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Welcome, Visitors! Information about our church and ministries
is available on the Welcome Table near the main doors. Standing
nearby are church members who will be happy to answer your
questions. Interested in joining the church? Our next Membership
Exploration will be in the fall. For the convenience of those who
need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video
broadcast in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery. Large-print
bulletins are available. Please ask the ushers for a copy.
References to God References to God in traditional prayers,
readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender
specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to
substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full
inclusiveness of the spirit of God.
Children in Worship Childcare for infants and toddlers is
available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family
Worship Area is open during our worship services for children ages
3-10, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin.
Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any
of our friends on the autism spectrum–adult or child–to use during
worship. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs one of
these tools.
Donating to First Congregational UCC If you are enrolled in
automatic contributions, you may still participate in the weekly
offering by submitting a Giving Card, found in the pews. We
encourage members and friends to assist us in planning our budget
by pledging each year. Pledge cards are available in the pews and
may be placed in the offering plates at any time.
Online Streaming and Podcasting Now Available! Audio and video
recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible
from www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.
WATCH LIVE: You can watch a live stream of First Congo services
on YouTube at tinyurl.com/ybtlv9c6 or on Facebook at
tinyurl.com/yayd8cud.
Online Documents and Information Official documents of First
Congregational and links to announcements, news and other
information reside on our website. Visit www.firstcongoappleton.org
to connect with First Congregational in a variety of ways: an
electronic version of The Open Door newsletter, social media, blogs
and more.
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September 1 Highlights at First Congregational Today: Guest
Preacher Linda Morgan-Clement .....................................
p. 5 Today: Ike Sturm Jazz Trio
........................................................................
p. 4 September 3: Lectionary Group Resumes
....................................................... p. 17
September 4: Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Begin
........................................... p. 15 Next Sunday:
Rally Sunday!
.............................................................................
p. 11
Flowers Today’s flowers are donated by Phil Gabrielson in
celebration of his 15th wedding anniversary to Brenda. Leslie
Verkuilen designed this morning’s Sanctuary flower arrangement.
Communion We celebrate communion the first Sunday of each month.
Our communion elements are gluten-free; however, they are made in a
facility that also processes wheat products.
Baptism Our next scheduled Baptism Sundays are September 22,
October 13 and November 17.
If you would like to be baptized or have a child baptized,
please request a baptism registration form from the church office
or download and print one from
www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship/baptism. Please return baptism
registration forms to the church office a month ahead of your
desired baptism date.
Members in Service This Week Friday, August 30 9:00 AM Bulletin
Assemblers Pat Hauser, Trish Brehm Sunday, September 1 9:30 AM Main
Door Greeter Bridge Greeters Welcome Desk Lay Reader Karen Gosse
Usher Team Captains Dennis Korth and Rick Behm Multi-Media—audio
Jill Smith Multi-Media—video Steve Verboomen
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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
September 1, 2019 9:30 AM Welcome to The Church of the Open
Door.
Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your
journey of faith.
PRELUDE The Light Shines (text by Melissa Stylianou) Ike
Sturm
(Please sign the registration form on the end of the pew, pass
it down the row, and then return it, that all may know the names of
those sharing in worship today. Prayer request cards are collected
at the ends of the pews as well.)
RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL
WELCOME AND GREETING
*CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: It is God our Maker who sets us free to
live,
People: Who calls us into a community of freedom and
commitment.
Leader: It is Jesus our Christ who has blazed the trail of new
life,
People: Who has gone before us to overcome sin and death.
Leader: It is the Spirit of peace that binds us as one,
People: Who flows among us like a healing river.
All: Glory be to God the Maker, Christ, and Spirit, in all that
we say and do here! Amen.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (see bulletin p. 6) Great Is Thy Faithfulness
FAITHFULNESS arr. Sturm *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, our God, we celebrate the new life you have given us. We
have experienced broken lives made whole, old wounds of alienation
healed over, and tired spirits rejuvenated with new vision.
Gracious God, we are so grateful for the purpose and possibilities
you have placed before us. Yet there are times when doubt has
overcome hope, cynicism has replaced dedication, the world’s values
have captured us more than yours. Forgive us those times, we pray.
Help us let go of the past so that we might move joyfully into a
new future that points to your love and justice. Amen.
*Congregation stands
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*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON (After the Children’s Sermon, the children can
use the Family Worship Area or join their families in the pews.
During the solo, the prayer request cards will be
collected.)
SOLO Connection Ike Sturm
OLD TESTAMENT READING Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 (OT p. 755)
GOSPEL READING Luke 2:22-38 (NT p. 71)
MEDITATION Question of Faith: How Does One’s Faith and
Spirituality Grow with Age? “Reflections on Faith, Spirit and
Aging” Linda Morgan-Clement
*RESPONSE HYMN #83 God of Our Life, Through All the Circling
Years SANDON
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
A MUSICAL OFFERING Static Ike Sturm
*DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God,
all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION
COMMUNION PRAYER
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THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison) Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
MUSIC DURING COMMUNION Improvisations by the Trio
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We thank you, God, for inviting us to
this table where we have known the presence of Christ and have
received all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith, increase our
love for one another, and let us show forth your praise in our
lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN (see bulletin p. 7; please join in singing the
refrain on cue) Shine arr. Sturm
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Wide + Free (text by Chanda Rule) Ike Sturm
TODAY’S MUSICIANS Jon D. Riehle, organist Ike Sturm, string bass
and composer/arranger Melissa Stylianou, vocals Tim Albright,
trombone John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries
Ike Sturm is a bassist, composer, and bandleader in New York. A
graduate of Eastman School of Music, Ike serves as Music Director
for the Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter's Church in Manhattan. Joining
him today are world renowned soloists Melissa Stylianou (voice) and
Tim Albright (trombone.) This afternoon Ike and Melissa will
perform at the Fox Valley Jazz Festival with jazz guitar legend,
Gene Bertoncini.
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Rev. Dr. Linda Morgan-Clement is the Julie Esch Hurvis Dean of
Spiritual and Religious Life at Lawrence University. Linda earned a
bachelor’s degree from Carroll University in 1980, a Master of
Divinity degree from Chicago’s McCormick Theological Seminary in
1984 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary in 2005. Joining Lawrence University in
September 2016, Dr. Morgan-Clement brings a passion for interfaith
dialogue and does the daily work of encouraging the Lawrence
community to embrace relationships within and in service to
spirituality. We welcome Linda back to our pulpit this morning!
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Upcoming Worship Schedule September 8, 2019 Thirteenth Sunday
after Pentecost / Rally Sunday 9:30 AM “Having Words with God” Rev.
Dr. Karl Kuhn Scripture readings: Revelation 3:14-22 Music:
Sanctuary Choir; Kris Henke, trumpet
Members in Service Next Week Friday, September 6 9:30 AM
Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, September 8
9:30 AM Main Door Greeters Bridge Greeters Welcomers Usher Team
Captains Dennis Korth and Rick Behm Lay Readers Michael Weaver
Multi-Media—audio Dennis Korth Multi-Media—video Steve
Verboomen
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JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Members of our church
family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of
encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with
difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your
prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.
If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we
are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please
call (920) 810-2600.
Jill Anthony’s neighbors, John and Katie Jill Anthony’s sister
Jack Arter Katie Behl Dan Bergsma Judy Burdick, Megan
Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Chuck Burich Alyssa Villarreal
Brooks Dick Casperson John Cawthon Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and
Kathy Devries’
son-in-law Randy and Shirley Dorschner upon the
death of Randy’s brother Jim Jim Edwards Margitta Furnner Esther
Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Nanette Geurts, and her aunt, Maureen
Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Mary Guenther Maggie Hendrick
Ken Hocking Dan Huth Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean
Jepson Ervin Klesmit Our Kenyan partners and students Gary Kubiak,
Joy Kubiak’s brother Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law
Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Margaret LaFleur Shari Mitchell Sandy
Moynihan, Ted Sanderson’s sister Mike Mathews Carrie Brooks McClory
Our country’s military around the world Jo Muehl Ellie Olson Duane
and Joan Pahl upon the death Duane’s
daughter Cari Families and children of Palestine Steve
Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Don Roehrborn Gladys
Schmidt, John and Tim Schmidt’s mother Jim Schwantes Jake Smasal
Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel All those in need of suicide
prevention and
compassionate caregivers James Totzke and his mother, Leah
Totzke Beverly Trombla Greg Vandenberg Jean Van Wagenin Linda
Uitenbroek, sister of Lyle Van De Hey
and Janice Schmitz Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter
Larry, Mike Weaver’s son-in-law Ruby Wells Jennifer Wild Gary
Wisneski
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THE OPEN DOOR September 1, 2019 Volume 19, Issue 35
Pastor’s Message REMEMBERING MAYNARD BEEMER
This Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 AM, we will have a chance to
celebrate the life of Rev. Maynard Beemer here in our Sanctuary.
Last Sunday I took the opportunity to say just a few words to
Maynard’s church family. I want to share them with you in this
venue as well.
Maynard was Pastor Emeritus of our church. It is very unusual to
name someone Pastor Emeritus who was an Associate rather than a
Senior Minister of the church. I suppose it’s been done at some
other church, but I couldn’t name one that did. Rev. John McFadden
deserves some credit for this, but mostly it’s a tribute to
Maynard. He embodied something vital about First Congo: a loving
spirit, a fierce commitment to justice, an unwavering and joyful
dedication to service. To name him Pastor Emeritus was to say that
THIS is who we are; THIS is what we are like; THIS is what we must
always be if we are to be faithful to our calling as church.
I am heart-broken to lose Maynard, and I know many of you are as
well. I am also just a little bit frightened, anxious about who we
will become without him. And not just without him; these last
couple of weeks, I’ve found myself thinking about Wanda, Maynard’s
loving wife and faithful partner in ministry, who we lost several
years ago.
So many of the people who are pillars of this church have told
me that their love of First Congo started when Maynard greeted them
on their first Sunday here or when Wanda reached out to them after
a service. In just a few words, Maynard and Wanda were able to
represent the best of us to those who were just getting to know our
church. What will we do without their loving hospitality?
Of course, each of us have asked similar questions and faced
similar fears in our own families in our times of loss. And we’ve
found that the love and care of those we’ve lost continues to love
and care through us and all those they touched in how we pass on
that love and care to others. So part of the answer to my fears
lies in us.
Just as importantly, as a family of faith we remember that the
source of the loving spirit we found in Maynard and Wanda was not
ultimately them but God. They were instruments of God’s love, and
God is certainly still with us - particularly in this time of grief
and uncertainty - loving and caring for us and providing for our
future.
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So even as we prepare to lift up our joyous thanks for Maynard
Beemer’s life and ministry, let us remember to praise God, whose
love and blessings continue to surround us in the saints who sit
beside us. Maynard and Wanda knew that. That’s why they were always
so excited to see you here. That’s why they were so delighted to
reach out to us in loving welcome. In that spirit, let us always
greet the saints around us.
Your friend and fellow minister,
Rev. Steve Savides
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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,
knowing ourselves.
Rally Sunday Picnic September 8 following 9:30 AM worship
Fellowship Hall
Rally Sunday is next Sunday, and we invite you to join others
from your church family for our annual Rally Sunday Picnic. The
Fellowship Team will be serving frittata and fruit.
Rally Sunday is our celebration of the beginning of a new
program year at First Congregational.
The Fellowship Team could use some help with set-up and
clean-up. Please check the sheets on the sign-up table.
If you are able, we gratefully accept donations for the meal to
support our events.
Donna Bailey Memorial Tuesday • September 10
Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides will lead Donna Bailey’s memorial
service at Peabody Manor on September 10 at 1:00 PM.
Donna was a member of First Congo for 57 years and will be
greatly missed. Please keep the friends and family of Donna in your
prayers during this time.
Congo Crafters for Christ Monday • September 16
Save the date! Congo Crafters will reconvene on September 16 at
an earlier time of 6:30 PM in the First Congo Upper Lounge.
We are flexible; come when you can, leave when you need to.
Please bring a current project to work on and/or share with the
group. Feel free to bring a snack and beverage, too.
Everyone is welcome – spread the word, bring a friend, and join
us for fun and fellowship!
Contact Jennifer DeWitt or Colleen Berry with any questions.
Email [email protected] or
[email protected], or call (920) 733-7393.
Intergenerational Flash Mob Please join us for a fun tradition
again this year - our Kenya Partnership Sunday celebratory Flash
Mob!
No special skills required – all ages are welcome.
The Flash Mob will perform on September 22 at both services.
There will be two rehearsals to learn the dance moves. One will
be on Sunday, September 8 (time to be announced by Dee during the
Rally Sunday brunch) and
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another on Sunday, September 15 from 10:15–11:15 AM. You can
sign up for one or both practices.
Please RSVP to Dee Savides at [email protected].
Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.
Confirmation Classes 2019-2020
Confirmation class registration packets have been mailed
out.
If you are interested in joining our class this year but didn’t
receive a packet, please contact Jennifer DeWitt in the CYF office
at [email protected] or call (920) 851-6938. Everyone
9th grade or older is welcome!
Volunteer Confirmation Coordinator Needed
After many faithful years, our prior coordinator has stepped
away and we are looking for a volunteer for our High School
Confirmation Coordinator.
This person will assist pastor Nick in facilitating the
mentor-based confirmation experience. It is an opportunity to get
to know our church members and youth, grow alongside our
confirmands, and incorporate your own unique interests!
This volunteer position is very flexible and requires almost no
administrative work.
Want to know more? Reach out to Pastor Nick for information!
Don’t Forget to Register for CYF The registration process
started on August 1. You can register on Realm or pick up a paper
registration form.
In order to register for Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) and
Music programs, you will need to log into your Realm account.
If you have not activated your Realm account yet, an invitation
was sent on July 25.
To complete the online registration process, log into your Realm
account and follow these steps: 1. Under Community, click on
Events. 2. Click on Children/Youth/Music Registration
2019-2020.
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3. Check the box next to each child you are registering. Then
click on the blue “Next” button. 4. Answer all the questions. 5.
Click on the blue “Next” button. 6. Click on the blue “Register”
button. Paper forms are available in the Narthex, outside the
Infant and Toddler Room (on the upper level of the CYF Center), and
outside of the CYF office.
Please return to Jennifer DeWitt (CYF Coordinator) in the CYF
office when completed.
Contact Jennifer at (920) 851-6938 or
[email protected] if you have any questions.
CYF Parent Orientation Night Wednesday • September 11
Please join us for the CYF program year Parent Orientation night
on Wednesday, September 11 to learn more about the exciting
programs we have planned, and to meet our new Director of Youth
Ministries; Renee Taylor. Each orientation will be group-specific
and held in the Fellowship Hall.
Orientation schedule: *Church School (3-year-olds to grade 6)
6:30-7:00 PM Middle School (grades 7 and 8) 7:00-7:30 PM
High School (Grades 9 to 12) 7:30-8:00 PM *Church school for 3-
and 4-year-olds and kindergarten through grade 6 will be
offered at the 8:45 AM service only. Nursery & toddler
childcare will be offered at both services. If you have any
questions, please contact Jennifer DeWitt at (920) 851-6938 or
[email protected].
Church School Teachers Needed The lesson plans have been
written. The supplies have been purchased. Now all we need is YOU!
Teachers are needed for the entire upcoming year.
Volunteers will teach a five-week rotation of lessons, which are
provided ahead of time. The room will also be set up, and middle
school students will be on-hand for assistance.
All you will need to do is show up on Sunday morning and enjoy
teaching the children about God’s love!
Openings are available for grades Kindergarten through Fourth
grade. You may request a specific grade so that you are able to
teach your child or grandchild.
The dates of the rotations are listed below, as well as some
special “one day” lessons.
Rotation One: September 15–October 13 Special Fall Themed
Lesson: October 20 Rotation Two: November 3–December 8 (No Church
School on December 1) Special Christmas Themed Lesson: December 22
Rotation Three: January 5–February 2
Rotation Four: February 9–March 8
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Rotation Five: March 15–April–May 3 (No Church School on Easter
Sunday, April 12)
If interested, contact Colleen Berry at
[email protected].
Preschool Teacher Needed For 27 years, this congregation has
been graciously blessed to have the wonderful Shari Mitchell as a
volunteer teacher for the three and four-year-old pre-school
class.
“Miss Shari,” as she was affectionately known by students and
parents alike, will not be able to teach this year due to health
reasons. Therefore, we are in need of a volunteer teacher for the
three and four-year-old children. Please consider this opportunity
so that we can to continue to offer this important component of the
Church School program.
The class would be taught during the first service coinciding
with the Kindergarten through Sixth Grade classes.
Contact Colleen Berry at [email protected] if you
are willing to share your time and talents with our pre-school
children.
Middle School Youth Group Volunteers Needed
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. Please consider the fun
and fellowship that comes from serving our Youth Ministry Programs
on Wednesday evenings!
We are in need of volunteers to help serve and clean up our
monthly meals from 5:30–6:45 PM. We need volunteers to help lead
and assist in worship, prayer, projects, and fellowship supervision
from 6:30–7:45 PM.
Finally, we are inviting interested Middle School parents or
congregation members to serve on our Youth Team Committee helping
to guide and support our programs and events. This will involve
about 6 meetings a year.
For more information or interest in these or High School Youth
Ministry volunteer opportunities please contact Renee Taylor at
(920) 733-7393 or [email protected].
CYF at Rally Sunday Sunday • September 8
Come see us on Rally Sunday!
CYF will have a table set up to assist with registration for
Church School, Middle School, High School and Music programs for
the 2019-2020 year.
There will also be fun crafts for the kids!
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Millennials Needed for Research Project
My name is Colie Bettivia. I am a millennial and an ordained
minister in the United Church of Christ, serving as Associate
Pastor at Grace Congregational UCC in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. I am
also a doctoral student at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
I am looking for participants, either in person or by
phone/video, to help answer this research question: Among
Millennials that are active in traditional congregations, how and
why have they made the decision to be engaged in a church, when so
many of their peers have made other decisions?
I need millennials between the ages of 23 and 38 who are active
members at a UCC church in Wisconsin, (who attend worship once a
month as well as serve the church in other capacities such as
ushers, greeters, Sunday School teachers, choir singers, service
project volunteers, etc.) AND who have a sibling that is not active
in a church who would also be willing to participate in the
study.
If you are willing to participate, or know someone else who
might qualify, please contact me at [email protected] or call
my cell phone at (920) 973-5775.
Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,
finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through
artful sound.
“Come Sing (and Play) a New Song Unto the Lord!”
Our fall season of music ministry begins soon, and you and your
family are invited to participate.
Sanctuary Choir rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 4.
All adults and high schoolers are welcome to join in service and
music ministry through singing in our Sanctuary Choir.
No audition is needed; many different styles of music are
explored as we praise God together!
Rehearsals are from 7:00 PM–8:30 PM in the Choir Room.
For questions and to register, please see John Albrecht or Jon
Riehle after worship, or contact John Albrecht at (920) 851-8097 or
[email protected].
mailto:[email protected]
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Children’s Fall Music Programming
Children’s Choir rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 18. Our
Children’s Choir (grades 2-6) offers the opportunity to “sing our
faith” each week in practice, as well as regularly share our music
in worship services, on Christmas Eve, and in the Intergenerational
Musical. Rehearsals are from 4:30 PM–5:30 PM in the Choir Room.
(NOTE: the previously indicated time of 4:00-5:00 PM was
incorrect).
Youth Handbells rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 25. Our
Youth Handbells (grades 7-12) learn new ringing techniques and
share new music regularly in worship. Basic music reading skills
are helpful.
Rehearsals are from 5:45 PM–6:30 PM in the Amistad Room.
Registrations for Children’s Choir and Youth Handbells are included
in CYF registration on Realm or with paper registrations available
in the Narthex.
Contact John Albrecht at (920) 851-8097 or
[email protected] to register.
Fall Family Music Programming Fall Family Handbell Workshop
begins Sunday, November 3. Open to elementary age through adults;
an intergenerational exploration of ringing with no previous
playing experience needed!
Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings between worship services
beginning November 3 to “ring in” worship on November 24.
Contact John Albrecht at [email protected] or Beth
Vercouteren at (920) 735-0741.
Intergenerational Musical Open to second graders through adults.
All are welcome to explore and develop their musical and theatrical
gifts! Rehearsals begin in January for our annual spring
production, March 21 and 22, 2020. Contact Rev. Steve Savides or
Dee Savides at [email protected] or indicate interest
through CYF registration on Realm.
Adult and Youth Instrumental and Vocal Music Solos &
Ensembles Adults and Youth grades 7–12 may present solo or small
ensemble instrumental or vocal music in worship, including Youth
Sunday. Contact John Albrecht at [email protected]
or indicate interest through CYF registration on Realm.
http://www.firstcongoappleton.org/content/john-albrechtmailto:Rev.%20Steve%20Savideshttp://www.firstcongoappleton.org/content/john-albrecht
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Lectionary Group Resumes Tuesday • September 3
The Lectionary Group gathers around the scripture texts used for
the sermon the following week. It was formed last year and serves
to support our preachers in their sermon preparation and enrich the
worship experience of those involved in the group. Our sessions
feature a free-flowing discussion and sharing of thoughts and
experiences sparked by the text. After taking a break for the
summer, the Lectionary Group will resume this Tuesday, September 3
at noon in the Upper Lounge. We meet every Tuesday from 12:00–1:00
PM.
Come any Tuesday you like – it’s a difference text and a new
discussion each week! You are encouraged to bring a bag lunch
along.
Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,
pursuing justice.
Romeo and Juliet – Cookout and a Play
Tuesday • September 10
Join ESTHER for an evening of engagement, enchantment and
entertainment!
There will be a cookout with a play performed “Renaissance
Faire-style” by Pastor Steve and Dee Savides! Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Pierce Park, 1035 W. Prospect Avenue, Appleton Suggested
donation: $15 adults, $25 couples, $30 families Food: Kosher/halal
hot dogs, veggie burgers, hamburgers, lemonade and side dishes
(included with suggested donation). In case of rain, the event will
move indoors at the same location.
Register at:
http://esther-foxvalley.org/date/2019/09/10/romeo-and-juliet-cookout-and-play
or send check, number attending and contact information to ESTHER,
P.O. Box 784, Neenah, WI 54957 by September 3.
Administration Free Furniture
To allow for more classroom space for the upcoming school year,
CYF has some furniture they would like to offer to First Congo
members. Here is a list of what is currently available:
• 3-drawer aluminum file cabinet • Elmo overhead projector • TV
and cabinets (qty. 3) • Sturdy 4-drawer desk
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• Cubicle partitions (qty. 6) • Rolling chairs (qty. 20-25) •
White table • Rolling multi-level table • Sturdy small metal table
• Office rolling chairs (qty. 2) • Box of crafting materials
If interested, make an offer to Renee Taylor at
[email protected] or call (920) 733-7393.
Photo Request Looking for photos of First Congo members in
action to post on our social media sites! The photos might be from
mission trips, O.F.F. outings, book clubs; virtually any event
where members are engaged and having fun.
Please email the images to [email protected].
More Firewood Help yourself to some free firewood, chopped and
ready to go in the ravine behind the church!
Say it with Flowers Opportunities are available to donate
flowers for the Sanctuary in honor, memory or celebration of a
loved one.
A vase of cut flowers is $35.00, and $50.00 will provide roses.
Requests for color or specific types of flowers are welcome.
It is also possible to arrange for an annual dedication. For
more information, contact the church office at (920) 733-7393.
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Calendar for September 1–September 7
Sunday, September 1 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 9:00
AM – 11:00 AM Child Care – Infant/Nursery, Toddler Room 6:00 PM –
8:00 PM First Things First AA Meeting – South Fellowship Hall,
Common Grounds
Monday, September 2 Office Closed
Tuesday, September 3 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies - South
Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies - South
Fellowship Hall 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lectionary Bible Study – Upper
Lounge 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Building Committee Meeting – Upper Lounge
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM Green Tree Condo Association Meeting – Chapel
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Library Committee Meeting – Library 7:45 PM –
8:45 PM Fireside AA Group – Common Grounds
Wednesday, September 4 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Loving Acceptance
Meditation Group - Upper Lounge 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Confirmation
Class with Mentors–Faith Statements 1 -
Library 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal– Choir Room,
Sanctuary
Thursday, September 5 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM ADRC Strongbodies –
South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ADRC Strongbodies – South
Fellowship Hall 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Alternative Christmas Market
Meeting – Library 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM AA – Search for Serenity Group
– Common Grounds 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Theology Discussion Group –
Stone Arch Brewpub 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Clergy Development Group –
Upper Lounge 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Stewardship – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM –
8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds
Friday, September 6 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM N.A. – Common Grounds 7:00
PM – 9:00 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge
Saturday, September 7 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA –
Common Grounds
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The Ministry
Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor Reverend Nicholas
J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries
Reverend Kathryn Kuhn, Pastor for Congregational Care and
Missions John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries
Jon D. Riehle, Organist Colleen Berry, Director for Children’s
Ministries
Renee Taylor, Director for Youth Ministries Jennifer DeWitt, CYF
Coordinator
Carolyn Frederick, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant
Holly Volkman, Administrative Assistant for Communications
Jane Malin, Administrative Assistant Siri Witt, Bookkeeper
Jonathan Steffen, Technology Coordinator Bart Forseth, Custodial
Supervisor
Theresa Iacullo, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider Cassidy
Behm, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider
Tom Ott, Custodial Assistant Mary Lou Cliff, Custodial
Assistant
Lauren Micke, Weekend Custodial Assistant
First Congregational United Church of Christ 724 East South
River Street Appleton, Wisconsin 54915
Phone: (920) 733-7393
Website: www.firstcongoappleton.org
Children in WorshipSensory BoxesDonating to First Congregational
UCCOnline Streaming and Podcasting Now Available!Online Documents
and InformationToday: Guest Preacher Linda Morgan-Clement p.
5Today: Ike Sturm Jazz Trio p. 4September 3: Lectionary Group
Resumes p. 17September 4: Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Begin p.
15Next Sunday: Rally Sunday! p. 11FlowersCommunionBaptismMembers in
Service This WeekThe Order of WorshipOur door is open to you at
whatever point you are in your journey of faith.Upcoming Worship
ScheduleMembers in Service Next WeekDonna Bailey MemorialTuesday •
September 10
Congo Crafters for ChristMonday • September 16
Intergenerational Flash MobConfirmation Classes
2019-2020Volunteer Confirmation Coordinator NeededDon’t Forget to
Register for CYFCYF Parent Orientation NightWednesday • September
11
Church School Teachers NeededPreschool Teacher NeededMiddle
School Youth Group Volunteers NeededCYF at Rally SundaySunday •
September 8
Millennials Needed for Research Project“Come Sing (and Play) a
New Song Unto the Lord!”Children’s Fall Music ProgrammingFall
Family Music ProgrammingLectionary Group ResumesTuesday • September
3
Romeo and Juliet – Cookout and a PlayTuesday • September 10Join
ESTHER for an evening of engagement, enchantment and
entertainment!
Free FurniturePhoto Request
More FirewoodCalendar for September 1–September 7
The Ministry