A  UNITED VOICE

“Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

-Hebrews 13:1-2

His father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.

From the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:20b

Dear Friends at United,

How grateful I am for the opportunity to share pictures, cultural arts, and information with you during the Fourth Sunday forum yesterday!  As I recollected the trip to South East Asia and did research on the current status of refugees, I was moved to extend an invitation to the forum attendees to help refugees in our area.

The response was so positive at the forum, that I extend that invitation to the entire church today!

As part of my research and reading about refugees in our area, I came across an appeal for “Welcome Kits for New Refugees.”  These welcome kits are offered to refugees in the greater Sacramento area by Opening Doors, Inc., a local affiliate of Church World Service (the good folks who sponsor the CROP Walk for local hunger ministries and Blankets and Tools Sunday for international development). 

I do hope that you will be able to participate either as an individual, family, as church divisions, women’s circles, or other circles within the church.  If you would like to contribute money so that the church may purchase kits, you can do so in two ways.  You can either 1) write a check with “refugee welcome kits” in the memo on or before Palm Sunday, or 2) purchase beaded necklaces from the chit-chat group on Palm Sunday (2 necklaces for $5).  Funds collected will be used to purchase kits.

I have called and spoken to the folks at Opening Doors, and they have suggested that of the three choices, the “school kits” for children are in greatest need currently; however, any of the kits would be welcome as they are gearing up to receive between 2,000-4,000 Hmong refugees in the Sacramento area this year.

Here’s how this mission outreach will work.

Bring a completed “School Kit,” “Personal Care Kit,” or “Kitchen-Household Kit” on or before Easter Sunday.  Michele (and any other volunteers who would like to help) will transport the kits to Opening Doors the week after Easter.

Below are suggested lists for the kits.

SCHOOL KITS FOR CHILDREN

            One back pack (filled with)

            Pads or notebooks of 8 ½ x 11 paper

            Six new pencils with erasers

            One pencil sharpener        

            One pair of blunt scissors

            One eraser

            One box of 24 crayons

            One 12 inch ruler

PERSONA L CARE KITS

            One toothbrush

            One small tube of toothpaste

            One bath-size bar of soap

            One washcloth

            One hand towel

            One comb

            One brush

            One small bottle of shampoo

            One nail clipper

            One package of toilet paper

            One small waste basket

KITCHEN-HOUSEHOLD KITS

            One bottle of liquid dishwashing soap

            One dishcloth or sponge

Two dish towels      

One large bottle of liquid laundry detergent or one box of powder detergent

One dozen soft cleaning cloths

One box or bottle nontoxic all-purpose household cleaning product

One large roll of paper towels

One small bucket

Please help in this effort to welcome strangers, entertain angels, and offer God’s love and life to those in great need this Easter!

Pastor Michele

PASTORAL  CANDIDATE

TO  PREACH

The Search Committee and the General Board are pleased to introduce and recommend to you the Rev. John (Jack) Dawson. 

We would like you to meet Jack and his family at a potluck dinner Saturday, March 27^th, 6 pm, and worship with them on Sunday, March 28^th .

 Rev. Dawson will be preaching on the 28^th.  Following the service there will be a special congregational meeting for the purpose of voting on our new pastor.

 We urge you to attend both of these events and to share in this important decision.

 MISSIONS    DIVISION

DID  YOU  KNOW?

            Everyday in the developing world more the 30,000 children die from mostly preventable diseases. Disciples response—our mission partners support projects to improve health and well-being in more the 90 countries. Every night in the United States, up to 60,000 men, women and children go homeless. Disciples response—our Volunteers in Mission provide assistance with local mission projects and many congregations participate in interfaith food and shelter programs for the homeless. More than 50 percent of first marriages in this country end in divorce; this has a profound impact on our children. Disciples response—our National Benevolent Association works with at-risk children and youth to rebuild broken families. And this only the beginning of how Disciples help extend God’s grace.

             Your support of the Easter Special Offering insures that our church will continue to be and share the good news of Jesus Christ from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth, in the year 2020 and beyond. Together, we are building a world with hope. Together, we are building a church with a vision. Together we are extending God’s grace.

 spiritual growth division

 CHOCOLATE FEST IS COMING!

What can you do to help??? 

                                       I’m glad you asked!

·        Call for donations

·        Make a donation

·        Call for needed information

·        Encourage friends in the community to attend and bring their friends

·        Staff a table

·        Help with setting up

·        Decorate

·        Bake

·        Assemble a gift basket

·        Encourage your family members to help out on your behalf.

·        Pass out fliers

·        Sell tickets

·        Advertise

So there is much you can do.  Please call Mary O’Donnell, 333-8248 or 327-2269,  Fran Raab, 368-4718, or Linda Amador, 401-6739 to volunteer.  Call today!

The CHITCHATS will meet again on Thursday, April 13, 1:30 pm in the Plymouth Room.  Contact Lois Baker for more information, 369-6479.  All are welcome to come for a time of conversation and fellowship.