Annual Fall Anniversary Speaker at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights

Every year, First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights brings renowned speakers to the Arlington Heights community. This annual engagement is an opportunity for our local community to hear about important topics that are impacting our world.

In the past, we have had such speakers as Paul Rusesabagina, the concierge of Hotel Rwanda who saved more than 1,200 people from the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, who spoke about the need for civilization to take a stand in face of ethnic cleansing. Another speaker of note is Clifton Truman Daniel, the grandson of President Harry Truman, who spoke about his grandfather's legacy and issues of nuclear proliferation 70 years after the first nuclear weapon was detonated in Hiroshima, Japan.

This year, we are very excited to host one of the FBI's Hostage Negotiators, Phil Andrew, as our Fall Anniversary Speaker. Based in Chicago, Andrew has been with the FBI for over 20 years. He comes to us at a time when America is reeling from the events of domestic and foreign terrorism and will provide insight into how the skills he has acquired as a hostage negotiator may assist in our everyday lives, as well as help address the perpetual violence that plagues Chicago and the rest of the world.

According to Rev. Alexander Lang, head pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, "Andrew is not only a genuinely compassionate human being, but his experience and message brings a very knowledgeable and unique perspective on how we, as a community, can better understand and prepare for both domestic and world events."

Join us as Phil Andrew discusses how lessons learned from events in both his personal life and professional career have shaped his understanding of crisis situations. This unique and informative perspective will help us all see how Crisis as Opportunity can effect lives positively.

The event will be held on Sunday, October 22, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. It is guaranteed to be an evening filled with interesting discussion and timely topics.

This event is free and open to the public, with free child care available on advance reservation with the church office (reserve care by Wednesday, October 18). First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights is located at 302 N. Dunton Ave. in Arlington Heights. To learn more, visit www.firstpresah.org or call 847-255-5900.