Billings First Church Journal Calendar by Yelvington Studio

Protect the environment. Care for the poor. Forgive often. Reject racism. Fight for the powerless. Share earthly and spiritual resources. Embrace diversity. Love God. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate. Rest. 2020-2021 C alendar J ournal

Welcome Dear members and friends,

elcome to Billings First Congregational Church! Our church campus is located in the heart of the Elk River watershed on the unceded, sacred homelands of Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux and Blackfeet people. As such, we move in conscious awareness of the sacredness of the land and ancestors, and in community and solidarity with our beloved indigenous sisters and brothers. We welcome you also to a new year in the life of the church and offer you a gift, a 2020-21 Calendar-Journal. We hope it captures a sense of our excitement and commitment to this new year with you. This year, we wanted you to have something in hand that represents the good work that we will do together, and the covenantal life we have in each other and in our Creator-God. If you are new or returning to us, welcome friends! Inside you’ll get a glimpse of services, spiritual practices, events, book/Bible studies and celebrations we’ve planned - for all ages. It is not an exhaustive list, but gives a good feel for the path we’ll take together. You’ll also find ways to join our church, support our church and get to know our campus partners. Be sure to have your coloring pens and pencils handy because this is also a piece meant to inspire your creativity and expression. We invite you into the life of Billings First Congregational Church. Join us for a year of discovery and of wonder as we stretch ourselves, grow together in Christ, and enter deeper into relationship with each other and our active, affirming, and liberating God. Looking forward, with you, in hope and in Christ,

Pastor Lisa K. Harmon Senior Pastor Billings First Congregational Church P.S. We simply cannot express our gratitude for the incredible work of graphic designer and artist, Dixie Yelvington, of Yelvington Studio, who has made this publication possible. Thank you Dixie!

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B eloved C ommunity O fferings

Sunday Worship Service 11am, September through May; 10am, June-August, Facebook Live Watch Party @Billings First Church & on YouTube (Billings First Congregational) until further notice. Taize Service Evening Prayer A simple, meditative form of worship, calling us to dwell deeply on Christ’s presence around and within us. Mantra songs, prayerful silence, and short readings guide the focus of the prayer in a candlelit environment. Enjoy on our YouTube Channel @Billings First Congregational. Second Sunday Coffee Hour Join us for coffee and conversation after worship the second Sunday of every month, on Zoom. To register, please email info@ firstchurchbillings.org. SERIES Adult Forum Movie Series & Discussion Monthly discussion forum on contemporary issues using ‘Movie Series’ as our discussion prompt. Zoom discussion: 4th Sunday/ Month, following worship. September Movie: Silver Linings Playbook. More information available on our website. Out of the Waters: Resisting the Power of Fear This six-session study is our fall offering and our first Bible & book study of the year. “Out of the Waters” will engage participants in the biblical story as it relates to issues of migration. Our companion book is Ancient Spirit Rising, by Canadian author Pegi Eyers, available at Barjon’s Books. Starts September 23, 2020, 6pm. To join, register at info@ firstchurchbillings.org. Where Love and Justice Meet This six-session study explores the themes of Love and Justice. Very often justice and love are understood as distinct and even opposing values and aims. The Bible offers a different view of justice and love. The companion book for this study is the Little Book of Restorative Justice by Fania Davis, available at Barjon’s Books. Come explore the issues of love and justice with us! Starts January 6, 2021, 6pm. To join, register at info@firstchurchbillings.org.

Just Eating? Practicing our Faith at the Table Our Lenten Bible Series “Just Eating? Practicing our Faith at the Table,” will help you better understand the relationship between our Christian heritage and our food. Drawing on Jesus’ story and the rituals of the Christian faith, we will examine aspects of our lives with food: the health of our bodies; the access others have to food; the health of the earth, which our food choices influence, and the ways we use food to extend hospitality and enrich relationships. We’ll join Mayflower UCC again this year. Starts February 24, 2021, 6pm. To join, register at info@firstchurchbillings.org. ONGOING Tuesday Morning Book Club with Walt Gulick This book club has been going strong since the 1980’s and meets every Tuesday morning at 8am, on Zoom, for an hour. The goal of the group is to discuss non-fiction works of importance that deepen our understanding of the social, historical, political, economic, and scientific forces that illuminate our place in the world. In October we’ll discuss the National Book Award Winner, Ibram Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning on the history of race relations in America. Contact Barbara Gulick (bjgulick@bresnan.net) for registration information. All-Church Book Discussions The Time is Now (Joan Chittister) is our first all-church book for the year. Discussion groups forming now! For more information, contact Barbara Gulick at bjgulick@bresnan. net. Meetings held every 3rd (or 4th) Tuesday at 10am, 3pm, and 7pm, through May 2021. Artwalk in the Chapel First Friday, 5pm-9pm, every other month starting in October. For more information, contact Edward Barta, edward2b@yahoo.com. Intentional Healing Circle This prayer group meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month, 1:30pm-2:30pm to hold prayerful intentions for those in our congregation and community. This group is based on the ‘Power of Eight’, and is powerful indeed! To join, please contact Jean Guy, jean1945wheat@yahoo.com.

Communitea A combination of some of our favorite things: community, tea, and conversation. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 10am. All are welcome. To register, please email info@firstchurchbillings.org. Yoga with Lisa Join Pastor Lisa for yoga, community and giggles! Held the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month at 10am on Zoom and (limited) inperson. This all-skills level yoga class is free and open to the public. To register, please email info@firstchurchbillings.org. Meditation with Sarah Hoffman You are invited to join Sarah for a beautiful guided meditation adventure every 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 10am on Zoom. All are welcome! To register, please email info@firstchurchbillings.org. SEASONAL Sound Bath with Cara Gunhild A sound bath is a healing and meditative experience utilizing quartz crystal singing bowls. Join Cara in the Sanctuary to experience the beauty of these instruments and her gifts during the Equinox and Solstice. September 20th, 6pm; December 20, 6pm; March 21st, 6pm. To join, register at info@ firstchurchbillings.org. Limited attendance. The Longest Night Labyrinth “Light in the Darkness,” December 21, 2020, from 7pm–9pm you’re invited to walk our labyrinth for a spiritual exploration. Contact Barbara Gulick with any questions or concerns. Women’s Christmas Spa for the Spirit Retreat Saturday, January 9, 2021, 10am–3pm, will include Body Prayer, Mindful Eating, and a Visio Divina (Holy Seeing) exercise at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Limit: 20 persons. Contact Barbara Gulick to register. Good Friday Labyrinth Walk “Contemplation on the Crucifixion,” April 2, 2021, from 7pm–9pm you’re invited to walk our labyrinth for a spiritual exploration. Contact Barbara Gulick with any questions or concerns.

Y outh O fferings WORKSHOPS Boost Your Intuition Join Reiki Master and Intuitive Coach Jean Guy for a 2-hour Zoom Session called Boost Your Intuition. Jean will show you how to work with the energies of Universal Intelligence to clear the effects of ego/internal saboteur and connect more fully to your True Self/Higher Self/True Essence. Learn powerful tools to create a still mind and connect to pure consciousness, self-love, and self-belief to help you better communicate who you truly are in the world. Limit 10 per class. Date: October 3rd, 10amNoon. Donation based fee. Upgrade Your Reality (A prerequisite is Boost Your Intuition) Using the tools learned previously, Reiki Master and Intuitive Coach Jean Guy will guide you deeper into connection with our True Selves, exploring the subconscious beliefs which limit our lives in 5 areas: life purpose, finances, relationships, health and connection to Higher Self. This is not an intellectual process but rather a look inward to find the truth from within. This, then with practice, can be integrated into our conscious lives for a fuller, richer, more authentic expression of self. 2-Hour Zoom Session. Limit 10 per class. Date: November 7, 10am-12:30pm. Donation based fee. Meditation with YungBen Yelvington Join YungBen for a short breath-led meditation to celebrate the new season Saturdays, March 20, June 19, and August 21 at 10am. Equinox meditations focus on a balanced symmetrical breath. Solstice meditations focus on a single aspect of the breath. Meditations are open to all and perfect for beginners.

Billings First Church is pleased to offer groups, classes, and events to help us keep growing in Biblical/theological literacy, cultural literacy, spiritual literacy, and spiritual practice.

www.billingsfirstchurch.org

Sunday School School-age youth explore their faith through the Whole People of God curriculum accompanied by yoga, cooking and other practices of play. 10-11am every Sunday, September 20, 2020 through May 30, 2021. For more information email nhernandez@firstchurchbillings.org. First Wednesday Evening Youth Groups Youth of all ages gather the 1st Wednesday each month for projects focused on serving our community. Past projects include making art for Mary V’s Pantry and creating valentines for Billings’ homeless population. 5:30-7pm, beginning October 7, 2020 and ending May 5, 2021. For more information email nhernandez@ firstchurchbillings.org. Vacation Bible School Elementary aged youth gather to celebrate First Church’s week of PLAY! We’ll focus on placemaking, movement, and kick off the summer! Older youth are encouraged to join and help. June 7-11, 2021; 8:30am11:30am. To register email nhernandez@ firstchurchbillings.org. Downtown Trick-or-Treating In collaboration with the Downtown Billings Alliance, youth, their families and adults from our church turn into vampires, unicorns, Dr. Seuss characters and witches to hand out candy from our church steps. All are encouraged to join! 12-5pm. Date is to be announced. For more information email nhernandez@ firstchurchbillings.org. Christmas Pageant First Church youth gather to celebrate and share their work with festivity. Music, acting and a lot of joy! Adults are encouraged to join. All are welcome to participate. December 20, 2020 during 11am worship. To sign up email nhernandez@firstchurchbillings.org. Easter Scavenger Hunt Youth and families race on a guided gratitude scavenger hunt at home (on Zoom) or in person, depending on safety needs. All ages are welcome! More information will come as our year progresses. To participate, email nhernandez@ firstchurchbillings.org. April 4th, 10-11am (before Service).

C ampus Partners 406 Pride is a volunteer based, community funded non-profit organization that is working to bring LGBTQ+ equality to Eastern Montana. We are always looking for community members to volunteer. Contact us at 406pride@gmail.com, or visit our Facebook page: Facebook.com/406pride. The Phoenix’s mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live. The only cost of membership is 48 hours of continuous sobriety. Class preregistration online at thephoenix.org.

Elk River Intertribal Center At Western Native Voice, we inspire Native leadership so our communities flourish. Our Mission is to foster positive social change in our communities through leadership development, education, engagement, and public policy advocacy. To volunteer, donate or become a member go to: www.WesternNativeVoice.org or contact 406.869.1938

Other Campus Partners: Billings Montana Interfaith Network

Native American Coalition

Billings Sanctuary Rising

Office of Missing & Murdered Indigenous People

Billings Urban Indian Dance & Crafters

Riverstone Health: Mary V’s Cupboard

O ngoing C ampus M eetings White Eagle Talking Circle - Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday 7pm, Thursday 7:30 pm

Great Reality - Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 7pm

True Colors Narcotics Anonymous - Meeting Fridays 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Gamblers Anonymous - Sunday 7pm, Wednesday, Friday 8pm

406 Pride - Board Meetings Fourth Thursday at 6:30 pm

True Colors NA - Friday 6pm

South East Montana Prime Timers - (Gay Men’s Group) Board Meetings Second Saturday at 2:00 PM

Recovery Circle - Wednesday 6pm

Coda - Codependency Group - Thursdays 6:15 pm

Hours may vary due to COVID

Membership

N ew to the C hurch?

Thinking about membership in our diverse and loving church? Wanting to know more about our denomination, the United Church of Christ?

Membership 101 Events

All-Church Meetings

Saturdays, October 17 & 24, 2020 February 6 & 13, 2021, 9-10:30am

Sundays, January 31, 2021 June 27, 2021 (following church service)

Call our office at 406-245-6477 or email Pastor Lisa at Lisa.Harmon@FirstChurchBillings.org

Y our S upport

A lready a M ember?

Make sure to stay current on all things BFCC!

Your support and gifts bless our ministries and our campus partners. Please consider giving:

To Donate Text Any Amount to:

• Join our Breeze App! Request a Breeze invite by visiting our web page at billingsfirstchurch.org/ join-breeze. You can also download the Breeze App for our membership and event directory, for ways to give and much more! Just look in your app store for “Breeze” with the sailboat icon. Questions? Give Morgan Satterfield, our Front Office Administrator, a call at 406-245-6477. You can also email her at info@firstchurchbillings.org.

406-412-6477 Go to our website at

BillingsFirstChurch.org/Giving Or Donate through your

Breeze App

• Sign up for the newsletter for email updates and

monthly newsletters! Sign up directly from our Facebook page (Billings First Church) and click the sign-up button. Don’t have Facebook account? Contact Morgan Satterfield in our front office to get set-up.

Breeze App

Checks can be mailed to

310 N 27th Street, Billings 59101 If you’d like information on Legacy Giving or would like to make a contribution to our endowment fund, please reach out to Pastor Lisa at 406-245-6477 or email lisa. harmon@firstchurchbillings.org.

J oin our M inistry T eams - We need you to lead! Our Congregational Life • • • •

Extravagant Welcome Called to Care Coffee/Food on Sunday morning Celebrations & Gatherings

Finance and Stewardship • • • • •

Budget Memorial Fund Endowment Fund Stewardship Membership & Pledge Campaigns

Worship and Arts • • • • •

Music, Choir, Handbells Communion Sanctuary (Liturgical Seasons) Worship Services Ushers & Liturgists

Faith Formation

• Education for All Ages (Theological, Biblical, Spiritual and Cultural Literacy & Spiritual Practice) • Our Whole Lives Sexuality Curricula

Justice and Witness • • • •

Social Justice Outreach Community Engagement WISE Task Force (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged - working toward becoming a Wise Congregation about mental health)

Our Church Home

• Care of Building and Grounds • Care and maintenance of Native Flags • Light Maintenance

R enewal

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Church Service 11a

Church Service 11a Coffee Hour (following service)

Rally Day

A ctions

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Church Service 11a

Sunday School Begins, 10a-10:45p Sound Bath with Cara Gunhild, 6p White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

American Indian Ministry Sunday Adult Forum (following service)

National Hispanic Heritage Month

S eptember 2020

Monday

Labor Day

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

Saturday

Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Communitea, 10a

Thursday

Native American Coalition 12p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

Fall Equinox

Communitea, 10a

Bible Study “Resisting the Power of Fear.” 6p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p Bible Study, 6p

D eep L istening “The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God.” -C.S. Lewis

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a - Message: Rev. Dr. Marc Stewart

Mental Health Awareness Week

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Wise Task Force Commissioning Coffee Hour (following service)

A ctions

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a - Message: Walt Gulick Adult Forum (following service)

LGBT History Month

Monday

O ctober 2020 Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p Bible Study, 6p

Indigenous Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Communitea, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Art Walk 5-9p

Boost Your Intuition 10a-12p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Bible Study, 6p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Saturday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Friday

Bible Study, 6p

Native American Coalition 12p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Kites for Kids 6-7p at Billings First Church

New Member Orientation 9-10:30a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Bible Study, 6p

Downtown Trick-or-Treat 12-5p

Halloween

H ealing

“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” -Robin Wall Kimmerer

N otes & R eﬂections

Sunday Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a All Saints Day

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Stewardship Sunday Coffee Hour (following service)

A ctions

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Reign of Christ

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a - Youth Centered Service White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Thanks-Taking Sunday Adult Forum (following service)

First Sunday of Advent Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month

N ovember 2020

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

Friday

Saturday

Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a

Communitea, 10a

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Thursday

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Upgrade Your Reality 10a-12:30p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Thanksgiving Day

W inter - H oly R eading L ectio D ivina

H oly R eading with C hildren

Lectio Divina, a practice established by St. Benedict in the fourth century, combines elements of both discursive and contemplative prayer. The four movements of lectio divina include: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

Spiritual formation with children is not an “add-on” that places additional demands on parents whose lives are probably already stretched to the max. It’s a qualitative way of interacting with your children while doing things that you would be doing anyway.

We begin by taking a passage of Scripture or an evocative poem and reading it slowly and deliberately – as if savoring a delicious plate of the finest and most exquisite food. This opens the door to deep reflection and meditation. This is the point at which questions are asked, possibilities are turned over in the mind, new patterns of insight are sought, and applications of the biblical story are applied to our personal human story. As we enter into the passage or poem and see the intersection between ourselves and God, we easily move into a time of discourse or conversation with God. Our spirit is moved by what we have thought and considered, what we have tasted and twirled in our mouth like fine wine, and the result is a yearning to be in an encounter of prayer with the One who is beyond us and as close to us as the steady beat of our heart. When all our words have been expended, and our thoughts have been emptied into the heart of heaven, we are ready to simply rest in God. We are ready to be still. We are ready to have our mind cease its activity and come to a point of absolute quiet. In the soft movement of our breath, and the peacefulness of our mind, we find the hand of God massaging our soul into something new. We make a commitment to a small step of action and feel ready to go forward with gratitude for the time we have spent with God. This is one way to do lectio divina. In a group setting it is done differently. What passages of Scripture or whose poetry is recommended for use with lectio divina? Short passages from the Gospels or Psalms are good for starters. We sometimes have difficulty with over familiarity with a passage of Scripture, thinking that we know how this “story” turns out, but we are not reading for information. In this practice, we are listening for the voice of God. Recommended poets are: Wendell Berry, Carl Dennis, Jane Kenyon, Denise Levertov, Mary Oliver, Luci Shaw.

Holy reading with a child happens perhaps at bedtime and involves asking questions about feelings. I wonder how the dog felt when…? What about this story made you feel the happiest? The saddest? Most good children’s books lend themselves readily to these kinds of questions. If you would like to know recommended titles for reading with your child, or if you would like to donate a book to First Church’s children’s library, please contact Barbara Gulick at 406-259-3622 or bjgulick@bresnan.net. Recipe from Elder Reno Charette, made by her Metis daughter for New Year’s Eve

T urtle M ountain C hippewa L a P ouchinn Pouchine au Sac/Pucchin Cake Ingredients: 1 cup raisins 1 cup sugar or Splenda ½ tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. cinnamon 1 cup hazelnuts or other nuts 1 - 1½ cups water or coffee

½ cup lard or shortening ½ cup molasses 1 Tbl. Baking power ½ tsp. baking soda 1 ½ - 2 cups flour 1 egg

Mix all ingredients with enough flour to make a thick dough. White cotton bag about 10 x 6 inches sewn using a double overlap at seams. A dollar store tea towel works good, don’t substitute Egyptian cotton or you’ll take the Michif right out of the dish. Fill the bag ¼ full with dough and sew the top securely with a double overlap seam. Place the secured stuffed bag in a stock pot with enough water to cover the bag. Boil one hour or until firm. Serves 8. Sauce: ½ cup of white sugar 1 Tbl. of cornstarch 1 cup of boiling water 2 Tbl. of butter ½ tsp. of lemon extract ½ tsp. of vanilla extract Mix until thickened.

Alternate/Optional ingredients (I haven’t tried most of these:) ½ cup beet suet, chopped fine and free from skin. I’m vegan! ½ cup brown sugar – I use Splenda because the folks have diabetes. ½ cup currants – I added a ½ cup dried cranberries last year and it was good. ½ tsp. salt – I don’t use salt because of everyone’s high blood pressure. 4 tsp of baking power ¾ cup milk Optional cooking method: Dough may also be put into a one pound coffee can (plastic has invaded most brands) with a cover, or a cake pan, and bake at 375ºF for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. I haven’t tried this method because my great grandmother always boiled her pucchin.

Advent

S tillness

“In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.” -Howard Thurman

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

Second Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Mental Health Sunday Coffee Hour (following service)

A ctions

Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Christmas Pageant, 11a Sound Bath with Cara Gunhild, 6p White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

First Sunday after Christmas Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a - Hymn Sing Adult Forum (following service)

Advent/Winter Solstice/Yule Month

D ecember 2020

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

Saturday

Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a

Communitea, 10a

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Thursday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Art Walk 5-9p

Las Posadas, 11a-2p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Winter Solstice

Communitea, 10a

Christmas Eve Service

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

Christmas Day

I magination

“To accept your country without betraying it, you must love it for that which shows what it might become. America -- this monument to the genius of ordinary men and women, this place where hope becomes capacity, this long, halting turn of ‘no’ into the ‘yes’ -- needs citizens who love it enough to re-imagine and re-make it.” -Cornel West

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

A ctions

Second Sunday after Christmas

The Baptism of Christ

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Coffee Hour (following service)

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sunday School 10a - Church Service 11a Adult Forum (following service)

Sunday School 10a - Church Service 11a - All

Church Meeting (follo

owing Service)

Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Monday

J anuary 2021 Tuesday

Epiphany

Wednesday

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

New Year’s Day

Saturday

Bible Study, 6p

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Friday

Bible Study “Love & Justice,” 6p Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Communitea, 10a

Thursday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Bible Study, 6p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Bible Study, 6p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

B eloved C ommunity

“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

A ctions

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Transfiguration

First Sunday in Lent

Second Sunday in Lent

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Coffee Hour (following service)

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Adult Forum (following service)

Black History Month

Monday

F ebruary 2021 2

Tuesday

Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a

Wednesday

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Art Walk 5-9p

New Member Orientation 9-10:30a

Bible Study, 6p

Communitea, 10a

Bible Study, 6p

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

New Member Orientation 9-10:30a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Ash Wednesday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Lenten Series “Practicing Faith at the Table”, 6p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

S pring - H oly L istening T he D aily E xamen This is a great practice to do at the end of the day and prepares you for a good night’s sleep. It’s also a good guide for journaling. Every so often you may want to review what you have journaled to see where God is leading you. Relax your body and quiet your mind. Ask to be shown what the Spirit wants you to see, feel, and understand. Look back slowly over the events, persons, circumstances of the day—hour by hour, person by person, event by event. Notice the smallest gifts—an honest exchange with another, the scent of pine, a taste, a warm embrace, a deep sense of peace, a word of challenge, comfort or insight. Go back over the day paying attention to all of your feelings. Notice joy, pain, turmoil, anger, harmony, anxiety, fear, admiration, shyness, etc. Notice the direction of the feelings. Are they leading you to more intimacy with God or to more distance from God? Spend a moment reflecting on their source.

A Favorite Recipe from Amy Aguirre, Assistant Director, Angela’s Piazza

T res L eches C ake R ecipe: 1.5 c flour 1 t baking powder 1.5 c unsalted butter 1 c white sugar 5 eggs 1/2 t vanilla extract 2 c whole milk 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12oz) can evaporated milk Topping : 1.5 c heavy whipping cream 1 c white sugar 1 t vanilla extract Instructions:

Choose the feeling/memory that most captures/attracts your attention and let this feeling be the focus of your meditation. How does it speak to you? Is Christ inviting you into a new freedom, a shift in consciousness, a letting go, a deeper gratitude, a new humility? What theme/s were present in the day? Is there an image for the day?

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 9x13 baking pan.

Express specific gratitude for the sacred moments you discovered during your reflection. Pray specifically for the needs of tomorrow.

5. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Pierce cake several times with a fork.

H oly L istening with C hildren Spiritual formation with children is not an “add-on” that places additional demands on parents whose lives are probably already stretched to the max. It’s a qualitative way of interacting with your children while doing things that you would be doing anyway. If you are fortunate enough to be able to share an evening meal with your children, this is an excellent opportunity to do this practice as part of normal dinner conversation. Your children do the speaking. You do the listening. Ask what was the best thing that happened to you today? How did it make you feel about yourself ? Then ask what was the worst thing that happened to you today? How did it make you feel about yourself ? Then encourage your children to ask the same questions of you!

2. Combine flour and baking powder and set aside.

3. Cream butter and 1 c sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and 1/2 t vanilla extract; beat well.

4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 2 T at a time; mix until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.

6. Combine the whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together. Spoon slowly over the top of the cooled cake. (If you pour too fast it won’t all soak in.)

7. For the topping, whip the whipping cream, the 1 c sugar, and the 1 t vanilla extract together until thickened. Spread over the top of the cake. Be sure to keep cake refrigerated. Enjoy!

H eart O rigami

Peace & Love

C ommitment

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and community, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” -Acts 2:42

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

A ctions

Third Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Coffee Hour (following service)

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Mental Health Sunday Sound Bath with Cara Gunhild, 6p White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sixth Sunday in Lent Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Palm Sunday Adult Forum (following service)

Women’s History Month

Monday

M arch 2021

Tuesday

Take Back Tuesday, 8:30a

Wednesday

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

World Day of Prayer

Lenten Series, 6p

International Women’s Day

Communitea, 10a

Lenten Series, 6p

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Lenten Series, 6p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Spring Equinox

Equinox Meditation with YungBen 10a

Native American Coalition 12p Billings Montana Interfaith Network, 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Lenten Series, 6p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Lenten Series, 6p

B ecoming

“Mother Earth needs us to keep our covenant. We will do this in courts, we will do this on our radio station, and we will commit to our descendants to work hard to protect this land and water for them. Whether you have feet, wings, fins, or roots, we are all in it together.” -Winona LaDuke

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections 4

Easter Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Easter Scavenger Hunt

A ctions

Second Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Coffee Hour (following service)

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Adult Forum (following service)

National Child Abuse Prevention Month & Arab American Heritage Month

A pril 2021

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Maundy Thursday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Take Back Tuesday 8:30a

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Friday Good Friday

Saturday

Holy Saturday

Art Walk 5-9p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Communitea, 10a

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Earth Day

S tory

“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories... water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.” -Clarissa Pinkola Estés

N otes & R eﬂections

A ctions

Sunday

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Pentecost Sunday

Trinity Sunday

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Coffee Hour (following service)

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Sunday School 10a Church Service 11a Adult Forum (following service)

Church Service 11a

Last Day of Sunday School, 10a-10:45

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month & Mental Health Awareness Month

Monday

M ay 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Take Back Tuesday 8:30a

Communitea, 10a

Evening Youth Group 5:30-7p

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

All-Church Book Discussions 10a, 3p., & 7p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

1/8

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Memorial Day

S ummer - H oly L ooking N oticing For the past two years we’ve had all-church books, both by Diana Butler Bass. In Grounded: Finding God in the World she helps us to see the Holy in the world around us, the sacredness in the everyday. She calls our attention to seeing God in the natural world--in dirt, water, and sky—and in the human world—in our roots, our family, our neighborhood, and in the commons. It is a way of practicing the presence of God in the everyday tasks of living—making our bed, cooking our meals, doing the dishes, doing the laundry, and cleaning the toilet. For me it’s being thankful for my husband as I hang his socks on the clothesline in the summer sun. Our “noticing” gives way to gratitude. Bass’s more recent book is Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks, in which she explores gratitude in two aspects of our experience: emotions—feelings in response to gifts, and ethics—actions in response to gifts—as they function in the two arenas of our lives: the personal— the “me” of individual life, and the public—the “we” of community. Quoting Robert Emmons in his Little Book of Gratitude, Bass reminds us that “Gratitude amplifies goodness, rescues us from negative emotions, and connects us to others in meaningful ways.” Bass encourages us to “see differently, developing “soft eyes,” the eyes of compassion.

N oticing with C hildren Spiritual formation with children is not an “add-on” that places additional demands on parents whose lives are probably already stretched to the max. And you’ve probably noticed that it’s not particularly “churchy.” It’s a qualitative way of interacting with your children while doing things that you would be doing anyway. Noticing how God is present in the world and giving thanks go together. Your everyday conversation can guide your children toward knowing that God is with them in the everyday as well as at church and that gratitude is an appropriate response. Mealtimes and bedtimes are natural times for these conversations, but opportunities crop up in surprising ways. Just be ready for them!

Super Easy, No-Cook (Small Batch)

P lay D ough R ecipe:

Ingredients • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup fine table salt (I like to blend it to a powder first. See note) • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar • 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1/2 cup boiling water • Food coloring (I use about 15-20 drops for bold colors and half for pastels) Instructions 1. In a plastic bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cream of tartar. 2. Make a well in the center of the bowl and add vegetable oil, boiling water and food coloring. 3. Using a rubber spatula, stir until a dough forms, add a little bit more flour if needed. (It’s ok to add in more food coloring at this point if needed just be sure to really work it into the dough) 4. When the dough is cool enough to touch, use your hands to further incorporate the flour and knead until all flour in incorporated and dough is soft and uniform in color.( wear latex gloves if desired) 5. Let playdough cool completely before playing with it. 6. When you are ready to play with the playdough, wash your hands and have fun! 7. Store the playdough in a sandwich bag and place the sandwich bags in an air-tight food storage container. Store room temperature, no need to refrigerate. TIPS: Add in essential oils like lavender for play before bedtime. Add in scents from cinnamon or nutmeg during the holidays! Enjoy!

Montana

P lay

“Never, ever underestimate the power of having fun.” -Randy Pausch

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections

A ctions

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Church Service starts at 10a

Church Service 10a Coffee Hour (following service)

Church Service 10a

Summer Solstice White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Church Service 10a

All Church Meeting (following Service)

Immigrant Heritage Month; LGBTQI+ Pride Month

Monday

Vacation Bible School 8:30-11:30a

J une 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

Saturday

Take Back Tuesday 8:30a

Vacation Bible School 8:30-11:30a

Communitea, 10a

Native American Coalition 12p

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Vacation Bible School 8:30-11:30a

Art Walk 5-9p

Vacation Bible School 8:30-11:30a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Thursday

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Solstice Meditation with YungBen 10a

Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Communitea, 10a

R econciliation

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” -Rev. 22:1-2

Sunday

N otes & R eﬂections 4

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Church Service 10a

Independence Day

A ctions

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Church Service 10a Coffee Hour (following service)

Church Service 10a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Church Service 10a Adult Forum (following service)

National Ice Cream Month

J uly 2021

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Take Back Tuesday 8:30a

Saturday

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Friday

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Communitea, 10a

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

J ourney

“The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.” -St. Teresa of Avila

N otes & R eﬂections

A ctions

Sunday

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Church Service 10a Coffee Hour (following service)

Church Service 10a White Eagle Talking Circle (Speaker Meeting), 6p

Church Service 10a Adult Forum (following service)

Church Service 10a

Artist Appreciation Month

Monday

A ugust 2021 Take Back Tuesday 8:30a

Friday Art Walk 5-9p

Tuesday

Communitea, 10a

Wednesday

Elk River Intertribal Meeting 12p

Billings Sanctuary Rising 4:30p

Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Thursday Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Saturday

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

Yoga with Lisa, 10a

Billings Montana Interfaith Network 3:30p

Communitea, 10a

Meditation with Sarah Hoffman, 10a

Intentional Healing Circle 1:30pm

F all - H oly W alking T he L abyrinth

H oly H iking with C hildren

No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual life’s journey, you are welcome in the labyrinth. Think about the labyrinth as a prayer path. Unlike a maze, there is only one path that leads you from the outer edge to the center and then back out again by the same way. Although labyrinths predate the Christian Era, early Christians appropriated the labyrinth as a tool for contemplation. Although there are several different labyrinth designs in use, most labyrinths mirror life in its twists and turns. One moment you think that you are approaching the center, and the next moment you find that the path has led you toward the outer edge! Although the labyrinth can be anything you need it to be, there are traditional movements that many have experienced.

Purgation—Walking into the Labyrinth After removing your shoes (you are, after all, standing on holy ground!), walk into the labyrinth, leaving behind distractions as you enter this sacred space. It is a time to take stock of life, to offer confession, and to sincerely see the power and presence of God. It is a time to focus, to draw close to the heart of life and faith and the Spirit. Illumination—Resting in the center of the labyrinth This is the time you remain at the center of the labyrinth. You may sit or stand as you’d like. This is a time of openness and receptivity. It is an expectant time in which you anticipate, receive, and rest in that which God has to offer you.

Union—Walking out of the labyrinth This is the time of walking back into the world in union with God. Having received a gift from God, whatever that may be, you return to the world. You follow the same path outward that you followed inward, but this time you walk illuminated and in union with the divine. Often this movement is one of appreciation and gratitude. You are changed and empowered, and the spirit of God accompanies you. First Church is fortunate to have an eleven-circuit Chartres-design canvas labyrinth which is set up in Fellowship Hall at special times during the year. During the 2020-2021 program year the illuminated labyrinth will be available for walking as follows:

• Monday, December 21, at Sunset “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” ( John 1:5) • Good Friday, April 2, at Sunset “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44-46)

There are also hand-held labyrinths and labyrinths on paper to use when there is not a labyrinth for walking at hand! There are two outdoor labyrinths in Billings that are open to the public: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 180 24th St. W. (across from West High) and St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, 226 Wicks Lane (at the far end of the parking lot)

A walk in a natural setting at any time of the year is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the created world and their place in it. Encourage a child’s curiosity and sense of wonder by not giving them too much information, but by allowing them to question and find answers themselves. For instance, if a child finds and brings you a pine cone, ask them where it came from. And when the child leads you to the pine tree, you might ask “I wonder” questions about the pine tree that the child can observe by using their senses, as in, “I wonder what that spot on the trunk of the tree feels like.” When in doubt, always turn to wonder!

DYI L uminaries: Brighten the night! Here’s how to make luminarias in 3 steps. Luminarias are twinkling paper lanterns that add a festive touch for Halloween, Christmas, or a party—especially during the darker nights of late autumn and winter. Traditionally, luminarias were used by the Spanish around Christmastime; they lit the way for the Christ child, welcoming him to the world. Hundreds of years ago, luminarias were small bonfires of crisscrossed piñon branches which were built in threefoot high squares. Simple Luminarias in 3 Steps 1. Make the most simple, traditional luminarias with brown or white paper bags. 2. Fold each bag at the top, then fill each with a couple of cups of sand or kitty litter! 3. Add a votive candle! For safety, many folks now use a flameless LED votive candle or solar-powered light. Place the bags on steady ground along pathways. If you use real candles, be extra vigilant, especially if there isn’t snow on the ground.

J ournaling

the ourney

Thank you for joining us on the journey!

C hurch L eadership Team & C ouncil Lisa Harmon

Nate Moyer

Morgan Satterfield

Barbara Gulick

Nina Hernandez

Karen Stainton

Senior Pastor

Moderator

Office Administrator

Spiritual Director

Youth Director

Treasurer

Greg Anderson

Brandi Skinner

Chelsey Duenow

Nell Eby

Cheryl Stewart

Jan Hawk

Maintenance

Bookkeeper

Justice & Witness

Diversity & Inclusion

Congregational Life

Finance & Stewardship

Winter Chavez

William DeManiow

Tom Howard

Daycare Attendant

Choir Accompanist

Our Church Home

Steve Plaggemeyer Organist

S taff D irectory Lisa K. Harmon Senior Pastor lisa.harmon@firstchurchbillings.org 406-606-1097

Barbara J. Gulick Spiritual Director In-Residence bjgulick@bresnan.net 406-259-3622

Nina Hernandez Youth Director nhernandez@firstchurchbillings.org 406-245-6624

Morgan Satterfield Administrative Assistant info@firstchurchbillings.org 406-245-6477

Nell Eby Elder & Diversity and Inclusion Liaison Elk River Intertribal Center neby.ercc@gmail.com 406-245-6477

Brandi Skinner Bookkeeper brandi@firstchurchbillings.org 245-6477

WHO WE ARE: Built in 1889, Billings First Congregational Church (BFCC) is deeply woven into the

fabric and history of Billings, Montana. BFCC is a courageous congregation and community with a vision for a just world for all and a mission to reconcile our past, serving others in our community and around the world through positive social action, justice, and love of neighbor, children and creation.

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BE THE CHURCH Billings First Congregational Church

a just world for all

MT-NWY Conference â&#x20AC;¢ United Church of Christ (UCC) 310 N 27th Street Billings, MT 59101