Category: General

March 2023 Rundown

Cheri Simonet
Monthly Rundown

Souper Bowl of Caring Tackles Hunger!

Our Souper Bowl of Caring was a great time of food and fellowship! Using muffin tins (genius!) everyone had the opportunity to sample 8 amazing soups. The judging was tough because all were delicious! We had nearly 40 votes and the grand prize winner was chef Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges with her Christmas Corn Chowder. Georjeanna was awarded the golden ladle during worship on February 26th.

We raised $285 for the Presbyterian Pantry but thanks to a generous, anonymous donor, that amount was matched and the grand total raised was $570—wow! Thanks to everyone who attended and voted, and thanks to our amazing chefs—Brooke Bruette, Russ Christensen, Al Smith, Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges, Brenda and George Hubbard, Ross and Lyn Early, Joel and Brittany Morien and Pastor Katie.

Thanks also to our CE Committee who made the event possible and to Mary Belanger who helped configure our crockpot outlets so we didn’t blow a circuit!

Cozy Kids are cozy thanks to you!

THANK YOU to everyone who made our Cozy Kids January Campaign such a success! The kids were so grateful for all the generous contributions! Our community of faith is truly blessed to have so many members who give back to our local community, especially to our friends and families in need at Tank School.

February 20, 2023 – Name that Member BIG REVEAL!

Cheri Simonet
Name that Member

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

  • About my childhood – we always had a piano, which my parents were very proficient at (wish I could say the same about me). I tuned into music and Christianity at an early age.
  • I grew up watching Billy Graham Crusades.
  • We went to church every Sunday followed by my Mom making chicken dinner. In the afternoons we visited relatives at their house, or ours, or those at the cemetery.
  • As a family we would visit other churches often. Yes, FPC was on the visit list.
  • I was supposed to be a middle child…I have one brother.
  • I have one wife (one and only), 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
  • I have too many blessings to have just one favorite thing in the world, however I’ve been going to a place of refuge for about 48 years which is an excellent place for mental and physical therapy.
  • What I like most about being a member of our church is that it’s Bible based (more than some churches). Prayer, Praise and Worship are in a ‘reverent’ manner.
  • I’ve been a member of our church for close to 30 years (though not continuous…been around the block a few times).
  • My parent’s wedding was held at FPC. So was mine (one and only).
  • Even while being members of another church ‘we’ would regularly spend the closest Sunday of our wedding anniversary ‘here’.
  • My favorite place to visit is my place of refuge (located on a road less traveled).
  • Couldn’t tell you my ‘best’ vacation spot, because the ones I’ve visited have something special about each one.
  • What I’m most passionate about is keeping this little light of mine lit, in an ever increasing windy world (and passing that light on to our kids, grandkids, and whomever else might be interested).
  • I’ve attended 4 colleges and went to all the colleges I wanted to attend.
  • I have 3 degrees and graduated from one college twice.
  • I’ve always graduated college debt free.
  • I came very close to enrolling at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque Iowa. (Did my ministry in another way/career.)
  • My family has a very ecumenical history (although in a very conservative way).
  • I bought my first car when I was 14 years old for $75 (and still have it!)
  • Also, still use my first toaster, a ‘flip flop’ one.
  • I’ve already had a ride in a hearse, but not in the back. Great ride!
  • I’ve never gambled but if I were to buy a lottery ticket the numbers would be: 1, 13, 15, 40, 53 & 12.
  • I’m not comfortable being in the spotlight. I like recognition as much as anyone but I don’t seek or glory in it.
  • I’ve participated in 3 polar bear plunges and, yes, for it to be an official plunge, you have to go under.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Russ Christensen!

I bet you didn’t know I was such an academic or that I use a fire hazard antique toaster!

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

February 2023 Rundown

Cheri Simonet
Monthly Rundown

Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Pastor Katie and Joel Morien were thrilled to attend the annual conference of the Association of Partners in Christian Education in late January, held in Birmingham Alabama. They appreciated plenary sessions with speaker John Pavlovitz whose most recent book is If God is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk, worship with local gospel choirs and nationally-known preachers, and a multitude of workshops. It was also an opportunity to network with others in ministry as the event drew more than 500 participants from around the country.

2nd Annual Burns Night—an Evening in the Highlands

Thanks to everyone involved in last Saturday’s second annual Burns Night Benefit Dinner: An Evening in the Highlands! More than 100 people gathered at the Green Bay Distillery to raise funds to help Hurricane Ian victims and to enjoy an wonderful evening. An optional Scotch tasting session was followed by a hearty feast of Whiskey Glazed Salmon or Whiskey Glazed Pork Loin with lots of extras. We also enjoyed amazing entertainment and activities including the Clan Donald Pipe Band, the Irish Heritage Dancers, sword dancing, Address to the Haggis, and more! It was a great evening, but don’t you think it’s a little cold for kilts?

  • Burns Dinner 2023
  • Burns Dinner 2023

Annual Ski Trip

This year’s ski trip was a fabulous time! We were fortunate to have our friends from First United along for the fun. The weather was perfect for a day on the slopes and the day was filled with fellowship and fun. And, this year everyone was off the bunny hill by 10:30 check-in!

Happy 100th Birthday to Theda Nero!

Wishing you a blessed day on your birthday and all the days ahead in your 100th year!

Theda Nero 100th Birthday
Stephanie Fahringer and Donna Jansen join Theda Nero for her 100th Birthday Celebration

Online Church Directory Debuts February 5, 2023

Cheri Simonet
Instant Church Directory

Dear Members,

Our church directory is available to view on your computer! Instant Church Directory – the program we use to build our church directory – has a member website. We’ll debut the mobile app during Fellowship Hour on February 5th when our app directory team will help with downloading the app and setting up your account. But you don’t need to wait till then!

To set up your account on the desktop go to https://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/

You can also set up your account on the mobile app. To download the app to your Apple device, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instant-church-directory/id589542221?ls=1&mt=8

To download the app to your Android device, click here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instantchurchdirectory.members

Whether on the desktop or your mobile device, you will be asked to enter your email address as it’s listed in our directory. If your email address isn’t listed in the directory, let Leah know so it can be added at office@firstpresgreenbay.org. Once you enter your email address, follow the directions on-screen to complete the create log-in process. After you sign in, you’ll see the most up-to-date directory for our church. Any time updates are made, they will show on the Online Members’ Website, too.

For more information about the members’ website, go to: https://help.instantchurchdirectory.com/article/638-navigating-the-online-member-directory

We hope you’re as excited about our online directory as we are! Once you have access to your own information, you’ll be able to make any updates yourself, including changing the image for your listing.

If you need assistance with anything, please contact Cheri at communications@firstpresgreenbay.org or call her at the office (920) 437-8121.

Login today!

Gestures of Generosity, February 2023

Cheri Simonet
Gestures of Generosity

Thank you for your Gesture!

On Sunday, January 22, the Generosity Team explained and answered questions relating to per capita. We answered the reason to check that box on your pledge card, committing to pay $38.00 for each adult member of your household this year. We reviewed why we ask for that above and beyond your regular pledge and what these contributions were going toward.

However, not everyone pays toward per capita. If you weren’t able to join us for worship on the 22nd, you may not understand per capita. Unfortunately, not everyone chooses to participate in this special offering that offsets our “bill” from the denomination that funds our connectional church. But one household among us made a wonderful Gesture of Generosity and recently gave a special gift of $1000 to help cover unpaid per capita. The gift is truly appreciated. Thanks be to God for this Gesture of Generosity!

If you have a Gestures of Generosity story to share, please contact Cheri at communications@firstpresgreenbay.org.

January 9, 2023 – Name that Member BIG REVEAL!

Cheri Simonet
Name that Member

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

  • I was born and raised in Eastern South Dakota, North of Sioux Falls.
  • I spent a lot of vacation time in the Black Hills, which is my favorite place to be in the world.
  • My freshman year in football, I was so bad that my coach told me I should try cross country next season! He made the right call. I still run today.
  • I joined choir and theater in high school to get past my fear of being in front of people!
  • I have 3 brothers, 2 older and one younger.
  • I am divorced, I have four children, one daughter in law, and one grand daughter who oozes cuteness! Three of my children were baptized in this church.
  • I love exploring! I spent two summers in Egypt when I was young, and that was huge. I love going to new places, learning new cultures, and seeing new things.
  • I’m also a huge football fan, and people around here don’t appreciate my point of view!
  • What I love most about being a member of the church is that there are so many good people in this church! I love the way it serves the community and its people. Also most of my best mentors came from this church! It is a pleasure to take an active role in its service!
  • I have been a member of First Presbyterian for over 30 years!
  • My favorite place to be is Iron Creek Lake in the Northern Black Hills. It is God’s gift, it is so beautiful there. There is a mountain at the end of the lake where the view is so amazing, and when the wind blows, there is a sound the pine needles make, a whisper, it is just beautiful!
  • What I’m most passionate about is simple really. I just want to make a difference.
  • I say thank you about one hundred times a day, and laugh when God puts an obstacle in my way because I know he’s just trying to slow me down!

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m David Young!

Did you know all that about David?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Coming Soon in 2023 – Online Church Directory

Cheri Simonet
Instant Church Directory

View our church directory online or via the FREE mobile app.

The Communication and Technology team are hard at work getting our Online Church Directory all set up for its 2023 debut! Stay tuned for news on our Download App Parties and Picture Parties set to happen during Fellowship Hour in February and March, 2023.

Our Directory App Team will be on hand to help download the free mobile app available for download at the Apple App store in iTunes, Google Play store and the Amazon Fire App Store. Or if you like, don’t wait for the App Party – download your App today! Simply search for “Instant Church Directory” to get the download.

Want to join our Directory App Team? Contact us at communications@firstpresgreenbay.org and join the party!

Our Church Directory will be powered by Instant Church Directory.

Instant Church Directory

December 19, 2022 Name that Member BIG REVEAL!

Cheri Simonet
Name that Member

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

  • I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
  • My favorite childhood memories was being a leprechaun in the St. Patrick’s Day play in elementary school.
  • I am married with two kids (son and daughter).
  • I have one sister and no brothers.
  • My favorite thing to do is to travel.
  • What I love most about being a member of this church is the people–we have such a wonderful community of people in the church.
  • I’ve been a member of our church for my entire life.
  • My favorite place to visit is Walt Disney World.
  • I’m most passionate about my family. Even though my kids are “adults” I am very passionate about my family.
  • I failed my driver’s test miserably–I didn’t even make it out of the parking stall on my first try. Must have been the shortest driver’s test on record.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Amy Wittman!

Betcha didn’t know all that about Amy, did you?

But more importantly – are you comfortable with Amy driving your carpool?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

January 2023 Gestures of Generosity

Cheri Simonet
Gestures of Generosity 2022

Thank you for your Gesture!

One of the greatest gestures of generosity that any one person can give is the gift of themselves in the service of others. Judy Knutsen-Nerad is that person filled with Gestures of Generosity. She is selfless in the time, energy and effort she brings to our office whenever the need arises.

In early December, Leah took ill for more than a week and without hesitation, Judy quickly stepped in to fill the void. Whether it be answering the phone, receiving visitors, putting together the bulletin or working on the newsletter, throughout the year Judy doesn’t hesitate in the least to help when called and always with heartwarming smiles. Judy’s positive energy never falters and we’re all so thankful for how she gives so generously of her time and talent. THANK YOU, Judy, for your ongoing Gestures of Generosity!

Merry Christmas from Red Lobster! by Stephanie Fahringer

Gestures of Generosity

Meet James… James is Manager of Red Lobster on Lombardi Ave. Red Lobster donates frozen potatoes & Red Lobster biscuits for our pantry on a weekly basis.

For this Christmas season James & his entire crew donated nearly $600.00 of toys for our Toy Shop with a huge resounding MERRY CHRISTMAS from our Red Lobster crew!!

I am overwhelmed by the kindness & generosity displayed. James delivered them to our church & made sure I saw the guitar that he picked out!
A huge THANK YOU to all of your crew & may you all have a BLESSED & BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS! AMEN

Socks of Love receives some unsolicited Love

A new element of our annual Advent Workshop was a service project called “Socks of Love.” We collected donations of travel-sized toiletries and other items that might benefit people experiencing homelessness in our community, then stuffed them into a pair of warm wool socks. Thanks to all who contributed to filling these socks of love. An extremely generous financial contribution came in through our online giving portal to support this project as well, so we’ll be making more Socks of Love soon—thank you to our secret supporter!

We’d love to include your story in one of our upcoming Gestures of Generosity newsletter columns.

If you have a Gestures of Generosity story to share, please contact Cheri at communications@firstpresgreenbay.org.

January 2023 Rundown

Cheri Simonet
Monthly Rundown

FMSC is a WINNER and awarded $10,000!

Thank you to all who voted in Thrivent Financial’s “Carols for a Cause” contest! We placed third so our Feed My Starving Children: Green Bay MobilePack will receive $10,000. That’s over 41,600 meals for children in need! It also means that our 2022 fundraising goal has now been met and we have started raising money to kick off the efforts for 2023. We are so incredibly grateful to the team at Thrivent for selecting our organization to be a part of this amazing contest and for their generous support, not only of our cause, but others from the Green Bay area as well.

Advent Workshop

We kicked off the Advent season with a wonderful chili lunch and workshop to get us all in the mood for the Christmas season. Cookies were decorated and eaten, candles were crafted, and hot chocolate spoons were created for gift-giving. We stuffed 48 pair of wool socks with necessary toiletries and other goodies for people experiencing homelessness. What a great day! Thank you to everyone who participated in this wonderful event.

Christmas Prayer Baskets

Our three adopted families had a beautiful Christmas thanks to so many wonderful people! All the tags were taken from our baskets to fill each family’s wish lists. Many people within the church and several outside of our church helped make this possible. The Outreach Committee thanks everyone so much for the wonderful presents and for spreading joy!

Toy Shop

This year’s Toy Shop on December 13th for our Pantry guests was a great success! We served 51 families and gave away toys for 221 kids! Thank you to everyone for your generous support with monetary gifts and toys, and special THANKS to our elves that were personal shoppers. Thanks to everyone’s support there’s 221 kids who found presents under the tree on Christmas morning!

Youth Lock-In

Our Youth had a great time with their annual lock-in on December 16th! Presents were wrapped for our three adopted families for our annual prayer basket campaign. There was Christmas trivia with prizes and one of the prizes was a 1 pound gummy bear! Who wouldn’t be happy to win a 1 pound gummy bear as a prize? It was a wonderful time of fellowship. As youth wrapped for our adopted families, they were reminded just how fortunate we are to have presents under our own trees and grateful for the opportunity to help others in need.