The care of a congregation unfolds in the rhythm of the liturgical year and the faith stories embedded within. Effective ministry requires the ability to recognize, interpret, and nurture the faith journey of the community of faith, connecting our individual stories to God's leading. Within all of the events listed below — the list of things we do that helps the church move smoothly along — there is an opportunity for a story to be prompted, a faith experience to unfold, a spiritual journey to beckon. If we limit this calendar's use to "checklist only," it becomes lifeless, a monument akin to Michel Foucault’s description of “secretion of time” — a small thing that condenses “the spirit and malaise of an epoch.” If we listen to the stories of each individual along the way — we may be able to recognize the nudging of the Spirit.
- Pastor Clifford
Note: This listing begins with the current month and continues through the upcoming twelve months.
JANUARY 2012
First Presbyterian Church Officer Training
Saturday, January 7, 2012 | 9:30 a.m. to Noon
This is a required training for all deacons and elders, newly elected and returning.
Ordination & Installation of Officers
Sunday, January 8, 2012 | during 10:30 a.m. service
In keeping with the tradition and polity of the Reformed faith, the spiritual leaders of First Presbyterian Church — who have been elected by the community of faith — will be ordained and installed in a significant worship service in which we embrace the yoke of servanthood.
Deadline for Committee Annual Reports
Friday, January 13, 2012 | 4:00 p.m.
Ministry/Committee Chairs: please submit electronic reports to Administrative Assistant, Chris Wheal.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday
Sunday, January 15, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
This is a deeply spiritual day in which we emphasize peace and justice. Dr.Wes McNeese, pastor of sister church New Mission Church of God, will proclaim the Word and the New Mission Church of God Choir will be singing.
Dr. King sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. Working alongside individuals of all ages, races and backgrounds, Dr. King encouraged Americans to come together to strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge dignity and respect for all human beings. Service, he realized, was the great equalizer. Read More from Martin Luther KIng, Jr. Day of Service website ...
Welcome Back Sunday
Sunday, January 22, 2012 | 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Howard Milkman, former pastor of First Presbyterian Church, and his wife Jean are welcomed back for conversation during the Sunday school hour and for worship.
Anniversary of First Presbyterian Church (January 30, 1828)
FEBRUARY 2012
Our church is responsible for a week of Meals on Wheels this month.
2012 Super Bowl Sunday - February 5
APCE 2012 Conference
February 1 - 4, 2012
Visit the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators (APCE) website to learn about this ministry here . . .
Lincoln's Birthday Worship Celebration
Sunday, February 12, 2012 | 8:30 Breakfast and Program,
10:30 a.m. Worship Celebration
First Presbyterian Church traditionally devotes the morning worship service on the Sunday that is closest to Abraham Lincoln's birthday to commemorating the inspirational aspects of his life, faith, and spirit, and remembering the Lincoln family’s relationship to First Presbyterian Church during the years 1850-1861. The service will feature special music, and a reception will follow. Read more . . .
Annual Congregational Meeting, Mission Fair, and Luncheon
Sunday, February 19, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. with lunch after
The Annual Congregational Meeting and Luncheon after worship includes a short, informative meeting. This day offers a great opportunity to learn what the future holds for our church. On this day we celebrate the good things that are happening in our ministries and missions. Many participants discover ministries through the Mission Fair booths that provide opportunities to deepen one's faith.
Annual Reports will be available the Sunday prior, February 12. Members are invited to peruse the report, be prepared to ask questions, vote on the budget, terms of call of the pastor, and elect members to serve on the 2012 Nominating Committee. At the luncheon, ministry reports will be offered and celebrated. As you can see, this is an important time of year as we celebrate our life together as the Body of Christ doing God’s work in the world. Donations will be accepted for the meal.
Cabin Fever Party
Friday, February 24, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | — in the Children's Hall
Winter gotcha down? Shake off the chill: join us for our annual winter church party. We will have food, board games, and a movie.
Ash Wednesday Worship Service
Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this service of singing, prayer and the
imposition of ashes — the service that marks the beginning of Lent. Lent spans 40 days (minus the Sundays) to remind us of the years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and the days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Lent is a time for spiritual journeys, a time to reflect on our own relationship with God — as we travel with Jesus toward Jerusalem and the cross. This service is accompanied by David Tell and the Native American flute.
2012 Lenten Brown Bag Concert Series #1
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
- Maria Horvath - piano
MARCH 2012
2012 LLCC Spring Break - March 3 - 11
| UIS Spring Break - March 12 - 16
2012 St. Patrick's Day - Thursday, March 17
2012 Daylight Savings Time begins March 11
2012 Springfield Schools Spring Break - March 31 through April 9
2012 Lenten Brown Bag Concert Series #2
Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
- Rochester High School choral group
2012 Lenten Brown Bag Concert Series #3
Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
- Devin Kemp - soprano
2012 Lenten Brown Bag Concert Series #4
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
- Rudolf Zuiderveld: A Bach Birthday Bash. Celebrate Spring with delightful virtuosic music from Sebastian's Pen: a Vivaldi Concerto, a Trio Sonata, and a Prelude & Fugue
2012 Lenten Brown Bag Concert Series #5
Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
- Kamen Petkov - violin
April 2012
District 186 Spring Break — April 2 - April 9, 2012
2012 Earth Day - April 22, 2012
April 15, 1865 - Abraham Lincoln died
Palm/Passion Sunday
April 1, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
2012 Lenten Brown Bag Concert Series #6
Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
- Capital Chamber Singers
Maundy Thursday Healing and Wholeness Communion Service
Thursday, April 5, 2012 | 7:00 p.m.
Join us in a litany of healing and wholeness — and for communion at our inclusive table. Please bring a loaf of bread as a donation to the Samaritan Ministries Food Pantry.
Good Friday Worship - Vigil of Darkness
Friday, April 6, 2012 | 7:00 p.m.
This stirring service of darkness recalls Christ’s seven last words.
2012 Easter Sunday - April 8, 2112
Easter Sunday Sunrise Service
Sunday, April 8, 2012 | 6:30 a.m.
Join us in an informal service in the early morning light
Easter Breakfast 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012 | —immediately following Sunrise Worship Service
Attendees travel together to a local restaurant for breakfast.
Easter Sunday
Witness to the Resurrection Service
Sunday, April 8, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
A festival of Joy with special music on the Brombaugh Organ and from the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir. Please bring a loaf of bread as a donation to the Samaritan Ministries Food Pantry.
May 2012
District 186 Last Day of School — May 25, 2012
Young Musicians' Annual Concert
Sunday, May 6, 2012 | 4:00 p.m.
— an annual free concert of solo presentations — celebrating local young musicians in their award-winning performances.
A reception in honor of the students follows. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Mother's Day Sunday
May 13, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
Mothers and daughters are honored in worship
Commencement Sunday (third Sunday in May)
May 20, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
Pentecost Sunday
Sunday, May 27, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
June 2012
Summer Chapel Worship Services Begin
2012 season begins with Sunday, June 3 chapel worship service at 8:15 a.m.
Casual Sunday & Annual Church Partnership Picnic
Sunday, June 10, 2012 | after worship | meet at Jim Edgar State Park
Canoes, fishing, food and fun — this picnic is
one of our partnership events with New Mission
Church of God. We join together each year for this time
of fun and fellowship, which is also an opportunity to
help to bring down the racial barriers in Springfield.
Fathers' Day Sunday | Chocolate Potluck
Sunday, June 17, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. & after worship
2012 Vacation Bible School (VBS)
TBA
July 2012
Don't miss special music guests - every Sunday during summer worship.
August 2012
Sanctuary Choir Practice begins
Wednesday TBA in 2012, 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. & Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m.
Meet choir director Becky Kemp in the choir room, lower level of the sanctuary.
Summer Chapel Worship Services End
Summer Chapel Worship Services end for 2012 season with Sunday, August 26 worship service.
September 2012
Meals on Wheels - First Presbyterian Church will be responsible for one week in September, 2012.
2012 Labor Day - Monday, September 3
Taizé / Healing & Wholeness Service
Saturday, September 8, 2012 | 7:00 p.m.
The Taizé-style worship service moves through a pattern of meditative chants, scripture readings in a variety of languages and intercessions and silences. For this service, the chancel is graced with a large, draped cross and candles. The lights are subdued. As you enter flute, oboe, and classical guitar is heard from the balcony, waiting for God's people . . . read more . . .
Christian Nurture Sunday: Sunday School Kick-off
Sunday, September 9, 2012 | 9:00 a.m.
Refreshments served by the children in Commons/ Fellowship Hall
Appreciation Sunday
Sunday, September 16, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. & lunch after church
2012 Route 66 Mother Road Festival - September 28, 29, 30
October 2011
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 6, 2012 | 11:00 a.m.
You and your pet, or pets, are invited to participate in a service celebrating all living things in God’s good creation. Read more . . .
World Communion Sunday (first Sunday in October)
Sunday, October 7, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
Crop Walk
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Goosebumps -All-Saints- Organ Concert and Electronic Light Show
Saturday, October 27, 2012 | 7:00 p.m.
Dress in costume, or in all black / all white, for this event, which will present dramatic and evocative music that will inspire and amaze. Music will include J.S. Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," and pieces by composers Widor and Pachelbel.
Classical dancers and electronic lights will add to this night of addressing our fears. All donations will go to Springfield's Salvation Army. Light refreshments follow. Read more . . .
All Saints Remembrance: Longtime Members Honored (Fifty or more years)
October 28, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. | dinner after worship
First Presbyterian Church will remember those in our church family who have died in the period from November 2011 through October 2012.
We invite you, and your family, to join us for this worship service in which we prayerfully give thanks for the gifts of our loved ones.
The worship service is accompanied by the tolling of the bell for those who have passed away this year.
This is also a day of celebration in which we give God thanks for our longstanding members. Traditional bagpipers will begin the service of worship by leading us in the hymn, Amazing Grace, and conclude the service with the recessional, Highland Cathedral. The dinner will be prepared by members of the Celebrations Ministry, and donations will be accepted to defray costs..
2012 Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 4
November 2012
Veteran's Honored in Worship
Sunday, November 11, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
Roy Wehrle and John Akers are arranging a display area for vets' memorabilia, which will be available for the congregation to view and hear personal stories about, in the Commons during the special reception.
Hanging of the Greens
Sunday, November 18, 2012 | begins with lunch after worship
Hanging greenery, symbolically associated with everlasting life, is especially appropriate at this time of expectation in the liturgical year—Advent. In addition, cedar greens represent royalty and holly symbolizes Jesus' death. Ivy represents the resurrection. Hanging chrismons or other symbols of Christ and faith as we do for our chrismon tree remind us of Christ's identity and the Trinity.
NO Choir/Vespers/Potluck on November 21, 2012
2012 Thanksgiving - November 22
Church Offices Closed: Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23
First Sunday in Advent - December 2, 2012
December 2012
Christmas Melodies and Messages: 1850s Community Carol Sing
Saturday, December 1, 2012 | 6:00 p.m., Prelude begins at 5:30
Abraham and Mary Lincoln, portrayed by Fritz Klein and Pam Brown, will greet visitors
— and everyone is invited to attend in period costumes along with our musical guests.
The evening offering will go to the Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign to benefit the poor of Sangamon County.
Refreshments, including Mary Lincoln's White Cake, will follow the service. Read more about this event . . .
2012 Advent Brown Bag Concert Series #1
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 | 12:15 p.m.
Celebration of God’s Gifts / Commitment Sunday
Sunday, December 9, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
This day we give thanks for this church's enthusiastic members and fruitful ministries. It is the time of year that we rededicate our lives to Christ, a commitment to justice and compassion which requires much from us — financial sacrifice, gifts of time, and a sustained prayer life. We are Christ's body, and as such we can bring hope, comfort, and good news to a hurting world. We thank God for our church family, where we can share our hopes and challenges together.
2012 Advent Brown Bag Concert Series #2
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 | 12:15 p.m.
Christmas Children's Pageant and Pancake Brunch
December 16, 2012 | 10:30 a.m. & after worship
During worship we dedicate our Bright Star Tree Gifts, which the children carry into the sanctuary and place under the Chrismon tree. The gifts are specially chosen for children at Matheny-Withrow School. Following worship, we will gather in the Commons for the annual Pancake Brunch.
2012 Advent Brown Bag Concert Series #3
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 | 12:15 p.m.
Holiday Music and Carols—Rudolf Zuiderveld, Brombaugh Organ
Candlelight Service of Carols
Sunday, December 23, 2012 | 10:30 a.m.
This candlelight family service interweaves biblical readings of the birth story and traditional Christmas carols. Guest instrumentalists and vocalists will assist in this worship service.
Christmas Eve Worship - Communion and Instrumental Music
Monday, December 24, 2012 | 5:00 p.m.
Communion worship service of the Christmas story with carols, guest instrumentalists and vocalists — a candlelight family service that interweaves biblical readings of the birth story and traditional Christmas carols. Children are welcome.
Church office closed Monday, 12/24 -noon, through Tuesday, 12/25
2012-2013 District 186 Winter Break - December 21 - January 3
2012-2013 LLCC
Winter Break - Dec. 14 - Jan. 11
2012-2013 UIS Winter Break - Dec. 23 - Jan. 13
First Night Springfield
Monday, December 31, 2012
First Presbyterian Church hosts afternoon First Night Events. Check the newspaper for events and locations.