focus...2016/09/09 · luke 15:1-10 jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, lost coins....
TRANSCRIPT
focus First Presbyterian
Sunday
In This Issue
September 4 Volume 17, Issue 17
Reflections Page 2
Coming Up in Worship Page 3
PYA Schedule Page 3
Information @ Church Page 4 - 6
In Review Page 6
@ Church Page 7
Cares and Joys Page 7
Available Funds / Mission / Resource Graphics Page 8
September Calendar Page 9
Contact Us Page 10
Social Media & Website Links Page 10
1225 Fourth Street Road . Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54935 . Phone 920.922.0425 . Email [email protected]
1st September
2
Reflections
Becoming Peacemakers
18
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:18
Our Worship series, beginning
September 11th , will focus on
becoming peacemakers. There
is a myth that we serve as
peacemakers by self-discipline.
We seem to believe, that by
sheer force of will, we can avoid
becoming angry and reacting to
the conflicts that surround us.
This is a recipe for frustration
and failure. So how do we be-
come people who are able to
further the peace, unity and love
in the world around us?
This series will utilize some of
the principles that have been
shared through the Lombard
Mennonite Peace Center, including materials from Edwin Freedman and Peter Steinke. We will combine
that with what scripture teaches us about practicing our faith, in relationship with the people around us.
This series will focus on disciplines such as:
what does it mean to be a peacemaker
recognizing and living within our personal limitations and challenges in dealing with conflict
developing the tools of responding rather than reacting
choosing whether a conflict needs to be a battle
how we use prayer and blessings in order to reduce our hostility towards others
the essential practice of Sabbath in order to be healthy enough to seek peace.
This series will be particularly timely with the combination of events this fall:
our continued work with mediation and moving forward as a church
the Presidential elections taking place
challenges of violence and natural disasters in our communities and world.
We are called by God to be peacemakers, but have a tendency not to recognize that it takes work to
become effective in the disciplines of being people of peace. So beginning September 11th through Oc-
tober, we will learn to grow and develop our gifts together.
Peace,
Pastor Jack
3
9/4/2016 Communion Labor Day Weekend Sermon: "Who’s in Charge Here?" Theme: We submit our labor and commitment to God because we recognize that obedience
leads to wholeness, healing, and grace for all. Purpose: The congregation will turn from being reactive to the news and violence in the world
around them to be focused on developing our own obedience and faithfulness to God.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 18:1-11 God speaks to Jeremiah as a potter, who has the ability to re- make the people as a potter can remake the clay on a wheel.
Luke 14:25-33 Jesus calls the crowd to be mindful of what is going to be expected of them as they follow Christ.
Questions: Do we really want God to be in control over our lives? What is the benefit of practicing obedience to God? Or is obedience somehow giving up our right to be ourselves? In what ways does God want us to submit our labor and our possessions to His direction? Why are we so uncomfortable with God’s control over our stuff? What is the wisdom in placing our lives and our fellowship in God’s hands? What is the danger of being arrogant and willful as individuals and as a nation? How does our faithfulness with God influence our shopping? In what ways is God involved in the choices we make about how we use our money?
09/11/2016
Sermon: “The Forgiven Fellowship of the Found”
Theme: We always remember that we have been redeemed by God as those who were lost,
and out of that gratitude and experience of forgiveness proclaim a joyful message of
healing to the world.
Purpose: The congregation will appreciate God’s forgiveness and will act with patience towards
those in the world that are in need of that forgiveness.
Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Paul relates that God mercifully forgave Paul so that he might be
one who could glorify God through patiently sharing love and
peace.
Luke 15:1-10 Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, lost coins.
Questions:
Do we think of ourselves as forgiven sinners or as righteous judges? Are we more focused on what oth-
ers do wrong or are we living out our gratitude for what God has forgiven in us? What is the result of be-
ing judgmental and self-righteous? What is the power of living joyfully out of grace, mercy, and forgive-
ness? How are we called to be peacemakers through the gift of grace? In what ways does this type of
peacemaking create healthy, joyful, fellowship? How do we begin to let go of our judgment and self-
righteousness so that we can live in the abundance of grace and peace?
Coming Up in Worship - September
PYA = Presbyterian Youth Association
Basic info: PYA is for students in the 5th-12
th grade
Purpose: To get to know Jesus Christ and have lots of fun!
Saturday September 17th
10:45 - 11:45am PYA at the Woodlands
Sunday September 18th
12:00 - 2:00pm Picnic Lunch with games and activities to follow
Wednesday September 28th
6:30 - 8:00pm PYA
PYA Schedule
4
Where: Grace Christian Church
1596 4th Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920.923.5292
When: Thursday, Sept. 8
Open: Doors open at 4:30pm
Distribution: 5:30pm
Donation: $20.00 (Cash Only)
If you have any questions please call
Grace Christian Church at:
920.923.5292
(ask for Rachel or Brittany).
www.gracechristianchurch.org
Information @ Church
Kick Off Sunday
September 11th
Worship Services
8:00 & 10:30
Education Hour
9:15
Everyone is welcome!
September - Before September 11
Preparation for Kick Off Sunday
On September 11th, we will be
having our Kick Off Sunday. The
Christian Education Team is inviting
all church teams to participate in this
exciting event.
CE is asking that you set up a booth,
provide flyers, posters or other infor-
mation about:
the role of your team
the purpose of your team in
serving the church
opportunities for people to take
part in the work your team
provides.
The booths, flyers, posters, etc. will
be available during coffee hour, in
Fellowship Hall and the Narthex, if
needed.
If you would like to set up space for
your presentations, please communi-
cate your needs to Jodi Anderson
and/or Jennifer Zander. This is an
opportunity to share our work, minis-
try, and opportunities to serve Christ,
with the entire congregation.
September 6 - Ruth Circle
Ruth Circle will meet Tuesday,
September 6 at 1:00pm. We will be
meeting at Carol Huebbe’s home.
September 12 -
Confirmation Class 2017
The Confirmation program, at First
Presbyterian Church, is open to all
students 8th grade and above. This is
an exciting step in one’s faith jour-
ney.
When children are baptized, the
parents and the congregation agree
to raise the child as a follower of
Jesus Christ. Now, it is time for these
young people to explore making that
decision for him or herself. The
congregation, represented by
parents, Faith Partners and the
teaching team will support, guide
and pray for them as they seek an
understanding of what it means to be
an active Christian.
At the end of the process, the
confirmand will express their faith in
an individual statement of faith and
may request the status of active
member from the Session.
If you are interested in finding out
about our program, please join us in
an informational meeting on Monday
September 12th
at 6:30pm. We will
talk about the expectations of the
class. If you have any questions
please contact Jennifer or Pastor
Jack.
2016 Confirmation Class and their Faith Partners
18If it is possible,
so far as it
depends on you,
live peaceably
with all.
5
Information @ Church
September 17 -
Racial Justice Workshop
Date 9.17.2016 Septembe
Time 8:30am - 4:00pm
Cost $20.00
Venue Marian University
Stayer Center
Address 45 S. National Ave.
City Fond du Lac, WI
A workshop entitled:“Racial Justice
Tipping Point” is being sponsored by
the Sisters of St. Agnes on Saturday,
September 17, from 8:30am to
4:00pm at Marian University Stayer
Center. A $20 donation is requested
to cover the workshop, handouts,
and lunch.
Online registration can be found at:
www.csasisters.org.
October 5 -
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
The bible study, taught by Pastor
Jack, has moved from Tuesday to
Wednesday mornings at 10:30am.
We will begin on Wednesday Octo-
ber 5th, using N. T. Wrights “Paul for
Everyone: 1 Corinthians”.
The paperback book is $12. How-
ever, you don’t have to buy the book
to take part in the class.
The class will focus on examining
Paul’s writings and discussing what
his instruction means for us today.
If you have more questions contact
the office at 920.922.0425.
October 15 - Congregational Meeting
Saturday, October 15, 8:30am -1:30pm
The Session of First Presbyterian
Church is calling for a Congregational
Meeting on Saturday, October 15th
from 8:30am - 1:30pm. This will be a
“Large Group Structured Dialogue,” to
be led by the Lombard Mennonite
Peace Center. The meeting will be
facilitated by Rev. Bill Blank, who has
led our workshops and small group
meetings.
This will be the beginning of examining
the findings of the LMPC process, thus
far. We will also be determining the
paths for moving forward in healing
and furthering the mission of our
church.
Even if you haven’t participated in pre-
vious training or activities you are en-
couraged to take part in the Congrega-
tional Meeting.
LMPC would like you to complete a
survey, which will help identify your
conflict management preferences. At
the meeting, you will receive a color-
coded nametag depicting your style.
(The surveys may be obtained through
the Logistics Team: Carol Smith, Dave
Erickson, Jolene Schry, Jim Dassow,
and Terri Wilke).
Congregational meetings are always
informative and thought provoking.
Won’t you join us on October 15?
Women In Faith - September 21
A friend is someone who reaches for
your hand, but touches your heart.
Join us for fun and fellowship on
Wednesday, September 21st from 6-
8pm. We will share a light supper.
You can bring a dish to pass, if you
like, if not just bring yourself and join
the fun.
Following
supper we
will learn
about the
ancient art of
mandalas.
Mandalas
are ancient
symbols of the mindful journey to
wholeness. We will talk about how
this spiritual and meditation tool can
be utilized.
Bring a friend! We hope to see you
there! Please contact Jennifer
920.922.0425 with any questions.
Women In Faith - December 20
“Away in the Basement: A Church
Basement Ladies Christmas”
Women in Faith will be traveling to
the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh
to see “Away in the Basement: A
Church Basement Ladies Christ-
mas.” It is being held on Tuesday,
December 20th at 7:30pm.
Floor tickets are $34.00. Balcony
tickets are $28.00. All tickets will be
purchased in September.
If you are interested in attending
please contact the church office by
September 18th.
If you have any questions please
contact Jennifer at 920.922.0425.
6
August 2016 - Session Forum
Review by Elder Dave Weber
Sacrament of Baptism held July 3rd
for Monroe Stone Buchanan,
son of Michael and Tracy
Buchanan, grandson of Rick
Buchanan.
At the July 24 congregational meet-
ing, Cindy Paulson was nomi-
nated and approved for the Elder
Class of 2016; Carol Wetzel for
the position of Elder, Class of
2018; and Sally Sleder for the
position of Deacon, Class of
2017. All three were examined
and approved by Session Au-
gust 15, and will be ordained on
Sunday, September 11.
Audit of church finances and En-
dowment started Monday,
August 15.
Session approved Pastor Jack’s
study leave for 5 days in
November to attend the
Lombard Mennonite Peace
Center Mediator Training.
The Logistics Team reported that it
was pleased with the process
used at the August 11-13 work-
shops. Eighty people signed up
for small team discussions.
Feedback from those who
participated has been very
positive.
There has been a special meeting of
Session called for Friday,
October 14 at 6:30 pm to hear
the written report of the Lombard
Mennonite Peace Center. A
special meeting of the Congre-
gation has been called on
Saturday, October 15 at 8:30am
for the purpose of hearing this
report.
Information @ Church
Synod School 2016 - Review by Jennifer Zander On July 24
th, 632 Adults and 145
Children and Youth traveled to
Buena Vista University in Storm
Lake, IA for the Synod of the Lakes
and Prairies 63rd
annual Synod
School!
This year's theme, "Connecting with
Jesus in an Over-connected World"
offered both educational and fun
classes. God In the Box Office, Hori-
zons Bible Study, Ancient Art of
Mandalas, Painting Watercolors,
Yoga: Vacation Style and Christian
Prayer Toolbox are just a few of the
71 courses offered.
Morning convocation led by John Bell, minister of the Church of Scot-land and a member of the Iona Com-munity, was filled with examples of the ways Jesus connected to the people around him and how we can use this model to strengthen our re-lationships with others and with God. Worship offered us testimonies of faith, both vibrant and contemplative music with drums, trumpet, violin, flute, guitar and piano, as well as, a time for thoughtful reflection. A variety of evening mini courses, movies, art activities and dances provided us one more opportunity to learn, laugh and engage in the Synod School community. Begin planning now to attend Synod School 2017! J. Herbert Nelson, recently elected as stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presby-terian Church (U.S.A.), will be the convocation speaker and Claudio Carvalhaes will lead evening wor-ship. The date for next year’s event is July 23-28, 2017 at Buena Vista Uni-versity in Storm Lake, Iowa. Scholar-ships are available. A course booklet should be ready in early Spring. Please contact Jennifer if you have any questions.
In Review @ Church
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go
out to the people of Baton Rouge and
the Gulf Coast in the wake of catastro-
phic flooding. Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance has deployed the National
Response Team to support the
Presbytery of South Louisiana and
the Synod of the Sun as they begin
outreach to those affected.
Your gifts are urgently needed now to
support these communities, as more
community needs are identified and
the hard work of mucking out and
rebuilding begins.
Financial support for relief efforts can
be designated to DR000191 to help
address the needs of those impacted
by the flooding. Gifts can be made:
Online
www.presbyterianmission.org/pda
By phone
800-872-3283
weekdays between 8am
and 6pm (EST)
By check
Mail checks to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
For more information visit
www.presbyterianmission.org/pda.
Adapted from the Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance website.
7
@ Church
First Presbyterian Focus
Please send submissions for the
Newsletter to:
Deadlines:
September 7 for September 18
September 21 for October 2
October 5 for October 16
October 26 for November 6
Ushers
September 4 Labor Day
Nancy Hilbert
Jolene Schry
Gail Kamphuis
Orv Kamphuis
Cares and Joys
Buzzy (Marion) Seibel, June Benson,
Liam Anderson, Randy Bacon, Silas
Willey, Sandy Johnson, Chastity
Geisthardt, George Weigel, Pam
Coburn, Pam Coburn’s mother, Jesse
Fisher, Jim Dvorak, Terry Farr, Gib
Dilling, Betty Stephens (Nancy
Pitzen’s mother), Ryley Wilson,
prayers for peace and tolerance in our
community, the nation and the world.
For the people suffering violence in
Juba, South Sudan.
Rejoice: The gift of growing together
in the body of Christ.
Prayer Partners
The prayer chain is ready to offer in-
tercessory prayer to God for your
concerns. Prayer request cards are in
the pew racks and in the Prayer Box
on the small table in the Narthex. Put
your request in either the offering
plate or the Prayer Box and we will
partner with you in prayer.
Names will stay on the prayer list for 6
weeks unless otherwise
specified. Please call the office
at (920) 922-0425 if you would like to
have your name added or removed.
Nursery Schedule
September 4 Labor Day
In September
Elder of the Month
Barb Mitchell
Deacon of the Month
Sally Sleder
Coffee Hour Hosts
Christian Education
"All this is from God, who reconciled us
to himself through Christ, and has given
us the ministry of reconciliation."
2 Corinthians 5:18
Lombard Mennonite
Peace Center
What Healing Phase
When October 15
November 5
Time 8:30 - 1:00pm
Sign Up Narthex
Contact Logistics Team or
Church Office
(920.922.0425) if you
have any questions.
Happy Birthday
Special congratulations to Pat
Dilling! She celebrated her 90th
birthday on August 21.
Usher Coordinator The Worship Team is looking for an
Usher Coordinator. The Usher Coordi-
nator would be:
the go-to person for any questions
about ushering
be the liaison to Worship Team
(eventually) set the usher schedule
Having an Usher Coordinator would
allow the Worship Team to move on to
other items.
Please contact Kris Bartelt (kbartelt@
fdlpresbyterian.org) if you would like to
learn more about this position.
8
9
September 2016
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3
No Men of Faith in September 9a-10a Tech Re-hearsal
4 9a-10a Worship 10:15a-11:15a Talk Back 2p-3p Communion At The Woodlands (The Woodlands)
5 Labor Day
6 1p-3p Ruth Circle - Carol Huebbe's Home 6p-7p AA Meeting (Gathering Room) 6p-7p Boy Scouts Committee 6:30p-8p Boy Scouts
7 8a-9a Breakfast at Pump and Pantry 12p-1p Prayer 6:30p-9p Table Tennis
8 6:30p-7:30p Person-nel Team
9
10 9a-4p Presbytery Meeting (Wabeno\, WI 54566\, USA) 9a-10a Tech Re-hearsal
11 Kick Off Sunday 8a-9a Worship 9:15a-10:15a Talk Back 10:30a-11:30a Wor-ship
12 10a-11:30a Staff 6:30p-8p Confirma-tion Parent Meeting 6:30p-8p Outreach Team (Parlor)
13 5:30p-6:30p Just Fare - Parlor 6p-7p AA Meeting (Gathering Room) 6:30p-8p Boy Scouts
14 8a-9a Breakfast at Pump and Pantry 12p-1p Prayer 5:30p-6:30p Gener-osity 6:30p-7:30p Dea-cons 6:30p-7:30p Man-agement Team 6:30p-9p Table Tennis
15 6:30p-8p Creative Arts
16
17 8:30a-4p Racial Tipping Point Work-shop (Marian Uni-versity - Steyer Center\, South Na-tional Avenue\, Fond d) 9a-10a Tech Re-hearsal 10:45a-11:45a PYA - at the Woodlands (the Woodlands) 5p-6p Eagle Scout Court of Honor
18 8a-9a Worship 9:15a-10:15a Talk Back 10:30a-11:30a Wor-ship 12p-2p PYA Picnic
19 10a-11:30a Staff 6:30p-8p Session
20 6p-7p AA Meeting (Gathering Room) 6:30p-8p Boy Scouts
21 8a-9a Breakfast at Pump and Pantry 12p-1p Prayer 6p-8p Women in Faith 6:30p-7:30p Wor-ship Team 6:30p-7:30p Wor-ship Team 6:30p-9p Table Tennis
22
23
24 9a-10a Tech Re-hearsal
25 Paul Zoschke Preaching 8a-9a Worship 9:15a-10:15a Talk Back 10:30a-11:30a Wor-ship
26 10a-11:30a Staff
27 6p-7p AA Meeting (Gathering Room) 6:30p-8p Boy Scouts
28 8a-9a Breakfast at Pump and Pantry 12p-1p Prayer 6:30p-8p PYA 6:30p-9p Table Tennis
29
30
Notes:
10
Church Staff
Rev. Jack Harrison
Pastor
Jennifer Zander
Director of Christian Education
Kris Bartelt
Worship Coordinator
Mary Robotka
Financial Assistant
Deb Zorn
Communications Coordinator
Daliborka Koncos
Custodian
Church Office
Volunteer Staff
Bell Choir Director
Joanne Marchionda
Angel Choir Director
Cheryl Clarenbach
Angel Choir Assistant
Alyssa Sabel
Financial Assistant
Sheryl Brown
Custodian Assistant
Dave Weber
General Information @ Church
Deacons
Sheryl Brown
Kay Burbach
J. Brian Conran
Bonnie Hughes
Jack Hughes
Joanne Klein
N/A
Andy Lorenz
Lee Munson
Phyllis Munson
Orv Kamphuis
Session Liaison
Sally Sleder
Tina Sommerfeldt
Sandy Vahlsing
Elders on Session
Lew Smith
Clerk of Session
Pedro Arellano
Dave Erickson
Orv Kamphuis
Barb Mitchell
Cindy Paulson
Scott Polacek
Phil Shepherd
Carol Smith
Krista Tahlman
Dave Weber
Carol Wetzel
Cathy Wolfe
First Presbyterian Church, Fond du Lac First Presbyterian Church FDL
Social Media and Website
www.fdlpresbyterian.org