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
The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the sounds of laughter and heartfelt conversation. Each plate served offers nourishment not just for the body but also for the soul. It is a place where familiar faces and newcomers alike come together, sharing stories, exchanging advice, and building friendships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
In our fast-paced world, the Community Breakfast provides a valuable opportunity to slow down and truly connect with others. Whether you are looking to meet neighbors or simply enjoy a hearty meal in good company, you will find a warm welcome waiting for you.
Brown Bag Bible Exploration
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.| First Pres Multipurpose Room (#103)
Come explore the scriptures with us in a warm and inviting setting at this pleasant and meaningful meeting. Bring your Bible and lunch, then settle in for a laid-back session full of meaningful conversations that uplift the community and the spirit. Your thoughts and inquiries are much appreciated and encouraged, regardless of how long you have been studying the Bible.
Worth
Mentioning
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our fall social truly spectacular! From the dedicated volunteers who worked behind the scenes to the talented chefs who crafted delicious dishes, and all the wonderful guests who brought warmth and joy to the event—we couldn’t have done it without you. Your energy and enthusiasm created a memorable atmosphere where friendships blossomed and community spirit shone bright.
Events like this remind us how much we can achieve when we come together. Here’s to the teamwork, the laughs, and the shared moments that made this fall social one for the books.
Sanctuary Flower Sponsorships
Sponsoring flowers for our chancel is a beautiful way to enhance the atmosphere of Sunday services. For just $45 per Sunday, you can provide fresh, vibrant floral arrangements that brighten the worship space and create a warm, inviting environment for everyone attending. This sponsorship not only supports the church’s decorations but also offers a chance to celebrate special occasions, honor loved ones, or express gratitude in a heartfelt way. Your contribution brings color and life to the service, enriching the spiritual experience for the entire congregation through a simple yet meaningful gesture.
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.
Stewardship
First Pres stands as a vibrant spiritual home where faith, community, and service come together. Known for its rich history, our church is much more than a building—it’s a place where people find belonging and a shared commitment to living out God’s love in practical, impactful ways.
This congregation embraces a call to reach beyond comfort zones, encouraging creative ministry and mission that connect with the needs of Oshkosh and beyond. Whether through outreach programs, spiritual growth opportunities, or simple acts of kindness, our flock actively shows its faith through service.
Importantly, our church thrives not just on financial support but on the dedication of our flock who offer their time, talents, and passions. From leadership and hospitality to music and education, everyone’s gifts strengthen the community and deepen connections.
At First Pres, there is a heartfelt invitation to use your unique abilities to help shape a hopeful and loving future. Together, this church family believes we can turn big dreams into meaningful realities, sharing God’s love in every step.
World Communion Offering: Seeing Others As Jesus Sees Them
For the Rev. Justin Meyers, interfaith understanding isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s his lived experience. During his 10 years in ministry, he regularly engaged in a wide range of interfaith initiatives, from pulpit exchanges to interfaith justice and social initiatives.
Even so, the idea of taking a position with the Al Amana Centre in Oman, a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula — was perhaps the farthest thing from his mind, yet the impact was profound for him, as well as his family.
With its roots in the Reformed Church of America, a full communion partner of the PC(USA), the Centre’s work is based on a 130-year collaboration between Christians and Muslims in the Sultanate of Oman. It is one of the few Christian-led organizations in the Muslim-majority world working toward reconciliation and sustainable peace through safe, immersive, interfaith experiences to build capacity to work across differences — both religious and political.
Through genuine and open exchanges, the Centre’s facilitated discussions bridge the gap between people of different beliefs and help participants gain deeper insights into themselves. One of the Centre’s priorities is to lift up the role of religion so that people can connect, reconcile and build peace within their own context.
The Rev. Dr. Elmarie Parker, a PC(USA) minister and former regional liaison for Presbyterian Life & Witness (PL&W) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), says, “Increasing our capacity to work effectively across differences of all kinds directly contributes to embodying the invitation of Micah 6:8.”
In fact, the prophet’s threefold call is at the heart of all three of the PC(USA)’s Churchwide Special Offerings, with Micah’s charge to “love kindness” shining a light on the newest of the three, the World Communion Offering. With its singular focus on reconciling God’s people around the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, it supports the PC(USA)’s initiatives in racial justice, gender justice, peacemaking, global witness, and ecumenical and interfaith relations, as is embodied by the work of the Al Amana Centre.
“Interfaith opportunities increase dialogue and knowledge,” said Luciano Kovacs, Global Ecumenical Liaison for the Middle East and Europe for PL&W. The ministry of Global Ecumenical Partnerships brings people together for work rooted in strong relationships and local discernment that bring fullness of life to all.
The World Communion Offering at its core invites us to something different — to act on a commitment we say has its root and its core expression at the table. This Offering is a way to act: to stand alongside people and organizations breaking down the very barriers set aside at Christ’s table.
Just as the Offering seeks the wholeness of all peoples from all nations of the globe, the PC(USA) works with others to connect, equip, and accompany people in shared work and witness for God’s work in the world. The table is set, and all are invited!
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.
World Alzheimer's Day
September 21
The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do
Every year on World Alzheimer’s Day, health organizations worldwide come together to spotlight Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia. This day emphasizes the 2026 theme: The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters. Early diagnosis is crucial because it opens the door to treatment, care, and support options that can improve quality of life for those affected and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common cause of dementia, and currently, there is no cure or prevention. The older we get, the more common it becomes—beyond age 65, the risk doubles every five years. By 2050, it’s estimated that 16 million people in the U.S. will have Alzheimer’s, which ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the country and seventh worldwide.
The impact extends beyond the person diagnosed—caregivers face emotional, physical, and financial challenges. The global cost of Alzheimer’s runs into billions, underscoring the urgent need for support and research.
If you would like to observe World Alzheimer’s Day, wear a purple bracelet or ribbon. Attend a walk or other activity in your community to help spread awareness. If you know of a someone with Alzheimer’s, offer to find a support group for them and their caregiver. Learn about ongoing research to find a vaccination or cure for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer's support in Oshkosh is robust, featuring local support groups and memory cafés. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Winnebago County has compiled an extensive list of dementia programs and supports. ADRC welcomes your questions and concerns. Just call (877.886.2372) or email them (ADRC@winnebagocountywi.gov).
Community
Connections
Grand Re-Opening Celebration:
Oshkosh Community Fridge
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 9:00 - 10 a.m.
High Avenue Parking Lot - Behind Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Address: 203 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh
Hope Fridge-Oshkosh is evolving into the Oshkosh Community Fridge, while Hope Fridge will continue serving Menasha as Hope Fridge–Menasha. This change will allow each fridge to better focus on the unique needs of their local neighborhoods.
Join us in celebrating the first anniversary of Oshkosh Community Fridge! This marks a year of community dedication to keeping this vital resource running—and thank you for being part of it. The event will feature light snacks, refreshments, live music, and guest speakers, along with time to connect with neighbors and supporters.
They'll also be collecting donations during the celebration to help stock the fridge and keep it full for everyone who needs it.
Around September 22nd, the fridge will move just across the parking lot from the Algoma-side entrance of Trinity Episcopal Church to the High Avenue parking lot, continuing its 24/7 availability. And don't you just love the new Oshkosh Community Fridge logo created by Eliza Farrow!
Don’t forget to follow the new Oshkosh Community Fridge Facebook page for updates, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support this growing community effort.
Pets on the Patio
A Fundraiser for Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 3:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Fifth Ward Brewing Company | 1009 S. Main Street, Oshkosh
You can't miss this fun, family-friendly fundraiser supporting the Christine Ann pet program. This laidback event highlights the center’s pet-friendly policies and helps ensure every pet receives food and care during their stay.
Bring pet food, supplies, or a monetary donation and receive $1 off a pour coupon as a thank you. Well-behaved, leashed dogs and other pets are welcome to attend, making it a perfect outing for animal lovers.
Come hungry! Enjoy delicious meals from DD's Mile High Food Truck, Rodney's, and Tria Food Treats, serving between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. (or until sold out). A raffle will take place at 7:00 p.m., with tickets available via cash or QR code. Winners do not need to be present and can pick up prizes at Christine Ann during regular hours.
Support pets and families in our community while enjoying good food and great company!
Can't make it, but still want to support the pets they serve? Donate now!
Oshkosh YMCA Memory Café
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Oshkosh YMCA | 3303 W. 20th Avenue, Oshkosh
October is the perfect time to "travel" to Germany to experience your very own Oktoberfest, complete with dancing and good food!
