News & Events

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and peace!

"As We Go Into A new year ..."

(Pastor's Dave "Report" from the Annual Meeting)

"Just One More Thing ..."

In reflecting on the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany seasons, this year I found myself "seeing" something to which I had not paid attention before.

Think for a moment - when God interacts (intrudes) into the lives of people in the story of Jesus' birth (and afterwards) - we tend to think or expect that "God being present in the world" is a real blessing.

Now, don't get me wrong - God being "with us" IS a blessing!

Yet, as I have read (and re-read) the Scripture accounts again this year, it also became notable that when God appears - when God calls or sends one - when God is doing something "new" - there is always a sense of "disruption."

Yes, when God shows up - when God is doing something "new" ...
"blessing" and "disruption" happens!

Take the Wise Ones, for example. God "broke" into their lives, drawing their attention to "a star." They recognized in and through this "sign" that God was doing something significant. But, in order for them to "follow the star" they would have to "disrupt" their lives. They would have to spend funds to make great preparations, they would have to "disrupt" the lives of their families and others as they would leave them behind, they would have headed out on a "road trip" for what some have suggested could have been at least 2 years (imagine how many times they may have heard "are we there yet?"), they would make at least "one wrong turn" and end up in Jerusalem, they would encounter a ruthless ruler who would try to "trick them." they would end up in a place that they never could have anticipated - and, finally, they would be led to go home again - by another route - another 2 year journey. WOW!

One wonders - IF ... IF they had "known" all that they would be doing and how long it would take, would they have started out on that journey to find the Messiah? In a sense, we could wonder the same thing about the disciples whom Jesus calls (a theme which we explore more during the season of Epiphany).

Or what if they "realized" that this journey could be an extended one and believed that the "disruptions" would be worth their taking a chance and heading out - and "following" God's lead?

While they may not have "known" exactly where they were going - or what they would encounter along the way, what they "did know" was that God was "providing" them a "sign" and that God was "inviting" them to be a part of what God was doing. But in order to "follow" they would have to be willing to go, to follow, to seek - by trusting God - and by being willing to have that which they have known be "disrupted."

Let's be honest - it never is easy to start out on a journey not knowing precisely (or even having a little hint) of what lies ahead. Whether it is a family road trip, going to a new school, facing the challenges of an unexpected illness, setting off on a Scout hike or churches trying to navigate through the changing landscape of the community and world in which we find ourselves - it is tough and challenging not only "not knowing" but in "trusting to follow" the lead of another.

Let, at the same time - could it not also be "exciting" to know - and to be invited - to participate in a "new thing" that God is doing in the world?

I believe both the "unsettledness" and the "excitement" of such "disruptions" can be true / possible at the same time. Not necessarily "easy" but "possible."

And that has been our experience over this year. Yes, "WE" have faced some challenging circumstances that we never expected. In April we were facing a challenging financial situation that no one expected. Our "faith community" experienced real "disruption."

And there is no doubt - those days were not easy nor comfortable.

Yet, rather than simply giving up, WE took on the challenges. Through the formation of a "Financial Work Group" as well as the faithful work of the Session and the Session committees - AND the incredible response of this church community we took on the "disruptions" as both a challenge and an opportunity.

For when God shows up - when God is doing something "new" ...
blessing and disruption happens!

As we continue the journey, as we move into this new year, may we follow as the Wise Ones before us have gone ...

• In our watching for "signs" and "indications" of God at work - with us and among us
• In our being willing to "go" and the "follow" as God may lead us, even when we may not know where we are going
• In our "listening" for God's guidance, even when we may take detours
• In our "being open" to go where we may have never been before - "trusting" that God will lead us in right directions to go where we need to go and to do what we need to do
• And in our praising God with great joy as we experience the God who is "with us" as we make our way on this journey

God continues to "invite" us to go on the journey into this new year and beyond. And God "invites" us to not be afraid of the "disruptions." Because, like the Wise Ones we will find that it is in and through the "disruptions" that we will experience the presence, the inspiration, and the mission that God really is with us - and that God is not finished with us quite yet!

Looking forward to sharing with you the ways and places God will lead us now and in the time to come - and to the work and ministry to which we are and will be called!

Peace, Pastor Dave

The cereal challenge is about to begin, it goes from February 2nd - March 7th. I asking for your help to reach my goal of 500 boxes of cereal. Last year I took in 427 boxes because of all of you!

The cereal goes to classrooms for snacks, the Markets at Portage Schools and is sent home with students who are in need.

Thank you for helping me to reach my goal! Any questions or for monetary donations (Tara is quite the sale shopper and makes each dollar go far!) please call or text Tara at (608)697-8402

Love, Harlan

From the moment that the Free Christmas Day Dinner was mentioned until the moment it was over was nothing short of spectacular. Rhys, Laura, John, Elaine, Pastor Dave, Rosemary, Donna, Liz, Harlan, Brekkan and Gabe all being there to make sure everything was prepped and ready for when the day came. Thank you to all the cookie bakers this year. The delivered meals wouldn't be that same without your yummy cookies.

Christmas Day started as it typically does with Rhys and Nick in the kitchen cooking the turkeys, ham, potatoes and gravy. This year Gabe even joined the fun of prepping turkeys! As the morning progressed more volunteers began to arrive in anticipation of the big meal. John and Marie Ellis took over the kitchen duties from Rhys and Nick, keeping everything flowing smoothly.

While Kathy R. and Gabe were greeting those coming to eat, it was all hands on deck getting the delivery orders out the door. With the help of everyone we were able to get 70+ meals into the hands of the delivery teams in 18 minutes. This year's delivery teams consisted of: Dave & Judy Keppert, Nick & Kathy Hankins, Chris, Joyce, & Sarah Hankins, and Ron Johnson & Andrew. Brittany Johnson quickly delivered 8 meals to the Fire Department and a short time later another 8 to the Portage Police Department. Both Departments showed overwhelming gratitude for the meals.

As soon as Pastor Dave was finished with worship he came down to help greet people and be a friendly/familiar face to those who were joining us for the meal. Lori, Kelly, Marie, Chris, & Sue Dryer served about 100 meals. Liz and Elaine were in the dining room helping the guests get drinks and refilling them as needed. Jessica Malsack took care of the dessert table. We had Pete & Lola Noll keeping up with the massive amount of dishes, especially all those big Nesco's that needed cleaning.

We had a few deliveries added on before the day was done, so in total we put out about 200 meals.

We were blessed this year with receiving enough donations that the entire meal was covered! I cannot thank everyone enough for all the love, care, time, and support that goes into pulling off such a much needed community meal. The Portage Presbyterian Church Community may not be huge but it sure is mighty!

Thank you all so very much!

Sincerely,
Tara Bandekow
Free Christmas Day Coordinator

We wanted to express our thanks to those who participated in PPC's "Un-Rehearsed Christmas Program" on Christmas Eve.

Reader - Peggy
Mary and Joseph - Justin and Amy
All of our amazing angels and awesome shepherds who made the Christmas story "come alive."
For the "props / bales" - Bill and Donna
And those "behind the scenes" too - Liz, Kathy and Sarah!

Also - a special "thank you" to those who provided "Special Music" - Harlan, Scout and Sarah

Thank you to all who "played a part" in this inspirational and fun experience.

We could not have done this - without YOU!

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Sunday, February 1 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, February 8 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
"Scout Sunday"
We will share the "Lord's Supper" during the service.

Sunday, February 15 - "Informal" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Wednesday, February 18 - "Ash Wednesday" Worship Service - 6:00 p.m.

We will share the "Lord's Supper" during the service.

Sunday, February 22 - Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The First Sunday in Lent

Sunday, March 1 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The Second Sunday in Lent
We will share the "Lord's Supper" during the service.

IF you would like to receive the "weekly worship materials" -
the Sunday Worship Bulletin & Children's Bulletin -
by email- please contact Pastor Dave.

The Women's Association will be meeting on Saturday, February 7th, at 9:00 at Dino's. Come and enjoy breakfast and great conversation.

How about keeping warm on these cold days with a bowl or two of our delicious chicken soup mix. All you need to add to a pot is water, chicken and the ingredients in the jar. Soup mix is available on Sundays at church or in the church office for only $5 a jar.

If you've never tried it, give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

Reminder: There are jars for purchase in Parry Hall and in the church office. Please contact Liz Bellmore if you have any questions about the soup mix.

Just a reminder - all "loose offerings" (coins and cash) - on "Communion Sundays" - will be given to the Deacons to help support their ministries to and through this church community.

Upcoming dates for "Stocking Shelves @ the Food Pantry" will be Wednesday, February 18 and by the Bellmore Family on Wednesday, February 25.

We usually begin @ 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome to come and help this community resource provide a necessary program for those in need in our community. Please contact Pastor Dave if you are planning to come and help, in case there is a change in the schedule. Come and help make a difference in the community!

Just a reminder - there is a "Little Food Pantry" in front of Westminster Center. Anyone can place items in this box - and we receive donations from PPC folks as well as those from the community. Please feel free to provide dry goods and non perishables not affected by the temperature.

New Directions 4-H club is a very active group of young people from the area that meet together to share ideas, work on projects and learn great leadership skills.

The New Directions 4-H club meets @ PPC on the 3rd Sunday of each month, beginning @ 4:00 p.m.

PPC is pleased to be able to support the efforts of 4-H and the New Directions Club by offering a meeting space and support for their good work.

Julie McKibben and Jen Martens serve as the advisors for the New Directions Club.

Scout Sunday
February 8th @ 10:05 a.m.

Come and celebrate the Scouts, Leaders and Scout Program here @ PPC!

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Scout Activities / Events

The Scouts have some fun and exciting things planned!

Plans are being made for "upcoming events and activities" such as

• "Winter Adventures"
• Pinewood Derby
• "Crossover" for Webelos

• The Scout Troop 70 has "officially" been chartered as a "Family Troop."
• In 2025 both Troop 70 and Troop 7070 participated in a "pilot program" of combining Boy and Girls Troops into "one combined troop."
• This proved to be a great experience for both the young people and the leaders.
• The National Scout Office, based on the "nationwide pilot program" added the "Family Troop" concept as one of the approved charters.
• The Session approved the request of the Troop - and Troop 70 has become one of the first "Family Troops" in the nation.

Congratulations Troop 70!

As you can see - the Cub Scout Pack and Scout Troop are busy - all Year Around!

Be sure to keep the Scouts and their leaders in your prayers!

"Kwik Trip" Car Wash Cards are still available!
For $36.00 / card, you will receive 5 "Ultimate" car washes (normally a cost of $50.00)
If you would like to purchase a "Kwik Trip Car Wash Card" - contact Pastor Dave.

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To Contact The Portage Presbyterian Church
Phone: 608-742-6006
Church Office email: [email protected]
Pastor Dave email: [email protected]
Website: www.portagepresbyterian.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Portage-Presbyterian-Church-155581354519952
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@portagepresbyterianchurch2652

It is "easy" to make a "financial" offering
for the work and ministry here @ Portage Presbyterian Church

You may choose to Mail it to the Church Office

or Drop it in the "mail slot"

or Use the "online giving" option on "PPC's Website"

or scan the "QR Code" which will take you to the "Online Giving" Portal

Your financial support for the work and ministry of God in and through the Portage Presbyterian Church is greatly appreciated!

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Serving God and God's People
With "Energy, Intelligence, Imagination and Love"

Ruling Elders / Session
Moderator - Pastor Dave Hankins
Clerk of Session - Alex Harvey

Tara Bandekow (2026)
Nancy Beasley (2026)
Kathy Raimer (2026)
John Crammond (2027)
Jean Oren (2027)
Whitney Mell (2028)
Nicky Cross (2028)
Cindy Moyer (2028)

Deacons
Moderator of Deacons - Liz Bellmore
Secretary - Debby Capener
Treasurer - Vickie Kastner

Vickie Kastner (2026)
Joyce Oehlhof (2026)
Alex Harvey (2027)
Debby Capener (2027)
Liz Bellmore (2028)
Sue Goodman (2028)
Laura Brenner (2028)