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

 

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
SHARING LOVE HELPS REPAIR THE BREACH
How do we show love?

Jesus calls us to love one another — with the kind of love that is shared freely with all people. This is our calling as Christ’s Church: to love others as Jesus loved us. To love every person we encounter despite the many walls that separate us. In Isaiah 58, the Scripture that best helps us to understand the ministries supported by One Great Hour of Sharing, we are called to be repairers of the breach. The prophet implores us to see those on the margins, the hungry and afflicted, as those for whom God holds great care. Showing our love, sharing our love, is how we repair the breach in so many of our interactions in this world. In this country and around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity.

The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self-Development of People — all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. One Great Hour of Sharing has been a catalyst for love for over 75 years. Your gifts bring a beacon of love and hope in our world and put the power of healing into the hands of those who need it most. As we prepare our hearts today to support One Great Hour of Sharing, we are making the choice to implement love and justice, for they are the only currencies in God’s economy. Always remember, we are called to repair the breach. We are the Church … together, and when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot. Donations for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering can be made with the OGHS envelopes in Parry Hall - or using our "regular" offering envelopes

 

During the Season of Lent, we have been offering a unique learning experience for anyone "Middle School age" and "older!"
This "Confirmation For All" has been an opportunity to study the "basics of the Christian faith!" Our "Confirmation For All" will be meeting on Tuesdays in April - @ 6:00 p.m. - with the last meeting day being April 29 - we are presently meeting in Westminster Center. "All" are welcome!  

 This "Confirmation For All" has been an opportunity to study the "basics of the Christian faith!"

Our "Confirmation For All" will be meeting on Tuesdays in April - @ 6:00 p.m. - with the last meeting day being April 29 - we are presently meeting in Westminster Center. "All" are welcome! 

 

We are seeking "participants" who would like to participate in important ministry opportunities as we move into the new year.

• Updating the Church Sign
• Operating the "Screens" for worship
• Operating the "livestream" video for worship        

While these may sound a bit "intimidating" - those who volunteer will be provided a "training time" in. We are hoping to have enough people that we can "set up a rotation" of folks!

If you have questions - or are interested - please contact Pastor Dave soon!

Thanks to all who supported the Lenten Luncheon on March 2nd. Because of you we made $197.

Our next project is hosting the John Knox Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering on Saturday, May 3rd. We will be hosting the John Knox Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering. Our speaker will be Sara Shaver from Sleep in Heavenly Peace which is a non-profit organization that builds beds for children in need. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served for $8. After lunch there will be a service where communion will be served. Special music will be provided by our own Fred and Judy Taylor. 

We will be collecting new twin size bedding to help with this project. A tub is provided for donations in Parry Hall. If you plan on attending, there is a sign up sheet on the kiosk in Parry Hall. Please sign up by April 23rd. Anyone can attend. If you have any questions, please let Donna know.

We are also looking for donations of travel size shampoo and regular size deodorant for our hygiene bags we distribute in the community. There is a basket on the table in Parry Hall for your donations.

Our next meeting will be Saturday, April 5 at Dino's Restaurant @ 9:00 a.m. Come and join us!

"

 Dear Portage Presbyterian Church ` This year I set my goal to collect 300 boxes of cereal. With your kind heart and help I was able to collect a total of 405 boxes of cereal! Thank you so much! 
With love, Harlan

P.S. - Harlan's School Collected a total of 815 boxes - of which Harlan collected 405 Boxes! 

 

Sunday, April 13 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-40

Thursday, April 17    - "Maundy Thursday" Worship Services  - 6:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary - Celebration of the Lord's Supper 

Friday, April 18 - "Good Friday" Tenebrae Worship Service - 7:00 p.m.
On the Wisconsin River Levee - Riverside Park (near the Tamarack)

Sunday, April 20 - "SonRise" Easter Early Morning Worship Service - 7:00 a.m.
in the Sanctuary.

Sunday, April 20 - "Easter Morning Celebration" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
in the Sanctuary.

Sunday, April 27 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Second Sunday of Eastertide
John 20:19-31

      Here's "another option" for "online" worship experiences!
You can go to the PPC "YouTube" Channel!

                             https://www.youtube.com/@portagepresbyterianchurch2652

The videos on "YouTube" are not live streamed -
they are added to the PPC YouTube Channel during the following week.

If you are interested in serving as a "Reader"  during Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Early Easter or Late Easter services), please contact Pastor Dave (or indicate on the “sign up sheet”) - by Wednesday, April 2. Thank you!

	Palm Sunday - April 13 Worship @ 10:05 a.m. There will be a "Palm Sunday Processional"  as a part of the Palm Sunday experience
	Maundy Thursday - april 17 Worship Service @ 6:00 p.m. The Lord's Supper will be served
	Good Friday - April 18 Tenebrae ("Service of Shadows") - 7:00 p.m.
	Easter Sunday (Early) - April 20 On the Wisconsin River Levee (near the Tamarack) - 7:00 a.m.
	Easter Sunday (Later) - April 20 Easter Morning Celebration - 10:05 a.m.

We are inviting everyone to "help decorate" the Sanctuary with "flowers" for Easter Sunday.

 You can "choose" the kind of flowers you would like to bring (Easter Lilly, Spring flowers, etc) - to note if you want the flowers to be given "in memory of ..." or "in honor of ..." - and bring them to be displayed on Easter Sunday.

 You can then take the flowers with you any time after Easter - or you can choose to have the Deacons deliver them to some of the folks who have difficulties getting out.

A busy Spring is in the making for the Deacons!

• Spring Easter cards are being mailed to our homebound church folks.
• On Sunday, April 27 the Deacons will be hosting a "fellowship hour" after worship.
• The Deacons will be contributing flowers for the Easter altar.
• Last, but not least - the Deacons will be visiting our homebound folks on May 10, bringing May baskets to hang on door knobs.

 

The Deacons are looking to raise funds for an AED purchase. Any contribution would be appreciated. Please be sure to note that the donation is specifically for the AED.

As always - all "loose offerings" (coins and cash) - on "Communion Sundays" - will be given to the Deacons to help purchase communion supplies and the Upper Room 

devotionals. Again, that "loose change" is always welcome! Thank you for your generosity.

Upcoming dates for "Stocking Shelves @ the Food Pantry" will be Wednesday, April 16  and  by the Bellmore Family on Wednesday, April 23 . 
    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!
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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.

 

This summer the "Portage Summer Lunch Program for Kids" program will be going into its 12th year. And we are looking for "volunteers" to be a part of the "Planning Group."

This Planning Group will be reviewing the past year's program as well as making plans for the summer of 2025. 
We would love to have you be a part of this important effort here in Portage. 
 

Our "first meeting" for 2025 will be on Wednesday, April 2 @ 1:00 p.m. at the Portage Library.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Pastor Dave.
 

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.
Jen Martens serves as the advisor for the New Directions Club.

 

Scout Activities / Events

"Scouting for Food" a total of 1579 foot items were collected - WOW!
We celebrate the Scouts, Leaders, and the Scout Program at PPC.

	Blue & Gold Banquet
	Winter Campign
	Visiting the Fire Station

 

Once again, Portage Presbyterian Church is one of the sponsors for the "Community Vacation Bible School" here in Portage. 

 The Community VBS will be held the week of July 28-August 1 -8:30-Noon.

 This year, however, the VBS will be held at St. Mary's School.

 There are some exciting things being planned - and we hope that many young people will be a part of this experience.

 The cost for the VBS will be only $5.00 / child (with a $10.00 / family total).

 "Older youth" and Adult volunteers are also welcome to take part!

Registration for the VBS will be "online" this year.

For more information, please see the "flyer" included with the newsletter.  If you have questions, please get in touch with Pastor Dave.
 

 

 

          "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: office@portagepresbyterian.com
Pastor Dave email: pastordave@portagepresbyterian.com
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

Jarrett Foster (2025)
Nancy Schaper (2025)
Tara Bandekow (2026)

Nancy Beasley (2026)
Kathy Raimer (2026)
John Crammond (2027)

Jean Oren (2027)

Deacons
Moderator of Deacons - Peggy Alf-Sechtig
Secretary - Liz Bellmore
Treasurer - Joyce Meredith

Tammy Foster (2024)
Lynne Warren (2024)

Peggy Alf (2025)
Joyce Meredith (2025)
Liz Bellmore (2025)

Vickie Kastner (2026)
Joyce Oehlhof (2026)

Alex Harvey (2027)
Debber Capener (2027) 

The following is Pastor Dave's "report" for the Annual Meeting

Epiphany is not one of the "major" church holidays, like Christmas or Easter, or even like Advent. Yet, it is a "season" which offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on our journey as God's people and as God's church community. For Epiphany is a time set aside on the church's calendar to recognize the ways and the times that God was "revealed" to the world, of "God's light breaking into the world."

And so in Epiphany we are first drawn to the story of the Wise Ones who travel from the East to Bethlehem to worship the "one born King of the Jews" and to bestow gifts of honor to Jesus. And as we progress through the Season of Epiphany, we will explore other such "firsts" such from the calling of the disciples to his first teaching to the "transfiguration" of Jesus on the mountain. Epiphany is a season in which we are reminded that God has, and continues to reveal the presence, the inspiration and the peace of God in the world and in the lives of God's people!

Someone recently noted that Epiphany is also an acknowledgment of God's unexpected appearances in the world. If we look or listen to the Scripture lessons during the season of Epiphany we might be surprised to discover that in most of the settings, God comes to people in ways and with words that are "unexpected."  

As I look back on 2024, I have found and experienced that this past year was, for me, not just a "season" but a "year" of Epiphany. It certainly was not a year that I expected nor for which I was prepared. And this was certainly not anything that I had ever experienced before. While there have been many times over the years when I have "walked" with others, this was the first time that I found myself "on the other side."

From my unexpected diagnosis late in 2023 to the preparation for radiation treatments which began in early March - and then the startling death of my sister - again and again I found myself travelling down paths upon which I had never been before. And even more I faced the realization that "I" could control very little of what was unfolding.;

And yet, in the midst of all the chaos, fear, uncertainty, unknown and grief I continued to have these "glimpses" of God's presence with me. Yes, right there in the middle of all that seemed so overwhelming, so scary, so difficult again and again God's light "broke through" and reminded and reassured me that indeed God was with me - through it all!

From the "voice" I heard in the middle of the night telling me that "David, it is ok" ... to the song on the radio the day after my first doctor's appointment ("Gonna Be Alright" which has become my go-to song) ... to the encouraging words of my primary doctor, the urologist and the radiology staff from the very beginning of the journey... to the many prayers lifted and hugs received ... to the "gift certificates" and the meals delivered ... to the "peace which surrounded me" even in the procedures and in the waiting ... to the smiles and stories shared with the radiology staff ... to the "ringing of the bell" at the completion of the radiation treatments ... to the rediscovery of a Christmas card and note that my sister had sent only a few weeks before she passed ... the sharing of photos and stories ... to the choice of music played during radiation treatments ... all of them, and all of you, were "glimpses" of God being with me and for me. Thanks be to God! And thanks be to each you!

 
In the past year I have learned (or re-learned) three very important lesson

 1.) I could have never come through this past year on my own - and, 

thanks be to God I did not have to! My family, you the church community, my friends and most importantly God have been there with me and for me. I am so grateful for the many "epiphanies" I experienced, discovered or were given. And also find myself very humbled. 

2.) I have learned to look for God - even in the most unexpected places, such as an illness and the death of a loved one. Or perhaps, I should say it this way - I have learned that God's presence and peace continues to "shine through" all of life, even in those times and places that one might not expect. and 

3.) "Waiting," while not always easy or comfortable, is essential! For me it has been in the "waiting" that I have learned again to pray that "God would make all things right, if I would only surrender" my need to be in control, to listen carefully and prayerfully for God and to have learned that "waiting" is not a punishment, but an opportunity to "walk the talk" of faith in God. "Waiting" gives us the "space" we need to listen for God in the midst of lives that are busy, distracted and overwhelmed. I believe the same lessons are those that we can carry into this new year. 

That we as God's people and God's Church should always trust and believe and "live into" the promise that we do not have to get through life on our own. The gift of a God "who is with us" and the gift of a "community of faith" serve as reminders that we have a place and a people who love us - and whom we are to love and care for and support in the journey ahead.;

That we as God's people and God's Church need to constantly be on the lookout for the evidence of God's presence with us. Believe me, the evidence is there! Or here! And think for a moment - what if "we" are the "glimpse of God's presence" for others?

And that we as God's people and God's Church should not be afraid of, but should intentionally value those times of "waiting," those occasions when there is no quick or easy answer. For it may be in the "waiting" that we find the answers that God has for us - and the direction and mission to which God is leading us.

There is one more lesson for us in Epiphany - and that is that the "revelations" that God provides are always intended to lead one forward onto the path and journey ahead. These "glimpses" give us perspective - offer us encouragement - provide us direction - inspire us to hope and dream - for 2025 and beyond!