First United! I hope you are having a great week. If not, here's some news - we have worship tonight and worship this Sunday! Wooohooo! Come on and join us. This week we have some sea glass that will help us understand our calling. The sea glass will help us understand what our purpose in life. If that doesn’t work, you may want to look up Ephesians 2:8-10 and Ephesians 4:1. Still foggy? Come and join us in worship tonight at 6:30 pm or Sunday morning 9 or 11. See you then. 

There are a lot of exciting things happening at First United. Wave children’s ministry and Rooted student ministry are kicking back into gear. J.E.L.L.O. starts again this week after their Christmas break. We're also gearing up for our Super Serve Sunday on Feb. 2, where we will worship as we serve the community. Sign-ups and more information are next week, but mark it on your calendars. Super Serve Sunday Feb. 2, 8:30am-12pm.

As I shared last Sunday in worship, we will be having a gathering this Sunday at 10:15 am in the multipurpose room to review and answer questions on “A Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.” This is a proposal by some key leaders in the United Methodist Church to help us resolve the question of the full inclusion of LGBTQ folks into the UMC. Here is a link to more information:

There will be more meetings in the future as more information is learned so that First United can make an informed decision. I spoke to our District Superintendent, Rev. Dionne Hammond, this week about this. She is looking to have district-wide gatherings to share information and ways to help churches make decisions. I offered First United as a location for this gathering. We will let you know when that date is.  

For now, we will continue to create places and spaces for people to connect with God and with each other through a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. You know why? Sea glass! 

Seriously, come and join us for worship to see how God has gifted you and called you.

Peace out,

Scott

The Wired Word - In this new growth group, no topic is off limits! Join the discussion today in Room 3 from 10 - 10:45 am. Each week we'll discuss key scriptures and questions inspired by current events. This week’s topic: the White House. 

Click the link below to read more. Info: Terri Lynch, [email protected]

Greece Trip - Interested in traveling to where Paul shared the Gospel? Join us for a trip this July to Greece. Info session Sunday, January 12 at 10:15 am in the Multi-Purpose room. Info: Kris Smith, [email protected]

Rooted Student Ministry- Rooted Student Ministry returns from Christmas Vacation on Sunday, January 12, 2020.    



J.E.L.L.O. Pre-School Ministry - Join us starting Tuesday, January 14 for a child and caregiver playgroup for infants to age 5. Register and pay online - the spring fee is $35. Info: Maria Silveira, [email protected].

Caregivers’ Day Out - The next Day Out is Saturday, January 18 from 9 am - 2 pm. This is a program for people who care for adults. Care receivers enjoy a safe environment, light meal, and fun activities. There’s no cost! You can register with the link below. Info: Mary Beth Craig-Oatley, [email protected]

Taboo Talk - Join us for lively discussions about faith on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 pm at Fletcher’s Irish Pub.

Financial Peace University  - There is no greater joy than having Financial Peace and Freedom! Join us for a 7 week Dave Ramsey series starting Wednesday, January 22 at 6 pm. It’s perfect for all ages and stages of life - we'll cover it all! Childcare provided. Register online!   Info:  Michelle Zirkelbach, [email protected]

Potluck and Movie Night - On Saturday, January 25 at 5:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose room, we’ll be watching “The Christmas Choir.” It’s based on the true story of the internationally known Montreal Accueil Bonneau Choir, aka the Montreal Homeless Choir. This is a great example of service to others.  Please bring a dish to share. Info: Mary Ann Radl er, [email protected]

Women with Moore - Join us Tuesday Nights from 6-8 pm starting January 28 as we study the Psalms of Ascent. Traveling pilgrims sang these psalms both on the way to the great festivals of the Lord and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us. Sign up with the link below! Cost is $16 for study guide. If you need child care - just speak to Terri at the Guest Services Desk. Info: Terri Lynch, [email protected]

Directory Photos  - Sign up for your photo appointment online and stop by to grab info packets! All members and attendees are welcome to be in the directory. Sessions are January 28-February 1. Let us know if you’re bringing a pet. We can help register starting next Sunday between services in the Bride’s room. Those participating will receive a complimentary 8” x 10” color portrait as well as the directory!   Info:  Janet Willis, [email protected]

Scouts Spaghetti Dinner - Boy Scout Troop 468 (sponsored by First United) will have their annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, February 8 in the Social Hall from 4-7 pm. Adult tickets are $7, kids’ tickets (3-11) are $4, and kids under 3 eat free! Additionally, police, firefighters and religious leaders eat free with ID. Advance tickets are available from Scouts, or contact Suzanne at [email protected] for large group reservations. All proceeds directly support Troop 468’s activities and equipment. Info: Bob Reid, [email protected]

Warren Willis Camp - 3rd-12th graders are invited to join us this summer for an over-the-top sleepover camp, June 22-27, 2020. (Week 3) Registration is open and fills up quickly - sign up now! For questions and scholarship requests, please Caitlin Booth at [email protected] or Micah Keech at [email protected]. While you're at it, go ahead and mark these upcoming events into your calendar:

Podcast - We now have a podcast! Search “Table Talk with Scott and Terri” on YouTube or Spotify, or listen to our first episode on our website at firstunited.org/podcast Info: Sydney Green, [email protected]

Church Directory Photos - As part of a promotion with our directory photos, Shutterfly is giving the church 8% back from any order made from our link between now and June 30, 2023! Info: Janet Willis, [email protected]

Super Serve Sunday

The morning of Sunday, February 2, we will gather at First United for Super Serve Sunday. We are going out in the community to share God’s love through acts of service and kindness. We will meet at 8:30 am to clean up, build, fix, help, feed, and love our community. Afterwards, we’ll have one worship service. We’d love for you to play your part and join us. We can’t do it without you. We need you to help make a difference. Register for a free t-shirt!

New Worship Times

We want to make more places and spaces to discover hope and deepen faith. Starting Sunday, March 1, our new service times will be 8:45 am for our Contemporary service, and 11:15 am for our Traditional service. This sets aside time for growth groups to meet between services. Get connected in a between-services growth group – sign up online or at Guest Services!  

Deepen Faith with a Growth Group



The Seekers Sunday School Class - Meets September through June. Click Here

Sunday Fellowship Group  - Meets throughout the year. Click Here

Men’s Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study Ministry - Click Here

Boy Scouts of America

“On my honor, I will do my best to do

my duty to God and my country . . .”

  

Boy Scout Troop 468, sponsored by First United since 1958, meets Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm in Youth Room. Boys ages 11-18 are welcome to visit or contact Bob Reid at  [email protected] for more information.

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