The First Presbyterian Church of La Grange Mission Statement:
Inviting people into a life of meaning and purpose in Christ

Faith We believe in God’s personal love for each of us, for whom he sent Jesus Christ to reveal his majesty and free us from sin, and in the Holy Spirit alive and active in the world today. There is nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God. Also see What does it mean to be Presbyterian, below.		“Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.”
Worship We offer 3 different worship formats to suit a variety of tastes and spiritual needs: On Sunday morning, a traditional service is held in the sanctuary; House of Hope, our contemporary service takes place on Sunday evenings; and a Service of Wholeness service is held in the chapel on Wednesday evenings. There are ample opportunities to participate as ushers, greeters, music makers, or readers. Learn More: Worship Times • Ministry Opportunities		“Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Come into His house with thanksgiving!”
Education For children, our extensive and varied Faith Forest offers Christian education through a variety of multi-sensory formats including story telling, videos, crafts, computers, and traditional lessons. For older youth we offer Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening fellowship groups called TUXIS and IB. Plus there are a number of adult education opportunities, Sunday mornings and during the week, including our extensive Small Group network. Learn More: Faith Forest • Childrens Ministry • Teen Ministries: TUXIS & IB		“Suffer the little children unto me.”
Connecting Join a small group to strengthen your Bible knowledge or deepen your personal relationships. Meet new people through a variety of traditional and modern programs. We have something for you. Learn More: Small Groups • Adult Ed • Positive Parenting • Presbyterian Women		“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
Service We live the words of Christ by helping those in our local community and the world through our financial gifts and practical assistance. A large portion of the church’s annual budget is distributed to benevolent organizations locally and around the world. They also fund mission projects which our congregation performs to serve local, national and world-wide needs. Learn More: Mission and Outreach		“Even as you have done to the least of these, you do unto me.”

What Does it Mean to be Presbyterian?

We are part of the United Presbyterian Church of the USA, a large organization of churches that share a common philosophy and mission. Key elements of that philosophy are:

• We are all called to be part of God’s purpose - men and women equally can be ministers and church leaders.
• There is no one between ourselves and God - we can pray directly to God for aid, guidance, and the forgiveness of sins.
• We are a reformed church, and always reforming. We are constantly looking for ways to better ourselves and grow closer to God, as a community and as individuals.
• Each individual congregation is led by a group of Elders (elected lay people) to act as the church’s board and direct the day-to-day decisions of the church, in conjunction with the pastoral staff. (The name Presbyterian comes from the Greek word for Elder.) The name of this governing body is the church Session.
• The session is required to follow a number of rules and work with larger church bodies at the local, regional, and national level.
• The congregation determines the pastoral leadership of the church.

Learn More: PCUSA Brief Statement of Faith • PCUSA Basics • Who Are Presbyterians? • Newcomers Guide

FPCLG Leadership

The Session and the pastors are the governing body of the local church. The Session is made up of lay people elected for three-year terms during which they serve on specific committees and on the church board at large. The committee and membership is listed below. To reach any of these people, contact the church office for up-to-date contact information at 708.354.0771 or email admin@fpclg.org.

Clerk of Session: Diane Lang

Worship, Music, and Arts: Megan Wells, Beth White
Membership: Roger Davis
Children’s Ministry: Eileen Norton
Youth Ministry: Jon Hall
Adult Ministry: Joe Yount
Mission: Douglas Cogan, Zane Muhl
Congregational Life: Lee Benisek, Jan Schermerhorn
Personnel: Kristin Kraai-Keely, Lorana Gleason
Property: Troy Kimberling, Steve Williams
Finance: Roger Davis
Communications: Diane Lang, Kristin Kraai-Keely, Douglas Cogan