Des Plaines Churches - First Church

Watch Sunday's message (10/12/2025):
Pastor Hope Chernich

God cares for Creatures Geat and Small

For The Fruits of This Creation

You can catch the latest Sunday Live Stream by clicking on the graphic above or on this link. We also send our stream to Facebook , and here’s the Facebook Link.

Pastor Hope Chernich,

First Church of Des Plaines

Join Us at First Church This Fall!

October is one of my favorite times of year.

It starts with our Pet Blessing on the church lawn, where we pray for our furry friends. The weather gets colder, leaves change colors, and nights grow longer. The month ends as we prepare for All Saints Day to remember those who have died.

A Season of Stewardship

This is also when First Church focuses on stewardship—being generous and taking care of God's gifts around us.

A "steward" is someone who takes care of something. When God created the world, He gave humans a job: to be caretakers of creation. Our purpose is to protect and care for God's beautiful world and all His creatures. This is stewardship.

Learning from Animals in Scripture

During stewardship season, we continue becoming the people God created us to be. We'll explore Bible stories about animals to learn about creativity, generosity, and joy. Stories like Noah's Ark, Jonah and the Whale, and Balaam's donkey show us that all creatures have a place in God's story.

You Are Invited

Join us Sundays at 10am for worship. RSVP with the church office for a special lunch on October 26 as we celebrate God's blessings and our role as stewards.

May God's peace and blessing be yours,

Pastor Hope Chernich

Community Peace Circles

Peace Circles are a powerful way to solve problems, connect with others, and offer support. Based on ancient indigenous traditions and modern values of inclusion, these circles help people connect in our diverse community.

First Church Des Plaines is hosting Community Building Peace Circles for anyone in the Des Plaines area—community leaders, young people, seniors, first responders, business owners, teachers, and parents.

Circles meet at First Church UMC (668 Graceland Ave.) on Saturdays from 11 am-2 pm. Participants receive a $25 grocery gift card and refreshments.

September 13 -Inclusive Community
October 18 -Safe Spaces
November 15 -Coping with Loss
December 13 -Isolation to Connection

Space is limited. Sign up at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfBeNUYvCrpOxZd60cobaxSnr8ePCZicDedj6mbum8eVGJhA/viewform?usp=header

We'll contact you one week before with details and confirmation

Good things:

We pray.

Each week, our prayer circle comes together to uplift the needs of those we know, and those we don’t. If you would like us to include you –and we would like to include you – use the QR code to let us know.

Your contact is confidential.

If you believe you need more than prayer support, our Pastor invites you to come in, meet her, and have a heart-to-heart. You’ll like her; she’s a good listener.

We are all lost sheep. We are finding our way. We can do this together.