Highlights
Sept. 23 — Third Grade Bible Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.
Sept. 23 — Adult ed: Restorative justice, led by Rev. Michelle Day
Sept. 23 — Fourth Sunday offering for the college Inclusive Collective
Sept. 30 — Adult ed: "America to Me" documentary clips and discussion
Oct. 7 — World Communion Sunday
Oct. 7, 14, and 21 — Adult ed: Roots of Migration
Oct. 14 — Youth Sunday
Evotional
"Every time we sing one of those hymns ... I fantasize that the Hulk got hold of the tape and somewhere there’s a chapter of Hell’s Angels that gathers in their clubhouse after a day’s ride to enjoy a few cold beers and sing along to 'May the God of justice speed us on our way, bringing light and hope to every land and race.' For me, that hymn is memorable and a reminder that my stereotypes need careful examination."
— Claudette Zobel
Calendar
Sept. 22 — Midpoint Wine Tasting, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23-Oct. 14 — Housing Forward House-to-Home Kit sign-up and item drop-off
Sept. 23 — "Sunrise of the Soul" Music At First concert: King Solomon's Singers, the Rookery, and Artemisia, 3 p.m.
Sept. 24 — Young Adult Trivia Night, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 — "Imaginary Journeys" Music At First concert: Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 — Peace Vigil, 7 p.m.
Sermons
"It Is What It Is"
Mark 8:27-38
"Anxiety, pain, and anger are terrible chauffeurs. They never take me anywhere fun. They are, however, going to show up. It’s my job to thank them for stopping by with whatever information they’ve brought, and then continue on about my own business. "
— Lydia Mulkey
September 16, 2018
What’s Happening
Here's an easy way to help five families move from homelessness to a home of their own: Donate items for Housing Forward House-to-Home kits. First United's Housing Justice Team has a master sign-up board in the Lounge every Sunday for items such as linens, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and more. Or you can sign up online at a SignUp Genius link. No time to shop? Monetary donations are welcome. All donations are due at church by Oct. 14.
Award winners represent what’s best about First United
Congratulations to three members who are being honored for their good work in the community. Registered nurse and teacher Harriet Hawkins, left, is the recipient of the 2018 Dr. William Fitzsimmons Public Health Award from the Oak Park Board of Health and the Department of Public Health. Harriet has spent 22 years providing care for homeless clients in the Housing Forward Medical Clinic (when she's not flying around the world delivering care in Africa, Asia, and Central America). Retired teachers Bob and Janet Haisman are both winners of the 2018 Ulyssean Award from the Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park-River Forest. Besides his work in local Democratic politics, Bob is a longtime activist working against gun violence and is a driving force behind the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry. He also was a regular at First United's peace vigils, which started 14 years ago. Janet spent five years running the Holiday Food and Gift Basket program, which collects donations and distributes them to hundreds of local families in need. You'll also see her volunteering in the church office and planning and running activities for Prime Time, the church's popular fellowship group for those 60 and over that's now in its 11th year.
