If you would like to contribute to the flowers and decorations for the Easter services, please complete this form and return it to the church office with your check by

12:00 noon on Monday, March 21.

Click on this link to access the church calendar of events.

Reminder! Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13. Be sure to "spring forward" and set your clocks one hour ahead on Saturday night.

To access the Sunday Morning Volunteer Schedule, go to the Worship Page on the
MPC website and click on "Volunteer Schedule and Roster." For log-in information, please contact Linda Boldt.

We Need to Talk

As another annual congregational meeting passes in silence, we need to talk. A mentor of mine once told me that silence means one of three things:

Silence means agreement.
Silence means no one understood the question.
Silence means the group doesn't feel safe enough to speak.

I'm reluctant to simply assume agreement and I think too highly of MPC to believe a lack of understanding. So what makes conversation at the annual meeting unsafe? What would help create safety?

I hope you sense the important moment we are at as a congregation and see the signs of growth sprouting, requiring vigilant care. Such moments demand discernment, dwelling in prayer and scripture, and finally conversation to share with and learn from one another how each sees God moving among us.

So let's talk about where God is leading us and what the Holy Spirit is calling us to be and do in this moment. Let's talk one on one. Let's talk in small groups. Let's talk.

In April, Session will invite the whole congregation into a conversation process to explore if MPC's mission statement still captures God's calling for this church; asking if we are faithfully living out our core values; and finally, setting a course for the next chapter of our ministry from the corner of College and Meade.

In Christ,

Pastor Mike Goodwin

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

On Easter Sunday, MPC will participate with thousands of other congregations in the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering. Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations raise over $6 million annually through OGHS and use the proceeds to provide assistance both close to home and around the world. MPC's contribution in 2015 was $2,482.

PC(USA) uses the OGHS offering to fund a variety of mission programs. These include:

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

Works within communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters
Receives 32% of funds raised

Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP)

Takes action to alleviate hunger and its systemic causes, and helps create access to healthy food for entire communities

Receives 36% of funds raised

Self-Development of People (SDOP)

Partners with people and communities with tools for development and education to alleviate poverty, oppression, and injustice
Receives 32% of funds raised

One Great Hour of Sharing offering envelopes are available in the pew racks. You may place your contributions in these envelopes and drop them in the offering plates or mail them to the church office. If this isn't convenient, please contact the church office for other options. And be on the lookout for additional information in upcoming Sunday worship bulletins. Also, check the PC(USA) website here.

How it began . . .

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, received during Lent, has a sixty-nine year history as an ecumenical endeavor that now involves nine denominations and Church World Service. Founded in 1946 by Episcopal Bishop Henry Knox Sherrill, a goal was set to raise one million dollars in one hour for World Relief. (While there is no record of funds raised that day, it is estimated that over 75,000 churches participated.)

The first Presbyterian participation in this ecumenical offering was initiated in 1947 by the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), followed in 1948 by the former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS). In 1949, church leaders from several denominations began working together to promote this effort. Major radio networks broadcast a show, called "One Great Hour," on Saturday, March 26 at 10 p.m. EST. The broadcast, featuring President Truman and popular musicians and actors of the time, closed with the request to make a sacrificial contribution at their own place of worship the next morning. ~ Written by Tricia Wainscott, February 9, 2015

QPR Training: Question. Persuade. Refer.

Memorial Presbyterian Church is partnering with Prevent Suicide Fox Cities and the Volunteer Center of East Central WI to provide this important training on Thursday, March 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. QPR stands for Question. Persuade. Refer. Before and after the training there will be a small Resource Fair consisting of mental health agencies and those agencies that are considered referral services. Memorial Presbyterian is the host for this training. This free training and resource fair is open to any member of MPC. RSVP to info@volunteercenter.net or call 920-832-9360 by March 1.

How can you help host this training? We need a few volunteers for registration, people to make bars and a few people to help serve. Please contact Alice Baumbach at (920) 257-4764 or abaumbach@new.rr.com to let her know if you can assist with hosting duties.

Turkey's the Topic for International Dinner #3

Celebrate the cuisine of Turkey as you share food and fellowship on Saturday, April 9. We sign up in groups of eight, and one from each group offers to host the dinner in their home and provide the entr�e. The remaining people in each group provide the side dishes and dessert.

Suggested menus and recipes are provided. Sign-up sheets can be found on the table outside the office or contact David Mayefske at dmayefske@att.net.

Come Play at the YMCA!

It's MPC Day at the Heart of the Valley YMCA

in Kimberly on Sunday, March 13. Join the MPC group from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and enjoy all that the YMCA has to offer for only $4 for non-members. Shake off the winter doldrums with fun in the gymnastic center, the gym, the pool, or the fitness center. All are welcome, so please bring a friend! A sign-up sheet is located on the table outside the church office so we can get an estimate of how many will be joining in - or just call the church office. Reservations are not required.

Children and Youth Ministry News

Youth Sunday

This year's Youth Sunday is April 24! Please mark your calendars for this wonderful service, all run by the youth (including the bulletin cover, greeters/ushers, sermon, and more!). Our youth will begin Youth Sunday preparations on Wednesday, March 23, so it is sure to be a great experience for everyone.

Youth Stock Sale

The Youth Group will again be selling "stock" to fund their participation in this summer's Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University from July 19-23, as well as for future mission trips.

Dates of the stock sale are:

Sunday, March 20 (Palm Sunday) at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, March 27 (Easter Sunday) at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m.

The Shareholders Dinner will be held on Sunday, August 7 at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Those who purchase stock (no matter the amount!) will be invited to this event to enjoy a dinner and listen to the youth share their experiences at Triennium. Stocks can be purchased in any denomination during the sale dates/times - just look for the stock sale table that will be in the Narthex. We thank you for your contribution! - Jackie Kempf, jackie.kempf@mpcappleton.org

College Scholarships Available

Three scholarships are available to members of Memorial Presbyterian Church. Selection is based on church involvement, community activities, leadership, and academic achievement. All application materials are due by Friday, April 29, and award recipients will be notified by the Scholarship Committee.

The Huss Family Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to members of Memorial Presbyterian Church who are pursuing higher education in a college or university. It is intended to help entering college freshmen with expenses related to beginning a college career.
The Presbyterian College Scholarship grants funds to students attending an accredited Presbyterian college.
The Ellmaker Scholarship assists those who are enrolled in a seminary program with the intention of entering a Presbyterian ministry, such as Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Minister of Music, etc.

For more information and to download an application form, visit the church website at www.mpcappleton.org, send an email to info@mpcappleton.org, or call the church office at 734-1787.

Synod School 2016: Connecting with Jesus in an Over-Connected World

July 24-29, 2016 � Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa

For more information, you may obtain a course catalog in the MPC church office, call 1-800-328-1880, visit www.lakesandprairies.org, or join the Synod School Facebook Group: "Synod School: Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa." Registration begins on March 1, and scholarships are available.

What is Synod School?

Synod School, a ministry of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, is a special learning and personal enrichment experience for all ages. We seek to create an environment of hospitality, healing and hope. The week is designed for laity and clergy, individuals and families. Classes and activities are available for adults, youth and children - some separately, some intergenerational.

Come . . . and grow in faith through action, relationships, and a centering of the spirit.

Come . . . for continuing education, for a special family experience, or for individual growth.

Come . . . to participate in a unique experience of Christian community, as we worship, study, play, and live together.

What's there to do at Synod School?

- Daily morning and evening worship for all ages with spirited music and singing.

- Daily convocation focusing on the theme of the School.

- Morning and afternoon programs for children of all ages.

- Special convocation, program, and classes for youth.

- Opportunity for adults to participate in from 1 to 4 classes on a wide range of topics - something for everyone, plus Art Share, lots of fun, fellowship, evening mini-courses, movies, and relaxation!

Who's involved?

The Leadership Convocation Speaker is John Bell. Based in Glasgow, John works with his colleagues of Wild Goose Resource Group and the Iona Community in the areas of music, worship and spirituality. A lecturer, preacher, and teacher known around the world, he is also a hymn writer, liturgist, and author, with a primary passion for the renewal of congregational worship.

The Evening Worship Leader is Burns Stanfield. Raised in Iowa (and at Synod School), Burns was a professional musician before entering ministry and receiving his call to serve as the pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in South Boston.

The Morning Worship Leader is Stephanie Anthony. Stephanie grew up in Florida, served a congregation in Nebraska, and then moved to Hudson, Wisconsin, where she is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church.

News of Our Members and Friends

The MPC family mourns the passing of several long-term members of the church in January. Audrey Brownlee, who passed away on January 6, had been a member for over 30 years, and is survived by her son, Steele. Delores Wiegert, a member for almost 40 years, passed away on January 8 after a long illness, reuniting with her dear husband, Al, who passed away in 2009. Betty Krueger, who is the mother of Connie Volkman, passed away peacefully on January 30 after an extended illness. Betty joined the church in 1945 at the age of 18 and was married to Vernon Krueger in 1949 in the "old" MPC church on the corner of College Avenue and Drew Street. We send our deepest condolences to the families of these dear folk, and give thanks to God for their long and faithful service in our midst.

We joyfully welcomed into our church family little Piper Jane, 3-month-old daughter of Rene and Michelle L'Esperance, little sister to Brock, and granddaughter of Dave and Patty Ogilvie, with her baptism on February 28.

Welcoming Walls

On Sunday, March 6, Visitors and Friends are invited to learn a little about our stained-glass windows, our Presbyterian roots, and our current programs and activities. Look for Linda Boldt, your tour guide in the purple hat, in the sanctuary after the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Current members are welcome to join us, too!

Local Mission Efforts in Full Swing

Empty to Full ("E2F") Pans Available March 6

MPC is so pleased to again be participating in the Empty to Full ("E2F") program this month. Empty pans with directions on how to fill them will be handed out at church on Sunday, March 6. Once the pans are filled, they are to be frozen and returned to the church on Sunday, March 13. The full pans are used to help feed the residents of Homeless Connections. Our goal is to provide Homeless Connections with 90 full pans of food.

New this year - we are adding a preparation party! On Wednesday, March 9 at 6:45 p.m., anyone who is interested can bring their pans and the needed ingredients to the church kitchen. We will work with the youth group in putting the pans together. Snacks will be provided. Please let us know if you plan to participate by signing up in the west hallway.

The Meal Train is on Track

If you have ever been responsible for putting a meal on the table, you have had days when you wished an angel would suddenly appear at your door with food in hand, ready to heat and eat (or maybe just eat). Magnify that one day by many days if you have been seriously ill, had surgery, and/or been in rehab.

MPC now has a group of Meal Train angels willing to help out with a few meals. Since last spring, 19 angels have earned their wings by providing a total of 32 meals to 6 different persons. When a need arises and a Meal Train is set up, an email goes out to all on the list, with a link to the Meal Train page. This link shows the name and address of the person we are helping, a calendar with dates available, and miscellaneous information, such as food allergies.

If you are not getting these emails, but would like to, please contact Betty Lockhart and ask to be put on the list. If you are on the list but don't want to be, please ask to be deleted. If you are on the list but haven't earned your wings yet, keep waiting - more chances will be coming up. Betty Lockhart, salockhart@gmail.com, 733-2347.

Salvation Army Collection on March 20

This month's Salvation Army collection will take place on Palm Sunday, March 20. Thank you for your donations of nonperishable foods!

Help for the Homeless Drive

The annual "Help for the Homeless" hygiene drive is in progress, with donations being collected through Sunday, March 13. Please place your donations in the Help for the Homeless collection box located in the east hallway. The most urgently needed items this year are laundry soap, garbage bags, dental and hair care products, diapers, tissue, and feminine care products. Your donations are given to local shelters within the Fox Cities, which allows these agencies to direct their limited funds to providing qualified staff, counseling, food and shelter to those they serve.

Hands and Feet of Christ

I peeked into the Adult Education classroom on Sunday morning and was delighted to see how the class has grown. We now have an average of 10-12 people who attend each Sunday. This is in addition to the four Lenten study groups that formed on February 14.

The growth of our Adult Christian Education program is due to the dedicated work of the Adult Education Team of Kathy Privatt, Jill McElhaney, Francie Kopecky, and Jane Stevenson, plus the outstanding study leaders, Laurie McCulloch, Jeanne Nymoen, Shirley Collins and Tom Boldt (Janie also teaches), and Lenten Study leaders, Emily Guttenberg, Jon and Jill McElhaney, Jeff and Kathy Privatt, Chad Schimmelpfenning, Janie, and Laurie, all guided and encouraged by Greg Braatz, our Commissioned Ruling Elder. The labors of these folks have helped to deepen the understanding and strengthen the faith of many. We appreciate your efforts and salute you for being the Hands and Feet of Christ. ~ Linda Boldt, Lay Ministry Coordinator

YOU (Yes, You) ARE Needed

Ushers and Greeters Needed!

Seven willing, gracious persons are needed to serve as ushers and greeters for the Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 p.m. on March 24. Call 734-1787 or use the sign-up sheet on the table outside the church office to volunteer.

Offering Counters Needed!

If you are comfortable working with money and would be willing to count the Sunday offering with a partner once every six week, we need you! Teams generally count immediately after the worship service, although other times can be arranged. The whole process typically takes no more than 1� hours. Call 734-1787 or email Linda Boldt to learn more.

Cheerleaders Needed!

Do you like posting photos of your children's activities and accomplishments on Facebook? If so, then you have the gifts needed to be one of our new MPC Cheerleader. Look for more details on the You Are Needed... bulletin board outside the Lay Ministry Coordinator's office. Call 734-1787 or email Linda Boldt to let us know of your interest.

Talent Scouts Needed!

Do you like to get to know new people? Do you encourage the potential in those around you? If so, then you could be one of our new MPC Talent Scouts. Look for more details on the You Are Needed... bulletin board outside the Lay Ministry Coordinator's office. Call 734-1787 or email Linda Boldt to let us know of your interest.

Record Holders Needed!

Are you detail-oriented? Do you like working behind the scenes? If so, then you could be one of our MPC Record Holders. Volunteers are currently being recruited and trained to keep the non-financial records of the church up to date. Things like visitor and member attendance, pastoral care notes, and membership records will soon be handled by a team of volunteers. If recordkeeping appeals to you, then you could be one of our "Record Holders." Please call 734-1787 or email Linda Boldt to let us know of your interest.

Funeral Hosts Needed!

The next time a funeral or memorial service is held at MPC, a call will go out for bakers, servers, clean-up volunteers and "Funeral Hosts." These are folks who prepare the church facilities for the visitation and worship service. Duties include getting out easels, flower stands, parking signs, fresh candles and so forth and putting it all away afterwards. We are hoping to train a pool of volunteers who volunteer when the need arises. Call 734-1787 or email Linda Boldt to learn more.

This 'n That

Senior Recital: Josh Eidem

Mark your calendars now so you won't miss Josh Eidem's Senior Recital on Saturday, April 2, at 1:00 p.m. at Harper Hall on the Lawrence Campus! Josh is a Section Leader in the MPC Chancel Choir, and will be singing a wide range of musical pieces, from classical to musical theatre. It is guaranteed to be a lovely afternoon of beautiful music.

Name That (Weekly) Newsletter

It's about time! Plans are in the works to develop a weekly newsletter, in addition to (or to replace) the venerable and trusty Chimes monthly newsletter. A weekly newsletter will provide timely, up-to-date information and will eliminate the need for event organizers to produce, as much as six weeks in advance, an article with all the details of any event way before you have all those details in place. It's all quite exciting, but there's one thing we need your help with. What should we call this weekly newsletter? Put your creative thinking caps on and send your ideas to info@mpcappleton.org. (Note: it could, but does not have to be, tied in to the "Chimes" name.) The person who submits the winning entry could win a variety of potentially valuable prizes and the honor of knowing that your idea will be on the newsletter masthead every week!

Missing: Box of Prayers

The Thursday morning men's group, All Things Considered Men's Forum, has used a collection of prayers that have been gathered over many years for their morning devotions. A significant number of these prayers were contributed by Doug Ogilvie, and some were even in his handwriting. Alas, the cardboard box of these prayers has gone missing - last seen in the new credenza in the Fireside Room. If you happen to see this box around the building, please bring it to the church office. Many thanks!

Parking Lot Permits

If you would like to park in either of the church parking lots during the week, be sure to get a parking permit from the church office first. MPC members are welcome to park in Lot #1 adjacent to the church, or Lot #2 on the corner of John and Meade Streets, but we do monitor both lots and we want to avoid any unfortunate ticketing mishaps. We encourage people to park in Lot #1 if at all possible, as well. Questions? Just call Paula in the church office at (920) 734-1787, or send an email to paula.hoglund@mpcapleton.org.

The Chimes is published monthly except during the month of July. Articles are due by the 15th of the month for the following month's issue. Send all articles & mailing changes to paula.hoglund@mpcappleton.org.

Memorial Presbyterian Church | (920) 734-1787 | info@mpcappleton.org | http://www.mpcappleton.org

803 East College Avenue

Appleton, WI 54911