welcome to the church of the open door. our door is open ... · 2/2/2020  · welcome to the church...

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1 Welcome to The Church of the Open Door. Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith. Welcome, Visitors! Information about our church and ministries is available on the Welcome Table near the main doors. Standing nearby are church members who will be happy to answer your questions. Interested in joining the church? Our next Membership Exploration will be March 28, 9:00–11:30 AM. For the convenience of those who need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video broadcast in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery. References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God. Children in Worship Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family Worship Area is open during our worship services for children ages 3-10, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin. Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present. Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any of our friends on the autism spectrum—adult or child–to use during worship. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs one of these tools. Donating to First Congregational UCC If you are enrolled in automatic contributions, you may still participate in the weekly offering by submitting a Giving Card, found in the pews. Pledge cards are available in the pews and may be placed in the offering plates at any time. Online Streaming and Podcasting Now Available! Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible from www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons. You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on YouTube at tinyurl.com/ybtlv9c6 or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/yayd8cud. Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

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Page 1: Welcome to The Church of the Open Door. Our door is open ... · 2/2/2020  · Welcome to The Church of the Open Door. ... world filled with falsehood and sin. People: Flow among us!

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Welcome to The Church of the Open Door. Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith.

Welcome, Visitors! Information about our church and ministries is available on the Welcome Table near the main doors. Standing nearby are church members who will be happy to answer your questions. Interested in joining the church? Our next Membership Exploration will be March 28, 9:00–11:30 AM. For the convenience of those who need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video broadcast in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery. References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.

Children in Worship Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family Worship Area is open during our worship services for children ages 3-10, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin.

Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any of our friends on the autism spectrum—adult or child–to use during worship. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs one of these tools.

Donating to First Congregational UCC If you are enrolled in automatic contributions, you may still participate in the weekly offering by submitting a Giving Card, found in the pews. Pledge cards are available in the pews and may be placed in the offering plates at any time.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Now Available! Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible from www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons. You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on YouTube at tinyurl.com/ybtlv9c6 or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/yayd8cud.

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

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February 23 Highlights at First Congregational Today: Re-Member Mission Trip Informational Meeting .................... p. 13 February 26: Ash Wednesday Lasagna Supper - 5:00 PM ............................ p. 10 February 26: Ash Wednesday Worship - 7:00 PM

Flowers Cindi Ritcey Fox designed this morning’s Sanctuary the flower arrangement.

Communion All are welcome to receive communion the first Sunday of each month. The bread we use is gluten-free; however, it is made in a facility that also processes wheat products.

Baptism Our next scheduled Baptism Sundays are March 8, April 19 and May 17. If you would like to be baptized or have a child baptized, please request a baptism registration form from the church office or download and print one from www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship/baptism. Please return baptism registration forms to the church office a month ahead of your desired baptism date.

Members in Service This Week Friday, February 21 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Judy Hinden, Trish Brehm Sunday, February 23 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeter Pat Streur Amy McGowan and Family Bridge Greeters Welcome Desk JoAnn Shropshire JoAnn Shropshire Lay Readers Michael Weaver Kris Henke Usher Team Captains Mark and JoAnn Shropshire Pat Nelson Multi-Media—audio Michael Weaver Kris Henke Multi-Media—video Jill Smith Mark Mauthe

Church School Schedule – 8:45 AM Please pick up children from the following classrooms today, February 23.

Kindergarten Old Computer Lab 3rd Grade Scripture Tent 1st Grade East Conference Room 4th Grade Scripture Tent 2nd Grade Theater 5th/6th Grades Art/Kitchen

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY

February 23, 2020 8:45 and 10:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries

PRELUDE Andante (Sonata in C minor) Guilmant Air J. S. Bach

Lori Murphy, violin

(Please sign the registration form on the end of the pew, pass it down the row, and then return it, that all may know the names of those sharing in worship today. Prayer request cards are collected at the ends of the pews as well.)

WELCOME AND GREETING

MISSION MOMENT Back Bay Mission

INTROIT Jesus, We Want to Meet on This Thy Holy Day! JESU A FE PADE Youth Handbells Nigerian Song arr. R. Mallory

*CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Loving God, your people long for a sign that you have not forgotten them!

People: Shine among us! Fill our land with your radiant glory!

Leader: Merciful God, your people are hungry and thirsty for righteousness in a world filled with falsehood and sin.

People: Flow among us! Flood all peoples with your grace and mercy!

Leader: Life-giving God, your people grow cold as the world’s grief takes its toll on them!

People: Blaze among us! Set your hearts on fire with compassion! Send forth your word and let there be light!

*PROCESSIONAL (see bulletin p. 6) O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair DEO GRACIAS

*Congregation stands

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*OPENING PRAYER (Please join hands or link arms)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON (8:45 AM service - will be held outside today) (During the anthem, the prayer request cards will be collected. After the Children’s Sermon, the children will follow their teachers to Church School at 8:45 AM or enjoy the Family Worship Center at 10:30 AM.)

ANTHEM O Nata Lux Thomas Tallis

LU Music Scholars

O born light of light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, Mercifully deem worthy and accept the praises and prayers of your supplicants.

Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost ones, Grant us to be made members of your holy body.

GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray.

PRAYER HYMN #109 Fairest Lord Jesus SCHÖNSTER JESU

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Rick Detienne, Stewardship Team

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

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A MUSICAL OFFERING The Only Son from Heaven J. S. Bach

LU Music Scholars/Sanctuary Choir, Lori Murphy, violin

*DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

GOSPEL READING Mark 8:34–9:13 (NT p. 53)

MEDITATION “Up and Down the Mountain” Rev. Steve Savides

*CLOSING HYMN #434 God Is My Strong Salvation MEIN LEBEN

*BENEDICTION

CHORAL BENEDICTION RESPONSE (please be seated) The Lord Bless You and Keep You Rutter

POSTLUDE Prelude (Sonata in C minor) Guilmant

TODAY’S MUSICIANS David Cook, guest organist Lori Murphy, violin

Youth Handbell Choir, 2019-20: Gina Bellin, Ross Erstad, Elena Eubank, Dawson Fish, Cameron Gabbey, Avery Gentile, Bradyn Gentile, Dillon Grade, Sophia Mast, Natalie Payette, Nathan Phillips, Eva Schmidt, Will St. Clair; John Albrecht, director

8:45 AM LU Music Scholars 10:30 AM Sanctuary Choir John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

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Members in Service Next Week Friday, February 28 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Phyllis Wallis, Trish Brehm Sunday, March 1 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeters Bridge Greeters Welcomers Usher Team Captains John Breitzman Rick Behm Lay Readers Heidi Erstad LouAnn Graf Multi-Media—audio Dennis Korth Rick Behm Multi-Media—video Steve Verboomen Kris Behm

Ash Wednesday Worship Schedule February 26, 2020 Rev. Nick Hatch “The Faithful Voice of One Woman” 7:00 PM Scripture Readings: Mark 14:1-11 Music: Sanctuary Choir, LU Music Scholars, Preston Parker, tenor

Upcoming Worship Schedule March 1, 2020 First Sunday in Lent; Communion Rev. Steve Savides “First and Last – A Place for Rahab” 8:45 and 10:30 AM Scripture Readings: Joshua 2:1-14; Mark 10:17-31 Music: 8:45 AM – Sanctuary Choir, Scholar soloists 10:30 AM – LU Music Scholars, Scholar soloists

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JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY

Members of our church family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.

If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please call (920) 810-2600.

Jill Anthony’s sister Katie Behl Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Clair and Nancy Brown Don Brittnacher Dick Casperson John Cawthon Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards Margitta Furnner Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Nanette Geurts, and her aunt, Maureen Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Mary Guenther Maggie Hendrick Don Hietpas Ken Hocking Carolyn and Jim Huddleston Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and students Ervin Klesmit Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Mike Mathews Carrie Brooks McClory and her triplets

Shari Mitchell Our country’s military around the world Pat Nelson Ellie Olson Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Families and children of Palestine Kathleen Ptacek Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Jim Schwantes Frank Severin Jan Sheetz Jake Smasal Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Phyllis Trunk Larry Tuttle Roger Volkman Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Jennifer Wild Gary Wisneski

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THE OPEN DOOR February 23, 2020 Volume 20, Issue 08 Pastor’s Message

"LOSING YOUR LIFE TO SAVE IT" Perhaps the most difficult lesson Jesus ever taught is found in these words from Mark’s Gospel: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it” (8:35).

A man was walking among the rocks on a hillside and suddenly slipped and plunged over a cliff. As he was falling, his arm shot and his hand grabbed a branch that broke through the rocks on the cliff-face. But the branch wasn't a very sturdy one and there was no way for him to climb back up. So the man screamed for help - "Help me, help me! Is there anyone up there? Help me, anyone!" Suddenly he heard a voice respond - "Have no fear. I'll help you." The man asked, "Who is that up there?" "It is God," the voice responded. And God told him, "Just let go of the branch and then I will carry you up to safety." "What?" the man said. "Let go of the branch and then I will carry you up to safety."

The man thought about it for a minute, then called out, "Is there anyone else up there?" The way that Jesus invites us to undertake is not the way we would prefer. In fact, we'd take just about any other way we could. But sometimes there is no other way. Philip Yancy notes that in his career as a writer and journalist he has interviewed a wide range of people whom he divides roughly into two types: the stars and the servants. For the stars - NFL football greats, famous authors, TV personalities - he has sympathy. These "idols," he says, "are as miserable a group of people as I have ever met." They appear to have more troubled marriages, tormented psyches, and incurable self-doubts than most. The servants, on the other hand - relief workers in Bangladesh or Ph.D.'s scattered through the jungles of South America translating the Bible into obscure languages - are the favored ones. “I was prepared to honor and admire these servants, to uphold them as inspiring examples. I was not prepared, however, to envy them. But as I now reflect on the two groups, stars and servants, the servants clearly emerge as the favored ones, the graced ones. They work for low pay, long hours, and no applause, ‘wasting their talents’ among the poor and uneducated. But somehow, in the process of losing their lives, they have found them.”

We cling to the branch sometimes, fervently clutching on to our own lives no matter how barren or how despairing they might be. But Jesus asks us to let go; to let go of our despair, to let go of our bitterness, to let go of our own empty answers. Instead, he offers us a way into hope and new life. It is a way whose first and most important steps are taken along paths of service and suffering. And, ultimately, there is no other way: “For whoever would save her life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.”

Your friend and fellow minister, Rev. Steve Savides

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Ash Wednesday Lasagna Supper Wednesday • February 26

5:00 PM–6:45 PM

Join us for a lasagna supper in Fellowship Hall before attending the youth-led 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service. We’ll serve a variety of lasagnas (including meat, vegetarian and gluten-free), salad and garlic bread. Sign–up sheets are in the Narthex–please let us know if you will be attending. We also need help with preparation, serving, and/or cleaning up afterwards. You may call or text Jennifer Bellin at (920) 527-8302 or email to [email protected].

Wild Women Fellowship Looking for a night of fun and fellowship? Women of all ages are invited to join this informal gathering. Have a meal, a beverage, or both! We meet the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 PM at Stone Arch Brewpub. No RSVP is needed. Ask for the

church ladies when you arrive, and you will find us! For more information or to be put on a reminder list, contact Sue O’Neill at [email protected] or (920) 858-9923. You can also find us in Realm.

Let’s Talk, Fox Valley Imagine…an accident or illness leaves you unable to make personal health care decisions. Advance Care Planning is a process to help you clarify your health care values, including preferences for future care. Several community classes are available. Free help – all are welcome! 2nd Tuesday of each month: Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton. Call to register: (800) 362-9900

2nd Wednesday of each month: Ascension Mercy Hospital, Oshkosh. Call to register: (800) 362-9900 3rd Thursday for each month: Encircle Health, Appleton. Call to register: (800) 236-2236

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4th Tuesday of each month: Mosaic Family Health, Appleton. Call to Register: (920) 832-2783 Questions? Contact FVACPP (Fox Valley Advance Care Planning) at (920) 997-8412 or www.FVACPP.org

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

High School Youth Group Service Project

Please enjoy cookies made by our High School Youth Group next Sunday, March 1 at Coffee Fellowship between services.

2020 Intergenerational BWCA Trip through UCCI

August 22-28

Join us for a week of canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, August 22-28. Our adventure will originate out of our beloved Moon Beach camp and head to the BWCA for five days of canoeing. Pastor Nick Hatch will lead the trip using his NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) training. You will learn outdoor skills, enjoy fellowship with other participants and build your ecological theology. You will also be outfitted with premium

lightweight gear and fed excellent food (food restrictions can be accommodated). Target group: Adults and/or youth ages 12 and up with an adult chaperone. To register or find out more visit UCCI.org (under Event Calendar).

Church School News

The Church School children began their fourth rotation of lessons on Sunday, February 9. The children are learning the bible story of Ruth and Naomi. As always, the children learn the story for five weeks and each lesson offers a variety of activities designed to tap into different learning styles. We are so very blessed to have a team of volunteer teachers who work with our children each week and share their time, talents and enthusiasm! They help our children to deepen their faith and learn about God’s amazing love. The names of the teachers for Rotation Four are listed below. Please take a moment to thank them along with the substitute teachers who fill in when a teacher is unable to teach. Three and Four-year-olds: Emma Slowinski

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Kindergarten: Sharon Clothier First Grade: Jessica Lindsay Second Grade: Heidi Richter Third and Fourth Grade: Nancy Koehler Fifth and Sixth Grade: Katie Jahnke (Team teaches with Colleen Berry) Substitute Teachers: Amanda Hatch, Brenda Gorges, and Anne Brahe.

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Organist Search Underway Members and Friends…please share this general notice below with any candidates who might consider serving in music ministry at our church. Your organist search committee members are: David Cook, Lori Murphy, Shelley Nulton, Tony Padilla, Ruby Wells, Ernestine Whitman, and John Albrecht (chair). First Congregational United Church of Christ (724 E. South River St., Appleton), a vibrant congregation of 1,500 members, is accepting applications for its half-time organist position (Moller/Sipe organ, three manuals, six divisions, fifty-eight ranks; Steinway B Grand Piano). The position includes, but is not limited to, playing Sunday morning services and special services during Advent and Lent; accompanying Wednesday evening rehearsals; playing weddings and memorials; planning worship with clergy and Director for Music Ministries; possible accompanying or directing of

additional ensembles. This established music ministry offers multiple vocal and handbell choirs, performs major choral/orchestral works, hosts concerts/recitals, and offers its Lawrence University Music Scholars program. Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, education, and skills. For a detailed job description, preferred qualifications, mission statement, and application information, please visit https://www.firstcongoappleton.org/organist-search/.

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

ESTHER Environmental Justice Thursday • February 27

A panel discussion will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 PM at the Appleton Public Library. Panelists from groups marginalized or disproportionately affected by climate and environmental change, including small farmers, Native Americans, youth and minorities will be invited to share their stories. Panelists will be asked to address environmental justice issues from their point of view.

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Items Needed for Back Bay Mission Trip

Collecting Sunday, February 16 to Sunday, March 8

Help us fill the Back Bay Mission box in the Narthex! Volunteers going to Back Bay are happy to take along items that Back Bay has on their Wish List for the Food Pantry and for the Micah Day Center for people experiencing homelessness. The Micah Center clients line up in the morning for a shower and while waiting receive a snack (often a bag of Doritos or a Little Debbie cake). This is probably the only "food" they have until lunch, a 2-mile walk away. We would especially like to bring nutrition/protein bars such a Balance, Special K or Power Bars; something a little more life-sustaining. (We are pleased to report we will be able to buy fresh fruit for the Food Pantry and the Micah Center the week we are volunteering there because we received a Thrivent Action grant.) We also saw a great need for new or gently used baseball/golf hats and hiking or athletic shoes. Many of the clients sleep outdoors and walk long distances every day. We are highlighting these items but will take anything listed on the Back Bay Wish List posted on the box. Thank you!

Re-Member Intergenerational Mission Trip Meeting

Sunday • February 23

There will be an informational meeting between services (9:45–10:25 AM) on Sunday, February 23 in the chapel to talk about how First Congo has been supporting the residents of Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota through our mission partner, Re-Member. As in past years, we will support the Oglala Lakota community even further through the service of our intergenerational mission trip volunteers. This year’s mission trip is scheduled for Friday, July 31 through Friday, August 7. Reservation deposits for the trip need to be made by the end of March. Questions? Contact Eilene Hoft-March at [email protected] or (920) 735-0166.

Church Women United World Day of Prayer Celebration

Friday • March 6

Prince of Peace ELCA (2330 E. Calumet St., Appleton) will host the Church Women United in Outagamie County’s 2020 World Day of Prayer celebration. Registration begins at 9:00 AM and the program begins at 9:30 AM. The event will feature speaker Lois Riddick,

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Executive Director of Asia Frontier Outreach. Her topic will be “Our Mission in Myanmar.” An offering will be taken to support WDP writer countries. Additionally, they will be collecting items for the Parent Connection/Baby Closet. Items needed include board books, sippy cups, diaper wipes, baby socks, onesies, electric outlet covers and baby cupboard locks.

Administration Realm this Week: privacy and

email settings Realm is now our church directory. We will no longer be printing photo directories (you added your photo last week, correct?) or lists of names and addresses of members for the congregation since this information can be found on Realm. With Realm our data is up-to-date as long as everyone keeps their information current. Got rid of your land line? Go to Realm and remove that phone number. Otherwise, the pastors will continue to try to call you there and not be able to reach you. By default, your personal and contact information is visible to all registered users of our church's Realm site.

However, you can choose who can see what information in your profile. Click on your name and then Manage Privacy. Make changes as necessary. You also have control over how often you will be notified when new information is posted to your group. Click on your name and then Email Settings. Here you will find a list of groups that you are involved with. You can choose to not receive emails, receive new emails only, or to also receive any replies to emails for each individual group.

Lenten Devotions Available Now This year’s Lenten Devotions, From Suffering to Salvation, are now available in the Narthex.

Donations are welcome to help cover their cost.

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Calendar for Sunday, February 23–Saturday, February 29 Sunday, February 23 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Worship – Sanctuary 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Church School – Scripture Tent, Theater, Art/Kitchen,

East Conference Room, Computer Lab, 4-year-old Room 9:45 AM–10:30 AM Pine Ridge / Re-Member Mission Meeting – Chapel 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 11:30 AM–12:15 PM LU Music Scholar Rehearsal – Choir Room 11:30 AM–1:15 PM Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal – Fellowship Hall, River

Room, Sanctuary 7:00 PM–8:00 PM First Things First AA Meeting – North Fellowship Hall, River

Room, Common Grounds Monday, February 24 4:00 PM–5:30 PM ESTHER Finance Meeting – Upper Lounge 6:30 PM–8:00 PM “Unsettling Truths” Book Study – Upper Lounge 6:45 PM-9:00 PM Fox Valley Flute Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Boy Scout Troop 8 – Fellowship Hall, West Conference Room Tuesday, February 25 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lectionary Bible Study – Upper Lounge 1:00 PM-3:30 PM Marilyn’s Mission Cards – Upper Lounge 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Church Council Meeting – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM-8:30 PM ESTHER Environmental Justice Task Force – River Room 7:45 PM–8:45 PM Fireside AA Group - Common Grounds Wednesday, February 26 12:15 PM–1:00 PM Loving Acceptance Meditation Group - Upper Lounge 4:30 PM–5:30 PM Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 5:00 PM–7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Dinner – Fellowship Hall, River Room, Kitchen 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal – North/South Fellowship

Halls, River Room, Sanctuary 5:45 PM–6:25 PM Youth Handbell Rehearsal – Amistad Room 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Church Mice – East Conference Room 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

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7:00 PM–8:00 PM Ash Wednesday Worship Service – Sanctuary Thursday, February 27 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 11:30 AM–1:00 PM AA - Search for Serenity Group – Common Grounds 6:30 PM–7:45 PM Cub Scouts Pack Meeting – Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds Friday, February 28 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM–8:30 PM N.A. – Common Grounds Saturday, February 29 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

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The Ministry Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Reverend Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Reverend Art Wille, Pastor of Visitation

John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries Colleen Berry, Director for Christian Education

Renee Taylor, Director for Youth Ministries Jennifer DeWitt, CYF Coordinator

Carolyn Frederick, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Holly Volkman, Administrative Assistant for Communications

Jane Malin, Administrative Assistant Siri Witt, Bookkeeper

Jonathan Steffen, Technology Coordinator Bart Forseth, Custodial Supervisor

Theresa Iacullo, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider Cassidy Behm, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider

Tom Ott, Custodial Assistant Mary Lou Cliff, Custodial Assistant

Lauren Micke, Weekend Custodial Assistant

First Congregational United Church of Christ 724 East South River Street Appleton, Wisconsin 54915

Phone: (920) 733-7393

Website: www.firstcongoappleton.org