First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL

Northern Illinois Conference Youth Retreat
2024-09-27 - 2024-09-29
The Northern Illinois Conference has created a Youth Retreat for all folks to attend. This is a great opportunity to have both a Fall and Spring retreat every year, so let’s do it! The cost will be $160 by August 15th or $175 after that date. This open to all youth, so I hope you’ll join Sydney and head over to Lake Geneva for a weekend!
Interested? Contact Sydney Harkrider at sydney@faithatfirst.com .

Limitless Apple Orchard and Dinner Outing
2024-09-28 12:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
You’re invited to join the Limitless group for our 4th annual Apple picking Saturday, September 28th at Apple Holler Apple Orchard. Apple Holler Apple Orchard is located at 5006 South Sylvania Ave. Sturtevant, WI 53177. Please meet at the Apple orchard entrance at 12:00pm or contact Stephanie Peters to caravan/carpool from the Peters house at 11:00am. Please RSVP to Stephanie Peters at stephdeloney@gmail.com
We have decided to go to the same Apple Orchard as last year since it is a little closer, offers more apples, is all inclusive, and has dinner options on the way back home for those that would like to enjoy dinner afterwards. Oh and the donuts and apple dumplings were amazing!
https://www.appleholler.com

Adult Education- Methodism 101
2024-09-29 09:15 - 10:15 (America/Chicago) | Room 33
Methodism 101 looks at religion and religious practices and the unique contributions of John Wesley and of Methodism to the understanding and practice of Christianity as a whole. It does this from a historical perspective looking at the development of the Methodist church in England as well as America.
Sunday November 17…American Methodism…beginnings
Sunday November 24…Methodist Family Tree
Sunday Dec 1…TBD (“Come thou long-expected Jesus” Paul Chilcote’s)
Dec. 8,15,22…Advent and Christmas with Charles Wesley…
Dec 29 and Jan 5…Holiday break

Visitor Coffee with Tour
2024-09-29 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Glenna Hall
Curious to further explore First Church? Want to meet others in the congregation and tour the building? Visitors and others new and not-so-new to First Church are invited to stay after worship on September 29 or October 20 for a Visitor Coffee. The event will include informal conversation, coffee and snacks, and tours of rooms in the building where “the magic happens” (to quote Pastor Grace). Information on the membership process will be available for those who may be interested.
Please RSVP for either Sept. 29 or Oct. 20 by email to mary@faithafirst.com .

Dos and Donuts - Using Realm Connect on your phone
2024-09-29 11:35 - 12:15 (America/Chicago)
Want to feel more connected to the First Church congregation? Do you want convenient access to the Church Directory? Are you hoping to get more engaged in small groups or volunteer opportunities?
Stop by Glenna Hall after church on Sunday the 29th to get some help using Realm Connect on your phone (hint: it’s MUCH easier on the app than on the website!).
Questions? Contact Realm@FaithAtFirst.com

Do's and Donuts- Using Realm Connect on your Phone
2024-09-29 11:35 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Glenna Hall
Want to feel more connected to First Church congregation? Do you want convenient access to the Church Directory? Are you hoping to get more engaged in small groups or volunteer opportunities?
Stop by Glenna Hall after church on Sunday the 29th to get some help using Realm Connect on your phone (hint: it’s MUCH easier on the app than on the website!)
Questions? Contact Realm@faithatfirst.com

JRC Set Up
2024-09-29 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary

First Wednesday Potluck
2024-10-02 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Dining Room and Kitchen
Bring a side or dessert to share and join your church family for good food and fellowship on the first Wednesday of each month!
This month we’ll savor Autumn’s official arrival with cozy wild rice soup.
Please register to aid in preparations, noting any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the memo field.

JRC- Rosh Hashanah
2024-10-03 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary, Nursery, Glenna, Kitchen, Playground, 3rd Floor Rooms, Dining Rooms, Chapel, Great Hall

Covenant Groups -- St. Francis Peace Prayer
2024-10-06 09:15 - 10:15 (America/Chicago)
Long before there was a Campaign for Kindness, there was a prayer known as the St. Francis peace prayer (Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…) This well-known prayer has been in widespread ecumenical use since early in the twentieth century. In this five session covenant group members will practice applying the prayer in their daily lives and will engage in reflection and mutual support. Come join us as we work to become more effective instruments of peace in a world which deeply needs them.
There will be both a ZOOM version and an in-person version. The ZOOM version will be on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 beginning October 2 and ending October 30 and will be led by Kim Coffing. The in-person version will be on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15 beginning September 29 and ending November 3 (no meeting on October 20) and will be led by Jim Johnson.
Questions? Contact Tom Scott at tom.scott.goblue@msn.com.

Inquirers Reunion (for classes of 2023 and 2024)
2024-10-06 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Dining Room
Inquirers from the classes of Winter/Spring 2023, Winter 2024, and Spring 2024 are invited to gather in the church dining room after worship on Oct. 6 to connect and reconnect with classmates, ask questions, and meet church leaders. Lunch (or brunch) will be provided.. Family members welcome. Hope to see you!
Please RSVP here by Wednesday, Oct. 2 and indicate any dietary restrictions.
Questions? Please contact Mary Taylor-Johnson at mary@faithatfirst.com.

Methodist Youth Fellowship
2024-10-06 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Room M
All 7th-12th grade youth are invited to attend Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF)! This is our gathering twice a month for all youth to have lunch and then engage in music, lessons, a service project, or simply have fun together. Come and join us! All are welcome!

Children's Ministry Volunteer Training
2024-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Room 34
First Church’s Children’s Ministry program is enriched and made possible by a dedicated network of lay volunteer leaders. Signing up for one hour, one Sunday a month is all it takes to make an enduring impact in the lives of our children and church! Are you being called to serve (and play!) with First Church’s Children’s Ministry?
Join us for lunch on Sunday, October 6 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. to learn about the many opportunities and resources available to new and seasoned volunteers, strengthen your leadership, and nurture the life of our congregation. Join the conversation and answer the call!
Please register at the link, noting any food allergies or restrictions in the memo field: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MWVjNzFiYWQtZWQ5ZS00MTM3LWEzZjMtYjFlMjAxNGJlMDRl

Covenant Hiking Group
2024-10-06 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
“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 welcome.
Each month 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 from October 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.
Facilitator: Jim Johnson. Contact Jim at jjohnso@luc.edu with any questions and to be placed on the distribution list.

JRC- Set Up
2024-10-06 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary

Young Adult Potluck
2024-10-06 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
All young adults are invited to our potluck! Whether you are new around here, or looking for other adults to befriend— you are welcome here! We gather at the Bailey’s home, and all bring dishes to share. Contact Sydney for the address, and hope to see you there!

Yom Kippur- JRC
2024-10-11 16:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary and Kitchen

Yom Kippur- JRC
2024-10-12 08:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary, Nursery, Glenna, Kitchen, Playground, 3rd Floor Rooms, Dining Rooms, Chapel, Great Hall

Men's Fellowship Breakfast
2024-10-13 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | The Merion, 1611 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
The men’s fellowship group meets every second Sunday of the month at the Merion (1611 Chicago Ave. Evanston) for breakfast and fellowship. The event is from 8-9 am. RSVP requested to participate…jehdvm@gmail.com

Faith in Action Virtual Adult Education Class
2024-10-13 09:15 - 10:15 (America/Chicago)
Meets monthly on the second Sunday, September-December.
Using Compass podcasts produced by the UMC, the class will walk through spiritual practices and meditations and explore conversations with special guests about who they are encountering spirituality in surprising ways. The goal is to transform ourselves through listening, learning and asking the questions, “How is it with your soul?”
Participants are asked to listen to an assigned podcast (approximately 40 mins) prior to each class. For further information and the Zoom link, contact facilitators Mary Cauble, mcauble50@gmail.com, and Bonny Roth, bsrcom@yahoo.com.

Adult Education- Faith & Parenting
2024-10-13 09:15 - 10:15 UTC | Room 24
Faith & Parenting offers a weekly space for parents of children at all stages to share and reflect on how their personal and familial faith journeys are nurtured and challenged through the vocation of parenting. Brief guided reflections based on scriptures shared in Children’s Sunday school will accompany each session.

Invitation to the Labyrinth
2024-10-13 09:15 - 10:15 (America/Chicago)
Have you ever wondered what the labyrinth in our memorial garden is for? Or have you walked a labyrinth before and would like to walk ours? Then join the Faith Formation Council in the memorial garden at 9:15 on October 6, October 13, or October 20 or at 11:45 on September 29, October 27, November 10, November 17, or November 24. A Council member will give a brief overview of the labyrinth for those who are interested, and the labyrinth will be open to all to walk. Questions? Contact Tom Scott at tom.scott.goblue@msn.com.

ASP Reunion and Interest Meeting
2024-10-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Dining Room
If you joined the youth’s ASP trip this past Summer, you’re invited to a reunion lunch! If you’re new and would love to join next Summer, you’re invited, too! This is the perfect time to talk with those who have attended in the past and ask questions. I hope we’ll see both new and returning folks!

JRC- Take Down
2024-10-13 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary

Harvest Soup Total Child
2024-10-16 08:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Dining Room
The children and Total Child staff prepare a delicious homemade vegetable soup for this special dinner. Families have the opportunity to spend time with the Total Child community.

Festival Choir Rehearsal
2024-10-16 19:30 - 20:15 (America/Chicago) | Choir Room
Adults and high school youth from the congregation and the community rehearse in preparation of Handel’s “Messiah” (Part I) for the Festival Choir Concert on Nov. 22, 2024. No audition is required.

Mom's Night Out
2024-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
CELEBRATE FALL TOGETHER!!
Our group continues to have different women come to every gathering!
New friends and New conversations every time! Come when you can!
You can bring something to share but no pressure!
Thursday, October 17th 6:30-8:30 pm
Chris Webler’s home (with Ann Weatherhead Cohost)
Prefer RSVP to c.webler@gmail.com Chris’ phone 847-830-1063
Thank you to Cherie Asante and Catharina Maerklin for hosting a happy evening with great salads, sweet snacks and so many fun topics!
NEXT MNO WED, NOV 13th – Linda Federer’s (with Debbie Zimmerman)
AND then TUES, DEC 3rd – Greta Connor (with Sue Henderson)
Want to host/cohost a Post Holiday MNO? Jan, Feb and March are open!

Fisk University Choir Concert
2024-10-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Sanctuary
Evanston’s Sherman Methodist Church sponsors the Fisk University Choir in concert on Friday, October 18 at 7:00. FUMC contact: Krys Juleen; Sherman contact: Ned Schaub

Pumpkin Carving and Bonfire/Hot Dog Roast
2024-10-19 16:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Peters Home
You are invited to the 5th annual Pumpkin carving and hot dog roast/bonfire Saturday 10/19 starting at 4:00pm at the Peters home in the backyard. Bring your own pumpkin.
Pumpkin carving supplies will be provided as well as hotdogs, buns, and fixings, hot cider and water. Please bring a side to share. It’s fun for all ages and stages. RSVP to Stephanie Peters at stephdeloney@gmail.com

Youth Hayride
2024-10-19 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
The youth’s annual hayride at Richardson Farms will be on October 19th. Meet at the church parking lot at 5pm so we can drive together. There will be a corn maze, hayride, games, a campfire, and plenty of laughter. Come join this special night!
