Announcements for the week of March 29, 2020

by | Mar 27, 2020 | Sunday Announcements, Uncategorized | 0 comments

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, March 29, 10:30am

  • From your laptop or desktop computer:  https://zoom.us/j/8305475285. 
  • From your cell phone or landline telephone: (253) 215- 8782 or (301)715- 8592 then enter the meeting ID:  830 547 5285# 

Here are detailed instructions for connecting by computer, smart devices, cell phone or landline telephone:

  1. Click on this link from your laptop or desktop computer:  https://zoom.us/j/8305475285.   If you are using this technology for the first time, you may be prompted to complete a free download. If you have used Zoom previously,  select “computer audio” if you have speakers, and you will be ready to go.  With this method, you’ll be able to see and hear people, as well as see the bulletin we’ll put on the screen. The video feature can be turned off if you prefer not to use it. 
  2. Install the Zoom App on your smart phone (free on iOS and Android), and then open the app.  When prompted, enter the meeting ID, 830 547 5285, or from the phone just click on https://zoom.us/j/8305475285 and the app will open automatically.  When prompted, select “computer audio” and you’ll be ready to go.  Also with this method, you’ll be able to see and hear people and see the bulletin on the screen. You do not have to use the video camera feature.
  3. If you need to use a landline telephone or cell phone for audio only participation, just dial either (253) 215- 8782 or (301)715- 8592. (In rare cases, long distance charges may apply. Be sure to check your phone plan, especially if using a landline telephone). When prompted, enter the meeting ID:  830 547 5285# (remember to add “#” at the end.) You’ll be able to hear everything in the Virtual Worship. 
  4. From First United Church website: firstuc.org/online

New! VIRTUAL CAFÉ Tuesdays at 10:00am, beginning March 31

Join Shelli Yoder Tuesday mornings starting Tuesday, March 31st from 10-10:30am to virtually meet up for a cup of coffee and check-in. A brief meditation/reflection and prayer will begin our time together. We will sip coffee, hear a brief meditation, and touch base with each another virtually.  No RSVP is required. Days you want to participate, please join in.

Immediately following our virtual café, a theological discussion led by Derek Roe will begin at 10:30am and end at 11:30am. 

  • From your laptop or desktop computer:   https://zoom.us/j/320426499.
  • From your landline telephone or cell phone: (253) 215 8782 then enter the meeting ID:  320 426 499# 

Here are detailed instructions for connecting by computer, smart devices, cell phone or landline telephone:

  1. Click on this link from your laptop or desktop computer:   https://zoom.us/j/320426499. If you are using this technology for the first time, you may be prompted to complete a free download. If you have used Zoom previously, select “computer audio” if you have speakers, and you will be ready to go.  With this method, you’ll be able to see and hear people, as well as see the bulletin we’ll put on the screen. The video feature can be turned off if you prefer not to use it. 
  2. Install the Zoom App on your smart phone (free on iOS and Android), and then open the app.  When prompted, enter the meeting ID, 320 426 499, or from the phone just click on https://zoom.us/j/320426499 and the app will open automatically.  When prompted, select “computer audio” and you’ll be ready to go.  Also with this method, you’ll be able to see and hear people and see the bulletin on the screen. You do not have to use the video camera feature.
  3. If you need to use a landline telephone or cell phone for audio only participation, just dial +1 253 215 8782. (In rare cases, long distance charges may apply. Be sure to check your phone plan, especially if using a landline telephone). When prompted, enter the meeting ID:  320 426 499# (remember to add “#” at the end.) You’ll be able to hear everything in the Virtual Worship. 

A Note on Current Operations for Our First United Community:

First United is doing everything it can to protect the safety and incomes of its staff. Remote work and other accommodations are in place to ensure that staff can practice social distancing without sacrificing hourly wages or vacation time for work already scheduled.

Additionally, First United continues to uphold its significant contributions to a number of community organizations under the guidance of the Board of Outreach. The Church annually tithes more than 10% of its operating budget to support community missions, including Amethyst House, Community Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, IN, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Middle Way House, Monroe County United Ministries,  My Sister’s Closet, Area 10 Agency on Aging, Girls Inc. of Monroe County, Farm to Family, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, SCCAP Head Start, and others. 

Please consider maintaining or increasing your regular support of the church, including gifts to the Love Fund. One-time gifts from the community are also appreciated. Options for giving include:

  • mail (checks strongly preferred)
  • online giving at  https://tinyurl.com/GiveFirstUnited
  • by phone at 1-800-675-7430 [account ID is ES799783 (First United Church, Inc)].
  • by text: 812-432-2002

First United’s Special COVID-19 Fund

Your Church Council & Board of Outreach have created a special fund to supplement First United’s Love Fund (which is also depleted and invites your support).

With businesses closing and non-essential staff laid off, folks in our church have had significant income loss because of the COVID-19 coronavirus health crisis. As we’ve learned of our own church members and regular attenders affected by the crisis, we realize if ever there was a time to put faith into action – it’s now – and your help is needed.

Your one-time gift to our newly established internal Go Fund Me effort will provide urgently needed monies to help pay part of someone’s rent, provide money for food or assist with medicine. Our Love Fund has strict guidelines and requires referrals from local agencies for disbursement. The unique challenge this crisis presents requires a swifter response and may fall outside our usual Love Fund policies.

If you can give a few dollars you might have spent at a favorite restaurant or coffee shop you’re no longer able to go to – we welcome your help.

You can donate online at: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/first-united-special-covid-19-fund or send a check payable to First United Church, 2420 E. 3rd, Bloomington, IN 47401, writing “Special COVID-19 Fund” on the memo line. All funds will be used to help those in crisis within our faith community; any remaining funds will be transferred to our Love Fund when the need is blessedly past.

A sincere thank you in advance for considering this request – your First United Board of Outreach

Note: First United Church is registered with GoFundMe as a 501(c3)3 nonprofit. Donors will receive receipts which can be used for tax deductions as are all donations our church receives.

Our Keep-in-Touch Telephone Tree

Last week, we created a telephone tree for members to check in with one another in this difficult time of isolation.  If you or someone you know have not been contacted by a caller and would like to receive calls, OR if you would like to make calls to other members and regular attenders, please let Mary Peckham know:  mkpeckham59@gmail.com  or   812-361-5047.

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