The Memo from Memorial

The Memo from Memorial

Weekly newsletter from Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, WI

Thursday, April 20, 2017

"Where is God Anyway?"
Join us this Sunday when the Youth Fellowship Group will lead us in worship and put a contemporary spin on the Road to Emmaus story. Don't miss it!

Be THE Body: Easter Gratitude

One of the challenges of the resurrection stories in scripture is that so many of the disciples, just like us, don't get to physically see the risen Christ. Sure, there is an empty tomb and some grave clothes where the body should be, but there is no body to be found. The challenge to believing is expressed in the Gospel of John when Thomas says what we are all thinking, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25b). Later in the story Thomas does encounter Jesus and is given to do just as he has demanded, but he doesn't need to touch in order to believe. Thomas then offers the most profound confession of faith in all of scripture, "My Lord and my God!" (v.28). After this Jesus speaks directly to you and me and everyone who has gathered on Easter Sunday to celebrate God raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe" (v.29b).

On Easter Sunday I didn't meet the risen Christ, but I saw you and YOU were the body of Christ through all the ways you helped to make Easter and the other Holy Week services welcoming and wonderful. The sheer number of people it takes to serve during Holy Week can be a challenge. So thank you to everyone serving as ushers, greeters, communion servers, liturgists, bell ringers, choir members, coffee hour hosts, and offering counters. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes organizing and arranging Easter flowers, preparing communion, counting the offering, and doing set up. Thank you to everyone who provided a warm welcome to our guests and other members who haven't been in worship for a while. YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST!

Christ is Risen! And visible through each of you!

Pastor Mike

P.S. You can check out my original "Be The Body" article here. The rest of the series will begin next week and continue while I'm on sabbatical.

"We Welcome All" Pledge

On April 11, 2017, the MPC Session joined with Fox Cities businesses, non-profit organizations, and congregations (Basil Café, The History Museum, Appleton Public Library, SAP, Appleton Downtown, Inc., NAMI, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, and many others) by signing the "We Welcome All" Pledge sponsored by SURJ (Showing UP For Racial Justice) of Appleton. The pledge may be found here.

Session agreed to the pledge because it is consistent with our values, particularly Memorial's commitment to seeking "Compassion for all people." In addition, participating in the pledge is consistent with our mission and the difference Memorial wants to make in the lives of people who come through our doors and in our community.

In support of the pledge you'll see the "We Welcome All" sign on our doors. Of course, displaying a sign doesn't make us more welcoming. That is the work we all have to do to ensure that Memorial is a place where all people feel welcome. Living into the pledge as individuals and as a congregation is a step in the right direction. If you have questions, feel free to talk to me or Clerk of Session, Shirley Collins.

Pastor Mike, on behalf of the Session

Sabbatical Study Presentation:

How do we move from reacting to reflecting; from living to abundant life?

Sunday, April 23, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

All are invited to Pastor Mike's presentation on Sunday evening for his upcoming sabbatical, "Rest. Renew. Reconnect." The presentation will be held in the Fellowship Hall, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pastor Mike will share about his sabbatical study project and how we can participate.

Two articles that have helped frame his project are "The Lost Dimension in Religion," by Paul Tillich, in which the author raises the questions: how did the dimension of depth (humanity's religious dimension) become lost? And how do we regain the dimension of depth? The second article, written by Parker Palmer, "The Broken-Open Heart," asks, "Can suffering become life-giving rather than death-dealing?" Palmer's response is, "To live in this world, we must learn to stand in the tragic gap with faith and hope." Copies of both articles will be available at the presentation.

For more information about the sabbatical, click here.

Beans and Latrines

Sunday, May 21, 11:30 a.m.

Four members of MPC traveled to Nicaragua in March to explore the possibility of establishing a global mission partnership with the people of Nicaragua. On Sunday, May 21 we will share what we learned at a presentation we are calling "Beans and Latrines."

You are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall for lunch, a slide show, and some information sharing. We will provide samples of some of the basic foods we enjoyed in Nicaragua. Table service and beverages will also be provided. We would ask that you bring some food to share. Since this is also Graduation Recognition Sunday, we are planning to start lunch at 11:30 am so that everyone will have a chance to congratulate the graduates and enjoy a piece of cake during coffee hour. It is always fun to eat dessert first.

Graduate Recognition Coming Up Soon

Calling all proud parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents! On Sunday, May 21 we will be recognizing all the students in the MPC family who are graduating or who have graduated since last year. If you have a student graduating from high school, technical school, college, graduate school, professional program, etc., we would very much appreciate knowing about it, so we can celebrate their accomplishments as a church family. Please call the church office at 734-1787 or send us an email to let us know the name of your student, the school he or she attended, the degree earned, and any future plans, if known, by Friday, May 12. Thanks for your help in honoring our graduates!

"Take Stock" in the Youth Work Trip!

This summer, several students from the Youth Fellowship are going on a work trip! They will be heading down to Louisville, Kentucky to help out in the community with Youthworks, an organization that MPC has partnered with in the past. While this will be a fun and moving experience, it does come with a cost. To help raise funds for this trip, the youth will be holding a stock sale through Sunday, May 7 . In return for your donation, you will receive a certificate of stock with your name on it, as well as an invitation to the Stockholders Dinner on Sunday, August 27, when the youth will share stories and photos from the trip. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated, and we are very thankful to have you support us in this way.

Youth and Children News

Sunday School (Age 4 through Grade 6)

This Sunday the children will be exploring Jesus' life with the lesson, "Jesus Will Always Be With Us," based on Matthew 28:16-20. 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)

Kinderchurch will not be held this Sunday so that the children may enjoy the Youth Worship Service. On other Sundays, children ages 3 through Grade 2 may participate in this age-appropriate worship service. Children attend worship with their parents for about 15 minutes, and then move to the Kinderchurch room as a group. Kinderchurch is also not held on those Sundays when communion is served, so that they may experience communion with their parents.

Prayer Buddy Program

The Prayer Buddy year may be winding down, but keep checking the mailbox 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! Watch your home mailbox for information about the big "Prayer Buddy Reveal" in May!!

Youth Fellowship

After weeks of dedication, preparation, and anticipation, this week we finally made our way up to sanctuary and put together the whole Youth Sunday program! We had a blast doing it, and I'm sure it will show when we present it to all of you on Sunday! We look forward to seeing you there and leading you in worship! Joel Screnock

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Scholarship Applications Due April 28

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 .

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.

Doing Our Part to End Hunger

Every year, Bread for the World invites churches across the country to take up an offering-not of money, but of letters to Congress on an issue that is important to hungry people. During Bread for the World's 2017 Offering of Letters: Doing Our Part to End Hunger, hundreds of thousands of people will urge their members of Congress to make funding decisions that put our country and the world on track to end hunger.

We have made substantial progress against hunger and poverty in recent decades, both worldwide and in the United States. So we know it is possible to further reduce and perhaps virtually end hunger.

Pope Francis, Bill Gates, and the World Bank have each presented convincing evidence that ending hunger and extreme poverty by 2030 is within reach, and most U.S. pastors agree. All the nations of the world have agreed to work for the end of hunger and related goals by 2030.

As Christians reflect on these hopeful developments, we recognize God at work in the world. We are moved by our experience of God's grace in Jesus Christ to do our part to help end hunger-through direct assistance to people in need and as advocates on public policies affecting hungry and struggling people.

MPC has participated in the Offering of Letters every year for almost 3 decades. A sample letter will be included in the bulletins this week and letters will be dedicated on April 30.

It's Been an Exciting Year for Adult Education!

Our busy and informative year of Adult Education will draw to a close this Sunday, April 23, with the Sunday Times presentation co-led by Pastor Mike and Jim Bowman. The class meets in the Adult Education Room at 8:45 a.m.

Many thanks to all who participated! We look forward to another great year of Adult Education beginning in the fall!

Mission in Action

Thank you to all who helped fill the HELP FOR THE HOMELESS box with all sorts of great items for this year's drive. Your donations will make a difference in 2017! As Heidi Prahl, coordinator for the drive, said "You rocked it!" A total of 245 Fox Cities employers, businesses and schools hosted a box. Nineteen crisis centers will benefit, and 16,000 neighbors in need will receive the items you donated. We'd also like to thank MPC member Laurie McCulloch, for helping out with the big job of sorting out all of the items for distribution. Many thanks to all!

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Property Work Day

Would you like to get your hands dirty? Then mark your calendars for Saturday, May 6 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon for MPC's Spring Work Day! There will be plenty of tasks from which to choose, inside and out. If that day doesn't work out for you, just call the church office and let us know when you can come in so you can choose your own adventure! A sign-up sheet is available on the Friendship Table, or call the church office for more information.

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Salvation Army Collection

Many thanks to all who generously contributed to the Easter Sunday collection for Salvation Army. Our next monthly collection is Sunday, May 21. Start shopping for great deals now and fill a grocery bag for those in our community who are hungry.

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...

Betty and Steve Lockhart's niece, Desaire, who recently had surgery for brain cancer. Your prayers are most appreciated, as her prognosis is not good.
Ellen Wright is now home and recovering after her hospitalization.
Lee Parker was briefly hospitalized and is now home.
Ashley Zuege is recovering well from her recent oral surgery.
Greg Braatz's stepfather, Tom Emdy, is nearing the end of his earthly journey. Please keep him in your prayers.
The memorial service for Fred Burdett, who passed away in November, will be held on Saturday, June 3. A link to his obituary and service information may be found here.
Mary Francis's brother-in-law, Larry, will continue his radiation treatments through the end of this month.
Prayers of thanks for the report of complete healing of Linda Boldt's foot, after months of slow recovery and therapy.

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

Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed

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.

Looking for Coffee Hosts

Two individuals are needed to serve as Sunday Morning Fellowship Hosts. You would serve approximately once every three months, and your first Sunday will probably occur in late summer. If you are able to assist, please email the church office. Thank you!

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Sunday, April 23

Greeters & Ushers: Members of the Youth Fellowship Group

Head Usher: Les Angell

Fellowship Hosts: Cori and Kerry Marinan

Counters: Connie Olson & Staff

Sunday, April 30

Greeters: Mike Harer, Dave & Sue Rozmarynoski

Head Usher: Peter Ryerson

Ushers: Jon McElhaney, Kelsey & Kevin McElrath, Jeanne Ryerson

Scripture Reader: Richard Dodge

Kinderchurch: Kathy Privatt, Leader; Jane Slater, Greeter

Fellowship Hosts: John & Lisa Hauser

Counter: Patti Athanas, Mike Harer

Community Notices

Bring the World to Your Home

The American Councils for International Education has announced that the host family application for the YEAR Program is now open. The Year of Exchange in America for Russians (YEAR) Program will be bringing 70 outstanding Russian students to the U.S. Visit the YEAR Program website to create an account and apply to serve as a host family to one of these students for one month this summer. For more information, contact them via email, visit their website, or call (202) 833-7523.