- 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 (needed 03/22)
- Usher sign up – Click here (needed 03/08, 03/15, & 03/22)
- Flowers sign up – Click here
- Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 03/15 & 03/22)
- Communion Server sign up –Click here
- Milk Money Volunteers sign up – Click here
- Charity vs. Justice video – 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
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 TODAY, Friday, March 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.
Youth Connections
Youth in grades 6 and up are invited to gather with Pastor Jessica and one another in Room 1 following worship next Sunday, March 8th, 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.
Feminist Women’s Book Club
Our feminist women’s book club will meet this Sunday, March 8th, in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom at 12noon to discuss “Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson. Feminist women of all ages are invited to join us. 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.
Daylight Saving Time Begins: Spring Forward!
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8th, at 2am. Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, so you don’t miss morning worship!
Upcoming Board Meetings
The Board of Finance (Kyle Hetrick, Chair), will meet in Roger Williams Hall on Monday, March 9th, at 3:30pm. The Board of Worship, Art, and Music (Vickey Allen, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, March 9th, at 5:30pm. The Board of Building and Grounds (Emily Mathes, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, March 9th, at 6:30pm. Church Council (Kim Yaussy Albright, President)will meet in Roger Williams Hall on Wednesday, March 11th, at 6:30pm. 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.
Creation Care with our ABCRGR Family
Join with our American Baptist Churches-Rochester Genesse Region (ABCRGR) via Zoom on Thursday, March 12th, at 7pm, to explore creation care and its impact on key aspects of our lives. During this conversation, participants will explore the importance of Creation Care for our farms and cities. This event is part of the ABCRGR Eco-justice Initiative. Learn more and register here to join this conversation on Creation Care and Environmental Justice.
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: Kim Yaussy Albright (March 8) and Keith Gerber (March 9). We are blessed to have you in our lives!
Matching Grant for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard—Over Halfway There!
As you are likely aware, First United Church is gathering contributions to support Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (The Hub). We are just past the half-way point in our effort to match the $10,000 pledged from the church endowment both in terms of the calendar—contributions will be matched through April 1st—and funds donated by our congregation and the wider community—donations are currently at $5400!
Help us reach our goal of contributing $20,000 total to the impactful work of the Hub by donating today! 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.
- Share cash in the collection plate or deliver it in person to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, 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.
Did you know? Soon after we voted to move forward with the $1-to-$1 matching grant for the Hub, a donation was made to the endowment fund in the amount of $10,000. Generosity begets generosity!
Sensitive Spaces Protection
The American Baptist Churches-USA (ABCUSA) was a part of recent litigation in response to the removal of long-standing protections from ICE raids for sensitive places such as houses of worship, hospitals, and schools, stating a conflict with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The Court recently granted a preliminary injunction restraining ICE actions in ABCUSA churches and other religious facilities (along with Alliance of Baptist churches and other selected denominational groups). Specifically, ICE agents are prevented from conducting enforcement actions within churches and are also restricted from detaining individuals within 100 feet of church property, including parking lots, or targeting those who are going to attend worship.
Thanks to the required actions of our Regional Executive Minister Rev. Dr. Sandra Hasenauer (ensured all churches in the Rochester/Genessee Region are listed as protected) and Pastor Jessica (provided required information about our physical space to the national office), First United Church is now covered under the court injunction to affirm our church space as a Sensitive Space with protection.
UCC Response to US-Israel Attacks on Iran
Following the new unprovoked assault on Iran on Saturday, February 28th, the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shared a Joint Statement on the US-Israel attacks against Iran; read the statement and call to action here. Additionally, immediately after the strikes, UCC General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson issued a statement on behalf of the UCC condemning the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel and urging people of faith to continue to call on elected officials to reject war; read the statement here. You are invited to join the UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in urging Congress to say “No” to war with Iran; take action here.
Away from the Office
Pastor Jessica will be away for vacation March 16th-22nd. Please contact Lisa Stanger in the office with any emergent needs during regular office hours. Information regarding who to contact outside of office hours will be forthcoming. Many thanks to Vickey Allen for her willingness to preach and lead worship on Sunday, March 22nd, while Pastor Jessica is away.
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. Dave Meyer will offer a warm welcome to those who gather in the sanctuary; sign up 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 Dave Meyer and Cindy Neidhart.
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 6:45-7:25pm, 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:
- Sara Cole (following cousin Dawn Long-Verduzcos death)
- Norm Overly (following Jeanne’s death)
- Don Bebeau
- Barb Clark
- Phyllis Perkins
- Frank Ivey (father of Sara Ivey Lucas)
- Jean Peters
- Elizabeth Hanson
- Jen Lane
- Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)
Sam Troxal
Milk Money for Pathways
First United has launched Milk Money, a new six‑month commitment (March-August) to support families at Pathways through their Nourish Together program. Our church has pledged to provide all of the milk Pathways needs during this time. Rather than donating milk directly, the Board of Community & Outreach invites members to give designated donations (cash or checks marked “Milk Money”). Church volunteers will purchase and deliver the milk to ensure safe handling and consistent supply. Volunteers are also needed to help purchase and/or deliver milk; sign up here. If you have any questions or problems signing up, please contact Kristin Martindale (kmdale@iu.edu).
Local 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 option: 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. They are currently only packing CSAs on Saturdays; 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. 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
Finding Focus: Exploring Justice
As part of our “Finding Focus” project, our Thriving Congregations Grant Team encourages you to consider what “justice” means via two offerings. 1) Engage with a daily devotional throughout the Lenten season (through April 4th; no readings on Sundays). Copies of “The Social Justice Bible Challenge” were shared with all those in in-person worship on Sunday, February 15th. If you would like a book, please contact Pastor Jessica. 2) Explore the differences between charity and justice, how they complement each other, and consider how we are invited to engage in both as a congregation via a short video presentation (less than 10 minutes) featuring our own Rebecca Keith and Kim Yaussy Albright. Access the recording here.
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 are currently engaging with a 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. Join us as we 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
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!
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.
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, Associate 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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