Attached is the October Newsletter for the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. There are a lot of opportunities in this issue to connect with the church and each other.  This issue includes…

• • Update from the Covid Team on returning to in-person worship;
  • Join us this Sunday, October 11, for a beautiful fall Sunday in the Park at 11 am at Hessel Park;
  • Check out other opportunities that Nurture has planned;
  • Children, Youth and Family updates on virtual Sunday School, Trunk or Treat alternative, and collaboration with the DREAAM project;
  • Stewardship and finance report;
  • Mission News includes ESL updates, Cuba Partnership and upcoming Styrofoam Collection event on October 31 planned by the Green Team (Environmental Stewardship Team)

Attached is the September Newsletter from First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  There are a lot of opportunities in this issue to connect with the church and each other.  Be sure to read about…

• Book study on White Fragility:  Why Is Is So Hard for White People to Talk About Race? begins via Zoom either Monday, September 14, at 7 pm or on Thursday, September 17, at 11 am.  Contact the church office 217.356.7238 or patty@firstpres.church if you would like to sign up.
• Sunday in the Park…this Sunday, September 13, at 11 am at Hessel Park.  Social distancing and all Covid guidelines will be followed…wear a mask!
• Welcome to our new organist, Brendan Barker!
• Sunday School Coordinator needed.  Job description included in newsletter.
• Update on kitchen remodel.
• Ways to stay in touch from the Nurture Committee.
• Report on fall Sunday School gatherings via Zoom.
• Mission updates including ESL Fall online gatherings.

Attached is the August News from First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  Be sure to read about…

• An essay from a Quaker pastor in Indiana…Allow yourself to laugh while reading!
• How some of our members are coping during COVID;
• Request from Presbytery;
• Worship Updates and preparing for in-person worship;
• Confirmation Sunday August 16 as well as thoughts for fall Sunday School;
• Did you know Presbyterian Women has a committee that helps with meals or errands for a period of time?
• Mission Updates including news from ESL and our Cuba Partnership.

Attached is the July Newsletter from the First Presbyterian Church.  Keep up with the latest news by reading…

• Congratulations to DREAAM on 5 wonderful years!
• Youth zoom series continues on Thursdays at 4 pm;
• Search underway for Organist/Church Musician to replace Richard Rossi;
• Raindrop 2020 supports the ministry at Frontera de Cristo;
• Sister church in Cuba celebrates their 130 year anniversary;
• New photo challenge!

Attached you will find the June Newsletter from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  Please read to find out more about…

• Presbyterian Women elect new officers for 2020-21; 
• Best wishes to Richard Rossi on his new position;
• Worship update during Phase 3 of pandemic;
• What is happening this summer with children, youth and family;
• Congratulations to 2020 graduates;
• Mission news.

• Continued online worship service Sunday morning as well as mid-week gatherings.  We want to know about your online experience so go to https://forms.gle/GpNujTsALRpVx5US7  and give us your feedback.
• Nurture Committee has challenged us to come up with our version of various Bible verses.  Check out their pics!
• Children, Youth and Family have updates on what is happening the remainder of the school year as well as this summer  with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
• Session updates.
• ESL program information.
• Mission News.  For a complete update on Mission go to firstpres.church/heartofmissions.

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• Holy Week — Online version.  See how you can join our services online for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday at firstpres.live;
• Learn more about Rachel and Matt Matthews in this month’s Employee Highlights;
• Update from our Children, Youth and Family; ESL and other mission updates.  

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In the March Newsletter, read about:

• Service of Wholeness March 15 at 6 pm in the Sanctuary;
• What we are doing to help make our facilities germ free for our members and guests;
• Updates from Children, Youth & Family;
• Holy Week Schedule…Easter is Sunday, April 12, with 3 services that morning;
• Mission news including how our Environmental Team is marking the 50th Anniversary for Earth Day;
• How you can help with the kitchen renovation.

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In the February Newsletter, read about:

• Annual Meeting of the congregation will be held Sunday, February 16;
• Ash Wednesday imposition of Ashes Wednesday, February 26, 5-7 pm in the chapel;
• Upcoming Adult Education Opportunities including a special Lenten Study and Grief Seminar/Obituary Writing with Matt Matthews;
• Update on kitchen renovation;
• Youth news;
• Mission updates;
• Stewardship 2020 update.

In the January Newsletter, read about:

• Max Libman, 8th grader from Countryside, will present “The Holocaust” on Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 pm at Countryside School in Champaign.  You might remember Max from when he and Matt did a dialog together.
• Adult Ed opportunities this new year.
• Youth updates.
• Opportunities throughout area to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Mission news…including ESL highlights.
• Continuation of Matt’s Cuba Journal.
• Meditation from Christmas Eve from Eric.