The 2023 Parish Directory is ready! You can pick up a copy in several places: at the back of the church, across from the lift, in the Palmer Room, or in the office.

The Passion will be read in a readers' theater format at the 10:30am service on Palm Sunday (April 2) and the 12pm service on Good Friday (April 7). If you'd like to participate, please contact the office.  Most parts are 1-2 lines, and no memorization is needed; Emily will provide scripts to the readers ahead of time. All ages are welcome to participate. Whether or not you've been one of our readers before, we'd love to have you join us!

Note: There will be a rehearsal for both Passion readings after the 10:30am service on Sunday, March 26. We won't read through the whole script; this is a technical rehearsal to make sure everyone knows where to stand and how to project for the microphones.

A new coffee hour schedule for April-May-June is on the bulletin board in the hallway. Please consider signing up so we can have delicious treats and socializing time after the 10:30 service! You can also contact the office to get your name on the schedule.

Gather together for fellowship and worship on Wednesday evenings during Lent!

On March 15, 22, and 29, parishioners have offered to bring a light meal at 5:30 pm. Come as you are after work, school, or other activity, with family or friends, between 5 and 6 pm to share a light supper before our 6:30 worship service. RSVPs will help with preparing enough food; look for the sign-up sheets in the hallway or contact the office.

Volunteers are needed to help clean up, organize, sort and clean out the Sunday school and youth rooms in the church basement. Meet at 8:30 am on Saturday, March 18 in the church basement and we'll go until about 11:30. Coffee will be provided! Join for all or part of the time - any help is welcomed and appreciated!  

Questions can be directed to Catherine Neiswender, (920) 540-1101 (cell/text) or catherine.neiswender@gmail.com

REMINDER: If you'd like to have your birthday or anniversary recognized, please contact the office.

March Birthdays

3/2 - Meredith Gadzik

3/5 - Nancy Aronson

3/9 - Fr. Christopher Wilkerson

3/14 - Rich Moore

3/20 - Stephanie Gadzik

3/21 - Jan Watson

3/22 - Matthew Payne

3/27 - Karrie Moore

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry urged Episcopalians to make our voices heard in a way we feel called. To facilitate and support this process, the Episcopal Church Foundation has curated news articles, prayers, books, videos and community resources on the topic of reproductive rights.  To explore this resource, please click here.

The 2022 Convention of the Diocese of Fond du Lac adopted Resolution 2022-03 regarding the church’s teaching on abortion.

Bishop Matt Gunter is posting a series of teachings on the subject, beginning with resolutions passed by the General Convention of The Episcopal Church over several decades. The series is being posted over the next weeks on the bishop’s blog, "An Odd Work of Grace", for study, comments, or questions.

Part 1: The Episcopal Church’s Stated Position on Childbirth and Abortion

Part 2: An Episcopal Bishop's Teaching on Abortion – Context

Part 3: Scripture - Old Testament

Part 4: Scripture - New Testament

5 Practices That Will Change Your Life

October 1, 2019    Every Day Spirit |© Mary Davis

True abundance is ours for the having. All of the spiritual tools we need, and all of the wisdom required, is within.  This is the kind of abundance where nothing is lacking; where blessings flow like waterfalls; when you wake up and can’t believe that this is actually your life.  It’s possible to unearth this kind of joy.  And it is a joy worth having because it does not depend on anything outside of yourself. Like all worthwhile things, it takes dedication and mindfulness to make the transformation, but with a little practice (that’s why we call these practices), your vision will change and you will see the world through brand new eyes.

Here are a few simple and profound ways to shift your perspective from one of lack to one of radical abundance.

1. Be amazed. 

Slow down a little. Notice more. Breathe it all in. Be amazed.  We are rich with gifts, right where we are, when we look at the world with appreciation and awe. Register the sight of natural beauty and linger longer over small moments of tea and friendship.  Imagine how incredible it is that your spirit is embodied here in the world to feel a soft blanket, a soapy dish, a loving hand; to read a book, to listen to music; to laugh, to cry, to love. 

Look for the sacred in the small and you will surely find it.

"To be spiritual is to be amazed." - Abraham Heschel

2. Open to the wisdom of nature.

The amazement continues into the natural world. Pause to soak up the smell of pine, the sound of the rain or a lilting bird song.  Sunrise, sunset and the spin of the earth in between are nothing short of miracles. Greet nature mindfully, noticing the small beauties, the rich colors, the new growth, the leaves in flight..

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” - Lao Tzu

3. Cultivate relentless gratitude.

After you notice the blessings (which is gratitude in itself), you can follow up with a short offering of appreciation - 'Thank you!' - to deepen the shift.  This humble act of expressing gratitude opens your heart to the abundance that lies in and around you all the time.  The more you give thanks, the more blessings you see and the more abundance you feel.  Punctuate the day with a thousand words of thanks.  Rise each morning and whisper, 'Thank you.'  Offer a morning moment of gratitude for this precious life, for this precious day, for this precious moment. Assume that the challenges of the day have purpose and meaning. Accept that what is undone will be accomplished in its perfect time.

Then end the day with a grateful heart, seeing clearly from the overview of your highest self, how many incredible gifts you have been given.

Lay your plans in the arms of the divine and know that all is well and that you are loved.

“If the only prayer you say in your life is 'thank you,' it would be enough.” - Meister Eckhart

4. Be still. 

Spend some time every day in silence. Meditation, a walk in nature, yoga and contemplative prayer all work beautifully.  Learn to still your mind and listen to your inner voice.  Learn to calm your thoughts and reveal the serenity that resides within.   Learn to silence the phone and allow stillness to unfurl your soul.

Be still and know.

“Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.”- Maya Angelou

5. Let compassion be your compass.

Practice compassion, spreading loving kindness to yourself and all beings.  When you lead your life with a heart of love, you are  plugged into divine wisdom.

Compassion toward yourself brings freedom, confidence, acceptance and calm. Compassion toward others allows judgment to fall away, along with resistance and much of your anxiety.  Kindness offered to those in need, or who have less than you do, lifts the giver and the receiver.  Lead your life from a place of love and make space for abundant experiences to flow back into your heart.

And offer up the only prayer you will ever need: 'Thank you.'

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  -The Dalai Lama

Weave these simple practices into your day today. Practice them with faith and gentle determination. Be amazed. Learn from nature. Cultivate gratitude. Be still. Let love lead.

Is God calling you to take an active role in Christian caregiving?  If so, please contact Julie at 731.6896 (home), 920.809.2416 (cell),  or Julie  about how you can get involved.