donating to first congregational ucc
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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.
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. Checks can also be mailed to the church.
You are also invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256.
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.
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.
Online Streaming and Podcasting
You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at: www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.
Video recordings of our live stream services can be found at: www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/previous-livestream-services/
Written transcripts of the sermon can be downloaded at: www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/sermon-transcripts/
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August 8 Highlights at First Congregational
TODAY: Guest Preacher Dianne Droster
TODAY: Karma’s Mailbox Performs in Worship
August 15: Q&A with Pastor Laurie ................................................................... p. 11
Flowers
The flower arrangement in the Sanctuary this morning was designed by Cindi Ritcey Fox.
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
Starting September 19, baptisms will be held on the third Sunday of each month.
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.
Upcoming Worship Schedule August 15, 2021 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright Livestreaming at 9:30 AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20 and John 6:51-58 Music: Dr. Anthony Padilla and Dr. Nathan Birkholz, piano duets Lay Reader: Rachel Edwards
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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
August 8, 2021 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor
Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries
Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions
Dianne Droster, Interim Sabbatical Pastor
(We invite you to place your offering in the offering plates in the back of the sanctuary as you enter or during a convenient time in the service. Those with prayer requests are invited to fill out a Prayer Request card found in the pew racks and drop them in the prayer basket in front of the chancel. As always, we encourage our online worshippers to submit prayer requests to the church office via email, REALM, or phone.)
PRELUDE
I Am the Bread of Life tune by Suzanne Toolan setting by Ron Schmoltze
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organ
RINGING OF CHURCH BELL
WELCOME
*OPENING PRAYER (in unison)
God of life, you nourish all. God of hope, you bring healing mercies. God of joy, you love beyond measure and without restriction. May the Holy Spirit guide us this day to love, heal, hope, and live just as you have taught us through the life of Jesus Christ.
*OPENING HYMN #250 (see bulletin, p. 7-8)
Gather Us In GATHER US IN
Led by Karma’s Mailbox Folk Band
Kris Glenn, soprano and percussion; Tami Johnson, alto and guitar; Shannon Glenn, tenor and guitar; Steve Hirby, baritone and banjo;
Phil Gabrielson, baritone and harmonica
CHILDREN’S SERMON Pastor Dianne
SCRIPTURE READING 1 John 6:34-35 (NT, p. 119)
SCRIPTURE READING 2 “The Road to Emmaus”
* Please rise, in body or in spirit
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MEDITATION
“Loaves Abound!” Dianne Droster
*MUSICAL RESPONSE #316 (see bulletin, p. 6)
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ LINSTEAD
Sung by ALL
(During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).
*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.
GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
(You are welcome to submit your prayer requests throughout the week to the church office, email to a pastor for confidentiality or share your prayer requests in real time in the Comments section under the live stream video.)
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.
PRAYER RESPONSE
A Living Prayer R. Block
Karma’s Mailbox, featuring Kris Glenn and Tami Johnson
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CLOSING WORDS
*CLOSING HYMN # 407 (see bulletin, p 9)
Come Thou Fount NETTLETON
*LITANY
Leader: The table is set in every new morning,
People: The feast is prepared for all who are hungry.
Leader: The wine is poured in every renewed connection.
People: May God open our eyes to see Holiness everywhere.
All: May God open our hearts to live in Holy communion.
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
I’ll Fly Away Brumley Karma’s Mailbox
TODAY’S MUSICIANS
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist Karma’s Mailbox Folk Band: Kris Glenn, soprano and percussion; Tami Johnson, alto and guitar; Shannon Glenn, tenor and guitar; Steve Hirby, baritone and banjo; Phil Gabrielson, baritone and harmonica
John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries
Thank you to Eilene Hoft-March for serving as our lay reader this morning!
Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.
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Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899
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Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899
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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.
Lyndee Aleman Jill Anthony Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Aidan Bero Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Christine Calhoun and Paul Siket Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Norman Clay Lynn Cook Beth Detienne Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Tom Dix Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Helen Joan Evans Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious
health issue David Galow Steve Gehrt, son of Esther Ken Geiger Joan Gruenstern Judy Hanson Maggie Hendrick
Ken Hocking Michelle Jahnke Jean Jepson Elizabeth Keggi’s stepmother, Jeanne Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Mike Mathews Drew Michyeta, Eilene Hoft-March’s uncle Sue O’Neill Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Sharrie Robinson Mary Rowland Gwen Salonen Jan Scheibe Frank Severin Mike Seymour’s mom, Debbie Jim Sheetz Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Gloria Tate Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner
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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,
knowing ourselves.
Book Discussion:
Neither Wolf Nor Dog
by Kent Nerburn
On August 19, First Congo’s Theology Discussion Group (“Theo Group” for short) will begin discussing its next book, Neither Wolf nor Dog: On forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder.
In this 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner, Kent Nerburn draws the reader deep into the world of an Indian elder known only as Dan. It’s a world of Indian towns, white roadside cafes, and abandoned roads that swirl with the memories of the Ghost Dance and Sitting Bull. Threading through the book is the story of two men struggling to find a common voice. Neither Wolf nor Dog takes readers to the heart of the Native American experience.
The American Indian College Fund says, “This is one of those rare works that, once you've read it, you can never look at the world, or at people, the same way again. It is quiet and forceful and powerful.” If you enjoy reading and discussing good
books on themes of religion, spirituality, justice, and growth in faith, we invite you to join us as we begin reading this new book together.
Theo Group meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month from noon to 1:30 PM, with some participants gathering in-person at Chefo’s Pancake House in Kimberly and others joining in via Zoom.
For more info about Theo Group, visit https://www.firstcongoappleton.org/adult-ministries/study-groups/ or contact Steve Hirby on Realm or through the church office.
Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,
finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.
Q&A with Pastor Laurie
Sunday, August 15
Be sure to join us on Sunday, August 15 for a Q & A session with Pastor Laurie in the chapel immediately after our worship service.
Howard Niblock’s Nonet,
“Mixtures,” to Premiere
Saturday, August 14 7:00 PM CST
First Congregational member and composer Howard Niblock’s nonet, titled "Mixtures," will premiere August 14 at the Blue Lake Arts Festival. The concert will be broadcast live on WBLV radio and streaming live on their website:
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https://bluelake.org/radio/listen.php at 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central on Saturday, August 14. You are invited to tune in. Congratulations, Howard!
Pastor Laurie Has a Farm
Open House: September 4
You are invited to spend time with the Lyter Bright family in their natural habitat when Pastor Laurie hosts an all-congregation open house on Saturday, September 4 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM!
This will be the last official “meet a Laurie” event before her candidating Sunday on September 19. Please RSVP to Beck at [email protected] or (920) 733-7393 if you are planning to attend and we will give you Laurie’s address at that time.
Karma’s Mailbox will be on-site for your musical enjoyment. Snacks will be provided, but please bring a lawn chair.
“Farmer Tillie” and her baby chick
Local American Guild of
Organists Chapter offers
Virtual Recital
Our organist, Dr. Nathan Birkholz, serves as Sub Dean for our Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Under his leadership, a virtual recital of area
organists/churches was compiled, and you are invited to attend via the link at https://youtu.be/7dxwN7WBDi8
In Nathan’s words: It resembles an organ crawl of sorts, traveling from church to church throughout our membership region, displaying the richness of our local history, including a wide variety of instruments, acoustical space, and architectural beauty.
It seems fitting to offer this up to our communities and the greater public as a testament to our continuing efforts as musicians and stewards of our craft, a testament, as well, to the long history of organ builders and organists that have preceded us, and a testament to the many faithful congregants who have so generously supported us, cherished our gifts, and valued the work we do in our parishes. You are all truly a gift to anyone who is fortunate enough to enter through the doors of your church and hear the sweet, ever versatile, sometimes raucous, always grandiose, larger-than-life sounds of the king of instruments.
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Thank You, Summer Choir
Singers!
We had a great turn-out of 31 singers in Summer Choir on July 25, including everyone from first-time choir singers to long-term Sanctuary Choir members. This masked and vaccinated group sang well in four-part harmony (and even a cappella, too!)
Thank you to all who participated, sharing a strong amplification of Pastor Laurie’s challenging message through our anthem and hymns. We look forward to the fall season and the regular return of our Sanctuary Choir in worship!
Is this YOUR season to start serving in music ministry with the Sanctuary Choir? (All vaccinated youth and adults are welcome, without audition. . . see us at worship, call or e-mail us to join!)
John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries [email protected] Direct line at church: 920-851-8097
Nathan Birkholz, Organist [email protected]
Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.
Confirmation 2021-2022
Hello Parents of Future Confirmands!
We’re extending this invitation for your child to join us in the 2021-2022 Confirmation Class, Way To Live, at First Congregational!
I hope you’re excited for this fall and our Confirmation experience; truly this will be an enriching time with many opportunities for you and your child to grow in your relationships and faith. All enrolled in grade 9 or higher are welcome. Please contact Beck at 920-851-4518 or [email protected] with any questions. Registration packets have been mailed, but are also available online at https://www.firstcongoappleton.org/children-youth-families/confirmation/.
We look forward to our time together and the memories we share!
In Christ, Pastor Nick Hatch
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Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,
pursuing justice.
Register for the Women’s
Fall Retreat!
October 29-31
It is time to register and pay for our fall retreat. Enjoy the friendship and fellowship of all those who identify as women at First Congo in the beautiful setting of Moon Beach Camp in St. Germaine, Wisconsin. The retreat runs from Friday evening through Sunday morning. Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright will be our leader. The theme will be Transcendence: Even Jesus Took Breaks.
Our retreat inspires conversation and builds relationships among those who attend. Newcomers are warmly welcomed to join this circle of companionship.
Register and pay soon through Realm to ensure your spot. The cost is $170 and includes Friday dinner, 3 meals on Saturday, Sunday brunch and housing for 2 nights. Pictures and more information about Moon Beach are available at UCCI.org, our Wisconsin Conference camps’ website.
Watch for an emailed questionnaire in late September as we will be gathering additional info from you regarding the following:
• Food allergies/preferences
• Medical needs
• Preferences for accommodations / limitations
• Preferred Pronouns
If you prefer not to drive, we have drivers available who can take you. COVID-19 safety precautions appropriate to late October will be in place.
If you have any questions please contact Barb Uehling at [email protected] or 920-475-2212.
You’re Invited to the
Woman’s Hour
Join us on Women's
Equality Day Thursday, August 26 at 4:30 PM at Perry Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Fox Cities Campus for The Woman’s Hour, featuring award-winning author, journalist and speaker Elaine Weiss.
A wine and hors d’oervre reception will precede the program, which starts at 5:45 PM. Elaine Weiss will sign copies of her book following the program.
Tickets are $5 and are required in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. Registration deadline is August 15,
2021. Register at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-womans-hour-tickets-161256090307?utm-
campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-