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We Sow the Seeds: Peace & Global Witness Special Offering

We live in an era of uncertainty. The uncertainty of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, climate change, political polarization and more. The uncertainty of aggression through war, gun violence, human trafficking and international conflict. The uncertainty of employment, inflation, illness — the list goes on.

However, when we think about it, we guess humanity always has in one form or another. Long ago, the Psalmist wrote: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NRSV). Today, as a community of faith, we claim God’s promise — you are with me.

We’re grateful for your participation in A Season of Peace culminating with receiving the Peace & Global Witness Offering. This offering draws Presbyterians together and provides education and exposure to siblings in Christ who work for peace every day. Your support of this offering helps encourage our church partners in Ukraine as they struggle against the trauma of war. It helps congregations begin to address the growing mental health crisis and the increase in the number of suicides in their communities. It provides resources for congregations seeking to address issues of gun violence in their communities.

This is why we give generously to the Peace & Global Witness Offering. We give because we know that every level of society needs Christ’s peace. From our congregation, where we retain 25% of this Offering to support our mission and its important role in our community; to the region, where 25% is retained by mid councils to support peacemaking efforts with our neighboring congregations; and to the ends of the Earth, where the remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to join the peacemaking efforts of church partners all over the globe. We join these monetary gifts with our prayers for peace and our work for justice.

As a community of faith, we want to deepen our commitment to peacemaking so that it becomes a visible and profound witness to our community. Each of us is challenged to consider how we might increase our witness and our giving to the Peace & Global Witness Offering. We pray that the God of Peace might open the generosity in our hearts to join with Christians all over the country in response to the Peace & Global Witness Offering.

As Presbyterians, we claim Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace and pattern our lives in the compassion, kindness and grace that he shows us. God is with us. May we joyfully bring that peace to all those we care for, love and serve.

If you feel the call to donate, please send in your offering to the church office or donate online here. Donations are requested by Sunday, October 6th.

Corn Factoids and Fun!

What is the scientific name for corn?

Triticum
Zea mays
Hordeum vulgare
Oryza sativa

What part of the corn plant can be used to make biodegradable plastics?

Kernels
Stalk
Cob
Husk

Which vitamin is corn particularly high in?

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin D

What type of corn is known for its multi-colored kernels, often used for decoration?

Sweet corn
Dent corn
Flint corn
Waxy corn

What do you call a single kernel of corn?

A coblet
A niblet
A corny joke
A solo pop

Can you find last week's answers somewhere in the newsletter???

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. | First Pres Multipurpose Room #103

Bible Exploration, just as its name says, is a time to explore God’s Word–to focus on God, to learn what remarkable things God has done, and then to figure out how that affects our lives. So, bring your Bible, bring your thirst for God’s Word, bring your lunch, and join us for Brown Bag Bible Exploration!

Community Breakfast

Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | First Pres Magnolia Hall

In addition to a hot, healthy meal, the Community Breakfast provides the opportunity for the community to develop new friendships and offer an encouraging word to one another. It’s a chance to show how much we care. So, please help spread the word that this is the place to be whether you’re seeking assistance, looking to help, or simply want to be part of a community that cares. Together, we’re not just sharing a meal; we’re nurturing the roots of our community. Can’t wait to see you at breakfast!

Here's a thought... why not have a hearty meal at the Community Breakfast and then saunter over to the garage area for a dessert doughnut, and then lend a hand with Beautification!!!

Traveling Oshkosh Memory Café

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Oshkosh Public Museum | 1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh

Registration Required: call 920.851.8319

Join the group at the Oshkosh Public Museum for an afternoon of discovery. Learn about the history of Oshkosh and participate in fun activities!

Corn Factoids & Fun: Last Week's Trivia Answers

What is the name of the fibrous threads found on an ear of corn?
Silk
What is the purpose of the tassel on a corn plant?
To produce pollen
What type of corn is typically used to make tortillas and tamales?
Flour corn
What is the primary use of field corn in the United States?
Animal feed
Why was the corn stalk so good at listening?
It had a big ear.

Memory Screening

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Oshkosh Senior Center | 200 North Campbell Road, Oshkosh | By Appointment Only: call 920.232.5300

A quick memory test can help determine your baseline or detect early memory loss. A Dementia Care Specialist from the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Winnebago County, a will be available to complete memory screenings and answer questions regarding memory loss, dementia, and caregiving.

Community Open House

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services | 240 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Open House: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Ribbon Cutting: 4:00 p.m. | No RSVP Needed!

Come see their new home! The Beach Building at 240 Algoma Boulevard in downtown Oshkosh is now owned by Christine Ann.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m.. Guided tours every hour on the hour (:00) or you can wander around at your leisure. In honor of their 40th anniversary, the first 40 visitors will receive a special gift!

On the 1st floor, you’ll see staff and community spaces. The 2nd floor will serve as their Emergency Shelter with 64 beds. On the 3rd floor, they’re launching a Transitional Housing program to help survivors break cycles of abuse and poverty.

Will you help us reach their fundraising goal before they move? With a donation of $40 or more, you can write your name and/or an encouraging message for survivors on a paper leaf that will decorate our vestibule.

Join in to celebrate Christine Ann’s 40th anniversary and the start of an exciting new chapter!

15th Annual N.E.W. Pride Festival

Friday, September 20, 2024

Starts at 5:00 p.m. | $5 cover

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Starts at 12:00 noon | free for all

Brown County Fairgrounds | 1500 Fort Howard Avenue, De Pere

We are so excited for N.E.W. Pride’s 15th year! We strongly believe that everyone deserves to be a part of a healthy, happy, and supportive community. N.E.W. Pride brings a sense of togetherness to thousands each year. This event lets those who are LGBTQ+ know they aren’t alone and that resources exist to help them no matter what stage of their journey they are in.

If you have any questions about the Repair Café or would like to volunteer as a “fixer,” send an email to RepairCafeOshkosh@gmail.com.

Repair Café Oshkosh

Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Oshkosh Public Library | 106 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh

This is the epitome of neighbors helping neighbors – fixing stuff for free. So, if you have anything that needs repair, stop on by the Repair Café. Here’s what the “fixers” will help with:

small appliances * computers * sewing & mending * electronics * furniture * bicycles * jewelry * watches

Ground Rules:

under 18, guardian required * no firearms or weapons

School for Seniors

Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church – Fellowship Hall | 140 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah

RSVP by Monday, September 23, 2024: call City of Neenah at 920.886.6125

You can’t miss this unique, tuition-free Lifelong Learning event! A myriad of fair presenters will host sessions about Community Care: Awareness & Resources for Memory Loss, Community Resources; and Community Safety. Call the City of Neenah today for more information and to RSVP. Registration, refreshments, and information tables will be available beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Saturday, September 28, 2024 | Event Opens 8:30 a.m. |Opening Ceremony 9:40 a.m. | Walk 10:00 a.m.

Lakeshore Pavilion | 1875 Punhoqua Street, Oshkosh

Registration Required: call Deb Paul at 920.260.4532 or email depaul@alz.org

More info and online registration here

This is why we walk.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, they’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments. They’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, they need you. Join the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

There is no registration fee for Walk. However, every participant is asked to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

A Season of Peace

September 8th – October 6th

Welcome to the 2024 Season of Peace. This year’s reflections highlight the lives of Presbyterians who have worked to advance peace and justice.

Path of Peace Daily Reflections (Click here.)

Every fall, the Presbyterian Church’s Peacemaking Program extends an invitation to join with people of faith from around the country and the world for A Season of Peace, a month-long pilgrimage designed to deepen the pursuit of peace for congregations, small groups, families, and individuals. This season is a time of growth, encouragement, challenge, inspiration, and education which invites you to consider your own relationship to peacemaking and justice.

In the culminating chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author rachets up the exhortations and reminders. “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (12.1) they write. This heavenly band shines forth “the peaceful fruit of righteousness,” (12.11) and by their example, they extend both encouragement and a challenge: “lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet.” (12.12-13) This year’s Path of Peace takes up this call in a distinct way. Each day, we offer a vignette of a Presbyterian who contributed to the civic and spiritual well-being of our church and world and made a significant impact on the common good here or abroad. Some battled injustice, others broke down barriers and dividing walls. Many advocated for marginalized communities and made room for them within the church. Each offers us an example of how peace can be pursued in tangible ways.

Our focus on particular individuals also invites one disclaimer. The Season of Peace is not unlimited. It’s not possible to include every Presbyterian worthy of note. The list is not exhaustive, ranked, nor perfectly representative of all the Presbyterians whose examples shine forth for our consideration and emulation. The priesthood of all believers and the kingdom of heaven are, after all, notoriously resistant to our ordinary habits of ranking and classification. But these vignettes are representative of the many saints who have come before us whose lives can encourage and edify us. This fall, in particular, is a tense and tender time in our church, country, and world. Our hope is that these reflections will spur personal, spiritual, and moral growth while also serving as a sorely needed balm and a breath of fresh air. May they provide a counter-narrative of good news, true hope, and stirring inspiration that moves us all to work together along the path of peace for the well-being of all of God’s beloved creation.

‘Songs in the Key of Resistance’

September 4, 2024

by Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

“Kairos is an ancient Greek word, describing a time of great change when the old ways of the world are dying and new ones are struggling to be born,” said Pauline Pisano, organizer for the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice. “It’s clear we are living through exactly such a time today.” Pisano called this time “full of grave danger and rare opportunity” and described the work of the center in lifting up leaders and activists to take bold, prophetic and imaginative action to break free from the “intolerable conditions of poverty, systemic racism, militarism, ecological devastation and more.”

Pisano spoke to a crowd under “The Tent of Make Believe,” a venue sponsored by PC(USA)’s 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary at the Wild Goose Festival, a four-day event rooted in progressive Christianity that celebrates “spirit, justice, music and art.” Pisano was joined by other cultural artists and colleagues from the Kairos Center and the Freedom Church of the Poor, who together conducted a song circle and lifted up stories of the role of song in their political actions and peaceful protests.

Pisano relayed how often the “unsung leaders emerging out of poor and oppressed communities have been the first to feel the pain of injustice and the first to strike out against it.” The Kairos Center works to raise up generations of these leaders and to form a community to help sustain their work. Read more.

‘Dream big because God is big’

September 6, 2024

by Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service

If anything can succeed in generating a solid crowd at 6:45 a.m. during the already rigorous demands of a General Assembly, it’s the promise that God is doing a new thing.

And, just maybe, a speaker like the Rev. Mark Elsdon. Elsdon, a Presbyterian pastor and author, energized the early morning gathering not only through his remarks but also as moderator of a panel whose powerful stories of using church property to advance their mission was punctuated with frequent applause.

Elsdon, who also co-founded Rooted Good to help churches “generate new forms of income, reimagine the use of [their] buildings and land, and fulfill [their] mission and purpose in [their] community,” introduced the gathering to such resources as its self-guided Good Futures Accelerator before presenting the morning’s panelists. Asking the panel where they are seeing God at work in the question of property, land and building use, Elsdon opened a floodgate of inspiring testimonies from four PC(USA) innovators.

Just such a story of rebirth was shared by the Rev. Sharon Core, general presbyter for the Presbytery of the Western Reserve, who was first to speak. Prior to assuming her current position, Core led the Arlington (Virginia) Presbyterian Church to partner with a development company to provide 173 units of affordable housing with a perpetual presence for the church as part of it. Read more.