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First United Weekly Newsletter

May 19, 2022

Our Vision Statement:

We are a welcoming community FIRST UNITED in proclaiming FAITH in Jesus Christ, sharing HOPE for the future, and inspiring LOVE of our neighbors.

Spring Clean-Up Time

Spring has sprung, and that means it's time to roll up your sleeves and get ready for our annual Church Spring Clean-up Day! It's set for this Saturday (5/21) beginning at 9am. We can use lots of help with lots of projects, so we're encouraging everyone to join in. If you'd like to register in advance, click here to go to our volunteer sign-up page. Spend a few hours to help us brighten up our church home for an busy summer. Thanks very much!

Very Special Session Sunday

The Purple Angel Initiative trains organizations to create a safe and welcoming environment for people with dementia (and their caregivers). This Sunday at 10:30am, come to the Koinonia Lounge for a Purple Angel information/training presentation from a person from the ADRC of Brown County. For our church to be considered “Purple Angel Trained,” we must have our leaders trained including Pastors, Session, and Deacons, together with as many of our church members as possible. Please consider taking part in this important information session.

Plans for This Sunday

Join us for worship this Sunday (5/22) at 9am when we'll be focusing on Deuteronomy 34:1-12 and John 5:1-9 (*click to read). Our view of life is greatly influenced by our perspective and vantage point. Discover how Moses and the paralyzed man whom Jesus heals both found a new way of seeing life because of God. Do you ever feel like your life has become drab and in need of a change of scenery? Learn how God can help all of us discover new ways of seeing ourselves, others, and the world. All we need is a change of perspective!

We hope you'll join us in person on Sunday. You can also join us by live stream on our Facebook page, or you can watch recordings of our most recent services on our website and on Facebook whenever it's convenient for you. (*Find links at the bottom of this newsletter.)

Sunday School for All Ages at 10:30am

*Pre-K to 2nd grade (Room 5)

*3rd to 5th grade (Room 6)

*6th - 12th grade Youth (Middle High Room)

*Purple Angel Initiative Gathering (Koinonia Lounge - see article above) Special training & informational session. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come.

Join the Gang this Sunday!

Our 10th annual Sunday Bike Rides have returned! Join the regulars this Sunday (5/22) at 4pm at Spring Green Park in Howard to ride the Mountain Bay Trail. Click here for more details and the full summer schedule. Enjoy some great exercise and fresh air with church friends!

Bible Study Continues

Pastor Luke will lead the group on Tuesday (5/23) from 10 to 11:30am in the Koinonia Lounge. The goal is to educate and provide a chance for discussion of the application in today's world. Please note that our group meets on the 4th Tuesday each month, and newcomers are always welcome!

What a Beautiful Evening!

Our first Gathering in the Garden of the summer was held yesterday (5/18). This fun event featured music, games, great conversation, and ice cream sandwiches on a beautiful evening. These gatherings will be held on the third Wednesday each month, so mark your calendar for the next one on June 15 at 5:45pm.

Presbyterian Women Update

The Papercrafting Group will have their May gathering this Saturday (5/21) from 10am until 3pm in rooms 12-13.

Also, the Presbyterian Women 4th Tuesday Readers Group will be meeting at the Allouez Village Grille (Hoffman Rd.) next Tuesday (5/24) at 1pm.

"Woe-Be-Gone" Group for May

Spend some time with us on Thursday (5/26) at 10am for our monthly Woe-Be-Gone Gathering in the Koinonia Lounge. We'd love to have all of you join us for this monthly supportive time as we read scripture, share, pray, and listen to one another. Everyone's invited!

Confirmation Class Update

On Pentecost Sunday, June 5, the church will confirm nine of our youth into full membership: Olivia Bivins, Mackay Campbell, William Johnson, Ian Mackey, Ian McPherson, Ava Mehlberg, Lucas Planert, Elizabeth Renier, and Natalia Welle. They've all attended classes, completed homework assignments and memorization, volunteered within the church, written Statements of Faith, and met with the Session. We hope you will be here to share their affirmation their faith during worship in two weeks. We're blessed to have them as a part of our church congregation.

"50+ Year" Members

We are very pleased to announce we'll be celebrating and honoring those who have been church members at First United for fifty years or more! Join us during our service on Sunday, June 5, to give thanks to God for our faithful and beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. We hope you'll show your support and join us for this very special Sunday. *If you have been a member of First United for more than fifty years and haven't received a letter yet, please contact the church office immediately.

Mark your calendars! "Monumental" Vacation Bible School will begin after worship on Sunday, July 24 and continue Monday through Thursday, July 25-28, from 9am until noon. Click here for more information and to register your little ones for this special experience.

Our “Taking Faith Home” publication is a great resource for exploring your faith all through the week. It provides daily readings, prayers, and devotions following the weekly lectionary readings. Click here for next week's edition.

Here's How You Can Join Us for Worship

> In Person - Seating is open. The use of masks is optional, however anyone who still prefers to wear one is certainly welcome to.

> Live Online - If you can't be with us in person, you can join us by live stream on our church Facebook page starting around 8:50am on Sunday morning.

> Service Recordings Anytime! - You can always watch recordings of our most recent services on our Facebook page and on our website (posted roughly an hour after the service is completed).

Monthly Financial Update

(as of April 30, 2022)

Operating Fund Total Income:

Year-to-Date Budget = $163,775

Year-to-Date Actual = $159,835

Operating Fund Total Expenses:

Year-to-Date Budget = $141,170

Year-to-Date Actual = $137,264

In addition to supporting our Ministries and staff during April, First United completed upgrades to our technology and computer network, routine maintenance of our heating and cooling system, and preparation for our new digital sign. During May, work will continue on the installation of the new outdoor digital sign.

How to Give:

> Drop off donations during worship

> Mail your check to:

First United Presbyterian Church

605 N Webster Ave

De Pere, WI 54115

> Give electronically: Go to www.firstunitedpc.org and click the "Give Now" tab