Ice Cream Social!
THIS Sunday, May 18,
Dining Room, Following Worship
Proceeds Benefit First Cong Youth
Programs

CONFIRMATIONS
The following individuals have completed the course work and have agreed to step forward during worship this Sunday, May 18 to be Confirmed into full members of the Congregation:
Sarah Baumann, Austen Wygocki, Brandon Struck, Sophie Rzchowski, and Kobbie Brewoo.

Sustainable Travel to Worship - Please Join Us!

Last Sunday's light rain prompted several people to carpool because they didn't want to bike or walk, and that's always an option to keep in mind. If you haven't used a car-free or car-lite method of travel to worship so far this month, please join us on the 18th and 25th.
Thank you for helping to care for God's creation by traveling sustainably!
Sustainable Travel Month - More Gas for your Green
The AAA website gives tips for "earth friendly auto care," including:
-A cold engine is less efficient than one operating at normal temperatures so doing several errands on one trip will ensure you get better mileage.
-Maintain correct air pressure in tires. Low air pressure causes higher fuel consumption, more wear on the vehicle, and poor handling in an emergency.
see www.autoclubgroup.com/

wisconsin/autos/
car_maintenance/articles for complete list and information
on how you can limit sources of pollution, your personal
impact on the environment, and save some green..

Sara Wilcox Returning
The Southwest Wisconsin Association will hold an Ecclesiastical Council for Sara at our church on Sunday Afternoon, May 18, at 3pm. This is a person's last step before ordination.
Church members are invited and encouraged to attend
to support Sara.

Go Pew Warmers!
The third season for First Congregational's co-ed softball team, the Pew Warmers, started in May. Our remaining schedule
for May will be: Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m. at Goodman 2
The season continues until mid-July. We've got new tshirts this year, and are excited to improve from our 0-10 record last year! Regardless of our record, we always have fun. Come cheer us on!

Music Notes

The Chancel Choir will meet for rehearsal on Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 A.M. in the sanctuary.

Harnessing the Energies of Love

Plan now to attend a wonderful 7 week class starting on Tuesday, August 19, 2008. This educational
program was developed by Rev. Willard Lund to help congregations build stronger communities
and learn how to respond to personal difficulties. Through the use of prayer, faith, guest speakers,
and trained professionals, the class will explore how to respond to grief and loss, persons with
disabilities, and cancer & life threatening illness. Lay ministry members and those wishing to be lay
ministers are encouraged to attend, but the class is open to all of our community. The class will be
facilitated by Marcia Lund, Mary Jane Campo, and Eldonna Hazen. Questions are welcomed. More
information will follow.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF NEEDED
We still have several openings for Summer Teachers. You need only sign up for ONE Sunday (more if you want) and you teach in teams!! Sign-Up in the Sanctuary, or contact
Jeff Rabe.

LAST SUNDAY OF
SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday, May 18 will be the last Sunday
of Sunday School Classes for the regular Sunday School year. Classes will be in recess for two weeks and begin for the Summer Session on Sunday, June 8
(pending teachers.) Summer Sunday School is a One Room program with kids from Grades 1 – 5 meeting in Room
301. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten kids are invited to the nursery. Wee Worship will be in recess for the Summer.

NURSERY NEWS!
Call for Parent Volunteers: We are
starting a summer trial of inviting Parents
(and Grandparents) to volunteer in the Nursery. A sign-up Sheet in the Nursery
will tell you when volunteers are needed.
This program is  intended to give the Nursery Staff an extra pair of hands on busy Sundays and help
parents of younger children get to know each other better.
Nursery Clean-Up: A Clean-Up Crew is needed at 1:00 PM on the First Saturday of each month to give the
Nursery a thorough clean up. Sanitizing toys, counter tops,
chairs etc. With a group of folks, the job should be finished
quickly. Sign-up sheets are located in the Nursery, or contact
Jeff Rabe at the church office.