New Arrival
Congratulations to Cal and Shirley Kappeler on the arrival of their new great grandchild. A daughter, Mackey Anne-Marie Brose, was born to Carol Kappeler Brose and her husband David Brose on January 11, 2012. She weighed
6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long.
New Arrival
Congratulations to Cal and Shirley Kappeler on the arrival of their new great grandchild. A daughter, Mackey Anne-Marie Brose, was born to Carol Kappeler Brose and her husband David Brose on January 11, 2012. She weighed
6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long.
New Arrival
Congratulations to Cal and Shirley Kappeler on the arrival of their new great grandchild. A daughter, Mackey Anne-Marie Brose, was born to Carol Kappeler Brose and her husband David Brose on January 11, 2012. She weighed
6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Thank You!
To the Presbyterian Children,
Leonard and I have enjoyed the cards from the Sunday School students.
Each one is special and beautifully made.
Thank you.
Lucille Reinke
Automatic Deduction for Pledges
Enclosed with this newsletter you will find a form to allow you to sign up for automatic deductions for your pledge. This deduction may be taken from your checking or savings account, thus saving the cost of envelopes, also making it convenient for you to continue with your offering should you be on vacation or miss a Sunday. This also makes for easy record keeping. Take a minute to read over the material, if you have questions, contact the office staff at 235-6180.
From the Desk of Pastor Tom
Changes in Adult Forum
For the past several years Adult Forum, which meets each Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Library, has used the provocative curriculum, “Living the Questions.” Vi Tews has led Adult Forum and it has attracted a loyal following. At the start of this year Vi stepped down from leading Adult Forum and so we’re trying a new format. But first, I need to say, “thank you” to Vi for I don’t know how many years of running Adult Forum.
Adult Forum started a new program in January. Guests have been invited to talk about ministries we support and local issues. In January we heard about the Day to Day Warming Shelter, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Oshkosh Area Food Pantry and the Oaklawn school referendum.
Adult Forum schedule for February
February 5--Adult Forum will not meet because we will hold the Annual Meeting following worship. You’ll want to come to worship today! It’s Gospel Music Sunday and the jazz combo that led worship last fall will be here for another gig!
February 12—This is the Sunday closest to Charles Darwin’s birthday. Lisa Dorn, a biology professor at UW-Oshkosh will give a presentation about evolution. Many Christians think that believing evolution compromises their faith. Dr. Dorn contends that faith is not a barrier to a scientific understanding of the origins of life, nor does a scientific understanding preclude faith.
February 19 –Pastor Tom will talk about what makes Presbyterians different from other kinds of Christians. Some of what makes Presbyterians distinct is the way we organize ourselves. Pastor Tom will discuss the revisions to the Book of Order, which were adopted last summer.
February 26—Francis Mortensen, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been invited to talk about his faith tradition. Francis has led Adult Forum in the past in his role as a funeral director. With the success of the musical “The Book of Mormon” on Broadway and two Latter-day Saints running for president, many people are curious about this faith tradition. February 26 will be a good opportunity to have your questions answered.
Adult Forum through May
In the spring Adult Forum will offer times for each Session committee to talk about their work. We will also hold a two part forum on funeral planning.
You may have suggestions for Adult Forum topics. Please pass them on to the church office, either by phone, 235-6180 or email office@oshkoshpresbyterians.org.
See you in church!
2012 Upcoming Events
February 5—Annual Meeting after worship
February 16—Lunch w/Friends at Lara’s 11:45
February 22—Ash Wednesday— Pancake Supper 5:30 PM
2012 Session Committee Assignments
Nominating Committee—John Evans & Tricia Nelson
Preschool —Harriet Martin & Melissa Watkins
Investment Committee—Bill Wresch
Community Outreach—
Worship—Suzanne Vette
Personnel—John Evans
Christian Education—Rosangela Berbert
Property & Finance—Jim Dyer
Membership Enrichment—Bill Wresch
Mission Interpretation—Joann Cross
January 2012 Session Report
Your Session met for the first time in 2012 on Tuesday, January 17. Pastor Tom read a passage from the letter to Titus about the qualities of elders. The first order of business was examining the incoming elders. Rosangela Berbert, John Cross, Norma Dyer and Bill Wresch were elected to three year terms as ruling elders in November. They were asked about their feeling of being called to serve and their opinion on the state of the church. All four are concerned about the church’s declining membership and need for vitality. Miriam Berbert moved that the examination of her mother and the remaining elders be suspended and they be approved for service. The motion passed unanimously.
Elders who completed their terms on Session, Andrew Bosma, Sharon Engel, Rosemary Furkin, Bill Macksam and Tim Matelski were thanked for their service and asked to reflect on their terms. Each reported that it had been a learning experience.
Treasurer Nancy Macksam reported that the church ended 2011 with a deficit of $2,883, or about 1.3% of the budget. Committee chairs were commended for keeping a close eye on expenses throughout the year. Also year-end efforts to bring in revenue: the Joyful Noise Offerings and the end of the year appeal letter brought in over $3,000. So far 7 families have signed up to have their pledges deposited directly from the checking accounts.
Out-going Christian Education Chair, Sharon Engel reported that Vi Tews has stepped down from leading Adult Forum. Vi led this group for several years, and the Session expressed gratitude for her service. In place of the curriculum that Adult forum had been using a variety of speakers will lead Adult Forum, talking about how we use “energy, intelligence, imagination and love.” The list of February’s offerings is on the front page.
So goes the work of your Session.
Youth Group News
On Sunday, January 22, the youth group toured the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry.
This month they will collect the annual Souper Bowl offering, on February 5. Members are encouraged to bring cash donates or non-perishable food items to worship that day.
On March 18 the group will tour the Humane Society following Sunday school and lunch.
Automatic Deduction for Pledges
Enclosed with this newsletter you will find a form to allow you to sign up for automatic deductions for your pledge. This deduction may be taken from your checking or savings account, thus saving the cost of envelopes, also making it convenient for you to continue with your offering should you be on vacation or miss a Sunday. This also makes for easy record keeping. Take a minute to read over the material, if you have questions, contact the office staff at 235-6180.
Deacon news
The Board of Deacons held their organizing meeting, Thursday, January 19. Outgoing deacons, Ginny Evans, Betty Struthers, Randy Paulson and Lois Bidwell were thanked for their service. The schedule for coffee hour, communion set up and flower delivery was set for the first seven months of the year. Following the meeting new deacons Julie Ortman, Mike Cullom and Shelly Cullom were oriented to their new role. So goes the work of the deacons.
Marriage Encounter
A Marriage Encounter Weekend is a great opportunity for a married couple to strengthen their communications, deepen their love, and have an enjoyable time.
The weekend is not designed to solve deep psychological problems, but aims at promoting greater intimacy in a couple’s relationship. This weekend is an ecumenical experience, open to married couples of all ages and faiths.
You don’t need a Marriage Encounter Weekend, but you Deserve one. “Discover Each Other Again”, more deeply, honestly and warmly.
The upcoming schedule consists of February 10-12 or March 10-11 at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality in DePere. Spring weekend dates are also scheduled.
For more information and to obtain an informational brochure, contact Sue & Dennis Amtmann, 920-544-5166 or visit the website at www.gbme.org
Preschool Notes
A new preschool sign has been purchased and hung on the front of the building.
Miss Carol has a new laptop computer, the church and the preschool will share the cost.
The monthly cost for M-W-F classes will increase to $125.00 and the cost for T-Th classes will increase to $85.00 for the 2012-2013 school year.
Refocus for Lent
Give up complaining — focus on gratitude.
Give up harsh judgments — think kind thoughts.
Give up worry — trust God to provide.
Give up discouragement — be full of hope.
Give up bitterness — turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred — return good for evil.
Give up anger — be more patient.
Give up pettiness — become mature.
Give up jealousy — pray for trust.
Give up gossiping — control your tongue.
Give up sin — turn to virtue.
Give up giving up — persevere.
—Author unknown
Thank You!
To the Presbyterian Children,
Leonard and I have enjoyed the cards from the Sunday School students.
Each one is special and beautifully made.
Thank you. Lucille Reinke
Thank You!
Thank you for the prayer shawl during this difficult time. I have been using it a lot—I need to pray extra hard to help me through the loss of Steve. I appreciate your kindness and support.
Jacquelyn Wesenberg
Thank You!
Thank you for the surprise visit and the lovely prayer shawl. Thank you for catching me up on all the church family news.
You blessed me so lovingly as you wrapped it around my shoulder. I will enjoy the shawl immensely.
Love
Ruth Tate
Thank You!
Thank you to all the cards throughout the holidays from the children and to all my church family for the Christmas cards.
Thank you to the Deacons for the beautiful poinsettia, it was a cheerful addition to my home. I appreciate all you do.
Marge Farrow
New Arrival
Congratulations to Cal and Shirley Kappeler on the arrival of their new great grandchild. A daughter, Mackey Anne-Marie Brose, was born to Carol Kappeler Brose and her husband David Brose on January 11, 2012. She weighed
6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Bad Weather Plans
As we get ready for winter, I want to remind the congregation what we do when worship is cancelled. If you are unsure whether it is safe to come to church, please stay home! On Sunday morning the answering service at church will be updated by 7:30. Let the phone ring about 6 times. Also, the website will be updated and a Facebook notice will be posted, also by 7:30 a.m.
St. Valentine’s Sacrifice
Every February 14, we celebrate the loved ones in our lives with cards, flowers and chocolate. But Valentine’s Day has another meaning that’s been lost.
First declared a holiday by King Henry VIII of England in 1537, it commemorates the beheading of St. Valentine on February 14, 270 A.D. His crime? Performing wedding ceremonies after Roman Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage.
Valentine was martyred for faithfully doing the work God had given him. Although it’s good to celebrate love and marriage, let’s also remember the courage of a man who gave his life following his convictions.