Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and peace!
Election of New Church Officers
A "Congregational Meeting" was held on Sunday, September 28 for the purpose of electing Elders and Deacons and to receive the report of the Nominating Committee.
Those elected by the congregation:
Elders
Nicky Cross - first 3 year term
Whitney Mell - first 3 year term
Cindy Moyer - first 3 year term
Deacons
Liz Bellmore - second 3 year term
Laura Brenner - first 3 year term
Sue Goodman - first 3 year term
The congregation also approved the following to serve on the 2026 Nominating Committee as representatives from the Congregation
Donna Mohr - Nancy Schaper - Rhys Brenner
We will nominate a "fourth" congregational member at our Annual Meeting in January.
"Volunteers" for Nov 9 "Christmas Welsh Hymn Sing" @ PPC
On Sunday, November 9 - PPC will host the "Christmas Welsh Hymn Sing" (Cymanfa Ganu) - which begins @ 2:30 p.m.At the conclusion of the Hymn Sing - there will be a "Te Bach" (fellowship time) in the Fellowship Hall.
We are looking for a few volunteers to:
* provide a few donations of "Christmas Cookies" or "treats" to be shared
* "ushers" / "greeters"
* Srvers for the fellowship time
If you would like to volunteer for this special event, please contact Pastor Dave
Yes, We Celebrated Our "175th Anniversary!"
WOW - What A Great Day! A wonderful day - out in God's creation - sharing in worship and fellowship celebrating God's goodness and blessings - engaging in conversation and "NO BEES!"
THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in this special day! Rev Devon Reynolds - John Knox Presbytery's Executive Presbyter (who provided a most inspirational message)
Mary Heinze - special music
Fred and Judy Taylor - special music
The Events Committee - organizing the potluck picnic
The Bellmore Family - for the awesome "grill work"
The Deacons - for the set up of the Lord's Supper
Tara - Meghan - Sarah for organizing "children's activities"
For our "special guests and friends" who shared the day with us! For those who provided "financial gifts" for this day!
For everyone who shared this day - in the park and via video! But, we're not quite done "celebrating" yet!And Yes, We Continue to Celebrate Our "175th Anniversary!"
How do we "top" the Anniversary celebration in September?By "continuing the Celebration!"
Among the ways we will be celebrating -
Judy Taylor is working on an Anniversary "Quilt" / Communion Table runner -
If interested in helping with this, please contact Judy for more information!
Anniversary "Trivia" in each month's newsletter!
Celebrating the awesome mission and ministry of the Portage Presbyterian Church!
And "More" to come!
October 12th is Pastor Appreciation Sunday. The Women's Association will host a coffee hour after worship to 'thank" Pastor Dave and Pastor Carol for all they do for our congregation.
We will again have our famous Chicken Soup Mix available to purchase for $5.
We will do a Scrip order, which will be due to Elaine by November 9th.
Our next meeting will be held at 1873 Grille on Saturday, October 4th@ 9:00 a.m. Hope to see you there!
PPC "Financial Work Group" Update
Included with the "Newsletter" you will find an "Updated" Wish List. The "Wish List" offers a series of items which are needed and which, when provided, help to offset expenditures for the church's operating budget.For those who may be interested - we have also set up an "Amazon Wish List" - for those who can choose to go "online" to order and have it delivered to the church. Here is the "link" -
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EGGLKINXSV7I?ref_=wl_share
Members of the "FWG" who have volunteered to participate are John Crammond, Debby Capener, Nancy Schaper, Kathy Raimer, Julie McKibben, Mary Schneiter, Fred Taylor, Judy Taylor and Donna Mohr. Pastor Dave has been participating "ex-officio" as a resource person.
"Notes" from Events Committee
Plans are underway for the Harvest Dinner, which is November 8th - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The dinner will be buffet style in our church dining room.
Carry outs will also be available.
Lori and Karen are working on getting donations from businesses that will be put in baskets for a silent auction.
Committees are also putting together baskets.
We will be looking for volunteers to help with this special event.
Sign up sheets will soon be on the kiosk in Parry Hall.
"Notes" from The Personnel Committee
Administrative Assistant and Financial SecretaryHe Portage Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper (20 hours/week) to support both the day-to-day operations of the church office and the financial record-keeping of the congregation. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and behind-the-scenes organization.
The responsibilities include: greeting visitors and answering phones with warmth and professionalism; providing clerical support for the pastor, committees and church communications; managing financial records using QuickBooks; assisting with the annual reports; maintaining office files; ordering supplies; and, facility scheduling.
Qualifications include proficiency using QuickBooks and basic accounting practices; proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; strong organizational and communication skills; friendly, professional presence with a commitment to confidentiality and flexibility; reliability and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
This is a part-time position with compensation based on experience. We offer flexible scheduling and are open to contract work.
To apply, please send your resume and a brief note of interest to preschurchjob@gmail.com.
Upcoming Worship Services
Sunday, Oct 5 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.The 17th Sunday After Pentecost
Celebration of the Lord's Supper
Luke 17:5-10
Sunday, Oct 12 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The 18th Sunday After Pentecost
Luke 17:11-19
Sunday, Oct 19 -""Informal" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The 19th Sunday After Pentecost
Luke 18:1-8
Sunday, Oct 26 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The 20th Sunday After Pentecost
Luke 18:9-14
Sunday, Nov 2 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The 21st Sunday After Pentecost
"All Saints Sunday"
Celebration of the Lord's Supper
Online Options for Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/@portagepresbyterianchurch2652The videos on "YouTube" are not live streamed -
they are added to the PPC YouTube Channel during the following week.Deacon Doings
As we celebrate our 175th anniversary, the Deacons have an idea to help us keep that family feeling alive.The communion table invites all to participate. The Deacons would like to expand on that idea by inviting congregational members to bring a dish with special meaning to the communion table.
If you have a pitcher, cup/mug, and plate/platter that you are willing to share during the communion service, please bring that item to church by 9:45 so the Deacons have time to prepare it.
The Deacons will clean it at the conclusion of the service so you may take it home that same day. You may share 1 item or all 3. Those sharing will be recognized in the Sunday bulletin.
The Hankins family has generously volunteered to bring all 3 items for October 5 service.If you would like to volunteer an item for November or December, please call the office or sign up on the sheet in the back of Perry Hall
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, Oct 15 and by the Bellmore Family on Wednesday, Oct 22.
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.
Jen Martens and Julie McKibben serve as the advisors for the New Directions Club.
Scout Activities / Events
Scout Activities / Events
- The Cub Scout Pack had their "new recruitment" event - and have a number of new "Cubs" in the pack.
- The Troop has been involved in different events and activities this Fall.
- Both Scout units participated in the "dedication ceremony" at the Riverside Park.
- The Scouts have a busy Fall season.
- Be sure to keep the Scouts and their leaders in our prayers that they have an exciting and safe Fall season!
Important Information and Activities Around Portage
"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.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PPC's Church Officers - 2025
Serving God and God's People
With "Energy, Intelligence, Imagination and Love"Ruling Elders / Session
Moderator - Pastor Dave Hankins
Clerk of Session - Alex HarveyJarrett 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 MeredithTammy 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 lesson1.) 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!
The Staff:
You are always welcome at The Portage Presbyterian Church!
Pastor: David Hankins
pastordave@portagepresbyterian.com
Financial Secretary:
Mary Gunderson
(Mary is normally in the church office on Monday mornings from 10:00-noon)
Church Secretary:
Kathy Hankins
(Kathy is in the Church Office Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
The Portage Presbyterian Church
120 West Pleasant Street
P.O. Box 222
Portage, WI, 53901
Phone: (608) 742-6006
E-mail: office@portagepresbyterian.com
Support for your Portage Presbyterian Church Community through on-line giving
