1

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

Rev. RaeAnn Beebe 1250 Leonard Point Rd. Oshkosh, WI 54904

920-231-3080 stpauls@ntd.net www.stpaulsoshkosh.com

OCTOBER 2017 Tidings

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Psalm 133:1

This is the text that Marchae Grair used for the September 18, 2017 Still Speaking

Devotional. The point of her devotion was that we often confuse assimilation with unity.

When someone new comes into our communities (our churches), we expect them to learn

our ways and do things the way we do them. That this is what creates unity. But Marchae

says, we can celebrate our differences, respect the experiences of one another, and still be

in community with one another. You can read her devotion at

www.ucc.org/daily_devotional_unity_us.

World Communion Sunday has been around for a long time. In 1934, a pastor in the

Presbyterian Church initiated the idea for his denomination and in 1940 what is now the Na-

tional Council of Churches endorsed it and began promoting it world-wide. The purpose is

to promote Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. What better place to do this than

around the table that is central to all of us. So the first Sunday is October is desig-

nated as a day for us to remind ourselves that we are in community with Chris-

tians around the world. Our differences, the way we pray or sing, some of the

things we believe about God or Jesus, or even how we celebrate communion do

not separate us as the Body of Christ. World Communion Sunday is a day we in-

tentionally remember we are a part of this greater community and to celebrate

those things that unite us and those things that make us different.

This year, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate this in a very real way.

We will be celebrating World Communion Sunday in a joint service with Emmaus

Ecumenical Catholic Community, the faith community who shares space with us

here at St. Paul’s UCC. Pastor Mike and I have been working together to design

a service that will honor both of our traditions and expand our understandings.

I am very excited about this opportunity and know that it will be worshipful for all of us.

Hopefully, it is the beginning of other joint services and activities.

After worship, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship and get-

ting to know one another. I hope that you will make it a point to join us and extend hospi-

tality to our Emmaus friends.

Blessings,

Pastor RaeAnn

2

SCRIP News

Walgreens is now “back in stock” at SCRIP! You can start ordering again!

Festival Foods will now only be available in $25 and $100cards (no more $50).

SCRIP orders are due Sunday, October 8th!

Robert Jaeger was the winner of the last contest!

Veteran’s Celebration

On November 5th, we would like to honor

the Veterans of the church. In the past, we have dis-

played pictures of you in uniform and would like to do

that again. Please submit a picture to the church of-

fice so we can put it on display.

A special coffee hour will be held

after worship on that day in your

honor.

In addition, we will also

be taking donations for the Holy Joe’s Café which

provides coffee and a safe place for conversations for

those who are serving on active duty. Holy Joe's Café

is a non-profit organization that provides resources

for Chaplains to develop Coffee House Ministries at

their military bases. The Coffee Houses provide a set-

ting where Chaplains can interact with service mem-

bers offering fellowship, friendship, and personal and

spiritual support in a relaxed and informal atmosphere

after the stress and tension of their military assign-

ments. We have provided support to Holy Joe's Café

for a couple of years now. What a great way to honor

our veterans by helping those in active service today.

Giving Statements for the first eight (8)

months of 2016 are available in the Narthex.

Please save us postage by picking yours up.

FESSLER, JOY & MITCHELL, ANN (#3) 10/13

JUEDES, MICHAEL & BONNY (#37) 10/18

BORGMANN, JENNIFER & LON (#14) 10/25

GOMACH, RENA & ROBERT (#29) 10/31

SCRIPTURE TEXTS FOR OCTOBER

We will be in Ordinary Time from 6/11-

11/26. The liturgical color is green to signify

life and growth. Reading and reflecting on

scripture helps us to grow in our faith.

10/1 WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

10/8 CAMP SUNDAY

10/15 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Listening for

God’s Call

10/22 1 Samuel 16:1-13 God Chooses

David

10/29 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13 God’s Call

to Build the Temple

Take some time prior to the Sunday

these texts are preached to read them. What

images or words jump out at you? What do the

words or images say to you about Jesus or

God? How do these speak to your life?

CAMP SUNDAY

On October 8th, those who attended camp at Pilgrim

Center and/or Moon Beach will be sharing with us their experi-

ences and why these camps are so important. While the service will have some dif-

ferent elements (you never know what might happen at camp), it will still be wor-

ship, allowing us to encounter God in a variety of ways. Please plan to attend to

support our young people in their faith journeys. There will be an opportunity for

3

you to extend your financial support for the CAMPital Campaign as well.

Our Sunday morning coffee hour is always in need of donations. Is anyone interested in offering

their help for an occasional Sunday for coffee hour? If so, contact the

office (231-3080)

Address Change

PVT Katelyn Robinette

C CO 2-48 INF REG, PLT H3

12952 6th St. BLDG 634

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Many of you know how difficult basic training

can be. If you would like to send Katie a note,

I know she would appreciate it.

SPAULDING, CHRIS 10/11 LINDEMANN, MADISON 10/13 JONES, BARBARA 10/14 CIRRICIONE, BRAD 10/15 ROLLMANN, LYNN 10/17 ANAND, ANTONIA 10/18 UNMUTH, PRUDY 10/21 KENTOPP, JOE 10/22 CIRRICIONE, BRENDA 10/26 GASSERE, PAUL 10/26 JOACHIM, ELI 10/26 GASSERE, KATE 10/28 KRAUSE, JANE 10/29

ALL SAINTS’ MEMORIAL SUNDAY – November 5, 2017

On Sunday, November 5th we will remember friends and members of St. Paul’s who have died within the past year plus those we wish to recall with affection. Please write your memorial request below and put it in the offering plate or phone, email or mail your request to the church office before Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

Name of one to be remembered

______________________________________________________________________ Person making request

_____________________________________________________________

September 10th – Special credence shelf flowers honored the 65th wedding

anniversary of Har- ley and Shirley Tretow given by Beth & Phil

LaGro, Jim Cunningham, and Michael, Mandie & Annie McClure.

September 17th – Worship bulletins remembered Erv Hable given by Dorothy Hable.

4

Those who are recuperating at home or in care centers: Jeanette Cummings, Betty Gabbert, Eileen Redemann, Betty Bettin, Muriel Carrillo, Irv Tesch, Everal Erdmann, Lori Abraham, Dorothy Hable, Carla Gearnhardt, Ruth Hauser, Rena Gomach Haitian Student sponsored by St. Paul’s: Corriolant Yves

St. Paul’s friends and family: Mary Jaynes’ sister Sue, Timmy Romanesko, Sandy Poss, Tom Nabbe-feld, Jeff Beck, Angie Beck, Annie Kentopp’s sister

Jack Petersen and Barb Jones – folding worship bulletins each Friday

Those who contributed nearly $500 for Hurricane Relief through the UCC

Dave Cameron – Parking lot repairs

Lynn Rollman – September communion preparation/clean up

Lawn mowers - Lowell Reepsdorf, Barb/Bruce Loomans and Jim Beck.

Faye Lindemann – many years of faithfully preparing Sunday’s Power Point

Jenny Borgmann – Organizing Benvenuto’s Fundraiser night for the CAMPital Campaign

ST. PAUL’S CONGREGATIONAL NOMINATING MEETING - SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

Church Council President Ellen Becker called the nominating meeting of St. Paul's United Church of Christ to order at 10:25AM on Sunday, September 17, 2017. In the absence of Secretary Chris Reichard, Liz Joachim took minutes. Pastor RaeAnn led the opening prayer. President Ellen Becker gave the report from the Nominating Committee. Dave Cameron and John Hauser were presented as names to appear on the ballot for Sustaining Fund Managers. There were no nominations from the floor. Motion made by Mary Jaynes and se-conded by Shirley Tretow. Motion carried. Delegates to the NEA Annual Meeting and the Wis.Conference meeting will be announced later. The names of Sherri Landig, Barb Loomans and Deb Wriedt were presented as nominees for the 2018 Church Council ballot. There were no nominations from the floor. Motion by Mary Schmitt to accept these nominees and seconded by Dennis Krause. Motion carried. Although the By Laws state that names of at least one (1) more than the total number of council vacancies shall be on the ballot, and only three (3) names for the three (3) council vacancies were presented, a motion was made by Harley Tretow to accept a ballot of only three (3) candidates. Therefore, a formal election will not be necessary. Motion seconded by Carol Cameron and car-ried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 AM and closed with Pastor RaeAnn leading the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Joachim, Secretary Pro Tem

5

CROP Walk - St.

Paul's UCC will again

be participating in the

Oshkosh CROP Walk. The walk will be held at

County Park on October 1st beginning at 1

pm. CROP raises money to end hunger in our

own community as well as globally. You can

participate either by walking or making a fi-

nancial donation or you can do both! CROP is

sponsored by Church World Service.

If you purchase anything for St. Paul’s Church, be sure to check with the office to obtain the tax ID number that shows we are a tax exempt organi-zation.

BOILER MAINTENANCE UPDATE!!

St. Paul's is fortunate to have re-

ceived a large anonymous donation towards

the upkeep of the church’s mechanical sys-

tems. This will allow the

church to pay for the recent

repairs to the boilers and set

aside money for the ongoing

maintenance of the system.

If you wish to contrib-

ute to this fund, please use

the green pew envelopes or

send your donation to the church office.

Many thanks to this donor and all

those who have given or may give to this

fund.

St. Paul’s members,

Summer has flown by us, and as is typical of a summer, we have spent our time on vacation, attending children’s activities, or simply re-

laxing and enjoying the weather. Extra activities during the summer usually results in lower church attendance, and, this summer was no dif-

ferent. During this time, it is normal for St. Paul’s to see a decrease in

giving. As the Church Council works to make sure that we meet all of our obligations, we would like to give everyone a gentle reminder to

look at your latest Giving Statement and see if you have gotten behind on your pledge commitment over the summer.

CHURCH COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

As you can see in this Tidings, the minutes from the September 17th Congregational Nominat-ing meeting explain the fact that there is no Church Council ballot enclosed.

Only three (3) names were presented to the congregation by the Nomi-nating Committee. Because there are three (3) positions open for 2018, there is no need for congregational voting on this matter.

The new Council members for 2018 will be Barb Loomans, Sherri Landig and Deb Wriedt. The Sustaining Fund Managers whose names were also presented and approved as nominees for anoth-er term were John Hauser and David Cameron.

6

Community-Wide Annual Blessing of the Animals Service

The Animal Ministries group of First Congregational Church is proud to host its 4th annual Pet Blessing Ser-vice on Saturday, October 7

at 10 am. If you have a pet or pets, and would like them

blessed for the role they play in your life, please bring them to this special service being held in honor of pets, and St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals and the Environ-ment. Pets should be well-behaved, current on vaccinations, and either leashed or otherwise controlled. If for some reason you can’t bring your pet but would like them blessed anyway, feel free to bring a photo of them. Let your fam-ily, friends and neighbors about this event so that they can also participate. We have invited service and therapy dogs from the community to attend and they’ll receive a special blessing during the service before going out to do the very important, much-needed work they do. This service is free, but goodwill offer-ings will be graciously accepted. Those attend-ing will receive a special memento to take

home from the service. We look forward to seeing you and your pets on Oct. 7.

STUFF THE SHELTER

Day by Day Warming Shelter opens for the season on October 15th. To be ready for their guests, they are sponsoring "Stuffing the Shelter." They have asked organ-izations to assist by collecting items to supply the shelter for the coming operational year which runs from mid-October to mid April. St. Paul's will be collecting boxes of instant oat-meal. There will be a collection box in the Narthex. If you would prefer to have someone shop for you, consider purchasing SCRIP cards to area groceries and we'll do the shopping. Another option for SCRIP purchases would be $25 gift cards for Walmart that are used for winter boots, tools etc. SCRIP cards can be designated to Day by Day and left in the office or given to Anne Gassere. Let's "Stuff the Shel-ter!"

NEWSLETTER OPTIONS

Because of ongoing budget issues, the Church Council has decided to offer St. Paul’s members and friends the option of receiving their monthly Tidings newsletter electronically. An electronic copy will save us postage, ink and paper.

To take advantage of this electronic suggestion, just contact Liz in the office (231-3080) or email her at stpauls@ntd.net to provide us with your email address.

We realize that many of you do not have access to electronic information or just pre-fer the traditional mailed copy; therefore, we will not do away with paper copies completely. If we do not hear that you want an electronic copy, you will receive a

paper copy. If you have any questions, please contact the office, also.

Hospitalized during the last month were Larry Klausch & Angie Beck. Both have returned home.

7

HELP

STOP Human Sex Trafficking

All Saints and First English Lutheran churches of Oshkosh are co-sponsoring

a fall event. Oshkosh, as the “Event City”, attracts sex trafficking. Here is an

opportunity to learn more and to become part of the solution!

Human Trafficking Awareness:

Educating the Community

FREE EVENT

Saturday, November 11th 8:00am-Noon

All Saints Lutheran Church

1072 Honey Creek Road,

Will you…

set aside Saturday morning, November 11?

inform and invite others to come with you?

consider serving as your church’s contact?

If so, find us on Facebook at “Help Stop Human Trafficking Oshkosh”

Contacts: Deb Martin, All Saints, Oshkosh and LOPPW Advisory Board Member

Mary Bakken, First English, Oshkosh and Retired Deacon

Learn the facts from active organizations on the front lines

and what you can do to help. Christine Ann Center, Damascus Road, 5-Stones,

Franciscan Peacemakers, Oshkosh Police Department,

Reach Counseling Service,

Sister Celine Goessel, Voices of Men

Free, but Admission Ticket is needed to receive a prepared Packet at the event.

Go to www.Eventbrite.com: 11-11-17 Oshkosh, before November 5 to

Register.