WE WELCOME THE REV. ANN MOLSBERRY to our pulpit this morning. Ann is a retired UCC minister and a member of our congregation. The Rev. Craig Henderson will be preaching next Sunday. The Rev. Bill Lovin is on sabbatical during the month of June.
IT'S PENTECOST--WEAR RED! Pentecost marks God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church and our morning will be a spirited time together. The traditional color for Pentecost is red. We invite everyone to please consider wearing “flame colors”—red, orange, yellow—to worship on Sunday, June 8.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING WILL BE RECEIVED THIS MORNING. Each year we receive a special offering that helps the church’s love to grow and thrive. The “Strengthen the Church” offering grows the United Church of Christ’s future by supporting new and renewing churches, youth and young adult ministries, and lay and pastoral leadership development—especially among women and people of color. It also funds the “Stillspeaking” Ministry, spreading the message of God’s extravagant welcome, reaching out especially to those who have felt there is no room for them within Christianity and the church. On Sunday, June 8—Pentecost Sunday—we will receive this offering. Your generous gift will help the UCC create vibrant church communities of extravagant welcome.
DRAINAGE PROJECT UPDATE: The areas around our church are part of a once in a generation drainage project, designed to upgrade our capacity to handle precipitation and prevent damage to our foundation. We have replaced all gutters and downspouts and are taking advantage of the University’s utility tunnel replacement project to allow us to more effectively move water away from our building and into storm sewers. Excavation for underground tiling on our east and south sides and repaving are finished. We expect the work to be completed in the coming weeks. Parking at the church might be limited during this work. Your patience is appreciated.
PLEASE NOTE: SUNDAY, JUNE 8—STREETS CLOSED DURING IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL: Spring and summer bring great festivals to Iowa City—and close off some of the streets! Sunday, June 8, is Pentecost Sunday and the final day of the Iowa Arts Festival. Clinton, Dubuque, and Linn Streets will be closed between College and Jefferson Streets. Access to the church will be available from Jefferson Street and from Clinton Street coming from the north. Join us for worship at 10:15 a.m., but plan on a slightly longer walk.