September 4, 2026 Volume 1, No. 11

Happening

Soon

First Pres Fall Social

Sunday, September 13, 2026 | After Worship

First Pres Green Space (Magnolia Hall in case of inclement weather)


Get ready to connect with friends and family at our upcoming fall social! Join us right after worship for a fun gathering featuring a potluck lunch, outdoor activities, and a bags tournament that’s perfect for all skill levels. Here’s what we have planned:


Menu (Create whatever your heart desires!): Chili * Hot Dogs * Baked Potatoes * All the Fixin’s

Outdoor Games: Bean Bag Tournament * Lawn Jenga * Ladder Toss


This event promises a relaxing and festive atmosphere where everyone can share delicious food, play games, and celebrate the season together. Whether you want to compete, cheer, or simply unwind on our beautiful green space, there’s something for everyone!


Please click HERE on or before September 11th to select item(s) to bring and share. And don't forget to dress comfortably for outdoor fun. We can’t wait to see you there and make this a memorable fall gathering!

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.| First Pres Multipurpose Room (#103)


Join us for a welcoming and meaningful gathering where we explore the scriptures together in a warm and friendly environment. Bring your lunch and your Bible and settle in for a relaxed session filled with thoughtful discussions that nourish both the spirit and the community. Whether you have years of Bible study experience or are just beginning your journey, your insights and questions are warmly encouraged and valued. This is a wonderful opportunity to share perspectives, deepen understanding, and enjoy fellowship over scripture and sandwiches. We look forward to discovering inspiration and support as a group. Come be part of this uplifting experience—you’ll leave refreshed and connected!

Special Congregational Meeting

Sunday, September 20, 2026 | After Worship

First Pres Sanctuary, Facebook & YouTube Livestreams


The Session of Frist Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh has called a special congregational meeting on Sunday, September 20, 2026, following worship. The purpose is to discuss and present for a vote the Session's recommendation regarding occupancy of the church building at 110 Church Avenue, Oshkosh.


This meeting will be in person, as well as livestreamed on our Facebook and YouTube pages. All are invited to attend and share their perspectives; however, only registered members of First Pres are able to vote on the recommendation that will be presented.

Community Breakfast

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | First Pres Magnolia Hall


At the Community Breakfast, the delightful scent of freshly brewed coffee blends with laughter and genuine conversation. Each plate represents nourishment, not only for the body but also for the soul. Here, the sound of cutlery creates a harmonious backdrop of connection, where both familiar faces and newcomers gather around the table. Stories are exchanged, advice is shared, and smiles are plentiful, creating a rich tapestry of support and friendship. In a fast-paced world, this breakfast provides a chance to slow down and truly connect. We welcome you with open arms and a hearty meal!

Worth

Mentioning

Worship Venue Update


As the hot days of summer give way to cooler temperatures, we’re pleased to welcome congregants back into the sanctuary for Sunday worship services starting September 6th. In addition, livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube will resume on that date!


This seasonal transition is a perfect reminder that layering your clothing is key to comfort—especially on those crisp Sunday mornings. Layers not only keep you cozy but also allow you to adjust easily as the day warms up or cools down. Whether you prefer a light sweater, a jacket, or a cozy scarf, being prepared means you can focus on the uplifting experience of our worship service without distraction!

Sanctuary Flower Sponsorships


Sponsoring flowers for our chancel is a wonderful way to contribute to the beauty and reverence of Sunday services. For $45 per Sunday, you can sponsor fresh, vibrant floral arrangements that enhance the worship space, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for the congregation. This sponsorship not only supports the church’s decorations but also celebrates special occasions, honors loved ones, or expresses gratitude in a meaningful way. It’s a simple, yet profound, gesture that enriches the spiritual experience for everyone attending.


If you’re interested in sponsoring flowers, please call or email the church office or reserve a Sunday online. Available Sundays for 2026 sponsorship are October 4th and November 1st. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

2026 Racial Equity Student Scholarship


The Synod of Lakes and Prairies is accepting applications for the 2026 Racial Equity Student Scholarship, an educational assistance program designed to encourage racial ethnic students to pursue and complete their college education and prepare for lifelong employment, elected leadership, or volunteer service. Scholarship awards are determined each funding season and may be used only toward educational costs. Funds are paid directly to the student’s school and become part of the student’s total financial aid package.


Ready to apply? Click here to learn more about the scholarship and apply. A scholarship brochure is also available to print and share with potential students and families.


For more information and application materials, contact the Synod of Lakes and Prairies scholarship at office@lakesandprairies.org. The deadline for applications and supporting documentation is September 30, 2026

World Communion Offering


We are so excited to share with you a new way our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is inviting congregations to participate in World Communion Sunday on October 4th: the World Communion Offering. On this day, Christians around the globe gather around Christ’s table to celebrate our unity. And we Presbyterians will join together through the Offering to cultivate reconciliation and support PC(USA) ministries that embody Christ’s love and justice in the world alongside our partners.


The World Communion Offering supports ministries focused on racial justice, gender justice, peacemaking, global witness, and ecumenical and interfaith relations. Through our gifts, we participate in God’s work of reconciliation around the corner and around the globe. In our divided and hurting world, this Offering reminds us that Christ’s table is open to all people and that we are called to build communities shaped by compassion, justice, peace and hope, something our world desperately needs right now.


Our generosity will go a long way as the PC(USA), alongside global partners, addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities and world. Together, we work to foster understanding across differences, accompany communities impacted by violence and injustice, strengthen relationships across cultures and faith traditions and bear witness to the reconciling love we know in Jesus Christ.


We invite you to give generously on or before October 4th to the World Communion Offering. We give because reconciliation is not simply an idea; it is central to our calling as the Church. Every act of compassion, justice and peace becomes part of God’s healing work in the world.


As Presbyterians, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord of all Creation and seek to follow him in lives marked by compassion, kindness and grace. And through our giving, may we joyfully share Christ’s reconciling love with all those we care for, love and serve.

Labor Day Observance: Church Office Closed


The church office will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Stronger Together

Connect. Support. Prevent.


Suicide prevention is not one moment or one person's job. It lives in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the communities we create together. This year's theme highlights the importance of: 


  • Strengthening connections that protect people before a crisis occurs
  • Making sure everyone knows where to turn and knows it before they need it
  • Building communities where people feel safe reaching out for help
  • Supporting recovery and healing long after a crisis has ended


Suicide prevention touches every part of life – from families and schools to workplaces, faith communities, and health care systems. When people feel connected, valued, and supported, they are more likely to seek help. And when communities come together around a shared commitment to prevention, lives are saved. Learn more.


If you or someone you know is in crisis:


Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

Community

Connections

Oshkosh Traveling Memory Café

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Menominee Park Zoo | 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh


Come out to the Menominee Park Zoo featuring a special animal meet and greet followed by a leisurely tour of the zoo. Enjoy meaningful conversation, connect with others, meet an animal up close, and spend time exploring the exhibits together. It’s a fun and memorable experience filled with connection, discovery, and community.

27th Annual Senior Living EXPO®

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Xtreme Air (formerly Players Choice) | W3035 Edgewood Trail, Appleton


The Appleton Noon Lions Club will be presenting its 27th Senior Living Expo. The event is an interactive trade show for seniors and their families with more than 75 vendors, multiple seminars, and free health screenings. You can also arrange for a pharmacist to review your meds while you’re at the Expo. Just call “Ask a Pharmacist” at 920.720.1287 to set up an appointment and then bring your meds to the Expo in a brown bag.


There are seminar speakers who address topics of interest for seniors. This year’s seminar speakers are DOT, Reg Wydeven (Estate Planning), and Network Health (Fuel with Fiber: Blend your way to Better Health).


Attendees are treated to free coffee and donuts/cookies while supplies last. Free ice cream provided by Culver’s is available. Each attendee receives a free raffle ticket and dozens of raffle prizes are given away during the event.


The Expo is free and typically there are more than 800 attendees. It also serves as the main fund-raising effort for the Appleton Noon Lions with 100% of the profits used for support of local nonprofits and Lions causes.

Christine Ann’s Purse Bingo

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Gibson Social Club | 537 N. Main Street, Oshkosh


Join this exciting evening at Purse Bingo, supporting Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services! Guests will enjoy an exciting evening of bingo, community, and the chance to win beautiful designer and name-brand purses while supporting a meaningful cause.


This is a cash-only event, so please come prepared to join in the fun and support a great cause. Don’t miss your chance to win fabulous designer purses while making a difference in our community! Call Christine Ann at 920.235.5998 or email info@christineann.net to inquire about ticket sales.

Worship

Services

Services


Sundays, Easter - 9:30 a.m. † Ash Wednesday - 6:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday - 6:00 p.m. † Christmas Eve - 4:30 p.m.


In-person: First Pres Sanctuary

Livestream: Facebook, YouTube


Communion



First Sunday Monthly Maundy Thursday Easter Christmas Eve

Contact

Us

Church Office Hours


Virtual (Remote): Monday - Wednesday, Friday | 8:00 a.m. - 12 :00p.m.

Onsite: Thursday| 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.


Phone or Email


Church Office: 920.235.6180 | office@oshkoshpresbyterians.org

Pastor Deb Swets: 920.345.2950 | deb@oshkoshpresbyterians.org

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Web Giving: Get Started Here | Text Giving: 920.795.7799 | Automatic Giving: Get Started Here

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