First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

10:30 Worship in the Sanctuary
2023-09-10 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Sanctuary
All are welcome to 10:30 worship in our Sactuary.
Details each Sunday can be found at https://faithatfirst.org/gather/worship-services/worship-this-sunday/

Children's Chapel
2023-09-10 10:45 - 11:30
Children’s Chapel seeks to excite and build confidence in children’s experience of worship and sense of belonging at First Church. Children ages three through 3rd grade are invited to experience the wonder of worship and joy of service in a lively, child-friendly setting. Throughout the program year, children take part in the seasons of the Christian year, exploring rituals, sacraments, and songs of our worship tradition as well as hands-on aspects of our church mission that children might shape and help share the story of our faith.

Connect456
2023-09-10 10:45 - 11:30
Connect456 is designed to help children in grades 4-6 connect to the church community as older elementary and middle school students preparing to make their own way at First Church. Each week features a unique means of connecting, including serving in leadership with younger children, learning about our church history and United Methodist identity, observing worship and more!

Rally Day Ice Cream Celebration
2023-09-10 11:30 - 12:00 | Hinman Lawn
Please join us on the Hinman front lawn for an ice cream treat after worship on Rally Day Sunday, September 10th. The playground will be open. We look forward to seeing you on the 10th as we kick off the new program year!

JRC Set-Up
2023-09-10 14:00 - 16:00
JRC Set Up in Sanctuary

Coffee, Conversation, and Friends
2023-09-13 10:00 - 11:00
This group of women “of a certain age” meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Year round we gather at LePeep in Evanston for informal conversations on a wide variety of topics: books, the news, restaurants, grandchildren, and places to visit. No matter what’s on the table, we are all ears. Come join the conversation and make some new friends.

Children's Choir Rehearsal
2023-09-13 17:15 - 18:00
Children in grades 1-6 rehearse weekly and sing in worship monthly. No audition is required and new singers are welcome throughout the year. For more information, email Dr. Brian Schoettler.

Membership Committee Meeting
2023-09-13 19:15 - 20:15 | Zoom
Monthly meeting of the Mem Comm. Questions: Please contact Mark Henry, Chair, at mark.g.henry@gmail.com .

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2023-09-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Choir Room
Adults and high school youth rehearse music for worship. No audition is required. Email Dr. Brian Schoettler for more information.

God's Story, Our Story (Bible Study Group)
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall
This weekly Bible study invites participants to discuss the scripture texts for the coming Sunday and to ponder what those stories may teach us today. New participants are always welcome.
Bill Brown facilitates this group. Feel reach to reach out to Bill at bbrown@wwbrown-inc.com .

JRC- Rosh Hashanah
2023-09-16 09:00 - 15:00
Narthex
Sanctuary
Glenna
Kitchen
Dining Room
Playground
3rd Floor Rooms

Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life
2023-09-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Glenna Hall
A new season of Christian Adult Education at First Church begins with a fresh take on the core values of our United Methodists faith tradition. Join Ron Anderson for conversation and reflection centered on Bishop Kenneth Carter’s latest call to action and unity, “Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life.”
United Methodist people long to love God and serve their neighbors. “Unrelenting Grace” by Bishop Ken Carter shows us how to come together and embrace grace, seek holiness, and build meaningful connections promoting strength and healing. “Unrelenting Grace” evokes insights and courage to overcome feelings of isolation, loneliness, and alienation. As we wrestle with the effects of the pandemic, social disruption, and conflicts, “Unrelenting Grace” offers guidance for stepping into the future as individuals and as communities of faith.
Copies of Unrelenting Grace are available for purchase from the front church office for $10
Please register here: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NDBiZTVhNDgtYzAzNC00YmZmLWI2MmEtYjA3NDAxMWUyMWZj

Step Into Service Fair
2023-09-17 11:30 - 12:30 | Great Hall
On Sunday, September 17th, you are invited the Step Into Service Fair! During Community Hour following 10:30 worship, come to Great Hall to start the program year off by learning where you can get involved and put faith into action.
The fair will be an opportunity for groups, programs, and ministries to share the work they are doing, and the help they need to make that work happen.
Does your group want a table at the fair? We’d love to have you! Email Liesl Hoeldtke to sign up and ask questions.

Methodist Youth Fellowship
2023-09-17 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 11:30-1:30 pm 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.

Earth Care Committee Monthly Meeting
2023-09-17 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).

Children's Council
2023-09-17 11:45 - 13:00 | Room 33
The Children’s Council acts as both a work committee and an advisory board to the Director of Children’s Ministry. The Children’s Council focuses on formulating and supporting the vision of our various children’s ministries. We consult with the Director of Children’s Ministries to plan the yearlong calendar. Under the umbrella of Children’s Ministries are the following programs: Sunday School, Chapel, Connect 56, Nursery, Summer Camps (Creation Camp, VBS, Family Camp), Fellowship Groups (Jump and Club 123), Pageant, and holiday celebrations (e.g, Advent, Lent, Easter).

Young Adult Potluck
2023-09-17 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 for the location!

Communications Committee Meeting
2023-09-20 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
Monthly meeting of the Communications Committee. Contact Chair Andy Shotwell with questions at ashotwell@gmail.com .

Mary Jo Crihfield Memorial Service
2023-09-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Tittle Chapel and Great Hall
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Mary Jo Crihfield’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23rd in the sanctuary of First United Church Evanston at 11:30 a.m. with a reception to follow in the Great Hall.

JRC- Yom Kippur
2023-09-24 13:00 - 21:30
Sanctuary and Narthex

JRC - Yom Kippur
2023-09-25 08:00 - 19:00
Narthex
Sanctuary
Glenna
Great Hall
Kitchen
Dining Room
Playground
Chapel
3rd Floor Classrooms

Mom's Night Out
2023-09-27 18:30 - 20:30
This is intended for Every Mom of kids of every age.
Come as you are- from picking up kids, doing laundry, or planting Mums!
We snack, talk and laugh! No agenda! All are welcome!
Bring a snack IF you wish – but no guilt!
Please RSVP to Lfederer30@gmail.com

God's Story, Our Story (Bible Study Group)
2023-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall
God’s Story, Our Stories – Lectionary Bible Study Group
YOU Are Invited!
The Lectionary Bible Study Group meets via zoom every Thursday night mid-September through mid-June from 7 – 8:30 p.m. We are a band of curious explorers, reflecting upon the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. We ask many questions. We have “ah ha” moments in our discussions. We attempt to unearth how these ancient stories inform our current day stories. We deeply seek to live out our best understanding of the heart of these stories week by week in the midst of our common humanity. Several group members rotate the facilitation.
Come and join us! You may be placed on the group distribution list by contacting Bill Brown at bbrown@wwbrown-inc.com .

Gayle Webber Memorial Service
2023-09-30 10:30 - 13:00 | Tittle Chapel, Glenna Hall, Memorial Garden
A Memorial Service celebrating Gayle’s life will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 10:30 am at the Tittle Chapel followed by interment in the Memorial Garden, and a reception in Glenna Hall.
A livestream video of the service (which can also be accessed at a later time) is here: https://youtube.com/live/8sGFzEb1pAl
The memorial service bulletin and an online guest book can be accessed via the livestream link.

Messy Church!
2023-10-01 09:00 - 10:15 | Great Hall
Messy Church is Christ-centered. Messy Church is creative. Messy Church is for all ages. Messy Church is where YOU belong!
Life is rarely neat and tidy. But God isn’t afraid to enter the mess.
Messy Church is an opportunity for children, families, and adults to engage in hands-on creative activities, celebratory worship, and time together in community. Join us for a different kind of Sunday School for children and adults beginning Sunday, October 1 from 9:00-10:15 a.m. in Great Hall, and continuing on the first Sunday of each month throughout the program year. Please register for all upcoming sessions you plan to attend to aid in estimating food and materials.

Homelessness in Evanston
2023-10-01 09:15 - 10:15 | 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.
