Portage Presbyterian church

News & Events

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

One Great Hour of Sharing

 

At this time - we have "caught" 171 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 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!

"Cereal Box Challenge"

 

For the third year, Portage Presbyterian Church has supported one of their young children by bringing in cereal for his school's cereal drive. Harlan had a big goal of 500 boxes this year - and he surpassed his goal, collecting a total of 603 boxes!

The cereal goes to support the Portage Community School District Market Program. This program supplies classroom snacks and has two pantries for students to shop for food whenever they need to.

Harlan is very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate with the help of his church congregation.

P.S. - John Muir Elementary School collected a total of 1,143 boxes - which was "First Place" among schools their size in the state of Wisconsin - of which Harlan collected 603 boxes!

From the "Deacons"

 

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.

Food Pantry

Upcoming dates for "Stocking Shelves @ the Food Pantry" will be Wednesday, April 15 and by the Bellmore Family on Wednesday, April 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.

Women's Association

Presbyterian Women

All women are invited to the John Knox Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering on Saturday, May 2nd, at 9:30 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Postville, Iowa. The program will be presented by Midwest Mission Bible Training Center, a faith-based recovery program. They will be collecting donations for this mission. A list of items is on the kiosk. If you are interested in attending, please let Donna know by April 22nd.

We are planning on sending in a Scrip order. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Elaine. Orders are due to Elaine by Sunday, May 3rd.

Thank you to all who donated items to Hope House. We appreciate your help with this important mission.

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, April 4th, at 9:00 a.m. at Dino's. Come and join us for great food and great fellowship.

Thanks! Donna

Portage Summer Lunch Program for Kids

 

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 2026.

We would love to have you be a part of this important effort here in Portage.

Our "planning meeting" for 2026 will be on Wednesday, April 9 @ 2:00 p.m. at the Portage Library. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Pastor Dave.

Upcoming Worship Services

 

Maundy Thursday, April 2 - Worship Service - 6:30 p.m.

The Lord's Supper will be served.

Good Friday, April 3 - Tenebrae ("Service of Shadows") - 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 5 - Early Service - 7:00 a.m.

On the Wisconsin River Levee (near the Tamarack)

Easter Sunday, April 5 - Easter Morning Celebration - 10:05 a.m.

Sunday, April 12 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The Second Sunday of Eastertide

Sunday, April 19 - "Informal" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

The Third Sunday of Eastertide
Luke 24:13-35

Sunday, April 26 - "Traditional" Worship Service - 10:05 a.m.

John 21:1-19

PPC's Sunday Worship - also on "YouTube"

Here's "another option" for "online" worship experiences!

You can go to the PPC "YouTube" Channel!

Here's the "web" information -

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

4-H Club

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.

Scouts

Scouts

During March, Scout Troop 70 and Cub Scout Pack 70 participated in the annual "Food Drive" within Glacier's Edge Council. On the first Saturday in March, the Scouts spread out across the city to distribute their "door hangers" to inform the community of the "food drive." Then, the following Saturday, the Scouts, leaders and families canvassed the community to collect the food donations.

Thanks to the generous community donations, 1,437 lbs. of food were delivered to the Portage Food Pantry.

Thank you, Scouts, for the great work. And thank you Portage Community for helping to make a difference and supporting the Portage Food Pantry's work and mission.

We celebrate the Scouts, Leaders and the Scout Program here @ PPC!

Be sure to keep the Scouts and their leaders in your prayers!

Important "Information and Activities" Around Portage

Kwik Trip "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.


Contact
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

Mail
You may choose to Mail it to the Church Office

Drop Off
or Drop it in the "mail slot"

Online Giving
or Use the "online giving" option on "PPC's Website"

QR Code
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 - 2026

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)

Presbyterian Logo

You are always welcome at The Portage Presbyterian Church!

The Staff:

Pastor: David Hankins
pastordave@portagepresbyterian.com

Office Administrator:
Lorri Arnce
(Lorri is in the Church Office on Monday 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Wednesday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)

Financial Secretary:
Mary Gunderson

The Portage Presbyterian Church
120 West Pleasant Street
P.O. Box 222
Portage, WI, 53901
Phone: (608) 742-6006
E-mail: office@portagepresbyterian.com

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