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 ask – how can we make these conversations real?

Our stewardship theme is “Take the Next Step,” and pledge dedication will be on Pentecost, May 15.  Leading up to that date we are hearing first-person stories each week about our love for Island United Church.  In case you do 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 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.

We are in the midst of a spring series of Bible/theology conversations, which invariably end up sharing our faith stories.  It’s every Tuesday from 12-1:30 pm.  Bring your brown bag lunch.  Our topic for this week is communion – where are the “communion stories” in the Bible?  What does it mean?  How do you experience it?  Next week we will talk about heaven and hell (oooh!)  Where did those ideas come from?  What do they mean to you? 

A 7-week Bible study, centering on theological topics and sharing our faith stories has started.  It’s every Tuesday from 12:00-1:30 pm.  Bring your brown bag lunch.  Our topic for the first gathering is the Lord’s Prayer – its Biblical basis, different versions, how have you heard or experienced it in your life?  Next week will be about communion – again, the Biblical basis, our experiences, and so forth.

We completed our Stepping Stone conversations.  All of the reflection pieces, plus notes from our conversations are assembled into one packet which you can download that here.  In the Easter season we’ll joyfully engage our passion for stewardship – how can we make these conversations real?  

OurOur theme will be “Take the Next Step,”  and pledge dedication will be on Pentecost, May 15.  Leading up to that date will be opportunities in worship for first-person stories about our love for Island United Church (April 24, May 1, and May 8).

The spring congregational meeting will be Sunday, May 22, for election of officers and approval of a budget.

Each week we engage one of the five goal areas lifted up at our fall congregational meeting: ministry, worship, identity, function/structure, and partnership with AAF preschool.  We’ve dubbed this “Stepping Stones.”  In advance of each week there is a short reflection piece and article to read, available online and in hard copy.  Then after Sunday worship, we re-gather for brief conversation to hear your reactions and ideas in each area so IUC can discern God’s leading. Stepping Stone #4 for Sunday, March 6 is “Family Structure.”  The piece for your reflection can be downloaded here. 

The prior pieces are Stepping Stone #1, (ministry resources)  Stepping Stone #2, (worship) and Stepping Stone #3.(identity and membership)

(Because of the extended Executive Board meeting on Sunday 2/28, we did not converse about #3 – so we will be discussing #3 and #4, this coming Sunday 3/6.)  Before Easter, all of the reflection pieces, along with notes from our conversations, will be available as a packet, if you missed a part, or would like to review it all as a whole.  Thank you for being a part of “Stepping Stones!”

We honor this season of reflection by engaging each week one of the five goal areas lifted up at our fall congregational meeting: worship, identity, ministry, function, and partnership with AAF preschool.  We’ve dubbed this “Stepping Stones.”  In advance of each week there is a short reflection piece or article to read, available online and in hard copy.  Then after Sunday worship, we re-gather for brief conversation to hear reactions and ideas in each area, so IUC can discern God’s leading. Stepping Stone #3 for Sunday, February 28 is “Denominational Identity and Membership.”  The piece for your reflection can be downloaded  here.  The prior pieces are Stepping Stone #1, and Stepping Stone #2.

The regular February meeting of the IUC Executive Board will follow worship this Sunday, February 28, and is open for a special discussion.  Of course, all meetings are open to the congregation, but you are especially encouraged to be present for this one.  We will hear a presentation from members of the San Mateo Rotary regarding a proposal for use of our vacant property for affordable senior housing.  Your presence to listen, learn and ask questions is vital.  

We honor this season of reflection by engaging each week one of the five goal areas lifted up at our fall congregational meeting: worship, identity, ministry, function, and partnership with AAF preschool.  We are dubbing this “Stepping Stones.”  In advance of each week there is a short reflection piece or article to read, available online and in hard copy.  Then after Sunday worship, we re-gather for brief conversation to hear reactions and ideas in each area, so IUC can discern God’s leading. The Stepping Stone for Sunday, February 21 is “Engaging and Enhancing Our Worship.”  The piece for your reflection can be downloaded here, or is available in hardcopy on the entry table.  [If you missed it, Stepping Stone #1 is available  here.]

The regular February meeting of the IUC Executive Board will follow worship on Sunday, February 28, and is open for a special discussion.  Of course, all meetings are open to the congregation, but you are especially encouraged to be present for this one.  We will hear a presentation from members of the San Mateo Rotary regarding a proposal for use of our vacant property for affordable senior housing.  Your presence to listen, learn and ask questions is vital.