Announcements for the week of April 10, 2022

by | Apr 8, 2022 | Sunday Announcements | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • Off-Topic Scripture Circle – Sundays @ 9am; Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Webinar here
  • Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10am;Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Scripture Reader sign up – Click here (needed 04/17)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 04/17 and 04/24)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here (needed 04/10)
  • Donate to First United Online – Click here
  • First United Vimeo Channel – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Spring Workday

The Board of Building and Grounds is having a spring workday TOMORROW, Saturday, April 9th, 8am-noon. Come join us as we prepare our beautiful church grounds for spring!

Feminist Women’s Book Club

Our feminist women’s book club will meet this Sunday, April 10th at 4:30pm in Room 6 and via Zoom (a shift from the group’s typical meeting time, 12 noon, and location, Roger Williams Hall). As always, new members are welcome to visit as a guest. For April 10th, Terrie Kercher has chosen “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins – a #1 New York Times bestseller and Oprah Book Club pick with over two million copies sold. It tells the story of Lydia, a mom & wife from Acapulco. Her life is comfortable. But when her journalist husband’s tell-all profile of a drug lord is published, lives will never be the same. For the Zoom link or more information contact facilitator Cindy Stone, stonec@indiana.edu.

Reader’s Choice Book Club

The Reader’s Choice Book Group will meet this Monday, April 11th, 1:30pm at the home of Nancy Martin, 1047 Sassafras Circle (Meadowood). The book for discussion is ‘The Indigo Girl,” a historical novel by Natasha Boyd. Based on a true story, it is about Eliza Lucas, a 16-year-old girl, who is left in charge of her father’s three plantations in South Carolina when he leaves the country to pursue his expensive military ambitions. Eliza soon realizes the estates are in serious financial trouble and believes the way to save them is by learning to make indigo dye, a product highly prized by the French. Others tell Eliza that indigo can’t be grown in South Carolina; it has been tried and failed. Eliza is determined to learn the one-thousand-year-old secret and learns it from an unlikely source. Everyone is welcome to join any of these monthly discussions. For more information, contact Nancy Martin.

Sermon Talk Backs

Throughout the season of Lent, Rev. Petersen-Mutai has been preaching a 7-part sermon series in which is exploring the last week of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel of Mark. Worship participants are invited to remain after the service for the final sermon talk back of the season to talk about what they’ve heard with a moderated discussion on the sermon. Those gathering in person will do so in Roger Williams Hall; those joining virtually can simply stay on the Zoom webinar (you will be made a “panelist” so you can participate in the conversation). Thanks to Byron Bangert and Rebecca Hoke-McCall for facilitating these conversations!

Holy Week Worship

You are invited to gather together in the sanctuary on Holy Thursday evening, April 14th, 6:30pm-7:15pm, for a predominantly-sung service using Marty Haugen’s Holden Evening Prayer. The service uses contemporary and inclusive language and offers space for quiet meditation, spoken prayer, and the presentation of scripture. We will also celebrate communion together with freshly-baked bread and freshly-poured grape juice! (The individual pre-packaged elements will also be available for those more comfortable with receiving communion in that way.) This service will be offered in person only.

Then on April 15th, 12:10pm-1pm, you are encouraged to attend the annual Good Friday service offered collaboratively by First United Methodist, First Christian, First Presbyterian, and First United. First United will host this year’s service as we mark this mournful day together with song, prayer, silence, and reflection. The service will be held in the sanctuary and can be accessed via Zoom here (Dial-in number: (312) 626-6799; Webinar ID: 828 3681 0281).

NEW/UPDATED THIS WEEK

Easter Egg Hunt

After a Covid-induced hiatus of several years, the Member Relations Committee in cooperation with the Board of Education will host an egg hunt this year before the Easter worship service on Sunday, April 17th at 9:45am. This year’s hunt will have a different flavor than years past with scavenger hunts and prize bags worked into the mix! Please contact Mary Peckham of MeRC by April 15th regarding whether your child(ren) will be in attendance (your best guess would be greatly appreciated!) to ensure we prepare enough eggs and prize bags. We very much hope to gather with as many of you as possible to celebrate Easter and this opportunity to be in community. Adults, you have not been forgotten! Conversations regarding pre-worship rolls/donuts and coffee are underway! More details to come.

Justice Forum

The Board of Education invites you to join us for a one-hour Climate Change Justice Forum in the sanctuary on Sunday, April 24th immediately following the church worship service (approximately 11:45am-12:45pm). This will be an in-person event. Please bring a snack or packed lunch to enjoy after the service if needed. Dr. Ben Brabson, a climate scientist at Indiana University, and Madi Hirschland, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Creation Care Partners in Bloomington, will discuss the science behind climate change and practical steps we can take in our own lives. We hope you can join us! The Board will offer a follow-up forum a few Sundays later (date TBA) which will focus on climate change from different faith perspectives and will be led by Reverend Jessica, Rabbi Besser from Beth Shalom, and Maha Noureldin from the Islamic Center.

Indiana-Kentucky Conference Annual Gathering Banquet

IKC Annual Gathering Planning Team is in need of help from Conference congregations to supply food items for the Annual Gathering Banquet. A Sign-Up Genius site has been set up for those who willing and able to donate the needed items. Please click here to see what items are being requested and to sign up to help. Specific drop off dates and times will be communicated at a later date, but please plan to deliver to Frieden’s UCC (8300 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46217) the week of May 30th, 2022. Becky Moore, the Annual Gathering coordinator, will be in touch with those who sign up to communicate details about drop off locations and times for your items.  She can be reached at r.sowder@sbcglobal.net for any questions or correspondence. Thank you for your willingness to help in any way to make this Annual Meeting Banquet a truly abundant and joyful feast!

Off-Topic Scripture Circle

Beginning Thursday, April 21st, you are invited to join with members and friends of First United on Thursday evenings, 5:30pm-6:30pm to check in and explore the week’s lectionary scripture readings in a casual setting where you will never be asked to leave your brain or your heart at the door. We will meet via Zoom only (at least for the first couple of months) to be more accessible to folks after work and near dinnertime; join the Zoom meeting here.

Until that time, conversations will continue in person and online on Sunday mornings, 9am-10am. Those who are interested and able to gather in person are invited to gather in Room 6, and those who would like to join the Zoom meeting can do so by clicking here.

Living the Questions 2.0

First United members and friends are invited to engaging in Flight 1 of Living the Questions 2.0 throughout the season of Easter. This seven-week study will be offered in a hybrid format on Tuesday evenings, 6pm-7:30pm beginning Tuesday, April 19th (final session May 31st); those wanting to gather in person will do so in Roger Williams Hall, while those preferring an online option can join the Zoom meeting by clicking here. Each session will include the viewing of a 20-minute video segment during which contributing theologians will speak to the selected topic with regular breaks for conversation. Additionally, participants will be provided with reading materials to consider prior to each weekly meeting.

Living the Questions 2.0 (LtQ2) is an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers and instead strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring what’s next for Christianity and features insights from an array of thought-provoking and engaging theologians. LtQ2 seeks not to provide easy answers, but to be a resource for people who are in the midst of a life-long conversation about the mysteries of faith and life. Please contact Pastor Jessica if you are interested in participating in this exploration and questioning of faith.

UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday Morning Hybrid Worship

Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This Sunday’s service will feature Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai in the pulpit; she will also offer a special message for the young and young at heart. Beautiful music will be led by Hansol Kim and Sam Grace, and the First United Vocal Choir will offer a special music piece. Dave Meyer will present the day’s scripture reading and serve as our congregational lead. Kim Yaussy Albright and Molly and Noel Koontz (and likely a couple of young ones) will offer a warm welcome to all those who gather in the sanctuary. Dedric Dennist will welcome all who join via Zoom. We are still in need of a sponsor to provide a beautiful floral arrangement to enhance the worship space (sign up here). And, Jim True and Kyle Hetrick will ensure the audio/visual pieces run as smoothly as possible.

Join the Zoom Webinar by clicking here

Dial-in number: (312) 626 6799; Webinar ID: 828 3681 0281

The service will be posted on Sunday evening on First United’s Vimeo channel (where you can access all of our previous worship services).

Donate online at: firstuc.online/donate

COMMUNITY CARE

Youth Participation in Solidarity Sleepout

First United youth are invited to join together to support Beacon’s Solidarity Sleepout April 22nd-23rd (see more details just below). First United members and friends who are not able to sleep out yourself but want to support the effort are encouraged to support First United’s youth as they participate in the sleepout. You can give through Pastor Jessica’s page here (individual youth pages will be shared in upcoming announcements emails).

Beacon Solidarity Sleepout

First United is honored to host this year’s Beacon Solidarity Sleepout on Friday, April 22nd, 7pm-Saturday, April 23rd, 8am, as dedicated adults, teens, and children will be sleeping out to raise critical funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness in Monroe County. With sleeping bags, tarps, and tents, participants can choose to gather on the grounds of First United Church or sleep in their backyards, on their living room floor, etc.

All ages are welcome. Adults and teen participants are asked to register at givebutter.com/sleepout2022, choose a personal fundraising goal, and ask friends and family to sponsor them as they sleep out.

The net proceeds from the event will support Beacon’s overnight shelter, Friend’s Place, the only nonreligious, year-round emergency shelter for homeless adults in the region. Friend’s Place is a sober shelter for Monroe County residents, providing hope and support as people find their way back home. Combined with Beacon’s housing and employment assistance, Friend’s Place has become one of the most successful shelters in Indiana.

First United members who are considering participating in this year’s sleepout are also encouraged to consider serving as an official First United representative offering a warm welcome and abundant hospitality while participants gather on our grounds. Please contact a member of the Board of Outreach if you are interested.

Displaced Immigrant Support Program

Our Displaced Immigrant Support Program team remains hard at work as they offer support to our Afghan guests, and you are invited to help with the effort in a number of ways. If you think you can help, please let Dave Meyer know (dwm@davemeyer.org).

  1. With the family preparing for a move in August, we remind you that we receive household furniture on an on-going basis. If you are planning a move of your own, down-sizing, or wanting to get rid of any furniture that might be suitable to share with our Afghan guests, please let us know! (Items can be stored in the church Fellowship Hall.)
  2. We continue seeking church members’ help with employment contacts in Bloomington’s medical technology business community. Ahad’s previous work experience is in medical technology manufacturing and sales, and he has an updated resume ready to share.
  3. Finally, your financial support is greatly appreciated and continues to be needed. A special giving section on the church donation page has been set up as one way to give; click here to access it. Individuals may also write checks to First United with “DISP” in the memo line.

Support Ukraine

Both the UCC and the ABC-USA are actively offering support to Ukrainians during the ongoing Russian invasion. International Ministries, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, has sent an initial grant of $15,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to the European Baptist Federation to provide humanitarian aid for Ukrainian Baptists. And, as a member of the ACT Alliance, UCC support is being targeted to people most in need through humanitarian relief partners with a history of working in the region; UCC aid also is being extended through Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, the relief agency of the Reformed Church in Hungary.

You are invited to learn more about and contribute to the ABC-USA and UCC efforts here (ABC-USA) and here (UCC). One can also write a check made payable either to:

  1. “International Ministries” and mailed to: International Ministries, Attn: Gifts Processing, 1003 W 9th Avenue, Ste A, King of Prussia, PA 19406 or
  2. “United Church of Christ” and mailed to: United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194 (be sure to note “Ukraine Relief Fund” on your check in the memo section).

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS 

CLT and Nursery Care

Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to Children’s Learning Time (CLT) during the last half of the service. Many thanks to Ted Wininger (our interim Lead CLT Teacher!) and Noel Koontz for leading CLT this Sunday. Interested in joining our CLT assistant teacher rotation? Contact Molly Koontz.

Our youngest children are welcome to spend time from 9:15am-11:45am playing in the nursery or on the playground, weather permitting. Allie Gentry and Lena Stosberg will ensure our little ones are safe and engaged in fun activities during worship this Sunday. We are still looking for additional volunteer assistants to help in the nursery occasionally. Contact Molly Koontz if you are interested and with any questions.

Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion

Join us in person (Roger Williams Hall) or online (click here) on Tuesday mornings, 10am-11:30am, as we continue a 36-session video series entitled “The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation.” After a time of informal conversation, we’ll engage in thought-provoking theological study and discussion as we explore the phenomenal story of Christianity’s first 1,500 years, with all its remarkable diversity and complex dimensions. Professor Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson will lead this examination of Christianity’s origins, rise, and civilization-shaping activities from its inception to the Reformation. While we’d love to see you each Tuesday for the next several months, perfect attendance is not required, neither is previous participation.

Lent Madness! 

Lent Madness 2022 is entering the final stretch, and it’s not too late to join in this unique and somewhat absurd Lenten devotion that is as fun as it is meaningful as the competition finishes up the Elate Eight, moves on to the Faithful Four, and ultimately crowns one remaining saint with the “Golden Halo.”


How to get involved:

  • Visit www.lentmadness.org to find the saints’ biographical information and vote. Voting takes place daily, and you can vote as frequently or infrequently as you like (but only one vote a day), and it’s all free.
  • If you would like to discuss your votes, the bracket, or just take a deeper dive into the lives of the fascinating people featured, you’re invited to join the “Lent Madness at First United Church!” Facebook group here.

For more information, talk to Pastor Jessica or Kyle Hetrick.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Change to Masking Policy
During their March 16th meeting, Church Council voted to make masking optional for Sunday services, Sunday Bible study, and other small group meetings, but we will continue requiring masks for the nursery and Children’s Learning Time (CLT). This change was effective immediately. Social distancing is still to be observed, and vaccination continues to be strongly recommended for all who are eligible.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this unknown terrain together. Please be in touch with Rebecca Keith, Church President, or other members of the Council with any questions regarding this change in our policy.

Job Opportunity!

First United is seeking to hire someone as a part-time Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries. Please see the job description here. Share widely or apply today! Candidates should respond to Lisa Stanger (info@firstuc.org) with a resume and email cover letter detailing relevant experience and intent to apply. Thank you for your help!

Announcements Deadline

If you would like an announcement included in next week’s church email, please have your item to Lisa Stanger by noon on the Wednesday before.

Contact Information

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