First U Men’s Group

Since 2004, the First U Men’s Group has provided the opportunity for the men of our church to come together to enjoy each other’s company; share their life experiences; help each other work through problems; and identify opportunities to support our church, its members and the broader community. Our raison d’être is to foster friendship and provide opportunities for men to become full stakeholders in the First U mission and vision. Some topics discussed in the past: “Politics in Chicago and Illinois,” “God is a question, not an answer,” and “The Beloved Community.” All male-identifying members and friends of First U Church age 18 and older are welcome to join us in our spiritual, social, and intellectual fellowship. For more information, please contact Joe Harrington.

First U Men’s Group Annual Report 2024

Joseph M. Harrington

SUCCESSES

  1. Our monthly meetings provide the opportunity to build/sustain relationships with
    each other, explore topics of interest, and identify opportunities to engage in the work
    of the church. We continue to meet monthly via Zoom and make time for discussions,
    which help us gain a fuller insight into the underpinnings of our values, beliefs, and
    role in an ever-changing world. Each meeting we make time to discuss issues and
    matters of interest such as topics below:

Secularism and Existentialism David Hodgson
The Social Contract Stephen Stern
Punishment Daryl MosbyDr. Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail Joseph M. Harrington
Skepticism Jim Proctor
Existentialism David Hodgkins
We’re looking forward to Richard Pardo’s topic for August, “The Big Bang”

  1. We took the lead in organizing a Church outing for the Chicago White Sox vs. the
    Padres game on Sunday, October 1, 2023, and continue to host open events in Chris
    Moore Parlor for the Annual Bears/Packers Game, Superbowl, and the Men’s NCAA
    Basketball Championship Game. We are currently discussing organizing and
    supporting an intergenerational trip to the Museum of Science and Industry
  2. For the last several years we have collected and provided financial support to the
    Church’s Lifespan Religious Education Program to support its activities and events

POTENTIAL CHALLENGE IN THE UPCOMING YEAR

  1. Our group’s focus is to foster friendship and provide opportunities for our members to
    become full stakeholders in the First U mission and vision and will be working to increase our
    membership