Highlights
First United Church is closed for worship and other events except the Beyond Hunger food pantry, First United Nursery School, and some staff use.
Prayer requests: Send a prayer request to [email protected].
Need assistance or a mask? Church members are available to run errands for those unable to leave their homes and to sew and deliver masks for those who need one. Contact Alicia Reese if you need help or are willing to volunteer.
Ongoing — Adult Ed: Introduction to Systemic Racism, via Zoom
Feb. 22-March 29 — Adult Ed: Common Pitfalls in Anti-Racism Work, 7-8:30 p.m., via Zoom
Feb. 28 — Fourth Sunday offering: Lighthouse Foundation
The Nominating Team Wants You!
The Nominating Team is looking to connect people's individual skills with the needs of the church so that we work in community to advance the work, mission, and governance of First United. Where do you see yourself in our life together? You can use your skills and experiences in a new way, or maybe you want to try something different.
Think and pray about those you know and how they might connect, and click on the link below to nominate yourself or others to serve First United on a team or in an elected capacity such as deacon, elder, or on the Nominating Team itself.
Calendar
During this time of social distancing, First United is offering online fellowship and events through YouTube, Facebook, and Zoom. Here's how to join in the life of the church:
Sundays — Deacon-led prayer availability via Zoom, 10 minutes after worship at this link
Second and fourth Mondays — Prayer Shawl Ministry via Zoom, 10 a.m. at this link
Wednesdays — Fostering Connection and Support drop-in via Zoom, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at this link
Feb. 18 to March 25 — Lenten Spirit Circle via Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 22 to March 1 — Church Picture Directories distributed
March 5-14 — One Earth Film Festival
March 12 — Dinner and a Movie via Zoom, Something the Lord Made, 6 p.m.
See Calendar
Sermon
It's Complicated
Isaiah 40: 21-31
If you told me right now that you no longer believe in God or that you were at least seriously struggling in your relationship with God, I would completely understand. I would hope to listen and hear more, to know the pain and struggle you have felt and hope that you would know you’re not alone.
Yes, I can see how this is one of those times where you might change your relationship status with God to “it’s complicated.” I, too, have been there.
— Alicia Reese
About Us & Registration Forms
Messenger Bell
Weekly Bulletins
Church School Registration
Youth Group Registration
Online Giving
First United Mission Partners
First United Nursery School
Annual Report 2020
First United Strategic Plan
Centennial booklet
Chapel window booklet
Poetry booklet
Mission Calendar
Information for newcomers
Evotional
What Not to Say
Bad things do, in fact, happen to good people. There is no simple moral arithmetic that explains why some people get all the breaks and others have nothing but heartbreak. Living a moral life is not a divine insurance policy to fend off disaster. That’s not how fate and fortune work, I’m sorry to say. Don’t take my word for it, though. That is the whole argument of the book of Job.
Movies that teach how to save the Earth
How can we find solutions to the problems of climate change, environmental justice, fragile ecosystems, and plastic waste? The One Earth Film Festival offers 19 movies, plus works made by student filmmakers, with some answers.
All films will be aired online from March 5-14. Afterward, viewers can participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers and experts. Topics include the water crisis in Flint, Mich.; ocean plastic pollution; preserving public lands and waters; and species facing extinction. Some films are specifically aimed at younger audiences to inspire the youngest environmental activists.
The showing of the film Gather: The Fight To Revitalize Our Native Foodways, is sponsored by the First United Faith in Action Environmental Justice Team. The film, dealing with food sovereignty among Native Americans, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, March 6.
Online showings are free, although an $8 donation is suggested. The link below gives more information about the festival, with full descriptions of all films and instructions on how to register.
