REACH OUT TO PASTOR JOHN KRUEGERPlease feel free to reach out to Pastor John Krueger in this strange time of virtual contact, whether simply to say hello or to discuss cares or concerns Contact him at: john_krueger425@comcast.net h: 317-467-1529/ c: 317-498-0710
BRING YOUR CAKE TO CHURCH ON MAY 31st FOR PENTECOST!
Pentecost is coming! We will continue our church tradition of sharing a large birthday cake to celebrate Pentecost as the metaphorical birthday of the church this year. Since we can’t share cake in person, on 5/31 please bring your favorite cake, or other baked good when you log in to worship–pictures of cakes, recipe cards, or whatever you have are fine. This is an invitation to be creative with our virtual celebration! There will be an opportunity to show your cake to everyone during the service, and to eat them together after worship.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AND VOTE AFTER WORSHIP JUNE 7While we cannot gather for our usual Annual Meeting and Potluck this year, we will hold a virtual meeting and congregational vote on Zoom after worship on Sunday, June 7th. We will hold our customary annual vote on the Nominating Committee’s proposed slate of new board members (sent my email). In addition, we will hold a vote to approve Council’s recommendations to make necessary repairs in the Narthex and choir loft during our closure (supporting documents also sent by email), and dismantling the Labyrinth to facilitate mowing. Supporting documents for the Board Slate and Narthex/Choir Loft project can be mailed in hard copy to anyone upon request. A Zoom information session/discussion with the contractor will be held this week, May 31st, after Zoom worship and our brief Pentecost celebration. Updated Slate of Church Council/Board Nominee:CLICK HERE
PREVENT THE SPREADYour Church Council voted this week that the church building will remain closed for all church activities at least through July 31st. As we continue our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its outcomes, we must remember that much of our success depends on us. Even as state and local restrictions loosen up, we need to make responsible choices to protect ourselves, our families and our community. The Monroe County Health Department, in accordance with local health orders and state orders by Governor Holcomb, urges all residents to take a personal pledge to follow The Five Commitments of COVID-19 Containment:I will maintain 6 feet of social distance; I will wash my hands often for at least 20 seconds; I will wear a face covering/mask when in public; I will stay home when I am sick; I will get tested immediately if I have symptoms.
Need a fabric facemask? Let Rebecca know: reblea99 @ gmail.com.
NO-CONTACT FOOD DRIVE COVID-19 has severely depleted the shelves of Monroe County United Ministries Emergency Food Pantry. Let’s show MCUM’s clients how extravagant God’s love can be! On June 13th between 9 and 1 bring nonperishable food for a NO-CONTACT Food Drive. The Outreach Board will have a pick-up truck parked in the church’s circle drive near Fellowship Hall (kitchen entrance). Simply pull up, drop your non-perishable food donations directly in the back of the truck, and leave the rest to us. We’ll deliver it safely to MCUM to help provide a minimum 3-day supply of food for families in crisis. Questions? An Outreach member will be there to assist or answer your questions. Please wear masks and maintain 6-foot social distance. Please, no fresh or perishable items. Items most in need:Canned goods–pasta meals, like ravioli, fruit, tuna — Dried pasta Other needed food items:Cereal – regular sizes, Mac ‘n cheese, Corn bread mix, Canned vegetables, Crackers Cash or check donation will also be accepted (make checks payable to MCUM) With love from your Board of Outreach: Cindy Stone, Rebecca Nunley, Kim Albright, Sandy Keller, Dave Myers, Cleve Wilhoit
HOW CAN CHURCH STAFF AND FRIENDS BEST CONTACT YOU? In this unusual time, the Committee on Community Development wonders what the best means are for the church community to be in touch with you. We’ve created a survey to ask what works well: telephone, e-mail, text, card in mail, socially-distanced in-person visit? The Survey uses a sliding bar to indicate how well each works for you, with a box that asks for your name and contact info, and another box where you can add other means of communication. Laura Kao will collate and share this information. We envision it potentially help our ministerial staff (current and the new settled minister), Council, the Committee on Community Development and the Ministers of Care. Knowing your preferences increases the odds of meaningfully communicating information or concern as well as checking on how you are. Please fill out the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CMZSYQV
A NOTE ON CURRENT OPERATIONS FOR OUR FIRST UNITED COMMUNITYFor the safety of all, the First United Church building will remain closed at least through the month of July. Our work as a caring community continues on Zoom through Sunday worship and lectionary study, and Tuesday’s Virtual Café and Adult Study class. For more details on these opportunities please visit https://firstuc.org/online/ We are also working to develop new ways to reach out in this stressful time of isolation. If you have suggestions or needs (your own or others’) please reach out to Pastor John, Derek or Shelli, or Mary Peckham. Meanwhile, our congregational expenses continue whether church is open or not. Especially important is our commitment to pay all our staff through the year. We depend on your sustained giving in this difficult time. If you can, please maintain, or consider increasing your regular giving, to support our work. 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
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY AND WORSHIP SERVICES Join Us for Worship this Sunday!! Zoom Meeting Link:https://zoom.us/j/94635708633?pwd=NE9CdGtTWk5ndGRzRnQ2TTVrQmlZZz09 Meeting ID: 946 3570 8633Password: 879535
OFF-TOPIC SCRIPTURE CIRCLE (formerly known as Lectionary Discussion)
Would you like 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? Do we have the place for you! Click below to join us, Sunday mornings from 9-10am.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84002403978?pwd=N0sxS093T1JobkVxTVVGRlFBdVUwUT09
Meeting ID: 840 0240 3978
Password: 122688
VIRTUAL CAFÉ and TUESDAY ADULT DISCUSSIONTuesdays at 10:00am, Join Shelli Yoder Tuesday mornings from 10-10:30am to virtually meet up for a cup of coffee (BYO), a check-in, and a brief meditation/reflection and prayer. Join us if you can! 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/309686166?pwd=OVZ2VXFUSDV6R2IwM0xTMTd4TEVCdz09, OR
- From your landline telephone or cell phone: (253) 215 8782 then enter the meeting ID: 309 686 166# Password: 399499
- Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aCaOLQbW3
SUPPORT NURSING HOME FRONT LINE WORKERS! Our local nursing homes are dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks within their facilities, caring for their residents and trying to prevent the spread of the disease within buildings where social distancing is (at best) challenging. It is a difficult job, and many staff are tired and discouraged. Join the Outreach Board to send photos of you (or your kids, your family, your friends) encouraging nursing home staff. Send us a picture of you holding a sign that says “THANK YOU!”, or “WE SUPPORT YOU” or “KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!” Photos of original art work from people of any age would be most welcome! Send photos to Rebecca Nunley at reblea99@gmail.com by June 20. We’ll post them on the church’s Facebook page.From Your Board of Outreach: Cindy Stone, Rebecca Nunley, Kim Albright, Sandy Keller, Dave Meyer, Cleve Wilhoit
FIRST UNITED’S SPECIAL COVID-19 FUND Your generous support of Council and Outreach’s request for donations to our special fund supplementing the Love Fund to assist members and friends needing help in this time of layoffs and closings was overwhelming. If you or someone you know in our church community needs help, contact church leadership for more information. Meanwhile, grass and weeds continue to grow whether the church is open or not. If you have time and energy to work at socially distanced mowing, weeding, or general upkeep on our grounds, Laura Kao is graciously available to provide guidance. Contact laura_b_kao@hotmail.com or 812-361-6074