Announcements for the week of October 4, 2026

by | Oct 2, 2026 | Sunday Announcements | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • Synoptic Gospels Bible Study – Sundays @ 9:15am; access reading schedule here; for Zoom link contact Pastor Jessica
  • 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
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 10/04, 10/11, & 10/17)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 10/11 & 10/17)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 10/04)
  • Milk for Pathways Volunteers sign up – Click here (needed 10/19)
  • Donate to First United Online – Click here
  • First United YouTube Channel (sermons & more) – Click here
  • First United Vimeo Channel (full worship services) – Click here
  • 2026 Online Pledge Card – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Pizza & Play

Pizza & Play takes place on the first Friday of each month. Members and friends of First United of all ages and family configurations (and your friends and family) are encouraged to gather for this time of informal, unprogrammed fun and fellowship TONIGHT, Friday, October 2nd, 5:30pm-7:30pm. As the name implies, pizza, drinks, and dessert will be provided. Hope to see you there!

First Sunday Donation Drive

The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to offer needed donations on the first Sunday of each month on a table in the Narthex. This Sunday, October 4th, 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, and pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Updated items needed for Pathways include cleaning/hygiene products: hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent (sheets or liquid), kids 3-in-1 shampoo & bodywash women’s deodorant, conditioner, bleach, adult/baby lotion, sponges, bodywash, mouthwash, and cleaning spray, razors, plastic wrap, aluminum foil. Their food wish list includes: broth (chicken or beef); alfredo sauce; mayo, mustard, ketchup; instant coffee & tea; grape/strawberry jelly, syrup, sugar, & apple sauce; easy on-the-go snacks, pudding, chips, snack bars, etc.; easy mac; sloppy joe; taco kit; instant rice, pancake mix, breakfast oatmeal, cereal; oil, dressings or sauces, any condiment seasoning; bread & flour tortillas; tomato paste; honey. Gluten-free and non-dairy options are much appreciated.

World Communion Sunday – How do you say “welcome”?

World Communion Sunday is this Sunday, October 4th. As part of our recognition of this day, we will be proclaiming God’s welcome to the table in as many languages as possible. Do you know how to say “welcome” in a language other than English? If so, please consider sharing this welcome with the wider congregation this Sunday; you will be invited to come forward at the appropriate time during the service to share your word of welcome. In addition to this global welcome extended during the invitation to communion, Pastors Jessica and Shelli will co-preside at the communion table speaking in both English and Kiswahili (which Pastor Jessica studied during sabbatical) and serve regular gluten-free and gluten-full bread along with chapati (a Kenyan flat bread).

Lunch with Rev. Kenyanito Dudi

First United Church will host a special lunch with Rev. Kenyanito Dudi of IDAK Foundation in Kenya, during his upcoming visit to Bloomington. This Tuesday, October 6th, 12:30-2pm, you are invited to gather in Roger Williams Hall with Rev. Dudi and local multifaith leaders to share a meal (Martin and Pastor Jessica are cooking Kenyan food!), build relationships, and explore how our faith communities in Bloomington might connect with and support transformational community development initiatives in Kenya. Although IDAK Foundation is a young organization, it is already making a meaningful impact in communities in Kenya, surely in large part due to Rev. Dudi’s extensive charitable experience prior to founding IDAK. Learn more at www.idakfoundation.org. Space is limited, so an RSVP is needed if you plan to attend. Contact Pastor Jessica with any questions and to RSVP by Sunday, October 4th.

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Board of Community & Outreach (Julia Bebeau, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, October 5th, at 6:30pm. The Board of Worship, Arts, and Music (Vickey Allen, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, October 12th, at 5:30pm. The Board of Finance (Kyle Hetrick, Chair) will meet on Tuesday, October 13th, at 2pm in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom. The Board of Building & Grounds (Emily Mathes, Chair) will meet on Tuesday, October 13th, at 6:30pm via Zoom. The Board of Faith Formation (Sabine Lammers, Chair) will meet on Wednesday, October 14th, at 7:30pm via Zoom. The Church Council (Kim Yaussy Albright, President) will meet on Wednesday, October 21st, at 6:30pm, in Room 1. 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.

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: Please remember in your prayers and give thanks for those who will be celebrating their birthdays in the week ahead: Megan Betz (October 5), Sharon Kersten (October 8), Noel Koontz (October 8), and Molly Koontz (October 10). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

Special Offering Thank You

Because of your generosity offered through the special offerings we received during worship on Sundays, August 31st and September 20th, we raised $505 to support the People’s Cooperative Market and $918 to support our First United Love Fund! Thank you for supporting this impactful work in our wider community.

Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month—a time to celebrate and give thanks for the pastors who care for and lead our congregation. We’re grateful for the many ways Pastors Jessica and Shelli serve First United Church: preaching and teaching, journeying with us through life’s joys and challenges, and helping us live our faith through following Jesus, doing justice, and building community. Join us this month in letting our pastors know how much their presence, leadership, and care mean to you. A kind word, a note, or a simple “thank you” can make a difference. We are grateful for all they bring to our church community!

From Communion to Community

From Communion to Community: 30 Days of Global Faith in Action is an invitation offered to us by Global Ministries (a joint endeavor of the UCC and Disciples of Christ) to carry the spirit of World Communion Sunday into the days that follow. From October 4th through Election Day on November 3rd, this resource offers 30 simple ways to engage in global mission, prayer, learning, advocacy, giving, and action. Each day offers an opportunity to deepen our connection with our global neighbors and consider how our faith calls us to help build a more just, peaceful, and hopeful world. As we move from the communion table into our communities and the wider world, may these 30 days inspire us to remember that we are part of one global community—and that our choices, our voices, and our actions can make a difference. Access the resource here.

UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This first Sunday of the month, we will gather at God’s welcome table and celebrate World Communion Sunday together. Note: Communion elements (bread and wine/juice) will be served in the pews for those gathering in the sanctuary; online worshipers are encouraged to prepare a “nibble” and a “sip” prior to the start of the service. Sara Cole and Kim Yaussy Albright will serve those who gather in person.

This Sunday’s service will feature Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai in the pulpit as we continue our exploration of the Gospel of Luke. 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. Lisa Kwong 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. Du Huynh and Daniel Salvat will offer a warm welcome to those who gather in the sanctuary; sign up here to help. 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 coffee hour after the service 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

Music Ministry

All those who love music are invited to join the 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 the Bell Choir, Vocal Choir, or both of the choirs, please reach out to our Music Director, Ryan Block, at blockryfuc@gmail.com. No prior experience or ability to read music 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:

        Daniel Salvat

Sam Troxal

        Barb Clark

        Phyllis Perkins

        Jean Peters

        Elizabeth Hanson

        Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)

Milk for Pathways

The Board of Community & Outreach encourages you to participate in our Milk Money initiative to support families at Pathways through their Nourish Together program. Our church has pledged to provide all of the milk Pathways families each week through at least February 2027. Thanks to your generosity, since March 2026, we have collected over $1000 to purchase the milk! Church volunteers are needed to purchase and deliver the milk to ensure safe handling and consistent supply; sign up here or on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. If you have any questions or problems signing up, please contact Kristin Martindale (kmdale@iu.edu) or the church office.

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 make periodic announcements and encourage 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!

The Joy of Hosting

Our Member Relations Committee continues to offer support to weekly coffee hour hosts and encourages 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.

People’s Market

First United houses the People’s Cooperative Market (PCM) in Fellowship Hall on Saturdays, 10am-2pm, offering fresh, locally grown produce through CSAs to be picked up or delivered. The full market will be offered on October 3rd, 17th, and 31st; join them any of these Saturdays. 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. Reach out via email (peoplesmarketmanager@gmail.com) to learn more or to volunteer with the market.

Medical Expenses Covered – THANK YOU!

Thanks to your tremendous generosity, First United Church was able to cover all of the medical expenses (after insurance) for Jada Bee of People’s Cooperative Market, following their recent attack on church property. Jada has expressed great appreciation for the church’s support and shared how this support has lifted a great weight from them. Thank you for your generosity and support!

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS

Read the Synoptics in a Year: Gospel of Luke

As we seek to live out our mission more fully, you are invited to explore the words and deeds of Jesus through studying the synoptic gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke) over the course of the year. We are already two-thirds of the way through our journey! Join us as we continue our exploration of the Gospel of Luke through daily readings (access suggested reading schedule here), a weekly Sunday morning discussion group (9:15-10am in Roger Williams Hall, contact Pastor Jessica for Zoom link), and weekly sermons during worship.

Feminist Women’s Book Club

Our feminist women’s book club will meet next Sunday, October 11th, at 12pm, in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom to discuss “The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland” by Rachael Herron. Beatrice doesn’t believe in magic and shuns the predictions of the psychic who claims she will experience seven miracles and then will die. And as it turns out, her husband is not worthy, so she needs some space, fleeing to the Pacific Northwest coast. Immediately upon arrival, she finds her life on the line. Then things get miraculous when she discovers her sister and mother who supposedly died years ago. They reveal that Beatrice has special powers – and our heroine doesn’t know what to believe but begins to fear the seven predicted miracles will occur and that her demise is near. But when their niece goes missing, her own life suddenly seems much less important. Feminist women of all ages are invited to join us. Check out our book club’s Pinterest listing here. For Zoom information or more information about the book club contact facilitator Cindy Stone, stonec@iu.edu.

CLT Planning

The Board of Faith Formation invites all those who are interested in the faith formation of our children (especially parents and CLT volunteers) to come together for a time of planning next Sunday, October 11th, as we discern the next season of Children’s Learning Time. We will meet at a set-aside table in Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour. For the past several months, the children have been exploring stories of the Hebrew Bible from Genesis through the prophets and engaging in an activity/craft each Sunday. Your input is requested for where to journey next.

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. We are currently engaging with a 24-session study “Thinking about Religion and Violence” presented by Dr. Jason C. Bivins (who earned his PhD in Religious Studies from IU!). In a world where violence in the name of religion can impact so many people’s lives, it’s critical to understand the intersection between religion and violence. Join us as we embark on a global, multidisciplinary investigation of religious violence as we examine the roots of this phenomenon and are guided toward more informed ways of thinking about it. Learn more here. Previous participation and perfect attendance are not required.

Children’s Learning Time

Each Sunday morning, children in kindergarten and up 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 Molly Koontz and Brishna Arman for leading CLT this Sunday. Contact Jessica McIntosh if you are interested in volunteering.

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 Molly Koontz 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

Scam Emails

First United has once again been the target of scammers sending emails to church members pretending to be Kim Yaussy Albright (President) or Pastor Jessica asking for gift cards, help with making financial transactions, etc. These are scams. If you ever receive an email from someone affiliated with First United that seems off (i.e. asks you to purchase and send gift cards or to only respond via email and not to call or text directly), please report it (if possible) and delete it; it is a scam. Always check the email address from which the email was sent as this can help you to determine whether it is a scam. And, you are always welcome to call, text, or send an email (start a new email and send to verified email addresses) to ask about and report any suspicious emails.

2026 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit

We will use leftover offering envelope boxes for 2026. For 2026, 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.

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.

Staff Information/After Hours Contact

Church Officers

Board Chairs

Pastoral Relations Committee

Noel Koontz, Kristin Martindale, Mary Peckham, & Ted Wininger

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