What Events and Groups Are Listed on First Unitarian Church of Chicago's Website?
Updated
First Unitarian Church of Chicago (firstuchicago.org) lists a mix of recurring gatherings, one-time events, and ongoing groups on its homepage and events calendar. The main categories visible there include Sunday services, community meals and game nights, monthly hikes, affinity and small-group ministries, seasonal celebrations, and registration-based programs such as OWL. Below is what the site itself surfaces, so you can decide which listings are worth checking before you visit or sign up.
Recurring Events and Gatherings
The homepage highlights several repeating activities rather than a single annual calendar:
- Sunday services — The site points to "Upcoming Sunday Service information here," along with a service archive and a "First Time Visitor?" entry point.
- Community Meal Nights and Game Nights — Listed with the note "Childcare Available."
- Monthly hikes — Organized by the Green Sanctuary Committee on the last Saturday of each month to hike Cook County.
- Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism — Held Sundays at 1:00pm at Nichols Park, described as a way to "let our voice be heard."
- Small Group Ministry — An ongoing group option for connection.
Seasonal and Special Events
Some listings are tied to specific dates or seasons:
- Samhain Community Dinner — November 4.
- "A New Era of Action in Illinois" with Natasha Walker — Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Love Notes — A volunteer activity to "write Love Notes to our absent members and friends."
- Everything Inbetween: Documenting the Artwork of 1st U Chicago — Listed as a project/event.
Groups and Programs You Can Join
Beyond events, the site names several groups and registration-based programs:
- Affinity Groups — "Connect with an Affinity Group!"
- Small Group Ministry — For smaller, ongoing connection.
- Green Sanctuary Committee — Runs the monthly hikes.
- OWL Registration (2026) — A values-based sexuality education program for young people, described as helping them "develop self-worth, build healthy relationships, make responsible decisions, and grow in understanding."
- 2026–2027 Campaign — A contributions campaign ("Together Toward Tomorrow").
Where to Find the Full List
The homepage directs visitors to the EVENTS calendar for "service and LRE information, small group meetings, and more." If you want current dates and times, the calendar is the authoritative place to check, since the homepage mixes recurring items with dated announcements.
Quick Reference
| Type | Examples listed |
|---|---|
| Recurring | Sunday services, Community Meal Nights, Game Nights, monthly hikes |
| Seasonal/dated | Samhain Community Dinner (Nov 4), Natasha Walker talk (Oct 11, 2026) |
| Groups | Affinity Groups, Small Group Ministry, Green Sanctuary Committee |
| Programs | OWL Registration, Love Notes, 2026–2027 Campaign |
All ages are noted as welcome at First U Chicago, and childcare is available for Community Meal Nights and Game Nights. For exact times and any changes, use the EVENTS calendar on the site.