New Recycling Programs at First United
We are starting three hard-to-recycle stream collections here at church (through a company called Ridwell):
• Bread tags – you know those little plastic clips that hold your bread bag together
• Plastic RX bottles – many curbside recycling programs do not take these, especially not the lids. So, you can bring yours here! We ask that you attach the lids and remove the labels.
• Batteries – alkaline and lithium. PLEASE no batteries that are corroding.
You can bring your items at any time and place them in the recycling receptacles that are in the Fireside Room. We will collect them on a regular basis and put them in our curbside pickups. Contact the Church Office with any questions.

now-end of August–Growing our Endowment, A Gift for the Future
We are on our way! We are just a little over the $3000 mark. You can be part of planting seeds for the future of First United Church of Arvada through the growth of the Endowment Fund! An anonymous $10,000 match has been committed to encourage donations to the Endowment Fund by the end of August! Each contribution will be matched dollar for dollar up to the $10,000 of the challenge fund. To participate, please indicate “Challenge Fund” with your gift. Watch the tree graphic at church grow with color in the coming weeks as gifts are made—a visible reminder that together, we are nurturing something that will continue to give life for generations.

Labyrinth-Open for Walking
Last fall, our congregation completed construction for a labyrinth, open to the community for meditative walks.

Blessing Box (a.k.a. Little Free Food Pantry)
The Blessing Box (the free little pantry on a south corner of our parking lot) is open for use 24/7. If you’d like to bring items to stock it, here’s a list of what’s most used, though other items are also welcome:
Canned food (with pop top lids if possible)
-Protein sources (chili, soups, ravioli, chicken/tuna)
-Fruits & veggies (please NO canned beans such as black, kidney, etc.)
-Pasta sauce
Pasta or instant/boxed rice (preferably not bags of rice)
Peanut butter or other nut butters
Granola bars (higher protein ones are best)
Crackers with peanut butter or cheese filling
Water bottles (8oz), juice boxes or shelf-stable milk
Toiletries
-Travel sized toothpaste
-Toothbrushes
-Other travel sized toiletries and soap
-Sunscreen
-Toilet paper
-Feminine hygiene products
Socks, hats, gloves (for cold weather months)
Fill the box with a few items from time to time, or take items as you need them. Monetary donations are welcome through our website. Thank you!

Common Earth Community Garden News

Be sure to check the Community Garden’s website or Facebook page for more information!

Mission: Common Earth Community Garden is established to grow and distribute vegetables, provide a source of wholesome food to local food banks, provide nutritional and cultural education for youth, a place of fellowship for multi-generational families, and outreach to our diverse neighbors on this shared common earth.