What’s happening Now at FPCD

Community concert series

Join us for a festive melody! This holiday season, warm your hearts with the joy of music at our annual Holiday Sing-a-long! Gather your friends and family and get ready to be part of a cherished tradition that celebrates the spirit of togetherness and good cheer. We’ll journey through a collection of timeless carols and modern classics. Led by our charismatic organist, this interactive concert is sure to have you humming along and tapping your feet. Don’t miss this enchanting evening of melody and merriment. Let’s raise our voices in harmony and light up the night with song! No prior singing experience required. Lyric sheets will be provided. Be part of a holiday tradition that’s more than just a concert­ — it’s a memory in the making!

Christmas Sing-A-Long Friday, December 6 @ 7:00 p.m.

MUSIC

Our music program warmly welcomes individuals of all ages, experiences, abilities, and talents. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings, with performances each Sunday during our 9:30 a.m. worship service. Contact Wendy Mineau for more information.

Join the Chancel Choir! Wednesdays, Rehearsal @ 7:30 p.m.

Consider joining the Handbell Choir! Rehearsals are just one hour on Wednesday evenings with performances quarterly during our 9:30 a.m. worship service. Contact Michael Grippo for more information.

Looking for a Lighter Commitment? Wednesdays, Rehearsals @ 6:30 p.m.

We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of the Festival Choir for the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service! This is a wonderful opportunity to share the joy of the season through music and fellowship. Rehearsal schedule is for six weeks only in the Choir Auditorium. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or new to choir, we welcome all voices to join us in making this Christmas Eve truly special. Rehearsals will be a time of learning, laughter, and preparation for a beautiful performance. Any questions? Reach out to Michael Grippo at music@firstpresdf.org.

Join The Festival Choir for Christmas Eve! Wednesdays, Starting November 13 @ 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Gathering together

Children’s Ministries is excited to host a Family Fellowship Night on Saturday, November 16th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church. This fun-filled evening is designed for families with elementary-aged and younger children. Kids can enjoy games like hide and seek, dodgeball, pinball twister, and more. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, we’ll also have some Thanksgiving-themed activities including a movie on the big screen. We’ll kick things off with a pizza dinner at 6:00 p.m., accompanied by veggies, fruit, and a surprise dessert! This event isn’t just for the kids—it’s also a great opportunity for parents to connect with each other. The whole family is invited, so plan to join us in the church family room for a memorable evening of fellowship and fun. Don’t forget to sign up in the Wednesday eblast!

Family Fellowship Night! Saturday, November 16 @ 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Get ready for the Advent season a week before Thanksgiving with joy and creativity at this year’s Advent Workshop! Right after worship, we’ll gather in John Calvin Hall for a festive morning filled with Christmas crafts, wreathmaking, holiday music, and delicious food. This cherished annual event is a perfect way for the whole family to come together, celebrate, and prepare for the Advent season. The workshop offers fun and fellowship for all. Mark your calendar and join us for this special time of preparation!

Advent Workshop and Brunch Sunday, November 24 @ 10:30 a.m.

Each year, our youth group helps transform the church for the Christmas season by hanging wreaths, lights, and decorations throughout the building. It’s a fun and meaningful way to get into the holiday spirit while making our church look festive for the season! Join us to help deck the halls and bring the joy of Christmas to every corner. Be part of this wonderful tradition as we prepare our church to celebrate the season!

Youth Group's Hanging of the Greens Wednesday, November 27 @ 10:00 a.m -12:00 p.m

It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year — Angel Tree Time! You are invited to participate in this amazing program that provides gifts to families in the North Shore area, many of whom are living in poverty and struggling to cover basic costs of living. This year our congregation has been asked to provide gifts for Nuestro Josselyn children — so we could really use your support to extend the love of Christ to these families.

Angel Tree Giving Now through Monday, December 16

We invite you to join Christian Beginnings families in donating hats and mittens during December. Please place items on the tree in the church entrance or the Christian Beginnings hall. This year, the donations will be taken to both the Nuestro Center in Highwood, Illinois, and PADS Lake County on December 19.

Christian Beginnings Mitten Tree Giving Now through Thursday, December 19

Join us for our annual holiday event and get a head start on Christmas preparations by wrapping your gifts while enjoying music and fellowship with friends. At this drop-in event in the beautifully decorated Mary Martha Lounge, Presbyterian Women furnishes everything needed for wrapping, including paper, ribbons, gift tags, boxes, bags, scissors, tape and pens…all you bring are the packages. It’s a great way to wrap, especially for moms who don’t want their young children to see their presents, or a last-minute Angel Tree gift. Bring Christmas cards to address or just stop by to enjoy the decorations, holiday music and fellowship. $10 covers the cost of materials and food.

Annual Gift Wrapping Party Friday, December 13 @ 9:00 a.m. - Noon

We meet again in December with all of us reading Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley — our discussion leader will be Jane Coen. The upcoming books include: James, Black Point, Lady Tan Circle of Woman, Horse, and Absolution. The Book Club meets every third Friday of the month in the Mary Martha Lounge at 9:30 a.m. Contact Louise Ristow for more information. You are welcome to join any time!

Friday Morning Book Club Friday, December 20 @ 9:30 a.m.

Good food, good friendship, and shared leadership are offered at this monthly gathering. Our book, "Who is this Man?" by John Ortberg, is available for pick up in the Friendly Office. Contact John Radzinski or Peter Stonebraker. You are welcome to join any time!

Men's Saturday Breakfast Saturday, December 21 @ 9:00 a.m.

REAL Women is a group for those navigating a newly empty nest and all the joys and challenges that come along with it. We meet in each other’s homes and backyards. Discussions are based on books, podcasts, webinars, TedTalks, etc. that we have shared. We meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month beginning September 25. If you’d like to be added to our emailing list, please contact Kathy Knezevic. All are welcome!

REAL Women 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the Month

Small group Bible study for women, meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. for a casual dinner (optional) followed at 7:30 p.m. for Bible study and dessert in Mary Martha Lounge.

Presbyterian Women's Mary Martha Priscilla Circle 1st Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Small group Bible studies for women, meeting the first Thursday of the month in the Chapel. Contact Lorraine Clark or Ann Janus for more information.

Presbyterian Women's Miriam Rachel Circle 1st Thursday of the Month @ 11:30 a.m.

Small group Bible studies for women, meeting the first Tuesday of the month in various members' homes or at the church. Contact Linda Walton or Helen Kuhl for more information.

Presbyterian Women's Rebecca Circle 1st Tuesday of the Month @ 9:30 a.m.