First Pres Moving Forward, Strong Together... Join the Movement

Photo courtesy of Rosangela Berbert

Happy Anniversary!

Pastor Deb and First Pres are celebrating her 3rd anniversary here! Pastor Deb – you’ve been a constant source of unwavering faith and wise guidance. Your passion and dedication to God’s word has strengthened our congregation, as well as the Oshkosh community, and has helped us navigate life’s challenges. We are truly blessed that you’re here!

Ministering to Migrants on the Brink of Despair

The plight of the thousands of migrants in her native El Salvador keeps Carmen Elena Díaz awake at night.

“Knowing their experiences, their stories, and in ministering to the migrant people, my life has been transformed,” said Carmen. “Their stories mark you, transform you, sensitize you. They make you realize what a hard and difficult subject this is.”

Carmen helps coordinate the Reformed Church of El Salvador’s (IRCES) migrant ministry with deported and displaced people. Addressing the terror and pain of migrants in a country characterized by high rates of violence, political volatility, high unemployment and escalating poverty entails looking not only at immediate solutions but also at other root causes that have led so many in El Salvador to flee their homeland.

Joseph Russ, Presbyterian World Mission’s coordinator for migration issues, advocacy and mission in the Northern Triangle of Central America, which includes El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, first came to El Salvador in 2016 as a young adult. Now he works in close partnership with Carmen and her colleagues and is dedicated to offering leadership training in nonviolence and investing in peacemaking to help reduce migration.

Through a shelter program for internally displaced people and returnees — run in collaboration with the International Red Cross Committee — IRCES reduced people’s exposure to violence and poverty and helped them find stability amid difficult and even dangerous situations. In addition, through community farming programs, they support sustainable agriculture efforts for families, so they have healthier food as well as the opportunity to generate income.

Such efforts are made possible, in part, by gifts to the Peace & Global Witness Offering. The Offering is unique in that half of it is directed to peacemaking and global witness efforts at the national church level to address critical issues around the world, like migration. Twenty-five percent is retained by congregations for our own peace and reconciliation work, and 25% goes to mid councils for similar ministries on the regional level.

The Offering also supported the launch of the Central America Migration Mission Network bringing together organizations from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México and the United States. The network brings together efforts to address the roots of violence and sow the seeds for peace through social transformation in people’s hearts and minds, in public policy and in local communities.

Supporting such collaborative projects of education and Christian witness as the migration network launch is a hallmark of the Peace & Global Witness Offering.

With our gifts to the Peace & Global Witness Offering, we are helping to make a difference. Please give generously, for if we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

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.

Let us pray~

O God, you are the bringer of peace. In Jesus, you showed us the way of peace. Bless our efforts to do the work Jesus showed us to do as we bring peace through our mission and ministry, our tithes and our offerings. Amen.

Corn Factoids and Fun!

What is the average number of rows on an ear of corn?

Corn is a major ingredient in which popular American beverage?

Orange juice
Coffee
Soda
Tea

Which U.S. state is known as the “Corn State”?

Nebraska
Iowa
Kansas
Illinois

Corn was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in which region?

The Andes
The Great Plains
Mesoamerica
The Amazon

What is a corn’s favorite music genre?

Pop
Rock
Rap
Classical

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!!!

Purse Bingo

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 5:30 p.m.

Gibson Social Club | 537 N. Main Street, Oshkosh

Let’s all get out there to support Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services at their Purse Bingo Event. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Cocktails, light appetizers, a 50/50 raffle, and more will keep you busy until Purse Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m.

This is a cash-only event, so please come prepared to join in the fun and support a great cause. Don’t miss your chance to win fabulous designer purses while making a difference in our community!

Corn Factoids & Fun: Last Week's Trivia Answers

What is the scientific name for corn?
Zea mays
What part of the corn plant can be used to make biodegradable plastics?
Cob
Which vitamin is corn particularly high in?
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
What type of corn is known for its multi-colored kernels, often used for decoration?
Flint Corn
What do you call a single kernel of corn?
A niblet

Annual Pet Blessing / Pet Remembrance Service

Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church | 203 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh

The Animal Ministries Group of First Congregational Church in Oshkosh will hold its 11th annual Pet Remembrance/Pet Blessing service, in conjunction with Trinity Episcopal Church of Oshkosh. All are welcome! Weather permitting, the service will be held outside on Trinity’s green space. Otherwise, it will be held indoors in Trinity’s sanctuary.

If you have a beloved pet or pets that you’d like blessed for the role they play in your life, please bring them to this special service being held in honor of pets and St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.

If you’ve lost a pet – whether recently or some time ago – and would like to have them remembered, you’re invited to bring a picture or other memento, like a collar, favorite toy, etc., so they can be honored during this unique and memorable service.

All pets attending should be well-behaved, current on all vaccinations, and either leashed or otherwise contained in a carrier, pet crate, etc., depending on the type of pet you have. If, for some reason you can’t bring your pet but still want to attend the service and have them blessed, feel free to bring a photo of them.

While the service is free, they will be collecting donations of cash and most-needed items for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. Here’s what the Humane Society needs most right now:

Purina One Chicken and Rice Dry Dog Food (red bag)
Purine One Tender Selects Chicken Dry Cat food (blue bag)
Canned Cat Food – any brand/flavor
Canned Dog food – any brand/flavor
Non-bacon Flavored Soft Dog Treats (Pup-peroni Sticks)
Multi-purpose Copy Paper
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Bleach
Towels
Gift Cards to Amazon, Petco, PetSmart & Wal-Mart

Streets of Hope: 2nd Annual Street Art Fundraiser for Day By Day Warming Shelter

Friday, October 11, 2024 | 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Becket’s Center Atrium | 2 Jackson Street, Oshkosh

Tickets: call 920-203-4536 or email Molly@daybydayshelter.org

Buy Tickets Online: Here

Don’t miss this exciting indoor street art festival that is built off the colorful energy of street culture. Street culture is revered across the world as a leading influence in modern music, art, dance, fashion, and food. Streets of Hope will be a night of appreciation for this culture featuring street food, live art, live music, storytelling, performance art, street fashion, and more.

Many shelter guests suffer the emotional stigma of their authentic experiences on the streets. Streets of Hope will honor the creativity that rises from street culture in a way that highlights resilience, vitality, and diversity.

Souptember Food Drive

Oshkosh Area Community Pantry

2551 Jackson Street, Oshkosh

Donation Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3: 30 p.m.

It’s time for this month’s Food Drive for Oshkosh Area Community Pantry. Join the September Food Drive Focus this month and help change up donations with the Souptember food drive! So, add an item or three from the list to your shopping cart and drop off at OACP.

Some examples of items they’re looking for include:

Cream soups * Chunky soups * Chili beans * Chili seasoning * Shelf stable soup mixes

Oyster crackers * Saltine crackers * Corn bread mix * Biscuit mix * Split green peas

Chicken broth * Beef broth * Vegetable broth * Chicken stock * Beef stock

They, of course, can still use any donations whether it be food or monetary, but this month they are encouraging you to pick up your favorite soup fixins’ to share with an OACP family!

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text or chat 988 immediately (chat is available at 988Lifeline.org).

September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Month Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.

This is the time to reflect on lives lost to suicide, acknowledging that millions each day experience suicidal ideations, and to equip communities with knowledge of valuable resources available to support during their moment of crisis. Never suffer in silence because you are not alone. We are working hard to reduce the stigma by educating others on the importance of seeking help when needed.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

According to the CDC, each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss.

*Individual Impact:

79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

*Community Impact:

Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
U.S. Adults: 4.8%
Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4%
Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%
American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%
Young adults aged 18-25: 13%
High school students: 22%
LGBTQ youth: 41%
The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to their peers.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

For more information about suicide prevention, contact:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Fox Valley at 920.954.1550
Samaritan at 920.886.9319

*Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.

Churches unite to transform communities: building belonging amid the housing crisis

Westminster John Knox Press, Special to Presbyterian News Service

September 11, 2024

A book set for publication this fall invites us to join the church movement reshaping our neighborhoods — embracing love and creating community to house our neighbors and recognize our shared humanity.

In many neighborhoods, soaring housing costs have created an alarming wave of instability, leaving congregations situated at the heart of communities grappling with housing insecurity. Simultaneously, societal divisions across ideologies, racial lines, class disparities and diverse perspectives have eroded the fabric of these communities, leaving a void in shared connections.

Churches, amid declining membership and dwindling engagement, have an opportunity to provide a key role in these changing landscapes. In “Building Belonging: The Church’s Call to Create Community and House Our Neighbors,” the Rev. Dr. John Cleghorn, a Presbyterian pastor from Charlotte, North Carolina — a city where prosperity and poverty uncomfortably coexist — shows how numerous congregations across the United States are leading the charge, embracing innovative approaches to ministry that leverage their resources to become havens of both welcome and shelter. Read more.

Howard University School of Divinity dean offers ways to use prophetic preaching to be heard in a tone-deaf culture

by Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service

September 13, 2024

Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, a nationally recognized expert on African American preaching and the dean of Howard University School of Divinity, shared his thinking on “Prophetic Preaching in a Tone-Deaf Culture” during a recent online presentation for New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.

Gilbert, who’s taught homiletics at Howard’s School of Divinity since 2006, recalled sitting on a park bench with Walter Brueggemann ahead of Gilbert writing a 2018 piece for Sojourners on the 40th anniversary of Brueggemann’s classic book, “The Prophetic Imagination.” Gilbert asked Brueggemann what advice he had for being prophetic in these times. Brueggemann told Gilbert, “We have to do social analysis better, how to follow the money to see where it creates hurt, and that white people are not very good at social analysis,” Gilbert recalled. The other thing Brueggemann told Gilbert was to “trust the biblical text.”

Much of what Gilbert shared came from his 2018 book, “Exodus Preaching.” “Writing is first inner work,” Gilbert said. He said he seeks to “get readers to see Jesus rightly” and “give them voice to name reality.” He defined tone deafness as “the failure to perceive incongruities of human experience that is often tied to willful ignorance born of ideological entrenchment.” Read more.