The Mission & Outreach Committee is pleased to name Ann Weatherhead as First Church’s 2022 Vision Keeper.

 

Interfaith Action of Evanston invites each member faith community to honor a Vision Keeper at an annual Vision Keepers dinner, this year on September 18 at 5:30 pm at the Hilton Doubletree in Skokie.  A Vision Keeper is someone who has made a significant contribution to their faith community and who embodies values that positively impact both the congregation and the larger community.

 

Ann, a First Church member since 2017 when she moved to downtown Evanston, grew up in a Southern Baptist family. Her faith and commitment to service were central to their lives.

 

Her college studies and career choices also involved service, tirst in the non-profit sector and later in corporate Human Resources and as an Organizational Consultant with a focus on creating cultures of inclusiveness for all.

 

As a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Wilmette for 25 years, she was actively involved with Missions and Outreach and Church Council. When they discovered people in their community who needed food but were ineligible for benefits, Ann helped establish a Food Pantry still in existence.

 

In retirement, Ann’s new “career” is giving back to her community. Moving to Evanston seven years ago, she joined First United Methodist Church and began a new journey of service: leading a soup kitchen team, maintaining our relationship with Night Ministry, member of the Leadership Team, Interfaith Action delegate, and volunteering for many of its ministries.

 

Central to Ann’s commitment is advocacy to remove barriers that impact access to affordable housing. She currently serves as Housing Chair for Evanston Lighthouse Rotary, advocate with Joining Forces for Affordable Housing, and member of Interfaith Action’s Advocacy and Direct Services Committees.

 

Please join us in honoring Ann at the dinner on September 18 at 5:30pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Skokie. Dinner tickets are $75.  To reserve your seat, please email Alli Henry at alli.m.henry@gmail.com by September 9.