Announcements for October 23rd

UPCOMING COLLEGE/GRAD STUDENT EVENTS!

• Young adults are invited to join us for our monthly lunch out Sunday immediately after church. We will meet up after worship and walk somewhere close by to eat lunch together.

The Mennonites of Bloomington invites members of First United Church to the service of installation for their new pastor, Kelly Carson, to be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday in the chapel here.

Men's Retreat will be October 30 and 31. More information to come. If you have questions please speak with Norm Overly, Al Ruesink, Paul Soderquist, Ted Wininger or Hassle DePree.

A thank you note from Mike Swick, a big thank you to all those who called, sent cards, prayed, and e-mailed because of my surgery. Your concern was much appreciated.

WINTER SHELTER

• Last chance to attend a winter shelter training session: Sunday Oct 25, 2-5 p.m. First Christian.
• People who have trained and have turned in their volunteer sheet will find a posted sign-up sheet that lists your shift and day. Please check this sheet, and if you have been listed for the wrong shift or day; please contact Moureen Coulter
  
• Moureen Coulter is the site director for the winter shelter. Please contact Moureen if you need information about the shelter and/or if you want to help.
  
• Please help the Homeless Winter Shelter with its needs of; Twin sheets (fitted & flat), pillowcases and twin-sized lightweight blankets. Please bring freshly laundered sheets, cases, and/or blankets. Put them on the table against the wall inside Fellowship Hall (next to closet); sets do not have to match.

Weekly Playgroup. Attention all Parents!! We are having a weekly playgroup at church on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring a lunch, invite friends, and come play! If you have any questions feel free to call Jacque Soderquist

Midweek classes. Join Jack's class on Tuesday mornings (10-11:30 a.m.) for "First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God" or Caela's Tuesday evening class (7-8:30 p.m.) for a seven-week series on Spirituality. More information available in the Christian Ed brochures or online. Also, don't forget the two NEW adult Sunday School classes "Faith and the Photographic Image" (please sign up) and "Stewardship as a spiritual practice: Taking the fear and guilt out of faith giving."

Advent and Lent Worship. Calling all worship lovers! We are making plans for Wednesday evening worship and suppers during Advent and Lent. You're invited to shape and plan these times with us. We hope to spend some time together exploring what worship is and what forms contemplative worship may take; then form some teams to plan our services. You can let us know your interest by signing up in the lobby by Fellowship Hall, or by contacting Kyle Hetrick or Dawna Petersen.

De-Mystifying the Music. The roots of Christian music a seven week Sunday School class taught by David Wood. The class will delve into the questions churches face every week when planning music for worship, from how the hymns will fit lectionary readings, to issues of inclusive language, to what style of music will be offered and how it will be taught. There will also be a trip to the organ loft for a question and answer session with our organist Ed Penhorwood, and an introduction to a new song supplement published this year by the United Church of Christ. Join us in Room 6 with your own questions or a curious mind starting on November 1.

Coffee Hour sign-up sheets for November and December have disappeared. If you have signed up for anytime during those months, please re-sign-up on the new coffee hours sheets. Thank you!

The Stewardship Committee is organizing a series of gatherings in the last week of October and the first week of November. We will be meeting in small groups to discuss the future goals for our congregation and how to achieve these goals. The sign-up sheets for these gatherings are in the entryway near Fellowship Hall. Please sign up for a gathering in the next two weeks.

BABY SHOWER. A baby shower for Caela and David Wood, Sunday November 15, following morning worship service. Pitch-in-lunch. Caela and David are registered for gifts at: http://www.thethingsiwant.com/phaedra13/list/baby%20registry/ or go to http://www.thethingsiwant.com and then search for Caela Wood or David Wood.
They would also appreciate gently-used items. Sign up with Lisa or outside Fellowship Hall. Jeanne Overly and Jacque Soderquist.

Minister of Care for the week of October 25 is Erika Edens. A minister of care is a church volunteer who visits several members in their homes. For more information, call the office at 332-4439.

Interfaith Winter Shelter Seeks Volunteers

The Interfaith Winter Shelter, a low barrier overnight shelter designed to provide homeless people a warm and safe place to sleep, depends totally on volunteers and is actively seeking volunteers as it gears up for the winter season, which begins Nov. 1. IWS operates as a "rotating site": three congregations take turns providing space and bedding, and community members serve as volunteer staff.

All volunteers are required to attend one three hour training session.

Upcoming training dates are:

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m.
First United Church, firstunited@firstunitedchurchbloomington.org

Monday, Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church, admin@trinitybloomington.org

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2-5 p.m.
First Christian Church, fcc@fcc-blmgtn.org

Volunteers may train at any location and serve at any location. They do not have to be a member of a faith community in order to volunteer. Volunteers must be 18 or older, or must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while volunteering and at orientation.

Online registration and detailed information is available at http://interfaithwintershelter.org/volunteer/ or email one of the training sites.

Announcements for October 9th

A congregational meeting has been set for Sunday, October 11, for members to vote on the calling of Caela Wood as Associate Minister at First United. The meeting will take place immediately following services. The vote will be by ballot.

Men's Breakfast! Join us on October 17 at 8:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Guest speaker will be Harry Hollis who will be speaking about: Global Warming- plus more. All are welcome to attend!

Please sign-up if you would like to attend and have not recieved a call or post card.

UPCOMING COLLEGE/GRAD STUDENT EVENTS!

1. College/Grad Student Dinner and Discussion TONIGHT (Sunday, October 11)! Join us at 6 p.m. this evening for a home cooked meal and some good discussion. We're going to be sharing some stories about this topic: "What has been your faith journey so far?"

2. College/Grad Student movie night - Friday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Roger Williams. We are still deciding on a movie, but we'll let you know soon. Snacks and fun discussion will be provided. Come, and bring a friend!

Men's Retreat will be October 30 and 31. More information to come. If you have questions please speak with Norm Overly, Al Ruesink, Paul Soderquist, Ted Wininger or Hassle DePree.

Winter Shelter. Moureen Coulter is the site director for the winter shelter. Please contact Moureen if you need information about the shelter and/or if you want to help.

All volunteers working in the winter shelter must attend one of the three training sessions: Wed Oct 14, 6-9 p.m. at First United in Fellowship Hall; Mon, Oct 19, 6-9 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal; or Sunday Oct 25th , 2-5 p.m., First Christian.

Homeless Winter Shelter Needs. We need twin sheets (fitted & flat), pillowcases and twin-sized lightweight blankets. Please bring freshly laundered sheets, cases, and/or blankets. Put them on the table against the wall inside Fellowship Hall (next to closet); sets do not have to match.

CROP Walk. IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! The annual CROP walk to raise money for worldwide hunger relief will take place on Sunday, October 18, at 2:00 p.m. Participants should plan to gather at MCUM around 1:30 p.m. Moureen Coulter and Audrey Levasseur are coordinating the First United contingent this year. They will be at the table outside Fellowship Hall after the service to sign up walkers and to provide information. If you cannot walk, please support those who do with your donations! Checks must be made payable to CWS/CROP.

Weekly Playgroup. Attention all Parents!! We are having a weekly playgroup at church on Thursdays from 11a.m.-1p.m. Bring a lunch, invite friends, and come play! If you have any questions feel free to call Jacque Soderquist.

Need a Ping Pong Table? The Ping Pong Table gets little use here and we'd like to find someone who could use it, or would take it to a local organization who might like to have it. Contact Sarah Burton if interested.

Midweek classes. Join Jack's class on Tuesday mornings (10-11:30 a.m.) for "First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God" or Caela's Tuesday evening class (7-8:30 p.m.) for a seven-week series on Spirituality. More information available in the Christian Ed brochures or online. Also, don't forget the two NEW adult Sunday School classes "Faith and the Photographic Image" (please sign up) and "Stewardship as a spiritual practice: Taking the fear and guilt out of faith giving."

Advent and Lent Worship. Calling all worship lovers! We are making plans for Wednesday evening worship and suppers during Advent and Lent. You're invited to shape and plan these times with us. We hope to spend some time together exploring what worship is and what forms contemplative worship may take; then form some teams to plan our services. You can let us know your interest by signing up in the lobby by Fellowship Hall, or by contacting Kyle Hetrick or Dawna Petersen.

Book Discussion Group. The book selected for October is "Hiding in the Spotlight" by former H-T columnist, Greg Dawson. It's the story of his mother's escape from the Holocaust. The Discussion Group meets the third Monday of each month. Come join us October 19, at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Stewardship Dinners. As part of our upcoming stewardship campaign, the stewardship committee is organizing small dinners in the homes of members. These dinners will be an opportunity to talk about our hopes and plans for the church, as well as what it will take to reach these goals financially. We are looking for volunteers who will be willing to either host a gathering in their home or help with an event. If you would like to help out, please speak with a member of the stewardship committee: Tom Busey, Nick Foster, Lou Cooper, Jacque Soderquist and Pat Martin.

Cultivating a Church with Vibrant Purpose. You can discern God's purpose and the path God is calling your congregation to walk. In this workshop, Graham Standish explores the loss of spiritual vibrancy in many congregations and how to restore that vitality and enthusiasm. Based on his book Becoming a Blessed Church, Standish discusses ways to lead your congregation to become a blessed church. The workshop describes how a church that is open to God's purpose, presence and power can claim God's blessing to be uniquely grounded in a relationship with God with a vibrant sense of faith, hope and love, and to embrace the sacred and not be afraid to serve God in its own way. Cultivating a Church with Vibrant Purpose will help you find God in your midst and become aware of the many ways the blessings of God's Spirit flow through your congregation. The workshop is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, October 22, at Zion United Church of Christ, 8916 E. Troy Ave. in Indianapolis. The cost is $30 a person ($25 a person for teams of three or more). The fee includes lunch and a copy of Standish's book, Becoming a Blessed Church. MeRC would like to sponsor a group to attend this workshop. Please talk to Sam Troxal in you are interested.

Minister of Care for the week of October 4 is Jeanne Overly. A minister of care is a church volunteer who visits several members in their homes. For more information, call the office at 332-4439.

Sing Spiritually

Sing Spiritually

Growing up in a United Methodist household and the sons of two musicians, it was a given that my brother and I would be involved in the music of our church. As long as I can remember, I have been able to find my way through a hymnal and was always expected to join in. My case is not typical, however. For a large portion of the church family, music has been the domain of the learned musician, and for others, church may have been the place they were told they “couldn’t sing.” That’s a great shame.

Many of our ancestors in the church have known the importance of the congregation’s voice. Not the least among them was John Wesley. John and his brother Charles are responsible for composing many of the familiar hymns that have been passed down, and in the introduction to every Methodist hymnal since 1761 you can find John’s “Directions for Singing.”

These aren’t directions aren’t meant for the choir or as tips for a soloist; aside from a charge to “sing in time” the rules are more about the spirit of participation rather than a focus on musical excellence. A former professor used to ask us to “make mistakes and make them boldly,” or else how would we learn? So when you are in church next and you open the hymnal to take part in the great lineage of singing, don't worry about whether you're wrong or right, sing spiritually.

In Christ,

David

John Wesley’s Directions for Singing (1761)

1. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing.

2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of it being heard, then when you sing the songs of Satan.

3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.

4. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, not stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.

5. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

Announcements for September 20th

ATTENTION BICYCLISTS! It’s time for another ride! The date will be September 20, leaving from the church at 3:00, route to be determined later, but we’ll probably keep it simple – and while we’re at it, we need to be thinking about planning a trip for next summer, so bring some ideas and let’s get started! See you then!

Spirit Café at Lunch Today -Along with the church lunch after worship this Sunday MeRC is hosting Spirit Café--more information to follow at lunch…

Gwen Storms and Melba Aynes want to thank the members of the First United Church for your support during the loss of our dear sister, Freida Pitha. All your concern, cards and prayers make this time of healing easier for us. Your kind words and memories of our sister continue to sustain and comfort us.

Attention all Parents!! We will be having a weekly playgroup at church on Thursdays from 11am-1pm. Bring a lunch, invite friends, and come play! If you have any questions feel free to call Jacque Soderquist.

Ministry Fair-MeRC is hosting a ministry fair after worship this Sunday September 20th) in the hall between the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Please stop by and learn about ministry opportunities at First United.

Midweek classes! Join Jack’s class on Tuesday mornings (10-11:30am) for “First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God” or Caela’s Tuesday evening class (7-8:30pm) for a seven-week series on Spirituality. More information available in the Christian Ed brochures or online. Also, don’t forget that two NEW adult Sunday School classes “Faith and the Photographic Image” (please sign up) and “Stewardship as a spiritual practice: Taking the fear and guilt out of faith giving.”

Monroe County United Ministries is celebrating its 70th birthday with an Ice Cream Social on Sunday September 27th from 3-5pm. MCUM is located at 827 W. 14th st, next to Tri-North Middle school. Family and friends are welcome. This is MCUM’s way to say Thank you to all its sponsors and donors.

Please bring your pet and join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 4th at 4pm. This event commemorates the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who was a great lover of animals. We will give thanks for our animals and each one will be offered an individual blessing. We will also remember those animals who have left our families this past year. General gallivanting around the playground will also be in order. Please bring along a bag to clean up after your pet and a treat to nibble on, if that’s appropriate. Join us at the new pavilion and bring a friend!

Cookout/ Hayride-First United will be having a cookout and hayride on Friday October 9th starting at 6 pm at Schooner Valley Stables. I'll bring Hot Dogs, Veggie Dogs, and Smores. If you bring a dish it will be appreciated. If you want to ride the horses you should call the Stables and arrive early. The stables are located on State Road 46 between Bloomington and Nashville. A car pool group will meet at First United and leave for Schooner Valley Stable at 5:30.

Spirituality Workshop-Leading Christian author, historian, and congregational development expert Diana Butler Bass will conduct a daylong congregational development workshop of formation and renewal for lay and clergy leaders on Saturday, September 26 at Christ Church Cathedral from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Butler Bass will help us examine the dynamic effect that congregations experience when they rediscover the richness of the Christian heritage. She will describe the invigorating effects she has observed and researched in many mainline congregations when they thoughtfully draw upon patterns of Christian spiritual practice from earlier periods. Using her research and studies, she will help our gathering to understand that a congregation’s critical appreciation of its tradition is key to its vitality. Open to everyone, this gathering will energize and strengthen all who care about the future of mainline, progressive Christianity in the face of radical cultural shifts and new opportunities. The cost for the day is $10. RSVP to Ellen Shaugnessy at 317-636-4577 or ellens@cccindy.org by Sept. 20.

Calling all worship lovers! We are making plans for Wednesday evening worship and suppers during Advent and Lent. You're invited to shape and plan these times with us. We hope to spend some time together exploring what worship is and what forms contemplative worship may take; then form some teams to plan our services. You can let us know your interest by signing up in the lobby by Fellowship Hall, or by contacting Kyle Hetrick or Dawna Petersen.

Men’s retreat happening in October. Dates October 30th and 31st. More information to come. Any questions please speak with Norm Overly, Al Ruesink, Paul Soderquist, Ted Wininger or Hassle DePree.

Stewardship Dinners - As part of our upcoming stewardship campaign, the stewardship committee is organizing small dinners in the homes of members. These dinners will be an opportunity to talk about our hopes and plans for the church, as well as what it will take to reach these goals financially. We are looking for volunteers who will be willing to either host a gathering in their home or help with an event. If you would like to help out, please speak with a member of the stewardship committee: Tom Busey, Nick Foster, Lou Cooper, Jacque Soderquist and Pat Martin.

Minister of Care for the week of September 20 is Erika Edens. A minister of care is a church volunteer who visits several members in their homes. For more information, call the office at 332-4439.

The Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross Book Fair is right around the corner. Last year, they offered approximately 47 tons of books to 5,000 patrons and raised over $69,000 to support the vital mission of the Red Cross in Monroe and Owen Counties. Over 300 volunteers made it possible! This is the ideal service opportunity, long-running (we need volunteers from September 24th-October 8th, and shifts are very flexible), with diverse opportunities that offer something for everyone. It’s a lot of fun, and a great way for people to give back to their community (with proceeds going directly into disaster relief, services to armed forces, and lifesaving classes, right here in Monroe and Owen Counties). If you’re interested, check the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

New Sunday School Class: Faith and Photographic Image

New Sunday school class beginning this Sunday!

Faith and Photographic Image
September 20 – October 25
Roger Williams room (9:30-10:30)

Photographs are a powerful medium to spark dialogue. As a group, we’ll take photographs and then use them to explore our spiritual lives and practices. This is a process building class, and so committed participation by regular attendance is important. You don’t need to be tech savvy; we’ll work together to ensure that all can participate.

If you didn't have a chance to sign up at church, contact Candace and she'll add you to the list. This will help Candace and Kathy to plan accordingly based on an estimated number of participants. We will also be writing throughout our time together, if you have a special journal you're encouraged to bring it each week. Paper and writing utensils will be provided for all.

Questions? See Candace Kuby or Kathy Ruesink

Announcements for September 13th

Work Day-Come and help us paint the new pavilion in the playground Saturday September 12th starting at 8:00 am. Step ladders and paint brushes would come in handy.

Thanks so much to the choir for the beautiful corsage and your dedication of last Sunday's anthem to my 5l years as a choir member. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have made some wonderful friends who I will never forget! God bless all of you. Ginny Fiscus

Last Sunday (9/6) the congregation voted overwhelmingly in favor of First United becoming a site for the winter emergency shelter for the homeless in our community

Attention all Parents!! We will be having a weekly playgroup at church on Thursdays from 11am-1pm starting September 3. Bring a lunch, invite friends, and come play! If you have any questions feel free to call Jacque Soderquist at 812.219.9239.

Midweek classes begin this week! Join Jack’s class on Tuesday mornings (10-11:30am) for “First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God” or Caela’s Tuesday evening class (7-8:30pm) for a seven-week series on Spirituality. More information available in the Christian Ed brochures or online. Also, don’t forget that two NEW adult Sunday School classes begin on September 20th – “Faith and the Photographic Image” (please sign up) and “Stewardship as a spiritual practice: Taking the fear and guilt out of faith giving.”

Monroe County United Ministries is celebrating its 70th birthday with an Ice Cream Social on Sunday September 27th from 3-5pm. MCUM is located at 827 W. 14th st, next to Tri-North Middle school. Family and friends are welcome. This is MCUM’s way to say Thank you to all its sponsors and donors.

Please bring your pet and join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 4th at 4pm. This event commemorates the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who was a great lover of animals. We will give thanks for our animals and each one will be offered an individual blessing. We will also remember those animals who have left our families this past year. General gallivanting around the playground will also be in order. Please bring along a bag to clean up after your pet and a treat to nibble on, if that’s appropriate. Join us at the new pavilion and bring a friend!

Cookout/ Hayride-First United will be having a cookout and hayride on Friday October 9th starting at 6 pm at Schooner Valley Stables. I'll bring Hot Dogs, Veggie Dogs, and Smores. If you bring a dish it will be appreciated. If you want to ride the horses you should call the Stables and arrive early. The stables are located on State Road 46 between Bloomington and Nashville.

Calling all worship lovers! We are making plans for Wednesday evening worship and suppers during Advent and Lent. You're invited to shape and plan these times with us. We hope to spend some time together exploring what worship is and what forms contemplative worship may take; then form some teams to plan our services. You can let us know your interest by signing up in the lobby by Fellowship Hall, or by contacting Kyle Hetrick or Dawna Petersen.

Men’s retreat happening in October. Dates October 30th and 31st. More information to come. Any questions please speak with Norm Overly, Al Ruesink, Paul Soderquist, Ted Wininger or Hassle DePree.

Ministry Fair at First United Church-Member Relations Committee (MeRC) is sponsoring a Ministry Fair after worship September 20. All things we do are considered ministry, from the bell choir to Women’s Circle, from boards and committees to the biking group to the Stewardship Committee. Please contact Mary Peckham.

Stewardship Dinners - As part of our upcoming stewardship campaign, the stewardship committee is organizing small dinners in the homes of members. These dinners will be an opportunity to talk about our hopes and plans for the church, as well as what it will take to reach these goals financially. We are looking for volunteers who will be willing to either host a gathering in their home or help with an event. If you would like to help out, please speak with a member of the stewardship committee: Tom Busey, Nick Foster, Lou Cooper, Jacque Soderquist and Pat Martin.

Minister of Care for the week of September 13 is Phyllis Perkins. A minister of care is a church volunteer who visits several members in their homes. For more information, call the office at 332-4439.

The Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross Book Fair is right around the corner. Last year, they offered approximately 47 tons of books to 5,000 patrons and raised over $69,000 to support the vital mission of the Red Cross in Monroe and Owen Counties. Over 300 volunteers made it possible! This is the ideal service opportunity, long-running (we need volunteers from September 24th-October 8th, and shifts are very flexible), with diverse opportunities that offer something for everyone. It’s a lot of fun, and a great way for people to give back to their community (with proceeds going directly into disaster relief, services to armed forces, and lifesaving classes, right here in Monroe and Owen Counties). If you’re interested, check the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

ATTENTION BICYCLISTS! It’s time for another ride! The date will be September 20, leaving from the church at 3:00, route to be determined later, but we’ll probably keep it simple – and while we’re at it, we need to be thinking about planning a trip for next summer, so bring some ideas and let’s get started! See you then!