Author: Paul Ellis Jackson

Paul is the Associate Minister of University Congregational Church.

Announcements for Sunday, April 29, 2018

Sermon title: Jesus and “the Kingdom”
We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Barb and Rich Mohney in appreciation for the generosity of the members and friends at UCC.

THIS WEEK

CREATING YOUR LEGACY SERIES – On May 1, members of UCC will have an opportunity to hear “The Good Death”, with Christy Dew, Clinical Chaplain, and works with Encompass Health and Hospice. Rev. Dew brings a holistic approach to our journey through life encompassing the physical, emotional, psychological, relational and spiritual needs. She brings a companioning model approach for end of life care for patients and families to address anticipatory grief.

May 8, “This is Your Life”, with Rev. Dr. Robin McGonigle and Rev. Paul Ellis Jackson

All seminars will begin at 4:00pm, in UCC fellowship hall.

STEPHEN MINISTERS meets Thursday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m., in the office
conference room.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

PLEASE JOIN the Lieurance Woodwind Quintet from Wichita State University for a special performance at University Congregational Church on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00pm, in the sanctuary.

NEEDLE WORKERS meet Tuesday, May 8, at 10:00 am, in fellowship hall.

WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE MOST TO CHURCH GROWTH? The effect of the degree of involvement from church members can have a dramatic impact on church growth. In fact, when 90 percent of church members become committed and involved in a church growth plan, the effect can be profound.

So, we are hoping that a significant number of our members will take a more involved role in church growth. In the following weeks and months, we will provide suggestions and plans that you can embrace without getting out of your “comfort zone” to help create growth for UCC.

Church Growth Committee members are: Linda Burnside, Gary and Karen Nye, Jonnie Rhea, Mark Stoskopf, Connie Buckley, Mike and Anne McCoy, Pat Snyder, and Robin McGonigle. Any of these committee members can answer any questions you have or discuss how you can help.

COOK’S NIGHT OUT – There is so much to look forward to in the 2018 summer season of Music Theater of Wichita. The May Cook’s Night Out will feature Wayne Bryan, Producer and Artistic Director of Music Theater. Mr. Bryant will discuss the upcoming musical productions and performers, give us a behind-the-scenes account of the technical and artistic aspects of creating the musicals, and let us know what is new in Music Theater. Plus we will be entertained with some of the musical numbers from the productions. Please join us for Cook’s Night Out on May 17 at 6:00 PM for a delicious meal and an enjoyable evening with Wayne Bryan. Tickets will be on sale Sunday, April 22, through Sunday May 13th, in fellowship hall following the worship service.

Announcements for Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sermon Title: “A God of Mercy or a God of Judgement: Building on the Foundation”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by
Stephen Taylor in memory of his wife, Jane Vanderlip Taylor, and his father-in-law Herbert D. Vanderlip, in remembrance of their March birthdays.

MEETING TODAY AT 11:30 — the UCC Endowment board will nominate and vote for a new board member following the worship service today, April 22, 2018. Members of the church who wish to vote will remain seated after worship for this short meeting.

THIS WEEK

SEWING FOR HONDURAS BABIES is Tuesday, April 24, from 10:00-2:00, in the Women’s Guild room in the basement. Bring your lunch.

CREATING YOUR LEGACY SERIES – Beginning on April 24th members of UCC will have an opportunity to hear Dan Peare, attorney with Hinkle Law Firm, an expert on estate planning, and be able to get answers to their questions.

This event is not intended to sell anyone legal or financial services, but is intended to educate our congregation on the need to plan for the future.

May 1, “The Good Death”, with Christy Dew
May 8, “This is Your Life”, with Reverend Dr. Robin McGonigle and Reverend Paul Ellis Jackson

All seminars will begin at 4:00pm, in UCC fellowship hall.

LARKSFIELD DISCUSSION GROUP meets on April 25, at 10:00 a.m., in the club room at Larksfield Place. Anyone is welcome to attend.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

NEW MEMBER DAY- is Sunday, April 29, during the worship service. If you would like to become a member of UCC on this date, please contact Heidi in the church office at 316-634-0430.

STEPHEN MINISTERS meets Thursday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m., in the office
conference room.

WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE MOST TO CHURCH GROWTH? The effect of the degree of involvement from church members can have a dramatic impact on church growth. In fact, when 90 percent of church members become committed and involved in a church growth plan, the effect can be profound.

So, we are hoping that a significant number of our members will take a more involved role in church growth. In the following weeks and months, we will provide suggestions and plans that you can embrace without getting out of your “comfort zone” to help create growth for UCC.

Church Growth Committee members are: Linda Burnside, Gary and Karen Nye, Jonnie Rhea, Mark Stoskopf, Connie Buckley, Mike and Anne McCoy, Pat Snyder, and Robin McGonigle. Any of these committee members can answer any questions you have or discuss how you can help.

PLEASE JOIN the Lieurance Woodwind Quintet from Wichita State University for a special performance at University Congregational Church on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00pm, in the sanctuary.

Announcements for Sunday, April 15, 2018

Sermon Title: “A God of Justice or a God of Mercy: The Search for a Foundation”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Pat Snyder. “In celebration of University Congregational Church’s 35th anniversary.”

ALL BOARDS MEET immediately following the worship service at 11:45.
THE CE BOARD will meet in the Science and Exploration Room.
THE DEACONS will meet in the area outside the downstairs kitchen.
THE MUSIC BOARD will meet in the room beside the choir room.
THE OUTREACH BOARD will meet in the office meeting room.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES will meet in the conference room.

THIS WEEK

SEWING FOR HONDURAS BABIES is Tuesday, April 17, and April 24, from 10:00-2:00, in the Women’s Guild room in the basement. Bring your lunch.

MEN’S LUNCH is Thursday, April 19, at 11:30am, at Scotch & Sirloin. The guest speaker is J. C. Combs.

HEAD-TO-TOE HYGIENE PANTRY – There is no workday this week. The Pantry is open on Saturday, April 21, from 9:00-11:30am, at 2130 E. 21st St. N.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

MEETING NOTIFICATION— the UCC Endowment board will nominate and vote for a new board member following the worship service on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Members of the church that wish to vote will remain seated after worship for this short meeting.

CREATING YOUR LEGACY SERIES – Beginning on April 24th members of UCC will have an opportunity to hear Dan Peare, attorney with Hinkle Law Firm, an expert on estate planning, and be able to get answers to their questions.

This event is not intended to sell anyone legal or financial services, but is intended to educate our congregation on the need to plan for the future. If you have questions please contact Dwayne Green at DwayneEGreen@gmail.com.

May 1, “The Good Death”, with Christy Dew
May 8, “This is Your Life”, with Reverend Dr. Robin McGonigle and Reverend Paul Ellis Jackson

All seminars will begin at 4:00pm, in UCC fellowship hall.

LARKSFIELD DISCUSSION GROUP meets on April 25, at 10:00 a.m., in the club room at Larksfield Place. Anyone is welcome to attend.

UCC PLANNING INVENTORY AND SURVEY – Remember to complete the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ucchurch. It only takes a couple minutes, and the information is invaluable. If you cannot complete the survey online contact the office staff at 316-634-0430, for a printed copy.

Announcements for Sunday, April 8, 2018

Sermon Title: “Kintsugi–Putting it All Together”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Cyndi Richter in loving memory of her Mother.

THIS WEEK

NEEDLE WORKERS meet Tuesday, April 10, at 10:00am, in fellowship hall.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

ALL BOARDS MEET on Sunday, April 15, immediately following the
worship service at 11:45am.

MENS’ LUNCH is Thursday, April 19, at 11:30am, at Scotch & Sirloin. The guest speaker is J. C. Combs.

HEAD-TO-TOE HYGIENE PANTRY – There is no workday this week. The Pantry is open on Saturday, April 21, from 9:00-11:30am, at 2130 E. 21st St. N.

CREATING YOUR LEGACY SERIES – Beginning on April 24th members of UCC will have an opportunity to hear an expert on estate planning, and be able to get answers to their questions. Dwayne Green, president UCC Endowment Board, has arranged for Dan Peare, attorney with Hinkle Law Firm, to speak at UCC on April 24, at 4:00pm, in fellowship hall.

This event is not intended to sell anyone on legal or financial services, but is intended to educate our congregation on the need to plan for the future. If you have questions please contact Dwayne at DwayneEGreen@gmail.com.

May 1, “The Good Death”, with Christy Dew
May 8, “This is Your Life”, with Reverend Dr. Robin McGonigle and Reverend Paul Ellis Jackson

All seminars will begin at 4:00pm, in fellowship hall.

UCC PLANNING INVENTORY AND SURVEY – Remember to complete the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ucchurch. It only takes a couple minutes, and the information is invaluable. If you cannot complete the survey online contact the office staff at 316-634-0430, for a printed copy.

MEETING NOTIFICATION— the UCC Endowment board will nominate and vote for a new board member following the worship service on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Members of the church that wish to vote will remain seated after worship for this short meeting.

Announcements for Sunday, April 1, 2018 — Easter Sunday

Sermon Title: Easter Through the Ages

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

TWO SERVICES TODAY – There is a traditional service at 9:00am, with communion only at this service. Then there will be another service starting at 10:30am. This service will feature music from Handel’s
Messiah parts II and III. There will be an Easter egg hunt for all children to be held immediately following the worship service at 11:30am, on the south side courtyard lawn.

THIS WEEK

STEPHEN MINISTERS meets Thursday, April 5, at 2:00, in the office conference room.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

NEEDLE WORKERS meet Tuesday, April 10, at 10:00am, in
fellowship hall.

UCC TO BEGIN HOUSE CHURCH – Approach for Learning & Conversation on America’s Original Sin, written by Jim Wallis, 2014, (Amazon, paperback $9.80). Starting on Tuesday, April 10, 2018: Be curious, be challenged, be intrigued and join us to explore the premise, dimensions and implications associated with the concept of white privilege. The first conversation begins at 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 10 at Marla Flentje’s home: 543 Birkdale Ct., 67230. Sessions will run for the next five consecutive Tuesdays in different homes. For additional info please contact Kathe Thompson: 561-236-5909; kathet13@aol.com.

SPECIAL THANKS to Dirk, Ashlea, and Leslea, the children of Dorothy and Joe Dunbar, for donating the refreshments for fellowship time in honor of Dorothy’s birthday. Thank you and Happy Birthday, Dorothy!

CREATING YOUR LEGACY SERIES – Beginning on April 24th members of UCC will have an opportunity to hear an expert on estate planning, and be able to get answers to their questions. Dwayne Green, president UCC Endowment Board, has arranged for Dan Peare, attorney with Hinkle Law Firm, to speak at UCC on April 24, at 4:00pm, in fellowship hall.

This event is not intended to sell anyone on legal or financial services, but is intended to educate our congregation on the need to plan for the future. If you have questions please contact Dwayne by email at DwayneEGreen@gmail.com.

May 1, “The Good Death”, with Christy Dew
May 8, “This is Your Life”, with Reverend Dr. Robin McGonigle and Reverend Paul Ellis Jackson

All seminars will begin at 4:00pm, in fellowship hall.

Announcements for Sunday, March 25, 2018

Sermon title: “Lent Through the Ages: Palm Sunday”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for
beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Frances Calloway Jackson, Marla Flentje, and Kathe Thompson. “In support of the April/May House-Church conversations.”

THE UCC ENDOWMENT BOARD will present its annual report to the congregation immediately following today’s worship service. Any additional business will be conducted as is appropriate.

THIS WEEK

WOMEN’S GUILD SALAD LUNCHEON – The Women’s Guild will be assembling Easter baskets for those in the congregation that cannot get out or are ill, on Monday, March 26, at 11:00, in fellowship hall. Come and get involved in a fun activity!  There will be a salad luncheon hosted by the Guild Board following the project.  Please sign up on the PIC board in fellowship hall.

COUNCIL MEETING on Monday, March 26, at 6:30pm, in the basement conference room.

LARKSFIELD DISCUSSION GROUP meets on March 28, at 10:00 a.m., in the club room at Larksfield Place, 7373 E. 29th St. N. Anyone is welcome to attend.

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE is on Friday, March 30 at 6:00, in the sanctuary. During this service, the increasing darkness exemplified by the extinguishing of candles symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus’ death and of hopelessness in the world without God. Everyone is invited to attend this service.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

TWO SERVICES ON EASTER SUNDAY – There will be a traditional service at 9:00am, on Easter morning with communion only at this service. Then there will be another service starting at 10:30am. This service will feature music from the Handel’s Messiah parts II & III. There will be an Easter egg hunt for all children to be held immediately following the worship service at 11:30 a.m., on the south side courtyard lawn. There will be no Easter sunrise service.

STEPHEN MINISTERS meets Thursday, April 5, at 2:00, in the office conference room.

UCC TO BEGIN HOUSE CHURCH – Approach for Learning & Conversation on America’s Original Sin, written by Jim Wallis, 2014, (Amazon, paperback $9.80). Starting April 10, 2018: Be curious, be challenged, be intrigued and join us to explore the premise, dimensions and implications associated with the concept of white privilege. The first conversation begins at 7 PM on Tuesday, April 10 at Marla Flentje’s home: 543 Birkdale Ct., 67230. Sessions will run for the next five consecutive Tuesdays in different homes. For additional info please contact Kathe Thompson: 561-236-5909; kathet13@aol.com

WICHITA JAZZ FEST is April 1-8, 2018, celebrates the original American art form of jazz music and spotlights musicians with Kansas ties. The eight-day scale-jumping event features all kinds of jazz sub-genres played by ensembles and big bands, at concerts and makeshift jam sessions. A $75 festival pass guarantees admission to all eight days of events.

Announcements for Sunday, March 18, 2018

Sermon title: “Lent Through the Ages: Jesus Christ Superstar”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for
beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Anne and Tim Duncan, “In celebration of Anne and Tim’s 25th wedding anniversary.”

ALL BOARDS MEET immediately following the worship service at 11:45.
THE CE BOARD will meet in the Science and Exploration Room.
THE DEACONS will meet in the area outside the downstairs kitchen.
THE MUSIC BOARD will meet in the room beside the choir room.
THE OUTREACH BOARD will meet in the office meeting room.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES will meet in the conference room.

THIS WEEK

COOK’S NIGHT OUT – is this Thursday, March 22, at 6:00pm, in fellowship hall. Today is the last day to purchase tickets in fellowship hall.  You won’t want to miss it! You will enjoy a great meal and a very informative talk. Our speaker will be Josh Wells, media coordinator and spokesperson for the B29 DOC bomber. Purchase your tickets for $15 each and enjoy learning more about DOC’s interesting history, rediscovery, and restoration.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

WOMEN’S GUILD SALAD LUNCHEON – The Women’s Guild will be assembling Easter baskets for those in the congregation that cannot get out or are ill, on Monday, March 26, at 11:00, in fellowship hall. Come and get involved in a fun activity!  There will be a salad luncheon hosted by the Guild Board following the project.  Please sign up on the PIC board in fellowship hall starting this Sunday.

COUNCIL MEETING on Monday, March 26, at 6:30pm, in the basement conference room.

LARKSFIELD DISCUSSION GROUP meets on March 28, at 10:00 a.m., in the club room at Larksfield Place, 7373 E. 29th St. N. Anyone is welcome to attend.

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE is on Friday, March 30 at 6:00, in the sanctuary. During this service, the increasing darkness by extinguishing of candles symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus’ death and of hopelessness in the world without God. Everyone is invited to attend this service.

CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS – On March 21, from 5:00-7:00pm, at Common Grounds, 2812 E. Douglas (across from Kwik Shop). Come celebrate the International Day of Happiness by declaring a “happy act” that you will carry out and pinning it on the Happy Wall. For more information contact Shelly Moore at 316-807-9053.

Announcements for Sunday, March 11, 2018

Sermon Title: “Lent Through the Ages: Jesus of Montreal”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for
beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Anna Mills. “In anticipation of a wonderful spring.”

COOK’S NIGHT OUT – is Thursday, March 22, at 5:30, in fellowship hall. Buy your tickets today in fellowship hall.  You won’t want to miss it! You will enjoy a great meal and a very informative talk. Our speaker will be Josh Wells, media coordinator and spokesperson for the B29 DOC bomber. Purchase your tickets for $15 each and enjoy learning more about DOC’s interesting history, rediscovery, and restoration. You have today and one more Sunday to buy your tickets.

THIS WEEK

NEEDLE WORKERS meet Tuesday, March 13, at 10:00, in fellowship hall.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is this Wednesday, March 14, from 5:15-7:00, in the basement movie room. The movie is Jesus Christ Superstar. Please bring snacks to share with others.

HEAD-TO-TOE HYGIENE PANTRY workday is this Thursday, March 15, from 9:00-11:00, at 2130 E 21st St N. The Pantry is open on Saturday, March 17, from 9:00-11:30.

MENS’ LUNCH is canceled this month.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

ALL BOARDS MEET on Sunday, March 18, immediately following the worship service at 11:45 a.m.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE on March 21, the movie is Passion of the Christ from 5:15-7:00, in fellowship hall. Movies are shown in the basement movie room. Please bring snacks to share with others.

COOK’S NIGHT OUT is Thursday, March 22, at 5:30pm, at UCC in the fellowship hall. Tickets are $15 and will be on sale each Sunday in fellowship hall. The speaker will be Josh Wells, media Coordinator and spokesperson for the B29 DOC bomber. Purchase your ticket and learn more about DOC’s interesting history, rediscovery, and restoration.

BOOKS FOR OUTREACH BOARD UCC volunteers will staff Filling the Gap, a program that provides lunches to underprivileged children when schools are not in session. We will be serving children during spring break, March 19-23. We also give each child a book to take home.

Book donations are needed. If your children or grandchildren have outgrown books, please consider donating them. Just bring them to church and place them in the box in fellowship hall labeled “Filling the Gap”.

YOU ARE INVITED to attend the last violin concert performance of Hannah Hund as a WSU Shocker. She is a member of the piano trio (violin, cello, piano) called the Mercury Piano Trio. The performance is at 2pm, Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Heartland Community Church, 457 S Woodlawn (northwest corner of Woodlawn & Kellogg). Admission is free. Come and enjoy these accomplished artists with 10+ years experience.

Announcements for Sunday, February 25, 2018

Sermon title: “Lent Through the Ages: The Cotton Patch Gospel”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the fellowship hall for
beverages and cookies after the worship service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by
Sharon and Burt Tims. “In loving memory of all those who have blessed our lives.”

TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING is today at 9:30 a.m., in fellowship hall. Please plan to attend this meeting if you are interested in a UCC group trip on early church exploration to Italy and Greece. Your attendance at the meeting will help Robin to design a trip to the places that participants prefer to visit.

THIS WEEK

COUNCIL MEETING on Monday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m., in the basement conference room.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is this Wednesday, February 28, from 5:15-7:00, in the basement movie room. The movie is The Last Temptation of Christ. Movies are shown in the basement movie room. Please bring snacks to share with others.

LARKSFIELD DISCUSSION GROUP meets on February 28, at 10:00 a.m., in the club room at Larksfield Place.

STEPHEN MINISTERS meets Thursday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m., in the office
conference room.

YOGA meets every Tuesday at 4:00 and Friday, at 10:00, in fellowship hall. The cost for the Tuesday class is $5 because it is instructor led.

NEXT WEEK

SHOCKER SUNDAY is March 4. We are celebrating the Shockers! Come early at 9:30 for an abbreviated worship, in fellowship hall, and still have time to catch the game at 11:00. The Shocker Men’s Basketball team plays Cincinnati at home. So wear your Shocker attire for an informal service, continental breakfast, and music from the UCC Chancel Choir.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE on March 4, the movie is The Last Temptation of Christ. from 5:15-7:00, in fellowship hall. On February 28, Movies are shown in the basement movie room. Please bring snacks to share with others.

SANDWICH SATURDAY is Saturday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church. We are assembling sandwiches on Friday, March 9, in the UCC kitchen at 5:30. We need volunteers for both days. Sign-up on the PIC board if you would like to volunteer.

PORTRAIT SESSIONS are rescheduled for Friday, March 2, from 2:00-9:00, and Saturday, March 3, from 10:00-5:00. There are plenty of appointment times available for you to schedule your portrait session. There is a table in fellowship hall today with a schedule on it for you to write your name in any available time slot.

You may also make an appointment online at www.ucchurch.org, click on the picture at the top of the page that says schedule your photography session. Then, click on the same picture again. The photography scheduling page will pop-up with simple instructions to schedule your session, or call the church office at 634-0430. Bring a box of tissue for the pantry and receive $5 off the price of your portrait package.