Highlights
First United Church and its offices are closed for worship and all non-essential events except the Beyond Hunger food pantry. (The Housing Forward PADS emergency shelter has moved clients into individual accommodations.) Church staff are working remotely as much as possible, but the church is still there for you.
Send prayer requests via email: Anyone wishing to send a prayer request to staff, to be included in the weekly time of Joys and Concerns, can send in a prayer request in advance of Sunday's live-streamed worship service to prayers@firstunitedoakpark.com.
Need assistance? Church members are available to run errands for those unable to leave their homes. Contact Alicia Reese if you need help or are willing to volunteer.
April 5 — Palm Sunday online worship, 11 a.m.
April 9 — Maundy Thursday online worship, 6 p.m.
April 10 — Good Friday online worship, noon
April 12 — Easter online worship, 11 a.m.
April 26 — Congregation Annual Meeting, online after worship
Evotional
God-Breathed
Here’s my homework assignment, which you are free to join me in. Read through 20 different Psalms this week. You can either pick 20 at random, or start on one particular Psalm and read 20 in a row. Let the breadth and depth of life experience that is there wash over you. Look for more light to break forth from the word, light that you might not have been able to see before.
In this strange season, we are not left alone. We have the witness of the former generations of the faithful, a treasure trove waiting to be opened between the covers of the Bible.
— John Edgerton
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:
Mondays — Prayer Shawl Ministry via Zoom, 10 a.m. Join the group at this link.
Mondays — Sing-along with Bill Chin, 12:30 p.m. on the First United YouTube channel.
Tuesdays — Weekly Evotional
Wednesdays — Sacred story time for children on the First United YouTube channel.
Thursdays — Virtual "coffice" hour (coffee + office) with one of the pastors, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join the group for conversation at this link a few minutes before it starts, and bring your own coffee.
Fridays — Congregant content; stay tuned!
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays — Virtual Lenten Prayer Station visits, 3-3:30 p.m. on the First United YouTube channel.
Throughout Lent — Online Lenten book groups
Sermons
An Apple, Sin, and the Fall?
Genesis 3
I do not find in Genesis 3 the basis for the doctrine of original sin and the fact of the matter is, we do a disservice and serious damage when we interpret this story to say “Humans are evil, fallen creatures.” ... But if we believe that at the heart of our nature is blessing, that we were created good and that sometimes we make bad choices, then we have the ability to change, to grow, and to respond to and reciprocate God’s love.
— 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
First United Strategic Plan
Centennial booklet
Chapel window booklet
Poetry booklet
Mission Calendar
2018 Annual Report
Information for newcomers
What’s Happening
Watch our live-streamed worship
The COVID-19 pandemic is keeping us in our homes, but we can still worship God at 11 a.m. Sunday mornings with our church community online, at least for the foreseeable future. First United's live-streamed worship services feature a sermon, scripture reading, music, a Time for Sharing for children, prayers, and an opportunity for viewers to add their thoughts in real time. If you missed them, or if you want to watch them again, the services are available online at the link below. You can also send any prayer requests to prayers@firstunitedoakpark.com.
