UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
a just world for all
UCC Squared Weekly
Spring Clean Up Sunday,
May 2nd at 11:15am
Bring yard tools – Rakes, pruning shears, shovels, wheelbarrow and leaf blowers.
Look for the task board which will be located outside the Montessori door off the parking lot when you arrive and Frank Scouten will help you.
Beverages and snacks will be provided by
Centennial outside as well
May 2nd, 2021 Worship at 10a
Please join us live on Facebook this coming Sunday.
This week's Sermon is called "Pruning 101"
Please click the link below to download or print off your bulletin
There will be no Virtual Coffee Hour this week:
We will see you at this Sunday's Spring Clean up and/or Pastor in the Parking Lot to have in person fellowship
*Masks Required
O&J Special Request
Union Friends, Sanctuary and Resistance to Injustice is going to re-purpose some of the yard signs we use at our Wednesday actions at the Sherburne Government Center. This project will have several different volunteer opportunities.
- First, we are looking for donations of old solid colored sheets of any size. If you have patternless sheets you are no longer using, please drop them off in the drop box at the entrance of Union.
- Second, once we have the sheets, we will ask for volunteers to stitch them like pillow cases to slip over our existing yard signs
- Third, we will need help to paint new slogans or stencil images on the signs.
Watch this space! Once we have enough sheets, we will put out a call for volunteers to sew the slip covers.
Thank you for volunteering!
Thanks,
Nancy
CONVERSATION, DISCUSSION AND DISCERNMENT
about Faith Formation at Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Gigi Nauer has resigned her position as Director of Faith Formation and Chorister Director effective July 31. (Gigi will be continuing as the Handbell Choir director)
We would like the help of the congregation to determine what and how we will move forward in fulfilling these positions. Therefore, we will enter into a Period of Discernment via two Google Meet groups.
Two Virtual Google Meet Groups will be offered to allow maximum attendance for responding to a variety of questions and to have conversation together about our process. Tuesday, May 4, 6:30 pm. and Tuesday, May 11, 6:30 pm. Su Arnold, chair of Personnel will moderate these meetings. If necessary we may add additional gatherings.
All families of children, youth, as well as current and former Sunday’s Cool and Sunday School teachers are especially encouraged to attend. We would also like anyone with thoughts and ideas about these positions to attend one of the Google Meets.
Possible Questions for Discernment:
1. What kind of ministry do we want to offer for our current children, youth and families?
2. What kind of outreach ministry to children, youth and families do we want to provide?
3. What role do we want a Faith Formation Leader to have within church staff, families, and the entire congregation?
4. What gifts and skills are we seeking in a Faith Formation leader? Prioritize.
5. What number of hours do we want a Faith Formation leader to provide?
6. How do we want to fill the role of Chorister director?
7. What role should / could the pastor play in Faith Formation?
The link to the meeting is attached but will also be sent out again closer to the dates
Outreach and Justice is looking for experienced sewers who are comfortable working with lightweight canvas.
We have material and instructions at church to make 16 canvas slip covers with Velcro to secure them, that will be put over existing yard sign frames.
Once completed, we will do the final part of this project, stenciling immigration advocacy messages on the new canvas.
Stop by the church to pick up the canvas & instructions
Monday-Wednesday 9am-1pm. Or contact the office with any questions.
You will be doing the sewing in your own home.
Thank you for helping!
Thank you for helping!
CAER is hoping to start up volunteer
opportunities again but they need your input.
Please take this survey before Thursday, May 13th
CAER's Spring Forward MN fundraiser, May 1-11
CAER Food Shelf is hoping to raise $25,000 for a walk-in cooler expansion and improvements.
One of the top requests from our clients is produce. We have the ability to receive and distribute more fresh produce, however, we're regularly at full capacity with our refrigeration.
You can help change that.
For those of you who have been looking for COVID-19 Vaccines, Sherburne County has sent this information
Sherburne County Health & Human Services is offering two COVID-19 vaccination clinics this week on Thursday (4/29/21) from 8:45am-12:00pm at the Government Center in Elk River and on Friday (4/30/21) from 1-6pm at Elk River High School.
Thursday, 4/29/21, 8:45am-12pm
- Location: Sherburne County Government Center, 13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River.
- Moderna will be administered.
- Participants must be 18+.
- The 2nddose will be administered 28 days later at the same location.
- Scheduling link: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//reg/0315662296.
Friday, 4/30/21, 1-6pm
- Location: Elk River High School, 900 School St NW, Elk River.
- Pfizer will be administered.
- Participants must be 16+.
- The 2nddose will be administered 21 days later at the same location.
- Scheduling link: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//reg/6512296043
"God provides us with the ability to follow along right paths – choosing what is right and good, what is true and trustworthy, what provides justice for all – choosing not to believe the lies of false shepherds and leaders. God protects us in the darkest of times: giving us the wisdom to wear masks, to social distance, to wash our hands regularly, to vaccinate. God gives us wisdom to make and enact and uphold good laws – that are helpful and equitable for everyone – regardless of color, race, gender or sexual identity. God promises us goodness and mercy – both from others and from ourselves. God promises to be with us – to pursue us when we get lost – and as we dwell with God our whole lives. And God works with us to provide all these things."
Prayers for Joys and Concerns/Announcements: 4/25/21
KEPT IN OUR PRAYERS (cards and calls appreciated) Ella Rivers, Donna Church, Musz Bailey, Jim Babcock, Shelley Sherper, Bobbie Berg, Susan Olsen, Jackie Schuelein, Carol Lloyd, Dave Leland, Joanne Burdick, Ruby Cawthra, Jane Houlton, baby James Bowman, Marion Marcott, Cheryl Wold, Judy Halgren, Amy Britt, Bailey Rosdahl, Jimmy Stevens, Dee & Jim Stevens (Jimmy’s parents), Dave Foley, John Olson, Nicole [Kilber] Teske, Linda Fenton, Dave Halgren, Diane Narr, Joan Axen and Nancy Andersen.
Frank Scouten shared the joy that they will be traveling to North Dakota next weekend to help celebrate Frank’s mom’s 100th birthday on May 2nd. Happy Birthday!
Deb Kopperud shared the joy to finally be able to travel to see their daughter and family next weekend. It’s been 9 months since they were able to see them in person.
Pastor Robin asked for prayers for the family of Aleta Hill Olson. Aleta’s brother, Jim, passed away. Jim’s daughter (Aleta’s niece) sent a message to Aleta saying she was with her dad during his passing. She said Kyle (Aleta and John’s deceased son) just picked up her dad, Jim.
The Rohs family asked for prayers for the Schuelter family, prays that Wayne can be removed from the ventilator and recover from COVID.
Mary Wilson asked for further prayers for her daughter’s father-in-law, Russ, Sr, who is fighting cancer, has been rehospitalized with difficulty breathing, pneumonia and heart issues.
O&J offers prayers of thanksgiving for justice and a peaceful outcome from the trial in the murder of George Floyd.
O&J is also thankful for Valley Presbyterian’s participation in our weekly demonstration in support of detainees at the Sherburne Government Center.
Announcements
Pastor Robin announced that our Spring Clean Up Day was cancelled for today, and will be held next Sunday shortly after the morning service. At 1:00 Pastor in the Parking Lot will begin. Communion will be served. Bring your lawn chairs.
Pastor Robin: We are a people who have been blessed with abundance. God asks us to share our abundance with others, to continue to generously give to the ministry and mission of this church. She also encourages us to support those people/organizations who are doing the work of peace with justice and support them with your gifts of time, energy and finances.
Blessings to All…………………….Mary Wilson
