August 30, 2026 – Celebrating Synod School – “The Greatest Commandment”
Overview
On Sunday, August 30, 2026, First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay gathered for a special service celebrating Synod School 2026, honoring the congregation members who attended this meaningful annual gathering earlier in the year. Guest preacher Joel Morien delivered the sermon “The Greatest Commandment,” drawing from Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Mark 12:28-34 to explore what it means to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
The congregation also came together in the Prayer of Confession and Prayers of the People, reflecting on the call to love without holding back or keeping score. Beyond worship, the day carried forward a spirit of community action, as members’ generous contributions to the back-to-school drive for Lincoln School provided school supplies, socks, underwear, and t-shirts for local elementary students preparing for the new school year.
August 23, 2026 – “Blame It On The Experts”
Overview
On August 23, 2026, First Presbyterian Church gathered for a service of worship centered on Matthew 16:13–20, where Jesus asked His disciples the timeless question, “Who do you say that I am?” Pastor Katie Estes delivered the sermon “Blame It On the Experts,” challenging the congregation to move beyond limiting, predictable views of God and embrace the vast, surprising possibilities of who Christ truly is.
Worship was led by Pastor Katie Estes with Ellen Smith reading scripture, Michael Raught on organ, and Kris Melton on piano, supported by a dedicated team of greeters, ushers, and streaming volunteers. The congregation also reflected on prayers of confession and assurance, dedicated their offerings toward the church’s ongoing ministry, and closed with a charge to live as people transformed by God’s grace and mercy.
August 16, 2026 – “Beautiful Feet”
Overview
Katie Estes delivered the sermon “Beautiful Feet,” reflecting on the promise that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” and challenging the congregation to become active messengers of God’s grace rather than keeping the good news to themselves. The service also drew from Psalm 133’s celebration of unity among God’s people, reminding worshippers that being sent out as messengers starts with being bound together as one community.
The congregation worshipped through hymns including “How Firm A Foundation,” “We Walk By Faith,” and “In Christ There Is No East or West,” alongside responsive prayers of confession and dedication that echoed the sermon’s call to live out faith with both heart and mouth. The service closed with a charge to go out as “messengers of peace,” carrying the light of Christ into everyday life — a fitting send-off after a Sunday that also included a special presentation from Al Smith on the PC(USA) General Assembly.
August 9, 2026 – “The Great Ends of the Church: Are We There Yet?”
Overview
This week, our congregation gathered to explore what it truly means to live as the church God calls us to be. Together, we affirmed our faith through the PC(USA) Book of Order’s six Great Ends of the Church, recommitting ourselves to the proclamation of the gospel, the nurture of God’s people, worship, truth, justice, and the exhibition of God’s kingdom to the world.
Through prayer, confession, and songs of praise including “The Church of Christ in Every Age” and “We Wait the Peaceful Kingdom,” we came together in worship, remembering that God’s kingdom isn’t a distant destination but something already at work among us. It was a powerful reminder that while we may still be asking “are we there yet,” we’re called to keep growing, serving, and trusting in the slow, steady unfolding of God’s reign.
August 2, 2026 – Communion Sunday – “The Great Ends of the Church: A Crazy Vision”
Overview
On August 2, 2026, First Presbyterian Church gathered for a worship service centered on the theme “The Great Ends of the Church: A Crazy Vision,” delivered by Katie Estes. The congregation reflected on Micah 6:6-8 and Luke 4:16-21, exploring what it means to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God through prayers of confession, assurance, and illumination.
The service concluded with the celebration of Holy Communion, as the congregation gathered around the Lord’s Table in unity and gratitude. Through hymns, responsive readings, and the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving, the community affirmed its shared faith and commitment to living out the great ends of the church together.