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

Corn Factoids and Fun!

Last Sunday's brunch was "corn-themed", with a wildly successful trivia game! But we didn't get through all of the answers to the questions, so we thought "Why not run the corn trivia in the newsletter?" So, let's have some fun and learn some new things for the new few weeks!

Look for answers in next week's newsletter.

What country is the largest producer of corn in the world?

China
Brazil
United States
India

What is another name for corn used by Native Americans?

Maize
Wheat
Sorghum
Barley

What part of the corn plant is used to make corn syrup?

Husk
Kernel
Stalk
Cob

Why did the corn stalks get in trouble?

They were being too husky.
They were stalking someone.
They had too many kernels.
They were caught in a-maize-ing adventures.

What did the baby corn say to the mama corn?

"Where's my popcorn?"
"I'm all ears!"
"Shucks, I love you!"
"Let's go pop!"

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. | First Pres Multipurpose Room #103

Brown Bag Bible Exploration is a wonderfully profound way to help you understand God’s Word more deeply. Explore the scriptures, ask questions, and share your faith with others. And build relationships with others in our faith community! 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, August 24, 2024 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | First Pres Magnolia Hall

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.

SPARK! at the Paine Art Center

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Paine Art Center and Gardens | 1410 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh

Registration Required: call 920.235.6903, extension 41 or email kraschke@thepaine.org

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 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. SPARK! is something that happens between care partners when involved in a stimulating and engaging experience – SPARKing a moment together – living in the moment.

Hmong National Labor Day Festival

Saturday, August 31, 2024 and Sunday, September 1, 2024 | 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Winnebago County Community Park | 501 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh

Everyone is invited to bring your friends and family to enjoy a two-day event with sports, food, music, and vendors.

Dementia Support Group

Tuesday, September 3, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.

Bella Vista Private Dining Room

631 Hazel Street, Oshkosh

Open to the Public

Registration Required: call 920.393.9998

This support group is open to the public for families and caregivers of loved ones living with Dementia. Learn about resources available in our community, share stories, make new friends, and find the support you need along this unique journey.

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Bus Trip

Thursday, September 5, 2024

8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Bus Departure: YMCA | 3303 W. 20th Avenue, Oshkosh

Lifelong Learning Event: Ages 55+

Registration Required: call 920.230.8439

$52 for Y Members, $57 for Non-Members

Create. Learn. Celebrate. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the art of quilting! Explore exhibits of truly stunning quilts, shop for the latest offerings from vendors, and discover new ideas from leading quilt educators.

Pups on the Runway

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Becket’s | 2 Jackson Street, Oshkosh

Questions? call 920-203-4536 or email michele@daybydayshelter.org

You might not know it, but Day By Day Shelter has a facility dog. Phoenix is there for both the guests and the staff. He is an official staff member.

This cute fundraiser is all about raising funds for food, treats, vaccinations, and vet care for Phoenix; and here’s what you can expect from the “Pups on the Runway” event.

Dog and Pet Parent Fashion Show
Local Author Book Signing
Oshkosh Dog Expo
Raffle Baskets
50/50 Raffle
Light Refreshments |Cash Bar

Well-behaved humans and leashed dogs are welcome!

It’s exciting to bring together people from all kinds of groups to celebrate all things dogs. The goal is to raise enough to pay for 100% of what Phoenix needs for a year plus a little extra to cover any unexpected emergencies.

In West Philadelphia, three congregations flow into one new church

August 17, 2024

Beginning in 2016, the Presbytery of Philadelphia began shepherding the congregations of three struggling churches — First African Presbyterian, Good Shepherd Presbyterian and Calvin Presbyterian — in a process that eventually led to the formation of a new, vibrant church: New River Presbyterian Church.

First African is the oldest Black Presbyterian Church in the United States, having formed in 1807, and Good Shepherd and Calvin have long, deep roots in the community as well.

Starting as an online-only gathering during the Covid pandemic, New River celebrated its first in-person worship service on Easter Sunday 2023 and the one-year anniversary of that momentous occasion this Easter. Read more.

Following a visit by PMA staff, a PC(USA) partner reflects on six years of refugee work in Eastern Europe

August 22, 2024

by Jovana Savic, Church World Service’s Regional Coordinator for Europe, and Stevan Tatalovic, a Migration Researcher at InfoPark.

In all of Church World Service’s (CWS) programs, there is an element that allows us to thrive: our partnerships. We recently took the time to appreciate one of these partnerships when our PC(USA) friends and colleagues Ellen Smith, regional liaison for Central and Eastern Europe, and Luciano Kovacs, Middle East and Europe area coordinator, visited CWS programs in Bihac in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgrade in Serbia.

Among these program visits, one stood out: a visit to InfoPark, a vital refugee resource center in the heart of Belgrade serving more than 15,000 refugees, migrants and asylum seekers annually. Read more.