SCOTT WYLIE Future Hope Co-Chair, Serving Deacon, Liturgist
My parents were not church-goers, but they dutifully took me to Sunday School and Church at the Presbyterian Church in Carmi, Illinois every week as a child. The gig was that I would be able to make my own decision on whether to continue to attend once I was old enough to decide on my own. Rather than feeling alone at Church, I was instead warmly embraced (including from Robert Nichol’s Grandmother who was my Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher) and gifted another lifelong family who continue to provide unconditional acceptance and affection. The work we are doing now on our Future Hope campaign is my way of paying those kind and loving people back for helping make me the person I am today by making sure we are doing that for future kids needing a church home.
SARAH CROSS Future Hope Co-Chair, Serving Elder, Liturgist, Worship, Handbells
I did not attend First Presbyterian Church as a child. I began attending in 2010 when my father had a medical procedure and was unable to drive himself to church. What started as a daughter’s obligation, quickly and quite unexpectedly blossomed into a deep love for this church and its people. I came regularly, started my own family here, and now find myself involved in many facets of our ministry. My children are so fortunate to be involved with the youth here and they are learning so much about loving all people by following Jesus’ example. Eventually my mother joined us. My vision and hope and prayer for this church is that we will continue to shine Christ’s light in this world for generations to come. I’ve often said that while I’m sad I didn’t get to grow up here, I am so excited to grow old here.
TONY AIKEN Future Hope Team Co-Chair, Serving Deacon, Wide Awake Band
I grew up in the United Church of Christ tradition at St. John’s – a church that at one time had two locations in Evansville. One thrived, and the other did not. I have great memories of the latter, downtown church. I make a point to walk by it when I’ve helped at the United Caring Shelter serving lunch. At one time, I even called it a cautionary tale, or a tale of two churches. I don’t see it in such gloomy terms, but I do receive the instruction.
I have found at First Pres a vibrancy I remember at both of my former church campuses. I, thankfully, grew up in progressive, inclusive UCC tradition, so that spirit, too, feels familiar to me. Our church is growing. The needs of our community are growing, too. The work that I have been called to do with the Future Hope campaign is necessary to address growth. What a wonderful opportunity to live our faith and build for what is seen and unseen!
JOHN STRANGE Future Hope Team, Liturgist, Elder
I have been a life long Presbyterian; however, First Presbyterian is actually my second Presbyterian Church! I was led to this church when my last church was in transition to a new pastor, who eventually led that congregation away from the Presbyterian Church USA. It became a now-defunct, non-denominational, evangelical church. I heard of First Presbyterian from a good friend, who had family that attended here at the time. After attending here for a year or so, I brought my dad to our loving congregation. I love telling this story. My mom had died, and my dad was still attending the other church. Something was said at a senior friends luncheon that my dad had attended. The statement was anything but one of inclusion and love for all of God’s people. My dad decided that it was no longer a place for him. He started attending First Pres with me, and he decided, very quickly, that he wished to transfer his membership. I will never forget what Rev. Kevin Fleming said on the day my dad officially became a member of our loving church. Kevin said that, usually, it is the parent who brings the child to church. Today, he said, it is the child who has brought his dad to join our congregation!
Our church, this space, is a place for all people, and we must ensure that the physical building that hosts, houses our space will be accessible and available for decades to come. It is part of OUR stewardship to engage in this mission, for it is our hope for the future!
SUE SCHRIBER Future Hope Team, Serving Elder, Liturgist, Worship Chair
Each Sunday, as I sit and admire the Rose Window while listening to the anthem, I marvel at the beautiful sights and sounds of First Presbyterian Church. Sights and sounds that have filled the sanctuary for more than a century because our ancestors had faith and the conviction of things not seen (or heard). And now, through Future Hope, we can further our faith and conviction for generations to come. I am honored to be a member of this church community of open-minded, open-hearted disciples, who covenant to support and encourage one another, as we explore God’s grace on our journey of faith.
JILL GRIFFIN Future Hope Team, Serving Elder, Generosity Committee, Choir
For more than a century, members of First Presbyterian Church have given generously so that this congregation could worship, grow, and serve. The Future Hope campaign continues that tradition by inviting today’ s members and friends to invest in the future of our remarkable church. For me, that means maintaining the historic splendor of our church so future generations can experience its power to uplift and unite. It means supporting our ministry that brings hope and touches so many lives. And it means growing our endowment to serve as a lasting foundation for generations to come.
First Pres has shaped my life and the life of my family in countless ways. The ministry is welcoming and affirming in a way that resonates deeply with my worldview. The music fills the sanctuary and lifts my spirit every week, offering a glimpse of the divine. And the congregation nurtures a spirit of love and empathy in a world where both seem to be in short supply. This church has been a steady light along my journey, and I hope to help keep its flame burning bright for those who come after me.
