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

Welcome, Visitors! Information about our church and ministries is available on the Welcome Table near the main doors. Standing nearby are church members who will be happy to answer your questions. Interested in joining the church? Our next Membership Exploration will be March 28, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM. For the convenience of those who need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, the service is video broadcast in the Chapel, Upper Lounge and Nursery. References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.

Children in Worship Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the Children, Youth and Family Center. The Family Worship Area is open during our worship services for children ages 3-10, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin.

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

Sensory Boxes First Congregational offers Sensory Boxes for any of our friends on the autism spectrum—adult or child–to use during worship. Please let us know if you or a loved one needs one of these tools.

Donating to First Congregational UCC If you are enrolled in automatic contributions, you may still participate in the weekly offering by submitting a Giving Card, found in the pews. Pledge cards are available in the pews and may be placed in the offering plates at any time. You can also text FCUCC GIVE to 73256 to make a donation.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Now Available! Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible from www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons. You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on YouTube at tinyurl.com/ybtlv9c6 or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/yayd8cud.

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

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March 15 Highlights at First Congregational Today: Joyful Noise Offering ....................................................................... p. 14 Today: No 3- and 4-year-old class ................................................................. p. 14 March 21: Fishing for Faith Fundraiser ........................................................... p. 14 March 21: Intergenerational Musical: Bathwater (7:00 PM) ......................... p. 16 Next Sunday: Intergenerational Musical: Bathwater (10:30 AM worship) ......... p. 16

Flowers The flowers in the Sanctuary this morning celebrate Steve and Dee Savides’ 36th wedding anniversary. Cindi Ritcey Fox designed the arrangement.

Communion All are welcome to receive communion the first Sunday of each month. The bread we use is gluten-free; however, it is made in a facility that also processes wheat products.

Baptism Our next scheduled Baptism Sundays are April 19 and May 17. 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, March 13 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Cathy Houst, Phyllis Wallis Sunday, March 15 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeters Gib Koula Betty Masaros Bridge Greeters Phyllis Wallis Welcomers Usher Team Captains John Breitzman Rick Behm Lay Readers Brenda Timm Howard Niblock Multi-Media—audio Tim Hanna Mark Mauthe Multi-Media—video Shannon Glenn Sue Mauthe

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

March 15, 2020 8:45 and 10:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries

PRELUDE Toccata in G Major W. H. Pachelbel Toccata in E Minor Johann Pachelbel (You are invited to place your morning offering in the plates at the entrance to the sanctuary or up on the chancel. You can do that as you enter the sanctuary or during the offertory later in the service. Visitors are invited to sign the visitor book in the narthex. Prayer request cards are collected at the ends of the pews as well. Prayer cards can also be used to request a pastoral call or share a concern.)

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

(You are invited to come forward and light a candle on our Lenten altar in memory of honor of someone who is in your thoughts and prayers today.)

CHILDREN’S SERMON (8:45 AM service) 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. (Please NOTE: there is no 3- and 4- year old class today).

MOMENT OF CONCERN Pastoral Letter on the Coronavirus GATHERING SONG #340 (See bulletin p. 6) Peace Before Us PRAYER FOR PEACE

(The soloist will sing the first verse and then the congregation will sing the fourth verse.)

OPENING SENTENCES

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN #188 Before the Cross of Jesus ST. CHRISTOPHER

LENTEN CANDLE LIGHTING LITANY

Leader: When the unnamed woman at Simon’s home in Bethany poured perfume on Jesus’ head, those gathered rebuked her harshly.

People: But Jesus spoke up for her: “She has done a beautiful thing to me… she has prepared me beforehand for my burial.

*Congregation stands

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Leader: “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

People: During this holy season of Lent, we remember her and so many others who have reached out to bless us in difficult times.

Leader: For their sacrifice and kindness, we thank you, God.

People: For their thoughtfulness and daring, we thank you, God.

Leader: For their loving care and generosity of spirit, we thank you, God.

People: In memory and celebration of all of them, we light these candles and lift up our voices together:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION O God, our Creator and Savior, in Jesus Christ you have set us an example of service in love of others. Through so many others, the spirit of Christ has touched us and graced us, calling us to new lives of compassion and sacrifice. We praise you for the goodness in our world and within ourselves. In memory of all those who have shared and nurtured that goodness, may we overcome despair, self-pity, and isolation. Fill us with new joy and new hope, that we may help to make the world a place of truth and beauty. Through Jesus the Christ. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

LENTEN RESPONSE (see bulletin p. 8) For All the Faithful Women KUORTANE

St. 1 and 3 – ALL

CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord (from Elijah) Mendelssohn

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

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS (You will be invited to bring your offerings forward if you haven’t yet placed them in a plate or basket on the way into the sanctuary. The loose coins in our offering this morning will go to this month’s Joyful Noise Offering, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.)

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A MUSICAL OFFERING Jesu, Joy of My Desiring J. S. Bach

Sanctuary Choir / LU Music Scholars Bianca Pratte, flute

*LENTEN RESPONSE #183 (St. 1, only, sung by ALL) What Wondrous Love Is This WONDROUS LOVE

What wondrous love is this, O my soul! O my soul. What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this! That caused the Lord of bliss To bear the heavy cross for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the heavy cross for my soul.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 86:11-17 Hawthorne

Refrain below introduced by Choir, repeated by ALL. Verses sung by cantor/choir, followed by Refrain sung by ALL.

NEW TESTAMENT READING Acts 18:1-4, 24-28 (NT p. 168)

EPISTLE READING Hebrews 4:14–5:10 (NT p. 267) MEDITATION “In Memory of Her: Priscilla, Partnership, and Priesthood” Rev. Steve Savides

*HYMN #353 Called as Partners in Christ’s Service BEECHER

*BENEDICTION (If you wish to greet or connect with a Pastor this morning, you are invited to come forward to the chancel to do so.)

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POSTLUDE “Chorale” Reginald Martin

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Shelley Nulton, guest organist Bianca Pratte, flute Nick Fahrenkrug, baritone John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries, Psalm cantor 8:45 AM Sanctuary Choir 10:30 AM LU Music Scholars

Members in Service Next Week Friday, March 20 9:00 AM Bulletin Assemblers Judy Hinden, Trish Brehm Sunday, March 22 8:45 AM 10:30 AM Main Door Greeters Emory & Paulette Laffin Pat Streur Bridge Greeters Dan & Cheryl Nisler Welcomers Usher Team Captains John Breitzman Rick Behm Lay Readers Kris Henke N/A Multi-Media—audio Jill Smith Rick Behm Multi-Media—video Jonathan Steffen Kris Behm

Church School Schedule – 8:45 AM Please pick up children from the following classrooms today, March 15.

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

Upcoming Worship Schedule March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday in Lent Sermon Title: “Where Do We Sit?” Rev. Nick Hatch (8:45 AM) Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-44, Revelation 3:14-21 Music: 8:45 AM – Joel Jicha, bass 10:30 AM – Intergenerational Musical: “Bathwater”

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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 Paul Bauman Katie Behl Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Clair and Nancy Brown Don Brittnacher Dick Casperson John Cawthon Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards A friend diagnosed with cancer Margitta Furnner Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Mary Guenther Family of Steve Heil upon his death Maggie Hendrick Don Hietpas Ken Hocking Carolyn and Jim Huddleston Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and students Ervin Klesmit Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Rev. Kathryn Kuhn

Carrie Brooks McClory and her triplets Mike Mathews Shari Mitchell Our country’s military around the world Ellie Olson Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Families and children of Palestine Kathleen Ptacek Diane Ragus Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Judy Schneider 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 Larry Tuttle Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s

daughter Jean Wegner Jennifer Wild Gary Wisneski

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THE OPEN DOOR March 15, 2020 Volume 20, Issue 11

Pastoral Letter on the Coronavirus “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16; translation: The Message). Friends, I greet you in Christ’s love, holding each of you in my thoughts and prayers as we face the uncertain times in which we find ourselves. In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he reminded those facing stress and persecution to “take our lead from Christ” such that “his very breath and blood flow through us.” That is our challenge in fearful times – not to act out of panic and fear but out of truth and love, the very essence of Christ. In the words of the poet James Russell Lowell, “new occasions teach new duties.” I write this to talk about our church’s duty to care for the public health and the health of our church members. I will be referencing several temporary changes to our church’s routine in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Please know that as things change, we may have other new duties and changes required of us. In all things, may we seek to be true to our First Congo identity as mission-minded Christians deeply committed to our community’s health and well-being. Carolyn Frederick, myself, and some seventy representatives of area faith communities had an excellent gathering Tuesday noon and heard a very informative presentation by the Appleton Health Department. A couple of important take-aways:

1) In many ways, this is the first worldwide pandemic since 1918. The speed at which Covid-19 is spreading is what makes this different from the more recent epidemics like H1N1 and SARS.

2) Public health responses are geared to the stage at which the pandemic progresses. Here in Wisconsin and in Appleton, we are at the stage of people-to-people spread of the virus. The appropriate response is to increase personal respiratory hygiene (hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting frequently used hard surfaces, covering coughs or sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick people, etc.). If someone is infected, they should be quarantined. If the virus showed community spread, then appropriate steps would include public events and gatherings cancelled. With widespread community spread, public places would be closed and travel would be restricted or suspended.

3) The mortality rate of the coronavirus is quite low (0.2%) for anyone under 40. It rises to 0.4% for those 40-49 and then begins to increase more sharply: 1.3% for 50-59, 5.6% for 60-69, 8% for 70-79, and 14.8% for those 80 and over. Of course,

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added factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease increase the risk of mortality.

This leads us to having particular concern for the health of our older members. Taking our cue from the CDC and the Appleton Health Department, it’s important for us as a church to increase our level of hygiene to safeguard our membership. During this time of we will be taking the following temporary steps:

1) We will no longer have a person-to-person greeting at the beginning of our worship service. Instead, we will be singing a gathering song as a way for us to Share the Peace with one another.

2) At the conclusion of the service, our Pastors will not go to the rear of the sanctuary to form a greeting line. Instead, they will remain at the front of the sanctuary and those who wish to greet the Pastors or have a particular pastoral need will be encouraged to come forward to do so.

3) Communion will be by prepackaged elements. Instead of passing the plate, we will be encouraging folks to either take the prepackaged communion kit as they enter the sanctuary or to come up and take it as communion begins.

4) Instead of passing the offering plate, we will have offering stations both in the back supervised by the ushers and in the front where the offering can be placed either as people enter or during the offertory.

5) We will not pass a baptismal blanket through the congregation but will bless it as part of the baptismal liturgy and have the pastor present it to the family.

6) We will schedule baptisms, commissionings, and other special liturgical events for the second service on Sunday mornings to spread out the attendance. This should allow the opportunity for those who wish to both attend worship but also physically isolate themselves from other worshipers (for high risk folks, the CDC recommends a six-foot distance).

If and when the coronavirus comes to our community and begins to show not just person-to-person but community spread, and particularly if that becomes widespread, the Appleton Health Department would then take the appropriate action of ordering large gatherings to cease, even calling for a temporary halt to our worship services. We would honor that request from the Health Department to safeguard our community’s and our congregants’ health. We are blessed to have the resources to provide live-stream video of our worship services. Those who have already decided to isolate themselves from the worship services can access our worship through the website. In the event of all public gatherings being temporarily banned, our church’s worship life could continue on-line.

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Please know that we as a staff are in deep discussion about other steps we could take to ensure that our congregation would be cared for and our mission to the community continue, particularly during such a difficult time. Of particular concern to us is how we would maintain the network of care that happens on Sunday mornings without those weekly gatherings. In addition, we are concerned that many individuals may be asked to self-quarantine for a period of two weeks. While that may not be a particular hardship for some, for those living paycheck-to-paycheck, that may seem impossible. How can we as a church provide support and advocacy for those people? Thank you for your kind attention to this length communication. And thank you for your continuing support of our church as we seek to uphold and support our families and our communities in this challenging time.

Your friend and fellow minister,

Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides, Senior Pastor

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Wine & Word: A Seat at the Table Tuesday • March 17

Our next Wine and Word gathering will be on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 PM at Joan’s home (1031 S. West Ct., Apt A, Appleton). We will discuss A Seat at the Table: Huston Smith in Conversation with Native Americans on Religious Freedom by Huston Smith (253 pages).

Historian of world religions Huston Smith invites ten influential American Indian spiritual and political leaders to talk about their five-hundred-year struggle for religious freedom.

American Indian leaders Vine Deloria, Jr. (Standing Rock Sioux), Winona LaDuke (Anishshinaabeg), Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee), Frank Dayish, Jr. (Navajo), Charlotte Black Elk (Oglala Lakota), Douglas George-Kanentiio (Mohawk-Iroquois), Lenny Foster (Dine/Navajo), Tonya Gonnella Frichner (Onondaga), Anthony Guy Lopez (Lakota-Sioux), and Oren Lyons (Onondaga) provide an impressive overview of the critical issues facing the Native American community today.

Membership Exploration Class Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM The Membership Exploration Class is designed for people who are considering membership with First Congregational United Church of Christ. This class explores the history and polity of the United Church of Christ, the history and programs of First Congregational UCC, the faith and theology of the church, discernment of spiritual gifts for serving God, and the meaning of church membership and opportunities to serve the church. Please contact the church office at (920) 733-7393 or sign up in the Narthex.

ElderMatch ElderMatch increases the quality of life for older adults through companionship. Folks age 60 or older who live alone may not have the opportunity to engage socially within the community. Loneliness and social isolation may occur, which can cause chronic health conditions. St. Paul Elder Services, in collaboration with Volunteer Fox Cities, pairs local volunteers with older adults living in their own home or apartment who desire greater social connections. Once a week, or at least twice a month, the elder will experience friendly visits with a volunteer who has been vetted and matched with the elder. They can chat, play games or enjoy other shared interests. If you have friends, family or neighbors age 60 or older who may benefit from a friendly visitor, contact Jan Sommerfeld at (920)832-9360 or jan@volunteerfoxcities.org.

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Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Joyful Noise Offering TODAY • March 15

TODAY, March 15, the Tween Ministry will be collecting donations for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. This organization provides hope to people in the Fox Valley with a state of the art, 40,000+ square foot food bank located off of Interstate 41 in Little Chute. The food bank, which opened in November of 2015, has an expansive cooler and freezer space which helps them to provide fresh and safe food products to individuals and families in need in the Fox Valley as well as rural areas throughout Eastern Wisconsin. The children will not be passing the coin buckets today, but any coins placed in the collection plates during the 8:45 and 10:30 AM services will be donated to the Joyful Noise program. Your donations can also be placed in an offering envelope and marked “Joyful Noise.”

“Fishing for Faith” Fundraiser Saturday • March 21

Join us in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, March 21 for our Fishing for Faith Fundraiser to support the Costa Rica Mission Trip. The fundraiser will take place from 5:00–7:00 PM.

• Baked haddock or chicken dinner with baked potato bar

• “Backpacker’s Dream” raffle drawing

• Fish Scale Gift Card Grab • Fill a Food Bag for Costa Rica

Tickets are $20 per person, $10 for seniors and children age 5-10, and free for children age 4 and under. Contact Renee Taylor at rtaylor@firstcongoappleton.org for more information. You are strongly encouraged to stay for our Intergenerational Musical; Bathwater, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

No 3- and 4-Year-Old Class TODAY, March 15 and March 22

TODAY, March 15 and next Sunday March 22, there will be no 3- and 4-year-old class. Emma Slowinski, who has been volunteering to teach each Sunday, is out of town. She will resume teaching on March 29. Please prepare to keep your children in service with you and utilize the activities in the Family Worship Area. Thank you.

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Important Dates for Church School

As we approach spring and many school districts have scheduled spring break vacations, please be advised of weeks that there will be no Church School due to teacher availability. Dates of importance: April 5 - No Church School

April 12 - Easter Egg Hunt/No Church School (more details will follow about the Easter Egg Hunt).

April 26 - No Church School due to children and youth leading worship

Thank You to Our Awesome Church School Teachers

As always, Church School would not be possible without the volunteer teachers who give of their time and talents to teach the children of First Congregational UCC.

The teachers who volunteered at Rotation Four are listed below. Please take a moment to thank them! Three and Four Year Olds: Emma Slowinski Kindergarten: Sharon Clothier First Grade: Jes Lindsey Second Grade: Heidi Richter Third and Fourth Grade: Nancy Koeller Fifth and Sixth Grade: Katie Jahnke (Co-taught with Colleen Berry)

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

David Cook to receive Robert A. Millikan Medal

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has announced that David M. Cook will receive the Robert A. Millikan Medal during the 2020 Summer Meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This award recognizes educators who have made notable and intellectually creative contributions to the teaching of physics. Cook received a B.S. in physics in 1959 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His A.M. (1960), and Ph.D. (1965) degrees in physics were both earned at Harvard. In 1965, he joined the Department of Physics at Lawrence University. During his 43 years on the Lawrence faculty, he taught essentially all of the courses in the typical undergraduate physics curriculum; supervised dozens of senior-level independent studies and full-time summer-long student projects; published two dozen papers and delivered over four dozen invited and contributed talks, mostly in the area of instructional uses of computers; and served in several

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administrative capacities. He also earned the Lawrence Excellence in Teaching Award in 1990. Cook retired from full-time teaching and research in June 2008 but maintains an office at Lawrence University and is engaged in several writing projects. In November 2012, Cook was cited by the American Physical Society "for the prominent roles he has played in developing and disseminating outstanding computational elements for undergraduate physics courses, in building an exemplary undergraduate physics program, and in executive leadership of the American Association of Physics Teachers” and was elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society. In January 2015, he received the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service from the American Association of Physics Teachers and in 2019 he was elected as a Fellow of AAPT. David has also been serving as one of First Congo’s guest organists for the last few months and has been blessing us with his musical talents. Please take a moment to congratulate him on this prestigious award.

Bathwater: A Musical Apocalypse Saturday • March 21 (7:00 PM) Sunday • March 22 (10:30 AM)

Opening night is almost here! Join us for Rev. Steve Savides’ and David Stoddard’s Intergenerational Musical: Bathwater. It’s the story of Bathwater, Wisconsin; the “city down the river from the lake,” and the shenanigans, foolishness

and occasional wisdom of its hapless inhabitants as they face some of the most important issues of our time. We hope to see you there. Bring a friend!

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Traveling Exhibit: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting

March 24–April 7

A traveling exhibit, developed by the Wisconsin Historical Society, will be on display at First Congo from March 24 to April 7. The eight-panel display, "We Stand on Their Shoulders": A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting, explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders. Covering the ratification of the 19th Amendment, 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Act, 1924 Indian Citizenship Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act, the display shares the important story of women's quest for political rights and recognition through quotes, photographs and a timeline of events. Watch for the display in our Narthex!

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One Great Hour of Sharing: “Invest in Futures”

Sunday • March 29

The 2020 One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering’s theme is “Invest in Futures.”

Through the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering, we are planting seeds of new life. Together, we are investing in communities worldwide: providing education to girls and boys, empowering communities through vocational training, supporting microcredit lending and seeing people through to self-sufficiency, empowering families with skills to support themselves and their neighbors, and participating in sustainable solutions that offer dignity to all. These are just a few ways the OGHS offering touches God’s children, in addition to disaster relief and refugee initiatives. Through your generosity, the world is a better place. But more is needed. Today, you have an opportunity to plant seeds into the lives of others. Be a co-worker with God. Building, planting, watering…and trusting that God gives growth to all good gifts shared in faith. Gifts will be dedicated on March 29. Envelopes are available in the pews, or you may contribute via Realm. Thank you for your partnership.

Kenya Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon: Can You Imagine?

Sunday • March 29 Dear Kenya Sponsors, Warm greetings from our sponsored students, their parents, the Sponsorship Committee in Kenya, and all our Kenyan friends! You are cordially invited to attend our annual Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon will begin after second service on Sunday, March 29. We are eager to share stories, videos, pictures, and information about our recent trip to Kenya. Our theme this year is, “Can You Imagine?” The luncheon menu will be our traditional Kenyan meal of chicken stew, rice, vegetarian beans, greens, chapati (tortillas), fruit and chai. We will have hot dogs available as well. All items but the tortillas will be gluten free (prepared in a totally gluten free kitchen). There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. If possible, please RSVP by March 23. We hope you can join us!

Administration Realm this Week: Group and

Group Communication Church groups are the heart of connecting with other people for worship, prayer, and fellowship. A good way to get more involved in the church is to find a group whose goals and interests match your own. To do this log in to Realm. Click

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Community > Groups > Find Groups. Now you will see the types of groups we have at First Congregational and a list of the groups within in type. If you see a group you are interested in, you can click on the Join Group button which sends an email to the leader. The leader of the group can then get back to you.

Realm's group communication keeps you in touch with your groups. The news, sometimes called a news feed, is a list of content created by people in your groups. Anyone who is entered into Realm as a member of a group can communicate with others in that group through posts. To start a conversation

with group members, click on . Make sure the group name is the group you plan to post to. Create a title for your post. If you do not title it, the post button stays greyed out and won’t let you post. Then write what you want to say to everyone, attach any files and click on the Post button. You are able to edit or delete a post. Open the post and click on the ellipses and then edit or delete.

When you first log in to Realm you normally get to your News first. This lists posts from all your groups. If you want to see all the posts from one group only, go to groups and choose the group you like to see all posts of. Next week we will discuss giving – online giving, pledges and giving history.

Communications Reminder If you have any articles that you would like to submit to the Open Door, email to hvolkman@firstcongoappleton.org.

Carefully-written announcements of 150 words or less may be accepted from our members, partnership organizations and other community groups.

Inclusion is subject to suitability of the content and availability of space, with priority given to the activities of First Congregational.

Church members may also submit articles of 300 words or less. Submissions received by Tuesday at 5:00 PM will be considered for inclusion in the following Sunday bulletin.

To preserve the freshness and relevance of our content, we will run external announcements no more than twice and internal announcements no more than three times. Articles will usually be run once. We welcome requests for run dates, which we will honor to the extent that we are able.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Calendar for Sunday, March 15–Saturday, March 21 Sunday, March 15 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Worship – Sanctuary 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 8:45 AM–9:45 AM Church School – Scripture Tent, Theater, Art/Kitchen,

East Conference Room, Computer Lab, 4-year-old Room 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Child Care – Infant Room, Toddler Room, Nursery 11:30 AM–1:15 PM Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal – Fellowship Halls, River

Room, Sanctuary 7:00 PM–8:00 PM First Things First AA Meeting – South Fellowship Hall, Common

Grounds Monday, March 16 5:30 PM–7:00 PM ESTHER Communications Regular Meeting – Upper Lounge 6:45 PM-9:00 PM Fox Valley Flute Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Boy Scout Troop 8 – Fellowship Hall, West Conference Room 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Prayer Shawl – Common Grounds Tuesday, March 17 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 10:00 AM–11:30 AM ESTHER Finance Meeting – 3 Year Old Room 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lectionary Bible Study – Upper Lounge 1:00 PM-2:30 PM Chrysalis – Upper Lounge 6:30 PM-8:30 PM Wine and Word: A Seat at the Table – Joan’s Home (1031 S.

West Ct., Apt. 1, Appleton 7:45 PM–8:45 PM Fireside AA Group - Common Grounds Wednesday, March 18 12:15 PM–1:00 PM Loving Acceptance Meditation Group - Upper Lounge 4:30 PM–5:30 PM Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Intergenerational Musical Rehearsal – North/South Fellowship

Halls, River Room, Sanctuary 5:45 PM–6:25 PM Youth Handbell Rehearsal – Amistad Room 6:30 PM–7:30 PM Confirmation Class with Mentors – Fellowship Hall, Chapel 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 7:30 PM–8:45 PM Youth Mission Trip Prep – Common Grounds / Fellowship Hall

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Thursday, March 19 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM–10:00 AM ADRC StrongBodies – South Fellowship Hall 9:30 AM–12:00 PM ADRC Mind Over Matter – Chapel 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting – Upper Lounge 11:30 AM–1:00 PM AA - Search for Serenity Group – Common Grounds 12:00 PM–1:30 PM Theology Discussion Group – Stone Arch Brewpub 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 5:30 PM–8:30 PM Family/Friends Mental Illness Support Group – Upper Lounge Friday, March 20 6:00 PM–10:00 PM Intergenerational Musical Dress Rehearsal – Fellowship Halls,

River Room, Sanctuary 7:00 PM–8:30 PM Al-Anon – Upper Lounge 7:00 PM–8:30 PM N.A. – Common Grounds Saturday, March 21 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Intergenerational Musical Dress Rehearsal – Sanctuary 5:00 PM–7:00 PM Fishing for Faith Fundraiser Dinner – Fellowship Halls 7:00 PM–8:00 PM Fox Valley 94 AA – Common Grounds 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Intergenerational Musical Performance – Sanctuary

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Gifts of Flowers for Easter Please consider making a gift to the Easter display in memory or in honor of a loved one or to celebrate a special moment in your life. The suggested donation is $25, and the deadline is April 2. Contributors to the display will appear in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. Besides supporting this special season’s display, the monies will be used to help fund the Sanctuary flowers throughout next year.

Please place your order and payment in the offering plate today.

Please word the following as you wish it to appear in the bulletin. Amount Paid $ In honor of In memory of In celebration of Given by

Tear out this form and place in the offering plate or return to the church office.

Make check out to FCUCC and in Memo field, write “Easter Flowers.”