Announcements for the week of August 13, 2023

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Sunday Announcements | 0 comments

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 (needed 08/20)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 08/13, 08/20, & 08/27)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here (needed 08/13 & 08/20)
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 08/20 & 08/27)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 09/03)
  • Donate to First United Online – Click here
  • First United Vimeo Channel – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Blessing of the Backpacks – THIS SUNDAY!

All those who have begun or are beginning a new school year this August are invited to bring their backpacks to worship this Sunday, August 13th, as we bless the backpacks and, more importantly, the bearers of those backpacks during the service.

First United’s Feminist Book Club – THIS SUNDAY!

Our feminist women’s book club will meet after worship on Sunday, August 13th in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom to discuss“The Change” by KirstenMiller—a suspenseful story with great pacing, memorable characters, and an engaging voice. Feminist women of all ages are invited to join us. For Zoom information or more information about the book club contact facilitator Cindy Stone, stonec@indiana.edu.

Sunday Funday – THIS SUNDAY!

Members and friends of First United are invited to gather for fun and fellowship as the Kersten family hosts a Back-to-School Sunday Funday this Sunday, August 13th, 2pm-4pm. Gather at the Kerstens’ home for lots of fun and games and be prepared to get wet as they will open up their pool! (Bring your swimming gear and sun protection.) Their address is 4140 West Estate Court, Bloomington. See you there!

Volunteer with Community Kitchen

First United has a long history of volunteering with and financially supporting Community Kitchen of Monroe County. We currently volunteer there on the third Thursday of the month, 3:30pm-6:30pm. Our next shift will be on August 17th. To volunteer for this month or subsequent months click here to access our online sign up or contact Laurie Eynon (leynon73@icloud.com or (812) 336-1219). Thank you!

Covenant Group Revival!

Are you looking for a space where you can connect with others from First United and explore topics that interest you? Do you have a topic in mind that you would be interested in exploring with others in a small group? MeRC is reviving Covenant Groups (est. 2013) and is looking for 1-2 people or couples interested in hosting a monthly small group, beginning in September. Hosts can determine the best day and time for their group, and the topic/theme that interests them (or consult with Pastor Jessica for ideas!). Molly & Noel Koontz will be hosting a monthly Covenant Group geared toward families with kids and are happy to answer any questions you may have about hosting. Please contact Molly Koontz at molly.koontz@yahoo.com by August 15th if you would be interested in hosting or have questions. More information about group topics and schedules will be forthcoming! 

“Poverty, by America” Book Read

First Unitedis offering a reading group focusing on Matthew Desmond’s “Poverty, by America” as a part of the Bloomington Multifaith Alliance Faith for Racial Equity book read on 1st and 3rd Thursdays (August-October) at 12pm-1pm. Though the group began meeting via Zoom (click here to join) new members are still encouraged to join! The schedule is as follows: August 17th (Chapters 1 & 2—The Kind of Problem Poverty Is & Why Haven’t We Made More Progress?); September 7th (Chapters 3 & 4—How We Undercut Workers & How We Force the Poor to Pay More) and 21st (Chapters 5 & 6—How We Rely on Welfare & Howe We Buy Opportunity); and October 5th (Chapters 7 & 8—Invest in Ending Poverty & Empower the Poor) and 19th (Chapter 9—Tear Down the Walls & Epilogue). Contact Pastor Jessica with any questions.

Does First United’s book group not work for your schedule? Additional faith communities will be leading book groups as well that will meet at different times and in different modalities and will be open to all. Choose the one that works best for you!

  • 5:30pm-6:30pm on Tuesdays,August 15th and 29th, September 12th and 19th, and October 10th and 17th. Contact Ruth Aydt (aydt@icloud.com) if interested.
  • will offer a group meeting via Zoom at 7pm-8pm on Wednesdays, September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, and October 4th and 18th. Contact Ellen Mills (ellenamills@gmail.com) if interested.
  • will offer an in-person group at 6pm-7pm on Mondays, September 25th, and October 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Contact Sue Connell (suerconnell@gmail.com) if interested.
  • mfbjohn@gmail.com) if interested.

NEW/UPDATED THIS WEEK

Welcomefest 2023

We know your calendars are already marked and that you are waiting with great anticipation to join together for First United’s Welcomefest 2023 on Saturday, August 19th, 11am-2pm. Now, here is your opportunity to do more than attend! We need your help to put out the welcome mat for our wider Bloomington community and one another as we offer food, fun, and fellowship. Click here to check out ways to contribute and sign up to make this inaugural Welcomefest a success. Additionally, we will be collecting monetary donations to support IU’s Crimson Cupboard food pantry to combat food insecurity on campus the day of the event. And, don’t forget to check out our virtual flyer here on Facebook and share, share, share!

Bloomington Pridefest

First United will be participating with a booth at Bloomington Pride on Saturday, August 26th. Volunteers are needed for 1-hour segments for set-up at 12noon, for clean-up at 8pm, and to talk with folks at the booth from 1:30pm-8:00pm. Sign up online here or on the sheet in the Narthex to help! Our table will be under a tent to provide protection from the weather (rain or shine!). Contact any member of the Board of Outreach with questions.

Newsletter, Congregant Monday Musings, and Announcements Deadlines

The First News deadline is Thursday, August 21st. If you would like to have an article included in the September newsletter, please have your article turned in to the church office by the end of the day.

Members and friends of First United are invited to prepare a “Monday Musing” to be shared with the wider congregation via email on the third Monday of each month. Many thanks to Emily Mathes for offering the July “Congregant Monday Musing.” Please contact Pastor Jessica and/or Lisa Stanger if you would like to share your thoughts and ideas through this avenue, and they will help you get it scheduled.

And, 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.

Join the Vocal Choir and/or Bell Choir

We are looking forward to the return of both the bell and vocal choirs in worship and remind all who are interested in engaging in our Music Ministry that rehearsals for both groups will begin on August 24th! No prior musical experience is required to join, but a foundational ability to read music is recommended. The bell choir meets weekly on Thursdays from 6:15-7:15pm, while the vocal choir meets on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm. 

Both groups are a great way to share your time and talents with the congregation and for fellowship with your First United community. We perform a diverse selection of music ranging from the Renaissance era to present day and are proud to continue performing music by composers from a variety of backgrounds. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Eric Meincke at ericdmeincke@gmail.com.

The choirs don’t work for you? All those who are musically inclined are encouraged to offer your gifts of music during worship as special music. Please contact Eric Meineke or Pastor Jessica to arrange your special musical offering.

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 lead us in blessing the backpacks of the young and young at heart. Laurie Eynon will present the day’s scripture reading and serve as our congregational lead. Eric Meincke and Michael Shell will lead us in song, and Megan Merrick will offer special music. Mitchell Farmer will highlight some of the many ways we are invited to engage in the life of the church and our wider community. Dave Meyer and Keith Gerber will be offering a warm welcome to all those who will gather in the sanctuary (sign up here to help), while Dedric Dennist will welcome all who join via Zoom for his final Sunday with us. Finally, Kyle Hetrick and Jim True will ensure the audio/visual pieces run as smoothly as possible. And, be sure to join us in Fellowship Hall after worship 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 Sunday evening on First United’s Vimeo channel (where you can access all of our previous worship services).

Donate online by clicking here

COMMUNITY CARE

Meal Train for Sam Troxal

Our church family member Sam Troxal is recovering from a successful colon cancer surgery. His daughters are keeping a close eye on him and have set up a meal train for Sam. Please click here for more information.

Special Offering for Stone Belt

Throughout 2023, the Board of Outreach invites you to offer additional support to a variety of local organizations and ministries through monthly special offerings. On Sunday, August 20th, a special offering will be received to support Stone Belt, and Carole-Anne Hossler, who has been involved with Stone Belt for a very long time—as a parent of a special needs son and as an advocate and board member—will join us in worship to share about their powerful work. Stone Belt supports thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helps them to positively impact the community in myriad ways and serves as a leader in the field.

The Joy of Hosting

We continue 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.

Displaced Immigrant Support Program

Our DISP team continues to await notification from Exodus regarding our next family sponsorship. When a new family is assigned to us there will be many new challenges as well as new joys. Do you have a gift of time or treasure that you can share to help a new family feel welcome and gain capability in our community? If so, you may give anytime by designating your gift as “DISP” or online here. If you’re considering joining the DISP team, please contact Dave Meyer (dwm@davemeyer.org) or Hopi Stosberg (hopi@stosberg.com) to get connected and learn more.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS 

Monthly Sermon Talk Backs      

Our next sermon talk back will take place after worship on Sunday, August 20th. You are invited to head down to Fellowship Hall to grab a drink and a snack and say “hello” to some church friends, and then gather near the fireplace to engage in informal conversation spurred by the day’s sermon. Share with fellow congregants how the sermon connected with you and your life and ask any questions of clarification or curiosity and be enriched by their sharing. Pastor Jessica will be available to address questions, elaborate further on the day’s message, and share additional thoughts she may have had while preparing her sermon.

Off-Topic Scripture Circle

You are invited to join members and friends of First United 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. We meet via Zoom only in an effort to be more accessible; join the Zoom meeting here.

Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion

You are invited to join us in person or online Tuesdays at 10am-11:30am as we explore the final six sessions of a 36-session adventure exploring “The History of Christianity II: From the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch” presented by Dr. Molly Worthen. After a time of informal conversation, we engage in thought-provoking theological study and discussion as we explore the story of Christianity as it transformed from the end of the Middle Ages into the diverse global religion of today. On Tuesday, August 8th, we will explore “Prophetic Religion in Modern Africa.” Previous participation and perfect attendance are not required. Those interested and able are welcome to gather in Roger Williams Hall; those choosing to join online via Zoom can do so here.

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 Sabine Lammers and Rebecca Keith for leading CLT this Sunday.

We continue to welcome and encourage additional adults to join our teaching rotation to enrich the program for the kids. Lesson materials and supplies are provided, and we have seasoned leaders to help you get acclimated. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to Molly Koontz, 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. Molly Koontz and Emily Mathes 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 Molly Koontz if you are interested and with any questions.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Online Directory Available!

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).

Contact Information

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