​The 6300 Club is a long-standing church social tradition. Originally designed for couples, it has evolved to include both singles and couples who gather in small groups at the church or in members' homes to share a meal and build connections.

You can sign up and ask questions in the gallery after the August Sunday services. When signing up, those interested in hosting can specify their seating capacity. Hosts are responsible for coordinating the date and collaborating with their assigned group on the menu, with everyone bringing food to contribute to the meal.

Dinners will take place three times throughout the 2026–2027 church year: September–November, January–March, and April–June. Meals typically start around 6 PM, subject to the needs of the participants. The size of the groups will depend on total enrollment. This is a wonderful opportunity to build connections and get to know one another better.

At the Center for People, meeting immediate needs while creating pathways to long-term stability is the key to building a stronger community. Through their food & diaper pantry, education programs, and workforce development services, they help individuals and families move from crisis toward economic independence. On August 23, we will welcome Delani Lyle, Development Manager, as a representative of the Center for People as we recognize them as the first recipient of our 2026-27 Share the Plate program.

The first half of 2026 has been their busiest in the organization's history. In just 26 weeks of service, they have provided support to 66,779 people, which is already more than double the 30,119 people served during all of 2025. Their pantry continues to experience unprecedented demand, with a 61% increase in enrollment since January 6 and an average of 2,568 people served each week.

Beyond addressing food insecurity, they are investing in opportunities that create lasting change. This year, 1,498 individuals have enrolled in their education and workforce development programs, where participants gain the skills, training, and support needed to achieve their goals. Together, clients have earned 456 certificates, connected with 105 employment opportunities, and received 2,489 individualized support services, including case management, résumé development, job application assistance, career coaching, and other resources designed to remove barriers to success.

These numbers represent more than statistics. They reflect thousands of neighbors finding hope, building confidence, and taking meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency. As the need in our community continues to grow, the Center for People remains committed to ensuring that every person who walks through our doors has access to the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive.

www.centerforpeople.org

Dear Ones,
As I write this, I’m 6 days away from my first official day as your minister.  I’ve landed in Lincoln and I’m frantically unpacking, and I appreciate the great boundaries y’all are helping me hold by patiently waiting for my start date to reach out.  I’m very excited to start on Saturday, and I look forward to getting to know you!

In that vein, your wise Administrative Director suggested that I answer some questions they shared with me for my first newsletter. Here goes…

Q: Where were you born?
A: Oceanside, NY

Q: Where have you lived?
A: Bellmore, Middle Island, and Syracuse, NY; Frankfort, KY; Michigan City, Lacrosse, and Walkerton IN; Madison, WI

Q: What is your dog’s name?
A: Marvel – she is marvelous!

Q: What was your first job?
A. Electronics assembly

Q: Do you have any food allergies or restrictions?
A: Nope!  But I have a deep aversion to olives.

Q: What is your favorite book or author?
A: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Q: What is/are your favorite movie(s)?
A: Everything in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe)!

Q: What is your favorite television show?
A: I don’t watch much TV, but I do stream movies and series.  My current favorites are “The Bear” and “Broadchurch.”

Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I like to garden and cook.  And I love to travel, especially road trips, to visit my people and to discover new places.

Q: How many states have you been in?
A: 37

Q: What is your favorite season?
A: Spring

Q: If you could have dinner with any one person dead or alive, who would it be?
A: Freddie Mercury

Q: What is your preferred method of communication –email, phone, text, in person?
A: Email for straightforward things and scheduling, in person for actual conversations

Q: What does an ideal “day off” look like for you?
A: Sleeping in, then slow coffee and breakfast, followed by hiking or walking in nature

Q: Do you have a favorite tree or flower?
A: I love how the live oaks in the South provide habitat for other plants, and I especially love the resurrection ferns that grow on them.  And I love the white pines and balsam firs of my time in the Northwoods.  I’m looking forward to discovering the local flora here!

See you soon!

In faith and love,

Rev. Karen