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June 20 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Guest Preacher Rev. Michelle Townsend de López .............................. p. 5 TODAY: Celebrating Juneteenth .......................................................................... p. 5 TODAY: Summer Music Sign-ups Continue ................................................. p. 11-12 June 27: Congregational Meeting to Vote on 2021-2022 Budget.................... p. 14

Flowers The flower arrangement in the Sanctuary this morning was designed by Cindi Ritcey Fox.

Donating to First Congregational UCC You are invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256. Checks can also still be mailed to the church.

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.

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.

Online Streaming and Podcasting You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at: www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.

Video recordings of our live stream services can be found at: www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/previous-livestream-services/

Written transcripts of the sermon can be downloaded at: www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/sermon-transcripts/

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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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

June 20, 2021 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions

(We invite you to place your offering in the offering plates in the back of the sanctuary as you enter or during a convenient time in the service. Those with prayer requests are invited to fill out a Prayer Request card found in the pew racks and drop them in the prayer basket in front of the chancel. As always, we encourage our online worshippers to submit prayer requests to the church office via email, REALM, or phone.)

PRELUDE Six Kentish Trios – Mvt. 1 – French May Geoff Warren

Barb Armstrong, Jann Kostecke, Liz Schneider, flute trio

RINGING OF CHURCH BELL

WELCOME

OPENING LITANY

Leader: Celebration rises up from the deep places, finding voice in the light and air no longer denied.

People: Lift every voice and sing, sing till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty.

Leader: Celebration rises, not blind to the suffering, not blind to the sorrow. Celebration comes at a cost.

People: Celebration rises, remembering the way we have come, the paths taken that have brought us here, to this time of celebration and remembering.

Leader: Remembering the ones led to freedom by Harriet; remembering the lives and freedom stolen.

People: Celebration rises, recognizing what has been done and left undone, knowing there is still and yet much to do, so much further to go.

Leader: Celebration rises, naming the victories, recognizing the challenges yet ahead.

People: Celebration rises on voices offering unfinished praise.

* Please rise, in body or in spirit

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Leader: Celebration rises, resisting illusions, to be embraced by the real and abiding presence of God who breaks our chains, and sets us free for freedom, in power and love and joy.

People: Celebration rises, with the power of healing wings and promise to endure.

Leader: Celebration rises, celebrating that by God’s grace, I am because You are, You are because I am;

People: Celebrating that the fullness of my humanity does not diminish yours and the fullness of your humanity does not diminish mine.

All : Together we stand, true to who we are, True to who we have been and who we are becoming, thanks be to God.

* OPENING HYMN (see bulletin, p. 7-8) We Are Often Tossed and Driven (We’ll Understand it Better By and By) BY AND BY

text and tune by Charles Albert Tindley

Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933) was a renowned black American gospel music composer and Methodist preacher, founding one of the largest Methodist congregations serving the black population on the East Coast.

CHILDREN’S SERMON Rev. Steve Savides

INSTRUMENTAL MEDITATION Trio in D Major – Largo Johann Quantz

Flute Trio

SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 61:1 (OT, p. 846)

MEDITATION Rev. Michelle Townsend De López

MUSICAL REFLECTION The Storm is Passing Over Black Gospel song Charles Albert Tindley arr. Barbara W. Baker

LU Music Scholars (pre-recorded) Nathan Birkholz, piano

(During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).

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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.

GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS

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.

CLOSING WORDS

* CLOSING HYMN #481(see bulletin, p. 9-10) Lift Every Voice and Sing LIFT EVERY VOICE

CLOSING LITANY

Leader: Let us go out into the world in peace;

People: Let us have courage;

Leader: Let us hold onto what is good and return no one evil for evil;

People: May we strengthen the faint hearted;

Leader: May we support the weak and help the suffering;

People: May we honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

BENEDICTION

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POSTLUDE Six Kentish Trios – Mvt. 6 – Stone Reach Geoff Warren

Flute Trio

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist LU Music Scholars, (pre-recorded) Barb Armstrong, Jann Kostecke, Liz Schneider, flute trio Joel Jicha, bass John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.

Guest Preacher Michelle Townsend de López

Pastor Michelle serves as the Lead Pastor at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee (crosslutheranmke.org) where she has been a faithful and dedicated member for over 30 years. She received her Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago with an emphasis in Hispanic/Latino ministries. She also earned her Youth and Family Certification via the Bishop's Initiative in coordination with Wartburg Seminary.

As Lead Pastor she is responsible for many areas of ministry including administration, community outreach, worship and prayer, pastoral care and others. She and her husband, Leonel Lopez, are the proud parents of five young boys, Rene, Samuelle, Leo, Erendirani and Quetzal, and "fur parents" of Chula the Chow Chow, and Xochi and Marshmallow, the ragdoll kittens.

About Juneteenth Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

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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.

Lyndee Aleman Jill Anthony Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Aidan Bero Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Norman Clay Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Helen Joan Evans Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious

health issue David Galow Ken Geiger Joan Gruenstern Jayne Heinrich Judy Hanson Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Ron Hurm Jean Jepson

Elizabeth Keggi’s stepmother, Jeanne Our Kenyan partners and friends Allen Korth Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Family of Karl Kuhn upon the death of his

father Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Mike Mathews Drew Michyeta, Eilene Hoft-March’s uncle Shari Mitchell Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Our country’s military around the world Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Sharrie Robinson Mary Rowland Gwen Salonen Jan Scheibe Frank Severin Mike Seymour’s mom, Debbie Jim Sheetz Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Gloria Tate Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner

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Upcoming Worship Schedule June 27, 2021 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright In-person and livestreaming at 9:30 AM Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:22-33, Psalm 30 Music: John Harmon, piano; Zach Harmon, drums; John Toussaint, trumpet; Sue Toussaint, vocals Lay Reader: Heidi Erstad

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Memory Camp 2021! August 16-19

Join us at Memory Camp 2021 as we relax and enjoy camp activities at beautiful Moon Beach Camp in St. Germain, WI. Memory Camp is for people living with dementia and their families.

Because of the pandemic, we couldn’t have Memory Camp in 2020, but now we’re excited about our upcoming camp session, August 16-19, 2021. All staff will be fully vaccinated by then. You can read more about safety protocols on the registration page: https://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessionDetail.aspx?idCamp=340&idSession=298397&campCode=ucc In 2018 and 2019, our campers ranged in age from 5 to 95! Every family gets its own place to stay with up to four bedrooms, a full bathroom, extra sink, and living area. Many of the “cabins” are accessible for walkers and wheelchairs with walk-in showers. Registration for Memory Camp is now open and slots may go quickly as we’re all so eager for events like this. Register at: https://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessionDetail.aspx?idCamp=340&idSession=298397&campCode=ucc For general information about the camp, go to https://ucci.org/moon-beach/.

If you don’t do websites, feel free to call or email Susan McFadden; (920) 739-8695 or susan.h.mcfadden@gmail.com with questions or call Phoebe Spier at the camp and she can help you with the registration and answer your questions. Below is Phoebe’s contact information: Phoebe Spier, Managing Director at Moon Beach (Phoebe@ucci.org or call (715) 479-8255.)

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Summer Music Sign-Ups are Open: Alleluia!

You are invited to share your gifts as a vocal/instrumental soloist or small ensemble in our 9:30 AM summer Sunday worship services: many August through September 5 dates are still available!

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We are excited to offer in-person worship that will also be live-streamed to our wider congregation.

For now, all musicians will mask, and we ask that any vocalists and instrumentalists be fully vaccinated. Please let me know of your interest via e-mail, or by calling my information below. Providing information on your “best available dates” would be helpful, too. I will get back to you to discuss your schedule, music ideas and scriptures/themes, and a rehearsal plan. Our organist, Nathan Birkholz, and I look forward to making music with you this summer - Alleluia!

John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org Direct line at church: (920) 851-8097

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Appalachia Service Trip October 2-9, 2021

Appalachia Service Project is a relational ministry working with families in the Appalachian Mountains to make their homes warmer, safer, and drier.

We have participated in home rehabilitation projects with ASP since 2013, with building projects such as: floor reconstruction and flooring installation, building foundational supports, wheelchair ramp construction, framing rooms, drywall installation and painting. You need no specific construction skills.

We work with families not only to repair their homes, but to build caring relationships. Our next trip is scheduled for October 2-9, 2021. The cost is $350 plus travel expenses. Please join us! For more information, please call Valerie Schultz at 920-915-8008 or email at schultz.valeriea@gmail.com

Kathryn Kuhn Memorial Fund

Asante Sana! Thank you! Almost $15,000 has been received in donations in memory of Kathryn. The Kathryn Kuhn memorial fund is almost halfway to providing scholarships for three female students in Kenya each year (a student in year one, two and three of theological studies). The candidates for these scholarships will carry on Kathryn’s love and acceptance of everyone, her joy and exuberance of life and faith! The dream and call to a journey of being a pastor is something few young women in the Kerio valley have had the opportunity to fulfill due to financial needs. Kathryn’s fund will encourage and support women

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of faith in ways that will forever change the lives of so many! Your help is needed! Please consider a donation, of any amount, to Kathryn’s fund. Details on how to donate can be found at: https://files.constantcontact.com/17b433b2701/195c3e47-27ce-42d8-ab86-2920c913269a.pdf

Bystander/Upstander Training Saturday, September 11

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM • Do you want the skills to interrupt

racist behaviors and comments? • Have you witnessed acts of

discrimination toward immigrants, women, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or others who may be marginalized because of religious, ethnic, racial, gender or social identities?

• Are you looking for tools to invite people into challenging conversations around difference, rather than shutting them down?

• Do you wonder when it's appropriate to Stand? Speak? Act?

Then this workshop is for you!

Join facilitators Marijke van Roojen and Shavana Talbert for this interactive workshop to learn how to become an agent for change and to co-create a positive narrative about race and other identities in your places of influence. Participants will unpack real-life scenarios to enable them to effectively challenge negative narratives and behaviors in our community. The workshop will be on Saturday, September 11, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at First Congregational Church. Group size is limited; please register on Realm or contact Beck Fritsche at bfritsche@firstcongoappleton.org

To defray the costs, there is a $10 per person registration fee. If this presents a hardship for you and you would like to participate, please contact Pastor Laurie. All are welcome!

Racial Equity Exploration Group Recommends

Though the United States is one of the wealthiest countries, to many Americans this prosperity stays out of reach.

This short video argues Black and Hispanic people who are striving to make a better life for themselves and their families are not given the same asset building opportunities. Watch it at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5BvZllI9-U&feature=youtu.be

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Administration Job Opening – A/V Coordinator

First Congo currently has an opening for an Audio-Visual Coordinator at 15 hours per week. The A/V Coordinator serves as a point person for all audio-visual elements of worship at First Congregational UCC. Visit our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org/careers/ for a complete description.

Job Opening - Director for Children and Middle School

Ministry

First Congregational UCC of Appleton is looking for a Director for Children and Middle School Ministry. This position offers an incredible opportunity to impact the lives of families and minister to over 200+ active children and youth.

The final candidate must be a person with an educational background, heart and calling for children and middle schoolers, and have experience in education or developing programs. Our ministries have excellent volunteer participation, an exciting and carefully thought-out curriculum and are greatly respected and integrated into the life of our church.

Please help us advertise this position by sharing the job posting link found on our website at www.firstcongoappleton.org/careers/.

This position offers a highly competitive salary and family health benefits.

These Days Daily Devotions

Pick up your copy of These Days Daily Devotions for July to September 2021.

There will be a box located outside the main church entrance under the portico from Monday, June 21 to Thursday, June 24 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM).

Official Notice

The 2021-2022 budget meeting will take place on Sunday, June 27 immediately following our 9:30 AM worship. This service will be in-person, live streamed on Facebook Live and visible on YouTube.

At this meeting, the budget will be presented and a congregational vote will be taken live, as well as through Facebook.