We will hold a CONGREGATIONAL MEETING after the service Sunday, 2019 in the sanctuary to vote on the final budget.?

LISTENING SESSIONS. In late November, we took down the letters spelling out a scripture verse which had long appeared in the space to the left of the large cross at the front of our sanctuary.

In February we will formally begin the period of discernment about what, if anything, should be in the space at the front of the sanctuary.?We envision that this will be an ongoing process during 2019.

To start the process we have scheduled the first two listening sessions:

Sunday February 3rd, Roger Williams Hall, 9:45-10:15a.m.

Sunday February 10th, Roger Williams Hall, 11:45a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Information from these sessions will help guide Church Council members at their annual retreat on February 23rd.? One of the goals of the retreat will be to look for emerging themes, interests, and directions and to create a process for further participatory reflection and decision-making.

Council would appreciate?your input.???

1ST SPIRITUALITY FORUM. From February 2019, a Spirituality Form will be held on the first Wednesday every month. At each meeting, an invited guest will speak within 45 minutes and then will talk with listeners. The tone of speech is conversational rather than academic. Most of speakers of this year are from our congregation. You are all invited to a monthly conversation to share our unique experiences and perspectives on spirituality. Light refreshments will be provided.

The 1st speaker is Dr. David Dilcher on ?Evolution, Life and Spirituality?

Time: February 6th, 7:00-8:30 P.M.? Place: Rogers William Hall

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP. We will have a meeting on?February 9th (Second Saturday). The book is?Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion?by Sam Harris. This book was on the?New York Times?Non-Fiction Best Sellers list in 2014 and a guide to meditation as a rational practice informed by neuroscience and psychology. We will discuss?Chapter 5:?Gurus, Death, Drugs, and Other Puzzles. All are welcome to attend. Bring your questions! For more information, please contact YouShin Choi (youschoi@gmail.com).

Time: 11:00-12:30, Place: Roger Williams?Hall

A TIME OF CENTERING. Why not make some time for yourself in the New Year? Join us for A Time of Centering (Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:15 in the chapel.) Learn and practice techniques to be present and seek the presence of God in a nurturing space with compassionate people. Always running late? Can’t come every Sunday? Join us anyway.

SUNDAY FLOWER ANNOUNCEMENT: The sign-up book for 2019 flower donations is available in the lobby of Fellowship Hall.? Please sign up early for your choice of dates, or just choose any Sunday to provide flowers for the sanctuary.? Your donations are appreciated and the flowers are yours to take home following worship.?? Cost $40. Thanks.

OFFERING ENVELOPES READY FOR PICK UP. You will find the 2019 offering envelopes on a small table, outside of the sanctuary doors. Your name will be on the box. Note: box numbers have changed from previous years. Please pick up your envelopes.

If you are new or don’t have envelopes yet, there are some new ones to pick from.

Please place your name and envelope number on the piece of paper beside the offering envelopes. Thank you.?

MONROE COUNTY CASA NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FIRST 2019 TRAINING.

Monroe County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is now accepting applications for the February/March 2019 training session.? The next training is over two intensive weekends, February 15-17 and March 1-3. Classes are Friday nights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. ? 4 p.m.

CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of abuse and neglect.? They provide support to these children to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the court proceedings and find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.? To learn more about how you can give a child a voice, please visit www.monroecountycasa.org/volunteer or call 812-333-CASA.

FREE KOREAN YOGA (KUKSUNDO) CLASS. KukSunDo is a traditional Korean yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and spirit. You will practice cultivating your self-awareness through stretching, breathing and meditation. All movements are intentional, and the practice is a time to pause and focus on what is happening internally, spiritually, and physically. Just bring your yoga mat.

Days, Time and Place:

Monday, Fri. 9:30 ? 11:00,?Wednesday 5:30 ? 7:00 Saturday 10:00 ? 11:30, Roger Williams Hall in First United Church Questions? Contact YouShin Choi, youschoi@gmail.com

MINISTER OF CARE FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 27, IS NORM OVERLY.? A minister of care is a church volunteer who visits members in their home.