Welcome, Visitors! Information about our church and ministries is available on the Welcome Table near the main doors. Standing nearby are church members who will be happy to answer your questions. Interested in joining the church? Our next Membership Exploration will be in the fall. For the convenience of those who need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video broadcast in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery. Large-print bulletins are available. Please ask the ushers for a copy. 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.

Children in Worship Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family Worship Area is open during our worship services for children ages 3-10, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin.

Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any of our friends on the autism spectrum—adult or child–to use during worship. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs one of these tools.

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. We encourage members and friends to assist us in planning our budget by pledging each year. Pledge cards are available in the pews and may be placed in the offering plates at any time.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Now Available! Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible from www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

WATCH LIVE: You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on YouTube at tinyurl.com/ybtlv9c6 or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/yayd8cud.

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website. Visit www.firstcongoappleton.org to connect with First Congregational in a variety of ways: an electronic version of The Open Door newsletter, social media, blogs and more.

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June 16 Highlights at First Congregational Today: Annual Church Budget Meeting / Feasibility Study ................ p. 13 Today: Graduating Seniors Recognition June 22: We’re O.F.F. to Paddle and Pedal ............................................. p. 11 June 23: Guest Preacher Rev. John McFadden

Flowers Flowers on the communion table are in celebration of the wedding of Aurelia Hoft-March and Paul Glennan on June 15.

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 Our next scheduled Baptism Sundays are July 14, August 18 and September 22. 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.

Members in Service This Week Friday, June 14 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, June 16 9:30 AM Main Door Greeter Phil Gabrielson Bridge Greeters Gail Korth Welcome Desk Brenda Gabrielson Lay Reader Michael Weaver Usher Team Captains Rick and Sue Detienne, Pat Nelson Multi-Media—audio John Aaholm Multi-Media—video Jonathan Steffen

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP TRINITY SUNDAY

June 16, 2019 9:30 AM Welcome to The Church of the Open Door.

Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith.

PRELUDE Prelude from Prelude, Fugue and Variation, Op. 18 Cesar Franck (1822-1890) arr. Harold Bauer

Anthony Padilla, piano

(Please sign the registration form on the end of the pew, pass it down the row, and then return it, that all may know the names of those sharing in worship today. Prayer request cards are collected at the ends of the pews as well.)

RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL

WELCOME

GRADUATE RECOGNITION

UNISON PRAYER God of every milestone, we congratulate our graduates and celebrate their accomplishments on this joyous day. We ask for a special blessing upon them as their lives afford new challenges, goals, and opportunities to be faithful servants of Christ. May First Congo continue to be their church home. May they serve out of a passion for justice, hope, and peace. May the wondrous gifts bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit transform our world. Through Christ we pray, Amen.

*GREETING

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 107) Leader: Give thanks to God whose steadfast love endures forever! People: We have been redeemed by the Lord, redeemed in love from our

troubles! Leader: Let us gather here today, from all the places and lands. People: From the north and the south, from the east and the west. Leader: Let us gather here today to know healing, hear words of hope, and be a

community. People: With glad hearts we lift our voices to offer our gratitude and praise for

God’s wondrous works and steadfast love.

*Congregation stands

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*PROCESSIONAL HYMN #10 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! NICAEA

*OPENING PRAYER (Please join hands or link arms)

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, for ever. Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON (After the Children’s Sermon, the children can use the Family Worship Area or join their families in the pews.

During the anthem, the prayer request cards will be collected.)

PIANO SOLO Fugue in E-flat Major from Klavierübung III (German Organ Mass), BWV 552, part 1 (“St. Anne’s”) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) arr. Ferruccio Busoni

GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray.

PRAYER HYMN #535 Eternal Father, Strong to Save MELITA

Stanzas 1 and 4 PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

A MUSICAL OFFERING Variation from Prelude, Fugue and Variation, Op. 18 Cesar Franck (1822-1890) arr. Harold Bauer

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*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.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

NEW TESTAMENT READING Ephesians 2:1-10 (NT p. 235)

MEDITATION “Questions of Faith: How is Faith Acquired?” Rev. Nick Hatch

*CLOSING HYMN (see bulletin page 6) Creator God, Creating Still ST. ANNE

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Fugue in E-flat Major Klavierübung III (German Organ Mass), BWV 552, part 3 (“St. Anne’s”) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) arr. Ferruccio Busoni

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AGENDA Call to Order – Bill Ritcey, Church Moderator Opening Prayer – Rev. Steve Savides, Senior Pastor 2019/2020 Church Budget Presentation

Rick Detienne, Stewardship Team Co-Councilor Don Hietpas, Church Treasurer

Action on Church Budget Church Building Committee Presentation – Feasibility Study

Sue Mauthe, Chair Eric Bauman, Boldt Construction Co.

Adjournment

You are welcome to stay in the sanctuary after the Congregational Meeting for further questions and discussion. There will also be Congregational Feedback sessions held in the Chapel after worship on June 30 and July 14.

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TODAY’S MUSICIANS Jon D. Riehle, organist Anthony Padilla, pianist John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

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SERMON NOTES (Congregation reads each passage in unison.)

Faith is the personal response of trust and confidence in the gracious God made known in Jesus Christ. A wholehearted dedication of one’s life to Christ, faith differs radically from blind submission to church teachings and from routine and unthinking adherence to inherited doctrines and practices.

The object of Christian faith is not some thing or idea but the living Lord Jesus Christ who is God with us in the power of the Holy Spirit. Substitution of any other object of faith – whether self, family, church, race, or nation – is idolatry.

The subject of faith is the whole person, including mind, will, and affections.

The above text is a definition of faith, from Faith Seeking Understanding, Daniel L. Migliore

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Upcoming Worship Schedule June 23, 2019 Second Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 AM “What is the Difference between Faith and Belief?” Rev. John McFadden Scripture reading: Luke 8:26-39, Galations 3:24-29 Music: Dave Cooley, guitar and vocal soloist

Members in Service Next Week Friday, June 21 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Sheryl DeHart, Trish Brehm Sunday, June 23 9:30 AM Main Door Greeter Ben Hallett Bridge Greeters Gail Korth Welcome Desk Heather Hallett Lay Reader Howard Niblock Usher Team Captains John Breitzman, Mike Spurlock and Jeff Schang Multi-Media—audio Tim Hanna Multi-Media—video Shannon Glenn

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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.

Family of Albert Anderson upon his passing Jill Anthony’s neighbors, John and Katie Jill Anthony’s sister and brother-in-law David Bauman Katie Behl Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Ellen Brown, daughter-in-law of Nancy and

Clair Brown Dick Casperson John Cawthon Family of Dena Collier upon her passing Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards Margitta Furnner Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Nanette Geurts, and her aunt, Maureen Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Lisa Gray-Brooks Mary Guenther Family of Bill Guyon upon his passing Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Dennis Hummitzsch, Nancy Kandler’s brother Dan Huth Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Ervin Klesmit Our Kenyan partners and students

Family of Robert Kraemer upon his passing Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Our country’s military around the world Margaret LaFleur Mike Mathews Carrie Brooks McClory Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Ellie Olson Duane Pahl’s family on the death of his brother, Ron Families and children of Palestine Family of Arthur Rankin upon his passing Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Don Roehrborn Gladys Schmidt, John and Tim Schmidt’s mother Jim Schwantes Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel Family of Beverly Strong upon her passing All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Carol Valeri Greg Vandenberg Jean Van Wagenin Linda Uitenbroek, sister of Lyle Van De Hey and

Janice Schmitz Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Larry, Mike Weaver’s son-in-law Jennifer Wild Gary Wisneski

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THE OPEN DOOR June 16, 2019 Volume 19, Issue 24

Pastor’s Message Considering Potential

Many of you have asked about our trip to Isle Royale National Park last month. First, I’m happy to report that there were no major injuries. Second, the weather was great; we had some beautiful hiking weather. Lastly, the group was an impressive bunch of kind and adventurous souls who performed well as a team. We read the creation story in context during evening bible study, learned about wilderness travel and made memories together. We saw moose wandering through camp, heard loons calling in the night, gazed out across vistas from high rocky peaks and drank cold, clean water from Lake Superior.

One of the circumstances that made this trip so special was the fact we arrived so early. While this posed a risk of having some cold nights, the pay-off was privacy, as well as the opportunity to ramble across an Island just as it was waking up from its winter slumber. Winter was still tucked in some corners, but the first signs of spring were abundant. We found small snow piles in hidden places and grass starting to grow underneath dried hummocks. We watched the aspen trees unfold their neon-green glory over the course of a week and marveled at their color. All of it reminded me of this scripture:

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus, it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. Isaiah 35:1

Along the way I began to examine the buds emerging from the trees. As I studied them, I took the picture you see on the next page. I marveled at how small, twisted and delicate they were, yet they comprise one of the most important and powerful changes of the season. These tiny soft buds contain the power to bring forth and sustain so much life, and we witnessed their emergence. We saw their potential. We stood alongside them at an in-between time.

How much of our lives comprise some form of in-between time? We are in-between jobs, in-between weekends, in-between relationships, in-between accomplishments, in-between life-stages. How often do we honestly examine all the “buds” in our lives which testify to life emerging full of potential, vitality, and nourishing sustenance? How often do we stop to rejoice and praise God for all the forms of abundance which surround us, whether large or small? Do we breathe in this potential ourselves so the we may be renewed by this complex web we belong to?

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May God bless us with new eyes to see the beauty of life springing forth in its myriad of ways. May our in-between times be hallowed occasions to celebrate the unfolding potential around us. May our lives bloom abundantly while offering sustenance to others.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Nick

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

We’re O.F.F. to Paddle and Pedal Saturday, June 22

Sign up for a fun day of canoeing or kayaking down the Wolf River, then biking back to Great Wolf Tubing in Shawano. • Drop your bike off at the boat landing and

Great Wolf Tubing will shuttle your canoe/kayak back

• Paddle is 2-1/2 hours on flat water • Your choice of 8, 14 or 22 mile bike route • $15 per person for shuttle, bike security,

water and snack • $25 to rent kayak / $35 to rent canoe

Please reserve in advance at (715) 524-8823. For more details call Nancy Brown-Koeller at (715) 853-6625. See flyer in narthex or visit greatwolftubingco.com.

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

2019 Lunchtime Organ Recital Series

Wednesdays, 12:15–12:45 PM • June 19 - Stephen Schnurr

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kaukauna

• June 26 - Devin Atteln Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna

• July 3 - David Bohn St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha

• Thursday, July 4 - Daniel Schwandt All Saints Episcopal Church

• July 10 - Naomi Rowley Faith Lutheran Church

• July 17 - Andrew Schaeffer St. Bernard Catholic Church

• July 24 - Jeffrey Verkuilen First Congregational Church UCC, Appleton

• July 31 - Paul Weber First English Lutheran Church

• August 7 - Derek Nickels First Presbyterian Church, Neenah

• August 14 - Kartika Putri St. Paul Lutheran Church, Neenah

• August 21 - Ethan Mellema First United Methodist Church

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• August 28 - Bruce Bengtson St. Joseph Catholic Church

This schedule can also be found at lunchtimeorganrecital.org.

Trinitas Chamber Ensemble July 19 • 7:00 PM

Born from a desire to explore the fringe of standard classical chamber music and to present engaging, off-beat performances, Trintas Chamber Ensemble consists of three outstanding musicians with a shared vision and infectious onstage chemistry. The ensemble includes a son of our congregation; Nathan Cook (parents, David and Cindy Cook).

Accomplished soloists in their own right, the members of Trinitas have performed around the world. They gave their premiere performance in June of 2015 in Toronto and have received rave reviews since. Learn more about the ensemble at www.TrinitasMusic.com.

Recital Raises over $440 for LEAVEN

Our June 1 benefit recital by Anthony Padilla, piano, and We-Lei Gu, violin, was beautifully played and well received by an enthusiastic audience of about 40 people. Thank you members and friends for attending this event and generously supporting the work of LEAVEN!

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Habitat InterFaith Build HELP NEEDED!

Work on the InterFaith Build has begun and volunteers from First Congregational are needed NOW! The build site is at 971 Stead Drive in Menasha. A new sign-up process is being used this year. Instead of being assigned work dates through our church, individuals sign up directly online through Habitat's Volunteer Hub for the days they wish to work. The link to the InterFaith Volunteer Hub is https://foxcitieshabitat.volunteerhub.com/lp/interfaith/.

Please consider volunteering for a day or maybe more if you are able. ALL skill levels are needed and welcome! If you have any questions regarding the InterFaith Build or encounter any problems signing up, contact Jodi Isom at the Habitat office: jodiisom@foxcitieshabitat.org.

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Administration OFFICIAL NOTICE

There will be a Congregational Meeting immediately following the worship service TODAY for the purpose for acting on the proposed 2019-2020 Church Budget. After the budget meeting, the congregation will receive a report from the Building Committee on the Feasibility Study prepared by Boldt Construction Company.

Feasibility Study Building Tours After this morning’s Congregational Meeting, the Building Committee will present the results of the Feasibility Study done by Boldt Construction.

Would you like to see first-hand the issues addressed in this study? Join us for a walk-through of the building. We value your feedback! Please meet in the Chapel after the 9:30 AM worship service on June 23 or June 30 if you are interested.

Welcome Holly Volkman Please welcome First Congo’s new Administrative Assistant for Communications. Holly comes to us from SOAR Fox Cities.

If you have any articles that you would like to submit to the Open Door, please send them to hvolkman@firstcongoappleton.org.

Articles should be submitted by 4:00 PM on Tuesday in order to be considered for

publication in the following Sunday bulletin.

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Calendar for June 16–June 22 Sunday, June 16 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Annual Church Budget Meeting / Feasibility Study –

Sanctuary 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM First Things First AA Meeting – North Fellowship Hall, River

Room, Common Grounds Monday, June 17

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM ESTHER-Communications Regular Meeting – Upper Lounge

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Boy Scout Troop 8 – Fellowship Hall, West Conference Room Tuesday, June 18

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies - South Fellowship Hall 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Building Committee Meeting – Upper Lounge 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM Fireside AA Group - Common Grounds Wednesday, June 19

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Theology Discussion Group – Stone Arch Brewpub 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Loving Acceptance Meditation Group – Upper Lounge 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Estonia Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room Thursday, June 20

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ADRC Strongbodies – South Fellowship Hall 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Memorial Service: Mary Sturtevant– Sanctuary 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting – Upper Lounge 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM AA Search for Serenity Group– Common Grounds 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Family/Friend of Mental Illness Support Group – Upper

Lounge 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds Friday, June 21

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM N.A. – Common Grounds Saturday, June 22

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

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The Ministry

Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor Reverend Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries

Reverend Kathryn Kuhn, Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions Reverend Maynard E. Beemer, Pastor Emeritus John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Jon D. Riehle, Organist Colleen Berry, Director for Children’s Ministries

Vacant Director for Youth Ministries Jennifer DeWitt, CYF Coordinator

Carolyn Frederick, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Holly Volkman, Administrative Assistant for Communications

Jane Malin, Administrative Assistant Siri Witt, Bookkeeper

Jonathan Steffen, Technology Coordinator Bart Forseth, Custodial Supervisor

Theresa Iacullo, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider Cassidy Behm, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider

Tom Ott, Custodial Assistant Mary Lou Cliff, Custodial Assistant

Lauren Micke, Weekend Custodial Assistant

First Congregational United Church of Christ 724 East South River Street Appleton, Wisconsin 54915

Phone: (920) 733-7393

Website: www.firstcongoappleton.org