FC July 1, 2009.qxp - First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest

July 1, 2009
Volume IX, N O. 13
Churchwide
Gathering of
Presbyterian
Women, July 11-15
in Louisville, Kentucky.
See June 1 Faith Connections for
details or for more information
contact Kristie Finley at
kfinley@firstchurchlf.org
Summer Sunday
Worship
SUNDAY, JULY 5
10:00AM Worship
Reverend Corey Nelson
Communion
Stephen Singers
SUNDAY, JULY 12
10:00AM Worship
Reverend Amy Pagliarella
Jazz Service with Lesley Byers
and the Jazz Cats
Baptism
Faith Connections
is published bi-monthly and mailed
to 1300 members and friends of
First Presbyterian
Church of Lake Forest.
Submission due dates are the
1 st and the 15 th of every month.
Please send submissions to
kwolff@firstchurchlf.org
faxed to (847) 234-6283 or
dropped off at the church office.
CHURCH OFFICE 847-234-6250
HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00PM
Saturdays [Sept - May] 8:00-noon
FIRST CHURCH’S HISTORICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
In 1987, Reverend Claiborne Bell
identified the urgent need for a History
and Archives Committee of Session.
Though First Church possessed historical
records and documents, chairing the
new committee demanded someone who
could effectively tackle the challenge of
evaluating the records for preservation,
acquiring historically relevant documents,
preparing record-keeping systems and
arranging for preservation
and storage. Dr. Bell
knew exactly who to ask;
Millicent Kreischer had
already demonstrated
outstanding leadership
skills as a 16-year Director
of Christian Education,
President of Presbyterian
Women and she had been
a history major in college.
Millicent’s leadership of
the newly established
committee attracted a team that
included Harold Hutchings; Chicago
Tribune archivist, Dr. Arthur Miller;
Lake Forest College’s Librarian for
Special Collections, and Katherine Arpee;
a Lake Forest historical writer, and her
husband Edward Arpee, Dorothy
Jamieson, Gladys Johnsen, Zadonna
Sharp, Jeanette Mattoon, Audrey
Vanderaa and Mary Farwell. Meetings
were initially held in front of the old
walk-in safe (on the 2nd floor) and the
massive retrieval process included
document hunts in the basement (where
former sermons were found in boxes), calls
for committee files and minutes, and
retrieval of the church’s blueprints from
the custodian’s file in the basement.
Millicent’s stewardship of the preservation
of the church’s story included staking a
claim for a designated space that was
vacated during the 1990 remodeling.
Using the system formulated by Harold
Hutchings, the collection was properly
stored on archival shelves and numerically
catalogued for easy retrieval. Documents
were preserved in acid-proof boxes; photo
citations were made in non-damaging pencil
and protected by acid-proof cellophane covers.
Millicent’s vision and passion for history
went beyond solely collecting and cataloguing
existing material. She encouraged and
supported research on former
pastors, church leaders and
influential congregation
members. The committee’s
historical research has
included: genealogical studies,
alphabetized and computerized
membership listings dating
back to the charter year of
1859, fact corrections and
numerous publications.
“Our upcoming book on
our Sesquicentennial history
would have been impossible without
the work of History & Archives. Their
meticulously catalogued collection was an
enormous gift in itself. In addition,
the members of the Committee have been
diligent and generous in researching
numerous threads. The entire church owes
a profound debt of gratitude to Millicent!”
Reverend Christine Chakoian
As First Church enters its Sesquicentennial
year of celebration, it possesses a
professional History and Archives
Collection that chronicles and preserves
our church’s historical consciousness.
Every generation has been served by
Millicent’s nurturing and shepherding of
the entire process for over 22 years.
Her dedication and humility elevated the
contributions and service of the History
and Archives committee’s many members
and has resulted in the treasured gift of
our past to our church’s future.

Pastor/Head of Staff...Reverend Christine Chakoian...cchakoian@firstchurchlf.org
Associate Pastor for Mission...Reverend Corey Nelson ...cnelson@firstchurchlf.org
Associate Pastor for Children’s Faith Formation...Rev. Amy Pagliarella ... apagliarella@firstchurchlf.org
Parish Associate...Reverend Kent Kinney...kkinney@firstchurchlf.org
Executive Director...Lynnette Hinch ...lhinch@firstchurchlf.org
Director of Youth Faith Formation...Kristie Finley...kfinley@firstchurchlf.org
Director of Music/Organist...Jill Hunt ...jhunt@firstchurchlf.org
Director of Sanctuary Choir...Tom Tropp...ttropp@firstchurchlf.org
Director of Youth Music Ministry...Lesley Byers...LesleyPByers@aol.com
Preschool Director...Ruth Luke ...rluke@firstchurchlf.org
Director of Communications...Donna Birney ...dbirney@firstchurchlf.org
Church Business Manager...Herb Smyers...hsmyers@firstchurchlf.org
Church website...www.firstchurchlf.org ... fax 847. 234 . 6283...phone 847 . 234 . 6250
First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest 700 N. Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045 847-234-6250
Dear Friends,
The celebration is about to begin! 150 years ago, on July 24, 1859,
a small group of worshippers gathered to sign the Charter bringing
First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest into being.
This month, on Friday July 24 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon we
will celebrate our Charter with a festive ceremony at Triangle Park.
The occasion will include a Proclamation from the city of Lake Forest;
a brief Anniversary address, Prayers of Thanksgiving and Remembrance, and a Wreath
Laying at the “Witness Tree” in tribute to our founders. Soloist Kathy Ferrin will provide
inspiring musical leadership. Following the half-hour celebration we will return to the
Church for strawberry shortcake, just as our founders celebrated 150 years before.
Honorary chairs for our 150th celebration include Margaret Hart, granddaughter of our
revered pastor James G.K. McClure; as well as Francis C. Farwell II and Kent Chandler, Jr.,
both descendants of John V. Farwell who was instrumental in founding our congregation.
This ceremony is just the first of many events to mark our Sesquicentennial. Mark your calendars
for the many fellowship, educational, and worship activities that have been planned.
In the year ahead, as we discover our history, I hope that we will be more than taking a look
backward. Instead, let it be a time for us to celebrate what we have done, to remember who
we are, and to recommit ourselves to our mission in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Every blessing,
Save the Date
DINNER AND RECEPTION FOR HONORED GUEST
DR. HERB ANDERSON
September 19, 2009
Reception at 6:00, Dinner at 7:00
Location and cost info will be provided soon.
Dr. Anderson will also be preaching September 20.
**If you have any old pictures of Dr. Anderson please
bring them to the church office, we’ll make copies and return them to you.
2009~2010
SESQUICENTENNIAL
Events and Celebrations
July 4 – Sesquicentennial Float debuts
in the Lake Bluff July 4 th Parade
July 11 & 18 – Calvin and the
Reformation – sermons with adult
education to follow
July 24 – Charter Recognition
Ceremony - 3:00 PM - Triangle Park
- strawberry shortcake to follow
August 5 - Sesquicentennial Float
in the Lake Forest Day Parade
August 9 – Movie about Calvin’s
legacy featuring Reverend
Christine Chakoian.
September 13 – Sesquicentennial
Rally Day Celebration
September 19 – Sesquicentennial
Kick-Off Dinner at the Deerpath Inn
September 20 - Dr. Herb Anderson
will preach
October 17 – Presbyterian Women’s
Retreat led by Reverend Chakoian
November 1 – Rick Spalding will
preach
November 15 – Rev. Dr. Cliff
Kirkpatrick will preach;
Sesquicentennial Mission Conference
November 29 – Advent Supper &
Wreath Making Workshop
December 26 – Senior High Work
Trip Alumni Reunion

MUSIC FOR WORSHIP IN JULY
On Sunday, July 12 we will have the great privilege of
having Lesley Byers and her Jazz Cats providing
music for our worship.
All of the music including
the congregational hymns
will be in their wonderful
“swingin’” jazz style.
We so appreciate all of the
work Lesley has done with
our Eggs Benediction and
Adult Worship Band. What fun it will be to have her lead
worship with her own professional jazz ensemble.
SUMMER CHOIR
We will have our next Summer Choir on Sunday, July 19.
Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to come to the
Choir Room at 9:00 AM for rehearsal and then sing in
the 10:00AM service. The music will be enjoyable and the
company even more fun! Come join us July 19!
Summer Sunday School
Come down
to the bayou
for Crocodile
Dock ,
this summer’s Vacation
Bible School adventure on
August 18-21.
Children age 4 through grade 4 will experience
a burning bush, the Passover, a Red Sea parting and more,
as we learn from the Israelites to follow God without fear.
Lively games, crafts, and tasty snacks accompany
each morning of learning and storytelling.
Children who have completed fourth grade are invited
to VBS Work Trip for a taste of what
our Senior High Youth experience in their work trips.
This lively new program allows them to volunteer
each morning and then reflect on each activity
as they enjoy fellowship and serving together.
Registration forms at firstchurchlf.org
For more information or to discuss the need for a
scholarship contact apagliarella@firstchurchlf.org
(age 4-grade 4) or kfinley@firstchurchlf.org (grade 5).
Older children and adults are encouraged to volunteer.
SESSION UPDATE from Clerk of Session
At the June Session meeting, elders reviewed the Holy
Outrageous Goals (HOGS) adopted in June of 2007. The first
HOG, Increasing (Doubling) Participation in Worship by July 2009
is to further our core mission to Proclaim Christ's Message.
The second HOG, Increasing (Doubling) Participation in Small
Groups, furthers our core mission to Provide a Community of
Spiritual Nurture. We heard measurable results on the HOGS,
including worship attendance rising almost 10% since 2007,
and a doubling of participation in small group faith formation.
Having reviewed these goals, elders are now in the process of
setting future priorities for the church. More to come!
Smiling Faces
Have you noticed a few additional smiling faces on the walls
of First Church? A portrait of Reverend Christine Chakoian
now hangs on the wall outside of the South Parlor, along with
all of the previous Pastors/Heads of Staff of First Presbyterian
Church. Our wall of Associate Pastors (between the coat room
and choir room) is now also up to date, with the additional
photographs of Reverends Patrick Day, Corey Nelson, and
Amy Pagliarella. Please join us in thanking Allen Davies,
David Radcliffe, Kay Wolff, and the History & Archives
committee for their efforts in making this happen!

750 UPDATE
Quite a lot has happened with regards to our property at
750 North Sheridan in the last few weeks. As was noted
in the June l Faith Connections, the Ad Hoc Committee,
charged by session with recommending a plan of action
for the property, has been extremely active - and has added
four new members, Chris Coffin, Gig Hender, Sally Burns
and Prue Beidler. While we plan updates in each Faith
Connection about the project, we have noted contact
information for all the Ad Hoc committee so you
can reach out with comments or questions.
Informal discussions with the City of Lake Forest have
guided us in terms of appropriate next steps. It is clear that
we need both explicit plans for 750 and a clear explanation
of how the 750 property fits into our entire campus plan when we meet with the two
committees required for properties within the Lake Forest historic district.
Melichar Architects has been hired to lead us through the next part of our process.
Local architect Diana K. Melichar, AIA, has a great deal of experience in dealing with
buildings in the Lake Forest historic district. She also worked with First Presbyterian
on the improvements to the entrance which were completed last year. Melichar Architects
will work with us through the first phase of the planned project which encompasses integrating
the entire 750 property into an overall master campus plan, converting the existing home
into a manse, and adding a two car garage adjacent to the home.
Our current ambitious timeline expects that we will be able to present documents to
the City by August 13 which will make it possible for our project to be considered by
the Historic Preservation Commission on September 23 and the Zoning Board of Appeals
on September 29. At the same time that Melichar Architects prepares these documents,
members of the Ad Hoc Committee will be presenting updates on a regular basis to the
congregation and meeting with neighbors of the 750 property who may have questions
about our plans.
This project is extraordinarily exciting, and is moving forward quite quickly now.
We need to be clear that while we are doing everything possible to ensure a positive
result with the City committees, there is no guarantee our site plans will be approved.
But we strongly believe our decision to hire Melichar Architects and our understanding
of the history and significance of the property will ensure the best possible results. When
we agreed as a congregation to purchase 750 when it was available in 2005 we knew that
such an opportunity to purchase contiguous property was rare indeed. We couldn’t then
anticipate all of our church’s needs going forward. But what we do know is that First
Presbyterian Church has grown and thrived for 150 years and we expect it to continue
in a similar way long into the future. Securing this property to optimize our ability to
respond to future needs made sense in 2005 and the Ad Hoc Committee strongly
believes that the decision we made then was a wise one.
Watch for more information as we know it and meanwhile,
contact any of us at the email addresses noted below.
Beth Mynhier.... ehmyn@aol.com
Chris Coffin..... chris@digitalacoustics.com
Doug Valassis... dtv852@msn.com
Gig Hender...... gig.windrush@gmail.com
John Johnson... jjtr@sbcglobal.com
Prue Beidler.... prbnfb3@aol.com
Skip Heizer.......heizer@manushealth.com
Vicky Murphy... vmurph46@aol.com
Sally Burns..... sallysburns@aol.com
Herb Smyers..... hsmyers@firstchurchlf.org
Lynnette Hinch..lhinch@firstchurchlf.org
CALVIN’S CORNER
Happy Birthday
John Calvin was born 500 years ago
this month, on July 10, 1509,
in Noyon, France, as Jean Cauvin
(the name “John Calvin” would
come later). He was the second child
of Girard and Jeanne Cauvin.
Besides his older brother, Charles,
he also had two younger brothers and
two younger sisters. His mother was
described as “pretty and devout” and
died when Jean was only six. Girard
was a notary and clerk at the
cathedral in Noyon until he was
accused of some fiscal irregularities
in 1528 and was excommunicated, a
state he was still in in 1531 when he
died, this being the worst state of
affairs for anyone to be in at that
time. Only by the intervention of
Jean’s older brother, a priest at the
cathedral, was their father “restored
to the faith,” allowing him to be buried
in the churchyard. However, within
five years of their father’s death,
Charles also ran into difficulties
with the cathedral and was
excommunicated. When he died in
1536, Charles was offered absolution
and the last rites but refused them
and so was buried in unhallowed
ground under the town gallows.
By that time, of course, the concept
of “hallowed ground” was totally
irrelevant to his younger brother.
Presbyterian Women
Rummage seeks to hire a
highly organized and caring individual
to manage the day-to-day operations
of our Rummage Sorting Room. The
position requires a "people person"
with exceptional interpersonal and
phone skills, who is able to manage
a variety of situations and make
quick, yet thoughtful, judgments.
The ideal candidate will be able to
multi-task. Ordinary hours of
operation are Monday and Thursday
from 8:45-12:00, closed holidays.
Application in the church office.

Claire Curran Mission Volunteer
Claire Curran, a 2009 graduate of Lake
Forest High School, has been selected as
one of two Presbyterian Church USA
delegates to participate in a two week
Young Adults in Mission (YAM) Work
Camp alongside delegates from partner
churches in North America and the
Caribbean region. She will be working
at the Mt. Olivet Boys Home in
Manchester, Jamaica. Mount Olivet was
established in 1967, providing care for boys age three to eighteen
in need of care and protection. Claire will participate in projects
including maintenance, mural painting, and working with the wider
community to de-stigmatize attitudes towards the boys. She will
facilitate workshops on topics such as drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and
conflict resolution/violence prevention. Claire has proposed selling
her grandmother’s secret strawberry jam recipe to raise money on
behalf of the Mount Olivet Home, a requirement of her participation
in the program. She will be outside the church office on Sundays
during July and is accepting donations and will deliver the jam to
your home. Stop by and visit with Claire, order a jar of jam and learn
more about her mission trip as she lives her faith in service to others.
Stephen Ministry is YOURS
Stephen Ministry is your ministry. It is part of the Board of
Deacons and an important way that First Church cares for each
other. If you are going through a difficult time, consider having
a Stephen Minister. If you know someone else who is facing
difficulties, suggest that they request Stephen Ministry.
Make use of it. Stephen Ministry belongs to you!
IN MEMORIAM
Marie J (Eibergen) Brown died on June 16, 2009. Mrs. Brown
joined the church in 1988. She will be missed by her family,
Peggy and Allen Bartine and their children Todd and Erin Morrison.
Introducing Reverend Emily Rosencrans
Many of you have heard Reverend
Emily Rosencrans preach from our
pulpit. Some of you have received
her pastoral care at Lake Forest
Hospital where she serves as Chaplain.
Now all of you are encouraged to
welcome Emily to our congregation
as an adjunct member of our staff.
In a provision in our denomination’s Book of Order, non-parish
clergy are encouraged to maintain a relationship with a particular
church in keeping with their ordination to ministry of Word and
Sacrament. This “Parish Associate” relationship is responsible
to the pastor/head of staff on an “as needed, as available” basis
(G-14.0570). Some Parish Associates – like our own Kent
Kinney – are paid clergy with specific responsibilities. Other
Parish Associates – like Emily Rosencrans – serve in an unpaid
capacity without any job portfolio. Currently, Emily has made
herself available to us to help with our Small Group Ministries.
Prior to coming to Lake Forest in 2007, Emily served for a number
of years as Associate Pastor at the Presbyterian Church in Wayne,
Pennsylvania. Her parish experience includes Small Group ministry,
spiritual mentoring, adult education and new member outreach.
In addition, Emily is certified in marriage and family counseling,
with specialized training in grief and trauma counseling.
Emily’s family includes husband Andrew Rosencrans, Chaplain
at Lake Forest Place (and also a familiar voice from our pulpit).
They have three children, their youngest son, John, was just
confirmed into membership in our congregation. We are
grateful for the blessing of their presence among us.
Work Trip 2009 to Cedar Rapids Iowa
may have been cut short, but it was a meaningful trip for all.
Our two days of work in the community formed a connection
with the homeowners. Senior Night on Thursday night in
Fellowship Hall provided closure and honored our graduating
seniors in our traditionally moving manner.
Welcome Home Work Trip

JULY 1, 2009
SUNDAY SUMMER
WORSHIP
AT 10:00 AM
SUMMER
SUNDAY SCHOOL
AT 10:00AM
June 7-September 6