Synoptic Gospels Bible Study – Sundays @ 9:15am; Join Zoom Meeting here, access reading schedule here
Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Webinar here
Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10:15am; Join Zoom Meeting here
Scripture Reader sign up – Click here (02/22 & 03/01)
Usher sign up – Click here (needed 02/15 & 02/22)
Flowers sign up – Click here
Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 02/15 & 02/22)
Communion Server sign up –Click here
Donate to First United Online – Click here
First United YouTube Channel (sermons & more) – Click here
First United Vimeo Channel (full worship services) – Click here
2026 Online Pledge Card – Click here
2026 Kindness Calendar – Click here
DON’T FORGET
Pizza & Play – Tonight!
Members and friends of First United of all ages and family configurations (and your friends and family) are encouraged to gather for Pizza & Play TONIGHT, Friday, February 6th, 5:30-7:30pm. 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.
Valentine Card Making
Join First United friends and family of all ages during Coffee Hour this Sunday, February 8th for Valentine-making fun. Supplies will be provided so you can make cards for friends and family or your church family (directories available). If you can’t join us, there will also be an opportunity to write a special note during the service that morning.
Feminist Women’s Book Club
Our feminist women’s book club will meet this Sunday, February 8th, at 12noon in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom to discuss “Typewriter Beach” by Meg Waite Clayton of the month. The author captures the joys and frustrations of being a writer, being a woman, being a star, and being in love. Enjoy the stories of two women separated by generations—and their tales, ideals, passions, creativity, politics, and family. Check out our book club’s Pinterest listing here. For Zoom information or more information about the book club contact facilitator Cindy Stone, stonec@iu.edu.
Youth Bowling
Youth in grades 6 and up are invited to join together for some bowling fun at Classic Lanes (1421 N. Willis Dr.) on Sunday, February 8th, 12:15-2:15pm. If you have not already done so, RSVP immediately to Pastor Jessica if your youth plan to attend.
Klavier Winds Chamber Ensemble
The Klavier Winds Chamber Ensemble will offer a concert in our lovely Sanctuary this Sunday, February 8th, at 2pm. The program will include Quintet for Piano and Winds in E flat, Opus 16 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Sextet for Piano and Winds in E flat major, Opus 44 by Robert Schumann. While admission is free, donations will be accepted.
Ecclesiastical Council for Samuel Locke
The Southeast Association (UCC) invites you to gather together this Sunday, February 8th, at 3pm (registration begins at 2:45pm), for an Ecclesiastical Council to examine Samuel Locke for ordination in the United Church of Christ. This meeting will happen completely virtually via Zoom (click here to join the Zoom meeting); the Zoom room will open at 2:45pm. Please let Pastor Jessica know if you plan to attend, and she will share Sam’s Ordination Paper with you to review prior to the meeting.
LGBTQ+ Covenant Group Gathering
LGBTQ+ people and allies are encouraged to get together this Sunday, February 8th beginning at 6pm for a Super Bowl Watch Party (aka a time to eat and socialize with one another). David Sipes and Steve Adams, who have graciously offered to host, will be providing pizza and non-alcoholic beverages. Interested attendees are invited to bring a snack or side dish to share. Contact Joe Stiefel (joseph.stiefel@gmail.com) if you plan to attend to receive the address and to ensure there is enough pizza for all!
Upcoming Board Meetings
The Board of Worship, Art, and Music (Vickey Allen, Chair) will meet via Zoom this Monday, February 9th, at 5:30pm. The Board of Building and Grounds (Emily Mathes, Chair) will meet via Zoom this Monday, February 9th, at 6:30pm. Church Council (Kim Yaussy Albright, President) will meet this Wednesday, February 11th, at 6:30pm via Zoom.The Board of Faith Formation (Megan Merrick, Chair) will meet via Zoom this Thursday, February 12th. All meetings of Boards and Council are open to the wider congregation. Please be in touch with appropriate chairs if you are interested in attending.
NEW/UPDATED THIS WEEK
Happy Birthday!
Please remember in your prayers and give thanks for those who will be celebrating their birthdays in the week ahead: Lewis Williams (February 10) and Melinda Martin (February 14). We are blessed to have you in our lives!
Thank You for Your Abundant Generosity!
Because of your generosity offered through the special offering we received during worship on Sunday, January 18th, we raised $525 to support Hotels for Homeless! Thank you for supporting this impactful work in our wider community!
Ash Wednesday Worship
We will begin the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday observance on February 18th at 6pm in Roger Williams Hall. Join together for a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by a contemplative service featuring Taizé music, meditative prayers, and the imposition of ashes. Cooks and bakers are invited to share your talents with an offering of soup or bread for the meal; contact any member of the Board of Worship, Music, and Arts (Vickey Allen, Chair) or Pastor Jessica of you are able to contribute.
Lenten Devotionals
As part of our “Finding Focus” project, our Thriving Congregations Grant Team encourages you to consider what “justice” means by engaging with a daily devotional throughout the Lenten season. Every family within the congregation will be provided with a copy of “The Social Justice Bible Challenge” to explore throughout the 40 days of the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday, February 18th—Holy Saturday, April 4th; no readings on Sundays). Devotional books will be distributed following worship next Sunday, February 15th. If you are unable to attend worship that day and would like a book, please contact Pastor Jessica to arrange an alternative method of delivery.
Black History Month/Valentine’s Day Market
The People’s Market invites you to join together in Fellowship Hall on Valentine’s Day, next Saturday, February 14th, to celebrate Black History Month with a panel discussion on “NOW More Than Ever” with local Black community leaders discussing Black solidarity, identity, and the current political crisis. This unique take on our national climate and history will help put the ICE raids and civil unrest into a historic and cultural context. Additionally, they will offer their Valentine’s Day Market with vendors selling amazing items for your sweetheart or to just Treat Yo Self! Jada Bee will be doing a custom perfume event along with other amazing products for your loved ones. Midnight Mariposa will have delectable baked treats to temp your pallet and some to share with the Boo of your Dreams! Market hours are 10am-2pm with the Black History Panel at 1pm.
UCC Response to Recent Events in Minneapolis
Given the difficult times in which we live, our wider UCC family has offered resources to engage with as you pray through this week for where it is that God’s love, compassion, and justice can be offered as a light for a just peace in your life. Rev. Dr. Chad Abbott, our Indiana-Kentucky Conference Minister, has written a note and poem of encouragement (access here), and our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson has penned a response to the recent events in Minneapolis (access here). Additionally, on Thursday, January 29th, Rev. Dr. Abbott was joined by four IKC Clergy who recently returned from Minneapolis; Listen and watch their conversation (access here) to better understand the situation in Minneapolis, as well as finding local resources.
UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This Sunday’s service will feature Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai in the pulpit as we continue our study of the Gospel of Mark; she will also offer a special message for the young and young at heart. Kim Yaussy Albright will highlight some of the many ways we are invited to engage in the life of the church and our wider community. Lisa Kwong will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. Ryan Block and Hyeyeon Ahn will lead us in song, and the First United Vocal Choir will offer special music. Du Huynh, and Molly and Noel Koontz will offer a warm welcome to those who will gather in the sanctuary. And, Kyle Hetrick and Martin Mutai 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 coffee hour hosted by Laura Kao and Valentine card making sponsored by MeRC.
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
Music Ministry
All those interested in music and making a joyful noise are invited to join our Bell and Vocal Choirs. The Bell Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays in Room 4 from 6:15-7:15pm, and the Vocal Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm in the Choir Room. If you are interested in joining either or both of the choirs, please reach out to Ryan Block (blockryfuc@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:
- The Martindale Family (following the death of Blake’s grandfather)
- Norm Overly (following Jeanne’s death)
- Don Bebeau (following a fall)
- Barb Clark
- Phyllis Perkins
- Frank Ivey (father of Sara Ivey Lucas)
- Jean Peters
- Elizabeth Hanson
- Jen Lane
- Jean-Paul & Kathy Etienne
- Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)
- Sara Cole
- Sam Troxal
Support First United’s Love Fund
The Board of Outreach invites you to offer your support to First United’s Love Fund, which was created to help those who turn to First United with emergent needs. A special offering will be received to support the Love Fund next Sunday, February 15th.
Matching Grant for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard
From now through April 1st, First United Church is gathering contributions to support Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (The Hub), a community food resource center in Bloomington that offers a low-barrier, client-choice food pantry; educational programming to build kitchen and gardening skills; a lending library of kitchen and garden equipment, including seed packets and plant starts; and an on-site community garden.
Each contribution made by our congregation and the wider community will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 from the church endowment. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Write a check to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard with “First UC match campaign” in the memo section, then drop it in the offering plate at church or mail it to The Hub: 1100 W Allen St, Bloomington, IN 47403.
- Write a check to First United Church with “The Hub” or “First UC match campaign” in the memo section, then drop it in the plate during worship or deliver it to the church office (2420 E Third St).
- Share cash in the collection plate or deliver it in person to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (1100 W Allen St), 12-6pm Tues-Thurs; include a note that flags the contribution as part of the First UC match campaign.
- Donate online on The Hub’s website, selecting “First UC match campaign” from the “My donation is for…” dropdown menu.
- Share the word! Let your friends, family, and community members know about this opportunity, and invite them to contribute.
CLT MUSH Tree
CLT is collecting items for a “MUSH” tree now through Sunday, February 15th. Donating mittens, underwear, socks, and hats makes a real difference for unhoused neighbors facing cold weather. These essential items provide warmth, comfort, and dignity when people need it most. Socks and underwear are the most requested but least donated items. Every one of these items is a step toward keeping someone safe and cared for during these winter months. Join us in spreading warmth and kindness through your thoughtful contributions. Please place your donations on or underneath the tree in the Sanctuary. Jessica McIntosh will collect the items at the end of the month and deliver them to New Hope Family Shelter and Shalom Community Center. Thank you!
Acts of Kindness Month Calendar
February is a great month to double down (or up) on a commitment to showing kindness to others. Access our 2026 Kindness Calendar here, or pick one up outside of the Sanctuary (front or back) or in the church office to get some great suggestions for small things to do each day in February to show kindness to individuals and the wider world. As the month gets going you will be able to view and share via our church Facebook and Instagram accounts to help spread the love even more widely!
BMA February Meeting
All Bloomington Multi-Faith Alliance (BMA) members and interested folks are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch and attend BMA’s February meeting on Thursday, February 19th, at 11:30am at Christ Community Church (503 South High Street). Nationally recognized mediator Sam Ardery will moderate a panel on eliminating homelessness: “A Common Goal—Eliminating Homelessness: considering diverse approaches to the problem.” Panelists include: Dana Jones of Wheeler Mission, Forest Gilmore of Beacon, and Mary Morgan of Heading Home.
Creation Care
Would you like to learn how you can reduce your energy bills and emissions and about the financial incentives available to do so? Earth Care, the network of local creation care lay leaders, is collaborating with Electrify Indiana and the City’s Bloomington Energy Works program to spread the word. Sign up here to attend a presentation where you can also see how new energy-efficient heat pumps work – we’ll send you a reminder and save you a seat. Or just come! Highlighted presentation options: 1) Sunday, February 8th, 1:30–2:45pm, starts at Congregation Beth Shalom (3750 E. Third St.) for a brief presentation, then travel next door to St. Thomas ELCA to see solar, heat pumps and more in action, and 2) Tuesday, March 31st, 6:30-7:30pm, at Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington (2120 N. Fee Ln.) with complimentary catered vegan dinner in advance for those who register.
Task of the Month for Earth Care
All within our congregation are encouraged to participate in Earth Care Indiana’s task of the month, a tangible and manageable way you can get involved in caring for creation. Rebecca Keith will make periodic announcements and encourage participation at coffee hour. Check out this Task of the Month website to learn about the tasks that are scheduled. Even small things can make a difference!
People’s Market
First United houses the People’s Cooperative Market (PCM) in Fellowship Hall on Saturdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, offering fresh, locally grown produce through CSAs to be picked up or delivered. While most Saturdays, they are currently only packing CSAs; they will have a Black History Month/Valentine’s Day market on Saturday, February 14th, 10-2pm, and the full market will be available again in March.The PCM also operates the high tunnel greenhouse to the south of the church playground, which includes a community garden and produces food that is given out at no cost to members of our wider community seeking local, nutritious fresh food. First United members and friends are always welcome and encouraged to attend the Saturday market! Market members are more than happy to answer questions and guide folks through the growing space. Additionally, you may reach out via email (peoplesmarketmanager@gmail.com) to learn more or to volunteer with the market.
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
Read the Synoptics in a Year
As we seek to live out our mission more fully, you are invited to explore the words and deeds of Jesus through studying the synoptic gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke) over the course of 2026. This exploration will include daily readings (access suggested reading schedule here), a weekly Sunday morning discussion group (9:15-10am in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom, click here), and weekly sermons during worship. Let us join together in following Jesus more faithfully and fruitfully in this new year!
Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion
Join us in Roger Williams Hall or via Zoom (click here) Tuesdays at 10:15am-11:30am as we gather for a time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion. We recently started a new 24-session study on “Thinking about Religion and Violence” presented by Dr. Jason C. Bivins (who earned his PhD in Religious Studies from Indiana University!). In a world where violence in the name of religion can impact so many other people’s lives, it’s critical to understand the intersection between religion and violence. In these 24 lectures, we’ll embark on a global, multidisciplinary investigation of religious violence as we examine the roots of this phenomenon and are guided toward more informed ways of thinking about it. Learn more 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 Lena Stosberg 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 Faith Formation.
Nursery Care
Our youngest children are welcome to spend time from 10-11:45am playing in the nursery or on the playground, weather permitting. Lena Stosberg and Megan Merrick 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
Inclement Weather Notifications
‘Tis the season for swift weather changes and icy roads and walkways! When we do have inclement weather in the area, our church leadership will do our best to inform you of any changes to our regular programing. News of closings and cancellations will be posted to the First United Facebook page and to local stations FOX59 and CBS4. We will also make every effort to share the information via email. Thank you to all who helped get the word out about last Sunday’s unexpected cancellation! We are the church together!
Star Gifts for Epiphany
The season of Epiphany can easily go by unnoticed and unheralded. This year, you are once again encouraged to experience this season between Christmas and Lent in a meaningful way as you receive a “star gift.” A star gift is simply a star-shaped piece of brightly colored paper with a word printed on it. Those who still need a star are encouraged to contact Pastor Jessica to receive your star gift or your word (which will be randomly selected from a list of 150 possible words) and make your own star gift. Once you have received your word, you are encouraged to reflect on that word for the duration of Epiphany and, if you are up to it, throughout the entire year. You are invited to ponder what significance your word might have in your life and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message. Note: it helps to place your star gift in a location that you come across regularly (ex. the bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, etc.).
2026 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit
We will use leftover offering envelope boxes for 2026. For 2026, 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.
Stewardship 2026 – Grateful for Every Generation
Thank you for journeying together through the six weeks of our stewardship campaign as we considered what we appreciate about our First United community (past, present, and future) and committed to generously support our congregation in the year ahead through the contribution of time, talents, and/or financial resources. If you have not already turned in your pledge card (hard copy or online here), you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Thanks to those who have already returned their pledge cards, we have committed over $179,400 to support our ministry in 2026.
You are invited to experience the stewardship testimonies offered over the course of this campaign by Kyle Hetrick here, by five of our new members here, by Danielle Long (Reimagining Opera for Kids) here, by Kristin Martindale (Pathways) here, and by Malissa Sparks here.
Announcements Deadline
If you have information to include in our weekly announcements email, please send your item to Lisa Stanger by noon on the Monday before.
Contact Information
- Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai, Senior Minister – revpetersenmutai@firstuc.org; 812-727-4414 (Cell) (Friday & Saturday off; emergency calls only)
- Shelli Yoder, Assistant Minister – revshelli@firstuc.org; 812-287-9351 (Cell) (Shelli’s position is very part-time; please keep this in mind as you consider reaching out)
- Lisa Stanger, Office Manager – info@firstuc.org; 812-332-4439 (Office)
- Ryan Block, Music Director – blockryfuc@gmail.com; 330-280-2513 (Cell)
- Hyeyeon Ahn, Organist – ahn13@iu.edu; 930-904-4988 (Cell)
- Kim Yaussy Albright, Church President – president@firstuc.org; 509-846-4276 (Cell)
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