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Thanks for Spreading Christmas Joy!

Kudos to those who gave to the Christmas Joy Special Offering. Thanks to your generosity, we sent $1,269.00 to the Presbyterian Mission Agency this season. The Christmas Joy Special Offering provides support for Presbyterian church workers and their families in their time of need and leadership development, as well as education for communities of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.

Epiphany Star Words

The use of star words is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany and the new year that has been growing in popularity in Protestant churches for nearly a decade now. The idea is that you receive an intention word, or guiding word, and trust the word that you receive. Placing your star word somewhere you will see it regularly throughout the year allows consistent reflection on how God has moved through, around, or in connection to that word.

There are several theological statements being made in the star words tradition:

The Magi followed a star, which ultimately led them to Jesus. Therefore, we, too, use all the resources we have available to us—including creative prayer practices and intention words for the new year—to move closer to Jesus.
We trust that God uses multiple ways to guide us and speak to us. Star words offer a tool to actively seek and reflect on God’s presence among us, both in the moment and in hindsight.
We recognize that it is often easy to miss God throughout our daily lives. Having an intention word to consider both in present days, as well as to reflect on at the end of the year, allows for us to see God in ways we may not have seen God before. This is the greatest gift.
We know that the most common prayer practice for many involves speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. We believe that star words invite a new prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.
By receiving a star word that is selected for us, we practice the spiritual task of receiving. It is not we who are in control in this moment. Instead, we trust that God is present, and we let go of our desire to cultivate or control.

During worship on January 5th, we distributed star words but still have a generous supply on hand. If you are interested in a star word to contemplate during this coming year, please contact the church office; and one will be mailed to you.

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 10:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian Sanctuary | Zoom

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the annual meeting of the congregation and corporation will be held in the church sanctuary. Copies of the annual report will be available at the back of the sanctuary and online beginning January 19, 2025. Zoom details will be provided in next week’s newsletter.

Here’s an overview of what to expect (subject to change as needs may dictate):

A report from the pastor that will include accomplishments and vision for the coming months of our journey
An opportunity to review the accomplishments of the past year through the overviews provided by each committee and included in the annual report
Voting for Deacon and Elder candidate(s) that are presented by the Nominating Committee
Voting on congregational representatives for the 2025 Nominating Committee
Voting on proposed 2025 Terms of Call to extend to Pastor Deb Swets
Receiving, as information, the 2025 budget already approved by the Session

Annual Giving Statements

The 2024 giving statements will be sent on or before January 31, 2025, to those who have contributed financially. If you have not received your statement by Friday, February 7, 2025, please contact the church office.

2025 Per Capita

Per capita for 2025 is $40 per person. If you would kindly note “per capita” on the memo line of your check, we would appreciate it.

We want to ensure that everyone understands that per capita apportionments are not “dues.” We don’t “charge” dues. A per capita payment simply means that you would like to contribute to the amount that First Pres is assessed by the PC(USA) to support big picture goals and objectives. Our local church doesn’t keep a dime of per capita contributions. We send it on to the denomination where it’s used for these purposes:

Partnering with ecumenical bodies worldwide to promote Christian unity
Witnessing on behalf of the church on social issues
Identifying and supporting the development of church leadership
Planning for the biennial General Assembly meetings
Administration of the Church Leadership Connection – the referral system that connects pastors and congregations
Publication of the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions, which are the Constitution of the PC(USA)
Maintaining judicial services
Staffing, training, and meeting costs for General Assembly committees essential to the governance of the church
Serving as home for the Presbyterian Historical Society, where church records are preserved

So, today, let’s put to rest the myth that per capita is a dues assessment that equals being part of our local faith community. Yes, we encourage per capita contributions because they free up our resources for local missions and sustenance of our congregation. But, if you don’t feel called to offer per capita, you’ll still get our newsletter, you’ll still receive announcements, and most importantly, you’ll still be a beloved part of our flock.

Bad Weather Closure Info

In case of inclement weather, please check the following for closure information:

First Pres Facebook page
First Pres website
Your email inbox (if you’ve provided the church office with an email address)
Your mobile phone text messages (if you’ve opted in to receive texts from the church)
WBAY-TV (ABC 2) (Green Bay - Fox Cities)
WBAY website

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Magnolia Hall at First Pres

This gathering presents a fantastic chance for those looking for a caring and encouraging environment to reflect on their personal beliefs. We warmly welcome you to join us for Brown Bag Bible Exploration, where you can bring along your Bible, your enthusiasm for delving into God’s Word, and your lunch!

Community Breakfast

Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres

The community breakfast is more than just a place to enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals and engage in lively discussions; it acts as an essential center for support and connection among residents. Whether you’re seeking assistance, looking to lend a helping hand, or simply wishing to connect with a compassionate group of people, we warmly welcome you to join us. This gathering is all about reinforcing the fundamental bonds that unite our community, going beyond merely sharing food to fostering meaningful relationships.

Valentine Cookie Decorating Event

Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Magnolia Hall at First Pres

Can you believe we’re already discussing Valentine’s Day? Absolutely! Our schedules tend to get busy quickly, so it’s essential to set aside this special day. Imagine the joy of gathering with your loved ones on a Saturday morning to decorate cookies and create lasting memories together! Be sure to circle January 25th on your calendar, as we can’t wait to see you there. We’ll have all the necessary supplies prepared and ready for a delightful time!

January 11 is #WearBlueDay

Human trafficking affects millions across the globe; and January 11, 2025, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, aka #WearBlueDay. Throughout the month, Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities, with a spotlight on #WearBlueDay. Why blue? It’s the international color of human trafficking awareness.

We invite everyone to wear something blue to show your support to save lives and end human trafficking. And why not take a photo to share on your social media with #WearBlueDay! Join the fight against human trafficking.

Repair Café Oshkosh

Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Oshkosh Public Library | 106 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh

Neighbors helping neighbors fix stuff. That’s the fabulous goal of Repair Café Oshkosh. Here are the details for the upcoming Café.

The volunteer fixers will be fixing for free what you, the community, bring to the event.

Clothes * Jewelry * Watches * Appliances * Electronics * Furniture * Computers

Whatever you can bring in (with some exceptions, read below), they can take a look at it. Please note the following:

There will be a five-item limit per person;
The welcome table will close at 4:30pm to allow us to finish and clean before 5pm close;
There will be no outdoor station for engines and bicycles, so you should bring in those items at the next Repair Café Oshkosh event in the Spring.

So, get excited for the January 26th event, get your broken items gathered and ready; and please help us get the word out by telling your family and community about this awesome and free community event.

Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh:

2025 Summer Program

June 9 – August 22, 2025 | Monday – Friday | 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

501 E. Parkway Avenue, Oshkosh

Registration Required:

call 920.233-1414 | email info@bgcosh.org

Registration for The Club’s summer program opens on Monday, January 13th and the limited number of spots fill up fast! Programs for ages 5-11 years old are fee-based, while kids 12-18 are free. Registration is required for all age groups. Give The Club a call for more details and to register.

New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults

The New Year provides us with an opportunity to improve our wellbeing through setting goals and taking action. A resolution is a promise to oneself to live a better life and build a better future. Here are some ideas for you!

Learn Something New: Learning new things gets you out of your comfort zone and can improve your memory.

Tell Your Life Story: Your loved ones want to know about your life, so record your life story in some way. You could write your memoir, organize a photo album, or create a scrapbook.

Embrace Technology: New technology can be confusing, but avoiding it means you are missing out on ways to connect with your loved ones.

Safety Proof Your Home: Clear away items in your home that could be a tripping hazard, like rugs or loose cords. Make sure there is proper lighting in all parts of the house so you can see where you’re going.

Be Proactive About Your Health: Schedule regular checkups and be proactive about your health. Early detection of health issues can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Prepare your Advanced Directives: You will feel relieved when you complete your Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Finance so that your family/friends know what you do/do not want if your health changes.

Interfaith Immigration Coalition expresses solidarity with immigrants, refugees and newcomers

PC(USA) advocacy director says, ‘We recommit to solidarity as we live into hope and faith that God is making a way’

Darla Carter, Presbyterian News Service

November 15, 2024

LOUISVILLE — The transition taking place at the White House has prompted an interfaith coalition that includes the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to issue a statement reaffirming its commitment to advocating for immigrants, refugees and other newcomers seeking to make a home in the United States.

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition, which is comprised of more than 56 national, faith-based organizations, released a statement Thursday expressing its solidarity with the vulnerable and showing its concern about the potential impact of Donald Trump returning to office.

“Understanding that the policies that may be in store in the next administration — mass deportation, family separation, curtailing access to protection from persecution — may profoundly impact families and vulnerable people on the move and at the border, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition recommits to the critical work of accompaniment, solidarity and action alongside immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, TPS beneficiaries and others impacted,” the coalition stated in a news release. Read more.