An Interfaith Action Gathering: Zoning, Housing, and Faith Communities
2024-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Cunningham Hall, 1509 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
Interfaith Action of Evanston is hosting a Gathering: Zoning, Housing, and Faith Communities on Tuesday, November 19 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1509 Ridge Ave. Featured speakers include Mayor Daniel Biss, Sue Loellbach, Director of Advocacy, Conncections for the Homeless, and Pastor Luke Harris-Ferree, Grace Lutherna Church and will be moderated by Rev. Greg Millikin of St. Mark’s. The event will explore the relationship of zoning, the high cost of housing, its impact on low-income residents, and why faith communities should care about it. Parking is available at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1012 Lake Street, and Roycemore School, 1200 Davis Street. For more information, contact Melissa Appelt at mmappelt@gmail.com.

Festival Choir Concert: Handel's "Messiah"
2024-11-22 19:30 - 20:30 | Sanctuary
The Festival Choir and Orchestra of First United Methodist Church of Evanston present part 1 of Handel’s beloved “Messiah.” The concert is sure to usher in the spirit of the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The 7:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

Decorating the Sanctuary for Advent and Christmas
2024-11-24 - 2024-12-01 | Sanctuary

Social Justice Intersections
2024-11-24 09:15 - 10:15 | Room 32
November 24 – this is our final work session as we create our own “Countering Christian Nationalism” module for each Sunday in December 2024. We will choose our specific resources and presenters. Many consider countering christian nationalism the most important task facing the church in the US. Please join us as we work together at First Church. We want to resource our whole church and need your help.

Countering Christian Nationalism
2024-11-24 09:15 - 10:15 | Dining Room
COUNTERING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
Throughout December, the Social Justice Intersections group is focusing on Countering Christian Nationalism. The Christian Nationalism movement endangers our right to freedom of religion established in the First Amendment. To educate ourselves about this movement in the context of our Christian faith, the class has chosen to read and discuss Amanda Tyler’s book How to End Christian Nationalism (Broadleaf Books, 2024). The book is divided into 8 steps for Christians to learn what we can about the movement, its history, and impact, and take actions to counter it. Join us in the Dining Room at 9:15 a.m. to discuss the steps as follows
· Dec 8 (our second session): Step 3—Denounce Violence and Step 4—Commit to the Separation of Church and State. Leader Tom Butler.
· Dec. 15: Step 5—Take on Christian Nationalism Close to Home and Step 6—Organize for Change. Leader Rev Richard Mosley
· Dec. 22: Step 7–Protect Religious Freedom in Public Schools and Step 8—Take Your Place in the Public Square. Leader Linda Boardman
· Dec. 29: Join together to sing the social justice verses of our traditional carols
The book is available in several area libraries and can be purchased in various formats or ordered from your favorite local bookstore.

Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen
2024-11-26 11:30 - 16:30
We are excited to be able to serve a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal to our Soup Kitchen guests on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. You can sign up to be part of the cooking/serving of the meal AND/OR to bring food items to contribute to the meal.
To sign up to contribute food to the meal:
– Click the link (https://e.onrealm.org/groups/532d6dad-4288-41e4-bd0e-b1a90111bf60/events/f90da221-d743-45a7-a094-b21c01306321/meetings/a9a8a1e0-d41b-4e67-90b0-b21c0130632a?from=news)
– You must be signed into Realm in order to complete the sign up.
– Click the “RSVP” button, once you do that you can make your selections of what you will be bringing.
– Food should be completely cooked – we are able to reheat items but don’t have the space to cook them
– Each dish should serve 10 people
– Please bring food in a tin foil pan (to heat up in the church kitchen oven)
– Please drop off at the First Church kitchen door between 11 am-12 pm on Thursday, November 28 (The church address is 516 Church Street in Evanston; the kitchen entrance is located at the back of the church, down the alley between Church and Davis)
To serve the meal at the soup kitchen on Thanksgiving:
– Click the link (https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/ViewSchedule/Schedule/MmIyOTVkZWUtMmY4OS00NjdjLTkzZWItMzNhMDhhOTgyZDkz)
– Identity the area and time you would like to serve. Press the “add” button.
– You will be asked to join the team.
– Beth Tipton, Mission and Outreach Chair will assign you to your requested role.
If you have any questions about this process, or would like help signing up, please contact Beth Tipton (LET2119@gmail.com).

Interfaith Action Thanksgiving Eve Service
2024-11-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Bethany Baptist Church of Christ, 1225 Elmwood Ave., Evanston, IL, 60202, United States
The Interfaith Action of Evanston’s Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on Wednesday, November 27 at Bethany Baptist Church of Christ at 1225 Elmwood Ave., Evanston. The featured speaker is Audrey Thompson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services for the City of Evanston. Audrey Thompson has been a key partner in Interfaith Action services during the winter months. She is joined by clergy from many different faith communities who offer their blessings as well as an Interfaith Community Choir. Please join us for this annual event that is now more than 25 years old. For more information, please contact Melissa Appelt at mmappelt@gmail.com.

Messy Advent!
2024-12-01 09:30 - 10:15 | Great Hall
Advent marks the beginning of the church year as we anticipate the coming of Christ! It is a season of hope, peace, joy, and love, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. It is also a season of preparation and togetherness. Join us in ringing in the Christian “New Year” on Sunday, December 1 at “Messy Advent” from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in Great Hall. Featuring meaningful crafts, festive treats, and service activities for all ages, this especially seasonal Messy Church hopes to help your family and our church community receive and rejoice in what is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Earth Care Committee Meeting
2024-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Glenna Hall

An Unlikely Advent
2024-12-01 18:00 - 19:00
An Unlikely Advent: Sundays at 6:00 pm ONLINE (December 1, 8, 15, and 22)
In this four-week Advent study, we consider if some of the figures on the edges of the Christmas story might have more to teach us about the intersection of God’s story with ours? With the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace we will examine the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.
Each week we will have a short reading assignment (available in print and electronically at https://www.cokesbury.com/An-Unlikely-Advent) – and some lively and thoughtful discussion.
Please contact the facilitator, Linda Brennan, to register and receive the Zoom link: brennaneaster@gmail.com.

Invitation to Advent Prayer
2024-12-02 20:30 - 21:00 | Zoom
The Faith Formation Committee invites all to participate in an evening Advent prayer series. These 30-minute scripture-prayer times offer an opportunity for sharing and reflection apart from the busyness of the season. The sessions will be led by Mary Cauble and Bonny Roth and will be by ZOOM from 8:30 to 9:00 on Mondays, December 2, 9 and 16. Come and allow the Spirit to move within and among us as you enter into a peaceful end to your day.
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For questions and to be added to the weekly distribution of the Zoom link and order of service, contact Tom Scott, tom.scott.goblue@msn.com.

Mom's Night Out
2024-12-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Greta Corner
CALLING ALL MOMs for a NIGHT OUT!!
Every age of Mom is welcome! Come for the first time or Come back if we have not seen you!
You can bring something to share but no pressure!
Tues. Dec 3rd 6:30-8:30pm – Greta Connor (with Sue Henderson)
Want to Cohost? Cohosts help bring food, answer the door, and clean up the kitchen at 8:30. Most of all they are a “friend” so that the host is not alone!

Bundled Blessings Committee Meeting
2024-12-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Glenna Hall

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Endeavor Perinatal Team
2024-12-04 17:00 - 18:30 | Room M
Bundled Blessings will host Endeavor Perinatal Team for a tour and diaper packing on Wed. Dec. 4, 5-6:30 pm. Contact Nancy Brown, 847-271-1712 or nandbrown@comcast.net.

First Wednesday Potluck
2024-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | 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!
Please register to aid in preparations, noting any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the memo field.

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Beth Emet volunteers
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Room M
Bundled Blessings will host Beth Emet volunteers for a tour and diaper packing on Wed. Dec. 4, 6:30-8 pm. Contact Nancy Brown, 847-271-1712 or nandbrown@comcast.net.

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Sherman Methodist volunteers
2024-12-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Room M
Bundled Blessings will host Sherman Methodist volunteers for a tour and diaper packing on Thurs. Dec. 5, 5:30-7 pm. Contact Nancy Brown, 847-271-1712 or nandbrown@comcast.net.

Men's Fellowship Gathering
2024-12-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Dining Room
On December 8, the Men’s Fellowship group will meet at 8 am in the dining room.
Coffee and bagels offered.
After a short prayer circle…Martha Rudy, chair of trustees, will give a short program on the Northern Illinois Conference’s Repair the Harm initiative. This was introduced last Sunday in worship.
Questions…email Jim Hagedorn…jehdvm@gmail.com
see you there!

Congregational Care Xmas bag preparation
2024-12-08 11:30 - 12:30 | Dining Room
Congregational Care Xmas bag preparation: Congregational Care will be putting Xmas bags for seniors. Congregational Care members only will be present at the event. Sunday, 12/8, 11:30 am -12.30 pm. Contact person is Glynis Doyle, dleedoyle@gmail.com, 847-341-2536

2024 Annual Meeting and Report
2024-12-08 16:30 - 18:00 | Dining Room
Here is the FUMC Evanston 2024 Annual Report
Click here or on the image below to open.
We encourage all members to read the report and join us for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 8th, beginning at 4:30pm. Information regarding the availability of a zoom option will follow. We will also welcome our District Superintendent, Rev. Victor Melad who will lead the meeting. All members of the congregation have a vote.
On Sunday, December 1st, The Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Rich Grodsky, will be available at community hour following worship to answer any questions about the budget portion of the Annual Report.

Nominations & Leadership Development Committee Meeting
2024-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
This is a meeting of the members of the Nominations & Leadership Development Committee.

Advent Lunch
2024-12-11 09:00 - 14:30 | Dining room and sanctuary
Advent Lunch – On Wednesday, December 11, at 11 am First Church members (and inquirers!) 65 and better are invited to come together to celebrate Advent with festive music and lunch. RSVP with the Church Office. If you have questions or would like to help serve lunch, please contact Stephanie Clemson (sclemson@gmail.com or 847-767-5927).

Youth Christmas Party
2024-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Dining Room
It’s time for our Youth Christmas Party! We will have a White Elephant Exchange then play some games around the church. Dinner will be served at 7pm, so come on time and join us! Friends are welcome, too!

Pageant Dress Rehearsal
2024-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 | sanctuary and glenna hall
A required dress rehearsal for children (Pre-K through Grade 6) involved in the pageant on Dec. 15. This is a closed rehearsal only open to immediate family.

Couples Salon Holiday Gathering
2024-12-14 18:30 - 21:30
Come join Couples Salon on Saturday, December 14 at 6:30 pm for a festive evening of food and fellowship hosted by Jeanne-Marie and Tom Daly and Mari Leonard and Rich Hobson at the Dalys’ home in Evanston
Please RSVP to Jeanne-Marie at jmedaly@gmail.com to let her know you are coming and what dish you are bringing to share.

Pageant Rehearsal
2024-12-15 09:15 - 10:15 | Sanctuary
Pageant participants who attended the 12/14 dress rehearsal join for a final run-through before worship. Please meet in Glenna Hall to sign in.

Pancake Breakfast
2024-12-15 09:15 - 10:30 | Dining Room
Our annual Pancake Breakfast will be on December 15th at 9:15am in the Dining Room. Our wonderful youth will be making pancakes and other breakfast items for everyone. Come grab some breakfast, sing a few songs with us, and have a wonderful morning before Worship. See you there!
