Announcements for the week of January 25, 2026

by | Jan 23, 2026 | Sunday Announcements | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • 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
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 01/25, 02/01, & 02/08)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 02/08)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 02/01)
  • 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
  • Listening Sessions (01/31) sign up – Click here

DON’T FORGET

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!

Youth Connections

Youth in grades 6 and up are invited to gather with Pastor Jessica and one another in Roger Williams Hall following worship this Sunday, January 25th, 12-1pm to consider your questions, big and small, and explore faith matters as they are relevant to your life. Please contact Pastor Jessica with any questions.

Finding Focus: Thriving Congregations Grant Project

We are now actively engaging in the second phase of our Thriving Congregations Grant Project, Finding Focus: discerning a justice issue that we, as a congregation, will focus on with intention and clarity. You are strongly encouraged to get involved by signing up for small group listening sessions on Saturday, January 31st (sign up here) and planning to attend a congregational conversation after worship on February 1st led by Kerri-Ann Hayes of Ministry Architects (lunch will be provided).

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Board of Finance (Kyle Hetrick, Chair) will meet in Roger Williams Hall on Monday, January 26th, at 3pm. The Board of Community & Outreach (Julia Bebeau, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, February 2nd, at 5:30pm. 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: James Lane (January 25), Donna Smith (January 28), and Lochlan Koontz (January 30). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

A Death in Our Church Family

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Jeanne Overly (b. January 4, 1932) on Saturday, January 17th. Jeanne, along with her beloved husband Norm, was a long-time faithful and active member of First United Church. At this time, we have no service or memorial information to share. This information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. We invite you to offer your prayers for Norm, the entire Overly family, and their loved ones as they grieve her death and give thanks for a life well lived.

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, 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. If you’re planning to attend, please let Pastor Jessica know by Wednesday, February 4th so she can be sure to have enough food for all and account for any dietary needs.

First United’s Month of Kindness Valentine Card Making

Join First United friends and family of all ages during Coffee Hour on 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.

Acts of Kindness Month Calendar

February is a great month to double down (or up) on a commitment to showing kindness to others. Pick up a Kindness Calendar 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 Facebook and Instagram to help spread the love even more widely!

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.

Feminist Women’s Book Club

Our feminist women’s book club meets after worship on the second Sunday of the month in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom. We are women who have a lively discussion starting at 12noon, for about an hour. We read recent fiction “by women, for women or about women.” Feminist women of all ages are invited to join us. Our pick for February 8th is “Typewriter Beach” by Meg Waite Clayton. This Hollywood tale brings the unlikely friendship between an Oscar-nominated screenwriter and a young actress hoping to be Alfred Hitchcock’s new star. A novel portraying the best of human nature, this 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.

Ecclesiastical Council for Samuel Locke

The Southeast Association (UCC) invites you to gather together on 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.

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 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 will offer a warm welcome to those who will gather in the sanctuary; click here to help. 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 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

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:

  •         Norm Overly (following Jeanne’s death)
  •         Don Bebeau (following a fall)
  • Barb Clark
  •         Phyllis Perkins
  •         Frank Ivey (father of Sara Ivey Lucas)
  •         Jean Peters
  •         Gwen Staggs
  •         Elizabeth Hanson
  •         Jen Lane
  •         Jean-Paul & Kathy Etienne
  •         Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)
  •         Sara Cole
  •         Sam Troxal

First Sunday Food Drive

The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to offer food donations on the first Sunday of each month on a table in the narthex. On Sunday, February 1st, we encourage you to bring donations of non-perishable food items for our community members in need. As always, all of the collected food and cleaning/hygiene items will go to Pathways (formally Monroe County United Ministries, MCUM), and pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Updated food items needed for Pathways include children’s snacks and cereals given that the recipients of the food are families that are in Pathways rather than general food distribution. More specifically, children request sugarcoated cereal like Fruit Loops and individual snacks in small packages. Helper meat boxes such as hamburger helper and tuna helper continue to be needed. In addition to food is children’s clothing for grades 1-5 and older for families with older children. Coloring books and crayons or similar drawing items. Glass window cleaner and bleach also needed items currently. Thanks to your generosity, a total of 27 pounds was delivered by Keith Gerber from donations given toward our January 5th food drive!

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!

Thank You for Your Abundant Generosity!

Because of your generosity offered through the special offerings we received during worship on Sunday, December 14th and December 24th, we raised $1,640 to support Exodus Refugee Immigration! Thank you for supporting this impactful work in our wider community!

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.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 embark on a new year and seek to live out our discerned 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 – New Study

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 Jessica McIntosh 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 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.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

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 Rev. Petersen-Mutai (revpetersenmutai@firstuc.org or 812-727-4414) 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

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