First United Presbyterian Weekly Newsletter


July 2, 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.

God Bless America!


Land of the free because of the brave, home of the saved because of grace. This Fourth, remember the One who set us free. True freedom begins at the cross. Happy Independence Day! God Bless America, and God Bless you!!


HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY USA!



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ATTENTION! - Pastors in the Parking Lot


Pastors in the parking lot will not meet today due to a scheduling conflict. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to gathering with you again in August. Have a wonderful summer, and we'll see you soon!

Early Bird Gets the Worm


We need your help!! Fall Fest is coming! Please consider putting a raffle basket together or donating an item that can go into a basket. We are currently collecting for our "Early Bird Baskets" for a chance to win a wingspan of raffle tickets. You have until Thursday, July 30th to turn in your baskets or items. Drawing for the wingspan will be on Sunday, August 2nd at our church service.


Sunday Worship Plans


Join us this Sunday, July 5, at 9:00 am for worship at First United. Our scripture readings are Zechariah 9:9-12 and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. The sermon "Prisoners of Hope," will explore what it means to cling to hope rooted not in circumstances, but in the steadfast love and redeeming grace of God. Whether you are a longtime member or visiting for the first time, we invite you to join us for a warm welcome, meaningful worship, and encouragement for the journey of faith.


Hope to see you at 9 am Sunday morning!


Christmas in July is coming!


Ready for a little Christmas cheer in the middle of summer? Our annual Christmas in July Collection for the De Pere Christian Outreach Christmas Store kicks off on Sunday, July 5, and runs through the end of the month. This fun and meaningful collection helps us get ready for the Christmas Store in December, where families can choose gifts and "much needed" items for the holiday season.


This year, we're collecting three favorite items: fishing poles, kitchen utensils, and 50" X 60" fleece throws. These were some of the most popular picks at last year's store, and we know they'll once again bring comfort, joy, and practical help to the families we serve. Look for the Christmas tree with tags listing the requested items or grab a printed list if that's easier. Take a tag, take a few, or simply choose from the list - whatever works best for you!


All donated items should be new and unwrapped. Please bring them to the church by Friday, July 31. Last year, the Christmas Store served 227 families and nearly 1,000 children and adults, what an incredible impact! Thank you for helping us spread comfort, joy, and a little Christmas sparkle right in the middle of July.

Agape Drive Thru Dinner


Last night was our monthly Agape Drive-Thru meal. We served 75 meals. Thanks to our many volunteers, it made the night a huge success!! Looking forward to next month. Our next meal will be Wednesday, August 8th. See you there!!


The Great Escape


It's hard to believe, but the youth head to Green Lake soon. We will be departing July 13, for the week as we experience this year's theme: "Wanted!" As we have done in the past, if you would like to drop off snacks or drinks to keep the kids fueled, we would appreciate it. You can bring them to worship on Sunday, July 12, or anytime leading up to that (if they are not perishable) to Pastor Meggan's office. If we don't use/eat it all, we stock up the youth room for the fall.

Summer Book Study


You are invited to participate in our next Summer Book Study! For July, we will be reading St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton. In this classic work, Chesterton introduces readers to Francis within the vibrant and colorful world of the High Middle Ages - a world rich in faith, pageantry, and romance. More than a simple biography, the book explores the life and legacy of one of Christianity's most beloved saints and one of the most influential figures in human history.


Please join us for a discussion of the book on Thursday, July 30, at 6:30 pm. If you need assistance obtaining a copy of the book, please contact Pastor Luke. We hope you will join us for an engaging evening of fellowship and conversation.

Soles for Jesus Collection


If you have used or new shoes looking for a home, feel free to bring them to church and place them in the boxes in the Narthex. Soles for Jesus is a non-profit in Milwaukee, WI which shares shoes and the love of Jesus throughout Africa.


Musicians Needed:


Do you have a favorite sacred song you enjoy singing or playing? We're looking for people of all ages who would like to share their talents with the congregation this summer by providing special music. If this fits you, please catch Andy Parks or Julie Mackey before or after worship any Sunday, or email Andy at andrewhparks@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!!

Food Pantry Ribbon Ceremony


The congregation of First United Presbyterian Church is warmly invited to attend De Pere Christian Outreach's Community Fridge and Shared Shelf Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, July 9, at 11:30 am at the De Pere Christian Outreach Food Pantry (1827 Chicago St, De Pere). This special celebration marks that launch of De Pere's first Community Fridge and Shared Shelf, a 24/7 resource where neighbors can "share what you can and take what you need." Open year-round and accessible to everyone, the fridge and shelf will help make food and essential supplies available whenever they are needed. The project is dedicated in memory of Judy England, whose compassion and service blessed so many in our community. Join us as we celebrate this exciting new ministry and the spirit of caring and generosity that makes De Pere such a wonderful community.

Dead Reformers Society - Summer Break


"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." - John Lubbock


The Dead Reformers Society will be taking a break for the summer, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy the season. We look forward to resuming our gatherings in September for another season of thoughtful conversation, Christian fellowship, and engaging discussions. Until then, have a safe, restful, and blessed summer!

Ice Cream Social


"I Scream, You Scream. We All Scream, For Ice Cream!!"


Join us after worship on Sunday (7/12), for an ice cream social. There will be pre-scooped ice cream cups that you can drizzle some strawberry sauce or chocolate sauce on and then add some sprinkles to top it off!!

Hope you can make it!!



Calling all Crafters, Knitters, Sewers, Woodworkers, Painters, & Joy-Makers:


After last year's successful event, we've decided to do it again this year!! Presbyterian Women is having a Christmas Boutique fundraiser on Saturday, November 21, 2026. We're telling you about it NOW because we need your donated handmade items to sell, and this summer is the perfect time to be creative! 
Thank you for sharing your talents. Any questions, contact Julie Mackey at (920) 217-8341.

Collection for the Presbyterian Pantry


One July 13 & 27, our Presbyterian Pantry grocery packing team will be preparing nonperishables for pantry recipients. This month's donation items are CANNED VEGETABLES.

Help us fill the grocery bags.

V.B.S. 2026 Sign Up is LIVE!


Click HERE to sign up now for Vacation Bible School "Rainforest Falls" (or to sign up to volunteer). It'll begin on Sunday, July 19 (11:30am-1:30pm) and continue Monday through Thursday, July 20-23 (9am-noon). Share the information with family, friends, and neighbors.


No time to wait! YOU ONLY HAVE A FEW WEEKS LEFT!! Register NOW!

Movie Night: "A Great Awakening"


A Great Awakening is a 2026 historical drama depicting the unlikely friendship between preacher George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin during the first Great Awakening. As the colonies teeter on collapse, Whitefield's sermons stir a generation and Franklin realizes liberty must be awakened in the hearts of the people. With epic scale and period authenticity, it offers stirring themes of faith and freedom-likely to appeal to history enthusiasts and fans of inspirational dramas.


Our friends from Christ First are inviting us in watching this inspiring film with us on Wednesday (7/15) at 6 pm in the Koinonia Lounge. We will have a potluck dinner. More information on that to follow.


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

THIS WEEK

Sunday (6/28) - Tim Grocholski

Monday (6/29) - Andy Nelson

Thursday (7/2) - Luke Farwell & Bonnie LeMense

Saturday (7/4) - LuAnn Christensen


NEXT WEEK

Sunday (7/5) - Jerry Kabat, Vera Dauffenbach, & Becky Nyberg

Tuesday (7/7) - Judy Darling & Bill Trost

Wednesday (7/8) - Pamela Vollmar

Friday (7/10) - Rich Batson

Saturday (7/11) - Kathy Thorpe

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

> PW - NO MISSION SEWING - TODAY (7/2)


> Pastors in the Parking Lot - CANCELED - TODAY (7/2)


> Discipleship Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - TODAY (7/2) at 5 pm


> HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! - ALL DAY


> Communion Sunday Worship (Sanctuary) - Sunday (7/5) at 9 am


> Coffee Fellowship (Family Life Center) - Sunday (7/5) after worship


> Weekly "Bible Recap" Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Sunday (7/5) at 5:30 pm or Monday (7/6) at 9 am


> Connecting Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Monday (7/6) at 6:30 pm


> Dead Reformer's Society - SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!


> PWCT - NOT MEETING - Tuesday (7/7)


> Deacon Meeting (Room 2 Downstairs) - Wednesday (7/8) at 5:30 pm


> DPCO Fridge & Self Shared Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (DPCO Food Pantry) - Next Thursday (7/9) at 11:30 am


> PW Talbot Circle - CANCELED - Next Thursday (7/9)


> Discipleship Meeting (Koinonia Lounge) - Next Thursday (7/9) at 5 pm


> Ice Cream Social (Family Life Center) - Next Sunday (7/12) after worship


*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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"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...