Sometimes it is difficult to understand things that we know, and at times it feels as though once something is understood the foundation that was used to achieve that feat is no longer as sturdy as it once was. This story within Mark evokes that impression as the disciples struggle, much like us, to not only conceptualize, but then move to understand and accept what is and what must be. With many being vaccinated and the excitement of the world opening up again it becomes all too easy to jump ahead of ourselves, as Peter did, without reflection or awareness of what that means for others. People remain at risk and the problems faced have not vanished. For Fiji please pray that misinformation of illness and vaccinations be dispelled and that those in need of aid, whatever form it may take, receive it. In the face of all this, we pray for growth in the awareness and interconnectivity of us all. Jesus called for people to reach beyond themselves for something greater, and so do we pray that denial can be overcome and that the strength to move beyond oneself can be achieved.

         (Cards and Calls Appreciated)

Ella Rivers, Donna Church, Musz Bailey, Jim Babcock, Shelley Sherper, Bobbie Berg, Susan Olsen, Jackie Schuelein, Carol Lloyd, Joanne Burdick, Ruby Cawthra, Jane Houlton, 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.

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Darla Scouten reminded us there will be a church garage sale on September 17, 18, and also on 19 (if there are items left).  Please come to help on Thursday, September 16^thto set up the sale starting at 9 AM until all is set up.  Also, help is needed on Sunday after church to help pack up leftover items. There is a Flocknote sign-up online if you are interested in helping.

Joan Stevens announced that next Sunday will be the quarterly trustees’ update.  A sandwich luncheon will be served.  Also, next Sunday after church is clean-up day on the grounds of the church.  Wear your work clothes and bring gloves to help clean up our church yard. 

Paula Benfer announced that on Tuesdays in the month of October from 10-12 noon Art Bright will be held in Fellowship Hall, sponsored by Union Church with the help of the United Way. Paula asked 3 questions. If answered yes, you would qualify us to attend the Art Bright activities.

(1)Are you tired of isolation?

(2)Have you aged in the last year?

(3)Is there any time in your life when you have forgotten anything?

If yes, sign up for the designated times mentioned above.

Gigi asked for participants for the Now and Then Singers’ group which will sing on September 19^th.  Please gather at 

9 a.m. for practice.  No robes, casual clothes.  The music will be simplistic, community-based and tied into the sermon.  So just show up if interested. 

Pastor Robin announced that their chickens are increasing their laying eggs.  You can purchase these 100% organic eggs which are in the church kitchen refrigerator.  An envelope is available for your donation, which goes to help support Open Doors for Youth. 

Pastor Robin:  We remember 20 years ago, when we all reached out and supported one another.  We will never forget. Today, we are experiencing a pandemic and we are not stronger; we are broken.  We need to be there for one another.

The flowers on the altar were placed by Hospitality and the potluck hosted Congregational Life. THANK YOU!

To see the prayer post for the previous week, please click the link above. 

“I’m sure we all have stories about where we were and what was happening the day it seemed the whole world changed,” Winters said. She remembered how “people from all over the community poured into the service at our then-church in Osseo, WI, because, as many of them said, ‘they didn’t know what else to do.’ Our small community of faith provided them a place to feel what they needed to feel and express what they needed to express in a safe environment of prayer. 

“Twenty years later, we continue to experience trauma from the initial event, such as the recent events and loss of life in Afghanistan, as well as from concurrent events such as COVID and extreme weather. We need to provide the same support to our community in a context of love and hope.”

Saturday evening, First Church will hold a vigil around the fire pit on the church lawn. There the community can sit in silent remembrance and prayer for the lost as well as for the first responders and others still experiencing illness from that day. Winter said they’ll be invited to speak to their thoughts and experiences of 9/11 and share music, poetry and “a litany of hope.”

The Rev. Kate Winters, who co-pastors First Church United Church of Christ in Belfast, Maine.  

Please pray for Linda Fenton and her extended family.  Today was her sisters’ birthdays, Janet and Jane, twins. 

(Jane passed away May 30^th).  Also, Janet’s dog was hit by a car and died. 

Please pray for Karla Schuelein (Jackie Schuelein’s daughter) who has been ill with COVID, although she is doing better. 

Please pray for the Frater family who have positive COVID results.

Amanda Hooper asked for prayers as September is Suicide Awareness Month. Please pray for the LGBTQ youth returning to school as well as any student who appears different.  These youth typically have a higher incidence of suicide. 

Sunday was Rally Sunday with Sunday’s Cool beginning for the season. We also had a joyful "blessing of the backpacks" by Pastor Robin.

Pastor Robin:  God blesses us with an abundant world even in the midst of hardships and grief and disturbing events.  God calls us to give all of ourselves and some of what we have to share with others, especially those who work for peace with justice in our world and community.

As students head back to the classroom, CAER Food Shelf is continuing its 'Kids Weekend CAER Package' program for families throughout the school year.

Each package provides food for two school-age children (K-12) and includes kid-friendly breakfast and lunch items for the weekend. Families can pick up a ‘Kids Weekend CAER Package’ Thursday and Friday each week during regular food distribution hours. No appointment is necessary. The program continues through the 2021-22 school year. 

We offer a prayer of thanks to CAER and its continued support of our community.