First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Earth Care Committee Meeting
2026-01-11 11:50 - 13:15 (America/Chicago) | Glenna 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

Inquirers Class (Winter 2026)
2026-01-25 09:15 - 10:15 | Glenna Hall
Inquirers Class
Meets Sundays 9:15-10:15am, January 25 – March 1, in Glenna Hall.The objectives of the Inquirers Class are:
• to provide an ‘up close’ look at First Church, its people, and programs.
• to consider the theology, structure and current issues in the United Methodist Church.
• to reflect on our collective and individual faith journeys and foster community around the Inquirers table.
As the centerpiece of the membership process, Inquirers is intended to help participants discern whether First Church is a good fit, and if they want to take membership vows here. While all person who want to join the church are asked to participate in Inquirers, not everyone who participates in Inquirers is expected to become a member. Those who have participated in Inquirers and want to take that step are invited to do during 10:30am worship, March date TBD.
Interested? Want to know more? Please reach out to Mary Taylor-Johnson, Director of Membership and Engagement, at 847-864-6182 or mary@faithatfirst.com.

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

Membership Committee Meeting
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall
The Membership Committee meets monthly to discuss ideas and work on strategies to encourage member and visitor engagement in First Church worship, programs, and other opportunities. Please address any questions about this committee and its work to Lynelle Diener, Chair.

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

Adult Education meeting
2026-02-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall
Monthly meeting of Adult Education Council

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.

Organ Concert: Brian Schoettler
2026-03-01 13:30 - 14:30 | Sanctuary
On Sunday, March 1, First Church Minister of Music & Organist, Dr. Brian Schoettler, will present a 60-minute concert featuring the sanctuary’s mighty, Austin pipe organ (Opus 319).

The program will feature works by American composers.
The 1:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

First Wednesday Potluck
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Dining Hall
Bring a side or dessert to share and join your church family for good food and fellowship on the first Wednesday of each month!

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

Total Child School Picture Day
2026-03-05 08:30 - 13:30 | Glenna Hall

Purple Haze A Cappella Concert (Northwestern University)
2026-03-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Tittle Chapel

Breakfast and Diaper Packing for Inquirers and Friends
2026-03-07 09:30 - 11:30
