More Than Sunday

Catalyst was created to meet a growing need for meaningful connection where people can talk honestly about life and faith and feel truly known. In this episode, Shana Frederick sits down with Catalyst hosts Tami and Scott to reflect on their experience, what they have witnessed in their groups, and why simple, authentic conversation is resonating so deeply right now. This conversation offers a glimpse into the kind of community many people are longing for.

Interested in Joining Catalyst?

How to Sign Up:

You can learn more and sign up through the church website:

https://firstpresge.org/catalyst-first-pres/

Dates & Timing:

The next round of Catalyst will begin the week of January 26th 2026.

Men’s and Women’s Catalyst groups will be offered, with specific days and times listed on the website.

Who Catalyst Is For:

Catalyst is for everyone.

If you’re longing for real community, meaningful relationships, and honest conversations about faith and life - this is for you. Whether you’re new to church, deeply rooted, or somewhere in between, Catalyst offers a welcoming space to be known and to know others.

If you’ve been feeling the nudge for something more...more connection, more depth, more honesty, consider this your invitation. Catalyst isn’t about having the right answers or saying the perfect thing. It’s about showing up as you are and discovering you’re not alone. We’d genuinely love for you to join us.

We’re saving a seat for you.

In today’s episode Pastor Chris Griggs sits down with Dr. Keith Johnson, Professor at Wheaton College, to discuss what we can learn from the way the protestant church resisted tyranny in 1930’s Germany.

Ahead of her upcoming equipped class on Sunday mornings, we sit down with First Pres member Dr. Jill Lederhouse, Professor of Education Emerita at Wheaton College, to discuss what everyone can learn from the way that Jesus approaches his teaching ministry in the gospels.

Learn more about First Pres at https://firstpresge.org/

Welcome back to the More Than Sunday podcast! On today’s show Pastor Chris Griggs is joined by Wheaton College professor Dr. Tracy McKenzie to discuss his upcoming EQUIPPED Adult Education class at FPGE. Starting November 6th, Dr. McKenzie will teach ‘History Of Thanksgiving (Evolution into Holiday).’ Listen in for more information!

Read about Dr. McKenzie’s class here: https://firstpresge.org/adult-education/

Welcome back to the More Than Sunday podcast! On today’s episode Pastor Chris Griggs talks with Adult Ministries Coordinator Nancy Cavanaugh about our upcoming book discussion. This month we’ll be reading Refugee by Alan Gratz, an action-packed novel that tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home.

Learn more about the book discussion here: https://firstpresge.org/book-discussion-refugee/

Welcome back to the More Than Sunday podcast! On today’s show Pastor Chris Griggs is joined by Wheaton College professor Dr. Barrett McRay to discuss his upcoming EQUIPPED Adult Education class at FPGE. Starting October 2nd, Dr. McRay will teach ‘Spiritual Health & Mental Health: What's the difference, and how do I know if I'm healthy?’ Listen in for more!

Learn more about Dr. McRay’s class here: https://firstpresge.org/adult-education/

Welcome to Season 2 of the More Than Sunday podcast, from First Pres Church of Glen Ellyn. On today’s show Pastor Chris Griggs is joined by Wheaton College professor Dr. Julie Newberry to discuss her upcoming EQUIPPED class at FPGE. Starting September 11th, Dr. Newberry will teach Reading Scripture with the Early Church: The Old Testament in Acts 1-8. Listen in to learn more!

Learn more about Dr. Newberry’s class here: https://firstpresge.org/adult-education/

Welcome to the More Than Sunday podcast with Pastor Chris Griggs! On today’s episode Pastor Chris is joined by Bob Clauss and Steve Nelson, who both serve the church in often overlooked and unglamorous ways.

Next Steps:

Interested in small groups? Contact [email protected]
Interested in volunteering? Contact the front desk at (630) 469 2007
Today’s Guests:Bob Clauss, Steve Nelson : Connect here
Learn more about First Pres here

Welcome to the More Than Sunday podcast with Pastor Chris Griggs! On today’s episode Pastor Chris is joined by David Profitt and Charlie Gadd to discuss the details and joy of serving in children’s ministry at First Pres.

Next Steps:

Interested in small groups? Contact [email protected]
Interested in volunteering? Contact the front desk at (630) 469 2007
Today’s Guests:David Profitt, Charlie Gadd : Connect here
Learn more about First Pres here

Welcome to the More Than Sunday podcast with Pastor Chris Griggs! On today’s episode Pastor Chris is joined by Rob Merrell and Jeff West, who recently started a men’s small group meeting each Tuesday morning.

Next Steps:

Interested in small groups? Contact [email protected]
Interested in volunteering? Contact the front desk at (630) 469 2007
Today’s Guests: Rob Merrell, Jeff West : Connect here
Learn more about First Pres here