First United Presbyterian Church

"Weekly Newsletter"

November 12, 2026

Our Vision Statement:

We are a welcoming community FIRST UNITED in proclaiming FAITH in Jesus Christ, sharing HOPE for the future, and inspiring LOVE of our neighbors.

Anchored in His Promises


"Heavenly Father, be our refuge, strength, and guiding light. Teach us to live each day with wisdom and purpose. When life is uncertain, strengthen our faith and anchor our hearts in Your promises. Help us remain watchful, hopeful, and faithful, encouraging one another along the way. May we always hold fast to You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

A Heartfelt Thank You


To our beloved First United Church family,

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love, support, and encouragement you have shown our family over the past month following our devastating house fire.


Although our lives are still far from normal, God has blessed us beyond measure with an amazing church family. The kindness and generosity we have received have been nothing short of overwhelming, and we honestly don't know how we would manage without the love and support you have so freely given.


We still have a long road ahead of us. At this point, our home is not expected to be repaired and ready for us for at least another nine months. As we navigate the many details and challenges of this process, there are times when it all feels overwhelming. Your patience, understanding, prayers, and kindness have been a tremendous source of strength and comfort to us.


In the midst of such a difficult season, you have reminded us what it means to be the body of Christ. We have been reminded that the church is so much more than a building; it is a family of people who walk alongside one another, bear one another's burdens, and share God's love in tangible ways.


Please know how deeply grateful we are for each of you. We thank God for First United and for the privilege of being part of such a wonderful church family.


May God bless you all, as you have so richly blessed us.


With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Luke, Meggan, Ian, and Elaine

Men's Breakfast Group


This morning, Thursday, November 12 at 7 am, the Men's Breakfast Group will meet again at Oak Street Cafe in De Pere. Enjoy some breakfast if you'd like to and a little bit of fellowship with the other men of our Church. It's always a good time! Hope to see you there!

**Special Note: The Men's Breakfast Group will not be meeting the morning of Thanksgiving Day.**

Breakfast at FUPC


This Sunday, there will be breakfast sandwiches before worship starting at 8:15 am. It will be a first come, first serve basis. Free will offering or donations are excepted.


Sunday Worship Service


Join us this Sunday at 9:00 am at First United Presbyterian Church for worship and a sermon titled "Hold Fast." Drawing upon Psalm 90:1-12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, we will reflect on the fleeting nature of our earthly lives and the enduring faithfulness of God. In a world filled with uncertainty and change, Scripture reminds us to remain watchful, grounded in hope, and steadfast in our faith.



Nursery


Each Sunday the church Nursery is open and staffed with volunteers during worship.

Sunday School & Youth Group



 All ages are welcome on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am for Sunday School. On Sunday evenings, the Youth Group meets from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room.




Adult Sunday School: Worship and Witness


Following worship, we will gather at 10:30 am in the K-Lounge for a new series, "Worship and Witness."

Come join the conversation, bring your questions, and discover how Sunday worship can make a difference in our everyday lives. All are welcome!



New Advent Opportunity: Adult Sunday School


Join us for a new Adult Sunday School study beginning Sunday, November 29 at 10:30 am in the K-Lounge. In preparation for the Advent and Christmas seasons, we will explore the Advent portion of George Frideric Handel's magnificent Messiah, examining how this beloved musical masterpiece weaves together Scripture, theology, and sacred music. Through its powerful selections, we will consider the biblical prophecies of the coming Messiah, the hope of Israel, and the promise of Christ's birth. The class will be led by First United's own talented church musicians, Julie Mackey and Andrew Parks, who will help us explore the musical and theological richnness of this extraordinary work. Whether you are familiar with Messiah or experiencing it for the first time, all are welcome to join us for this special Advent study!

Christmas Store Season


The De Pere Christian Outreach Christmas Store season is beginning, and there are a couple of ways

you can help...


Give Through Our Giving Tree

Our Giving Trees are ready and filled with tags! Each tag lists items needed for the Christmas Store, and we invite you to choose a tag or two and help by shopping for those items. If you prefer to give a monetary donation, we're happy to do the shopping for you.


Volunteer at the Christmas Store

Come be part of the Christmas Store fun! We need lots of helping hands to bring the store to life, and we'd love to have you join us. Use the links below to find a volunteer opportunity and sign up:


Saturday (12/5) Set-Up- CLICK HERE

Monday (12/7) Set-Up- CLICK HERE

Tuesday (12/8) In Store- CLICK HERE

Wednesday (12/9) In Store- CLICK HERE

Thursday (12/10) Clean Up- CLICK HERE


Thank you for helping in whatever way you can-your kindness and generosity mean so much to us. Contact Debbie Spiegel, Debbie Crooks, Annette Kinchen, or Marilyn Heim with any questions.

The Men's Club Fruitcake Sale is Still Going Strong!


Our famous homemade fruitcakes are still available! Don't miss your chance to enjoy this 69-year First United Presbyterian Church tradition.


Traditional 1.5lb fruitcakes - $18

Sample-size fruitcakes - $10


Fruitcakes are available after Sunday worship and in the church office Monday-Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm, while supplies last.

You can also reserve yours by emailing office.fupc@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting the Men's Club and the ministries of First United Presbyterian Church. Every purchase makes a difference!

PW Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale


Come shop for holiday treasures and seasonal sweet treats at Presbyterian Women's Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale! Our members and friends have shared their creativity with crafts and baking. You're sure to find the perfect Christmas gifts! The boutique will be open in the Gathering Area, on your way to the Agape Community Thanksgiving meal in the Family Life Center. Shop both before and after the meal. Proceeds will go toward mission projects, locally to nationally. Bakers, please drop off pre-packaged Christmas food donations by Friday, November 20, at 11:00 am, at the Gathering Area Coffeeshop counter.

Thanksgiving Opportunities:


In-House Agape Dinner

All are invited to our in-house Agape dinner on Saturday, November 21 at 5:45 pm. Following a brief devotional and a few hymns we will partake in a meal filled with chicken stuffing casserole, cranberry chutney, dinner rolls, gravy, squash, carrots & celery, orange slices & a pumpkin dessert. We hope that you will put the date on your calendar and invite friends and neighbors.

First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay

It is tradition to have a joint Thanksgiving service with our sisters and brothers in Christ at First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay. It is their year to host and the service will be on Monday, November 23 at 6 pm.

In the mean time, here at First United Presbyterian Church we are collecting NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS to support the Presbyterian Pantry. There are grocery carts located in the Narthex to place your items in. We will be collecting until Sunday, November 22nd. The items will be delivered to the Presbyterian Pantry on Monday, November 23rd as an offering during our joint Thanksgiving service with First Presbyterian of Green Bay. **NOTE: Please check dates! We cannot accept expired or soon to be expired food items**

Dead Reformer's: Tuesday, December 1st

The History of Christmas

Ever wonder why Christmas is December 25th, why we bring a pine tree into our house, why stockings hang on the fireplace or why cookies are devoured? Did you know when and why Christmas was cancelled? What's the story behind our favorite Christmas Carols? Dawn Picard answers these questions and shares how Christmas traditions came to be. Bring an ornament, a picture, a card or a memory and share your own Christmas traditions with the group.

Pastors Book Club


The Pastor's Book Study Group will begin in the new year by reading Home, the acclaimed novel by Marilynne Robinson. Set in the small Iowa town of Gilead, the novel explores family, faith, forgiveness, and the complicated paths that lead us home. Through the lives of the Boughton family, Robinson invites readers to reflect on grace, human frailty, and the possibility of reconciliation. Join us on Monday, January 11, at 6:30 pm in the K-Lounge at First United Presbyterian Church for a thoughtful conversation about his beautifully written novel and its enduring questions about faith, family, and the meaning of home. All are welcome!

Grow Deeper in Your Understanding of Reformed Theology!


Are you interested in exploring the rich theological heritage of the Reformed tradition? Join Pastor Luke for a study of Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley. This in-depth study will explore the essential doctrines of the Christian faith from a distinctly Reformed perspective, providing participants with an opportunity to deepen their bibical knowledge, strengthen their theological understanding, and grow in their faith.


Two Class Times Available:

Monday Mornings: 9:30-11:00 am

Tuesday Evenings: 6:30-8:00 pm


Whether you are new to Reformed theology or have studied it for years, everyone is welcome! Come join us as we explore the foundations of our faith together.


Interested in participating? Contact Pastor Luke for more information or to sign up.

Email: pastorluke.FUPC@gmail.com

Phone: 920-336-1446

Thank You! Thank You!


Thank you to the Bakers of First United Presbyterian Church! The Election Day Bake Sale was a success! It brought in $951.50, which will be used to fulfill our pledges due locally, nationally, and internationally as well as Mission Sewing supplies and other expenses. God bless you all!!!


Help support First United and our Ministries using your phone or computer.


Click HERE or scan the QR code to give electronically. Contact Treasurer, Ken Nyberg, with questions.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Financial Information for October 2026


Operating Funds Total Income:

2026 Budget = $345,925 / Actual = $381,833

Operating Fund Total Expenses:

2026 Budget = $343,234 / Actual = $342,342


2027 Pledge Nov 7, Update:

2027 Pledge to support Ministries: $275,850 received, goal $320,000. Presbytery Support: $4,000 received, goal $5,100. Pledges Received: 96 pledges, goal 120. Every pledge counts and is needed to reach our goals of Building Gods House Together in 2027.

THIS WEEK

Sunday (11/8) - Karen Hanold

Monday (11/9) - Suzanne Goral


NEXT WEEK

No Birthday to report this week


We wish them all love and God's blessings on their special day!



> Men's Breakfast Group (Oak Street Cafe) - TODAY (11/12) at 7 am


> Talbot Circle-Lunch Provided (Koinonia Lounge) - TODAY (11/12) at 12 pm


> Discipleship Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - TODAY (11/12) at 5 pm


> Joyful Noise Rehearsal (Sanctuary) - Sunday (11/15) at 8 am


> Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) - Sunday (11/15) at 8:15 am


> FUPC Worship Service (Sanctuary) - Sunday (11/15) at 9 am


> Coffee Fellowship (Family Life Center) - Sunday (11/15) after worship


> Fruitcake Sale (Gathering Area) - Sunday (11/15) after worship


> Sunday School-All Ages (Varies Rooms) - Sunday (11/15) at 10:30 am


> Youth Group (Middle High Room) - Sunday (11/15) at 6 pm


> Weekly "Bible Recap" Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Sunday (11/15) at 5:30 pm or Monday (11/16) at 9 am


> Fly Fishing Group (Room 2) - Monday (11/16) at 9 am


> Session Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Monday (11/16) at 6:30 pm


> Serve Meals (NEW Community Shelter) - Tuesday (11/17) at 4:30 pm


> Handbell Choir Practice (Music Room) - Tuesday (11/17) at 6:30 pm


> Choir Practice (Music Room) - Wednesday (11/18) at 6:30 pm


> Joyful Noise Rehearsal (Sanctuary) - Wednesday (11/18) at 7:30 pm


> Discipleship Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Thursday (11/19) at 5 pm


> PW Holiday Boutique & Bake Set Up (Gathering Area) - Friday (11/20) at 9 am


> PW Holiday Boutique & Bake Sale (Gathering Area) - Saturday (11/21) at 5 pm


> In-House Agape Thanksgiving Meal (Family Life Center) - Saturday (11/21) at 5:45 pm


*Please contact the church office to schedule a meeting or to alert to changes so we can keep everyone up to date. Thanks!

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605 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, WI 54115

920.336.1446 or office.fupc@gmail.com


Church Office Hours are as follows:

Monday to Thursday- 9am to 1pm

Friday- CLOSED

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"Christ First" Global Methodist Church Events ("nesting" congregation)


> Worship & Fellowship (Sanctuary & Koinonia Lounge) - Sunday 4 pm


> Various Group Meetings (various locations) - Thursday (6 pm), Friday (6:30 am), Sunday (5:30-7 pm), & Tuesday (6 pm)

"Changing Lives Through God's Love in Christ"


Contact us with your needs and questions...