EASTER

EVANSTON

The Book of Job: Broken Hallelujahs

2026

A Place to Belong This Easter

Whether you’ve been part of our church family for years or you’re simply exploring faith, we would love to welcome you. Easter is a celebration of hope — and there’s a seat for you here.

You’re Invited!

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we would love to worship with you during this sacred season.

Join us on Sundays — and especially during Holy Week — as we seek, pray, and celebrate together.

Upcoming Events

Easter Sunday — April 5

“Christ Is Risen!”

Scripture: John 20:1–18

Celebrate the resurrection with joyful worship, music, and the good news of Easter hope.

Learn about our 6:15 a.m. Sunrise Service INDOORS in Walker Chapel.

Learn more about our 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday.

Lent Teaching Series:

Broken Hallelujahs

Each Sunday during the season of Lent, Senior Pastor Darek Zeyl will guide us in examining the Book of Job.

Why Job during Lent? Like Job, many of us are experiencing a time of sorrow, questioning, and lament. We might be asking questions like:

  • Why is this happening to me now?
  • Is there a Godly way for me to express what I am feeling?
  • Am I alone in my sorrow?
  • Where is the heart of God in the midst of my troubles or concerns?

The Bible makes it clear we will all experience loss, disappointment and discouragement. As we prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the celebration to come on Easter Sunday, we step forward in knowing and trusting God in the midst of our troubles.

Join us each Sunday in person at 10:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary, or online at https://live.firstpresevanston.org.

February 22 – 1st Sunday of Lent
Scripture: Job 1 (with reference to chapter 2)
Sermon: The Big Test

March 1
Scripture: Job 19
Sermon: Honest Lament

March 8
Scripture: Job 23
Sermon: Suffering Alone

March 15
Scripture: Job 38
Sermon: God’s Response

March 22
Scripture: Job 42
Sermon: Why?

Fasting and Praying During Lent

We often refer to the season of Lent as a time of preparation. Drawn from Jewish traditions of sanctifying oneself before the various feast days, the Christian approach to the season has more to do with preparing for the celebration to come on Easter Sunday and beyond.

Lent originated in the early Christian church, with roots in the 2nd century, and was formally established as a 40-day preparatory fast by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It evolved from shorter pre-Easter fasting traditions, becoming a widespread period of repentance, fasting, and reflection.

Lenten ‘Pop-Up’ Small Group Underway through Monday, April 6

Our Lenten ‘pop-up’ small group meets each Monday for those interested in using the lectio divina and visio divina methods to contemplate the Bible passage that is the topic of each week’s sermon and a related piece of art. This group meets on Mondays at 9:30 a.m., both in person and on Zoom. The final meeting will be April 6. All are welcome to join for any or all of the group meetings. They provide a peaceful opportunity to meditate on Scripture. Contact Valrie Barrett moc.liamg@429eirlav or Beth Rice moc.liamg@l.hteb.ecir for details on how to take part.

What’s a ‘pop-up’ group?

A pop-up group is one that is only around for a short time or a specific season (it pops up and then it’s gone). These are open to anyone, and are especially terrific for those who are new to First Pres Evanston, or are not currently involved in one of our small groups.

Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and self-examination which culminates in Holy Week and the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter.

Fasting is an opportunity to give up something pleasurable for a period and instead devote yourself to prayer, meditation, or worship.

Many people fast from food, or a particular food or food group, but you can choose to give up an activity, a source of entertainment, or something else instead.

As we move through Lent, we seek to learn about ourselves and, through that process, give over more of who we are to Jesus.

Fasting from something we enjoy can help reveal things to us and help us in that growth process.

Absolutely! We have partnered with churches in our surrounding area to rent a donkey as part of our procession around Raymond Park (just north of our facilities).

We had a terrific time last year, as we worshiped with one another, got to know folks from other churches, and marched in celebration of Jesus, our savior!

Not if you don’t want to. Some people do come in their Easter finery, but others will be there in “workplace casual” attire. What matters most to us is that you come join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the awesome truth of God’s immeasurable love for all of us.
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We want you to join our Evanston family

We hold membership classes every few months for those interested in exploring what it means to be a member of First Presbyterian Church of Evanston. Those who attend are under no obligation to join… It’s just a great way for anyone to learn who we are, where God has brought us from, and what a greater engagement with our church might look like.