February 2nd News & Notes Interactive Question

January 5 News & Notes Interactive Question

Annual Statistical Report Reminder

This is a reminder to all Clerks of Session that the Annual Statistical Report for 2023 needs to be submitted on-line no later than February 8. Included in the report are your membership numbers which will be used to determine next year's Per-Capita Apportionment, so be sure your membership numbers are accurate. If you have any questions, please email the Stated Clerk, Bob Boswell.

Presbytery Project Grants Available

Each year the Bergstrom Endowment Grant Committee within the First Presbyterian Church Neenah is charged with awarding a portion of the church's unrestricted endowment fund as grants to applicants from various global mission projects, theological seminaries, projects within Presbyterian Synods, our local Presbytery, local non-profit projects, and toward college scholarships for church members.  

While there is never a shortage of needs to be considered, we want to be sure that needs within our own Presbytery are considered along with other requests. Grants may be requested for "projects" (not toward general programming or annual budgets) within individual churches or toward a more general Presbytery project.  Applications for the 2024 grants are available now (email firstpresneenah@firstpresneenah.org) and must be returned to the First Pres Neenah church office by March 31.  

Caring for Creation: Digital Storytelling Workshop - February 17th, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join First Congregational Church of Oshkosh in a workshop led by Dr. Mary Hess of Luther Seminary, on digital storytelling, faith, and what it might mean to share stories of care for Creation. We will listen carefully, record short memories, and take those moments and put images and music together into a digital short story - you only need to bring yourself and an electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop)!

No previous experience with digital technologies is expected, but if you have some we welcome you to assist others in the workshop. There is no fee for the workship, but a free-will donation will be taken up for lunch.

Your story - if you choose - will also provide a valuable contribution to Mary's sabbatical research project on storytelling and care for Creation. You can learn more about the research project of which this workshop is part of at earth.storyingfaith.org.

Office Supplies Available!

Do you need any 3-ring binders or hanging file folders that are in excellent condition? In the presbytery office, we have been reducing the number of duplicate files and hardcopies, and would be glad to help our extra supplies find a good home. Please, contact miranda@winnebagopresbytery.org if you could use them!

Samaritan Counseling

Loving and Respecting Yourself: February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, By Samatha Jo Fieck, MSW, Mental Wellness Screen Coordinator

If you made an intention in 2024 to become a better version of yourself, you may find February to be the month to dedicate time to improve your self-esteem. February is International Boost SelfEsteem Month. This month can motivate people to develop a positive self-image and embrace their worth and abilities.

A small but important aspect of the Samaritan Wellness Screen is asking students about how they view themselves. When self-esteem is high, they are confident and positive, and when self-esteem is low, they are self-critical and feeling down. Self-esteem not only affects our mental state but also our behaviors, relationships, and even our physical health.

Boosting one’s self-esteem isn’t a quick change. It requires a shift of mindset, where we limit self-critical talk, release self-doubt, and practice self-compassion. Using affirmations and inspirational quotes can provide emotional encouragement and support. Also, recognizing and celebrating personal strengths can promote meaning and purpose in one’s life.

Those looking to boost their self-esteem don’t have to do it alone. Taking the time to learn a new interest, finding a creative outlet, or helping someone else can lead to a small increase in one’s own self-esteem. Laughter and exercise are two affordable powerful remedies. Everyone is in control of their own self-esteem, but it’s okay to ask for help. Counselors and therapists are trained to help individuals work through their thoughts and beliefs to achieve healthy self-esteem. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be respected and loved by others and themselves!

United Church Camps, Inc.

2024 Registration Announcement

• All Cedar Valley art workshops are open now
• Moon Beach winter events are open now
• Moon Beach summer family camps registration opens on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
• Daycholah Center summer camp registration opens on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
• Camp AweSum Family Camps registration opens on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

View the event calendar showing all camps and events here.

Winnebago Presbytery encourages potential camp attendees to start thinking ahead about registering for the camps they are interested in... Registration fills up fast! Once registered, the presbytery offers scholarships to help offset camp costs. The application form can be found on our website here. Be sure to take full advantage before it is too late!

Wisconsin Council of Churches

Upcoming Event: Brian McLaren in Wauwatosa, Saturday, March 16, 2024 2:00 p.m., Underwood Memorial Baptist Church

Underwood Memorial Baptist Church is thrilled to welcome author, speaker, and Christian leader Brian McLaren to Wauwatosa for the first time! Brian McLaren is one of today’s leading authors and speakers on Christianity, faith, doubt, deconstruction, and the future. Brian speaks with a pastor’s care and a prophet's passion about the issues that make it hard to keep faith in the 21st century. At once realistic and clear-eyed about the challenges facing Christianity, Brian is also hopeful about what is possible in the future of faith.

If you are struggling to hold onto your faith or struggling to understand why anyone has faith. Or, if you want to think about your faith in new and vital ways, don’t miss this day of conversation with Brian McLaren.

Tickets are limited, and all are welcome.

Co-sponsored by Underwood Memorial Baptist Church, Wisconsin Council of Churches, American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin

Register Here

ReKindle Grants Available Through Columbia Theological Seminary's Center for Lifelong Learning

ReKindle, a grant initiative offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary, is part of the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations project. reKindle will award grants of up to $10,000 to congregations accepted into the program. Grant projects will support a congregation’s capacity to enhance their vitality in a post–COVID–19 context. The program will help congregations realize their goal of being a thriving congregation by supporting their focused attention on an identified mission priority. Find out more and apply for a reKindle grant!