First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Soup Kitchen Leadership Team Meeting
2025-12-19 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)

Church Office Closed
2025-12-25
Church Office Holiday Closure

Please note that the church office will be closed from Thursday, December 25 through Friday, January 2. This time is set aside to allow our staff a period of rest and renewal as we move from one year into the next.

We will reopen and resume regular office hours on Monday, January 5. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us care well for our staff.

Mom's Night Out
2025-12-27 18:30 - 20:30
MERRY CHRISTMAS to EVERY MOM!!

THANK YOU to Sue Hagedorn and Krys Juleen for hosting such a wonderful celebration for Christmas! Sue, your home was so beautifully decorated, the quiche and poinsettias were delicious, and the party rocked! So many of you came on that cold snowy evening!

We are taking a break until Tues Jan 27th at 6:30 pm – Candance Chow with Katie Brick as cohost!

RSVP at cparkschow@yahoo.com or 312-286-9036.

Then –
Thurs Feb 26th at Caroline Wagner’s with Jen Veys cohost

Thurs Mar 12th – Women’s Club Review – Evelyn McGowan

April – Jen Wolfe and Jackie Owens

May – Julie Womack and ?

Any interest in an June event in someone’s backyard?
Merry Christmas!
-Linda

Music Ministry
2025-12-28 13:00 - 15:00

snapgap
2026-01-01 10:00 - 2026-02-28 16:00
Interfaith Action of Evanston SNAPGap – February 2026

When asked what additional SNAPGap items might be most appreciated, one fellow quickly replied, “garbage bags.” So for January/February we are collecting any brand of 13 gallon garbage bags. These items will be distributed on Wednesday, February 25, at the Vineyard Food Pantry. Items can be purchased online at:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/EU78AK7T6LVH/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

If you buy these items locally, you can drop them off at: Trinity Lutheran Church, 3637 Golf Rd, Evanston, IL, Monday-Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm. Please use the back door—up a short flight of stairs and labeled “Office.” Just ring the bell and someone will immediately answer it.

More than 100 households will benefit from your generosity. Please know how grateful they are.

Kind regards,
The SNAPGap Team

Compline Night Prayer Services
2026-01-06 20:00 - 20:30
Compline Night Prayer Services Return
On Tuesdays beginning January 6th, you are invited to a thirty minute Night Prayer Service to end your day in community and peace. These services from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom are patterned after the ancient monastic tradition of Compline (meaning completion) –the final prayer of the day. We will follow a simple liturgical format for this service of quietness and reflection before rest. Persons of all ages are encouraged to give this spiritual practice a try. The services, sponsored by the Faith Formation Council, will continue through Lent, concluding on March 24th. Participants may attend as schedules allow. Contact Tom Scott (tom.scott.goblue@msn.com) to sign up or with questions.

First Wednesday Potluck
2026-01-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Dining Hall
Bring a side or dessert to share and join your church family for good food, fellowship, and seasonal activities for all ages.
Kindly register at: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MjkwODNjNzgtYjVkMy00NWVhLTljODItYjM1MzAxNDM2OWIz

Soup Kitchen Cooking/Serving for Inquirers and Friends
2026-01-10 16:00 - 19:30 | kitchen
Our Winter Inquirers Class and other First Church friends are invited to prepare and serve supper for our Thursday soup kitchen (50+ consecutive years and still going strong!) and also prepare sack lunches for guests to enjoy the next day. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Please sign up here!

4:00-6:10pm: Prep and Cooking shift

5:30-6:00pm: Dinner for volunteers

5:45-7:30pm: Serving and Cleanup shift

Please sign up for one or both shifts and note if you need to leave early or come late. All volunteers are invited to have dinner together (about 5:30pm) before the guests line up at 6pm to be served.

Thank you!

Messy Epiphany!
2026-01-11 09:15 - 10:15 | Great Hall
Life isn’t neat and tidy. Why should church be any different?

Messy Church is a monthly opportunity for children, families, and adults to engage in hands-on creative activities, acts of service, and celebratory worship in intergenerational community. Join us for a different kind of Sunday School as together we ring in the season after Epiphany on Sunday, January 11 at 9:15 a.m. in Great Hall.

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Lisa Schiling & friends
2026-01-17 10:30 - 12:00

Walk for Warmth
2026-01-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Sanctuary
Mark your calendars for Interfaith Action’s annual Walk for Warmth on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19, 2026. Please join us at 11am in the FUMC church sanctuary as we honor the legacy of Dr. King, raise funds for the overnight shelter, and walk a mile in the shoes of people who need it.

7th Annual Walk For Warmth
2026-01-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Sanctuary
Mark your calendars! Please join us for Interfaith Action of Evanston’s Walk for Warmth on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Monday January 19th. Walking together, we are a physical embodiment of Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community. His commitment to service is reflected in the route we take past the many faith communities that house Interfaith Action’s overnight shelter in rotation. The Walk helps raise awareness of homelessness in our community. Your donation supports Interfaith Action’s programs including the overnight shelter. For more information, to register to walk and to donate, go to the Walk for Warmth 2026 website. There is no charge to register.

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Beth Emet group
2026-01-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Room M

Chili Cook-Off
2026-01-25 11:30 - 12:30 | Great Hall
Join us for the much-anticipated 2026 FUMC Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Chefs of all ages will gather after worship in Great Hall to share their favorite chili recipes and vie for the coveted “Best of Show” award!

The first five entrants will receive a $5 gift card to Penzey’s Spices (located on Sherman Avenue in Evanston)! The Fellowship Committee will provide the sample bowls, spoons, and napkins! You provide the chili!

Enter in one of the following categories:

Traditional homestyle meat and bean chili;
Muy caliente! Hot and spicy!
Where’s the Beef? Vegetarian chili
Youth (ages 18 and younger)

Over-the-top table decorations are welcomed and encouraged!

Music Ministry
2026-01-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Sanctuary

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Girl Scout Leaders
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Room M

Governance Q&A
2026-02-08 11:45 - 12:30
In advance of the special church conference on March 15th, we’d like to offer opportunities to hear more about Church Council’s recommended revised committee structure, with opportunities for questions.

Team Meeting
2026-02-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Conference Room

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Room M

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30

Men's Fellowship
2026-02-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Dining Hall
The regular monthly meeting of the Men’s Fellowship will move from Feb. 8 to Feb 15.

FUMC Committee Structure Presentation
2026-02-15 11:30 - 12:30 | Dining Hall

Youth Council
2026-02-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Conference Room

Ash Wednesday Potluck & Lenten Workshop
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Dining Hall
The 40 days of Lent are a time to extend ourselves inside and out in rhythm with the lengthening days and life of Christ. Embrace and observe this holy season as we bake pretzels, create prayer journals, and join together for good food and conversation before Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m.

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations

Ash Wednesday Potluck & Lenten Workshop
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:00
The 40 days of Lent are a time to extend ourselves inside and out in rhythm with the lengthening days and life of Christ. Embrace and observe this holy season as we bake pretzels, create prayer journals, and join together for good food and conversation before Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m.

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations or email Colin@faithatfirst.com

Ash Wednesday Service
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Tittle Chapel
Join us at 7pm in Tittle Chapel!

Youth Retreat
2026-02-20 17:30 - 2026-02-22 12:00

Bundled Blessings Community Diaper Packing
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Room M

First Church's Nursery
2026-03-01 08:00 - 17:00
First Church‘s nursery for children ages three and under is staffed Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:45 a.m. The nursery provides a safe and nurturing space for our youngest disciples to play, learn, and grow! Parents and caregivers may sign in their babies and toddlers for the morning or visit the nursery for a play break, diaper change, or feeding.
