2005 Events

This page includes information and pictures about events that either took place at First Presbyterian Church or involved members or supported organizations in 2005.  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, 2004, 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.

Church members celebrated the beginning of the Advent Season at our annual Christmas Festival in the Ministry Center on Sunday, November 27, 2005.  All in attendance enjoyed sharing fellowship and refreshments, as well as viewing and purchasing the beautiful hand-carved olive wood items on display being sold by the Olive Branch Chapter of the Pilgrims of Ibillin, with proceeds going directly to Palestinian Christians to provide employment and education for the children at Mar Elias Elementary School, founded by Father Elias Chacour.

Denny Lawson hosted the annual fifth grade Breakfast at Denny's on November 6, 2005.  He has been inviting his fifth-grade Sunday School class to his home for breakfast one Sunday each year for around 15 years.

Our WF Fall Retreat was held at Stronghold Conference Center, Oregon, Illinois, October 28-30, 2005.

Our Live the Vision Fall Festival was held on Sunday afternoon, October 30, 2005, to celebrate Commitment Sunday.  We as church members are making a commitment to the future of our church, both in the Annual Pledge Campaign and three-year Growth Campaign. A chili cook off and pumpkin pie contest were included along with plenty of additonal luncheon food. The Ministry Center was available for our first ever tailgate party where Bears fans could watch a little of the game.  The children held a costume parade. The main event was a wonderful concert featuring singer, songwriter Gavin Coyle accompanied by Paul Burgess held in the sanctuary.

At First Presbyterian's Live the Vision Ministry Expo on October 23, 2005, each of our church’s committees, groups, and missions provided information, posters, and/or literature about their ministry, with representatives from each group ready to greet and talk with members about the role that their ministry serves within our church and the many volunteer opportunities available.

Our Homecoming Sunday Picnic hosted by the deacons on September 11, 2005, included both outdoor and indoor events and games followed by a delicious supper with entertainment provided by our talented praise band, "Two or More."

Our Vacation Bible School program, Marketplace "Holy Land Adventure," was held June 21 - 25, 2005, for children entering 4-year-old preschool through grade 5. Thank you to everyone in the congregation who supported VBS, including all the children who participated and all the adults and teens who gave their time, as well as those of you who kept us all in your prayers.

Our Stephen Ministers annual spring party was held on June 6, 2005. They had a great time of fellowship and celebration as they welcomed four new Stephen Ministers into our circle: Anita Brechtel, Mabel Koshy, Jeanne Kovanda, and Phil Slocum.

On Youth Sunday, May 22, 2005, all three services were conducted by the high school students of First Presbyterian Church. Our graduating seniors were blessed at the 8:40 service, and the Confirmation Class of 2005 was welcomed at the 11:00 service. A drama "What Is This Place?" was presented at the 8:40 and 11:00 a.m. services.

Many heart felt memories and best wishes were shared at a farewell celebration of Diane Slocum's ten years as High School Ministry Coordinator on Sunday, May 22, 2005, following the 11:00 a.m. Youth Sunday service. Members of Westminister Fellowship joined church leadership and members in the celebration. Photos of this event may be viewed by clicking here and then returning from the last photo.

Hugs, memories, and some tears were shared, along with cookies, breads, and other treats, at the farewell reception for Rev. Catherine Lindberg and her family on May 15, 2005. As Coordinator of Pastoral Care at First Presbyterian since September 1992, Katie has touched the hearts of virtually every member of our church. We congratulate her on her new position as Pastor / Head of Staff of St. John’s United Church, in Chesterton, Indiana; but we miss her!

A delightful time was had by all who attended the Presbyterian Women's Tea and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 7, 2005.  Fellowship, refreshments, and the first fashion show held by PW since 1977 made this an event to remember!

Dr. Thomas G. Long, author of Beyond the Worship Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship, and the Bandy Professor of Preaching in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, preached at all three services on Sunday morning, April 24, 2005.  He also gave a presentation about worship during our adult education hour in the Ministry Center.  Photos are online.

The Presbyterian Women's Spring Retreat,"Pray Without Ceasing: Exploring the Landscape of Prayer," was held Saturday, March 12, 2005, at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton. Those in attendance enjoyed "The Waiting Room" by Flashpoints, a presentation by Cindy Crosby, painting flower pots, sharing Communion, and a delicious luncheon.  Our thanks to Margaret Bucholz for organizing such a wonderful event!

Our Heritage Discovery Event was held on Sunday, January 23, in Stewart Hall. Following a light lunch we had a wonderful opportunity to look back over the rich history of our church and reflect on who we are, where we have been, where we are today, and where we want to go in the future.