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

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 10:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian Sanctuary | Zoom

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the annual meeting of the congregation and corporation will be held in the church sanctuary. Copies of the annual report will be available at the back of the sanctuary and are available online here.

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 2025 Nominating Committee
Voting on proposed 2025 Terms of Call to extend to Pastor Deb Swets
Receiving, as information, the 2025 budget already approved by the Session

Join the meeting with video on Zoom: Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 868 5130 7199

Meeting Passcode: 450695

And we’re excited to remind you that you can participate on the Zoom call with just your phone – no computer required! Here’s how:

Dial 1-312-626-6799
The conference line will welcome you to Zoom and talk you through the prompts below. You will need to input the information below to be connected.
As prompted by the audio system enter the numbers below:
Enter the meeting ID followed by the pound sign: 868 5130 7199#
Enter your participant id or press the pound sign: #
Enter the password followed by the pound sign: 450695#
On completion of the steps above, you will hear “Welcome to Zoom. You are the nth participant to join the conference” followed by a bell sound. Once you hear the bell, you are connected to the call.

Session Snippets

The Session met earlier this week, and we want to recognize and give thanks for the contributions of Harriet Martin, Jen Ollanketo, and John Vette during their terms on Session.

In other news, the Session discussed:

how we can respond to the changes and challenges we expect to face in our community and our country.
ways to help those who are unsheltered in our community, especially during frigid weather conditions.
how we can connect with ESTHER Fox Valley and World Relief Fox Valley and support them in terms of immigration. The Session was grateful to Elders Rosangela Berbert and Andrew Bosma for sharing their experiences in navigating the U.S. immigration process.
how we can seek guidance from the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the PC(USA) regarding immigration and how to learn, respond, and reach out.

Give to Disaster Relief - U.S. Wildfires

The beginning of this year has come with unprecedented challenges for our neighbors in California, who are now facing a devastating disaster. Though the final outcomes of the catastrophic wildfires are yet to be known, it is clear that the magnitude of the event will require the development of long-term projects and assistance, both for the physical and emotional long-lasting effects.

PDA is in communication with the affected presbyteries to offer resources in the aftermath of the fires. So far, we are aware of one Presbyterian church destroyed (Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church) and several more are threatened. We will know more once the fires are contained and evacuation orders have been lifted. We pray for all lives affected, for swift containment and the safety of first responders.

Our hearts are with all our siblings who have been affected by the devastating wildfires that have affected thousands of people and multiple communities across California. The PC(USA) affirms our commitment to accompany those affected by this disaster.

As people of God, once again we are called to stand with our neighbors. Please give generously to the Church’s recovery efforts, both short- and long-term.

How to donate:

Online - donate now here
Phone - call 800.728.7228, ext. 5885
Check - use offering box in First Pres sanctuary or mail to the church office
Make check payable to First Presbyterian Church
Write “DR000165 US Wildfires” in memo line
We’ll collect donations and send to PDA (We ask that all checks be received by February 2, 2025.)

Annual Giving Statements

The 2024 giving statements were emailed on January 23, 2025, (if your email address is on file) to those who have contributed financially. For those who have not provided an email address, paper statements were mailed on January 23, 2025.

If you have not received your statement by Friday, January 31, 2025, please contact the church office.

2025 Per Capita

Per capita for 2025 is $40 per person. If you would kindly note “per capita” on the memo line of your check, we would appreciate it.

We want to ensure that everyone understands that per capita apportionments are not “dues.” We don’t “charge” dues. A per capita payment simply means that you would like to contribute to the amount that First Pres is assessed by the PC(USA) to support big picture goals and objectives. Our local church doesn’t keep a dime of per capita contributions. We send it on to the denomination where it’s used for these purposes:

Partnering with ecumenical bodies worldwide to promote Christian unity
Witnessing on behalf of the church on social issues
Identifying and supporting the development of church leadership
Planning for the biennial General Assembly meetings
Administration of the Church Leadership Connection – the referral system that connects pastors and congregations
Publication of the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions, which are the Constitution of the PC(USA)
Maintaining judicial services
Staffing, training, and meeting costs for General Assembly committees essential to the governance of the church
Serving as home for the Presbyterian Historical Society, where church records are preserved

So, today, let’s put to rest the myth that per capita is a dues assessment that equals being part of our local faith community. Yes, we encourage per capita contributions because they free up our resources for local missions and sustenance of our congregation. But, if you don’t feel called to offer per capita, you’ll still get our newsletter, you’ll still receive announcements, and most importantly, you’ll still be a beloved part of our flock.

Bad Weather Closure Info

In case of inclement weather, please check the following 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

Community Breakfast

Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres

Is there really a better way to spend a Saturday morning than being at the community breakfast!?! Doubtful! Bring everyone you know to this free community event for more than just a delicious meal – but for a delightful morning of mixing and mingling. See you there!

Valentine Cookie Decorating Event

Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Magnolia Hall at First Pres

Can you believe we’re already discussing Valentine’s Day? Absolutely! Our schedules tend to get busy quickly, so it’s essential to set aside this special day. Imagine the joy of gathering with your loved ones on a Saturday morning to decorate cookies and create lasting memories together! Be sure to circle January 25th on your calendar, as we can’t wait to see you there. We’ll have all the necessary supplies prepared and ready for a delightful time!

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Magnolia Hall at First Pres

This event offers a wonderful opportunity for anyone seeking a supportive and nurturing space to contemplate their personal beliefs. We invite you to be part of Brown Bag Bible Exploration, where you can bring your Bible, your passion for exploring God’s Word, and your lunch!

Cabin Fever

Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

BEAMING Ranch | 2692 County Road G, Menasha

RSVP | Call 920.851.6160 | Email beamingoutreach@gmail.com

You are invited to a special day at the BEAMING Ranch. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to get up close with their horses, learn about grooming, feeding, and enjoy some educational activities on horse care. Whether you’re experienced or not, it will be an enriching and fun experience. This is a FREE event to enjoy this equine experience with warm drinks, barn tours, and opportunities to learn about horses and the BEAMING programs.

Marriage Enrichment Workshop

Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Samaritan | 1205 Province Terrace, Menasha

Fee: $50 per couple | Registration Required | Call 920.886.9319

Please join Doug Bisbee from Samaritan as he applies his 30+ years of counseling and ministry wisdom to a faith-based marriage workshop. This session will focus on strength-building and relationship enrichment. All faith/religion/spirituality affiliations are welcome!

Help Make Prom Dreams Come True!

Community Clothes Closet | 1465-B Opportunity Way, Menasha

Donation Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and

Monday evenings 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Community Clothes Closet is collecting plus-size prom dresses for students in need who may not be able to afford one this year. Please donate any gently used or new plus-size prom dress today! Size 20 and up is greatly needed.

Let’s work together to make prom night magical for every student, no matter their size. Thank you so much for your generosity and support! Reminder: You don’t need to drive over to Menasha to make a donation. Just stop by local Oshkosh Gunderson Cleaners. Gunderson’s accepts items on behalf of CCC!

Meal Teams Needed

Day By Day Shelter | 420 Ceape Avenue, Oshkosh 920.203.4536 | jessica@daybydayshelter.org

Help fill February Meal Team openings! Sign up to prepare or provide a meal for Day by Day Shelter guests - bring your friends, coworkers, or family members together and make an impact!

February Open Dates: 1 * 2 * 5 * 7 * 12 * 15 * 21 * 24 * 28

Every meal brings warmth, care, and hope to those we serve! Contact the Shelter today to sign up.

Oshkosh Area Community Pantry:

New Year – New Pasta-bilities

2551 Jackson Street, Oshkosh

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

Are you looking for a fun and unique food drive opportunity? Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of OACP guests? Share their January, New Year New Pasta-bilities, food drive focus by helping stock their shelves with a variety of pastas and accoutrements.

shelf stable tortellini * multi-grain pasta * lasagna noodles * ramen noodles

shelf stable parmesan * fettuccini * microwavable noodle cups * microwavable mac ‘n cheese

veggie pasta * egg noodles * gnocchi * elbow noodles

marinara * alfredo * pesto * assorted short pasta

bowtie pasta * shell pasta * rigatoni pasta * angel hair

OACP can still use any donation, whether food or monetary; but this month, they are encouraging donors to look at the PASTA-bilities ahead!

A time to wait with holy expectation while loving relentlessly

‘Protecting Immigrant Rights Near and Far’ webinar draws a capacity crowd of 300 people

Mike Ferguson, Presbyterian News Service

December 12, 2024

LOUISVILLE — More than 800 people registered for Wednesday’s “Protecting Immigrant Rights Near and Far” webinar, which had a capacity of 300 participants. Organizers promised additional online gatherings as Presbyterians and others determine effective and faithful strategies for accompanying migrants during the second Trump administration.

Susan Krehbiel, Associate for Migration Accompaniment Ministries in Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, moderated the panel, which featured Amanda Craft, Advocacy Manager in the Office of Immigration Issues; the Rev. Christina Cosby, Domestic Policy Representative in the Office of Public Witness; and Omar Salinas Chacón, Mission Specialist for Migration Accompaniment Ministries in PDA.

Krehbiel asked the 300 people tuned in, “Where are you in this landscape of U.S. immigration policy that’s about to change drastically? Are members of your congregation at risk? What risk are you willing to take for the sake of others?” Read more.