September–October

August 20202023

First Chronicles
The Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC

Minister’s Message Desk

From the Minister’s Meet
Sarah Rev. Liz Jones
Petersen (whose children’s messages are so elegantly
AsThewemonth
turn the of page
July hasto September,
certainly flown thereby.areI’ve
anybeen busy Rev.
done),LizandJones
Mikojoined the First
Fentanes (who Congregational
weaves all the Church
video
number of metaphors and expressions
meeting with committees and individual members we can use toon staff this summer as the new minister of community
pieces together so beautifully). And to all the volunteers
describe
Zoom or by phone. It’s been great to meet folksback
the transition. We come “back”—as in andto life
whoandhavecommunications.
stepped in to read Liz scripture,
was ordained sharebyannounce-
the
school, back to church, the choir is back in action. We American
ments, andBaptist
sing forChurches
us. You mayof Metro
knowChicago in 2014
that liturgy means
learn about many aspects of First Congregational Church.
“shift,” as in shifting our schedules to accommodate and received her master of divinity degree from Chicago
I’m impressed by all the work that’s being done by so “the work of the people.” What is true during normal
different routines. My preferred way to understand this Theological Seminary.
many dedicated
change of seasonspeople to further the work of the church
is “pivot.” times is even truer
Previously, Liz’sin“panvocational”
these times of pandemic.
ministry wove If you
and care for one anotherIn in basketball,
these difficult times.pivots
a player I have have ideas
together or feedback
multiple youchurch
roles in wouldand likesecular
to share,
life.please
Until
a strong sense that webyare pullingone
keeping together as a church.
foot firmly in feel free to do so. We are all learning as we
recently, she worked at the Heartland Alliance Marjorie go forward.
Elsewhere in thisplace newsletter
while you willthe
freeing findother
informa-
to KovlerI would
Center,likesupporting
to extend an invitationfortosurvivors
its services everyoneof to
tion about some of the movethings we are undertaking
in different directions. Ias a join meand
torture in aimmigrant
“Coffee Klatch”
youth, on
firstThursday, August 6, at
in an administrative
church. I’m excited about think thepivot new Anti-Racism
describes well thisTask 2 p.m. This
support role will
and be anasinformal
later time to check
a data specialist. in with
She pastored
moment in time.
Force that will be working to help us better understand one another and engage is casual conversation. Grace Baptist
Join
issues of race in this time,First Congregational
to identify ways weChurch as a the Zoom gathering at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ Church, a wel-
church can address systemic racism, and to takeHinman
remains rooted in place at action 82227173405; the meeting ID is 822 2717 coming and
3405.
that will join with others and Lake.
to seek The foundations
justice in our world. our Everyone will need to bring their own coffee! Sorryaffirming church
predecessors laid still serve us well in our worship and I can’t provide that. in Edgewater,
Another task force is looking ahead to plan for us to
practice of the Christian tradition. But we are feeling for nearly seven
re-gather as a church community. The term re-gathering, I am always eager to connect with folks. If you
liberated to move in new directions with our other foot. years and served
rather
For than
one, reopening,
we have a new has been chosen
minister deliberately,life
of community are in need of pastoral care or just someone to talk
as interim to,
mini-
because
and First Congregational
communications, the Rev.has Liz never
Jones,beenwhoclosed.
will beThis please feel free to email me or call. I’mster happy to speak
at Hyde Park
groupwith
tasked is looking
teachingat policies
our childrenand procedures
and telling that will in
our story by phone or to set up a Zoom chat. Union Church,
allow us and our guest organizations
new and exciting ways. We are preparing a new fellow- to make use of the Blessings and Peace, a congregation
buildings
ship space in thea wayback thatofisthe
responsible
sanctuaryand thatsafe. We are
will provide Tim aligned with both
a all looking forward
comfortable place to to enjoy
a day coffee
when we andcan resume in-
conversation the UCC and the
after worship.
person worship.OurThe public
taskpresence is beingatrefreshed
force is looking a myriad of American Baptist
with a new logo and an updated website
concerns that will go into a sensible and well-thought- to go along Churches. Liz
with
out it.
plan. The foremost concern is our responsibility to also served in
careBut
forthe
onemost important
another, part those
especially of theamong
September us who pivot
are youth ministry, worked as an administrative coordinator
ismost
one of perspective. This fall I am challenging the for the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago,
vulnerable.
church to look outside our four walls and think about and worked with children in church settings as both a
Under the leadership of the Fellowship Committee,
the people you meet who should know about First volunteer and paid staff member.
a group is looking
Congregational. Areahead
there to Rallyyou
people Dayknowon Sunday,
who would Liz writes, “I believe that the local church is the
September
enjoy 13. We aremusic
our world-class looking for creative
program? ideas families
Are there for this location where people meet God and find their place
inopportunity to celebrate
your neighborhood whoour arelife together
seeking faithasformation
a church in God and God’s work within the world. It is a com-
and kick off the new church year.
for their children? How about those new to EvanstonRally Sunday can munity within which people of all ages, abilities, and
offerare
who ussearching
a time to for renew our commitments
connection and community? and perhaps backgrounds are ‘apprenticed to’ the Way of Jesus
become involved in new ways.
Now is a great time to reach out to others and invite through spiritual practice, learning, and action. My work
themIttolooks
visit like
Firstonline
Congregational
worship will Church
continueof Evanston
for the is shaped by the belief that I am not called to minister
and see the many ways we express God’s
foreseeable future. I am very grateful to everyone love. As we who to or for but with other Christians within the context
pivot
workstosothehard
program
to make year,
ourlet’s extend
virtual ourselves
worship and
a meaningful of the local church.”
offer an extravagant
and inspiring welcome
experience. It’s to all who how
surprising comemuch our way.
extra Liz is married to Heidi. They live with their infant
Grace and Peace, daughter, Jasper, in Rogers Park.
effort is required to put together a weekly streaming
Pastor Jason
broadcast. Many thanks to David Lornson (for provid- 1
ing and coordinating the music that is so uplifting), Our new church sign!
Celebrate a New Program Year at Rally Sunday!
September marks the beginning of the program year
at First Congregational Church. We will kick off the
program year at 10 a.m. Sunday, September 10, with
our annual Rally Day celebration! During worship, we
will welcome back the choir and highlight those serving
the church as staff and volunteers. In addition, we will
celebrate the first day of Sunday School for children
ages 5–12.
A Rally Day art show,
“Shaping the Story,”
will open in the Narthex
Gallery. Rhonda Storm
is organizing this show,
which will highlight col-
laborative work com-
pleted during Sunday
School last year as well
as other pieces by the
congregation’s children.
The church will also
debut a refreshed fellow-
ship space at the back of
the sanctuary, including cafe seating for coffee hour.
If you have friends and neighbors whom you would like
to invite to church, Rally Day is the perfect opportunity
to give them a taste of First Congregational Church!
Following worship, everyone is invited to join us
for a fried chicken potluck lunch outside in front of
the sanctuary building. Please bring a dish to share
(last names beginning A–M, salad or appetizer; last
names beginning N–Z, dessert or beverage).
Chancel Choir Returns on Rally Day
The Chancel Choir will be returning on Rally Day,
September 10. If you have ever considered joining the
choir for the first time, or even rejoining after a hiatus,
now is the perfect time to do so. Please contact music
director Matthew Hogan for more information and
details at matthew@firstchurchevanston.org.
2
Sunday Morning Children’s Program Returns
First Congregational Church of Evanston’s Sunday
School resumes on September 10. Children ages 5 to
12 will join our dedicated volunteer teachers to engage
with the lectionary scriptures through art, discussion,
and play using the curriculum Mini Revolutions by
Illustrated Ministry. Mini Revolutions follows the cycles
of the church year and strives to help kids and families
welcome the small revolutions that each week brings.
Nursery care is also available each Sunday for little ones
up to age 4. The nursery is located on the lower level of
the sanctuary.
In addition to our weekly Sunday morning activities,
children, teens, and families can join us for a variety of
special events throughout the year. All kids are invited
to submit artwork for our Rally Day art show, “Shaping
the Story,” which will open that Sunday. All artwork
should be submitted to the church by September 7. On
September 24, preteens (grades 5–8) are invited to hang
with old friends and meet new ones over pizza, games,
and conversation. And of course, the annual church
retreat at Tower Hill (see next page) will provide ample
opportunities to connect across generations.
Musical Chairs
Christina Adams, who has been leading our Chancel
Choir soprano section since last fall, will now be shifting
across the chancel to lead our alto section. We are very
glad to continue working with Christina in her new role
and excited to welcome Cara Collins (right) as our new
soprano soloist and section leader. Cara
may be a familiar face, as she substituted
in our choir several times last year. She
won praise from Opera News for her
“power and dark-hued radiance” as the
shape-shifting Brittomara in the world
premiere of Jake Heggie’s If I Were You
at San Francisco’s Merola Opera Program. Other
notable roles include Mutter (Hänsel und Gretel) at Palm
Beach Opera, Tisbe (La Cenerentola) and Second Lady
(Die Zauberflöte) at the Northern Lights Music Festival,
and Flora (La Traviata) at Opera Naples. In concert,
Collins has most recently appeared as a guest soloist
with the Amarillo Symphony in Handel’s Messiah. Her
training has included prestigious young-artist residencies
at the Merola Opera Program, Palm Beach Opera,
Opera on the James, Sarasota Opera, and Opera North.
Fall Retreat October 6–8
Join your church family for an intergenerational retreat
at Tower Hill in Sawyer, Michigan. Tower Hill’s moto
is “Step out of the ordinary into the sacred.” And the
beach and woods are indeed sacred space.
At the retreat we will learn together, make art
together, eat together, and worship together. And there
will be ample time for rest and relaxation to enjoy the
beauty of God’s creation.
The retreat begins Friday afternoon/evening and
concludes with worship on Sunday morning. The cost is
$100/adult, $50/child, or $200/family and includes all
meals and lodging. Scholarships and transportation are
available. Please indicate your interest to Rev. Liz Jones
(liz@firstchurchevanston.org) by September 17.

3
Summer Roundup
Pride Parade
On June 25, First Congregational Church of Evanston
joined hundreds of thousands of parade-goers to cele-
brate at Chicago’s 52nd annual Pride Parade. Despite
some stormy weather, no one could rain on our parade!
Marching alongside the Chicago Coalition of Welcom-
ing Churches, we helped make God’s love visible with
high fives and cheers—spreading the word that this
city and our church will always be safe spaces for the
LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you to all the members
who joined us to march—see you next year!
Annual Golf Outing
First Congregational members and friends hit the links
at Robert A. Black Golf Course on August 3. Following
a spirited tournament won by friends of Julie Captain
Holly and Bob Gibout and Kathy and Mike Kielar,
everyone was invited back to Pastor Jason’s house for a
classic summer barbeque. Fun and fellowship abounded
on and off the course, and we look forward to next
year’s outing!
4 Stephen Wilson • Tyler Yost
Beachside Worship
On Sunday, August 13, First Congregational Church
of Evanston gathered at the firepit at Grosse Point
Lighthouse to sing, pray, and share scripture and poetry.
Summer intern Lucy Coulter led classic campfire hymns,
and Rev. Jason Coulter shared poetry inspired by the
summer season. Following a time of singing and read-
ings, worshipers engaged with creative intergenerational
worship stations, offering a variety of multisensory and
interactive ways to engage with the Divine. And of
course, plenty of members and friends hit the beach
after worship for a time of re-creation!
Summer Music
Thank you to all the artists who participated in worship
this summer. We had an eclectic mix of woodwinds,
brass, strings, guitars, singers, poetry readings, piano,
and even a musical saw! (The July 23 service featured
guitarists Eleri Reyman and Lucy Coulter, below). All
contributed to enhancing our summer worship services.
September and October Birthdays • Nancy Anderson
• Benjamin Bagley • Megan Bezaitis • Carrie Bradean •
Matei Bradean • Mark Daniels • Annika DeStefano • Peter
DeStefano • Al Finley • Jacob Guerra-Martinez • Bob Krause
• Vivienne Lawrence • Isaac Lumpkin • Nancy Lutton •
Shea Lutton • Rev. Gilbert Martinez • Thekla Metz • Emeka
Ogbolumani • Peter Omundson • Todd Omundson • Julia
Page • Lyn Page • Chris Petersen • Sarah Petersen • Jordan
Robertson • Brock Snider • Jean Stafford • Mary Todd
• Ryan Tripp • Eda Uca • Stacey Ullery • Cherie Weil •