CHURCH LIFE - August 8, 2021 - THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
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CHURCH LIFE – August 8, 2021
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
United Church of Christ
974 Skyline Drive SW • Rochester, MN 55902
www.congoroch.org • (507) 289-4581
EPHESIANS 4:25-5:2 IMPORTANT IN-PERSON
The section of Paul’s letter WORSHIP UPDATES
to the Ephesians that we
will hear this Sunday is Following a meeting Pastor
often entitled, “Rules for Shannon had on August 5th
the New Life.” One with fellow conference
interesting thing about ministers and the Minnesota Department of Health, our
rules is that they are typically created to stop a behavior Church Reopening Task Force met to discuss the
that is already occurring. If, for instance, you see a sign latest CDC/MDH guidance and COVID data within our
that says, “No swimming with the alligators,” it's a pretty community. As most members are probably aware,
safe bet that someone, at some point, was indeed Olmsted County has seen a surge of COVID cases in
trying to swim with the alligators. the last few weeks (roughly 85% attributed to the delta
variant of the virus) that has elevated the risk level of
As he is enumerating the rules for life in Christian community transmission from MODERATE to
community, Paul addresses one group in particular. SUBSTANTIAL. In accordance with the guidance
He says, “Thieves must give up stealing; rather let associated with this SUBSTANTIAL risk level, and to
them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so continue providing an in-person worship experience
as to have something to share with the needy.” This that is as safe as possible, the Church Reopening Task
direct address to thieves only makes sense if Paul Force has recommended the following changes for our
knows there are indeed thieves in the congregation. in-person services:
Even more surprising is that Paul seems neither
shocked nor appalled by their presence. He isn’t • Masks will once again be required to be worn at all
scandalized by the thieves. He spends no time times indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
scolding them. He simply gives them advice on how to
better live in Christian community- they should stop • Per CDC guidance that indicates singing increases
stealing, work with their hands, and give to the needy. the risk of transmission, members in attendance
are requested to tap feet or clap hands along with
I think it is important for us to remember that the first hymns in lieu of singing.
Christian churches were not societies of the perfect,
but rather a rag-tag group of people seeking to be • Social distancing should be observed at all times
better- to follow more closely the will of God. In our indoors, both in the sanctuary and narthex.
time, churches are often viewed as bastions of
respectability populated only by the holy and self- • Fellowship Time in the narthex following the
righteous. Such a conception of the church is harmful worship service will be temporarily suspended until
to those both within and without. Conceiving of the the risk levels of transmission improve.
church as a society of the perfect prevents those of us Refreshments "to-go" may still be enjoyed
within from honestly seeking help from God and church outdoors with proper distancing if weather permits.
with the real struggles in our lives. It also sends the
message to those outside that real people with real The Church Reopening Task Force will continue to
problems are not welcome in the church. God calls us monitor the community data provided by the CDC/MDH
to the church not because we are perfect, or even to make changes as needed to provide a safe
particularly respectable, but precisely because we are environment for those wishing to worship in-person.
in need of help. We need forgiveness. We need grace. We will also be meeting in a few weeks to prepare more
We need love. If we can acknowledge our specifically for the time period that follows Celebration
imperfections and genuinely seek the help of God, we Sunday which traditionally involves larger attendance
can make this congregation a place that is welcoming and a return of Sunday School programming. We
to people from all walks of life- much like that rag-tag would like to thank the congregation for their continued
first century church was for the Ephesians. patience as we work together to provide the safest
Pastor Andrew Greenhaw environment possible in these uncertain times.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK * ZOOM
Weekly Announcements due Thursday at Noon
THANK YOU!
Sun 8/8 10:00 AM In-Person & Online Worship
11:00 AM After-Worship “Coffee Time” *
11:00 AM Stewardship & Benev. Team
Mon 8/9 7:30 AM Gardening Angels
6:30 PM Christian Education Team Our church Artists-in-Residence came out in force on
Tue 8/10 7:30 PM Nurture Team * Wednesday night, August 4, to enjoy fellowship and to
Wed 8/11 6:00 PM Outdoor Worship & Meal display their creativity and individuality by painting
Thu 8/12 7:00 PM Bible Study * bowls for the annual Empty Bowls event for the
Channel One Food Shelf. The bowls were pure works
of art and were one-of-a-kind and beautiful!
OUTDOOR WORSHIP AND MEAL
We wish to thank all of those who came to the event
On Wednesday, August 11 at 6 PM neighbors, and for those who generously donated to support the
friends, and members of The Congregational Church bowl event with others painting in their honor!
UCC will gather outdoors on the lower/south lawn for
worship and a picnic. Worship includes Holy Several indicated the hunt may be on the days of the
Communion, excellent preaching, and great music event to find their fired and completed bowl! We wish
from 6-6:35 pm. Following worship we'll have a meal them well in their hunt as all the bowls are spectacular!
of brats, hot dogs, chips, yummy desserts and some Channel One has also arranged with local art
fun lawn games. Food is free and all are welcome! organizations to auction off specialty bowls so if you
are interested, follow that auction as well.
Empty Bowls remains a crucial part of Channel One’s
work to increase food security for our friends and
neighbors. The past year has introduced many
obstacles in ensuring that people in our region do not
go hungry. All of the funds raised from the 17th Annual
Empty Bowls will be put back into our community and
will directly benefit those who are facing uncertainty
during this unprecedented time.
Because of the pandemic, the Channel One planning
SAVE THE DATE: committee is unsure what is on the horizon for October
Sunday, September 12 and what regulations will be in place for events at that
More info next week! time. As a result, Empty Bowls “To-Go” will take
place again this year on October 12 and 13, 2021!
No matter the circumstance, participants will still enjoy
gourmet soups and bread from local restaurants as
ARTICLES DUE AUGUST 19 well as hand-painted bowls – as a reminder of those
As we gear up for fall, we are asking who may not know where their next meal will come
groups and ministry teams to provide an from.
article with updates and upcoming events
happening during September – November. This will be We invite all to support this cause. Watch for updates
included in our Fall Church Life print edition that we and details regarding logistics for the event!
aim to send the final week of August. Articles are due
to Sarah at church@congoroch.org by Thursday,
August 19. Whether at home or church, let's begin the
work of re-engaging the congregation and community!
SUNDAY MORNING MINISTRIES
WE NEED: ushers, greeters (no handshaking please!),
lay readers, “to-go” refreshments, and flower
deliverers. This is open to everyone and there are
many easy ways to sign up! Sign Up Genius links here
and on the church website, paper sign up on the
Narthex bulletin board, or contact the church office.
REMINDER: CHECK OUT YOUR BOOK FOR THE ALL-CHURCH BOOK READ
The Adult Education Ministry Team is sponsoring an all-church book read, featuring the book Roam by
CH Armstrong. Copies for checkout are available until September 6. You can call or email the church
office to reserve a copy. Stop by the church office during weekday office hours to pick up your reserved
copy. In addition, books can be signed out following Sunday worship in the church office when supply
allows. The book is also available directly from the Rochester Public Library or can be purchased online. You may
direct your questions to: Janet Bartz, j.bartz848@gmail.com or Pastor Andrew, pastorandrew@congoroch.org
CHANNEL ONE NEEDS YOU! VOLUNTEERING AT
THE LANDING
There are many opportunities for
volunteering your time for Channel One Over the past year, CCR has
Regional Food Bank: in the Food Shelf, donated $1,250 to support the
the Food Bank or out in the community. Please see the incredible work at The Landing
volunteer page for more information and to sign up for here in Rochester. Throughout
a volunteer shift. the pandemic this new nonprofit has provided a day
center at Silver Lake Fire Station and access to
In addition to the “usual suspects” of opportunities, services for our neighbors experiencing
there are two new ways you can help: homelessness. Pastors Andrew and Shannon have
been blessed to get to know Dan Fifield, the founder,
Food Shelf Welcome Desk – Help maintain a smooth and to volunteer to support their daily mission.
flow in the Food Shelf. Volunteers will assist shoppers
with checking in or registering and will assist with
We want to support this incredible ministry that so
referrals to other agencies or organizations. Entering
beautifully meets people where they are without
and updating data online is also involved. Volunteers
judgement and we want to invite you to join us in being
must be at least 18 years old. Please click here for
volunteers. Pastors Andrew and Shannon will be
more information.
rotating Friday morning volunteer shifts from 8-
Harvesting Produce – Work with the Channel One 11:30 AM and hope that you too will sign up to help on
food resource coordinator to help harvest surplus Fridays or any time of the week. Visit
produce - such as apples, corn and squash - from local www.thelandingmn.com to learn more and to inquire
farms and orchards. You must be at least 16 years old about volunteer opportunities.
or accompanied by a parent or guardian. All
opportunities will be off site in Olmsted County or You will have an opportunity to learn
surrounding communities and you must provide your more about The Landing and
own transportation to the site. If you are interested, homelessness in Rochester this fall
please use this link for more information and to during our Wednesday night meal
become a FAN of the program to get updates about and education series. Dan Fifield will
dates and times. be joining us on October 27 to share
about the work being done at The Landing and how our
Thank you for making a difference in the community by community can help this important ministry. Let’s go
assisting those with food insecurities! out to meet our neighbors and share the love of Christ!
MONTHLY OFFERING REPORT - Steve Gusa, Financial Secretary
2020 Actual 2021 Actual 2021 Budget
JULY Estimate of Giving $12,941 $16,420 $19,695
Non-Estim. Giving 2,875 1,710 2,667
TOTAL $15,816 $18,130 $22,362
Y-T-D TOTAL $162,039 $154,050 $156,534
REMEMBER YOUR OFFERING – you can:
1. Place your gift in the offering plates located at the entrances of the sanctuary
2. Click on our Online Giving or PayPal icon found on our website at: www.congoroch.org
3. Mail your check written out to the Congregational Church, 974 Skyline Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902
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