The Memo from Memorial
Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI
March 29, 2018
Continue your journey through Holy Week at Memorial Presbyterian Church, with Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 pm, the Ecumenical Good Friday Service at 12:10 pm, and the Easter Sunday Service
at 10:00 a.m.

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Click to access the following:

Holy Week at Memorial Presbyterian Church

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service with Communion, March 29, 7:00 p.m.
Sermon: Jesus' Passion for Us

Ecumenical Good Friday Service, March 30, 12:10 p.m.
Theme: Violence of the cross and the violence in our world

Easter Sunday Service with Easter Brass & Chancel Choir, April 1, 10:00 a.m.
Sermon: The Greater Fool

Upcoming Services & Events

Sunday, April 8, 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service with Baptism
Sermon: Is There Room for Difference?

Sunday, April 8, 3:00 p.m.
Remembering Reverend King: A Community Worship Encounter
Commemorating 50th Anniversary of Dr. King's Assassination
Radisson Paper Valley, Grand Ballroom

Sunday, April 15, 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service led by Holy Land Trip Participants
Hear personal and Bible stories from the travelers.
Following worship, there will be a meal and slide presentation.
The April Fool
"For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
 
This year Easter lands on April Fools' Day. It’s okay, you can laugh. The occasion has led my pastor friends to create some absurd Facebook and Twitter memes; as well as church members asking me what sort of joke I'll be making Easter Sunday. As final preparations are made for our worship services during Holy Week, there is little to laugh at as we encounter not only the violence inflicted upon the one we call Lord and Savior but the violence perpetrated by human hands.

And yet as we come to Easter to hear anew the Easter proclamation: "Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed, alleluia!" it gives me pause to consider if Easter should always be on April Fools' Day. On this side of Easter we can look backward and call the crucifixion, "Good Friday." On this side of Easter we can laugh and better yet take courage that death, violence, and human sin do not and never will have the final word. The Apostle Paul was right, the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us -- to you and to me -- it is the power of God. Thanks be to God!
 
Christ is Risen...
 
Pastor Mike
On Easter Sunday, the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, one of four special offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will be dedicated. This offering is the single largest way in which Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity. Received during the season of Lent, this offering is our opportunity to share God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief from natural and human-caused disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed.

Ways to give:

  • Make a donation by cash or check using the specially designated envelopes in the pews, or by mailing a check directly to Memorial Presbyterian Church, 803 E. College Ave., Appleton WI 54911.
  • Donate online by credit card here. Select "One Great Hour of Sharing" in the drop-down box.
  • Text OGHS to 20222 to give $10.00.
Global Mission Opportunity: 6K Walk for Water
The Global Mission Team has learned about an upcoming opportunity to raise awareness of the need for clean water around the world. Many churches are sponsoring walks on Saturday, May 19. Although MPC is not organizing an event here, you can surely take part as an individual if you want! World Vision is sponsoring this campaign, and the site with information may be found here . Here is a statement from World Vision:

“6 Kilometers is the average distance that people in the developing world walk for water - water that is often contaminated with life-threatening disease. On Saturday, May 19, thousands of participants from around the globe will walk or run 6K to bring life-changing clean water to communities in need. Each participant’s registration fee provides life-changing clean water for one person, so when you participate in the Global 6K for Water you take that 6K distance away from people in need.”

If you choose to register for this and walk that day, please let the church office know so we can recognize you for your efforts! ~ Becky O’Connor, The Global Mission Committee
Welcome to MPC's New Office Manager - Molly Hicks!

Friends, on behalf of Session and with gratitude to the Personnel Committee for their search efforts, it is my joy to share the great news that our new Office Manager will be Molly Hicks.
Molly brings wonderful experience from her ten years at Thrivent Financial; her last role was as a Church and Community Specialist. More recently, Molly was at Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting where she managed the operations for nine offices throughout Wisconsin. 

As the Personnel Committee and I reviewed over 60 applications for the position, Molly’s quickly rose to the top. What sets Molly apart is her attention to detail, passion for people, desire to grow, and her welcoming and engaging spirit. I hope you will help me to welcome Molly to MPC when she begins on Tuesday, April 3. Paula and Molly will work together through Friday, April 27 (Paula's last day in the office) to make a smooth transition. 

Welcome Molly!
Pastor Mike
Nicaragua Update
Despite considerable interest, the 2018 trip to Nicaragua has been canceled. We were unable to come up with travel dates that worked for enough members to make it worthwhile for us to return this year. However, we are still interested in partnering with CEPAD and the people of Nicaragua and have already scheduled a trip for 2019.
We will be traveling to Nicaragua during the last week of March (March 24 - 31). If you think you might be interested, please save these dates. An informational meeting will be held in September. Watch The Memo for further details on this meeting. You can contact Fred Umland or Barry and Becky O’Connor if you have questions or would like any additional information prior to the meeting.  
Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday
All kids are welcome to join MPC for an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday! Come on down to the Sunday School room at 9:30 a.m., and we’ll give you a bag so that you can find and collect hidden eggs filled with goodies!
Youth Stock Certificates Available
The MPC Youth Group is holding their annual Stock Sale through Sunday, April 8. This is a fundraiser to help send some of members of our Youth Fellowship Group to Boston this summer. We accept cash or check, and you can donate any amount you would like. Upon donating, you will receive a certificate of stock that also functions as an invitation to the Stockholders' Lunch on Sunday, August 12, when we will share pictures and stories from our trip.
All are invited to Paula Hoglund's Retirement Party
Sunday, April 22, 11:30 a.m.
MPC Fellowship Hall

 
A group of volunteers is a hard at work to make sure Paula's retirement party is special. Appetizers and dessert will be served, and there will be a program and a few speakers to reflect on Paula's ministry at MPC. You are encouraged to bring a card with your well-wishes for Paula in retirement. A gift from the congregation will be presented, and if you would like to make a donation in honor of Paula you may do so through your Sunday offering or in the church office. Donations will be divided between two organizations of Paula's choosing: Wisconsibs and St. Joseph Food Program.
 
Don't forget: April 22 following worship at 11:30 am the party begins!
Sunday Morning Adult Education
Lectionary Discussion
Upcoming schedule:

  • April 1: Easter Sunday,no class
  • April 8 – John 20:19-31: Jesus gives Spirit, appears to Thomas, led by Pastor Mike
  • April 15: Sunday Times
  • April 22 – Acts 16:16-34: Paul and Silas in prison at Philippi; jailor and his family are baptized
  • April 29 – Acts 17: 16-31: Sermon at Athens: What you worship as unknown I proclaim to you

Hope to see you there -- we’ll have the coffee on!
Help Shape Next Year's Adult Education Offerings
On Monday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m., Greg Braatz will be presenting his thoughts on potential offerings for the 2018-2019 Adult Education Program. However, he would really like your input. Does your thinking line up with what might be offered? What is missing? What would you really like to see? Come on the 9th and help shape the program! 
Come Hear the Stories from the Holy Land Travelers
From its start, and as much as possible, those who went on the Holy Land Trip wanted to make this a congregational experience. In that spirit, on Sunday, April 15 the travelers will be leading us in worship and hosting a meal where we can share our stories with you.
After the 10:00 a.m. worship service, the travelers will provide a soup and salad lunch with the types of ingredients experienced on the trip (nothing too strange we promise, but you should ask Kerry about the smelly cheese). Primarily we ask you to bring yourselves, but feel free to bring a veggie, fruit or cheese tray or a dessert to share. After the meal is shared, there will a presentation of pictures and stories.   We hope to see you there!
Scholarship Applications Due Apr. 15
Three MPC scholarships are available, based on church involvement, community activities, leadership, and academic achievement. Recipients will be notified by the Scholarship Team in time for high school awards ceremonies. For more information, visit the church website or call the church office at 920-734-1787. 
Children and Youth Ministries
Sunday School Program (Age 3 - Grade 6)

All children ages 3 through Grade 6 gather in the Sunday School room in the lower level for a shared Bible story and music time. Then, the younger kids go to the adjoining room for age-appropriate activities and crafts. This schedule allows for both younger and older children to connect with the Bible story and material using activities that are best for each age group. Sunday School will not be held on Easter Sunday, but will resume the following week, on April 8 with the lesson on "Walking With Jesus."

Kinderchurch Worship (Age 3 – Grade 2)

Children participate in this age-appropriate worship service by attending the 10:00 a.m. worship service with their parents for about 15 minutes, and then moving to the Kinderchurch room as a group. Kinderchurch will not be held this Sunday, so that the children may experience Easter Sunday worship service. Kinderchurch is also not held on those Sundays when communion is served, so that children may partake in communion, with their parent's consent.

Wednesday Night Youth Fellowship (Grades 7-12)

Youth Fellowship did not meet this past week due to Spring Break. We will meet again on April 4, as we continue our series More Than Words . Youth Fellowship meets on Wednesday nights from 6-7:30, and is open to all students grades 7-12.

On Sunday mornings, Youth Fellowship meets at 8:45 for Awaken , a program that is different from what we do on Wednesday nights. Our focus during this time is on various current events, our reaction to them and how they affect our lives. It is a time for great conversations and a deeper sense of fellowship as we walk through some of the more difficult things in life.
The MPC Prayer Group meets every Wednesday morning from 9-10 am in the Chapel, praying for our families, our church, our community, and our world. If you have a prayer request, please email it to the church office .

This week, let us pray for:

  • Pat Spindler fell and is suffering from several cracked ribs. She faces several weeks of recovery.
  • Eric Edwards' father, Willie Edwards, passed away.
  • Margaret Fulton asks for prayers for Fritz Kasten, who was recently hospitalized.
  • Rosemary Fraser asks for prayers for her mother, Roseanne Craig, who is recovering from a stroke.
  • Cosette Lang’s daughter, Jane, is healing following a cornea transplant.
  • Cathy Hatfield asks for continued prayers for her brother, Bill.
  • Beth Lepinski’s mother is in need of care and your prayers.
  • Carolyn Zuehls, who is recovering from her stem cell transplant.
Remembering Reverend King:
A Community Worship Encounter

Sunday, April 8, 2018
3:00 p.m.

Grand Ballroom
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
Downtown Appleton
A community worship service is being offered to help mark the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. A group of Christian leaders, drawn from across the spectrum of denominations, ethnicity, and religious tradition, are planning this event to mark 50 years since King’s death and to bring grief and sobering recognition of how far we have yet to go in pursuit of Reverend Dr. King’s dream. Speakers will talk about King’s gospel message in five themes: Unity, Freedom, Love, Justice and Peace.

Featured speakers will be drawn from our local community, including Pastor Alvin Dupree of Family First Ministries, Trinity Vang of The Refuge, Pastor Shawn Whitworth of the Mission Church, Lawrence University Chaplain Rev. Linda J. Morgan-Clement, and Father Joe Matern of CASA Esther. Worship leaders include Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides of First Congregational Church, Pastor Dennis Episcopo of Appleton Alliance Church, Rev. Mike Goodwin of Memorial Presbyterian Church, and Pastor B Vang of the Refuge Church. Dr. Phillip Swan of Lawrence University and Appleton Alliance Church will conduct a mass choir drawn from many churches and our community.
Calling all singers: You are invited to join the mass choir that will be lifting their voices during the Remembering Reverend King service. The choir will rehearse in the ballroom at 1:30 pm on that day.
Sunday & Holy Week Volunteers
Many thanks to all of our Sunday Morning and Holy Week volunteers! If you are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please arrange for substitute and email the church office.
Maundy Thursday, March 29, 2018

Greeters: Mary Francis, Ellen Braatz
Ushers: Peter Ryerson, Don Kunstman, Patty & Dave Ogilvie
Head Usher: John Hill
Reader: Valerie Bayer, Jane Stevenson
Communion Elements Preparation: Mary Lou Opgenorth
Communion Servers: Laurie McCulloch, Marie Desens, Bev Hill
Good Friday Service, March 30, 2018

Greeters: Mary Francis, Paula Hoglund
Ushers: Jane Stevenson , Laurie McCulloch, Sally & John Mielke
Head Usher: Christine Cornell
Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018

Greeters: Francie Kopecky, Marie Desens
Ushers: John Koskinen, Sonja Song, Emily Guttenberg
Head Usher: Jim Bowman
Reader: Kathy Privatt
Communion Preparation: Linda Boldt, Margaret Fulton
Communion Servers: Fred Umland, Shirley Collins, Christine Cornell
Fellowship Hosts: Jeff & Kathy Privatt
Counters: Francie Kopecky, Sonja Song
Sunday, April 8, 2018

Greeters: Sarah Beard, Jeanne & Peter Ryerson
Ushers: Patti Athanas, Quinn Shaffer, Connie & Andy Ogilvie
Head Usher:
Kinderchurch: Susan McDowell, Leader; Paige Kempf, Greeter
Reader: Nancy Umland
Fellowship Hosts: Rosemary and Scott Fraser
Counters: Connie Olson, Jeanne Ryerson
Community Notices
Color Run: Sources of Strength
Hortonville High School
invites the community to participate in
Color Run: Sources of Strength
All proceeds will be donated to Harbor House

Saturday, May 12
Lions Park, Greenville, Wisconsin
1:30 pm Check-in; 3:00 pm Run Starts

$15 Per Runner; $5 per HHS Student

Register online here .
Chaminade Women's Chorus Presents "Women: A Celebration in Song"
Saturday, April 7, 3:00 p.m.
The Draw, 800 S. Lawe St., Appleton
Admission is free; donations welcome

Chaminade Women’s Chorus invites you to an afternoon of music featuring a selection of songs celebrating women and their contributions in music. One of the selections, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” includes songs from 1960 through 2003. Relive the 60’s with songs such as “Locomotion,” “Please Mr. Postman,” “Baby Love,” and “Leader of the Pack,” and songs from other decades. The theme is in line with a new, fully funded, Girls Rock Program, starting this summer. The chorus is directed by Renee Millard and accompanied by Christina Hansen, a bass player and a percussionist. Come join us to help celebrate the “Year of the Woman,” as noted on the cover of the March issue of Fox Cities Magazine . Admission is free; donations are welcome. Parking is available next to the building and is handicap accessible.
Lunch and Learn: Advance Funeral and Cremation Planning
Wednesday, April 18, 11:00 a.m.
Stoneyard Bar & Grill, N1739 Lily of the Valley Drive, Greenville, WI

Wichmann-Fargo Funeral Home invites you to be their guest at a Lunch & Learn Session to learn about the options and benefits of advance funeral and cremation planning. The event will be followed by informal questions and answers. Call today to reserve your seat, as space is limited, at 920-297-2742.
Walking for Wishes
Pig to Pig Community Walk
Saturday, May 5, 8:30 a.m.

The 20th annual Pig to Pig Community Walk to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation will be held on Saturday, May 5. Walkers will begin at the Piggly Wiggly store in Kaukauna at 8:30 a.m., and walk to the finish line at the Piggly Wiggly store in Little Chute. Buses will transport walkers back to the starting line. Registration is $15 per person, or $30 per family. The registration form may be found here .

"The Memo from Memorial" is published every Thursday.
Deadline for notices is Wednesday at 5:00 pm.
Send all information to Paula Hoglund or contact the church office at 920-734-1787.