Welcome Words From Pastor Craig

(aka Rev. Craig R. Alwin)

I’m glad that you found us, and would love to hear your story! We are a diverse community of Christians, blessed by God with unique gifts, who gather in the name of Jesus Christ to celebrate His life, death, resurrection and saving grace. We are formally referred to as First Presbyterian Church, but like most of Oconto we go by various nicknames, such as the Presbys (short for Presbyterians) or the Ding-a-Lings (for our hand bell and hand chime ringers). Here is a snippet of my story: I grew up on a small family farm in southern Wisconsin, am married and we have three children.

In April 2023 I’m completing a Doctor of Ministry program, focused on “Leadership in a Changing Context” through what it means to be a Local Theologian. I am excited to apply what I’ve learned over the past six years through our church and within our community in the summer and fall of 2023!

In my 14-plus years serving as pastor with this group of amazing people, we continually seek new ways to worship God, build one another up in Christ, serve the community, and support ministries around the world. I invite you to come, and help us learn more about what it means to be God’s people gathered together in this time and place.

Online Services

We are again gathering together in person for worship, fellowship, and study.

At the onset of the global COVID19 pandemic, we quickly adapted and implemented online connection options – including options for those without computers or internet access. We encountered conflicts with software updates for online streaming and are assessing the future of online services. If you have a passion for online ministry or would like to be part of our worship tech team, please let us know!

Remember, Church is not where you are, but whose you are, and who we are together.

Please join us in worship.

Our Session will continue to update our in person meeting guidelines based on the CDC’s most recent recommendations. We continue to welcome mask usage at any time, but are not requiring masks. We expect that everyone will continue to live out the Biblical command to live with respect for all. As such, we expect everyone inside our building to respect the wishes of those who prefer mask usage or extra distance in their presence.

Hand sanitizer and disposable face masks will continue to be available.

Please remember, our Session may, at its discretion, revise or adjust these procedures as they see the need based on public health guidance and the situation of our local context.