First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Membership Committee Meeting
2023-10-11 19:00 - 20:15 UTC | 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.
https://www.appleholler.com/

Brass Rehearsal
2023-10-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary

God's Story, Our Stories (Bible Study Group)
2023-10-05 19:00 - 20:30
God’s Story, Our Stories – Lectionary Bible Study Group
YOU Are Invited!
The Lectionary Bible Study Group meets via zoom every Thursday night mid-September through mid-June from 7 – 8:30 p.m. We are a band of curious explorers, reflecting upon the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. We ask many questions. We have “ah ha” moments in our discussions. We attempt to unearth how these ancient stories inform our current day stories. We deeply seek to live out our best understanding of the heart of these stories week by week in the midst of our common humanity. Several group members rotate the facilitation.
Come and join us! You may be placed on the group distribution list by contacting Bill Brown at bbrown@wwbrown-inc.com .

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-10-05 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 Bonnie Beckonchrist at bbeckonchrist@gmail.com

Wednesday Bible Study
2023-10-04 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.

First Books
2023-10-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Glenna Hall
Join other readers in discussing Lynda Rutledge’s delightful tale “West with Giraffes”. Inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who won the hearts of Depression-era America when they crossed the Atlantic through a hurricane and then survived a twelve-day road trip across the U.S. to the San Diego Zoo. Contact Janet Lutz, janetatl@aol.com with any questions.

Mission & Outreach Committee Meeting
2023-10-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Conference Room
Mission & Outreach Committee Meeting. Monthly meetings are open to members of the committee. Hosted by Alli Henry, alli.m.henry@gmail.com.

Young Adults Potluck
2023-10-01 17:30 - 19:30
Calling all Young Adults! We are resuming our potlucks every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30 pm starting on September 17th. Feel free to bring your favorite side item or dessert! Contact Sydney at sydney@faithatfirst.com for the location!

Covenant Hike Group
2023-10-01 14:00 - 15:00
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” – George Washington Carver
The Covenant Hike Group invites all who have a wonder of the natural world to share nature immersion with each other through 3 seasons while experiencing the presence of God. The format is simple. We begin with a brief reading (scripture or poem), hike along while sharing joys and concerns, and appreciate 5 minutes of silence at mid-point. Each hike concludes with an optional, brief time of sharing about our experiences on the hike, closing prayer, and a cool or hot drink! All ages are welcomed!
Beginning Sunday October 1st, we will meet at a designated location at 2 p.m., hiking various paths in our area for about an hour at a comfortable pace for everyone. The group will meet each first Sunday through May and participants may join in as schedules allow.
All who participate are welcomed to share in ownership. The wonder of the natural world and God’s presence in it is limitless.
Facilitators: Jim Johnson and Lee Rader. If interested, please contact Jim at jjohnso@luc.edu to be placed on the distribution list.

Methodist Youth Fellowship
2023-10-01 11:30 - 13:30 | Room M
It’s time to start up Youth Ministry again! All youth are invited to come at Methodist Youth Fellowship every 1st and 3rd Sunday right after service from 11:30-1:30pm starting on September 17th. We will have lunch, play games, and have time to gather to talk about where we are at in life. This will be our main time to gather as youth to get to know one another. I urge all youth to come hang out and be part of this community! Contact Sydney for more information.

Homelessness in Evanston
2023-10-01 09:15 - 10:15 | Room 33
Homelessness in Evanston – Oct. 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 9:15am
First United Methodist Church is a community of faith seeking the transformation of the world through Jesus’ courageous love. — First Church Vision Statement
Join us as we challenge ourselves to put our faith into action through this series of interactive discussions of homelessness in Evanston. Come learn more about housing and food insecurity, services currently offered, and our individual and collective response as a faith community.

How do people find themselves without housing?
How should you respond to panhandlers?
Who is doing what in Evanston for people who are homeless or hungry?
How did we/the nation get into this situation of masses of people experiencing homelessness?
How can we put our faith into action around this pressing issue?

Oct 1st: Homelessness in Evanston: An overview of the causes of homelessness, who is impacted, and the available services and volunteer opportunities in our community.
Oct. 8th: Interfaith Action’s Response to Homelessness: Executive Director Sue Murphy will join us to share about current services offered by the interfaith community.
Oct. 15th: Connections for the Homeless’s Response to Homelessness: Manager of Advocacy for Affordable Housing Sue Loellbach will join us to share the status of affordable housing.
Oct. 22nd: FUMC’s Faith in Action: How can we respond to the Homelessness crisis in Evanston individually and as a faith community?
Discussion LeadersAnn Weatherhead, FMC Interfaith Action Delegate, Affordable Housing AdvocateMelissa Appelt, Interfaith Action Board Chair

Registration is helpful and drop-ins are always welcome. https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=Yzc1NTczODYtODg1OS00YjYwLWI2NmItYjA3NDAxMjMyN2Yw

Messy Church!
2023-10-01 09:00 - 10:15 | Great Hall
Messy Church is Christ-centered. Messy Church is creative. Messy Church is for all ages. Messy Church is where YOU belong!
Life is rarely neat and tidy. But God isn’t afraid to enter the mess.
Messy Church is an opportunity for children, families, 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 for children and adults beginning Sunday, October 1 from 9:00-10:15 a.m. in Great Hall, and continuing on the first Sunday of each month throughout the program year. Please register for all upcoming sessions you plan to attend to aid in estimating food and materials.

Gayle Webber Memorial Service
2023-09-30 10:30 - 13:00 | Tittle Chapel, Glenna Hall, Memorial Garden
A Memorial Service celebrating Gayle’s life will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 10:30 am at the Tittle Chapel followed by interment in the Memorial Garden, and a reception in Glenna Hall.
A livestream video of the service (which can also be accessed at a later time) is here: https://youtube.com/live/8sGFzEb1pAl
The memorial service bulletin and an online guest book can be accessed via the livestream link.

God's Story, Our Story (Bible Study Group)
2023-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall

Mom's Night Out
2023-09-27 18:30 - 20:30
This is intended for Every Mom of kids of every age.
Come as you are- from picking up kids, doing laundry, or planting Mums!
We snack, talk and laugh! No agenda! All are welcome!
Bring a snack IF you wish – but no guilt!
Please RSVP to Lfederer30@gmail.com

JRC - Yom Kippur
2023-09-25 08:00 - 19:00
Narthex
Sanctuary
Glenna
Great Hall
Kitchen
Dining Room
Playground
Chapel
3rd Floor Classrooms

JRC- Yom Kippur
2023-09-24 13:00 - 21:30
Sanctuary and Narthex

Mary Jo Crihfield Memorial Service
2023-09-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Tittle Chapel and Great Hall
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Mary Jo Crihfield’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23rd in the sanctuary of First United Church Evanston at 11:30 a.m. with a reception to follow in the Great Hall.

Communications Committee Meeting
2023-09-20 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
Monthly meeting of the Communications Committee. Contact Chair Andy Shotwell with questions at ashotwell@gmail.com .

Young Adult Potluck
2023-09-17 17:30 - 19:30
Calling all Young Adults! We are resuming our potlucks every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30 pm starting on September 17th. Feel free to bring your favorite side item or dessert! Contact Sydney for the location!

Children's Council
2023-09-17 11:45 - 13:00 | Room 33
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).

Earth Care Committee Monthly Meeting
2023-09-17 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).

Methodist Youth Fellowship
2023-09-17 11:30 - 13:30 | Room M
It’s time to start up Youth Ministry again! All youth are invited to come at Methodist Youth Fellowship every 1st and 3rd Sunday right after service from 11:30-1:30 pm starting on September 17th. We will have lunch, play games, and have time to gather to talk about where we are at in life. This will be our main time to gather as youth to get to know one another. I urge all youth to come hang out and be part of this community! Contact Sydney for more information.

Step Into Service Fair
2023-09-17 11:30 - 12:30 | Great Hall
On Sunday, September 17th, you are invited the Step Into Service Fair! During Community Hour following 10:30 worship, come to Great Hall to start the program year off by learning where you can get involved and put faith into action.
The fair will be an opportunity for groups, programs, and ministries to share the work they are doing, and the help they need to make that work happen.
Does your group want a table at the fair? We’d love to have you! Email Liesl Hoeldtke to sign up and ask questions.

Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life
2023-09-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Glenna Hall
A new season of Christian Adult Education at First Church begins with a fresh take on the core values of our United Methodists faith tradition. Join Ron Anderson for conversation and reflection centered on Bishop Kenneth Carter’s latest call to action and unity, “Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life.”
United Methodist people long to love God and serve their neighbors. “Unrelenting Grace” by Bishop Ken Carter shows us how to come together and embrace grace, seek holiness, and build meaningful connections promoting strength and healing. “Unrelenting Grace” evokes insights and courage to overcome feelings of isolation, loneliness, and alienation. As we wrestle with the effects of the pandemic, social disruption, and conflicts, “Unrelenting Grace” offers guidance for stepping into the future as individuals and as communities of faith.
Copies of Unrelenting Grace are available for purchase from the front church office for $10
Please register here: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NDBiZTVhNDgtYzAzNC00YmZmLWI2MmEtYjA3NDAxMWUyMWZj
