QUICK LINKS
- Off-Topic Scripture Circle – Sundays @ 9am; Join Zoom Meeting here
- Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Meeting here
- Racial Justice Book Club– Sunday, June 27th at 12pm; Join Zoom Meeting here
- Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10am;Join Zoom Meeting here
DON’T FORGET
Racial Justice Book Club
The Racial Justice Book Club will meet this Sunday, June 27th, 12:00pm-1:30pm, for their first hybrid meeting to conclude their discussion of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (Ch. 9 thru Epilogue). Those meeting in person are invited to gather in Room 6. Join us via Zoom here. Questions? Please contact Laurie Eynon at leynon73@icloud.com.
Summer Series Event
The Board of Christian Education invites you to join us for an in-person time of fellowship and education this Sunday, June 27th, 4-6pm! We will gather in Fellowship Hall to enjoy a brief intergenerational activity, followed by two educational sessions for adults led by Pastor Jessica (an introduction to process theology) and IKC-UCC Conference Minister, Rev. Chad Abbott (UCC 101). Kids programming will be provided in the playground area for children ages 3+. Youth are invited to attend the adult-oriented sessions and/or help with kids programming. Attendees are welcome to bring water and snacks, but no food will be provided. Please wear a mask. In the case of inclement weather, all programming will be held indoors. If you have questions about the event or need nursery care for a child younger than 3, please email Molly Koontz at molly.koontz@yahoo.com. We hope to see you on the 27th! And mark your calendars and plan to join us for the next two sessions: July 25th and August 29th, 4pm-6pm.
Fair Maps Postcards
This is the final Sunday to pick up postcards and participate in a League of Women Voters (Indiana) initiative related to the redistricting process currently underway in our state. The Board of Outreach invites you to get involved by writing and sending postcards to seven Indiana legislators before the end of June. Packets including postcards (with postage) and instructions (including suggested messages) are now available in the church office and will be accessible on Sunday morning. Please stop by the church to pick up a packet if you are able to help with this important initiative.
NEW THIS WEEK
Children’s Learning Time
While current church COVID guidelines mean that in-person CLT classes won’t be meeting during worship services for at least the next couple of months, CLT-aged kids (and their families!) are invited to the Summer Series events, where there will be age-appropriate lessons, stories, and games for the kids. The first Summer series event is Sunday, June 27! Masks and social distancing are required. (Families should also bring water, as the entire event will be outdoors.) Please contact Derek at faithformation@firstuc.org with questions.
Happy Pride Month from the Youth Group!
First United’s Youth Group teaches that people, in all of our diversity of gender expression, sexual orientation, and allyship are unique and beloved creations of God. We strive to offer safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ teens and their straight allies to learn, explore, and be affirmed in who they are. Please contact Derek at faithformation@firstuc.org to learn more.
Office Closed and Announcements
The church office will be closed for regular hours while Lisa Stanger is away on vacation Monday, June 28th through Friday, July 2nd and for the Independence Day holiday observed on Monday, July 5th. Please contact Rev. Petersen-Mutai should you need assistance during that time. If you would like an announcement included in next week’s church email, please have your item to Rev. Petersen-Mutai by noon on the Wednesday before.
Congratulations on a New Book!
Our very own Rev. Dr. Hannah Adams Ingram, Chaplain of Franklin College, just published a book called The Myth of the Saving Power of Education. Check it out at Wipf and Stock Publishers, Bookshop.org, or other major online booksellers. Congratulations, Hannah!
UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Morning Hybrid Worship
Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This Sunday’s service will feature Derek Roe, M. Div. in the pulpit, a message from Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai for the young and young at heart, moving music from Sam Grace and Hansol Kim, and a special musical offering from Lisa Kwong; Eric Metzler will present the day’s scripture reading. Dave Meyer, Siri Loescher, and Don and Florence Shelton will offer a warm welcome and bulletin for those who gather in the sanctuary, and Rebecca Keith and Hannah Adams Ingram will greet those joining us via Zoom. The beautiful flower arrangement is provided in celebration of the 55th wedding anniversary of Florence and Don Shelton.
During their June 16th meeting, Council voted to remove the sign-up requirement for those wishing to attend Sunday morning worship in person. They also voted to increase capacity to 100 people for these services. There is plenty of room, so come on in! Thank you for continuing to mask and distance as we find our way through this transitional period! The full Reopening Policy can be accessed here. Any questions or concerns regarding the Reopening Policy should be addressed to the Church Council.
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking here
Dial-in number: (253) 215-8782; Meeting ID: 946 3570 8633; Passcode: 879535
The service will be posted late Sunday afternoon on First United’s Vimeo channel (where you can access all of our previous worship services).
Donate online at: firstuc.online/donate; offering plates available at each entrance into the Sanctuary
While the recent move to hybrid worship is exciting, it also comes with challenges as we discover what will work best for us as we seek to offer meaningful worship experiences for both in-person and online worshipers. We ask for your patience and understanding as we find our way on the journey of hybrid worship. We welcome your feedback on how to improve the hybrid worship experience over the coming weeks as we venture into this new arena together.
Sunday Flowers
The sign-up book for 2021 flower donations is available in the lobby of Fellowship Hall. It is still quite empty, so please sign up for your choice of dates, or just choose any Sunday to provide flowers for the sanctuary or contact Siri Loescher with your preferred date(s) (sannloescher@gmail.com). Your donations are appreciated, and the flowers are yours to take home following worship. Thank you.
Zoom Hosts Needed!
As we continue to offer hybrid services for the foreseeable future would love to have more zoom hosts. Training is minimal! Contact Rebecca Keith (rekeith@iu.edu) or Pastor Jessica to sign up!
COMMUNITY CARE
Ministers of Care
The Ministers of Care group is seeking people who would like to visit one or two older church members about once a month in their homes (or to connect over the phone as concerns regarding COVID-19 persist). These visits could last about 20-30 minutes and would be scheduled at your convenience. If you would like to learn more about this meaningful ministry, please contact Sarah Burton (812-361-6201 or burtonsp@indiana.edu).
EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
Off-Topic Scripture Circle – NOW HYBRID!
Want to read and discuss the week’s scripture readings with friends before church in a casual setting where you will never be asked to leave your brain or your heart at the door? We have the place for you! Those who are interested and able to gather in person are invited to gather in Room 6, and those who would like to join us online via Zoom can do so here. See you Sunday morning, 9am-10am!
Tuesday Café and Discussion – NOW HYBRID!
Join us in person or online at 10am-11:30am each Tuesday for a time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion. The group is currently viewing and discussing a series entitled The Apocryphal Jesus, a 24-session video lecture series offered by David Brakke, Ph.D., M.Div. Through this series, participants will gain a new perspective on early Christian life and history through non-canonical Christian literature. Previous participation not required. For those interested and able to gather in person, we’ll be in Fellowship Hall; those wanting to join online via Zoom can do so here.
CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Indoor Gatherings
With the pandemic loosening its grip as our community continues to get vaccinated, our building is open once again for in-person gatherings! Masks are required in the building for all age 2 and above (encouraged for outdoor gatherings), and social distancing of at least 6 feet should be maintained at all times between individuals, households, or “pods.” If you would like to hold a meeting in the church building, please contact Lisa to reserve a room.
The full Reopening Policy can be accessed here. Any questions or concerns regarding the Reopening Policy should be addressed to the Church Council.
Lawnmowers Wanted!
The Board of Building and Grounds is still welcoming volunteers who are interested in helping keep our grass looking inviting as we expand in-person church activities. All necessary equipment is provided. Please contact Ted Wininger (twininger68@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining our rotation of mowers.
Contact Information
- Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai, Senior Minister – revpetersenmutai@firstuc.org; 812-727-4414 (Friday & Saturday off; emergency calls only)
- Derek Roe, Assistant Minister for Children & Youth Faith Formation – faithformation@firstuc.org
- Lisa Stanger, Office Manager – info@firstuc.org
Sam Grace, Music Director – samuel.c.grace@gmail.com
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