August 21, 2026 Volume 1, No. 10

Happening

Soon

Community Breakfast

Saturday, August 22, 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!

Brown Bag Bible Exploration

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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


Come and be part of a meaningful group where we delve into the scriptures and exchange insights in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy a casual setting as we engage in discussions that uplift the spirit and build community. Whether you're an experienced scholar or just starting your journey with the Bible, your thoughts are important to us. Let's gather over scripture and sandwiches, discovering inspiration and fellowship together. Can't wait to see you there!

Save the Date: First Pres Fall Social

Sunday, September 13, 2026 | After Worship | First Pres Green Space


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.


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 to select a specific item to bring, and dress comfortably for outdoor fun. We can’t wait to see you there and make this a memorable fall gathering!

Worth

Mentioning

Join Our Chancel Choir for the New Season!


The choir season begins on Sunday, September 6, with rehearsals every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. in the choir loft. We warmly invite new singers to join us as we prepare for a wonderful year of music and fellowship.


Whether you are an experienced vocalist or just love to sing, all voices are welcome. Come be part of a supportive and joyful community!


For more information, reach out to Carmen Shaw. Catch her at church or at 920.216.3189.


We look forward to singing with you!


p.s. In case you’re not aware, the choir room is on the lower level of our church building, Room B05. When you reach Magnolia Hall using either the stairs or elevator, look for signs to point the way!

First Presbyterian Church Neenah & Memorial Presbyterian Church Appleton Join Recovery Efforts


First Presbyterian Church Neenah and Memorial Presbyterian Church Appleton are joining together to support neighbors throughout the greater Fox Valley as communities continue to recover from the tornado. Volunteers from both congregations ae assisting with hands-on cleanup efforts, including clearing trees and brush, removing debris, hauling trash, and helping with other recovery needs as they arise.


In addition to offering their time and energy, both churches are providing financial support through disaster funds established to assist with recovery efforts. These funds help provide direct assistance to individuals and families impacted by the storm throughout the community.


Your generosity makes this ministry possible. Give to the FPCN/MPCA Disaster Fund

Stewardship


First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh stands as a beacon of faith, community, and service—a place cherished not only for its rich history but for the vibrant spirit that continues to breathe life into its mission. As members and friends of this congregation reflect on what they value most, a common thread emerges: a deep sense of belonging and a shared commitment to embodying God’s love in meaningful ways.


God invites us, as a unified body, to reach beyond familiar boundaries and dream boldly about what we might accomplish together. This call beckons us to reimagine ministry and mission with renewed purpose and creativity, opening doors to new possibilities that resonate with the needs of both our congregation and the broader Oshkosh community. Whether through outreach programs, spiritual growth initiatives, or acts of compassion, our collective efforts are a vital expression of faith in action.


Beyond financial support—which undeniably sustains our church—there lies an equally essential contribution: the generous offering of time, talents, and passions. Each person’s unique gifts, whether in leadership, hospitality, education, music, or service, enrich our community and amplify our impact. By engaging more deeply, we not only grow in our spiritual journey but also build a stronger, more connected church family.


As you contemplate your own role within this vibrant community, consider how your personal abilities and resources can weave into the fabric of our shared mission. Let us embrace this vision with open hearts and united hands, eager to participate in the unfolding story God is writing among us. Together, we can transform aspirations into realities and exemplify the love that defines First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh.

Pastor Deb Time Away


Pastor Deb will be away from August 17– 23, 2026. In the event of an emergency, please contact the church office.

Labor Day Observance: Church Office Closed


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

National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Month

Clothing Is a Basic Need

It's Time We Talked About It


When we talk about basic needs, we usually think about food, housing, transportation, or healthcare.


But what about clothing?


Clothing insecurity is when an individual or family doesn’t have enough appropriate clothing to meet their everyday needs. It can look like:


  • A child outgrowing their only pair of shoes
  • A parent choosing between groceries and replacing worn-out work clothes
  • Someone starting a new job without appropriate clothing
  • A family losing clothing after a disaster


These needs are real, but clothing insecurity is rarely talked about.


At Community Clothes Closet, they believe clothing is a basic need and everyone deserves access to it with dignity, choice, and compassion. That’s why CCC is launching National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Month (August 17 - September 15); to bring this issue into the conversation, educate our community, and show why access to clothing matters.

Community

Connections

Samaritan Walk-In Crisis Support

Celebration Church Fox Valley | 400 3rd Street, Menasha

Wednesdays, August 12 - September 2, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.


For those impacted by the recent storms, 30-minute 1-on-1 support sessions with a Samaritan counselor are available for FREE.


Counselors will offer emotional support, practical coping strategies, and referrals for ongoing counseling or additional community resources when appropriate. No appointment, registration, insurance, or payment is required. All conversations are confidential.


For more information, please contact Samaritan staff: call 920.886.9319 or email frontdeskstaff@samaritanfoxvalley.com.

Grassroots Uprising Mutual Aid Market + Books/Media Swap

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Opera House Square | 315 N. Main Street, Oshkosh


Grassroots Uprising is a free, public monthly Mutual Aid Market under the CommonRootsRising.org umbrella,


Mutual aid organizations from Fond du Lac to Green Bay have free booth spaces to accomplish three main goals:


  • GIVE PUBLIC HELP
  • Introduce the community to local mutual aid resources they can utilize for assistance – free of qualifications, restrictions, and charge.
  • RECEIVE PUBLIC HELP
  • Invite those within the community who have the means, to contribute to mutual aid organizations, which do not get any government funding. Whether contributing financially, by providing needed wishlist items, or volunteering time, resources, etc., there are many ways for people to give what others need.
  • NETWORK RESOURCES
  • Connect local mutual aid organizations together, to enable communication to flow more easily between the groups. Learn each other’s needs and work together to meet them, share resources, and collaborate projects.


Please join us for this FREE event to learn what these organizations can do for you, what you can do for them, AND participate in a books and media swap! The swap is a great way to declutter and refresh your household's media inventory!

Culture of Connection Summit

Friday, August 28, 2026 — 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center | 400 W. College Avenue, Appleton


More than at any time in our human history, we are so accessible to one another, and yet, so disconnected. We’re experiencing a loneliness epidemic, and minorities are being pushed further and further to the fringes of society, creating more and more isolation.


This Culture of Connection Summit is about building authentic relationships that last, where we feel seen and heard, our voices matter, and the impact on our communities is held together through our collective values and efforts.


This is an interactive, hands-on learning experience open to everyone. They welcome all walks of life to exchange ideas, gather inspiration, garner support, and find each other long after the Summit is over to continue building lasting, REAL change in our communities. 


Check out the agenda for this profound summit, and we're also thrilled to note that Pastor Deb will be speaking in the 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. time slot about "Connection with Wider Sources".


Please note that there is a $50 registration fee for the summit which you can purchase here. If this is a barrier to joining us at the Summit, please email yourfriends@ebbandflowcooperative.com to sign up for a scholarship. They look forward to connecting with you!

Bloody & Mimosa Fundraiser

Benefiting Oshkosh Area Community Pantry

Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Barley & Hops Pub and Beer Garden | 663 N. Main Street, Oshkosh


Enjoy build-your-own bloody Marys, bottomless mimosas, food trucks, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and so much fun! All proceeds go back to support the OACP mission of striving to eliminate food insecurity in our community!

Oshkosh YMCA Memory Café

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Oshkosh YMCA | 3303 W. 20th Avenue, Oshkosh


Head to the heart of an African safari, complete with hands-on African drumming to bring the adventure to life.

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.


July - August 2026 Venue Update


In-person: Westminster Room #106

No Livestream: Recording posted to Facebook, YouTube, and website


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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