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October 11 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton ................................. p. 4 TODAY: Sermon Talk Back and Workshop ...................................... p. 4 TODAY: Sunday School at Home ...................................................... p. 9 October 14 and 21: Parking Lot Singing for Children, Youth and Adults ....... p. 10

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.

Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

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 NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 11, 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 Celtic Hymn Hans Andre Stamm

Shelley Nulton, assistant organist Kristen Henke, trumpet

RINGING OF CHURCH BELL

YOUTH PRAYER Audrey Van Der Loop

WELCOME

INTRODUCTION OF OUR LU MUSIC SCHOLARS

OPENING PRAYER (in unison - for Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

O Great Spirit, God of every people and every tribe, we come to you as your many children, to ask for your forgiveness and guidance.

Forgive us for the colonialism that stains our past, the ignorance that allowed us to think that we could claim another’s home for our own.

Remind us that none of us were discovered since none of us were lost, but that we are all gathered within the sacred circle of your community.

Guide us through your wisdom to restore the truth of our heritage. Help us to confront the racism that divides us as we confess the pain it has caused to the human family.

Call us to kinship. Mend the hoop of our hearts and let us live in justice and peace, through Jesus Christ, the One who came that all people might live in dignity.

Amen.

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OPENING HYMN #372 (see bulletin, p. 6) Diverse in Culture, Nation, Race TALLIS’ CANON

CHILDREN’S SERMON Rev. Steve Savides

SCRIPTURE READING John 17:20-23

MEDITATION “Mission 4.0: How the Church Can Save the Day” Rev. Allen Hilton

MUSICAL REFLECTION One Faith, One Hope, One Lord C. Courtney

Text based on Ephesians 4:4-6, 13

LU Music Scholars Kristen Henke, trumpet

(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).

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 HYMN #500 (see bulletin, p. 7) O for a World AZMON

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COMMISSION AND BLESSING

Leader: We have experienced once more the steadfast love of God. People: God is with us wherever we go, so we will seek to walk with God this

week. Leader: God loved us before the foundation of the world and cares for us to this

very day. People: When we are weak, God gives us strength; in hardship and calamity

God sees us through. Leader: Live, then, as people of the covenant, in touch moment by moment with

the Source of Life. People: God will not fail us or forsake us; we are free to live as God’s own

people. Leader: Amen. People: Amen.

POSTLUDE We’re Marching to Zion arr. Dallas Blair

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Shelley Nulton, assistant organist LU Music Scholars Kristen Henke, trumpet John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Thank you to Michael Weaver for serving as our lay reader this morning!

We welcome Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton as our guest preacher this morning. Rev. Hilton is the founder and executive director of House United, a nonprofit initiative that helps groups collaborate across theological and political differences. He is the author of A House United: How the Church Can Save the World. He holds a PhD in New Testament from Yale University, where he also served on the faculty of the Divinity School, and has led Christian formation in three large churches. Allen is a sought-after speaker on reconciliation and community building.

Join us as Rev. Steve Savides hosts a special 90-minute Sermon Talk Back and Workshop with Rev. Dr. Hilton immediately after worship today at:

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

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Note from Wisconsin Council of Churches Throughout the pandemic, our Church Council has taken very seriously the advice from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. With the recent alarming rise in infection rates of Covid-19 in this area and in the state of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Council of Churches released the following statement: “While today’s state Executive Order to limit indoor gatherings to 25% of building capacity exempts religious services and places of worship, and churches are free to continue operations as they have been, the ecumenical organization recommends that that they not gather in person.”

The Church Council had decided that we would not gather for in-person worship through at least November 15. They are reviewing the current situation, gathering information from the Outagamie Health Department, and receiving counsel from a committee of health care professionals in preparation for deciding on in-person worship moving forward.

Upcoming Worship Schedule October 18, 2020 Livestreaming at 9:30 AM “What Did God Do on Our Pandemic Vacation?” Rev. Steve Savides Scripture Reading: Luke 6:20-36 Music: David Cook, assistant organist; LU Music Scholars Lay Reader: Heidi Erstad

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Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899

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Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899

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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.

Bob and Cindy Agner Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Paul Bauman Becky, Karen Leigh Post’s mother Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Glen Benzschawel 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 Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards Rachel DeMoss Edwards Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder Margitta Furnner Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Ivo Geurts Linda Glancey, Lane Pittner’s mother Lynn Hanna Rev. Nick Hatch Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking

Carolyn and Jim Huddleston Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and students Sylvia King Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Rev. Kathryn Kuhn Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Mike Mathews Shari Mitchell Ellie Olson Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Diane Ragus Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Sharrie Robinson Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Frank Severin Jake Smasal Amanda Spindler Cole Stoffel Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers 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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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Nature is Not Canceled! Enjoy the fall weather with these nature center activities: • Mosquito Hill Nature Center is

holding a lighted jack-o-lantern and tiki lantern walk on Halloween. It's an after-dark, self-led hike for all ages on October 31.

• Fun at-home project: Mosquito Hill is asking for volunteers to carve a pumpkin and deliver it to the Nature Center between October 27 and 30. They need the jack-o-lanterns to set on the trail for the hike on October 31. If you are able to donate a carved pumpkin, let them know by emailing: mary.swifka@outagamie.org

You can find more info on these events at www.mosquitohill.com.

Save the Date: Women’s Retreat Saturday • November 21

Join us for an unusual retreat during an unusual season. We'll combine spiritual practices, the socially-distanced creation of a communal project, and a feast for the senses as we prepare for an Advent, Christmas, and winter unlike those we've known before.

Stay tuned for more details coming next week!

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Church School 2020

“Sunday School at Home” will continue this Sunday, October 11 at 10:30 AM via Facebook Live for children K-6th grade. Miss Colleen will be presenting the lesson “A Harvest of Blessings” and Mr. Albrecht will once again lead us in some fun musical activities. Please plan to tune in and join us! If you were unable to pick up the Sunday School at Home Kits that were distributed at drive-thru Communion last Sunday, please feel free to stop by the church office Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM to pick one up there. If you would like a contactless pick up, we would be happy to place some outside of the church for you. Contact Colleen at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org if that is your preference.

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Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Tuesday Lectionary Group

Every week on Tuesdays we meet via Zoom from 12:30 – 1:30 PM to discuss the scripture text for the following Sunday’s sermon. You are welcome to join us for any of these sessions!

These conversations help the preacher in preparing for the following Sunday as well as enrich the worship experience of those who take part because they have had an immersion into the biblical text.

If you’re interested, come join us any Tuesday through the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84421807912.

If you have questions, contact Pastor Steve at ssavides@firstcongoappleton.org.

Fall Music Ministry Continues! Psalm 96 encourages us to “Sing to the Lord a new song,” and the pandemic challenges us to make music in new ways and in new spaces. Please consider serving in music ministry! We will continue to protect the health and safety of our congregation by live-streaming worship (at least through November 15) and moving many fall rehearsals/activities outdoors. As we continue our organist search, we are especially thankful for the ongoing organ and piano leadership of David Cook, Shelley Nulton, Anthony Padilla, Elizabeth Melchert, and Chris Danz.

Music for our Children will include a sing together (grades 1-6, October 14 and 21, 4:00–4:45 PM), masked in West Parking lot – parents welcome to join in! In addition, several of our fall on-line church school classes will include singing, with “echo songs” for the whole family! Please indicate your child’s interests on the Music Registration Form with your Church School registration, and as posted on the church website. Music for our Youth (grades 7-12) will include solo vocal and instrumental leadership, tone-chime opportunities, hymn accompaniment, and resuming Youth Handbells after the building has reopened. Please be sure to indicate all your family’s interests on the Music Registration Form with your Youth Ministry registration, and as posted on the church website. Music for our Adults (college and beyond) will continue to draw on the solo and small ensemble skills of volunteer vocalists and instrumentalists in live streamed worship. You are invited to share your gifts! We welcome six of our eight LU Music Scholars back to campus this fall. Sanctuary Choir resumed on Wednesday, September 9 with a Zoom social, which will be followed by varied experiences each week. Join us! Upcoming 2020-21 music programming may include: Zoom singing/rehearsing; parking lot singing for youth and adults (October 14 and 21, 5:30–6:15 PM) in the West Parking Lot; an optional (virtual) basic musicianship class; outdoors Scholars’ Sunday 5:00 PM rehearsals;

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Zoom class voice training by choir section; Zoom socials; an optional Virtual Choir project (pending updated technology); part study on a major work. Please indicate your interest to John Albrecht at jalbrecht@firstcongoappleton.org or call (920) 851-8097. With prayers that God will continue to guide and guard First Congo,

- John Albrecht Director for Music Ministries

Youth Tone Chimes in the West Parking

Lot on September 30

Adult Tone Chimes in the West Parking

Lot on September 30

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Kenya Sponsorship Update The opening date of Kenya schools is still uncertain due to COVID 19. They are tentatively scheduled to reopen in January but that date could be moved up sooner. Now more than ever there is a huge need for sponsorship of students because many more parents are not able to cover the cost of school fees. We are seeking new sponsors. A full sponsorship is $500 and a half is $250. Checks can be sent to the church office with Kenya sponsorship in the memo line, or payment can be made through Realm. For current sponsors, we will let you know as soon as we know the amount needed. Since some of the 2020 school year fees are being carried over the amount will be less than a full year. Thank you for the opportunity of an education - a life changing difference!

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GRAB N GO Delivery Drivers Needed

Some homebound seniors cannot get to the Kaukauna, Hortonville or Seymour nutrition sites to pick up their meal in conjunction with Outagamie County Nutrition Program, so we are looking for volunteer drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in those communities on Wednesdays from approximately 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

Contact Jan at 920-832-9360 or rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org for details.

ESTHER’s 2020 Virtual Banquet 17th Annual Gathering

“Voices for Justice” Sunday • November 1 at 5:00 PM

Featuring Keynote Speaker Rev. Traci Blackmon

“Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.” —West African Proverb

Rev. Blackmon is the Associate General Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ and Senior Pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ, three miles from Ferguson, Missouri. She was a registered nurse for 25 years prior to becoming an ordained minister. As a featured voice on many regional, national, and international platforms, Rev. Blackmon’s life work focuses on communal resistance to systemic injustice. Her response in Ferguson to the killing of Michael Brown resulted in national and international recognition,

gaining her audiences at the White House, the Carter Center, and the Vatican. She co-authored the White Privilege curriculum for the UCC and toured the nation with Rev. Dr. William Barber of Repairers of the Breach and Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus, proclaiming the need for a Moral Revival in the nations.

“I speak for the lions. And we are many!” – Rev. Traci Blackmon

For more info and to REGISTER, visit https://esther-foxvalley.org.

** See bulletin, p. 14 for a copy of the invite.

Note: ESTHER’s traditional silent auction has been moved to an online format this year. The preview starts on October 26, with bidding open from October 29 through November 1. Check us out at esther-foxvalley.org/auction.

Administration Staff Transitions

We are delighted to let you know that Pastor Nick has been cleared by his surgeon to return to work after his major back surgery. His first day back in the office will be October 13. It will be wonderful to have him back!

Our Director for Youth Ministry, Renee Taylor, recently resigned. We thank Renee for her service and pray God’s blessings on her as she continues her spiritual journey.

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We encourage our church youth to join in with our Sunday School and Worship events and look forward to Pastor Nick and the Youth Team meeting soon to talk about next steps with our Youth Program.

A/V Upgrades

Our Facilities Team has been looking over some proposals to upgrade our cameras and our sound board for the sanctuary. We are working hard at providing the best service we can especially during these times when we are confined to online worship. If you are interested in hearing more about the upgrades or would like to offer financial support to the project, contact Pastor Steve or Jonathan Steffen, our Church’s Tech Director.

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