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.

Lenten Book Devotion Begins

Pastors Luke and Meggan will be offering a weekly Lenten Book Study beginning TODAY (3/13) at 9am or 6:30pm in the Church Library (downstairs). The book is called Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion through Ten Objects by Jill J. Duffeild. It provides a unique and applicable way of thoughtfully participating in Lent. We hope you will join us. Books are still available for a recommended offering of $10. Hope to see you there!

A Lucky Special Event!

Our St. Patrick's Day Agape "Sit-Down" Dinner is coming this Saturday (3/15) at 5:45pm in the Family Life Center. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a FREE meal including Irish stew and Great Harvest bread! (Monetary donations are welcomed, but not required.) We're also asking all our church family to bring a dessert to pass if you can. Come this Saturday and share a second, free dinner for the lucky month of March!

Plans for This Sunday

Join us for worship this Sunday (3/16) at 9am for the Second Sunday in Lent. The title of the sermon will be "What Does the Fox Say?", and it will challenge us to be bold like Jesus in our convictions. The Scripture readings for this week will include Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 and Luke 13:31-35 (*click links to see now). Hope you'll be with us on Sunday!

> Friendly Reminder - The winter months tend to lead to more illnesses and time indoors. If you (or someone you know) are in need of a visit, please reach out to Pastors Luke and Meggan who would love to set up a convenient time with you.

Sunday School for All Ages (10:30am)

*Pre-K to 2nd graders (Room 5 downstairs)

*3rd to 5th graders (Room 6 downstairs)

*6th-12th grade Youth (Youth Media Room downstairs)

*Adult Sunday School (Koinonia Lounge)

Join Pastor Luke at 10:30am as the group continues to explore Christian's pilgrimage in The Pilgrim's Progress. This week, we'll focus on how God fortifies and strengthens our discipleship as we prepare to face the world's temptations and scorn. All are welcome, and everyone's encouraged to join our discussion regardless of whether or not you've read John Bunyan's book. Hope to see you Sunday!

Youth Group Update

All 6th - 12th grade students are invited to join our Youth Group on Sunday (3/16) from 6 to 7:30pm in our Youth Media Room downstairs. Don't miss it, and why not bring a friend?

The Deadline is Sunday

The 2025 Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive is approaching it's final weekend. Through this Sunday (3/16), generous community members are collecting laundry soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and more to help stock the shelves of 121 homeless shelters and crisis programs. There are donation boxes located in our Narthex and Family Life Center, so let's all help fill them up by this Sunday (3/16)!

Presbyterian Women Updates

> The Talbot Circle will meet TODAY (3/13) at noon in the Koinonia Lounge.

> Our Esther Circle Bible Study will gather next Wednesday (3/19) in the Koinonia Lounge at 9:30am.

Diva New Plans

Our Dining Divas group invites all women to join them for their next dinner gathering! It'll be on Monday (3/31) at 6pm at the Copper State Brewing Co. (313 Dousman St.). If you'd like to join the fun, please R.S.V.P. to Pastor Meggan soon so space can be reserved. Join the Divas!

Chili Cook-Off Returns!

Got a secret recipe? Bring a crock pot of your chili to share at our next Chili Cook-Off event this Saturday (3/22) from 5 to 6:15pm in our Family Life Center. Join the competition to become the next "Golden Spoon" winner. You can also buy raffle tickets for chances to win gift certificates from local restaurants and more. Even if you don't cook, come to sample and help decide this year's big winner!

Want to Help with Our Next Shelter Meal?

A group from our church will be preparing and serving the dinner meal for the New Community Shelter next Tuesday (3/18). If you'd like to donate a cake or a pan of brownies, contact Diane Betz at 920-660-1509 or mdbetz@att.net. If you would like to assist with preparing the meal or serving, contact Cindi Barnett at 920-737-5376 or cindi.barnett@snc.edu.

Special P.W. Program & Brunch

Our Presbyterian Women will be hosting a special Lenten program called "Kneeling in Jerusalem" with Ann Weems on Saturday (3/29) at 10am in the Koinonia Lounge. The special gathering will also include a brunch for everyone. All our church family and community friends are invited to join this special Lenten event.

Endowment Fund Campaign

Thank you to those who have already helped to replenish our Endowment Fund that was used to pay for the carpet, windows, and door projects of 2024-2025. Currently, $74,385 has been received or pledged to help replenished the $150,000 used for the project. If you've not yet made your 2025 Endowment commitment, please consider making a pledge (weekly, monthly, or annually). Additional Endowment Fund Commitment Cards are still available at the Welcome Desk. Thank you again for your help.

Save These Special Dates

> Palm Sunday Worship - Sunday (4/13) 9am - plus our public Pancake & Porkies Breakfast

> Seder Meal - Thursday (4/17) 5-6 pm

> Maundy Thursday Worship - Thursday (4/17) 7pm

> Good Friday Cantata - Friday (4/18) 7pm

> Easter Sunday - Sunday (4/20) 6:30am - "Christ First" Sunrise Service + 9am - F.U.P.C. Easter Worship Service

It's Not Too Late

If you'd like to explore a daily devotional during the 40 days of Lent, the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is offering it for you. Go to their website (www.pts.edu/devotional 1) and scroll down to find links to a series of daily information you can print, read online, or even listen to as it's read to you. Look carefully - You may even find one daily listing from someone you know!

The Art of Iconography

This season of Lent, discover how you can connect with God through the practice of Iconography (ancient, Christian art form). Join De Pere artist and Christian Nancy Gezella for eleven weekly three-hour classes held at FUPC (dates TBD). There's only room for seven students, and instructions/materials will cost $175 per student. Read more about Nancy and her art on her website (www.nancygezella.com)). If you're interested or have questions, please contact Pastor Luke soon at pastorluke.fupc@gmail.com or 920-461-2663.

“The Lord brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.":

Psalm 18:19

You can help support First United and its Ministries with your phone or computer.

Click HERE or scan the QR code below to give electronically at any time.

February Financial Update

Operating Fund Total Offerings:

2024 Plan = $81,200 / Actual = $89,689

Operating Fund Total Expenses:

2024 Plan = $74,920 / Actual = $67,596

> A reminder that the every FUPC member's Presbytery Support contribution for 2025 is $28. Use the pew envelopes to contribute.

> Offerings and other contributions can be made at any time using your cell phone or computer through our website under the GIVE NOW link.

Contact Treasurer, Ken Nyberg, with questions.

March

Elder

of the Month

Rich Batson

March Deacons

of the Month

Ginger France



Vicki Good

THIS WEEK

Sunday (3/9) - Kendra Smale

Monday (3/10) - Laurel Heil

Tuesday (3/11) - Eric Planert & Jim Melcher

Wednesday (3/12) - Connie Gusick

Friday (3/14) - Jane Grocholski

Saturday (3/15) - Laurie Clayton

NEXT WEEK

Monday (3/17) - Patricia O'Konski & Joseph Vollmar

Tuesday (3/18) - Chuck Menzel & Paul Jensen

Thursday (3/20) - Will Johnson



Why not give them a call or send a card, text, or email?

"Changing Lives Through God's Love in Christ"

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