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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 January 18, 9:00–11:30 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.

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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October 6 Highlights at First Congregational Today: World Communion Sunday Today: Apple Picking /Apple Crisp Bake ............................................... p. 17 Next Sunday: Bible Sunday .............................................................................. p. 18 October 20: Guest Speaker Mark Charles

Flowers The flowers in the Sanctuary this morning are provided by Mark and JoAnn Shropshire to celebrate the marriage of their daughter Kate to Alex Coenen.

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 October 13, November 17 and December 15.

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, October 4 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, October 6 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeter Jerry and Mary Dees Chris Hammerstad Bridge Greeters Chris Hammerstad Welcome Desk Lay Readers Jerry Dees Kris Henke Usher Team Captains Mark and JoAnn Shropshire Mike Spurlock and Jeff Schang Multi-Media—audio Tim Hanna Jim O’Neil Multi-Media—video Shannon Glenn Jonathan Steffen

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

October 6, 2019 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 London Trio Sonata, No. 1, Movement 1: Allegro Moderato Haydn arr. James Moore

Chamber Ensemble, directed by Victoria Daniel John Aaholm, Christine Danz, Beth Vercoutern, marimba

Barb Boren, flute (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 AND GREETING

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Through God’s world this day Christian churches are celebrating the Eucharist as one family dining together in one room under one roof.

People: Our sisters and brothers in Africa, Europe, Central American, Asia, and in all lands and countries join us in lifting the bread of life and the cup of salvation.

Leader: Neither powers nor principalities shall stop us nor deter our purpose, our sense of mission, or our challenge to go forth as disciples into every town, village, and crossroad proclaiming the love of Christ for all creation.

People: In Christ’s love there is no East, no West, no North, no South, but only one Spirit of hope, love, and peace for all.

Leader: Let us praise Christ! May this holy meal empower each of us to be agents of hope and peace in a time of uncertainty and strife.

People: The bread and wine are not for us alone but are symbols of a universal message that surpasses the might of missiles and the walls of oppression.

*Congregation stands

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Leader: May Christ bless the worldwide communion of the church this day! People: Praise be to Christ our Creator, Redeemer, and Savior! Amen.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (see bulletin p. 9) Sekai no Tomo (Here, O God, Your Servants Gather) TOKYO

St. 1 – Soloist, sung in Japanese St. 1–4, ALL, sung in English

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION Eternal God of all people and places, we confess to you our lack of oneness with our human sisters and brothers as we begin this celebration of unity in Christ. We have closed our ears to voices of pain, and of wisdom, when they speak in accents other than our own. We have lacked the vision to see that people living in places we call foreign are as surely your children as we are. Our sensibilities are jarred even by the way our nearest neighbors express their faith in Christ. We cling to the pride of nation and denomination as if we had a special claim on truth and leadership. Gracious God, forgive us, and renew a right spirit within us, a spirit of compassion, understanding, and humility. Fill us with the vision of unity in Christ, and enable us to incarnate Christ’s love, so that we may worthily partake in the body of Christ and the wine of the new covenant. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON Leader: The Good News in Christ is that God is more willing to forgive our sins

that we are to acknowledge them. The God of peace be with us all, keeping us in unity with Christ’s people everywhere, with whom we sing this song of praise.

*GLORY TO GOD (GLORIA A DIOS) (see bulletin p. 8) MACHU PICHU

Sung in English as a call (solo voice) and response (full congregation.)

CHILDREN’S SERMON (8:45 AM SERVICE) (During the sermon, 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.)

ANTHEM Wana Baraka trad. Kenyan song Sung in Swahili arr. Kirchner

They have blessings, those who pray: Jesus himself said so. Alleluia! They have peace, They have joy, They have well-being.

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OLD TESTAMENT READING Deuteronomy 5:1-21 (p. 203)

MEDITATION “A User’s Guide to the Universe” Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides

*RESPONSE HYMN (see bulletin p. 11) O, for a Closer Walk with God CAITHNESS

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

A MUSICAL OFFERING Let Us Break Bread Together Spiritual

Percussion Ensemble

*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

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION (adapted from Seventh Assembly, World Council of Churches, Canberra, Australia)

INVITATION Leader: Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the week

Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at the table with two disciples, and was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

All: This is the joyful feast of the people of God. Men and women, youth and children, come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and gather about Christ's table.

COMMUNION PRAYER Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise. Leader: O Risen Christ … Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance

of me, Christ Jesus. People: We remember your death. We proclaim your resurrection. We look

for your coming in glory.

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Leader: O Holy Spirit, sanctify this bread and wine that they may be for us Christ's body and Christ's blood.

People: Sanctify us also, that we who share this bread may be a new, free, living people, nourished for your service in the world you love. Amen.

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.

BREAKING THE BREAD AND POURING THE WINE CALL TO THE SUPPER DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS MUSIC DURING COMMUNION London Trio Sonata, No. 1, Movement 2: Andante Haydn Chamber Ensemble arr. James Moore

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (in unison) Thank you, Creator God, for inviting us and all the people of the earth to this table. Here your people know the presence of Christ and receive all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and let us show forth your praise in our lives and throughout your world, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

*CLOSING HYMN (see bulletin p. 12) Take My Life, That I May Be TOMA MI VOLUNTAD

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Salsa Para la Morena (of Faith and Beauty) Stephen Primatic

Percussion Ensemble

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TODAY’S MUSICIANS Jon D. Riehle, organist Percussion Ensemble members: Victoria Daniel, director John Aaholm, Gina Bellin, Barb Boren, Christine Danz, Kristen Henke, Tyler Nanstad, Logan LaViolette, Luke LaViolette, Beth Vercouteren Emily Richter, soprano 8:45 AM Sanctuary Choir 10:30 AM LU Music Scholars John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

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

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

Upcoming Worship Schedule October 13, 2019 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost 8:45 and 10:30 AM “Family of Jesus/Family of God” Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides Scripture readings: Ruth 1:1-17, Mark 3:33-35 Music: 8:45 AM LU Music Scholars, Children’s Choir, Trumpet 10:30 AM Sanctuary Choir, Children’s Choir, Trumpet

Members in Service Next Week Friday, October 11 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, October 13 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeter Karl and Rose Heinz Sue Ahrens Bridge Greeters Midge Mosher Welcome Desk Lay Readers Michael Weaver Paul Black Usher Team Captains Mark and JoAnn Shropshire Mike Spurlock and Jeff Schang Multi-Media—audio Jill Smith Rick Behm Multi-Media—video Jonathan Steffen Kris Behm

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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 Jack Arter Katie Behl Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Jeannine Bultman Dick Casperson John Cawthon 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 Mary Guenther Rev. Nick Hatch Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Dan Huth Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson Ervin Klesmit Family of Kathy Kennedy upon the death of her father Our Kenyan partners and students Gary Kubiak, Joy Kubiak’s brother Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Rev. Kathryn Kuhn

Sandra Marcoe Mike Mathews Carrie Brooks McClory Shari Mitchell Sandy Moynihan, Ted Sanderson’s sister Our country’s military around the world Ellie Olson Families and children of Palestine Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Don Roehrborn Jim Schwantes Frank Severin 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 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 Ruby Wells Jennifer Wild Gary Wisneski

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THE OPEN DOOR October 6, 2019 Volume 30, Issue 40

Pastor’s Message MAKING THE FAITH OUR OWN

Last Sunday we celebrated as 12 young people joined our church through the Rite of Confirmation or Reaffirmation of Faith. As the culmination of their year of study, reflection and conversation with their mentors, they prepared Faith Statements to express their understanding of our Christian faith. In this way, they were very much in keeping with the words on which the United Church of Christ was founded, words found in the Preamble to the Constitution of the UCC:

We claim as our own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. We affirm the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God.

I hope you were moved by our worship last Sunday and, even more importantly, moved by the example of our Confirmands in boldly claiming the Christian faith in their own words as they took their place among us. When was the last time you were bold enough to think through your own faith, even to attempt to write it down? Or perhaps you are afraid that you wouldn’t have gotten it “right,” wouldn’t have used the right words or would have allowed too many of your own doubts to creep in. S. Mark Heim wrote this in The Christian Century: “A strong, world-altering faith…desperately needs the grace of self-doubt. A parsed, tentative, accommodating faith may be liable to triviality and indifference. It needs the grace to venture in uncertainty, to doubt its doubts, as Tillich put it…We live in a world where meanings are the things most worth passing on, not because they are an escape from the struggle for truth but because only such meanings face up to a central truth of our existence: it is a story in which we and all we know and make (will) end…On the other hand, we live in a world where we can never limit in advance the mystery of reality and the scope of novelty. Religious faith can be challenged as imagination running far beyond any empirical basis. But, in our time, it is as likely to be challenged because its range is too prosaic, its notions of mystery too small.” I challenge you in the weeks ahead to be bold in continuing to build and rebuild your understanding of the faith. Be unafraid in facing the doubts and uncertainties that face us all. Let our faith embrace the mystery in which we live and the largeness of Spirit that is our God. Then we will be true to our Confirmands’ example and be fitting mentors in the faith.

Your friend and fellow minister, Rev. Steve Savides

Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Basket Donations Needed First Congo will be donating a themed basket, “Cozy Movie Night,” for ESTHER’s 16th Annual Banquet and Silent Auction.

You can help us fill the basket! Movies, snacks, and gift certificates are some suggestions. We are also accepting themed baskets or individual items for the silent auction.

Please bring your donations to the church office by October 27. Contact Sheryl De Hart at 920-731-2620 or tdehart@new.rr.com for pick-up.

We’re O.F.F. to Harvest Grapes We have a wonderful fall opportunity to enjoy the outdoors on Saturday, October 12.

A small, local vineyard owned by Jim Stanelle relies on volunteers and friends to harvest grapes. After a rough start to the season the grapes are now ready!

We will meet at the vineyard, W2020 Schmidt Road, Brillion, at 8:30 AM. The vineyard is about 25 minutes from

Appleton. Feel free to introduce yourself when you get there and ask for Jim.

We can take up to 6 people. Plan for about 3 hours in the vineyard. Afterwards we will have lunch (and wine for those who would like, of course!) Please sign-up by Thursday, October 10.

Detailed directions are on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. For questions, contact Nancy Brown-Koeller (715) 853-6625 or Sandy Gillum at gillumsst@gmail.com.

Grief and Healing Seminars Wichmann Funeral Homes and Crematories will be holding two Grief and Healing Seminars with Dr. Alan Wolfelt (author, educator and grief counselor). The seminars will be held at Liberty Hall; 800 Eisenhower Drive in Kimberly.

Tuesday, October 15, 6:30–9:00 PM Loving from the Outside In: Mourning from the Inside Out: Helping Yourself Heal When Someone Dies. This is a free community seminar and is open to the public. Please register by October 9. Call (920) 831-9905 or visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com/register-alan-wolfelt-seminar.

Wednesday, October 16, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (check-in and continental breakfast begin at 8:00 AM)

When Grief is Complicated: a Model to Understand, Identify and Companion Grievers. This advanced-level workshop will help members of the caregiving community explore the critically important topic of “complicated” grief.

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The cost is $95 and includes materials, meals (breakfast, lunch and a snack) and 0.55 CEUs/5.5 CEHs. Registration required by October 9. Sorry, no refunds. Call (920) 831-9905 or visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com/register-alan-wolfelt-seminar.

Climate Change Solutions The United Church of Christ is taking a stand on climate action.

During the General Synod gathering in Milwaukee this summer, the UCC endorsed the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act or H.R. 763.

The Synod resolution encourages, “All settings of the UCC to seek ways to learn more about climate change and solutions.” Scientists and economists alike say it’s the best first step to reduce the impact of global warming.

H.R. 763 would put a fee on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. It starts low and grows over time. It will drive down carbon pollution because energy companies, industries, and consumers will move toward cleaner, cheaper options. The money collected from the carbon fee is allocated in equal shares every month to the American people.

This will help consumers adapt while businesses compete to reduce their carbon footprints. Lower income households will

benefit the most from this, as they typically have lower carbon footprints.

Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) is a nonpartisan group focused on generating the political will necessary to pass H.R. 763. You can take action by calling your representative to express your support for the bill or by filling out a constituent comment card expressing your support and concern for action on the environment. These cards are located in the Narthex.

Learn more about CCL and H.R.763 at www.citizensclimatelobby.org.

Menominee Cultural Museum Tour

Saturday • October 26

Earlier this year our Wisconsin Conference of the UCC voted overwhelmingly to repudiate the 15th century Doctrine of Discovery. But does one vote wipe the slate clean of over 500 years of Atrocities, of Genocide? Where do we go from here?

Perhaps a logical next step is education. Everyone here is from somewhere else; Europe Asia, Africa. The first people of what is now called Wisconsin are the Menominee. Our Church of the Open Door in which we worship today is built on traditional Menominee land. Despite overwhelming odds, the Menominee People have persevered in part of their original homeland. A few years ago when the schooner Dennis Sullivan was being built, the only source of the white pine mast for the ship

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was from the Menominee. Their sustainable forestry practices are world renowned. Here is an opportunity to look with new eyes to see neighbors instead of strangers. Here is an opportunity to walk on new paths and educate ourselves about the real history of Wisconsin. A tour of the Menominee Cultural Museum has been arranged for October 26. We are scheduled to leave First Congo at 8:30 AM and arrive at 10:00 AM at Keshena. There is a signup sheet in the Narthex.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Apple Picking and Crisp Bake TODAY • October 6

Parents and students: join us TODAY from 11:30 AM–4:00 PM for an afternoon of fun as we hop on the bus or meet you at Hofacker’s Hillside Orchard to pick apples!

We will then return to Fellowship Hall to peel the apples, bake the apple crisps and

deliver these delicious crisps to our homebound members. Pizza lunch will be provided. More information and permission slips for youth to ride the bus are in the Narthex. The slips will need a parent signature but can be filled out prior to leaving today.

Parents: please stick around and help supervise peeling, baking and delivery if you are available that day. Or as you pick up your youth, feel free to grab a couple crisps to deliver on your way home; we will provide you with the addresses.

High school youth who are able to drive are encouraged to help deliver crisps on their way home as well.

For more information contact Renee Taylor at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 733-7393.

Church School Registration is Still Open

Church School is in full swing for the 2019-2020 program year. The children have been having fun learning about Moses and the teachers have commented what a wonderful group of children we have at First Congregational UCC.

Please know that registration for Church School is still open! You may register on Realm but if you prefer paper registration forms, they are located in the Narthex, on the counter outside the Infant and Toddler room and can be obtained from teachers as well. Contact Colleen at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org if you have any questions.

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Bible Sunday Sunday • October 13

On October 13 we will honor our fourth grade students during the 8:45 AM service by presenting them with a Bible.

This is a special milestone for the children of First Congregational United Church of Christ. Letters were sent home to parents and guardians the week of September 16 inviting them to the service.

If you did not receive a letter, please contact Colleen Berry at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org so that information can be sent to you.

We look forward to honoring the children on October 13!

Middle and High School Youth Camp: The Importance of Play

October 25–October 27

Join Renee Taylor, Director of Youth Ministries, and other churches and youth on this relaxing, exciting, and fun-filled retreat as we rediscover the importance of play for all ages! Hosted by Winnebago Presbytery at our beautiful UCC Pilgrim Center Camp on the southeast shore of Green Lake.

The camp runs from 5:00 PM on Friday, October 25 to 12:00 PM on Sunday, October 27. We will meet and drop off at First Congo UCC. There is a flyer and sign up form in the Narthex. This trip is open to Middle and High School aged youth and their parents. UPDATE: CYF will be helping all families reduce the cost by 50% so it will only be $77 to attend. Sign up with Renee or Jennifer in the CYF office by Friday October 10 and an email will be sent with further instructions for registration. For more information, contact Renee Taylor at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 733-7393.

Volunteer Opportunities for our Youth Programs

Help support our youth programs by being a Youth Group Assistant! (Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 PM)

We need helpers to lead projects so we can split our large group into smaller groups and clean up after class. This will allow our Youth Director to join the high school youth group in a timely manner.

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No preparation or lesson plans needed; we are a relationship-based youth group focusing on developing connections with our youth.

Help Support our Youth programs by joining our Youth Ministry Team! Meetings only 4-5 times per year. We have the following open positions:

Wednesday Meal Coordinator Meal nights will be October 2, November 6, January 8, February 5, March 4, April 1 and May 6 (Youth Choice Dinner) from 5:30 PM–6:45 PM.

Middle School/High School Event Coordinator Events include apple crisp bake, poinsettia delivery, CYF sledding, middle school lock-in and Noah’s Ark trip.

Middle School Fundraiser Coordinator Meet as needed with Youth Director to discuss and implement fundraising opportunities to support events and camps for middle school youth.

Contact Renee Taylor at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 733-7393 if you are interested.

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Fall Music Programming Our fall season of music ministry has begun! If you would still like to sign up for the Sanctuary Choir, Children’s Choir or Youth Handbells, please contact John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org as soon as possible.

Children’s Choir rehearsals continue each Wednesday from 4:30–5:30 PM in the Choir Room.

Our Children’s Choir (grades 2-6) offers the opportunity to “sing our faith” each week in practice, as well as in worship services, on Christmas Eve and in the Intergenerational Musical.

Youth Handbells continue each Wednesday from 5:45–6:25 PM in the Amistad Room. Our Youth Handbells (grades 7-12) learn new ringing techniques and share new music regularly in worship. Basic music reading skills are helpful.

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Sanctuary Choir rehearsals continue each Wednesday from 7:00–8:30 PM in the Choir Room. All adults and high schoolers are welcome to join in service and music ministry through singing in our Sanctuary Choir.

Fall Family Handbell Workshop begins Sunday, November 3. Open to elementary age through adults; an intergenerational exploration of ringing with no previous playing experience needed! Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings between worship services beginning November 3 to ring in worship on November 24. Contact John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org or Beth Vercouteren at (920) 735-0741.

Adult and Youth Instrumental and Vocal Music Solos & Ensembles

Adults and Youth grades 7–12 may present solo or small ensemble instrumental or vocal music in worship, including Youth Sunday. Contact John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org or indicate interest through CYF registration on Realm.

Intergenerational Musical Open to second graders through adults. All are welcome to explore and develop their musical and theatrical gifts! Rehearsals begin in January for our annual spring production, March 21 and 22, 2020. Contact Rev. Steve Savides or Dee Savides at ssavides@firstcongoappleton.org or indicate interest through CYF registration on Realm.

Heaven and Earth, Awake and Sing Hymn Festival Saturday • October 19

First English Lutheran Church of Appleton celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Ronald Wahl Organ with a Hymn Festival, Heaven and Earth, Awake and Sing, on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 PM at its downtown campus (326 E. North St., Appleton).

Daniel Schwandt, Appleton native and graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Notre Dame, will be leading the festival and will be directed by Nathan Birkholz. Daniel’s compositions are published through Augsburg Fortress and MorningStar Music. He is currently a

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doctoral student in organ performance at the University of Notre Dame.

The Ronald Wahl organ at First English was built in 1979 and remains the largest mechanical action organ built in Wisconsin in the 20th century. This October, we celebrate its forty years of faithful service to the congregation of First English Lutheran Church and the community. Countless weddings, funerals, recitals, and liturgies have been led by this beautiful instrument.

We invite you to join us for this ecumenical event as we celebrate God’s glorious gift of music.

Music for Horns and Piano Friday, October 18 • 12:00 PM

On Friday, October 18 at 12:00 PM in the First Congo Sanctuary, hornists Ann Ellsworth, Alexandra Mattson and Karlee Kamminga will be performing a range repertoire from Beethoven and Brahms to compositions written this year. With collaborative pianist, Nick Towns, this program will have something for everyone. You don’t want to miss it!

newVoices Chorus Concert Saturday • October 26

Every fall, newVoices presents an issue facing our community framed in music and public discussion. This year, our concert deals with the topic of gun violence. Please join us for a moving concert featuring music composed in response to this difficult issue. Our concert will feature recent compositions inspired by mass shootings; the music frames the issue with haunting and powerful messages. Because we feel so strongly about this issue, we have discounted all tickets for this concert to $10/person. The performance will be on Saturday, October 26, at 7:30 PM in the Lawrence University Chapel. To order tickets, go to http://newvoiceschoir.org/concerts/. As part of our issue-based programming, we are also holding a series of public discussions with qualified regional experts. Please join us for our free public forums on October 10 and October 15 to learn more about how we can increase awareness and prevention of gun violence in our community. Additional details can be found on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/events/2226050164189036/.

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Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Winona LaDuke to Keynote ESTHER’s 2019 Banquet

Sunday, November 3

At ESTHER’s 2019 Banquet on Sunday, November 3, attendees will hear directly from one of today’s most prolific voices on the subject of climate justice.

Winona LaDuke shows us how to connect environmental sustainability and social justice in a unique, exciting and productive way.

She explains that the exploitative practices that have degraded our environment have also produced the oppression and poverty of Native Americans and other people of color.

You can see her views in action in the work of the Honor the Earth Foundation, of which she is the director, and in her activism and advocacy for the Ojibwe people on the White Earth Reservation, where she lives.

She has supported a Green New Deal for indigenous people, including the development of wind and solar power on the reservation; she has promoted the growing of traditional varieties of corn that can flourish in the climate of northern Minnesota; and she has promoted the growing of hemp, which contains chemicals that can replace petrochemicals in many products.

The banquet will be held on Sunday, November 3 at 5:00 PM at Liberty Hall (800 Eisenhower Drive in Kimberly) and will be preceded by a social hour and a silent auction. Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides is the master of ceremonies for the event.

Tickets can be purchased for $50 online at https://esther-foxvalley.org/banquet.

Administration These Days Daily Devotional

Pick up your copy of These Days Daily Devotions for October through December. Now available in the Narthex!

Are You a Snowbird? If you will be leaving the area for an extended period, please contact the church office at (920) 733-7393 to update your information. We can activate an alternate address for you until you return.

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Calendar for October 6–October 12 Sunday, October 6 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Worship – Sanctuary 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Child Care – Infant Room/Nursery, Toddler Room 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Church School – Scripture Tent, Theater, Art/Kitchen,

East Conference Room, Computer Lab, 4 year-old room 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Child Care – Infant Room/Nursery, Toddler Room 11:30 AM–4:30 PM Apple Crisp Bake and Delivery – Fellowship Hall, Kitchen 5:00 PM–6:00 PM LU Music Scholar Rehearsal – Choir Room 6:00 PM–8:00 PM First Things First AA Meeting – South Fellowship Hall, Common

Grounds Monday, October 7 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Facilities Committee – 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, October 8 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 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Wild Women of First Congo – Stone Cellar Brewpub 6:00 PM–7:30 PM Mission and Service Team Meeting – Upper Lounge 7:45 PM–8:45 PM Fireside AA Group - Common Grounds Wednesday, October 9 12:15 PM–1:00 PM Loving Acceptance Meditation Group - Upper Lounge 4:30 PM–5:30 PM Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 5:45 PM–6:25 PM Youth Handbell Rehearsal – Amistad Room 6:30 PM–7:30 PM Confirmation Orientation Class with Mentors – Fellowship

Hall 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 7:30 PM–8:30 PM High School Youth Groups – Common Grounds Thursday, October 10 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall

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10:00 AM–1:00 PM United Church Camps – Upper Lounge 11:30 AM–1:00 PM AA - Search for Serenity Group – Common Grounds 1:00 PM–2:30 PM Prayer Shawl Group – Common Grounds 4:30 PM–6:30 PM ESTHER Leadership Board Meeting – River Room 6:30 PM–8:00 PM TNT-SOAR Fox Cities – South Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds Friday, October 11 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM–8:30 PM N.A. – Common Grounds Saturday, October 12 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds

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