July 17, 2020 Beloved, The Elders dreamed some big dreams this week, and we wanted to draw you into our collective imaginings. It began with the Admin Team’s recommendations that we use this fallow time while the building is largely uninhabited to get some things done. We’ve...
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I am pleased to announce that our collection for the United Church of Christ’s Strengthen our Church mission raised $600. These funds will be used to help with training and supporting new ministers as well as innovations in existing congregations. You can watch the below video...
Read more Our nation is amazingly diverse, representing different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Yet most of us live in communities marked by sameness, among people who think, act, and look like us. The vision of Pentecost is to experience unity among a diverse crowd. Yet how do we realize...
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Individuals who donated to Blanket Sunday have the opportunity to honor someone special in their life. The following individuals were recognized through donations to Blanket Sunday. Julie S. honored: Ellie, Amy, and Susie S. ; Rochelle H. ; and Sara Z. Bob and Joanna R...
Read more Each year, Old First Church typically collects a special offering for the UCC’s Strengthen the Church fund. Typically, this special offering is on Pentecost Sunday, which was May 31. Since things are admittedly different this year, we are going to be promoting the special...
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On Sunday in the sermon, I talked about how we Americans risk being like the 9 lepers who were healed, but didn’t ever think to say thanks (Luke 17:11-19). I suggested that perhaps we need to notice — like a newly arrived, maybe undocumented immigrant — the blessings we...
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Because I work in the church, I am hyper-aware of the changes people fear and hate. For example: ~ updating the words to traditional hymns (I hear this every Christmas!) ~ not having the animals at the Creche. ~ doing communion differently, particularly on Easter (even different in...
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Trimesters aren’t often used in financial reporting, but the end of our second trimester, 31-AUG-2019, corresponds with our traditional fall restart, so here is our second trimester financial report. Through the first 8 months of the year, we are $41K in the red. Remember that because...
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The Neighbors in Need offering will be collected on World Communion Sunday, which is October 6. This offering is the UCC’s annual offering to support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the U.S., including the Council for American Indian Ministries and direct service...
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Great presentation Sunday, 03.24 after worship on our new building plans along 4th Street. (Thanks, Bob and the rest of the JVMT, and Morry and our partners at BWA Architecture + Planning, Troy and partners at Community Ventures and Sandra from DePaul USA.) If you have questions about...
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