Announcements for the week of December 22, 2024

by | Dec 20, 2024 | Sunday Announcements | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • Advent Study – Sundays in December @ 9am; Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Webinar here
  • Christmas Eve Worship – December 24 @ 7:00pm; Join Zoom Webinar here
  • Off-Topic Scripture Circle – Mondays @ 10am (no meeting 12/23 & 12/30); Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10am (no meeting 12/24 & 12/31);Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Scripture Reader sign up – Click here (needed 01/05)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 12/22, 12/24 pm, & 12/29)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 01/05)
  • Community Kitchen sign up – Click here
  • Online Commitment/Pledge Card – Click here
  • Donate to First United Online – Click here
  • First United YouTube Channel (sermons) – Click here
  • First United Vimeo Channel (full worship services) – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Announcements Deadline

If you would like an announcement included in next week’s church email, please have your item to Lisa Stanger by Monday morning, December 23rd.

People’s Market

First United houses the People’s Cooperative Market in our Fellowship Hall on Saturdays.During the winter season, the market has shifted to a more limited schedule for full, live market days while continuing to pack and deliver CSA every Saturday, 10am-2pm. Their final Winter Holiday Market date is December 21st, 10am-2pm. The People’s Market is an intersectional anti-racism farmers market and artisan vendor space that focuses on food justice work. All are welcome to attend the Saturday markets and/or order from their online CSA for pickup or delivery; food is always made available to anyone in need. You are also encouraged to consider volunteering with People’s Market; if interested, contact them directly at peoplesmarketmanager@gmail.com.

Advent Study

All are invited to consider the biblical stories regarding the birth of Jesus through a four-week Advent series based on “The Birth of Jesus” by John Shelby Spong. The group will gather in Room 1 for our final gathering this Sunday December 22nd, 9am-9:45am, to discuss Chapters 13-16. Contact Pastor Jessica with any questions. For those unable to join in person, click here to join via Zoom.

What’s in a Name?

Did you know that Yeshua (in Hebrew; Jesus, in Greek) means “God saves”? Naming stories are common within the biblical text, and each of us has a story behind our name. Perhaps your name reflects a deep hope your parents had for your life, perhaps you were named after a beloved relative, perhaps your name came after arduous discussions between family members, perhaps your name is one you chose for yourself to express your innermost identity. Whatever the story of your naming and the meaning of your name, you are invited to share them with Pastor Jessica via email or a legibly written note by this Sunday, December 22nd. Please indicate whether you are willing to have your story shared as she will share as many stories as possible during the December 29th Cozy Christmas worship service.

Divine Incarnations

We are all called to embody hope, peace, joy, and love as we live our lives. As a reminder of this invitation and affirmation that you are created in the divine image, you are encouraged to bring a baby picture of yourself and those in your family to display on the bulletin board outside of the Sanctuary throughout the Advent/Christmas season. At this time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who decisively reveals God’s character and passion, let us also celebrate the inbreaking of the divine shared forth through our lives.

CLT Lesson Planning

The Board of Education has chosen a simpler approach to Children’s Learning Time (CLT) curriculum by focusing on a story and related craft/activity each week. All those interested in the ways we engage with the youngest among us (especially parents/guardians and CLT leaders) are invited to gather with Pastor Jessica and one another in Fellowship Hall after worship this Sunday, December 22nd to identify the stories we’ll explore during the upcoming Epiphany season (January-February) and choose crafts connected to the selected stories. Resources will be provided.

Church Office Closed – Holidays

The church office will be closed for regular hours December 24th-January 3rd. If you need assistance during that time, you may contact Pastor Jessica on December 24th and 29th; contact Ted Wininger December 30th-January 1st and Kim Yaussy Albright December 25th-28th and January 2nd-4th should you have an emergent need.

Angel Tree

The Monroe County Foster Closet is the focus of this year’s Angel Tree. The Foster Closet provides clothing for kids and teens, equipment, toys, books, and linens to foster and kinship families when they are in need. The Foster Closet also helps those who have aged out of foster care, families in shelters, and children who have experienced abuse. The Foster Closet is currently in need of winter pants (jeans, sweat pants, corduroys) for boys and girls. Other winter clothing is also welcome. Tags on the Angel Tree indicate children’s winter pants and a size between 3T and 12. There are also tags for educational toys for children from 3 to 12. Take as many tags as you like! Please DO NOT WRAP your purchases. These items will not be given as gifts but will be available for the Foster Closet to distribute as needed. Bring donated items and place them under the tree no later than the Christmas Eve service.

Christmas Eve Worship

Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate Christmas Eve with your First United family and friends on Tuesday, December 24th at 7pm. Join us in person or via Zoom (click here) as we encounter the familiar story of Christmas as told in the Gospel of Luke, raise our voices in singing beloved carols, and once again pass the flame from candle to candle. A special offering will be collected to benefit Hotels for Homeless, a local organization providing shelter grounded in low-barrier, Housing First principles to proven to reduce homelessness and preserve community resources.

NEW/UPDATED THIS WEEK

Keeping Up with Our Congregation

One of the gifts of being part of a community of faith is that we don’t face the ups and downs and middles of life alone. We invite you to share what is going on in your lives by contacting Lisa Stanger and/or Pastor Jessica so we can appropriately share information (with your permission) with our wider community of care that we might offer our support whatever you may be facing.

You are encouraged to offer your prayers and actions of support for:

Bruce Netzler, following a mild heart attack

Helen Thompson (grandmother of Heather Farmer)

Megan Merrick and Ryan Erickson

Norma Hollingsworth (Jean-Paul Etienne’s mother-in-law)

Julia and Don Bebeau, following a recent fall

Martin Mutai

Jerry Barker (Jen Lane’s mother)

Jameson Poorman (Jen Lane’s nephew)

Rachel Workman

Sam Troxal

Christopher Meincke (Eric’s brother)

Happy Birthday!

Please remember in your prayers and give thanks for those among us who will be celebrating birthdays this week: Jim True (December 24th) and Diana Lambdin (December 26th). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

Bloomington Severe Weather Emergency Shelter

The Bloomington Severe Weather Emergency Shelter is in need of supplies to offer shelter to those in need of it during severe weather events. Needed supplies include: coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, creamer, snacks, trash bags, nitril gloves, and cleaning supplies. Donations may be brought to First United Methodist Church (219 E 4th St., Bloomington) Sunday-Thursday from 9am-1pm. If that is not convenient, you may contact Frances Klinger via e-mail: fling53@hotmail.com. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The shelter is housed in the buildings of First United Methodist Church and First Christian Church. Approximately 30 guests are given shelter from 8:30pm until 7am when the shelter is open; the shelter has been open 5-6 times since November.

Congregational Meeting & Stewardship Timing

Thank you to all who attended the December 15th Congregational Meeting. During the meeting, our congregation voted to approve the budget presented for 2025 (access by clicking here). You are encouraged to offer your financial gifts to support this budget as we begin the new year and will be invited to thoughtfully, prayerfully, intentionally consider how you will commit to supporting First United’s ministries as we engage in our formal stewardship season in February 2025.

End of the Year Contributions

Some members and friends of our faith community like to make charitable contributions at the end of the year, either to fulfill a pledge or make an additional gift for 2024, or to pre-pay a pledge for 2025. Please note that per IRS guidelines, in order to be eligible for a 2024 tax deduction:

– donations delivered directly to the church must be received by December 31st

– credit card donations must be initiated before 11:59pm on December 31st

– mailed checks must be postmarked by the USPS on or before December 30th

– stock donations or wire transfers must be completed by December 29th

Because the church office will be closed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, you should reach out to Kyle Hetrick if you wish to hand-deliver any donations outside of the December 24th or December 29th Sunday offering. Any donations delivered after that December 31st cannot be counted for 2024 (unless they are postmarked by December 30th as mentioned above), and they will instead count for 2025.

Pizza & Play

Members and friends of First United of all ages and family configurations (and your friends and family) are encouraged to gather for Pizza & Play on Friday, January 10th (the second Friday rather than our usual first), 5:30pm-7:30pm. We’ll enjoy a time of informal, unprogrammed fun and fellowship in Fellowship Hall and surrounding areas, both inside and out (weather permitting). As the name implies, pizza, drinks, and dessert will be provided. If you’re planning to attend, please let Pastor Jessica know by Thursday, January 9th so she can be sure to have enough food for all and account for any dietary needs.

2025 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit

We will be using leftover offering envelope boxes for 2025. This year, your number box will not be the same; please contact Lisa Stanger if you would like envelopes! Alternatively, if you would like to give to the church through direct deposit, please contact Lisa in the office to make sure she knows you would like to give in this convenient way and has your updated information.

First Sunday Food Drive

The Board of Outreach invites you to offer food donations on the first Sunday of each month. On Sunday, January 5th, we encourage you to bring donations of non-perishable food items for our community members in need placing them on the marked table in the narthex. As always, all of the collected food and cleaning/hygiene items will go to Pathways (MCUM), and pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Click here to for a list of ongoing needs; they are currently most in need of cereal, helper meals, and Mac & Cheese.Thank you for your donations to meet ongoing community needs.

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. Keith Gerber will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. The Prato/Plank Family will lead us as we light the Fourth Candle of Advent (the Candle of Love). Additionally, Rebecca Keith will highlight some of the many ways we are invited to engage in the life of the church and our wider community. Eric Meincke and Hansol Kim will lead us in song, and the First United Vocal Choir will offer special music. Dave Meyer and Kim Yaussy Albright will offer a warm welcome to those who will gather in the sanctuary; sign up here to help. And, Kyle Hetrick and Jim True will welcome all who join via Zoom as they ensure the audio/visual pieces run as smoothly as possible. Finally, be sure to join us for a time of fellowship and refreshment hosted by Ted Wininger.

Join the Zoom Webinar by clicking here

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

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

Donate online by clicking here

A Cozy Christmas & Breakfast!

On Sunday, December 29th at 10:30am, wear something comfy and cozy (pajamas welcome!) and join your First United family for a casual, cozy, festive service as we continue to celebrate the season of Christmas and prepare to welcome the new year. Together we’ll share a time of storytelling and song celebrating the joy of community and gift of God’s unbounded love. And, be sure to come a bit early for breakfast in Fellowship Hall at 9:30am and enjoy some good foods! If you are able, please bring a breakfast side to share. For questions, email Molly at molly.koontz@yahoo.com.

Join Our Church Choirs!

All those who are musically inclined are invited to join First United’s Bell and Vocal Choirs. The Bell Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays in Roger Williams Hall from 6:15-7:15pm,and the Vocal Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7:30-9:00pm in the Choir Room. Both choirs will take a break over the holidays and will not meet on December 26th and January 2nd and 9th. If you are interested in joining either or both choirs, please reach out to Eric Meincke (ericdmeincke@gmail.com). Hansol Kim can also answer questions about joining the Bell Choir (mitsol919@gmail.com). No prior experience is required to join either group! If you love music and want a way to express that love through fellowship, the First United Church Music Ministry is the place for you!

COMMUNITY CARE

Hats off to Lisa Kwong!

First United member Lisa Kwong received a 2024 Bloomington Arts Commission Artistic Advancement Grant. According to the acceptance letter: “The 2024 Artistic Advancement grant cycle was extremely competitive. All applicants were evaluated based on their level of artistic quality and demonstrated commitment to advancing their professional practice. We received over 70 exceptional applications and were able to award just over half of the applicants.” Lisa will use the funds to attend a conference in the spring and to dedicate time next summer to work on her next poetry collection and a memoir. Congratulations, Lisa!

Lisa is also happy to announce her first prose publication since 2016! “The Importance of Anniversaries,” a personal essay/memoir, will appear in Women of Appalachia Project’s Women Speak anthology, Volume 10, edited by Kari Gunter-Seymour and published by Sheila-Na-Gig Editions and Hayley Mitchell Haugen. The cover art is by Marlene L’Abbe. You may pre-order the anthology here with a discount through December 30th. Books ship in January.

Support Refugees

Our Displaced Immigrant Support Program (DISP) is seeking volunteers so that we can help additional refugees. We are currently working most actively with a Syrian family that speaks Arabic. DISP is also partnering more with the Bloomington Refugee Support Network (RSN). This allows for future volunteers to more easily participate in “one-off” activities such as driving a refugee to/from an appointment without making a longer-term commitment. Can you help? Please contact Dave Meyer at dave@davemeyer.org for further information.

The Joy of Hosting

Our Member Relations Committee continues to offer support to weekly coffee hour hosts and encourage everyone to sign up to host—it’s easy, fun, and a great way to serve your church family with a one-time commitment. Sign up as buddies or families, invite someone you’ve been wanting to get to know, use the occasion to showcase a family recipe or try out a new one. Sign up to host by clicking here.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS 

Off-Topic Scripture Circle

You are invited to join members and friends of First United via Zoom (click here) each Monday morning at 10am 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. There will be no meeting on December 23rd and 30th.

Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion

Join us in Roger Williams Hall or via Zoom (click here) Tuesdays at 10am-11:30am as we gather for a time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion. We are in the midst of a 24-sesson study: “Jesus and His Jewish Influences” presented by Jodi Magness. Learn more about the series here. Previous participation and perfect attendance are not required. There will be no meeting on December 24th and 31st.

Children’s Learning Time

Each Sunday morning, children in kindergarten and up will begin in the Sanctuary with their families and proceed to Room 2 with their adult leads for Children’s Learning Time (CLT) following the Children’s Time. Many thanks to Sandra Meder and Ted Wininger for leading CLT this Sunday. CLT will not meet on December 29th.

You are invited to consider whether you might be able to join our teaching rotation to enrich the program for the kids and gain so much from the experience yourself! Lesson materials and supplies are provided, and we have seasoned leaders to help get newer volunteers acclimated. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to Megan Merrick, Pastor Jessica, or any member of the Board of Education.

Nursery Care

Our youngest children are welcome to spend time from 10am-11:45am playing in the nursery or on the playground, weather permitting. Jessica McIntosh and Brishna Arman will ensure our little ones are safe and engaged in fun activities during worship this Sunday. We are always looking for additional volunteer assistants to help in the nursery occasionally. Contact Jessica McIntosh if you are interested and with any questions. Nursery care will not be offered on December 29th.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Photography and Media Consent Policy

During their December 11th meeting, our Church Council approved a Photography and Media Consent Policy slated to take effect on January 1st, 2025. The policy addresses the use of photography, video, and other audio/visual recordings taken during church events and sharing these materials in our communications and promotional efforts. It includes special provisions for minors and guidance for how to opt out of appearing in recordings or media. You may read the full policy here.

Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit

Offering envelope boxes are available in the church office. Whether you’ve used them before or this is your first time, you are welcome to pick up a box! Alternatively, if you would like to give to the church through direct deposit, please contact Lisa in the office to make sure she knows you would like to give in this convenient way and has your updated information.

Contact Information

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