Reminder: Third Sunday Potluck this Sunday right after church in Fellowship Hall. Even if you can’t bring a dish this time, please come.
November Justice Forum on Race
THIS Sunday, November 17th, from 4-6 pm, the Board of Christian Education will be facilitating another Justice Forum discussion. The topic will be on race, with a focus on racial bias in immigration policy. To begin the open discussion and offer her expertise, we have invited Ellen Wu, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Asian American Studies program at IU to speak.
As always, all ages are welcome. Childcare will be available. We will meet in Fellowship Hall. Please join us!
Call for Creativity — Finding the Spirit in Place
The First United community is invited to submit photographs, 2-D artwork or writings (poems, short essays) that consider finding the Holy Spirit in particular places. In the Celtic tradition, these are known as thin places — where heaven and Earth are close enough for one to feel the Sacred.
Send photos (largest file size, please) and writings directly to Elizabeth Busey (ebusey@yahoo.com) and she will print them for display. If you have original artwork you have created, contact Elizabeth to make a plan for its display. Deadline for submissions is Monday, November 18th.
Our Annual Harvest In-Gathering. During November, help us fill the front of the sanctuary for MCUM.Please bring in any nonperishable food products. To fill their Cleaning Closet, consider bringing in hygiene items, cleaning supplies, new socks and new underwear. We will gather up all of our gifts on November 24th to deliver on the 25th. Thank you for your generosity!
Nominations for The Pulpit Committee to search and call our next settled Senior Minister are now closed. Council is working to compose a committed, consensus-oriented committee who reflect the different, diverse characteristics of our congregation as widely as possible and can give their time and talent to this important undertaking. The response of members willing and able to serve has been overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful. Council expects to approve a slate of nine committee members and three alternates at our November 19 meeting, and to hold a congregational vote on December 8 after service.
If you have comments or questions, please contact Mary Peckham (812-361-5047/mkpeckham59@gmail.com), any Council member, or Pastor Monica. Many, many thanks for all the thoughtful participation and support of so many of you during this process.
Hanging of the Greens, Sunday November 24th 4:30 – 6:30.
Come join the annual preparation of the Sanctuary for the Christmas season, and a pitch-in Chili dinner. Everyone is invited, welcome, and appreciated; regardless of your age, or craftiness ability – your talents will be put to good use. If you are interested/willing to bring food for the pitch-in Chili dinner, please see the sign-in list outside of Fellowship Hall.
Children’s Activity during Hanging of the Greens
The Board of Christian Education will be hosting activities for children during Hanging of the Greens on Sunday, the 24th. Rebecca Keith will be making a craft with the children, which will be used to help decorate the sanctuary. Molly Koontz will provide cookies for kids to decorate. Children will be meeting in the lobby from 5:00-6:00. Children of all ages are welcome!
Church Security Survey closing 11/20
Church
Council via Cool Solutions Group is administering a survey on church security.
Cool Solutions Group will be analyzing survey responses from our congregation
(and from partners in our building) as it formulates policy, procedure, and
physical plant recommendations for First United.
Your perspective is valid, important, and needed. Please consider completing
this anonymous survey before 11/20:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K2DBGDY
Calling all children!
It’s time to begin practicing for the December 8 Candlelight and Carols Service! All you need to do is bring yourselves to the Choir Room right after church beginning Sunday, November 17. We will practice while your parents are in coffee hour, or we might even let them listen and help. The practice is only about 20 minutes. We will also practice right after church on Sunday November 24, December 1, and December 8. The Candlelight and Carols Service is 6 pm on Sunday December 8. Derek will give you a handout in CLT with lyrics and information, too. Please join us in celebrating Jesus’s Birth! If you have any questions, text or call Rebecca Keith at (812) 325-0145.
Living Nativity Signups.
Be sure to check out the Living Nativity and Luminaries signup boards during coffee hour, or contact Heather Farmer at hemfarmer@gmail.com to get involved!
Time To Order Our Beautiful Poinsettias.
Brighten the church sanctuary with Holiday Poinsettias and support the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra! The BSO’s Annual Poinsettia Sale has begun! To order poinsettias to decorate the chancel during Advent and take home afterward, bring your check no later than Friday, November 22, made out to BSO Poinsettia 2019. Write “poinsettias” in the memo line. Each plant costs $13.00, beautifies the church, and supports the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Your poinsettias may be picked up outside Fellowship Hall on Monday, December 18, if you would like to take them home. Please let the church office know if you would like to order one.
Minister Of Care For The Week Of November 17 Is Susan Bassett. A minister of care is a church volunteer who visits members in their home.
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