Straight to the Point
June 14, 2022
From the Bridge Pastor

I was honored to be one of the speakers at the March to End Gun Violence on June 11. Media were there to record the event. The following is an excerpt from the Sioux City Journal:
“One of the final speakers of the event was Del Olivier, former reverend for Augustana LutheranmChurch on Court Street. The grayed pastor treated the podium like a pulpit. He started by talking about the major changes in firearm technology since the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 and wondered aloud if God sits in judgement of those who do nothing of substance after
tragedy strikes. ‘It is way past time for thoughts and prayers. It is way past time for handwringing and scrunched faces. It is way past time for moments of silence.’”
Some of the speech was taken from my sermon at First Congregational Church a few Sundays ago. Here is the latest news from Washington according to this notice from the Seattle Times: “The bipartisan gun-safety deal announced Sunday is far from what Democrats would have preferred in the aftermath of the racist gun massacre in Buffalo, New York, and the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, but it is considerably more than they hoped
for initially.
“The proposal, which still has a long way to go before becoming law, focuses less on the ‘gun’ part of gun control and more on other factors, such as a buyer’s mental health or violent tendencies, in a concession to Republican hesitation and the hard political reality that tough limits on sales, let alone outright bans on firearms, are far out of reach. Although it would not raise the age to buy assault rifles to 21 from 18, the plan would enhance background checks on those younger than 21 before they could take possession of a gun — perhaps the most significant element of the emerging measure. Republicans say enough
sentiment exists for a direct age increase but perhaps not enough to forestall a filibuster. Democrats would much rather ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, impose universal background checks and take other stringent steps to limit access to guns. But they will accept the agreement as a step in the right direction.”
My question is this: How many more innocent children and adults need to die from assault weapons and high-capacity magazines before human life becomes more important that the right to bear arms? How many?

Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
Pastor Del

How Long, Oh God, How Long?
by Aidan Spencer | Jun 7, 2022 | Staff Blog

What can I do next? Send a message to lawmakers through the UCC’s
“Take Action to End Gun Violence” campaign.
Greetings on behalf of the Tri-Conference of the United Church of Christ, including Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. I’m Bob Molsberry, the Acting Executive Conference Minister for just these next couple of months. Until the beginning of August, I’ll be in place. I wanted to share with you a reflection, kind of a prayer reflecting on the recent violence in the news and moving forward into our church-supported anti-violence, anti-racism stance.
How long, oh God, how long?
Another racist attack in an innocent community. This time, with 10 shoppers shot and killed in Buffalo, New York, by a kid with a weapon of war.
How long, oh God, how long?
Another school attacked by another kid with another weapon of war. 19 innocent children and two beautiful teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Followers of Christ grow weary of this carnage.
Our hearts continue to break for the victims, their families, their community, and all at-risk populations. So people of color, immigrants, Asians, women, the LGBTQ community, and our innocent babies. We grow weary, but that’s not enough. We lament, but that’s not enough. We lift up our thoughts and prayers for the victims, but that’s not enough in this climate. It’s not enough to be Iowa nice, or even Nebraska nice or South Dakota nice. Nice is better than mean-
spirited, I guess, but it falls far short of what is needed now, active resistance. Trying to discern and root out racism in our lives is good too. Looking inward, there are lots of resources that we can turn to help us uncover our hidden biases, to repent of them, to vow to do better in the future. There are books to read. There are documentaries to watch. There are workshops to
attend. The conversations to be had. But in a climate of oppression, which is revealing itself increasingly in frequent outbursts of senseless violence, it’s not enough simply to be neutral because neutrality just helps keep this deadly equilibrium in place.
How long, oh God, how long?
Until we become actively anti-racist, uncompromisingly anti-violence and resist the forces of hate, division, supremacy in effective political and cultural ways, then we continue to disappoint God and delay the fulfillment of that peaceable kingdom, peaceable community of Christ’s vision.
How long, oh God?
Well, as long as we permit it. Amen.

Rev. Bob Molsberry
Acting Executive Conference Minister

The Sundays after Pentecost

For many in the northern hemisphere summer is a season of vacation. Warm weather and abundant growth make for an ideal time to experience the great outdoors. School breaks and relaxed work schedules offer opportunities to visit family and friends, and to host guests at

home. Some travel farther afield, seeking adventures abroad. The lectionary texts this summer offer preachers a rich variety of themes related to these experiences.
Hospitality and hosting are major themes throughout the summer lectionary. Jesus sends the disciples out to preach the gospel, instructing them to be guests in the homes of others (July 3). Abram and Sarai host strangers who prove to be angels; that theme is repeated in Hebrews later in the season (July 17 and August 28). Martha works to host Jesus and his disciples, complaining that her sister Mary doesn’t do her share (July 17). Preachers can use these texts
and others to explore the power dynamics inherent in offering and receiving hospitality. What can it mean that God chooses to act in the role of guest and calls on believers to do the same?
Do our churches anticipate the visits of angels in disguise? How do we ensure that everyone, guest and host alike, has access to “the better part” (July 17)?
Those who travel abroad or visit from afar may be interested in how the lectionary texts this summer define insiders and outsiders. Numerous gospel readings this season feature healing miracles: the Gerasene demoniac and the bent-over woman are two (June 19 and August 21). When Jesus tries to restore healed people to their communities, his work is often resisted.
Nevertheless, in Galatians and Colossians Paul proclaims that there is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcised nor uncircumcised, slave nor free, male nor female (June 19 and July 31). Abraham even bargains for the salvation of the communities of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose primary sin is not one of sexual deviance but a lack of hospitality (July 24). The seminal question “Who is
my neighbor?” is answered by the parable of the good Samaritan in a surprising way (July 10).
The preacher might consider where we as Christian people succeed in embracing Jesus’ broad definition of neighbor and where we still fall short. Thinking about people of different abilities, social locations, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, and gender identities, the community can wonder about what it means to be “one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). What work might our communities need to do to be able to see each person as neighbor? Do our worship practices, table fellowship, and neighborhood involvement build up barriers or tear them down? When breakdowns in community occur, are there pathways to forgiveness and restoration? Acknowledging the realities of our sinful world, what challenges might we not be able to overcome this side of heaven?
Finally, as farms and gardens produce their bounty, as field and forest verdantly grow, the preacher can embrace Paul’s vision, “New creation is everything!” (July 3). Reflecting nature’s abundance, the believer too can use the summer to grow and change. Our new life in Christ produces fruit in abundance all year long!

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. It has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s and New Jersey made it a state holiday in 2020. President Biden signed legislation last year to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Prayers

Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the victims and families of victims of gun violence. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the Ukrainian people as the incursion by Russia continues and thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the country in search of safety and as Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are dying. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers continue to be lifted for our country: for the political divisions which seem to be widening, for the poor, for those who are homeless, for those who are sick, for those who are dying, for those who have already or are ready to give up hope.
Our prayers continue for the whole Church and, in particular, First Congregational United Church of Christ that we may continue to strive to be the hands of Christ in the city, in the state, in the nation, and in the world.
Rummage Sale Preparations

Preparations for the rummage continues and we are down to the pricing stage. Everyone is welcome to join in and help. We work Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00.
The sign up sheet for the days of the sale is on the table near the front door. We need a lot of slots filled yet. Please volunteer for whatever time you are free. We need lots of help to make this sale a success.
Rummage sale flyers are also on the table near the front door at church. If you know of any place you could display a flyer please take some and hang them up.
Looking forward to everyone’s participation.
MISSION OF THE MONTH - Sanford Center Summer Program

The Sanford Center Summer Program will be our Mission for June, July, and August. We will once again be supplying cereal, snacks, juice boxes and water bottles. You can bring your donations to church and put them in the grocery cart near the front door or deliver them directly to the Geneva Street location.
   They will be operating both locations this year with 24 at Geneva Street and 12 at the Morningside location. The program started June 6 so we need to get things to them as soon as possible.
    If you would prefer to make a cash donation, make your check payable to the Sanford Center and put Summer Program in the memo line. You can mail the check directly to the Sanford Center at 1700 Geneva Street, Sioux City, IA. 51103.
Moving-On Box Ministry

In supporting the 'gift' of moving on, we fill lives with hope and household essentials for those leaving transitional housing at Safe Place and Welcome Home.

Current MOB Needs:
bubble wrap (any old packaging to help wrap plates, glasses, etc)
bath towels
cake pans
can openers
3-quart saucepans
pot holders
small plastic glasses
toasters
Ken Cleveland
Thank You, Volunteers!

A big "thank you" goes out to our volunteers who helped with services this week.

Fill in Minister-Todd Siefker
Worship Leader- Suzanne Johnson
Live Stream- Pam Ridgway/Jerrod Kiernan
Sound/Lighting- John Kiernan
 Screen- Jerrod Kiernan

Special Thanks to Our Soloist Katie Logan!
Directory
Managed by the Office
We are using Instant Church Directory. Printed versions of our directory are available in the narthex or by request. Please inform the office of any directory updates that you would like to include for yourself or your family. You can also pick up one of the directory update forms on the table outside the church office or find it on our website.

To access the directory online visit members.instantchurchdirectory.com and you should be able to create a login using the email listed in the church directory. If you need any help accessing the directory or would like a copy emailed to you, contact the church office for assistance.
Join Us

We invite you to engage and strengthen your faith with these practices:

THE PRACTICE OF WORSHIP: Live Streamed on Facebook and Youtube, and recorded
We Live Stream our Sunday morning worship service via the church’s page on Facebook and Youtube at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Every service is recorded and available to play at any time on those platforms. If you have trouble, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the church for help. 
 
THE PRACTICE OF LEARNING: Zoom learning sessions each week 9:30 a.m. each Sunday.
Engage your mind in learning through theological reflection, asking hard questions about God and life, and test your embedded theology to see if that where you want to be.
A Closing note about ZOOM:
If you don’t have the ability or the equipment to use Zoom or Facebook to participate in these practices, please call the office. We will be happy to help you find a solution to fully participate in the life of the church.

Link to our Youtube where you can watch our services live and recordings of past services:
Click HERE
FCUCC Finances for May 2022
Updates from Church Treasurer
Giving last month amounted to $5,579, from mail-in, online giving, and Sunday offerings.

You can help us stay on track by mailing in your check or setting up an automatic payment from your bank. You can also contribute through a simple app called Tithe.ly. 
        Tithe.ly is our online, app and web-based giving system. It's convenient because it:
  • Accepts debit, credit or bank account info
  • Can be set up for a one-time payment, or automatic regular payments
  • Can be changed at any time (there are no contracts or commitments)
Go to http://get.tithe.ly to sign up online, or download the app on any iPhone/Apple or Android device.
Remember to Support FCUCC Financially During this Time!
Church Office Hours

Sunday 11:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm


Pastor Del's Office Hours

Monday 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
Tuesday 2pm-5pm
Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Thursday 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm

During posted hours, Pastor Del might be called to visit someone in the hospital or who is homebound. It will be a good idea to call ahead to ensure that he is available for an in-person visit.

Church Staff:

Rev. Del Olivier

Michael Danner, Church Office/Organist

Todd Siefker, Intergenerational Coordinator

Jim McCrory, Custodian

Jessica Orr, Nursery Coordinator
Church Contact Information

(712) 239-3385

Pastor Contact Information

(712)-574-8292



Also, Pastor Del will be available for emergencies in addition to office hours. Please call his cell phone at (712) 490-6510.




pastor@firstcongregational.net

office@firstcongregational.net

tsiefker@gmail.com

building@firstcongregational.net

jessica.orr@hotmail.com
4600 Hamilton Boulevard
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 239-3385