Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.
(The January 25th worship service livestreams on Facebook and YouTube will be extended to include the Annual Meeting to allow participation.)
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the annual meeting of the congregation and corporation will be held in the church sanctuary.
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 2026 Nominating Committee
- Voting on proposed 2026 Terms of Call to extend to Pastor Deb Swets
- Receiving, as information, the 2026 budget already approved by the Session
- During the meeting, the Session will also give an update regarding next steps in our continuing discernment about our building and resources.
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Per Capita
Per capita for 2026 is $41.00 per person. If you are called to offer a per capita payment, please note “per capita” on the memo line of your check.
We want to make sure everyone knows that per capita apportionments are not "dues." We do not "charge" dues. A per capita payment just means that you want to help with the amount that First Pres is assessed by the PC(USA) to support larger goals and objectives. Our local church does not retain any of the per capita contributions. We send it to the denomination, where it is applied for these purposes:
- It is how Presbyterians are trained to become better ruling elders, teaching elders and deacons, and ministers.
- It is how Presbyterians are helped to discern God's call in their lives.
- It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the wider church by serving committees and commissions, regardless of distance or financial resources.
- It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the Church universal as we commit ourselves to work and live in fellowship with “all persons in every nation” (Book of Order G-4.0101).
Today, let’s dispel the myth that per capita is a dues assessment AND/OR that it signifies membership in our local faith community. We do encourage per capita contributions as they help us allocate resources for local missions and support our congregation. However, if you don’t feel called to contribute per capita, you’ll still receive our newsletter, get announcements, be welcomed at events, and most importantly, remain a cherished member of our flock.
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Annual Giving Statements
The 2025 giving statements will be sent on or before January 31, 2026, to those who have contributed financially. If you have not received your statement by Friday, February 6, 2026, please contact the church office.
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Bad Weather Closure Info
In case of inclement weather, please check the following sources 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
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Breakfast with Friends
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Mike's Place Family Restaurant
2402 Jackson Street, Oshkosh
920-426-0684
Mike's Place Family Restaurant Website
Are you ready for great company, great food, great times?!! Yes? Well then, we’ll see you at “Breakfast with Friends". This is a “no-host” event. Please call the restaurant for the menu and pricing or check their website.
Let us know on or before Thursday, January 15th, that you’ll be coming. Here are some convenient ways to RSVP:
Just a friendly reminder to not only let us know that you're coming, but also how many folks will be in your group!
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"The Ugly Eight"
Home Recycling Presentation
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.
First Pres Campus
After worship on January 18th, let's give a warm First Pres welcome to Kelly Reyer.
Kelly is the Education & Outreach Specialist with Winnebago County Solid Waste Management. Her education and experience in the environmental field has fueled her passion for resource conservation, and she appreciates the opportunity to encourage proper material disposal and teaching best recycling practices.
Having been born and raised in Winnebago County, she loves sharing about these opportunities and resources with her fellow Winnebago County residents. Her presentation will share what CAN and CAN'T be recycled in curbside bins, along with recycling tips and tricks, how the recycling facility operates, and why we hate the "ugly eight".
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Sunday Flower Patronage - 2026
If you're interested in sponsoring flowers in 2026, kindly fill out the online form using the link below and send your payment to the church office. Reservations will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $45 for each Sunday.
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Brown Bag Bible Exploration
1st & 3rd Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
First Pres Multipurpose Room #103
Join us for a delightful gathering where we will delve into the Bible as a community. You'll be embraced by our friendly environment as we share our thoughts! Don't forget to bring your Bible, your lunch, and your enthusiasm to discover more about God's teachings.
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Community Breakfast
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
First Pres Magnolia Hall
We’re delighted to invite you, your friends, and family to the Community Breakfast! Get ready for some scrumptious food and engaging chats. This event is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new acquaintances.
We would really appreciate any assistance you can provide while you're here, if you're willing. Help in various areas would be wonderful, such as organizing, cooking, cleaning, serving, or simply spending time and conversing with guests. Let's collaborate to ensure everyone enjoys themselves! Whether you're here to enjoy a meal, lend a hand, or a combination of both, it's always a pleasure to see you and make some beautiful memories together.
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"Stop the Traffick: Make Some Noise"
Human Trafficking Awareness Day Rally
Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Opera House Square | 315 N. Main Street, Oshkosh
Organized by the Damascus Road Project, Incorporated
Our community will be holding signs for the 16th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day Rally at the Opera House Square (sundial) in Oshkosh. Come for an hour or stay for the entire event! Sign-up is preferred (but not required) so the organizers can better plan (https://bit.ly/htawarenessdayrally). Meet at the Oshkosh Police Department Community vehicle when you arrive. Dress warmly! Signs & hot beverages will be provided. No training is required. Everyone is welcome. And don't forget - it's "Wear Blue Day" to show your support of victims and help raise awareness.
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SPARK! at the Paine
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Paine Art Center and Gardens (Studio on Lower Level)
1410 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh
Registration Required: Call or email Kelsey Raschke | 920.235.6903, ext. 41 | kraschke@thepaine.org
On the last Wednesday of each month, the Paine hosts a free program for people with memory loss and their care partners – SPARK! Together, they enjoy activities related to art, gardens, and current events or exhibitions at the Paine. The programs are not reminiscent, nor do they rely on recalling memories, but rather focus on observations, conversations, and creative experiences.
The program welcomes care partners to stay actively engaged in their communities while having tangible experiences in a comfortable, small-group environment with specially trained staff and volunteers. Facilitators have been trained by Alzheimer’s professionals and collaborate with community partners to continually enhance programming.
SPARK! is something that happens between care partners when involved in a stimulating and engaging experience – SPARKing a moment together – living in the moment.
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Empty Bowls Oshkosh
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Howard | 405 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh
Buy Tickets Here
The beloved Oshkosh Empty Bowls fundraiser returns to unite the community in the fight against hunger.
This annual event comes at a critical time when, in Winnebago County, an estimated 20,240 residents or 11.8% of the population are struggling with food insecurity. Pantries in the Oshkosh area are already operating at capacity, and many report increases in demand and shrinking margins for supply.
By attending Empty Bowls, you will directly contribute to sustaining and strengthening the vital network of food pantries in our area. 100% of proceeds will support local food pantries serving Oshkosh and surrounding communities.
Guests will enjoy a buffet of soups donated by area chefs and restaurants, take home a handcrafted ceramic bowl with their ticket, and experience an evening filled with live music and raffles—all while helping to fight hunger right here at home.
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Men Who Cook!
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Oshkosh Convention Center | 2 N. Main Street, Oshkosh
Presented by Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
It's the 25th anniversary of "Men Who Cook" - Christine Ann's largest fundraiser of the year. It seems a bit early to talk about late March events, right?
Well, here's the thing. Save this date and stay tuned to Christine Ann's Facebook page here and The Weekly Word for more details about all the exciting auction items, individual ticket sales, and phenomenal food! And if you'd like to become a chef at this event or volunteer, reach out to Christine Ann today!
Everyone is welcome to be a chef at this fun event - no professional experience is required. And let's not forget that this event can't run without an amazing group of volunteers. Here's the contact info you need to get more details and sign up:
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Self-Determination Channel
YouTube Link
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WPDD) supports a project called the “Self-Determination Channel” that can be found on YouTube. Whether you are living with a disability, an advocate, or just someone who wants to learn more, this is a great personalized channel to share your voice, see successes, and connect with others.
What will you find on the Self-Determination Channel? Awesome videos about using choice and control in your life. Success Stories | Challenges | Tips & Advice | Self-Determination & Leading a Self-Determined Life
The Self-Determination Channel is hosted by self-advocates and the content is decided by self-advocates.
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World Communion of Reformed Churches calls for solidarity and justice amid Venezuela crisis
Standing with Venezuelan siblings is ‘a strategy for truth-telling, awareness and action’ says WCRC president
January 3, 2026 | World Communion of Reformed Churches | Presbyterian News Service
The World Communion of Reformed Churches strongly condemns the illegal act of aggression by the United States of America in Venezuela earlier on Saturday. It further expresses deep concern over the growing political, economic, and social pressures facing Venezuela, including the threat of occupation by the United States. It calls for an immediate end to military interventions and for international law to be respected by the United States.
Guided by the Accra Confession, which critiques systems of empire, domination, and exploitation, the WCRC emphasized that Venezuela’s crisis cannot be understood solely as a domestic political matter and calls for a consideration of the global implications of militarization in general and Saturday’s aggression in particular. The country’s vast oil reserves and strategic importance have made it a focal point in global power struggles, increasing the risk that coercion, manipulation, or military threats could be normalized as tools for reshaping sovereign states. Such actions are an affront to human dignity and a direct challenge to God’s justice.
The WCRC recalls the binding principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which states that nations must refrain from threats or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Respect for these principles is essential for peace with justice. Read more.
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Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 a.m.
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| | First Presbyterian Church is a member of More Light Presbyterians, a coalition of churches whose mission is to work for the full participation of the LBGTQ community in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society. | | | | | | |
