First United Sunday Update March 14, 2021

Today's Sunday Morning Update Our morning began at 8:30 with the latest weekly gathering of our Adult Zoom Sunday School Class. At 9:45, our Worship Service focused on the scripture readings of Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 3:14-21. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) We unpacked this well-known scripture and explored what a great gift God has given to all of us. If you missed the live service, a recording is available on our website and on our Facebook page (*see links below). At 11am, our Sunday School Classes met in four rooms throughout our lower level. Sunday School Classes for all ages meet on the 2nd & 4th Sundays each month. CORE & JAM Youth Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays and will return next Sunday at 11am.

Weekly Devotions (from this week's "Taking Faith Home") Read: John 3:14-21 These words from Jesus are part of a conversation he is having with Nicodemus who had come to see Jesus by night. There is a contrast here between those who love the darkness (initially Nicodemus) and those who “come to the light” (v. 21). Nicodemus would eventually be drawn to the light by defending Jesus in front of the Pharisees (John 7:51-52) and preparing Jesus’ body after his crucifixion (John 19:39). In the Gospel of John, following and believing in Jesus can be a journey of coming to the light and gaining eternal life, as Nicodemus does. Darkness cannot choose light; it must be overcome by the light. The judgement of which Jesus speaks is remaining in the dark. Eternal life is having the light of Christ overcome the darkness that prevents us from seeing and loving Jesus. How has the light of Christ helped you in challenging times or times of darkness? Prayer Merciful God, we thank you for your love for us that calls us out of darkness and to the light of Christ that we may not perish but have eternal life. Amen.

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

Contemporary Readers March Plans Our Contemporary Readers Group is reading Despite the Best Intentions: How Racial Inequality Thrives in Good Schools by Amanda Lewis and John Diamond. Everyone's invited to read the book and then join a review and discussion led by Terri Gulyas this evening (March 14) at 5:30pm via Zoom. Here's how to join this gathering: * For a video link on Sunday, click here. * For a phone connection on Sunday, dial +1 (312) 626- 6799... Meeting ID: 850 2041 7193... Passcode: 424376

Youth Bible Study Returns Sunday All youth are invited to join our online Zoom Bible Study this evening (3/14) at 6pm. We'll be continuing our study of the book of James. No problem if you've missed any earlier sessions. Everyone is welcome. Hope you'll join us! Here's how to join this gathering: * For a video link Sunday evening by 6pm, click here.

Pastors Luke and Meggan and family are on vacation this week. Please note that there will be no Wednesday Zoom Check In on Wednesday (3/17) or Pastors in the Family Life Center on Thursday (3/18). Both of these weekly events will return the following week.

Palm Sunday (March 28) > 9:15am Parking Lot Processional Join us in the parking lot where we'll receive palms, sing, and join in an outdoor palm parade for all ages! (*no 8:30am Zoom Sunday School) > 9:45am Worship Service - Join us inside the Sanctuary or by live stream on Facebook. Maunday Thursday (April 1) > 7pm Worship Service - Join us inside the Sanctuary or by live stream on Facebook. Good Friday (April 2) > 7pm Worship Service - Join us inside the Sanctuary or by live stream on Facebook. Easter Sunday (April 4) > 6:15am Sunrise Service - Bring a lawn chair and meet in the main parking lot as we praise God together as the sun rises. > 9:45am Easter Worship Service - Join us for our special Easter morning service inside the Sanctuary or by live stream on Facebook. Watch for more Holy Week service details coming soon!

Save the Date! Vacation Bible School will be back this summer and will take place during the mornings on Sunday, July 25 through Thursday, July 29. There's much more information to come, but be sure to save those dates! This year's theme is “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God.” Children will embark on an epic quest through hidden ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungles where they’ll discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold - it’s them!

Thanks for Your Continuing Support! > On-line giving: www.firstunitedpc.org > Smart phone giving: ChurchPlus App > Mail your checks to: First United Presbyterian Church 605 N Webster Ave De Pere, WI 54115

TODAY (3/14) - Chris Larson, Jane Grocholski, Michelle Janssen, & Colton Shoemaker Monday (3/15) - Laurie Clayton & Lynn Jensen Tuesday (3/16) - Madelyn Janssen & Lynnee Schmidt Wednesday (3/17) - Patricia O'Konski & Joseph Vollmar Thursday (3/18) - Paul Jensen & Chuck Menzel Saturday (3/20) - William Johnson Next Sunday (3/21) - Don La Rock & Larry Longlais Why not call, email, or send them a card?

> Contemporary Readers Group (Zoom) - THIS EVENING (3/14) 5:30pm > Youth Bible Study (Zoom) - THIS EVENING (3/14) 6pm > *No Wednesday Zoom Check In or Pastor in the Family Life Center this week... > Adult Sunday School (Zoom) - next Sunday (3/21) 8:30am > Sunday Worship - next Sunday (3/21) 9:45am (in person at church, live stream on our Facebook page, or view a recording after the service on our website) > CORE/JAM Youth Groups (Middle High Room) - next Sunday (3/21) 11am  > Session Meeting (Zoom) - Monday (3/22) 6:30pm > P.W. 4th Tuesday Book Club (Koinonia Lounge) - Tuesday (3/23) 1pm > Weekly Zoom Check In - Wednesday (3/24) 7pm > Woe-Be-Gone Gathering (Koinonia Lounge) - Thursday (3/25) 10am > Palm Sunday - Sunday (3/28) Parking Lot Processional @ 9:15am & Worship Service @ 9:45am *To schedule a meeting at the church, contact Tori in the church office. To schedule an online Zoom meeting, contact Pastor Meggan.

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