QUICK LINKS
- Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Webinar here
- Off-Topic Scripture Circle – Mondays @ 10am; Join Zoom Meeting here
- Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10am;Join Zoom Meeting here
- Scripture Reader sign up – Click here
- Usher sign up – Click here (needed 03/09 & 03/16)
- Flowers sign up – Click here
- Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 03/02, 03/09, & 03/16)
- Communion Server sign up –Click here
- Community Kitchen sign up – Click here (needed 03/20)
- Donate to First United Online – Click here
- First United YouTube Channel (sermons & more) – Click here
- First United Vimeo Channel (full worship services) – Click here
DON’T FORGET
Black History & Black Futures
All are invited to join the People’s Cooperative Market and Black Lives Matter Bloomington at BLM Btown’s Black History & Black Futures month celebration TODAY, Friday, February 28th, 5-8pm, in First United’s Fellowship Hall! The event will include a community conversation on national and local topics related to Black history and Black futures along with a panel discussion and a preview of the follow-up to the 2020 talk Confronting White Supremacy with Jada Bee. There will also be free food and drink (turkey, green beans, potatoes, salad, vegan tofu veggies, and more) and community time. Donations will be received for BLM Btown to meet family requests for help to get school clothes and to fund the purchase of food for families from BLM’s farm to families program. You can donate via their Venmo @BLM-BTOWN or by emailing blacklivesmatterbtwon@gmail.com. All are welcome to come hang out and join the discussion!
First Sunday Food Drive
The Board of Outreach invites you to offer food donations on the first Sunday of each month. 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 this Sunday, March 2nd. As always, all of the collected food and cleaning/hygiene items will go to Pathways (formerly 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. Donations are delivered each month. Thank you for your donations to meet ongoing community needs!
Stewardship 2025 – Our Wider Reach
Throughout our stewardship campaign, Our Wider Reach: Living Our Faith to Make a Better World, we have been considering the act of making commitments to support our church and community, be it through the contribution of time, talents, or financial resources. We have been joined by some of our space-sharing partners on Sunday mornings to learn about our wider reach through their ministry and work (hear the messages already offered by the Mennonite Fellowship, Al-Anon, The People’s Cooperative Market). And, we’ve taken and posted “unselfies” sharing the ways and the whys you support our wider community with your gifts and resources; check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and the bulletin board outside of the Sanctuary. Finally, this Sunday, March 2nd, we will offer and bless our commitments/pledges for the year ahead as we celebrate Commitment Sunday. Hard copy pledge cards went out in the mail this week and will be available on Sunday morning, and an online pledge form is available here. Thank you for your ongoing support of First United’s ministries!
Invitations from your Board of Education – Survey & CLT Planning
The Board of Education has developed a quick and painless survey to get your input regarding when, where, and what you’re interested in with regard to adult faith formation opportunities. Please take a few minutes to share your ideas and interests with us; click here.
Additionally, 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, March 2nd (date change) to identify the stories we’ll explore during the upcoming Lenten season (March-April) and choose activities/crafts connected to the selected stories. Resources will be provided.
CLT Care Packages—Request for Supplies
Beginning this Sunday, March 2nd, and periodically throughout the year, children in CLT (Children’s Learning Time) put together care packages for people experiencing homelessness in our community. Children will take the care packages home with them to keep in their car and deliver, with the help of their families, to people they encounter. Care packages will be put together as a part of their Sunday CLT experience.
You are invited to donate items needed for this project by bring them to Room 2 on Sunday mornings or the church office during office hours. Items needed include:
- Prepackaged, individually wrapped food (e.g. granola bars, snack mixes, pretzels, bottled water)
- Hand and foot warmers, socks, mittens
- Hygiene/First Aid Supplies (e.g. wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lip balm, bandages, lotion) – we currently have lots of toothbrushes!
- Gallon-size ziplock bags (to put items in) – we currently have plenty of these!
- Extras (e.g. playing cards, gift cards, bus passes, trash bags)
Ash Wednesday Worship
Join us for an Ash Wednesday observance on this Wednesday, March 5th, at 6pm in Roger Williams Hall. We will begin with a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by a contemplative service featuring Taizé music, meditative prayers, and the imposition of ashes. We invite any cooks or bakers to share your talents on Ash Wednesday with an offering of soup or bread (contact Siri Loescher at 317-664-0247). Pastor Jessica will also be offering “Ashes to Go” at IU’s Sample Gates 11am-1pm.
Bloomington Multifaith Alliance Bi-Monthly Meeting
Bloomington-area clergy and faith leaders are invited to gather for the bi-monthly meeting of the Bloomington Multifaith Alliance (BMA) on Thursday, March 6th, 11:30am-1pm. The meeting will be held at First United Church (Roger Williams Hall) and will include a potluck meal, nurturing multifaith friendships, and discussion around setting the 2025-26 BMA agenda.
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, March 7th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We’ll enjoy a time of informal, unprogrammed fun and fellowship in Fellowship Hall. As the name implies, pizza, drinks, and dessert will be provided. If you’re planning to attend, please let Rebekah Seda or Pastor Jessica know by Thursday, March 6th so we can plan appropriately.
NEW/UPDATED THIS WEEK
A Message from Eric Meincke
This will be my final semester as Director of Music at First United Church. I will begin a new Director of Music position at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson, SC this May. My final Sunday will be May 4th. I am so grateful for the home that First United has been for me these last three years, and I look forward to following the journey of this ministry as it continues to flourish and grow in the years to come. Thank you all for being such a welcoming and open church, and I wish First United all the best in the future.
Happy Birthday!
Please remember in your prayers and give thanks for Kim Yaussy Albright (March 8th) who will be celebrating her birthday this week. We are blessed to have you in our lives!
LGBTQ+ Covenant Group Opera Night
Our LGBTQ+ Covenant Group will come together for a night at the opera on Friday, March 7th at 7:30pm at the IU Musical Arts Center. Come support our friend Michael Shell as he directs “The Turn of the Screw.” Tickets are available here. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome to join in the fun! Contact Ben Ale-Ebrahim (benalebrahim@gmail.com) with questions and if you plan to attend.
Special Offerings – Abundant Generosity!
Thanks to your abundant generosity, we raised $682.00 for Love Fund through the February 23rd special offering. Thank you for your tremendous support!
Daylight Saving Time Begins: Spring Forward!
Daylight Saving Time begins next Sunday, March 9th, at 2am. Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, so you don’t miss morning worship!
UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Morning Hybrid Worship
Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This first Sunday of the month, we will gather at God’s welcome table and celebrate communion together. Note: Communion elements (bread and wine/juice) will be served in the pews for those gathering in the sanctuary; online worshipers are encouraged to prepare a “nibble” and a “sip” prior to the start of the service. Kim Yaussy Albright and Craig Dalrymple will serve those who gather in person.
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. Kim Yaussy Albright will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. Mitchell Farmer 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. Keith Gerber, Daniel Salvat, and Linda Smith will offer a warm welcome to those who will gather in the sanctuary. 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 after worship.
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
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. 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
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:
Sara Cole, following a recent heart attack
Helen Thompson (grandmother of Heather Farmer)
Julia and Don Bebeau
Jen Lane
Rachel Workman
Sam Troxal
Christopher Meincke (Eric’s brother)
Climate Hope Art Contest
For the third straight year, the UCC is conducting a Climate Hope Art Contest. The theme this year is “Planting Seeds of Hope.” First United children and youth are invited to draw, paint, or color works of art that bring this theme to life. A fitting scripture to spark the imagination is Matthew 13:31-32 in which Jesus declares, “The realm of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
Art templates are available in the church building. Art submissions must be shared with Pastor Jessica by March 13th. An online award ceremony for finalists will be held on April 5th. In the ceremony, there will be winners for different age groups and an overall winner who will receive an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC with a parent or guardian. The winner will advocate with the offices of their congress members, tour the Capitol, and learn how they can bring their faith values to life in the halls of power. The winning art will additionally serve as the logo for UCC Climate Hope advocacy work throughout 2025. Reach out to Pastor Jessica with any questions.
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; contact btownsevereshelter@gmail.com. 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 (forecast of temperature below 25 degrees or over 3 inches of snow).
People’s Market
First United houses the People’s Cooperative Market in our Fellowship Hall on Saturdays.During the winter season, the market is open every Saturday, 10am-2pm, to pick up fresh, locally-grown produce. They also continue to pack and deliver CSA every Saturday while offering a more limited schedule for fuller market days. 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.
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.
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.
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 Children’s Time. Many thanks to Megan Merrick and Jessica McIntosh for leading CLT this Sunday.
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. Brishna Arman and Jessica McIntosh 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.
First United’s Feminist Book Club
Our feminist women’s book club continues to meet after worship and online in a hybrid pattern on the second Sunday of the month. In order to maintain a small-group environment, a waitlist is being instituted for any new members to join as openings occur. If you are interested in reading recent fiction “by women, for women and about women,” contact group facilitator Cindy Stone (stonec@iu.edu) for more information and to be added to the waitlist. Additionally, you may check out the book club’s Pinterest listing here, containing the group’s past selections. You don’t have to have an account to see the picks.
The group’s selections will continue to be shared in case you wish to read them on your own. The selection for Sunday, March 9th is “Violeta” by Isabel Allende. Violeta comes into the world in 1920 as the Spanish flu arrives in her South American homeland. Her life covers many extraordinary events and ends with another pandemic in 2020. Due to her father, the family safely faces challenges as the Great Depression transforms the city life she has known, and they are forced into a remote part of their country. Allende tells a story recounting devastating heartbreak, times of both poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy. Her life will be shaped by some of the most important events of history: the fight for women’s rights, the rise and fall of tyrants, and more. This unforgettable tale of passion, determination, and humor carries the reader through a lifetime of upheaval and brings a journey that is inspiring and deeply emotional.
CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Announcements Deadline
If you have information to include in our weekly announcements email, please send your item to Lisa Stanger by noon on the Wednesday before.
Photography and Media Consent Policy
A reminder that our new Photography and Media Consent Policy is in effect as of 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.
Did You Know…We Have an Online Directory?
An online church directory is available for all members of First United! You may access the directory by clicking on “Member Directory” from the “Member Area” drop-down menu located at the top of any page of the church website. Contact Lisa in the office for your sign-in credentials (you are encouraged to change your password after logging in for the first time).
2025 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit
We are 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.
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