HAVE YOU NOTICED OUR BULLETINS?

 Perhaps you have noticed our Sunday bulletins have changed. We now have colored bulletin covers again – and they are wonderful.

 A few years ago we moved away from the colorful bulletin covers as a cost-saving move.

 Now, because of a gracious donation by Howard Schneiter, in loving memory of Jean, we have them back.

 Thank you Howard!

EDUCATION MINISTRY “UPDATE”

 PPC continues to offer unique, inspirational, education and fun with our Educational Ministry experiences.

 Each week you have 2 options for participating in the “education ministry” at PPC.

 On Sunday – there are 2 classes offered. One for the “birth to 3 year olds” and our “multi-age” class. Sunday education time begins @ 9:15 a.m.

 Then on Wednesday – we have a class for “younger elementary” age youth, a class for older elementary (“pre-confirmation”) and a gathering time on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays called “ACTS” for older youth.

 Our Wed Nite @ PPC is of course, on Wednesday nights. The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with our meal. At 6:15 p.m. all classes go to their respective areas for study.

 Come and learn, study and fellowship together. See you here!

WE NEED YOUR HELP @ TIVOLI

 PPC has traditionally been responsible for the worship service at Tivoli on the 3^rd Monday of each month @ 10:00 a.m.

 We have found that our worship service is one of the better attended worship times – and that is great news!

 We are looking for additional people to come and help get people to and from the chapel.

 You will have the opportunity to share in a special worship experience as well as being to interact with some very special people.

 If you could help with this ministry once in a while, contact Pastor Dave.

MISSION TRIP 2012 – KOKOMO, INDIANA

 At a recent meeting of ACTS, the young people decided that they will go on to road during week of June 17 to Kokomo, Indiana on their mission trip.

 Upon hearing of Kokomo, you may immediately go to the Beach Boys tune of the same name. However Kokomo, Indiana cannot be compared to a tropical island getaway! Kokomo, Indiana is known as the “City of Firsts” for many achievements, but mainly for being a pioneer of the auto industry in the US. Chrysler Group, one of the major employers in town, recently went through bankruptcy and there was a lot of uncertainty about the future of the company. That uncertainty took an economic and emotional toll on the struggling community of Kokomo as they faced the reality that the backbone of their community could crumble before their eyes – and would take many residents down with it. Kokomo has recently been called “America’s Third Most Dying Town” by Forbes magazine. Currently, 13% of the population lives below the poverty leveland theunemployment rate is has remained in the double digits.

 The mission trip will include such areas as helping at soup kitchens, thrift stores, food pantries or providing a vacation bible school experience.

 This trip is open to any senior high young person. However, we need to know no later than December 4 if you are planning to participate.

 At this time we have 8 youth who have indicated interest in the trip. We will also be looking for adult chaperones (so parents, if you are interested contact Pastor Dave).

 In 2012, PPC’s young people are “on the go to Kokomo.”

PASTORAL CARE HOSPITAL POLICY 

 Divine Savior Hospital will no longer make patient information available for pastors or churches at the front desk. There are only two ways that pastors and churches will have information on those in the hospital:

 1) If patients and/or families sign a "waver form" which enables the Pastoral Care Staff of Divine Savior to contact the church office or the pastor

 2) If the patient or family contacts the church office or pastor directly.

 If you or a family member do not specifically inform the Divine Savior staff that you want the church office or the Pastor to be notified, no notification will be made.

 If you have questions, please contact Pastor Dave.

INTERESTED IN THE PRAYER CHAIN?

 The Prayer Chain is an important ministry of the PPC congregation. Members of the Chain offer prayers for those whose names we share on Sunday mornings as well as prayers for those who contact the Chain directly. Prayers are offered by the members at their convenience during the week.

 If you would like to be a part of this special ministry or would like more information, please contact a member of the Prayer Chain - Jill Porzel (742-3988).

“IF YOU FEED THEM…”-WED NITE MEALS 

 “If you feed them, they will come.” How often have we talked about this in the life of the church.

 So it is the case for our “Wed Nite @ PPC” program. We have an average of 20-25 young people and adults who come together each week to share a meal, conversation and laughter with our “Wed Nite @ PPC” program.

 And we would like YOU to be a part of this wonderful ministry!

 How can I be involved, you ask?

 Well, you can come, eat and share your time and conversation with others who are here.

 Or you could participate by helping to provide one of the meals. Meals do not have to be elaborate – just edible! Sign-up sheets are available in Parry Hall for you to indicate which evening you would like to provide a meal.

 If you have questions, please contact Pastor Dave.

“THANK YOU” TO PPC

 We want to express our gratitude to you, the Portage Presbyterian Church community, for the care, support, prayers and gifts that we have received during this Advent and Christmas season.

 You have truly been a blessing to our family, as well as the Portage community during this last year. Your compassion and care are proof that God is still at work in our world and our lives.

May God bless and keep each of you now and in all the days to come.

Peace,

Pastor Dave, Kathy,

Nick, Sarah and Hilbert Hankins

“CONTEMPORARY” REHEARSAL TIME

 You are invited to come and “make a joyful noise to the Lord” with the PPC Contemporary Music Group.

 We help lead worship on the 3^rd Sundays of the month.

 Rehearsals are held on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday nights @ 7:30 in the sanctuary (January 11 & 25).

 All are welcome!

 If you would like to play an instrument rather than sing, come on along and let’s see what we can do. Questions? Contact Pastor Dave

EMAILS FOR PPC OFFICE

 To reach Pastor Dave by email: pastordave@portagepresbyterian.com

 To reach the church office by email: office@portagepresbyterian.com

EDUCATION MINISTRY “UPDATE”

 PPC continues to offer unique, inspirational, education and fun with our Educational Ministry experiences.

 Each week you have 2 options for participating in the “education ministry” at PPC.

 On Sunday – there are 2 classes offered. One for the “birth to 3 year olds” and our “multi-age” class. Sunday education time begins @ 9:15 a.m.

 Then on Wednesday – we have a class for “younger elementary” age youth, a class for older elementary (“pre-confirmation”) and a gathering time on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays called “ACTS” for older youth.

 Our Wed Nite @ PPC is of course, on Wednesday nights. The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with our meal. At 6:15 p.m. all classes go to their respective areas for study.

 Come and learn, study and fellowship together. See you here!

ANNUAL MEETING – SUN, JANUARY 29

 The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation will be held on Sunday, January 29 @ 10:30 a.m. in the Dining Room.

 As we have done the last few years, our annual meeting will be a combination of both worship and meeting.

 We will gather around the tables in the Dining Room as we share that which God has done in and through the mission and ministry of the Portage Presbyterian Church and as we share and envision that which God will continue to do.

 Annual Meeting report packets will be available beginning Sunday, January 22.

“HOLIDAY HOUSE” - CELEBRATION!

The Presbyterian Women would like to thank our members and friends who made our Holiday House a great success. Without your help we could not put on a delicious luncheon and bake sale. We would like to thank you for the wonderful treats, crafts and monetary donations. A special thank you goes out to Judy Taylor and John and Elaine Crammond for donating the “Beef Barley Soup” and to Rosemary Minnema for donating 2 batches of the “Chicken Noodle Soup.”

We made a profit of $1,200 that will enable us to continue our mission distribution for the year 2011.

"BREESE FUND FOR THE NEEDY"

            Over 30 years ago, the Llewelyn Breese Fund for the Needy was established with a bequest. The will specified that the fund ".. shall be held in trust and used for the benefit of any underprivileged children of the church."

            The administration of this fund is entrusted to Elders Jane Considine and Jim Armson, who have been appointed by the Session, along with the Pastor Dave, who serves as the Chairperson.

            If you are in need or have a suggestion of someone from the church who may need assistance of this type, please contact a committee member. All contacts are held in strictest confidence.

“MISSION TRIP” FUND-RAISERS

PPC’s Mission Trippers will be raising funds for their 2012 Trip to Kokomo, Indiana this summer.

During the Sundays in February, you will have the opportunity to “purchase stock” in the trip. Shares of stock are being sold at $5.00 per share. You can purchase as many shares as you wish. For your stock purchase you will receive a certificate and you will receive an invitation to a “stockholder’s dinner” to be held after the mission trip.

Orders for Butter Braids will be coming soon as well. Watch the bulletins for times and information.

Other plans include a “community garage sale, talent show and silent auction, community meals, brat stands and car washes.

 Thank you for all you do to support the young people of PPC.

STOCKHOLDER’S DINNER REPORT

 On Sunday, January 22 the young people of the 2011 Mission Trip to Green Bay shared their experiences.

A wonderful spaghetti dinner, prepared by the youth and parents was served for the meal.

Allison Foster put together a great slide show from the Mission Trippers’ pictures of the week, about which the youth commented.

Among the stories that were told by Samantha Harvey, Lindsey Harvey, Parker Roundy, Samantha Ballard, Sarah Hankins, Allison Foster, Mary Roundy, Walt Harvey and Pastor Dave – they shared their experiences with Harry, in the nursing home. Harry was a gentleman who had suffered a severe stroke and seldom came out to be with other people. The Mission Trippers were able, by the end of the week to have Harry out and about and even speaking a few more words.

They told about their work at St. Vincent’s sorting through boxes of donated items. Throwing items down the trash chute became a creative competition.

Their work and ministry at Freedom House, a facility for homeless families included cleaning around the building and interacting with some of the residents.

Of course, other activities included going to Lambeau Field, an ice cream shop along the Fox River and the community picnic on their last evening.

All of the Youthworks staff commented that they were the best group in Green Bay that week – of course, because of an unusual set of circumstances, they were the “only” group there that week. This made for some good interaction among the PPC group and with the Youthworks staff as well.

These young people represented PPC very well over the week. They were truly the “hands and feet of Jesus” in the Green Bay community.

“RENT A YOUTH” FUND RAISER

PPC’s Senior High youth (ACTS) are continuing to offer their time and energy to help you.

 If you are looking for someone to shovel snow or help with other such jobs around the house, why not call the young people of ACTS?

There is no charge for their services (though a “free will donation” toward 2012’s mission trip would be appreciated).

If you would like to “rent a youth” contact Pastor Dave and we will do our best to do what needs to be done.

 PPC’s Chancel Choir, under the direction of Judy Taylor, is rehearsing and would love to have you be a part of the choir.

 Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights @ 6:45 p.m. in the church dining room.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Judy @ 429-3011.

INFORMATION ON PPC’s “ED MINISTRY”

PPC continues to offer the unique opportunities of 2 great options for participating in the education ministry here at PPC.

On Sunday – there are 2 classes offered. One for the birth to 3 year olds (in the nursery area) and our multi-age class (in Westminster Center). Sunday education time begins at 9:15 a.m.

Then on Wednesday – @ 6:15 p.m. - we have a class for younger elementary age youth (meeting in Parry Hall), a class for older elementary (pre-confirmation - in Westminster Center) and our Confirmation Class (in the sanctuary).

Wednesday activities begin at 5:45 p.m. with our fellowship meal. If you would like to have a time of fellowship, conversation, good food and good people then come, eat, drink and be merry. You are welcome if you come for other activities or if you just come to eat. If you are interested in helping to provide one of the meals, a sign-up sheet is available in Parry Hall or talk to Pastor Dave.

What a wonderful and inspirational program the young people of PPC shared with us on Easter Sunday morning with the “Props For Easter.” Thank you to the teachers, families and especially the young people for making this happen.

The Parish Education Committee will be reviewing the Lenten study experience at their next meeting.

Looking ahead – the Parish Ed Committee is making plans for the 2011 “Church Day Camp” this summer. Watch for further details!

In May we will be concluding our Sunday and Wednesday educational ministries for the Spring.

Please note: The final Sunday education time will be on Sunday, May 22. The final Wednesday educational classes will be on Wednesday, May 25.

We hope to see you here!

NEW EMAILS FOR PPC OFFICE

We now have our new email accounts set up in the offices.

To reach Pastor Dave by email: pastordave@portagepresbyterian.com

To reach the church office by email: office@portagepresbyterian.com

MAKING A LIST

Two “List of Supplies Needed” sheets have been posted at the church; one on the cupboard in the kitchenette off Parry Hall and the other on the door leading into the kitchen from the downstairs dining room.

Please help to keep these kitchens fully stocked by listing any supplies you see that are running low. Also, please date and sign your name where indicated. Kathy Mittelstaedt will check these lists every Monday and make sure supplies are ordered. Thank you for all your help in the work and ministry of PPC! You are appreciated!!

EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY @ PPC

* Sunday mornings @ 9:30 a.m. –           

  Birth – 3 year old Class (Nursery)

Elementary Age Class (West. Ctr - Upstairs)

* Wednesday evenings @ 6:00 p.m. –

Elementary Age Class (West Ctr - downstairs)

Grade 6&7 / Pre-Confirmation (West Ctr – Upstairs)

Older Youth/Adult Study (Parry Hall)

“WED NITE @ PPC”

“Wed Nite @ PPC” continues to be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, study and eating together.

The Handbell Choir will meet for rehearsal at 4:30 p.m. in Parry Hall / Sanctuary.

We will continue to come together for a meal at 5:30 p.m.

Then, at 6:00 p.m., we will go to our “educational ministry classes” (an adult Bible study in addition to our Pre-Confirmation and Elementary age classes).

At 6:45 p.m., the Chancel Choir will have their rehearsal in the Dining Room.

So, in summary, Wed Nite looks like this:

4:30 p.m. – Handbell Choir rehearsal

5:30 p.m. -- Meal

6:00 p.m. – Education Classes

Elementary – West Ctr (down)

PreConf – West Ctr (up)

Older Youth/Adult – Parry Hall

6:45 p.m. - Chancel Choir rehearsal

“WED NITE MEAL” INFORMATION

            Our “Wed Nite Meal” has become a vital part of our “Wed Nite @ PPC” ministry – an opportunity for folks to sit and visit, to be fed physically, spiritually and socially.

            A big THANK YOU to all who have provided our meals. We continue to seek volunteers who would like to help provide a meal for this ministry.

            Sign-up sheets are on the kiosk in Parry Hall for those who would like to participate in this special ministry by providing a meal for an evening.

            A “free-will” offering is collected each evening to help reimburse costs for the meal.

            If you would like to help with a meal, or if you have questions, you can talk to Pastor Dave or indicate on the sign-up sheet on the kiosk in Parry Hall.