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First United Weekly Newsletter

May 12, 2022

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.

Women's Fellowship Dinner

Come meet, socialize, and enjoy a good meal with women of all ages on Tuesday (5/17) at 6pm. We'll gather at Little Mexico of East De Pere (310 N. Wisconsin St. #F near the old Shopko). Please let Rachel O'Brien or Pastor Meggan know if you will be joining us so they can reserve the space needed for our group.

Join Our Fun, New Event!

We're planning a brand new night of family games, outdoor activities, music, and treats for everyone on the third Wednesday each month. Our first Gathering in the Garden is set for next Wednesday (5/18) beginning at 5:45pm. This fun evening will begin with a welcome and prayer by Scott McPherson followed by fun around our garden area, playground, and Gaga ball pit. Maybe plan a picnic? Don't miss it!

Plans for This Sunday

Join us for worship this Sunday (5/15) at 9am when we'll read Psalm 148 and John 13:31-35 (*click to read) and talk about two important ways that we as Christians should be living our lives - praising God and loving others. Are you singing your part in the worldwide choir of praise? Is love more than simply warm feelings? If so, how can we love others as Jesus loves us?

We'll also be saluting our weekly Sunday School teachers and Youth Group leaders during Sunday's service. We appreciate Pastor Luke, Pastor Meggan, Katie Bivins, Mark DeCleene, Ashton Macklem, and Scott McPherson for all their special work.

We hope you'll join us in person. You can also join us by live stream on our Facebook page, or you can watch recordings of our recent services on our website and on Facebook whenever it's convenient for you. (*Find links at the bottom of this newsletter.)

Sunday School for All Ages at 10:30am

*Pre-K to 2nd grade (Room 5)

*3rd to 5th grade (Room 6)

*6th - 12th grade Youth (Middle High Room)

*Adult Class (Koinonia Lounge) - Join Pastor Luke Sunday at 10:30am in the Koinonia Lounge. Our class will be engaging with themes addressed in the book “The Benedict Option” by Rob Dreher. How will Christianity weather an ever-increasing apathy - even hostility - toward its core teachings and beliefs? You won’t want to miss this thought- provoking class? Hope to see you Sunday!

Youth Group Year End Party!

Our CORE/JAM Youth Group will gather on Sunday (5/15) from 5:30-7:30pm for a great cookout, bonfire, and fun as we wrap up our great program year until we meet again in the fall. Join us!

Don't Be Late for Church

The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is coming this Sunday (5/15). Please be aware that they've changed the course this year, and the new route may disrupt some traffic in parts of Allouez and Green Bay. For more information visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.

Stop Monkeying Around

Our 10th annual Sunday Bike Rides have returned! Join the regulars this Sunday (5/15) at 4pm at East High School to ride the Baird Creek Trail. Click here for more details and the full summer schedule. Enjoy some great exercise and fresh air with church friends!

Presbyterian Women Update

Our Presbyterian Women will be gathering for their monthly Talbot Circle meeting today (5/12) at noon in the Koinonia Lounge. Their Esther Circle meeting take place on Wednesday (5/18) at 9:30am in the Koinonia Lounge for lessons #7 and 8. Finally, the Papercrafting Group will be gathering for May on Saturday (5/21) from 10am until 3pm in rooms 12-13.

Spring Clean-up

Spring has sprung, and that means it's time to roll up your sleeves and get ready for our annual Church Spring Clean-up Day! It's set for next Saturday, May 21, beginning at 9am. We can use lots of help with lots of projects, so we're encouraging everyone to join in. Spend a few hours to help us brighten up our church home for an active summer. Thanks!

50+ Year Members

We are very pleased to announce we'll be celebrating and honoring those who have been church members at First United for fifty years or more! Join us during our service on Sunday, June 5, to give thanks to God for our faithful and beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. We hope you'll show your support and join us for this very special Sunday. *If you have been a member of First United for more than fifty years and haven't received a letter yet, please contact the church office immediately.

Welcome to First United!

We're so blessed each Sunday morning to have wonderful Ushers providing attendees a warm welcome, handing out bulletins, and assisting with our church offering. If you'd like to help, just sign up for a date (on the website, on sign-up sheet in front Narthex, or call the office). On that date, you arrive at 8:30am and meet our Usher Coordinator, Mark Decleene, in the Narthex. Thanks to all those who help make our church a welcoming and inviting place to worship.

"Purple Angel" Presentation

The Purple Angel Initiative trains organizations to create a safe and welcoming environment for people with dementia and their caregivers. During our Adult Sunday School time on May 22 at 10:30am, a person from the ADRC of Brown County will provide a Purple Angel presentation and training. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. For our church to be considered “Purple Angel Trained,” we must have our leaders trained including Pastors, Session, and Deacons, together with as many of our church members as possible. Please consider taking part in this important information session.

Vacation Bible School 2022

Mark your calendars! Vacation Bible School "Monumental" will begin after worship on Sunday, July 24 and continue Monday through Thursday, July 25-28, from 9am until noon. Click here for more information and to register your little ones for this special experience.

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

Here's How You Can Join Us for Worship

> In Person - The use of masks is now optional, however anyone who still prefers to wear one is certainly welcome to. Seating is open.

> Live Online - If you can't be with us in person, you can join us by live stream on our church Facebook page starting around 8:50am on Sunday morning.

> Service Recordings Anytime! - You can always watch recordings of our most recent services on our Facebook page and on our website (posted roughly an hour after the service is completed).