News & Events

The Portage Presbyterian Church
October, 2026
"The Church is a people - and we are the Church!"

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

 

Portage Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper (10-15 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 both working with people and behind-the-scenes organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Greeting visitors and answering phones in the office with warmth and professionalism
• Providing clerical support for the pastor, committees and church communications
• Managing financial records using QuickBooks and assisting with annual financial reports
• Ordering supplies, maintaining office files and supporting facility scheduling

Qualifications include:

• Proficiency in QuickBooks and basic accounting practices
• Proficiency using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with, or openness to learning, WordPress is desired
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• A friendly, professional presence with a commitment to confidentiality
• Flexibility, reliability and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities

This is a part-time position, approximately 10-15 hours per week, with compensation based on experience. We offer flexible scheduling in your role as an independent contractor.

To apply, please send your resume and a brief note of interest to
office@portagepresbyterianchurch.org
This position search is open until November 18, 2026.

 

Announcing a new member of our Portage Presbyterian staff!

Beginning on Sunday, October 11, Katie Zirbes will be sharing her musical talents on the piano and organ for our traditional worship service. Here is a heartfelt message from Katie:

"It is such a blessing to be able to share my love of music with all of you. I first began playing the piano for my dad's church, where he served as pastor and that experience helped me discover the joy of using music to serve God and His People. I have always loved how music can bring people together, touch our hearts, and help us focus our hearts and minds on God. I am grateful for the opportunity to use the gift God has given me to help lead congregations in worship. My prayer is that each song we sing will not simply be music, but a meaningful expression of our faith, reminding us of God's love, faithfulness, and presence in our lives. I look forward to sharing in worship together. Thank you, Katie."

Katie is an elementary school teacher who lives in Portage with her husband and family. Come, join us for worship at 10:05 on Sunday, October 11, to hear the music in the air!

 

The church is raising money to update our website platform to WordPress and at the same time update the layout and content. This project will make the site easier to keep current, make it easier to find things, and fill in missing content gaps (FAQS, mission overviews, etc.).

In today's world, websites are critical for churches. They are how new members find and evaluate churches as well as keeping members stay connected to the life of the church. It is the modern equivalent of having an ad in the phone book.

Moving the website to WordPress will cost approximately $2,600. Average monthly expenses will increase from $15 to $85 ($65/month for hosting/maintenance fees plus annual software fees of $240).

If you are interested in helping to fund this project, either drop a check with a note for "website" in the memo line in the offering plate / church office or donate online with a note that it is for the website.

 

On Sunday, September 27 - the PPC community elected the following as Ruling Elders and Deacons:

Elders
Nancy Beasley - 2nd three year term
Carolyn "Sis" Bennett - 1st three year term
"Open" - 1st three year term
Mary Schneiter - completing a "one year term"

Deacons
Vickie Kastner - 2nd Three year term
Joyce Oehlhof - 2nd Three year term
Terry Schaller - 1st Three year term

We also elected the following to serve on the 2027 Nominating Committee -
as representatives from the congregation:

Donna Mohr - Kathy Raimer - Judy Taylor

We extend our gratitude to the Nominating Committee
for their time and work this year.

 

Thank you for the generous donations to the Pauquette Center Hygiene Drive! We were able to donate 30 complete kits and an additional box of extras! They were very thankful for the support.

An additional thank you to Brekkan for assembling the 30 bags of supplies.

PPC's
Mission Committee

 

We have received notice from Lorri Arnce, our Office / Financial Secretary of her intention to resign her position here at PPC effective September 30. We extend our gratitude to Lorri for her time and ministry here at PPC and wish her well on her future endeavors.

As a result, we now have a part time position opening at PPC - for an Office Administrator and Financial Secretary.

We offer flexible hours and compensation based on experience.

We desire that candidates for this position must have experience using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Quick Books - and prefer those with experience with WordPro as well. There will be more information to follow.

Personnel Committee

 

Please mark your calendars
for Saturday, November 14 - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
for our annual Harvest Dinner.
And we will need your help.
Sign up sheets will be posted on the kiosk in Parry Hall or you can contact Donna Mohr.
We will have baskets again this year to raffle off.

 

We will be hosting coffee hour on October 11th for pastor appreciation. Please join us in celebrating with Pastor Dave and Pastor Carol.

Our next meeting will be held at Dino's on Saturday, October 3rd, at 9:00 a.m.

Donna and Elaine were among those who attended the fall John Knox Presbyterian Women's Gathering in Winona, MN

 

Would you like to help Pastor Dave prepare sermons for Sunday?

Have you ever thought "I would like to know more" about the "Scripture lessons" we share on Sunday mornings?

Beginning on
Tuesday, October 13 -
@ 6:00 p.m. in Westminster Center -

you are invited to share in a "Bible Study" that will focus
on the Scripture lessons we use on Sunday mornings.

If you have a Bible, please bring it along!

We will have an opportunity to "learn together" -
as we share insights, questions, ideas and faith together!

Everyone is welcome!

Be sure to invite others to be a part of this group too!

Questions? Contact Pastor Dave!

 

On Sunday, October 25 - after worship ... we will have a "learning" opportunity about our "video system" which we use for our "Livestream" Worship Videos on Sunday morning.

Come and learn more about how the system works - and how simple it is to operate (it really is!). And maybe see if this might be a way in which you can participate in the work and ministry of this church community.

We are looking to establish a "group" of folks to be able to do the videos on Sunday mornings - perhaps on a rotation!

No prior knowledge of video systems is needed! Everyone who is interested is invited! If you have questions, contact Pastor Dave. Thanks

 

Okay - we may not be looking for "quite that many instrumentalists" -

But we are inviting YOU to be a part of an "instrumental group" to participate in some of our Advent / Christmas worship services this year.

All skill levels are welcome!

There will be a "sign up" sheet on the Kiosk in Parry Hall!

If you have questions, please contact Pastor Dave!

 

We are assembling a unique and inspirational Advent devotional resource this year here in Region 5.

Congregations in Region 5 have been invited to submit "devotionals" to be used during the upcoming Advent season.

These "devotionals" consist of a "Scripture lesson" - one's thought / insights - and a short prayer.

Presently, we still have a few "dates" open for "devotions."
If you are interested, or would like more information -
please contact Pastor Dave no later than October 1 - to save your spot!

 

Sunday, October 4 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Celebration of the Lord's Supper
Celebration of Sacrament of Baptism

Sunday, October 11 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 22:1-14

Sunday, October 18 - "Informal" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 22:15-22

Sunday, October 25 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 22:34-46

Sunday, November 1 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, November 8 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
"All Saints Sunday" - Celebration of the Lord's Supper

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

 

Upcoming dates for "Stocking Shelves @ the Food Pantry" will be Wednesday, October 21 and by the Bellmore Family on Wednesday, October 28.

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 nonperishables 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 Jared Gehling serve as the co-advisors for the New Directions Club.

 

The Scouts enjoy many "outdoor" activities and events as they move into the Fall season.

Keep the Scouts and their leaders in your prayers as they continue to learn through their Scouting experiences!

 

"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)

 

Scouts: 5:00 - Cub Scouts / 6:30 - Troop Mtgs