2004 Events

This page includes information and pictures about events that either took place at First Presbyterian Church or involved members or supported organizations in 2004.  Please contact Susan Miller at 630-682-0108 or by email at GGM81@aol.com with any items and photos you would like to contribute.

Past events from 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, and 2002 are also online, as well as upcoming events for adults and for youth.  Some information and photos about events prior to 2002 can be found in our Church History Section.

Our Board of Deacons hosted our annual Senior Luncheon in Stewart Hall on October 25, 2004.  It was a beautiful fall day with the sun shining outside and Stewart Hall warm with fellowship.

A busload of First Presbyterian members enjoyed a wonderful concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia on July 18, 2004.

Two Vacation Bible School Programs were held at First Presbyterian Church the week of June 21-25, 2004, and photos are online!  Thanks to all who participated in Lava Lava Island or the Victory Sports Camp.  The goal of both camps was to give kids a chance to learn more about Jesus and how to be his follower.  The shiny strands of "lava" on the volcano each represent when a child did something at home during the week to share God’s love with others.  We want to be a place where "JESUS’ LOVE FLOWS!!!!"   A special thanks to all the volunteers who gave of their time, love, and gifts to make this week possible.  What a blessing you are!

Dr. Douglas J. Brouwer preached his final sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton on Pentecost Sunday, May 30, 2004. Laughter, tears, fellowship, music, food, and memories were all part of the reception in Stewart Hall on Sunday, May 30, 2004, when we gathered to thank and say goodbye to Douglas Brouwer, his wife, Susan DeYoung, and their daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth Brouwer.  Doug began as the new pastor/head of staff of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan, on August 1, 2004.  Doug's letter to the people of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton of April 20, 2004, is also available online.

On Youth Sunday, May 23, 2004, all three services were conducted by the high school students of First Presbyterian Church.

Our Senior Spring Luncheon was held at church on Monday, May 10, 2004, and enjoyed by all the participants, with time to visit and enjoy getting to know each other and share delicious food and fellowship.

Doug Baker, one of the missionaries supported by First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, gave a presentation on Sunday evening, May 2, 2004, in the Ministry Center to adults and to teens from Westminster Fellowship.  He has has been a missionary in Northern Ireland for 25 years and discussed his peacemaking and reconciliation ministry there, sharing stories and the history of that part of the world, and also provided information about the Young Adult Volunteers program of the Presbyterian Church USA.

On Tuesday, April 27, 2004, Presbyterian Women enjoyed working together in Stewart Hall and participating in an important mission project that saves lives, the NetWorkers Malaria Prevention Program, during our second annual Mosquito Net Workshop.

The pink tulips in our Garden of Hope bloomed in April 2004.  This garden was dedicated to remember those who have suffered from breast cancer as well as to increase our awareness that early detection is the best cure!

Our Maundy Thursday worship service on April 8, 2004, included a dramatic presentation of the Living Last Supper.

The all-church auction sponsored by the Presbyterian Women on Saturday, March 20, 2004, included a delicious dinner in Stewart Hall, musical entertainment, and both a live auction and silent auction, with proceeds going to the various missions of our church.

Our Westminster Fellowship youth enjoyed WF Bowling Night, including both bowling and pizza, on Sunday, February 22, 2004, at Brunswick Bowl, North Avenue and Glen Ellyn Road, Glendale Heights.

A good time was had by all who attended our annual Spaghetti Dinner on February 21, 2004.  This event is a fund raiser for the Westminster Fellowship Mission Trip to Portsmouth, Ohio, in June 2004.

"I Remember It Well," an entertaining musical cruise featuring seniors from the community, was performed in our Ministry Center on on Saturday, February 7, 2004, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. All proceeds went to support our Friendly Visitor program chaired by Rachel Abbott. View a slide show with photos!   Video tapes of the show may be ordered for $20 each by sending orders to Jerry O'Neil c/o First Presbyterian Chuch, 715 North Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, with all profits donated to the Friendly Visitor program.  Contact Jerry O'Neil for further information at 630-462-3769.

A good time was had by all at our Westminster Fellowship Winter Retreat, January 30 - February 1, 2004, at Timber-Lee Retreat Center.

Over 300 people enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by the Men's Breakfast Group and a discussion by Gary Burge about his timely and controversial new book, Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians, on Saturday, January 24, 2004. Over $12,000 was raised, a part of which will be used by the Pilgrims of Ibillin, Olive Branch Chapter, to purchase the main altar/communion table for Father Elias Chacour's church at Mar Elias Schools in Galilee.