CUCC Update
WORSHIP
Sunday Service
Rev. Josh Kuipers, February 5th, 2023
Join us in the sanctuary at 9:30 am.
Or, all our sermons can be heard via our Sermon Podcasts.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 22
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Sanctuary
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a six-week season of reflection and preparation that leads us to Easter. On this day, we reflect on our mortality and are reminded that from dust we came and to dust we shall return.
This year, we will be offering a “drop-in” service in which you can come by the sanctuary anytime between 5:30 – 7:30 PM on Wednesday, February 22. During this time, there will be music, and when you are ready, you can come forward to share in a brief moment with Pastor Josh. He will explain the tradition, lead you in a prayer, and impose the ashes on your hand or forehead. You can come forward as an individual, a group of friends, or a family. Everyone is welcome to experience this ancient tradition.
GET INVOLVED
POTTAWATOMIE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PARTNERSHIP
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FUNDRAISER
Habitat is hosting their first fundraiser – Hearts to Home on February 11. Volunteers are needed to staff the event, donate refreshments, and provide items for an auction basket. To participate, please contact Bob Bendeich.
SUPER BOWL ‘SPUD SUNDAE’
Sunday, February 12
Following Service
Rodgers Hall
Get your Super Bowl Sunday started with a loaded hot baked potato for yourself and let the kids create their own ice cream sundaes! Hosted by Women’s Fellowship, this event will bring together great food, fun and friends! And if you’re short on time, you can take your spud to-go! Donations to the church are welcome.
Fun fact: Abraham Lincoln used to carry a hot potato to school to keep his hands warm.
LAZARUS HOUSE DINNER
Wednesday, February 15
Join us in providing a warm dinner for our neighbors at Lazarus House with your favorite entrees, starch, salad/vegetable and desserts. Homemade or store bought – we will happily accept them all. Items should be delivered to Lazarus House by 6:00 PM on February 15 – hot and ready to serve in disposable containers. To sign up, click here.
LENTEN POTLUCK DINNERS
Wednesdays March 1 – April 5
6:00 PM
Rodgers Hall
Everyone, everyone, EVERYONE is invited to our Lenten Potlucks! No RSVP – just show up and bring a dish. Make it, bake it, buy it, or pick it up! Drinks will be provided. We will share, talk, laugh and enjoy being together.
If you would like to join the planning committee, please contact Sue Peterson. The committee will meet on Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 AM in the parlor.
WORLD RELIEF FAMILY
Our Good Neighbor Team through World Relief is supporting The Ramadans, a family of seven refugees from Syria. To learn about their story and CUCC’s involvement, please click here.
DONATION REQUEST
We are searching for a portable sewing machine (in good working condition) and one or two used iPhones. If you, or anyone you know, has these items and would like to donate, please contact Tassie Brautigam.
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
We are looking for people on Sunday mornings to prepare coffee fellowship and greet people as they arrive for worship. If interested, please sign up here.
ALTAR FLOWER DONATIONS
If you would like to donate flowers to beautify our sanctuary, or to commemorate an event, please sign up for a Sunday here. You will be contacted by the office to confirm the details.
CARE TEAM SUPPORT
Do you have a need, or wish to have a contact from Pastor Josh or the Care Team? Please let us know by clicking here.
YOUTH MINISTRY
YOUTH GROUP (GF) LOCK-IN
Saturday, February 25
7:00 PM
GF Room
GF is having a lock-in as they prepare to host their pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday morning. Students should meet in the GF Room at 7:00 PM for a night of setup and activities. All high schoolers are welcome!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
SUNDAY SCHOOL
This month our kids have been memorizing the Lord’s Prayer. We look forward to celebrating what we’ve learned and jumping into activities that will carry us through the congregational meeting. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun with church friends- your kids won’t want to miss it!
*UPDATE* FOURTH GRADE BIBLES
Our Fourth Grade Bible presentation is RESCHEDULED for Sunday, March 12. Mark your calendars and sign up here to participate.
FIRST COMMUNION
First Communion is typically celebrated in Second Grade at CUCC, but it is open to any child who has not yet participated. Second Graders will learn about the Sacrament of Holy during Sunday School in the month of February, and we will celebrate First Communion on March 5. Click here to let us know your child will be participating.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SIGN UPS
Community News
UCC 2023 OUTDOOR MINISTRIES CAMPS
Information for the 2023 Illinois UCC Outdoor Ministries Camps and Retreats, hosted at Pilgrim Park in Princeton, IL and Tower Hill in Sawyer, MI are here. Online registration begins January 15.
COMMUNICATION REQUESTS
Do you have information you’d like to communicate to the congregation with a Sunday morning announcement, an email blast, or social media post? If so, please submit requests here.
CONTACT INFO:
| SENIOR PASTOR Rev. Josh Kuipers josh.kuipers@cuccstc.org |
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Anne Ferguson office@cuccstc.org |
| ASSISTANT MINISTER Rev. Pat Kitner chatwpat@att.net |
CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR Trish Thompson connections@cuccstc.org |
| DIRECTOR OF ENSEMBLES Joe Blomquist joe.blomquist@cuccstc.org |
FINANCIAL MANAGER Kristen Foley financial@cuccstc.org |
| ORGANIST Carol Latimer carol.latimer@cuccstc.org |
CHURCH COUNCIL Kim Wascher, Council Chairperson council@cuccstc.org |
