Here's Your NEW Church Newsletter!

First United Weekly Newsletter

May 5, 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.

Help a Child Find a Bed

Our church family will be helping a De Pere non-profit organization called "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" that builds beds for kids in need. We'll be joining a Bed Build session this Saturday (5/7) from 8am until noon. Click here to register to help (spaces are limited). Also, click here for a special volunteer form you need to complete to help. It's a great new way to help kids in our area!

Women's Fellowship Dinner

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

Gathering in the Garden

This summer, we're planning a new night of family games, outdoor activities, ice cream, and music for everyone on the third Wednesday each month. Our first Gathering in the Garden will be on Wednesday, May 18, beginning at 5:45pm with a welcome and prayer by Scott McPherson. Watch for more details next week!

Plans for This Sunday

Join us for worship this Sunday (5/8) at 9am when we'll be discussing the ministry of Jesus and his commitment to sharing God's truth. It's essential to focus on God's call for us to be truth-tellers even when it comes with a cost. Our scripture passages this Sunday will be Revelation 7:9-17 and John 10:22-30 (*click to read). Learn how God's truth continues to have the power to set people free and offer hope to the world.

We hope you'll join us in person or by live stream on our Facebook page. You can also watch recordings of our services on our website and on Facebook whenever it's convenient for you. (*Find details and links later in 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. Have you ever wondered how the Bible was created? Is the Bible relevant in today's world? Are the manuscripts used to form the Bible reliable? Learn some answers and discover how the Bible continues to provide us with God's life-changing truth from sources we can trust. Hope to see you Sunday!

Youth Group Update

There will be no CORE/JAM Youth Group this Sunday, so make sure you spend some extra time with your mom on Mother's Day! We'll gather for a year-end cookout/party next Sunday, May 15, from 5:30-7:30pm.

Weekly Bike Rides are Back!

Our 10th annual Sunday Bike Rides have returned! Join the regulars this Sunday (5/8) at 4pm at Green Isle Park. Enter off Greene Ave. and meet at the first parking lot to the right. Click here for more details and the full summer schedule. Enjoy the fresh air and some great exercise. Hope you'll join us!

Church 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 Saturday, May 21, beginning at 9am. We can use lots of help with lots of projects, so we hope you'll join us to brighten up our church home for an active summer. Thanks!

"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 gathering 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.

Sharing the Love

May's Agape Drive-Thru Dinner was held yesterday evening for our church family and neighborhood friends. Once again, cars lined up around our parking lot to pick up the free meals we offered. A giant THANKS to our amazing Agape volunteers for all their efforts sharing the love on behalf of our church! Our next Agape Drive-Thru Dinner is set for Wednesday, June 1. Invite your friends!

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.

Presbyterian Women

Join the creative fun of the next P.W. Mission Sewing gathering this morning (5/5) between 9am and 12pm in the Koinonia Lounge. A “bring your own lunch” fellowship time will be at noon. Last month, the group donated three child-sized quilts and 15 pillowcases to "Willow Tree Child Advocacy Center." The focus for May and June will be for residents of “Veterans Manor.”

Pastors in the Gathering Area

Our monthly Pastors in the Gathering Area will be back for May TODAY (5/5) at 10am. Pastors Luke and Meggan have this special time scheduled on the first Thursday of each month to visit with church friends who drop by. Hope you can stop in!

Sunday School Wrap Up

We'll be recognizing this year's teachers and youth leaders during worship on Sunday, May 15. Thanks to Pastor Luke, Pastor Meggan, Katie Bivins, Mark DeCleene, Ashton Macklem, and Scott McPherson for all their Christian Education leadership for all ages.

Also, our Sunday School program will conclude for this program year on Sunday, May 22.That being said, the fall kick off will come quickly. Our Chrisitan Education Ministry would love to have more help for all classes. Please contact Scott McPherson or Pastor Meggan if this is a way you'd like to serve our church family.

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).

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.

Thanks for Your Continuing Support!

> Drop off donations during worship

> Mail your check to:

First United Presbyterian Church

605 N Webster Ave

De Pere, WI 54115

> Give electronically: Go to www.firstunitedpc.org and click the "Giving" tab

Be Aware of Route Changes

The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is coming on Sunday, May 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.