focus August 19 Volume 20, Issue 38 First Presbyterian Christians Serving, Learning and Loving

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1 Sunday focus First Presbyterian August 19 Volume 20, Issue 38 Christians Serving, Learning and Loving In This Issue Reflections Page 2 Coming Up in Worship Page 3 Nursery Help Page 3 Church Page 4-6 Thank You Notes Page 6 Financial Peace University Page 7 In August Page 8 s and Praises Page 8 August Calendar Page 9 Congregational Page 9 September Calendar Page 10 Contact Us Page 11 Social Media & Website Page 11 3rd August 1225 Fourth Street Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Voice fdloffice@fdlpresbyterian.org

2 Reflections Being Christian Clothed with Compassion 12 As God s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13 We live in a world that is very short on compassion or kindness. An emphasis on winning and a de-emphasis on needs of others has become commonplace throughout much of our culture. Years ago, when my youngest daughter was in grade-school, she took part in a soccer league that was largely made up of beginners, except for one team. That team took pride in having dominated the league for years. Every year their team took first place and the coach made a point of gloating that they were the winners, and second place is simply first among the losers. This type of thinking means one only has value if he or she can dominate as an individual. Eventually this type of philosophy is going to lead to loneliness, despair, and alienation. This type of attitude is enticing while it lasts but when it comes to an end, most realize that it wasn t meaningful or valuable to them. It is beneficial not to be at your peak, when you are a sixth- grade soccer player. Hopefully, we find our peace and value by being something more than what we do. Then, we can continue to experience meaning and joy throughout our life. The simple fact is that no one becomes important by emphasizing their own importance. No one s popularity lasts very long by demanding attention. The person who is noticed is the one who develops relationships that are healing and meaningful. The individual we want to see walk into the room, is the one who creates an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience is what becomes a source for relationships that are meaningful, sustaining, and life-giving. The better we become at clothing ourselves with the traits of Christ s presence, the more energy we receive from the conversations and encounters that take place among us. Trying to be in control and on top of everything is exhausting. Whereas being humble, meek, and patient creates an ability to be strengthened and sustained, even when we are dealing with difficult people and situations. It is helpful to know that these teachings about being forgiving is not an attempt to limit us or to reduce our behavior. They are the source of real freedom and strength. The way of humility, meekness, and patience frees us with a strength that cannot be dominated. You can t crush the spirit of someone who is meek they know their own strengths and weaknesses and already. They have come to accept their limitations and true purpose. It is impossible to insult someone who is humble their sense of self worth does not come from outside of themselves. They will wonder what is happening in your life that causes such hostility. Clothing ourselves in forgiveness frees us from being controlled by the past. We rejoice in the opportunity to learn and grow in the practical living of Christ s teachings. This has been a gift that God gave us a very long time ago and has become our source of strength, as we continue to live as disciples. Peace, Pastor Jack 2

3 8/19/2018 Sermon: Theme: Purpose: Scriptures: "But My Neighbor is a.." Faithfulness to Christ calls us to see Christ in our neighbor's heart rather than judge his or her behaviors. The congregation will seek to let go of judgments of others. Colossians 3:12-17 Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. John 4:5-42 Jesus and the woman of Samaria at the well. Questions: How does God call us to relate to those who have suffered humiliation and discrimination in their community? How do we find ways to show Christ s love to people who have been condemned or suffered shame? In what ways does God call us to be people of grace and acceptance? What difference will it make to the world when we practice this Christ-like love and compassion? How do we become people who stand out in the world for our ability to bring healing and hope? Consider Helping in the Nursery The Nursery is available Sunday Mornings from 7:45-11:45 for ages birth through 3 years old. We provide loving care and teaching during both morning worship services as well as during the Sunday School hour. What is the Purpose of the Nursery? The purpose of the nursery is to provide a safe, loving, fun and comfortable environment for both you and your child. To accomplish this, our workers will walk, rock, read, sing and play with the children to insure that they are content. As a general rule, children, infant through 3 years old, are welcome in the nursery. Due to limited space, safety concerns, and the desire to maintain a child/volunteer ratio of no more than 4:1, school-age children (kindergarten and older) are encouraged to be in worship. An Enrichment Class is provided for children age 3 through Kindergarten during the 10:30 service. Our church family is growing and that growth is a wonderful blessing. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering in the nursery. If you have any questions please contact Jennifer at

4 Church Christians Serving, Learning and Loving August 25 - Supply Distribution August 25 is school supply distribution day! It takes place from 8:30-2:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club (YMCA). Volunteers are needed to help distribute the materials to the children. You can register to help, at the Back to School website: Seeing the smiles on the kids faces as they get their school gear, will bring a smile to your face, as well. Why don t you volunteer? August 30 - Noon Organ Recital Thursday 12:15-12:45pm The last organ concert of the summer! August 30 Kenneth Hill Hope Lutheran Church 260 Vincent St. September 5-6:30pm Confirmation Class 2019 The Confirmation program at First Presbyterian Church is open to all youth 8 th grade and above. This is an exciting step in one s faith journey. When children are baptized, the congregation and parents agree to raise the child as a follower of Jesus Christ. Now it is time for these young people to explore making that decision for him or herself. The congregation, represented by their parents, Faith Partners and the teaching team will support, guide and pray for the student as they seek an understanding of what it means to be an active Christian. September 5 th at 6:30pm. At the end of the process, the confirmand will express their faith in an individual statement of faith and may request the status of active member from the Session. If you are interested in finding out about this program please join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 5 th at 6:30pm. We will talk about the expectations of the class. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer or Pastor Jack. September 9 - Congregational 9:15-10:15am (Between services) The Session has been working, from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center s problem-solving process, on our structure and leadership of the church. On September 9, between services, session members will present our new leadership plan which flows out of our mission to be Christians: Serving, Learning and Loving. The presentation will share the process and rational that led to our new plans. Session will share how the new structure will be more effective in utilizing the energy and time of the congregation. This will also be a time for beginning conversation and development that will lead to the implementation of the new structure, in More information will be shared as we prepare the presentations for that meeting. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us on September 9, at 9:15am. Won t you join us? 4

5 September 12 - Cantata Rehearsals The Christmas Cantata, at First Presbyterian Church, has been, and is, a fun time for singers to gather for 12 weeks to prepare for sharing the Good News through music. The Christmas Cantata this year is "The Mystery and the Majesty" by Joseph M. Martin. From jubilant glories to gentle manger lullabies, this inspirational cantata celebrates the wonder and splendor of the Christmas season! Traditional carols and newly composed seasonal anthems blend with thoughtful narration to help create a meaningful experience for our community of faith. Titles include: A Christmas Flourish; Carol of Longing; Advent Jubilation; The Coming Joy; Upon a Midnight Clear; A Call to Christmas Joy; Journey to Bethlehem; The Beautiful Impossible and A Noel Proclamation. Rehearsals are scheduled to start on Wednesday, September 12 at 6:30pm. It is a SATB so we will need lots of voices particularly tenor and basses. We will have professionally made CDs available for learning parts. Cantata Rehearsals Wednesday evenings 6:30pm September 12 - December 12 Dress Rehearsal Saturday December 15 10:30am Performance Sunday December 16 10:30am Sign up in the Music Room! Kris Bartelt Worship Coordinator October 10 - Membership and Church Life The Membership (3:30pm) and Church Life (4:00pm) will be meeting on October 10. Please mark your calendars. See you in October! Thank you Thank you to all volunteers who helped with our outdoor worship. You showed up early and stayed late for set-up and take down of chairs and equipment. It made the outdoor worship service a pleasant and stress free experience. Kris Bartelt Worship Coordinator Different Walks, Different Talks The Church Life is asking: will you be the next person to give your Different Walks, Different Talks presentation during the Sunday morning education hour? We believe that everyone has a personal journey and stories to tell. We invite you to consider making a presentation, or suggest someone we could invite. Please contact Kay Mullins or Carol Smith to volunteer, or to get more information. The presentation should be minutes plus minutes for questions and discussion. Some suggestions to include in your presentation are: where you grew up and family or other background information significant pivotal event(s) or person(s) in your life the role that church or other religious experience played in your life how these experiences influence your faith, Christian witness how the insights gained from your experiences effect the way you live your life. Different Walks, Different Talks has been a well-received addition to our Growing Connections Adult Education program. Please consider telling your story, too. 5

6 January 6, Ecumenical Hymn Festival Commemorating Epiphany The Widow s Offering 21 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on. Luke 21:1-4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The hymn festival will be held Sunday, January 6, at 3:00pm. It will take place at the former St. Patrick s Church (41 E. Follett St., Fond du Lac). There will be one massed rehearsal on Saturday, January 5, from 1:00-3:00pm at St. Patrick s. If you are interested in singing for this event, please notify Kris at: kbatelt@fdlpresbyterian.org. As the date nears, I will be in touch with more details. TINY COINS Luke 21:1-4 Two Small Copper Coins Here s a question for you. Why did the widow give her two small copper coins? It was all that she had to live on. Why did she do it? Perhaps she was masochistic and wanted to go hungry and feel pain. Or maybe she was crazy and didn t know what she was doing. Or maybe she was forced to give all that she had. But wait - I don t think these motives would have drawn praise from Jesus. There had to be a better reason. My guess is that it was a spiritual reason that led to the widow s action. Consider the words of Jesus. Don t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or worse! - stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it is safe from moth and rust and burglars. It s obvious, isn t it. The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Matthew 6:19-21) Did the widow come to the temple and place her treasure there because that was where she wanted to be? Worshipping God? I like to think so. That for her, life in the temple was what pulled at her heart, and that it was her heart that Jesus saw and praised. Where do you want to be? And where to you want to end up? Where is your heart telling you to put your treasure? Think about it. 6

7 Financial Peace University (FPU) Available This Fall Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 9-week life-changing program that will teach you how to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before. The purpose of FPU is more than the sharing of information, we also strive for transformation. This is a video presentation of Mr. Ramsey s tried and true principles entitled Financial Peace University. It is an opportunity to get expert training whether you need financial guidance or are already financially savvy. Pedro Arellano will moderate the class. Class members meet each week to watch a video lesson from world-renowned financial expert Dave Ramsey and then participate in discussion groups. Dave's style is simple and easy to understand. He will change the way you think about money. You'll actually have fun as you learn! The classes will be on Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm. The cost is $75.00 for individuals or per family (ages 12 and up living in the same household). The registration fee includes access to online videos (for one year), an app, a workbook, and Dave Ramsey's book, Complete Guide to Money. Through Financial Peace University, you will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money that can change your life and legacy forever! Space is limited so register now. There is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please contact Pedro Arellano: or by pedrothethird@gmail.com You can view a video, about the class, here: The schedule is as indicated. Sunday Evening at 6:00pm September 16 September 23 September 30 October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28 November 4 November 11 7

8 In August Deacon of the Month Larry Johnson Dick Sleder Elder of the Month Roger Rigterink Hosts Creative Arts First Presbyterian Focus Please send submissions for the Newsletter to: Deadlines: August 22 for September 2 September 5 for September 16 September 19 for October 7 October 10 for October 21 Church Office Hours Monday - Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm Thursday 9:00am - 12:00pm Friday Closed Saturday 9:00-12:00pm Winter Worship (September - May) 8:00am & 10:30am Ushers August 19 9:00am August 26 9:00am Nursery Care August 19 9:00am August 26 9:00am Judy & Jim Dassow Bill & Judy Kuespert Lynn Mellenthien Judy Mellenthien Burt Mayborne September 2 Labor Day Weekend Communion Nancy Hilbert Lew & Carol Smith Carol Wetzel September 9 TWO Services 8:00am Bob & Barb Baumhardt Mike Petersen Dave Erickson 10:30 Mary Robotka Sheryl Brown Christine Langille Katy Johnston September 2 Labor Day Weekend Communion 9:00am Jane Devine s and Praises June Benson Liam Anderson Silas Willey Chastity Geisthardt Jesse Fisher Betty Stephens Dan Mitchell Ann & Arnold Leestma Carol Merrill Lincoln Deanovich Mary Rita Frize Mike Frize Rhonda Brewer John Meyst Ruth Smith Partners request cards are in the pew racks and in the Box (on the small table in the Narthex). Put your request in the offering plate or the Box and we will partner with you in prayer. Rejoice: The gift of growing together in the body of Christ. Summer Worship (May - September) 9:00am 8

9 19 9a-10a Worship Session Forum 1p-4p Court of Honor - Miguel Pugh 26 9a-10a Worship 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop 702 3p-4p Management 6:30p-7:30p Outreach Pantry Christians Serving, Learning and Loving 20 10a-11:30a Staff 6:30p-7:30p Session 27 10a-11:30a Staff 6p-7p Nominating 21 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 4p-7p Loaves and Fishes August a-9a Breakfast - Pump & Pantry p-7p AA 8a-9a Breakfast - (Gathering Room) Pump & Pantry Back to School Distribution Congregational September 9 Worship 8:00am 9:15am We are reviewing our new structure and leadership plan. 9

10 ~ September 2018 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 9a-10a Worship 9 8a-9a Worship Congregational 10:30a-11:30a Worship 1p-5p Eagle Scout Court of Honor 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop a-9a Worship 10:30a-11:30a Worship 6p-8p Financial Peace University 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop Fall begins 8a-9a Worship 10:30a-11:30a Worship 6p-8p Financial Peace University 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop Labor Day Office Closed For Labor Day 10 10a-11:30a Staff 3p-4p Management 6:30p-7:30p Deacons 6:30p-7:30p Outreach 17 10a-11:30a Staff 6:30p-7:30p Session 24 10a-11:30a Staff 4 1p-2p Ruth Circle - Parlor 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 11 Patriot Day 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 18 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) 25 6p-7p AA (Gathering Room) September a-9a Breakfast - 6:30p-8p Creative Pump & Pantry Arts 5p-7p Christian Education 6:30p-7p Confirmation Informational 12 8a-9a Breakfast - Pump & Pantry 3p-4p Generosity 6:30p-8p Cantata Rehearsal 13 6:30p-7:30p Worship 19 8a-9a Breakfast - Pump & Pantry 6:30p-8p Cantata Rehearsal p-9p Cribbage 30 Membership Class 8a-9a Worship 10:30a-11:30a Worship 6p-8p Financial Peace University 6:30p-8p Boy Scout Troop :45a-11:45a PYA at the Woodlands Little Farmer - PYA & Scouts 22 AA Organization a-9a Breakfast - Pump & Pantry 3p-4p Generosity 6:30p-8p Cantata Rehearsal 10

11 Church Staff Rev. Jack Harrison Pastor Jennifer Zander Director of Christian Education Kris Bartelt Worship Coordinator Mary Robotka Financial Assistant Deb Zorn Communications Coordinator Daliborka Koncos Jane Devine Nursery Attendant Volunteer Staff Bell Choir Director Joanne Marchionda Custodian Assistant Dave Weber DOVE Praise Becky Frize Terri Wilke Financial Assistant Sheryl Brown Elders on Session Krista Tahlman Clerk of Session Terry Albrecht Pedro Arellano Noah Baker Dave Erickson Nancy Hilbert Orv Kamphuis Trish Nonestied Paul Radlund Roger Rigterink Wendy Wilcox Carol Wetzel Deacons Sally Sleder, Moderator Dede Beachy Kay Burbach J. Brian Conran Carol Dykstra Larry Johnson Orv Kamphuis Session Liaison Christine Langille Lee Munson Phyllis Munson Jolene Schry Social Media and Website First Presbyterian Church, Fond du Lac First Presbyterian Church FDL Fourth Street Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Voice