BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://faithatfirst.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20220101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231203T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231203T101500 DTSTAMP:20231110T063500Z CREATED:20231110T063439Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231110T063500Z UID:18952-1701594000-1701598500@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Messy Advent! DESCRIPTION:Advent marks the beginning of the church year as we anticipate the coming of Christ! It is a season of hope\, peace\, joy\, and love\, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. It is also a season of preparation and togetherness. Join us in ringing in the Christian “New Year” on Sunday\, December 3 at “Messy Advent” from 9:00-10:15 a.m. in Great Hall. Featuring meaningful crafts\, festive treats\, and service activities for all ages\, this especially seasonal Messy Church hopes to help your family and our church community receive and rejoice in what is truly the most wonderful time of the year. \nLearn more about Messy Church and sign up for the sessions you plan to attend. URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/messy-church-3-2-2/ LOCATION:Great Hall END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231203T091500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231203T101500 DTSTAMP:20230907T002818Z CREATED:20230907T002818Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230907T002818Z UID:18037-1701594900-1701598500@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Journey to the Common Good: Fostering Connection and Relational Discipleship During an Epidemic of Loneliness DESCRIPTION:Despite the proliferation of opportunities to be connected by social media in 2023\, people feel less connected than ever. The increasing lack of connection has been called by some an “epidemic of loneliness.” Moreover\, the divisiveness over political and social issues in our culture continues to foster alienation and not connection. This lack of connection is being felt across age groups\, and people are spending less time with one another in person than two decades ago. If one of the ministries of the church is to foster community and encourage individuals to thrive in community\, how can and how does the church address the lack of connection in today’s society? Being part of a church community involves being connected and feeling close to one another in the community. Being in church means feeling cared for by others. During this epidemic of loneliness\, in what ways can the church create the kind of community in which people care for others and feel cared for? The three classes in this series will focus on the increasing lack of connections in society and the ways that the church can respond to this situation by cultivating relationships and interconnectedness in the face of this “epidemic of loneliness.” Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend each session. \nDecember 3: Interconnectedness in Youth\nDecember 10: Interconnectedness in Middle Life\nDecember 17: Interconnectedness in Elder Life URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/journey-to-the-common-good-fostering-connection-and-relational-discipleship-during-an-epidemic-of-loneliness/ LOCATION:Room 33 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231203T091500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231203T101500 DTSTAMP:20231117T014317Z CREATED:20231110T050501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231117T014317Z UID:18947-1701594900-1701598500@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:First Church Ministry Tour DESCRIPTION:Whether you are a new visitor or someone who has been worshipping here for over a year\, we invite you to further explore First Church.  This ministry tour is a great way to learn more about this faith community – -and is also the first step in the membership process.   \nFirst Church Ministry Tour  \nSunday\, Nov. 19\, 9:15-10:15am  OR  Dec. 4\, 9:15-10:15am.  \nMeet in Glenna Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n Please RSVP here.  (If you are interested but can’t make it\, please use the RSVP form to indicate your availability for an alternate time.)  \n \n \n \n \n \n This tour is an opportunity for First Church visitors to explore who we are as a congregation and what we do in addition to 10:30 worship on Sundays. On the tour participants will:  \n\nLearn about our primary ministries:  Mission and Outreach programs such as Soup Kitchen\, Sack Lunch Ministry\, and our Overnight Shelter; Children’s and Youth Ministries\, Adult classes\, Bible studies\, and groups; Music Ministry; Fellowship groups and opportunities; Congregational Care. \nConsider some key facts around First Church history\, our identity as a Reconciling Congregation and member of Interfaith Action of Evanston; and our membership. \nVisit rooms on multiple floors where\, as Pastor Grace says\, “the magic happens!” — and learn where the bathrooms are! (Note that walking is involved\, and access to other floors via the elevator is an option to stairs.) \n\nBefore and after the tour\, information about membership and the upcoming Inquirers Class (January/February 2024) will be available.  Questions are always welcome.  \nMary Taylor-Johnson\, Director of Communications and Membership \nmary@faithatfirst.com URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/first-church-ministry-tour-2/ LOCATION:Glenna Hall ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://faithatfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Untitled-design-48.png ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Taylor-Johnson":MAILTO:mary@faithatfirst.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231126T091500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231126T120000 DTSTAMP:20231122T002339Z CREATED:20231122T000907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231122T002339Z UID:19039-1700990100-1701000000@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Star Tree DESCRIPTION:Gifts for Evanston Children! You are welcome to give a gift to a child\, through Evanston Y.O.U.\, from our Star Tree. You can pick a child whose parents asked for help with gifts\, from the Star Tree\, on 11/26 or 12/3 at church\, before or after church. If you want to sign up for a gift sooner\, email Linda MacCracken (linda.maccracken@comcast.net) and you will be matched with a child’s gift request. Each star ask includes the child’s gender\, age\, and wish list items. Please budget $50 per star. \nDrop off wrapped gifts with the star attached on Sunday\, December 10 by 9:30 am at First United Methodist Church. Please help make Christmas merrier for children in our Evanston community\, in partnership with Y.O.U. Pick up a star at church on Sunday November 26 or December 3\, or email Linda MacCracken\, if you and your family would like to participate in this wonderful program. We also welcome online donations—please designate them for the Star Tree support. URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/star-tree-8/ LOCATION:Fountain Foyer ORGANIZER;CN="Bev Otey":MAILTO:bevotey@ameritech.net END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230910T093000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230910T101500 DTSTAMP:20230616T001758Z CREATED:20230616T001758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T001758Z UID:17547-1694338200-1694340900@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Chancel Choir Rehearsal DESCRIPTION:Adults and high school youth rehearse music for worship in the Chancel at the front of the Sanctuary. No audition required. Email Dr. Brian Schoettler for more information. URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/chancel-choir-rehearsal-103/ LOCATION:Sanctuary END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230910T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230910T113000 DTSTAMP:20230901T005921Z CREATED:20230901T005921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230901T005921Z UID:17941-1694341800-1694345400@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:10:30 Worship in the Sanctuary DESCRIPTION:All are welcome to 10:30 worship in our Sactuary. \nDetails each Sunday can be found at https://faithatfirst.org/gather/worship-services/worship-this-sunday/  URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/1030-worship-in-the-sanctuary/ LOCATION:Sanctuary END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231001T113000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231001T133000 DTSTAMP:20230901T011742Z CREATED:20230901T011742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230901T011742Z UID:17953-1696159800-1696167000@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Methodist Youth Fellowship DESCRIPTION:It’s time to start up Youth Ministry again! All youth are invited to come at Methodist Youth Fellowship every 1st and 3rd Sunday right after service from 11:30-1:30pm starting on September 17th. We will have lunch\, play games\, and have time to gather to talk about where we are at in life. This will be our main time to gather as youth to get to know one another. I urge all youth to come hang out and be part of this community! Contact Sydney for more information. URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/methodist-youth-fellowship-2/ LOCATION:Room M END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231203T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231203T133000 DTSTAMP:20231130T022831Z CREATED:20231130T022831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231130T022831Z UID:19104-1701604800-1701610200@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Club123 DESCRIPTION:Club 123 promotes fun\, fellowship\, and service for children in grades 1-3\, once a month on Sundays following Worship from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.\, with lunch provided! \nPlease register in advance\, noting any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the memo field. Pick-up at the front Church Street entrance (516 Church St.). Register here: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MjkyZDA4YjctNGIyMy00OWRjLWIwZmItYjBjODAxNzI5M2Uy URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/club123-7/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231105T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231105T150000 DTSTAMP:20231018T040743Z CREATED:20231018T035423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231018T040743Z UID:18743-1699192800-1699196400@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Covenant Hike Group DESCRIPTION:“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station\, through which God speaks to us every hour\, if we will only tune in.” – George Washington Carver \nThe Covenant Hike Group invites all who have a wonder of the natural world to share nature immersion with each other through 3 seasons while experiencing the presence of God. The format is simple. We begin with a brief reading (scripture or poem)\, hike along while sharing joys and concerns\, and appreciate 5 minutes of silence at mid-point. Each hike concludes with an optional\, brief time of sharing about our experiences on the hike\, closing prayer\, and a cool or hot drink! All ages are welcomed! \nOn the First Sunday of each month (October through May) we will meet at a designated location at 2 p.m.\, hiking various paths in our area for about an hour at a comfortable pace for everyone. The group will meet each first Sunday through May and participants may join in as schedules allow. \nAll who participate are welcomed to share in ownership. The wonder of the natural world and God’s presence in it is limitless. \nFacilitators: Jim Johnson and Lee Rader. If interested\, please contact Jim at jjohnso@luc.edu to be placed on the distribution list. URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/covenant-hike-group-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231105T170000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231105T190000 DTSTAMP:20231017T235500Z CREATED:20231017T235500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231017T235500Z UID:18719-1699203600-1699210800@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Faith Around The Table DESCRIPTION:Are you hungry for deeper discussion with members of your First Church community that goes beyond the usual Sunday morning chit chat (as lovely as that may be)? This new group is for you! Once a month\, we’ll gather for a potluck dinner and discuss a topic or prompt relating to faith and spirituality. We may explore a question or theme from a recent sermon\, or try answering John Wesley’s favorite question: “How is it with your soul?” Topics will vary based on the group’s input. Andrew and Amy Schumacher will lead the group and host the first meeting with potential for others to host subsequent dinners or use church space. All are welcome\, this is NOT a couples group. Monthly dinners will be on first Sundays from 5pm to 7pm with the first meeting on Nov. 5th. The group will commit to six months and then reassess. Please email Andrew (andrew.r.schumacher@gmail.com) with questions or to sign up. Due to nature of the group\, we’ll limit to six or seven additional participants. Come join us for good food and real honest discussion! URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/faith-around-the-table/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231001T173000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231001T193000 DTSTAMP:20230929T063156Z CREATED:20230901T011307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230929T063156Z UID:17947-1696181400-1696188600@faithatfirst.org SUMMARY:Young Adults Potluck DESCRIPTION:Calling all Young Adults! We are resuming our potlucks every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30 pm starting on September 17th. Feel free to bring your favorite side item or dessert! Contact Sydney at sydney@faithatfirst.com for the location! URL:https://faithatfirst.org/event/young-adult-potluck-3/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR