Announcements for the week of December 15, 2024

by | Dec 13, 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
  • 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 12/29)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 12/24 pm, & 12/29)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 12/22)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 01/05)
  • Community Kitchen sign up – Click here (needed 12/19)
  • 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

LGBTQ+ Covenant Group Game Night – TONIGHT!

Our LGBTQ+ Covenant Group will host a board game night TONIGHT, Friday, December 13th at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. While there will be plenty of games and some snacks, attendees are welcome to bring a snack/game to add to the mix. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome to join in the fun! Contact Ben Ale-Ebrahim with questions (benalebrahim@gmail.com).

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. Mark your calendars for their Winter Holiday Market dates: December 14th and 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 each Sunday in December, 9am-9:45am, to discuss the assigned reading for the day, which is as follows December 15th, Chapters 9-12; and December 22nd, Chapters 13-16. Contact Pastor Jessica with any questions. For those unable to join in person, click here to join via Zoom.

Congregational Meeting

Members of the congregation will consider and vote on the 2025 budget during a congregational meeting that will be held immediately after the worship service this Sunday, December 15th. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend. Members unable to attend in person will be able to join using the regular Sunday worship Zoom link. Those Zoom attendees who wish to do so can become “panelists” so they can speak and be heard during these sessions. Click this link to download and review the current budget draft. Please direct any questions to Mitchell Farmer or Kyle Hetrick.

Finals Week Study Hall

First United began hosting a study hall space (in Roger Williams Hall) for students in the area on Thursday, December 12th. The study hallwill run through Wednesday, December 18th (except for Sunday, the 15th), 2pm-8pm. The Board of Education welcomes additional volunteers to monitor the space during these times (thank you to all who have already signed up!); sign up to here to help. Snacks and beverages will be provided for attendees; if you are interested in providing snacks for the study hall or have any questions, please contact Megan Merrick (mvmverric@iu.edu).

Final Checks—Reimbursements Deadline

The final checks for 2024 will be written and signed on Thursday, December 19th. Please have any reimbursements you have to submit for this year to Lisa Stanger in the office by Wednesday, December 18th.

Volunteer with Community Kitchen

First United has a long history of volunteering with and financially supporting Community Kitchen of Monroe County. We volunteer there on the third Thursday of the month, 3:30pm-6:30pm. Our next shift will be on December 19th. This is a good way to build community within and outside of our church. To volunteer this month or subsequent months, contact Laurie Eynon (leynon73@icloud.com or (812) 336-1219); she will sign you up or put you on the call list, whatever works for you. Thank you!

Out of the Office

Lisa Stanger will be out of the office this Monday, December 16th. Contact Pastor Jessica should you need assistance.

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

The family of Anne Wright (Mary Peckham’s sister)

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: Ben Ale-Ebrahim (December 15th) and Megan Merrick (December 18th). We are blessed to have you in 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 on 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.

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.

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.

Congregant Monday Musings

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. 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.

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.

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. Michael Shell will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. The Faris Family will lead us as we light the Third Candle of Advent (the Candle of Joy). We will also have the joy of welcoming ten new members! Additionally, 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 Children’s Choir and Adult Vocal Choir will offer special music. Dave Meyer, Keith Gerber, and Kim Yaussy Albright 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 hosted by Malissa Sparks; coffee hour will be served in the Sanctuary this Sunday as we transition to the congregational meeting following the service.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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 the Children’s Time. Many thanks to Noel Koontz and Megan Merrick 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. Jessica McIntosh and Lena Stosberg 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.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

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.

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.

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

Email, RSS Follow