|
Spring Forward
Daylight Saving Time starts at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 9th. Remember to set your clock AHEAD by 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday night!
| |
| | |
everything [in] between: stranger & neighbor
Luke 10: 25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan)
This parable begins and ends with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and the answer is, surprisingly, “the stranger.” The Samaritan, whose place of worship and customs are different from the scribe who questions Jesus, is both a stranger and a neighbor to the man who was beaten and left in a ditch. In our world, many of our physical neighbors are strangers to us, and many of our neighbors—those closest to us—feel like strangers in divisive political climates. If we align our intentions and actions, then maybe we need to reconsider who we consider “stranger,” and ask ourselves if we have acted as good neighbors.
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.
| | | |
2025 Re-Confirmation Class Announced!
March 16, March 30, April 13, April 27, May 11, May 25 First Pres Campus
We are hosting a “re-confirmation” class starting next month that is open to all. We have one child who will be going through confirmation, and any adults who want to join the discussions are welcome. The plan is to hold Confirmation class after services on Sunday every other week from March 16 through May 25, with confirmation taking place on Pentecost – June 8. You and your family and friends would be very welcome to attend!
| | | |
|
|
Easter Flowers to Adorn the Sanctuary
Ordering Deadline: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Easter flowers will grace the sanctuary of First Pres this Easter and add to the beauty of our liturgical celebrations. Share the beauty of Easter by sponsoring a flower. Flowers can be given in memory of a loved one or to honor family and friends.
If you would like to be a patron, please complete the online order form. Payment options include online, mailing a check to the church office, or placing payment in the offerings box located in the church sanctuary. Please note “Easter Flowers” in the memo line of your check. Thanks so much for your support!
| | | |
|
Brown Bag Bible Exploration
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Magnolia Hall at First Pres
Join us for a heartfelt gathering where we come together to praise God and study God’s Word, the Bible. You'll enjoy a warm and friendly setting as we explore the teachings and honor Jesus Christ! Remember to bring your Bible, your lunch, and your passion for discovering more about God’s message.
| |
| | |
Community Breakfast
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Magnolia Hall at First Pres
Coming sooner than you think – the Community Breakfast! Join us with your family and friends for engaging conversations and delicious meals. Reunite with old friends and meet new ones. If you feel inspired, we’d be grateful for any help you can provide while you’re there. We’re seeking support in many ways – whether it’s setting up, cooking, cleaning, serving, or just chatting with guests. Let’s collaborate to make this a fantastic event for everyone! Whether you’re there to eat, volunteer, or both, it’s always a delight to see you and enjoy some time together!
| | | |
Traveling Oshkosh Memory Café
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Oshkosh Food Coop | 115 Jackson Street, #101, Oshkosh
Join us at the Oshkosh Food Co-op to learn about this community-driven business that has so many wonderful things to offer. We will learn, share, and enjoy some healthy parfaits in the community room.
| | | |
Meal Teams Needed
Day By Day Shelter | 420 Ceape Avenue, Oshkosh
920.203.4536 | jessica@daybydayshelter.org
Help fill March and April 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!
March Open Dates: 9 * 29
April Open Dates: 9-12 * 18-20 * 25 * 27-30
Every meal brings warmth, care, and hope to those we serve! Contact the Shelter today to sign up.
| | | |
Spice It Up Food Drive
Oshkosh Area Community Pantry
2551 Jackson Street, Oshkosh
Donation Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3: 30 p.m.
This month... let’s SPICE up the OACP shelves and make a difference in the lives of their guests!
Some examples of items they’re looking for include:
ketchup * mustard * mayonnaise * salad dressings * salsas * BBQ sauces
stir fry sauces * hot sauces * pickles/relish * minced garlic * taco seasoning * chili seasoning
oregano * thyme * basil * red pepper flakes * cinnamon * Cajun seasoning
They, of course, can still use any donations whether it be food or monetary, but this month they are encouraging donors to pick up some of their favorite spices and condiments to help spice things up at OACP!
| | | |
Understanding the Proposed Amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution that will appear on the April 1 Spring Election ballot in a Christian Faith Context
Doug Poland, partner at Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, Ruling Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Madison
Wisconsin voters who cast a ballot in the Spring Election on April 1 will be confronted with a question on their ballot that, if it receives a majority of “yes” votes, will amend the Wisconsin Constitution. It is important for all Wisconsin voters to understand why this question has been placed on the ballot and what it will mean for voters in our state if it receives a majority of “yes” votes. And it is important for all of us who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ to consider the purpose and potential impact of this proposed amendment in the context of our shared faith.
Please consider the enclosed information provided here as you prepare to vote this spring.
| | | |
FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Wisconsin Medicaid Programs Continue to Serve the People of Wisconsin
Source: ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Center of Winnebago County) March 2025 Newsletter
At this time, Medicaid/Waivers/FoodShare/Medicare/SSA/HUD payments are not included in the proposed freezes. As a reminder, only respond to notices that are coming directly from the source. If there are any changes, Economic Support/Income Maintenance, Medicare and/or SSA will reach out directly and formally via mail. They will NOT call and ask for information or for payments to continue service.
Per the WI Dept of Health Services: “Recent federal policy actions have raised a lot of questions about their potential impact on state benefits. Please know that, at this time, Wisconsin’s FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and other Medicaid programs are operating and serving members across Wisconsin.
What happened? A federal memo issued on January 27th instructed federal agencies to pause sending out federal funds supporting many federal programs. This prompted confusion as to which programs were or were not impacted. While the January 27th memo has been rescinded at this time, the White House has made comments indicating that the funding freeze itself has not been rescinded. The effort to pause federal funding is the subject of active and ongoing litigation. Nevertheless, these events caused concern and questions.
What does this mean for members of these programs? To be clear: Wisconsin’s Medicaid and FoodShare programs continue to serve the Wisconsinites who rely on them for health care and food benefits. They should continue to get the health care and services they need. This includes prescriptions, doctor’s visits, ongoing treatments, and other benefits. They can use the FoodShare benefits available on their QUEST cards. February FoodShare benefits are scheduled to go on cards as usual.
What does this mean for entities that work with Wisconsin Medicaid to serve members, like health care providers, managed care organizations, county agencies and others? We do not believe there is any impact at this time. They should continue to provide services to members in BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid programs. Health care providers can check member eligibility, get policy information, and submit claims for payment as usual through the ForwardHealth portal. Wisconsin’s Medicaid program will continue to make payments to providers, managed care organizations, and other agencies and entities that work with us to serve our members.
| | | |
Faith Communities Unite in Historic Declaration to Defend Refugees at Critical Crossroads for U.S. Policy
From the PC(USA) Washington Office
March 4, 2025
Washington, D.C.— In an unprecedented moment of moral reckoning, Church World Service (CWS) today issues The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, a bold and urgent call to action from faith communities across the nation. With 45 initial signers—including CWS’ Covenant Members—this declaration is more than a statement, it is a solemn and unshakable commitment by religious leaders and organizations to stand against policies that endanger refugees and immigrants.
At a time when the United States faces defining choices about its treatment of the displaced and persecuted, this powerful declaration is a collective stand for justice. Read more.
| | | |
|
Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. † In-Person † Facebook † YouTube | | | |
|
|
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. | | | | | | |
