Dear Ones,
Over the last years, it has been my great joy to lead this wonderful congregation as Pastor and to serve alongside you as we discerned our way forward together. This time with you has been so beautiful and rewarding and I will treasure the memories of this season of my life always. However, as I mentioned at Church Council after much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to step down as Pastor at the end of August.
There will be an ALL CHURCH MEETING on August16 to collaborate and prepare for First UCC’s next steps. I am deeply grateful for all our wonderful lay leaders (every one of you!). Please continue to hold this Leadership/Church Council in prayer as the future unfolds and please know that I will continue to pray for you and whatever unfolds. I thank you all for the love, tireless support, and grace you have shown me and Jack.
The peace of Christ be with you all,
Reverend Katie Dailey
My last Sunday will be the last Sunday of August. For those who have been in person of late, I hope you have loved the Genesis stories from Abraham to Joseph and the application to life. Again, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Jack; Thank you. For your trust, your partnership, your love, and the privilege of serving among you. You will remain in our prayers and in our hearts.
With deep gratitude,
KatieD+
Morning Reflections
Friday, June 19: Prayer
Thursday, 2026 June 11th Reflection - 2nd after Pentecost/Mt 9:9-13, 18-26
On June 7, I shared about Abraham's call, and on June 14, it will be about Sarah's laugh. I know some prefer to hear about the Gospel so that is attached about the June 7 Gospel. I audio so you can be doing whatever as you listen. Pastor Katie
Saturday, 2026 May 23 - Memorial Day Greeting
Thursday Hello, 2026 May 7 Reflection
I have been reading the Psalms this week and something has jumped out at me as never before. Many of the psalms view the past and the present with very differing thoughts. The present is seen as a cup half full, and often times much worse, questioning God’s lack of concern and action. However memories of the past focus upon the faithfulness of God, his acts of deliverance and consistent love. I guess people today complaining about the present and talking about “the good old days” is nothing new.
This got me back to thinking about some “good old days” stories, stories that I have a feeling my grandchildren will never understand. I personally doubt that they will ever hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker, and it just may be that this term will never even be in their vocabulary. However, I have many personal, first-hand stories that I can tell. This makes me thing of Dotti Ferenchak and Lois Mooney.
Great memories … fun stories (and, yes, they are true) … but not something I would do today, nor something I hope my granddaughter would ever do.
Today there are many evil and dangerous people in our world. And the evil and danger we see is not just found in the stranger offering a young person a ride. We can look at the civil unrest, wars, and threats that persist world-wide. We can talk about gas prices, inflation, and how the rich seem to get richer while the poor get poorer. And our nation is so polarized politically, with each side seeming to see good and evil in opposing ways. It is easy to see the present as a cup half full, and often times much worse, while we question God’s lack of concern and action (and, in this day and age, if there even is a God).
However there is also great good in our present day. In spite of inflation, the people I know are traveling, recreating, and vacationing as never before. We hear of great medical advancements on almost a daily basis (Just yesterday morning my cardiologist told me that a test I had to get at Beaumont 9 years ago I can get virtually anywhere now … and what used to be high-risk surgeries often today are same-day procedures). And who of us can ever even hope to keep up with new technological advancements?
What I am basically talking about is the message of Holy Week and Easter (believe it or not). The world looked mighty bleak as the sun set on Good Friday (I think most, if not all, of our Lord’s followers viewed their cup as empty – nowhere even close to half full). But Easter changed everything. The empty cup was suddenly overflowing.
As it states in the hymn we are singing in my home visits this month, “Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Trumpets resounding in glorious light! Heaven forever! Oh, what a miracle God has in sight! Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!”
So here is today’s “Easter Promise”: “When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73.21-26) It is amazing how looking back at the promises and actions of our God can change our view of the present and transform our hope for the future!
A Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers! We pray in a special way for our own mothers, living and deceased… and for all my readers who are mothers. May God give all mothers strength, courage, patience, wisdom, joy, and great love as they serve their families and the family of God! KatieD+
Pastor's Reports to Council
Four Week Bible Study
Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures
Week 1:
- YouTube discussion
- Handout: Names of God
Week 2:
Week 3:
Pastor Katie’s Office Hours and Pastoral Care
If Pastor Katie is not in the office when you need pastoral care, please know that Pastor Katie is always glad to take your call or to arrange a day and time to meet with you.
Cell number: 586-202-8644
Home phone: 586-716-9543
Email: daileystory@gmail.com.
You can also call the office at 586-727-3155 and leave a message with Helen or on the answering machine. In the old days, hospitals and rehab/nursing facilities used to inform pastors when one of their flock was admitted. That doesn’t happen anymore, so please feel free to give us a call when needed.
Rev. Katie Dailey, Pastor
E-Mail: daileystory@gmail.com
Phone: CELL: 586-202-8644
Office hours:Pastor Katie is available before worship on Sundays from 9 - 10 am and then again
after worship from 11 am - 1 pm. She is also in on Wednesdays from 10 am until 2 pm.
OFFICE: 586-727-3155
Church E-Mail: firstunitedcc@outlook.com
OFFICE HOURS:
The secretary is in the office on Tuesdays, 8:30 am —12 noon and Fridays 8:30 am till 1 pm. If you need additional assistance at other times, please send Helen an email at firstunitedcc@outlook.com or leave a phone message at the church office: 586-727-3155.
Thank you.