April 23, 30, May 14, 21 (four weeks) - adult Sunday School at 9:30am.
Faith through the Seasons with Sean Weston. Each season of life brings different questions of faith, meaning, and understanding our place in the world. At every age, there are amazing opportunities for growth and tough challenges. This four-week series starting April 23, led by Sean Weston, will explore the questions and struggles people face on their faith journeys in each decade of life. Based on the experiences of those who participate as well as research on faith development, we will seek to be strengthened in our faith journeys and grow in our understandings of ourselves and people of all ages. NOTE: no class on May 7 due to Worship in the Park.

​Do you feel awkward when faith comes up in conversation? Do you struggle to find the “right” words? Are you worried about coming across badly? You’re not alone. But telling our stories is powerful, and you never know how your story will help somebody else. To help each other discover, explore, and share our stories, Sean Weston will be hosting two stand-alone “Telling Your Faith Story” workshops. We’ll explore our own stories and learn how to share them with others, either in 15 seconds or in long conversation. Sunday, April 30 at 12:15pm after worship in the Conference Room with a light lunch, or Monday, May 22 at 7pm in the Conference Room.

Change of dates for the blanket-making days! Because of Pride on 4/22, the blanket-making days will be held from about 4 pm Friday, 4/28 through 4 pm Saturday, 4/29. Please join the Ministry of the Decorative Scissors to make blankets for the Backpacks of Hope. Knit, crochet, or patchwork. We have all of the supplies for patchwork quilts and will teach you how! Or you can wait until they are pieced and help tie them Join us for fellowship in Andover Hall (downstairs). Questions? Contact Sue Gerth. 

Stand with Muslim Neighbors. What a great turnout for the Brunch with our Muslim friends after the special service on Sunday, March 5.  We estimated that about 80 people were part of the hospitality hour, brunch, and visiting.  A special thanks to those who prepared food and cleaned up afterward.  We were well represented at the Advocacy Day in Topeka on the 13th.  See pictures on the UCC Facebook page.  And don’t forget, we have a good supply of Neighbors yard signs/posters.
 

Social Justice Write-In.  The first write-in produced letters to friends, journal entries, and postcards to policy makers at the national and state level.  We also had coffee, tea, treats and good conversation.  Please join us at the next Write-In on April 26.  We’ll provide cards, paper, stationary, pens, stamps and snacks.
 
 
Little Apple Pride 2017. The annual Pride festival and parade are scheduled for April 22nd, with the parade starting at 10:30.  First Congregational UCC will be walking with our group in the parade, so mark your calendar – we hope for a big turn-out walking behind our church banner. Line-up begins in the parking lot of the mall at 9:30.  If you want to help organize and make signs, contact Courtney Keith or another member of the Vitality Committee.  For up-to-date information regarding the parade or festival please check out the Little Apple Pride Parade Facebook page! facebook.com/LittleApplePride
 
Other Information
Every week, Davis Hammet of Loudlight recaps activities by the Kansas Legislature and Governor’s office at facebook.com/BeALoudLight.
 
CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) has launched a “#RegisterMeFirst” website designed to challenge Islamophobic policies, including the ongoing “Muslim ban” and a proposed “Muslim registry.” Registermefirst.com provides an opportunity for anyone who wants to oppose the Muslim Ban, any future Muslim registry or other unconstitutional actions by the current administration to join the broader movement challenging those unjust policies. If you sign up at the site, you will get updates on how they can express their solidarity with American Muslims and how they can oppose Islamophobic policies and proposals.