The weekly email from First Congregational United Church of Christ of Mankato.
IN THE PASTOR'S OWN WORDS We are in the last days of Easter 2012. Jesus surprises us by coming back to us in Easter. I do think he saves the biggest surprise by indicating that following him entails cost. Sometimes that cost will be painful. Too often American popular religion presents Christianity as the best deal a person ever received. As if the only reason Jesus came back to us was to solve all our problems and to give us only what we demand.
But no! Discipleship means getting what God wants. And sometimes what God wants in our world cannot be achieved without cost. That cost may be painful to those whom God loves. Loving Jesus isn’t as easy as it seems. However, the pain and sacrifice in following him draws us even closer to the one in whom we abide. Think of Easter as a time to exercise our faith muscles to get us in shape for the demands of Pentecost just down the road.
Thank God for Easter! Pastor Gary
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE COORDINATOR
1.) OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 8am to 3:30pm. The office is closed over the noon hour.
2.) If you have an emergency or need to contact a pastor call
Pastor Gary at 507-298-1159 or 387-9947
** Pastor Gary will be on vacation Monday, May 14 thru Monday, May 21. Dennis Secrease will be on call for emergencies. Please call 507-720-0693.
Sunday Helper Sign-Up: The bulletin board located outside the Fellowship Hall has the next 3 months posted. The Worship Ministries Team would like to have the open spots filled so the schedule can be published in the June “In The First Place” Newsletter. All are welcome to volunteer as a Sunday Helper. Suggestions and comments are appreciated. Please contact Diane in the office if you have any questions. Thank you.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
PLEASE NOTE: Because of privacy issues and the internet, from now on we will only list the names of individuals for prayer when specifically requested by that person or an immediate family member. We are always happy to list any prayer concerns as you request them. We would appreciate your alerting the office when you would like your name removed as only you know when prayers are no longer needed.
Comforting prayers for the family of Sue Benson; Megan, Marti and Pam.
Continued prayers for the family of Gale Dutcher.
Prayers for Chris Gilbert and family for the loss of Chris’s Dad, Daniel Gilbert Sr.
Healing prayers for Peggy Evans
Continued prayers for Marcia Robertson
Healing prayers for Al Obernolte
Scott & Penny Tower ask for your prayers, that their home in North Mankato sells soon.
For all anticipating surgery, those who have undergone surgery recently and for those undergoing medical procedures, tests and treatments.
For all our servicemen and women serving our country and for their families.
For all caregivers
Habitat for Humanity
During the month of May, Habitat for Humanity will have a Can Collection trailer in the church parking lot. Please contribute to this very worthwhile mission. Thank You!
Sunday, May 20th, we will be serving our next noon meal at the Salvation Army. We need people to prepare food and/or serve to those in need. Please consider providing prepared food and serving on that date. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex. Feel free to contact Lynn Ries, 387-1345, if you have any questions or are interested in this mission. We are there from about 11:30am to 1:30pm on that Sunday. Come and join this worthwhile mission of our church!
Dinner Out Group
Saturday, May 19th, at 5:30 pm, Dinner Out Group will meet at Whiskey River in St. Peter. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. This will be the last get together until fall. Please contact Rick Anderson if you have any questions.
advocate@hickorytech.net or 243-4488 Thank You!
Graduate Recognition
Please notify Diane in the Church Office if you or a family member will be graduating from high school, college, etc. In the past, we recognized our graduates during a Sunday service in the spring. Since there will not be a designated Sunday, the Deacons would still like to recognize individual achievements. 387-6592 or katoucc@mankatoucc.org
Patio Worship
The Worship Ministries Team and the Board of Deacon’s, would like to remind the congregation that Sunday, June 3rd, Communion Worship will be held on the church patio at 9:30 am. If you would like, please bring a comfortable lawn chair, to enjoy the outdoor worship.
FIRST CHURCH WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Tuesday May 15
2:00 pm – Life Long Learners, Fellowship Hall, 2-4pm
5:30 pm – Moms of Multiples, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday May 16
11:00 am – United Campus Ministries Board Meeting, Library
6:30 pm – Mid-Week Service, Mike and Marlys Daly will lead the service and provide special music.
7:00 pm – Choir Rehearsal
Thursday May 17
11:00 am – Kiwanis Board Meeting, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm – Kiwanis Diversity Group, Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm – Narcotics Anonymous, Education Hall
Saturday May 19
5:00 pm – Sri Lanka Dinner, Fellowship Hall/Kitchen, 3-9pm
5:30 pm – Dinner Out Group, Whiskey River in St Peter
Sunday May 20 UCM Offering Sunday - Chaplain Tim Berg, Guest Preacher
9:30 am – Worship – Nursery – UCC Chorale – Teen SS
10:30 am – Fellowship Time, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm – Salvation Army Noon Meal, Riverfront location
Monday May 21
9:00 am – Life Long Learners Board Meeting, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday May 22
5:30 pm – Personnel Committee Meeting, Library
COMING EVENTS:
Check out details of events on the church website page: It's Hot Off The Press
Home |Up |The Week at a Glance |First News |May Calendar.pdf |Make A Joyful Noise |Men's Breakfast Group |Fellowship Ministries This site was last updated 05/16/12