Announcements for the week of May 19th, 2024

by | May 17, 2024 | Sunday Announcements | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Webinar here
  • Off-Topic Scripture Circle – Mondays @ 10am; Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10am;Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Scripture Reader sign up – Click here (needed 06/02)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 05/19, 05/26 & 06/02)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 06/02)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 06/09, note this is a second Sunday)
  • Community Kitchen sign up – Click here (needed 06/20)
  • Online Commitment/Pledge Card – Click here
  • Donate to First United Online – Click here
  • First United Vimeo Channel – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Invitation to Ecclesiastical Council

The Southeast Association of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ and First Congregational United Church of Christ invite you to the virtual Ecclesiastical Council for Lianna Campos to take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at 1:00pm. If you are interested in attending as a delegate (we get two) or a visitor, please contact Pastor Jessica, and she will send you Lianna’s paper to read prior to the meeting. Join the Zoom meeting here or dial in by phone: (312) 626-6799 (Meeting ID 926 449 4206; Password 7171).

Mission Moment – Habitat for Humanity

THIS Sunday, May 19th, Wendy Goodlett, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, will be with us to share about their work in our community, which we support through our annual budget. For more information about Habitat for Humanity click here.

Celebrating Education

All are encouraged to join in celebrating the life-long journey of faith formation as we gather for worship THIS Sunday, May 19th. We will recognize and show our appreciation for our awesome nursery care providers and CLT leaders and recommit to our engagement in life-long learning and educating.

Youth Connections

Youth in grades 6 and up are invited to gather with Pastor Jessica and one another in Room 6 following worship THIS Sunday, May 19th, 12pm-1pm, to consider your questions, big and small, and explore faith matters as they are relevant to your life. We are using “Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity” by David L. Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy as our guide and jumping off point for discussion. If you or your youth are interested in getting involved, please contact Pastor Jessica.

Vacation and Office Closed

Pastor Jessica will be away on vacation May 22nd-June 4th and will be back in the office on Wednesday, June 5th. Byron Bangert will offer worship leadership on Sundays, May 26th and June 2nd while she is away, and the celebration of Communion will be moved to Sunday, June 9th. If you have any needs during regular office hours, please reach out to Lisa Stanger in the church office. For after-hours or weekend needs, please contact President Mitchell Farmer.

Additionally, the church office will be closed on Monday, May 27th for the Memorial Day holiday.

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: Alex Stosberg (May 19), Linda Hunt (May 20), Brenda Fiscus (May 21), Jennifer Fultz (May 21), and Aidan Koontz (May 22). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

Off-Topic Scripture Circle – Taking a Break

Our Monday morning Bible study group will be taking a break for the next four weeks. All are welcome to join us via Zoom when we meet again on Monday, June 17th, at 10am to check in and explore the week’s lectionary scripture readings in a casual setting where you will never be asked to leave your brain or your heart at the door.

Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion

Join us in person or online Tuesdays at 10am-11:30am as we gather for a time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion. We are currently in the midst of a 24-sesson study: “The History and Archeology of the Bible” with Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts. Previous participation and perfect attendance are not required. Those interested and able are welcome to gather in Roger Williams Hall; those choosing to join online via Zoom can do so here. Note that we will not meet on May 28th or June 4th.

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, June 7th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We’ll enjoy a time of informal, unprogrammed fun and fellowship in Fellowship Hall and surrounding areas, both inside and out (weather permitting). As the name implies, pizza, drinks, and dessert will be provided, so please let Pastor Jessica know by 5pm Thursday, June 6th if you’re planning to attend so she can be sure to have enough food for all and account for any dietary needs.

First Sunday Food Drive

The Board of Outreach invites you to offer food donations on the first Sunday of each month on at table in the narthex. This month, on Sunday, June 2nd, 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 Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM), and pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Click here to for a list of MCUM’s ongoing needs; note their special request for Carrots, Potatoes, Tomatoes and tomato sauce, Ramen, Baking mix, Crackers, Laundry soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Feminine hygiene products.Thank you for your donations to meet ongoing community needs.

2024 Annual Reports

In preparation for First United’s Annual Congregational Meeting, set for Sunday, June 23rd after morning worship, 2024 Annual Reports are due into Lisa Stangerin the church office by June 3rd. Thank you!

Nominations Invited

The 2024 Nominating Committee is up and running as we prayerfully seek to fill Council and board vacancies. Positions that are currently available are Clerk (1-year term with opportunity for re-election) and members for each of the standing boards of the congregation: Building & Grounds, Education, Outreach, and Worship (typically 3-year terms). Please consider thoughtfully whether you might be called to serve in one of these spots that are so vital to the running of our congregation, as well as a great way to get to know your church and your community better. You can nominate yourself or suggest that we approach someone you think has gifts to offer; no one is formally nominated without their knowledge and full consent! To make a nomination or request more information, you may contact any member of the Nominating Committee—Molly Koontz, Emily Mathes, Dave Meyer, and Siri Loescher—or Mitchell Farmer, Kim Yaussy Albright, or Pastor Jessica.

Additionally, the Church Council is seeking two persons to serve on the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC). The PRC meets quarterly as it promotes constructive and caring communication between the called minister and the congregation and offers on-going support to the minister in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust; it consists of four members of the congregation serving four-year staggered terms so that one person rotates off the committee each year. Two members are leaving the PRC this year due to end of term and relocation for the year; both were appointed by the Church Council (responsible for appointing members in even-numbered years). The new members will begin their terms of service on July 1st. Please contact Mitchell Farmer if you are interested in this opportunity.

UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday Morning Hybrid Worship

Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. During this Sunday’s service a summary of the results gathered through the “Listening for Wisdom: Discerning Direction” questionnaires will be shared by Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai, Vickey Allen, Kim Yaussy Albright, and Mitchell Farmer as we continue our process of discernment. Additionally, Pastor Jessica and our youngest worshippers will lead us in a celebration of educators and learners. Lisa Kwong will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead, and Mitchell Farmer will highlight some of the many ways we are invited to engage in the life of the church and our wider community. Sam Troxal and Sabine Lammers will offer special music, and Eric Meincke and Hansol Kim will lead us in song. Dave Meyer will offer a warm welcome to all those who will gather in the sanctuary and could use some additional help (sign up here). Kyle Hetrick and Herbert Sizek will welcome all who join via Zoom as they ensure the audio/visual pieces run as smoothly as possible. And, Fiora Pizzo will provide a beautiful floral arrangement. Finally, be sure to join us in Fellowship Hall after worship for a time of fellowship and refreshment 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 Sunday evening on First United’s Vimeo channel (where you can access all of our previous worship services).

Donate online by clicking here

Invitation to Offer Summer Music

The Vocal and Bell Choirs are currently taking a break from rehearsing regularly until August. Stay tuned for a possible summer project!

This hiatus offers a wonderful opportunity for members and friends of First United to share your creative gifts with our congregation. There are a good number of possibilities still available for the coming months.Please reach out to Eric Meincke (ericdmeincke@gmail.com) if you are interested!

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:

  • Sam Troxal
  • Danielle Sheets Ivey
  • Lisa Kwong
  • Vicky Keith (Rebecca Keith’s sister-in-law)
  • Christopher Meincke (Eric’s brother)
  • Jeanne and Norm Overly

Invitation from the Arman Family via DISP

Ahad and Brishna Arman, dear friends of First United Church since they arrived from Afghanistan in late December of 2021, have a special request. Because of their limited English reading skills, they are asking for church volunteers to read children’s books to their three young (adorable) children. Heela, the oldest, in particular needs the reading support because she is going into 3rd grade. If you have questions or would like to help, please contact Dave Meyer at dwm@davemeyer.org.

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.

People’s Market

First United houses the People’s Cooperative Market in our Fellowship Hall regularly each Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm. The People’s Market is an intersectional anti-racism farmers market and artisan vendor space that focuses on food justice work. All are welcome to attend the Saturday markets and/or order from their online CSA for pickup or delivery; food is always made available to anyone in need. You are also encouraged to consider volunteering with People’s Market; if interested, contact them directly at peoplesmarketmanager@gmail.com.

The Market is hosting Health & Wellness Days on the third Saturdays of the month now through June during regular market hours. You are invited to attend as these Market days focus on various aspects of health and wellness from physical health, mental health, pregnancy, aging, spiritual health, massage, yoga, reflexology, herbal medicines, and more! Learn more here.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS 

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 the Children’s Time. Many thanks to Jennifer Fultz and Emily Mathes for leading CLT this Sunday.

We continue to welcome and encourage additional adults to join our teaching rotation to enrich the program for the kids. Lesson materials and supplies are provided, and we have seasoned leaders to help you get acclimated. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to Molly Koontz, Pastor Jessica, or any member of the Board of Education.

Nursery Care

Our youngest children are welcome to spend time from 10am-11:45am playing in the nursery or on the playground, weather permitting. Jessica McIntosh and Molly Koontz will ensure our little ones are safe and engaged in fun activities during worship this Sunday and will join with CLT to ensure safe conduct ratios are met. We are always looking for additional volunteer assistants to help in the nursery occasionally. Contact Molly Koontz if you are interested and with any questions.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Transformative Stewardship – Cultivating Hearts, Nurturing Community

Though our annual stewardship campaign, Transformative Stewardship – Cultivating Hearts, Nurturing Community formally came to an end in late February, you are still welcome to complete and submit your paper commitment/pledge cards (drop them in the offering plate on Sunday or deliver to the church office) or to fill out the online commitment/pledge card here. Your pledges of time, talent, and treasure play a “key” role in sustaining and advancing the mission of First United Church!

2024 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit

We are using leftover 2023 offering envelope boxes for 2024. If you used envelopes this year, your number box will not be the same; please look for your name. Envelope boxes are available on a table outside of the Sanctuary entrance closest to the chancel. Whether you’ve used them before or this is your first time, you are welcome to pick up a box! 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.

Contact Information

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