Weekly newsletter from Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI
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"For now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
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Welcome, Joe Lindsay!
Friends, join me in welcoming Memorial's new Music Director and Organist Joseph Lindsay. Joe comes to us by way of Texas and is new to the Fox Cities. He brings with him many talents for directing choirs and leading worship through music. I am confident Joe's leadership and deep spirituality will help us all to connect more fully to the Living God through worship. Joe will begin his ministry with us this Sunday, March 19.
In Christ, Pastor Mike
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One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
The season of Lent is also the season for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. This ecumenical effort, started in 1949 as an hour-long radio appeal, has become the most participated-in offering in the PC(USA). Last year MPC members contributed over $2,600 through OGHS to help support PC(USA) domestic and global mission outreach via the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger, and Self-Development of People programs. Through these programs our congregation engages both domestically and globally to provide disaster assistance, to assist refugees in war-torn corners of the globe, and to assist the poor.
You can be a part of this effort by contributing to this offering. Contributions may be made by using the Special Offering envelopes available in the pews, or, if you prefer to give electronically, you may click here and designate your offering to One Great Hour of Sharing. Thank you for your contribution!
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Reaching Out to Our Neighbors:
Homelessness in the Valley
Sunday, March 19, 6:00 p.m.
On Sunday evenings throughout the Lenten season, we will hear from several community agencies to help us understand our neighbors' plight in the Fox Valley, what area agencies are doing to help alleviate need, and how we might be able to better serve our neighbors. This Sunday, Scott Peeples, from the Fox Valley Warming Shelter, will lead the discussion on Homelessness in the Valley. All are welcome to attend this informative presentation.
Upcoming Sessions:
- March 26 - World Relief Services Fox Valley: Immigrants in the Valley, presented by Tami McLaughlin
- April 2 - What is Happening at Lawrence University, with Linda Morgan-Clement, Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life (This session will be held at Lawrence Center for Spiritual and Religious Life.)
- April 9 - Congregational Discussion: "What Do We Do With All of This Information," with a potluck dinner.
"I sought my soul, but my soul could not see me; I sought my God, but my God eluded me; I sought my neighbor and I found all three." William Blake
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Doing Our Part to End Hunger
Through participation in Bread for the World's 2017 Offering of Letters, citizens across the United States will be asking Congress to do our part as a nation to end hunger.
How much do you know about hunger and poverty among our neighbors in America?
1. How many Americans live in households that struggle to put food on the table?
2. How many children in America live in households that struggle to put food on the table?
1 in 6 (about 17%)?
1 in 10 (about 10%)?
1 in 20 (about 5%)?
3. How many Americans live in families with incomes below the poverty line ($24,250 for a family of 4 in 2015).
4. About 12.7 percent of American households are living in poverty.
A. How does the poverty rate of female-headed households compare to the national rate?
B. How does the poverty rate for African-American female-headed households compare?
C. how does the poverty rate for Latina female-headed households compare?
5. How many Americans receive help with their household food purchases through SNAP (formerly "food stamps")?
6. What proportion of Americans receiving help through the SNAP program are children, elderly or disabled?
7. What is WIC?
8. What tax credits are effective in fighting poverty?
9. What percent of Americans were covered by health insurance in 2015? What proportion of those received health insurance through employers? Through Medicaid? Through Medicare?
(For answers, click here.)
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It's Time to Order Easter Flowers
If you would like to contribute money toward flowers and decorations for the Easter services, please complete this form and return it to the church office with your check by 12:00 noon on Monday, April 10. You may contribute any amount; all contributions will be recognized in the Easter worship service bulletin.
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Make Plans Now for Summer Camp
Scholarships Available!
The summer schedule for Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center Camps is now available, with so much from which to choose for all ages! For information and schedules, click
here. The Presbytery of Winnebago and Memorial Presbyterian Church have scholarships available. Just complete this
form and send to the church office by
April 15th.
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Rest. Renew. Reconnect.
Pastor Mike will be taking sabbatical leave from May 1 through September 5, 2017. For more information on how Pastor Mike and the church are planning for this sabbatical, click
here for the brochure that has been prepared by the Session and Sabbatical Support Team.
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Holy Land Trip Update
We need a solid idea of how many people are truly interested by April 2.
This is not "I will go for sure!" but there is a "strong likelihood I will go."
If enough people (and it looks like there will be), we will work to nail down the final details and costs.
We are targeting to have a solid plan with solid costs by June 1.
The current cost estimate (hotels, most meal, airfare, and guide) is $2,500 - 3,000 per person.
To hold a space would require a non-refundable $100 down payment by July 1.
Payment in full on about Sept 1
Leave for Israel on 1/11/18!
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Youth and Children News
Sunday School (Age 4 through Grade 6)
This Sunday the children will continue in their series exploring Jesus' life with the lesson, "Jesus Heals Two Blind Men," based on Matthew 20:29-34. Parents, if you'd like to take a look at some at-home activities for this Sunday's lesson, click here.
For those new to MPC, children ages 4 through those entering 6th grade meet together in the 4 Yr - Grade 6 Classroom in the lower level on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am. The hour includes the weekly lesson while the kids enjoy a banana, music time, and lesson-based activity.
Kinderchurch Worship (Age 3 - Grade 2)
This Sunday's Kinderchurch lesson is "The Parable of the Two Sons," based on Matthew 18:21-25. Kinderchurch is an age-appropriate worship service for children ages 3 through Grade 2 where children attend worship with their parents for about 15 minutes, and then move to the Kinderchurch room as a group.
Kinderchurch is not held on those Sundays on which communion is served, so that children can participate in communion with their parents.
Prayer Buddy Program
Kids, remember to check the mailbox this Sunday to see if there's a note from your Prayer Buddy. And Adult Prayer Buddies, there are some cards in your mailbox, as well, so check it out!
Youth Fellowship
The Youth Fellowship group has been getting together every Wednesday evening to discuss topics from our book series, "Can I Ask That?" This past Wednesday, we had a great conversation on the topic of "Does God endorse violence?" Next Wednesday, March 22, we will begin planning for Youth Sunday Worship Service (scheduled for April 23). We will then take a break on March 29 for spring break, resuming the next week to continue planning for Youth Sunday. If you are in junior or high school and would like to join us, we meet from 6-7:30 pm in the Youth Activity Room downstairs. We would love to see you there!
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Scholarship Opportunities
Three scholarships are available to members of Memorial Presbyterian Church. To learn more about these scholarships and the application procedures, click on the links below. Selection is based on church involvement, community activities, leadership, and academic achievement. All application materials are due by Friday, April 28, 2017, and recipients will be notified by June 15th
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The Huss Family Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals belonging to Memorial Presbyterian Church who are pursuing higher education in a college or university. It is intended to help entering college freshmen with expenses related to beginning a college career with an award not to exceed $1,000. For more information on this scholarship, click here. For an application form, click here.
The Presbyterian College Scholarship was created in 1979 by an individual grant of $10,000. The intent of the donor is to provide an endowment that would grant funds to students attending an accredited Presbyterian college. For more detailed information on the scholarship, click here. For an application form, click here.
The Ellmaker Scholarship was established to financially assist a person who is enrolled in a seminary program, with the intention of entering a Presbyterian ministry, such as Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Minister of Music, etc. For more detailed information on the scholarship, click here. For an application form, click here.
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It's an Exciting Year for Adult Education!
What Do Presbyterians Believe?
Part of what Presbyterians believe is that grace precedes faith, we are held in the hand of God, Jesus is our advocate, and the Holy Spirit adopts us into the triune family of God. So where do these ideas come from? In part, they come from the Heidelberg Catechism, one of the great Reformed tradition confessions. On Sunday mornings during Lent we are taking a closer look at this confession which is a "deeply personal statement of faith and a surprisingly contemporary guide for everyday life." Join us - the coffee pot will be on!
Sunday Mornings, 8:45 a.m.
- March 19 - Sunday Times, co-led by Pastor Mike and Jim Bowman
- March 26 - Heidelberg Catechism - Our Thorough Salvation & The Spirit and the Sacraments
- April 2 - Heidelberg Catechism - The Grateful Life & Teach Us to Pray
- April 9 - Bread for the World and Preparation for the Offering of Letters, led by Beth Lepinski
- April 16 - Easter - No class
- April 23 - Sunday Times, co-led by Pastor Mike and Jim Bowman
Covenant Bible Study (Tuesdays, 12:00 noon)
- March 21 - 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra & Nehemiah - Restoration; Rebuilding Life Together
- March 28 - Daniel: Hope: Trusting God in times of crisis
- April 4 - Revelation - New Creation: Trusting God, who makes all things new
If you are interested in participating in any of these studies but haven't joined in, please do so! You can contact
Greg Braatz
about how to jump in.
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Help for the Homeless Donations
Many thanks to all who contributed to this collection of new personal hygience products for those who are in need in our community. The collection box was stuff with many useful products!
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Salvation Army Collection
This Sunday will be our scheduled collection for the Salvation Army food shelves. Why not fill up an extra grocery bag and bring it with you to church on Sunday?
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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...
- Kevin and Kelsey McElrath are now home with new baby Jonathan James.
- Maggie and Neal Layng are expecting their second baby in August.
- Jackie Hoganson was recently hospitalized and is now at ManorCare.
- Nelson Craig asks for prayers for his friend, Mary, who is in danger of losing hearing in her left ear. She is undergoing treatment and hoping it will work but there is no guarantee.
- Shirley Collins, Ellen Wright, Josh Carson, continue in their recovery journeys.
- Mary Francis reports that her brother-in-law, Larry, will soon begin a radiation plan lasting 6 weeks, 5 days/week, as part of his treatment for lung cancer. Your thoughts and prayers for him are very appreciated.
- John Koskinen's father is in hospice care.
- Keep in your prayers Pat Spindler, Fred Umland, and Barry & Becky O'Connor, as they travel to Nicaragua next week under the auspices of the Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua (CEPAD) in order to explore opportunities for MPC to engage in global mission.
If you have a prayer request, please send it to
Paula Hoglund
for inclusion in next week's communication.
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Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed
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Many thanks to all of our Sunday Morning volunteers! 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. For a full schedule and volunteer contact information, click here.
Volunteers Needed
Maundy Thursday Service, April 13, 7:00 pm:
Easter Sunrise Service, 8:00 am
:
- 1 Head Usher
- 3 General Ushers
- 2 Greeters
- 1 Scripture Reader
If you are able to assist with any of these positions, please
email
the church office. Thank you!
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Sunday, March 19
Greeters: Walt Kleman, Marty Ward, Jeanne Ryerson
Head Usher: Tim Shoaf
Ushers: Steve Bloemer, Jane Slater, Mike & Tracy Zuege
Scripture Reader: Laurie McCulloch
Kinderchurch: Joel Screnock, Leader; Ashley Zuege, Greeter
Coffee Hosts: Laurie McCulloch, Ellen Wright
Counters: Ann Smith, Connie Olson
Sunday, March 26
Greeters: Sharon McElrath, Barry & Kirstin Telfer Family
Head Usher: Richard Dodge
Ushers: O.C. Boldt, Pam Dodge, Gayle Hardt, Walt Kleman
Scripture Reader: Mary Lou Opgenorth
Kinderchurch: Susan McDowell, Leader; Jane Slater, Greeter
Coffee Hosts: Ann and Mark Smith
Counters: Beth Lepinski, Mark Smith
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Community Notices
WISDOM - Madison Action Day
Thursday, March 30
WISDOM, an interfaith social justice organization, invites you to join them on Thursday, March 30 to travel to the state capitol to advocate and educate legislators and departments about issues in the proposed state budget, including criminal justice, environmental justice, public health, education and public transit. They will be departing from Appleton by bus from First Congregational United Church of Christ at 6:45 a.m. The cost is $25, which includes lunch, materials and transportation. Scholarships are available. For more information on the event and to register, click here, or contact Connie Kanitz, a member of the Citizen Action Northeast WI Co-op and ESTHER, via email or 920-858-2496.
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"Folks Like Us" Benefit Concert
Sunday, April 9, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Outer Edge, 301 N. Oneida in Appleton
This concert, featuring talented local performers, is all for a great cause with proceeds benefiting the Fox Valley Warming Shelter. The cost is $10 at the door, or V.I.P. seating available for $25. For V.I.P. seating information, contact Scott Peeples at 920-422-2365 or via email. Light refreshments will be served.
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Events This Week
Sunday, March 19
8:45 am Education
10:00 am Worship Service
10:15 am Kinderchurch
11:15 am Fellowship
6:00 pm Lenten Study
Monday, March 20
1:00 pm Visitation Teams
6:30 pm Property Team
7:00 pm Mission Funding
Tuesday, March 21
6:30 am Good News Women
9:30 am Staff Meeting
12:00 pm Covenant Study
6:00 pm Fellowship Meeting
6:30 pm Board of Deacons
Wednesday, March 22
10:00 am Prayer Team
5:45 pm Handbell Choir
6:00 pm Youth Fellowship
7:00 pm Chancel Choir
Thursday, March 23
6:30 am All Things Considered Men's Forum
6:00 pm Discipleship Meeting
Sunday, March 26
8:45 am Christian Education
10:00 am Worship Service
10:15 am Kinderchurch
11:00 am Fellowship
6:00 pm Lenten Study
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Upcoming
Worship Services
This Sunday's
Sunday, March 19
3rd Sunday in Lent
10:00 am Worship Service
Luke 15:1-32
The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and Prodigal Son.
Pastor Mike Goodwin
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Sunday, March 26
4th Sunday in Lent
10:00 am Worship Service
Luke 16:19-31
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
Greg Braatz, Ruling Elder
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Sunday, April 2
5th Sunday in Lent
10:00 am Worship Service
Luke 18:31-19:10
Greg Braatz, Ruling Elder
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Donate Here
Secure, online
credit and debit
card donations
to Memorial Presbyterian are easy!
Click
here
to
make recurring or one-time donations.
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Contact the Staff
Commissioned Ruling Elder
Director of Music & Organist
Resident Christian Educator
Office Manager
Bookkeeper
Sherry Meyer
Custodian
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The Memo from Memorial is published every Thursday.
Deadline for notices is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Send all i
nformation to
or contact the church office at
920-734-1787.
The January-March 2017 quarterly publication of The Chimes is available here.
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