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First United Weekly Newsletter

March 16, 2023

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.

Indoor AGAPE Dinner This Weekend!

Although our monthly Agape Dinner is primarily a drive-through event, you're invited to a very special St. Patrick's Indoor Agape Dinner coming this Saturday (3/18) at 5:45pm in our Family Life Center! The special free menu will include Irish stew, dessert, plus special soda bread and potato bread (compliments of Great Harvest Bread). Monetary donations are welcomed, but not required. Invite your friends and help us share the love indoors with this special dinner!

Plans for This Sunday

Join us Sunday (3/19) at 9am. This week in our Lenten series, we'll discover how being disciples of Jesus requires us to relinquish our need to define ourselves by anything other than what God proclaims. We'll read Ephesians 5:8-14 and John 9:1-41 (click to read) and learn what it means to accept God's freedom and live in the light. As we continue our journey in week four of Discipleship: The Adventure of a Lifetime, we are challenged to live in humility and thankfulness as we accept God's providence and blessings. Please join us Sunday!

*This week our Joyful Noise group will be playing: "Who You Say I Am" and "Your Grace is Enough." If you'd like to get more familiar so you can join in more easily during Sunday's worship, click on each title for a link to a YouTube video.

Sunday School at 10:30am for All Ages

> Lent is a great time to draw closer to God. Even if you've never attended a class in the past, consider dropping in for our adult, youth, or children's classes. We have great teachers and wonderful content, and we'd love for you to join us!

*Pre-K to 2nd grade (Room 5)... *3rd to 5th grade (Room 6)...

*6th - 12th grade Youth (Middle High Room)

*Adult Class (Koinonia Lounge) - We'll be continuing our class: “Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.” This week’s focus is on failure, disappointing others, insignificance, and loneliness. Join us as we discuss how using our faith in Christ to deal with our feelings surrounding failure can free us from fear and help us overcome self-imposed limitations. See you Sunday!

Last Sunday, our CORE & JAM Youth Group had a great movie night and discussion about heaven after watching "Heaven is for Real." This Sunday (3/19) from 6-7:30pm, we'll continue our discussion about the book of James. Hope you'll join us!

Special Award

Our Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership has been awarded for the first time in a number of years. As part of the P.W. "Growth through Service" event last Saturday (3/11), Jan Nelson presented Barb Kraus (left) with the very special certificate and pin of recognition. Congratulations Barb!

Presbyterian Women Plans

> The annual P.W. Rummage Sale is only one month away! If you'd like to help with the project, please attend a Rummage Sale Volunteer Interest Meeting right after church this Sunday (3/19) in our Family Life Center. The big event will take place on Saturday, April 15, so be sure to keep it in mind as you do your spring cleaning. Donations for the sale will begin being collected on April 2. Watch for more details soon!

> The next P.W. Election Day Bake Sale is coming on Tuesday, April 4. They'll be accepting all types of bakes goods this time for sale to neighbors who stop in to vote at our church. Watch for more details and drop-off dates next week.

> PALM SUNDAY (4/2) 9 am service with Communion

(*All kids and youth are encouraged to meet at 8:45 in the Family Life Center for the Palm Processional.)

> MAUNDY THURSDAY (4/6) 7 pm service with Communion

> GOOD FRIDAY (4/7) 7 pm service

> EASTER SUNDAY (4/9)

8-9 am - Continental Breakfast

(*Thanks to our Men's Club!)

8:30 am - Easter Egg Hunt

(*Bring your own basket or bag.)

9 am - Worship Service

(*No Coffee Fellowship, Sunday School, or Youth Group that day.)

A Special Thank You!

For the past 10 years, Becky Nyberg has been coordinating summer Sunday Afternoon Bike Rides for our church family at a variety of area locations. It's been decided that the group will take a break this year. We'd really like to thank Becky for all her dedication keeping the wheels turning over the years. She did tell us to let everyone know to contact her if anyone's looking for a friend to ride with.

Fun Event Planned for May

Be sure to mark your calendar for a special event called Derby Day planned for Saturday, May 6, from 3 - 6:30pm. It'll feature a variety of games including croquet, indoor horseshoe, hat decorating, and more, plus prizes and tons of yummy Derby-themed foods. Proceeds from this event will go to Exceptional Equestrians in De Pere. Watch for lots more details as we get closer to the date.

Bible School Will Be Out of This World

Vacation Bible School 2023 will be taking place Sunday, July 23 - Thursday, July 27. It'll be open to preschool age through current 5th graders.This year's theme is "Stellar," and kids will be launched on a cosmic quest where they'll have a blast shining Jesus' light to the world. We'll also need the help of many youth and adults to make this faith-building event a big success. Registration is coming soon!

Soles for Jesus

Elaine Farwell is running a collection of new and gently used shoes all this month for Soles For Jesus (a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes shoes to the people of Africa). If you have some to donate, collection bins are by the office and in the Narthex. To learn more about Soles for Jesus, click on here. Thanks for your all your help so far!

February 2023 Financial Update

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

Operating Fund Total Income:

2023 Budget = $70,890

2023 Actual = $66,741

Operating Fund Total Expenses:

2023 Budget = $68,165

2023 Actual = $66,411

Our second payment for Bell Tower repair is planned for March. Our First Quarter payment of Presbytery Support was made to the Winnebago Presbytery. Payment for repair of boiler was made in February. For all those who authorized an automatic annual withdrawal of $28-per-member for Presbytery support, please note that it was taken in March.

How to Give:

> Drop off donations during worship

> Give electronically: Go to www.firstunitedpc.org and click on "Give Now"

> Mail your check to: First United Presbyterian Church,

605 N Webster Ave, De Pere, WI 54115