Month: April 2022

Changes to Communion

Cheri Simonet
Communion

As COVID numbers continue to drop in our area and more of us return to in-person worship, we are pleased to report that May brings a welcome change to the way we have celebrated communion for the past 18 months.

Worship Committee has recommended and Session has approved a return to our “regular” method of serving the sacrament. Instead of the pre-packaged elements that were picked up by individuals on the way into the Sanctuary, we will go back to real pieces of bread and filled cups in trays that will be passed along the pews during worship. A gluten-free bread option will also be provided.

We are grateful to the Deacons who prepare the elements, the Elders who will serve it, and the Deacons who clean everything up. Please be present for the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, May 1 as we celebrate the chance to return to the table together. (And no one liked the cardboard bread bits, anyway!)

Holy Week Thanks

Cheri Simonet
Holy Week 2022

Holy Week began with a palm parade and moving Passion narrative in worship, followed by our Palm Sunday Brunch and we extend a heartfelt thanks to all those that prepared and served food making the brunch possible. We had at least 90 people in attendance and the Fellowship Room provided a personal ambience where everyone could join together with food, fun and fellowship. Donations received were very generous so thank you all for your contributions. And a special thanks for those who stuck around till the end for cleanup – your help was sincerely appreciated!

We returned to the Fellowship Room for Maundy Thursday service where we had a very intimate setting for our Holy Week journey, celebrating communion as Jesus did with his disciples at the last supper. A thank you to our readers Tom Schoffelman and Nancy Siewert, and thank you to Shirley Schoffelman who provided music on the piano and Teresa Schoffelman who played her flute.

On Good Friday we were in the Sanctuary for a very solemn Tenebrae service where all experienced increased darkness as candles were gradually extinguished with each reading symbolizing the coming of darkness of Jesus’ death. Thank you to our readers Jane Bies, Bruce Deadman, Jessica Gauthier, Pat McCormick, Joel Morien, Leah Mott, Eric Sperduto and Amy Wittman. And also, thank you to Jeffrey Verkuilen who played the organ for our service.

And our Easter Sunday morning was filled with joy as we celebrated the resurrection with over 120 people worshiping in person and reaching over 100 more via our virtual Facebook livestream. Our worship began with a beautiful slideshow presentation created by Amy Wittman showing us the beauty of all that God created. Thank you, Amy! The sanctuary was decorated with an assortment of beautiful spring flowers that were donated in honor of or memory of a loved one. Thank you Patcee and Floyd Bucher who created all that beauty for us. The children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt during Sunday School. Thank you to the Easter bunnies that made that happen. And, thank you to Micah Zuelke who provided music for our Easter service and Jill Stenson who served as reader.

Holy Week was memorable and impactful thanks to so many who volunteered their time, talents and treasures. We are truly blessed for all those in our faith community.

Through Artist’s Eyes: God’s Word on Canvas

Cheri Simonet
Bible Study

Through Artist’s Eyes: God’s Word on Canvas is a new short-term Bible study that will begin on Wednesday April 27 and Thursday April 28 and runs for six weeks. The Wednesday group meets via Zoom at 6:30 pm each week and the Thursday group meets in person at 11:00 am each week.

For centuries, the Bible’s dramatic accounts have inspired artists to express the beauty, emphasize the power, and elaborate on the meaning of God’s Word. This study is designed to help people connect classic art to the Bible and then apply the truths discovered to their own lives. Together we will experience the artistry of six classic paintings while discovering and discussing the scriptural inspiration behind each one.

Each week’s lesson stands alone, so participants are welcome to attend as their schedule allows. There is no book to purchase, as each week’s paintings and scripture will be provided to participants in preparation for the lesson. These Zoom or in person gatherings will give us an opportunity to connect with one another and consider new insights into scripture and classical art. Please contact Pastor Katie Estes at kestes@firstpresgreenbay.org or by calling the church office at 920-437-8121 to indicate your interest and join in the study.

A Day to Celebrate Mothers

Cheri Simonet
Mother's Day Service

There are many traditional celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have existed throughout the world over thousands of years but in our country, Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in West Virginia. Her campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905, the year her mother died. Since then, the day has honored and celebrated mothers as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, mother figures and the influence of mothers in society. But the celebration began as a liturgical observance.

At worship on May 8th, we’ll celebrate mothers with a special women’s choir providing an anthem.

All women of any age are encouraged to join us for this one-time commitment. We will sing a simple and familiar song, so no experience is necessary. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday, May 1 after worship and on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 8 at 9:15am. For more information, contact Jill Stenson at 920-857-8599.

We hope to see you there!

Church Chix are Back!

Cheri Simonet
Church Chix

Our long-time Church Chix are returning! Covid knocked us out in early 2020, but you can’t keep the Church Chix down! For those newbies out there, Church Chix is a group of ladies that get together once a month for fun, food and fellowship. ALL ages are welcome to join! Members and non-members alike. The more the merrier!

We’ll meet the first Thursday, June 9th. A sign-up sheet to join is on the bulletin board or you can email an RSVP to office@firstpresgreenbay.org. During our first gathering we’ll decide which day and week of the month works best for future months, so the first Thursday of the month has yet to be locked in.

Our dinner reservation is for 6:00 pm at Village Grille in Allouez off Hoffman Road. Some Chix like to meet up for a cocktail the hour before dinner so that’s always an option and before our evening wraps up, we’ll decide where next month’s dinner will be, trying our best to alternate the east side of town with the west side of town. No monthly commitment required. Bulletin board sign-up will be each month to join as you can.

For more information, please contact Linda Michael at lindan9woa@gmail.com or by calling 920-347-0261. To let us know which day/week of the month works best for you please contact office@firstpresgreenbay.org.

So, what are you waiting for? RSVP today to join the Church Chix June social for a great night of laughter that’s sure to be memorable!

Christian Educator Appreciation Sunday

Cheri Simonet
Christian Educator Appreciation

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 22nd when we’ll show appreciation for our amazing Christian Educators.

On that morning, we’ll be recognizing those who have organized, led or taught various educational programs and activities for children, youth and adults through the 2021/2022 program year including Sunday School, Bible studies, devotionals and Vacation Bible School. Faith development was made possible by the following members volunteering and giving of their time, talent, and treasures, so we extend a heartfelt thank you to:

• Brenda Hubbard
• George Hubbard
• Sara Bostedt
• Grace Estes Collins
• DeShawn Estes Collins
• Loni McCormick
• Bobbi Holl
• Nancy Siewert
• Joel Morien
• Katie Estes

These outstanding members were instrumental in cultivating and building faith which supports our efforts to achieve our mission of Inspiring All to Love and Serve with Christ.

Please join us as we celebrate and thank these leading Christian educators who’ve made such a positive impact with the children, youth and adults in our community of faith.

May 2022 Rundown

Cheri Simonet
Monthly Rundown

Holy Week’s Reflection of Thanks

View Reflection

Pantry Thanks

The Outreach Committee would like to thank the Scouts of America for their continued support of the Pantry with their Scouting for Food program. We’ve been part of the program for the last ten years and this year Pantry received 100 bags of groceries which will feed around 50 families. Thank you, Gene Stenson for making the Scouts food drive a success!

And, thank you to our friends at Brown County Community Women’s Club for generously donating 40 bags of groceries to the Pantry. Your support is greatly appreciated!