There’s no shortage of ways to make connections with people at First United.
Newcomers gatherings: If you’re new to First United and want to get to know us better, join us for conversation about our faith and ministries. Click here for more information!
Dinner and a Movie: Members and friends meet on the first Friday evening each month to share a casual potluck dinner, watch a movie in the church lounge, and join the discussion afterward, which often focuses on any spiritual aspects of the film. To RSVP for the monthly showings (so planners can get a count for dinner) or to offer a suggestion for a future film, contact Ron Haas (haas.inchicago@comcast.net), 708-771-6608, or Nancy Pennington (nancy@chillywind.com).
Evening Division: This fellowship group is made up of men and women devoted to furthering the interests of Christian work and promoting friendship through the social and religious life of the church. Monthly program/dinner meetings include opportunities for learning, fun, and giving. The president of Evening Division is Elaine Pierce (pierce246@sbcglobal.net), 708-848-1762. To learn more, see our Centennial program video “Meet the Presidents”.
Family Camp: Each August, First United families take a long weekend at Tower Hill in Sawyer, Michigan, by the Indiana Dunes to camp in tents, motor homes, or whatever’s available for cookouts, swimming, games, and relaxation. Families come when they can to join in the fun. There’s always one group potluck meal, and it’s outdoor fellowship at its best. Contact Teri Omert (tomert@comcast.net), 708-524-1684.
Prime Time: Prime Time is a fellowship group of First United members and friends, age 60-plus (plus interested 50-somethings), and their spouses/significant others. We usually plan six main events for the calendar year, including dinners, parties, theater outings, and summer picnics. Anyone is welcome to plan a special event and our committee will publicize it. We’d love to have you join us! Contact Janet Haisman (jhaisman59@gmail.com), 708-383-2035.
Midpoint: Not quite ready for Prime Time! This is a fellowship group of First United members who enjoy gathering for social events in members’ homes and local sites in and around Oak Park. There’s always lots of laughter and friendship. We have a calendar of events for the year (usually about every other month). Contact Barbara Metric (barbarametric@comcast.net), 708-834-8072 or 708-386-5973, if you’re interested in getting on the evite list. We’d love to have you join us!
PFLAG: This group offers support for parents and friends of people coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, as well as advocacy for the wider community. PFLAG marches in Chicago’s Pride Parade in June and hosts an Oak Park Film Festival in October. Contact Gy and Sylvia Menninga (gandsmenninga@yahoo.com), 708-386-3016.
Small group ministries: Small groups commit to gathering on a regular basis, for spiritual growth and the development of Christian friendships. They pledge a covenant of their own design, which includes meeting times and frequency, expectations for confidentiality and other standards for their time together. We hope you’ll consider joining in this powerful community ministry! Contact Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor of Education (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com), 708-386-5215 (ext. 103).
Women’s Retreat: Each February, the women of the church have a weekend retreat on the shores of Lake Michigan to refresh and revitalize both their physical selves and their spiritual lives. An outside leader offers a new approach in the ongoing search for faith. The weekend includes Bible study, prayer, worship, group discussion, and small-group breakouts. But there’s also time for art, music, games, outdoor walks by the lake, fellowship, food, and fun. Look for details and sign-up information each December and January, or contact Harriet Hawkins Udelson (hshawk@att.net) to get on the Women’s Retreat email list.
