Upcoming Events in Detail

Worshipping Online for Now
First United Church of Arvada is holding Worship services and many other gatherings online for now. To join our Zoom Worship services, fill out this form. Or…if you’d like to get our weekly email blast, or other information about First United, fill out the “Contact Us” form.

In this time of distancing, the National setting of the UCC is offering connection through various Webinars each week. The full calendar with registration information is here.

Wednesday March 3, 6:45pm-Book Club discussion
Our next Book Club conversation will happen on Wednesday, March 3, 6:45 PM. In addition to reading and discussing the books, there will be opportunities to “get moving”. First, we are going to schedule at least two labyrinth walks in March, at First United and Arvada United Methodist church. It will give us a chance to see each other and to take a few meditative steps together. We are also going to offer a 30 day challenge to all who are interested in distance walking. Can you walk 30 miles in 30 days? We will kick off this challenge in March as well. To participate, email us through the Contact Us link.
—Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit
—The Book of Walking: An exploration of the many adventures of a Walk by Robert L. Cain
—In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Exploration by Shane O’Hara
—Walking by Henry David Thoreau
—A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
—A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh by Dr. Joseph Parent
—Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking Diary by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse

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. Thanks to everyone for keeping it stocked!
Here’s a list of specific items we need at this time:
*Individually packaged crackers (ex. peanut butter or cheese filled)
*Granola bars and other individual snacks
*Fruit cups or pop-top cans of fruit
*Protein: cans (packets) of tuna & chicken, peanut or other nut butter, cans of baked beans
*Canned soups, chilis, pasta meals (ravioli, spaghetti, etc.)
*Canned veggies (peas, carrots, mixed, corn, green beans) – Please no “plain” beans (kidney, black, pinto, etc.)
*Instant rice packages or meals (that don’t need much cooking or added ingredients)
*Pasta and sauce, ramen packages
*Milk: dried, canned or boxed
*Toilet paper rolls, travel kleenex packs
*Toothbrushes & toothpaste (travel)
*Soap & travel shampoo (conditioner does not “move” very well)
*Disposable razors
*Deodorant (travel size)
*Feminine Hygiene Products
*Hats, gloves, socks
*Water bottles (8oz) and juice boxes
Some important things to remember:
*Pop-top cans if possible – remember some who use our box do not have a stocked kitchen!
*No expired food
*No plain beans (black, pinto, kidney, etc.) – we are going for more “whole” meal options and not so much single ingredients
You’re invited to stop by to fill the box with a few items from time to time. Or take items as you need them. Thank you!

Supporting First United through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program
Help support First United by connecting your King Soopers loyalty card to First United! There are no longer refillable cards to use. Now you go online to connect your loyalty card to the organization you want to receive a portion of the money you spend at King Soopers. Connect that and you’re set!
How to connect your loyalty card to First United Church of Arvada:
–Log into your King Soopers Account (www.kingsoopers.com)
–Under “Valued Customer” in the upper right hand corner, go to “My Account”
–Sign into your account (or create an account for your loyalty card)
–On the “Account Summary” page, click on “Community Rewards” in the left column.
–“Enroll” in First United Church of Arvada, which is organization DL310.
ALSO…The “Community Rewards” page where you “Enroll” is where you see how much you’ve contributed to First United each quarter.

Gift Cards through First United’s Scrip program
Looking for gift cards to give as a gift, eating out or just to use for your own personal shopping (think Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Chipotle, Panera, etc.), then why not purchase then through our Scrip program instead of at the grocery store? For each purchase, FUCA get a percentage of the total purchased (percentages are determined by vendors and differ between vendors)! It is a great and easy way to shop for things you would already purchase and earn money for FUCA a the same time! Scrip orders are due by 9am on the 15th of each month. Please send all orders to the church office, either via mail or email. For more information on the program, contact the church office.

Common Earth Community Garden News

For more information or to volunteer…email CommonEarthCommGarden@gmail.com . Or simply check the website!

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.