110 N. Third Street, River Falls, WI 54022

715-425-2052 — www.firstchurchrf.org

Rev. Chris Myers: chris@firstchurchrf.org

Office email: office@firstchurchrf.org

JULY 15, 2018

Saints One of the many joys of my call as pastor, is listening to people’s stories. Especially during these summer months, I regularly try to get out to visit with people and listen

to them talk about themselves—who they are, where they come from, what they are struggling with and how their faith has helped them. I find time spent this way very rewarding.

One of the new ventures we are trying this summer is training a group of our church interns (and some adult helpers) to go out and interview some of the ‘saints’ of First Congregational Church. Modeled on National Public Radio’s ‘Story Corps’ program, we ask our ‘saints’ what life was like when they were growing up? Family life? Work? School? But our special emphasis is to talk to them about their faith life and how that has shaped them growing up. What was church like? Sunday School? Did they go to confirmation? Youth group? In short how has their faith affected the way they live their life now?

The interviews are recorded on tablets (thanks to a grant from the Endowment Grant Committee), and a copy of the interview is given to each person who agrees to be interviewed. We hope this will help them reflect and appreciate the gift of their Christian faith. If the ‘saint’ so desires, their video can be shared with their family as a lasting testimony to their life and faith. We also ask for permission to share this video with members of our church family to help them learn from their faith and life story. In fact, one of our Church Intern gatherings this coming year will be centered around ‘Lessons learned from the Saints of First Church’. There is so much to learn from our ‘saints!’

While we already have a long list of ‘saints’ to interview, we hope to interview as many people as we can. If you wish to add your name to the ‘saints’ to be interviewed, please talk to Pastors Chris and Stacy, or Suzanne Hagen and Rebecca Ferguson, who are assisting in this project. Special thanks to our church interns who are being trained in interview and video editing techniques, our adults helpers, and the Endowment Grant Committee for their generous support.

Pastor Chris

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 ~

Sunday, August 26 - Fendrick & Peck Bluegrass Group

will perform during our church service and then move into Fellowship Hall to continue their music while a mini brunch is provided. Join us!

Make a generous contribution, thanks to IRS rules! According to an article in the December 4, 2017 edition of US News & World Report, if you are in the fortunate position of not needing your distribution for living expenses and are charitably inclined, you can avoid income tax on your required withdrawal by donating your money directly to a qualifying charity. What a great way for you to support the many ministries of the First Congregational AND reduce your tax bill. Generally speaking, you must meet the requirement of being age 70 1/2 or older to make a tax-free charitable contribution. If you are, you could be able to transfer up to $100,000 per year directly to a charity without paying income tax on the transaction. If you file jointly, your spouse could also make a charitable contribution of up to $100,000. For more information, please consult your tax consultant.

July 15, 2018 Page 2

E-Giving—More and 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 and 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.

Techies Needed! Know websites or graphic design? Like working with computers and computer systems? If you have techie skills and would like to share them, we would like to gather a church tech team who can advise church staff on computer and technology issues. The group would meet quarterly. Please give us your contact info & area of interest/expertise and we will convene the group. Bless you!

Treasurer’s Report

Week of July 8 2018 Year to Date

General Fund Income* $ 6,308 $ 264,474

General Fund Operational Needs $ 8,920 $ 240,840

A full accounting of all income and expenses is available in the church office.

*Includes annual and monthly gifts.

Building Fund Update During 2017, the committee began implementing our third capital campaign and monitored industry interest rate increases to maintain the lowest possible costs. The committee carries over the policy of keeping 18 months’ worth of payments in reserve.

Mortgage Summary – As of March 31, 2018 • Original cost of Facilities Expansion Project $2,386,970 • Remaining amount on Bank Loan $705,390.57 • Cash on hand in the Building Fund $96,713.31 • Interest Rate 4.25% • Monthly Payment $8,320.41 • Interest paid each month $2,628.31

We received $314,704 in pledges for the period of 2017 to Easter 2020. Although we did not raise enough to pay off the mortgage by 2020, we did receive commitments to continue making our mortgage payments. The committee had been monitoring the interest rates & were made aware of rate increases. We chose to re-mortgage the building loan January 2018 locking in our current rate of 4.5% for the next 5 years. Based on the anticipated rate increase, we will save $4,124 in interest over the next 5 years & possibly more as we expect rates to continue to rise. This will give us interest rate protection for the next 5 years when the loan balance will be about $350,000. We thank the congregation for their generous support!

VBS: Cathedral! For VBS this year we will focus on cathedrals built in the 13th and 14th centuries. The children will learn about tools and technology, artisans who supplied the bread, stained glass, tiles, fabrics, and rope, and architectural features. The children will also consider how the small contributions of each person came together over a long period of time to result in a magnificent building. They kids will discuss the role of cooperation and how cathedrals were designed to support worship and learning Bible stories. We don’t want to spoil too many surprises, but if you stop by you will smell bread baking—outside; be invited to help crank the rope-making machine; and watch a beautiful cathedral emerge before your very eyes. We have a wonderful cast of volunteers and now we need students. Please, please, please help to invite children. Children who are registered: invite a friend. Grandparents: bring your grandchildren. Everyone: invite your neighbor children. There is no charge and all are welcome. Registration forms are available in the church office and online.

VBS (pre-school–completed grade 5): July 30–August 2, 9:00 am–11:30 am

July 15, 2018 Page 3

Softball News Aahh the fun of softball on a hot summer day, we had another great night of softball against one of the top two teams in our division. We lost, but had hope of catching up and beating them throughout the game. Most importantly, we played a really good game. Way to go team!! So our record now is 2 wins, 3 loses, and a rainout. Our next three games are:

July 16 7:45 PM at Hoffman Park July 23 7:45 PM at Hoffman Park July 30 7:45 PM at Hoffman Park

Players, we have batting practice again next Monday at 6:30 prior to the game. Fans, come join in the fun and cheer us on and enjoy some family time. We love your encouragement and support. If you have questions contact Matthew Thurston at (715)781-3626 or Deb Hoffman at (612)308-4945.

VBS Volunteers Meeting Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help with VBS. There will be a meeting for all volunteers on Thursday, July 26, from 6:30–7:30 pm. This is an important meeting to be sure that everything is organized for the week. If you have questions, talk to Stacy Myers.

VBS & VBS Dinner The VBS dinner and celebration will be held on August 2, starting at 6:00 pm. Please join us!

Let us know you are coming by signing the list.

VBS Painting and Work Night The 2018 VBS Painting and Work Night will be Tuesday, July 24, starting at

6:00 pm. Please sign the volunteer list.

July 15, 2018 Page 4

Free School Supply Event On Monday, August 6, and Tuesday, August 7, families in the River Falls School District can receive free school supplies for the upcoming year through the Free School Supply Event. The sorting and distribution of supplies will be here at our church.

Supplies we are in most need of are: washable markers, extra fine Sharpies, scientific calculators, Ticonderoga pencils, dry erase markers, plastic folders, large pencil boxes, ear buds or headphones, and backpacks for older students. Sharpened pencils are requested by many teachers. Please do not donate small calculators or flash drives as there are no requests for them. Please limit purchases of 24-box crayons and wide-ruled notebooks. We appreciate donations of all other school supplies. Please bring your donated school supplies to our church by Sunday, August 5.

This year the First National Bank is again donating 300+ pairs of tennis shoes through the program. They are using the proceeds from this spring’s bank sponsored 5K. The program is extremely thankful for this generous donation.

Also, please contact me or use the sign-up sheets if you can help sort on the 6th (start at 10:00 am) and assist families on the evening of the 6th from 4:00 until 6:30 pm. Volunteers are also needed on the 7th from 9:30 until noon. Students may volunteer for the Monday morning shift. We prefer not to use students during the give-away times as it is an issue of confidentiality.

With your assistance, families with limited financial means will be able to have their children start school on an equal basis with other students in the district.

~Bob Gustafson

Summer Singing Opportunity This summer we will be putting together a choir once a month to lead worship and

sing an anthem. Everyone is invited! You do not have to have to have music reading skills or any previous experience. We will sing again on August 5. If you would like

to sing, please meet up with us at 8:30 am that Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact our choir director, Scott Perau. Cell - 715-461-0318 or Email - sperau@gmail.com

Discretionary Fund Needs Help Years ago one of the saints of this church established a Discretionary Fund to be used at the pastor’s discretion to help people in immediate need. While we in this community have some amazing groups and organizations that help our neighbors (ARC, Food Pantry, Habitat, Our Neighbors place to name a few who are supported directly though our church), there are still times when a church member or community member has a need that can’t be meet by these group. The Discretionary Fund has been used for everything from rent and utility help, to tuition help, purchasing food and diapers, to paying medical copays. We average about $1000 to $1500 in payments out of this fund per year. If you would like to contribute to the Discretionary Fund, simply designate this on your giving envelopes or drop a gift off in the church office.

July 15, 2018 Page 5

Upcoming Youth Events

July 30—August 2—Vacation Bible School

Wednesday, August 1—River Falls Fish Game—Meet at the field at 7:30.

Sustainable Living: Tip of the Month Butterflies and bees are pollinators that do extremely important work in sustaining our food

chain and adding to the beauty of nature. Climate change, pesticides, and loss of habitat are

major threats to our beloved bees and butterflies, and more. What could we do to help these

pollinators and enjoy their beauty? Let part of our lawn grow wild with plants that attract and nourish

pollinators. In our flower beds, check out what plants and flowers will attract and be beneficial to them.

You can find good information on the internet, or talk with native plant experts, or the DNR. Avoid pesticides

which are harmful to pollinators. If we all do our part, the benefits will be enjoyed by God's children, and by

our pollinator friends without whom we could not survive. ~Brought to you by the Mission Ed Comm.

Thanks to… … Glenn Kees and Jeff Hoffman for their lawn mowing skills

… Carole Mottaz for organizing the meal being served at the Simpson Homeless Shelter

… Scott Perau for the monthly summer choir performances

… The Music Committee for the Blues and Bar-b-Que event as a precursor to River Falls Days

… Lu Lueck and her garden gurus keep the church gardens looking mighty fine

Men’s Group Gathering! Our newly formed men's group meets every other Tuesday in the Fellowship Hall for coffee,

treats, conversation and fellowship. Our next gatherings are Tuesday, July 24 and August 7 & 21,

at 8:00 am. Thanks to our leadership team of Mike Gardner, Roger Kampstra and Brad Williams who helped

organize this group. Join us!

Rally Day Sunday, September 9 will be Rally Day, the beginning of the church program year. Our schedule that day will be:

8:00 am Choir Practice 9:00 am Early Worship 9:00 am Adult Forum 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am Late Worship with Sunday School 11:30 am Confirmation Kick Off Event

Join us as we begin an exciting programming year!

Confirmation Kick Off Event: Sunday, September 9 Confirmation is a program to strengthen the faith lives of our 6-9th grade young people. On Sunday, September 9, all students and their parents will gather for the annual Confirmation Kick Off Event in the Fellowship Hall following the late worship service. At this mandatory 45-minute meeting we will overview the goals and requirements of the Confirmation Program, meeting times, dates, trips, retreats and events. Please mark your calendars now!

July 15, 2018 Page 6

October 24: Important Date for Families The Christian Education Committee will be hosting an event for parents and interested grandparents on Wednesday, October 24. The event is designed to support families as they navigate the complicated process of parenting, including helping their children make safe tech choices. More information will come, but for now—please save the date! The evening will begin with a family meal and child care and activities for kids will be provided.

What the pastor is reading…

Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks by Diana Butler Bass The author is a favorite of mine. She has a clear way of speaking about ordinary experiences

and how, in faith, that can become transformative. In this book she speaks of gratitude not as a one-time event (writing a thank you note), but as way of living and being in the world. I found this book very helpful.

The New Localism: How Cities Can Thrive by Bruce Katz and Jeremy Nowak Looking at cities by Pittsburg and Indianapolis as examples, the book talks about a new localism that has developed to meet real human problems on local instead of national level. A very hopeful book about the creative ways communities, businesses and local organizations are working together.

Dear First Congregational United Church of Christ, I would like to graciously thank you as a whole for everything you have done for me as a child of God! I started coming here as a shy 7th grader and I have learned so much about the study of religion and learned about myself as I find my path. I have been blessed and honored to meet so many kind people

that have been able to watch me grow and develop into the mature and caring person I am today. From helping out at Wednesday school to washing the dishes after a meal and playing in the bell choir to working in the nursery, I feel like I have truly experienced it all here at the church! I am beyond thankful for everything this church has offered me and for all the amazing people that got me to come back Sunday after Sunday and serve the people and community. I would also like to give a huge thanks to Pastor Chris, Pastor Stacy, JaNae, and everybody who has such a high passion for the children of the church. With their dedication and hard work, they have created an amazing children's program-from birth to high school graduate-that has given so many kids the chance to learn and grow into a loving and passionate disciple. Thank you again for this fantastic opportunity you gave me; I plan to go out into the world and spread all that I have learned here in this church! My greatest appreciation, Nan Stifter

Among Friends, 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 715-293-2561 or Bonnie Jones-Witthuhn 715-307-1182 if you are interested in knowing more.

Grow in Faith with Lay Academy Lay Academy is a ministry of transformation and faith formation offered by the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. Participants dive into scripture, explore theology, consider God's presence in their lives and discover fresh ways to speak about and live out their faith in their day to day lives. Registration is open for the next cycle of classes, which will begin on Saturday, August 18 and continue with additional two-day weekend sessions in September, November, January, March and April. For more detailed information, go to www.wcucc.org/layacademy, see the flyer on the table or talk to your pastor.

2019 Spring Break Mission Trip It is time for another Spring Break Mission trip! We do this trip every second year (when spring break does not coincide with Holy Week ). The trip is geared for youth age 14 to college. A limited number of adult spots are available as well. We spend the week working on houses (painting, light construction and demolition, landscaping, etc) in Biloxi through our UCC partner agency Back Bay

Mission (www.thebackbaymission.org). The cost about $500 per person for the week including all transportation, meals and housing. Dates are March 23-30, 2019 (RFSD spring break). Space is limited to 22 people and this trip ALWAYS fills up. Use the sign-up sheet to register your interest. Actual sign-up day will be in late September. For more info please see Pastor Chris or Carol Merriman.

July 15, 2018 Page 7

Daily Devotional to Your Inbox Did you know that the UCC has a daily devotional that can be sent directly to your email 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: http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional

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 youth room. 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.

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.

Donations Needed for Our Neighbors’ Place: Gently-used (or new) backpacks (big enough to hold a large box of cereal and sturdy enough to carry 7-9 pounds of food as

we will use these bags for the Backpack Program) Bottled water—8 or 16 ounce bottles (so we can offer guests at the Day Center a cool drink during the hot summer months) Men’s and women’s low cut socks (new socks only please—we cannot accept used socks) Family Fresh receipts Monetary donations of any amount are always VERY appreciated!

Donations may be dropped off between 10 am-4 pm Monday-Friday. The address is: 122 West Johnson Street in River Falls. Thank you for your generosity!

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunities We at Habitat for Humanity would like to express our deepest regards to you for any past or current work that we have performed together in the name of Jesus Christ. Our mission continues to serve those in St. Croix and Pierce Counties. Our work is built on the collaboration between congregations, businesses, and individuals all in the name of love and service. Currently we have an active build site in Hammond, WI which we are looking for interested volunteers, as well as are looking to start supplemental home repair projects as we are still looking for potential candidates for A Brush With Kindness and Aging In Place. We always have volunteer opportunities at the Roberts ReStore as well, and are always on the lookout for material and financial donations too which allow us to continue to serve our communities. Please just come on out and join us in doing some great work while having fun doing it! You can contact the office at 715-760-3300 and the ReStore at 715-760-3456. Thank you and God Bless, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity "A WORLD where EVERYONE has a decent PLACE to LIVE..."

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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 Ross Fugl - Bell Choir Director Tim Bylander - Building Supervisor Dave Mountain - Custodian ----------------------------------—————————————————————-------——————————------------——————-------------------

Office Phone: 715-425-2052 Office E-mail: office@firstchurchrf.org Website: www.firstchurchrf.org

Chris Myers 715-426-2075 chris@firstchurchrf.org

STAFF

PASTOR’S HOME PHONE NUMBER

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 110 N. Third Street

River Falls, Wisconsin 54022

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U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #53

RIVER FALLS, WI 54022

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2018 JULY 2018

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast

2 Among Friends Board Meeting

5:00 pm

Softball Game at Hoffman Park

7:45 pm

3 Yoga 9-10:00 am

Among Friends

9:00 am-3:00 pm

4 Independence Day

Church Office Closed

5 Yoga 9-10:00 am

Free Counseling

Center 3:00-8:00 pm

6

7

8 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast

9 Softball Game at

Hoffman Park 7:45 pm

10 Men’s Group 8:00 am

Yoga 9-10:00 am

Among Friends

9:00 am-3:00 pm

11 PEO Meetings

10:00 am—3:00 pm

Chris Silver Band Concert 5:00-7:00 pm

12 Yoga 9-10:00 am

Simpson Meal Prep at Church 12:00 pm

Leave to Deliver Meal to Simpson

4:00 pm

13

14

15 8:30 am Summer Choir 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast

16 Softball Game at

Hoffman Park 7:45 pm

17 Yoga 9-10:00 am

Among Friends

9:00 am-3:00 pm

18

19 Yoga 9-10:00 am

Free Counseling

Center 3:00-8:00 pm

20

21

22 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast

23 Softball Game at

Hoffman Park 7:45 pm

24 Men’s Group 8:00 am

Yoga 9-10:00 am

Among Friends 9:00 am-3:00 pm

VBS Painting and Work Night 6:00 pm

25 Newsletter Deadline

26 Yoga 9-10:00 am

VBS Teachers’

Meeting 6:30 pm

27

28

29 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am WEVR Broadcast

30 Vacation Bible

School 9:00-11:30 am

Investment Committee Meeting

12:00 pm

Softball Game at Hoffman Park

7:45 pm

Endowment Grant Request Deadline

31 Vacation Bible School

9:00-11:30 am

Yoga 9-10:00 am

Among Friends 9:00 am-3:00 pm