The weekly email from First Congregational United Church of Christ of Mankato.
“First News” Week of 05/12/08, Vol. 4, #19
IN THE PASTOR’S OWN WORDS:
This coming Sunday is an important Sunday. It is Trinity Sunday. It is time when we speak of God in three ways. Traditionally, God was spoken of as three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Spirit). This reflected a very ancient controversy which sought at once to make a distinction and connection between God, Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit. In recent years, I have found it more helpful to speak of three ways that God relates to God's creation. You have heard me pray "Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer" and perhaps more recently, "Creator, Redeemer and True Friend." Both the ancient way and the newer way of speaking seek to express the reality of our Christian faith that God comes and relates to us as the source of all value.
The Celtic spirituality of the Irish is grounded in the Trinity.
Addressing everyday concerns and events the prayers are very rich. I close with this paraphrase of a prayer of "Morning Dedication" written by David Adam from his wonderful little collection titled "Power Lines:
Celtic Prayers about Work."
In all I do this day, In all I think or say, Creator, be with me all the way.
In all my work in all my deeds, In all I learn in all my needs, Christ, go before me, the One who leads.
In my works as I do my best, In all that puts me to the test, Spirit, help, and grant me rest."
Pastor Al
****************************************************************************
CAN YOU HELP OUT?
The church is seeking a person to serve as a part time office assistant Mondays and Fridays throughout the summer. Contact Moderator Jerry Peterson with your questions or for more information.
<jntwopete@yahoo.com> or 507-351-8479.
**********
From the CHURCH OFFICE COORDINATOR:
1.) PLEASE NOTE: AS OF MAY 16TH THE CHURCH’S EMAIL ADDRESS WILL BE CHANGED:
Pastor Al pastoral@mankatoucc.org
Pastor Lynn pastorly@mankatoucc.org
Office Coordinator Carol Hanson katoucc@mankatoucc.org
If you need to contact us via email please be sure to use the above email address. Thanks.
2.) REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
I will be in the office daily, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The office is usually closed over the noon hour.
Pastor Al is taking Fridays off and Pastor Lynn is taking Mondays off.
Pastor Al will be on vacation Tuesday, May 13 through Friday, May 16.
I’ll be out of the office Friday, May 16th.
3.) KNITTERS GROUP LOOKING FOR OTHER CRAFTERS
The Wednesday Santa Anonymous Knitters would like to extend an invitation to other handicrafters to join their group. They don't need to be knitting for Santa Anonymous. If you are interested in fellowship with other UCC folk, please join them Wednesdays May 14th and 28th. They would love to have you.
4.) RIDES TO WORSHIP AVAILABLE
If you need a ride to worship or want to get your kids to Sunday School, call the church office at 387-6592, or Nancy Peterson at 351-8480 and rides will be arranged.
5.) WORSHIP HELPERS SCHEDULE POSTED
If you have indicated (on the pink sheets) you are willing to serve as a Sunday helper, please take a look at the newly posted six month schedule on the bulletin board outside the Fellowship Hall. If there are any conflicts please put a note in the angel basket on Carol Hanson’s desk.
Thank you!
6.) CARE CIRCLE HELP AVAILABLE
The Care Circle Ministry is a ministry of volunteers who provide emergency and short term support services for members and friends of First Congregational UCC. The services are intended to meet emergency needs and/or serve as a bridge to longer term services from other providers. Congregation members can provide temporary transportation, meals, and respite care. Contact the church office at 387-6592, or email us at katoucc@hickorytech.net. This email will also change May 16th to katoucc@mankatoucc.org.
7.) SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES AVAILABLE ON CD
Mike Daly has been recording Sunday worship services and the CD’s are available in the Library. Stop in and pick up the CD for the Sunday you missed - listen to it and then return to the Library.
*************
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.
1.) Prayers for all our members in healthcare centers at this time.
2.) For persons recovering from treatments or surgery.
3.) For persons undergoing treatments or anticipating surgery.
4.) For persons hospitalized.
5.) For families as they gather to celebrate the lives of loved ones.
*************
EVENTS WORTH NOTING:
FIRST CHURCH SCHEDULE:
Monday, May 12 - 5:30pm. - Golf Group Gathering - Terrace View Golf Club (See below for details.)
Tuesday, May 13 - 7:00 p.m. - Board of Trustees, Library
Wednesday, May 14 - 7:00 p.m. - Knitters (Crafters) Gathering, Library
Friday, May 16 - 11:30 a.m. - Bible Study, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 17 - Board of Deacons, Library
Sunday, May 18 - 11:00 a.m. - Sunday School All Church Potluck Picnic, Fellowship Hall/Patio
COMING EVENTS:
1.) GOLF GROUP FORMING THIS AFTERNOON
Welcome Everyone,
This is a new group forming. Come on out and join the fun at Terrace View Golf Club on the Par 3 Course today at 5:30pm. We will be playing 9 holes and then meeting in the clubhouse for refreshments. We hope to build a network of people who would like to golf more frequently throughout the summer. We will talk more about this on the 12th. If it rains, we will play on Wednesday, May 14 instead. Look for the sign-up sheet at church or e-mail me at <jjacobs1@charter.net>. Buffy Jacobs, Activities Committee Team
2.) DRUM CIRCLE, POTLUCK & CAMPFIRE: SATURDAY, MAY 17, BEGINNING AT 4:30 PM
You are invited to join our drum circle and potluck & campfire at First Church. Last month many gathered to make drums (and many have made drums with Scott Tower in past years) and we shared that there would be a gathering to make music with our drums!
You are invited to bring your drum or rattles, or just come and listen to the drumming & enjoy the fire & singing. The drumming group will be gathering around the campfire (or inside if necessary) to beat their drums and have fellowship and food and all are invited to join.
If you know of a friend that drums or sings... bring them along. Bring a dish or food item to share! Call Scott Tower with questions (327-0857).
Mitakuye Oyasin, Scott Tower
2.) BOOK SIGNING AT BARNES & NOBLE BY ONE OF OUR OWN
Renee Schunk (aka: the one with the triplets) is a contributor in a new book, Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six Word Memoirs by Famous and Obscure Writers was released in February and Renee is one of the contributors. This is a really fun and intense little book filled with about 800 six word memoirs (from over 15,000 contributed). There are at least three locals who are contributors. They will be doing a book signing at the River Hills Mall Barnes and Noble on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m. Come on down, pick up your copy and get it signed. Want to know Renee's memoir.........you have to see the book.
3.) ALL CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC POTLUCK SUNDAY
Join the Education Ministries Team as they celebrate the last day of Sunday School with a potluck picnic at approximately 11:00 a.m. Sunday, May 18th. Meat for grilling will be supplied and you are asked to bring a dish to share. If you have questions call Pat Thompson at 381-1165.
4.) EAGLE SCOUT ANNOUNCEMENT
Come share in the celebration as Daniel Ries, son of Tom & Lynn Ries, receives his Eagle Scout Award on Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 p.m. at First Church. Refreshments will be served following the Eagle ceremony. All members and friends are welcome!
5.) BIBLE STUDY UPDATE
Our next meeting date if May 16th. We will finish Matthew.
In June we will be studying Jonah and then Micah on Fridays, June 5th and 19th Join this informal group at any time. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. and finish around 1:00 p.m. Pastor Lynn
6.) ALZHEIMER’S SYMPOSIUM AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UCC
Alzheimer’s disease knows no boundaries. About four million older Americans have it. This number is expected to triple by 2050. Whether you live with, know someone who has it, or are interested in this disease, please join us Tuesday, May 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Congregational United Church of Christ, 150 Stadium Court, Mankato for an Alzheimer’s symposium. A panel comprising of a patient, caretaker, doctor and a spokesperson from the Alzheimer’s Organization will be with us to enlighten us on this dreaded disease. The symposium is free, but there will be an opportunity for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association available.
7.) YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
Shop at a Garage Sale to help raise funds for Renee Schunk and her mother to do the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. Renee and her mom are walking 60 miles over three days in the Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day in September. They are having a garage sale to help raise money for this event. It will be on Saturday, May 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Renee's house, 1969 Valley View Drive, North Mankato. If you have items that you would like to donate, please contact Renee at 304-3237 and she will arrange a time to pick them up.
*************
MISSIONS:
1.) SUPPORT RECOVERY IN MYANMAR
Today, in the wake of unfathomable natural disaster in Myanmar (Burma), the United Church of Christ just issued a $100,000 emergency appeal to aid victims and to prepare for long-term recovery.
Already, 22,464 people are confirmed dead, 41,054 people are missing, and as many as 1 million are homeless after last weekend's catastrophic cyclone flattened villages, destroyed buildings and ruined food supplies.
James Vijayakumar, our area executive for Southern Asia and Susan Sanders UCC One Great Hour of Sharing Administrator, have spoken with the Myanmar Council of Churches, Church World Service and ACT International partners to pledge the UCC's full support for coordinated relief and recovery efforts. Will you give generously?
In the storm's aftermath, prices for food, fuel and building supplies have escalated as much as 300 percent, and communication abilities throughout the region have been compromised.
The UCC's Myanmar Cyclone Fund, a special OGHS disaster appeal with a goal of $100,000, is now receiving contributions. However, in coming days, this initial appeal may be expanded to reflect longer-term recovery efforts needed by the Myanmar Council of Churches and its members.
Our earnest prayers and generous contributions are needed now to assist the people of Myanmar. Can we count on you?
The Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte
Executive Minister, UCC Wider Church Ministries Co-Executive, UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries
Keep up to date on our response:
www.ucc.org/disaster(Please make your checks out to First Congregational UCC and put Cyclone Fund in the memo area.)
2.) PLANNING AHEAD - MARK YOUR CALENDARS
A crew from First Church is needed to work on a new Habitat for Humanity house in Lake Crystal. We will be volunteering on Saturday, June 28, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. We are in need of a crew of 8-10 adults (over the age of 18), no experience necessary. Please sign up now for this fulfilling morning giving of your time and talent. For more information contact Lynn Ries at 387-1345.
3.) GUATEMALA SUPPLY COLLECTION CONTINUES
First Church continues to collect supplies that will be taken when the Mission Team travels to GUATEMALA in August. During the month of May we will collect blankets of any size and June we will be collecting BLUE ink ball point pens. Bring your items to church. Thanks you from your Mission Team members.
