Welcome, Visitors! Information about our church and ministries is available on the Welcome Table near the main doors. Standing nearby are church members who will be happy to answer your questions. Interested in joining the church? Our next Membership Exploration will be in the fall. For the convenience of those who need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video broadcast in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery. Large-print bulletins are available. Please ask the ushers for a copy. References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.

Children in Worship Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family Worship Area is open during our worship services for children ages 3-10, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin.

Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any of our friends on the autism spectrum–adult or child–to use during worship. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs one of these tools.

Donating to First Congregational UCC If you are enrolled in automatic contributions, you may still participate in the weekly offering by submitting a Giving Card, found in the pews. We encourage members and friends to assist us in planning our budget by pledging each year. Pledge cards are available in the pews and may be placed in the offering plates at any time.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Now Available! Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible from www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

WATCH LIVE: You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on YouTube at tinyurl.com/ybtlv9c6 or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/yayd8cud.

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website. Visit www.firstcongoappleton.org to connect with First Congregational in a variety of ways: an electronic version of The Open Door newsletter, social media, blogs and more.

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September 1 Highlights at First Congregational Today: Guest Preacher Linda Morgan-Clement ..................................... p. 5 Today: Ike Sturm Jazz Trio ........................................................................ p. 4 September 3: Lectionary Group Resumes ....................................................... p. 17 September 4: Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Begin ........................................... p. 15 Next Sunday: Rally Sunday! ............................................................................. p. 11

Flowers Today’s flowers are donated by Phil Gabrielson in celebration of his 15th wedding anniversary to Brenda. Leslie Verkuilen designed this morning’s Sanctuary flower arrangement.

Communion We celebrate communion the first Sunday of each month. Our communion elements are gluten-free; however, they are made in a facility that also processes wheat products.

Baptism Our next scheduled Baptism Sundays are September 22, October 13 and November 17.

If you would like to be baptized or have a child baptized, please request a baptism registration form from the church office or download and print one from www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship/baptism. Please return baptism registration forms to the church office a month ahead of your desired baptism date.

Members in Service This Week Friday, August 30 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Pat Hauser, Trish Brehm Sunday, September 1 9:30 AM Main Door Greeter Bridge Greeters Welcome Desk Lay Reader Karen Gosse Usher Team Captains Dennis Korth and Rick Behm Multi-Media—audio Jill Smith Multi-Media—video Steve Verboomen

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

September 1, 2019 9:30 AM Welcome to The Church of the Open Door.

Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith.

PRELUDE The Light Shines (text by Melissa Stylianou) Ike Sturm

(Please sign the registration form on the end of the pew, pass it down the row, and then return it, that all may know the names of those sharing in worship today. Prayer request cards are collected at the ends of the pews as well.)

RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL

WELCOME AND GREETING

*CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: It is God our Maker who sets us free to live,

People: Who calls us into a community of freedom and commitment.

Leader: It is Jesus our Christ who has blazed the trail of new life,

People: Who has gone before us to overcome sin and death.

Leader: It is the Spirit of peace that binds us as one,

People: Who flows among us like a healing river.

All: Glory be to God the Maker, Christ, and Spirit, in all that we say and do here! Amen.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (see bulletin p. 6) Great Is Thy Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS arr. Sturm *PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O God, our God, we celebrate the new life you have given us. We have experienced broken lives made whole, old wounds of alienation healed over, and tired spirits rejuvenated with new vision. Gracious God, we are so grateful for the purpose and possibilities you have placed before us. Yet there are times when doubt has overcome hope, cynicism has replaced dedication, the world’s values have captured us more than yours. Forgive us those times, we pray. Help us let go of the past so that we might move joyfully into a new future that points to your love and justice. Amen.

*Congregation stands

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*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON (After the Children’s Sermon, the children can use the Family Worship Area or join their families in the pews.

During the solo, the prayer request cards will be collected.)

SOLO Connection Ike Sturm

OLD TESTAMENT READING Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 (OT p. 755)

GOSPEL READING Luke 2:22-38 (NT p. 71)

MEDITATION Question of Faith: How Does One’s Faith and Spirituality Grow with Age? “Reflections on Faith, Spirit and Aging” Linda Morgan-Clement

*RESPONSE HYMN #83 God of Our Life, Through All the Circling Years SANDON

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

A MUSICAL OFFERING Static Ike Sturm

*DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

INVITATION

COMMUNION PRAYER

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THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION Improvisations by the Trio

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We thank you, God, for inviting us to this table where we have known the presence of Christ and have received all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and let us show forth your praise in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

*CLOSING HYMN (see bulletin p. 7; please join in singing the refrain on cue) Shine arr. Sturm

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Wide + Free (text by Chanda Rule) Ike Sturm

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Jon D. Riehle, organist Ike Sturm, string bass and composer/arranger Melissa Stylianou, vocals Tim Albright, trombone John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Ike Sturm is a bassist, composer, and bandleader in New York. A graduate of Eastman School of Music, Ike serves as Music Director for the Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter's Church in Manhattan. Joining him today are world renowned soloists Melissa Stylianou (voice) and Tim Albright (trombone.) This afternoon Ike and Melissa will perform at the Fox Valley Jazz Festival with jazz guitar legend, Gene Bertoncini.

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Rev. Dr. Linda Morgan-Clement is the Julie Esch Hurvis Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life at Lawrence University. Linda earned a bachelor’s degree from Carroll University in 1980, a Master of Divinity degree from Chicago’s McCormick Theological Seminary in 1984 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2005. Joining Lawrence University in September 2016, Dr. Morgan-Clement brings a passion for interfaith dialogue and does the daily work of encouraging the Lawrence community to embrace relationships within and in service to spirituality. We welcome Linda back to our pulpit this morning!

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Upcoming Worship Schedule September 8, 2019 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost / Rally Sunday 9:30 AM “Having Words with God” Rev. Dr. Karl Kuhn Scripture readings: Revelation 3:14-22 Music: Sanctuary Choir; Kris Henke, trumpet

Members in Service Next Week Friday, September 6 9:30 AM Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, September 8 9:30 AM Main Door Greeters Bridge Greeters Welcomers Usher Team Captains Dennis Korth and Rick Behm Lay Readers Michael Weaver Multi-Media—audio Dennis Korth Multi-Media—video Steve Verboomen

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JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Members of our church family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.

If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please call (920) 810-2600.

Jill Anthony’s neighbors, John and Katie Jill Anthony’s sister Jack Arter Katie Behl Dan Bergsma Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Chuck Burich Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Dick Casperson John Cawthon Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’

son-in-law Randy and Shirley Dorschner upon the

death of Randy’s brother Jim Jim Edwards Margitta Furnner Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Nanette Geurts, and her aunt, Maureen Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Mary Guenther Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Dan Huth Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson Ervin Klesmit Our Kenyan partners and students Gary Kubiak, Joy Kubiak’s brother Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law

Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Margaret LaFleur Shari Mitchell Sandy Moynihan, Ted Sanderson’s sister Mike Mathews Carrie Brooks McClory Our country’s military around the world Jo Muehl Ellie Olson Duane and Joan Pahl upon the death Duane’s

daughter Cari Families and children of Palestine Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Don Roehrborn Gladys Schmidt, John and Tim Schmidt’s mother Jim Schwantes Jake Smasal Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Greg Vandenberg Jean Van Wagenin Linda Uitenbroek, sister of Lyle Van De Hey

and Janice Schmitz Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Larry, Mike Weaver’s son-in-law Ruby Wells Jennifer Wild Gary Wisneski

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THE OPEN DOOR September 1, 2019 Volume 19, Issue 35

Pastor’s Message REMEMBERING MAYNARD BEEMER

This Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 AM, we will have a chance to celebrate the life of Rev. Maynard Beemer here in our Sanctuary. Last Sunday I took the opportunity to say just a few words to Maynard’s church family. I want to share them with you in this venue as well.

Maynard was Pastor Emeritus of our church. It is very unusual to name someone Pastor Emeritus who was an Associate rather than a Senior Minister of the church. I suppose it’s been done at some other church, but I couldn’t name one that did. Rev. John McFadden deserves some credit for this, but mostly it’s a tribute to Maynard. He embodied something vital about First Congo: a loving spirit, a fierce commitment to justice, an unwavering and joyful dedication to service. To name him Pastor Emeritus was to say that THIS is who we are; THIS is what we are like; THIS is what we must always be if we are to be faithful to our calling as church.

I am heart-broken to lose Maynard, and I know many of you are as well. I am also just a little bit frightened, anxious about who we will become without him. And not just without him; these last couple of weeks, I’ve found myself thinking about Wanda, Maynard’s loving wife and faithful partner in ministry, who we lost several years ago.

So many of the people who are pillars of this church have told me that their love of First Congo started when Maynard greeted them on their first Sunday here or when Wanda reached out to them after a service. In just a few words, Maynard and Wanda were able to represent the best of us to those who were just getting to know our church. What will we do without their loving hospitality?

Of course, each of us have asked similar questions and faced similar fears in our own families in our times of loss. And we’ve found that the love and care of those we’ve lost continues to love and care through us and all those they touched in how we pass on that love and care to others. So part of the answer to my fears lies in us.

Just as importantly, as a family of faith we remember that the source of the loving spirit we found in Maynard and Wanda was not ultimately them but God. They were instruments of God’s love, and God is certainly still with us - particularly in this time of grief and uncertainty - loving and caring for us and providing for our future.

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So even as we prepare to lift up our joyous thanks for Maynard Beemer’s life and ministry, let us remember to praise God, whose love and blessings continue to surround us in the saints who sit beside us. Maynard and Wanda knew that. That’s why they were always so excited to see you here. That’s why they were so delighted to reach out to us in loving welcome. In that spirit, let us always greet the saints around us.

Your friend and fellow minister,

Rev. Steve Savides

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Rally Sunday Picnic September 8 following 9:30 AM worship

Fellowship Hall

Rally Sunday is next Sunday, and we invite you to join others from your church family for our annual Rally Sunday Picnic. The Fellowship Team will be serving frittata and fruit.

Rally Sunday is our celebration of the beginning of a new program year at First Congregational.

The Fellowship Team could use some help with set-up and clean-up. Please check the sheets on the sign-up table.

If you are able, we gratefully accept donations for the meal to support our events.

Donna Bailey Memorial Tuesday • September 10

Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides will lead Donna Bailey’s memorial service at Peabody Manor on September 10 at 1:00 PM.

Donna was a member of First Congo for 57 years and will be greatly missed. Please keep the friends and family of Donna in your prayers during this time.

Congo Crafters for Christ Monday • September 16

Save the date! Congo Crafters will reconvene on September 16 at an earlier time of 6:30 PM in the First Congo Upper Lounge.

We are flexible; come when you can, leave when you need to. Please bring a current project to work on and/or share with the group. Feel free to bring a snack and beverage, too.

Everyone is welcome – spread the word, bring a friend, and join us for fun and fellowship!

Contact Jennifer DeWitt or Colleen Berry with any questions.

Email jdewitt@firstcongoappleton.org or cberry@firstcongoappleton.org, or call (920) 733-7393.

Intergenerational Flash Mob Please join us for a fun tradition again this year - our Kenya Partnership Sunday celebratory Flash Mob!

No special skills required – all ages are welcome.

The Flash Mob will perform on September 22 at both services.

There will be two rehearsals to learn the dance moves. One will be on Sunday, September 8 (time to be announced by Dee during the Rally Sunday brunch) and

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another on Sunday, September 15 from 10:15–11:15 AM. You can sign up for one or both practices.

Please RSVP to Dee Savides at sdsavides@sbcglobal.net.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Confirmation Classes 2019-2020

Confirmation class registration packets have been mailed out.

If you are interested in joining our class this year but didn’t receive a packet, please contact Jennifer DeWitt in the CYF office at jdewitt@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 851-6938. Everyone 9th grade or older is welcome!

Volunteer Confirmation Coordinator Needed

After many faithful years, our prior coordinator has stepped away and we are looking for a volunteer for our High School Confirmation Coordinator.

This person will assist pastor Nick in facilitating the mentor-based confirmation experience. It is an opportunity to get to know our church members and youth, grow alongside our confirmands, and incorporate your own unique interests!

This volunteer position is very flexible and requires almost no administrative work.

Want to know more? Reach out to Pastor Nick for information!

Don’t Forget to Register for CYF The registration process started on August 1. You can register on Realm or pick up a paper registration form.

In order to register for Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) and Music programs, you will need to log into your Realm account.

If you have not activated your Realm account yet, an invitation was sent on July 25.

To complete the online registration process, log into your Realm account and follow these steps: 1. Under Community, click on Events. 2. Click on Children/Youth/Music Registration 2019-2020.

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3. Check the box next to each child you are registering. Then click on the blue “Next” button. 4. Answer all the questions. 5. Click on the blue “Next” button. 6. Click on the blue “Register” button. Paper forms are available in the Narthex, outside the Infant and Toddler Room (on the upper level of the CYF Center), and outside of the CYF office.

Please return to Jennifer DeWitt (CYF Coordinator) in the CYF office when completed.

Contact Jennifer at (920) 851-6938 or jdewitt@firstcongoappleton.org if you have any questions.

CYF Parent Orientation Night Wednesday • September 11

Please join us for the CYF program year Parent Orientation night on Wednesday, September 11 to learn more about the exciting programs we have planned, and to meet our new Director of Youth Ministries; Renee Taylor. Each orientation will be group-specific and held in the Fellowship Hall.

Orientation schedule: *Church School (3-year-olds to grade 6) 6:30-7:00 PM Middle School (grades 7 and 8) 7:00-7:30 PM

High School (Grades 9 to 12) 7:30-8:00 PM *Church school for 3- and 4-year-olds and kindergarten through grade 6 will be

offered at the 8:45 AM service only. Nursery & toddler childcare will be offered at both services. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer DeWitt at (920) 851-6938 or jdewitt@firstcongoappleton.org.

Church School Teachers Needed The lesson plans have been written. The supplies have been purchased. Now all we need is YOU! Teachers are needed for the entire upcoming year.

Volunteers will teach a five-week rotation of lessons, which are provided ahead of time. The room will also be set up, and middle school students will be on-hand for assistance.

All you will need to do is show up on Sunday morning and enjoy teaching the children about God’s love!

Openings are available for grades Kindergarten through Fourth grade. You may request a specific grade so that you are able to teach your child or grandchild.

The dates of the rotations are listed below, as well as some special “one day” lessons.

Rotation One: September 15–October 13 Special Fall Themed Lesson: October 20 Rotation Two: November 3–December 8 (No Church School on December 1) Special Christmas Themed Lesson: December 22 Rotation Three: January 5–February 2

Rotation Four: February 9–March 8

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Rotation Five: March 15–April–May 3 (No Church School on Easter Sunday, April 12)

If interested, contact Colleen Berry at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org.

Preschool Teacher Needed For 27 years, this congregation has been graciously blessed to have the wonderful Shari Mitchell as a volunteer teacher for the three and four-year-old pre-school class.

“Miss Shari,” as she was affectionately known by students and parents alike, will not be able to teach this year due to health reasons. Therefore, we are in need of a volunteer teacher for the three and four-year-old children. Please consider this opportunity so that we can to continue to offer this important component of the Church School program.

The class would be taught during the first service coinciding with the Kindergarten through Sixth Grade classes.

Contact Colleen Berry at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org if you are willing to share your time and talents with our pre-school children.

Middle School Youth Group Volunteers Needed

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. Please consider the fun and fellowship that comes from serving our Youth Ministry Programs on Wednesday evenings!

We are in need of volunteers to help serve and clean up our monthly meals from 5:30–6:45 PM. We need volunteers to help lead and assist in worship, prayer, projects, and fellowship supervision from 6:30–7:45 PM.

Finally, we are inviting interested Middle School parents or congregation members to serve on our Youth Team Committee helping to guide and support our programs and events. This will involve about 6 meetings a year.

For more information or interest in these or High School Youth Ministry volunteer opportunities please contact Renee Taylor at (920) 733-7393 or rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org.

CYF at Rally Sunday Sunday • September 8

Come see us on Rally Sunday!

CYF will have a table set up to assist with registration for Church School, Middle School, High School and Music programs for the 2019-2020 year.

There will also be fun crafts for the kids!

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Millennials Needed for Research Project

My name is Colie Bettivia. I am a millennial and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, serving as Associate Pastor at Grace Congregational UCC in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. I am also a doctoral student at Lancaster Theological Seminary.

I am looking for participants, either in person or by phone/video, to help answer this research question: Among Millennials that are active in traditional congregations, how and why have they made the decision to be engaged in a church, when so many of their peers have made other decisions?

I need millennials between the ages of 23 and 38 who are active members at a UCC church in Wisconsin, (who attend worship once a month as well as serve the church in other capacities such as ushers, greeters, Sunday School teachers, choir singers, service project volunteers, etc.) AND who have a sibling that is not active in a church who would also be willing to participate in the study.

If you are willing to participate, or know someone else who might qualify, please contact me at pastorcolie@gmail.com or call my cell phone at (920) 973-5775.

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

“Come Sing (and Play) a New Song Unto the Lord!”

Our fall season of music ministry begins soon, and you and your family are invited to participate.

Sanctuary Choir rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 4.

All adults and high schoolers are welcome to join in service and music ministry through singing in our Sanctuary Choir.

No audition is needed; many different styles of music are explored as we praise God together!

Rehearsals are from 7:00 PM–8:30 PM in the Choir Room.

For questions and to register, please see John Albrecht or Jon Riehle after worship, or contact John Albrecht at (920) 851-8097 or jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org.

mailto:jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org

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Children’s Fall Music Programming

Children’s Choir rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 18. Our Children’s Choir (grades 2-6) offers the opportunity to “sing our faith” each week in practice, as well as regularly share our music in worship services, on Christmas Eve, and in the Intergenerational Musical. Rehearsals are from 4:30 PM–5:30 PM in the Choir Room. (NOTE: the previously indicated time of 4:00-5:00 PM was incorrect).

Youth Handbells rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 25. Our Youth Handbells (grades 7-12) learn new ringing techniques and share new music regularly in worship. Basic music reading skills are helpful.

Rehearsals are from 5:45 PM–6:30 PM in the Amistad Room. Registrations for Children’s Choir and Youth Handbells are included in CYF registration on Realm or with paper registrations available in the Narthex.

Contact John Albrecht at (920) 851-8097 or jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org to register.

Fall Family Music Programming Fall Family Handbell Workshop begins Sunday, November 3. Open to elementary age through adults; an intergenerational exploration of ringing with no previous playing experience needed!

Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings between worship services beginning November 3 to “ring in” worship on November 24. Contact John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org or Beth Vercouteren at (920) 735-0741.

Intergenerational Musical Open to second graders through adults. All are welcome to explore and develop their musical and theatrical gifts! Rehearsals begin in January for our annual spring production, March 21 and 22, 2020. Contact Rev. Steve Savides or Dee Savides at ssavides@firstcongoappleton.org or indicate interest through CYF registration on Realm.

Adult and Youth Instrumental and Vocal Music Solos & Ensembles Adults and Youth grades 7–12 may present solo or small ensemble instrumental or vocal music in worship, including Youth Sunday. Contact John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org or indicate interest through CYF registration on Realm.

http://www.firstcongoappleton.org/content/john-albrechtmailto:Rev.%20Steve%20Savideshttp://www.firstcongoappleton.org/content/john-albrecht

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Lectionary Group Resumes Tuesday • September 3

The Lectionary Group gathers around the scripture texts used for the sermon the following week. It was formed last year and serves to support our preachers in their sermon preparation and enrich the worship experience of those involved in the group. Our sessions feature a free-flowing discussion and sharing of thoughts and experiences sparked by the text. After taking a break for the summer, the Lectionary Group will resume this Tuesday, September 3 at noon in the Upper Lounge. We meet every Tuesday from 12:00–1:00 PM.

Come any Tuesday you like – it’s a difference text and a new discussion each week! You are encouraged to bring a bag lunch along.

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Romeo and Juliet – Cookout and a Play

Tuesday • September 10

Join ESTHER for an evening of engagement, enchantment and entertainment!

There will be a cookout with a play performed “Renaissance Faire-style” by Pastor Steve and Dee Savides! Time: 5:00–8:00 PM Location: Pierce Park, 1035 W. Prospect Avenue, Appleton Suggested donation: $15 adults, $25 couples, $30 families Food: Kosher/halal hot dogs, veggie burgers, hamburgers, lemonade and side dishes (included with suggested donation). In case of rain, the event will move indoors at the same location.

Register at: http://esther-foxvalley.org/date/2019/09/10/romeo-and-juliet-cookout-and-play or send check, number attending and contact information to ESTHER, P.O. Box 784, Neenah, WI 54957 by September 3.

Administration Free Furniture

To allow for more classroom space for the upcoming school year, CYF has some furniture they would like to offer to First Congo members. Here is a list of what is currently available:

• 3-drawer aluminum file cabinet • Elmo overhead projector • TV and cabinets (qty. 3) • Sturdy 4-drawer desk

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• Cubicle partitions (qty. 6) • Rolling chairs (qty. 20-25) • White table • Rolling multi-level table • Sturdy small metal table • Office rolling chairs (qty. 2) • Box of crafting materials

If interested, make an offer to Renee Taylor at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 733-7393.

Photo Request Looking for photos of First Congo members in action to post on our social media sites! The photos might be from mission trips, O.F.F. outings, book clubs; virtually any event where members are engaged and having fun.

Please email the images to hvolkman@firstcongoappleton.org.

More Firewood Help yourself to some free firewood, chopped and ready to go in the ravine behind the church!

Say it with Flowers Opportunities are available to donate flowers for the Sanctuary in honor, memory or celebration of a loved one.

A vase of cut flowers is $35.00, and $50.00 will provide roses. Requests for color or specific types of flowers are welcome.

It is also possible to arrange for an annual dedication. For more information, contact the church office at (920) 733-7393.

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Calendar for September 1–September 7

Sunday, September 1 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Child Care – Infant/Nursery, Toddler Room 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM First Things First AA Meeting – South Fellowship Hall,

Common Grounds

Monday, September 2 Office Closed

Tuesday, September 3 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies - South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies - South Fellowship Hall 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lectionary Bible Study – Upper Lounge 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Building Committee Meeting – Upper Lounge 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM Green Tree Condo Association Meeting – Chapel 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Library Committee Meeting – Library 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM Fireside AA Group – Common Grounds

Wednesday, September 4 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Loving Acceptance Meditation Group - Upper Lounge 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Confirmation Class with Mentors–Faith Statements 1 -

Library 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal– Choir Room, Sanctuary

Thursday, September 5 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM ADRC Strongbodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ADRC Strongbodies – South Fellowship Hall 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Alternative Christmas Market Meeting – Library 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM AA – Search for Serenity Group – Common Grounds 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Theology Discussion Group – Stone Arch Brewpub 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Clergy Development Group – Upper Lounge 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Stewardship – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

Friday, September 6 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM N.A. – Common Grounds 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge

Saturday, September 7 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

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The Ministry

Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor Reverend Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries

Reverend Kathryn Kuhn, Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Jon D. Riehle, Organist Colleen Berry, Director for Children’s Ministries

Renee Taylor, Director for Youth Ministries Jennifer DeWitt, CYF Coordinator

Carolyn Frederick, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Holly Volkman, Administrative Assistant for Communications

Jane Malin, Administrative Assistant Siri Witt, Bookkeeper

Jonathan Steffen, Technology Coordinator Bart Forseth, Custodial Supervisor

Theresa Iacullo, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider Cassidy Behm, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider

Tom Ott, Custodial Assistant Mary Lou Cliff, Custodial Assistant

Lauren Micke, Weekend Custodial Assistant

First Congregational United Church of Christ 724 East South River Street Appleton, Wisconsin 54915

Phone: (920) 733-7393

Website: www.firstcongoappleton.org

Children in WorshipSensory BoxesDonating to First Congregational UCCOnline Streaming and Podcasting Now Available!Online Documents and InformationToday: Guest Preacher Linda Morgan-Clement p. 5Today: Ike Sturm Jazz Trio p. 4September 3: Lectionary Group Resumes p. 17September 4: Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Begin p. 15Next Sunday: Rally Sunday! p. 11FlowersCommunionBaptismMembers in Service This WeekThe Order of WorshipOur door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith.Upcoming Worship ScheduleMembers in Service Next WeekDonna Bailey MemorialTuesday • September 10

Congo Crafters for ChristMonday • September 16

Intergenerational Flash MobConfirmation Classes 2019-2020Volunteer Confirmation Coordinator NeededDon’t Forget to Register for CYFCYF Parent Orientation NightWednesday • September 11

Church School Teachers NeededPreschool Teacher NeededMiddle School Youth Group Volunteers NeededCYF at Rally SundaySunday • September 8

Millennials Needed for Research Project“Come Sing (and Play) a New Song Unto the Lord!”Children’s Fall Music ProgrammingFall Family Music ProgrammingLectionary Group ResumesTuesday • September 3

Romeo and Juliet – Cookout and a PlayTuesday • September 10Join ESTHER for an evening of engagement, enchantment and entertainment!

Free FurniturePhoto Request

More FirewoodCalendar for September 1–September 7

The Ministry