everything [in] between: lost & found
Luke 15: 1-7 (Parable of the Lost Sheep)
Herding sheep is a never-ending task. As soon as one is found, another may go missing. Our lives have a similar ebb and flow—in one moment we might feel like we have it all together, and in the next, we’re struggling to survive. The promise of this parable is that no matter how “lost” we feel, the Good shepherd is by our side.
Daily devotional prayer cards from A Sanctified Art may be found here. Just click on the card in which you're interested and it will expand.
Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Lenten devotional, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices. In order to protect their work, please refrain from sharing this link or posting it on social media. Click here.
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The Session met for a business meeting, meal, and fellowship on Sunday, March 16, 2025. In addition to the members of the Session, one guest was in attendance, new member Toni Robinson. A special thank you to Rosangela Berbert for the delicious food.
The main order of business was discussion of the strategic direction of the congregation. Those who had not been involved directly in Project Regeneration a year ago, were informed of the process and its results. Discussion of our facilities and how they support or hinder our future were a lengthy and frank part of the discussions. The universal tenor of those discussions was best summed up by a comment from a long-time member, “I love our church (building) and it would make me sad if it was gone. But I would be much more sad if our congregation was gone.” With severe water damage in the library, lead water pipes, and a major repair needed for the organ, many big-ticket repairs that have been long deferred will need to be addressed soon. Adequately addressing these repairs would vastly diminish our resources, and so we are discerning whether simply paying to fix them is the most faithful course. Additionally, the insurance premium for the property increased by over 10% from last year while it also required us to reduce our coverage amount by 20%. No long-term decisions about the facilities were made, nor will they be made in the near future as there is much more research and discernment which needs to be done.
The Session wants the congregation to know that we are in a solid-to-strong financial position and that we are encouraged by signs of a vibrant life in the congregation. No one on the Session foresees or advocates for a change the structure of the congregation: No merging, no dissolution, no reduction in support positions. We are seeing an uptick in attendance and new members for the first time in years, and there are new faces in the pews. This congregation makes a difference in so many lives. We are moving forward! It is also true that there are many weighty, well-loved things that may slow or stop that momentum and/or threaten that financial position. We encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns, your questions and fears, and your hopes and dreams with the members of the Session as we research, study, listen, and pray about the future; doing the work you elected us to do, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Ruling Elders currently serving on the Session are listed below. Please call the church office if you would like their contact details.
Rosangela Berbert * Andrew Bosma * Joann Cross * John Cross
Hillory Davila * Barbara Goldthwaite * Michael Patton * Gregg Zillges
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Empowering Indigenous Women Bring Hope and Healing
When Nathana Bird chose to follow a passion for community organizing, she found a path that led her home to New Mexico.
Raised in Ohkay Owingeh [ō-k ā ō-wing-ā], Nathana was looking for deeper purpose and connection with people from backgrounds like her own. She was trying to find her story within the narrative of her people, to embody the wisdom that has been passed down to her from the mothers and grandmothers in her life.
Like Nathana, Talavi Denipah Cook, also originally from Ohkay Owingeh, had left to study environmental and conservation biology but ultimately found the pull of her people to be all but irresistible. She wanted to help the people know how to connect with the earth, work to combat climate change and do better for the world. Read more.
If you feel called to donate to One Great Hour of Sharing, please send in your donation to the church office by April 20, 2025. Or give online here: Give Now!
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Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Magnolia Hall at First Pres
Join us for a special gathering where we come together to worship God and explore the Bible. You'll feel right at home in our friendly environment as we dive into the teachings and celebrate Jesus Christ! Remember to bring your Bible, your lunch, and your excitement for discovering more of God's word.
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Sunday, April 20, 2025 | Approximately 10:30 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres
The Easter worship service is scheduled for Sunday, April 20th at 9:30 a.m. After the service, everyone is warmly invited to join us for a light Easter brunch in Magnolia Hall. If you have some time to spare, come enjoy a lovely brunch and connect with both old and new friends! And don’t worry about bringing a dish to share; we’ll take care of everything!
To help us with planning, please call the church office by Monday, April 14th, to let us know how many people will be attending. Or use the convenient online RSVP link below. If you're unsure about coming and can't RSVP, that's absolutely fine! Just stop by, and you’ll be welcomed with a friendly smile.
RSVP here
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Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres
Get ready for the Community Breakfast! Bring your family and friends along for some great conversations and tasty food. It's a perfect chance to catch up with familiar faces and make new connections.
If you're feeling motivated, we would really appreciate any assistance you can offer while you're there. We need help in various areas, like setting up, cooking, cleaning, serving, or simply mingling with guests. Let’s work together to create an amazing experience for all! Whether you come to eat, volunteer, or do both, it’s always a joy to see you and spend some quality time together!
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April 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Hyde Family Community Center | 545 Monroe Street, Oshkosh
Registration Required: email Danielle Bittelman at danielleb@bgcosh.org
Dinner & Child Care Provided
This free workshop is for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of any kind and is designed to help you reconnect, reduce stress, and strengthen your family bond with your child. Topics include:
- The Key to Connection: understanding yourself and your child
- Dissolve the Distractions: managing stress and triggers
- Communication Transformation: strengthening relationships
- Go Beyond Mental Wellness: healing from within
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Stable Minds Support
April 7, 14, and 21, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
BEAMING Inc. | 2692 County Road GG, Neenah
Registration Required:
call 920.851.6160 or email incbeaming@gmail.com
BEAMING transforms lives through equine partnerships. Through interaction and connection with horses, their program participants are able to learn, heal and grow, empowering them to improve their physical, mental and emotional health. They embrace diversity, they promote inclusion, and they celebrate those with diverse abilities. The BEAMING Ranch is a safe, nonjudgmental community gathering space where all are welcome.
BEAMING was founded in 2004 and is a member of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). And BEAMING is a PATH-certified equine center. They follow stringent guidelines for safety and program delivery, ensuring all participants and visitors have safe, rewarding equine experiences. PATH is internationally recognized for rigorously developed standards, credentialing, and education.
The Stable Minds Support programs are specifically for those experiencing dementia or similar illness and offer caregivers and their loved ones a chance to enjoy a unique horse experience, connect with nature, and socialize with others facing similar challenges.
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4th Annual Oshkosh Art Collective Art Show
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Gibson Social Club
537 N Main Street, Oshkosh
Join us for an immersive art experience! It’s a free event featuring over 35 local artists and interactive art displays. There isn’t a better way to support our local artists, while you’re marveling at their works and shopping.
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World Relief Fox Valley Benefit Fundraiser
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Becket’s Atrium | 2 Jackson Street, Oshkosh
Let’s stand in solidarity with our refugee and immigrant community. This benefit includes an art bazaar featuring local art, raffles, and more, with music throughout the evening. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the incredible World Relief Organization. Call World Relief Fox Valley at 920.231.3600 for more info and ticket prices.
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Donations Needed for Day By Day Shelter
420 Ceape Avenue, Oshkosh | Schedule Donation Dropoff: 920.203.4536
Coffee Needed! Day By Day Shelter is running low on ground coffee and powdered coffee creamer for their guests! If you’re able to donate, we’d greatly appreciate it! Thank you for helping to keep the coffee flowing.
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Looking for Raffle Basket Donations
Pups on the Runway Fundraiser for Day By Day Shelter
Want to Donate? Contact carmenlealwrites@gmail.com or call 808.372.0274
It’s all hands on deck for collecting raffle basket donations for Pups on the Runway on April 24th - a fun event at Becket’s benefiting Phoenix, the facility dog at Day by Day Shelter!
They’re looking for pet-friendly items and other great donations from restaurants, breweries, salons, and individuals. Every contribution helps support Phoenix’s care! Not able to donate? No problem – they’re looking for volunteers, too! So reach out today because there are so many ways your talents can be of help!
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Repair Café Oshkosh: Fixers Needed
For More Info: email RepairCafeOshkosh@gmail.com
Let’s get ready for the upcoming April Repair Café Oshkosh event. This program is one of the best examples of neighbors helping neighbors. They aim to connect people with broken household items and volunteer fixers who can repair things. So, if you have a knack for fixin’, contact the Repair Café Oshkosh to see how your skill set can be put to use! It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back to the Oshkosh community!
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Urgent Needs at Christine Ann
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services | 206 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh
Schedule Donation Dropoff: 920.235.5998
Christine Ann urgently needs extended-size, gender-neutral, comfy clothing! Check out the list below and call Christine Ann to arrange drop off your clean, gently used items.
sweatpants (XL, 2X and up) * t-shirts (2X and up) * sweatshirts (2X and up)
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April is one of our most important months in the disability and Special Ed world—it’s Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month!
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how a brain develops. For many years, autism was misunderstood, and autistic individuals faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and communities.
This month is the perfect time for us to not only raise awareness about autism but, more importantly, to promote inclusivity.
The theme for World Autism Acceptance Month in 2025 is “Celebrate Differences.” It encourages us to see that each person is unique and their differences are a normal part of life. Instead of thinking of autism as a condition that needs to be fixed, we should celebrate the differences autism brings.
This month is all about autism acceptance, a movement that promotes understanding and supporting autistic people. It’s not just simply raising awareness—it’s about taking action to build understanding, promote inclusion, and create supportive environments for them.
Did you know that Autism Acceptance Month was originally called Autism Awareness Month? Over time, the focus of the month isn’t just about making people “aware” of autism, but more on the acceptance of autism.
The month kicks off with World Autism Awareness Day, which was originally founded by Dr. Bernard Rimland in 1970 after his own son was diagnosed with autism. The first Autism Awareness Month was held in April 2007 with the goal of educating people on autism and raising awareness of its existence. Since then, the movement has occurred yearly, with a new goal—to tell the stories of autistic people. Autism Awareness Month now aims to cultivate understanding and acceptance of autism, which includes the wants, needs, struggles, and triumphs of autistic people.
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For Religious Liberty and Against Christian Nationalism
[Letter signers include Rev. Dr. Dave Colby, General Presbyter for Winnebago Presbytery, PC (USA), as well as other PC(USA) Presbyters.]
On March 11, 2025, the Wisconsin Council of Churches released the statement below as our country struggles to protect religious freedoms for all. If you are interested in adding your name as a signer, please click here.
We, the undersigned, urge the federal government to protect the religious liberty of all people and we strongly condemn the rise of Christian Nationalism, a dangerous conflation of fundamentalist Christianity, conservative politics, and fierce patriotism which distorts what it means to be an American citizen and an engaged Christian in society.
An executive order signed by President Trump on February 6th established a new “Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias”. This Task Force has the duty to “identify any unlawful anti-Christian policies, practices, or conduct by an agency.” This executive order is a threat to the religious pluralism enshrined in the constitution and does not protect Christians; rather it aligns the federal government with Christian Nationalism. Read more.
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Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. † In-Person † Facebook † YouTube | | | |
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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. | | | | | | |
