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First United Weekly Newsletter

Thursday, February 18

Ash Wednesday Recap

Thanks to all who drove through to receive their imposition of ashes yesterday on Ash Wednesday. Now that Lent has begun, we hope we can personally and corporately focus on enhancing our relationships with God. “Lent in a Bag” resources will continue to be available to pick up on Sunday mornings during our worship service or Monday through Thursday in the church office.

"Sweets for Your Sweetheart"

Dessert Sale

Thank you to everyone who supported this Valentine's Day fundraiser last Sunday hosted by our Connecting Ministry! The special dessert boxes sold out raising $550 to support the "Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive." The drive continues through March 7, so please feel free to drop off any cleaning or personal hygiene products in the boxes located at the church (and at many other locations throughout the area).

We Need Your Help with

Communal Sharing for Maundy Thursday

Our Worship and Music Ministry is creating a video presentation for our upcoming Maundy Thursday service, but 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. Questions? Contact Alice Wood avicwood@gmail.com or 785-393-9990

CORE/JAM Youth Groups

This Sunday will be the third Sunday of the month which means it's time for our Youth Groups to gather again (on the 1st and 3rd Sundays). Please join us downstairs in the Middle High Room this Sunday at 11am. We can’t wait to see you again!

Sunday's Worship Update

In worship this Sunday at 9:45am, we'll be focusing our attention on the Lectionary readings from Genesis 9:8-17 and 1 Peter 3:18-22 (click on link to read verses). We will discuss what it means to be in a "covenantal" relationship with God. We'll also explore how an adequate understanding of God’s expectations and responsibilities for our lives provides an anchor during difficult times. Come and join us as we learn that with Christ in our vessel, we can smile at the storm. See you Sunday!

Here's How You Can Join Us

> In Person - Join us Sunday morning at 9:45 in the Sanctuary. Please wear a mask, enter through the Webster doors, use the provided sanitizer, and sit where an usher directs you. It's a blessing to socialize and fellowship with one another (at a safe distance) after the service!

> Live Online - You can also join us for a live stream of our service Sunday morning at 9:45 on our church Facebook page.

> Sound-only connection - You can listen by phone by calling Zoom at (312) 626-6799 around 9:35am. Enter meeting ID: 206 385 039 followed by #.

> Watch Service recordings anytime - If it's more convenient, you can always watch our recent service recordings on our Facebook page (shortly after the live stream is completed) or our website (anytime after 11:30am on Sunday mornings).

8:30am Adult Zoom Sunday School

This Sunday at 8:30am, join our adult Sunday School class via Zoom for the kick-off of our new Lenten Study called "Lent in Plain Sight." During the five weeks of Lent, our class will be discussing our Lenten journey through the lens of various objects. This week we'll begin our discussion by considering how bread can provide us new spiritual insights. Hope to see you Sunday!

Here's how you can be a part of the class:

* For a video link on Sunday morning, click here .

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

Meeting ID: 847 9119 8136 ... Passcode: 873976

Lent Zoom Opportunity for Children -

Coming Next Monday!

Attention parents of all preschool aged children through 5th grade students. Your kids are invited to join Pastor Meggan online next Monday (Feb. 22) from 6:15 to 7pm to learn what Lent is and how it can help us prepare ourselves spiritually for Easter. The Zoom link will be sent to families via email. Please reach out to Pastor Meggan if you need that link. We'll have lots of fun. See you there!

Pastors in the Family Life Center

THIS MORNING!

Looking for something to do today 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!

*Please note that our monthly Woe-Be-Gone Gathering will take place next Thursday (Feb. 25) at 10am.

Women's Book Club is Back for February

Our 4th Tuesday Readers Group will be meeting next Tuesday (Feb. 23) at 1pm in the Family Life Center. (Members decided that most of them would rather meet in person wearing masks and social distancing.) This month's book is Before We Were Yours by ALisa Wingate. For more information about the group, contact Sandy Steffen at steffensandy@hotmail.com.

Wednesday Night Zoom Check In

Please join us next 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...

Here are more kind "thank you" notes received from local families helped through our involvements with the De Pere Christian Outreach Christmas Store!

"Thank you for being so giving and kind,and helping our family out for the holidays. It means so much to us."

"Thank you sooooo much for the Christmas gift cards. You do too much!! We can't thank you enough!"

"Thank you to all who have donated items and/or money for the gift cards. In this unprecedented year, they definitely came in our time of need and helped to make our holiday more merry and bright."

Thanks to each of you who were a part of this wonderful effort in 2020!