On Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 the Oconto Youth Center and First Presbyterian Church of Oconto hosted our first “Oconto Youth Service Day” to help clean up the community. The 14 youth and 10 adult volunteers of Oconto worked together to provide basic exterior improvements on a very visible property at the southern entrance to Oconto. The primary tasks for this house included removal of overgrown shrubbery, scraping/priming/painting the wood siding and trim, and planting new landscape flowers.

A HUGE thank you to the Oconto Youth Center, First Presbyterian Church Youth, and the many local business and individuals who contributed to this event.

Our GOAL is to encourage and inspire our youth to take civic responsibility and pride in their community with active participation. Our HOPE is that this event will continue to grow each year and make a difference in our community with larger projects. With your prayers and support, this can become a reality.

Check out the Fox11 News report:

Please thank these local businesses for their support:

• Boehmer’s Ace Hardware
• Matravers DoIt Best Hardware
• Kelly’s Creative Designs
• Wisconsin Building Supply – Marinette
• Erik’s Garden Center – Marinette
• Sherwin-Williams Paints – Marinette
• Jackie Foster Inc.
• Carlie’s Landscaping & Excavating
• Thompson’s County Market
• Brothers Three
• Shiloh Lounge
• Crivello’s
• Shake-A-Burger/On The Road Again
• 4U Fitness
• Shopko
• Prevea Health
• Car Quest Auto
• Oconto Monument
• Oconto Sportsman Club
• Oconto Lions
• Kwik Trip
• Oconto Family Dollar

Please join us for our 7th Annual Worship by the Water at Oconto City Park – 10:15 a.m. on Sunday August 30, 2015

During this worship service there will be a blessing of the backpacks (for kids and adults – bring your backpacks, bags, briefcases, totes or whatever you have!) We will also be welcoming our new members, and sharing the Lord’s Supper – Holy Communion is open to all Christians of any denomination.

After worship the Deacons are hosting a pot luck meal, so bring a dish to pass if you can.  Dress is casual. There are tables to sit at, but you are encouraged to bring your lawn chairs.

There are still some spots available in the new class “Generation Change:The Life and Money Plan for Teens” starting tomorrow August 5th! This is open to all 7th-12th graders. This is a GREAT opportunity for teens to learn how to live the rest of their life debt free!!

Harold Emery Woods (Hal) left this world on his 91st birthday, Monday, June 1, 2015. A service celebrating Hal’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Oconto, WI. Visitation will start at 1:00 pm with the service to begin at 3:00 pm. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery. The Presbyterian Women will provide a meal in the Fellowship Hall following the burial.

CLICK HERE to read the full obituary.

We are again partnering with First American Lutheran Church for our Summer VBS! This is their year to host. The dates are June 8-12 (Monday-Friday) and we will be meeting at First American Lutheran Church from 9:00 a.m. to NOON each of those days.

You can download a registration form here: vbs_registration_form_2015

Youth (of ALL ages!) singing & chiming “Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord” to start the Youth Service. (Thanks to Mike, Pastor Craig, Aaron and James for accompanying the kids.)

 

Children practicing their Scripture verses and sign language

 

Getting a little Spiritual nourishment during Sunday School

 

 

 

 

 

Cheerful Chimers playing “Like a River Glorious”

 

 

 

“Kum ba Yah”

 

 

Great snack time after worship

Click here for the official Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) website for the most current updates and ways you can help

2015 U.S. STORMS

SITUATION

On May 6, 2015, scattered, severe thunderstorms developed across portions of the Central and Southern Plains. The National Weather Service identified at least 46 possible tornadoes, 28 damaging wind events and 60 large hail reports—the majority of which were located in KS, NE and OK. In addition, very heavy rains brought flash flooding to some of these areas.

Initial reports indicate isolated or localized damage from the storms in Kansas and Nebraska. Preliminary reports from Oklahoma indicate 200 homes possibly destroyed and an additional 2,000 homes possibly damaged across all affected areas of the state Areas near Oklahoma City. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

Based on the weather forecast for the weekend, additional storms could hit the mid-section of the country.

PDA Response

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has reached out to mid-councils in the affected areas to offer the care of the broader church and is standing by ready to assist as needed and requested. PDA is still hosting volunteers in the Moore, Oklahoma area from the 2013 tornadoes.

 

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE APRIL 2015

Situation

Thousands are dead or injured from the massive earthquake and aftershocks that shook Nepal and neighboring countries on April 25th. The quake, the worst in more than 80 years, struck just west of the capital of Kathmandu and destroyed towns and mountainous villages. The government of Nepal has officially requested international assistance and declared a state of emergency.

PDA Response

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s (PDA) local partners through ACT Alliance have been working in Nepal for several years and are on the ground assisting many who have survived the quake by distributing immediate life-saving supplies such as water, food, shelter and medication.

PDA is committed to the long-term response. As long-term recovery plans are developed, PDA will accompany and further financially support our partners in the area to ensure a comprehensive recovery is sustained.

First Presbyterian Church is currently searching for a person to serve our Family of Faith as “Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator” for 10-15 hours each week.

The primary objective for this person is to provide direct assistance for and oversight of the orderly operation of the church so that the church can properly fulfill its mission to the congregation, the community, and the Presbyterian Church (USA).

This person must have outstanding people skills (showing “I care care about you and others”), strict confidentiality, computer proficiency (including MS Office and the use of social media for ministry purposes.)

Please contact Pastor Craig or a current member of the Session if you might be interested.

A fully detailed job description is available here: FPCO Office Manager.

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