Updates on First United Operations and Activities
We are blessed to have Pastor John Krueger with us for two more Sundays, through All Saints/Communion Sunday, November 1. As always, he is available for conversation and consultation: john.krueger425@gmail.com or h: 317-467-1529/ c: 317-498-0710.
All Saint’s Day Observance
Families of First United members who have died during the past year have been invited to attend the November 1st worship service in person to light candles. During the virtual service, people will be invited to type names of those who have been personal Saints into the chat. Rebecca Keith will read these names. If you do not have access to the chat during the service, you can send names to Elizabeth Busey (ebusey@yahoo.com) before the service to be included. Have a candle nearby, and during this time, hold it in front of your computer camera. Let’s light our screens with flames…. This is also a Communion Sunday.
Pastor Jessica Petersen-Mutai will officially begin her time with us on November 2nd, and join us for her first service on November 8, with Derek Roe preaching.
Advent Brainstorming Session Open to All
Celebrating Advent and Christmas this year will require creativity. If you love the season, you are invited to attend a Zoom session on Thursday, November 5th at 6:30pm. We will be discussing how to approach the season in a way that captures the meaning and emotions of our traditions, while adapting to our need to worship and gather virtually. Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai will be joining us.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87508390605?pwd=aHVaQWFNaHV4VlVKQVB2MTFBS1lEZz09
Meeting ID: 875 0839 0605 Passcode: 464437
“Bring Forth” Stewardship Drive
In the coming week, you will receive a letter for our 2021 Stewardship Pledge Drive, in which Kyle outlines our financial hopes for the coming year. You can give by two methods, returning a pledge card, or you can pledge online using this link: https://tinyurl.com/1stUC21pledge We are grateful for your support at any level.
From the COVID-19 Task Force
Sunday church services and most meetings will continue virtually through December. Our community is working on creative virtual approaches to Advent and Christmas celebrations. The Task Force will meet again on November 10th.
A Musical Offering—Sunday, October 25th, 6 p.m.
Join Mary Martin virtually for her doctoral recital performed in our sanctuary!
Join from computer or mobile:
https://iu.zoom.us/j/84895679038?pwd=RkxGZlp2dm9qMW8xUmZqVks4TXN4QT09
Meeting ID: 848 9567 9038
Password: 603323
A New Baby!!
Rebecca Prato and Justin Plank just brought baby Imogen, who arrived ahead of schedule in early October, home. Everyone is doing well. If you are interested in providing a meal, you can sign up at
https://takethemameal.com/ login: Prato password: Imogen
FROM THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Progressive Christianity Series Tuesdays 6:30—8 p.m.
THIS Tuesday October 27, December 1 Format: Zoom meetings, 30 minute presentation by Byron Bangert, with discussion. From your laptop or computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8305475285
Session 3 – October 27: “What Might Characterize Progressive
Christianity in Worship?”
Session 4 – December 1: “Tenets of the Faith in Progressive Christian
Perspective”
Racial Justice Book
The third meeting of the Racial Justice Book Club will be Saturday, October 31st, from 2-3:30 over Zoom. We will be discussing the book How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
Antiracism is a transformative concept that reorients and reenergizes the conversation about racism—and, even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. At its core, racism is a powerful system that creates false hierarchies of human value; its warped logic extends beyond race, from the way we regard people of different ethnicities or skin colors to the way we treat people of different sexes, gender identities, and body types. Racism intersects with class and culture and geography and even changes the way we see and value ourselves. In How to Be an Antiracist, Kendi takes readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities—that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.
Jennifer Fultz has also set up a discussion board for the group, so even if you are unable to attend the in-person meetings, there is another way to participate. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Don Wooldridge at dontylw@gmail.com.
Formation of a Racial Justice Working Group at First United
The Boards of Outreach and Christian Education are partnering to form a racial justice working group, focusing on how we can respond meaningfully as individuals and as a faith community to systemic racism. All are welcome, and we especially encourage participation from minority voices, whether as a member of this group or as someone willing to offer suggestions for improvement. Contact Rebecca Nunley (reblea99@gmail.com) or Don Wooldridge (dontylw@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining this initiative, or if you have any questions or concerns.
FIRST UNITED’S SPECIAL COVID-19 FUND APPLICATIONS
If you have a relationship with First United Church, you may apply for assistance for economic hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Contact Sharon McCann at 1041sharon@gmail.com for an application form and instructions to apply for Covid-19-related assistance.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY OFFERINGS Our work as a caring community continues on Zoom through Sunday worship and lectionary study, and Tuesday’s Virtual Café and Adult Study class. Please visit https://firstuc.org/online/
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP!! at 10:30am. Log in to Zoom at 10am.
Zoom Meeting Link:
https://zoom.us/j/94635708633?pwd=NE9CdGtTWk5ndGRzRnQ2TTVrQmlZZz09
Meeting ID: 946 3570 8633
Password: 879535
OFF TOPIC SCRIPTURE CIRCLE (formerly Lectionary Discussion)
Want 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? We have the place for you! Click below to join us, Sunday mornings 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 DISCUSSION Tuesdays10:00am
Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and join us for the Tuesday Adult Discussion group led by Derek Roe as we begin a new video series: Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad presented by Prof. Mark Muesse. We hope to see you there!
Discussions range over many topics, and it’s a great way to keep in touch with church friends during social distancing. We’ll end somewhere between 11:30 and noon.
- 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
MEANWHILE GRASS AND WEEDS CONTINUE TO GROW If you have time and energy to work at socially distanced mowing, weeding, or general upkeep on our building and grounds, Laura Kao is graciously available to provide guidance. Contact laura_b_kao@hotmail.com or 812-361-6074
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