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Welcome to LIFT Community Learning Center’s Summer 2026 CATALOG (June 8–30)!


This summer at LIFT, we’re bringing together a mix of live music, hands-on classes, storytelling, cooking, travel, and community gatherings—from a Jimmy Buffett tribute night and a Grease sing-along to cooking classes, a neighborhood tree walk, and opportunities to make music and share stories of your own.


LIFT is a new initiative in Elmhurst designed to bring people together through learning, creativity, and meaningful shared experiences, housed at Bethel UCC. We offer classes, workshops, conversations, and events that help people learn something new, connect with others, and experience the power of community.


While LIFT is housed at Bethel United Church of Christ, it is not a religious program. LIFT is open to anyone in Elmhurst and surrounding communities who is curious, creative, and interested in meaningful connection.


Browse the catalog below to explore our summer offerings. Full class descriptions, online registration, and additional event details can be accessed through the online catalog using the QR code at the end of this guide.


All events take place in person at Bethel UCC (315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst). We offer a mix of free and low-cost options.


Want to stay in the know about upcoming classes and events? Join our mailing list here.


Questions? Contact Jenny Riddle at jenny@jennyriddle.com.


Come be part of something bigger!


LEARNING | INSPIRATION | FELLOWSHIP | TRANSFORMATION

LIFT Catalog of Workshops and Classes

June 8–June 30, 2026

315 E. St. Charles Rd. Elmhurst

Events, Classes, And Workshops Are Listed By Date


Cooking Class: Spring Rolls and Satay

Learn how to make fresh spring rolls and satay—simple, flavorful dishes you’ll want to make at home.


In this hands-on class, you’ll create your own spring rolls (vegetarian or chicken) with sweet chili sauce, along with chicken or tofu satay marinated in coconut curry and served with peanut and sweet chili sauces. We’ll round out the evening with a cucumber salad—and enjoy the meal together.


Led by local chef Kai MacNicol, this class is focused on great food, shared experience, and learning by doing in a relaxed, welcoming setting.


Kai MacNicol is the founder of RoughEdges Confectionery, a boutique bakery in Elmhurst located inside Two Brothers from Italy. Originally from the Philippines, she began cooking in her family’s kitchen and launched her business from home during the pandemic. Today, RoughEdges is a growing local favorite.


Monday, June 8 | 6:15–8:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $50 per person

Registration deadline: June 4

👉 Register here


Introduction to Drumming 3-Week Class

Explore the fundamentals of drumming in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners and those looking to build their skills.


Over three sessions, you’ll learn essential techniques including proper stick grip, striking, and core rudiments like singles, doubles, and paradiddles. We’ll also focus on timing, tempo, and how to listen and play in sync with others. Using professional practice pads, you’ll develop precision, coordination, and the confidence to play along with music.


All materials are provided, including a practice pad and a pair of sticks.

Ages 12+


Mondays, June 8, 15, and 22 | 7:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $30

👉 Register here


Fascia Flow: Unlocking Greater Freedom and Ease in Your Body

Discover how fascia affects tension, stress, movement, and overall well-being in this gentle, restorative workshop with physical therapist Amie King, PT.


Through breath awareness, education, and floor-based movement, participants will learn practical ways to release tension, calm the nervous system, and feel better in their bodies.


Tuesday, June 9 | 7:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $15

👉 Register here


LIFT Voices: Pop Choir

For three weeks this summer, jump into a high-energy singing experience at LIFT—open to anyone who wants to have fun and make music together. We’re singing music you actually know and love—think Beyoncé, RAYE, Elton John, and more.


No auditions. No pressure. Just great music.


This isn’t your traditional choir. It’s about the joy of singing really cool songs together, with a few unexpected mashups along the way.


No experience needed or music reading required. Just show up and jump in.


Led by the dynamic and highly experienced director, Heather Stewart, each session is fast-paced, welcoming, and focused on the shared experience of making music together.


Wednesdays, June 10, 24, and July 1 | 7:30–9:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $30 for all three sessions

👉 Register here


Neighborhood Tree Walk with Tom Tyler

Don’t know your Fraxinus (ash) from your Acer (maple)? Join us for a guided walk through the neighborhood to learn about Elmhurst’s namesake and the many tree species that line our streets and parklands.


We’ll stop at key specimens along the way to explore how to identify different trees and share practical tips for keeping them healthy and thriving for years to come.


Led by Tom Tyler—also known as “The Tree Dr.”—this walk offers a relaxed and informative way to see your surroundings a little differently. Tom holds degrees in horticulture and plant science from Clemson and Purdue, and has answered thousands of questions about tree care as a County Extension Agent and ISA Certified Arborist. He recently retired from Bartlett Tree Experts.


We’ll meet at Bethel and walk from there. Please dress for the weather.


Thursday, June 25 | 6:30–8:00 PM (originally scheduled for June 11 but changed due to weather)

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $10 per person

👉 Register here


GREASE Sing-Along Movie Night

Join us for a fun summer movie night at LIFT as we turn our Welcome Center into a cozy, drive-in-style theater.


We’ll be showing Grease on our new big screen—so get ready to sing along. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music, the movie, and your favorite Grease characters.


Feel free to bring your own snacks.


Please note: While Grease is rated PG, it includes some mature themes and humor. Parents are encouraged to use their own discretion, particularly for younger children.


Friday, June 12 | 7:30 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | Free event

👉 Register here


Ukulele Circle: Workshop and Strum-Along

Learn a few chords, then stay to play.


At 10:00 AM, John Kostal will lead a beginner-friendly workshop covering the basics of ukulele.


At 11:00 AM, everyone is invited to stay (or join in) for a casual strum-along, playing familiar songs together in a fun, low-pressure setting.


Bring your own ukulele if you have one. (Loaners available.)


Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | Free event

👉 Register here


Live Sound for Small Bands and Solo Artists

Playing a solo gig at a local bar or setting up a backyard concert? Overwhelmed by microphones, monitors, and sound equipment?


In this 90-minute session, musician Mike Kubik will walk through the fundamentals of live sound production—covering the gear you’ll encounter and how to use it effectively. We’ll break down the components of a PA system, explore different microphone types and techniques, and put it all into practice with a live demonstration.


Whether you're a performer, a host, or just curious, this is a practical introduction to getting the sound right.


Tuesday, June 16 | 7:00–8:30 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $15 per person

👉 Register here


Storytelling Made Simple with Megan Wells

Join award-winning storyteller Megan Wells for an evening of stories and interactive exploration of how to find and shape your own.


In this 90-minute session, Megan will share stories and introduce the ABCs of storytelling—simple, practical ways to discover meaningful moments from your own life and shape them into stories that connect. Her approach focuses on personal stories that open the door to deeper human themes and can be used in conversation, presentations, or everyday life.


Megan Wells is a nationally respected storyteller, theater artist, and teacher with more than 40 years of experience performing and coaching others in the art of storytelling. She has performed at festivals, museums, libraries, and symphonies across the country and has received multiple national awards for her work.


Come listen, learn, and discover stories you may not even realize you have.


Friday, June 19 | 7:00–8:30 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $15 per person

👉 Register here


Explore Japan: A Travel Talk with Peter Landreth

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED! Join seasoned traveler and geographer Peter Landreth for an engaging look at Japan—its culture, history, and the changes he has witnessed over decades of travel.


Peter has been leading group tours around the world since 1991. He first visited Japan in 1998 while working at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, and has returned many times since—most recently leading a tour for students and adults last year. The evolution of the country over that time has been fascinating to observe.


In Peter’s words, Japan is “the world’s most civilized country.” Come see why.


Tuesday, June 23 | 7:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $10 per person

👉 Register here


The Creation of THE WIZARD OF OZ

This legendary 1939 film is one of the most watched movies of all time—but its true behind-the-scenes story is even more fascinating.


Join musical theatre historian Charles Troy for an in-depth look at the making of The Wizard of Oz—from MGM studio intrigue and surprisingly bad decisions to last-minute reversals and one bold, uncredited creative choice that helped shape the film into the beloved classic it became.


Troy brings the story to life through his signature multimedia presentation style, weaving together images, music, and storytelling to reveal what was really happening behind the scenes during the film’s production.


Charles Troy is a Chicago-area musical theatre historian and lecturer who has created more than 50 multimedia presentations exploring the stories behind iconic works in musical theatre and film. He has presented widely at theaters, libraries, and arts organizations across the country.


You may never watch the film the same way again.


Friday, June 26 | 7:00–8:30 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $10 per person

👉 Register here


Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert

Kick off your weekend with a laid-back summer evening of music, fun, and island-inspired energy.


Join us for a live performance by the Jimmy Buffett tribute band Five O'Clock Somewhere—featuring our own Bill Riddle on drums—bringing all the classics you know and love. Hawaiian shirts, leis, and your best Parrothead style are all welcome.


We’ll have beer, wine, and margaritas available for a suggested donation, along with light food.



Saturday, June 27 | 7:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $10 per person

👉 Register here


Mindfulness and Hula Workshop

Join Kumu Hula June Ryushin Tanoue for a 90-minute exploration of mindfulness practice and traditional Hawaiian hula.


We’ll begin with an introduction to mindfulness principles and a brief seated meditation, then move into learning hula movements and a simple mele (song). Together, these practices offer a unique way to cultivate presence, express meaning through movement, and connect to something larger than ourselves.


All are welcome. No previous meditation or dance experience is needed. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move.


Sunday, June 28 | 2:00–3:30 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $15

👉 Register here


York H.S. Album Release Party

Join us for a special evening celebrating the release of Brick by Brick, the latest album from the York Album Project.


Featuring performances by several of the student songwriters and musicians behind this year’s album, the evening will showcase original music written, recorded, and produced by York students outside the school day.


Doors open at 6:30 PM. Donation suggested at the door.


Come experience the creativity, talent, and energy of these young artists performing their original music live.


Monday, June 29 | 7:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | Suggested donation

👉 Register here


John Philip Sousa: The March King

Join York High School band director Will Ernst for an engaging look at the life and music of John Philip Sousa, one of America’s most influential composers.


In this session, we’ll explore Sousa’s life and legacy, take a closer look at the structure of his iconic marches, and uncover the musical qualities that have made his work endure for generations.


This program pairs with the Elmhurst Summer Community Band concert on July 14 at 7 PM, which will feature Sousa’s music.


Sunday, July 12 | 12:00 PM

315 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst | $10

👉 Register here


To explore the full online catalog and register for any of the classes listed above, simply scan the QR code below:

Have questions?

We’re happy to help. If you have questions about classes, registration, or whether something is a good fit for you, contact LIFT Director Jenny Riddle at jenny@jennyriddle.com.