NOTES OF REST

Featuring Julian Davis Reid
and Tremaine Parker

Experience God's rest through the beauty of Black music.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6 1:00 - 2:30 PM

This is a free event. Everyone is invited.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAINING EVENT

Did you miss the LIVE session at First Church? Click here to watch a rerun video of the Training Session

CONOCE TUS DERECHOS ¡Hacer clic! Evento de capacitación

¿Te perdiste la sesión en vivo en la Primera Iglesia? Haz clic aquí para ver la repetición de la sesión de capacitación.

Watch Sunday's message (11/23/2025):
Pastor Hope Chernich

What To Do When The Light Is Dim: Rejoice!!

Watch the whole series as

presented in future weeks.

What To Do When The Light Is Dim: Rejoice

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.

Slow Down This December

December can feel like a blur.

Pastor Hope Chernich,

First Church of Des Plaines

The year is ending, deadlines pile up at work and school, and holiday events fill every weekend. We rush from one thing to the next. Before we know it, the season is over and we never stopped to catch our breath.

This year, we invite you to slow down. Join us for worship at First Church on Sundays at 10am. Give yourself time to prepare so you can actually enjoy the celebrations ahead.

Life is hard sometimes. We carry heavy things with us—worry, sadness, fear, regret, or a feeling that nothing really matters. If we ignore these feelings, the dark winter days can drag us down. We might miss out on the joy of being with family, putting up decorations, and sharing gifts.

But here's the good news: God offers us gifts that bring life—peace, love, joy, and hope. This December, while we shop for presents and plan parties, we'll also think about the gifts God gives us. And we'll learn how to receive them, even when life is tough.

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.