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Jesus is the Bread of LifeWe share a faith tradition that affirms our bodies are good, because Jesus redeems us through his own sacred body. Our scriptures these next few Sundays speak Christ’s language of promise: I am the bread of life. Christ delivers us from oppression in all forms, hunger of the body, soul, and mind. In the act of Holy Communion, we enter the spiritual promise that Christ brings us new life! PURPOSE when we feel adrift. PEACE when our spirits are fatigued. PASSION when we’ve become complacent. PRESENCE when our lives feel desolate and alone. |
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In our United Church of Christ tradition, we affirm that ALL who hunger and thirst for Christ’s love are welcome to receive Holy Communion, no exceptions, because we WILL receive nourishment for the journey ahead. As we prepare each month to receive communion, we also wonder together: are we prepared for the PURPOSE, PEACE, PASSION, and PRESENCE that accompany it? May it be so, always in Christ’s name. Amen! |
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The next weekly e-news will be sent out the week of Aug. 9-15 when I return from a two-week vacation. Thank you for communicating all prayer and pastoral need requests with Marc Petersen in the office during my time away. Peace, Pastor Emily |
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Calendar at a Glance |
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Sat. July 24: 10am Freezer Meal Drop-off, church office Sun. July 25: 10am Holy Communion, ahead of Pastor Emily’s time away Mon. July 26: 3pm Robert “Bob Nystrom” Memorial Reception- Red Rossa Sun. Aug 1: Gloria & Jack’s Organ & Piano Duets w/ History of Hymns Sun. Aug 8: Nance Orsbon will be our guest preacher Mon. Aug. 9: 5:30pm Christian Ed. meeting Wed. Aug. 11: 5:30pm Trustees & Deacons; 6:30pm Executive Council Thurs. Aug. 12: 1:15pm Women’s Fellowship Executive Board Sun. Aug 15: 10am Pastor Emily returns to pulpit Sun. Aug. 22: 10am Blessing of the Backpacks for students & educators Sun. Aug. 22: 11:30am Children & Youth Faith Discovery begins at Discovery Center: lunch, Creation scavenger hunt, & play! Sun. Aug. 29: 10am Outdoor Service w/ music by Frank and Shirley Halligan at Fischers Lilly Park Sun. Sept. 5: 10am worship; Sunday School & children’s bell choir begin! |
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Bob Nystrom Memorial Reception Mon. July 26thFriends & church family are invited to celebrate Bob Nystrom's life with his family Mon. July 26th at 3pm in a private room (w/ patio) at Red Rossa. It will be a casual gathering with photos, music, refreshments, and conversation.
His obituary can be found here |
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Worship on Aug. 1st & 8th |
| August 1st Special Music SundayJoin us for a robust & music-filled service led by Gloria Merriam, Jack Horner, Larry Lyngstad, and Mike Smith- 10am Sunday! |
| | August 8th Nance Orsbon PreachingLicensed ELCA minister Nance Orsbon will be our guest preacher. Be sure to engage her creative worship ideas Aug. 8th at 10am |
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Community ConnectionsFreezer Meals for Families!THANK YOU to those who have already reached out with meals in advance of our drop-off this Saturday! We share the good news that baby Luca Orin Bethke was born to parents Aric & Taniya last week, joining big sister Fio who celebrated with us on Sunday. Look at all that joy! |
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Taniya and Aric Bethke, Justin & Lindsey Evans (who are due any day!), and Avery Vanden Bos (due Sept. 3rd) & family will all feel our support in the tangible gift of meals. Create a freezer meal (or two or three!), label with instructions, and simply drop-off at the church on one or both collection days.
TWO DATES to drop off meal(s) at the church office:
Saturday July 24 at 10am* Saturday August 28 at 10am
*Bonus points for dairy/soy free meals this Saturday! We will be sure meals are distributed to the households. If you can’t make these dates work but would like to contribute, let Pastor Emily know! |
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Support PARS Back-to-School Backpack Program this Sunday |
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Corwin Jones, director of Pierre Area Referral Service is inviting area churches to make the annual Back-to-School Backpack Program a success! Our church has received 8 backpacks (representing 5 area families) complete with lists of all items that need purchased. Pick-up one (or two) backpacks this Sunday, July 25th, fill with basic school supplies as listed, and return to PARS (110 W. Missouri Ave.) by Aug. 6th. Thank you! |
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Possible Covid-19 Exposure Sun. July 18thWe have been informed that a (vaccinated) couple who attended July 18 worship tested positive for covid-19 on Tuesday of this week. We are sharing out of caution, not a high level of concern. It does offer us a reminder that we are not out of the woods yet; our current protocol places reliance on a high vaccination rate among our congregation. If you have concern over this incident, please reach out to Pastor Emily before Sunday to discuss. Thanks! |
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Prayer Requests |
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We affirm the desire for church members and friends to receive prayer both publicly and privately.
July 26-Aug 8th, please reach out to Marc Petersen with your prayer request and pastoral needs. He will connect you with appropriate pastoral care when requested.
“All together, holding on to one another, lifting each other up, we ALL begin to rise in the name of our risen Christ.” |
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Celebrations |
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Are we missing your name? Please fill out our Contact Update Form! July BirthdaysDon Stars July 22 Otto Miles Dowling July 22 Nicholas Kruse July 23 Barb Dooley July 24 Barry Jennings July 24 Brad Gall July 24 Glenn Kietzmann July 25 Mickey Thomsen July 27 Joni Boub July 28 Jack Horner July 29 July AnniversariesErwin & Marlys Feller July 24 Justin & Lindsey Evans July 25 Randell & Tamara Kintz July 28 |
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August BirthdaysTina Van Camp August 01 Bobbi Hofer August 02 Asher Vanden Bos August 02 Marc Huckins August 06 Emily Munger August 06 Kari Kietzmann August 07 Lucas Huckins August 09 Heath Dewell August 10 Jennifer Baker August 11 Rebecca Cruse August 14 Cherlyn Christiansen August 14 Mike Smith August 15 William Engberg August 16 Andrea Christiansen August 16 George Lingle August 18 Cindy Bechard August 19 Clive Bremser August 20 Annette July August 24 Robert Huckins August 25 Zackery Huckins August 25 Cody Dewell August 27 Evelyn Putzier August 29 Michael Schock August 29 Claire Mohr August 30 Tamara Kintz August 31 August AnniversariesAnthony & Janice Lucas August 09 Josh & Rachel Byrum August 16 Diane & William Engberg August 16 Sean & Shana Kruger August 17 Sean & Shana Kruger August 17 Michelle & Shane Olson August 18 Robert & (the late) Bev Huckins August 19 Marla (Jennings) & Seth Desollar August 21 Mike & Susan Smith August 23 Gloria & Rick Merriam August 25 Cindy & Marc Halderman August 26 Brittany & Skyler Dowling August 30 |
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Supporting Our Mission |
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Financial ReportOur devoted treasurer Brenda Paul will return with a combined financial report for a few weeks when we send our next e-news. Our mission is entirely funded by member and friend contributions. THANK YOU for your tremendous support. |
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Connect OnlineLearn more about our UCC Connections Invest in building community: Join a Table Group Dig deeper by engaging Pastor Emily’s Sermons Update Information by Adding Your Voice & submitting Prayer Requests |
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