First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Chili Cook-Off
2026-01-25 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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

Craft Day
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00
Craft Day: 1st Saturdays in the Dining Room at 10am-12pm
Join us for a fun and creative time together. Bring any project you would like to work on, including quilting, crochet, knitting, beading, painting, and more. All projects are welcome.
We will meet in the dining room, so there will be plenty of space to spread out. Please bring your sewing machine and any supplies you will need, as well as your lunch.
Beginners are welcome. All ages and skill levels are invited to join.
Please email Courtney or Glynis to receive the building access code.

Social Justice Intersections - One Church One Book
2026-03-08 09:15 - 10:15
Wesleyan Vile-tality

SJI launches a four-week study of FUMC’s One Church/One Book, “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity.” It was written by Dr. Ashley Boggan, who led SJI and preached here last Fall. Boggan argues that the early Methodists, following the lead of John and Charles Wesley, were considered vile. They were “rule-benders, rabble-rousers, and outcast-embracers.” Somewhere along the way, Methodists chose to become respectable. Boggan calls us to return to our original vile-tality as we address racism, sexism, heterosexism, and colonialism. Books are available at the church office for $10.

Discussion facilitators are:

March 8: The Call to Wesleyan Vile-tality – Chapters 1 and 2 – Martha Rudy

March 15: Losing Vile-tality – Chapter 3 – Matt Moy Johnson

March 22: Vile Sustainers – Chapter 4 – Tom Scott

March 29: Reclaiming Vile-tality – Chapter 5 – Dennis Barbour

Fisk University concert
2026-03-08 17:00 - 23:00 | Sanctuary

Mom's Night Out (On the Town!)
2026-03-12 20:00 - 22:00
Mom’s Night Out: March 12 @ 6:30pm
Host: Women’s Club Review & Evelyn McGowan
Join friends for an evening of laughter and community at “All Downstage from Here”, presented at the Evanston Woman’s Club (1702 Church Street at Chicago Avenue).
This entertaining revue features musical numbers cleverly “adapted” with humorous commentary on life in Evanston. The production is entirely volunteer-led and promises a delightful night out.
Most importantly, proceeds benefit Piven Theatre Workshop, supporting its mission to foster creative exploration and celebrate each individual’s unique voice through ensemble-based, community-oriented theatre training and performance.

Tickets: $52
Evelyn McGowan has reserved a table for 12. Please pay via Zelle and contact Evelyn for payment details at em4mail@@gmail.com.

Dinner Before the Show – 6:00pm
We’ll gather at Prairie Moon (1635 Chicago Avenue).
If you’d like to join for dinner, please contact Cherie Asante at Cherie.asante@gmail.com so she can include you in the reservation.
We hope you’ll join us for a fun evening in support of a meaningful ministry in our community!
Upcoming:

April – Jen Wolfe & Jackie Owens
May – Julie Womack & TBD

Stare at the Sun concert
2026-03-13 17:00 - 22:00 | Sanctuary

Stare at the Sun Choral Concert
2026-03-13 18:30 - 22:00 | Glenna Hall

Men's Fellowship: One Church One Book 9:15am Meeting
2026-03-15 09:15 - 10:15 | Great Hall Balcony

New Member Sunday walkthrough
2026-03-15 09:30 - 10:10 | Tittle Chapel
