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.

Presbyterian Women Kicking Off 2026!

The P.W. Mission Sewing group will gather TODAY (1/8) at 9 am in the Koinonia Lounge. The Talbot Circle will also meet today at noon. Since both groups are meeting the same day this month, they're planning on sharing lunch for all participants!

Visit with Our Pastors

Our monthly Pastors in the Gathering Area gathering will begin the new year TODAY (1/8) at 10 am. Pastors Luke and Meggan will be available to meet with church friends and spend some time with you. This special time is planned on the first Thursday each month.

Plans for This Sunday

 Join us this Sunday (1/11) at 9 am as we celebrate Baptism of the Lord Sunday. Our service will feature a sermon titled “Supersaturated Faith” with scripture readings from Isaiah 42:1-9 and Acts 10:34-43 (click links to read). We'll explore the meaning and purpose of baptism and how God’s gracious claim on our lives shapes who we are and how we live each day. Come and worship, reflect, and be renewed in the promises of God’s love and faithfulness. We hope to see you there!

Also, did you know that recordings of our worship services are available on our website and our Facebook page? If you can't join us in person, you can still share our worship whenever it's convenient. Find links to those sources at bottom of this newsletter.

Sunday School Returns at 10:30 am

*Pre-K to 2nd graders (Room 4 - the Library)

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

*6th to 12th grade Youth (Youth Room)

Adult Sunday School (Koinonia Lounge)

This Sunday we begin a new series exploring C. S. Lewis’ classic work The Screwtape Letters. It's written as a fictional correspondence between a senior demon (Screwtape) and his apprentice nephew (Wormwood). The book offers a brilliant and often humorous look at temptation, spiritual struggle, and the subtle ways faith can be strengthened - or weakened - in everyday life. Beneath its wit and imagination, Lewis invites us to think deeply about discipleship, human nature, and God’s relentless grace. We hope you’ll come, bring a friend, and grow with us!

Youth Group Plans

All 6th through 12th grade students are invited to return this week for our regular Sunday evening Youth Group gathering to explore lots of different topics and share fun activities. It runs from 6 to 7:30pm in the Youth Media Room downstairs. Why not bring a friend?

Youth Lock-In Event

Our Youth Group is planning their annual Youth Lock-In Event beginning on Friday (1/16) and continuing into the following day. All active youth are invited, but it's mandatory for all youth participating in the latest Confirmation program. Contact Pastor Meggan for more details.

Get Your Tickets Soon!

You're invited to our Build-Your-Own Baked Potato or Nacho Bar on Saturday (1/17) at 5 pm. Come and get your choice of potato or nacho with your choice of LOTS of toppings. Be sure to buy your tickets after church this Sunday (1/11) after church for $10. After Sunday, the price will increase to $15. It should be a fun and tasty evening!

Our Golden Spoon Tradition Continues

Coming Saturday (1/31), get ready for the return of our annual Chili Cook-Off Contest. You can bring your secret recipe to compete for the Golden Spoon award, or you can just come and enjoy being a judge. You can also have a chance to win a number of raffle prizes! Watch for more details as we get closer to the date.

2025 Final Financial Report

Operating Fund Total Offerings:

2025 Plan = $399,700 / Actual = $415,940



Operating Fund Total Expenses:

2025 Plan = $399,700 / Actual = $398,948

Your generosity through 2025 helped us to move forward with our planned Ministry and operation expenses during 2025. It also made it possible to replenish the Endowment Fund used for the windows, doors and carpet repair and replace project. We also were able to save some monies for future needs.

During 2026 we hope to continue to grow and BLOOM as our Ministries are excited about the possibilities the new year brings. Thank you for all you do and for your financial support of First United.

"Souper Bowl" Fundraiser

We hear there's some special football game on Sunday, February 8, but the event to REALLY get excited about is our annual Souper Bowl fundraiser on that Sunday. Right after church that day, you'll be able to purchase quarts of our own Chicken Noodle Soup and Vegetarian Chili in the Gathering Area. Be sure to mark your calendar!

Sharing the Love!

Last evening (1/7), our Agape Drive-Thru Dinner continued the great tradition as a long line of neighbors, friends, and church family drove by to pick up free meals! We thank our amazing team of volunteers who made it all happen to start the new year. Our next Agape Drive-Thru Meal is scheduled for February 4. Watch for menu details in this newsletter, and mark your calendar to come share the love again next month!

Return to the Highlands

Mark your calendars and get ready to join us for a night of Scottish charm and celebration! We invite you to our annual Evening in the Highlands event on February 20 at the Green Bay Distillery. Step into an atmosphere filled with the lively sights, sounds, and flavors of the Highlands as we enjoy good company, great entertainment, and a truly memorable evening together. The event will kick off with a special Scotch tasting at 5 pm for those who are interested, followed by dinner and festivities beginning at 6 pm. Tickets will be available soon—so dust off your tartan, gather your friends, and be sure to save the date!

January

Elder

of the Month

Amy

Cassidy

January

Deacons

of the

Month

Debbie

Siegel



Annette Kinchen

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

You can help support First United and our Ministries with your

phone or computer.

Click HERE or scan the QR code to give electronically. Contact Treasurer, Ken Nyberg, with questions.

THIS WEEK

Sunday (1/4) - Alex Thorpe

Monday (1/5) - Lizzie Renier

Wednesday (1/7) - Joyce Nowack

Thursday (1/8) - Jim Hauer

Saturday (1/10) - Sara Dauger

NEXT WEEK

Sunday (1/11) - Ian McPherson & Chris Wood

Wednesday (1/14) - Lane Maroszek

Saturday (1/17) - Andrea Thorpe & Betty Pajkos



We wish them all love and God's blessings on their special day!

"Changing Lives Through God's Love in Christ"

Contact us with your needs and questions...