News & Events

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

 

As of Sunday, February 22 - we have "caught" 145 fish in our net (1 fish = $1.00 donated for the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering).

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The work done in support of the causes supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) continues to serve individuals and communities in need. Each gift to OGHS helps to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

The Offering provides us a way to share God's love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received during the season of Lent and will be dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 5.

You may contribute to the "One Great Hour of Sharing"

by using the "regular offering envelopes" - marking OGHS
or
by using the "special offering envelopes"
or
by using the "Fish Coin Banks"

IF WE ALL DO A LITTLE, IT ADDS UP TO A LOT!

 

The cereal challenge is about to conclude. It has been amazing so far - collecting over 400 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.

It's not too late to help Harlan with his goal! If you are reading this via email, you can still contribute to the "cereal drive" - which will conclude on Sunday, March 1.

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

 

On Easter Sunday the Deacons are planning a "photo shoot" of our church and those in attendance for the purpose of delivering them to our homebound members in "May baskets."

Knowing that they would "love to see you" - YOU ARE INVITED! (participation is optional).

Bring your bright smiles for Easter Sunday worship and you can be a part in providing joy to those of our church community who are at home.

The Deacons are also preparing to decorate the church for Easter. If you care to add to its beauty with flowers of any kind, you may drop them off at the church office or bring them to the church the week before Easter.

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, March 18 and by the Bellmore Family on Wednesday, March 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.

Every year the Women's Association chooses an organization to support as a "mission project." This year we are planning to collect needed items for the "Hope House" in Baraboo, a domestic violence safe haven.

A basket will be available in Parry Hall for the month of March for collection of these items:

• Bottled water (large or small)
• Individually wrapped snacks for children
• Baby lotion and Baby laundry detergent
• Items for a "birthday party" - cake mix, frosting, candles and fun decorations

The Women's Association will be meeting on Saturday, March 7th, at 9:00 a.m. 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.

 

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

The Second Sunday in Lent - John 3:1-17
We will share the "Lord's Supper" during the service.

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

The Third Sunday in Lent
John 4:5-42

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

The Fourth Sunday in Lent
John 9:1-41

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

The Fifth Sunday in Lent
John 11:1-45

Sunday, March 29 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

Palm Sunday
Matthew 2:1-11

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

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

On Sunday, February 8 we celebrated "Scout Sunday" with the scouts and leaders of Cub Pack 70 and Scout Troop 70 here @ PPC. It was a wonderful day to share worship together and to hear about what is happening in both units.

In February the Cub Scout Pack had their "Blue and Gold Banquet" on February 22 - which is a special meeting time commemorating the "birthday" of Scouting. Entertainment for the Banquet was a magician. The Pack has also been busy on field trips - one to the Police Department and another to the Medflight center at the hospital.

The Troop held their "Court of Honor" also on February 22. The "theme" for the evening was "circus." A number of Scouts were recognized for their participation in outings and events as well as a number of rank advancements.

Troop 70 will be having a "Fund-Raiser" at the Portage Pizza Ranch on Monday, March 9 - from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Come on out, have a great meal and support our Troop!

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: 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

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 - Deb 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)