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!
Family Camp: Each August, First United families and friends take a long weekend at Tower Hill in Sawyer, Michigan, by the Indiana Dunes to camp in tents, motor homes, or whatever is available. Participants enjoy cookouts, hiking swimming, games, relaxation, and just plain fun. Families come when they can to join in the activities. Families can camp for the entire four-day period or just come for the day. There’s always one group potluck meal, and it’s outdoor fellowship at its best. Contact Teri Omert (tomert@comcast.net), 708-524-1684.
Dinner and a Movie: Members and friends meet on the second 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).
Prime Time: Prime Time is a fellowship group of First United members and friends, age 60-plus (plus interested 50-somethings), and their spouses or significant others. We usually plan six main events for the calendar year, including dinners, parties, theater outings, and summer picnics, often with themes to share memories. 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!
Young adult get-togethers: Occasional outings are planned for younger adults at the church, including trivia nights, outdoor movies, trips to Millennium Park, and excursions to watch sports teams. Look for details in the Messenger Bell, bulletin, church Facebook page, and weekly emails for more information, or contact Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor of Education (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com), 708-386-5215 (ext. 103).
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. Here is a link to the brochure and registration form for the upcoming retreat, which will be Friday-Sunday, Feb. 1-3, 2019. The theme is “The Beloved Community: Many Gifts, One Spirit,” and the retreat will be led by Andrea Sawyer-Kirksey, executive director of Discovering Opportunity for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR), a faith-based network of cities that provides opportunities for service, learning, and leadership development.
