Announcements for the week of October 19, 2025

by | Oct 17, 2025 | Sunday Announcements | 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 11/02)
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 10/26 & 11/02)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 10/19 & 11/02)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 11/02)
  • 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

DON’T FORGET

Support First United’s Love Fund – This Sunday  

The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to offer your support to First United’s Love Fund, which was created to help those who turn to First United with emergent needs. During worship on Sunday, October 19th, a special offering will be received to support the Love Fund, and Kyle Hetrick will share how it is making a difference in the lives of our wider community members.

Voice Faculty Cabaret – This Sunday

The annual Voice Faculty Cabaret will take place in First United’s Sanctuary this Sunday, October 19th at 8pm. It will feature members of the Voice Faculty of the Jacobs School of Music. Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Proceeds go to benefit the Student NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) chapter at IU.

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Board of Finance (Kyle Hetrick, Chair) will meet in Roger Williams Hall on Monday, October 20th, at 3:30pm. The Board of Worship, Art, and Music (Vickey Allen, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, October 20th, 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.

Traveling University

First United will host “Courage in the Face of Hate: Hoosiers Who Stood Against the Klan” presented by James H. Madison (Professor Emeritus of History, Indiana University) on Tuesday, October 21st, 7-8:30pm. It is free and open to the public. This educational offering is one part of the newly established Traveling University offered by retired university faculty in response to escalating attacks on the fundamental mission of all universities: the unfettered production and dissemination of knowledge and understanding in the public interest. Federal and state officials are eroding the ability of faculty to teach and conduct research free from interference. Here and elsewhere, universities have allowed this to happen, depriving the public of essential knowledge and faculty of their academic freedom. Learn more about Traveling University and their other offerings here.

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: Nancy Martin (October 25). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

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.

WFIU—part of Indiana Public Media

Invites our community at First United Church to a live recording of Noon Edition as part of our ongoing reporting initiative, Red, White, and Righteous — an in-depth exploration of how faith, patriotism, and civic identity shape life in Indiana and beyond.

The event will feature a panel of scholars, faith leaders, and community members in open discussion about belief, belonging, and what it means to be “righteous” in public life today.

After the broadcast, we’ll hold a 30-minute audience Q&A, giving attendees a chance to share questions and reflections directly with the panel.

📍 Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington

🗓️ 11:30 AM – 01:30 PM on Fri, 24 Oct 2025

🎟️ Learn more: ipm.org

Ecclesiastical Council

The Southeast Association of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference UCC will host an Ecclesiastical Council for Sarah Frische-Mouri Hannigan on Sunday, October 26th, 3-5pm as she continues the process toward becoming authorized ministers in the United Church of Christ. It will be held in person (Zion UCC, 8916 E. Troy Ave., Indianapolis) and via Zoom (click here; opens at 2:30pm). If you would like to serve as a delegate on behalf of First United (we are allotted two for each), please contact Pastor Jessica and she will share the candidate’s ordination paper for you to review prior to the meeting.

Basketball Goal

First United now has a new strong basketball goal! Thank you to our Board of Building & Grounds and special thanks to Ted Wininger, Lewis Williams, Enrico Lunghi, Keith Gerber, Du Huynh, and Jim True for your help in installing the hoop. You can find the goal in the back parking lot. 

Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion

Join us in Roger Williams Hall or via Zoom (click here) Tuesdays at 10:15am-11:30am (notice new starting time) as we gather for a time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion. October 14th, we started a new 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.

First Sunday Food Drive

The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to offer food donations on the first Sunday of each month on at table in the narthex. On Sunday, November 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 Pathways (formally Monroe County United Ministries, MCUM), and pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Updated food items needed for Pathways include children’s snacks and cereals given that the recipients of the food are families that are in Pathways rather than general food distribution. More specifically, children request sugarcoated cereal like Fruit Loops and individual snacks in small packages. Helper meat boxes such as hamburger helper and tuna helper continue to be needed. A total of 111 pounds was delivered by Keith Gerber from the September 16th and October 14th donations.

Annual Harvest Ingathering is drawing near!

While the Board of Community and Outreach regularly invites you to offer food donations for Pathways on the first Sunday of each month, in November, we encourage you to bring a donation every Sunday leading up to our Annual Harvest Ingathering on Sunday, November 23rd. Please bring non-perishable food, cleaning, and personal hygiene items anytime and every time you come to the church throughout the week. This helps 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. Thank you for your generosity!

Time to Order Holiday Poinsettias 

Brighten the church sanctuary with Holiday Poinsettias and support the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra by ordering poinsettias through the BSO’s Annual Poinsettia Sale. To order poinsettias to decorate the chancel during Advent and take home afterward, bring your check (made out to “BSO Poinsettia 2025”) to the church office or place it in the offering plate no later than Monday, November 13th; write “poinsettias” in the memo line. Each plant costs $15.00, beautifies the church, and supports the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Your poinsettias may be picked up outside Fellowship Hall on Monday, December 15th, if you would like to take them home. Please let Lisa in the church office know if you would like to order one.

UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday Morning Hybrid Worship

Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This Sunday’s service will feature Guest Preacher Bonnie Bomer and her Guide Dog Fiesta in the pulpit; they will also offer a special message for the young and young at heart. Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai will lead us in worship as we continue our month-long focus on Accessibility to All. Daniel Salvat will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. 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. Ryan Block and Hyeyeon Ahn will lead us in song, and the First United Vocal Choir will offer special music. Dave Meyer and Molly and Noel Koontz will offer a warm welcome to those who will gather in the sanctuary. 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. Finally, be sure to join us for a time of fellowship and refreshment in Fellowship Hall. A coffee hour host is still needed; click here to help.

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

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:

  •     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

Winter Clothing Drive

First United Church is participating in a winter clothing drive organized and directed by Trinity Episcopal Church, other individual churches, and the Bloomington Multi-Faith Alliance. You are invited to donate winter coats, winter hats, gloves, sweaters, hoodies, scarves, socks, and thermal underwear in all sizes. The clothing can be new or used but must be clean and in good condition. It must also be utilitarian, not necessarily stylish. We will receive items now through Sunday, November 5th. Items may be placed in the large, labeled box in the Narthex during office hours Monday-Friday and on Sunday. The clothing will be distributed from Trinity Episcopal (111 S Grant St) on Saturday, November 8th, 8am-1pm.

Volunteers are needed to help sort, fold, and hang clothing at the distribution site on November 5th, 6th, and 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Additional volunteers are needed to oversee the distribution of the clothing on November 8th (7:30am-10am or 10am-12:30pm); this will involve helping people find clothing, helping with bagging clothing, and loading leftover clothing for future distribution. Contact information will be forthcoming.

Pumpkin Decorating & Teal Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Trail

It’s the great pumpkin, First United! MeRC and the Board of Community & Outreach invite you to join together on Sunday, October 26th for a light lunch, pumpkin carving/cookie decorating, and the annual Teal Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Trail.

We’ll eat immediately following worship. Pack sandwiches (or similar individual items) for your family and bring fresh or canned fruit to be combined into one scrumptious fruit salad. Chips and drinks will be provided. Bring your own pumpkin to carve or paint (there will be a few pumpkins available for guests or if you forget). Tools and paints will be furnished. 

Then, plan to join us for First United’s annual Teal Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Trail from 1-3pm in our back parking lot. This is a free, inclusive, allergen-conscious Halloween experience open to our congregation and the wider community. Please invite friends, family, and neighbors! And, share the event on Facebook; access here.

We need your help to make it a smashing success! Prior to October 24th: Give monetary candy sponsorship/donations and help us reach our $250 fundraising goal! Please write a check to First United with “Teal Pumpkin” as the memo. On October 26th: Come to help with set up (9:30am), or stay and greet trick-or-treaters, help refill candy stations, and/or clean up. Any questions? Contact Mitchell Farmer, Mary Peckham, or Molly Koontz.

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 

Youth Connections

Youth in grades 6 and up will forgo our regular Sunday gathering for the month of October in favor of a visit to Fowler Pumpkin Patch! We’ll engage in these fun fall festivities on Saturday, October 25th, 3-5pm. If your youth is interested in attending and you have not already done so, please contact Pastor Jessica. We will gather once again in Room 1 on Sunday, November 16th, 12-1pm, to continue considering your questions, big and small, and explore faith matters as they are relevant to your life.

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 Megan Merrick and Lena Stosberg 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 Lena Stosberg 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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