Homelessness in Evanston
2023-10-01 09:15 - 10:15 UTC | Room 33
Homelessness in Evanston – Oct. 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 9:15am
First United Methodist Church is a community of faith seeking the transformation of the world through Jesus’ courageous love. — First Church Vision Statement
Join us as we challenge ourselves to put our faith into action through this series of interactive discussions of homelessness in Evanston. Come learn more about housing and food insecurity, services currently offered, and our individual and collective response as a faith community.

How do people find themselves without housing?
How should you respond to panhandlers?
Who is doing what in Evanston for people who are homeless or hungry?
How did we/the nation get into this situation of masses of people experiencing homelessness?
How can we put our faith into action around this pressing issue?

Oct 1st: Homelessness in Evanston: An overview of the causes of homelessness, who is impacted, and the available services and volunteer opportunities in our community.
Oct. 8th: Interfaith Action’s Response to Homelessness: Executive Director Sue Murphy will join us to share about current services offered by the interfaith community.
Oct. 15th: Connections for the Homeless’s Response to Homelessness: Manager of Advocacy for Affordable Housing Sue Loellbach will join us to share the status of affordable housing.
Oct. 22nd: FUMC’s Faith in Action: How can we respond to the Homelessness crisis in Evanston individually and as a faith community?
Discussion LeadersAnn Weatherhead, FMC Interfaith Action Delegate, Affordable Housing AdvocateMelissa Appelt, Interfaith Action Board Chair

Registration is helpful and drop-ins are always welcome. https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=Yzc1NTczODYtODg1OS00YjYwLWI2NmItYjA3NDAxMjMyN2Yw

Methodist Youth Fellowship
2023-10-01 11:30 - 13:30 | Room M
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.

Covenant Hike Group
2023-10-01 14:00 - 15:00
“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
The 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!
Beginning Sunday October 1st, 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.
All who participate are welcomed to share in ownership. The wonder of the natural world and God’s presence in it is limitless.
Facilitators: Jim Johnson and Lee Rader. If interested, please contact Jim at jjohnso@luc.edu to be placed on the distribution list.

Young Adults Potluck
2023-10-01 17:30 - 19:30
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!

Mission & Outreach Committee Meeting
2023-10-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Conference Room
Mission & Outreach Committee Meeting. Monthly meetings are open to members of the committee. Hosted by Alli Henry, alli.m.henry@gmail.com.

First Books
2023-10-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Glenna Hall
Join other readers in discussing Lynda Rutledge’s delightful tale “West with Giraffes”. Inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who won the hearts of Depression-era America when they crossed the Atlantic through a hurricane and then survived a twelve-day road trip across the U.S. to the San Diego Zoo. Contact Janet Lutz, janetatl@aol.com with any questions.

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-10-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
On Thursdays October 5th, 12th, 18th, and 25th, the Progressive Christians Reading Group will delve into “The Elephant is Running: Process and Open and Relational Theologies and Religious Pluralism” by Bruce Epperly. Epperly believes that God invites us to affirm religious pluralism while remaining faithful to the way of Jesus and the prophetic spirit of Christianity. “The Elephant is Running” integrates theological reflection, encounters with the wisdom world’s spiritual traditions, the author’s personal experience as a spiritual adventurer, and inspirational and innovative spiritual practices. The author will join us on October 5th!
This group meets on Zoom every Thursday at 1pm.
Interested? Contact Bonnie Beckonchrist at bbeckonchrist@gmail.com

Brass Rehearsal
2023-10-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary

Apple Picking and Fall Fun
2023-10-07 12:30 - 17:00
You’re invited to join the Limitless group for our 3rd annual Apple picking Saturday, October 7th. Please meet us at the Apple Holler orchard entrance around 12:30pm or contact Stephanie Peters to caravan/carpool from the Peters house at 11:30am. Please RSVP to Stephanie Peters at stephdeloney@gmail.com All are welcome.
We are going to the Apple Holler Apple Orchard which has a tractor drawn train tour to apple picking, a play area, corn maze, farm animals and so much more. We may stop for dinner on the way back home for those that would like to enjoy dinner.
https://www.appleholler.com/

Children's Choir Rehearsal
2023-10-08 10:00 - 10:15 | Sanctuary

Children's Ministry Training & Information Session
2023-10-08 11:30 - 12:30 | Room 34
Are you being called to serve with First Church’s Children’s Ministry? Join us on Sunday, October 8 immediately following 10:30 a.m. Worship to learn about the many opportunities and resources available to new and seasoned volunteers and strengthen your leadership. While our training will focus especially on the Sunday school hour, all are welcome and encouraged to join the conversation. Answer the call!

Club123
2023-10-08 15:00 - 16:30
Club 123 promotes fun, fellowship, and service for children in grades 1-3, once a month on Sundays from 3:00-4:30 p.m. In October, Club123 is teaming up with First Church’s Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry to help pack diapers for families in need, Join us for light work and great fun!
Please register your child(ren) in advance at https://bit.ly/3rEFhbS. Drop-off and pick-up at First Church’s Church Street entrance (516 Church Street).

Church Council Meeting
2023-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall

Membership Committee Meeting
2023-10-11 19:00 - 20:15 | Conference Room
Monthly meeting of the Membership Committee Please address questions to Mark Henry, Chair, at mark.g.henry@gmail.com .

Festival Choir Rehearsal
2023-10-11 19:30 - 20:10
Adults and high school youth from the congregation and the community rehearse in preparation for the Festival Choir Concert on Nov. 17, 2023. No audition is require and music is provided at rehearsal.

Garrett Seminary Dinner
2023-10-13 15:00 - 21:00 | Kitchen and Great Hall
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, along with our partner, the Association of Hispanic Theological Education (AETH); In person, Great Hall; Friday, October 13, 2023, 3:00-9:00; contact: Becky Eberhart or Krys Juleen, krys@faithatfirst.com

J.U.M.P.
2023-10-13 16:00 - 18:00
J.U.M.P. (Junior United Methodist People) serves as an introductory youth group for students in grades 4-6 and meets monthly on Fridays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. In October, J.U.M.P. is teaming up with First Church’s Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry to help pack diapers for families in need. Join us for light work and great fun!
Please register your child(ren) in advance at https://bit.ly/3rxOsuR. Drop-off and pick-up at First Church’s Church Street entrance (516 Church Street).

Diaper Packing and Soup Kitchen Prep
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Dining Room
Projects will include making sack meals for Connections for the Homeless; packing diapers for our Bundled Blessings diaper pantry; and other tasks to support our ministries at the church and in the community. We will have all the supplies ready for you at the church, so you can just come as you are and enjoy some fellowship while doing good. And we will break midway through for refreshments!
Contact Alli Henry alli.m.henry@gmail.com and Nancy Brown nandbrown@comcast.net with questions!

Memorial Service for Elizabeth Lithio
2023-10-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Sanctuary
Watch the live stream of Liz’s service: https://youtube.com/live/jt-2kbwuv6k?feature=share

First Steps to Faith
2023-10-15 09:00 - 09:30
Children ages 0-3 and their parents or caregivers gather one Sunday a month in the nursery for seasonal stories, songs, and activities for young families.

ASP Reunion and Interest Meeting
2023-10-15 11:30 - 13:30 | Dining Room
Are you a youth or parent interested in ASP for 2024? Come hear about this experience and ask your questions! This is also a time of reunion for those who attended this past Summer, so come and invite the new folks who will join us next Summer!

Earth Care Committee Monthly Meeting
2023-10-15 11:45 - 13:00 | Glenna Hall
The Earth Care Committee Monthly Meeting is for committee members to continue discussions on Earth Care work on behalf of the First Church family as aligned with the current priority for environmental justice noted in the First Church strategic plan. Monthly meetings are convened by Earth Care Committee Chair Eileen Chambers (eileenmchambers10@gmail.com) or Vice Chair Judith Campbell (judithc@me.com).

SPRC Monthly Meeting
2023-10-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Monthly meeting of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Please address questions about this group to Beth Swanick, Chair.

Brass Rehearsal
2023-10-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Sanctuary
Rehearsal for 10/20 concert.

Brass & Organ Concert
2023-10-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Sanctuary
First Church’s Music Ministry presents a concert of music for brass and organ featuring the Gaudete Brass Quintet and Minister of Music & Organist Dr. Brian Schoettler. The program includes classics by J. S. Bach and Marcel Dupré alongside works by living composers including works by local composers Ephraim Champion and Brian Schoettler. Founded in 2004, the Gaudete Brass has recorded four albums and presents concerts and educational programs throughout the United States.
The 7:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

Monthly Styrofoam Collection
2023-10-21 10:00 - 12:00
The Earth Care Committee holds its monthly Styrofoam collection time at First UMC Evanston on the third Saturday of the month at the Church Street entrance between 10am and Noon. Material to be collected includes all clean No. 6 plastic foam. Acceptable items include disposable coffee cups; take out containers (such as clamshells); plastic plates, bowls and cutlery; meat and poultry foam trays and packing foam. Note: Items must be foam and marked with the No.6 symbol.
When recycled, these items can be processed into a material used to make park benches, picture frames, and other items. Recycling these items helps keep this harmful plastic, which cannot be processed locally, out of the waste stream.

Memorial Service for Adolphine Kikonde Lukube, Pauline Omboko Shongo's Mother
2023-10-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Tittle Chapel

Adolphine Kikonde Lukube's Memorial Service Reception
2023-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Dining Room

Spooky Story Night and ESCCA Clothing Drive
2023-10-25 17:00 - 19:00
Spooky Story Night and ESCCA Clothing Drive, Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Come in costume for family-friendly, faith-affirming spooky stories, stay for trick or treating! Bring gently used children;s clothes to donate to ESCCA
Please register: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NzE0YjA3NTUtYTQ3OC00NjFmLWE3YjUtYjA5NTAwMGRhNDc5

Mom's Night Out
2023-10-26 18:30 - 20:30
FUMC Mom’s Night Out – Thurs Oct 26th 6:30 – 8:30 pm
COME AS YOU ARE!! – in your sweats, office clothes, or yoga pants!
Cherie Asante – Host and Jess Radcliffe Co-Host
Please RSVP to cherie.asante@gmail.com
This is intended for Every Mom of kids of every age.
We snack, talk and laugh! No agenda! All are welcome!
Bring a snack IF you wish – but no guilt!
