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Name that Member! And, the BIG REVEAL

Cheri Simonet
Name that Member

About Name that Member!

We’re excited to tell you about a new feature of our social media and newsletter: Name that Member!

We debuted “Name that Member!” on our social channels with Ginny Amen’s 103rd birthday and we’d like to feature YOU too in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight!

We know how long you’ve been a member of the church and when your birthday is, but what else do we know about you?

Where did you grow up? How many brothers and sisters do you have? What’s your favorite childhood memory? What was your first pet? Or have you not had one yet? What’s your favorite activity? What’s your favorite movie? Favorite song? What’s one thing that no one would ever guess about you?

Tell us your story! Let’s have some fun and get to know each other a little better.

Please email communications@firstpresgreenbay.org with your fun facts so we can feature you in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight so fellow members can Name that Member!

July – Name that Member – BIG REVEAL!

Earlier this week we featured our July Name that Member through email and our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our member’s story:

• I grew up in Ames, Iowa until I was almost 7 and then we moved to Green Bay
• I have 1 brother and 2 sisters
• My favorite childhood memory is going to western Iowa to visit my mom’s parents and spend quality time with my cousins
• My first pet growing up was a medium sized dog named Magoo; after we got married, a parakeet named Toby. We ended up having 7 parakeets at one point.
• My favorite activity is spending time with family is first, especially grandkids. Crafting and gardening are a very close tie for second. Traveling in the Midwest is third.
• My favorite movie is Major League
• My favorite song is Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
• Something no one would guess about me is that I have a habit of ‘rescuing’ plants from garden centers toward the end of the summer when they end up on a clearance table and they look real sad. I end up with more than I can plant before it gets cold, so they winter in my garage so I can plant them the following spring.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Becky Christianson! Betcha didn’t know all that about Becky, did you?

Tell us your story! Email communications@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Name that Member profile!

July 2022 Rundown

Cheri Simonet
Monthly Rundown

HAPPY Birthday, Ginney Amen!

Ginney Amen was featured in our debut publication of Name that Member! on her birthday, June 9th, when she turned 103. Wowzah! In case you missed Name that Member, Ginney’s the oldest member of our church being a child of a member since 1931, then confirmed in 1933. In Name that Member we had some fun facts about Ginney being the master organizer of cabinets and closets, her maiden name begins with the letter P, and she went downhill skiing in her 90’s. Again, WOWZAH! We are so blessed to have Ginney in our family of faith!

#FirstPresGB Softball Team continues to hit it out of the Park

Since our June newsletter, our softball team has scored wins for their 3rd (10 to 4) and 4th (25 to 8!) week games but our 5th game we suffered our first defeat at 0-5 and our second defeat during our 6th game on June 26 with a score of 8-14. But we’re not letting that get us down. We plan to come back strong for our upcoming 7th game!

Since our game opener on May 15th our league standing is at 4-2.

We have a bye week for the 4th of July weekend but our final game before playoffs will take place on Sunday, July 10th at 5:30pm on Field 2. Please join us for a night of fun and fellowship! Playoff games to be announced – stay tuned.

Church Chix had a blast

Our Church Chix gathered for their June social on June 9th at the Village Grille in Allouez. We had 14 Chix in attendance. The restaurant was great, service was great and there was great food – but more importantly there was great laughter, fun and fellowship!

Join the Chix for their July social at 1951 West on July 21st at 6pm. Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board or RSVP to office@firstpresgreenbay.org. Hope you can join the Chix!

Outdoor Worship & Potluck Picnic FUN!

We were blessed to have beautiful weather for our outdoor worship and potluck picnic on Sunday, June 26th.

The Noah’s Ark story was shared in a fun and silly way, with the congregation providing sound effects and a full rainstorm. A paper dove flew over our heads and rainbow streamers reminded us of God’s everlasting promise. Special thanks to the Deacons and Joel Morien for help to make it all happen; Jill Stenson’s solo of “Every time I Feel the Spirit” was a highlight.

After worship, hotdogs on the grill and side dishes were provided by all of you—and we gathered for a potluck picnic with GREAT food and fabulous fellowship. Many recipes were exchanged between members. Thank you to all who were able to join us!

Congratulations 2022 Graduates

Cheri Simonet
Graduation

We are so proud of our Class of 2022 high school graduates – Evan Hansen and Morgan Siewert! CONGRATULATIONS! As they take their next steps in life’s post-high school journey, we are there as a community to support them. They’ll be sadly missed in our youth group gatherings, but we look forward to seeing them grow in their faith as young adults. Evan and Morgan’s graduation story and plans for their future are as unique as they are special.

Evan Hansen
Evan Hansen

Evan graduated on June 12th from Bay Port High School. Evan’s immediate plans are pursuing a career with Seura Outdoor TV’s as a technical engineer while also planning to take few classes at NWTC. We wish you all the best in your new career, Evan!

Morgan graduated on June 5th from Green Bay Southwest High School. She plans to continue her education at St. Norbert College where she’ll double major in biomedical sciences and psychology. Megan has received the Presidential Scholarship awarded by St. Norbert College. She’ll miss participating in Student Council during high school years along with her favorite high school memory of homecoming football games, but she looks forward to creating new memories during her college years. Congratulations, Morgan!

Thank you to all who joined us on graduation Sunday, June 19th when we celebrated Evan and Morgan’s educational accomplishments during worship with a special reception that followed.

Morgan Siewert
Morgan Siewert

We also extend congratulations to our college graduates:
• Julia Doenges, daughter of Georjeanna and Vern Doenges, who graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a degree in Communications with emphases in Health Communication and Organizational Communication.
• Olivia Crooks, daughter of Lori and Hank Crooks, who graduated from Concordia University, Mequon with a BS degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders.
• Taylor Wittman, daughter of Amy and Scott Wittman, who graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health.
• Emma Smith, daughter of Ellen and Al Smith, who graduated from Mt. Mary University in Milwaukee with a Master of Science in Counseling.
• Kerri Gouldkristine, daughter of Sarah Gouldkristine, who graduated from UW Stout with a BA Degree in Advanced Logics.

Blessings to one and all as you move forward in your post-graduate journey!

June Monthly Rundown

Cheri Simonet
Monthly Rundown

A Great-Big Shout Out to our Green Bay Quilt Shops!

The Green Bay quilt shops had their 2022 Spring Shop-Hop in May. The wonderful shops collected food for our Presbyterian Pantry by offering a special drawing for all who brought in food items. The Outreach Committee extends a big THANK YOU to the quilt shops and to those who donated to the cause. Participating shops included Ana’s Sewing Studio on Anderson Drive, My Favorite Quilt Shop on Dousman Street, Quilting Diva’s on Cardinal Lane and Silver Thimble Quilt & Yarn Shoppe on University Avenue.

A big thank you also goes out to Jana for helping collect all the food items from the shops. You’re terrific, Jana!

FirstPresGB Softball Team Hits it out of the Park

Our softball team home opener was May 15th and we walked away with a 5-3 win! We knocked the score out of the park with a big 13-7 win for our second game on the 22nd so our team record now stands at 2-0. We had a bye-week over Memorial Day weekend, but our games resume on Sunday, June 5th when we play at 5:30 on Field 4 at Cornerstone Park in DePere. Please join us for a night of fun and fellowship! Our complete 2022 schedule can be downloaded below.

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!

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!

Augusta Jeffrey 2022 Awardee

Cheri Simonet
Augusta Jeffrey Award 2022

Congrats Judy!

It is our pleasure to present this year’s well deserved Augusta Jeffrey Award to Judy Knutzen-Nerad.

Judy has been a member of First Presbyterian Church GB since 1974 and during that time has served multiple terms as Deacon and is currently serving in that role today. She also now serves as an usher and plays a leadership role in organizing ushers for all services.

Always giving of her time and talent, Judy is an active committee member having served on the CE Committee in the past, and currently serves on both the Funeral Committee and Worship Committee. For many years, you’ve received a newsletter because Judy helped in the office each month and when needed she also volunteers as a substitute for Leah.

The advent wreath we’re blessed to use in worship each year since 1977 is entirely thanks to Judy who donated this in memory of her first husband, Paul. This past year in 2021, the wreath as well as other Advent decorations in the sanctuary were updated by Judy and she also donated the Fellowship Room Christmas tree.

Each year the Augusta Jeffrey awardee designates the $600 award funds to an area of ministry in which the church is engaged and Judy has designated this year’s funds towards sanctuary beautification, with the purchase of a few new banners in mind.

Daughters, Kristin and Tammy, were in attendance at our recognition celebration on Sunday, March 27th when Judy received the 2022 Augusta Jeffrey Award. As Covid prevented us from having a reception last year, we also celebrated 2021 awardees, Lisa Olson and Amy Wittman.

We are very blessed to have Judy as a member of our church. The next time you see Judy, please take a minute to give her a big thanks for all the generosity she’s shown our community of faith.

How we can help people in Ukraine

Cheri Simonet
Pray for Ukraine

Resources from Presbyterian Mission

It is evident that the situation unfolding in Ukraine is rapid and everchanging. With the war shifting, many Ukrainian families have been forced to flee their homes in order to maintain their safety. With news outlets frequently reporting about the crisis, you may find yourself wondering what you can do to help those affected.

Here’s what Presbyterian Mission, a division of Presbyterian Church USA, says you can do:

GIVE

Donations can be made by calling (800) 872-3283, by texting “PDAUKR” to 41444, online at https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000156/ or by check made payable to Presbyterian Church USA with “DR000156-Ukraine” on the memo line mailed to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

ACT

Download the Bulletin Insert and spread the word. You can also urge the U.S. government to support generous aid for refugees and civilians suffering in Ukraine, and call for engaging a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

PRAY

“May we undergird our prayers with tangible resources to help.
May we reach deeply, give generously, and welcome extravagantly.
May we lift our voices in a strong and unified advocacy.
May we all, even as we breathe in lament, breathe out mercy, hope and peace.
And in this Lenten season, when we walk the way toward death and resurrection, repent our complicity in cultures of violence and renew our efforts toward justice and peace.”

— Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, Director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Memorial Service for Bob Nickel

Cheri Simonet
Celebration of Life

Join us on Friday, March 25 for the memorial service for Robert Nickel, Director of Music at our church for the past five years.

Mary and her family will receive guests from noon until 1:45; the service of worship will begin at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

We are pleased to have Rt Rev. Paul Graf assisting Pastor Katie in worship and Jeffery Verkuilen with us on the organ for this service. Paul was a dear friend of Bob’s and is a Bishop in the Moravian Church. Jeff is organist and choir director at First United Methodist Church in Green Bay, teaches organ at St Norbert College in DePere, is a fellow in the American Guild of Organists and was a good friend of Bob’s as well. At the family’s request, there will not be a reception following the service.

Huehn’s Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is handling arrangements and will host a visitation on Thursday, March 24 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Mary is hopeful that by having a visitation there, the large community of friends as well as students and staff from the high school where Bob was principal will have the opportunity to gather and remember him there in Sturgeon Bay, and not feel obligated to drive to Green Bay for the memorial service. Of course, anyone is welcome at either or both events. We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Robert Nickel.

Your Monthly Rundown

Cheri Simonet

We’re excited to tell you about our newest addition to Connections – the Monthly Rundown.

Have you wondered about the outcome of a recent event? Well, this is where you’ll find the answers!

The Rundown section of Connections features a rundown of recent events so you’ll know the outcome of our outreach efforts, ministries and more. It’s also our bulletin board to receive special messages from fellow members and committees.

Rundowns will publish with our Connections issue on a monthly or bimonthly basis. To submit rundowns for consideration contact us at communications@firstpresgreenbay.org by the 15th of the month to be included in the following month’s publication. And, as always, we look forward to receiving your rundown of what’s been Happening Now!

Visit the March Rundown NOW!