First United Methodist Church of Evanston

09/04/2026

📬 A Letter from Paul | September 4

Every Friday, Pastor Paul shares a letter of encouragement with our congregation.

This week's letter, “The Story We Will Write Together,” brings Pastor Paul’s introductory series to a close and looks ahead to what comes next. After two months of sharing his own story, Pastor Paul reflects on all that he has been learning about First Church—and the many people, ministries, and traditions already shaping our life together.

As we look toward the future, he invites us to continue the conversation and to ask together: What is God already doing among us—and how are we being invited to join in?

Read it here 👉

Email from First United Methodist Church A Letter From Paul September 4, 2026 #8, The Story We Will Write Together (This is part of an ongoing series in which I'm sharing who I am, what I believe, and

09/03/2026

Last night, several members of our Earth Care Committee joined Pastor Paul for a walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Together, they enjoyed the beauty of creation, shared meaningful conversation, and reflected on our gratitude for God’s world and our responsibility to care for it.

A beautiful evening of fellowship, creation, and hope.

Interested in Earth Care? Connect with our Earth Care Committee and join the conversation! Together, we can share ideas and explore meaningful ways to love, protect, and care for God’s creation.

09/03/2026

What a beautiful evening at our Hospitality Potluck (Sept. 1)!

About 25 members of our church family gathered around the table to share good food, enjoy one another’s company, and reflect together on what hospitality can look like in the life of our church. Using a few prepared questions, the group talked deeply about how each ministry can practice hospitality more intentionally—and how our whole congregation can become even more welcoming, attentive, and caring.

What stood out most was the love in the room: love for this church, love for one another, and love for the many people who are part of our church family.

Hospitality is more than a warm welcome at the door. It is the way we make room for one another, listen well, notice who may be missing, and help each person know that they belong.

We are grateful for this thoughtful and faithful group, and for the spirit of love they bring to the life of First Church.

09/02/2026

We give gratitude for Sam Erickson and his meaningful sermon during the Worship In The Park service this last Sunday. Sam is a candidate for ordained ministry and member of First Church. Sam serves as a staff chaplain at Loyola Hospital in Berwyn, IL.

09/02/2026

What a wonderful Sunday at First Church!

Thank you to everyone who stayed after worship on August 30 to share a meal, lend a hand, and pack diapers for our Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank.

Because of the many hands that came together, we were able to make a meaningful difference for babies, toddlers, and families in our community. We are so grateful for everyone who gave their time and energy—and for the wonderful turnout!

This is what it looks like to love God, love neighbor, and serve together. ❤️

Thank you, First Church, for showing up and helping make a difference!

09/01/2026

Worship is something we create together. Each Sunday, many different people help lead our congregation in prayer, scripture, song, and sacrament. When many voices and many generations participate, our worship more fully reflects who we are as the Body of Christ: many members, each with different gifts, all belonging to one another.

This program year, we invite children, youth, and adults to consider serving in worship as a Scripture Reader, Crucifer, or Acolyte. Whether you have served for years or have never participated in worship leadership before, there is a place for you. Training will be provided, so no previous experience is necessary.

These roles are more than Sunday morning tasks. Carrying the cross, bringing light into the sanctuary, or proclaiming scripture reminds us that worship does not belong only to pastors, musicians, or a few familiar faces. The work of worship belongs to all of us. When people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences, and gifts lead together, we catch a glimpse of the beautiful diversity of Christ’s body.

We hope you’ll consider finding your place in worship this year. Come help us read, carry, light, and lead together.

Crucifer (Cross-bearer): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CA4AA2BA0FF2-64782724-20262027 #/
Scripture Reader/Liturgist (We need TWO each Sunday): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CA4AA2BA0FF2-64783032-20262027 #/
Acolyte (typically a child or youth): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CA4AA2BA0FF2-64782531-20262027 #/

Questions? Contact Pastor Britt- [email protected]

08/31/2026

Children's ministry celebrates a new year and next steps as Jessica Chadwick joins our team as Connect456 Coordinator!

Connect456 is designed to help children in grades 4-6 connect to the church community as older elementary and middle school students preparing to make their own way at First Church and in the world. Each week features a unique and active means of connecting to scripture, worship, service, and our First Church and United Methodist history. Connect456 meets during worship, following the Time with Young Disciples, on the second-fourth Sundays of the program year.

Jessica Chadwick — along with her husband, Alex, and daughter, Lola — has been a member at First Church for about ten years, during which time she has served on the Social Justice Committee, Youth Council, and Church Council. Jessica has a background in education and has been part of the school library staff at Evanston Township High School for fifteen years.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys hanging out with her two rescue dogs, reading, thrifting, trying to catch up on tv shows, and, whenever possible, trying to sneak in a nap.

Join us in welcoming Jessica, and be sure your 4-6th grader stays connected this fall, when Connect456 kicks off on Rally Day Sunday, September 13!

08/30/2026

9am worship indoors this morning! Join us in the sanctuary to gather in community and to worship God together!

08/28/2026

📬 A Letter from Paul | August 28

Every Friday, Pastor Paul shares a letter of encouragement with our congregation.

This week's letter, “A Tool in Someone Else’s Hand,” reflects on preaching, grace, and the ways God works through ordinary people. Pastor Paul shares lessons from John Wesley, the legacy of Ernest Fremont Tittle, and his own early days as a pastor—including wisdom from his father that has stayed with him throughout his ministry.

Read it here 👉https://conta.cc/4y2iEe0

08/25/2026

Thank you to all of the musicians who volunteered their time and talent at Worship in the Park this summer!

Henry Carrigan (guitar), Celia Chambers (oboe), Rachel Daum (flute), Scott Fosdick (guitar), Wendy Istvanick (guitar, sax), Kali Jankovich (clarinet, guitar), Chris Neal (tenor sax), Jim Niemira (guitar), Frank Rose (alto sax), Alix Rudy (flute), Brennan Rudy (trumpet), Jennie Schumann (alto sax), Roxann Specht (flute), Tom Weaver (bass)