So Much Gratitude!

This week feels overwhelming on many levels. On Sunday, we host our first Annual Meeting via zoom, we will offer a modified service of healing and anointing, AND we get to celebrate Cherlyn Christiansen, who is retiring as our administrative assistant after 12.5 years of service! Wow! Join us this week in worship as we express gratitude for God’s presence in our community life. May grace abound!

As I type this, Cherlyn and I sit together in the office for a final week. She has been a tremendous partner in ministry. Three years ago, as your new minister with SO much to learn, I received the exceptional gift of Cherlyn’s steady hand and heart. The truth is, I continue to have plenty to learn, and I’m grateful Cherlyn is willing to serve as our 2021 vice-moderator, offering further support, insight, and organizational knowledge as we continue in shared ministry.

The final print newsletter being sent out next week is a true celebration of Cherlyn and the joy, warmth, and heart she’s gifted this congregation. We will forever be changed because of her devotion to our faith community. Cherlyn, from the bottom of your pastor’s heart- THANK YOU for who you are and your willingness to share of yourself with us for 12.5 years.

Matthew 25:21 offers words of blessing to those who invest their talents well. Cherlyn, this is for you: ‘Well done, good and trustworthy one; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

Worship & Events

Sunday 10am Service

Jan. 31: We will share a service of healing and anointing (have candles ready at home!), thoroughly celebrate Cherlyn Christiansen, and host our Annual Mtg. on Zoom!

Weekly Bulletin Posted Online
(Scroll down home page for link)

Virtual Worship 10am Sunday on Facebook- Join us!

A Look Ahead

Feb. 7: We share in the gift of Holy Communion
Feb. 14: We celebrate Transfiguration Sunday
Feb. 17: We usher in Lent together with Ash Wednesday at 7pm (online worshipers, be watching for a way to pick-up ashes!)
Feb. 21: Season of Lent Begins: Breaking Free: How God Invites Us To Co-Create Our Redemption Story

Jan. 31st Annual Meeting at noon!

Each year, as I read through the several carefully prepared reports from our lay leaders, I am THRILLED at how much God is moving through us. This year feels particularly powerful, given the many adaptations we’ve needed. Please take a few moments to offer thanks for the tremendous work of our faith community by reading the reports:

Review our 2020 Annual Report Booklet here!

Information to review regarding placing our church on the National Register of Historic Places: CLICK HERE to be informed!

Zoom Link- we’ll vote with our hands or thumbs up!

Emily Munger is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: FCUCC Annual Meeting!
Time: Jan 31, 2021 12:00 PM Central Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89650836625?pwd=OEtzdUV3cnZLVXM2L3lXMzR0b25PZz09

Meeting ID: 896 5083 6625
Passcode: 8u2kZn

Follow the Daily Bible Lectionary Here!

Community Connections

Words of thanks to Cherlyn

Cherlyn, for years you have been the glue that held us together. When our
ministers had trials in their lives or when we were between ministers
you kept things going and we all knew you had things under control.
When we, as members, “dropped the ball,” you reminded us and kept us on
track. I, for one, needed a reminder now and then and you were there.
With caring and grace you have been there for this congregation and we
THANK YOU! Enjoy your free times and keep Larry in line.

Love, Shirley Halligan

Cherlyn, thank you so much for always going above and beyond you certainly made many things easier for me!! I am very greatful for all your years of dedication and especially your friendship!! Enjoy your next chapter in life. God's blessings!!

-Patti Jennings

Cherlyn, You have been our rock in so many times of transition, and we’ve had many! I especially appreciated you during the season I was moderator. You were always there, guiding me in many ways. You offered gentle reminders for the many to-dos throughout the year, meetings reports, and challenges ahead. You provided a bigger picture of the church for me, which was so helpful as we celebrated our 135th Anniversary. It was a special year, and you pulled out all the stops to plan, prepare and serce our Native American meal for the event. I recall fondly the buffalo meal and all the accoutrements, which provided an amazing meal together for the whole church. I also know how hard you worked to plan the Oahe Association meals, putting your home ecomonics experience to good use! Thank you for the blessing of loving us with food! We love you and now it’s time to take a rest and relax a bit! Tina Van Camp

PS- I will never again take a coffee pot from the church for a wrestling tournament on Christmas Tea weekend!

Congratulations Confirmands!

Meet Christy Ford, our new
Administrative Assistant to begin Feb. 1st

Christy joined the Pierre community in July 2020, and is excited for the opportunity to further engage in service as our new administrative assistant! She lives with her husband Nathan Ford and step-son Haden, 4 English bulldogs, and a family of hedgehogs! Christy moved to Pierre from Fort Collins, CO, where she managed a service business from her home, providing 24/7 care for people with developmental disabilities. She also comes to us with several years of experience as an office and project manager for the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership in Sioux Falls, SD. Christy has degrees in information technology and economics, and has experience as a technical support consultant for various organizations. We are thrilled to welcome Christy to our church community, and we look forward to getting better acquainted once she begins on Feb. 1, 2021.

Christy’s new email is: church.office@pierreucc.org. Send her a word of welcome next week!

Prayer Requests

Roger Easland’s mother Helen has recovered well from Covid, praise God!

Debby Wagner experienced a gall bladder attack on Wednesday.

Val Kelly’s family as they cherish the life of Granny Reta in service Friday.

Audra Evans, Jade & Taylor on the death of Audra’s mother Mary Weber

Custodian Deb Winder’s daughter, Mesa, dealing with a medical emergency

Victims of the Edgewater Apt. fire
(Your Love Fund dollars provided $1,000 in relief this week, thank you!)

January Celebrations

Anniversaries

Clive & Teresa Bremser - 21
Jennifer & Jeremie Evans- 22
Norman & Ruby Humphrey- 26

Birthdays

Cindy Halderman - 02
Molly Jahraus - 03
Jack Baker - 04
Patrick Baker - 06
Maia Surdez - 08
Lola May Moser - 10
Charles Nafus - 10
Betsy Pollock - 11
Sandra Kangas - 15
Stephanie Bietz - 15
Brooke Gloe - 16
Bill Sr. Van Camp - 18
Heidi Jennings - 23
Nancy Van Camp - 24
Ruby Humphrey - 26
Jade Evans - 26
Jamiah Dupris - 27
Cecil Bassett - 28
Tyson Nafus - 29
Jack Van Camp - 29
Will Van Camp - 29
Jim Cruse - 31

Get Involved in Ministry

Souper Bowl of Caring: $2,500 is the Goal!

Send your check in through the month of February!
Bring $ with you to place in our pot on Sunday!
Give online and designate to this campaign!

Give Online

Our local food pantry, housed in PARS, is a tremendous community resource that we support each year. This year, due to covid, we are setting a monetary-only goal of $2,500! Help us reach it with your financial donations, simply desigate your giving to Souper Bowl of Caring!

In an effort to display our depth of commitment and joy as a faith community, our new website will host a few of YOUR stories! If you’d like to submit a paragraph or two describing what you value about this church, along with a photo, we will spread good news to those searching for a faith home! It’s the most authentic form of evangelism I know.

email Pastor Emily with your story and photo today! No need to be a member for your story to be valuable!

Supporting Our Mission

Stay Informed

Our usual method of publishing minutes from our board meetings in the monthly printed newsletter is taking a NEW form! Check out links below and stay up-to-date with the decisions your elected leaders are making: