The First Congregational United Church of Christ Vine Family Book Fund is in its fifth year, benefiting children in the Northland Pines and Phelps School Districts. Students in the class of 2026-27 will be gifted with a copy of The One & Only Bob by Katherine Applegate. This book is the sequel to the book selected for students last year, The One & Only Ivan. Several teachers have multi-level classrooms and are excited to work a sequel into their curriculum especially for returning children who read the first book with them last year.  

 180 copies were purchased to be distributed to 4th graders and to some 3rd and 5th grade students as they participate in those multi-level classrooms. This year, the total book count is forty more than last year. The total cost to the program was $1,214.33: books = $1,067.40; bookplate labels = $146.93.

Classroom and support teachers, curriculum developers, and the checkout library at First Congregational UCC will also receive copies. 

The book supports themes in the grant description. It emphasizes positive values, encourages discussion, exemplifies social justice, speaks to current issues in students’ lives, and addresses the social/emotional aspects of kids’ learning, embraces diversity. The book is well written! A bookplate sticker featuring the United Church of Christ “God is Still Speaking” comma, and an acknowledgment that the book is given as a gift from the church is placed on inside covers. 

 Thus far, in all five years of the grant, teachers have voted to select the same title across schools and classrooms so that they can do cross school project-based learning using the book. However, that is not a requirement of the grant.    

 Publicity acknowledging the contribution of First Congregational to area education will be shared on the social media platforms of the schools, in school newsletters, via parent communications, and in articles to the Vilas County News Review.

Thanks to the generosity of the Vine Family Fund, students continue to benefit from enriching educational experiences, reflecting the enduring legacy of Pat Vine and Betsy Simm and their commitment to inspiring and enlightening young minds.

VINE FAMILY ANNUAL BOOK GRANT 2026

First Congregational UCC Honors Scholars and Donors $700,000+ total to local student scholarships over 10+ years*

Student Recipients and Scholarship Committee attending the May 2025 Service

UCC Resources