First Church offers many opportunities to participate in groups that build and grow our community. Many of our members and friends come together around a topic of  study, a prayer practice, a process of spiritual formation, and fellowship. 

FELLOWSHIP

Groups by Age/Life Stage

Friends at First – A group of active adults, who are retired, semi-retired, volunteering, traveling, and/or taking care of grandchildren!  This group of active and semi-active adults has toured the Dawes Mansion and the Chicago Botanic Gardens,  enjoyed musical concerts, and gathered for July 4 brunch. The fun is extended with food and conversation. Contact Chris Webler at c.webler@gmail.com

Couples Salon – A mix of couples around middle age who share their lives and potluck Saturday dinners four or five times a year. New couples are always welcome! Contact Susan Prout at swprout@comcast.net 

Coffee, Conversation, and Friends – This group gathers regularly for coffee, breakfast, and informal conversation on a wide range of topics. Contact Susan Henderson at hende4629@gmail.com or Pam Johnson at jpamjohnson@gmail.com.

Groups by Interest

Fighting Methodists Softball Team – Batter up! Players needed to represent First Church in the Evanston coed recreational “mushball” league each spring and summer. This is a team of fun-loving adults, all ability levels are welcome…Watch for signup info in the spring. Questions? Contact Greta Connor at ggcommor.28@gmail.com

First Flicks – Movie lovers meet the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in Glenna Hall to discuss and share reactions about a current (or sometimes not-so-current) movie. People of all ages are welcome. Come as you are and come as you can. Contact Donna Ryan at dryan@oakton.edu

First Hands – Adults of all ages gather each month for fellowship with a purpose! This group has fun together while helping with a service project. We have packed diapers for Bundled Blessings, bagged food for Feed My Starving Children, picked up litter for Arbor Day, and staffed a water station for the Race Against Hate. Contact  Rebecca Beiter (bob.beiter@comcast.net) or Matt Peters (matthew.mjp.peters@gmail.com).

First Feet – This walking group of all paces meets every Saturday at the corner of Hinman and Church for an hour walk on the lakefront – usually followed by coffee at Peet’s. Come walk with us! Contact Susan Prout at swprout@comcast.net

On the Same Page Book Group – On the Same Page is a mixed-age group that gathers monthly for conversation around a selection (often contemporary fiction) the group has chosen — often contemporary fiction. Contact Greta Conner at ggconnor.28@gmail.com.

More Groups

Men’s Group – Men of various ages gather for breakfast on the second Thursday of the month for informal conversation and fellowship. Contact Don Gwinn at don.g.gwinn@gmail.com

Limitless – This group of adults enjoys bowling nights, beach picnics, going to movies, and more. The age range and life stage criteria is “limitless.” All ages, singles, and couples welcome. Please contact Stephanie Peters at stephdeloney@gmail.com .

Turntable for 8 – This revolving group of adults enjoys dinner with groups of eight or less. Singles or couples of all ages are encouraged to participate as their schedules allow. Contact Greta Connor at ggconnor.28@gmail.com .

Single or Solo – Adults who are single (or solo for the day) and still young at heart enjoy outings with a cultural focus. Past activities have included the Halim Glass and Time Museum, Ravinia, and Memorial Day Brunch. Let’s enjoy culture together! Contact Marion Clemens at redmarion77@comcast.net

Rainbow Connection – People who identify with the LGBTQIA+ Community are invited to join Rainbow Connection. This group is multi-generational, multi-racial, and members have vast religious backgrounds and familial structures. There’s a place for you here! Social events are held quarterly. Educational opportunities are provided periodically. Please contact Michael Bergmann at mgbergmann@gmail.com or S.E. Brick at sebrick19@gmail.com

Mom’s Night Out – Gather with moms of any age for snacks and socializing. Come as you are after work, the gym, or gardening to connect with moms from First Church. Contact Cherie Asante at Cherie.asante@gmail.com.