Announcements for the week of November 23, 2025

by | Nov 21, 2025 | Sunday Announcements, Uncategorized | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • 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 12/07)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 11/23, 11/30, & 12/07)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 12/14)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 12/07)
  • Community Kitchen sign up – 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
  • 2024-2025 Annual Report – Click here
  • Accessible to All 101 Presentation – Click here
  • Focused Mission Statement Survey (deadline 11/23)– Click here
  • 2026 Online Pledge Card – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Annual Harvest Ingathering is Underway!

The Board of Community and Outreach encourages you to bring one more load of food donations this Sunday, November 23rd as part of our Harvest Ingathering for Pathways. Thanks to your generosity 230 pounds of food has already been delivered to Pathways this month. You are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, cleaning, and personal hygiene items to meet a critical need for the families of Pathways. Donations of pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Click here to for a list of Pathways ongoing needs. Pathways staff members report that the children love our donation of individual snack items like potato chips, cheese & peanut butter crackers, and similar food snacks. Families also request more pasta, boxed helper meals, ramen noodles, and breakfast items such as pancake/waffle mix, oatmeal, and cereal.

Additionally, the Board of Community and Outreach encourages folks to give financial gifts which will be used to support Pathways’ childcare program. All gifts will be matched thanks to a generous donor. Click here to give. The Board affirms those who are led to give to other local agencies involved in feeding and providing childcare for families in need. All financial gifts whether to Pathways or other agencies can be identified and placed in the offering plates and will be sent to the recipients together. Of course, you can also send your financial gifts directly to your organization of choice. Thank you for your generosity!

Thriving Congregations Project—Step One: Focus on Identity

Recently, a brief survey was shared inviting you to offer your thoughts as we engage in our Thriving Congregations Project Step One: Focus on Identity. While our current purpose/mission statement (developed in August 2022) is very expressive of who we are and how we are invited to engage in ministry, it is very long and few, if any, within the congregation are able to state it. During the Oct. 5th Leadership Retreat, church leadership developed three focused purpose/mission statements based on our current longer statement (which we will still retain). If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to fill out the survey to help us focus our purpose/mission statement, so we can better share who we are. You can vote using this Google Form or by filling out a hard copy survey on Sunday. Submission deadline is this Sunday, November 23rd.

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: Margie Shick (November 25) and Sam Troxal (November 27). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

Vacation and Office Closings

The church office will be closed November 27th-28th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, Pastor Jessica will be out of the office November 25th-26th. Should you need immediate assistance, please contact Lisa Stanger during office hours on November 25th-26th and Kim Yaussy Albright during the remaining times.

Fifth-Sunday Potluck Meets Hanging of the Greens!

Join us on Sunday, November 30th after worship for one of our fabulous pitch-in meals. This year, we are combining the Fifth Sunday potluck with Hanging of the Greens, to simplify and save folks an extra trip back to decorate. Bring a dish to share if possible (labeled for allergens is appreciated) or just join us; there is always plenty. If you’d like a one-off volunteer opportunity, join us at 9:30am to help set up, jump into kitchen cleanup afterwards, or join us in the Sanctuary as we prepare for Christmas. Contact Mary Peckham with any potluck related questions mkpeckham59@gmail.com or 812-361-5047.

Budget Listening Session and Congregational Meeting

A budget hearing will be held during the potluck on Sunday, November 30th; a draft of the 2026 budget will be presented for feedback and suggested revisions. The Church Council will then consider the congregation’s feedback and suggestions as they prepare a budget to present for congregational action. Members of the congregation will vote on the budget during a congregational meeting that will be held immediately after the worship service on December 14th. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend both the 11/30 listening session and the 12/14 congregational meeting. Members unable to attend in person will be able to join using the regular Sunday worship Zoom link. Those Zoom attendees who wish to do so can become “panelists” so they can speak and be heard during these sessions. A budget draft will be available in advance of the 11/30 listening session—look for it to be included in next week’s announcements.

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Board of Community & Outreach (Julia Bebeau, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, December 1st, at 5:30pm. 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.

Stewardship 2026 – Grateful for Every Generation

We are in the thick of our annual stewardship campaign, Grateful for Every Generation: 200 Years of Faith, Hope, and Love with a goal of $200,000 in pledges in honor of our 200th Anniversary! Over the course of six weeks, we are considering what we appreciate about our First United community and how that inspires our generosity as we discern how we will commit to support our church and community in the coming year, be it through the contribution of time, talents, or financial resources. This Sunday, November 23rd, Danielle Long, Production Manager of Reimagining Opera for Kids (ROK), will share some of what ROK appreciates about First United as they rehearse in our Fellowship Hall each Wednesday evening. Experience previous testimonies offered by Kristin Martindale (Pathways) here and by Malissa Sparks here.

We invite each and every one of you to actively participate in this season of gratitude and generosity as we give thanks for our congregation’s past, present, and future and offer our commitments to nurture and support the ministry of the church in the year ahead. Please return your pledge/commitment card (either hard copy or online) by Pledge Sunday, December 7th. You may place it in the historic brass communion paten on any Sunday morning or drop or send it to the church office when convenient. Also, plan to join together for a celebratory meal (catered by Taste of India) on Sunday, December 7th, immediately following worship.

Food Shortages for Refugees

Local refugees are now experiencing the impact of recent federal law that changes (eliminates) most public benefits for refugees. SNAP (food stamps) have been permanently discontinued for refugees. This affects families locally, including two families that our church has supported.

In an effort to offer our support, the Displaced Immigrant Support Program (DISP) team encourages you to contribute to a food staples drive for refugees on Sunday, November 30th. Please bring any of the following to church on that date:

  • Dried grains and legumes: Rice, bulgur wheat, wheat flower, dried vermicelli pasta, lentils and fava beans (all dried)
  • Oils: Olive and sunflower oil
  • Dried fruits and nuts: Raisins, apricots, dates, walnuts, pistachios and almonds
  • Other Staples: Tea (black), sugar, salt, vinegar, honey and tahini.

Candlelight & Carols

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for our annual Candlelight and Carols service on Sunday, December 14th at 6:30pm. We embrace the Advent Season with a joy-filled evening of carols and candlelight, readings and reflection, community and cookies. The service will be sprinkled with special music provided by our Adult Vocal Choir, Children’s Choir, and Bell Choir and guest music group Sounds of Indiana and will feature the majestic accompaniment of a Christmas string quartet in addition to our beautiful organ. As is our tradition of generosity in the celebration of Advent, a special offering will be received to support Exodus Refugee Immigration. Please join us and invite the special people in your life. Additionally, all are invited to bring a finger-friendly dessert to share during a reception following the service. Also, mark your calendars now for Christmas Eve worship on Wednesday, December 24th at 7pm.

Pathways’ Holiday Gifts

The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to consider supporting Pathways this holiday season by participating in their Family Gift program. Pathways is still seeking sponsors to adopt a family—providing gifts and essential items to help make their holiday special. They still have 16 families in need of support. Gifts will need to be purchased and delivered by the first week in December. To sign up as a sponsor, please visit their form here: Holidays 2025.

Quarryland Men’s Chorus

All are invited to attend Quarryland’s Winter Concert “Stay Gold” in our beautiful Sanctuary on Saturday, December 6th, 7:30pm, and Sunday, December 7, 3pm. Experience the choral textures and traditions of the season, have some wassail, and even sing along with QMC on a medley of favorites called “Snows of Yesteryear.” Enjoy a blend of Broadway, pop, rock, and oldies reimagined to illuminate the joys of the holidays: “Morning Glow” from PIPPIN, Jamie Cullum’s “Hang Your Lights,” “Shine” by 90s rockers Collective Soul, and the beautiful Beatles ballad “Golden Slumbers” to name just a few. Tickets available at the door, from members, or online; prices are: $20/adult, $10/student, and Free for 17 and under.

UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday Morning Hybrid Worship

Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This Sunday’s service will feature Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai in the pulpit. Reimagining Opera for Kids (ROK) will offer a special performance for the young and young at heart, and Danielle Long (of ROK) will share a Stewardship Testimony as we continue our focus on generosity. 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. Rachel Caswell will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. Ryan Block and Sion Park will lead us in song, and the First United Vocal Choir will offer special music. Daniel Salvat will offer a warm welcome to those who will gather in the sanctuary; click hereto help. Kyle Hetrick and Martin Mutai 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 in honor of her son Antonio’s birthday. Finally, be sure to join us for coffee hour hosted by Ted Wininger.

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

Hanging of the Greens

All are encouraged to join together on Sunday, November 30th, right after the 5th Sunday potluck as we prepare our Sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons. We will set up trees, lights, ornaments, battery-operated candles, chandeliers, wreaths, garlands, and more! This is a festive and fun event for our entire intergenerational church family. We hope you’ll join us!

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 6:15-7:15pm, 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:

        Mike Zeller (father of Molly Koontz)

        Barb Clark

        Phyllis Perkins

        Geoffery Franklin

        Frank Ivey (father of Sara Ivey Lucas)

        Jean Peters

        Gwen Staggs

        Elizabeth Hanson

        Jen Lane

        Jean-Paul & Kathy Etienne

        Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)

        Sara Cole

        Sam Troxal

New Members Joining!

Our faith community continues to develop and transform as we will welcome new members Sunday, November 30th during worship. While all those who participate in the life of First United are welcome and encouraged to engage in the full range of our congregational life together, becoming a member is one way of publicly displaying that commitment between the individual and community, and, don’t forget, it comes with the ability to vote in meetings! 😊 All are encouraged to join us for worship on November 30th to celebrate the growth of our community as we (re)commit to engage in mutual ministry with one another. If you are interested in becoming a member of First United, please contact Pastor Jessica immediately.

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 be making periodic announcements and encouraging 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.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. First United members and friends are always welcome and encouraged to attend the Saturday market! Market members are more than happy to answer questions and guide folks through the growing space. Additionally, 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 

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. Currently, we are engaging with a 12-session study on “Science and Religion” presented by Dr. Lawrence M. Principe as we explore how science and religion are two crucial forces that helped shape Western civilization and continue to interact in our daily lives. 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 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 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

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.

2025 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit

We are using leftover offering envelope boxes for 2025. This year, 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.

Contact Information

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