1

October 25 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Virtual Fellowship with Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright .......................... p. 4 TODAY: “Sunday School at Home” .............................................................. p. 4 October 28: Costume Blessing Drive-Thru ......................................................... p. 9 November 1: All Saints Sunday Parking Lot Service with Drive-Thru Communion (additional details later this week) November 1: Tone Chimers Unite ...................................................................... p. 10 November 1: E2F (Empty to Full) Pan Pick-up .................................................. p. 11 November 1: ESTHER’s 2020 Virtual Banquet ................................................. p. 12

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 Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible at www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

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

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

2

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP REFORMATION SUNDAY

October 25, 2020 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

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

PRELUDE Holy God, We Praise Your Name GROSSER GOTT arr. Jacob Webber

David Cook, assistant organist Kristen Henke, trumpet

RINGING OF CHURCH BELL

YOUTH PRAYER Eva Schmidt

WELCOME

OPENING PRAYER (in unison) God of All, You call us to delight in the truth. Therefore, we pray for the persistence of truth this morning. Guide our hearts with your wisdom. We are prone to wander, God, so call us home. Reform us in Your image. Create in each of us an open heart prepared to receive, to offer, to love, and to worship this day. Amen.

OPENING HYMN #28 (see bulletin p. 5) Holy God, We Praise Your Name GROSSER GOTT

CHILDREN’S SERMON Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright

SCRIPTURE READING Habakkuk 2: 1-3, 1 Peter 2:1-5, Matthew 11:29-30

MEDITATION “Write the Vision” Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright

MUSICAL REFLECTION God So Loved the World (John 3:16) Bob Chilcott

LU Music Scholars Grace Drummond, soprano

(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).

3

GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS (You are welcome to submit your prayer requests throughout the week to the church office, email to a pastor for confidentiality or share your prayer requests in real time in the Comments section under the live stream video.)

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 REMARKS

CLOSING HYMN #469 (see bulletin p. 6) A Mighty Fortress is Our God EIN’ FESTE BURG

LITANY

Leader: The journey began so very long ago, and we're not there yet. People: Therefore let us help build the path, learning from our ancestors and

celebrating the generations yet to be. Leader: We are called to write the vision; so that all might see and understand. People: We are called to incarnate the vision; so that any we meet might know

God’s love. Leader: Let us answer the call, seeking God with every breath and every step. People: Thanks be to God. Amen.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE A Mighty Fortress EIN’ FESTE BURG arr. Tim Rumsey

4

TODAY’S MUSICIANS David Cook, assistant organist LU Music Scholars Grace Drummond, soprano Kristen Henke, trumpet John Aaholm, timpani John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Thank you to LouAnn Graf for serving as our lay reader this morning!

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

Join us for a Zoom Fellowship and Talk Back with Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright immediately after worship today at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84850672863

“Sunday School at Home” will continue this Sunday, October 25 at 10:30 AM via Facebook Live for children K-6th grade.

Upcoming Worship Schedule November 1, 2020 All Saints Sunday Rev. Nick Hatch Livestreaming at 9:30 AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 Music: Shelley Nulton, assistant organist; LU Music Scholars; Kristen Henke, trumpet Lay Reader: Eilene Hoft-March

5

6

Repr

inte

d un

der O

neLi

cens

e.ne

t #A

-714

899

7

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.

Bob and Cindy Agner Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Paul Bauman Becky, Karen Leigh Post’s mother Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Glen Benzschawel Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Charlie and Britt Carlson and infant son,

Miller Stephen Carlson Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards Rachel DeMoss Edwards Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder Margitta Furnner Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Lynn Hanna Rev. Nick Hatch Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Carolyn and Jim Huddleston

Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson Kathy, who is battling stage 4 COPD Our Kenyan partners and students Sylvia King Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Mike Mathews Shari Mitchell Ellie Olson Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Diane Ragus Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Sharrie Robinson Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Frank Severin Jake Smasal Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Paris Wicker Jennifer Wild

8

Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Golden Rule Dialogue Workshop Thursday • October 29

12:00 PM-2:30 PM Virtual Zoom Meeting

Are you anxious or tired of the polarization and divisiveness in society? Do you want strategies to engage in dialogue with others, online or in person, even about “taboo topics” like politics, race, religion? This workshop seeks to equip you with practices that foster dialogue, trust, and positive relationships. In this time of great division, our goal is to move the needle of our society - away from polarization and demonization of the Other, and toward authentic relationships that celebrate differences while working toward community. What you’ll learn: • How to have respectful, productive

dialogue, rather than debate • Strategies for deep listening and empathy • Ways to build authentic relationships

across divides • Tools to thoughtfully approach conflict

and difficult interactions Registration is required. Register by October 26 at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ehbns7dg32d3b171&oseq=&c=&ch=

Sponsored by Common Ground and Santiago Global Counseling.

Nature is Not Canceled! Enjoy the fall weather with these nature center activities: • Mosquito Hill Nature Center is

holding a lighted jack-o-lantern and tiki lantern walk on Halloween. It's an after-dark, self-led hike for all ages on October 31.

• Fun at-home project: Mosquito Hill is asking for volunteers to carve a pumpkin and deliver it to the Nature Center between October 27 and 30. They need the jack-o-lanterns to set on the trail for the hike on October 31. If you are able to donate a carved pumpkin, let them know by emailing: mary.swifka@outagamie.org

You can find more info on these events at www.mosquitohill.com.

Ready Your Hearts: A Pre-Advent Women’s Retreat Like None Other!

Saturday • November 21 (1.5 hours long, starting time TBD)

Registration closes Monday, October 26

Join us for an unusual retreat in an unusual season. We’ll combine spiritual practices, the socially-distanced creation of a communal project, and a feast for the senses as we prepare for an Advent, Christmas, and winter unlike those we’ve known before.

Each participant will receive a "retreat in a box", which you’ll pick up from the church during the week of November 16-20.

9

If travel is not a viable option for you, we will arrange for delivery of your box. The “box” is a self-paced home retreat that will dovetail with our shared virtual retreat. If you cannot attend the virtual portion of the retreat, it will be recorded and available at a later date. Please register even if you are unavailable for the virtual portion of the meeting so that we can reserve a “retreat in a box” for you. On Saturday, November 21, we’ll meet virtually over zoom for an abridged large group time of reflection and small group discussions and communion. The retreat is open to anyone identifying as a woman, ages 15 and above. Please let us know of your interest in joining us, no later than Monday, October 26 by registering on Realm, or by calling the church office at (920) 733-7393.

Donations of $10-$20 are appreciated towards the cost of the retreat and materials. Donations can be made thru Realm or when you pick up your box or have it delivered.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Costume Blessing Drive-Thru Wednesday • October 28

6:00 PM–7:00 PM

Mark your calendars! On October 28 from 6:00-7:00 PM we will be offering a Costume Blessing. This event will be offered as a drive-thru style blessing with children of all ages and families encouraged to come in their cars in costume. Decorate your cars too if you would like! Masks and social distancing protocols will be in place. Treat bags and glow sticks will be available for the children and blessings will be given by our pastors. You may even see some of our staff dressed up in costume!

10

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Fall Music Ministry Continues! Psalm 96 encourages us to “Sing to the Lord a new song,” and the pandemic challenges us to make music in new ways and in new spaces. Please consider serving in music ministry! We will continue to protect the health and safety of our congregation by live-streaming worship (at least through November 15) and moving many fall rehearsals/activities outdoors. As we continue our organist search, we are especially thankful for the ongoing organ and piano leadership of David Cook, Shelley Nulton, Anthony Padilla, Elizabeth Melchert, and Chris Danz.

Music for our Children has already included two outdoor sessions of tone-chime ringing and two sessions of outdoor singing. In addition, several of our fall on-line church school classes will include singing, with “echo songs” for the whole family! Please indicate your child’s interests on the Music Registration Form with your Church School registration, and as posted on the church website. Music for our Youth (grades 7-12) continues with singing with the adults, solo vocal and instrumental leadership, tone-chime opportunities, hymn accompaniment, and resuming Youth Handbells after the building has reopened. Please be sure to indicate all your

family’s interests on the Music Registration Form with your Youth Ministry registration, and as posted on the church website. Music for our Adults (college and beyond) will continue to draw on the solo and small ensemble skills of volunteer vocalists and instrumentalists in live streamed worship. You are invited to share your gifts! We welcome six of our eight LU Music Scholars back to campus this fall. Upcoming 2020-21 music programming continues with: Zoom singing/rehearsing; parking lot singing and tone-chimes ringing for youth and adults; an optional (virtual) basic musicianship class; outdoors Scholars’ Sunday 5:00 PM rehearsals; Zoom class voice training by choir section; Zoom socials; an optional Virtual Choir project (pending updated technology); part study on a major work. Please indicate your interest to John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 851-8097.

Tone-Chimers Unite: November 1 at 10:30 AM!

Who: Anyone who rang at the outdoor Tone-Chime sessions. What: Accompany parking lot singing of “Amazing Grace” and “Now Thank We All Our God” in the All Saints Service. Where: West parking lot, using music stands and tone-chimes (with some handbells, if we have a lot of folks!) When: Meet at 10:30 AM in the parking lot for part assignments and a “ring-through!”

11

Why: To remember those who have passed, and to celebrate those lives in community. Dress: Warm coats, your own warm gloves Bad Weather Plan: Ring under the portico, or beneath a small tent. RSVP: by Monday, October 26, to jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org

Youth Parking Lot Singers on October 14

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Help Needed to Make Tie-Blankets

Last year in preparation for Service Sunday, the church purchased some fleece to make tie-blankets. The finished blankets are subsequently given to new Habitat for Humanity homeowners as a welcome gift. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold our Service Sunday as planned, and Habitat

for Humanity is now in need of several of these blankets.

Would you be willing to stop by the office to pick up fleece and instructions to tie a blanket? This is a fun and easy project for either an individual or an entire family. The materials and instructions would need to be picked up the week of October 26 and completed blankets returned to the church by Friday, November 6. Please email Carolyn at cfrederick@firstcongoappleton.org to set up a time for fleece pick-up. Thank you!

E2F (Empty to Full) Pans Pick Up:

Sunday, November 1 (10:30 - 11:30 AM)

Collection: Wednesday, November 4 (5:00 - 6:00 PM)

AND Sunday, November 8 (5:00 - 6:00 PM)

There will be a drive thru system outside the First Congo main door to hand out and collect E2F (Empty to Full) Pans to those who drive up in their vehicle. There won’t be any direct contact. All volunteers will wear masks and regularly disinfect their hands.

12

The E2F Pan can be placed in the back seat, hatch or trunk of your vehicle for hand out or retrieved from there for collection.

The filled E2F (Empty to Full) Pans primarily provide meals for Pillars, homeless shelter and low-income, affordable housing resources. Last year, after meeting the needs of Pillars, Apricity, a non-profit providing a full spectrum of care for those impacted by substance use disorders, including treatment, employment, and recovery support services was added as a recipients of E2F Pans. This spring, a few E2F Pans have also provided meals for Harbor House. Each E2F Pan handed out will include a grocery list, recipe for preparation & a prayer. The cost for groceries is approximately $11-13. The person taking the pan purchases the groceries and assembles the recipe to fill the pan. All of the recipes are easy and require very little cooking. The assembled pan is frozen or kept cold until returned to church, on the date shown, for delivery to the recipient. If you are unable to pick up or return a pan, we have a volunteer who will retrieve it from your front porch. There won’t be access to the church for pick up or drop off as was done in the past. Please call Cindi MacSwain at (920) 606-6699 or email cmacswain@new.rr.com if you would like this service. Please provide your name, phone number, address and any other helpful info when leaving a message.

ESTHER’s 2020 Virtual Banquet 17th Annual Gathering

“Voices for Justice” Sunday • November 1 at 5:00 PM

Featuring Keynote Speaker Rev. Traci Blackmon

Rev. Blackmon is the Associate General Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ and Senior Pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ, three miles from Ferguson, Missouri. She was a registered nurse for 25 years prior to becoming an ordained minister. Her response in Ferguson to the killing of Michael Brown resulted in national and international recognition, gaining her audiences at the White House, the Carter Center, and the Vatican. She co-authored the White Privilege curriculum for the UCC and toured the nation with Rev. Dr. William Barber of Repairers of the Breach and Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus, proclaiming the need for a Moral Revival in the nations. For more info and to REGISTER, visit https://esther-foxvalley.org.

Note: ESTHER’s traditional silent auction has been moved to an online format this year. The preview starts on October 26, with bidding open from October 29 through November 1. Check us out at esther-foxvalley.org/auction.

13

Administration Lawe St. Bridge to Close

November 2 The City of Appleton will begin performing maintenance work on the Lawe St. bridge the week of November 2. A marked detour of E. South River St., Olde Oneida St., Water St., Drew St. and College Avenue will be provided.

Work is anticipated to begin on Monday, November 2 and will last about four weeks.

HR Volunteer Needed Looking to offer your talents to First Congregational?

We have an opening on our Human Resources team for anyone who has a background in personnel, managerial experience, or who feel they have skills that could contribute to the equitable and just implementation of employee policies.

We currently have a strong and dedicated team. Our meeting times are flexible, virtual, and no more than once a month or as needed. We could really use an additional voice and an orientation will be provided.

If you want to know more about the position to discern if this is a good fit, please reach out to Pastor Nick!

14

The Ministry Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

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

Reverend Art Wille, Pastor of Visitation John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries Colleen Berry, Director for Christian Education

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