The Memo from Memorial

The Memo from Memorial

Weekly newsletter from Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI

Thursday, September 29, 2016

There's a new addition to the chancel area...Sherry Meyer, MPC custodian, refurbished an entertainment center to create a beautiful new cabinet to house all of the organ music and supplies. Well done, Sherry! (Photo submitted by Pastor Mike)

Celebrating Generosity

Calling all investigators and detectives - we need your help in celebrating the generosity of MPC and its members! Located in the hall outside of the Lay Ministry Office is a bulletin board that we have set up to celebrate the generosity of MPC. Do you wish to recognize an MPC member who is engaged in the community and gives of their time/resources? Do you wish to celebrate the generosity of someone in the congregation for their efforts at MPC?

We have just the "ticket" for you! When you have "sighted" someone showing generosity, pull a "sight-ation" from the Generosity Board and complete it. Once you have completed your ticket, pin it to the board so that others can read about the special gifts that our members offer within, among and beyond our church walls. Let's fill that board with tickets as we celebrate acts of generosity! We will include these recognitions with our pledge cards come together in worship on Commitment Sunday in November.

~ The Committee on Generosity

Retirement Party for Linda Boldt - Sunday, November 6

A retirement party for Linda Boldt will be held on Sunday, November 6 following the worship service. We'll gather for a light brunch to celebrate Linda's 24 years as Memorial's Lay Ministry Coordinator. The congregation and friends of Memorial are encouraged bring a card wishing Linda well in retirement. Donations in honor of Linda's ministry at Memorial may be brought to the church office, with collected funds to be given to a charity of Linda's choosing.

Peace and Global Witness Special Offering

This Sunday, we will dedicate our annual Special Offering for Peace & Global Witness on World Communion Sunday. With this offering, we unite with other congregations in sharing the Peace of Christ and promoting reconciliation and peacemaking within cultures of violence and conflict -- including our own. Presbyterians stand in support of courageous people around the world and across the United States who faithfully work for peace and reconciliation. Many are involved in ministries that are sustained through gifts to the Peace & Global Witness Offering. Read more

My Neighbor Is Muslim

In October, members of MPC are going to have the opportunity to participate in an unique experience to learn more about the Muslim faith. In today's mass media, social media and within our current political discourse, there is a great deal of discussion of the Muslim faith. The American popular press has been filled with news of the "war on terror" with negative characterizations of Muslim people. Alhough devout Muslims have tried to counter the media with reminders that Islam is a religion of devotion to God and peace among neighbors, those voices are sometimes hard to hear. The fact is that a growing number of our neighbors are of the Muslim faith.

In order to be better neighbors and to better understand our neighbors, we have invited Imam Mohamed Abdelazim of the Islamic center of Wisconsin for three nights of learning and discussion. Iman Abdelazim has a Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Studies in English and an Associate Degree in Nursing.

These sessions will take place on the Sunday evenings of October 9, 16 and 23 at 6:30 p.m. at MPC. Each Sunday will be a different topic. (Topics will be communicated in next week's "The Memo.") Each session will be a 45-minute presentation followed by 45 minutes for your questions. Your questions are critical. In fact, please pre-submit questions your questions to me via email. This will give you time to think about what you would like to know and give Iman Abdelazim time to prepare. We hope the discussions will be wide ranging, anywhere from theology to what is it like to live as a Muslim in the Fox Valley.

To sign up, send me an email, or sign up on the Friendship Table in the west hallway of the church. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about and have your questions answered concerning the Muslim Faith. -- Greg Braatz, Ruling Elder

Youth and Children News

Sunday School (Age 4 through Grade 6)

C hildren ages 4 through those entering 6th grade meet together in the 4 Yr - Grade 6 Classroom in the lower level on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am. The hour includes lesson while the kids enjoy a banana, music time, and lesson-based activity. During last Sunday's lesson, the children learned that Baby Moses, from the previous week, was all grown up and encountering a burning bush! The topic of next Sunday's lesson is "God Saves the People," based on Exodus 12:1-50. Parents, if you'd like to take a look at some at-home activities for this Sunday's lesson, click here. Remember that the children will be singing in worship on Sunday, October 9.

Kinderchurch Worship (Age 3 - Grade 2)

Kinderchurch is an age-appropriate worship experience provided for children ages 3 through Grade 2. Children attend worship with their parents for about 15 minutes, from 10:00 am to 10:15 am, and then move to the Kinderchurch room as a group. This Sunday, Kinderchurch will not be held so that children will be able to experience communion with their parents.

Spiritual Quest Class

The Spiritual Questers along with their Covenant Partners, are finishing up their Statements of Faith and planning for Confirmation Sunday on October 23!

Prayer Buddy Program

The Prayer Buddy mailbox is full of envelopes, so kids make sure to check the mailbox to get mail from your buddy!

Youth Fellowship

Are there questions about faith and life you want to ask, but don't think you can? You aren't alone. During Youth Fellowship this year, we're delving into some of those big questions like "Can I trust the Bible?," "Can I be a Christian and believe in evolution?," "What does the Bible say about being gay?," "Does God endorse violence?, and many other questions. The youth leaders are committed to creating a safe space to explore these big questions and to grow deeper in faith. We meet every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm.

News Flash - Youth Fellowship Creates Hunger Pangs! With a start time of 6:00 pm, there's not always time for busy kids to grab something to eat before arriving at church for fellowship group. So, we're looking for some k ind individuals to donate a snack for these hungry kids. The treats can be healthy or not healthy; they just need to be nut-free (and made without nuts), and enough to feed about 12 people. The youth -- along with their leaders and youth parents -- thank you for your help in making sure these kids are energized for their lesson every week! Sign up here to donate treats.

It's an Exciting Year for Adult Education!

Sunday Morning

This week we return to the Animate: Bible series. This is week it is Parchment to Pixel by Phyllis Tickle. (Many of you will remember from our Emerging Christianity series last year.) Does the way we access the Bible change the way we read and interpret the Bible? By tracing the history of the Bible from its origins as a set of oral stories passed down from community to community, to the days of the Bible being read to the illiterate masses in Latin, to our current open-source approach to the Bible, Phyllis suggests that access is everything.

Beginner's Bible Study (Mondays, 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm)

This week we will be looking at chapter 4 of the Old Testament book, exploring the "From Egypt to Canaan" - We will be looking at the period of history from the birth of Moses to the death of Joshua .

Covenant Bible Study (Tuesdays, 12:00 noon)

This week we will be working on Episode 4 - Gospels: Matthew and Mark - "God's Kingdom" - Jesus talked publicly about God's kingdom. We will look at how Jesus encouraged people to live a life in contrast to the kingdoms in today's world. Make sure you are keeping up with your weekly Bible readings!

Lectionary Lunch (Wednesdays, 12:00 noon)

What did you hear regarding regarding Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 Passover: the blood of the lamb and unleavened bread signify God's sacrifice of the lamb God's deliverance? We look forward to Exodus 32:1-14 -- the Golden calf shows unfaithfulness at Mt. Sinai. Moses intercedes; God forgives.

If you are interested in participating in any of these studies but haven't joined in, please do so! You can contact Greg Braatz about how to jump in.

Sanctuary Piano Update

Our deepest thanks to all who have contributed to the purchase of the beautiful new Steinway Grand sanctuary piano. Normally, the piano would have retailed for more than $90,000; however, Memorial was able to purchase this exceptional piano for $46,500, almost half of its retail value, and to date we have raised over $40,000! Please consider making a donation to raise the remaining amount to enhance music in worship at Memorial Presbyterian. Just send a check to the church with "Piano Fund" in the memo portion of your check, or donate online here .

Mission in Action

CROP Walk Sunday - October 9

It's coming up soon! Sunday, October 9 is the date for the annual community-wide CROP Walk. Contact Meeilei Chen for your walker registration form or call her at 920-205-1562 for more information. You can also visit the CROP Walk website here, and then click on "Donate," then "Donate to a Team', and enter "MPC." Together we will end hunger One Step at a Time.

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Warming Shelter Opportunities

MPC is scheduled to volunteer at the Warming Shelter on November 6 and 7, and December 1, 2, and 3. If you missed out on the opportunity to volunteer in August, we still have a few openings. We need a volunteer to help serve breakfast from 6:30 - 8:30 am on Sunday, November 6 and another volunteer to help with breakfast from 5:30 - 8:00 am on Thursday, December 1. We also need hospitality volunteers from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight on Thursday, December 1 and Saturday, December 3. All of the serving slots are filled, but we still need 5 volunteers to prepare food. We need hot dishes that generously serve 30 people on December 1 and 2, vegetable dishes that serve 30 on December 2 and 3, and a dessert that serves 30 on December 3. You can sign up in the east hallway at church or contact Fred Umland, 920-903-8981 or via email. Please help us fulfill our commitment to the Warming Shelter.

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Grab a Pan for E2F

E2F and Intergenerational activity: Our semiannual E2F distribution is on Sunday, October 16. Pick up as many empty pans as you wish and bring back the frozen full pans the following Sunday, October 23. You can also bring in your groceries to the Youth Group on Wednesday, October 19 at 6:00 and the youth group will help to assemble the pans. It's a fun intergenerational activity that both youth and adult enjoy! Come join the fun!

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Think Mittens

Wow! Can you believe it's time to pull out your favorite yarn and start knitting or crocheting mittens, hats or scarves for MPC's Mitten Tree? Well, we're ready to kick off this annual tradition! Don't have time to make a trip to the yarn shop? You'll find yarn available for your use in the cabinet in the east hallway. As always, items will be delivered to the Community Clothes Closet to keep area children comfy and warm this winter.

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Salvation Army Collection

Many thanks to all who contributed to last Sunday's Salvation Army collection of nonperishable food and paper products. Our next collection date is Sunday, October 16 (third Sunday of the month).

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

When catastrophic flooding occurred this past summer in the Gulf state area, PDA responded immediately by sending needed emergency funds and deploying members of the National Respo

nse Team to assess damage and begin organizing both immediate and long-term responses in affected communities. Long after the initial wave of relief recedes with the waters, PDA will remain to accompany those impacted and to connect volunteers in the work of long-term recovery and rebuilding. The needs for the response are great. God's people are once again called on to stand in the GAP: Give Act. Pray. For more information on how you can help, visit the PDA website.

Fifty years ago, on September 11, 1966, the members of Memorial Presbyterian Church opened their hymnals and began to sing, "The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ is Jesus Christ her Lord...." As they sang, they left the College and Drew Street sanctuary and walked four blocks east to the newly constructed Memorial Presbyterian Church on the corner of College and Meade. On Sunday, October 30, 1966, the church was dedicated to the worship of God and service to Christ's Kingdom.

On Sunday, October 30, 2016, the congregation will host a Jubilee Celebration to celebrate 50 years of ministry on the corner of College and Meade. The day will begin with a worship service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a catered dinner and program. A chicken dinner will be served, with vegetarian and gluten-free options provided. The cost is $13/adult and $8/child ages 5-12; children ages 4 and under are free.

Come celebrate Memorial's ministry in the Fox Cities, reconnect with former pastors and members, and give thanks for God's faithfulness to the people of Memorial Presbyterian Church over the years! To RSVP, complete the reply form and send with payment by Friday, October 14. For more information, call 920-734-1787 or email the church office.

Fellowship Events

Nature Walk

Enjoy the fall foliage and Wisconsin nature by participating in a fellowship walk at 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna on Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free, and family and friends are invited to tour the Center as a group, see its exhibits, meet Jabber, and then explore the boardwalk train that includes a pond observation deck. There are many other trails to walk or hike for those who wish to continue on their own, using maps provided by the Center. A light refreshment will be provided. To sign up by October 9, send an email to Mary Francis , or use the sign-up sheet outside the church office.

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It's Time for Trunk or Treat!

Get those car trunks ready, because it's time for some ghoulish games, freaky fun, and creepy crafts at MPC's Trunk or Treat party! It'll all happen on Saturday, October 22, with a chili dinner served up at 4:30 pm ($5/person not to exceed $20/family) and games and crafts in the Fellowship Hall. At 5:30 pm, we'll head to the parking lot for trick or treating from the back of everyone's decorated cars! Fun stuff!!

Contact Ariel at 920-716-1190 or send an email by October 20 to reserve your parking spot. You may also bring a nonperishable food item or gently used coat to donate to the Salvation Army Fox Cities Food Pantry and "Coats for Kids" Drive.

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Fall Clean up Day

Mark your calendars, grab your rakes, put on your garden gloves, and come to the Fall Clean-up day on Saturday, October 22 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. Join in for the full morning - or whatever hours you can contribute - to clean up the church grounds in preparation for the long winter ahead! Many hands make light work, as the saying goes, and all ages are welcome. Coffee and refreshments will be waiting, and even if the weather doesn't cooperate, there will be plenty of indoor activities to keep us busy. Hope to see you there!

Pray Without Ceasing

Wednesday Morning Prayer Group

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be yours."

Mark 11:24

The MPC Prayer Group meets every Wednesday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, in the Chapel, praying for our families, our church, our community, and our world. We are here to pray for anything you might need. Please let your prayer request be made known by writing it down in a note and placing it in the prayer request box in the church office, or email to the Group Coordinator, Connie Olson. All requests are confidential. If you would like to join the group, please also contact Connie.

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This week, let us pray for...

Our deepest condolences go out to Carol Holler and her family, on the passing of Rev. Bob Holler on Sunday, September 25. A service celebrating his life was held at MPC on Thursday.
Our hearts break on the news that Griffin Sean, Beth and John Lepinski's grandson, was born 3 months prematurely on Sunday, September 25, and passed away several hours later in the loving arms of his parents.
Tracey Hornung asks for prayers for the family of their friend, Jeff Lammers, who passed away last Sunday after a short and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Sandy Grams asks for prayers for Wasonu. His best friend and best friend's brother were killed in an auto accident in Georgia last weekend, and he is devastated by this loss.
Betty Lockhart asks for prayers for her mother, Marie Castle, aged 98, as she transitions from the only home she has lived in for the past 73 years to assisted living.

If you have a prayer request, please send it to Paula Hoglund for inclusion in next week's communication.

Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed

We have a great roster of Sunday Morning volunteers for the upcoming months, but still need to fill in a few more spots:

3 Ushers to serve on teams in a 12-week rotation.
2 Counters to form a team in a 6-week rotation. Counting takes about 1.25 hours.
And it's not too soon to start thinking about Christmas! Some families in the past have made this part of their Christmas celebrations. Please consider:

4:00 pm Christmas Eve: 3 Greeters, 2 Ushers, 1 Head Usher
9:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 3 Greeters, 4 Ushers, 1 Head Usher
10:00 am Christmas Day: 2 Ushers

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Many thanks to all of our Sunday Morning volunteers! If you are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please arrange for a substitute and email the church office with any changes. For a full schedule and volunteer contact information, click here.

October 2, 10:00 AM Worship Service

Greeters: Mike Harer, Cathy Kornish & Scott Kornish

Head Usher: Les Angell

Ushers: Walt Kleman, Pam Dodge, Gayle Hardt, Jane Stevenson

Scripture Reader: Christine Cornell

Coffee Hosts: Laurie McCulloch, Ellen Wright

Counters: Patti Athanas, Mike Harer

Communion Preparers: Christine Cornell, Dolly Manning

Communion Servers: Christine Cornell, Connie Olson, Scott Fraser, Emily Guttenberg

October 9, 2016 10:00 AM Worship Service

Greeters: Sharon McElrath, Barry, Kirstin, Jens & Sofia Telfer

Head Usher: John Hill

Ushers: O.C. Boldt, Walt Kleman, Andy & Connie Ogilvie

Scripture Reader: Beth Lepinski

Kinderchurch: Kathy Privatt, Leader; Dolly Manning, Greeter

Coffee Hosts: Ann & Mark Smith

Counters: Beth Lepinski & Mark Smith

Community Notices

Candidate Forum

If you're interested in public education and live in the Appleton, Kimberly, Menasha, Kaukauna, Little Chute or Neenah School District, come to the Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 6 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Einstein Middle School Auditorium, 324 E. Florida Ave. In a question-and-answer session moderated by the League of Women Voters, the candidates running for contested legislative seats in these districts will explain their plans for the public schools. Learn the issues, hear the answers, and vote informed.

Sharing the Rough

Jewelers Mutual invites you to their Annual Community Event on Wednesday, October 5 from 6-9:30 p.m., at the Earl G. DeLong Auditorium, 24 Jewelers Park Dr. in Neenah. The evening features a screening of the documentary Sharing the Rough, the never-before-captured process of the journey of a colored gemstone from mine to market in East Africa, and includes a Q&A session with the filmmaker, Orin Mazzoni, a tour of the R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to win free jewelry giveaways. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required. For more information and to RSVP, click here.