Devotional readings for the season of Advent are available from the booklet published in December 2007.  Please click on the picture link to access. 

This Men’s Bible Study meets every Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. in the Church Parlor. Bring your cup of coffee and join us for a study of the book of Romans. Men of all ages are welcome to this time of conversation and fellowship as we study together.

The Retired Men’s Fellowship meets for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk in Neenah. Come and join us for fellowship and conversation, and a great breakfast to begin your day. We look forward to seeing you there.

What is Youth Alive and Why Participate?

First Presbyterian’s Youth Alive program is the theology and practice of Christian relationship in a disciplined midweek context.

Christian relationships are best learned, and learned correctly, when consistently experienced in communities; specifically in Christian communities where the selfless kind of caring for others found uniquely in Christ is intentionally taught and practiced.

Christian nurture is an important conviction of First Presbyterian Church. Christian nurture will enable our church family to:

1. Develop an understanding and desire for Jesus as Lord and Savior;
2. Develop into active, loyal disciples and leaders in the church;
3. Connect with a positive Christian peer group;
4. Participate in worthwhile study, wholesome recreation and opportunities for service within a Christian community;
5. Become Christians who are able and willing to live the Christian faith and communicate their faith to others.

Not only does Youth Alive meet the needs of the children, the program is a valuable tool for family involvement and renewal, as parents and other members of the church are drawn into active participation.

The “Heart” of the Youth Alive Program

1. Midweek is the time for scheduling the program.
2. Everyone participates in all three parts of the program, every Wednesday. The three parts of the program are modeled after teachings of the early church, as described in Acts 2:42:
   “They spent time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals, and prayers”.  

The midweek Youth Alive program meetings are made up of three basic segments:

• Bible Time: Bible lessons and stories taught by committed, prepared teachers.
• Dinner/Fellowship: Family groups composed of children or youth at each table with “table parents.”
• Recreation Time: Athletics, games, hobbies, crafts, and/or recreational activites of all kinds.

As a subcommittee of the Deacons, the Health Ministry Team’s mission is to:

• Identify the health needs of the congregation.
• Promote a holistic approach to wellness of mind, body, and spirit.
• Support/encourage programs and activities so that individuals may find healing and wholeness.

A parish nurse focuses on the whole person to emphasize wellness, disease prevention, and health promotion, including healthy spirituality.

Roles of the parish nurse:

• Integrator of Faith and Health - works to improve health of mind, body, and spirit.
• Health Educator - provides educational opportunities on various health related topics.
• Health Counselor - discusses health concerns and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
• Health Advocate - speaks out to assist others in obtaining needed health care.
• Referral Advisor - provides referral to healthcare and social services as needed.
• Volunteer care coordinator - coordinates care for those in need.
• Developer of support groups - facilitates support groups based on the church community’s need.

The parish nurse holds office hours each week, which are posted in the Church Bell. You can also schedule a home or office visit to accommodate your schedule. The parish nurse can be contacted by calling 725-4391 or emailing her at ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org.

First Presbyterian desires to respond in a ministry of Christ-like care and compassion to those who are facing emotional, spiritual, and physical health challenges in their lives. Our pastors and parish nurse are available to provide pastoral care, nurture, and support.

Privacy laws (HIPPA), however, make it more difficult for congregations to inquire of hospitals regarding members who are patients, and hospitals don’t always notify churches concerning hospitalized members. Therefore, when a pastoral need arises, please call the church office (725-4391). If you call after hours, you may leave a voice mail message for any member of the church staff.

Youth and adult mission work trips are planned each year.

The 2009 Adult Mission Trip dates have been set. Mark your calendars for any, or all, of the following trips:

• March 7-15 to Pearlington, Mississippi to continue the hurricane rebuilding effort. Sign up and deposit deadline is February 2, 2009.
• June 24-28 to North Central Iowa to help rebuild after the tornadoes and flooding last summer. Participants can attend this trip from either Wednesday to Sunday OR Friday to Sunday, depending on your schedule.
• October 10-18 to Pearlington, Mississippi for more hurricane rebuilding.

Whether your’re a mission trip veteran or have never gone on a trip before, please consider going this year. Each trip is a unique and life-changing experience. Contact Cathi Buttron (cbuttron@sbcglobal.net) with questions or to sign up!

In 2005, the income from the sale of church cookbooks and a rummage sale were pooled together to create the Parish Nurse Endowment Fund. The income off of this endowment is to be used to offset the cost of the parish nurse programming.

9:00a - 10:00a

Pre-Kindergarten
     Room #106 (In the pre-school room next to 
     the Nursery.)

Kindergarten & 1st Grade
     Room #108 (Just off Fellowship Hall
     behind the Kitchen.)

2nd & 3rd Grade
     Room #210 (Second Floor across from the Art Room.)

4th & 5th Grade
     Room #205 (Second Floor in the Art Room.)

6th through 8th Grades
     Room #B1 (JOY Room-Underneath Fellowship Hall Stage.)

 9:30a – 10:00a

9th through 12th Grades
     Room #206 (SPY Room-Second floor next to the Art Room.)

Please stop by the information desk in the lobby if you have any questions about Church School classes or room locations.

Come join us in the evening for our Intergenerational Family Vacation Bible School. This years program is June 16 - June 19, 2008. A family-style home cooked meal will be served each night in addition to plenty of learning, fellowship, and fun!

We are a multi-generational church of around 970 members. Our congregation represents a variety of interests, professions, and lifestyles. Though some members have been Presbyterian for many years, a large number of our congregation come from other denominational and faith backgrounds.

First Presbyterian has a reputation for our emphasis on programs for children and youth. Christian education opportunities are offered for all ages, including Biblical and related studies for adults. Our junior and senior high youth fellowships enjoy weekly meetings and opportunities to reach out to others through work trips and other mission projects.

Music is an area of strength for our church. Our youth and adult vocal and hand bell choirs enrich our services of worship along with the sounds of our magnificent Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ, recently refurbished.

Mission is a hallmark of this congregation. Over the past year and a half, our congregation sponsored adult and youth work trips to the Gulf Coast to assist with hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Local involvements include the Community Table, Housing Partnerships for the homeless, and member participation in the Community Health Clinic. Our commitment to local, national, and global ministries is reflected in our generous support of mission giving through the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

Wee Worship is a developmentally appropriate sequence of worship for children ages 3 through first grade that involves gathering, listening, thanking, and wondering. It is designed to allow children to know and experience God in a setting that is similar to a regular service, but geared toward the young child.

Wee Worship is available on Sunday mornings (September through May) during the second service following “A Time for Children.” Parents, if they desire, may accompany their children to Wee Worship located in the Preschool Room.
  

1. First Presbyterian prepares and serves meals at a local ecumenical Community Table several times a year.
2. Members are active in several building projects that provide housing for the homeless.
3. Happy Friends, a bi-monthy program for developmentally challenged adults meets in the church and is staffed by members.
4. Our congregation’s health care ministry is involved with the Community Health Clinic.
5. A Head Start Program for at risk children uses our facilities five days a week.
6. Financial support and volunteer help are provided for regional domestic abuse services.

At the time of death, the church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve. At the time of death, the pastors and parish nurse at First Presbyterian are available to comfort and guide the bereaved. A service of worship, preferably in the Chapel or Nave (sanctuary) of the church is most appropriate and can be easily arranged with the pastors of the church and through consultation with any funeral directors who may be involved.

“Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christian marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith” (from the Directory for Worship, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.).

Scheduling Your Wedding
For planning purposes, it is always best to consult with the church and pastor for availability before setting the date for your wedding. Normally the couple makes an appointment with the pastor so that arrangements may be agreed upon, church wedding policies explained, and procedures concerning the wedding service of worship discussed. At the meeting, a packet of wedding materials will be given to the couple and the dates for the wedding and wedding rehearsal placed on the church calendar.

Baptism is a union with Christ. It testifies that we are joined in Christ’s death and resurrection, and, by God’s act, share all Christ’s benefits. Baptism is a sacrament - that is, “an outward sign with an inward meaning whereby the Holy Spirit sets forth God’s love and applies it to our lives” (from the Westminster Shorter Catechism).

The Presbyterian Church baptizes both infants and adults. Adults present themselves and receive the Sacrament of Baptism when they confess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This often occurs at the same time they become members of the church.

When we baptize children, we declare that God loves us even before we are old enough to understand. Children are presented by their parents, who profess their faith and promise to teach their children according to their Christian beliefs. Later, at an appropriate age, children can make their own profession of faith, confirming the work of the Holy Spirit and the mystery of the sacrament.

Scheduling a Baptism
Baptism is celebrated as a part of a public worship service, and the members of the congregation are more than merely spectators; they have an important role. The congregation promises to nurture the new disciple or child in faith and to tell him or her the good news of the gospel through both word and action.

Baptism approvals are granted through Session (church governing board) and should be scheduled four to six weeks in advance. Baptisms are often done on the third Sunday of the month at either service and can be arranged through consultation with one of the pastors.

The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is the celebration of the joyful feast of God’s people. As Scripture says, “They will come from east and west and from north and south to sit at table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29).

The Lord’s Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. During his earthly ministry, Jesus shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and as an occasion for his own ministry.

In his last meal before his death, Jesus took and shared with his disciples the bread and wine, speaking of them as his body and blood, signs of the new covenant. On the day of his resurrection, the risen Christ made himself known to his followers in the breaking bread. The apostle Paul delivered to the Church the tradition he had received from the risen Lord, who commanded his followers to share the bread and cup as a remembrance and a showing forth of his death until he comes.

Participating in Communion
You need not to be a member of First Presbyterian to receive Communion at our services. All Christians are welcome! Baptized children of believers are also welcome to receive Communion at the discretion of their parents.

On Sunday mornings, childcare for infants and toddlers through 2 years old is available during and between both services of worship in the nursery located next to the Fellowship Hall.

You are welcome to keep your infant or small child with you in church. If your infant or small child becomes uncomforatble and needs care during the service, you may leave and return as you wish. The audio portion of the second service can be heard in the Chapel where you and your child are also welcome.

Children (ages 2 through 10 years old) are invited to pick up a worship bag as they enter the Nave for the second service. Remember to return them to the wicker baskets located at both entrances when worship is over.

During the second service, young children may come forward to the chancel steps when “The Time for Children” is offered by one of the pastors.

From September through May, Wee Worship (for children 3 years old through first grade) is provided immediately following the Time for Children. During the summer months, there is a Worship Enrichment program.

Sunday Mornings
8:00 a.m. Service in the Chapel
10:15 a.m. Service in the Nave (Sanctuary)-Sept through May
9:30 a.m. Service in the Nave (Sanctuary)-June through August

Thursday Afternoons
(Thursday afternoon worship will resume October 2)
4:00 p.m. Service in the Chapel

SPY (Senior Presbyterian Youth) is for grades ninth through twelfth and meets each Sunday evening from 5:15p until 7:00p unless otherwise noted. They participate in local mission work, a summer work trip, and summer camp opportunities.

The 2008-2009 season will begin Sunday, September 28, with a potluck dinner for the youth and their parents. Please bring a dish to share.

JOY (Junior Organized Youth) is for grades sixth through eighth and meets each Sunday evening from 4:30p until 7:00p unless otherwise noted. They participate in monthly youth activities, retreats, local missions, and summer camp opportunities are available.

The 2008-2009 season will begin Sunday, September 28, with a potluck dinner for the youth and their parents. Please bring a dish to share.

Confirmation Class will be offered again this year for young people in ninth grade. We would like to invite all ninth graders and their parents to an informational meeting on Wednesday evening, September 24, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. This meeting is an opportunity to ask questions regarding Confirmation. We would like to also share with you information on what the class will include.

Confirmation Class will meet most Wednesdays in the church Meeting Room, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., beginning in October and finishing up in mid-May. The class will offer you the opportunity to explore your Christian Faith and build relationships with one another.

In 2004, First Presbyterian Cooks compiled their favorite recipes into this treasured collection. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook support the parish nurse ministry at First Presbyterian Church. The cookbooks are $20 each and available by contacting the church office.

The Service of Remembrance is held in the Chapel at 5:00p on the first Thursday in December. This service is for anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one . . . be it a few weeks, months, or years. Bring a candle to light during the service in memory of your loved one. This service is followed by fellowship and a soup/salad dinner provided by the Health Ministry Team and First Presbyterian Church. The 2008 Service of Remembrance will be Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 5:00p.

First Presbyterian Church has a 36-foot diameter canvas labyrinth. It is a replica of the Chartes Cathedral Labyrinth in France. The labyrinth is available at various times throughout the church year and is setup in the Fellowship Hall for the summer months. Watch for the Church Bell for availability. If you would like to have access to the labyrinth during hours other than what are offered, contact parish nurse Connie Krumrai (725-4391 or ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org).

First Presbyterian Church also has a wooden finger labyrinth located in the Church Library. A finger labyrinth is “walked” in the same manner as a “foot” labyrinth, except you use a finger instead of your feet. Be sure to use your non-dominant hand when “walking” the finger labyrinth. If you would like to use the labyrinth at home with a friend or loved one, it may be check out of the Church Library. 

SLLIM (Seniors Living and Laughing in Motion)
This exercise class is designed for seniors who are interested in maintaining flexibility, balance, range of motion, and strength. The exercises are approved by the Arthritis Foundation to protect the joints of those who suffer from arthritis. Most exercises are performed from either sitting in a chair or standing behind the chair.

Class meets in Room 206 (second floor) every Monday from 11:00a - 12:00p, followed by a luncheon. There is no fee for the exercise class, but lunch is $3.00.

To register, please contact parish nurse Connie Krumrai (725-4391 or ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org).

Yoga
Yoga for all levels is offered in six-week sessions for $30. Child care is available. Call the church office (725-4391) for 2008 class offerings.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the artery walls as the heart pumps out blood. If blood pressure remains elevated over a period of time, damage to the body can occur in various ways.

Blood pressure screenings are held the third Sunday of each month following both services and prior to the Friend’s Class meeting on Friday afternoons. The location is announced in the Church Bell prior to each screening.

Sunday Morning Blood Pressure Screenings
September 21, 2008
October 19, 2008
November 16, 2008
December 21, 2008

Friday Afternoon Blood Pressure Screenings
September 19, 2008
October 17, 2008

This ministry provides a person on call every Wednesday to grocery shop and pick-up medications for members in need. Other team members are available on an emergency basis. Contact Susan Morrissey (727-9562) or parish nurse Connie Krumrai (725-4391 or ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org) if you are interested in assisting in this ministry.

The transportation team provides rides for members in need. Transportation has been provided to Bible study, church services, Advent brunch, doctor’s appointments, and more.

If you would like to provide this service for others, contact parish nurse Connie Krumrai (725-4391 or ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org).

This ministry team provides a home-cooked meal for new parents, as well as those who are recovering from an illness or a recent hospitalization. To volunteer to prepare and deliver home-cooked meals for others, contact parish nurse Connie Krumrai (725-4391 or ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org)

In 2007, The Knitting Circles hosted their first annual ecumenical Knitting for Peace Day. Knitters from various congregations joined together for fellowship, laughter, new knitting ideas, to share quotes and poems related to peace, but most importantly, to knit for peace.

Please join us for our next Knitting for Peace event on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to knit for peace, one stitch at a time.

For it was you who formed my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mothers womb.
Psalm 139:13

“Needleworkers around the world are knitting prayerfully to help ease suffering or celebrate joyous events.” Quoted from Family Circle Easy Knitting, Fall 2004, page 30, Healing Hands by Leslie Petrovski.

First Presbyterian knitters have lovingly created and given away prayer shawls, chemo caps, baby blankets, and teddy bears. If you knit or crochet, you may want to join this healing ministry.

• A morning circle meets in the SPY Room (second floor) from 9:30a - 11:00a on the first and third Wednesday of each month. This circle knits year-round.
• An evening circle meets quarterly from 7:00p - 9:00p.

Even if you cannot knit or crochet, you can participate in this healing ministry in a variety of ways; either through donations to cover the cost of yarn, giving names of people in need of a prayer shawl, or delivering a prayer shawl to someone in need.

For most needleworkers, knitting is a meditative exercise as well as a practical one. For those involved in this shawl ministry, knitting is also a spiritual, tangible way to wrap prayers of healing and support into each stitch - and around those who will receive them. If you are interested in participating in this healing ministry, contact parish nurse Connie Krumrai (725-4391 or ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org).

“First Presbyterian Souls” have participated in the Sole Burner the past 4 years. Each year, members sign up to walk or run the 5K to support the American Cancer Society.

The next Sole Burner is Saturday, May 9, 2009. Registration for the Sole Burner will begin at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

According to the CDC, “Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.”

Flu Facts:

Every year in the United States:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu.
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications.
• About 36,000 people die from the flu.
• Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

2008 Schedule:

• Friday, October 17, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor
• Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. - Noon in the Fellowship Hall

Be sure to bring your Medicare card and any supplemental insurance cards you may have.

At First Presbyterian Church, blood drives are conducted by the Community Blood Center, who is the exclusive provider of blood for our local hospitals. Since blood donors can donate every 56 days, our blood drives are scheduled to allow donors to maintain a regular donation schedule. All blood drives are held on Wednesday afternoons 3:00p - 6:00p. Child care is available.

2008 Blood Drive Schedule

Wednesday, February 6
Wednesday, April 2
Wednesday, May 28
Wednesday, July 23
Wednesday, September 17
 Wednesday, November 19  

2009 Blood Drive Schedule

Wednesday, February 11
Wednesday, April 8
Wednesday, June 3
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, September 23
 Wednesday, November 18 

To schedule a donation time and/or child care needs, please contact parish nurse Connie Krumrai (ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org or 725-4391). You can also sign up on the blood drive schedule located on the information desk in the church lobby.

Ages: ALL AGES
Rehearsals: As Arranged
Director: Jeff Verkuilen

Instrumentalists and vocalists are invited to play and sing for worship services, either as a soloist or in an ensemble. Accompaniments are provided if needed. Instrumentalists may assist other music groups when needed. Recent instrumentalists have played trumpet, flute, saxophone, percussion, harp, and piano. Instrumentalists and vocalists participate in either, or both, of the Sunday morning services, as well as during special services throughout the year.

Ages: High School and Adults
Rehearsals: Arranged according to performance schedule.
Director: Mya Volkman

The Contemporary Ensemble provides youth and adults the opportunity to sing and play contemporary-style music for worship services. The group provides music for both Sunday services. This group meets during the summer months in addition to the regular program year. Vocalists and instrumentalist are welcome to participate.

Ages: Adults
Rehearsals: Thursdays at 6:00p
Director: Paul McKlveen

The Ensemble Ringers Handbell Choir play music of a more challenging nature. They ring approximately monthly (September through May), during the 10:15a service on Sunday mornings, and at other special services throughout the year. Ensemble Ringers are also members of Praise Ringers.

Ages: Adults
Rehearsals: Thursdays at 7:00p
Director: Paul McKlveen

The Praise Ringers Handbell Choir rings approximately monthly (September through May), during the 10:15a service on Sunday mornings, and at other special services throughout the year.

Ages: Ninth through Twelfth Grades
Rehearsals: Sundays from 8:45a-9:30a
Director: Chris Besch

The Grace Notes Handbell Choir rings approximately monthly (September through May), during the 10:15a service on Sunday mornings, during the Advent Vespers service, and on Christmas Eve.

Ages: Preschool through First Grade
Rehearsals: Sundays from 9:00a-9:20a
Director: Mya Volkman

The Cherub Choir sings approximately monthly (September through May), during the 10:15a service on Sunday mornings, during the Advent Vespers service, and on Christmas Eve.

Ages: Second through Fifth Grades
Rehearsals: Sundays from 8:30a-8:55a
Director: Mya Volkman

The Youth Choir sings approximately monthly (September through May), during the 10:15a service on Sunday mornings, during the Advent Vespers service, and on Christmas Eve.

Ages: High School and Adults
Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 7:00p, Sundays at 9:15a
Director: Jeff Verkuilen

The Chancel Choir sings at the 10:15a worship service (September through May), as well as other special services during the year. Two or three choral selections are typically sung at each service. Choral literature varies from Renaissance to modern, accompanied and unaccompanied, unison to four and more parts. Previous choral singing experience is helpful, but not necessary. The ability to read music is helpful.

Ages: Sixth through Eighth Grades
Rehearsals: Sundays from 8:00a-8:45a
Director: Chris Besch

The Cum Spiritu Handbell Choir rings approximately monthly (September through May), during the 10:15a service on Sunday mornings, during the Advent Vespers service, and on Christmas Eve.

First Presbyterian is proud to offer a professionally staffed team of nursery caregivers with experience and education in early childhood. All caregivers are trained in First Aid/CPR and have had extensive background checks completed prior to employment.

Nursery care is available for children newly born through 3 years of age on Sunday mornings during the times listed below:

• September through May          7:45a - 11:45a
• June through August               7:45a - 10:45a

Nursery care is also available for other various programs throughout the year.

Children have the opportunity to participate in free-play with plenty of time for individual attention. Bubbles, play dough, and books are favorites in the nursery. A snack is also provided.

Adults of all ages are welcome to join us between 9:00a and 10:00a every Sunday morning (September through May) for exciting and inspirational adult education opportunities.

Topics have included: What does it mean to be a Presbyterian?; Sign Language; Adolescense and Spirituality; Study of Islam; Family Values and Traditions.

Click here for a copy of the 2008 - 2009 Adult Christian Education Schedule.

Worship Bags are available for children ages 2-10 years old during the second service on Sunday mornings. They are geared towards readers and non-readers. Worship bags can be picked-up/returned in the wicker baskets located at both entrances to the Nave.

Worship Enrichment is designed for children ages 3 through first grade. It offers a time for children to learn stories, songs, and crafts based upon familiar bible lessons.

Worship Enrichment is available on Sunday mornings (June through September) during the second service following “A Time for Children.” Parents, if they desire, may accompany their children to Worship Enrichment located in the Preschool Room.

First Presbyterian desires to respond in a ministry of Christian care and compassion to those who are facing emotional, spiritual, and physical health challenges in their lives. Please click here for more information.

Our mission-minded congregation responds to global and local needs with generous support to agencies of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and beyond. Many in our church are also involved in volunteer services through week long work trips, as well as a variety of local programs to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and assist in domestic abuse services and other vital programs.      

Our Staff

First Presbyterian Church is proud to introduce our dedicated staff

Richard Moore, Senior Pastor

Paul Huxtable, Associate Pastor

Gina Struensee, Director of Christian Education

Jeff Verkuilen, Director of Music and Organist

Tammy Sprague, Church Secretary

Tamara Hackbart, Office Assistant

Laurie Stafford, Finance Manager

Connie Krumrai, Parish Nurse

Mya Volkman, Childrens Choir Director

Paul McKlveen, Hand Bell Program Coordinator

Chris Besch, Director of Youth Hand Bell Choirs

Mick Horswill, Custodian

Scott Edwards, Janitor

Check out the latest edition of The Church Bell for current events happening at the church.

The Church Bell
December 30, 2008
Click here for this edition.

The Church Bell
December 23, 2008
Click here for this edition.

The Church Bell
December 16, 2008
Click here for this edition.

Richard Moore, Senior Pastor
rmoore@firstpresneenah.org

Paul Huxtable, Associate Pastor
phuxtable@firstpresneenah.org

Gina Struensee, Director of Christian Education
gstruensee@firstpresneenah.org

Jeff Verkuilen, Director of Music and Organist
jeffverkuilen@new.rr.com

Tammy Sprague, Church Secretary
tsprague@firstpresneenah.org

Tamara Hackbart, Office Assistant
thackbart@firstpresneenah.org

Laurie Stafford, Finance Manager
lstafford@firstpresneenah.org

Connie Krumrai, Parish Nurse
ckrumrai@firstpresneenah.org

Mya Volkman, Childrens Choir Director
mya@karlvolkman.com

Paul McKlveen, Hand Bell Program Coordinator
pmcklveen@new.rr.com

Chris Besch, Director of Youth Hand Bell Choirs
beschc@lawrence.edu

Mick Horswill, Custodian
mhorswill@firstpresneenah.org

	Telephone:	920-725-4391
	Fax:	920-725-7782
	Address:	200 Church Street, Neenah, WI 54956 (Click on the address for a map)
	Email:	firstpresneenah@firstpresneenah.org

The First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago Rapids, an earlier name for Neenah, was organized on December 15, 1848, the same year in which Wisconsin became the Union’s 30th state. Seventeen men and women worshipped together, first in a home, then in a school, and, as worship attendance grew, in a large room over the general store. In 1851, the first of several church buildings was constructed.

From 1860-1870, the congregation split over doctrinal issues and created the First and Second Presbyterian churches. Reunited in 1870, the congregation has been an energetic force within the community and worldwide ever since.

For more that 150 years, this congregation has worshipped and worked, as the Westminster catechism admonishes, to glorify God and enjoy God forever. Neenah is located on an important Wisconsin waterway in the middle of a global paper industry. Presbyterians prospered and used their resources to extend the work of the church beyond the sanctuary to the community and world.

Today the congregation numbers just under 1,000 members. A senior pastor and two associates, a parish nurse, financial manager, and office and custodial staff lead and support the work of the congregation. Presbyterian Women, Bible studies, youth fellowships, Christian education, mission outreach with money and work trips for youth and adults are some of the activities which keep this congregation vital, involved, and committed to service.

Worship is central to the life of this congregation. Music, preaching, and prayer are the trinity of worship at First Presbyterian. Congregational responses are sung and spoken during the service, inspiring participation by members who no longer just sit and listen.

From the Back Page

Richard Moore, Pastor

One of the Christmas rituals in our family is, at 9 o’clock in the morning on December 24, to listen to the service of Nine Lessons and Carols as it is broadcast live from Kings College in Cambridge. Begun in 1918, Christmas Eve 2008 marks the 90^th year of this lovely and endearing service and the 30^th year for the National Public Radio broadcast of it. You can hear it on our own 89.3 public radio station.

The music by the famed men and boys choir of Kings College is stirring. But one thing that really fascinates me about the service is the way it begins. The first carol, which follows the organ prelude, is “Once in Royal David’s City.” Always, the single voice of a boy soprano sings the first stanza. That in itself might not seem too unusual, but the chorister who sings that stanza is only chosen at the moment the service begins. As I understand, the director of the choir points to the one who will start the service. Nobody knows in advance who it will be, so every single one of those boy sopranos has got to be on alert! It always brings tears to my eyes.

I’ll be listening on Wednesday, December 24, with rapt attention, imagining what it must be like to stand with such a choir and have the director point toward me. Tears will again fill my eyes as I listen to the ethereal opening strains of “Once in Royal David’s City.” Will the young voice crack from nervousness? It won’t matter, because he will be ready. 

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