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 fall of 2018.

For the convenience of those who need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video broadcasted in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery.

Large-print bulletins are available. Please ask the ushers for a copy.

Children in Worship Child care for infants and toddlers is available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family Worship Area is open during service for children ages 3-10.

Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any of our friends on the autism spectrum—adult or child. These boxes are filled with “fidgets” galore, headphones and much more. 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. We encourage members and friends of First Congregational to assist us in planning our budget by pledging each year. 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.

WATCH LIVE: 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. Visit www.firstcongoappleton.org to connect with First Congregational in a variety of ways: an electronic version of The Open Door newsletter, social media, blogs and more.

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September 2 Highlights at First Congregational September 3 Church Office CLOSED Monday September 5 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Begin ............................................. p. 7 September 9 Rally Sunday and Brunch .......................................................... p. 13 September 16 Begin Two Worship Services September 22-29 Appalachia Service Trip ............................................................. p. 16

Flowers The flower arrangement in the Sanctuary this morning was designed by Cindi Ritcey Fox.

Communion We celebrate communion the first Sunday of each month. Our communion elements are gluten-free; however, they are made in a facility that also processes wheat products.

Baptism Our next scheduled Baptism Sundays are September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 16. 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, August 31 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Pat Hauser, Trish Brehm Sunday, September 2 9:30 AM Main Door Greeter Dan Nisler Bridge Greeters Aaholm Family Welcome Desk Cheryl Nisler Lay Reader Jerry Dees Usher Team Captains Karianne Carr, Pat Nelson Multi-Media—audio Multi-Media—video

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

September 2, 2018 9:30 AM Welcome to The Church of the Open Door.

Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith.

PRELUDE Brethren, We Have Met to Worship arr. Harold DeCou How Firm A Foundation Based on FOUNDATION, an early American tune Rock of Ages Thomas Hastings, arr. Don Hustad Blowin’ in the Wind Bob Dylan

A taste of Americana on this Labor Day Weekend! Mabel Gummer, slide guitar David Schiedermayer, harmonica and accordion

(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.)

RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL

WELCOME AND GREETING

*CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: From the corners of worry and fear,

from the shadows where we huddle with our doubts, People: God calls us to this place of sanctuary

where we can draw from Love's deep wells. Leader: In every moment where we look for strength to continue,

in every time when we wonder if faith is worth it, People: Jesus calls us to this time

where we can welcome the peace given to us. Leader: In every person who embraces us with acceptance,

in every touch that offers healing and hope, People: The Spirit calls us to see those around us

as God's beloved, our sisters and brothers of grace. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN (see bulletin p. 6)

O Worship the King, All Glorious Above LYONS

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*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most loving God, we can scarcely comprehend the scope of your forgiveness. We can hardly believe your amazing care for us and for creation. We confess that often we close ourselves off from your saving presence. In our pride, we withhold forgiveness from others. In our arrogance, we disrespect your creation. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, grant us the assurance of your love. Fill our hearts with gratitude for your grace at work in our lives, so we can practice that grace toward others. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON

(During the hymn, the prayer request cards will be collected. After the children’s sermon, children may go to the Family Worship Area or return to the pews to worship with their families.)

SOLO How Can I Keep From Singing? Robert Lowry

Jennifer Kosloski, mezzo-soprano arr. Alan Bullard

UNISON OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 103:1-13 (OT p. 681)

NEW TESTAMENT READING 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (NT p. 247)

MEDITATION “The Face of Gratitude” Rev. Kathryn Kuhn

*RESPONSE HYMN Give Thanks, O Christian People (see bulletin p. 7) ES FLOG

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

A MUSICAL OFFERING Little David, Play on Your Harp Spiritual

arr. Philip Kern

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*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

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION COMMUNION PRAYER Leader: God be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to God. Leader: Let us give thanks to God. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise... 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, for ever. Amen.

SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS MUSIC DURING COMMUNION Amazing Grace Trad. UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

We thank you, God, for reaching out to us in love through these gifts of bread and cup. Strengthen our faith, so we can bring our best selves to the work which is asked of us: the loving of your world. Make our lives a form of praise for your love shown to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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*CLOSING HYMN (see bulletin p. 8) In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful IN THE LORD

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE This Land Is Your Land Woodie Guthrie

Brethren, We Have Met to Worship HOLY MANNA William Moore, arr. Don Hustad *The Congregation Standing

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Shelley Nulton, guest organist Jennifer Kosloski, mezzo-soprano Mabel Grummer, slide guitar David Schiedermayer, harmonica and accordion

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Upcoming Worship Schedule September 9, 2018 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 AM “Fearless Faith” Rev. Steve Savides Scripture reading: Matthew 8:24-27 Music: The Sanctuary Choir; Barb Armstrong and Jann Kostecke, flutes

Members in Service Next Week Friday, September 7 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, September 9 9:30 AM RALLY SUNDAY Music provided by Murphy’s Law Main Door Greeter Nancy Kandler Bridge Greeters Lou Ann Graf Welcome Desk Kim and Kris Kandler Lay Reader Michael Weaver Usher Team Captains Rick and Sue Detienne, Rick Behm Multi-Media—audio Multi-Media—video

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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.

All who are affected by violence David Adams and family Debbie Adams’ brother Jim Jill Anthony’s neighbors, John and

Katie Jill Anthony’s sister and brother-in-law Katie Behl Glen Benzschawel Judy Burdick, mother of Megan Burdick-

Grade Dick Casperson John Cawthon Dena Collier 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 Mark Holly, nephew of Patricia Streur Clara and Victor Hosang Ron Huebner Sandy Hubert Janis Ireland Tami Johnson and her sister, Colleen

Our Kenyan partners and students All those affected by plant closures Eunice Klemp Betty Masaros Our country’s military around the world Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in-law Ellie Olson Families and children of Palestine Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Diane Reitzner Don Roehrborn Gladys Schmidt, mother of John and Tim

Schmidt Jim Schwantes Amanda Spindler Syrian refugees and Syrians affected by

violence Beverly Trombla Jean Tuft, friend of Nancy and Clair Brown Larry Tuttle Jean Van Wagenin Our veterans and their families Mya Wardle, daughter of Brian and Lecia

Wardle Jennifer Wild Elden Willing The Wittwer Family Kim, cousin of Ellen Wittwer Carol Yonan

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THE OPEN DOOR September 2, 2018 Volume 18, Issue 35

Pastor’s Message Post-Sabbatical Thoughts

It’s hard to believe three months came and went; my first sabbatical as a minister has concluded. On the one hand, it feels like a whole season has passed since I left my office last June and on the other hand, it feels like I have only been gone a few weeks. I wonder: where did that time go? Either way, this “season” has been deeply enriching and renewing in many ways.

Most importantly, these three months gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect and invest in my family, who are the most important relationships in my life. Both of my children enjoyed themselves as each dominated endless amounts of my time. I took great joy in getting to know them more on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, I cannot express the gratitude I have to our church for the gift of focusing my energy on the single most formative adult relationship of my life: my spouse.

Unexpectedly, Amanda and I drew closer than we have ever been in our marriage. I see the hand of God in the timing of all the factors for such a watershed moment to happen. I praise God for opening new doors of love and forgiveness through which my ministry and relationships will be strengthened.

I also canoed, listened, read, laid under the sun outdoors and worked on my Appleton home as well as our Park Falls family property. All this time allowed me to clear away and sort through vast amounts of meaningful, pivotal ministry experiences we shared together here at The Church of the Open Door.

It caught me off guard, how (even though I practice and enforce life-giving boundaries), emotionally taxing ministry can be. As a highly sensitive person, my interactions with others last long after an event or conversation is over. I continue to pray, think, and mull over their significance. From marriages to break-ups, funerals to sermons, a listening ear in hard times to hospital visits, cross-country travel to wilderness excursions: the variety and depth of my interactions in this community has been enriching and powerful. It struck me just how deeply I need time to let the dust settle and prepare for a new season of ministry without being exhausted, under-nourished, or anxious from a year of intense proximity with a church I find inspiring and hope-filled.

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Lastly, I want to say thank you to my colleagues and staff and faithful committee volunteers here at First Congo. I had no concerns being away for an extended period because of the competence and commitment on behalf of so many people. This was a major gift and speaks volumes about the health of our system. For those of who worked hard in my absence: thank you.

For those of you who trusted me to use this time wisely and supported this unique opportunity: thank you.

I pray this summer has brought you into a deep gladness for all that blessings you have received through God’s love. I look forward to this new season of ministry together and all the experiences we will share together!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Nick Hatch

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Chrysalis Spiritual Group

The Chrysalis Spiritual Group will be meeting Tuesday, September 4 at 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM in the Upper Lounge. We are continuing the book, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times, by Adam Hamilton.

In his book, Hamilton examines the thoughts we feel about disappointing others, failure, loneliness, and aging. He helps readers understand and counter fears related to terrorism, death, and the apocalypse. We will be rereading and discussing Chapters 10-12. New participants are welcome at any time to join our book discussions.

For more information, contact Trish Brehm at trishbrehm@yahoo.com or (920) 858-1198 or Sheryl De Hart at tshdehart@gmail.com or (920) 731-2620.

Rally Sunday Brunch September 9 after 9:30 AM worship

Fellowship Hall

Next Sunday is Rally Sunday, and we invite you to join others from your church family for our annual Rally Sunday Brunch. The Fellowship Team will be serving egg frittatas. Murphy’s Law will be entertaining us again with their lively music. The Fellowship Team could use some help with set-up and clean-up.

Please check the sheets on the sign-up table. If you are able, we gratefully accept donations for the meal to support our events.

Wild Women of First Congo Women of First Congo, join us for fun and friendship at our monthly dining group. The group meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Stone Cellar. RSVP appreciated, but not necessary. If you have questions or want to get on the mailing/reminder list, contact Sue O’Neill at abelwoman10@yahoo.com. Come have some laughs with some wonderful, (wild?) women from First Congo.

Weekly Lectionary Study Group Our weekly Lectionary Study group will resume on Tuesday, September 11 at noon in the Upper Lounge. We will meet every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 PM to talk together about the readings for the next Sunday’s sermon.

This free-flowing, open discussion group will offer an opportunity to engage in the passage and in our worship more deeply. It will help guide our pastors as they prepare to preach. Come join us whenever you can and feel free to bring a lunch.

Horicon Marsh Trip Sign-up Register by Sunday, September 16

In fall, Horicon Marsh offers tours only on Sunday mornings, so with Pastor’s

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blessing… We’re O.F.F. on Sunday, September 23 to Horicon Marsh for a two-hour pontoon journey to the very heart of the marsh. On this narrated Birding Adventure, both birdwatchers and experienced birders will enjoy spotting some of the over 305 species of birds that seek out Horicon Marsh as habitat during the summer season and fall migration. The pontoon leaves Blue Heron Landing at 9 AM. Bring your bird book, bird app, binoculars, and enjoy this seasonal miracle. Fee: Adults $22, children 5 – 13, $11.50. Make your reservation by signing up on the Narthex table or by contacting Sandy Gillum at gillumsst@gmail.com or 715-617-0031. Please register by Sunday, September 16. Travel details will be provided to those who are registered. Always check with the Outings Leader before leaving home. This outing is weather dependent.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Exciting Church School News!

Church School will officially begin on September 16 when we welcome children back and hold a Blessing of the Backpacks during service. After the Blessing, children will be escorted to Church School for lessons. Programming is as follows:

3 and 4-year-old Church School Classes- Sunday Morning during the 8:45 and 10:30 A.M. services.

Children who turn three by September 1 of the current school year may participate in 3 and 4-year-old Church School. This class offers a new Bible story every week, along with crafts and other activities designed to reinforce the lesson.

On Sunday mornings, parents may take children directly to the classroom (located in the bottom level of the Children, Youth and Family Center) or you may bring them to the Sanctuary to participate in the first part of the service and then guide them to the classroom after the Children’s Sermon. These classes will be once again be taught by Shari Mitchell who has been volunteering her time and talents for over 25 years.

K-6th Grade Church School-Sunday Mornings during the 8:45 Worship services.

Children will begin the morning alongside their families in the Sanctuary. After the Children’s Sermon, they will be guided to the Theater for a time of fellowship. Teachers and students will then be directed to appropriate classrooms. First Congregational United Church of Christ’s Church School program follows a rotation model.

Children will be studying a Bible story for a period of 5 weeks and learn about it in a different way each week. Lessons last approximately 45 minutes and pick up locations for your children will be listed in the bulletin each week. This year, we are

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excited to be implementing a Tween Ministry, directed at children in 5th and 6th grade. It will be part of the Church School, but completely different lessons and activities will be presented, tailored to those age groups.

This class will be co-taught by Colleen Berry and Katie Jahnke. We are excited for the opportunity to provide these grades with an enriching Church School experience. The first rotation’s Church School teachers for the K-4th grades include: Julie Michels, Dianne Droster, Maja Glidden, and Julie Scribner.

Please thank these wonderful volunteers as well as Shari Mitchell and Katie Jahnke when you see them. We are excited for the new Church School program year to begin!

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Organist Jon Riehle Returns

We are pleased to announce that Jon Riehle will return as our organist beginning Sunday, September 9 after being on leave. Jon will be back “on the job” beginning September 3.

Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals Resume

September 5 at 7 PM

All adults and high schoolers are welcome to join in service & music ministry by singing in our Sanctuary Choir! Young families are encouraged to participate, as our Church Mice program continues, providing care and activities for young children as their parent or parents are rehearsing. No audition is needed; many different styles of music are explored as we praise God through singing. For questions and to register, please contact John Albrecht at (920) 733-7393, or jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org.

Volunteers Needed for Percussion and Drums

Have you ever wanted to play percussion and drums? Now is your chance! Rehearsals begin in early September to prepare for World Communion/Kenyan Partnership Sunday on October 7. For more info, contact Vicky Daniel at yovickster@gmail.com or (920) 284–6652.

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Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Appalachia Service Trip September 22-29, 2018

“Warmer, Safer, Drier.” That is the mission of the Appalachia Service Project. Their goal is to help families in need to improve the condition of their homes. We are planning our 5th service trip to Appalachia. This year, we will be at the Guyan Valley Center in Brenton, West Virginia helping to rebuild or rehab homes. You need no specific carpentry skills to participate, just a willingness to serve. We do our part and turn the project over to the next arriving crew. Amazing work gets done! If we bring a willingness to work hard and a desire to connect with the families with whom we work and with each other, lives are transformed. Each trip has been an amazing experience for all of us participating. The cost of the trip is $325 plus travel expenses. The $325 covers lodging and meals at the center and helps fund service projects. Please sign up in the Narthex or contact Valerie Schultz at (920) 915-8008 or schultz.valeriea@gmail.com. You can also go to the Appalachia Service Project website for more information. Thanks!

Join Congo4NAMI at NAMIWalks Fox Valley!

Saturday, October 6 Check in: 7:00-8:00 AM Walk begins: 8:15 AM

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Stadium 2400 N. Casaloma Dr., Appleton

Wear your First Congregational UCC t-shirt. (See Pastor Kathryn if you need one). NAMI Fox Valley is bringing back its 5K NAMIWalks event to raise funds and awareness for those needing resources and support for those who live with or care about someone living with mental illness. Why We Walk: • because one in five Americans lives

with a mental health condition; • to improve the lives of people who are

affected by mental illness; • to build awareness and end stigma by

encouraging others to learn about mental health and see the person, not the illness;

• to raise funds to provide support education and advocacy programs at no cost;

• because we want the community to know we support mental health initiatives.

To join or support our team, you have two options:

Option A: Go to www.namifoxvalley.org

Select “NAMIWalks” Search for our team: Congo4NAMI Select “Join Our Team”

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Sign on, raise funds if you can, and join us on October 6!

Option B: Sign up in the Narthex!

Administration New to REALM?

Do you have questions about our REALM system? Need help setting up a profile? Uploading a picture? Posting to your group? In the following weeks, we’ll be answering some common REALM questions. Watch your bulletin for more information.

E- Newsletters Are you still receiving our Wednesday and Friday e-newsletters? We are now using Constant Contact to send them.

Please add info@firstcongoappleton.org to your contacts so the e-letters don’t end up in your SPAM.

Articles for the Open Door If you have anything you’d like to have placed in the Open Door, Mardy asks that you please contact him at mwiesman@firstcongoappleton.org by noon on Tuesday of the week you need the article to be published.

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Calendar for September 2–September 8

Sunday, September 2 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Worship – Sanctuary First Things First AA Meeting - North Fellowship Hall, River Room, Common Grounds

Monday, September 3 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

LABOR DAY – OFFICE CLOSED Boy Scout Troop 8 – Fellowship Hall, West Conference Room

Tuesday, September 4 6:45 AM – 7:45 AM 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM

StrongBodies - South Fellowship Hall Chrysalis – Upper Lounge Yoga @ the Congo - Fellowship Hall, River Room Worship and Music Ministry Meeting - Upper Lounge Library Committee Meeting - Library Fireside AA Group - Common Grounds

Wednesday, September 5 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Loving Acceptance Meditation Group - Upper Lounge Confirmation Class with Mentors – Chapel/Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary, Choir Room Church Mice – East Conference Room

Thursday, September 6 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

StrongBodies - Independent Practice - South Fellowship Hall AA – Search for Serenity Group – Common Grounds Clergy Development Group- Upper Lounge Theology Discussion Group – Atlas Coffee Mill and Café Water Street, Appleton Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

Friday, September 7 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Al-Anon – Upper Lounge N.A. – Common Grounds

Saturday, September 8 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

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