Toni Froysland graduated from Bemidji State University this spring with a degree in Elementary Education and Coaching.

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1 Volume 8, Issue 4 Becoming The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fargo May 2018 IN THIS ISSUE Pastor s Ponderings, Page 2 Youth News, Page 3 Prayer Concerns, Page 4 Important Dates, Page 7 SPECIAL DATES May 3 National Day of Prayer May 10 Ascension May 13 Mother s Day May 19 Armed Forces Day May 20 Pentecost May 27 Trinity Sunday May 28 Memorial Day CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! We will be honoring our graduates on Sunday, May 20. The Christian Education Board will be serving cake in honor of these four young people: Toni Froysland graduated from Bemidji State University this spring with a degree in Elementary Education and Coaching. Jaime Froysland is graduating from Fargo South and plans to attend St. Cloud State, majoring in Athletic Training and playing football. Faith Kizima graduates from Fargo North this year. Her plans are to attend M-State to become an Operating Room Technician. Bergen Mogck graduates from Davies High School. She will attend NDSU and major in Nursing. We wish them all luck and God s many blessings! NORTHERN PLAINS CONFERENCE UCC DELEGATES NEEDED This year s Annual Meeting will be held on June 8th and 9th at the Zion United Church of Christ in Medina. The Meeting will conclude on Saturday night and will not carry over into Sunday this year. We hope to have 3-4 lay delegates as well as those clergy from our church who attend. The church pays expenses for this. To register for the meeting online please CLICK HERE. To view a printable PDF of the registration form CLICK HERE. First Congregational United Church of Christ th Avenue South Fargo, ND (701) EASTER FLOWERS We enjoyed a beautiful display of flowers on the alter on Easter Sunday. We are grateful to Arlyce and Harris Widmer for your work in organizing and arranging them. Thank you to all who purchased flowers in memory or in honor of loved ones.

2 Page 2 PASTOR S PONDERINGS Rev. Dr. Kevin Cassiday-Maloney With the upcoming church wedding this month for Kat Smith and Will Savage and with May being the wedding anniversary month for my parents and for our daughter and son-in-law, I ve had weddings on my mind recently. Weddings, of course are a joyous affair (no pun intended) as two people (no longer just opposite gender) dare to believe they can devote themselves to a lifetime of love. With one of our member s grandparents recently having celebrated their 70th anniversary, that lifetime can be quite a long time indeed! Don t let my spouse, Jo, hear this, but marriage isn t always easy! It isn t easy because each person, no matter how well-adjusted they may seem, brings plenty of baggage and character flaws and quirks into that arena of love. As Jo has said, quoting someone or another, A good marriage is where the weird in you meets the weird in me. Nuff said about that! More seriously, marriage is a sacred miracle when two people who love each other keep loving each other for better, for worse in sickness and in health. When starry-eyed young lovers exclaim, I want to grow old with you!, they have little idea of what they are really getting themselves into, as aging runs its course. But the thing about a loving marriage is that each person is all in to making things work, to being there for the other, not 50-50, but Yes, many marriages fail, and that s not always such a bad thing, depending on the circumstances. But the miracle is that many marriages succeed, and each person in the couple becomes much more than they would have otherwise been. Indeed, the world is enriched in ways it would not have otherwise been! As a pastor, I have had the privilege of seeing many, many joyous marriages over the 35 years of my ministry, and also the deep sadness and loss when one member of a couple has died. In good marriages, two people become so much one person that it s hard to see where one person ends and the other person begins. In time of death, it s hard to know who we are anymore if we re no longer actively joined with our The Becoming May 2018 spouse. Yet, even as a couple is one unit, it s also important that each person be their own person self-differentiation, as it s called in the world of psychology. The idea is that a good marriage is one where each person strives to be the best person they can be, not only in their marriage, but in their whole life and in all their relationships. And that leads beyond the realm of marriage into the life of the church and the world. Being married, as wonderful as it can be, isn t the only legitimate family configuration. Churches forget this way too often! Whether married or single, engaged or divorced or widowed, we are all called to cultivate healthy and vital relationships and to work together toward the realization of the Kingdom or Kindom of God. Good, healthy churches are comprised of people who are all in for the common ministry and mission we carry out together, even as we are wonderfully diverse in our theology and our religious and life experience. May God s blessing be with all who are married and all who are single. And may we all celebrate the gift of love in its many manifestations as we do our best to further that love through all the work we do together here at First Congregational UCC. Blessings, Pastor Kevin Help is only a phone call or text away! If you would like a visit from Pastor Kevin, or just want to bend an ear, please call (701) or send a Facebook message to Kevin Cassiday-Maloney.

3 Page 3 The Becoming May 2018 NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHURCH STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING This annual Special Offering of the United Church of Christ is for renewing existing UCC congregations and starting new churches. Our brand of Christianity has a story to tell, and the offering we will receive on Sunday, May 20 will play a huge role in this sacred ministry. This year s goal is $600. Thanks for your generosity! MAY HOSPITALITY LIST Below are the names for the May hospitality list. Thank you for your commitment to our hospitality hour! Bonnie Bernardy Margaret Briske Carol Bristol Mark & LeaAnn Flaagan Jimi & Tammy Fogle Frank & Linda Froysland Shane & Kristie Heisler YOUTH NEWS! BIBLES GIVEN TO CHURCH SCHOOL STUDENTS Eastin and Maddox Heisler and Aiden Varriano received Bibles from the Christian Education Board on April 15. May these young people use their Bibles as a tool to growing and maturing in their faith. YOUTH NEWS! LAST DAY OF CHURCH SCHOOL Our last day of Church School will be May 20. We re going to walk over to Lindenwood Park for a picnic (weather permitting) so please wear comfortable shoes for walking. Parents can pick kids up at the park after church. YOUTH NEWS! UPDATE ON VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL There will be a VBS session offered later this summer, likely in August. We re going to have a Western/Ranch theme. So dig out your cowboy/cowgirl boots and hats and find out about how God Loves You Cowboy Style. Watch the June/July issue of the Becoming and the E-news for further details. NEW LIFE CENTER 2017 SERVICE STATISTICS Housing: Together we provided 38,196 nights of lodging to 105 guests per night. These figures include in-house winter overflow beds. 950 unique individuals stayed in the Men s Shelter. 544 of these guests had never stayed at the New Life Center before Kitchen: The NLC Kitchen served 81,983 meals. This averaged 224 plates of food served daily. Thrift Store: The New Life Thrift Store provided 1,832 individuals (1,602 adults and 230 children) with clothing, furniture and other household essentials at no cost through a clothing and houseware program. Program: The Harbor Program is for guests in their first 30 days. 879 men participated. The Passport Program is an extended stay program for those who want additional assistance at a deeper level. 192 men participated and 60 men moved into permanent, stable housing. Total served in 2017 was 3,621. New Life Center is in need of over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough suppressant, antihistamine or any helpful medication. There is a basket on the information table to put your donated items, or they can be given to Jean Wimpfheimer. Thank you to the congregation for your continued support of the New Life Center!

4 Page 4 The Becoming May 2018 PRAYER CONCERNS & THANKSGIVINGS We pray for the loved ones of Mark Paulson as they grieve his death from lung cancer. May God s love embrace Mark in the new realm of eternal life, and may all his loved ones be held in God s gentle care and love. We pray for Cheryl Bjerke (Lorrine Johnson s daughter) who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. May God s grace bring full healing to Cheryl and strengthen her and her family in this challenging time! We pray for Barb Holvik who is a resident at Elim and who is receiving hospice care. May God s love embrace Barb as she prepares to return home! We pray for Ray and Joanne Andres as Ray has now moved into Rosewood on Broadway, where he can receive more help with the many challenges associated with Parkinson s disease. May God bless them both in this time of transition, and may God s grace abound! Thanksgiving for the Installation this past month of Rev. Jane Millikan as Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Care at St. Catherine s Living Center in Wahpeton. Jane is a former member of our church. May God bless Jane and the folks among whom she is ministering! Thanksgiving for this past month s Youth Taco Bar Fundraiser. We served 56 people and raised $447, a significant increase over last year s Spaghetti Fundraiser. Thanks so much for supporting our youth and their participation in various activities! Thanksgiving for the generous support to replace our two sewage pumps and other piping. As of this writing, we have received about $11,150 of the $12,000 needed, plus significant additional money that has been committed. The Board of Directors expresses their deep appreciation for everyone pitching in so well! Thanksgiving for the 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION for Bill Laskey following worship on April 29th in Fellowship Hall. May God s blessings be with Bill as he continues making a difference in this world! Thanksgiving for this year s Holy Humor Sunday, including a wonderful skit by the youth and others on the Good Samaritan. May God s healing laughter continue to flow freely in our midst! Thanksgiving that Pastor Jo came through her two recent cataract surgeries with flying colors. We are grateful for the expertise of ophthalmologists and other eyecare professionals! Thanksgiving for the new blinds for the sliding glass doors in the Social Hall. Thanks to Women s Fellowship for their generosity!

5 Page 5 The Becoming May 2018 FIRST UCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS March 22, :30PM Members Present: Jerry Gee, Jimi Fogle, Glen Kirk, Carolyn Stenseth, Kevin Cassiday-Maloney, Jae Utke, Ardys Olgaard, John Stende, Bob Stone Agenda Minutes and Pastor s Report: Motion to Approve minutes as written and Pastor s Report made by Carolyn Stenseth, 2nd by Bob Stone, Approved. Correspondence Kevin had an invite to share a table during Pride Week with People s UCC. Cost would be about $100, similar to what it has been with Plymouth. Kevin read the statement; there was a question regarding the word testimonials; Kevin will look into a possible word change if needed. Standing Committee Reports Worship (Bob Stone) Palms have been ordered for Palm Sunday. There will be a brunch after church. Maundy Thursday Worship at Fargo First Church 7 p.m., Good Friday Services Moorhead First Church, 7p.m., Jimi and Bob will take care of vestments sometime during the week, before Thursday. The stencils are in the process of being made for the old church window. Pastor-Parish (John Stende) Discussion was held about the banner on the front of the church from the Nepali church. The consensus was that banner made it look as though OUR church was Pentecostal, not just the Nepali church. Will we take it down, and put their church information under ours on the marquee? Motion made by Carolyn Stenseth, 2nd Jae Utke, to take banner down, and put Nepali Church worship information under ours on the marquee. Vote taken, motion passed, with one vote against. Treasurer s Report (Jerry Gee) and Building and Grounds (Darin Mogck) (Taken from an from Darin for accuracy of information.) There are issues with the sewage ejector hole in the basement. One pipe has rusted through. The other is also very bad. Piping does not meet current code. One motor is completely shot, and the other is on its last legs. Rebuilding the motor costs about $5000, getting a new one is $7000. [Darin] has given the go ahead to order one new motor and get the piping up to code. We will need to decide on what to do with backup motor. [Darin] will make an announcement in church on Sunday to raise money...sorry for the hit to the budget. Jerry reported that this repair will cost about $10,000. We had a $2,000 repair earlier this year, so the budget has already taken quite a hit. Our net income is a minus $1800 as of March 1st and our available operating funds are $23,707 as of March 22nd. A vote by Board members was needed on what to do with the pumps. Bob Stone made the motion, John Stende 2nd. The Congregation will be asked to make financial contributions toward the rebuilding of the two sewage pumps, for an estimated cost of $10,000. Vote taken, motion passed. As per above, Darin will make an announcement to the church members regarding this repair. It was recommended that we only use paper products until we get the pipes and motors fixed. Stewardship (Bill Simpson) No Report. Clerk (Elaine Ackerman) We have welcomed two new members, Dominique DeJournette and Helen Goodfellow and there were two funerals this month, for Mae Gee and Arlyn Mogck. Communications (Brenna Naseer) No Report. Christian Education & Church School (Jae Utke) Spring Fundraiser will be held April 15, will be a taco bar, not set price per plate; free will donations accepted. April 8 the Church School kids will present the children s sermon in the form of a clown act portraying the Good Samaritan. On March 25 we will present Bibles to Aiden Varriano and Eastin and Maddox Heisler. Carol Roth will head annual Easter egg hunt on March 25, and as that is also Palm Sunday, youth/church school kids will hand out palms during first hymn. Last Day of Church School will be May 20, which will be celebrated by a picnic (weather permitting). May 20 will also be Graduation Sunday; Jae will put notice for graduates names in the Becoming and E-news. April Family Activity will be going to Yunker Farm on April 22 from 1-3 pm. We have one student who wants to continued on page 6

6 Page 6 The Becoming May 2018 FIRST UCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS continued from page 5 go to Bible camp at Wesley Acres. Cost will be $390, CE will pay half, Jae asked Ardys Olgaard if Women s Fellowship would pay the other half. David Maxfield will also be at the next WF meeting to request funds. Family Fellowship (Chris Maxfield) No Report. Thank you to Chris and helpers for providing 5 Lenten Service meals. Evangelism & Nurture (Paula McIntyre) No report. Memorial (Carolyn Stenseth) There was a bill for organ repair that was paid. There have been memorials for Arlyn Mocgk coming in. No amount was given. Will give an amount when most have come in. Community Service/Missions (Carol Roth) First Church will be serving at Churches United on Friday, March 30. Women s Fellowship (Ardys Olgaard) Women s Fellowship purchased new vertical blinds for the sliding door in the fellowship hall to help keep hall cooler. The picture stand needs to be moved, as that is what is contributing to the damage of the blinds. The church also needs a better way of covering up the cords that are on the floors. Other Reports None. Approval of Reports Jerry Gee motioned, Carol Stenseth 2nd to accept committee reports. Unfinished Business A. Heather Karstens sent an to Jimi regarding a comment she had heard at Arlyn Mogck s funeral. Apparently, once the servers started putting food and other things out on the tables, those sitting in the fellowship hall found it hard to hear the funeral service. Heather asked if new/better speakers could be put in. Carolyn Stenseth reported the speakers were fine up until the servers started serving. Jimi Fogle reported something about new microphones, because soft-spoken people are hard for people even in the church itself to hear. The consensus was to leave things as they are, as it s not that often we get a funeral that big. B. Facility Use agreement: Jimi Fogle is working on gathering information to construct a new facilities use agreement for all the groups that use First Church. He has talked with our insurance company and received their recommendations toward the document. He also is waiting to meet with Nick Vogle for legal counsel to ensure that the new agreement will cover all state and federal laws. The User Agreement we have does not conform to what the insurance company wants. Jimi said he would keep in contact with Nick and our insurance company; no decisions can be made just now. C. Ardys Olgaard made a motion, 2nd John Stende to remove the new recycling bins from the fellowship hall as we already have recycling bins by the back door and they are not needed. Vote taken, motion passed. New Business A. Pastor Kevin had a letter from Churches United asking for funds to help replace/restock/replenish grocery items used to make the meals to feed the homeless. Maundy Thursday offering will go to Churches United, approved by Bob Stone. Next Meeting will be April 19, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Jae Utke.

7 Page 7 The Becoming May 2018 FIRST CHURCH UPCOMING DATES Holy Communion first Sunday each month - ALL are welcome to partake! Bulletins and Bibles every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30. Bible Study begins at 2 p.m. Worship every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal every Sunday at 9 a.m. through May 20 Sunday School for Pre-School through Elementary after Children s Sermon every Sunday through May 20 Women s Fellowship second Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m. Mat Ministry second Wednesday each month at 10:00 a.m. NPCUCC Clergy Cluster fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 4, 7:00 p.m. - Church Women United Friendship Day Friday, May 11, 4:00 p.m. - Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, May 12, 3:45 p.m. - Kat Smith/Will Savage Wedding Wednesday, May 16, 6:00 p.m. - Christian Education Board Thursday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. - Board of Directors Sunday, May 20 - Graduation Sunday, Strengthen the Church Offering, Last Day of Sunday School, Sunday School Picnic Monday, May 21 Deadline for combined June-July Becoming (please send your information to our Editor, Brenna Naseer at brenna.pratt.1@gmail.com ) Sunday, May 27 - Rev. Peter Schmidt, Guest Preacher (Pastors Kevin and Jo out of town 5/26-28) Tuesday, May 29, 10:00 a.m. - NPCUCC Clergy Cluster (different date this month than usual) MONTHLY COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY Heather & Thistle Bagpipers - Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Codependents Anonymous Women s Group- Every Tuesday at 4:30-6:00 p.m. MOMS Group - Third Friday of the month at 10 a.m. Every Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Every Saturday, 3:30-5 p.m. - Nepali Youth Every Sunday, 1-3 p.m. - Nepali Worship Every Sunday, 4-9 p.m. - FM Gay Men s Chorus Practice and Meetings 05/01 Ganet Humfeld 05/02 Duane McIntyre 05/05 Zachary Ziegler 05/11 Andrew Widmer 05/22 Keith Widmer 05/23 Kendra O Brien 05/27 Rich England 05/29 Rebekkah Maxfield 5/10/1997 Darin & Dawn Mogck For a current calendar, visit our church website at & click the Events link in the upper right.

8 Page 8 The Becoming May 2018 The Becoming is a publication of First Congregational Church, Fargo. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST TH AVENUE SOUTH FARGO, ND This publication is published monthly and mailed to membters and friends of the Church. Articles are taken with permission from The Aware, UCC News, The Newsletter Newsletter and The Fargo Forum. Becoming Staff: Editor Brenna Naseer Advisor Kevin Cassiday-Maloney Production The Bible Study Babes & Dudes Welcome to First Church! OUR COVENANT We covenant here, one with another, in the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, for the worship of God and the service of Gods creation; and, as the Lords free people, we agree to walk together in all of God s ways, known or to be made known to us. Kevin Cassiday-Maloney, Pastor Office Phone: Cell Phone: mrmetta57@gmail.com Facebook: Kevin Cassiday-Maloney Jae Utke, Christian Ed. Director Cell Phone: jae.utke@yahoo.com Facebook: Jae Utke Lora Wehrung, Office Manager 1stcongregationalucc@gmail.com First Church is on the web!