What's Happening - First Congregational Church

November 24, 2023

For past Issues of "What's Happening" click HERE.

Out of the Office

Pastor Kevin will be on vacation Sunday, Dec. 3rd.

November & December
Bible Reading Plan

Click HERE

Weekly Bible Study
Discussion Groups

Tuesdays @ 1:00 pm
Discussion Group

Wednesdays @ 1:00 pm

ZOOM Discussion Group

Thursdays @ 6:30 pm

Men’s Discussion Group

Sundays @ 9:00 am

Discussion Group (with child care)

Poinsettias

Poinsettias can be ordered through the church Flower Committee for $8.00 for a 6 ½” potted plant. The plant color available this year is red. The deadline for ordering plants is Sunday Dec. 10. The flowers will be delivered on Dec. 21. Plants can be picked up after 10:00 am that day for gift giving, if needed. Questions? Call Rae-Ellen Preuss at 262-594-2740.

Ready! Set! Write!

The Christmas cards for our shut-ins are ready! There are plastic bags, each containing 16 Christmas cards and a list of names, on a table in the narthex. Please take a bag of cards and add a greeting and your name to each card. When you have finished your greeting, place the cards in the Christmas gift bags or leave them in the box and they will be placed in the gift bags for you.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

The Giving Tree for The Women’s Center in Waukesha

Our Giving Tree this year will support the needs of the Women’s Center in Waukesha. The Women’s Center supports women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse, sexual assault and abuse, child abuse and survivors of human trafficking. TWC works to give their clients the care and support they need to process their trauma and heal.

Because their clients leave their homes and/or situations quickly, they need donations of food and household goods. Pick up a list of their current needs by The Giving Tree or go HERE to bring up a list of their needs.

Let’s pour out our blessings to help these women and children who go through such hard times.

Mission News

Our Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings this year will both go to the Missions School of Hope. You can find the special envelopes in the back of your offering envelopes.

A Note of thanks from Charles Sagay of the Mission School of Hope:

"Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and you all are reasons why our hearts are filled with appreciation and thanksgiving to God. Your love and kindness are immeasurable."

Fellowship Events for December

You are invited to join the Fellowship team for these upcoming church events!

On Saturday, December 2^nd, stop on over to Gary & Joanne Himebauch’s home, 100 Oakland Avenue (corner of 83 and Oakland) for a Parade Party at 2:30 PM. Grab some snacks, a warm beverage, and join us outside around the bonfire as the Mukwonago Midnight Magic Parade goes right past our house. Please bring a lawn chair!

On Friday, December 15 at 7:30 PM, the MACC (Mukwonago Area Community Choir) will be performing their annual Christmas concert at St. John’s Lutheran, 410 W. Veterans Way. The concert is free, but we will be taking a free-will donation to help support Life’s Connection. Unfortunately, the choir grew too big this season to hold our concert at FCC.

On Sunday, December 17, after church, we will gather for a Chili Dump and Advent party. After we dine, we hope you stay to make some Advent crafts and ornaments from the Youth Sunday School collection. Please sign up on the Communications Table to let us know what you plan to bring.

Offering Report

Offering Expected to Date	149,354.25
Offering Received to Date	145,299.99
Difference	(4,054.26)

Servant Schedule

Ministry	11/26	12/3	12/10
Liturgist	Harlan P	Chris W	David B
Music Leader	Karen J	Cindy W	Claire A
Sunday School	Joanne	Terry/Lily	Carol/Cindy
Nursery	Ashley/Cindy	Waruni/Lily	Waruni/Lydia
Front Porch
Greeter
Flowers	Sue R	Karen J	Janice B

To volunteer for any of these ministries please see the signup sheet on the communication table.

Volunteers are also needed
for the following:

Sound / Zoom - Contact Prakash Mathew
(pkmathew1@gmail.com 262-436-4025)

Nursery - Contact Sue Roberts
(susanrobertsstmd@gmail.com 262-378-4695)

Carolyn E ~ health concerns
Jim S ~ health concerns
Ashley C ~ health concerns
Dave B ~ health concerns
Bonnie G ~ health concerns
Pastor Kevin ~ health concerns
Xander W ~ health concerns
Paula E (from Jean B) health concerns
Karen J ~ health concerns
Friends of Florrie S ~ life challenges
Josh S & Family (from Chris L) Grandma passed away
Lisa (from Karen J) health concerns
Brenda & her Mom (from Karen J) health concerns
Colton (from Reyna) health concerns
Weekly Prayer Intentions:
~ Zvara Family
~ Flower Team
Our shut ins and those in ill health
Our Church leadership
Those in Need
Mission School of Hope & Clinic

Prayer - December 6 at 7 PM
(in the classroom)

Happy Birthday!

Gary Himebauch

December 1

Happy Anniversary!

None this week

Bulletin Boards

To All Ministerial Teams, Committees, and Activity Participants

The Council has asked me, as Congregational Care Director, to be responsible for assigning what groups use the bulletin boards in the church. Any Ministerial Team may request the use of a specific bulletin board. Karen Matthew and I met and discussed the usage of all the bulletin boards. The bulletin board next to the Office has a new look. Please check that bulletin board for accuracy of information, notes, and general information for the activities in which you participate. Communication with accurate information is important! Your input can be shared by an email (jacoley@wi.rr.com), a text or call (414-588-3879), or by placing a note in the Office mailbox for Congregational Care Director.

We look forward to your thoughts by December 31^st.

Janine Coley

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Has it been a while since you volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army and it’s something you would really like to do? Here is your opportunity to help out. You can get a few people together… or do it with your family… or with a friend. They always need volunteers this time of the year and they are so appreciative of your help at this time of the year. HERE is where you can go to pick a date that works for you and register. Have fun with it!

We are collecting warm winter clothing (Coats, Hats, Scarves) for the homeless. Please drop your donations in the narthex by December 6th.

If anyone is interested in crocheting or knitting hats and scarves (yarn provided) please contact Reyna Taggart 262-993-5955 / taggart4jc@yahoo.com.

Discussion Dates Added!

Feedback about John Owen's book has been so overwhelmingly favorable, there was unanimous consensus to continue the discussions through March 2024. The book is THAT good. Scripture Chicks meets Tuesday evenings at 6:30 in the classroom, and you are most welcome to join us. Get your copy free online HERE.

Women - Free Tickets Available Now