Updates on First United Operations and Activities
As always Pastor John Krueger is available for conversation and consultation: john.krueger425@gmail.com or h: 317-467-1529/ c: 317-498-0710.
From the COVID-19 Task Force: Sunday church services and most meetings will continue virtually into the fall. We encourage outdoor activities (less than 15 participants) while the weather is good. The latest guidelines can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FNf5CO4_-CaFs8KlIxTAA_4vV9MK9JXhCRB09Q2AFpY/edit?usp=sharing
Drive-In/Outdoor Vesper Service October 11th at 5 p.m.
Our first socially-distanced Vespers service on September 27th was a wonderful gathering. We look forward to at least one more opportunity to worship (distantly) together in person. Rev. Krueger will offer a 30-minute evening vesper service from the First United grounds. Details will be in a special email closer to the event. You can also bring pledges and donations to special collections with you! Rain date Sunday, October 18th at 5pm. Weather Delay will be announced by 3 pm Sunday.
Looking for ways to connect in person? First United Needs YOU
Are you yearning to talk with people in person? The Board of Worship is seeking people who are interested in meeting in small groups, either for fellowship or a particular purpose – guided meditation, prayer circle, stand-up-comedy practice? If this sounds like you, please contact Elizabeth Busey (ebusey@yahoo.com) or Siri Loescher (sannloescher@gmail.com) so we can help you get a gathering started while the weather is still fine.
FROM THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Calling All Parents! Please join us for an outside, socially-distanced gathering Sunday, October 11th 3:30-4:30 p.m. under the church pavilion. We’ll spend time enjoying conversation and re-connecting. Please bring your own chair and mask. Children are welcome, but there will not be nursery care – kids may play on the playground area if needed. Then join us for our second Vespers service! Questions? Email molly.koontz@yahoo.com
Racial Justice Book Club
The third meeting of the Racial Justice Book Club will be Saturday, October 31st, from 2-3:30 over Zoom. We will be discussing the book How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.
Antiracism is a transformative concept that reorients and reenergizes the conversation about racism—and, even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Kendi takes readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities—that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.
Jennifer Fultz has also set up a discussion board for the group, so even if you are unable to attend the in-person meetings, there is another way to participate. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Don Wooldridge at dontylw@gmail.com.
FIRST UNITED’S SPECIAL COVID-19 FUND APPLICATIONS
If you have a relationship with First United Church, you may apply for assistance for economic hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Contact Sharon McCann at 1041sharon@gmail.com for an application form and instructions to apply for Covid-19-related assistance.
Peace Pole Update
A new peace pole featuring the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Korean, Hindi, Swahili, and braille has been ordered! Donations are still being accepted (ex: $5 per family or $1-2 per person) and can be sent to the church office. Approximately 25% of the $200 goal has been met. A dedication event will be announced in the coming weeks.
Construction Update
This week new code compliant handrails went up on the front choir loft, back choir loft, and basement/Wayland Room stairwells. Installation of the new flooring in the choir loft also started. The spirit of volunteerism remains strong with a fresh coat of paint on the existing black balcony railing and a (thankfully) uneventful move of the organ console. A complete overview of the project and long overdue recognition of all volunteers will appear in First News once the project is complete.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY OFFERINGS Our work as a caring community continues on Zoom through Sunday worship and lectionary study, and Tuesday’s Virtual Café and Adult Study class. Please visit https://firstuc.org/online/
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP!! at 10:30am. Log in to Zoom at 10am.
Zoom Meeting Link:
https://zoom.us/j/94635708633?pwd=NE9CdGtTWk5ndGRzRnQ2TTVrQmlZZz09
Meeting ID: 946 3570 8633
Password: 879535
OFF TOPIC SCRIPTURE CIRCLE (formerly Lectionary Discussion)
Want to read and discuss the week’s scripture readings with friends before church in a casual setting where you will never be asked to leave your brain or your heart at the door? We have the place for you! Click below to join us, Sunday mornings 9-10am.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84002403978?pwd=N0sxS093T1JobkVxTVVGRlFBdVUwUT09
Meeting ID: 840 0240 3978
Password: 122688
VIRTUAL CAFÉ and TUESDAY ADULT DISCUSSION Tuesdays10:00am
Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and join us for the Tuesday Adult Discussion group led by Derek Roe as we begin a new video series: Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad presented by Prof. Mark Muesse. We hope to see you there!
Discussions range over many topics, and it’s a great way to keep in touch with church friends during social distancing. We’ll end somewhere between 11:30 and noon.
- From your laptop or desktop computer https://zoom.us/j/309686166?pwd=OVZ2VXFUSDV6R2IwM0xTMTd4TEVCdz09, OR
- From your landline telephone or cell phone: (253) 215 8782 then enter the meeting ID: 309 686 166# Password: 399499
- Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aCaOLQbW3
MEANWHILE GRASS AND WEEDS CONTINUE TO GROW whether church is open or not. If you have time and energy to work at socially distanced mowing, weeding, or general upkeep on our grounds, Laura Kao is graciously available to provide guidance. Laura has also posted a to-do list of discrete tasks on the shed door for all comers. Contact laura_b_kao@hotmail.com or 812-361-6074
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