Our Vision Statement:
We are a welcoming community FIRST UNITED in proclaiming FAITH in Jesus Christ, sharing HOPE for the future, and inspiring LOVE of our neighbors.
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Sunday Morning Recap
This morning (11/28), we began the season of Advent by lighting the candle of hope in our beautifully decorated sanctuary (thanks Liturgical Arts Committee!). We discussed the hope we have as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas long ago, as well as the promised return of Christ at the second coming. If you weren't able to join us, you can watch our service recording on our Facebook page and on our website (*see links at bottom).
After church, we enjoyed the Youth Coffee Shop, the Men's Club Fruitcake Sale, and Sunday School classes for all ages. Our Core/Jam Youth Group will be taking the holiday weekend off, but will get together again next Sunday (12/5) at 6pm. Hope to see you at church next week!
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From This Week's
"Taking Faith Home"
Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13.
1 Thessalonians is likely the oldest New Testament writing we have. It ends with Paul addressing the church’s concern about Christ’s second coming (see 4:13-5:11), very fitting for the first week of Advent. Living in Thessalonica was a challenge. It was a Roman capital, filled with Roman powers and a religious setting very different from the Christian faith. It led to the persecution and suffering of Christians living there. Paul connects their lives of holiness and innocence to the power of Christ’s return. All of this encourages a life “set apart”—that’s what holiness means. Living with those who wish you harm and with other gods to worship, is truly a challenge, one that needs the power of Christ and his return to sustain us daily. What are the challenges you face as a person of the Christian faith?
Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus, give us faith as we await your coming, that we may love all people as you love us now and always. Amen.
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Our “Taking Faith Home” publication is a great resource for exploring your faith all through the week. It provides daily readings, prayers, devotions, and service opportunities following the weekly lectionary readings. Click here for this week's complete new edition.
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There are Still Ways to Help!
Thanks to everyone who's donated gifts or money for the upcoming D.P.C.O. Christmas Store to help roughly 175 local families including an estimated 500 children. The store will be hosted the second week of December in our Family Life Center.
There are still many ways you can help. While many have signed up to assist, we need lots more volunteers to help set up the store next Saturday (12/4) (click here) and to help with many duties running the store on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, December 7, 8, and 9 (click here). Please check the highlighted links for the details and specific shifts that are open. You can also still take tags from the trees at church. Here are just a few specific items still needed: Walmart, Target, or Kwik Trip gift cards ($10 or $25)... socks/underwear for all ages... McDonalds, Culvers, Taco Bell, or Starbucks gift cards for teens... and many more. Donations need to be dropped off this week. Thanks so much to everyone for your help with this wonderful project!
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Presbyterian Women Activities
*Our P.W. Mission Sewing Circle recently made donations to Tank Elementary School and Fort Howard Family Resource Center to help some area students keep warm. The group will hold their next monthly gathering Thursday (12/2) at 10am in the Koinonia Lounge.
*Next Sunday (12/5) at 3pm, the Presbyterian Women are reviving the traditional P.W. Christmas Tea in the Koinonia Lounge for everyone! There will be Christmas music and refreshments, plus attendees will assemble "Mental Health Kits" for donation. To help on the day of the event, please bring small scented candles, snack-size chocolate, nice writing utensils, colored pencils, and/or a hand-written poem or quote about caring for yourself. Contact Julie Mackey at 920-337-0890 for more information. You're invited!
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More Seasonal Plans
Our annual Children's Christmas Pageant will be live during worship on Sunday, December 19, at 9am. More information will be shared directly with families involved, but please contact Pastor Meggan or Scott McPherson if you have any questions.
Christmas Eve Worship plans are underway. We'll be offering the same live service content at two different times to allow for more safe distancing and comfortable seating. You're invited to join us on Friday, December 24 at either 5pm or 7:30pm. More detailed information will be shared as December and the very special holiday season approaches.
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Where's Jesus?
Have you joined in our fun weekly challenge? An adorable Jesus doll will be placed somewhere within our church each week. This Sunday, he was sitting on the drum kit up front. He'll be in a new spot each week, so keep looking for Jesus!
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Thanks to our church family and friends, the Men's Club Fruitcake Sale is going great! Remember, don't delay because they're selling fast. Those famous $15 fruitcakes can be purchased during regular office hours Monday through Wednesday this week or on Sunday mornings after church. These baked treats will make a great addition to your holiday gatherings!
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A Special Celebration for the Presbyterian Pantry
You are cordially invited to join us for a Burns Night Dinner coming on January 15 at St. Norbert. It'll feature a hearty feast, Scotch tasting, bagpipes, poems, songs, and tributes to the great Scottish poet - all for the benefit of the Presbyterian Pantry. To learn more about the event, check our website. You can also click here for more details and to purchase your tickets for this delicious event and very special fundraiser!
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Thanks for Your Support
This Tuesday (11/30) is Giving Tuesday. Please consider giving to First United to help us finish this year strong. Online donations can be given by selecting “Giving” at our website {Insert link} or the ChurchPlus app on your smart phone.
> Smart Phone Giving: GivePlus app
> Mail your checks to:
First United Presbyterian Church
605 N Webster Ave
De Pere, WI 54115
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THIS WEEK
TODAY (11/28) - Rita Coffey-Kilmer
Tuesday (11/30) - Diane Batson
Wednesday (12/1) - Dan Thorpe & John Herber
Thursday (12/2) - Debbie Renier
Friday (12/3) - Lora Warner & Maxine Gaber
Saturday (12/4) - Barb Ryan
NEXT WEEK
Monday (12/6) - Jennifer Wirtanen & Jamie Tank
Tuesday (12/7) - Carol Pointer
Wednesday (12/8) - Cassie Griffin
Saturday (12/11) - Adam Longton
Why not send them a card or email or call?
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> No CORE/JAM Youth Group - *will return next Sunday (12/5)
> D.P.C.O. Christmas Store Sorting (Rooms 8-10) - Monday (11/29) 10am
> D.P.C.O. Christmas Store Planning Meeting (F.L.C.) - Tuesday (11/30) 1pm
> Agape Drive-Thru Dinner - Wednesday (12/1) 5:45pm
> Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) - Wednesday (12/1) 6:30pm
> "Joyful Noise" Praise Band Rehearsal (Sanctuary) - Wednesday (12/1) 7:30pm
> D.P.C.O. Christmas Store Sorting (Rooms 8-10) - Thursday (12/2) 9am
> Pastors in the Gathering Area - Thursday (12/2) 10am
> P.W. Mission Sewing Group (Koinonia Lounge) - Thursday (12/2) 10am
> D.P.C.O. Christmas Store Set-up (Family Life Center) - Saturday (12/3) 8am-5
> Sunday Worship & Communion - next Sunday (12/5) 9am (in person at church, live stream on our Facebook page, or view a recording after the service on our website
> Youth Coffee Shop (Gathering Area) - next Sunday (12/5) after worship
> Sunday School for all ages (various rooms) - next Sunday (12/5) 10:30am
*Please contact the church office to schedule a meeting or make changes so we can keep everyone up to date. Thank you!
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"Changing Lives Through God's Love in Christ"
Contact us with your questions and needs...
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