First Unitarian Church of Chicago

04/11/2026

Invite your friends for our first ever intergen alt prom! For adults and youth 12-17. Raffle prizes, hors d’oeuvres, pizza, photo ops - dress for your favorite decade. Tickets on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/dancingdecades

04/10/2026

Tomorrow night (4/11) - join us for jazz! Come hang out with the Greg Ward Quartet for an awesome night of live music at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago. The show kicks off at 7:30 PM. Bring your friends and enjoy a great evening of music -- buy a ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-jazz-with-the-greg-ward-quartet-tickets-1985177898534?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Hope to see you tomorrow!

04/01/2026

Today we join UUs across the country in affirming the dignity and visibility of our trans neighbors, friends, and members. We are with you today and every day. 💗

On this Trans Day of Visibility, Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs invites us to widen the lens.

Visibility isn’t just about recognition—it’s about ensuring care, safety, and dignity reach all trans people, wherever they are.

We remember trans people living under surveillance.
We remember that trans lives are sacred everywhere—in detention centers, courtrooms, hospitals, schools, and churches.

And we remember: trans freedom does not stop when we look away.

Explore resources to deepen your understanding and take action at the link in the comments.

03/31/2026

This Sunday, some of us from First U joined a diverse crowd of ecumenical friends from around Chicagoland for Kolbe House Jail Ministry's Prayer Walk Around Cook County Jail. A meaningful way to begin this week leading into Easter in love and solidarity.

02/20/2026

You are warmly invited to join us after our 10am service this Sunday for a special guest lecture and conversation!

Paul Poast will present a First Forum starting at 11:30am on Sunday, February 22, entitled “A More Chaotic World? Understanding U.S. Foreign Policy and International Affairs in a Time of Turmoil.”

Dr. Poast is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He studies international politics, with a focus on international security.

His books include The Economics of War, Organizing Democracy, Arguing About Alliance, and most recently Wheat at War (with R. C. Zielinski). He is also a columnist for World Politics Review.

All are welcome! A Q&A will follow the presentation, and light refreshments will be available. We hope you’ll join us for this timely and thoughtful discussion.

02/19/2026

The loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. has touched the heart of our congregation deeply. We echo the spirit of his famous "I am Somebody" affirmation in the welcoming words that we say at the beginning of every service. We remember Rev. Jackson as a visionary leader, a voice of moral clarity, a comrade in the struggle for justice during the 1960s civil rights movement and beyond, and a Hyde Park neighbor. We strive every day to carry on his legacy of bold action for justice and human dignity.

01/31/2026

We’re proud to see our own Music Director, Adam O’Dell, interviewed in this Hyde Park Herald article about faith leaders showing up in Minnesota with prayerful solidarity and care. Thank you for representing our values of compassion, justice, and dignity. 💙

Adam O’Dell, music director at Hyde Park’s First Unitarian Church of Chicago, joined dozens of clergy members last Friday on a pilgrimage from George Floyd Square to a memorial site

12/24/2025

Join us for a traditional Christmas eve service at six p m tonight!

12/24/2025

Food ministry miracles!

Today's food bank find. Perfect potato likeness of one of our greatest celebrities! It will sell for millions.

12/20/2025

Hi Folks, A few notes getting ready for the events ahead at First U!

For this Sunday, December 21, there is still time to bring a beloved book (well used is fine) for our Christmas exchange, we'll have a wrapping table set up for when you arrive and then you can receive your gift in exchange at coffee hour! In the Worship Service I'll be preaching about gifts and mystery, and we will have extraordinary Christmas music.

After coffee hour on Sunday (at 12:15 pm), which is also the Winter Solstice, First U’s Earth-Centered Spirituality Circle will host a spiritual practice gathering and ritual in Chris Moore Parlor -- not to be missed, all are welcome!

On Monday, the First U Crew will be volunteering at La Tiendita Free Store and Coppin AME Food Pantry from 4-6pm. Please shoot me a note if you would like to be part of that team. I hear there is a critical shortage of warm blankets for many of our neighbors (and this is the coldest I can remember it being, dang) So everyone, if you have a clean blanket or sleeping bag to spare, you can bring it to the Sunday Service to donate and we'll make sure they get well deployed on Monday.

On December 24th at 6 pm, we will have a traditional Christmas Eve service at First Unitarian in the main Sanctuary. Cherished stories and songs of Christmas will be shared, lit by candles, and warmed by our communal joy! Cookie potluck immediately following in Hull Chapel, bring a plate of your favorites to contribute. This is also a wonderful occasion to bring a family member or neighbor.

And looking ahead, Sunday, December 28 will be our traditional Kwanzaa service, another powerful celebratory practice that makes First U special!

With gratitude to all of our leaders making it happen this season,
Rev. Dave

12/18/2025

This Sunday is the Winter Solstice. After worship and coffee hour, you’re invited to a gentle, earth-centered ritual to mark the turning of the season. We’ll sing, reflect, honor the elements and our ancestors, and set intentions for the months ahead. All ages and all spiritual paths are welcome.
If you’d like, bring a quote or *short* poem that feels connected to the solstice to share.
Hosted by First U’s Earth-Centered Spirituality Circle - hope you’ll join us for this moment of quiet connection and community. ❄️✨

12/05/2025

🎉 First Fridays at First U begins tomorrow, December 5! 🎉
Join us from 6:30–8:00 pm in Hull Chapel as we kick off this new occasional series of Friday evening gatherings focused on fun, creativity, and community.
Our first event features Pullman Morris and Sword with a lively, hands-on introduction to Morris Dancing—an energetic English folk tradition that’s welcoming to all ages and abilities. Come ready to move, laugh, and enjoy being together. Light refreshments provided!
Invite a friend and come dance with us! 💃🕺 Register here: https://firstuchicago.breezechms.com/form/eee7c4