News (fyi)

  Many of you have probably heard of “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” It is a condition in which the lack of sunlight, often during winter months, can affect our moods and ability to cope effectively. Millions of people suffer from some sort of anxiety or depression disorder. If you do not, chances are you are close to someone who does. For the next few weeks in worship, we will acknowledge a condition we call “Spiritual Affective Disorder,” considering how the uncertainty and pace of life can keep us from the spiritual and emotional well-being that God desires for us. But instead of focusing on typical spiritual practices as an antidote, we will simply focus on how everyday life activities could become spiritual practices—deepening our experience of a meaningful life and helping us shine a light on the “blahs.” This morning, we hear the scripture reminding us to “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” This is your invitation to “flip the switch” and see waking up each day as a simp...

  From Parker Smith: We will be having an open-to-all "Friendsgiving" meal at our church on Thanksgiving day at 4pm! There will be turkey, "Tofurkey", and many other traditional and less-than-traditional offerings. If you or anyone else you know doesn't have a place to go this Thanksgiving, please know that all are welcome to join us. There are no expectations that guests bring anything beyond an appetite, but if you want to bring something, please fill out this form so we can be ready for your dish: https://forms.gle/em39VgrNd1FijtV66 We will start eating at 4pm, and the doors will be open long before that for those who wish to lend a helping hand!

Our church is hosting a completely free supper, no strings attached, this Thursday (Nov 6) from 6-8 pm. It will be a baked-potato bar, with curries, gravies, and all the toppings you would expect! Kids are welcome, and there is no need to bring anything other than your appetite. Hope to see some of you there, and please pass this along to anyone you know that might appreciate a free meal!

  Sunday, July 13 we will embark on a 6-week worship journey into an exploration of Creation Spirituality–a theology that affirms God’s declaration that creation is “supremely good” (CEB translation) and that we are called to be that goodness in and for the world. The series, by  Dr. Marcia McFee ,  is a  Worship Design Studio  (WDS) resource.  The descriptions of each week's theme posted below, and the video interviews with Creation Spirituality practitioners are all taken from the "Sacred Earth, Sacred Work" material provided by WDS. ++++++++++++ When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was without shape or form…and God’s wind swept over the waters…God saw everything God had made: it was supremely good. — Genesis What if we lived life truly connected to the origins of Creation and the Creator? In  the beginning, God created all things and called them originally “good.” In this series, we will explore six essential ideas...

  Each week, the new Kid's Corner space is for our youngest members - and the grown-ups who love them - to explore faith in fun and meaningful ways. Easter Sunday, we began a new series all about butterflies: those tiny miracles that remind us how change can be slow, surprising, and full of wonder. The series will last a few weeks into the season of Easter. Yes, Easter is a season - not just a day - lasting for seven weeks, until Pentecost Sunday! Here's the content shared for the first week of the series: Kid’s Corner: God Works in the Goo Each week, this space is for our youngest members, and the grown-ups who love them, to explore faith in fun and meaningful ways. Becoming: A Butterfly Series — Week 1 We’re beginning a new series all about butterflies: those tiny miracles that remind us how change can be slow, surprising, and full of wonder. ++++++++++++ 🐛 Did you know that when a caterpillar is inside its chrysalis, it doesn’t just grow wings? It  melts  into goo! I...

  Kid’s Corner is the new section in our newsletter for our youngest members—and the grown-ups who love them—to explore faith in fun and meaningful ways. On most Sunday mornings, Dena Smith, chairperson of our Children’s Ministry, gathers with the children for the Time for All Ages part of our worship. And in the weekly newsletter, there will be ideas for parents to use at home to expand on the theme with their children. To get these weekly lessons, sign up for our newsletter on the home page of our website (www.piucc.org). Here's what our the first Kid's Corner looked like: Kid's Corner: What's YOUR gift at God's table? 🌍 God's table isn't just full of food - it's full of gifts!   Psalm 23 says that a table is prepared for us, and we bring something special, too. Maybe you're great at making people laugh, being a good friend, or sharing big ideas.   🍽️ Setting the table for joy : Sometimes, grown-ups feel overwhelmed. Your kindness, silliness, a...