The Memo from Memorial

The Memo from Memorial

Weekly newsletter from Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI

Thursday, August 17, 2017

This Sunday will be our monthly collection of nonperishable food items and paper supplies for the Salvation Army. Let's stock the shelves with nutritious foods and snacks to get kids off to a great start in school this fall!

Early Deadline Notice: All notices for August 31st edition of The Memo are due at 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 29.

Mission in Action

Rock the Block

The Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity organization is working on revitalizing neighborhoods throughout the Fox Cities through their Rock the Block program. From September 11-16 they will be assisting homeowners in the Columbus Elementary School area in central Appleton. Our Mission Team decided that we should support Habitat in their efforts to revitalize this nearby neighborhood. We are sending them $2,500 from our Mission Endowment funds to assist them on this project.

We also want to send some volunteers to work on Saturday, September 16 from 7:30 am to 12:00 noon with lunch provided at noon. The Saturday work projects generally include a lot of painting, landscaping, and minor construction work. You get to choose which project you want to work on when you arrive on Saturday morning. There is always someone assigned to guide and direct you. Habitat strives to make it a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. We currently have 10 volunteer slots reserved for our congregation. These are being offered on a first-come basis. Please contact Fred Umland at 920-903-8981 or by email to sign up.

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Christmas in July

This is the last Sunday for Christmas in July collections. Many thanks to all who have contributed so generously! If you find any last-minute deals on socks or undies for kids going back to school, feel free to bring them to church and they will be included in the final delivery to the Community Clothes Closet next week, along with a $60 donation to assist with their efforts.

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Applications Due on September 1st for Mission Grants

Every year MPC provides grants in keeping with our commitment to "Connect. Inspire. Serve." Generally speaking, grants can be awarded to support any effort consistent with our faith and the belief that we are obligated to reach beyond the walls of our church to spread Christ's love to the world at large. This includes efforts that address the needs of the poor and disadvantaged; the needs of the sick, the hungry and the homeless; the needs of the victimized and the friendless; and efforts that promote education and efforts that work for peace and justice in the world.

Our grants are funded by earnings from a collection of mission-oriented endowment funds managed by MPC. The number of grants awarded each year and their amounts are dependent on the funds available, the number of applications received and the judgment of the MPC committees responsible for reviewing them. Since 2005, grant amounts have ranged from $500 to $10,000 with 50% of the awards being in the $2,000 - $4,000 range.

If you are part of an organization that you believe would qualify for and could benefit from a grant, more information can be found here. The deadline for grant applications is September 1, 2017.

Children and Youth Ministries

Blessing of the Backpacks

The beginning of the school year is coming up quickly, and before you know it "back to school" will actually be here! While you are spending the next few weeks running around getting everything ready for the new school year, at MPC we would like to help you prepare for this year, as well.

During the 10:00 a.m. worship service on August 27, we will once again be doing the Blessing of the Backpacks. All MPC students and teachers will be invited to bring their backpacks to church and receive a blessing just in time for the start of the new school year!

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Childcare Position Available

MPC is looking to hire a Childcare Provider for the nursery. This position will be responsible for the supervision and care of the children in the nursery on Sunday mornings during the year. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. High school diploma or equivalent required. CPR certification is required as well and can be paid for by the church. Starting date will be ASAP. To apply, contact Joel Screnock in the church office at 920-734-1787, or by email.

Capital Campaign Update

Earlier this summer, the Session of MPC sent a letter recapping the success of the Faithful for 50: Building for Beyond" Capital Campaign. Begun in 2014, this three-year campaign has resulted in bringing our 50-year-old facility up to code and the building is now cleaner, brighter, more functional, and more welcoming.

The Session expresses its deep appreciation for all who responded to this letter by sending an additional pledge to ensure continued work from the campaign, including restoring $300,000 to Mission Funding, replenishing the Capital Reserve, funding a Building Repair Fund and retiring any remaining debt from loans. While not all were in the original campaign figures, these areas prepare us against any future unexpected major expenses.

If you have not yet responded to this letter, please consider continuing your monthly campaign contributions for another nine months to help restore these reserves. If you gave to the Capital Campaign by another schedule, please consider giving an additional 25% of your original pledged amount. Within nine months, these funds will be in place and, combined with the goals of our budget, will continue to enhance MPC's ability to Connect, Inspire & Serve. An "extra giving" pledge card may be found here.

What an amazing and wonderful journey these past few years have been! As we look back on the last 3 years and say "thank you," we also look forward to the next 50 years in this beautifully renovated building. Look around you and be thankful, for God has done wonderful things and will call us to do more in the future.

Let's Flood the Mailbox!

Shhh...we heard the news that Ken Opgenorth will be turning 85 on August 29th! Let's surprise him by flooding his mailbox with birthday cards. Send them to Ken at: Willow Lane Assisted Living, Room 1A, 850 W. Elsner Road, Appleton, WI 54913.

Connecting and Learning God's Word

We know that it's still summer, but it is time to start thinking about what's coming up this fall - and there will be a number of new and different Adult Education opportunities this year! For a detailed description of the courses listed below, click here.

Sunday Mornings - 8:45 a.m.

Remembering the Reformation

A series of three classes presented by a Luther Seminary scholar.

Israel/Palestine: A Guide for Understanding the Holy Land from Jesus to a Divided Jerusalem

Presented by Elliot Ratzman, a visiting postdoctoral fellow in the Religious Studies department at Lawrence University. The four sessions are:

The Judaisms of Israel
A Short History of Jerusalem
The Judaism of Jesus
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide

Animate - Practices

Animate: Practices is a seven-session adult introduction to the central practices of the Christian faith. Topics include prayer, worship sacraments, service and community.

Sunday Times

Once a month, Jim Bowman and Pastor Mike will return to lead this popular discussion group. Get together and discuss the events of the world and what might be a proper Christian response.

Sunday Evenings - 6:30 p.m.

Embodying Your Faith

An introductory exploration of connections between our bodies and our faith, using everyday movements. Kathy Privatt will lead this exploration using tools from her work with Alexander Movement Technique. Come explore new ways to think about being the hands and feet of God!

Bible Study - Monday Evenings and Tuesdays at Noon

Violence Divine

This eight-session DVD-based program is based on the bestselling book How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian: Struggling with Divine Violence from Genesis Through Revelation, written by one of world's foremost historical Jesus scholars, John Dominic Crossan.

If you have any thoughts or questions, call the church office at 920-734-1787, or send me an email. ~ G reg Braatz, Commissioned Lay Pastor

You Are Needed!

The Worship Volunteer Scheduling committee is in the process of putting the schedule together for the Fall. Over the summer, we lost several volunteers due to health reasons. We are hoping to recruit new volunteers to fill these positions on an ongoing basis. We are in need of several new General Ushers. We are also VERY short of Coffee/Lemonade hosts. The coffee hosts serve in teams of two and we are short of two full teams plus someone to help one individual who is without a partner. If we can't fill these spots, we may be forced to go without our coffee/fellowship time, which I know we will all miss.

All of these positions are on a 12-week rotation, so you would only be scheduled about four times a year. If you can help us out by filling one of these spots, please contact the church office or email Ann Smith or Sharon McElrath. Thank you to all our Worship Volunteers for making our Sunday mornings such a welcoming time for all!

Who's On First?

This Sunday I concluded my series on the Law and the 10 Commandments by looking at what Jesus called the second great commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus didn't say, "Love Jewish people, or my followers, or people whose skin is the same color as mine, or only heterosexuals, or people who believe what you do." Jesus said, "Love your neighbor!"

This coming Sunday, Emily Guttenberg will be in the pulpit. The passage she has chosen reminds us that all things come from God. I know it will be great!

We are winding down, but we are not done yet:

August 20: Emily Guttenberg - Beyond Comfort-What Paul Teaches Us (Philippians 4:4-13)

August 27: Paige Kempf - Honor Your Father and Mother (Luke 15:11-32)

September 3: Joel Screnock - Great Faith in an Unlikely Place (Luke 7:1-10)

September 10: Pastor Mike returns to the pulpit

I believe we have had and can look forward to some very unique worshiping experiences this summer! ~ Greg Braatz, Commissioned Lay Pastor

Fellowship Opportunities

"Fall" Together for Some Fun!

The Deacon Fellowship Team is hosting a potluck after worship on Sunday, September 10. We chose that date as one that lets us welcome back Pastor Mike and his family, settle into the school year, and embrace fall. Choose a dish to share, gather your table service, and plan to stay after church. (Deacons will provide the beverages.)

We invite you to mark your calendars, and hope you'll come enjoy the fellowship and food of your MPC family! See you there!

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Holy Land Trip Deadline Approaching

The clock is ticking ... if you are at all considering joining in on the Holy Land Trip next January, contact Greg Braatz by Friday, September 1 to see if there is space on the plane (price could be higher or lower than what the travel group is paying). So if the spirit moves you, let Greg know and he will see if it can happen!

Lunchtime Organ Recital Series

The Lunchtime Organ Recital Series is winding down after a wonderful summer of organ music. Next week's recital will be on Wednesday, August 23 at 12:15 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton, featuring Vashni Seitzer on the Schaefer/Holtkamp organ.

The final recital will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 12:15 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah, with Ralph and Marillyn Freeman, AAGO, on the Dobson organ.

Pray Without Ceasing

Wednesday Morning Prayer Group

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be yours."

Mark 11:24

The MPC Prayer Group meets every Wednesday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the Chapel, praying for our families, our church, our community, and our world. We are here to pray for anything you might need. Please let your prayer request be made known by writing it down in a note and placing it in the prayer request box in the church office, or email to the Group Coordinator, Connie Olson. All requests are confidential. If you would like to join the group, please also contact Connie.

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This week, let us pray for . . .

Camden Roth, who will turn 5 in September, recently broke his leg while jumping on a trampoline. He will be in a cast for 6-8 weeks, but he is in good spirits and is being very brave about the whole ordeal.

Clint Robson continues his recovery at home from aortic valve replacement. In the process, Clint and Harriet recently moved to a new home.

Mary Francis is experiencing some complications in her recovery from foot surgery earlier this summer.

Norm Colson is making slow but steady progress in his physical and occupational therapy. He welcomes any and all visitors at The Bridges of Appleton, 2915 N. Meade St.

Marie Desens' granddaughter, Ashley, is resting and waiting for the arrival of her baby.

We are so very sorry to report that Alicia (Elaine Presby's friend), passed away due to cancer last week. Her family expresses their heartfelt appreciation for your prayers and would appreciate your continuing to pray for her young family as they mourn her loss.

Jane Slater reports that her brother-in-law, Al, has been approved for a double lung transplant and now begins the wait for this opportunity.

Many thanks for your prayers during Roy Hoglund's hip replacement surgery and recovery. He continues to make good progress in this rehabilitation program.

If you have a prayer request for the prayer chain, please send it to Paula Hoglund for inclusion in next week's communication.

Sunday AM Volunteers - Fall Schedule Coming Soon!

Watch your inboxes for the new Fall schedule, which will be distributed next week. For the Summer Sunday Morning volunteer schedule, which runs through September 3, click here. Please check the schedule to determine when you are scheduled.

If you are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please arrange for a substitute and email the church office with any changes. Many thanks to all of our Sunday Morning volunteers throughout the year!

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Sunday, August 20

Greeters: Stephanie Kent, Melissa Milis, Ken Opgenorth

Head Usher: Tim Shaffer

Ushers: Diane Lightfield, Kelsey Lightfield, Frank & Meeilei Chen

Reader: Nancy Umland

Fellowship Hosts: Kathy & Jeff Privatt

Counters: Diane Lightfield, Kerry Guttenberg

Sunday, August 27

Greeters: Alice Baumbach, Carol Foss, Mary Francis

Head Usher: Mark Smith

Ushers: Frank & Meeilei Chen, Steve & Betty Lockhart

Reader: Jane Slater

Fellowship Hosts: Roy & Paula Hoglund

Counters: Ann Smith, Connie Olson

Community Notices

Cotter Creek House Concert

Featuring Indigie Femme and Keith McGillivray

Saturday, August 19, 2:00 p.m.

All are invited to a concert by the award-winning duo, Indigie Femme this weekend. MPC friend Keith McGillivray will open the show and also play several songs with the group. A picnic-style potluck will begin at 1:00 p.m. Learn more about Indigie Femme at this site.

The concert will be held outside on the beautiful newly built backyard concert space at the home of Joel Kroenke, W9050 Broadway Road in Shawano, Wisconsin.

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Hospice Volunteers Needed

Two area organizations are looking for caring and compassionate individuals to serve as hospice volunteers:

Affinity Visiting Nurses

Contact: Lauren Weir or Leah Patrick at 920-486-2261 or 866-236-8500

Heartland Hospice

Contact: Volunteer Coordinators Amy Sadewater or Nicky Lane at 920-336-6455

The role of a hospice volunteer is unique. Hospice is about living each day to the fullest. It's about helping individuals dying of terminal illness live each day in a pain-free environment, with dignity and peace. Hospice volunteers are an integral and important part of this journey. If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to contact the organizations listed above for more information.

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Dr. Alan Wolfelt's Grief and Healing Seminar:
Exploring Eight Critical Questions for When Someone You Love Dies"

Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Liberty Hall, Kimberly

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, an internationally noted author, educator and grief counselor, will present this compassionate program to provide you with support in your personal grief and also assist participants who want to learn more about helping a family member or friend who is experiencing grief and loss. This seminar is free and open to the public. Please register by calling Wichmann and Fargo Funeral Homes at 920-831-9905 or visit this site.

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Books for All Seasons

The 81st Annual AAUW Book Sale is scheduled for October 19-22 and 26-28 at Northland Mall, so now's the time to start rummaging through your house for donations to this worthy cause. Please consider donating used hardcover, paperback, and children's books, as well as CDs, DVDs, sheet music, puzzles and games. For book pick-up or book drop-off, please call 920-427-6655, 920-734-6750, 920-843-8888, 920-739-6469.