First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-11-02 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
Join Progressive Christian Reading Group as they explore Karen Armstrong’s “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life” on Thursdays during November via ZOOM from 1pm to 2pm. One of the most original thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world, Armstrong believes that while compassion is intrinsic in all human beings, each of us needs to work diligently to cultivate and expand our capacity for compassion. Christie Cooke, PhD will facilitate our discussions. Contact Bonnie Beckonchrist at Bbeckonchrist@gmail.com for ZOOM info. ALL are welcome.

First Wednesday Potluck
2023-11-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Dining Room
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 6:00- p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bring a side or dessert to share and join your church family for good food and fellowship this fall on the first Wednesday of every month! On the menu this month, a First UMC Soup Kitchen favorite, Cheesy Meatball Bake.
Please register to aid in preparations, noting any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the memo field.

Nominations & Leadership Dev. Committee Meeting
2023-10-29 11:45 - 13:00 | Conference Room
The Nominations & Leadership Development Committee is led by Pastor Grace Imathiu (chair) and Mike Bergmann (vice chair).

Theology, Identity, and Me: An Affirming Study of Gender, Sex, and Human Sexuality
2023-10-29 09:15 - 10:15 | Room 33
As First Church embarks on its 10th year as a Reconciling Congregation, we invite the congregation into a deep exploration of Christian thought, natural sciences, and Church history in relation to gender, sex, and human sexuality. Using a three-part video course and discussion questions from the Reconciling Ministries Network, we will seek to understand gender expression and sexual identity in connection to our faith as well as seek ways to practice radical hospitality and grow as a welcoming and affirming community of faith.
“When we seek to understand each person’s sacred worth, we can better honor the beauty of God’s creation and our kin.” – Reconciling Ministries Network
Video presenters: Liam M. Hooper, M.Div., (He/Him), Rev. Quest Hunter (They/Them), Rev. H.N. Gibson (They/Them/Theirs), Ophelia Hu Kinney (She/Her), and Rev. Anjie Peek Woodworth (She/Her)
First Church Facilitator: B.J. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger
Please register here: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=OWM5ZWI0ZTUtNGYyNS00YTJlLWE4MjYtYjA3NDAxMjUzZjVi

Couples Salon Fall Gathering
2023-10-28 18:30 - 21:00
Come join Couples Salon for an evening of food and fellowship on Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Evanston home of Steve and Susan Prout. New participants are welcome! Please RSVP to Susan at swprout@comcast.net to let her know you are coming, and whether you are bringing an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share.

Pumpkin Carving and Bonfire
2023-10-28 16:00 - 23:00
You are invited to the 4th annual Limitless Pumpkin carving and weenie roast/bonfire Saturday 10/28 starting at 4:00pm at the home of Matt and Stephanie Peters in the backyard. Bring your own pumpkin.
Pumpkin carving supplies, hotdogs, buns, and fixings, hot cider and water will be provided. Please bring a side to share. RSVP to Stephanie Peters at stephdeloney@gmail.com

Mom's Night Out
2023-10-26 18:30 - 20:30
FUMC Mom’s Night Out – Thurs Oct 26th 6:30 – 8:30 pm
COME AS YOU ARE!! – in your sweats, office clothes, or yoga pants!
Cherie Asante – Host and Jess Radcliffe Co-Host
Please RSVP to cherie.asante@gmail.com
This is intended for Every Mom of kids of every age.
We snack, talk and laugh! No agenda! All are welcome!
Bring a snack IF you wish – but no guilt!

Spooky Story Night and ESCCA Clothing Drive
2023-10-25 17:00 - 19:00
Spooky Story Night and ESCCA Clothing Drive, Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Come in costume for family-friendly, faith-affirming spooky stories, stay for trick or treating! Bring gently used children;s clothes to donate to ESCCA
Please register: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NzE0YjA3NTUtYTQ3OC00NjFmLWE3YjUtYjA5NTAwMGRhNDc5

Adolphine Kikonde Lukube's Memorial Service Reception
2023-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Dining Room

Memorial Service for Adolphine Kikonde Lukube, Pauline Omboko Shongo's Mother
2023-10-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Tittle Chapel

Monthly Styrofoam Collection
2023-10-21 10:00 - 12:00
The Earth Care Committee holds its monthly Styrofoam collection time at First UMC Evanston on the third Saturday of the month at the Church Street entrance between 10am and Noon. Material to be collected includes all clean No. 6 plastic foam. Acceptable items include disposable coffee cups; take out containers (such as clamshells); plastic plates, bowls and cutlery; meat and poultry foam trays and packing foam. Note: Items must be foam and marked with the No.6 symbol.
When recycled, these items can be processed into a material used to make park benches, picture frames, and other items. Recycling these items helps keep this harmful plastic, which cannot be processed locally, out of the waste stream.

Brass & Organ Concert
2023-10-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Sanctuary
First Church’s Music Ministry presents a concert of music for brass and organ featuring the Gaudete Brass Quintet and Minister of Music & Organist Dr. Brian Schoettler. The program includes classics by J. S. Bach and Marcel Dupré alongside works by living composers including works by local composers Ephraim Champion and Brian Schoettler. Founded in 2004, the Gaudete Brass has recorded four albums and presents concerts and educational programs throughout the United States.
The 7:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

Brass Rehearsal
2023-10-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Sanctuary
Rehearsal for 10/20 concert.

SPRC Monthly Meeting
2023-10-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Monthly meeting of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Please address questions about this group to Beth Swanick, Chair.

Young Adult Potluck
2023-10-15 17:30 - 19:30
Calling all Young Adults! We are gathering for potlucks on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30pm. Feel free to bring your favorite side item or dessert! Contact Sydney Harkrider at sydney@faithatfirst.com for the location!

Earth Care Committee Monthly Meeting
2023-10-15 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).

ASP Reunion and Interest Meeting
2023-10-15 11:30 - 13:30 | Dining Room
Are you a youth or parent interested in ASP for 2024? Come hear about this experience and ask your questions! This is also a time of reunion for those who attended this past Summer, so come and invite the new folks who will join us next Summer!

First Steps to Faith
2023-10-15 09:00 - 09:30
Children ages 0-3 and their parents or caregivers gather one Sunday a month in the nursery for seasonal stories, songs, and activities for young families.

Memorial Service for Elizabeth Lithio
2023-10-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Sanctuary
Watch the live stream of Liz’s service: https://youtube.com/live/jt-2kbwuv6k?feature=share

Diaper Packing and Soup Kitchen Prep
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Dining Room
Projects will include making sack meals for Connections for the Homeless; packing diapers for our Bundled Blessings diaper pantry; and other tasks to support our ministries at the church and in the community. We will have all the supplies ready for you at the church, so you can just come as you are and enjoy some fellowship while doing good. And we will break midway through for refreshments!
Contact Alli Henry alli.m.henry@gmail.com and Nancy Brown nandbrown@comcast.net with questions!

J.U.M.P.
2023-10-13 16:00 - 18:00
J.U.M.P. (Junior United Methodist People) serves as an introductory youth group for students in grades 4-6 and meets monthly on Fridays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. In October, J.U.M.P. is teaming up with First Church’s Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry to help pack diapers for families in need. Join us for light work and great fun!
Please register your child(ren) in advance at https://bit.ly/3rxOsuR. Drop-off and pick-up at First Church’s Church Street entrance (516 Church Street).

Garrett Seminary Dinner
2023-10-13 15:00 - 21:00 | Kitchen and Great Hall
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, along with our partner, the Association of Hispanic Theological Education (AETH); In person, Great Hall; Friday, October 13, 2023, 3:00-9:00; contact: Becky Eberhart or Krys Juleen, krys@faithatfirst.com

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-10-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
On Thursdays October 5th, 12th, 18th, and 25th, the Progressive Christians Reading Group will delve into “The Elephant is Running: Process and Open and Relational Theologies and Religious Pluralism” by Bruce Epperly. Epperly believes that God invites us to affirm religious pluralism while remaining faithful to the way of Jesus and the prophetic spirit of Christianity. “The Elephant is Running” integrates theological reflection, encounters with the wisdom world’s spiritual traditions, the author’s personal experience as a spiritual adventurer, and inspirational and innovative spiritual practices. The author will join us on October 5th!
This group meets on Zoom every Thursday at 1pm.
Interested? Contact Blaine Rader at raderbb@aol.com or Bonnie Beckonchrist at bbeckonchrist@gmail.com.

Festival Choir Rehearsal
2023-10-11 19:30 - 20:10
Adults and high school youth from the congregation and the community rehearse in preparation for the Festival Choir Concert on Nov. 17, 2023. No audition is require and music is provided at rehearsal.

Membership Committee Meeting
2023-10-11 19:00 - 20:15 | Conference Room
Monthly meeting of the Membership Committee Please address questions to Mark Henry, Chair, at mark.g.henry@gmail.com .

Church Council Meeting
2023-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall

Club123
2023-10-08 15:00 - 16:30
Club 123 promotes fun, fellowship, and service for children in grades 1-3, once a month on Sundays from 3:00-4:30 p.m. In October, Club123 is teaming up with First Church’s Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry to help pack diapers for families in need, Join us for light work and great fun!
Please register your child(ren) in advance at https://bit.ly/3rEFhbS. Drop-off and pick-up at First Church’s Church Street entrance (516 Church Street).

Children's Ministry Training & Information Session
2023-10-08 11:30 - 12:30 | Room 34
Are you being called to serve with First Church’s Children’s Ministry? Join us on Sunday, October 8 immediately following 10:30 a.m. Worship to learn about the many opportunities and resources available to new and seasoned volunteers and strengthen your leadership. While our training will focus especially on the Sunday school hour, all are welcome and encouraged to join the conversation. Answer the call!

Children's Choir Rehearsal
2023-10-08 10:00 - 10:15 | Sanctuary

Apple Picking and Fall Fun
2023-10-07 12:30 - 17:00
You’re invited to join the Limitless group for our 3rd annual Apple picking Saturday, October 7th. Please meet us at the Apple Holler orchard entrance around 12:30pm or contact Stephanie Peters to caravan/carpool from the Peters house at 11:30am. Please RSVP to Stephanie Peters at stephdeloney@gmail.com All are welcome.
We are going to the Apple Holler Apple Orchard which has a tractor drawn train tour to apple picking, a play area, corn maze, farm animals and so much more. We may stop for dinner on the way back home for those that would like to enjoy dinner.
Homepage
