November 1, 2018 Page 2

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1 110 North Third Street River Falls, Wisconsin firstchurchrf.org Rev. Chris Myers: Office NOVEMBER 1, 2018 From Our Pastor I am not a big Top 40 radio fan. But one of the songs I recently heard on a pop radio station really stuck a chord with me. It is called You Say and is sung by Lauren Daigle (you can watch the youtube clip here: The song begins like this: I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I m not enough Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low? Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know One of the reasons I think this song struck me so profoundly is because of a report I recently read that something like 80% of kids feel that God is somehow disappointed in them. Disappointing anyone is never a good feeling, but disappointing God? How do you get over that? How do you deal with that? I am all for humility and recognizing the ways we all fall short, but to live life thinking that God is somehow disappointed in you, is not only contrary to the Christian faith, as a pastor it makes me very, very sad. It is the exact opposite of those wonderful words from Psalm 139: you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother s womb. I thank you, God you re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! (from the Message). In the song, much like a psalm, after those devastating words of doubt and self worth, these wonderful words spoke to God are sung: You say I am loved when I can t feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak You say I am held when I am falling short When I don t belong, oh You say that I am Yours What will it take for our young people to believe this? What will it take for you to believe this? What will it take for us, together as God s people, to live this out today? In Faith and Hope, Pastor Chris Come one, come all to the all church Giving Thanks Meal to be served in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 11 after the 10:30 am worship service. Come join with church members and friends as we give thanks to God for the blessings we have received. The Youth Dessert Silent Auction will also take place during the meal. Please sign up and bring either a salad, vegetable or dessert. No matter who you are. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here! As Jesus courageous disciples, living God s grace, we strive to: ~ Worship faithfully ~ Welcome openly ~ Grow spiritually ~ ~ Care passionately ~ Serve generously ~

2 Charitable IRA Gift Don t miss the chance to make a charitable IRA gift this year. If you are 70 ½ or older and own an IRA, please consider making a charitable rollover gift before December 31. You can make a gift up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to help support the ministry of First Congregational. Your gift will: Not be included in your taxable income Satisfy your required minimum distribution for the year Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions Not be subject to the 50% limitation on charitable gifts Help the work of the church For more information about how you and the church can benefit from an IRA charitable rollover, contact your IRA administrator, tax preparer, or the church office. Treasurer s Report Week of Oct 21, 2018 Year to Date General Fund Income* $ 6,339 $ 372,374 General Fund Operational Needs $ 8,920 $ 374,640 A full accounting of all income and expenses is available in the church office. *Includes annual and monthly gifts. Men s Group Gathering! Our men's group meets every other Tuesday in the Youth Room for coffee, treats, conversation and fellowship. Our next gatherings are Tuesday, November 13 and 27, at 8:00 am. Join us! E-Giving More & more parishioners are signing up for e-giving. It is quick, easy, and safe. It is designed to help both you with your home budgeting & financing of church ministries which continue even when you are away. Simply complete the application form found in the sign-up area to enroll. Questions can be directed to our church treasurer Missy Luedtke. If you already give electronically, please use the e-giving bookmarks in your pew as the offering plate is passed. The Saint John s Bible A Learning Community Gathering, Wednesday, November 7, 6:30 pm The Smithsonian Magazine has called The Saint John s Bible One of the extraordinary undertakings of our time. This stunningly beautiful Bible is indeed a creation of profound beauty and wonder. At our second Learning Community Gathering Tim Ternes, Director of The Saint John s Bible Project will be with us to share the story of this monumental work of art the first handwritten Bible in over 500 years commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey. Completed in 2011 following 13 years of work under the auspices of one of the world s foremost calligraphers and the Senior Scribe to Queen Elizabeth, the Bible is on permanent display at Saint John s Abbey and University in Collegeville, MN. Tim will bring full-size art reproductions of the original with him to River Falls, and through video and other media will share the power of what has become a world-renowned project capturing the power of the printed word. To appreciate what is coming that evening, visit and watch for the beautiful announcements soon to be posted around the church. Tim travels across the country and internationally to share the wonder of The Saint John s Bible, and we are most fortunate to have him with us for an evening of beautiful learning. We hope you ll join us! Everyone is welcome, 6:30 8:00 pm Nov 7. Please join us for Wednesday meal prior to the Community Gathering, by signing up for the meal at the gathering area table. Passion Play 2020 If you were not able to be at the organizational meeting detailing the trip to see the Passion Play in Germany in July of 2020 and wish more information, please see Pastor Chris soon. There are only 20 spots available. November 1, 2018 Page 2

3 Wednesday Family Meals Join us each Wednesday night for a healthy, home cooked family meal in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $7 per person with a max of $30 per family. Please sign up by Tuesday at noon so we have enough food. Please also sign up to help set, serve or clean up. Whether you are single, a couple or have a minivan full, join us as a church family each Wednesday from 5:15 to 6:15 pm. November 7: Beef stroganoff, noodles and salad November 14: TBD November 28: TBD The book group s next meeting will be Tuesday, November 27 at 3:00 pm at the church to discuss A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler (fiction). This is the story of a Baltimore family over four generations, spanning the 1920 s to the 21 st century. Books are available for check out in the church office. Tuesday Afternoon Adult Study The Adult Study Group meets Tuesdays, 1:00 2:30 pm. The focus is Why Christian? by Douglas John Hall. Copies of the book are available for $22 in the church office. Participants do not need to commit to attending every week. Come when you can. For more information, contact Stacy Myers. New Worship Series You have a story. And if you are like most people, there are parts of your story that are happy and sad, surprising and joyful. Our next worship series helps us link our personal stories to the larger story of God acting in our world. Using our United Church of Christ Statement of Faith as a guide, this seven part worship series will help us to connect our story to the Great Story of God who is with us today. Join us! We Believe: Where Our Story and God s Story Come Together Oct 21 God Creates Oct 28 God Saves Nov 4 God Judges Nov 11 God Gives (Thanksgiving Meal/Dedication Sunday) Nov 18 God Comes Nov 25 God Calls Dec 2 God Promises Thanks to Our Men s Group who though only 14 people strong packed 117 boxes containing over 25,000 meals at Feed My Starving Children recently Our Christian Education Committee who recently presented Bibles to our 6 th Graders and Biblical timeline cards to our 3 rd Graders. Laura Miller who is heading up the Annual Giving Thanks Meal on Sunday, November 11 November 1, 2018 Page 3

4 Adult Forum The Adult Forum meets Sundays, 9:00 10:00 am. All are welcome! November 4: The Gospel in 3 Minutes: How would you explain the Christian faith to someone? And could you do it in just 3 minutes? Pastor Chris Using a simple diagram Pastor Chris will lead this hands on session that will help people articulate the Christian faith in a simple and relevant way. Come to deepen your own faith roots! November 11: Planning a Funeral Service, Rebecca Ferguson Have you been postponing planning yours or another s funeral? It could be a little easier (maybe even fun?) doing it with others, using Pastor Chris form. Come, and get this off your "to-do" list! November 18: Our 21st Century Library, Tanya Misselt Do you know all that our River Falls library already does? How would you like it to grow in the coming decades? Come meet and learn from River Falls new library director, Tanya Misselt. Annual Christmas Luncheon You are invited to attend a Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 4, at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. The Fellowship Hall will be decorated, the food will be delicious, the company hard to beat, and the River Falls High School Costumed Carolers provide the entertainment. Please come! We have drivers willing to pick up anyone who needs a ride. The cost is $10.00 per person. Please make a reservation by signing the list or calling the church office. Please let the office know if you need a ride. Advent Workshop The annual Advent Workshop for families will be held following the 10:30 service on December 2. The event will begin with a family-friendly meal followed by a chance to make a variety of Christmas ornaments. This is a great family event. Please come and invite friends to join you! Advent Musical: Important Information for Families Children in pre-school through Grade 6 will begin work on the 2018 Advent Musical on November 18. Rehearsals will take place during Sunday School on all Sundays from November 18 through December 9. The musical will be presented on Sunday, December 16 during the 10:30 worship service. There will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 15, 10:00 am 12:00 pm. The dress rehearsal is for all children in Grades 1 6. Pre-School and Kindergarten children do not attend the dress rehearsal but are part of the musical. Christmas Shoebox Project For the last few years (6?) the yoga group, along with many other people at First Congregational have supported a Christmas Shoe Box for the men at the Kinnic Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in River Falls. The shoe box has contained socks, playing cards, puzzles and toothpaste just to name a few things. The wrapping and filling of shoeboxes will be done in early December then given to the men at Kinnic Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. Listed below are the items we aim to collect. Your donations (items or cash) will be most welcome. Cash donations will be used to purchase needed items. Thank you for reaching out to these fellows. Wall calendar Chap stick Games (Uno, puzzle, cribbage) Shampoo and body wash in one Sewing kit Packaged snack or popcorn Toothpaste full size Razors Wrapped candy Toothbrush and floss Nail clippers Card with DQ certificate Deodorant Paperback book Notebook (to director) Coffee mug Socks These are items if we can get new ones and we can Hot chocolate mix Pen get enough could be added: comb, personal size Bar soap Winter hat calendar, stamps and envelopes, dominos. Deck of cards Winter gloves Also large empty shoeboxes are needed November 1, 2018 Page 4

5 November is Undie Sundays Month!! The women and men at Simpson Shelter in Minneapolis are in need of new underwear for winter. Many work outside jobs; few can purchase the warm underclothing needed for outdoor work or life on the street as the shelter closes daily from 7 am to 6 pm unless temperatures are frigid. Undie Sunday is our way of helping out. For the month of November we re invited and encouraged to purchase packages of underwear for the men and women at Simpson. This year the one item most in need is large sized bras and underwear for women, as well as men s underwear and T-shirts in a variety of sizes that can be used for layering. Insulated underwear is wonderful for residents. As in years past, Undies should be placed in either the Purple Tub for the Vikings or the Green Tub for the Packers, whichever is your favorite team. On November 25 the day of the next Big Game between the two rivals we ll count up packages and see which team has prevailed in the Undie Count. The competition is friendly, and the rivalry prevails even in the Tubs! So please join us in filling up and overflowing the tubs! Folk in great need will be warmer for our effort and generosity, and the First Congregational Undie Sunday Saga will live on another year, complete with bragging rights September 2018 Church Council Summary The Treasurer s report was reviewed and approved. The expenditures appear to be within the budgeted amounts. The Council members were provided with copies of the book, The Agile Church. The Council will be using them for the Focus Sessions led by Pastor Chris during the monthly Council meetings. The Council discussed and passed a motion to allow negotiations with Pilgrim Press to have our Picture the Bible book The Story of God s Love, published with them and marketed nationally. Ministry Updates: Christian Education-1 new member. Sunday school numbers are good. Began review of goals. 10/24/18: Protect Kids event: 6:30-8 pm for families. The program spent funds for upgrading some classroom supplies. Deacons-2 new members, 5-6 interns have offered to assist on the committee, Inquirer s Class is scheduled for October 2. Deacons will host and provide dessert. Discipleship-3 new members. Committee is full. Preparing for the next campaign. Endowment Grant-The beginning balance was $16, and the remaining budget is $13, after grants were provided to the Church Council for the General Synod Assembly and the Saints Project Interns, and the Safe Kids events. The next grant request deadline is September 24 th and the next committee meeting will be October 1, Mission Education- submitted an endowment grant request, officers were identified & positions determined (roles & duties). Veterans meeting October 28, Rebecca is going to begin a group to support LGBTQ, new sustainable living tip will be coming out soon. May change name, would like to add numbers due to the extent of involvement of the committee. Heidy (asylum family) is in the process of adopting her niece: her brother s only surviving child after the earthquake in Guatemala. Personnel-Work has begun on reviews. 3 people left the committee. They need additional members due to the number of reviews within a short time frame. Neal Prochnow and Janet Johnson offered to assist with the process. Strategic Plan-Next meeting is in October. Trustees- Randy left. 2 new members. Discussed the work that was required in the music coordinator s room. Will set the fall clean up date. Inspections went well. Welcoming Ministry-Added 1 new member, review of duties and roles and schedules. Pastor-40 confirmands this year. Large college packs were sent off. 21 spots filled out of 22 for Back Bay Mission. The meeting for the Passion Play trip in German is this Sunday. Moderator-Neal will not be present for the October meeting due to family commitments, he will also be gone for the December meeting. The Church is doing well with the ministries we are currently involved. Pic the Bible-above presentation Music-Next scheduled event is currently the Swing Dance on April 28, We are working on a new piano. The keys get stuck so the committee is looking at purchasing a used baby grand piano and may do some fund raising as well as grant applications to raise the funds. Submitted by, Jo Anne Friedell, Council Clerk November 1, 2018 Page 5

6 Each year on All Saints Sunday the church remembers not just those who have lived and died over the course of the past year, but we also remember that death is not the end. Though our hearts are still aching, we gather for worship to remember the past and give thanks that they are eternally and forever at peace and with God. I invite you to be a part of this year s All Saints Sunday service. A white rose in memory of church members who have died since last All Saints Day will be placed on the altar table at both the 9 and 10:30 am worship services on Sunday, November 4. Family members of these saints are encouraged to take the white rose home with them as an acknowledgement both of their life with us and their life now with God. This year we remember the following saints: Marlene Wells, Chuck Morrow, Harriet Christianson, Wayne Petersen, Stewart Lentz, Audrey Alton, Helen Swanson, Mike Farley NEWSFEED From the Investment Committee: Committee Members: Kris Roen, Jean Smith, Mike Gardner, Wendy Querna, Brad Williams, Fred Trautmiller/Advisor, Chris Myers/Staff Stay tuned for our Annual Report in February 2019!! The Investment account for the First Congregational Church consists of these five designated fund balances: Endowment, Scholarship, Discretionary, Music and the Brazil Funds. Our largest distribution this year has been to the Scholarship Committee which has funded scholarships to 9 college students and 54 church participants for camp, church internship opportunities, confirmation retreats and mission trips. Our Investments year-to-date has seen a gain of $35,687. We are able to do this due to the financial gifts that have been given in the past to our long term giving. Please consider First Congregational Church when doing your financial planning. Thank you. 65th Wedding Anniversary Invitation The congregation is cordially invited to the 65th Wedding Anniversary Celebration of Don and Ginny Larson on Saturday, November 17 from 2:00-5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. A brief renewal of vows ceremony will take place at 3:30 pm that day. Come join them in celebrating this milestone! The couple respectfully ask for no gifts, simply your presence. Cookie Crush Welcoming Ministry is hosting Coffee Fellowship on December 30th and would like to invite anyone who has leftover Christmas goodies to please bring them to the fellowship hall by 9:00 am that morning. Please keep us in mind when doing your Christmas baking. Thank you so much!, located here at church, provides a social respite for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. They are open 9:00 am- 3:00 pm every Tuesday. Please contact Norma Revels or Bonnie Jones-Witthuhn if you are interested in knowing more. November 1, 2018 Page 6

7 Taco Dinner in Support of Heidy and Family and the Ecumenical Asylum Committee It s time for incredible tacos!! Wednesday, November 14 at 5:30 pm we ll gather at our neighboring River Falls United Methodist Church for a benefit dinner in support of Heidy and her family and the amazing work of the Ecumenical Asylum Committee. In her third year in River Falls, Heidy has moved dramatically toward independence working hard, raising four children, and securing green cards toward citizenship. We re blessed to have so many leaders from our churches who have helped make this happen. The Taco Feed will enable us to help just a little bit more in her journey, and we hope you ll join us to do so. If you can t be there please see Bobbie Kuhn, Dianne Barnes, or Pastor Dave to make a contribution. Yoga Class Come and join a delightful group of people that enjoy the flexibility and exercise that yoga offers. The yoga group (men and women) meets Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00-10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Jan Hansen is the certified instructor. A donation is requested and is shared with local charities during the holiday season. We all look forward to seeing new faces. Daily Devotional to Your Inbox Did you know that the UCC has a daily devotional that can be sent directly to your each morning? Containing a scripture verse, short devotional and prayer, and written by various UCC pastors, you can sign up for this free devotional by going to: Save Your Family Fresh Receipts! ARC gets $1,000 for every $150,000 in receipts, so every dollar counts. ARC is the agency funded by local churches to help address the immediate needs of people in our community (rent, utility, gas, repair help). A box for receipts is on the back table. Mother Bear Project The Mother Bear Project is still going strong. If you knit or crochet, please consider crafting a bear for this important mission. For more information, contact Rene Bylander at or renebylander@gmail.com Upcoming Youth Events Sun, Nov 4 Cossettas $10 ALL YOUTH (6 th -12 th ) Sun, Nov 11 Thanksgiving Meal, Dessert Auction and Aprons to 7 th graders Wed, Nov 14 UWRF Climbing Wall Interns: 7:00-8:15 pm Pick up at Falcon Center Newsletter Each month we send out about 350 printed copies of the newsletter. Some of you have expressed an interest in receiving this electronically, instead of a paper copy. If you contact the church office, you can now be unsubscribed from the printed copy and receive an copy when it is published. You can always access the current newsletter through the church website: Please know that we need at least 200 copies of the printed newsletter to be mailed to obtain the bulk mail rate. Sustainable Living Tip Do you find yourself dreading another winter of cold air drafts in your home or business? Consider having a home energy audit (or assessment) done. Home energy audits can identify the parts of your home or business that use the most energy, and identify specific steps you can take to make your building more comfortable, efficient, and save you money. Audits that use a blower door test and/or an infrared camera are the most useful for identifying areas that need more air sealing or insulation. The results may surprise you! And many electric utilities offer significant discounts or reimbursements for having an audit performed. Check with your utility provider for more information. ~Brought to you by the Mission Education Committee November 1, 2018 Page 7

8 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STAFF Chris Myers - Pastor Dave Ostendorf - Minister for Community and Outreach Stacy Johnson - CE Minister JaNae Westrich - Youth Pastor Missy Luedtke - Office Assistant Neal Prochnow - Moderator Scott Perau - Choir Director Marsha Pearson - Music Coordinator/Organist Terry Mithun - Organist Jamie Mills - Bell Choir Director Tim Bylander - Building Supervisor Dave Mountain - Custodian Office Phone: Office office@firstchurchrf.org Website: PASTOR S HOME PHONE NUMBER Chris Myers chris@firstchurchrf.org FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 110 N. Third Street River Falls, Wisconsin NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #53 RIVER FALLS, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED NOVEMBER 1, NOVEMBER 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Yoga 9-10:11 am Fall Clean Up 9:00 am 4 All Saints Sunday 8:00 am Music Practice 9:00 am Worship Service 9:00 am Adult Forum 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am Worship Service 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast 11:30 am Youth Trip to Cossettas 11 8:00 am Music Practice 9:00 am Worship Service 9:00 am Adult Forum 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast 11:30 am Giving Thanks Meal 18 8:00 am Music Practice 9:00 am Worship Service 9:00 am Adult Forum 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast 1:00 pm Piano Recital 25 8:00 am Music Practice 9:00 am Worship Service 9:00 am Adult Forum 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast Newsletter Deadline 5 Board Meeting 6:00 pm 12 Cribbage 7:00 pm 6 9:00 am-3:00 pm Personnel Meeting 11:30 am Bible Study 1:00-2:30 pm 13 Men s Group 8:00 am 9:00 am-3:00 pm Personnel Meeting 11:30 am Bible Study 1:00-2:30 pm :00 am-3:00 pm Bible Study 1:00-2:30 pm Wellhaven 3:00 pm 26 Endowment Grant Request Deadline Boards and Committees Meetings 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting 7:30 pm 27 Men s Group 8:00 am 9:00 am-3:00 pm Bible Study 1:00-2:30 pm Book Group 3:00 pm 7 3:45 pm Wednesday School 5:15 pm Family Meal 6:00 pm Jubilee Ringers 6:30 pm Confirm Yr 1 (7th Gr) 6:30 pm Confirm Yr 3 (9th Gr) 6:30-8:00 pm Learning Community Event 7:00 pm Chancel Choir 9:00 pm Worship on Chnl :45 pm Wednesday School 5:15 pm Family Meal 6:00 pm Jubilee Ringers 6:30 pm Pre-Confirm (6th Gr) 6:30 pm Confirm Yr 2 (8th Gr) 7:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:00 pm Church Interns 9:00 pm Worship on Chnl No Wednesday Meal No Wednesday Programs 9:00 pm Worship on Chnl :45 pm Wednesday School 5:15 pm Family Meal 5:00 pm Grades 6-12 go to Feed My Starving Children 6:00 pm Jubilee Ringers 7:00 pm Chancel Choir 9:00 pm Worship on Chnl 16 Free Counseling Center 3:00-8:00 pm Hope for Creation Mtg at St. Bridget s 6:30 pm 8 15 Free Counseling Center 3:00-8:00 pm 22 Thanksgiving Day Church Office Closed Mission Education Planning Meeting 10 am-12 pm Newsletter Deadline Don & Ginny Larson s 65th Wedding Anniversary Open House 2-5 pm 23 Church Office Closed 30 24