February 3rd, 2023 

Dear Members and Friends of First Church Evanston, 

Over the last year, SPRC has been discerning the long-term needs of the youth program, and I am pleased to share some exciting news with you about our search for a permanent Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.   

In the spring of 2022, we decided to take the necessary time to understand the needs of youth and families in a post-pandemic world before hiring a new leader.  SPRC led focus groups with parents and youth, met with Youth Council, sponsored surveys in the congregation, and spoke with youth program leaders at other churches.  SPRC then embarked on a global search in which we had over 30 applicants, including one international applicant, seminary students, and one UMC Elder.  7 of those applicants met the job qualifications, 6 of those candidates were then screened, and 2 were ultimately selected for in-person interviews.  7 members of SPRC and a member of the Youth Council participated in the process.  A dozen other members of our congregation also participated by helping host out-of-state candidates.  

Last week we made an offer to one of those candidates, and I am pleased to say that they accepted.   

Our permanent Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will be Sydney Harkrider, currently a youth leader, social justice leader, and graduate student in Austin, TX. 

Sydney was born and raised in Houston.  She attended Southwestern University where she double majored in Religion and Feminist Studies.  She is currently finishing her Master of Arts in Youth Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  Sydney comes to us with 5 years of experience as Director of Youth Ministries at University United Methodist Church in Austin.  Sydney’s husband is a musician.  They will both be relocating to Evanston after her graduation in May, and they are excited to be moving to the Chicagoland area and experience a four-season climate!  Sydney begins ministry at First Church Evanston immediately after the July 4th holiday. 

In the meantime, Kelsey Morton will continue to lead our youth program as the Interim Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  Since last fall, Kelsey and her assistant, Cherie Asante, have done an amazing job providing programming and activities for the youth and young adults in our congregation.  We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service that has given us the time needed to determine the best course of action for the future of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at First Church Evanston.  Thank you thank you! 



2023 SPRC Budget Update

As you know, regardless of the size of a congregation, the staff expense is the largest part of any church budget.  Thanks to your generous support during the stewardship campaign, SPRC will be able to maintain our staff and fully support our congregation for calendar 2023. 

Thank you for embracing the spirit of Courageous Love and Living our Faith in the World.    

Peace, 

David Cerra 

SPRC Chair 

david.cerra@gmail.com