12:00 - 1:30 p.m.| First Pres Multipurpose Room (#103)
Come join us for a friendly Bible study in a warm and welcoming place where everyone can connect and reflect together. Bring your Bible and lunch, and enjoy a relaxed time filled with meaningful talks that inspire both your spirit and our faith community. Whether you're new to Bible study or have been learning for years, your questions and thoughts are always welcome. This group values every person’s view, helping us all understand and appreciate the scriptures more deeply. Come share, learn, and grow with us in faith and friendship.
Community Breakfast
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | First Pres Magnolia Hall
The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with joyful laughter and heartfelt conversation at the Community Breakfast. This welcoming event serves more than just food—it nourishes both body and soul. Here, familiar faces and newcomers come together in a relaxed atmosphere where stories are shared, advice flows freely, and friendships take root.
In our fast-paced world, the Community Breakfast offers a valuable chance to slow down and build meaningful connections. Whether you want to meet neighbors, find support, or simply enjoy a wholesome meal in good company, this gathering feels like home. It’s not just about breakfast; it’s a moment to connect, refresh, and belong to a caring community.
Worth
Mentioning
Special Congregational Meeting Re-Cap
On September 20, 2026, the congregation met to hear and vote on a Session motion regarding the future of our congregation. Members of the Session presented various challenges and realities of our church, including declining membership and giving, and increased cost and demand on human resources to maintain the current building. The Session’s motion was as follows: “By August 1, 2027, the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church will be in a new location.”
This motion was not made hastily or lightly, and we recognize the many feelings that this decision evokes. With this motion passing, we are forming a plan for this new phase of life. It comes with much grief at the thought of leaving our current building, which has held our ministry for over a century. And yet, we also have abiding hope for the future. As some of our resources are freed up, we will be able to imagine new and creative outlets for ministry in the heart of Oshkosh.
As our season in this space comes to a close, we ask that you keep the Session in your prayers, knowing that the Session is also holding all of you in prayer throughout this transition.
We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way. Throughout this process, we will share updates and seek congregational input where appropriate through our print and digital newsletters, the physical bulletin board, and regular announcements from the pulpit.
Stewardship
Church stewardship is about taking care of the gifts God has given us and using them to support our faith community. It goes beyond giving money during a church service. Stewardship also means sharing our time and talents, caring for God's creation, and finding ways to help others. Through these efforts, we help the church carry out its mission and make a positive difference in the lives of people both inside and outside the congregation.
At its heart, stewardship is about generosity, gratitude, and making thoughtful choices with what we have. When we give what we can, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or offering our skills, we help keep church programs running and support outreach efforts. It also reminds us to be thankful for the blessings we receive and to share them with others as an expression of our faith.
There are many ways to practice stewardship in everyday church life. Some people volunteer on committees, while others help organize community events, support charitable causes, or lend a hand to someone in need. Every contribution matters, no matter how big or small. When we work together with willing hearts, we strengthen their church community, build meaningful relationships, and create a welcoming environment where everyone can feel supported and valued.
Don’t Forget to Fall Back!
On Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m., clocks will fall back one hour as Daylight Saving Time ends, giving us an extra hour of sleep. Remember to adjust your clocks on Saturday night (October 31st) before you go to bed. Enjoy the extra rest and welcome the cozy days of fall!
LGBTQIA+ History Month
Celebrating Diversity and Progress
Acceptance and Inclusion Matter
October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time to celebrate the lives, achievements, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other LGBTQIA+ individuals. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the struggles for equality, recognize the people who helped create change, and remember why acceptance and inclusion matter.
A Look Back at LGBTQIA+ History
LGBTQIA+ history stretches back centuries, although many stories have been overlooked or left out of traditional history books. Over time, brave individuals and dedicated activists have challenged discrimination and worked toward equal rights.
One important milestone was the Stonewall Uprising in New York City in June 1969. After police raided the Stonewall Inn, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters resisted, helping energize a growing movement for LGBTQ+ rights. A year later, the first Pride marches commemorated the uprising and called for equality.
Other milestones followed. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. In 1994, LGBTQ+ History Month was established in the United States by educator Rodney Wilson. In 2006, Equality Forum took responsibility for providing educational content and resources for the observance. Then, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide.
These achievements reflect years of courage, advocacy, and determination, while reminding us that the work toward equality continues.
Celebrating the People Who Made a Difference
LGBTQIA+ History Month also celebrates the artists, educators, scientists, community leaders, and activists who have made lasting contributions to society. From Harvey Milk's political leadership to Marsha P. Johnson's activism and the advocacy of countless people whose names may never appear in history books, their stories demonstrate the power of standing up for dignity and fairness.
Organizations continue to help preserve these stories and promote understanding. Equality Forum highlights LGBTQ+ history and celebrates influential figures through its LGBT History Month website. GLAAD works to improve LGBTQ+ representation in media and promote fair, accurate storytelling.
Why LGBTQIA+ History Month Matters
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ history is about more than looking back. It helps younger generations find role models, encourages meaningful conversations, and reminds us that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It also gives communities an opportunity to recognize the challenges LGBTQIA+ people continue to face.
As we celebrate this month, we can all do our part by learning more, listening to different experiences, supporting inclusive communities, and standing against discrimination. Every effort to show kindness and understanding helps create a world where people feel safe being themselves.
LGBTQIA+ History Month reminds us that diversity is something to celebrate and that progress happens when people work together. By honoring the past and supporting equality today, we can help build a more welcoming future for everyone.
Learn more and explore LGBTQIA+ history:
Equality Forum - Learn about LGBTQ+ civil rights and educational initiatives
LGBT History Month - Discover notable LGBTQ+ figures and their contributions
GLAAD - Explore LGBTQ+ advocacy, media representation, and community resources
Come together for an afternoon of film, fellowship, and conversation. Inspired by true events, No Address follows Lauren, a young woman who finds herself living on the streets and struggling to survive. Along the way, she finds a makeshift family among others facing homelessness, hardship, and loss—and discovers that home can be found in the people who refuse to let you fall.
Pizza and dessert provided.
Northeast Wisconsin Rainbow Collective: Spooky Social
Come hang out and enjoy some creepy crafts, ghoulish games, and so much more!
Activities Include:
Costume Contest
Potion Mocktail Bar
Mummy Candle Crafts
Seasonal Games
Tasty Treats (Tricks Optional)
This event is FREEand open to all ages!
Reclaiming Balance & Belonging: Single Parent Workshop
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
First 5 Fox Valley Family Resource Center | 111 W. College Avenue, Appleton
This workshop is an event by Samaritan specifically designed for single parents.
Through practical tools and gentle guidance, you'll learn how to ease stress, rebuild confidence, and strengthen your emotional well-being. You'll also connect with other parents who understand your journey and can offer encouragement and community. Come spend an evening focused on you, and leave feeling lighter, stronger, and less alone.
Free childcare for children ages 3 and up will be provided.
This event is offered for free but registration is required. Register online or call Samaritan at 920.886.9319.
Oshkosh YMCA Memory Café
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Oshkosh YMCA | 3303 W. 20th Avenue, Oshkosh
Pack your bags — the group is headed to Mexico! You'll enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired pumpkin dishes and get creative as you paint your own festive pumpkin canvas masterpieces.
