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110 North Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022
715-425-2052
www.firstchurchrf.org
As Jesus’ courageous
disciples, living God’s
grace, we strive to:
◼ Worship faithfully
◼ Welcome openly
◼ Grow spiritually
◼ Care passionately
◼ Serve generously
May 1, 2020
traveled to Europe, including a
stop in Switzerland. One of the
things we quickly noticed about
Switzerland is the concept of
Ruhetag—Rest Day. Ruhetag is a
day of the week when a store or
business or restaurant is simply
closed so its employees can rest.
Ruhetag means the downtowns
are empty, but the parks and
mountains are full of people.
Old people and young people.
People on bikes, strollers and
walkers. Families and individuals.
All of them actively resting. See
what has happened to us?
Welcome to Switzerland.
Now please don’t get me wrong,
I desperately want to get back to
normal (whatever that is). I do not
like preaching into a camera. I do
not like watching people lose their
jobs. I do not like kids missing
prom, graduation, confirmation.
I do not like staying 6 feet away
from everyone. Every day it seems
there is one more thing cancelled,
closed, changed or postponed.
But for today (I am writing this on
Sunday), today I am embracing
Ruhetag—rest day. But what
happens when every day seems
like rest day?
Recently some nuns in Minnesota,
who live in a cloistered monastery
near St. Cloud, offered some
helpful advice for people trying to
adjust to this new normal. Some
of these women have been living
inside the monastery for 40+ years
nonstop (let that sink in). Here is
some of their advice:
Stick to the Program—Routines,
schedules and patterns greatly help
the sisters. Maintain a regular
schedule of wake up, meal time,
prayer, exercise, reading, family
time and bed time.
Be Helpful—Jesus said you have to
lose yourself in order to find your
true self (Mtw 10:39). Christians
believe we find our true selves
when we give of our talents in
service to others. How can you
reach out to a neighbor or friends?
How can you find ways to be
helpful to others?
Enjoy Yourself—We don’t usually
think of nuns as doing this, but an
important part of their day is
sitting and relaxing. They play
board games and card games.
They knit and sew. They do
puzzles and talk. Find time to
relax and simply enjoy something.
Make a Joyful Noise—Music has
a calming effect. It restores our
souls. Whether you listen to
heavy metal or classical, country
or K-Pop, take time to sing and
enjoy the gift of music.
Live in the Moment—Even in a
fairly regimented environment,
the nuns take time to go for walks
and literally smell the roses.
Welcome to the new (temporary)
normal.
Pastor Chris
May 1, 2020 1
Pastor’s Page Welcome to Switzerland
Have you spent more time outside
recently? Do you find yourself
with more ‘down time’ than usual?
Have you been reading, gardening,
and cooking more than in the
past? That is because we have
moved to Switzerland. Let me
explain.
In 2014, thanks to a grant from
the Lilly Foundation, our family
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community while we are apart
from each other.
Confirmation Program On Wednesday, April 29, we will
have our last confirmation class
for the year. Since the Pandemic
we have moved to Zoom classes.
Usually we end the year with
bowling but this is not possible
this year. We very much look
forward to resuming confirmation
classes in the fall.
Pastoral Care Our church staff are here to help
and support you. Please do not
hesitate to contact a pastor or
church staff member through
email or phone. As hospital and
nursing home access is severely
limited, we have a system to reach
out to our shut-ins and vulnerable
seniors with notes and cards. If
you want to be included in this
ministry please email the church
office ([email protected] )
and we will connect you to a shut-in.
Church Finances Although we no longer meet in
person, please maintain your
financial pledge or consider an
extra gift. Gifts can be mailed or
even better, sign up for e-giving
by contacting the church office.
There is also a secure mail drop
in the right hand pillar of the front
entrance of the church building
which is checked daily.
Worship With the Pandemic, our worship has all been moved online. Sunday worship can be heard live from 11:00 to
11:30 am on WEVR (106.3 FM) or live streamed on the church YouTube channel where it is archived for later
viewing. Upcoming worship services include:
Sunday, May 3—Virtual Communion and John 10:1-10: This was to be Confirmation Sunday, which now has
been postponed. We will celebrate communion virtually (so have bread/crackers & juice/wine ready). Our
worship service will center on John 10:1-10 and Jesus’ mission statement — I have come to bring them abundant
life. What does abundant life look like amidst this pandemic?
Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day John 14:1-14: This will be a very different Mother’s Day. In the Gospel lesson
for the day, Jesus promises that those who follow in his way will do even greater works than Jesus does. How is
this possible? And how might this relate to our attempts to honor our mothers on their special day?
Education/Faith Formation Each week family resources that
match the sermon text are posted
on the church website. The
resources include a one-page
discussion page as well as a
coloring page and other similar
activities. Please take the time to
use these resources. They are
designed to enrich your worship
experience and keep us together
as a worshipping and learning
May 1, 2020 2
Tangled Fish Mural Today the cross is the primary Christian symbol.
During Jesus’ ministry, however, the fish was the
symbol Jesus’ followers used to identify themselves.
Fish remind us of Jesus’ call to the disciples: “Drop
your nets and follow me.” Please notice the “Tangled
Fish” card included in this newsletter. We invite you
to color in your design using whatever you have—
markers, crayons, pencils, paint—and send it back to
church. We will arrange all the individual Tangled Fish
cards into one large mural on the bulletin board in the
gathering space. As the mural grows we will take
pictures so everyone can see it. In these days when we
are separated from each other, we need to deliberately
find ways to connect and remember that even when we
are apart, we are still one in the body of Christ.
Church Staff Church staff are doing their very best trying to work from
home. You can contact them via their email and cell
numbers which are below.
Pastor Chris Myers—[email protected] - 715-441-2497
Missy Luedtke—[email protected] - 715-222-5427
Stacy Johnson Myers—[email protected] - 715-338-6406
Dave Ostendorf—[email protected] - 715-441-6559
JaNae Westrich—[email protected] - 715-897-5358
Jaime Mills—[email protected] - 715-419-0850
Dave Mountain—[email protected] - 715-245-6854
Tim Bylander—[email protected] - 715-808-2900
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May 1, 2020 3
Graduation and Scholarship Sunday Graduation Sunday is to be Sunday, May 31. With the pandemic there is uncertainty as to exactly when this
will happen. Alternate dates of June 26 and July 17 have been offered. Pastor Chris is in conversation with our
12 graduating seniors and their families trying to make sure we honor their graduation. All church seniors are
encouraged to complete the senior Scholarship application which has mailed to them earlier and is due in the
church office by Sunday, May 10. This is also the due date for Continuing Education Scholarships for college
students. When a date for Graduation Sunday has been confirmed we will include it in the Weekly Word
email. One way we are thinking of supporting of graduating seniors is with a dry by graduation greeting on
Graduation Sunday on Third Street in front of the church.
Our graduates this year include: Chloe Bjork, Jana Elsesser, Mackenzie Korent, Seth Larsen, Nathan Lawrence,
Alex Martin, Taylar Meier, Peter Noreen, Wesley Papp, Jared Plackner, Aspen Richter, Colin Richter,
Cass Rude, Maria Tiede.
Week of
Apr 12, 2020 Year to Date
General Fund Income* $ 20,998 $ 186,985
General Fund Operational Needs $ 9,582 $ 143,730
A full accounting of all income and expenses is available in the church
office.
*Includes annual and monthly gifts.
Pen Pal Prayer Partners We are looking for people of all ages interested
in becoming pen pal prayer partners. The idea is
that we will link an older person with a younger
person and encourage people to write letters to
each other, send them through the mail, and
hold each other in prayer. If you are interested
in participating, please send an email to:
[email protected] . Let’s all join in!
Birthday Celebration Glenn Hansen will be celebrating his 90
th birthday on
Sunday, May 17th. Cards would be a wonderful gift as he
will still be in isolation. A family celebration had been
planned but canceled due to the virus. Please be part of
his celebration. The address is: 2065 Michael Lane,
River Falls, WI. A drive by their house with a honk at
5:00 pm would be extra special. He will be sitting in the
driveway!
Newsletter Feed from the Investment Committee Recently, our committee received the Q1-2020 United Church Funds newsletter from Charles Buck, UCF
President and CEO. The UCF newsletter referenced an interesting article about the recently enacted
government stimulus bill ("the "CARES Act") and charitable giving. To read the article, go to the link below:
https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/T054-S001-cares-act-expands-charitable-giving-tax-deductions/
index.html
This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Church Investment Committee: Kris Roen, Jean Smith, Suzanne Hagen, Roland Roe, Mike Danielson.
Brad Williams (Moderator), Fred Trautmiller (Investment Advisor) and Pastor Chris Myers (Staff)
Thank You Note Thank you so much to everyone
for the prayers, calls, notes and
cards during my recent recovery
and the self isolation we are all
going through. I appreciate it
more than words can express.
My prayers and thoughts are with
all of you.
Sincerely, Jan Place
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May 1, 2020 4
Thoughts On When We Can Be Back Together From time to time people say to pastors: “I could never get up in front of people and preach.” These last
weeks have shown us that it is actually much harder to get up in front of no one and preach. While a sermon
is primarily about one voice, it is also about the connection of that voice to its listeners. Preachers draw courage
and conviction by engaging with the congregation. Not having you with us when we preach is very hard. Some
pastors and congregations have decided to pre-record worship services. We have intentionally taken the
“coming to you live” route. It means you get the real thing—mistakes and all—because we need to worship
together. As preachers, we need to picture all of you so that our words have real, living ears to enter.
The question all of us have is: When will be able to be back together? We do not know. We are following the
expectations of Governor Evers’ Badger Bounce Back plan as well as guidance from the denomination and the
Wisconsin Council of Churches.
Badger Bounce Back outlines three phases beyond “Safer at Home.” The three phases move us from where we
currently are to a time when we can gather without social distancing. Moving from one phase to the next is based
upon achieving specific criteria and fulfilling “core responsibilities” related to testing, contact tracing, and disease
tracking, as well as social distancing, personal hygiene, the capacity of the health care system, etc.
Safer at Home allows us to have religious gatherings of fewer than 10 people. This permits us to do worship as
we have been—with a pastor, two musicians, and a tech crew—all practicing social distancing in the sanctuary.
When this phase is over, we will move into Phase One which allows religious gathering of a maximum of 10
people. As far as worship, Phase One will only allow a continuation of what we are currently doing with the
addition of up to four more people in the sanctuary. Phase Two allows for a maximum of 50 people to gather
for worship. Phase Three returns us to worship with no maximum number of participants.
Here is a brief summary of what the phases of Badger Bounce Back likely mean for our congregation:
Phase One
• Social distancing, masks to protect others
• Online worship continues
• Funerals with an extremely limited number of people
• Education classes online
• Committee and council meetings online
• A limited number of in-person meetings with a fewer than 10 people
Phase Two
• Social distancing, masks to protect others
• Enhanced disinfecting measures (made more complicated with increased people in the building)
• Worship, including funerals, with up to 50 people is permissible; online worship will continue
• Education events, fellowship gatherings, and meetings permissible with fewer than 50 people
• No-touch alternatives for Passing the Peace, offering, Communion
• No Coffee Fellowship
Phase Three
• Worship and events with no maximum number of people
• Education events, fellowship gatherings, and meetings with no maximum
• Judicious return to Coffee Fellowship, meals
• Continued measures to protect each other
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May 1, 2020 5
Continued from page 4
At this point, there are more unknown things than known things about our path forward. We will carefully
monitor all information from national, state, and local authorities. We will be diligent in making the most
responsible decisions we can for our congregation. While the prospect of worship gatherings of up to 50 people
sounds wonderful, it is also exceedingly complicated to figure out how it could work safely and be welcoming
and not limiting to a congregation much larger than 50 people.
It is clear that an effective vaccine protecting us from COVID-19 is critically necessary. Until one is found and is
widely available we will need to work to protect each other. We will also need to be particularly creative in living
out our charge to be Jesus’ body in the world. When the day comes that we can fling wide our doors and greet
each other with open arms, the three of us with give immeasurable thanks and praise.
Pastors Chris, Dave and Stacy
To learn more, follow these links on the church website to these documents:
Badger Bounce Back
Returning to Church: Ministry During the Covid-19 Outbreak
Updates from our Mission Partners The Pandemic has affected everyone, including our church mission partners. Below is a brief description of how
each of them have been affected and are responding. In order to ensure our mission partners have the resources
they need, our church sent our first quarter mission payments in March.
Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ
The Wisconsin Conference is our denominational body representing the over 230 UCC churches in the state
of Wisconsin. Based in DeForest (outside Madison) our church leaders have moved the Conference Annual
meeting online and are moving programs like Lay Academy to an online format as well. Conference staff are
working from their homes. Check out more at www.wcucc.org.
Feed My Starving Children
FMSC was set to pack 400 million meals this year. With the pandemic group packing session have been
suspended until at least July 31, but the need overseas continues. FMSC has contracted with a company to
machine package a very limited amount of meals to send overseas. They would greatly appreciate your prayers
and financial gifts. Last year First Congregational contributed $1,100 to FMSC and our first quarter mission
check was mailed last month. Check out more at www.fmsc.org.
Our Neighbors’ Place
ONP continues to move forward with the backpack program and received a number of kind donations from
organizations as far away as Minneapolis to provide food to support the program. Shelly has mentioned there
are a number of individuals who have reached out offering donations. Money donations are always appreciated
especially during a time like this. Shelly and Sara are working from home and the Day Center remains closed,
but both of them are still working with guests via phone. Check out more at www.ourneighborsplace.org.
River Falls Food Pantry
The River Falls Food Pantry is doing quite well and is grateful for all the donations they have been receiving.
Donations to Second Harvest, who we purchase food from, has been getting increased donations so our orders
are always filled. Our commercial donors have stepped up giving so food shelves are full. As always dollars
donated can buy more from Second Harvest at discounted prices. Patrons at the pantry have not been allowed
inside for several weeks now. Bags are pre-packed and taken out to the curb for pick up or they can call VRT at
715-426-5043 and they will pick up the groceries at the pantry and deliver them. If there is need, the pantry is
there to help. Patrons will not need to provide financial information or employment status to receive food.
Check our more at www.rfcfp.org.
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Continued from page 5
UCCI Mission
United Church Camps, Inc. is struggling like everyone else. Just a quick update, they are abiding by the state
and licensing guidelines and staying closed until May 26. They have furloughed all non-essential workers and
given the essential workers a pay cut in order to stay viable. They are confident that they will open when all is
safe and are using the essential workers to learn what they will need to do to keep them safe as well as the guests
that will be attending one of the three sites. They would like our prayers, and for you to join them on social
media, Facebook, Instagram and “like” their pages so you can stay in touch. You also can still register for a
camp, workshop or retreat in the future on their website, as well as send a secure donation to UCCI Fund to
help out in this time of need. Thank you for your support!! Check out more at www.ucci.org.
Back Bay Mission
Back Bay Mission has been hard hit with the recent events. For awhile they kept the day center opened as well
as the food shelf where lines continued to grow. The governor required them to shut the doors of the day
center last week and stay closed until April 20. They are anticipating many more clients when they reopen the
food pantry and they won’t be able to reopen the Micah Day Center until they can get the homeless community
tested and have places for quarantine. They are asking for our prayers in the meantime and if you would like to
stay in touch “like” them on Facebook and check their website at www.thebackbaymission.org you can also
donate securely for that site. Thank you for your continued support!!
Simpson Shelter
Simpson Shelter has been open 24 hours a day for four weeks for 66 guests. Some interior doors and
doorknobs have been removed and temporary hand washing stations installed. 22 seniors and medically fragile
guests have been moved into hotel rooms. Volunteer opportunities have been postponed, hazard pay has been
instituted for shelter staff and staff throughout the agency have been cross trained in case anyone becomes ill.
A catering company is now providing meals that need to be paid for.
Occupying guests’ time all day every day is a bit of a challenge. Some guests feel anxious about their health,
some have “cabin fever” and others are appreciative of the rest. They show a movie every day and have had
games, puzzles and cards donated. Donations of movies, games, puzzles, cards, greeting cards and stamps
would be much appreciated. Simpson Shelter has received a matching grant to cover all of the extra costs that
have been incurred due to the crisis. Donations of money for the matching grant would be wonderful. Check
out more at www.simpsonhousing.org.
End of Life Decisions COVID-19 has shaken the globe. It is a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how, despite our goals and
plans, disease can catch us by surprise. During these days and weeks when we are “safer at home,” consider
making plans for the end of your life. Although such planning painfully reminds us of the end of our life, it is
also a lasting gifts to those who love you. On the church website on the Resource page under Forms, you will
find the following documents:
A Practical Guide to Death and Burial: This guide provides information about a wide range of decisions
individuals and families make after a death. It includes background information, educational resources, and a
check list of what to do when a death occurs.
Memorial Service and Funeral Information Preference Form: This one-page document summarizes your
personal information for your family and details your preferences for a funeral/memorial service. This form will
be kept on file at church. It is extremely helpful for families as well as pastors.
Leaving a Spiritual Legacy: A spiritual legacy is a story of one’s life that is given as a blessing to others. There
are no “rules” about the form of a spiritual legacy, but this document provides prompts to get you started.
Health Care Directive Document: This packet of information allows you to detail your end-of-life decisions in
a legal manner. In Wisconsin, adults age 18 and older, need to provide legal authority to those designated to
make health care decisions on their behalf.
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A Note about Scammers Recently there have been several occasions when someone posing as a staff member (often Pastor Chris) has
created fake email accounts asking for help. To be clear, no staff member will ever send you an email asking
for gift cards or money for a private or secret purpose. When in doubt, call the church office or send an email
to the emails below. Some of these scams look quite authentic, even including a picture. Beware!
Blessing of the Animals On Sunday, April 26, we had a new tradition: the Blessing of the
Animals. With all the pets and animal friends joining us at home while
we worship, we thought we would adopt this tradition started by St Francis
over 800 years ago. If you missed the service, you can watch it on the
church YouTube channel. Here are some of the pics we received of our
church people and their animals. Keep them coming!
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First Congregational United
Church of Christ Office Phone: 715-425-2052
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.firstchurchrf.org
STAFF Chris Myers, Pastor
Dave Ostendorf, Minister for Community and Outreach
Stacy Johnson, CE Minister
JaNae Westrich, Youth Pastor
Missy Luedtke, Office Coordinator
Brad Williams, Moderator
Jamie Mills, Music Coordinator and Bell Choir Director
Katelyn Peterson, Choir Director
Marsha Pearson, Organist
Terry Mithun, Organist
Tim Bylander, Building Supervisor
Dave Mountain, Custodian
Pastor’s home phone number:
Chris Myers 715-426-2075
[email protected]
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 110 N. Third Street
River Falls, Wisconsin 54022
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #53
RIVER FALLS, WI 54022
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Masks Available at Church Due to the generosity of congregation members who have made masks, we have some masks at church for
people who need a mask but do not sew. To obtain a mask, please call the church office. If you are willing to
contribute to our supply, here is a link with directions: https://www.sewgoodgoods.org/face-mask-covid-19.
Ways to Reach Out to Others All of us want to do something to help and be Jesus’ loving disciples in the present moment. Below are some
specific things you can do at home:
Quilts/Prayer Shawls: Pastor Chris recently sent out all of the prayer shawls and quilts we had to our homebound
seniors. This week he also sent out handmade crosses made by Bob Johnson. We need more! How cool
would it be to send every senior and shut-in a quilt, prayer shawl or handcrafted item? Please contact Pastor Chris
if you have an item to donate.
Shut-ins/Seniors: We have connected our seniors/shut-ins with church families who send them notes, small
parcels and kid’s artwork. If you want to be matched with a shut-in, contact the church office.
Compassion Fund: There are families in our church who have been furloughed, fired, and laid off. We will be
able to offer some modest assistance to these families through our church Compassion Fund. Gifts should be
mailed to the church and marked ‘Compassion Fund.’ Families who need assistance, please contact Pastor Chris.
Prayer: Prayer connects us with God and our neighbors. Pray for the helpers. Pray for your families. Pray for
people losing their jobs. Pray for students learning online. Pray for families learning new routines. Pray for
people cooped up inside. Each week there is a prayer list of people, situations and thanksgivings that is sent out
by email to help people in their prayer life. You can sign up by contacting the church office.
