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Welcome to The Church of the Open Door. Our door is open to you at whatever point you are in your journey of faith.

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 March 28, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM. 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. 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.

Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

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. 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. 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: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

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January 26 Highlights at First Congregational Today: Joyful Noise Offering .................................................................. p. 11 Today: Family Sledding and Chili Sunday .............................................. p. 11 January 29: High School Mission Trip Meeting ............................................ p. 11 January 29: ESTHER Prison Reform with ACLU ........................................... p. 13 February 3: Mark Charles Book Study ......................................................... p. 10

Flowers Cindi Ritcey Fox designed this morning’s Sanctuary the flower arrangement.

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 February 9, March 8 and April 19. 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, January 24 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Pat Hauser, Cathy Houst Sunday, January 26 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeter Karl and Rose Heinz Sylvia King Bridge Greeters Kathy and Steve Hermsen Midge Moser Welcome Desk Carolyn Frederick Carolyn Frederick Usher Team Captains Dennis Korth Mike Spurlock and Jeff Schang Lay Readers Michael Weaver Marty Black Multi-Media—audio Tim Hanna Rick Behm Multi-Media—video Shannon Glenn Kris Behm

Church School Schedule – 8:45 AM Please pick up children from the following classrooms today, January 26.

Kindergarten East Conference Room 3rd Grade Old Computer Lab 1st Grade Art/Kitchen 4th Grade Old Computer Lab 2nd Grade Scripture Tent 5th/6th Grades Theater

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

January 26, 2020 8:45 and 10:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Kathryn Kuhn, Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions

PRELUDE Selections from: New Every Morning Wilbur Held

(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.)

*WELCOME AND GREETING

CHORAL INTROIT Two Canons: Jubilate Deo (Be Joyful in the Lord!) Praetorius Father, I Adore You Cielo Share God’s Love German folk song adapt. & arr. Patterson

Children’s Choir Chris Danz, piano *CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: We enter this place of worship in search of light to guide our way. People: We seek to exchange the ashes of morning for the garland of joy. Leader: We come because we have seen the light afar off and desire to come

closer. People: We want to join with others in walking in the light so we may enjoy

true human communion. Leader: We worship that our light may shine and draw others to God’s light. People: In Christ, the light has come into the world, the bright expression of

God among us. All: Let us worship God!

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (see bulletin p. 7)

Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness NETTLETON

*Congregation stands

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*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, forever. Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON (8:45 AM) (During the anthem, the prayer request cards will be collected. After the Children’s Sermon, the children will follow their teachers to Church School at 8:45 AM or enjoy the Family Worship Center at 10:30 AM.)

JOYFUL NOISE OFFERING (8:45 AM) received for the Salvation Army of the Fox Cities (The 5th and 6th graders will receive the offering before going to Sunday School.)

ANTHEM O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing AZMON arr. E. Nelson

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

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

A MUSICAL OFFERING Psalm 104 (Sung in Estonian) Cyrillus Kreek

LU Music Scholars with several of the Estonia Travelers from our July 2019 Choir Trip

Bless the Lord, O My soul! Praise the Lord! O Lord my God, Thou art very great. How manifold are your works!

In wisdom hast thou made them all. Glory be to thee, O Lord, who has made all things. Glory to the Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit, now and evermore. Amen

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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

GOSPEL READING Mark 5:1-20 (NT p. 47)

*SUNG RESPONSE Be Not Afraid BE NOT AFRAID

Sung several times by ALL

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MEDITATION “What’s God Got to Do with Me?” Rev. Steve Savides

*CLOSING HYMN #358 When Jesus Came Preaching the Way of our God SAMANTHRA

St. 1 – Choir St. 2 & 3 - ALL *BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Lord of Glory arr. Anna Laura Page

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Jon Peterson, guest organist Chris Danz, piano John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries 8:45 AM Children’s Choir; LU Music Scholars with several of the Estonia Travelers 10:30 AM Children’s Choir; Sanctuary Choir (including Scholars with several of the Estonia Travelers)

Members in Service Next Week Friday, January 31 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Sheryl DeHart, Trish Brehm Sunday, February 2 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeters Beth Detienne Betty Masaros Bridge Greeters Susan Ahrens Welcomers Georgia Berceau Georgia Berceau Usher Team Captains Mark and Jo Ann Shropshire Pat Nelson Lay Readers Bill Ritcey Susan McFadden Multi-Media—audio Multi-Media—video

Upcoming Worship Schedule February 2, 2020 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany; Communion Rev. Steve Savides “Jesus Interrupted” 8:45 and 10:30 AM Scripture Reading: Mark 5:21-43 Music: 8:45 AM – Sanctuary Choir 10:30 AM – LU Music Scholars

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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.

Jill Anthony’s sister All those affected by the fires in Australia Katie Behl Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Clair and Nancy Brown Don Brittnacher Dick Casperson John Cawthon Kerry and Mary Lou Cliff upon the death of

Kerry’s mother Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards Margitta Furnner Becky Galinas Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Nanette Geurts, and her aunt, Maureen Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Mary Guenther Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Shirley Hoft, Eilene Hoft-March’s mother Family of Sylvia Huth upon her death Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Drew Jamison Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and students Ervin Klesmit Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law

Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Sandra Marcoe Mike Mathews Carrie Brooks McClory and her triplets Shari Mitchell Our country’s military around the world Pat Nelson Ellie Olson Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Families and children of Palestine Ken Rheingans Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Nick Salonen Jim Schwantes Frank Severin Family of Rev. Jack Seville upon his death Jan Sheetz Jake Smasal Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Larry Tuttle Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Family of Art and Cathy Wille upon the death

of Cathy’s mother Jennifer Wild Gary Wisneski

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THE OPEN DOOR January 26, 2020 Volume 20, Issue 04

Pastor’s Message TWO LOVES

In his book, “Our Endangered Values,” former President Jimmy Carter wrote about how, after losing the Governor’s race to Lester Maddox, he had a crisis of faith. (Some of you will remember Maddox, an avowed segregationist who threatened with a pickax handle any potential black customers who approached his restaurant in Atlanta for service.) After his loss to Maddox, Carter writes that his faith was shaken for the first time – his faith in himself, in other people, and in his religious beliefs.

His sister, Ruth Carter Stapleton, a noted evangelist in those days, challenged him to set aside his political and business ambitions for a while and focus on his religious commitments. So, he did – he devoted himself to mission work, one of those missions leading him to Springfield, Massachusetts where his assignment was witnessing to Spanish-speaking families. Partnered with a Cuban-American pastor named Eloy Cruz, they visited the poorest of the poor. Soon it became obvious that Carter’s passing familiarity with Spanish wasn’t adequate to the task, so he spent a great deal of time in those humble homes, listening to Pastor Cruz.

Carter was often so deeply affected by Cruz’s words and his almost instant intimacy with the poor people whose homes they entered, that he had tears running down his cheeks. At the end of the mission, Carter asked Cruz what made him so gentle but effective as a Christian witness, and Cruz said, “Pues, nuestro Senor no puede hacer mucho con un hombre que es duro” (“Well, our Lord cannot do much with a man who is hard”). He went on to say that he tried to follow a simple rule: “You only need two loves in your life: for God, and for the person in front of you at any particular time.”

Last Sunday, Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, reflected on the subject of gun violence by preaching on the parable of the Good Samaritan and its emphasis on love of neighbor. With all the seemingly intractable problems we face, whether it be political division or gun violence in our schools, it’s easy to feel inadequate and powerless to the demands of the day. Perhaps then is the best time to take Pastor Cruz at his word. We don’t have to solve all the problems we face, but, in all situations, we are called to engage in two loves: for God, and for the one in front of us at any particular time.

Your friend and fellow minister, Rev. Steve Savides

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Mark Charles Book Study February 3–February 24

We will be offering a book study on "Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery" on Monday evenings in February from 6:30–8:00 PM in the Upper Lounge.

This follows up on Navajo speaker, writer, and leader Mark Charles' powerful presentation to our congregation and community in October and our group trip to the Menominee Reservation in Keshena in November.

"Unsettling Truths," written by Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah, provides a prophetic blend of history, theology, and cultural commentary. A sign-up list for the class is in the Narthex.

We’re O.F.F to Navarino Nature Center

Saturday • February 8

Join Outdoor Fun and Fellowship for snowshoeing at Navarino Nature Center (W5646 Lindsten Rd, Shiocton) on Saturday, February 8.

At 1:00 PM, a volunteer Park Ranger from Glacier National Park will share her experiences on hiking and volunteering at one of our most beautiful national parks. Afterwards, at 2:00 PM, John and Nancy Brown-Koeller will lead a snowshoe hike on the wooded trails with gently rolling hills. The cost is $5 per person, with snacks and beverages included. Snowshoe rental is also available. Contact Nancy Brown-Koeller at (715) 853-6625 or sign up in the Narthex by Friday, February 7.

Coffee Fellowship Openings Thank you to those members who have already signed up to host the Coffee Fellowship! We still have some open Sundays: March 1, March 29, April 5, April 12 and the entire month of May. There is a sign-up sheet (with procedure instructions) in the Narthex. Please contact Cheryl Reissmann at (920) 574-3301 if you have any questions.

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Looking for a Home We would like to find a good home for our piano. It is a Story & Clark upright console purchased in the mid-1970s. It has an excellent tone and has been well maintained. Please contact Nancy at (920) 734-0011 if interested. The receiver would need to pick it up by January 31, 2020.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Family Sledding and Chili Sunday TODAY • January 26

10:00AM- 1:00PM

Join other First Congo families for sledding fun at Reid Golf Course after the first worship service, then meet back at church in the Upper Lounge for chili, cookies, and hot cocoa starting at 11:30 AM. Families are responsible for the sleds and the transportation.

Make a Joyful Noise Today! TODAY, Sunday, January 26, the 5th and 6th grade Church School children will be collecting loose change for the Salvation Army of the Fox Cities.

The children will be on hand to take the collection at the 8:45 AM service. Any coins placed in the collection plates during the 10:30 AM service will be donated to the Joyful Noise program.

Please give what you are able, and help the children make a “joyful noise.”

High School Mission Trip Meeting Wednesday • January 29

There will be a mandatory meeting in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, January 29 from 7:30 PM–8:30 PM for all those registered for the Costa Rica Mission Trip. We will discuss the details of the trip and there will be an opportunity for questions. Light refreshments will be available.

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Middle School Lock-In Saturday, February 8 at 7:00 PM

to Sunday, February 9 at 7:00 AM

Join us for faith and fellowship as we have a game night, service projects, movies, snacks, and an early breakfast. We are also in need of an adult male volunteer.

Permission slips are located in the Narthex. For questions or additional information, please contact Renee at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org.

2020 Wilderness Ministry Opportunities

It’s going to be a busy summer here at First Congo! With the High School Youth Mission Trip in June to Costa Rica and Pastor Steve taking a Sabbatical, there will only be two wilderness trips; both canoeing in the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area). Sign-up information can be found online at our website. There will be a lot of demand this summer and the trips will fill up quickly.

FCUCC BWCA Intergenerational Canoe Trip. July 19-24. Target group: youth age 12 and up with an adult. Sign up now via our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org/children-youth-families/wilderness-ministry/

UCCI (United Church Camps Inc.) BWCA Intergenerational Canoe Trip: August 22-28. Target group: Adults and/or youth age 12 and up. Sign up now through UCCI: www.ultracamp.com/info/sessionDetail.aspx?idCamp=340&idSession=206971&campCode=ucc

There will be an informational session sometime this spring. In the meantime, please contact Pastor Nick with any questions.

Middle School Classroom Volunteers Needed

We are in need of classroom volunteers for the Middle School Youth Group. Volunteers will help lead activities and clean up after class. Please contact Renee Taylor at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org for more information.

Love Thy Neighbor Valentine’s Tea

Wednesday • February 12

Congregation members of all ages are encouraged to attend this intergenerational event from 6:00–8:00 PM in First Congo UCC’s Fellowship Hall.

Hot chocolate, tea, sandwiches and a variety of desserts will be served. Activities include Valentine crafts, board games and fellowship. Please bring a friend or consider bringing someone who may be alone or unable to

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get here on their own. The tea party’s goal is to create connections between our youth and adult/senior friends. Please RSVP to Jennifer DeWitt at jdewitt@firstcongoappleton.org or (920) 851-6938 so that we can prepare accordingly.

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal Schedule

Thank you to everyone who signed up for Bathwater, A Musical Apocalypse; the new musical by Rev. Steve Savides and Dave Stoddard. We are excited to have you all join us and looking forward to a great time!

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 PM (We typically bring a pot-luck supper and eat together by 6:45 PM). Sundays, 11:30 AM–1:15 PM Friday night, March 20 Dress rehearsal: Saturday, March 21

Performances: Saturday, March 21 (7:00 PM) Sunday, March 22 (10:30 AM)

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

ESTHER Prison Reform with ACLU

Esther will be collaborating with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) to lobby at our state capitol on January 29 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Here we will encourage assemblymen, assemblywomen and senators to consider removing the many technical rules that probationers must follow and replace this system with better ways to rehabilitate former inmates. Attendees will hear from people who have been impacted by Wisconsin’s system of mass incarceration, learn the basics of effective advocacy through storytelling, and meet with their elected officials. Please register here for meal planning and transportation purposes: https:// action.aclu.org/webform/wi-lobbyday2020. Meeting with your representatives is the most effective way to make change. Don’t miss this chance to join advocates and activists from around the state and help build a stronger, safer, and more just future for Wisconsin. A bus will be leaving from Neenah in the morning. For more information, please contact Melissa Ludin at (920) 378-0572.

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ESTHER Environmental Justice A regular meeting will be held Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00 PM in the River Room here at First Congo.

Climate Strike The Youth Climate Activists' Climate Strike continues every Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM at Houdini Plaza in Appleton.

Join the ESTHER Prison Reform Team

We are a huge ecumenical group of concerned citizens who meet the first Monday of the month at St. Mark’s Lutheran in Neenah at 6:00 PM. We would love to have more First Congo parishioners come to our meetings and share in our concerns regarding those of us who have no voice-our prisoners of Wisconsin.

Habitat for Humanity and “Rock the Block” 2019

Before the official start of "Rock the Block" in Menasha this past fall, Wisconsin Public Television visited Menasha to film a segment of "Around the Corner with John McGivern". Habitat's "Rock the Block" was included in the filming and showed how the Fox Valley Chapter is working to positively change our community. This was largest "Rock the Block" project in the United States.

It has been announced that the Menasha segment of PBS's "Around the Corner" will be shown on Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 PM. The show will be televised on Channel 38-1 from our local Green Bay PBS station. Be sure to watch this segment highlighting how Habitat changes lives and improves communities in our local area!

Administration Thanks to our office volunteers!

The First Congo staff would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers who have assisted in the office. Over 242 hours were logged in 2019 stuffing envelopes, folding, labeling, cutting, counting and assembling. We greatly appreciate your services! If you would like to join the office volunteer team, contact Trish Brehm at trishbrehm@yahoo.com.

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Calendar for Sunday, January 26–Saturday, February 1

Sunday, January 26 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Worship – Sanctuary 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Church School – Scripture Tent, Theater, Art/Kitchen,

East Conference Room, Computer Lab, 4-year-old Room 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Family Sledding and Chili Lunch – Reid Golf Course and

Upper Lounge 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 11:30 AM–1:15 PM Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal – Fellowship Hall, River

Room, Sanctuary 4:00 PM–5:00 PM LU Music Scholar Rehearsal – Choir Room 7:00 PM–8:00 PM First Things First AA Meeting – North Fellowship Hall, River

Room, Common Grounds Monday, January 27 4:00 PM–5:30 PM ESTHER Finance Meeting – Upper Lounge 6:45 PM-9:00 PM Fox Valley Flute Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Boy Scout Troop 8 – Fellowship Hall, West Conference Room Tuesday, January 28 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lectionary Bible Study – Upper Lounge 1:00 PM-3:30 PM Marilyn’s Mission Cards – Upper Lounge 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Church Council Meeting – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM-8:30 PM ESTHER Environmental Justice Task Force – River Room 7:45 PM–8:45 PM Fireside AA Group - Common Grounds Wednesday, January 29 12:15 PM–1:00 PM Loving Acceptance Meditation Group - Upper Lounge 4:30 PM–5:30 PM Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal – North/South Fellowship

Halls, River Room, Sanctuary 5:45 PM–6:25 PM Youth Handbell Rehearsal – Amistad Room 6:30 PM–7:30 PM Middle School Classes – Theater, Scripture Tent, Art/Kitchen 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Church Mice – East Conference Room 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room, Sanctuary

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7:30 PM–8:30 PM Youth Mission Trip Info Meeting – Fellowship Hall Thursday, January 30 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 10:15 AM–12:15 PM ADRC Mind Over Matter – Chapel 11:30 AM–1:00 PM AA - Search for Serenity Group – Common Grounds 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds Friday, January 31 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM–8:30 PM N.A. – Common Grounds Saturday, February 1 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

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