This Week | Brainerd UCC

Sunday, September 15
"Blue and Red Make Purple: Kindness"

Our world seems to be consumed with division–often typified in the colors red and blue. Rather than stay in our monochromatic silos, the Golden Rule in scripture challenges us to engage in conversation and seek to create whatever common good we can with our relatives, friends, and neighbors who we might consider to be on the “other side” politically and ideologically.
As we attempt to come together, the idea is not that we are obliterating either one or trying to change each other, but rather we discover the beauty that can be created when we work together to make the world a better place. The “purple space” is where we cultivate kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love for one another and for the good of all the world, no matter what.

Join us for worship in-person or on Facebook Live at 10:00 am.

Scripture: Luke 6:31-36 Liturgist: Deb Griffith

Church Office Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
218-829-2528
uccbrainerd@gmail.com

Terri Admin. Asst. Days Off:
Thursday, Sept. 19 & Friday, Sept. 20
The Office will be closed Friday, Sept. 20

Pastor Leslie's Workday Schedule

>> Sunday through Thursday (Days off are Friday and Saturday) <<

Drop-in Hours:

Wednesdays 11 am – 1 pm Thursdays with Daisy 2 pm - 4 pm

*Drop-in hours are times set aside for “drop-in” conversations, much like a professor’s office hours. Pastor Leslie is typically working at the church the rest of the week, but it is possible that she may be in meetings, at a community event, or working off-site.

Everyone is encouraged to make an appointment if the above times are not convenient.

You can go to www.calendly.com/pastorleslieucc and select a day and time that works for you, or you can email Pastor Leslie at pastorleslieucc@gmail.com or call/text at 218-656-0096.

This Week
**Unless specified otherwise, all church Zoom Gatherings use this link:
tinyurl.com/uccbrainerdzoom
If the Zoom meeting window does not automatically launch, click "Launch Meeting"
By phone: dial 1 312 626 6799, Meeting ID: 645 235 0419, password: 56401

Friday, September 13
10:30 am - Book Group via Zoom

Sunday Worship, September 15
10:00 am - Worship Service in-person and Facebook Live
11:00 am - Fellowship in Fellowship Hall
11:00 am - Usher/Greeter Training during Fellowship
11:30 am - Adult Forum: WISE "Changing the Narrative"

Wednesday, September 18
11:45 am - Men's Fellowship @ Wings Cafe Brainerd Airport

Thursday, September 19
Terri Admin. Asst. Day Off
4:00 pm - Council Meeting in-person & Zoom

Friday, September 20
Terri Admin. Asst. Day Off
The Office will be closed today
10:30 am - Book Group via Zoom

Sunday Worship, September 22 - Justice Sunday
10:00 am - Worship Service in-person and Facebook Live
11:00 am - Fellowship in Fellowship Hall
11:30 am - Adult Forum: Justice Tables & WISE
* Special Offering: Neighbors In Need (UCC Missions)
*Newsletter Deadline

Hosts, Ushers, Greeters, Scripture readers
Sign up on the clipboard in the narthex or click here to go to signupgenius.com

H.U.G.S. this Sunday, September 15
Host: Maria Bertram & Jean Schaeffer
Greeter/Ushers: Georgia Harris & Shirley Carper
Counters: Holden Hollister & Sarah Jo Armstrong

H.U.G.S. next Sunday, September 22
Host: Deb Griffith & Mary Reardon
Greeter/Ushers: Shirley Carper
Counters: Tracy Lyons & Judy Whiteman

Liturgist: Sunday, September 15 - Deb Griffith
Liturgist: Sunday, September 22 - Jack Kraywinkle

September Adult Forum - 11:30 after worship

September 15 - "Changing the Narrative": WISE team members who attended this community training will lead a discussion about how to have conversations that empower us to change perceptions around mental health towards hope and resilience.

Justice Sunday, September 22 - Justice Tables: WISE, Creation Justice, Poverty and DEI will meet to discuss our ongoing efforts in fostering social justice and equity within our community. Come be a part of this important conversation and explore ways you can get involved!

H.U.G.S. Hosts, Ushers, Greeters & Scripture-readers

An Usher/Greeter Training is offered on September 15th at 11:00 am after worship Service during Fellowship Hour.

Are you ready to take the leap into RADICAL HOSPITALITY?

Sunday morning greeters/ ushers and coffee hosts play an important part in making our church a warm and welcoming place for all.

Give it a go and signup below for your first Sunday as the face of the church! https://www.signupgenius.com/

Special Offering - Sunday, September 22

UCC Mission Neighbors In Need

Neighbors in Need theme is “Mental Health Justice For All!” This year’s focus is on Mental Health Justice. In 2015, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a resolution to become WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health.
A just world for all is a world where the human rights and well-being of people with mental health challenges are respected, no matter who you are or where you are in life’s mental health journey.
To donate, send a check with "Neighbors In Need (NIN)" in the memo line to: First Congregational UCC, 415 Juniper St. Brainerd, MN 56401 or donate online using PayPal https://www.paypal.me/uccbrainerd and indicate "NIN" in the Note.

Bridge on 7th Warming Shelter

Brainerd UCC Volunteer Opportunity!

The Warming Shelter opens on September 22.If you are interested in volunteering, please call Deb Griffith for more information at 218-851-2949.

Worship Service

Sunday, September 29th 10:00 am

Furry, feathery, scaly – all God’s critters are welcome! Bring your pets (stuffed animals are also welcome) to be blessed by Pastor Leslie during our annual Blessing of the Animals. Is your pet a little shy or doesn’t play well with others? Bring a collar or a photo or some other representation of your beloved companion. The fun and casual service will be held indoors during our normal Sunday worship time. Tell your friends and neighbors! The more the merrier!

Friday Book Group via Zoom
tinyurl.com/uccbrainerdzoom

We meet each Friday at 10:30 am via Zoom

We are reading the book "Tipping Point", by Malcolm Gladwell. Discover Malcolm Gladwell's breakthrough debut and explore the science behind viral trends in business, marketing, and human behavior.
Contact Pat Scott for information.

Mary Anne Olivia Bennett Memorial

Two memorial celebrations are being planned. One will be held at Brainerd UCC church on Saturday, October 5th at 1:45 pm with reception following service in the Fellowship Hall. The second will be held at Presbyterian Church of the Apostles in Burnsville.

Mary Anne Olivia Bennett was born September 27, 1937 in Leipzig, Germany. Mary Anne transitioned from her earthly home August 16, 2024 to her eternal abode surrounded by family, friends and a cloud of witnesses at her lake retreat on North Long Lake in Brainerd. Mary Anne is buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Palmers, MN - a green cemetery.

https://www.cavallinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mary-anne-bennett-kertzscher-birkey

Fall Garden Gleaning
A Biblical (and environmentally) inspired activity

Gardeners and plant people, bring in your “gleanings” to share. Fall is a great time to donate apples, squash, pumpkins, root crops and daffodil bulbs.

A table, poster and donation container are in Narthex entrance.
Enjoy the fruits of our labors! All are welcome to help themselves – no charge! All monetary donations are given to the Food Shelf.

Historical note: Begun here circa 1988 when our church began Hunger Action outreach, Central America updates and global food connections.

Note: Using our resources, recycling, re-purposing, and not wasting our food are all acts of Creation Care and Justice. Garden Gleaning is an Easy-Peasy way to put words into action.

First Congregational Food Shelf Collection

Our church continues to collect non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army Food Shelf.

There are two collection boxes: one in the parking lot entry hallway, the other in the Narthex. Brian Twamley picks up and delivers the food.

Please consider bringing items and donating.

You may also send a money donation to the church; First Congregational UCC, 415 Juniper St. Brainerd, MN 56401. Or for your convenience use our Paypal account at: paypal.me/uccbrainerd Make sure to write in memo “Food Shelf”.

Congregational Care Team

Your Congregational Care Team: Barb Hoeft, Deb Griffith, Jack and Kay Kraywinkle, Pat Scott, Chris Yager, and Joey Halvorson (texts only).

The members of the Congregational Care team are available and would love to connect with you. Contact information for the care team members is in the directory or can be obtained by contacting the church office.

If you or someone you know would enjoy a call from the care team, or is in need of support, please let one of us know.

If you have an urgent pastoral care need (an unplanned hospitalization, a death, etc) or would specifically like a visit or call with Pastor Leslie, please call or text her at 218-656-0096.

First Congregational UCC Brainerd

Welcome to our Facility
It is the policy and privilege of the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) Brainerd, to share its beautiful church facilities for purposes that match the values of the church and its mission which is “to know and share God’s love within us.”
We are an open church valuing the diversity of age, culture, gender identity, opinions, physical and mental abilities, and sexual orientation.

To reserve a space for general use, ask for a “Request for Church Building Use Form" (which is included in the policy packet) from the church office, Admin. Asst. Terri at 218-829-2528 or email uccbrainerd@gmail.com.
Submit the request form to the administrative assistant.

For wedding or funeral use, contact the Pastor Leslie: pastorleslieucc@gmail.com

Check out the 2024 Conference Retreats & Events
Below is a listing of upcoming events. Find full details on the
Minnesota Conference website.

To facilitate a more comprehensive and secure registration process, the Conference is using a new registration system for overnight events.
Check out CampDoc!

Fall 2024 Conference Youth Event
October 11–13, 2024 | Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center

Crisis Services
All are available 24-hours, FREE and confidential

Bridges of Hope: 218-825-4357 or 1-800-462-7682
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Crisis Line & Referral Service: 218-828-4357, 218-828-HELP or 1-800-462-5525
Crisis Nursery-Crow Wing County: 218-692-2859
Crisis Text Line: Text “MN” or HopeLine” to 741741
Minnesota 1st Call for Help: 211
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: 833-600-2670
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
Suicide & Mental Illness: 1-800-462-5525
Teen Crisis Line: 310-855-4673
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Crisis & Suicide Hotline – Youth under 25): 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 – press 1
WARMLINE: Speak with peers who are there to listen and support adults experiencing emotional distress. 1-844-739-6369 from 5:00pm -7:00am.