May 2016

Choose love. Be the light. Change the world.

Unified Mission Begins It’s Time to Fulfill Commitments, Plan for the Fall by Rev. Alex Lang

If you were in worship on April 17, then you heard me talk about how we have begun to sponsor a family with Faith Community

Homes. The family is from Nigeria and they have recently settled in the Arlington Heights area. When First Pres sponsors a family for Faith Community Homes, it means that we provide them with the money for rent and money for the case worker who is assigned to them. In addition to financial support, we are mentoring the family and guid-ing them through the Faith Com-munity Homes program. This is a major step forward for us as we get the unified mission off the ground. However, it is only the first step of many. Therefore, I want to lay out for you what will hap-pen over the next several months as we plan to get the mission fully opera-tional. By the end of the summer, we will be sponsoring a to-tal of three families for Faith Community Homes. Like the family we are sponsoring right now, this means that we will be

financially responsible for supporting those families and providing them with mentors. In addition to spon-soring these families, our mission team lead-ers are in the process of designing a Family Night. Beginning in Septem-ber, we as a church will come together once a week and have dinner with the fami-lies who are part of Faith Community Homes. The goal is to build relationships so that they feel they are a part of our church family. The Family Night will also offer a variety of services to the

family. We will provide tutoring and activities for the children. We will offer classes on money manage-ment, life skills, and com-puter skills for the adults. During our stewardship campaign, many of you committed funds to help

with the unified mission. These funds are essential to getting the unified mission off the ground.

Now that we are in the process of spon-soring families for Faith Community Homes, designing the Family Night, and building the computer lab, now is the time to fulfill your financial com-mitment. Having all the committed funds in place will help ensure that the unified mission will be a success. I want to thank you

for your support of this new mis-sion for our church. The oppor-tunity for so many of us to live out Jesus’ expectations for us in Matthew 25 is going to bring a new vitality to this congregation. Together, we are going to make a big difference in the lives of fami-lies who are struggling in our com-munity. Together, we are going to choose love so that we can be the light that changes the world.

We are now sponsoring our first family with Faith Community Homes: Seyi (father), Dorcas (mother), Samuel (12-year-old son), and Enoch (8-year-old son).

“Having all the committed funds in place will help ensure that the unified mission will be a success.”

The deadline for the combined June/July 2016 issue of The Chimes is May 10 at 9:00 am. Submit articles to Kris Mainellis, director of communications, at krismainellis@fpcah.org.

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Stewardship Matters Leaving a Legacy by Jim Mayer, Stewardship Committee

Session Highlights by Linda Byus, Clerk of Session

From the April 11, 2016, meeting: Learned that the Board of

Trustees has approved a facility usage agreement for outside groups that request use of the church building and facilities. This document is available at fpcah.org/forms.

Heard a report from the Finan-

cial Planning Task Force regard-ing the long-term outlook for First Presbyterian Church and approved a motion to have the Financial Planning Task Force report to the congregation on

Sunday, April 24, 2016. Learned that registration for

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is open. VBS will be held July 11-15 from 8:45 am to noon and costs $25 per child. Cave Quest is for children four years old through entering fourth grade. A brand new program for chil-dren entering fifth grade is called MissionQuest.

Approved a motion to hold two

worship services on Confirma-tion Sunday, May 22—at 8:30 and 11:00 am in the Sanctuary.

There will be no 9:30 am service because it is expected that the 8:30 service will run until at least 9:45 am.

Welcomed Debbie Rundlett,

executive presbyter of the Pres-bytery of Chicago, to share her vision of the model for the church in the 21st Century.

Look for the full “Session Meeting Highlights” report in the Narthex literature rack.

Have you planned for your future? Do you want to provide for your loved ones and leave a legacy that builds God’s kingdom? In early June, the Stewardship Committee will host two education-al opportunities for adults of any age. We all know life and health can change on a dime. It’s never too early to begin planning for the “what-ifs” and “just-in-cases” of life. Please join us Sunday, June 5 during education hour (9:45-10:45 am) for “End of Life Planning,” presented by Rev. Judy Hockenberry in the Chapel. Judy will guide us through the process of thinking about the “what-ifs” and “just-in-cases” of life, including use of the “Five Wishes” document. If something unexpected were to happen to you, do the people who love you know how you wish to be treated? Join Judy on June 5 to learn more. Appropriate planning now will help ease difficult transitions later. Then join us the following Sunday, June 12, also from 9:45 to 10:45 am in the Chapel, for “Financial Planning for the End of Life,” presented by two of our church members, estate lawyers George Drost and Carrie Lincoln Martinka. Carrie and George will discuss how to prepare now to take care of your loved ones and leave a legacy that builds God’s kingdom. The class will include a discussion of wills, bequests, and tax benefits for your estate. We encourage you to attend at least one, if not both of these important sessions. Please RSVP to Mary Fino, in our church office, at 847-255-5900 or maryfino@fpcah.org.

Staff Update Parents’ Day Out Director

First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights is pleased to announce that Coleen Anzalone has accepted the permanent position of director of the Parents’ Day Out (PDO) program. Coleen has been the interim director since July 2015. Under her leadership, the program has flourished. She has been atten-tive to the needs of the students, teachers, and families served by PDO. Her enthusiasm and for-ward thinking have been evident in the atmosphere created at PDO. Congratulations, Coleen!

No one knows what will happen in the future. Do you have a plan for major life transitions?

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generous gift, we replaced ten mattresses. It takes 15 volunteers each week to staff the three different shifts from 6:00 pm to 7:00 am. This num-ber doesn’t even include the beloved cleanup crew

and breakfast cooks who show up before 6:00 am on Wednesday mornings. More than 90 of our volunteers are members of First Pres. However, we still do not have enough help from within our church to staff our three shifts week after week. Thankfully, we have at least 14 volunteers from the community who serve almost once a month on the various shifts. We also welcom-ed several local youth who assisted with dinner and evening cleanup to earn community service hours. The morning crew received additional help from St. Viator High School students during the past four months, who assisted with cleanup prior to starting their school day. Our own youth groups continued to prepare our PADS site each Sun-day by setting up the tables, chairs, linens, and mattresses. It certainly takes a village to make our PADS program run smoothly. With our 26th year completed, it is wonderful to look back and reflect on how, week after week, it all works out, thanks to literally hun-dreds of individuals. PADS will resume next October and continue to serve those in need, thanks to the First Pres family of faith.

To get involved with PADS, please contact Barbara at 630-350-9946 or spsimoulis@yahoo.com. Homelessness and hunger don’t stop for the summer. Turn to page 7 to learn how to help with Summer Suppers.

PADS Site Serves Record Number of Guests Ministry to the Homeless Continues to Make a Big Community Impact by Barbara Psimoulis

The 2015-2016 First Pres PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) ministry has just come to a close. For 30 Tuesday nights, from Octo-ber through April, we experienced a season for the record books. Dur-ing the opening weeks last fall, we served as few as 14 guests (an all-time low, where we had more vol-unteers than guests). However, by March and April, we welcomed nearly 40 guests per night, with a record high of 41 guests in early April. Overall, we averaged 30 guests per week, which, in total, means that we served more than 900 homeless people in our local community these past seven months. Thank you! Despite the fluctua-tion in the number of guests each week, an incredible team of volun-teers throughout our congregation offered dinner, breakfast, lunch, a pad with linens to sleep on, and clothing for those who needed warmer items or a change of clothes. Our guests often tell us that the First Pres shelter is one of their favorites. One reason is our proximity to the library and the train station. However, more im-portant, they tell us that our site always has good, hearty, and plen-tiful food for both dinner and breakfast and that they appreciate how much our friendly volunteers sincerely care. More than 75 individuals from First Pres provided food for PADS. In addition, the PADS Steering Committee started something new last year and invited groups or fam-ilies to provide dinner. We had a

wonderful response, and 18 of our 30 weeks were “owned” by groups. The Bridge provided dinner seven times, on the third week of every month! Thank you also to Pathways, Board of Deacons, Youth Ministries, Chil-dren’s Ministries, Men’s Monday Bible Study, Just Friends, Congre-gational and Community Life Com-mittee, ENGAGE & ENCOUNTER cooks, and Mission Committee for providing dinners.

Several families and a local caterer provided entrées through either financial dona-tions or lots of cooking! The Bridge, parents from Children’s

Ministries, and even our high school youth each commandeered the Fellowship Hall kitchen at sepa-rate times to make awesome din-ners (chili, Italian dishes, and tacos) to be served at PADS the following Tuesday. We received other amazing dona-tions from groups. The Wheeling Fed Ex Office, a local synagogue, and a local elementary school provided bagged lunches on three separate occasions. The Buffalo Grove Garden Club collected hats, scarves, gloves, and warm jackets for our guests. Children’s Minis-tries provided amenity kits that include socks, toothpaste, and oth-er items, which each guest received at Christmas. New guests continue to receive a kit. With funding from memorial dona-tions to PADS and an additional

“Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’ ” — Deuteronomy 15:11

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Chance Meeting Brings Music and Friendship by Kris Mainellis

answer.” The next day, Larry decid-ed to act on that thought: “I sent Marianne an e-mail asking if she might be interested in coming to our house to play and record on Jan’s Yamaha Disklavier grand pi-ano. The following Tuesday, after spending some time with Jan, Mari-anne recorded 15 songs, ranging from, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (one of Jan’s favorites) to “My Funny Valentine.” “We enjoyed nearly two hours shar-ing wonderful music—Marianne and I talking and recording, with Jan listening,” Larry said. “The best part is, Jan has all those songs to listen to, anytime she wants.” After Marianne left that afternoon, Jan said, “I wish our friends could hear just how good she is.” That’s when the couple decided to bring Mari-anne to First Pres for a special con-cert of hymn arrangements, show tunes, and jazz on piano and organ on Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. “I’m humbled by her friendship, believing that God must have had a hand in my changing light bulbs that Tuesday morning. It’s been a bright spot in otherwise difficult days for Jan and me,” said Larry. “Jan and I hope many can attend the concert and experience the gift of music that Marianne shared with us.” Learn more about Marianne Kim at mariannekimmusic.com.

The May 22 concert at First Pres by pianist and organist Marianne Kim holds a personal connection for church members Larry and Jan Olson. A recent unexpected meet-ing turned into a friendship and an opportunity to share Marianne’s music with the congregation. Jan and Larry are big music fans. They have sung in church choirs since junior high. High school sweethearts who have been married for 58 years, they also attended North Park College, Chicago, together, and sang in the concert choir. “Singers always tried to sit by Jan, since she has perfect pitch,” Larry shared. Jan began playing piano at a very young age. She has arranged numerous compositions for piano, barbershop, hymns, and songs. She has sung in barbershop choruses and for 16 years sang with a women’s group that per-formed at retirement and nursing homes in the Chicago suburbs. Jan continues her love for music today, even as she battles multiple system atrophy (MSA). After a number of years of searching for answers, Jan received the diagnosis in 2012 at Rush Presbyterian in Chicago, which was then confirmed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minne-sota. MSA has slowly diminished Jan’s ability to take care of herself and communicate. “Caregivers pro-vide much needed and appreciated help and guidance,” Larry said, “and Jan’s love of music brings her joy and passes the time.” Several months ago, an opportunity arose for the Olsons to share with the First Pres faith community the music of one of their favorite local musicians, Marianne Kim, in a spe-cial concert addition to the First Pres Concert Series. As a member of the Connections volunteer handyman group at First Pres, Larry is usually engaged in working on a project or two at the

church on Tuesday morn-ings. On one recent Tues-day, Larry was busy changing light bulbs in the Chancel when in walked Marianne Kim. Larry instantly recognized her as the gifted accompa-nist for the Lakeside Sing-ers, a group of profes-sional voices based in the Chicago area. Larry and Jan have followed the group’s performances for years. Marianne came to the United States in 2000 from Pusan, South Korea, with a music scholarship at North-ern Illinois University, DeKalb, where she studied piano and organ. Marianne now lives in Hoffman Estates with her family. She regu-larly plays piano at Moody Bible Church, Chicago, and substitutes on the pipe organ. She has also played at Willow Creek Church, based in South Barrington, Illinois, and has her own jazz group. Marianne has been practicing on the 59-rank Schantz pipe organ at First Pres for the past couple of years, thanks to a connection through First Pres organist Chris Urban. But she and Larry had nev-er crossed paths, until that Tuesday morning last winter. “I greeted her by name and introduced myself, saying I recognized her from the Lakeside concerts we’ve attended over the years,” Larry said. “She appreciated that Jan insisted on sitting so she could watch Mari-anne’s hands playing the piano.” As the conversation continued, Lar-ry mentioned that Jan hadn’t been able to attend the last four con-certs, due to her illness, but that she and Larry continue to enjoy Marianne’s music on YouTube. When the conversation ended and the two parted ways, Larry was left with a lingering thought: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know the

Marianne Kim, seated at Jan Olson’s piano at Jan and Larry Olson’s home, in February 2016.

Jan and Larry Olson in October 2012. Multiple system atrophy has affected Jan’s ability to move, but Jan continues to have a deep love of music.

What’s Coming Up

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May Engage & Encounter Examining Israeli-Palestinian relations — Turn to page 10.

Family Service Project Saturday, May 21 / 7:00-9:00 pm

Join The Bridge (singles, couples, and families) for a

food-packing event at Feed My Starving Children, at the Schaum-burg location (1072 National Park-way). To sign up: Visit fmsc.org/volunteer and click on “Join a Group.” Enter and search by the Group Leader’s name: Kelly Dean; or use the Join Code: 822589. Children ages 5 and older are also welcome, accompanied by an adult.

Safe Sanctuary Training Next Session: May 15 / 11:00 am in the Boardroom — New and current volunteers who work with children or youth (birth – 18 years) must have Safe Sanctuary training. If you have not been trained within the past three years, you are encour-aged to attend the next session. Training takes place on the third Sunday of each month at 11:00 am

(exception: next month—June 12). To check your training status, reg-ister for training, or reserve child care, contact Mary Fino at maryfi-no@fpcah.org or 847-255-5900.

Make It Take It May Project Tuesday, May 10 7:00 pm / Parlor

Join the group to make button bowls. All materials will be sup-plied (cost: $15). Sign up on the Small Groups page at fpcah.org or contact Tai Zimmerman at taizimmerman@fpcah.org.

Calling All Gardeners

Gardening Meeting May 16 / 7:00-8:30

pm in the Parlor — Spring garden-ing begins May 7 with Boy Scout Troop 32 assisting in the cleanup of the church landscape and pre-paring the gardens for planting. Would you like to lend your green thumb in caring for the church gar-dens? We need gardeners to plant, weed, water, and provide general care throughout the season. Come

to the meeting on May 16 to learn more. Questions? Contact Marty Kraybill at arty1110k@gmail.com.

May Book Club Meetings Join the Book Clubs on Wednesday, May 25 at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm in the Parlor to discuss The Un-

likely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce. Books are available ($10) in the church office and at the Welcome Center on Sundays. Join the Cycling Group A brand new small group is form-ing, for bicyclists of all abilities. Leaders Todd Smith and Bill Lyon would like to join with other First Pres members to ride bikes for fun and fitness. Helmets are required. Visit the Small Groups page at fpcah.org to learn more and express your interest. Questions? Contact Todd at 224-558-3516 or bandtastic1@comcast.net, or Bill at sbtalyon@comcast.net or 847-454-9436.

Worship Schedule Change for Confirmation Sunday

Services on Sunday, May 22, are expected to run a little long as we join in celebration with our confirmands on Confirmation Sunday. We will offer two worship services, at 8:30 and 11:00 am.

Both services will take place in the Sanctuary. There will be no 9:30 worship service on May 22.

Just Friends (adults 50+) May Activities

Sunday, May 1 Meet at Panera (5 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights) at 5:30 pm for dinner and June planning. Saturday, May 7 Enjoy fine Italian dining at Osteria Trulli (1510 E. Hintz Rd., Arling-ton Heights). Meet at church at 5:30 pm. Saturday, May 14 Take a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Meet at church at 10:00 am. Our day will include lunch at the Garden.

Saturday, May 21 Enjoy “Ricky Nelson Remem-bered,” a multimedia performance by Nelson’s twin sons at the Raue Center for Performing Arts in Crystal Lake (show time: 8:00 pm; tickets: $31-$34). Dinner at The Village Squire in Crystal Lake. Meet at church at 5:00 pm. Saturday, May 28 Time for dinner and a movie. Meet at church at 5:00 pm. Contact Pam Miller for all the details and to RSVP for any activity, at 847-459-3145.

Music & Worship

Tom Trenney, Organist Playing the Soundtrack to Accompany The Mark of Zorro

Friday, May 13, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Tom Trenney, nationally renowned concert organist, will play the soundtrack to the 1920 silent movie, The Mark of Zorro, featuring Douglas Fairbanks, while we watch the movie! You won’t want to miss this special occasion, on Friday the 13th, no less! Please note the special day and time for this concert.

A reception with light refreshments in the Parlor will follow the performance, hosted by the First Pres Trendsetters fellowship group.

Marianne Kim Organ and Piano Concert

Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Accomplished composer, arranger, pianist, and organist Marianne Kim will present a concert of hymn arrangements, show tunes, and jazz for piano and pipe organ. Marianne’s versatile musical ability encompasses a broad range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and Broadway musical. As a composer, Marianne creates piano, organ, choral, and instrumental music and her arrangements have been published through many major publishers. As an accompanist, Marianne works with the Lakeside Singers, a Chicago area group of professional mixed voices. She performs highly demanding dual roles of classical accompanist and rhythm section keyboardist for the Lakeside Singers. She has also served at the Moody Bible Church and Willow Creek Community Church.

This concert is made possible by Larry and Jan Olson. Turn to page 4 to learn the story.

Worship Schedule

May 1 Sixth Sunday of Easter 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 preaching: Alex Lang Conversations sermon series: “Afterlife”

music: 8:30 am: Led by Compass 9:30 am: Chamber Singers 11:00 am: Chancel Choir

May 8 Seventh Sunday of Easter 1 Timothy 2:8-15; Romans 16:1-7 preaching: Alex Lang Conversations sermon series: “A Woman’s Place”

music: 8:30 am: Led by Compass 9:30 am: Women’s Chorus 11:00 am: Chancel Choir

May 15 Day of Pentecost Leviticus 20:22-26; Luke 10:29-37 preaching: Alex Lang Conversations Sermon Series: “Rejecting Society”

music: 8:30 am: Led by Compass 9:30 am: Men’s Chorus 11:00 am: Chancel Choir

May 22 Trinity Sunday / Confirmation We will have two services this day, at 8:30 and 11:00 am, in the Sanctuary preaching: TC Anderson

music: 8:30 am: Led by Compass 11:00 am: Chancel Choir May 29 Second Sunday after Pentecost Psalm 139:13-16; Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 preaching: Alex Lang Conversations Sermon Series: “The Value of Human Life”

music: 8:30 am: Led by Compass 9:30 am: Chancel Quartet 11:00 am: Chancel Choir

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2015-2016 Concert Series: Honor, Remembrance, and Praise!

MAY CONCERT SERIES EVENTS Mark your calendars for these exciting final Concert Series events of the season! Both concerts will be webcast at fpcah.org/webcast. Free child care will be provided.

Conversations A New Sermon Series

by Alex Lang

Bringing voices from the congregation into the sermon time. Join the conversation!

9:30 am —

Crossroads (Sanctuary)

8:30 am — finding grace

(Chapel)

11:00 am — Heritage (Sanctuary)

Worship Services

Church Life

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Roger and Joy Fick and family, on the death of Roger’s brother, Ronald Fick

New Furniture for Parlor The First Pres family of faith has enjoyed many refreshments in the Parlor for the past 20 years or so, and now it’s time to refresh the Parlor itself, with new furniture. The Board of Trustees is working on plans to replace the Parlor furni-ture with the support of designated contributions from the congrega-tion. Just as designated gifts made the initial decorating of the Parlor possible, we now have an oppor-tunity to support its redecorating. Watch for your chance to contrib-ute to the Parlor updates.

Community Services Did you know that we have a com-munity bulletin board near the first floor church offices? We post all kinds of information about elder care, child care, hospice care, coun-seling, support groups, and other opportunities for the First Pres community to receive and give care.

Celebrations We add our prayers of thanksgiving for the birth of: Adelyn Koehler Byrd, granddaugh-ter of Ron and Bonnie Barczak, on March 12, 2016. Proud parents: Kara and Ethan Byrd

Baptism Rose Kathryn DeGeorge, daughter of Frank and Katy DeGeorge, born July

24, 2015, was baptized into the family of faith at First Pres on Sunday, April 3.

Sympathy We join in sorrow with: Kevin and Amy Carroll and family, on the death of Kevin’s father, John Carroll

Ken and Judy Hockenberry, on the death of Ken’s father, Arley Hockenberry

Joe and Katie Marr and family, on the death of Joe’s sister, Lori Hicks

Rick and Karen Sundquist, on the death of Rick’s mother, Marilyn Sundquist

Offering of Letters: May 22 When we come

together, we have more power. Partnering with God to end hunger requires us to organize ourselves for action. Collective action makes a bigger impact than individual protest. Throughout the Scriptures, God speaks of our purpose to rebuild, restore, and renew all that is broken (Isaiah 61). We work to end the brokenness of hunger and poverty in our commu-nities, in our country, and around the world. Tell Congress to increase funding for the nutrition and health of mothers, infants, and children. Join in writing a letter to your congress-person and senators on Sunday morning, May 22, in the Narthex. Our words make a difference in making God’s Word alive in the world for all God’s children. To learn more, visit bread.org/hunger-programs.

Summer Suppers for the Hungry

First Pres will once again host Summer Suppers for the Hungry on the first Monday of the summer months. Summer Suppers help those who are homeless or strug-gling to make ends meet. If you or your group would like to provide food or serve a supper, contact Bar-bara Psimoulis, at 630-350-9946 or spsimoulis@yahoo.com. Most food items can be delivered days before the supper (e.g., cold salads, easy- to-reheat entrees). Summer Suppers at First Pres will take place May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, and Sep-tember 5.

Welcome, New Members! Received Into the Congregation April 17, 2016

Frank and Victoria Bush Frank and Victoria have been mar-ried for nearly 28 years and have lived in Arlington Heights for the past six months. Victoria worked as director of education for Hun-tington Learning Center. Previous-ly, in California, she was a real estate agent for Berkshire Hatha-way. Frank has been executive di-rector (20+ years) for a company that is a division of Toyota. Victoria likes walks, movies, shop-ping, and writing as well as run-ning and tennis. Together, the cou-ple have enjoyed playing mixed-doubles tennis. Frank also plays golf.

Through First Pres, Victoria and Frank would like to help feed the hungry and help less fortunate people to become self-sufficient. Victoria very much appreciates the worship life and outreach activities at this church: “The body of people at First Pres is focused on God and on Jesus Christ, and then with that focus/foundation, on actively helping others through love and outreach, all while benefitting indi-vidually from thought-provoking, intelligent sermons that provide spiritual fuel.”

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Caring Ministries

We are continually bombarded with in-formation and advice on how to take care of ourselves and oth-

ers. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat less sugar. Drink more water. Exercise—even 30 minutes a day can make a difference. Get more sleep. Spend time with friends. All of this well-meaning and important advice is focused on helping us live better and longer. Most of us would agree that we want to live better and longer.

The reality we avoid like the plague in our culture is the reality of our mortality. We don’t want to think about dying or talk about it. It’s morbid or maudlin or both. Yet, dying is part of living. Ecclesiastes writes, “to everything there is a season,” and we watch as new life comes in the spring and maturity comes with the summer. In the fall there is a certain withering, and with winter comes dormancy. All of it leads back to the new life in the spring. This is the way God intends for it to be. One of my fa-vorite prayers is found in the order for the service of witness to the

The Caring Corner by Rev. Judy Hockenberry resurrection, and it says: “Help us

to live as those who are prepared to die and to die as those who are pre-pared to live, so that living or dy-ing, our life may be in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Just as we work to have a good life, we can prepare for a good death. Do you have a will? Have you done everything you can to protect the financial legacy that you have built? Have you considered what your legacy will be to your church family? Do you have a living will and a health care proxy? Do your children or other family members know what your wishes are in terms of things like feeding tubes, ventilators, and other heroic measures to preserve life? When was the last time you talked with them about organ donation or your wishes for your funeral? When the doctor called my hus-band in early April from the VA Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, and told him that his father was refusing a ventilator, it was an enormous relief for Ken to be able to say with confidence, “honor his wishes.” He knew his father was ready to die. Having conversations about death, especially your own, can be difficult. However, putting things in writing can be an enormous gift for those that may have to answer for you at some point in time. If you want guidance in having these conversa-tions, feel free to call one of your pastors to walk with you and talk with you. You can also attend a couple of special adult education offerings in early June (turn to page 2 to learn the details). During these classes you will have the opportuni-ty to fill out documents that will make your wishes known to your family. Here’s to a better quality of life and death! We belong to God in all of it.

Stephen Ministers Help During Difficult Times by Nancy Pardo On Sunday, April 10, First Pres commissioned 11 Stephen Ministers. You may have thought, what the heck is Stephen Ministry? And why does our congregation need it? A

Stephen Minister is someone trained in active listening. The person has spent 50 hours in dedicated training to learn and absorb the skills need-ed to serve a care receiver, someone in our congregation who is hurting. It could be the loss of a job, spouse, or independence; an illness or recovery—whatever causes someone to feel overwhelmed and in need of a listening ear. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or advice-givers; they are a safe sounding board to help you work through your pain. Generally a Stephen Minister will meet with his or her care receiver once a week for an hour. Everything spoken between them is completely confidential. When the Stephen Ministers gather twice a month for supervision and continuing education, even then no names or identifying details are revealed. None of the Stephen Minis-ters know who the others are serving. Only Pastor Judy, who makes the matches between a Stephen Minister and a care receiver, knows who is in the program. A Stephen Minister is dedicated to his or her care receiver and to confidentiality. I’ve been a Stephen Minister since 1998, and my husband knows that when I return from a meeting, even he will not know who my care receiver is, nor will anything be shared. Our pastors are very dedicated, but we have a large congregation. At any given time there are plenty of hurting people, and Stephen Ministers help in the caring ministry. To learn more about Stephen Ministry, visit fpcah.org/stephen_ministry. If you are struggling with an issue that is overwhelming you, please contact Pastor Judy Hockenberry at 847- 255-5900 or judyhockenberry@fpcah.org.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

— Galatians 6:2

Children’s and Youth Ministries

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Mentor Keith Kraske Monica Sparreo Denise Beihoffer Vince Wiltse Phyllis Orzechowski Katie Marr Jane Treppa Bill Lyon Nancy Ashe Brian Landwehr Gary Walker Jim Hempleman Barb Psimoulis Amanda Agami Paul Dean Betsy Allen Ray Green Marty Benz Mark Allen Kevin Kelley Darl Pochert Courtney Childs Denise Poy Cindy Koerner Sue Henderson Jody Stautzenbach

Confirmand Jeremy Adrowski Anja Benz Allie Cerniglia Heyden Draper Belle Gerber Evelyn Greenbury Kaylin Hellyer Severin Hermanson Susannah Holifield Matt Hurley Sarah Ingemunson Kayla Kraske Katie Larson Ben Levinsky Andrew Orals Paige Orals Brandon Poy Douglas Poy Adam Ryerson Ben Sell Luke Sparreo Lauren Stanley Matthew Washco Abby Weiss Lizzy Wetzel Abby Wiltse

Thank You, Confirmation Mentors & Teachers Confirmation Sunday is May 22, when we will cele-brate the 26 students who have spent the past year exploring their faith with their teachers and mentors. Many thanks to the confirmation mentors for the time and effort they have invested in these young men and women to encourage and guide them.

Sincere thanks and appreciation to the confirmation teachers: Mary Larson, Doug Hiskes, Ellen Brault, and Matthew Rosenbaum

Fun Sunday School Moments

Heifer Living Gift Market Is Coming Help ‘Fill the Ark’ to Assist Families All Over the World

Sunday, May 1 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Narthex Visit the Living Gift Market!

“Fill the Ark” by purchasing shares of animals to be given to families across the globe. The gift of animals helps in many ways: they provide sustainable nourish-ment, a source of income, and help with labor on farms. Our Children in preschool through fifth grade are eager to share what they have been learning about different regions of the world and how Heifer Interna-tional works to support individu-als, families, and communities. All donations directly support Heifer International.

Parents’ Day Out Wraps Up Another Great Year Parents’ Day Out will finish its 38th year of serving the church and com-munity on May 27. Classes will re-sume the week of September 12, 2016. A few spots are available in the 6-month to 3-year-old age categories. To tour the facility this summer and learn more, contact PDO Director Coleen Anzalone, at coleenanzalone @fpcah.org. PDO e-mails will be checked daily through-out summer break. Have a safe and happy summer!

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Adult Education & Small Groups

Meditation Group: May 5 7:00-8:00 pm in the Parlor This group meets the first Thursday of each month (including the sum-mer months) to practice and learn about a variety of meditation tech-niques, with the goal for each par-ticipant to find the most personally fulfilling practice. The May 5 class will explore Quigong (Chi Kung) with Qigong Master Emmet Syl-vester, followed by guided medita-tion led by Mona Cecala.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing tech-

niques, and focused intention. This practice is a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often

Two Great Visits Noted author, pastor, and peace activist J. Barrie Shepherd visited First Pres on Sunday afternoon, April 3, to provide poetry readings from his books, speak about his works, and introduce a new hymn. It was a fascinating and entertaining time to learn a little more about this native of Great Britain and retired senior minister of the historic First Presby-terian Church in the City of New York.

Wednesday, April 6, Dr. John and Gwenda Fletcher, Presbyterian Church (USA) mission coworkers in the Democratic Republic

of the Congo, were our guests. Joining the Commune Bible study during the afternoon and then later addressing adult education partici-pants at ENGAGE & ENCOUNTER, the couple shared information about their activities in advancing education (Gwenda) and improving surgical/medical practices (John) in partnership with the Congolese Presbyterian Church and PC(USA) churches.

Sunday Morning Adult Ed 9:45-10:45 am (No Adult Ed May 22)

An Inside Lo0k at the Old Testament, with Dr. Donald Kaasch

(Chapel) — Take part in this explo-ration of the development of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) by focusing on the turbulent histo-ry of the tribes of Israel as they weathered the storms of the major empires around them.

Coffee: Grounds for Discussion (Room 110/112)

Drop in for study and discussion using The Wired Word curriculum (through May 15) Contact: Kelly Dean, k_p_dean@hotmail.com Adult ed contact: Tai Zimmerman, taizimmerman@fpcah.org

May Engage & Encounter Wednesdays, 6:30-8:15 pm

DINNER: 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall (children are welcome!)

Enjoy the company of friends, with food and fellowship. ADULT EDUCATION: 7:15-8:15 pm in the Chapel (free child care)

Exploring the Issues Surround-ing Israeli-Palestinian Relations May 4 & 11: Pauline Coffman, member of the Middle East Task Force of the Chicago Presbytery

May 18 & 25: Rev. Dirk Ficca, director of the Interreligious Initiative for Middle East Peace of the Chicago Presbytery

stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial, and lymph), and building awareness of how the body moves through space. The word “Qigong” (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. “Qi” is pronounced “chee” and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe. May Cost: Free-will do-nation (cost differs each month, per class). The meditation small group is led by Larry Hayes.

Try Holy Yoga Holy Yoga is the prayerful, intentional

practice of connecting our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—with God. Drop in on Wednesday evenings for Chair Holy Yoga at 5:00 pm or Holy Yoga at 6:00 pm,

or on Sunday evenings for Holy Yoga, at 6:30 pm. Classes meet in the Parlor. Cost: $10 per class.

Weekly Devotions Sign up to receive ongoing weekly e-mailed devotions. You can also join the

Devotion Writing small group. Contributors will write a devotion once every 8 to 12 weeks to send to our subscribers.

Brewing Group Gather periodically to brew a batch of beer or ale and then come back to bottle it and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Small Groups — Here’s a sampling of First Pres small groups. Learn more and sign up on the Small Groups page at fpcah.org or contact Rev. Tai Zimmerman at 847-255-900 or taizimmerman@fpcah.org.

Children’s Ministries by Katy Allen and Jenny Stanhope

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Doing a New Thing “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19

Last September, Children’s Ministries embarked on a new adventure on Sunday mornings. Using an “event model,” we focused on spiritual/biblical themes for each unit and celebrated the conclusion of each unit with a special event. We combined classes, refreshed classrooms, and updated the technology to provide flat screen TVs and DVD players. We also moved our gathering time to Fellowship Hall to create a more worshipful time together. Our themes this year were Mission: Possible, KidVid, Advent Possibilities, Life of Jesus, Who Am I?, God in Movies, Heifer Market, and Everybody Eats. A few highlights of the year include making trail mix for The Night Ministry; creating videos of parables with a modern twist; a generous gift from Jan and Larry Olson allowing our fourth and fifth graders to “Pay It Forward”; meeting Jaspar, Arlington, and Pluto, service and therapy dogs who make things possible and change lives every day; a bustling Beth-lehem market; a delicious pancake breakfast shared with friends and family; using our hearts, brains, and courage (themes from The Wizard of Oz); filling the ark at our Heifer Living Gift Market; and kicking off our Children’s Ministries produce garden. It’s been a

wonderful year of trusting God, trying new things, and learning together. Stay tuned to see what great things God has in store for us next fall!

Cave Quest VBS Summer is coming. And you know what that means: a week of fun in the sun at Vacation Bible School (VBS)! Our theme this year, Cave Quest, will take kids deep underground as we explore the rock-solid foundation of God’s love. Everyone will enjoy Bible stories told in creative and new ways in Deep Bible Quests. We’ll work off some energy and get some exercise in Spelunker Sports and Games. Imagination Station is back with unique gizmos to help kids learn and share each day’s Bible point. KidVid Cinema will introduce new kids to our VBS family who have experienced God’s love in powerful

ways. Everyone’s favorite, Cavern Café, will serve up some tasty treats and give us a chance to recharge our batteries. And along the way, kids will connect

with old friends and make new friends, all while following Jesus, the light of the world! Cave Quest VBS will take place July 11-15, from 8:45 am to noon each day. The cost is $25 per child and in-cludes a T-shirt and a CD (one per family). Visit fpcah.org/children to register. Cave Quest VBS is open to four-year-old preschoolers through incoming fourth graders. Questions? Please contact Katy Allen, at katyallen@fpcah.org.

Thanks, and More Thanks! From Katy Allen, Director of Children’s Ministries

Children’s Ministries would not be able to offer such high-quality programs and family events without the dedication of our

terrific volunteers! To our teachers and shepherds, we say thank you! To our special-event volunteers, we say thank you! To our special-event guests who shared their ex-periences and stories with us, we say thank you! To parents who stepped in when we needed an ex-tra pair of hands or two, we say thank you! To those who prayed for us, we say thank you! To our committee members, we say thank you! And to everyone who said, “Yes, I can help with that,” from the bottom of my heart I say, Thank you!

MissionQuest VBS A week of fun, fellowship, and mis-sion is on tap for our incoming fifth graders this summer during MissionQuest.

Through on-site and off-site quests, kids will experience what it’s like to do God’s work with their own hands. Off-site trips are planned to the Wheeling Township Food Pantry and Feed My Starving Children. On-site days will be packed with fun and engaging projects, each one unique and rewarding. Online registration is available at fpcah.org/children. The cost is $25 per child and includes a Mission Quest T-shirt. Please contact Katy Allen at katyallen@fpcah.org with questions.

The First Presbyterian Church 302 N. Dunton Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5993 Phone: 847-255-5900 Fax: 847-255-3475 www.fpcah.org / mail@fpcah.org

For RSVP or Questions: Contact Phyllis Green at phyllisgreenedd@hotmail.com.

Presbyterian Women Spring Salad Luncheon Wednesday, May 18 / 11:30 am / Fellowship Hall Join Presbyterian Women (PW) for a delicious meal and entertaining fellowship event. It’s the final gathering of the PW program year and a perfect opportunity to enjoy some female fellowship.

All women of the church are invited! Bring a salad to serve eight at 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall. We will enjoy fellowship and our salad luncheon with the church staff. After lunch we will hear from Patty and Tom Erd, the owners of The Spice House in Evanston, Illinois, who will present: “The Lore and Lure of Spices.” Maybe we will learn something of the spices we find in the Bible. We will also install our officers for the follow-

ing year. If you have not been part of Presbyterian Women, this is a great time to try it out. Come as our guest; no salad required!