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First United Weekly Newsletter

November 18, 2021

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.

Meeting Change TODAY!

Our monthly Woe-Be-Gone group will be meeting this morning (11/18) at 10am in the Koinonia Lounge. Thanksgiving falls on our regular Thursday date, so we needed to reschedule. We look forward to seeing you for another lovely time of tea and fellowship today.

New Links in Our Chain

Throughout our 2022 Stewardship Campaign we've been forming a "chain" on the sanctuary cross made of paper loops listing various things supported by our church budget. This Sunday (11/21), you'll be given a blank link and asked to write down one area in the life and ministry of First United that you'll commit yourself to in 2022. Perhaps it's weekly worship attendance or joining one of our many ministries. Maybe it's becoming active with the Men's Club or Presbyterian Women, or something else. We truly are able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us, but it takes a commitment of time, talent, and treasure from all of us to "Come Back Stronger in Christ." Please give some thought to what you'll add to the chain Sunday.

This Sunday's Plans

Join us for worship this Sunday (11/21) when we'll conclude our "Coming Back Stronger in Christ" stewardship series with our final and greatest hero of the faith - our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! As we focus on the Third Letter of John (click to read), we'll consider the setbacks and victories that are necessary for our Christian devotion and discipleship. Discover how the shortest letter in the New Testament contains an important lifelong message for Christ's church today. To God be the glory! You can join us Sunday at 9am in person, by live stream on our Facebook page, or by audio only. You can also watch a recording whenever it's convenient for you on our website or on Facebook. (*find details later in this newsletter)

Sunday School for All Ages at 10:30am

*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 for a celebration of Thanksgiving. The class will discuss the history and legacy of the Puritans in the United States of America. Learn how this unique group of 16th and 17th century Christian Reformers forever changed America's spiritual, political, and physical landscape. You won't want to miss this special holiday treat!

Youth This Sunday

Our CORE/JAM Youth Group (6th - 12th grade) will be meeting this Sunday (11/21) from 6-7:30pm in the Youth Media Room with a focus on Thanksgiving! Please note that we will not be meeting the following Sunday, (11/28). Happy Thanksgiving!

Supplies are Limited!

Thanks to our church family and friends, the Men's Club Fruitcake Sale is going great! Remember, don't delay because supplies are limited. Those famous $15 fruitcakes can be purchased on Sunday mornings after church or during regular office hours Monday through Thursdays from 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 will make a great addition to Thanksgiving next Thursday!

Thanks for Your Donations!

Thank you to everyone who has donated gifts or money for the upcoming D.P.C.O. Christmas Store to be hosted in our Family Life Center next month.

There are still two ways you can help. First, be sure to tell everyone to drop by Noodles & Company (on South Oneida) next Tuesday (11/23) from 4 to 8pm. They'll be offering 25% of their sales that evening to help with the Christmas Store. Second, you can register to help with the store set up on December 4 (click here) or to assist at the store on December 7, 8, or 9 (click here). Thanks to everyone involved with this wonderful project!

Advent Begins Soon

Advent means "coming," and celebrating Advent involves spending time in spiritual preparation for the coming birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Beginning on Sunday, November 28, we'll begin lighting our Advent wreath during worship each week. If you're interested in lighting candles during the 9am worship service or on Christmas Eve (5pm or 7:30pm), please call or email Pastor Meggan by next Tuesday (11/23) so she can get the readings and materials to you.

In addition, the Christian Education Ministry will have various devotionals for families, youth, and adults that you can pick up beginning this Sunday (11/21) to guide you on your Advent journey. These resources will be available on a table in the Narthex , or they can be picked up from the church office during our regular office hours.

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.

Pledge Campaign Update

Our 2022 Pledge Campaign is underway. We're happy to announce that with more than half our pledge cards returned, we are almost two thirds of the way to our goal!

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.

Announcing Christmas Season Plans

Mark your calendar for our new Living Nativity Celebration on Saturday, December 11. Enjoy the living Nativity, live animals, carols, treats, a display of members' Nativity sets, and more! Watch for more details.

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 information will be shared as the wonderful holiday approaches.

Presbyterian Women Activities

*The 4th Tuesday Readers group will be meeting next Tuesday (11/23) at 1pm in the Koinonia lounge to discuss the book “Defending Jacob” by William Landry. The group will not meet in December.

*The empty pill bottle collection will be ending next week by Thanksgiving Day. Find the display by the P.W. bulletin board in our Family Life Center to learn more and drop off your empty bottles.

*P.W. Mission Sewing hopes to donate 50 handmade dish clothes and pot holders in support of the De Pere Christian Outreach Christmas Store. They can use your help! Please drop off donations (any color, pattern, size) in our Narthex. Contact Susan Leiber at 920-337-0979 or skayleiber@yahoo.com with any questions.

*The Presbyterian Women are reviving the 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. More details are coming soon!

Where's Jesus?

Have you joined in our weekly challenge to have a little fun with? An adorable Jesus doll will be placed somewhere within our church each week. Last Sunday, he was sitting up front on the left in the fall decorations. He'll be in a new spot each week, so see if you can find him!

Christmas Wreaths

The First United parking lot will be the location of a Christmas Wreath stand for the holiday season. The Session approved this new opportunity to help support a 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.

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!

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.

Here's How You Can

Join Us for Our

Sunday Worship Services

> 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.

> 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).

Monthly Financial Update

(as of October 31, 2021)

Operating Fund Total Income:

Year-to-Date Budget = $315,900

Year-to-Date Actual = $310,000

Operating Fund Total Expenses:

Year-to-Date Budget = $307,500

Year-to-Date Actual = $316,500

Your offerings will help support our Agape Dinner on December 1, the Live Nativity Celebration on December 7, our Advent and Christmas activities and worship services, the Presbytery General Mission Fund, our staff, and the work of the Ministries of First United. Thank you.

How to Give:

> Mail your check to: First United Presbyterian Church

605 N Webster Ave, De Pere, WI 54115

> To give by computer or smartphone, go to our website at www.firstunitedpc.org and click the "Giving" tab on the top right of the page.