Pumpkin Carving and Bonfire
2023-10-28 16:00 - 23:00 UTC
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

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.

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

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).

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.

Progressive Christianity Reading Group
2023-11-02 13:00 - 14:00
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.

Faith Around The Table
2023-11-05 17:00 - 19:00
Are you hungry for deeper discussion with members of your First Church community that goes beyond the usual Sunday morning chit chat (as lovely as that may be)? This new group is for you! Once a month, we’ll gather for a potluck dinner and discuss a topic or prompt relating to faith and spirituality. We may explore a question or theme from a recent sermon, or try answering John Wesley’s favorite question: “How is it with your soul?” Topics will vary based on the group’s input. Andrew and Amy Schumacher will lead the group and host the first meeting with potential for others to host subsequent dinners or use church space. All are welcome, this is NOT a couples group. Monthly dinners will be on first Sundays from 5pm to 7pm with the first meeting on Nov. 5th. The group will commit to six months and then reassess. Please email Andrew (andrew.r.schumacher@gmail.com) with questions or to sign up. Due to nature of the group, we’ll limit to six or seven additional participants. Come join us for good food and real honest discussion!

Nominations Committee Monthly Meeting
2023-11-06 19:00 - 20:15
The Nominations and Leadership Development committee meets on the first Monday of each month on Zoom. Please address and questions to Pastor Grace Imathiu, chair at grace@faithatfirst.com and/or Michael Bergmann, vice chair at mgbergmann@yahoo.com.

First Books
2023-11-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Glenna Hall

Mom's Night Out
2023-11-08 18:30 - 20:30
FUMC Mom’s Night Out – Wed Nov 8th 6:30 – 8:30 pm
COME AS YOU ARE!! We will be Grateful to See you!
Debbie Zimmerman Host – with Evelyn McGowan Cohost
If you want to bring a dish, that would be lovely – but no pressure!
RSVP to DMCEZimmerman@hotmail.com
THANK YOU! Cherie Asante and Jessica Radcliffe for a lovely October evening with sparkling conversation!
Save the date : Tuesday December 12th – Greta Connor and Susan Henderson

J.U.M.P.
2023-11-10 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 November, J.U.M.P. will focus on giving thanks by giving back as we help decorate ornaments for this year’s Christmas Star Tree; an annual tradition and partnership with Y.O.U. that seeks to provide children in Evanston with gifts their families can’t afford.
Please register in advance at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations.
Drop-off and pick-up at First Church’s Church Street entrance (516 Church St.).

Children's Choir Rehearsal
2023-11-12 10:00 - 10:15 | Sanctuary

Earth Care Lending Library
2023-11-12 11:30 - 12:00 | Great Hall
Earth Care Lending Library Open on November 12
Looking for a place to continue growing in your understanding of environmental justice
and how to care for God’s creation? Visit the Earth Care Lending Library, which is open every 2nd Sunday after worship in Great Hall. A small lending library with books for readers of all ages, the titles were curated by the Earth Care Committee and include Newbery Award-winning children’s
books, as well as titles by leading voices from the spiritual and scientific communities. Check it out!

Fleetwood-Jourdain Production: The Bitter Earth - Dinner and a Show
2023-11-12 15:00 - 18:00 | Noyes Cultural Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
The Social Justice Committee and the Reconciling Congregation Task Force invite you to Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s production of This Bitter Earth on Sunday November 12 at 3:00 pm. The invitation is to a Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and Stacked & Folded in Evanston offering of a $30 Dinner and Show Package. We will discuss the play over dinner; Stacked and Folded is just across Noyes Street from the theatre.
Register now and pay online or via check/cash due Nov. 12.
This Bitter Earth
A deep love is challenged by divisive political realities. Jesse, an introspective Black playwright, finds his choices called into question when his boyfriend Neil, a white Black Lives Matter activist, calls him out for his political apathy. As passions and priorities collide, this couple is forced to reckon with issues, of race, class and the bravery it takes to love out loud.

Orchestra Rehearsal
2023-11-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Sanctuary

Festival Choir Dress Rehearsal
2023-11-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Sanctuary

"Smart Home Energy: Reduce Your Energy Bills & Lower Your Carbon Footprint"
2023-11-15 19:30 - 21:00
From the Earth Care Committee: Many of us are looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and energy use at home, but the solutions, rebates, and credits can be confusing! Please join Beth Emet, Interfaith Action, Climate Action Evanston, Go Green Wilmette, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby for a combination in-person and virtual event, “Smart Home Energy: Reduce Your Energy Bills & Lower Your Carbon Footprint” on November 15 from 7:30 to 9:00. The in-person program will be at Beth Emet, 1224 Dempster. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual at https://bethemet.org/event/smart-home-energy/

SPRC Monthly Meeting
2023-11-16 19:00 - 20:30
Monthly meeting of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Please address questions about this group to Beth Swanick, Chair.

Festival Choir Concert: Bach & Willan
2023-11-17 19:30 - 20:30 | Sanctuary

2024 General Conference Info Session
2023-11-19 09:15 - 10:15 | Dining Room
On November 19 at 9:15, the Reconciling Task Force and the Pastor’s Advisory Team will co-sponsor an adult education class (high schoolers and young adults welcome) to update interested congregation members about what to expect at the UMC 2024 General Conference, scheduled for April 23 – MAY 3 in Charlotte, NC. Our speakers will be Rev. Izzy Alvaran, Regional Organizer for Reconciling Ministries Network, and Rev. Neal Christie, Executive Minister for Connected Ministries of the Baltimore/Washington Conference. Izzy and Neal will discuss efforts to support the Regionalization proposal, as well as the proposed Revised Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. The 2024 General Conference will be very important to the future of the United Methodist denomination. You will want to attend. This will be a hybrid class, so interested congregation members can attend either in person or by Zoom. Watch for further information about the Zoom option.

First Church Ministry Tour
2023-11-19 09:15 - 10:15, 2023-12-03 09:15 - 10:15 | Glenna Hall
Whether you are a new visitor or someone who has been worshipping here for over a year, we invite you to further explore First Church. This ministry tour is a great way to learn more about this faith community – -and is also the first step in the membership process.
First Church Ministry Tour
Sunday, Nov. 19, 9:15-10:15am
OR Dec. 4, 9:15-10:15am.
Meet in Glenna Hall.

Please RSVP here. (If you are interested but can’t make it, please use the RSVP form to indicate your availability for an alternate time.)

This tour is an opportunity for First Church visitors to explore who we are as a congregation and what we do in addition to 10:30 worship on Sundays. On the tour participants will:

Learn about our primary ministries: Mission and Outreach programs such as Soup Kitchen, Sack Lunch Ministry, and our Overnight Shelter; Children’s and Youth Ministries, Adult classes, Bible studies, and groups; Music Ministry; Fellowship groups and opportunities; Congregational Care.
Consider some key facts around First Church history, our identity as a Reconciling Congregation and member of Interfaith Action of Evanston; and our membership.
Visit rooms on multiple floors where, as Pastor Grace says, “the magic happens!” — and learn where the bathrooms are! (Note that walking is involved, and access to other floors via the elevator is an option to stairs.)

Before and after the tour, information about membership and the upcoming Inquirers Class (January/February 2024) will be available. Questions are always welcome.
Mary Taylor-Johnson, Director of Communications and Membership
mary@faithatfirst.com

Bottoms Up!
2023-11-19 17:00 - 20:00
Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank presents, Bottoms Up! Sunday Nov 19 from 5-8pm at Double Clutch Brewing Company in Evanston. Join us for a casual evening of fun and fundraising as we celebrate 10 years of diaper distribution in our community.
Purchase tickets here and/or donate to the diaper bank. $85 early bird pricing, $100 after Nov 1.
With the distribution of 37,000 diapers each month, now more than ever, we need your support. Hope to see you on the 19th!
Questions? Email bundledblessings@outlook.com and follow us on Instagram @BundledblessingsDiaperBank.

Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen
2023-11-23 11:00 - 15:30 | Dining Room and Kitchen
We are excited to be able to serve a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal to our Soup Kitchen guests on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23. We expect to have 65 guests. It takes a village to feed our village! You can provide support by bringing food and/or volunteering in the kitchen or dining room.
To help serve the meal, click here to choose a 90-minute shift: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CAFAD28AAFB6-45291290-thanksgiving
To contribute food, click here to choose your dish(es): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CAFAD28AAFB6-45424085-thanksgiving
Thank you! And many thanks to our steadfast Kitchen Lead Elaine Moy Johnson and Dining Room Lead Ann Weatherhead!

Star Tree
2023-11-26 09:15 - 12:00 | Fountain Foyer
Gifts for Evanston Children! You are welcome to give a gift to a child, through Evanston Y.O.U., from our Star Tree. You can pick a child whose parents asked for help with gifts, from the Star Tree, on 11/26 or 12/3 at church, before or after church. If you want to sign up for a gift sooner, email Linda MacCracken (linda.maccracken@comcast.net) and you will be matched with a child’s gift request. Each star ask includes the child’s gender, age, and wish list items. Please budget $50 per star.
Drop off wrapped gifts with the star attached on Sunday, December 10 by 9:30 am at First United Methodist Church. Please help make Christmas merrier for children in our Evanston community, in partnership with Y.O.U. Pick up a star at church on Sunday November 26 or December 3, or email Linda MacCracken, if you and your family would like to participate in this wonderful program. We also welcome online donations—please designate them for the Star Tree support.

Bringing Light Into Advent Darkness (small group)
2023-11-27 19:00 - 20:00
The practice of lighting Advent candles symbolizes the process of increasing candlelight each week in the face of increasing darkness, or shorter daylight, each week.
Using the four Advent candle themes—hope, love, joy, and peace—this three-week, small group experience offers four different prayer practices. This group invites participants to explore breath prayer, examen, praying scripture, and intercessory prayer. The goal is to encourage one another to pray intentionally during a season so frequently filled with anxiety, stress, and grief. The hope is that our renewed prayer practices may lead us into a new year that continues Advent themes. No experience necessary.
The Zoom experience begins Monday, November 27 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and continues on December 4 and 11. Facilitators are Mary Cauble and Bonny Roth. Register here. For more information, contact Tom Scott, at tom.scott.goblue@msn.com.

Single or Solo Fellowship Christmas Dinner
2023-12-02 17:30 - 19:00
This year it will be a dinner party, hosted by Abbey Ogunbola. Starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday, December 2. The main course will be baked ham; bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share.
If you are single or attend First Church as the solo member of your family, please join us for an evening of good cheer and good food! RSVP by November 30 to Marion Clemens at redmarion77@comcast.net, or call Nancy Braund Baroch at 847-910-5612.

Journey to the Common Good: Fostering Connection and Relational Discipleship During an Epidemic of Loneliness
2023-12-03 09:15 - 10:15 | Room 33
Despite the proliferation of opportunities to be connected by social media in 2023, people feel less connected than ever. The increasing lack of connection has been called by some an “epidemic of loneliness.” Moreover, the divisiveness over political and social issues in our culture continues to foster alienation and not connection. This lack of connection is being felt across age groups, and people are spending less time with one another in person than two decades ago. If one of the ministries of the church is to foster community and encourage individuals to thrive in community, how can and how does the church address the lack of connection in today’s society? Being part of a church community involves being connected and feeling close to one another in the community. Being in church means feeling cared for by others. During this epidemic of loneliness, in what ways can the church create the kind of community in which people care for others and feel cared for? The three classes in this series will focus on the increasing lack of connections in society and the ways that the church can respond to this situation by cultivating relationships and interconnectedness in the face of this “epidemic of loneliness.” Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend each session.
December 3: Interconnectedness in Youth
December 10: Interconnectedness in Middle Life
December 17: Interconnectedness in Elder Life

Club123
2023-12-03 12:00 - 13:30
Club 123 promotes fun, fellowship, and service for children in grades 1-3, once a month on Sundays following Worship from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., with lunch provided!
Please register in advance, noting any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the memo field. Pick-up at the front Church Street entrance (516 Church St.). Register here: https://onrealm.org/faithatfirst/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MjkyZDA4YjctNGIyMy00OWRjLWIwZmItYjBjODAxNzI5M2Uy

Youth Ensemble Rehearsal
2023-12-07 15:00 - 15:45 | Sanctuary
