Inquirers Class (Winter 2026)
2026-01-25 09:15 - 10:15 (America/Chicago) | Glenna Hall
Inquirers Class
Meets Sundays 9:15-10:15am, January 25 – March 1, in Glenna Hall.The objectives of the Inquirers Class are:
• to provide an ‘up close’ look at First Church, its people, and programs.
• to consider the theology, structure and current issues in the United Methodist Church.
• to reflect on our collective and individual faith journeys and foster community around the Inquirers table.
As the centerpiece of the membership process, Inquirers is intended to help participants discern whether First Church is a good fit, and if they want to take membership vows here. While all person who want to join the church are asked to participate in Inquirers, not everyone who participates in Inquirers is expected to become a member. Those who have participated in Inquirers and want to take that step are invited to do during 10:30am worship, March date TBD.
Interested? Want to know more? Please reach out to Mary Taylor-Johnson, Director of Membership and Engagement, at 847-864-6182 or mary@faithatfirst.com.

Chili Cook-Off
2026-01-25 11:30 - 12:30 | Great Hall
Join us for the much-anticipated 2026 FUMC Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Chefs of all ages will gather after worship in Great Hall to share their favorite chili recipes and vie for the coveted “Best of Show” award!

The first five entrants will receive a $5 gift card to Penzey’s Spices (located on Sherman Avenue in Evanston)! The Fellowship Committee will provide the sample bowls, spoons, and napkins! You provide the chili!

Enter in one of the following categories:

Traditional homestyle meat and bean chili;
Muy caliente! Hot and spicy!
Where’s the Beef? Vegetarian chili
Youth (ages 18 and younger)

Over-the-top table decorations are welcomed and encouraged!

Music Ministry
2026-01-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Sanctuary

Membership Committee Meeting
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Conference Room
The Membership Committee meets monthly to discuss ideas and work on strategies to encourage member and visitor engagement in First Church worship, programs, and other opportunities. Please address any questions about this committee and its work to Lynelle Diener, Chair.

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing with Girl Scout Leaders
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Room M

Men's Fellowship Gathering
2026-02-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Dining Room
The men’s fellowship group meets on the second Sunday of each month in the dining room for a light breakfast, fellowship and often a short program. Contact Jim Hagedorn (jehdvm@gmail.com) for more information or to be added to our contact list.

Governance Q&A
2026-02-08 11:45 - 12:30
In advance of the special church conference on March 15th, we’d like to offer opportunities to hear more about Church Council’s recommended revised committee structure, with opportunities for questions.

Team Meeting
2026-02-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Conference Room

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Room M

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30

Men's Fellowship
2026-02-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Dining Hall
The regular monthly meeting of the Men’s Fellowship will move from Feb. 8 to Feb 15.

FUMC Committee Structure Presentation
2026-02-15 11:30 - 12:30 | Dining Hall

Youth Council
2026-02-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Conference Room

Adult Education meeting
2026-02-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Glenna Hall
Monthly meeting of Adult Education Council

Ash Wednesday Potluck & Lenten Workshop
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Dining Hall
The 40 days of Lent are a time to extend ourselves inside and out in rhythm with the lengthening days and life of Christ. Embrace and observe this holy season as we bake pretzels, create prayer journals, and join together for good food and conversation before Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m.

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations

Ash Wednesday Potluck & Lenten Workshop
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:00
The 40 days of Lent are a time to extend ourselves inside and out in rhythm with the lengthening days and life of Christ. Embrace and observe this holy season as we bake pretzels, create prayer journals, and join together for good food and conversation before Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m.

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations or email Colin@faithatfirst.com

Ash Wednesday Service
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Tittle Chapel
Join us at 7pm in Tittle Chapel!

Youth Retreat
2026-02-20 17:30 - 2026-02-22 12:00

Bundled Blessings Community Diaper Packing
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Room M

One Church One Book
2026-02-24 | Glenna Hall

Organ Concert: Brian Schoettler
2026-03-01 13:30 - 14:30 | Sanctuary
On Sunday, March 1, First Church Minister of Music & Organist, Dr. Brian Schoettler, will present a 60-minute concert featuring the sanctuary’s mighty, Austin pipe organ (Opus 319).

The program will feature works by American composers.
The 1:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

First Wednesday Potluck
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Dining Hall
Bring a side or dessert to share and join your church family for good food and fellowship on the first Wednesday of each month!

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations or email Colin@faithatfirst.com

Total Child School Picture Day
2026-03-05 08:30 - 13:30 | Glenna Hall

Breakfast and Diaper Packing for Inquirers and Friends
2026-03-07 09:30 - 2026-05-02 11:30

Stare at the Sun Choral Concert
2026-03-13 18:30 - 22:00 | Glenna Hall

Special Church Conference
2026-03-15 11:45 - 12:45 | Dining Hall
Special Church Conference to hear about and vote on Church Council’s recommended revised church committee structure.

Laity Convocation 2026: "Moving Forward with Hope"
2026-03-21 09:30 - 12:30 | 424 Forest Ave.
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee invites you to attend Laity Convocation 2026: “Moving Forward with Hope” on March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First UMC of Glen Ellyn (424 Forest Ave.). This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with other lay leaders, exchange ideas, and gain practical insight for leading with clarity and purpose in the year ahead.
The cost is $15 per person. We encourage you to participate, share your voice, and be part of the conversation shaping our shared ministry.

Celebration of Life - Judith Radcliffe
2026-03-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Dining Hall ;Tittle Chapel ;Memorial Garden

Opera Recital
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Tittle Chapel
