Your Sunday Church Update is Here!

First United Sunday Update

February 28, 2021

Today's Sunday Morning Update

Our morning began at 8:30 with the latest weekly gathering of our Adult Zoom Sunday School Class.

At 9:45, our Worship Service focused on the scripture readings of Romans 4:13-25 and Mark 8:31-38. In a conversational style, Pastor Meggan and Pastor Luke examined why Abraham’s faith was the reason he was blessed by God. We also explored what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Christ. If you missed the live service, a recording is available on our website and on our Facebook page (*see links below).

At 11am, our Sunday School classes for all ages met in various rooms around the church building (with masks and safe spacing). Remember, Sunday School classes meet on the 2nd & 4th Sundays. Our CORE/JAM Youth Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays and will return next Sunday at 11am.

Weekly Devotions

from this week's "Taking Faith Home"

Read: Mark 8:31-38

These are some of the most difficult words to hear as followers of Jesus. To truly live as people of God, we are to live for the needs of others, just as Jesus did. It is hard for Peter - and us - to hear that Christ must suffer and die a criminal’s death before rising to glory. It is hard for us to imagine picking up the cross, the tool of torture and death, and courageously walk with it daily for the sake of the good news of Christ and the needs of others. The Gospel of Mark is not a happy text for disciples. The Gospel ends with Jesus’ followers running away and Peter denying his Lord in the courtyard of the high priest. Our challenge is not to run away and deny the needs of others. According to Mark, we don’t do this well. The good news is that Jesus never gives up on us. To the disciples who ran away from him and denied him, he says in essence, “meet me in Galilee, where your ministry and life will truly begin” (Mark 16:7). By the end of Mark, there are no great stories of bravery and success of the disciples. What exists is a promise that Jesus will go before them and be with them into the future. The disciples will continue to hear Jesus’ words, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (v. 34). What have you found to be difficult to do as a follower of Jesus? What have you found to be a joy as a follower?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for never giving up on us as we seek to lovingly give of ourselves for the needs of others and the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Youth Bible Study Returns This Evening!

All youth are invited to join our online Zoom Bible Study this evening (2/28) at 6pm. We'll be continuing our study of the book of James. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings each month. Hope you'll join us!

Here's how to join this gathering:

* For a video link this evening by 6pm, click here .

* For a phone connection this evening, dial +1 (312) 626- 6799 ...

Meeting ID: 890 2553 3979 ... Passcode: 709922

Can You Help with Our

Communal Sharing for Maundy Thursday?

Our Worship and Music Ministry is creating a special video presentation for our upcoming Maundy Thursday service, and we need your help to make it happen. We're asking for video clips (or photos) of people taking part in communion or sharing meals in any way. Click here to watch a short video for more details. Contact Alice Wood with questions at avicwood@gmail.com or 785-393-9990.

*The deadline for your submission is March 11 (less that two weeks away). Please help us with this special project.

March Agape is Coming This Week!

Our monthly Agape Drive-Thru Dinner is back this Wednesday (3/3) at 5:45pm. Everyone's invited to drive past the front of our church to pick up your free meal(s) of cheesy beer brat soup, crackers, a mandarin orange, and a piece of gooey chocolate cake (while supplies last)! Monetary donations are welcomed but not required. Invite your friends and help share the love!

Wednesday Night Zoom Check In

Please join us this Wednesday (and every Wednesday) from 7-7:45pm to fellowship with one another. It's a great way to beat the winter blues and say hello to fellow church members and friends.

Here's how you can join our gathering:

*For a video link next Wednesday, click here .

* For a phone connection next Wednesday, dial 1 (312) 626-6799 ...

Meeting ID: 740 456 986... Passcode: 120171...

Pastors in the Family Life Center on Thursday!

Looking for something to do Thursday at 10am? Why not stop by the church and visit with some members and friends. This is a great, safe way to connect for a short time each week and have some safe "in person" contact. We sure hope to see you there!

St. Anne's Episcopal Church will be hosting a non-perishable Food Drive for the benefit of the De Pere Christian Outreach Food Pantry on Saturday (March 6) from 10am - 1pm. Our own church is one of the founding members of the DPCO Food Pantry and Thrift Shop, so please mark your calendar and help support this food drive for our neighbors in the De Pere area.

The annual "Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive" is going on all throughout our area, and our church family is again supporting this effort. Our recent Valentine's Day dessert box fundraiser raised $550! Thank you!! The drive continues through next Sunday (March 7), so please drop off any cleaning or personal hygiene products in the boxes located at the church (or at many other locations throughout the area) to help our neighbors in need.

Monday (3/1) - Mike Kettner, Chris McPherson, & Anne Motquin

Tuesday (3/2) - Kelly Mehlberg

Friday (3/5) - Chris Bivins, Mara Marks, & Catherine Newell

Saturday (3/6) - Lauren Sacotte

next Sunday (3/7) - Roger Lange & Jasin Schnitzler

Why not call, email, or send them a card?

> Youth Bible Study (Zoom) - This Evening (2/28) 6pm

> Leadership Ministry Meeting (Zoom) - Monday (3/1) 6pm

> Connecting Ministry Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Monday (3/1) 6:30pm

> Nominating Committee Meeting (Zoom) - Tuesday (3/2) 6pm

> Agape Drive-Thru Dinner - Wednesday (3/3) 5:45pm

> Weekly Zoom Check In - Wednesday (3/3) 7pm

> Pastors in the Family Life Center - Next Thursday (3/4) 10am

> D.P.C.O. Food Drive (St. Anne's Episcopal Church) - Saturday (3/6) 10am

> Adult Sunday School (Zoom) - next Sunday (3/7) 8:30am

> Sunday Worship & Communion - next Sunday (3/7) 9:45am (in person at church, live stream on our Facebook page, or view a recording after the service on our website)

> CORE/JAM Youth Groups (Middle High Room) - next Sunday (3/7) 11am

> Youth Bible Study (Zoom) - next Sunday (3/7) 6pm

> Finance Ministry Meeting (Zoom) - Monday (3/8) 6pm

> Deacons Meeting (Room 11) - Monday (3/8) 6:30pm

*To schedule a meeting at the church, contact Tori in the church office. To schedule an online Zoom meeting, contact Pastor Meggan.

Click for WEBSITE

Click for FACEBOOK page