First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Communications Committee
2023-01-18 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Glenna Hall
The Communications Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Questions? Contact Mary Taylor-Johnson at mary@fathatfirst.com or S.E. Brick at sebrick19@gmail.com .
2022-23 Communications Committee: Liz Blackwell, S.E. Brick (chair), Karen Jordan Farr, Wendy Istvanick, Todd Kibbey, Lauren McDonald, Henry Pleas, Andy Shotwell, Mary Taylor-Johnson (Director of Communications and Membership)

Communication Committee Meeting
2023-01-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall
Monthly meeting of the Communications Committee S.E. Brick, Chair — sebrick19@gmail.com Liz Blackwell Karen Farr Wendy Istvanick Todd Kibbey Lauren McDonald Henry Pleas Andy Shotwell Mary Taylor-Johnson, Staff liaison – mary@faithatfirst.com Chris Webler, Church Council liaison

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2023-01-18 19:00 - 21:30, 2023-01-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Choir Room
SATB Choir for adults and youth in grades 9-12. New members welcome throughout the year – email brian@faithatfirst.com for more details.

Men's Fellowship
2023-01-19 08:00 - 10:00
This group meets via Zoom at 8:00 am on the first and
third Thursday of each month except in the summer
(June, July, and August), when meetings occur on the
first Thursday only

Online Discussion of "Holy Love" - All Welcome
2023-01-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
All are welcome to a three-session online conversation on the book Holy Love: A Biblical Theology for Human Sexuality by Steve Harper. The discussion is scheduled for Thursdays, January 5, 12 & 19, 1:00-2:00pm via Zoom.
Holy Love is the January book selection of the First Church Progressive Christianity reading group. Harper, a retired UMC elder of the Florida Conference, served as a seminary professor for over thirty years and will join the final discussion session on January 19.
In Holy Love Harper works to articulate the teachings of the Bible and Wesleyan tradition on human sexuality. Described as “very accessible,” this book is for persons who wish to understand the Bible’s teaching on sexuality as a vital component of human life, experience and relationships. The book makes the case that biblical, Christian teaching is compatible with faithful, covenantal love and intimacy amidst all sexual orientations.
Interested? Email Dennis Moore at djmoore1941@gmail.com for the Zoom link. A copy of the book may be borrowed from the church office.

God’s Story, Our Stories Lectionary Bible Study (online)
2023-01-19 19:00 - 20:30
This weekly Bible study invites participants to discuss the scripture texts for the coming Sundayand to ponder what those stories may teach us today. New participants are always welcome.
Facilitators: Bill Brown (bbrown@wwbrown-inc.com) and Lee Rader (leelrader@gmail.com).

SnapGAP
2023-01-20 - 2023-02-12
Interfaith Action operates the monthly Producemobile at the Robert Crown Community Center, where we distribute fresh produce to Evanston’s families experiencing food insecurity. For almost two years, Interfaith has added SNAPGap, collecting and distributing items that most of us consider necessary—toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, etc.—but are not eligible for purchase with federal benefits.
Items for collection and distribution on February 14 are shampoo, soap, and toothbrushes/toothpaste.
Items can be purchased online at: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/EU78AK7T6LVH/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 If you buy these items locally, you can drop them off at the front office at First Church on Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am-4pm, or bring them to church with you on Sundays.
As with all Interfaith Action programs, we thank you for your generosity and participation. Please know that all who benefit are deeply grateful.

SPRC Interviews
2023-01-20 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-01-21 08:00 - 12:00 | Glenna Hall

First Flicks Discusses "The Swimmers"
2023-01-20 19:30 - 20:30
Now that the holidays are behind us, let’s try getting this group back together and discuss “The Swimmers” (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8745676/) at 7:30 PM on January 20th. I watched this movie a while ago and am looking forward to watching it again before the 20th. It is based on the true refugee story of two sisters, one whose goal was to swim in the Rio Olympics. It is streaming on Netflix.
Meeting on Zoom
Contact Wendy Istvanick for more info: je.mappelle.wendyi@gmail.com

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2023-01-22 09:30 - 10:15, 2023-01-29 09:30 - 10:15 | Sanctuary
Email brian@faithatfirst.com for more details.

Bible 365
2023-01-22 09:30 - 10:15 | Room K
A handful of church members have committed to “Bible 365” – an individual goal of reading through the Bible in a year. Individuals read a bit of the Old Testament and New Testament daily according to a shared schedule. They gather on Sundays 9:30-10:15am, schedules permitting, to encourage each other.
Latecomers to this group are welcome during January, as we believe it is doable to “catch up.”
This experience is not meant to be intense, but more of a group that is going to encourage each other as we attempt to read the Bible in one year. Read as you are able throughout the week. Come when you can to our Sunday get togethers.
Want to learn more about the suggested reading schedule? Contact Christine Taylor at taylorconda@gmail.com.

Connect456
2023-01-22 10:45 - 11:30, 2023-01-29 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!

Chili Cookoff
2023-01-22 11:30 - 12:30 | Great Hall
Here’s the scoop on this favorite First Church event:

Chili and/or cornbread entries welcome Sign up now!
Enter as an individual, household, or group
Friendly competition with winners chosen by popular vote
All welcome to taste and vote!!
Taster cups, spoons, napkins provided; cooks/bakers responsible for condiments (if any), ingredient list (if you are sharing), table decorations, and church spirit! Bring your own crockpot or heat your chili on the kitchen stove.

Questions? Contact Chili Cookoff Coordinator Alex Chadwick at ajchadw@gmail.com .

Coffee, Conversation, and Friends
2023-01-24 10:00 - 11:00
This group of women of a certain age meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from
10:00 to 11:00 am 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. New participants are always welcome.
For Winter, we will meet at La Peep; in warmer weather, we’ll gather behind the Garrett Seminary on the Northwestern University campus,
Feel free to contact us! Susan Henderson and Pam Johnson

SPRC Meeting
2023-01-24 17:00 - 20:00 | Glenna Hall

Night Prayer Service
2023-01-24 20:30 - 21:00 | Zoom
On Tuesdays beginning January 3, 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., available 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 explore this spiritual practice and participate as their schedules allow. The services, sponsored by the Faith Formation Council, continue through February 21. Interested? Contact Tom Scott (tom.scott.goblue@msn.com) for the Zoom link.

Wednesday Bible Study
2023-01-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Bible study for those who want to go deeper, learn more about the Bible. Open to all wanting to learn via zoom. Meets weekly 10-11:30 am. Contact Janet Lutz for more info and zoom contacts: Janetatl@aol.com.

Children's Choir Rehearsal
2023-01-25 17:15 - 18:00
Children’s Choir is open to children in grades 1-6 and children can join at any time. Email brian@faithatfirst.com for more details.

Handbell Choir Rehearsal
2023-01-25 18:30 - 19:15 | Choir Room
The Handbell Choir plays in worship once each month. Basic music reading skills required (instrumentalists are especially welcome). Open to adults and youth in grades 6-12. New members welcome throughout the year – email brian@faithatfirst.com for more details.

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-01-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
On January 26, the Progressive Christianity Reading Group begins a discussion of Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day’s Radical Vision and It’s Challenge for Our Times by D.L. Mayfield. New participants are always welcome.
In Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day’s Radical Vision and It’s Challenge for Our Times, activist, writer, and neighbor Mayfield brings a personal lens to Day’s story. In exploring the founding of the Catholic Worker movement and newspaper, revisiting the early years of Day’s life, Mayfield turns her attention to what it means to be a good neighbor today. Through a combination of biography, observations on the current American landscape, and theological reflection, this is at once an achingly relevant account and an encouraging blueprint for people of faith in tumultuous times.
Interested? Please contact Dennis Moore at djmoore1941@gmail.com.

God's Story, Our Stories Lectionary Bible Study
2023-01-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
This weekly online 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.
Facilitators: Bill Brown (bbrown@wwbrown-inc.com) and Lee Rader (leelrader@gmail.com).

Worship Commission Meeting
2023-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Glenna Hall

Bundled Blessings Committee Retreat
2023-01-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Glenna Hall
This Bundled Blessings Committee will be engaged in reflection and planning.
Contact person: Nancy Brown, nandbrown@comcast.net.

Trauma and Hope in Gaza
2023-01-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Glenna Hall
Trauma and Hope in Gaza:
A Conversation with Dr. Yasser Abu-Jamei, Director, Gaza Community Mental Health Program

Saturday, January 28, 1:00-2:30pm at the church
Register for this event now

The Social Justice Committee invites church members and all others to participate in an Evanston stop on a U.S. tour by Dr. Yasser Abu-Jamei who leads the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP). Located in Palestine’s Gaza Strip, the GCMHP a non-governmental community organization located in Palestine that provides clinical and social services and training and advocates for human rights.
Imagine the work of providing mental health care to persons who experience daily trauma in a location rife with conflict and persistent violence – and the challenges of promoting women’s rights in a culture that is frequently oppressive. Then imagine the level of collective trauma.
Check out this BBC HARD Talk interview with Dr. Abu-Jamei.
Spread the word to others who are concerned about issues of mental health, human rights, women and children, and violence in the Middle East.
Register for this event
Questions? Please contact Tom Butler, Social Justice Committee Chair, at theo1033@comcast.net .

Celebration of Life: Matthew A. Clemson
2023-01-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Sanctuary
A Celebration of Life service for Matthew Clemson will be help on Saturday, January 28, at 3:00pm in the sanctuary and livestreamed at: https://youtu.be/4G2AETE7anU.
Read the obituary: https://conta.cc/3XIXPlF
Share your words of love and comfort with Matthew’s parents Stephanie and Peter Clemson, and sister Anna by sending to 1415 Judson Ave, Evanston IL 60201, and/or signing the online guest book at https://forms.gle/82A3GJNLvkC1d13eA.
First Church is accessible via a ramp at the 516 Church Street entrance. Parking is available for a fee in the ramp across from the church on Church Street, and the CTA Davis St station (purple line) is three blocks straight west.

Children's Chapel
2023-01-29 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.
