First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Pastor Grace Farewell Celebration
2026-04-18 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary ;Great Hall
Celebration of Gratitude for Sr. Pastor Grace Imathiu, Sat. April 18, 2026 at Sanctuary and Great Hall. Food and Beverages will be served. Please bring a ready-to-serve appetizer or dessert (one or two dozen pieces) to the church kitchen at 330pm. We would like to have snacks and desserts for 300 people.
To plan in advance, please email Carol Barnett at: hhdorsey1911@gmail.com to let us know the item and quantity you’ll bring to share.
All are welcome!

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Harrison Neighbors
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00

Craft Day
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Dining Hall

Opera Rehearsal
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Tittle Chapel

Mom's Night Out
2026-04-15 18:30 - 20:30
Wed April 15th – Jen Wolfe’s home with Jackie Owens Co-host. 6:30-8:30 pm
RSVP to jenwalker03@gmail.com or 740-416-1360
Moms of all ages welcome! Bring a treat to share if it works for you. See you there!

Minister Review 1
2026-04-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Glenna Hall

The Story of Our Lives Worship Series
2026-04-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Sanctuary
This Easter season, we follow the risen Jesus through stories—stories of confusion and recognition, fear and courage, friendship and hope. Before the disciples become the leaders of the church, they are simply people trying to find words for an experience that has changed everything. As we listen again to these resurrection stories, we’ll discover how our own lives are woven into God’s ongoing story—shaping us to live with honesty, connection, and hope in a world still longing for good news. Join us each week for worship and opportunities to practice telling and living this story together.

Messy Church
2026-04-12 10:30 | Glenna Hall
Messy Church is an opportunity for children, youth, 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 on the first Sunday of each month! / 9:15-10:15 a.m. In Great Hall

Men's Fellowship Breakfast
2026-04-12 08:00 - 09:00 | Dining Hall
Men’s fellowship meets monthly at 8 am in the dining hall for breakfast and a short program.

Bookends and Beginnings Hosts Author Colm Toibin
2026-04-09 18:00 - 21:00

Author Interview and Book Signing, sponsored by Bookends and Beginnings
2026-04-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary

Listening session
2026-04-09 16:00 - 20:00 | Dining Hall

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with ETHS Community Service Club
2026-04-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Room M

Connect456
2026-03-29 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 and in the world. Each week features a unique and active means of connecting to scripture, worship, service, and our First Church and United Methodist history. / 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Children's Chapel
2026-03-29 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. Breakout groups of children ages Pre-K and K and grades 1-3 are invited to experience the wonder of worship and joy of living out our faith in a lively, play-based setting. / 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Children's Palm Processional (and Hot Cross Buns!)
2026-03-29 09:30 - 10:30
After gathering at Raymond Park for a neighborhood, outdoor Palm Sunday Procession (with live donkey!), continue the celebration indoors at First Church as we gather in the kitchen to learn about the history of hot cross buns — an early spring and Easter favorite — decorate one for yourself or a friend, and have a bite before worship! Children and families are then invited to meet outside of the Sanctuary between 10:25-10:30 a.m. and help lead the way into worship as part of the children’s Palm Sunday Procession.

Please note that children’s Sunday school and Faith & Parenting classes will not meet at 9:15 a.m. on Palm Sunday.

Children's Sunday School
2026-03-29 09:15 - 10:15
Sunday school takes place before worship with an emphasis on sharing and responding to stories in the Bible through questions, conversation, creativity, and play. Sunday School is offered in an all-ages format for children ages 3-12 with the intentional aid of Mini-Revolutions, an intergenerational curriculum based on the Revised Common Lectionary from Illustrated Ministry. Together, children and families practice the rhythms and experience the seasons of the church year through the revolutions of the liturgical calendar. / 9:15-10:15 a.m.

No Kings Rally & March - Dawes Park
2026-03-28 10:30 - 12:30

No Kings Rally and March
2026-03-28 10:30 - 12:00
Good Afternoon,

Interfaith Action of Evanston was invited by Indivisible Evanston and agreed to be a co-sponsor of the No Kings 3 Rally & March. The Rally & March will be held Sat, March 28th, Dawes Park, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. As a co-sponsor there was no financial commitment.

Please share this notice and the attached flyer with your members. Interfaith Action of Evanston is protesting the Administration’s changes to critical food assistance programs adversely affecting vulnerable, at-risk communities. One of Interfaith’s priorities is to advocate for government assistance to help those struggling with food insecurity and the lack of low-income housing. This rally is an opportunity to both protest and advocate on behalf of those we serve through our targeted programs.

Best regards,

Evanston Community Cares Food, Essentials and Gift Card Drive
2026-03-28 09:00 - 17:00
Evanston Community Cares Food, Essentials and Gift Card Drive
– Collection at No Kings Rally/March 9:00 a.m. – Noon
– Collection at ETHS 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Needed:
– Neighbors to support
– Goal to collect food to serve 500+ families and fill local pantries & fridges.

Organ Tuning
2026-03-24 09:30 - 17:00 | Sanctuary

Men's Fellowship: One Church One Book 11:45am Meeting
2026-03-22 11:45 - 12:45 | Great Hall Balcony

Visitor Tour
2026-03-22 11:35 - 12:20 | Glenna Hall

ASP Fundraiser Dinner & Online Silent Auction
2026-03-21 18:00 - 20:00
ASP Fundraiser Dinner & Online Silent Auction
Saturday, March 21 | Dinner at 6pm, Online Silent Auction Closes 7:30pm
Join us for our annual Fundraiser Dinner supporting our mission trip with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) for our 28th year.
Enjoy a free pasta dinner served by our youth while helping support our mission, so we can serve families in Appalachia by making homes warmer, safer, and drier. Every gift or silent auction bid helps make the mission possible.
During the evening, you’ll hear reflections from our youth and leaders, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our online silent auction, which closes that night. Your presence and support help ensure this life-changing ministry can continue.
To RSVP, click here!

Celebration of Life - Judith Radcliffe
2026-03-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Dining Hall ;Tittle Chapel ;Memorial Garden

Laity Convocation 2026: "Moving Forward with Hope"
2026-03-21 09:30 - 12:30 | 424 Forest Ave.
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee invites you to attend Laity Convocation 2026: “Moving Forward with Hope” on March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First UMC of Glen Ellyn (424 Forest Ave.). This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with other lay leaders, exchange ideas, and gain practical insight for leading with clarity and purpose in the year ahead.
The cost is $15 per person. We encourage you to participate, share your voice, and be part of the conversation shaping our shared ministry.

Food Growing in Small Spaces and Food Sharing in Evanston
2026-03-16 18:00 - 19:30
Food Growing in Small Spaces and Food Sharing in Evanston
Monday March 16th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Evanston Main Library Community Room 107
1703 Orrington
Free and open to the public
Learn how to grow vegetables in containers and raised beds with the Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program; then join a panel discussion with Edible Evanston, Evanston Community Fridges, Urban Canopy, Unitarian Church Evanston and others to find out about opportunities to share food in Evanston!
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Evanston Library
Register here: https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69710c784a9fd98b7f78d894

Special Church Conference
2026-03-15 11:45 - 12:45 | Dining Hall
Special Church Conference to hear about and vote on Church Council’s recommended revised church committee structure.

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