- 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
- Shelli Yoder’s Ordination/Installation – Sunday, May 3 @ 3pm; 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 05/03 & 05/10)
- Flowers sign up – Click here
- Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 05/17)
- Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 05/10)
- 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 on Friday, May 1st, 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. See you there!
Death in Our Church Family
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Don Bebeau (b. April 29, 1929) on Wednesday, April 22nd. Don, along with his loving daughter Julia, was an active and engaged member of the First United family. A service of memorial will be held in the Chapel this Saturday, May 2nd, at 2pm. It can also be accessed via Zoom (click here). A time of visitation and refreshment will be held in Roger Williams Hall following the service. We invite you to offer your prayers for Julia and Don’s family and loved ones as they grieve his death and give thanks for a life well lived.
First Sunday Donation Drive
The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to offer needed donations on the first Sunday of each month on a table in the Narthex. THIS Sunday, May 3rd, 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 items needed for Pathways include cleaning/hygiene products can be found here. Their food wishlist includes: broth (chicken or beef); baking essentials; tomato paste; alfredo sauce; mayo; popcorn, goldfish, etc.; instant coffee & tea; peaches, pineapple, fruit cups, pure pumpkin, & apple sauce; easy on-the-go snacks, pudding, chips, snack bars, etc.; easy mac; sloppy joe; taco kit; rice and gluten free pasta; pancake mix; beans (pinto, baked, & chili); bread & flour tortillas; potatoes, carrots, & mushrooms; and helper meals & instant rice. Gluten-free and non-dairy options are much appreciated. Thanks to your generosity, a total of 117 pounds in donations was delivered following our April 5th drive!
Celebrating Faith Formation
All are encouraged to join in celebrating the life-long journey of faith formation as we gather for worship this Sunday, May 3rd. We will recognize our graduating senior and scholarship recipient and show our appreciation for our awesome nursery care providers and CLT leaders as we recommit to our engagement in life-long learning and educating.
Send Off for Hyeyeon Ahn
It is with great appreciation and sadness that we send off our wonderful Organist, Hyeyeon Ahn, to her next musical venture. Hyeyeon will graduate from IU this May and continue her studies at Rice University. This Sunday, May 3rd, will be her final Sunday with us. Please join us for worship and a special coffee hour that day as we give thanks for her service this past year and wish her well as she embarks on this next phase of her journey. As Hyeyeon looks to her future, she also wants to express “how truly grateful I am for your kindness, support, and welcome during my time at First United Church. This was my first church in the United States, and I will always remember how warmly I was received here.” We offer our blessings and best wishes to you, Hyeyeon!
Ordination & Installation of Shelli Yoder
First United Church and the Southeast Association of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference (UCC) will host the joyous occasion of the Ordination and Installation Service of Shelli Yoder this Sunday, May 3rd, at 3pm, in the Sanctuary. Those wishing to participate online may access the service via Zoom (click here). An offering will be received to support Association Members in Discernment, and a reception will follow the service. Let’s come together to celebrate this meaningful event in the life of Shelli and the church!
Upcoming Board Meetings
The Board of Worship, Art, and Music (Vickey Allen, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, May 4th, at 5:30pm. The Board of Community & Outreach (Julia Bebeau, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, May 4th, at 6:30pm. The Board of Building and Grounds (Emily Mathes, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, May 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.
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: Barb Clark (May 5), Sandra Meder (May 6), and Donovan Keith-Reeves (May 9). We are blessed to have you in our lives!
Special Offerings – Abundant Generosity!
Thanks to your abundant generosity, we raised $298 for Area 10 on Aging through the April 19th special offering. Thank you for your tremendous support!
Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion
Join us in Roger Williams Hall or via Zoom (click here) on Tuesday, May 5th, at 10:15am-11:30am as we gather for a final time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion before taking a break during Pastor Jessica’s sabbatical (we will reconvene on August 11th). 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.
Search for a New Organist
Our Church Council authorized the formation of an Organist Hiring Team as soon as we received news of Hyeyeon Ahn’s resignation. The hiring team has developed a job posting for the Organist position; access it here, and share it with anyone who might be interested. The Organist Hiring Team consists of Ryan Block, Joe Stiefel, Rachel Caswell, Michael Shell, and Pastor Jessica. You are welcome to contact a member of the hiring team should you have any questions.
Sabbatical Coverage
Our Sabbatical Planning Team has been busy making arrangements to ensure that church life runs smoothly and congregational needs are met during Pastor Jessica’s sabbatical (May 11-August 9). As you likely know, Shelli Yoder has been called to serve as our Sabbatical Pastor for the duration of the sabbatical period. Additionally, a variety of congregation members have agreed to take on extra responsibilities to serve our church well. A description of Sabbatical Pastor duties and guide to who is doing what can be found here. Please reach out to a member of the Sabbatical Planning Team—Kim Yaussy Albright, Emily Mathes, Mary Peckham, Vickey Allen, and Pastor Jessica—with any questions. And, plan to join us for worship on Sunday, May 10th, as we mark the transition into sabbatical, sending off Pastor Jessica and her family with our blessings and warmly welcoming Shelli as she commits to serving our community through this new role.
2026 Annual Reports
In preparation for First United’s Annual Congregational Meeting (set for Sunday, June 7th immediately after worship), 2026 annual reports are due into Lisa Stanger in the church office by Monday, May 18th. Not sure whether you are responsible for writing a report? Contact Lisa; she’ll let you know! Thank you!
UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This Sunday’s service will feature Shelli Yoder in the pulpit as we continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew; she will also offer a special message for the young and young at heart. Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai will lead us in celebrating our nursery and CLT workers and volunteers and in sending offer our wonderful Organist, Hyeyeon Ahn. 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. Michael Shell 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 and Du Huynh will offer a warm welcome to those who gather in the sanctuary; sign up here 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. A beautiful floral arrangement will be provided by Josh Perry and Ivy, Eden, and Oakley Perry Yoder in celebration of Shelli’s Ordination—“We honor the journey completed and the new path ahead.” Finally, be sure to join us in Fellowship Hall for a special Coffee Hour to send off Hyeyeon Ahnhosted by the Bell and Vocal Choirs.
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
Invitation to Offer Summer Music
Following worship next Sunday, May 10th, the Vocal Choir will take a break from rehearsing regularly until August (the Bell Choir begins their break following worship this Sunday). This hiatus offers a wonderful opportunity for members and friends of First United to share your creative gifts with our congregation during worship. There are a good number of possibilities available for the coming months.Please reach out to Ryan Block (blockryfuc@gmail.com) if you are interested!
Music Ministry
The Vocal Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm in the Choir Room; their final rehearsal for the season will be on May 7th. The Bell Choir has already concluded their 2025-2026 season. 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:
- The family of Don Bebeau (following his death on April 22nd)
- Sara Cole
- Barb Clark
- Phyllis Perkins
- Frank Ivey (father of Sara Ivey Lucas)
- Jean Peters
- Elizabeth Hanson
- Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)
- Sam Troxal
Milk Money for Pathways
First United has launched Milk Money, a 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 families need 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”); thanks to your generosity, we have already collected $807! 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).
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, 10am-2pm, offering fresh, locally grown produce through CSAs to be picked up or delivered. The full market is once again up and running; join them any Saturday!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
Feminist Women’s Book Club
Our feminist women’s book club will meet on Sunday, May 10th, at 12pm, in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom to discuss “Western Lane” by Chetna Maroo. This debut novel about grief, family, and identity, centers on 11-year-old Gopi who immerses herself in the world of squash after her mother’s death, using the sport as a way to cope and connect with her father and sisters. Set in 1980s London, the book explores the complex dynamics of a British-Indian family. As she grows apart from her family, her life is reduced to the sport, guided by only its rhythms. With time she realizes on the court, she is not alone and reconnects with family and peers. This novel is an indelible coming-of-age story, which captures the ordinary and brings us beauty. 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.
Read the Synoptics in a Year: Gospel of Matthew
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 the year. Join us as we explore the Gospel of Matthew through 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 continue on the journey of following Jesus more faithfully and fruitfully in 2026!
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 Brishna Arman 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. Brishna Arman and Jesscia 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
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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