First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Soup Kitchen
2023-09-07 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | kitchen
As part of Interfaith Action of Evanston, First Church hosts a weekly soup kitchen each Thursday evening. A host team of First Church volunteers is needed each week, and 5-6 times a year we also need cooking teams.
Interested in helping? Please contact Dave Koester (davekoester57@gmail.com) about current scheduling needs.

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-09-07 13:00 - 14:15 | Zoom
First Church’s Progressive Christians Reading Group invites new and former participants to participate this fall as the group resumes reading and discussion of selected books.
The first selection is Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence by Diana Butler Bass. This group gathers online Thursdays, 1:00-2:15pm, beginning Sept. 7.
How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind.
In Freeing Jesus Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.
Eleanor Nicholson will facilitate the discussion.
Interested? Email Bonnie Beckonchrist at bbeckonchrist@gmail.com for the Zoom link. A copy of the book may be borrowed from the church office.

Wednesday Bible Study
2023-09-07 10:00 - 11:30 | online
The Wednesday Bible Study is a longstanding group that welcomes new members. This group meets online every Wednesday 10-11:30am with the exception of a short break in the summer. The current study, which runs through October 18 is The Gospel of Mark by Amy Jill Levine. A new study (to be determined) will begin on October 25.
New participants are always welcome. Please contact Janet Lutz at janetatl@aol.com if you are interested.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2023-09-06 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.

First Books Discusses Demon Copperhead
2023-09-05 19:30 - 20:45
First Books, formerly known as the UMW Book Group, meets at the church monthly on a Tuesday evening from fall through spring to discuss a mutually selected book. Books are often contemporary fiction, sometimes nonfiction, with an occasional classic and mystery thrown in the mix. New participants are always welcome.
The group resumes after summer break on Tuesday, September 5, 7:30pm at the church (room TBD) with discussion of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Learn more about this Pulitzer Prize winner here.
Questions? Please contact Janet Lutz at janetatl@aol.com.

Mom's Night Out
2023-08-30 18:30 - 20:30
First Church Mom’s Night Out – Wed August 30th 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Julie Shotwell, host, and Kathy Ryan, co-host
For the Evanston address please RSVP to jkshotwell@gmail.com.

This is intended for Every Mom of kids of every age. We cannot wait to gather again after the summer! We snack, talk and laugh! No agenda! All are welcome! Come as you are! Bring a snack IF you wish – but no guilt!

Questions about Mom’s Night Out? Want to be added to the mailing list? Please contact Linda Federer at lfederer30@gmail.com.

Board of Trustees Meeting
2023-08-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Dining Room
Board of Trustees – first meeting of the year (committee members)
Dinner and then meeting

Realm Task Force
2023-08-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Conference Room

Archives Committee
2023-08-29 14:00 - 15:30

Reconciling Congregation Task Force Organizing Meeting
2023-08-26 11:15 - 12:15 | Conference Room
This is the organizing meeting for the Reconciling Task Force of Social Justice. We are looking for interested persons to gather and focus our ministry for 2023-24. People who have been involved and new folx are welcome to work on our advocacy, witness and LGBTQIA+ justice as a congregation.
B.J. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, incoming coordinator, bjbrpastor@gmail.com

Ludhiana Christian Medical College Board Meeting
2023-08-25 - 2023-08-26 | Glenna Hall

Children's Council Meeting
2023-08-20 11:30 - 12:45 | Glenna Hall
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)

Coffee with the Counters
2023-08-20 11:30 - 12:15 | Dining Room
A thank you and kick off event for the First Church Offering Counters.

Outing to the Chicago Botanic Garden with the Limitless Group
2023-08-19 11:00 - 18:00 | Chicago Botanic Garden
Limitless, a fellowship group that invites singles, couples, and families of all ages and stages, will visit the Chicago Botanic Garden on Saturday, August 19th. Currently tickets are $16.95 for Cook County adults and will likely increase the week of.
We will meet at church at 11 am and carpool to save on parking and can meet others there for a noon entry time.
Questions? Contact Wendy Istvanick at je.mappelle.wendyi@gmail.com

SNAPGap Collection
2023-08-18 - 2023-09-11
This is the third of four times in 2023, when Interfaith Action is seeking SNAPGap items from its faith communities and from all interested individuals. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at Ridge and Grove is the coordinating faith community for September. SNAPGap items to be collected are shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
Interfaith Action operates the monthly Producemobile at the Robert Crown Community Center, which distributes fresh produce to Evanston’s families experiencing food insecurity. Since the pandemic, Interfaith has added SNAPGap, distributing items that most consider necessary but are not eligible for purchase with federal benefits. Now that COVID funding has ended and prices have gone up, the number of people seeking assistance has increased as well, from the monthly average of 250 households to 300. While Interfaith has been purchasing and distributing toilet paper every month and donated Earth Breeze laundry sheets every two months, we know our recipients will eagerly welcome the following items for the September 12 distribution: shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Items can be purchased online at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/EU78AK7T6LVH/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
If you buy these items locally, you can drop them at:
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
1509 Ridge Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Drop-off Hours at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church:
Thursday, Sept. 7th – 7am-11am
Friday, Sept. 8th – 9am-11am, 5pm-7pm
Sunday, Sept. 10th – 12p–2pm
Monday, Sept.11th – 9am-11am
Thank you for your generosity and participation. Please know that all who benefit are deeply grateful!

Adult Christian Education Council
2023-08-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Conference Room
A meeting of the Adult Christian Education Council. The contacts are
Allison Greer allison.greer123@gmail.com
Henry Carrigan carjrn@aol.com

Faith Formation Council meeting
2023-08-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The Faith Formation Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 7-8pm online. Questions may be directed to Tom Scott (tom.scott.goblue@msn.com), who co-chairs this committee along with Lee Rader.

Diaper Packing
2023-08-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Room M
Diaper packing for our Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank monthly pickup day for distribution to local social service agencies and, in turn, to families. Questions? Please email Nancy Brown at nandbrown@comcast.net.

Celebration of Life for Nancy Webber
2023-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Tittle Chapel
Join Nancy’s family in honoring her life.
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvLRGWzyPEE

Diaper Packing (Volunteers Welcome)
2023-07-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Room M
Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank holds Diaper Packing opportunities on Saturday, July 22 and on Saturday, August 5 from 10:30-12 in Room M. Volunteers are welcome! Please email Nancy Brown at nandbrown@comcast.net if you are interested.

Ebeling/Mondo wedding
2023-07-22 | Tittle Chapel, Glenna Hall, Memorial Garden

Wedding Rehearsal
2023-07-21 | Tittle Chapel and Glenna Hall

Soup Kitchen (Cooking Team Needed)
2023-07-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Dining Room and Kitchen
First Church hosts soup kitchen every Thursday in the church dining room. The cooking responsibilities are shared in a rotation with other faith communities. On this date, First Church is responsible for providing the meal. If you are interested in helping to cook on this date or be involved with the soup kitchen in other ways, please email Dave Koester at davekoester57@gmail.com.

"Faith in the Wild": Vacation Bible School
2023-07-17 09:00 - 2023-07-20 11:30
July 17-20, 9:00-11:30am; for children entering grades kindergarten through 4th.
“Faith in the Wild” is an environmentally-focused Vacation Bible School program inspiring children to explore their place and relationships in God’s world. We will gather for four outdoor sessions at and around First Church, with field trips to Lunt Park, Clark Street Beach and Bird Sanctuary, special guests and more. What’s more, registration is free!
VBS is free, but advanced registration is required. See details and register here by July 9.
Questions? Contact Children’s Ministry Director Colin McDonald at colin@faithatfirst.com.

ASP Mission Trip
2023-07-15 08:00 - 2023-07-22 17:00
For the 25th year, youth from First Church will spend a week serving with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) making homes “warmer, safer, drier” while building relationships with owners and making memories. This year a group of 25 will serve in Harlan County, VA.

Soup Kitchen
2023-07-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Dining Room

Producemobile (Volunteers Needed)
2023-07-11 08:30 - 11:00
Interfaith Action volunteers distribute 11,000 pounds of fresh produce, donated by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, to Cook County residents in need. Numbered tickets are provided to guests, who each receive 15-25 pounds of fruits and vegetables. There is a walk-up line and distribution takes place outside, so bring a wheeled cart and/or strong bags with handles.
As part of the Producemobile program, SNAPGap collects personal hygiene and cleaning products that cannot be purchased with federal benefits and distributes them to people in need. Member church communities donate and collect different items every month, including toilet paper, razors, laundry detergent, and soap.
The Producemobile is co-sponsored by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Interfaith Action of Evanston, and the City of Evanston. This initiative runs largely on volunteers. Want to help? Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4bafaf23a02-evanston#/.

10:30 Worship
2023-07-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Tittle Chapel
All are welcome to 10:30 worship this summer in the air-conditioned Tittle Chapel. Details each Sunday can be found at https://faithatfirst.org/gather/worship-services/worship-this-sunday/

All-Church Continental Breakfast
2023-07-09 09:45 - 10:30 | Hinman Lawn
July 9 worship will include the installation of Sydney Harkrider as our new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and commissioning of our 2023 Appalachia Service Project (ASP) Mission Team. Stay after Worship in the Park or come early to 10:30am Worship in Tittle Chapel that Sunday to welcome Sydney, celebrate our 25th year of ASP summer mission trips, and enjoy fruit and pastries (including gluten free). The playground will be open.

Advance signup is critical for planning and helps us to avoid waste.
Sign up here: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MDk2YjUzMjQtZWYxMC00YzUwLWE4YmItYjAyZjAxMzQ0ODky
To help offset the cost of this event, consider making a donation at https://faithatfirst.org/get-involved/make-a-gift/ (select July 9 breakfast from the drop down menu).
