First Church Update April 2016

March 2016- Food Donations

We want to thank everyone who has helped support Fish food pantry of Shelby, and our own church food pantry. During the Month of March First UCCer's donated over 300 food items, and $122.00 to help feed hungry families!

"Messages."- from Church Organist Phil Pearson

MESSAGES

                I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by messages.  Sometimes they are on my answering machine, sometimes in my email.  I can only be thankful that I don’t do texting, because my frustration would only increase. 

                We seem to be bombarded by messages everywhere.  People want us to pay attention to what they have to say.  Sometimes messages are embedded or outright stated in sermons, conversations with friends, on billboards, on TV advertisements, and so on.  People are constantly vying for our time.  Some of those messages are ones we need to hear; sometimes they are pure dribble. 

                One of the biggest messages we all send is how we live our lives.  We have all been influenced from our early lives by those around us.  My father always grew far too many vegetables in his garden than our family could possibly eat.  The lesson here was that we frequently went with him as he delivered the excess to those in the community who could benefit.  I know he purposely grew too many so that he would have that excess to share.  My mother always taught us not to hate or even use the word and not to see skin color as an excuse for derision. 

My junior choir director at church and her husband, the organist, were constantly making big pictures for little eyes to see.  My choir director would get up early every morning to bake bread and take it to others.  She would go sing to residents at the nursing homes every week.  She would constantly ask me to sing solos in church (Can you imagine my high soprano voice singing to 800 people in a church filled with musicians and professors?) She was encouraging me to use my talents.  I think she saw far more in me than I did.  She and her husband were constantly taking me to concerts and would always take me backstage to meet the performers.  Her husband later became my organ professor at Otterbein.  I could not have asked to have a better role model of a Christian who constantly made me aware that when I played for church, I was not a performer or a bystander during the times in the service when the music was not being used.  He said, “You should always be an active Christian participant in all parts of the service.”  He gave generously of his time and his considerable talent, but he was always a Christian man in all that he did.

                You and I have had many role models in our lives.  We have had great teachers, preachers, family members, friends, and mentors.  What messages did they send?  I hope your lives have been as richly blessed as mine has been, and that people will see Jesus when they see us and the way we live your lives.  Not all messages contribute to the overload.  Jesus is the best role model of them all.

Phil

Blanket Sunday

Last Sunday Fred Cooke talked to our church youth about the importance of "Blanket Sunday." Every year the First United Church of Christ collects a generous offering for Church World Missions (The organization that supplies these blankets to people all around the world who have experienced a disaster of some kind. Fred showed the kids how a blanket can be used as a shelter- clothing- to carry things- and simply to stay warm. The kids raise $307 in their offering- enough to buy 61.5 blankets. Thank you Fred and 1st UCC youth for helping others!

An Evening of Gospel Music- Shelby High School

The Choir of the First United Church of Christ had the opportunity to participate in an Evening of Gospel Music at Shelby Senior High School. Here are a few photos from that evening.

Reflections from the Rev.

“A lesson from Aiden.”

March 2016

As we enter the of Lent season it is easy to look at the calendar and see just how busy it is here at First Church…. Sundays are busy with Sunday school, morning worship, and evening classes for new members that will join the church in April. Looking at the calendar again… busy… busy…busy... work-school-kids music practice- kids athletic practice- PTA meetings- doctor’s appointments etc. etc. We are constantly investing our time, energy, and commitment into “things” and “activities. It’s not a bad thing! However, when “things” begin to become our focus, rather than the people around us… that can become problematic.

Just a few weeks ago our oldest son Aiden helped teach me a valuable lesson. I took my laptop home from the office to work on something. While I was sitting at the dining room table, typing away, Aiden came up to me and said, “Look what I got daddy, a T-Rex,” as he proudly held it up for me to see. My response of course was, “Oh, that’s nice buddy,” without even looking at him. A few minutes later he came back, “Daddy… please come play with me.” My heart melted… I had to put the work away and go play with my boy….

In sharing this story, I cannot help but reflect on our reading from a few Sunday’s ago. Jesus tells us in the gospel of Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What do you treasure?? What is precious for you?? For some people it may be money… but let’s look at it another way… What is the most valuable and limited asset that you possess? How about your time? Our time highly is highly valuable because it is a limited asset. It seems to me that our schedules can sometimes hinder us… they make us invest our time in things… when what we should really be doing is investing our time in people…

The most valuable thing you can give to the Lord- to your spouse- to your children- to your friends- to your loved ones IS NOT money (yes money is nice) but it is a piece of your limited time on this earth. Take time to be with the ones you love- slow down- be willing to compromise that schedule whenever possible to spend just one more minute of playtime with your child… to call your grandma once a week… or to volunteer at the local food pantry. In this Lenten season… a season of prayer-meditation-giving- and self-reflection I would like to invite you to prayerfully consider the following; “What do I treasure?” “Is there any time I am wasting that I could be spending with those I love or for service to others?” Jesus help us to prioritize. Help us to utilize our time wisely. Help us, to show your love- and to experience the love of self and others, through the investment of our time… In your name we pray… Amen

September 2015 "A Month of Celebration."

Church Picnic 2015

This Sunday July 26, 2015 will be our annual church picnic at the KOA (Wagon Wheel CampGround) at 6787 Baker 47 Road. Worship will begin in the main building at 10:00am followed by lunch (bring a covered dish to share, drink, and table service), then our white elephant auction (You can bring something for the auction if you choose to do so). The church also provides access to all KOA activities for the day, so bring your family for some fun! Hope to see you there!

Visitation and Communion

Tomorrow Afternoon 717/15 Pastor James and the Church elders will be out visiting and taking Communion to our shut-in's. If you know of anyone who would like to receive Communion please call the church @ (419)-347-7777 and leave us a message. Thanks!

BE(E) THE CHURCH FLOAT

A BIG BIG BIG thank you to all who helped with our float in the Shelby Bicycle Days Parade! It was a great fun filled time, followed by a pizza party for all who participated! Thank you!!!!!

2015 Bicycle Days Parade Float

Hey Everyone! As most of you know, First Church will be participating in the 2015 Shelby Bicycle days Parade. JoAnna Johnson, Denise Richardson, Jill Karl, (Our church Youth), and many other's have been working very hard to get costumes, props, and various items prepared for our float. The Hay Wagon (Float Shell), (Which has been graciously provided by the Cooke Family), will be delivered to the back parking lot of the church Friday morning 7/10/15 around 10:00am. If you would like to help decorate and prepare the float please join us Friday Morning at 10:15ish behind the church. Pastor James could use some strong hands early as their are a few heavy items to be situated and stabilized on the wagon before it is decorated. The theme for our float is, "Be the Church," and we will be decorating the float with a "BEE" theme including our very own Bee Keeper (Steve Laser), Cute Bee hats (created by JoAnna and Denise), as well as a 1947 Shelby Flyer Bicycle with a Bee riding it, along with various signs stating what it means to Be the Church! PARTICIPANTS- Please be at Grand Boulevard dressed and ready by 12:50pm on Saturday 7/11/15 as judging of all floats occurs between 1:00pm and 1:30pm. Thanks Again Everyone! And remember BE THE CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cookies for General Synod

Just a friendly reminder to those who are baking chocolate chip cookies (no nuts) for general synod!- Please have them to church and in the freezers by this Sunday Thanks!

Debbie Tschanen- 1 dozen

Sandy Stoodt​- 4 dozen

Mary K. Steele 2 dozen ( Jennifer Steele-rehberg​ please remind mom) :)

Fred and Lynn Cooke​/ Carmen and Olivia- Thank you for 6 dozen already in freezer!

Steve and Shelli Laser​- 3 dozen

Jill Karl- 3 dozen

Gerri Uplinger- 3 dozen

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strawberry Festival 2015

Annual Strawberry Festival...  June 11 4:30-6:30 at Shelby UCC. Full menu: roast ox & shredded chicken sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, fresh strawberries, shortcakes, strawberry pie, and drinks. Air conditioned and handicap accessible facility. Donations graciously accepted.

Election Night Dinner

Our annual Election Night Dinner is this Tuesday, November 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.  The menu will be the traditional swiss steak and mashed potato meal with sides, drink, and dessert.  Free will donations are being accepted.  We hope to see you there!

Fall Fun Day

Fall Fun Day has been postponed due to weather, and will take place on Sunday, October 13 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Cooke's Farm.  There will be a hay ride, bon fire, and most likely a marshmallow roasting contest.  There is a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Center if you are interested in joining us... but if you forgot to write your name down, come join us anyways!  Hot dogs, buns, condiments, marshmallows and drinks will be provided.  Please bring a dish to share.  You may also want to bring a lawn chair if sitting on a bale of straw isn't your thing.  Hope you see you there!

Welcome Pastor James!

We are excited to officially welcome our new youth pastor, Pastor James Robinson!  Pastor James is not a stranger to the UCC, having been a guest speaker in the past.  The youth at Shelby UCC are looking forward to what this year will hold!  We are also happy to have Pastor James' wife, Katie, and their infant son, Aiden, join us on Sunday mornings as well!

Summer letter from Pastor Bob

Summer!  Always have and always will enjoy summer.  The main reason summer is so special – FAMILY.

From my viewpoint, summer begins with Mother’s Day, because the family gets together.  Then there’s Memorial Day, Father’s Day, July 4^th, and Labor Day.  Each of those dates typically include a picnic or cookout with family.  And I almost forgot… the family vacation.  Ours has always been in the summer months. 

According to the Scriptures, our family times are the most valuable opportunities to invest in training the kids and grandkids spiritual truths.  In one of his final addresses to the people of God, Moses notes:

“Hear, O Israel:  The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

 (Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

During the coming lazy, hazy days of summer, let’s intentionally follow those instructions:

·        Love the Lord our God.

·        Impress the Lord’s commandments upon our family’s hearts.

·        Talk about the Lord’s commandments no matter what we are doing.

 

May God graciously give you a FANTASTIC SUMMER!

 

Pastor Bob

Welcome Associate Pastor Kristi Payne!

 

The Family of First UCC:

 

Greetings!  The fresh air is blowing through the office window.  The birds are chirping (I think they are singing “How Great is Our God”).  The morning is filled with the reminder of newness of life.

One year ago this week, I sat in the church office with Allison Fordyce and John Reimer.  Representing Church Council, they reviewed the Call Agreement between First UCC and the Life Through the Word Ministries.  Hard to believe, but it has been a year already!  Since May 2012, we have learned a lot together.  The most important:  How God can mold people together… in love.   Charlene and I love that you allow me to be your Lead Pastor.

As year number two begins, it is a joy to add to the First UCC pastoral staff team.  Kristi Payne has stood at the pulpit a dozen times in recent months.  In July, Kristi will receive ordination credentials.  That good news is superseded with the news that her first ministry position is with us!  On June first, Rev. Kristi Payne will become the Associate Pastor of Shelby’s First UCC!

The arrival to this point came through the process of pastor review, discussion among representatives of the Council and Elder Committee, and finally a vote of the Council.  The consensus… Good days ahead!

With an excited confidence, I want you to know that the future days are filled with the reality that TOGETHER… WE WILL DISCOVER GOD’S AGENDA FOR FIRST UCC!

 

 

With Gratitude,

Pastor Bob

Triple Baptisms

We are excited for the upcoming baptisms of KC and Kash Cooke , and Karter Nettle on Sunday, April 21st.