Earth Month Events – April, 2024

SUNDAY 4/14: FIRST FORUM ON GLOBAL WARMING 
Roger Blomquist, Principle Nuclear Engineer (ret.), Argonne National Lab. “Nuclear Power and Climate Change” – How does nuclear power fit into the fight to reduce CO2 emission and thusly global warming? Hear about the characteristics of nuclear energy that make it valuable in climate change. Learn how nuclear energy fits into electricity and industrial heat compared with other energy sources regarding reliability, economics, public health, grid stability and environmental effects.

Free ALOE PLANT to all participants; a RAFFLE of grow kits and a plant in a hand-painted pot!

SUNDAY 4/21:  MUSIC SUNDAY FOCUSED ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The First Unitarian Music Department will present our 2024 Music Sunday, entitled  “By this earth’s life…”  Our Earth Day music service will take us through a journey from lamentation and pessimism to hope and celebration. We will take an hour to meditate on the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of our planet, and on our place within the ecosystem and our philosophies of natural stewardship.

FRIDAY 4/26: ELEANOR ENSEMBLE PRESENTS ELEMENTAL
Join us at the Eleanor Ensemble presents Elemental: a cross-genre choral celebration of Earth at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago. Get ready for an evening of mesmerizing music that celebrates our planet in a unique and diverse way. This in-person event promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling inspired and connected. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a cross-genre choral celebration unlike any other. Secure your spot now with two for one tickets today! 

SATURDAY 4/27:  HIKE IN THE COOK COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES
Experience the natural beauty and health benefits of a guided hike in our local forest preserves. Learn a little about the history, geology, plants and trails of the Sag Valley on this family-friendly, easy-to-moderate, 2-2.5 hour hike. If you haven’t experienced the 300+ miles of trails featuring forests, grasslands, hills and ravines, now is your chance! Carpool and caravan from First U at 9:15 am or meet at 10 am at Teason’s Woods lot in Palos Hills, IL. Contact Margie Gonwa at Margie.gonwa@gmail.com if you’d like to join the hike and for hike information.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 4/27 & 4/28: ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
Now’s your chance to properly dispose of all those busted and obsolete electronics cluttering up your home and help save the planet too. On Saturday and Sunday, 4/27-4/28 between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm bring your items for recycling to the rear door of the church off the alley parking lot. Only for our members who truly cannot bring their items to First U themselves, we can arrange a pickup. Click here to see the wide range of accepted electronic items.

SUNDAY 4/28: FIRST FORUM. EATING SUSTAINABLY THROUGH ANIMAL PROTEIN REDUCTION

Learn about the effects of reducing dairy and meat consumption on the environment and meat alternatives for a sustainable diet. After the brief presentation STAY FOR LUNCH with delicious meatless dishes including soup, chili, sloppy joes and more. We’re seeking more meatless dishes and recipes. Please contact Margie at Margie.gonwa@gmail.com to contribute and for more information.