of this carol comes instead, I think, from its gentle melody and peaceful tempo."
— Deborah Kapp
Calendar
Dec. 23 — Christmas pageant rehearsal, after worship
Jan. 11 — Dinner and a movie, 6 p.m.
Jan. 13 — Second Sunday Sundaes, after worship
Jan. 15 — First United Nursery School Open House, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 17 — Music at First House Music Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Jan 18-20 — FUSH Winter Retreat
Feb. 1-3 — Women's Retreat
Feb. 5— Music at First House Music Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 —Music at First concert: "The Book of Love," Oriana Singers, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 — FUSH and FUJI Broomball outing, 5-8 p.m.
Feb. 12 — Music at First House Music Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Sermons
"You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Scripture is About You"
Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 3:1-6
“'It is so easy for us as to get caught up in the feel- good spirituality of this season; and don’t get me wrong, that is wonderful and good for reviving our souls. I would be the chair of the mushy, warm and fuzzy Christmas committee. But that’s certainly not why that baby was born in a Bethlehem. I assure you, John the Baptist would not be too pleased if our preparation for Jesus only included soft candlelight and warm fuzzies. "
— Lydia Mulkey
December 9, 2018
About Us & Registration Forms
Messenger Bell
Weekly Bulletins
Church School Registration
Online Giving
First United Mission Partners
First United Nursery School
First United Strategic Plan
Centennial booklet
Chapel window booklet
PC(USA) Ministry Information Form
UCC Local Church Profile
Women's Retreat brochure and registration form
What’s Happening
First United has a wide range of activities and worship services during Advent for all ages. Adult ed classes will study Advent through the diverse approaches of Rosa Parks, the Beatles, and the Gospels. The Alternative Christmas Store invites shoppers to rethink gift giving by supporting our mission partners. There is a Blue Christmas service, two worship services on Christmas Eve, and a "Sticky Church" service on Dec. 30 that will feature breakfast and family activities. Click on the link below to learn more about all that's offered.
Christmas Eve services: Pageant at 5 p.m., traditional candlelight service at 9 p.m.
Our children's pageant tells the Christmas story with angels, animals, shepherds, and Magi as well as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Children are welcome to take part; contact Rev. Lydia Mulkey (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com, 708-386-5215, ext. 103) for more information. Our 9 p.m. service will feature both traditional music and jazz. Our Christmas offering at both services will go to help Syrian refugee children.
