Month: November 2021

New Newsletter – New Site!

Cheri Simonet

The Communications and Marketing Committee is pleased to present our new and improved newsletter, Connections – keeping you connected with what’s Happening Now! Connections will have the same great content, news, updates and all the happenings you’ve always received with Crossroads but now it’s easier to navigate the information that’s of greatest interest to you.

And, that’s not all! The C&M Committee is also pleased to announce we have a new and improved website! Our new design is easier to navigate and it’s responsive, adjusting to whatever screen you’re using. In our News section you’ll find our Happening Now page which contains all the great information you receive each month in Connections, but now everything will be archived so you’ll always have at your fingertips an article you first read in Connections. 

Please take a few minutes to explore our site and let us know what you think at communications@firstpresgreenbay.org.

It’s Christmas Pageant Time!

Cheri Simonet

Updated December 13, 2021

During the in-person and livestreamed Christmas Eve 5:00 worship service, we will include a Children’s pageant in a different way this year.

No rehearsals, no memorized lines, no music to learn, no script but the Bible! This service will include an Impromptu Pageant, so anyone and everyone who would like to participate on that night is welcome and encouraged to do so.

Arrive a few minutes before the service begins, choose your part and costume or props, and just be ready to come forward when the narration calls for you. Together we will create the holy scene and include everyone in the “pageant” this year.  

Whether you join in the performance or enjoy the performance, virtually or in-person, we cannot wait to see everyone on Christmas Eve – hope to see you then!

Youth Group meets every Wednesday evening

Cheri Simonet

All youth in grades 6th to 12th are welcome to join in our weekly Youth Group gathering, and that includes friends, family and neighbors of that age. All are welcome! 

Youth Group is led by members of our CE Committee and meets each Wednesday from 6:30-8:00pm in our upstairs Youth Group Room.  Weekly opportunities are designed to challenge faith, strengthen friendships and deepen our commitment to one another and to God. Through worship, fellowship, education and service, we aim to engage youth in activities that allow them to experience Christ’s love in many ways. 

Please contact Joel Morien with any questions at ce@firstpresgreenbay.org or call the office at 920-437-8121. And, if it’s your first time joining us, please complete the application and bring it along to the meeting.

Christmas Prayer Baskets

Cheri Simonet

We have adopted three families from Tank Elementary school and will provide gifts, food and necessities for them in the spirit of the season. Gift suggestions are available for you to choose at the back of the sanctuary, or you may call the church office to request one.

Monetary donations are also welcome. Visit our online giving portal and select the Christmas Prayer Basket fund from the drop-down, or remit your check to the office at 200 S. Ashland Avenue, 54302 and note Christmas Prayer Baskets in the memo.  

All gifts should be returned tagged but unwrapped to church by December 8th. Our youth group will wrap the gifts and family coordinators will see that they are delivered to families along with a Christmas meal. 

Thanks for helping out!

Christmas Toy Shop coming December 14th!

Cheri Simonet

This year our toy shop, which benefits Pantry patrons, will be held on Tuesday, December 14th. Toys are needed for newborn to 18 years old and should be dropped off before Sunday December 12th. Toys for teenagers are especially needed. 

And for those who’re not interested in shopping, you can contribute with a monetary gift by selecting the Toy Shop Fund through our online giving portal or send a check to the office at 200 S. Ashland Avenue, 54303 and note Toy Shop in the memo line. 

We’re also in need of two more personal shoppers for that day. If you’re able to help, please sign up on the bulletin board at the bottom of the stairs or call Jane Bies at 920-621-6400. 

Thank you for your help and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gift Must-Haves!

Cheri Simonet

Our Spirit Shop opened in October with First Pres of GB apparel, masks, I-phone cases, backpacks, mugs and MORE! Make your Christmas list and check it twice – there’s something for everyone with nearly 100 items to select from. Check out the Banner at the top of the shop page for promotional offers during the month of December.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit our Shop and find your First Pres of GB Spirit today!

Advent: Close To Home

Cheri Simonet

Our theme in worship for the Advent season this year is “Close To Home”. When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During this time of preparation for Christmas, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts. Close to Home acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. Close to Home names our deep longing for God to come close to us.

The scriptures and hymns of this season are rich with metaphors and images of home. From signs in the sun, moon, and stars that point toward home to John the Baptist who lays our foundation for home, and from the clear instruction to make room for all in God’s home to Jesus’ birth in the midst of a journey home, we focus on this theme to hear the Word anew and prepare our hearts to draw close to home.  

Join us for worship each Sunday as we are reminded that ultimately, God is our home and resting place, drawing near to us and making a home on earth for the greatest gift of all, the gift of his Son Jesus Christ.

Blue Christmas Worship Service December 21st

Cheri Simonet

For any of us who have experienced loss, the holidays can be a particularly painful time, stirring up grief in acute ways. As a result, churches of every denomination and style have adopted the practice of a “Blue Christmas” service. This time of worship is designed to provide space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. It will include special music, candle lighting, and the sacrament of holy communion. 

All are welcome to join us, in-person or livestreamed, at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 21st in the sanctuary for this contemplative service of worship.

If childcare is needed please contact the office at office@firstpresgreenbay.org or call 920-437-8121.

Christmas Eve Worship Services December 24th

Cheri Simonet

This year we return to our traditional two services for Christmas Eve. Both services will be held in person and live-streamed.

An informal service at 5:00 pm will include carols, scripture, prayers and a new impromptu Children’s Pageant performance. 

And a traditional service of Lessons and Carols at 7:30 pm will feature the narrative in scripture and poetry, choral and instrumental music, and candle-lighting.  An extended prelude of music of the season will begin at 7:00 pm.

We hope to see you then!

Christmas Carol Hymn Sing Service

Cheri Simonet

Please join us for a special Sunday morning service on December 26th. The 10am in-person and livestream service will feature a hymn sing, where hymns and carols of the season will comprise the order of worship. 

If you have family in town for the holidays, this is a great informal service to bring them to – guests are ALWAYS welcome!

We hope to see you virtual or in-person then!