Interested in mission? These are all activities that promote the mission goals of First United. Some are sponsored by outside groups but are open to all who are interested.
February
Food Waste Workshop. Did you know that 40 percent of our food supply in the U.S. is wasted? With more than 40 million Americans going hungry, it’s time to find new solutions. The workshop, sponsored by the Interfaith Green Network and the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, is at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Oak Park Public Library.
Commemorative Ringing of the Bells will honor the 17 victims who were shot and killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas School in Parkland, Florida, one year ago. Schools and churches will ring bells at 2:20 p.m. on Feb. 14.
Empty Bowls Dinner. The community is invited to share soup at Oak Park-River Forest High School, 200 N. Kenilworth, to raise money for local, national, and international agencies that fight hunger. A $15 donation gets a bowl of soup, bread, and a handmade bowl to take home. The cost for students is $10. The event is from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 22.
Silent Auction Art Show will support the art programs of BUILD, an organization dedicated to fighting violence in Chicago with program of youth development. The auction will be 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 23. Tickets for the benefit are $50 and are available by contacting stephaniearevalo@buildchicago.org or 773-227-2880.
Fourth Sunday Offering, Feb. 24. This month, all undesignated money in the offering plate will go to support of the refugee family sponsored by First United.
March
One Earth Film Festival. The Midwest’s premier environmental film festival will show 28 films at more than 60 venues all over Chicagoland, including several locations in and around Oak Park. Film topics include climate change, sustainable agriculture, food waste, energy, recycling, environmental advocacy, and much, much more. Besides all the films, the festival will feature 17 young filmmakers to do live or video Q&A sessions. The festival includes several Chicago-area film premieres. Many tickets are free, with a suggested donation of $8, but some prices are higher, and reservations are recommended. The festival will be March 1-10. Full details, including how to buy tickets, are available online.
2019 Pathways to Justice Conference. The conference, titled “Take Action Using Restorative Justice and the U.N. Charter of Human Rights,” is a chance to connect with local activists working on justice issues and practitioners of restorative justice. The keynote speaker is Jaquie Algee, a member of Gov. Pritzker’s Transition Team for Civil Rights, and the conference is presented by the Chicago Metropolitan Association and the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ. The conference will be 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 2 at McCormick Theological Seminary. Participants are asked to register online by Feb. 22.
Oak Park Homelessness Coalition will hold its annual meeting from 6-8 p.m. on March 14 at the Oak Park Public Library. The purpose of the meeting is to learn about the coalition’s plan of action, progress, and goals for the future. More information, including how to RSVP, is available at the group’s website.
Fourth Sunday Offering, March 24. This month, all undesignated money in the offering plate will go to the pastoral services emergency fund.
April
New Moms Flower Power Project. People can make donations to sponsor gifts of flowers to young, formerly homeless mothers at New Moms. Donations will be accepted on April 7, 14, and 28 before and after church. Church School classes will plant flowers on May 5 and assemble a welcome basket for the New Moms.
Good Friday Peace Vigil. Join church members and friends to stand for peace. We will sing songs of peace and remember those lost to gun violence. Meet in front of the church at 7 p.m. on April 19.
Fourth Sunday Offering, April 28. This month, all undesignated money in the offering plate will go to One Great Hour of Sharing.
