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December 13 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Virtual Fellowship with Rev. Nick Hatch ....................................... p. 6 TODAY: Hanging of the Greens TODAY: Sunday School at Home ................................................................. p. 6 TODAY: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts of Warmth ........................ p. 15 TODAY: Welcome New Members ............................................................. p. 8-9 TODAY: Christmas Eve Candle Distribution................................................ p. 6 December 14: Grief Support Group Begins ......................................................... p. 12 December 17: “Blue Christmas” Service on Facebook Live at 7:00 PM .......... p. 14 December 20: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts for a Home ....................... p. 15 December 20: Virtual Christmas Pageant during 9:30 AM Worship December 24: Livestream Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Flowers The flowers in the Sanctuary this morning are donated by Linda Arter in loving memory of Jack Arter. The arrangement was designed by Cindi Ritcey Fox.

Donating to First Congregational UCC You are invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256. Checks can also still be mailed to the church.

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.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible at www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.

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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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT / HANGING OF THE GREENS

December 13, 2020 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions

PRELUDE Angels We Have Heard on High Trad. arr. Harmon

Jazz Quartet: John Harmon, piano; Zach Harmon, drums; John Toussaint, trumpet; Sue Toussaint, vocals

RINGING OF CHURCH BELL

YOUTH PRAYER Kellan Glenn

WELCOME & OPENING WORDS

LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE – LOVE Ann Stein

INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES READING OF SCRIPTURE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE

UNISON PRAYER

O God, we thank you that Jesus showed your love for every person - babies and children, old people and young, sick people and those who were strong, rich people and those who were poor. Come to us in this Advent season, and give us love in our hearts for all people. Amen.

RESPONSE (Sung by ALL – see bulletin, p. 7) Light the Candle of Love Today C. Schalk

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

Jim & Judilynn McDermott, Tina Metzner, Greta Rogers, Ann Stein, Jan Williamsen, Sarah Williamsen

INTRODUCTION

QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES

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GREETING OF CHRISTIAN LOVE

ADDRESS

WELCOME AND RECEPTION (in unison) We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.

OPENING CAROL Deck the Halls Trad. arr. Harmon

Stanza 1: Deck the hall with boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la. . . Don we now our gay apparel, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

Stanza 2: See the blazing Yule before us, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa-la-la-la-la. . . Follow me in merry measure, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

Stanza 3: Fast away the old year passes, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa-la-la-la-la. . . Sing we joyous, all together, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa-la-la-la-la. . .

PLACING OF THE GREENS

POINSETTIA PLANTS

CAROL #153 What Child Is This GREENSLEEVES arr. Harmon

Stanza 1: What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherd’s watch are keeping? Refrain:

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.

(continued on next page)

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Stanza 2: Why lies the child in manger bare where ox and ass are feeding?

Give heed, draw near, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Refrain:

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.

Stanza 3: So bring him incense, gold and myrrh, come rich and poor, to own him;

the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. Refrain:

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.

LIGHTING THE CANDLES

CAROL #150 Away in a Manger AWAY IN A MANGER

Stanza 1: Away in manger, no crib for his bed,

the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Stanza 2: The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Stanza 3: Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in they tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

DECORATIONS FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE

MUSICAL REFLECTION We Three Kings KINGS OF ORIENT arr. Harmon

(During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).

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GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS (You are welcome to submit your prayer requests throughout the week to the church office, email to a pastor for confidentiality or share your prayer requests in real time in the Comments section under the live stream video.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

CLOSING WORDS

CLOSING HYMN #134 Joy to the World ANTIOCH

Stanza 1: Joy to the world! The Lord is come:

let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Stanza 2: Joy to the world! The Savior reigns:

let earth her songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,

repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Stanza 3: Christ rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness,

and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.

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BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen Trad. Winter Wonderland arr. Harmon

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Jazz Quartet: John Harmon, piano; Zach Harmon, drums; John Toussaint, trumpet; Sue Toussaint, vocals

John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.

Join us for a Zoom Fellowship with Rev. Nick Hatch immediately after worship today at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84850672863

“Sunday School at Home” will continue this Sunday, December 13 at 10:30 AM via Facebook Live for children K-6th grade.

Candle Distribution for Christmas Eve Worship TODAY, December 13 and next Sunday, December 20, First Congo will be handing out candles and candle cup holders in the main parking lot from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.

These candles are for you to keep and use during the 7:00 PM livestream Christmas Eve service. We hope this helps bring the light of Christ into your home until we meet again!

Upcoming Worship Schedule December 20, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Advent Rev. Steve Savides Livestreaming at 9:30 AM Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38, Romans 16:25-27 Music: Church School Christmas Pageant; Andy Schmidt, baritone horn; Shelley Nulton, organist. Lay Reader: Susan McFadden

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Bios for new members – December 2020

Jim and Judilynn McDermott Jim and Judilynn join us by Letter of Transfer from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They have five children: James, Breanne, Gregory, Matthew and Carden. They are both retired. Judilynn owned her own flower business specializing in wedding flowers. Jim worked in sales and marketing. They both enjoy volunteering – Judilynn is a hospice volunteer and Jim volunteers at LEAVEN.

Tina Metzner Tina joins us by Affirmation of Faith. She is currently works as a youth development specialist and enjoys crafting and working with children.

Greta Rogers Greta joins us by Letter of Transfer from All Saints Episcopal Church. She is retired and formerly worked in the travel industry. She enjoys reading, biking, gardening and various outdoor activities.

Ann Stein Ann joins us by Letter of Transfer from First United Methodist Church. She is retired and was formerly a mental health counselor. She enjoys music, reading and spending time with her Goldendoodle - “KC.”

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Jan Williamsen Jan joins us by Letter of Transfer from St. John’s UCC. She has two children; Sarah (age 24) and Emily (age 22). Jan is retired and formerly worked in various early childhood and church music positions. She enjoys gardening, reading, making cards and participating in discussion groups and social justice activities.

Sarah Williamsen Sarah joins us by Letter of Transfer from St. John’s UCC. She is a self-published author of four books and just graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a major in Women’s Studies and a minor in Social Justice.

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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.

All pregnancies to be safe and guided by our faith in God

Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Charlie and Britt Carlson and infant son, Miller

Stephen Carlson Sara Companik Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Karen Crawford Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious

health issue Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Lynn Hanna Jayne Heinrich Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Ron Hurm Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life

Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and friends Allen Korth Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Jim Malin Mike Mathews Shari Mitchell Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Families and children of Palestine Our country’s military around the world Diane Ragus Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Sharrie Robinson Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Frank Severin Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Paris Wicker Jennifer Wild

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THE OPEN DOOR December 13, 2020 Volume 20, Issue 50

Now is the Time to Give: Our Special Christmas Offering

Christmas will certainly look different this year and we are all struggling to maintain the traditions that give us meaning while considering the health and safety for those around us. With the absence of in-person Christmas Eve worship services we hope that each of you will also take part in our Special Mission Offering.

This year our offering is designated to United Church Camps, Inc. (UCCI) to support the Keep the Fires Burning campaign with a fundraising goal of $400,000. Make no mistake; our camps will depend on the success of this campaign to sustain themselves through this winter. The pandemic has put unmanageable financial strain on our camps. No camping fees have been collected which results in immeasurable lost revenue. Staff have been furloughed and/or laid off. To ensure their survival, UCCI has placed every option on the table including the sale of land and buildings. The Board, Directors and Executive Committee are working hard to make a way forward in what is probably the most dire financial situation that UCCI has ever encountered.

Many of us participate in one or more camps every year and we are blessed by the opportunities, facilities and staff through Pilgrim Center, Moon Beach and Cedar Valley. Now more than ever, UCCI needs you to contribute generously. First Congregational has a total of $10,000 in funds available to match donations. The donation will then be double-matched by generous donors directly to the camps. This means your donation to our Special Christmas Offering will be quadruple-matched. Please strongly consider a donation so we can ensure the future of our camps.

If you regularly attend camp but did not this year, we challenge you to make a donation at or above your normal camping fee. If you are willing to make a larger donation and would like more information, please visit UCCI’s website (UCCI.org) or reach out to Pastor Nick as he is on the Board of Directors and would love to the chance to speak with you during this critical time.

Thank you for hearing this plea in a season where we are all stretched thin. May God bless your home richly this season, and may God move us to trust in the generosity of the love of the Christ child now and forever.

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Alternative Christmas Market is Online and Open

We are celebrating the 28th year of the Alternative Christmas Market with an online market. You can help by making a donation in honor of someone on your holiday gift list. If you have shopped at our market in past years, you'll notice that this year's gifts are direct donations to organizations and projects that serve the most vulnerable among us. These organizations are responding quickly to COVID-19 cases and adjusting their services.

1. Browse the ACM catalog located on our website at: https://www.firstcongoappleton.org/mission-service/alternative-christmas-market/ to find an organization or project you would like to support with your gift.

2. Click on the organization or project you wish to support. With a few exceptions, such as the Kenya Partnership, you will be sent to the organization’s website to process your donation.

3. Return to the catalog to download and print a description of your donation to give to the recipient of your gift.

Grief Support Group Mondays, December 14-February 8

6:00-7:30 PM (on Zoom)

All of us have suffered losses through this time of pandemic: loss of jobs, loss of loving social contact, loss of loved ones, loss of the everyday pleasures and freedoms that so enrich our lives. For many of us, that grief has led to loneliness, isolation, and depression.

To help us with that, First Congo is teaming up with Samaritan Counsel Center of the Fox Valley. Led by a Samaritan counselor, Elysabeth Meehan, we will be offering a Grief Support Group over Zoom on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 PM, December 14 through February 8. Feel free to invite a friend to join with you. There is no charge to take part in the group. First Congo and Samaritan are joining together to provide this service.

We all need some extra loving support to help us face these difficult times. If you’re interested, please email Elysabeth at emeehan@samaritan-counseling.com to receive further information and to get registered for the group. A Zoom link to join the group will be provided once you are registered.

May God bless us as we seek to support one another!

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Stewardship Putting faith into action with our time,

passion, skills and financial gifts.

2020 Stewardship Campaign Progress Report

We are encouraged by the strong response we’ve seen so far to this year’s “Beloved, let us love one another” stewardship campaign. We have received donations and pledges of $789,000 from 234 donors. Compared to last year’s results, donations total 79% and donors are at 65%. As expected, some folks have fallen back from their previous year’s commitment while a good many more have stepped forward to increase their pledges in this very challenging year. We are grateful for whatever you have done or are able to do. This year’s campaign “officially” ends on December 15. Years of experience have taught us that the “official” date and the “final” date when we end the campaign are never the same. This joyful little “date game” we play hopefully encourages our early supporters to continue their commitment pattern yet recognizes that many of our members are more comfortable doing this either late in the year or sometime earlier in the new year. From a budgeting and planning perspective, we always hope we can wrap this up by no later than the end of February.

Right now, we have 125 (about 1/3) of last year’s donors we have yet to hear from. We invite you to think prayerfully

about all that First Congo may mean in your lives and the lives of others in the church, our community and our mission partners. Please let us know what you are able to do with your financial stewardship for the coming year. As a church, we are blessed with your commitment of so much of your time and talent; we are hopeful that your generous financial stewardship will continue as well.

May you and your loved ones have a joyous holiday season -- with good health, peace and an abundance of love throughout the coming year.

- Your Stewardship Team

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Visits from Pastor Nick First Congo misses our youth and wants to support them through this difficult time!

Pastor Nick is doing socially distanced, masked, at-home visits for youth (grades 7-12) from the driveway or front yard. He will also bring you a treat of your choice from Starbucks or Happy Bellies Bake Shop.

If would like a visit, please use the sign-up link found in the Youth Newsletters.

Don’t get the newsletter or can’t find the link? Email the office staff and we will get it to you!

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Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Celebrate December with Music! The glorious music of Advent and Christmas continues to bring hope in these challenging times. Our plans at First Congregational include: TODAY, December 13 - A jazz quartet of John Harmon (piano), Zach Harmon (drums), John Toussaint (trumpet) and Sue Toussaint (vocals) complements our “Hanging of the Greens” service. Thursday, December 17, 7:00 PM – Jann Kostecke (flute), David Cook (piano) and John Albrecht (baritone) help lead a “Blue Christmas” service, recognizing times of loss. December 20 – Andy Schmidt (baritone horn) and organist Shelley Nulton complement our Zoom Church School Christmas Pageant directed by Dee Savides. December 24, 4:00 PM – Elizabeth Melchert (organ and piano) and Kris Henke (trumpet) complement our “Christmas in a Box” Family Service. December 24, 7:00 PM – The Lori & Jeff Murphy Family (violin, tenors, baritones, pianist, guitar) join David Cook (organist) and Karen Leigh-Post & Ashleigh Kreider (vocal duet) to complement our Service of Lessons and Carols.

December 27 – David Cook (organist) accompanies this service including Congregational Carol Singing. You are invited to sing carols in our parking lot as you donate to the Advent Mission Extravaganza each Sunday in Advent from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. A special thanks to “Karma’s Mailbox” and Sanctuary Choir members for their generous leadership. Wishing you “tidings of comfort and joy!” John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Blue Christmas Service Thursday • December 17

7:00 PM on Facebook Live

The Christmas season is especially challenging this year amid the pandemic. Many are grieving the loss of loved ones or simply the idea they are forced to spend the holiday alone. We invite you to join us via Facebook Live on Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 PM for a special Blue Christmas service.

Here you will find quiet time for worship, a chance to renew your spirit and prepare

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yourself to hear the good news that Christ is born for you. If you find the holiday season leaves you feeling empty, if you need time to center your soul around thoughts of peace and hope, or if you just want a "time out" from everything being asked of you, please consider attending this special service. Invite a friend – all are welcome!

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Advent Mission Extravaganza: Gifts of Warmth

TODAY • December 13 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble. (Psalm 41:1)

Your donations of the following items will be delivered to Pillars and Harbor House:

• Knitted or purchased hats, mittens, gloves, scarves or prayer shawls

• Protective face masks • Fleece blankets (made with kits

distributed on December 6) • Hand sanitizer

Please drop off your donations in the church parking lot between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Don’t forget to wear your masks!

*** If you’d like to make your donation in honor of someone on your Christmas list, we’ll provide a description of your donation for you to give to the recipient.

Advent Mission Extravaganza: Gifts for a Home

Sunday • December 20 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

First Congo Main Parking Lot

Your donation of towels, twin sheets, twin mattress pads and waterproof covers, pillows, laundry baskets, and laundry detergent will be donated to Pillars and Project NOAHH. Harbor House is also asking for twin-sized mattresses and box springs because when a person or family leaves there, they

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may take the bedding and mattress pads home with them. In lieu of purchasing these items yourself, please check out Dawn Johanson's website: Compassionate Home Health Care at www.chhcinc.org. This organization purchases toiletries, laundry items, soft goods, mattresses and mattress pads for residents who have to decide whether to buy food or toilet paper at the end of the month. Because Compassionate Home Health Care is a non-profit organization, it is able to purchase items through Gift360. This means that Dawn is able to buy large amounts of laundry soap and other items at cost, rather than paying retail prices. If First Congo members wish to make a donation to Compassionate Home Health Care, Dawn can purchase necessary items and distribute them to homes and facilities that are in need. It is really very simple!

Gifts of Toys Thank You! We had another terrific turnout for our second Advent Mission Extravaganza Sunday; the Gifts of Toys collection on December 6.

Many toys, games and art supplies were collected, as well as gift cards, checks and $365 in cash. The donations were dropped off at Harbor House and the Salvation Army this week. A BIG thank-you to all of the volunteers and singers, and especially our wonderful donors! People are so generous, loving and caring - our community recipients will be most appreciative.

Administration Beware: Email Scam!

There have been some emails circulating inside and outside the church from illegitimate sources. The emails are generated using Pastor Steve's name but not coming from an official FCUCC account and typically state something on the order of, "I need a favor from you, email me as soon as you get this message."

Once the scammer receives a reply email back they will then try to convince you to

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purchase gift cards. If you happen to receive a similar email, please delete it.

Feel free to contact the church office at (920) 733-7393 if you get an email that seems suspicious before replying back to the sender so we can verify if it is valid.

Say it with Flowers Opportunities are available to donate flowers for the Sanctuary in honor, memory or celebration of a loved one.

A vase of cut flowers is $35.00, and $50.00 will provide roses. Requests for color or specific types of flowers are welcome. It is also possible to arrange for an annual dedication.

For more information, contact the church office at (920) 733-7393.

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The Ministry

Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor Reverend Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries

Reverend Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions Reverend Art Wille, Pastor of Visitation

John M. Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries Colleen Berry, Director for Christian Education

Jennifer DeWitt, CYF Coordinator Carolyn Frederick, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Holly Volkman, Administrative Assistant for Communications

Jane Malin, Administrative Assistant Siri Witt, Bookkeeper

Jonathan Steffen, Technology Coordinator Bart Forseth, Custodial Supervisor

Theresa Iacullo, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider Cassidy Behm, Infant/Toddler Child Care Provider

Tom Ott, Custodial Assistant Mary Lou Cliff, Custodial Assistant

Lauren Micke, Weekend Custodial Assistant

First Congregational United Church of Christ 724 East South River Street Appleton, Wisconsin 54915

Phone: (920) 733-7393

Website: www.firstcongoappleton.org