The Memo from Memorial

The Memo from Memorial

Weekly newsletter from Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI

Thursday, August 10, 2017

The youth group has returned from their busy, spirit-filled mission trip to Louisville! Included in their many activities was a trip to the Presbyterian Church (USA) headquarters. Our deep appreciation to all youth and leaders for being MPC's Hands and Feet of Christ!

Dear Friends at Memorial,

In about a month, my sabbatical time will draw to a close. This time of rest, renewal, and reconnection has been everything I hoped it would be for me personally and for my family. I look forward to sharing with you my experiences, insights, and adventures; and I am eager to hear what this sabbatical time has been like for you all.

Part of what is ahead for me in the next month is preparing to return to the tasks of ministry. One way I am preparing is by reflecting on the treasures of these last few months, like: seeing family and friends I haven't seen in years, the wonders of Wisconsin only a few miles away that I haven't taken time to enjoy, and reading the Bible without needing to write a sermon (what a concept!). I'm also preparing by considering what I'm looking forward to when September comes, like: reconnecting with all of you (I have missed you!), thinking about how my family keeps sabbath beyond sabbatical, and sharing what I've read and begun to write with you.

I am grateful for this sabbatical gift you have given me and I look forward to rejoining you in ministry. See you soon!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mike Goodwin

Children and Youth Ministries

Blessing of the Backpacks

The beginning of the school year is coming up quickly, and before you know it "back to school" will actually be here! While you are spending the next few weeks running around getting everything ready for the new school year, at MPC we would like to help you prepare for this year, as well.

During the 10:00 a.m. worship service on August 27, we will once again be doing the Blessing of the Backpacks. All MPC students and teachers will be invited to bring their backpacks to church and receive a blessing just in time for the start of the new school year!

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Youth Return from Successful Mission Trip

This past Friday, the youth who were on the work trip returned safely back to Wisconsin. After a bit of a rough start to the trip, we made it down to Louisville with no more problems. During the week we served in various locations. Some of us helped at a day camp for kids at a local Salvation Army, and others helped look after refugee children while their parents took ESL (English as a Second Language) classes in the morning, then went to a nursing home in the afternoon. We even had enough free time to visit the PCUSA headquarters! The entire group had a great time bonding, serving, and reaching out to the community. We can't wait to tell you more stories during the Shareholders' lunch after the worship service on August 27^th!

Capital Campaign Update

Earlier this summer, the Session of MPC sent a letter recapping the success of the Faithful for 50: Building for Beyond" Capital Campaign. Begun in 2014, this three-year campaign has resulted in bringing our 50-year-old facility up to code and the building is now cleaner, brighter, more functional, and more welcoming.

The Session expresses its deep appreciation for all who responded to this letter by sending an additional pledge to ensure continued work from the campaign, including restoring $300,000 to Mission Funding, replenishing the Capital Reserve, funding a Building Repair Fund and retiring any remaining debt from loans. While not all were in the original campaign figures, these areas prepare us against any future unexpected major expenses.

If you have not yet responded to this letter, please consider continuing your monthly campaign contributions for another nine months to help restore these reserves. If you gave to the Capital Campaign by another schedule, please consider giving an additional 25% of your original pledged amount. Within nine months, these funds will be in place and, combined with the goals of our budget, will continue to enhance MPC's ability to Connect, Inspire & Serve. An "extra giving" pledge card may be found here.

What an amazing and wonderful journey these past few years have been! As we look back on the last 3 years and say "thank you," we also look forward to the next 50 years in this beautifully renovated building. Look around you and be thankful, for God has done wonderful things and will call us to do more in the future.

Connecting and Learning God's Word

We know that it's still summer, but it is time to start thinking about what's coming up this fall - and there will be a number of new and different Adult Education opportunities this year! For a detailed description of the courses listed below, click here.

Sunday Mornings - 8:45 a.m.

Remembering the Reformation

A series of three classes presented by a Luther Seminary scholar.

Israel/Palestine: A Guide for Understanding the Holy Land from Jesus to a Divided Jerusalem

Presented by Elliot Ratzman, a visiting postdoctoral fellow in the Religious Studies department at Lawrence University. The four sessions are:

The Judaisms of Israel
A Short History of Jerusalem
The Judaism of Jesus
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide

Animate - Practices

Animate: Practices is a seven-session adult introduction to the central practices of the Christian faith. Topics include prayer, worship sacraments, service and community.

Sunday Times

Once a month, Jim Bowman and Pastor Mike will return to lead this popular discussion group. Get together and discuss the events of the world and what might be a proper Christian response.

Sunday Evenings - 6:30 p.m.

Embodying Your Faith

An introductory exploration of connections between our bodies and our faith, using everyday movements. Kathy Privatt will lead this exploration using tools from her work with Alexander Movement Technique. Come explore new ways to think about being the hands and feet of God!

Bible Study - Monday Evenings and Tuesdays at Noon

Violence Divine

This eight-session DVD-based program is based on the bestselling book How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian: Struggling with Divine Violence from Genesis Through Revelation, written by one of world's foremost historical Jesus scholars, John Dominic Crossan.

If you have any thoughts or questions, call the church office at 920-734-1787, or send me an email. ~ G reg Braatz, Commissioned Lay Pastor

You Are Needed!

The Worship Volunteer Scheduling committee is in the process of putting the schedule together for the Fall. Over the summer, we lost several volunteers due to health reasons. We are hoping to recruit new volunteers to fill these positions on an ongoing basis. We are in need of several new General Ushers. We are also VERY short of Coffee/Lemonade hosts. The coffee hosts serve in teams of two and we are short of two full teams plus someone to help one individual who is without a partner. If we can't fill these spots, we may be forced to go without our coffee/fellowship time, which I know we will all miss.

All of these positions are on a 12-week rotation, so you would only be scheduled about four times a year. If you can help us out by filling one of these spots, please contact the church office or email Ann Smith or Sharon McElrath. Thank you to all our Worship Volunteers for making our Sunday mornings such a welcoming time for all!

Who's On First?

This past Sunday we heard from Jim Bowman. Jim shared some thoughtful insights into children, poverty and education, and what we can do to help. This Sunday I will be concluding my series on the Law and the 10 Commandment by looking at what Jesus called the second great commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." What does "Love Your Neighbor" look like?

A little more of what is to come:

August 13: Greg Braatz - fourth in a series on the 10 Commandments- "Love Your Neighbor"

August 20: Emily Guttenberg - Beyond the Comfort Zone - What Paul Teaches Us - Philippians 4:4-13

August 27: Paige Kempf, Guest Preacher

September 3: Joel Screnock, Guest Preacher

September 10: Pastor Mike returns to the pulpit.

I believe we have had and can continue to look forward to some very unique worshiping experiences this summer!

~ Greg Braatz, Commissioned Lay Pastor

Fellowship Opportunities

"Fall" Together for Some Fun!

The Deacon Fellowship Team is hosting a potluck after worship on Sunday, September 10. We chose that date as one that lets us welcome back Pastor Mike and his family, settle into the school year, and embrace fall. Choose a dish to share, gather your table service, and plan to stay after church. (Deacons will provide the beverages.)

We invite you to mark your calendars, and hope you'll come enjoy the fellowship and food of your MPC family! See you there!

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Holy Land Trip Update

There's still time, but the clock is ticking!

Enough people have put money down so that there will definitely be a trip! But that doesn't mean the door is closed. If at some time between now and

September 1st you decide you would like to join us, there still might be an opportunity to come along. You would just need to check with Greg Braatz to see if there is space on the plane (price could be higher or lower than what the travel group is paying). So if the spirit moves you, let Greg know and he will see if it can happen!

Mission in Action

Applications Due on September 1st for Mission Grants

Every year MPC provides grants in keeping with our commitment to "Connect. Inspire. Serve." Generally speaking, grants can be awarded to support any effort consistent with our faith and the belief that we are obligated to reach beyond the walls of our church to spread Christ's love to the world at large. This includes efforts that address the needs of the poor and disadvantaged; the needs of the sick, the hungry and the homeless; the needs of the victimized and the friendless; and efforts that promote education and efforts that work for peace and justice in the world.

Our grants are funded by earnings from a collection of mission-oriented endowment funds managed by MPC. The number of grants awarded each year and their amounts are dependent on the funds available, the number of applications received and the judgment of the MPC committees responsible for reviewing them. Since 2005, grant amounts have ranged from $500 to $10,000 with 50% of the awards being in the $2,000 - $4,000 range.

If you are part of an organization that you believe would qualify for and could benefit from a grant, more information can be found here. The deadline for grant applications is September 1, 2017.

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Christmas in July

On Monday, August 7, volunteers at the Community Clothes Closet were overwhelmed by our donation of 743 pairs of socks and undies (and a few miscellaneous other items) for their Back to School program. In addition, we received $60 in cash donations to send to them. The box for donations will remain in the east hallway until Sunday, August 20 for people who want more time to ship. A final delivery will be made that week.

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Salvation Army Collection

Many thanks to all who contributed to last month's collection for the Salvation Army! Mark your calendars for the next scheduled collection of Sunday, August 20. It's not too early to start thinking of stocking the shelves with back-to-school lunch items!

Lunchtime Organ Recital Series

This summer's Lunchtime Organ Recital Series, now in its 22nd year, has been going strong all summer! Next week you have two opportunities to hear talented musicians on some of our area's finest instruments. On Wednesday, August 16, a recital will be held at 12:15 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI, featuring Matthew Buller on the Wahl Organ. The second recital will be held on Thursday, August 17, at 12:15 p.m. at Lawrence Memorial Chapel, with featured organist Samuel Buse on the Brombaugh Organ. The complete summer schedule may be found here .

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..

Clint Robson continues his recovery at home from aortic valve replacement.
Mary Francis continues her recovery from foot surgery.
Since his return to The Bridges, Norm Colson's therapy is progressing and he is in good spirits. He welcomes visitors!
Marie Desens' granddaughter, Ashley, continues to experience some complications with her pregnancy and is currently undergoing tests. Also, Marie's friend, Nancy, is awaiting a kidney transplant.
Nelson & Bev Craig ask for prayers for their dear friends, Russ and JoAnn. Russ has cancer throughout his body, and JoAnn has COPD and must be on oxygen at all times.
Elaine Presby asks for prayers for a friend of the family, Alicia, who is a young mother struggling with cancer.
Jane Slater's brother-in-law, Al, has been undergoing tests to determine his eligibility for a double lung transplant. He will know more later on next week.
Roy Hoglund continues his rehabilitation following hip replacement surgery.
Ken Opgenorth is settling in to his new home at Willow Lane Assisted Living, and enjoys visiting with his church friends at anytime.
Continued prayers for Susan Kirkham's son, Matt, and Sherry Meyer's friend, Lynn, both of whom are struggling.

And also, please pray for the Youth Group - participants and leaders -- as they prepare for their work trip from July 29 - August 5!

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

Summer Volunteer Schedule

The Summer Sunday Morning volunteer schedule may be found here, along with volunteer contact information . Please check the schedule to determine when you are scheduled. If you did not receive your schedule via email, or would like a hard copy mailed to you, just contact the church office .

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. Many thanks to all of our Sunday Morning volunteers throughout the year!

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Sunday, August 13

Greeters: Sarah Beard, Jeanne & Peter Ryerson

Head Usher: Tom Guttenberg

Ushers: Patti Athanas, Quinn Shaffer, Russ & Ruth Truettner

Reader: Tim Shoaf

Fellowship Hosts: Rosemary & Scott Fraser

Counters: Gayle Hardt, Beth Lepinski

Sunday, August 20

Greeters: Stephanie Kent, Melissa Milis, Ken Opgenorth

Head Usher: Tim Shaffer

Ushers: Diane Lightfield, Kelsey Lightfield, Frank & Meeilei Chen

Reader: Nancy Umland

Fellowship Hosts: Kathy & Jeff Privatt

Counters: Diane Lightfield, Kerry Guttenberg

Community Notices

Hospice Volunteers Needed

Two area organizations are looking for caring and compassionate individuals to serve as hospice volunteers:

Affinity Visiting Nurses

Contact: Lauren Weir or Leah Patrick at 920-486-2261 or 866-236-8500

Heartland Hospice

Contact: Volunteer Coordinators Amy Sadewater or Nicky Lane at 920-336-6455

The role of a hospice volunteer is unique. Hospice is about living each day to the fullest. It's about helping individuals dying of terminal illness live each day in a pain-free environment, with dignity and peace. Hospice volunteers are an integral and important part of this journey. If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to contact the organizations listed above for more information.

Dr. Alan Wolfelt's Grief and Healing Seminar:
Exploring Eight Critical Questions for When Someone You Love Dies"

Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Liberty Hall, Kimberly

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, an internationally noted author, educator and grief counselor, will present this compassionate program to provide you with support in your personal grief and also assist participants who want to learn more about helping a family member or friend who is experiencing grief and loss. This seminar is free and open to the public. Please register by calling Wichmann and Fargo Funeral Homes at 920-831-9905 or visit this site.

Books for All Seasons

The 81st Annual AAUW Book Sale is scheduled for October 19-22 and 26-28 at Northland Mall, so now's the time to start rummaging through your house for donations to this worthy cause. Please consider donating used hardcover, paperback, and children's books, as well as CDs, DVDs, sheet music, puzzles and games. For book pick-up or book drop-off, please call 920-427-6655, 920-734-6750, 920-843-8888, 920-739-6469.