Published by the First Presbyterian Church 502 North ...€¦ · Published by the First...

Published by the First Presbyterian Church

502 North Eighth Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220

The Messenger Volume XVIII-XIX, Issue 12-Issue 1, December 2011-January 2012

920-682-4688

www.fpcfamily.net

[email protected]

Inside… Glorify Ministry Group

Items……………2—3

Educate Ministry Group

Items……………4

Serve Ministry Group

Items……………5—6

Support Ministry Group


Reach Ministry Group


Care Ministry Group

Items……………9—10

Library Corner…11

Seed To Sow

Traditions are good things. They bring a sense of

continuity and security to one's life, and in a world that is

rushing by like an uncontrollable torrent, traditions can

provide an anchor and a safe harbor.

When it comes to traditions, it’s hard to beat the Christmas

season. Food, nativity scenes, presents, music, trees, family,

friends, and let’s not forget the lights.

A sure sign that Christmas is coming can be seen as strings of

Christmas lights are strung from homes and businesses. In our family, I

don’t know what would be worse, not having a Christmas tree or not

adorning the eaves of our home with Christmas lights. There have been

those years when it has been extra cold and rainy and I suggested that we

forgo the annual tradition of ascending the ladder and hanging from the

gutters while attempting to string a straight line of lights. But, needless to

say, the look I received was nothing short of incredulous disbelief. A

Christmas without Christmas lights is well…dark!

Light is a powerful metaphor amongst the Christmas traditions. It

reminds us of the star that shown brightly in the East sky directing the Magi

to the baby Jesus. It reminds us of the Christ-child Himself, who came as

the Light of the World. The light desperately needed by a people who are

lost in the darkness.

So, as you ponder the wonderful traditions of the Advent/Christmas

season, do not forget to light the lights, on your eaves, or your tree, or in

your windowsill, and most importantly, in your heart. In the same way, "let

your light shine before the world, that they may see your good deeds and

praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Meredith, Olivia, Joshua, and I wish each and every one of you a very

Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year. We hope you can join us at our

home on Sunday, December 11, 2011, 3:00 — 5:00 p.m. for our annual

Christmas Open House at 1819 S. 25th Street, Manitowoc.

Have a Blessed Christmas,

Merry

Christmas and

Happy New

Year from the

Staff at First

Presbyterian

Church!

We are a family of believers... December 2011—January 2012—The Messenger,

- Glorify Ministry Group -

Meetings are at 7:00 p.m. the first Monday of the month in the Church Library.

Worship is the primary way we express our joy and thanksgiving to the God who created us, loves us, and forgives us. The Glorify Ministry Group coordinates all Ministry Teams that allow us to have incredible worship

experiences as well as other means of expressing our gratitude to God.

Glorify Ministry Group Elders — Théo Lynne Hoffman, Tim Maatman Worship Highlights = Communion Sunday = Baptism

9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

December 4, 2011, 2nd Sunday in Advent, Family Worship

Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:1-11—Wilderness

9:30 a.m.—Family Worship

10:15 a.m.—Fellowship and Elves Workshop Activities

11:00 a.m.—Praise, Prayers, Advent Decorating and Lunch

December 11, 2011 3rd Sunday in Advent

John 1:6-8, 19-28—The Gospel, Staring You

December 18, 2011 4th Sunday in Advent, Christmas Joy Offering

Luke 1:26-38—God’s Favorite

December 24, 2011, Christmas Eve

6:30 p.m.—Family Worship

11:00 p.m.—Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight

December 25, 2011, Christmas Day, One Worship at 9:30 a.m.

Luke 12:1-20—The Old Story —A time to listen to the story, tell stories, and sing the story

January 1, 2012, Epiphany, Family Worship

Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6—The Year in Review

9:30 a.m.—Family Worship

10:15 a.m.—Fellowship and Making Resolutions

11:00 a.m.—Praise, Prayer and Potluck

January 8, 2012, Baptism of the Lord

Mark 1:4-11—Come to the Water

January 15, 2012, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

1 Samuel 3:1-10—How Many Times?

January 22, 2012, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Mark 1:14-20—What Are You Willing to Leave Behind?

January 29, 2012, 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Mark 1:21-28—What Can Be Cast Out?


- Glorify Ministry Group (Continued) -

News from the Praise Team The band is busy learning new

and exciting music to praise and

worship God. We enjoy

fellowship together, and are

going to see Levi Knippel (our guitarist from

Two Rivers) as the Cat in the Hat in his

school play. We are continuously looking for

part-time drummers and bass players. Also,

people interested in singing should contact

Phyllis or Tim at 682-2750, email them at

[email protected], see them

during fellowship time, or on Wednesday

nights at 7:00 p.m. We wish all our

congregation a Blessed Christmas and

Happy New Year.

Music Musings

Families within the larger Church family! That is what I think about when I am

working with the various groups in the church, but more specifically, with the

music groups of our church. The dedication and devotion each person brings to

the music making process is so encouraging to the others in the groups. Music

does that for people; we have a common goal of creating beautiful music for the

Praise of God.

God was so wise when he placed his son, Jesus, in a family. He knew that a baby needed to be nurtured

and cared for. And Jesus grew in that understanding and preached throughout his ministry of how we should

take care of each other and reach out to others.

So now, in the approaching Advent and Christmas Seasons, let us remember to encourage those who are

in the Music Ministry. You can even become part of the Music Ministry Family. If you are interested in

singing or playing an instrument, please contact one of the directors of the ensembles or speak to me and we

will find a place for you to share your gift of Music with our Worshipping Family and Community.

Chancel Choir – Ann Herrmann, director

Praise Team – Phyllis Schippers, director

Handbells – Ann Gold, director

I look forward to welcoming any new people to the Music Ministry Family! I’ll see you in church!

Ann Gold, Music Coordinator

We Need Your Help For Recording Worship

The Glorify Team is in need of three or four

people who would be willing to learn how

to record. If we had four volunteers, it would

be necessary to record only about once a

month. Recording is not difficult and we would

hold an orientation and assist as needed for persons new to

this field. Please see Tim Maatman or Phyllis Schippers to

participate in this vital ministry and give of your time and

talents to the Lord.

One can give without loving,

but one cannot love without giving.

—Amy Carmichael


- Educate Ministry Group - Meetings are at 5:15 p.m. the third Thursday of the month in the Church Library.

No matter what age we are, we are always learning; so First Presbyterian Church provides opportunities for each person to grow their faith. The Educate Ministry Group coordinates Ministry Teams

that address educational activities and nurture the use of spiritual gifts. Educate Ministry Group Elders — Gloria Creagh, Diane Moon

As we enter into

December, Life Path

students will continue

to learn about Jesus’

birth through the eyes

of the Magi. Also,

children will have the opportunity to participate in this

year’s intergenerational Christmas program, ―Cloth

for the Cradle.‖ With the new year ringing in January,

students will begin to explore and understand Jesus’

walk to Emmaus while focusing on the Bible verse,

―Didn’t we feel our hearts burning with faith as Jesus

talked with us?‖ Luke 24:32

As a reminder, Life Path students continue to

practice the spiritual gift of stewardship through our

weekly offering during chapel time. The collection will

be donated to the Book Drive.

Men’s Bible Study

Our ecumenical men's bible study group will begin on

December 21, 2011 a seven-month study of the Acts

of the Apostles. It tells a fascinating story of the

beginning of Christianity, with memorable characters,

testifying to the risen Christ. He who begins the

study of the book starts on a journey of a lifetime!

We welcome newcomers. The $2 study guide is

available from the church office or Pete Stuntz at

683-0264. The group meets the third Wednesday

each month for breakfast from 7:00—8:00 a.m. at

the Felician Village Bistro. Come and join us!

Monday Noon Bible Study The Monday Noon Bible Study is held in the Church Library. ALL ARE WELCOME – no

Bible experience required so bring your lunch, your Bible and come and discuss how God’s

word can transform us!

Brittany’s Coffee Corner

Peace and blessings upon you all! With

the holidays rapidly approaching, the

season of warm and fuzzy feelings

accompany it. I look forward to this

season of love and am in appreciation of

all of your support of our Life Path Sunday School.

It is with a humble heart that I give thanks for all

who volunteer and teach lessons on Sundays! You

are blessings in my life.

Bible verse for reflection:

―For God so loved the world that he gave his

one and only Son, that whoever believes in

him will not perish but have eternal life.‖

— John 3:16

The Fr. Bill Zimmer Forum

- A Book Group for People of Faith -

The next forum will be held on

Tuesday, December 13, 2011,

12:15 p.m. at Silver Lake

College, 2406 Alverno Road,

Manitowoc. David Gilboa,

Professor of Philosophy, Silver

Lake College, will talk about Anna

Karenina by author Leo Tolstoy.


- Serve Ministry Group - We are committed to hands-on mission projects and financial benevolence so the kingdom of Heaven can be exhibited to the world. The Serve Ministry Group coordinates all Ministry Teams that mobilize the church’s

resources and coordinate the church’s benevolence to serve those in need; locally, nationally, and internationally. Serve Ministry Group Elders — Mary Huckins, Dawn Schroeder, Lyn Leary Stark

Give Generously To The Christmas Joy Offering A reminder that the Christmas Joy Offering will be collected on Sunday, December 18, 2011. The

gifts to the offering will be distributed equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and

to support student scholarships at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. Please

give generously to the Christmas Joy Offering.

Soles for Souls Recap for 2011

We received the bill on November 11, 2011 for all of the shoes we gave away on

August 13, 2011 from the Payless Corporate office. We are now able to report the final

figures for the 2011-2012 year.

We gave out 1,300 coupons in total this year to referred youth in Manitowoc County for

a new pair of shoes. There were 1,064 coupons redeemed at the Payless in the

Manitowoc Shopko store. The most likely reason that 236 coupons were not redeemed is

because the coupon was for $20 towards a pair of shoes and most 7th, 8th, and 9th

graders could not find shoes for that amount without having to add at least $10 of their own money. Youth in

grades 1 thru 6 were mostly able to find shoes for the $20 without having to spend any of their own money.

We may have to scale our program back next year to include only pre-school through 6th grade students as

we will not be able to give out $30 or $40 coupons for the older students. The board will discuss this in the

Spring.

The bill for the 1,064 pairs of shoes was $20,331.47 and we received a 10% discount from the Payless

Corporate office ($2,033.19) so our final cost was $ 18,298.32. That averages out to $17.11 a pair with the

discount. We did not run out of coupons at the event but in the following two weeks we did give out the rest

of the 1,300 that we had left.

We had plenty of helpers this year and we thank them for their time and effort. We thank the members of

this congregation for their continued support. Even though we did not have an Empty Tomb Foundation

Mission Match this year the congregation gave to us through the Alternative Gift Market and by making other

donations. This is our 12th year of serving disadvantaged youth and we could not have given out shoes each

year without your help. You all know that the economy has been down this year and we were afraid we would

not have enough funds to cover the cost of 1,300 pairs of shoes. Many of the non-profit organizations that

support us financially had to cut back their donations because there are so many growing needs in this

community. In June, The Serve Team asked Session to give us $6,000 out of the Mission Fund for this year’s

bill and they approved the request. We thank the Session for this help in paying for the 1,064 pairs of shoes.

Blessings to you all!

Peace,

The Soles for Souls Advisory Board


- Serve Ministry Group (Continued) -

School Book Drive One of the missions of our church is to

encourage and improve literacy in children.

Our goal is to put ownership of books

directly into the hands of the students. Since

2006, church members have gradually

expanded the program from about 100

books per year to one school to over 1,500

books to four local elementary schools this

past year. The response was favorable with

complimentary letters from the principals and

this 3’x6’ banner, signed by all 355 kids at

Monroe, now hanging outside the church

library.

In 2012, we are planning to expand this mission to all six Manitowoc Public Elementary schools, with the

goal to give 2,401 books to the currently enrolled 2,183 students (plus 10% for added enrollments). To date,

we have collected 935 books, plus another few hundred books waiting to be counted and sorted by grade

levels.

Books will be distributed to the schools at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year in late August 2012.

We leave it up to each individual school to handle the administration of this mission in a way that best meets

their needs, as long as every student is provided with a free book each year.

Members of the Serve Ministry Group of First Presbyterian Church are already at work finding the best

deals on new and gently used books. Books are donated or purchased through Scholastic Book Fairs,

rummage sales, publisher closeouts, library sales, and other sources. We welcome donations any time that

can be dropped off at the church office.

Pete Stuntz, Member of the Serve Ministry Team

Peacemaking Offering Goal Reached

Thank you for your generous

donations to the Peacemaking

Offering in October. We set a

goal of $2,000, and the total

amount donated was

$2,038.65. Of that amount, $500.00 was donated

to Lakeshore CAP’s CASA program, and the

remainder went to the Winnebago Presbytery and

the General Assembly.

Spiritual Care

Christians who live only for themselves

need to re-evaluate their thinking. Christian

philosopher Jacques Maritain said it’s

wrong for Christians to aim for piety and

holiness while ignoring people who suffer.

―The care of another —even material,

bodily care —is spiritual in essence,‖ he wrote. ―Bread

for myself is a material question; bread for my neighbor

is a spiritual one.‖


- Support Ministry Group - In order for the ministry of Jesus to be the most effective at First Presbyterian Church we need to have

the best staff, secure finances, and excellent facilities. The Support Group coordinates all teams that

address the administrative, facilities, and financial needs of the congregation.

Support Ministry Group Elders — Rob Peaslee, Judie Stuntz, Amy Swanson

Staff Honored At Services

On November 20, we had Staff Appreciation Sunday to honor all the hard work the staff has done over the

year. We want to thank the following: Jennifer Balma, Ann Gold, Ann Herrmann, Laurel Hooper, Peter Klein,

Tim Maatman, Connie Sauer, Pastor Matt Sauer, Brittany Schoeder, Phyllis Schippers and Cathy Wallander.

If you weren’t here for the Sunday services, please remember to thank these individuals for all their hard work

and dedication.

Don’t Forget To Pay Your

Per Capita Don’t forget to pay your 2011 Per Capita of

$29.65 for each member. These funds are

needed for First Presbyterian Church to meet

our 2011 budget! These funds keep us

connected to the Presbytery of Winnebago,

Synod of Lakes and Prairies and the General

Assembly — they pay for administrative costs

and allow our mission dollars to go 100% to

mission.

Nursery Needs Your Help

Our Nursery Attendant, Laurel Hooper, is still in

need of a few things for the nursery: new sippy

cups (the ones with the lids), fruit snacks, and

coloring books. We also have a children's

picnic table that is broken that could possibly be

fixed or another one purchased if not

fixable. And there is a rocking chair in the storage closet

that needs a rocker glued. So, if we have any handy

people that can look at and possibly fix the picnic table and

rocking chair, that would be wonderful! Please drop off any

donations to the church office. Thank you!

All pledges, per capita, and any other

contributions that you want to count for

the 2011 calendar year are due in the

church office no later than

Noon on Thursday, December 29, 2011.

Thank you!

Take A Look At The New Landscaping Have you seen the new landscaping on State Street? If not take a look at! It really puts a new perspective on

our beautiful historical building. What you cannot see is the dry basement in the Boiler Room. The sinkhole

has been repaired and the landscaping redone to allow for water to drain away from the building instead of

into it. This is Phase I of our Legacy Gardens Project that will eventually redo all the landscaping around the

building. How you can contribute towards it will be formally debuted at the Annual Meeting in 2012.

Annual Report Articles Due

Ministry Group, Team and Committee reports are due into

the church office by Monday, January 16, 2012. These

reports will be compiled into the 2011 Annual Report. If you

need help with information for the reports, please call the

church office.

- Reach Ministry Group - Meetings are at 6:15 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month in the Church Library.

Reaching out to the community with the grace of Jesus and encouraging newcomers to become

active members of First Presbyterian. The Reach Ministry Group coordinates all Ministry Teams

that address evangelism, new member recruitment, and member fellowship.

Reach Ministry Group Elders — Don Lewellen, Gudrun Wetak, Merritt Wilcox


Come Have Breakfast A monthly social event is open to anyone who wants

to have fun conversation over breakfast. This group

meets the second Friday of every month at 9:00

a.m. in the Bistro at Felician Village.

Monthly Migration Dinner

We return after our winter hiatus in January with a

trip to moors of Scotland as we celebrate Hogmanay

a wee bit late. Enjoy a Scottish themed menu

tailored to please even the most delicate of palates.

The dinner will be held on Sunday, January 22,

2012 beginning at 5:15 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 21,

2011, we will be having our Holiday

Community Dinner. We are looking

for donations of pre-cooked boneless

hams to serve for dinner. If you can

help with this, please contact Kristin Schroeder. Join

us for a delicious dinner and the singing of carols.

On Wednesday, December 28, 2011 and January

4, 2012, we will not be serving a Community Dinner.

We would like to take this time to express our

appreciation to Kristin Schroeder for her commitment

and time in preparing the Community Dinner meals.

We are always looking for people to help with

donations, set up and clean up. If you’d like to help,

please contact Kristin Schroeder.

Come Join The Fun And Worship On December 4

Advent Decorating will take place on Sunday, December 4, 2011. This is our Family Worship

Sunday. Below is the schedule for that morning. Once again, Shay Hampton-Gregory will handle the

Elves Workshop for the younger children while the older children and adults decorate the church

building for the holiday season. Lunch will be

Dinner for 7 or 8

―Dinner for 7 or 8‖ returns to First Presbyterian when

you call the church office and sign-up by yourself or

with a partner. You will then be grouped with three

other individuals or pairs to agree upon four dates for

dinner or brunch over the winter and spring months.

Each person or pair takes a turn hosting at his/her

home or using the Lounge at the church. Usually the

host for that day provides the main course, while the

others bring an appetizer, a salad, and the desert.

Church members and friends who participated in this

fun event in the past enjoyed themselves and made

good friendships. Sign-up by December 18, 2011

to be included.

9:30 a.m. —Family Worship

10:15 a.m. —Fellowship and

Elves Workshop Activities

11:00 a.m. —Praise, Prayers, Decorating and

Lunch

Advent Take Down

Epiphany undecorating will take place in conjunction

with the Community Dinner on Wednesday,

January 11, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. Please join us for

dinner and then stay to help undeck the halls and

pack away all the Christmas cheer until the end of

the year.


Continue to Pray for Our at Home and Care

Facility Members!

Rose Mary Cox, Phillis Cummings, Donna Gotchy, Marian Hoida,

Marge John, Marge Miley, Charles Robinson, Shirley Wegforth

Board of Deacons

Meeting at Noon

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Caring For Others

Attention members and friends of First

Presbyterian Church! Please help by

giving us names of church members

and friends who you feel would

appreciate or benefit from our care,

support and visits. Please contact one

of the team members listed below if you

have any concerns.

Sue Sieracki—758-2591

Faith Morgan—686-1187

Wanted: Food for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard

The Board of Deacons is always accepting food for

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Please feel free to drop

off non-perishable food items at anytime throughout the

year. She is located in the hallway by the church office.

Food is given to area pantries.

- Care Ministry Group - Meetings are at 12:00 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Church Library.

Caring for our members is an important part of what it means to be a Family of Believers.

We are here to visit one another, provide support during times of grief, reach out to homebound members,

and keep members who live out of town connected to our ministry.

Class of 2011 Class of 2012 Class of 2013

Jennifer Balma Jane Abbott Anne Howard

Faith Morgan Rudy Baumann—Treasurer Sue Sieracki

Kristin Schroeder Mary Fordney Ruth Westberg—Moderator

Tina Sieracki Julie Schreiter

JoAnn Weinert Judy Sobush

Holly

Holly is a popular decoration at

Christmastime, not just for its beauty but

also for its religious significance.

Holly’s thorny leaves and red berries

symbolize Jesus’ Passion and blood,

reminding us of the fate awaiting the Christ child.

According to old Christian legends, holly first sprang up

under Christ’s footsteps and his cross was made from the

wood of holly.

† Christian Symbols †

Serving Our Country

Brian Huckins is currently serving his

third tour of duty. He is in Kuwait and

his address is:

CPT Brian Huckins

983rd Medical Detachment

Camp Buehring

APO AE 09330

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


- Care Ministry Group (Continued) -

Birthdays for

December

2011

1—Kay Markvart

2—Logan Swanson

4—Julie Sieracki

5—Luke Imp

8—Nancy Baumann

9—Barbara Park

12—Eric Huckins

12—Tyler Schroeder

13—Travis Skarda

17—Wendy Ramminger

18—Bill Hampton-Gregory

18—Mark Hendricks

18—Marj LaBrecque

18—Jennifer Nigbor

19—Julie Schreiter

20—Jim Schneck

21—Olivia Sauer

24—Deborah Belland

27—Phillis Cummings

27—Anne Howard

27—Ruth Westberg

31—Tom Keller

31—Judy Schroeder

31—Oscar Swanson

Church Office Contacts

Matt Sauer, Pastor


Cathy Wallander, Church Secretary


Ann Gold, Music Coordinator


The deadline to submit articles for the

February 2012

The Messenger Newsletter is

Monday, January 16, 2012

Wedding Anniversaries

for December 2011

2—Terry & Barbara Buck

11—Bryan & Gudrun Wetak

18—William & Barbara Richter

20—Al Diaz & Julie Hester-Diaz

for January 2012

8—Justin & Betsy Winga

27—Rudy & Nancy Baumann

Birthdays for

January 2012

1—Angie Puksich

7—Ann Georgenson

9—Donna Reed

10—Katie Kapinos

11—Grace Nigbor

11—Lyn Leary Stark

12—Sharon Clark

13—Reid Hanson

14—Justin Winga

15—Steve Good

15—Diane Hansen

15—DJ Waniger

15—Debra Weller

16—Dale Brasser

16—Hannah Ramminger

16—Judy Sobush

21—Bob Weinert

24—Rudy Baumann

24—Margaret Foster

24—Danielle Weller

25—Bill Springer

25—Jeanne Wilcox

26—Jane Abbott

27—Sue Just

What God Can Do

With Nothing Martin Luther said,

―since it is God’s nature to

make something out of

nothing, we must become

nothing before God can

make something out of

us.‖

Adelaide A. Pollard, a

20th-century poet, made the same point in

the hymn ―Have Thine Own Way‖:

Have thine own way, Lord!

Have thine own way!

Thou art the potter, I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after thy will,

While I am waiting, yielded and still.


Library Corner by Pete Stuntz

As we prepare for the coming of the Lord during this Advent season, know that your church

library has 55 different books on Jesus Christ on the shelf of Dewey No. 232. They range from

theological treatises, to straightforward biographies, to exploration of the cultural background of

Jesus’ times, to books for young people, and to even fictional accounts of his life. An excellent five-

page account of “Four Gospels, One Story,” available free from the church office, describes the

special characteristics of each gospel.

A book that I’ve read at least twice is Thomas Cahill’s ―Desire of the Everlasting Hills,‖ the title

of which was inspired by Jacob’s blessing of Joseph in Genesis 49:26: ―The blessings of thy father are

strengthened with the blessings of his fathers: until the desire of the everlasting hills should come.‖ This book is

part of Cahill’s ―Hinges of History‖ series and follows his ―The Gifts of the Jews‖ as

significant Judeo-Christian contributions to western civilization. Our Men’s Bible Study

has just completed a seven-month study of ―Gifts of the Jews.‖

Leading up to Cahill’s original interpretation of the New Testament from the ancient

Greek, he describes the pervasive Greek cultural influence, the oppressive Roman

political presence, and especially the widely varied social and religious context of the

Judaism in which Jesus moved and flourished. Beneath all these influences was the

hope for a Just One. These are the people that Jesus knew.

The Jesus that the apostles knew first proclaimed, ―The time has come: the Kingdom

of God draws near. Open your hearts and believe the Good News.‖ That hope

captivated those fishermen and a tax collector whom Jesus called. The Gospels of Mark

and Matthew showed a strong current of Jesus’ teachings of Jewish ethics that went

beyond following the letter of the Law, to ―comfort the afflicted and afflict the

comfortable.‖ For Jesus’ disciples ―the crucifixion hit like an earthquake, destroying in a

moment their entire world.‖

The Jesus that Luke knew was the Gentile Messiah as the ―bearer of glad tidings to the poor, the healer, the

liberator who enlightens and frees.‖ Parables nowhere else in the Gospels (e.g., Good Samaritan) focused on

unfailing kindness, asking God boldly without fear, confronting wealth and religious hypocrisy, alleviation of worry,

and compassion towards women.

The Jesus that John knew was ―a pastiche of early testimony and late theological reflection. ― Jesus claimed ―I

am … the Father and I are one,‖ and broke through conventions in his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the

well. John overheard details of Jesus’ talk with Pilate nowhere else found in the Gospels.

The resurrection and subsequent appearances of Jesus to the first ―People of the Way‖ ―imbued them with a

courage that enabled … a new vision of Judaism … that traveled from Jerusalem along the many trade routes of

the ancient world.‖ Notable was their Spirit-led enthusiasm and fellowship, voluntary generosity, and subtle

undermining of culturally-determined slavery and female subordination.

The Jesus that Paul knew was originally the object of intense Pharisaic persecution, but the blinding light of

Jesus (―Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?‖) and the healing hand of Ananias in Damascus led him to his

momentous missionary journeys and timeless letters. In Paul, ―we are watching original theology in the making,‖

and we learn of totally new ―thoughts about the equality of all human beings before God.‖

The ―World After Jesus‖ was exposed to ―ideas and acts hurled across the centuries‖ that transformed one

society after another in each of their times, with Judeo-Christian values of individual destiny, social justice, human

rights, and political peace despite various set-backs.

2011 ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET ORDER FORM Make Checks Payable to First Presbyterian Church

LOCAL PROJECTS: Total

Soles For Souls $

Domestic Violence Center $

Habitat for Humanity $

The Crossing $

Hope House (Lakeshore Interfaith Hospitality Network) $

Lakeshore CAP - Youth Services $

Peter's Pantry $

Lakeshore CAP – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) $

Salvation Army $

NATIONAL PROJECTS: Total

Kaktovik Presbyterian Church Partnership $

Wounded Warrior Project $

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS: Total

CHARITY: WATER $

SAVE THE CHILDREN FOUNDATION: Total

$10 buys one Newborn Care Kit $

$20 buys one Emergency Hygiene Kit $

$30 buys one School Materials Kit for an orphan $

$40 buys your choice of a goat or a sheep $

MEDICAL BENEVOLENCE FOUNDATION: Total

$2 provides a vaccination from MBF’s mobile health clinic $

$3 provides testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS $

$5 provides treatment for malaria or TB $

$10 buys a malaria net $

$15 buys food and care for orphaned and vulnerable children $

Grand Total: $

Thank you for your continued support of local, national and international missions.

Name:________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________

Email: ________________________________________

ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET – 2011

Are you looking for meaningful Christmas gifts for the special people in your life? Instead of an ordinary gift; why not give a most special gift in their honor – a gift of life and love for someone in need. Please check out the websites listed below for more information on each

gift you are considering.

First Presbyterian Church will be hosting our Alternative Gift Market beginning December 4, 2011. However, you are welcome to plan your gifting beforehand. See contact information

on the next page.

LOCAL PROJECTS:

Soles For Souls of America, Inc., P.O. Box 1314, Manitowoc WI 54221-1314 no website

$20 will purchase one pair of shoes for a local student in pre-school through 9.

Domestic Violence Center www.dvconline.net

Providing advocacy, education and support for survivors of domestic abuse .

Habitat For Humanity http://www.manitowochabitat.org

Building Houses, Building Hope, Building Partnerships in Manitowoc County.

The Crossing www.crossingpregnancysupport.org

Provides pregnancy support services dedicated to upholding the dignity of every human life, reaching out to people affected by unexpected pregnancy with spiritual,

physical, and material needs through counseling support services and education.

Hope House of Manitowoc County www.hopehousemc.org

A resource for the homeless in our community and to help them move to self-

sufficiency.

Lakeshore CAP – Youth Services www.lakeshorecap.org

Programs include Juvenile Restitution, Restorative Justice, Youth Mentoring, POINT,

and Independent Living Skills.

Peter’s Pantry http://peterspantry.weebly.com

A non-profit food pantry that has served Manitowoc community for over 23 years.

Lakeshore CAP – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) www.lakeshorecap.org

To advocate for abused and neglected children who are under the jurisdiction of the

juvenile justice system in Manitowoc County.

Salvation Army www.usc.salvationarmy.org/manitowoc

Working with residents to ―Do The Most Good‖. See website for the many services.

http://www.dvconline.net/

http://www.manitowochabitat.org/

http://www.crossingpregnancysupport.org/

http://www.hopehousemc.org/

http://www.lakeshorecap.org/

http://peterspantry.weebly.com/

http://www.lakeshorecap.org/

http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/manitowoc

ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET – 2011

NATIONAL PROJECTS:

Kaktovik Presbyterian Church in Alaska no website

Our Church Partnership.

Wounded Warrior Project http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

To honor and empower wounded warriors.

To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members and to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded

warriors in this nation's history.

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS:

Charity: Water: http://www.charitywater.org

Their Mission is to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

$20 can give one person clean and safe water for 20 years.

Save The Children Foundation: http://www.savethechildren.org

$10 buys one Newborn Care Kit.

$20 buys one Emergency Hygiene Kit.

$30 buys one School Materials Kit for an orphan.

$40 buys your choice of a goat or a sheep.

Medical Benevolence Foundation: http://www/mbfoundation.org

MBF with the Presbyterian Church (USA) proclaims and demonstrates the gospel of Jesus

Christ by encouraging and supporting the healing ministries of our worldwide partners.

$2 provides a vaccination from MBF’s mobile health clinic.

$3 provides testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS.

$5 provides treatment for malaria or TB.

$10 buys a malaria net.

$15 buys food and care for orphaned and vulnerable children at a community-based

childcare center.

CONTACT

We welcome your input and inquiries.

First Presbyterian Church

502 North 8th Street, Manitowoc WI 54220

(920) 682-4688 www.FPCfamily.com

Secretary Cathy Wallander - [email protected]

Pastor Matt Sauer - [email protected]

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

http://www.charitywater.org/

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

http://www/mbfoundation.org

http://www.fpcfamily.com/



Share a Poinsettia Plant

for the Christmas Services

If you would like to contribute money toward decorating our church with poinsettias, please fill out

this form and return it to the church office with your check by Monday, December 5, 2011. You may

contribute any amount. All contributions will be recognized in the Christmas worship service

bulletins.

Amount Enclosed: $________________(The approximate cost of one plant is $9.00.)

Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and note ―Christmas Decorations‖ in the

memo portion of the check.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY!

From:___________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

In Memory of_____________________________________________________________________

In Honor of_______________________________________________________________________

If you would like to take a poinsettia plant home with you after the 9:30 a.m. service on January 1,

2012 please indicate below:

□ Yes, I would like to take a poinsettia plant home with me after the 9:30 a.m. service on

January 1, 2012.

□ No, I do not want to take a plant home.

My Name:_______________________________________________________________________

Daytime Telephone Number:_________________________________________________________

(If you have any questions, please call the church office at 682-4688.)

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First Presbyterian is...

A family of believers in Jesus Christ who

Glorify God together,

Serve, Support, and Educate

each other in our faith.

We Reach our community and the world

to show Care and concern

for all people and spread the love

and saving power of Jesus.

502 North 8th Street ● Manitowoc, WI 54220 Phone: 920-682-4688 ● Fax: 920-682-4649

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December/January

Published by the First Presbyterian Church 502 North ...€¦ · Published by the First...

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