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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Advent Begins Sunday
Advent - the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas - begins this Sunday (11/28). After yet another turbulent year, there's comfort to be found when we pause to read, pray, and reflect over the course of the Advent season during which we eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth. You can do so by picking up an Advent devotional book in the Narthex or the church office. There are options for families, youth, and adults. You can also click HERE for a link to an online option put out by Presbyterians Today.
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This Sunday's Plans
Join us this Sunday (11/28) in our beautifully decorated sanctuary as we begin the season of Advent by lighting the candle of hope. We'll read Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36 (click to read) and discuss 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. You can join us Sunday at 9am either in person, by live stream on our Facebook page, or by audio only (*find details later in this newsletter). You can also watch service recordings on our website or on our Facebook page whenever it's convenient for you.
*Special thanks to our Liturgical Arts Committee (and their helpers) for the seasonal decoration of our Sanctuary this week. It looks beautiful!
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Sunday School at 10:30am for All Ages!
*Pre-K to 2nd grade (Room 5)
*3rd to 5th grade (Room 6)
*6th - 12th grade Youth (Middle High Room)
*Adult Class (Koinonia Lounge) - Join Pastor Luke to begin a four-week Advent series called, "Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here." In these engaging classes, you'll discover how one baby’s birth over 2,000 years ago changed the world. Learn how God’s love and grace became manifest in the birth of Jesus and how his birth is truly the reason for the season of Advent and Christmas. Don't miss this special holiday series!
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No Youth Group This Sunday
Our CORE/JAM Youth Group (6th - 12th grade) will not meet this holiday weekend, but will return the following Sunday (12/5) from 6-7:30pm in the Youth Media Room. Happy Thanksgiving!
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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 on Saturday, December 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 within the next week. Thanks so much to everyone for your help with this wonderful project!
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Our next monthly Agape Drive-Thru Dinner is coming next Wednesday (12/1) at 5:45pm. The menu will include ham, "company" potatoes, fruit, and cut out cookies. Everyone's invited to drive though to pick up your free meals while supplies last. Monetary donations are welcomed but not required. Invite your friends and neighbors and help us share the love!
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Still a Few Left!
Our Men's Club Fruitcake Sale is going great thanks to our church family and friends, but don't delay! Those famous $15 fruitcakes can be purchased on Sunday morning after church or during regular office hours Monday through Thursday (9am-1pm). You can also reserve yours by calling 920-336-1446 or e-mailing to office.fupc@gmail.com while supplies last. These baked treats can be great as Christmas gifts or for holiday parties!
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Living Nativity Celebration Coming Soon
Mark your calendar for our new Living Nativity Celebration on Saturday, December 11, from 3 to 6pm. Enjoy the living Nativity, live animals, carols, Bible readings, treats, a display of members' Nativity sets, and more! If you'd like to volunteer to help make this exciting project happen, please click HERE to sign up for specific times and duties that are still needed. Thanks!
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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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Pledge Campaign Update
Our 2022 Pledge Campaign is underway. We're happy to announce that we are almost two thirds of the way to our goal with more than half our pledge cards returned!
Thank you to those who've already returned your pledge cards. We're grateful for your generosity and support of our Ministries’ plans for next year.
If you have not returned your 2022 pledge yet, please complete it and mail it to the church office or bring it to worship on Sunday. Everyone’s commitment is needed for First United to come back stronger in Christ.
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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 next Thursday, December 2, at 10am in the Koinonia Lounge.
*The Presbyterian Women are reviving the traditional P.W. Christmas Tea on Sunday, December 5, at 3pm in the Koinonia Lounge. Come for music, a program, and refreshments - a feast for the senses! Contact Julie Mackey with questions.
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Dead Reformers Society for December
We look forward to another inspiring excursion into the erudite at Zambaldi Brewery. Join us on Tuesday, December 7, at 7pm to discuss how the influence of a small group of English Protestants (Puritans) of the 16th and 17th centuries continues to resonate today in the 21st century. Discover and discuss how "puritanism" is alive and well in shockingly diverse forms in the United States and throughout the world.
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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 Robert Burns - all for the benefit of the Presbyterian Pantry. Check our website or just click here for details and to purchase your tickets for this unique special event and fundraiser. Don't wait. Get your tickets reserved now!
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New Bible Study Open to All!
Are you looking for a way to study the Bible to not only educate you, but to also provide you a chance for discussion and application in today's world? Beginning December 7th, two new Tuesday Bible Studies will begin meeting on the first and third Tuesdays each month. Pastor Luke will lead a morning group on from 10 to11:30am. For those wanting an evening time, Tom Bayer and Rev. Paul Jensen will lead another meeting from 6:30 to 8pm with live call-in available. A Facebook Private Group is also a possibility if enough people express interest. Contact Pastor Luke or Tom Bayer with questions.
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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. Last Sunday, he was sitting up in the balcony in the church front windows. He'll be in a new spot each week, so keep looking for Jesus!
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Here's How You Can
Join Us for Our
Sunday Worship Services
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> In Person - Enter only on the Webster side. A mask is recommend if you're not vaccinated. Singing is allowed only with a mask on. The right side is open seating, while the left side and balcony provide social distancing for those who want it.
> Live Online - If you're not comfortable in person yet, you can join us by live stream on our church Facebook page available ten minutes before the listed start time.
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> Sound-only connection - Call Zoom at (312) 626-6799 within 10 minutes before the service start time. Enter meeting ID: 206 385 039 followed by the # symbol.
> Watch Service Recordings Anytime - You can always watch recordings of our recent services on our Facebook page (right after the live stream is completed) or on our website (roughly an hour after the service is completed).
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Supporting Our Area Partners
First United is a partner supporting the work of the Ecumenical Partnership for Housing. Over the last 25 years, EPH has grown to be able to house and mentor up to 35 families to improve their lives. We also feel called to work toward eliminating family homelessness. That's why we're joining with many others to participate in the Greater Green Bay Blueprint to Prevent and End Homelessness (click HERE for details).
The Women’s Ministry of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church will be hosting a Christmas Dessert on December 7 from 6:30 until 8:30pm. There will be a presentation on the history of some of our favorite Christmas Carols. Then everyone can enjoy delectable desserts, beautiful decorations, and fellowship with one another. Hope to see you there!
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Christmas Trees & Wreaths
The First United parking lot will be the location of a Christmas Tree & Wreath stand for the holiday season. The Session approved this new opportunity to help support local business and to enhance our involvement with the De Pere community. Be sure to take a look at the beautiful greenery available this holiday season.
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Thanks for Your Continuing Support
> 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
Monday (11/22) - Joey Shoemaker
Thursday (11/25) - Abby Renier, Craig Cuene, & Mert Bayer
Friday (11/26) - Elaina Deprez
Saturday (11/27) - Eloise Conway & Felecity Conway
NEXT WEEK
Sunday (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
Why not email, give them a call, or send them a card?
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> Office Closed for Thanksgiving - TODAY (11/25)
> Men's Club Fruitcake Sale continues! - Sunday 8:30-10:30am & Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm in church office (while supplies lasts)
> Sunday Worship (1st Sunday of Advent) - Sunday (11/28) 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) - Sunday (11/28) after worship
> Sunday School for all ages (various rooms) - Sunday (11/28) 10:30am
> No CORE/JAM Youth Group - Sunday (11/28) *will return the following Sunday
> 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) - next Thursday (12/1) 9am
> Pastors in the Gathering Area - next Thursday (12/2) 10am
> P.W. Mission Sewing Group (Koinonia Lounge) - next Thursday (12/2) 10am
> D.P.C.O. Christmas Store Set-up (Family Life Center) - Saturday (12/3) 8am-5pm
*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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