Sacraments
Baptism
Welcomes us into God’s family, the church
Unites us with Jesus
Public reminder of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives
Is not required for salvation
Can be performed in another Christian church
Infant baptism is practiced; parents make public confession
for their children
Commanded by Jesus
Baptisms must be approved by Session (meets once a month)
before they occur so make your contact one to two months before you would
like the baptism.
Contact:
sseccombe@firstchurchlf.org
Communion
A remembering of the community of Jesus and his disciples
A time to renew faith and strengthen us to live the life Jesus
taught
Pita bread and grape juice are used, representing the body
and blood of Christ
Symbolized the new covenant between God and all people
Commanded by Jesus
Celebrated first Sunday of every month in worship
Home communion distributed to shut ins every time it is celebrated
in worship
Contact:
sseccombe@firstchurchlf.org
Click
here for communion education for families
Weddings
Weddings
We understand that a wedding is a religious event. The music, readings and liturgy
of the church service will be rooted in Christian tradition and will honor
and glorify the God who joins the couple in Christian marriage.
Click here to
see our Wedding Guide with information on having your wedding at First
Church
Contact:
ssecombe@firstchurchlf.org
Funerals
Funerals/Memorials
We understand that a memorial service or a funeral is a religious service of
thanksgiving and hope for the gift of the life of the deceased individual.
The music, readings and liturgy of the church service will be rooted in Christian
tradition and will honor and glorify the God in whom we put our faith.
Call the church office (847) 234-6250 when you have a need and ask for any pastor.
They
will
guide you and your family through the difficult process of planning a funeral
or memorial service.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial gifts in memory of or honoring an individual may be made at any time.
These gifts are used primarily for the beautification and enhancement of
worship space. A committee oversees the use of these undesignated funds,
working with the family of the honoree and with the pastors regarding needs.
Contact: hsmyers@firstchurchlf.org
Serving in Worship
Acolytes
Junior high girls and boys are trained to light worship candles at the 9:00 service.
They wear robes and process formally to light and extinguish candelabra in
the chancel. Students serve one or more times during the year. Ushers serve
as acolytes at the 11:00 service.
Fellowship
An important event in the life of the church. A time
to make new friends and reconnect with old friends while
catching
up on church activities. It is held every Sunday after
both worship services. Committees share the responsibility
of hosting
fellowship.
Flowers for Worship
We welcome your gift of flowers to enhance worship. Flowers
may be donated in memory of a loved one, in remembrance
of
a special occasion, to the glory of God or for a celebration
you wish to recognize. A sign up poster is outside the
main
office where you may sign up for a particular Sunday.
Flowers may be displayed in the two niches; niche sizes are: 23” long
by 8” deep by 32” high.
In front of the communion table
In the baptismal area; a small bouquet or arrangement works
best here
At Christmas and Easter our sanctuary is decorated with funds
donated by many in the congregation. A memorial list
of all those who donated is printed in the bulletin on Christmas
Eve and Easter Sunday.
Contact: moderator@firstchurchlf.org
Choirs
Sanctuary Choir for adults
Children’s Choirs
Instrumentalists
Youth Music Ministry
Head Ushers
Men, women and high school youth are trained to offer
a hospitable welcome to worshippers and to assist
in the orderly completion
of worship. This ministry is a vital part of the
worship experience. Head ushers serve for one month a
year at
one of the services.
They are responsible for the successful training
of their usher team.
Ushers
Women, men and high school youth serve as ushers at each
worship service on Sunday; 8 at the 9:00 service and
6 at the 11:00 service. Experience is not required. A
trained Head Usher supplies clear instructions about
your tasks. This opportunity offers a great chance to
welcome worshippers.
Liturgists
Women, men and high school youth are trained to lead
the congregation during worship with prayer and
reading of scripture. This
essential ministry reflects the belief that all
are responsible for participating in worship, each with
her/his own gifts.
Contact: moderator@firstchurchlf.org
