I was raised in a Christian home, and our church and church activities were always the center of our lives. I went to Sunday School, sang the choir and traveled to church revivals throughout Oklahoma with my grandparents.  After I became an adult, I only attended church on Christmas and Easter, but then all of that changed 12 years ago when I received an invitation to Island United Church’s Easter Sunday Services.  I was overwhelmed by the congregation’s kindness and within a few months I become a member of IUC.  Life has many ups and downs and I am blessed to have my church family. Through faith and prayers, members and friends lovingly support each other, each other’s families, our community and our world.

I’ve enjoyed serving on various church committees and participating in our community events because my parents and grandparents continuously reminded me that getting involved in your church’s activities is beneficial to your spiritual journey and your continued commitment to Jesus Christ.

I feel very welcomed and it is a joy to worship here at Island United! Blessings to you and may you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith!

Alexis K. Lewis

This Sunday is LGBT Pride Sunday – all of June in fact, is Pride Month.  There will be celebrations everywhere – and somber reflection and rededication to our common humanity.  Please plan to be present in worship to hear our guest preacher Eli’jah Carroll, a gifted recent PSR graduate.  If there are people in your life for whom Pride is an important observance, this would be a time to invite them to church, to let them know that Island United Church welcomes and affirms all people!

As individuals of faith, of course we are called to pray in the face of unbelievable tragedy.  You should also know that as an Open & Affirming congregation, Island stands in solidarity with thousands of other O&A congregations in affirming our LGBT community, and in our determination to provide support and strength for those irreparably damaged.  See the beginning of our response here. 

This Sunday, May 22 we will hold our spring congregational meeting for election of officers and approval of a budget.  There will also be further conversation about “Stepping Stones” particularly as it might relate to use of our open property.  Please plan to attend.  Your discernment and input are very important.

Our stewardship theme is “Take the Next Step,” and pledge dedication will be this Sunday, Pentecost, May 15.  We are hearing first-person stories each week about our love for Island United Church.  We heard from Holly Baugh, and Al Williams, both wonderful and moving.  If you did not receive your pledge materials in the mail, or misplace them, you can access the informational folder and the pledge card here.  [click to go to the dropbox, then choose “open” to download and/or print]   There is no need to wait until Sunday to return your pledge card – in fact we encourage you to mail or bring it in before May 15.  We will make sure all are gathered to be blessed and dedicated.  

The Stepping Stones reflection pieces and conversation notes are assembled into one packet available on request online or in hardcopy.  Now in our time of stewardship we are asking – how can we make these conversations real?  The spring congregational meeting will be Sunday, May 22, for election of officers and approval of a budget.  There will also be further conversation about “Stepping Stones” particularly as it might relate to use of our open property.  Please plan to attend.  Your input is important.

Our stewardship theme is “Take the Next Step,” and pledge dedication will be on Pentecost, May 15.  We are hearing first-person stories each week about our love for Island United Church.  We heard from Holly Baugh; this coming week we will hear from Al Williams.  If you did not receive your pledge materials in the mail, or misplace them, you can access the informational folder and the pledge card here.  [click to go to the dropbox, then choose “open” to download and/or print] 

The Stepping Stones reflection pieces and conversation notes are assembled into one packet available on request online or in hardcopy.  Now in our time of stewardship we are asking – how can we make these conversations real?  The spring congregational meeting will be Sunday, May 22, for election of officers and approval of a budget.  There will also be further conversation about “Stepping Stones” particularly as it might relate to use of our open property.  Please plan to attend.  Your input is important.