The Memo from Memorial Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI January 18, 2018

Remember to bring groceries and paper products for the monthly Salvation Army collection this Sunday. In these cold winter days, canned soups and crackers are always welcome! ********************* Click to access the following: Sunday Bulletin, Weekly Devotional, Church Calendar , & The Chimes Newsletter

Gun Violence: Finding a Faithful Response

In Adult Education, the topic of the Sunday Times conversation for the next two weeks will continue to be gun violence -- a topic once more in the news , this time very close to home.   The group that has gathered over the last couple of months knows there is more to the issue, so we will strive to explore further over the next two Sundays. Aiding our conversation is the documentary, Trigger: The Ripple Effects of Gun Violence . The first half of the film will help us to respond as the church as we hear the stories of those wounded or mourning the deaths of loved ones killed by gun violence. One way we can be the church is by hearing these stories, holding the dead, wounded, mourning, and weary in prayer. The second half of the film offers some ways the church can move from faith and study to action, helping us to learn about how to be the church in a public way that seeks to prevent gun violence. You can learn more about the documentary here. It has been a gift to take on such a hard topic with the thoughtful and respectful group that has been meeting. Gun violence is an easy topic to fall into the traps of liberal and conservative talking points, or helpless shrugging and clenched-fist calls for action. Instead, there has been listening, learning, and uniting belief that something must change and that people of faith can be part of the change. We hope you will consider joining.  In Christ, Pastor Mike and Jim Bowman

Upcoming Adult Education Classes

Introducing the Sunday Morning Lectionary Discussion! Starting in February and continuing for the rest of the year, we will be trying something different during Sunday morning Adult Education: The Lectionary Discussion . During the Adult Education hour there will be a discussion of the lectionary text that will be preached on that Sunday. The discussion will be led by either Pastor Mike or Greg, depending on who is preaching that Sunday. For the last two years we have had a Lectionary Lunch class, and all who participated stated that the class helped them get a great deal more from the sermon, so we are bringing this class to Sunday morning. (There will still be “Sunday Times” on the third Sunday of the month.) February’s lectionary reading: February 4 – John 4:1-42. Jesus meets the women at the well. (Greg will lead.) February 11 – John 9:1-41. Jesus is the light of the world; brings light to the eyes of a man born blind. (Mike will lead.) February 18 – Sunday Times February 25 – John 13: 1-17. Foot-washing as a sign of Jesus’ love and example. See you then -- the coffee pot will be on! ~ Greg Braatz

Faith and Science Bible Study

The upcoming Adult Education Bible Study will look at the intersection of Faith and Science. The class, entitled “Evolving Universe, Evolving Faith,” was developed in partnership with the Adler Planetarium in Chicago along with the Clergy Letter Project, an organization committed to demonstrating that religion and science can be compatible. The sessions include topics such as: “Awe, Wonder and God - Could There be Life on Other Planets?”, “Is There Evidence of God?,” and “Ethic and Evolution.” We will be testing a new format in this class, with all materials available on-line. Comments we have heard repeatedly are, “I wish I could have watched the video before the class to get more out of the discussion,” or “Now that we have had the discussion, I wish I could go back and watch the video because I believe I would get more from it.” With this class format, both of these will be possible. The seven-session course will begin on January 29. Each one-hour class will be offered twice each week: Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at noon. Hope to see you there!

Lenten Study

Have you ever wondered “What is the spiritual life?” and “How do I live it?” Themes you will hearing more in this coming year are Faith Formation and Path to Discipleship. These are pathways for people to consider or reconsider the Christian faith, to encounter Jesus and the Good News, and to live as disciples in a supportive faith community. To help us start exploring these themes, this year’s Lenten study will be considering Henri J.M. Nouwen’s book, Making All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life . Making All Things New is Nouwen’s answer to two questions: “What is the spiritual life?” and “How do I live it?” He describes why we so desperately need to pursue the spiritual life, which he contrasts with a life of worry, and gives practical advice about engaging in the spiritual life through the complementary disciplines of solitude and community. Ash Wednesday is on February 14 (yes, it is very early), so the class will start on Sunday, February 18 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The study will consist of five sessions: an introduction, three sessions from the book, and one wrap-up session.  There is a sign-up sheet on the Fellowship table for those interested so that we know how many books to order. You may also send an email to the church office to let us know you'll be participating. We look forward to seeing you there! ~ Mike & Greg

A Note of Gratitude Dear MPC friends, I can't thank you enough for the outpouring of kindnesses for me and my family at the time of Ken's death. Your love was and is much appreciated. We felt joy in the celebration of Ken's life. He was a very special person who touched many in his journey through life.  ~ Thank you, Mary Lou Opgenorth

Mission in Action

Our travelers will return home this weekend after an amazing journey to the Holy Land. Check out the MPC Facebook page for their daily photo journal, and then mark your calendars for Sunday, April 15, for a potluck and presentation! Save the date! The annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive is scheduled for February 18 - March 11, 2018. Start watching for sales on hygiene and paper products. A full list of needed items may be found here .

PDA Responds to California Mudslides Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the emergency response and refugee program of the PC(USA) denomination, reached out to the Presbytery of Santa Barbara, California last week to offer assistance to this region devastated by flash floods and mudslides. In addition, PDA is also sending a National Response Team to the region to meet with church and presbytery leaders and assess the damage and long-term support needs. “As I spoke with Presbyterian leadership in Santa Barbara Presbytery, I heard an all too common lament. ‘The wildfires were only the beginning and set the stage for an even more devastating disaster,’ ” said Jim Kirk, PDA’s associate for national disaster response. “With the fire, the first responders had the opportunity to prepare. Not so with the flash floods and mudslides which caught entire communities by surprise leading to a tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by and responding to this disaster. If needed, PDA will respond to address the emotional and spiritual needs and partner with the Presbytery in the long term recovery.” The complete article published by the Presbyterian News Service, is available here .   Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is committed to long-term recovery of communities adversely affected by a crisis or catastrophic event. It is funded by the  One Great Hour of Sharing  o ffering (dedicated every year on Easter Sunday) and raises designated funds for responding to specific disasters. To support PDA’s response to the mudslides,  click here , or send a check to MPC with “DR000015-CA mudslides” in the memo portion of the check.

Children and Youth Ministries

New Program! 3-4 Year-Old Class Added to Sunday School Program This past Sunday, we launched the new 3-4 year-old Sunday School program! All children ages 3 through Grade 6 gather in the Sunday School room for a shared Bible story and music time. Then, the younger kids go to the adjoining room for age-appropriate activities and crafts. This exciting new development allows for both younger and older children to connect with the Bible story and material using activities that are best for each age group. This Sunday’s lesson is “Jesus Heals a Little Girl," based on Mark 5:21-24, 35-43. Parents, if you’d like to take a look at some home-based activities prior to the lesson, click here .  Kinderchurch Worship (Age 3 – Grade 2) Children participate in this age-appropriate worship service by attending the 10:00 a.m. worship service with their parents for about 15 minutes, and then moving to the Kinderchurch room as a group. This Sunday's lesson is "A New Teaching." Kinderchurch is not held on those Sundays when communion is served, so that children will be able to participate in communion, with their parents’ approval. Wednesday Night Youth Fellowship (Grades 7-12) This past week in Youth Fellowship, we continued in our series on Faith and Science. We talked about how it is sometimes important for us to shed some of our old beliefs (like a lobster sheds its shell) in order for our faith to grow. This doesn’t mean we abandon our faith; rather, we continue to ask difficult questions and grow from it, rather than allowing our faith to become stagnant. Next week will be the final week in this series. Youth Fellowship is for students grades 7-12, and meets on Wednesday nights from 6-7:30. We’d love to see you there! New Sunday Morning Youth Program! Starting on Sunday, February 4, we will be launching a new program for students currently eligible for Youth Fellowship (Grades 7-12) called Awaken! This new program will meet on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. during the Sunday school hour, and will provide a relaxed atmosphere to discuss current events and a brief lesson over a cup of coffee. This program will run through the month of February. Join in!

Sundays Available for Chancel Flowers

There are several Sundays still available in 2018 f or you to contribute a chancel flowers. You may contribute in honor or in memory of a loved one, and the flowers may be in the form of a bouquet, a potted flower, or a green plant, or even flowers from your garden! Just sign up on the poster outside the church office, or call the church at 734-1787. Then, fill out this  form and send it in via  email  or postal service. Payment may be made by check or  online .

Per Capita Payments

This year, the church per capita rate has increased to $35.33, which is multiplied by our total membership as of December 31, 2016. That means that on March 31, 2018, MPC will be asked to send a check in the amount of $11,022.96 ($35.33 x 312) to the Presbytery of Winnebago. Please consider contributing $35.33 for every MPC member in your household to offset this cost. Thank you.

The MPC Prayer Group meets every Wednesday morning from 9-10 am in the Chapel, praying for our families, our church, our community, and our world. If you have a prayer request, please email it to the church office . This week, let us pray for: Meeilei and Frank Chen's family on the passing of their sister-in-law, Charlotte, who passed away from cancer this week. Beth Lepinski's mother was hospitalized briefly following a fall in her home. She is now in a nursing facility and undergoing physical therapy. Lucia Stevenson continues with her cardiac rehabilitation program. O.C. Boldt, who continues his recovery from a pelvic fracture. Krista Mischler, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Betty Lockhart's brother, Bob, is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer. Carolyn Zuehls' stem cell transplant, which took place in December, was quite successful. She is feeling well and is in good spirits, and will remain in Milwaukee for several weeks for follow-up care. For all those who are suffering from influenza and are "under the weather" during this time of year!

Sunday Morning Volunteers

Many thanks to all of our Sunday Morning volunteers! The new Winter/Spring schedule was emailed this past week. If you did not receive it, please contact the church office . If you are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please arrange for substitute and email the church office.

Sunday, January 21, 2018 Greeters: Francie Kopecky, Marie Desens Head Usher: Jim Bowman Ushers : John Koskinen, Emily Guttenberg, Sonja Song, Pat Spindler Reader: TBD Kinderchurch : Joel Screnock, Leader; Dolly Manning, Greeter Fellowship Hosts : Kathy & Jeff Privatt Counters: Francie Kopecky, Sonja Song

Sunday, January 28, 2018 Greeters: Sarah Beard, Jeanne & Peter Ryerson Head Usher: Tom Guttenberg Ushers : Patti Athanas, Quinn Shaffer, Russ & Ruth Truettner Reader: Beth Lepinski Kinderchurch : Kathy Privatt, Leader; Jane Slater, Greeter Fellowship Hosts : Rosemary & Scott Fraser Counters: Beth Lepinski, Gayle Hardt

Community Notices

Lunch and Learn Wednesday, January 24, 11:30 a.m. Olive Garden, 1275 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton Wichmann-Fargo Funeral Homes invites you to enjoy a complimentary lunch while learning about the benefits of advance funeral planning. The presentation will be followed by an informational Q&A session. Reservations should be made by calling 920-297-2742. ______________________ The Power of Grace Saturday, January 27, 6:30 p.m., Free Admission A group of women formerly incarcerated in Illinois will share their thoughts and feelings through this dramatic presentation presented by ESTHER-Fox Valley and Fox Cities EXPO. This short theatrical piece, created from poetry and stories written by the women, was part of the Chicago-based Still Point Theatre Collective's "Persephone Project." ______________________ For the Soul of a Nation, No Deportation Sunday, January 28, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2600 E. Philip Lane, Appleton The ESTHER organization is sponsoring an interfaith community event to hear the stories of DACA recipients, discuss the future of the program and learn how to advocate for the passage of a clean Dream Act. ______________________ Joy Conference Saturday, February 3 For over 40 years, the Joy Conference has educated and entertained attendees with stories of hope and courage. Join them on Saturday, February 3 at Fox Valley Lutheran High School's auditorium for "A Legacy of Joy." Three nationally recognized speakers will share their humorous and touching tales of life, allowing all to escape the depressions of winter and find joy in our hearts. For more information on the conference, go to this site , or call 920-832-4763. 

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"The Memo from Memorial" is published every Thursday. Deadline for notices is Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Send all information to Paula Hoglund or contact the church office at 920-734-1787.