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

Welcome Midday Narcotics Anonymous

We are humbled to expand our efforts as a community partner and welcome Midday Narcotics Anonymous to our church building. This group meets Monday-Friday at noon and was created with 2nd and 3rd shift workers in mind. Oshkosh did not have a daytime NA meeting which these folks could attend. But now, that void has been filled; and we are happy to assist in their journey.

Winter Gear Needs for Students

Donation Deadline: Sunday, October 27, 2024

Mail Donations to Church Office

Drop Donations into Offerings Box in Sanctuary

We are excited to share that the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Education Foundation and Community Clothes Closet will be partnering together to provide winter gear to students who need it most this year. A generous award of $10,000 from the J. J. Keller Foundation was given to the Community Clothes Closet to support this project. However, the need is greater than this grant can meet; and the OASD Education Foundation is reaching out to the community for help.

With 54% of our elementary students - nearly 2,000 children - coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, many families struggle to afford essential winter gear. Each set of snow boots and pants costs approximately $50, and the $10,000 grant will only outfit 200 students.

Let’s work together to match the gift from the J. J. Keller Foundation and be part of the movement to raise an additional $10,000! By contributing to this project, we can double the impact and help ensure more students will stay warm, healthy, and focused on learning, regardless of the weather.

All donations made through mail or the offering box will be sent forward to the OASD Education Foundation.

Community Breakfast

Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres

The community breakfast is a cornerstone for connection and support, offering a delicious, homecooked meal and a starting point for meaningful conversations. Join us to share in this experience, 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.

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 | Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Magnolia Hall at First Pres

(please note the change in location to Magnolia Hall)

Living a life with Christ is a lifelong journey. In God’s Word, the Bible, God gave us the perfect manual to get to know Him and learn to navigate this life we have been given. So, bring your Bible, bring your thirst for God’s Word, bring your lunch, and join us for Brown Bag Bible Exploration.

Holiday for the Horses: BEAMING Ranch Fundraiser

Friday, November 1, 2024 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center | 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah

To Purchase Tickets, call 920-851-6160 or Purchase Tickets Online Here

Expect an enchanting evening of food, music, and fun featuring a delicious dinner, live music, raffle baskets, silent and live auctions, and photos with Sparkles, their mini horse!

Don’t miss your chance to win one-of-a-kind auction items and experiences! Plus, meet some BEAMING program participants and hear their stories of how BEAMING has changed their lives!

As BEAMING continues to offer equine support programs and services to community members of all ages with diverse abilities and unique challenges, they rely heavily on this fundraising event to raise the funds needed to offer programs at no or low cost to help those in need. Please consider supporting this life-changing work!

All proceeds from this gala event will go toward supporting BEAMING’s equine programs to help improve the lives of children and adults with diverse abilities, veterans, troubled and hurting teens, those living and caring for seniors with dementia, and families affected by trauma.

Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh: Youth of the Year Dinner

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center | 1 North Main Street, Oshkosh

Registration Required by Monday, November 4, 2024

Call Bonnie Behnke 920.233.1414, extension 129

Email bonnieb@bgcosh.org | Purchase Tickets Online Here

Is there anything more satisfying that celebrating the achievements of our children! Please join in the festivities of the “Youth of the Year” Dinner because it’s the perfect opportunity to recognize Boys & Girls Club Members for their achievements in the areas of Health & Wellness, Academic Success, and Character & Leadership during their time at the Club. At this special dinner, they will also announce the Club’s most significant youth accomplishment, their 2025 Youth of the Year! This year’s theme is “Hollywood Night” because all the children are stars!

There are several ways to support this event: attend and celebrate their members in person, become a sponsor, or sponsor a child and/or their family to attend. Bonnie will give you all the options and details or check out the details when you purchase tickets online! One hundred per cent of the proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh.

Dementia Caregiver Event

Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Culver Family Welcome Center | UW-Oshkosh | 625 Pearl Avenue, Oshkosh

Registration Required: Call 877.886.2372 or Register Online Here

This event (with free lunch for attendees and respite participants) includes:

Speaker: Sheri Fairman of Dementia Care Solutions, LLC
Resource Tables: Connect with and learn about local dementia related organizations
Caregiver Panel: Hear from other caregivers how the dementia journey has impacted their lives
Virtual Dementia Tour: Experience what it feels like to have dementia

Free respite services will be provided by the Fox Valley Memory Project and Valley VNA Senior Care.

A DREAAM come true

Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males, a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, Illinois, reports on a recent experience in Malawi

by Tracy Dace, DREAAM, Special to Presbyterian News Service

October 18, 2024

Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) is excited to report on a recent international experience that was aimed at enhancing excellence in achievement, engagement, and behavioral and mental health among boys and young men ages 3–24 years old.

This unique journey took place from July 29 through August 8. The delegation arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, on July 30 and departed from Blantyre, Malawi, on August 7.

The DREAAM travelers for this mission included DREAAM’s founder and chief executive officer, Tracy Dace; two staff directors; and five high school DREAAMers. Read more.

‘As the body of Christ, we have unique resources and connections that we can share’

Synod of the Covenant webinar gives insight to community partnerships churches can form

by Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service

October 19, 2024

Tim Pollock, commissioned ruling elders and commissioned pastors coordinator for the Synod of the Covenant, recently offered a webinar full of ideas on extending ministry networks to municipal and nonprofit agencies.

People on the call shared innovative ideas for how their churches are partnering with schools, local government, food pantries, service organizations and other entities to better serve their communities.

Commissioned Ruling Elder Roger Sibert said Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon, Ohio, partners with the Rotary Club to help provide groceries, household items and food and gas cards to people who need them. Central also counsels and prays with people “if they like,” Sibert said.

“We have developed good relationships through the ministry,” Sibert said, including a partnership with the mayor and other city officials to open a warming or cooling station when they’re needed. “We have made a commitment to use our building in support of the community in general,” Sibert said, including a theater group that rehearses in the basement. Read more.