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Words for the Beginning:

Advent Reminders for New Seasons

A Sanctified Art | sanctifiedart.org

Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. The world as we know it spins madly on. In the year when these resources are released (2024), Advent will start as another election season in the U.S. comes to a close. What are the reminders we will need in order to move faithfully through this threshold?

[The team at A Sanctified Art has] crafted an Advent series filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. [They] imagined the words Mary would speak to her newborn son. What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, [their] weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults. They may sound like the messages or homilies we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies or sacred rituals. [They] intentionally selected scriptures that may be frequently used in weddings, ordination services, or baptisms. We invite you to enter this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. And yet, Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. As we also move through new personal and political chapters, may these words for the beginning renew us and remind us of the ways we are called to live out our faith. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, let love be your beginning.

We hope you find the devotional series, which you will receive each week, to be an inspiration.

Words for the Beginning: The First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 43: 1-7 | Luke 1: 26-38

Mary is described as “blessed among women” (Luke 1:28). She is neither wealthy nor powerful, and yet she is chosen to bear God’s child. Her story begins with blessedness, and so does ours, for the prophet Isaiah declares that we are claimed by a God who calls our name. We are a blessing because we belong to God. When blessedness is our beginning, we begin to see the world—and others—through the eyes of a God who says: “You are precious in my sight” (Isaiah 43:4). A Sanctified Art | sanctifiedart.org

First Sunday of Advent: Devotional Series

This quilt square is a simplified abstract image of the angel Gabriel who tells Mary she is “blessed among women.”

For those of us who gather in Advent expectation, we know that the only perfect gift ever given was the one we received in Jesus Christ. Finding that perfect gift is hard, often laborious work. If you’re like most people, you seriously worry that your loved one won’t like the gift, or they might find the gift to be unsatisfactory — so much worry leading up to Christmas. Yet, our congregation knows that our collective gifts through the Christmas Joy Offering celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the “perfect gift” from a gracious God. Indeed, there is only one perfect gift.

Think back on those people in your life who have truly developed your faith. It may be a pastor or Christian educator, a youth minister, or Sunday school teacher. Devoted and caring leaders have led many of us in the way of Christ. Church workers have shaped our faith, and they have been God’s gifts among us. As we celebrate Christ’s coming and think of the profound impact these individuals have had on us, the Christmas Joy Offering provides a way for us to offer a gift in response, especially for those church workers who find themselves in times where they need assistance to pay bills or receive life-saving medical treatment. Our gifts through the Christmas Joy Offering support these people who give so much of themselves to Christ’s church.

Even as we support our current and former church leaders and their families, God is calling new leaders for our Church and world, through the ministry of Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas; and Stillman College, a Historically Black College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, are sustained through the generosity of Presbyterians, which means a brighter future and enhanced opportunities for those students to use their talents and skills to serve God, the Church and the world for years to come. When you give to the Christmas Joy Offering, you help sustain these promises and uplift our siblings in Christ by reducing their burdens and opening new paths of opportunity.

Despite the worry and consternation of this busy season, we can never match God’s perfect gift in Jesus, but through the Christmas Joy Offering, we can testify to who we have known God to be. Our perfect gift comes from above. Our gifts reflect our generous God. Our gifts support leaders in our Church and world — past, present and future.

Please give what you can to the Christmas Joy Offering — for when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot. We ask that any donations be received by December 29, 2024. Use the envelopes that are in the Sunday bulletin or donate online here.

Stewardship

As we continue our journey, we are excited about what God has in store for our faith community. We believe that with your continued support, we can make an even greater impact and reach even more people with the message of love, hope, and salvation. Thank you for your generosity, faithfulness, and commitment to our church’s mission!

Browse the online catalog here.

Presbyterian Giving Catalog

The Presbyterian Giving Catalog provides an easy way to give a new kind of gift - tangible gifts of practical and lasting benefit, such as chickens, goats, oxen, garden wells, community gardens, and training. These gifts also link each of us more closely with one another and with God. The Giving Catalog has over 40 gifts that can be given, gifts that address some of the most important issues people face at home and around the world. Clean water, aid for refugees, widespread hunger and women’s empowerment are just some of the causes that can be supported through the Giving Catalog.

Generous gifts to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog are signs of our gratitude: feeding the hungry, comforting the brokenhearted, and sharing our faith with young and old. Your gift provides help, hope, and relief to people, families, and communities in need. Each gift is just the beginning. The smallest seed can grow into something transformative, taking root and making the earth change.

Hanging of the Greens

Sunday, December 1, 2024

10:30 a.m.

First Pres Sanctuary

Advent is a season of preparation for Jesus’ birth, and that preparation includes our worship space. Join us as we gather to adorn our sanctuary and contemplate the everlasting life that is associated with the greenery.

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Magnolia Hall at First Pres

(please note the change in location to Magnolia Hall)

If you’re looking for a supportive and nurturing environment where you can delve into your faith, then this group is for you. Bring your Bible, bring your thirst for God’s Word, bring your lunch, and join us for Brown Bag Bible Exploration.

Christmas Cookie Exchange

Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres

A cookie exchange is a fabulous way to celebrate the holidays and get everyone together! So, here’s the scoop on how this will work while you Connect Over Coffee after worship:

2 dozen cookies are requested (6 each in plastic sandwich bag - labeled with cookie name) BUT
You don’t need to bring cookies to get some!
Bring copies of your recipe to share with anyone who finds your cookies delicious!
Drop off on Sunday morning, December 8th, in the “Cookie Exchange” bin next to the hospitality table (by church office)
Meet in Magnolia Hall at 10:30 a.m. to choose treats - and hang out with the crowd!

Lunch and a Movie: White Christmas

Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 11:45 a.m.| Multipurpose Room (#103) at First Pres

RSVP: on or before Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to gather with friends and family for an afternoon at the movies. Laugh, talk, and bond with all who attend. Feel free to bring your own camp chair if that enhances your comfort at this event!

We’ll enjoy a scrumptious chili lunch (regular and white meat chicken) – plus mini corn dogs, corn bread, fixins’, and more; and then the movie begins! The classic White Christmas will bring joy to your heart! Two talented song-and-dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. One winter, they join forces with a sister act and trek to Vermont for a white Christmas. The real adventure starts when the star performers discover that the inn is run by their old army general who’s now in financial trouble. And the result is the stuff dreams are made of!

So, bring your family and friends. And let us know today that you’ll be joining the fun! Convenient forms will be in the Sunday bulletins or order RSVP here.

Community Breakfast

Saturday, December 28, 2024

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Magnolia Hall at First Pres

The community breakfast functions as an essential center for connection and support, offering a nourishing, home-cooked meal alongside opportunities for engaging discussions. We encourage you to participate in this experience—whether you are in need of assistance, wish to offer your support, or simply desire to engage with a compassionate community. Together, we are not merely sharing a meal; we are fostering the fundamental bonds of our community.

Oshkosh Celebration of Lights

Friday, November 29, 2024 through Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

EAA Grounds: 1858 Neunteufel Avenue, Oshkosh

For more information & all event details:

Call 920.312.4283 | Email oshkoshcolorg@gmail.com | Website

It’s magical, it’s enchanting, and it’s an Oshkosh holiday tradition that started in 2001! Holiday sights and sounds are displayed throughout the EAA Grounds.

This effort is so much more than the 3/4 of a million lights spread over a 1.2-mile route through the beautiful EAA Grounds. Since 2001, attendees to the annual holiday event have donated close to 150 tons of non-perishable food, which has been donated to local pantries to feed those in need here in the Oshkosh area.

General Admission per carload is $20.00 with $5.00 off with donation(s) of a sealed hygiene item (shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc.) or multiple, non-perishable in-date food items.

For all the details about free community nights, special nights, Santa, and more, contact the Celebration of Lights team today or check out the website!

Milwaukee Justice Center: Name/Gender Change Clinic

Friday, December 6, 2024 and Friday, December 13, 2024 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Milwaukee County Courthouse, Room G9 | 901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee

Questions? Call 414.288.6912

The Milwaukee Justice Center recognizes the significant increase in anxiety and concern around securing legal name or gender marker changes for trans and gender-diverse individuals. To that end, it has scheduled 2 clinics to expedite this process and provide as much support as possible.

Ubuntu Holiday Meal

Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.

People of Progression | 333 First Street, Suite A, Menasha

Free Event | RSVP Required

Call 920.815.9487 | Email info@peopleofprogression.org | Online RSVP here

People of Progression will be hosting its first Ubuntu Holiday Meal next month!

Ubuntu is a Bantu African philosophy that represents humanity and interconnectedness: “I am because we are.” This is a safe space for Black people to meet each other, enjoy a meal together this holiday season, and participate in group activities.

Ecumenical Blue Christmas Service

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. | Peace Lutheran Church | 240 W. 9th Avenue, Oshkosh.

(Please note - 6:30 reflects the new time for the service.)

Join us as we participate in an ecumenical Blue Christmas on December 18th with our friends and neighbors from other churches in the Oshkosh community. The service offers comfort to all who are grieving and struggling to find joy and hope during the season. A Blue Christmas Service is a tradition that happens around the longest night of the year; and through song, prayers, and readings, we acknowledge pain and emptiness alongside hope. It’s a reflection which gently speaks of light in darkness.

Holiday Gift Card Drive

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services | 240 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh | 920.235.5998

The holiday season is here! For their holiday program this year, Christine Ann will be doing a gift card drive again! The gift cards allow their clients to create their very own holiday magic. Thank you for your help in supporting survivors!

Blessing Box Update

Donation Bin: Next to the Church Office

Donation Hours:

Sundays before/after worship; Thursdays 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

It’s time for an update on the Blessing Box priority list. Toilet paper remains a constant need. So, if you can spare a square, please drop off your donations in the bin under the “Community Crossroads” bulletin board by the church office. Priority food items that we need are canned soups and canned vegetables. Hint, hint: stop by any dollar store for great deals! Thanks so much for being a good neighbor and friend within our community!

Day By Day Shelter: Facts & Figures

420 Ceape Avenue, Oshkosh | 920.203.4536

Donation hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or by appointment

Ever wonder what it takes to fuel the mission at Day By Day? Well… every year, Day By Day serves 55 guests and volunteers each day - that’s a yearly total of:

1,825 gallons of milk
36,500 cups of coffee
1,095 boxes of cereal
10,950 pieces of fresh fruit

Your support keeps this essential meal program going strong for 2025. Every donation helps nourish their guests.

Universal Human Rights Month

Universal Human Rights Month is an annual designation observed in December, and it started in 1948 when the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This month and every month to follow, people all across the globe are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. December is a time to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document stating the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. These rights include freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

The Dignity & Respect Campaign says the best way we can celebrate Universal Human Rights Month is by working to find common ground with those around us who may not have the same background as we do. Their advice is to remember that we were all born into the same world, we are all humans, and our different races, religions, beliefs, and cultures shouldn’t divide us. This December, take a little time out of your schedule to educate yourself. If another culture makes you anxious or apprehensive, learn more about their history and why they do things the way they do. Chances are, it’ll humanize them and help you understand that they aren’t people to be “afraid” of, or to dislike. This month, you can also:

Read a book about the Declaration of Human rights, or about human rights in general
Spread the word on social media
Go out of your way to treat everyone with respect, kindness, and equality
Teach others about why human rights for everyone are so important

Synod of Lakes and Prairies approves new policy on restorative action

To date, the Synod has surrendered nearly $435,000 to trusts and organizations directed by Afro American and Indigenous American communities

Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Special to Presbyterian News Service

November 30, 2024

During its fall meeting, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies approved a new policy of restorative actions.

Synod Moderator Jeff Dickinson noted that the synod — comprised of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and eastern and central Nebraska — pledges to allocate, according to its new policy, “a proportional amount of wealth it receives from future undesignated bequests and property transfers for surrender to Restorative Actions trusts or Afro American and Indigenous organizations benefiting their communities.”

According to its website, Restorative Actions is “a grassroots voluntary initiative for churches, individuals, mid councils and agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as other ecumenical partners and interested organizations to take a leadership stance in opposition to racism and racial privilege.” Its premise is that it would be “right and fair for predominantly white churches and affiliated organizations to return benefits that have been accrued to them directly or indirectly from systemic inequities.” Read more.