He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Easter blessings to you all.
Thank you for your grace and patience as we skipped the February and March newsletters. That is on me. It has been a full and demanding start to the year.
In January, I was invited by WisACT (Wisconsin Alliance for Civic Trust) to participate in a learning experience on political and religious healing in Northern Ireland. In February, The Carter Center (Yes, the Carter Center in Georgia) extended an official invitation, and the SPRC approved the trip as part of my continuing education. The timing—March 21–28, just before Holy Week—was not ideal, but we trusted we could make it work.
The Carter Center gathered faith, civic, and government leaders from across the country —Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin Together, we studied the roots of conflict in Northern Ireland and listened to those who have walked the long road from violence toward peace.
What I carry home is this: peace is not passive. It is built—patiently, courageously, and in relationship. It requires us to resist easy narratives and to see one another as fully human.
As we celebrate the resurrection, I am reminded that new life does not erase what has been—it transforms it. I saw that promise made visible on Easter morning as we welcomed new life through baptism—hope held in our arms, a sign that God is still at work, still creating, still calling us into love.
May we be people who participate in that transformation, here and now.
Love and Peace, Pastor Ellen
The Wisconsin Team: Rev. Joe, [his wife Chaun], Rev. Ellen, Ali, Paul, Mamadou , and Arielle.
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee shares these updates as we navigate a season of transition together.
Sound Technicians:
In early February, Kaidyn took a leave of absence, and we anticipate her return in July. We are grateful that Katie was able to step in and take us through Easter. We give thanks to Jay Buhrow and Mark McCarney for volunteering to help us for the next several months.
Our goal is to have a rotating team of volunteers to help with sound and video. If you are interested, please contact Todd Kaphaem.
Office Administration:
Deb has reduced her hours from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Monday–Thursday. The office remains closed on Fridays.
Travis will be taking a sabbatical from May to July and return to the office in August, and is expected to return to his worship leadership roles in September. He will be traveling to Europe and sending us vlogs about his travels. We are grateful to be supporting him on this adventure and give thanks for his ministry with us.
Adam Jiumaleh will take leadership of the praise band during that time, working with Pastor Ellen. Jennifer Michalik and Madison McCarney will share responsibility for playing the hymns in worship. Nancy Kaphaem has graciously offered her gifts for offertory and communion music.
The choir, per Todd, will go a cappella for the few weeks that they meet in May.
ALL MUSIC SUNDAY is June 7
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If you would like to share your musical gifts, please contact Todd.
The Summer Plan:
SPRC is working diligently to ensure all staffing needs are covered and anticipates that we will be fully staffed with new and returning staff by the end of August.
We are grateful for the flexibility, dedication, and care of all who serve our church in this season of change.
Lisa-Marie has also adjusted her schedule and now works Monday–Wednesday, following her retirement from Youth and Children’s Ministries last year. In the meantime, Pastor Ellen has been supporting those areas as we prepare to fill the NextGen position. Lisa-Marie will fully retire next month, and we will celebrate her in worship on Sunday, May 10. If you would like to help with her celebration, please contact Craig Blumer. 3
EMERGE
Easter Worship Series
Transformation rarely happens all at once. More often, it begins in the dark—hidden, uncertain, and full of possibility.
In this Easter season, we will journey together through the stages of emergence. From tombs and cocoons into new life in the light, we will explore what it means to trust God in times of waiting, to step out of what is familiar, and to awaken to the possibilities unfolding within and around us.
This is not just a story of resurrection long ago. It is an invitation for us—here and now—to become who God is calling us to be.
Emergence asks something of us. It calls us to trust, to release, and to step into new life—even when we cannot yet see what it will become.
Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don’t Need Readings from Exodus 16
May 24 - PENTECOST
Journey: The Places We Will Go
Acts 2:1-4; Acts 10:34-36
Native American Ministries Sunday April 19, 2026
On Native American Ministries Sunday, we are invited to honor and support Indigenous peoples and communities—celebrating the rich gifts, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans to both society and the Church.
This is also an opportunity for us to deepen our awareness, to listen more carefully, and to grow in our commitment to justice, respect, and right relationship.
Many people—both in society and within the Church—lack understanding of Native American life, culture, and spirituality. Native American Ministries Sunday helps bridge this gap by celebrating Indigenous heritage and empowering Native voices in ministry.
Here in our own region, we live on land with deep Indigenous history and presence. Native American Ministries Sunday invites us not only to give, but to learn, to honor, and to consider how we live out our faith in ways that reflect dignity, partnership, and care for all people.
This Sunday matters because it helps address the critical need for Native American pastors and trained leaders, and Special Sundays give us a chance to focus our prayers and support on important ministries throughout the year. Your generosity strengthens Native leadership and sustains ministry across the connection. Your gifts support ministry in three key ways:
Annual Conference Ministries (50%)
Half of the funds collected remain in your annual conference to support local Native American ministries through CONAM. Scholarships (25%)
A quarter of the funds support Native American students preparing for ministry. Programs (25%)
The remaining funds support leadership development, mentoring, and new Native ministries.
As part of our worship, we respond not only with prayer, but with generosity—joining with others across the Church to support this important work.
Thank you for the ways you continue to support ministries that extend beyond our walls and reflect the love of Christ in the wider world.
Ways to Help in Worship
Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service &
Worship does not belong to one person standing in front of the room. It belongs to all of us.
From the moment someone enters our doors to the moment they leave, worship is created through the gifts, presence, and care of the community. It is something we share—we create it as a community.
While I serve in roles such as welcoming, preaching, administering the sacraments, and blessing, there are many ways for others to help shape our worship experience. Worship becomes more meaningful when it reflects the voices and gifts of the whole congregation.
I believe worship is for the people, of the people, and by the people. My role is to help guide and shape our time together, but it is the presence and participation of the community that brings it fully to life.
Some roles are simple but essential. A warm greeting helps someone feel seen. Preparing coffee creates space for connection. Leading prayer gives voice to our shared hopes and needs. Serving behind the scenes ensures that everything flows with care.
Witness
You do not need special training or perfect words—just a willingness to participate. Support and guidance are always available.
There are many ways to participate in worship life—hospitality, leadership, music, technology, and care behind the scenes. Each role matters, and each one helps create a meaningful experience for all.
As we look ahead to the fall and a return to two worship services, the need for a strong and joyful team will only grow. This is an opportunity to deepen our shared life together and ensure that worship continues to reflect the gifts of many.
If you have ever wondered how you might be part of what happens on Sunday mornings, this is your invitation to be part of it.
Welcoming & Hospitality Greeters
Welcome people at the main entrance, answer questions, and help create a warm first impression. Arrive ~30 minutes early Ushers
Greet people in the sanctuary, distribute materials, assist children, collect offering, and help track attendance.
Fellowship Set-Up
Prepare coffee and treats before worship and set the space for fellowship afterward.
Fellowship Hosts
Offer hospitality during fellowship time — refill coffee, notice guests, and help connect people in conversation.
Fellowship Donations
Provide treats, beverages, or financial support for fellowship time.
Worship Leadership Liturgists
Read scripture during worship.
Prayer Leaders
Lead the prayers of the people. Prayers may be provided or written in collaboration.
Children’s Time Leaders
Share the children’s message (materials provided).
Musicians & Singers
Serve with the praise band or choir.
Behind the Scenes
Tech Team
Support sound and video (training available).
Communion Stewards
Assist with setting up and cleaning up communion.
Worship Ready Crew (Mondays)
Online Ministry
Online Hosts
Welcome and engage the congregation as we gather online.
Prepare the sanctuary for the coming week.
As we prepare to return to two services this fall, we will be expanding our teams in all areas.
Interested in serving?
Contact Todd for Tech & Choir. Contact Pastor Ellen or Deb Nelson for all other areas.
First UMC is partnering with our Oshkosh Circuit Churches (Algoma Blvd UMC and Wesley UMC) and the SL Brown Foundation to host Amy-Jill Levine on April 21 and 22.
During Lent, we used an Amy-Jill Levine resource, Entering the Passion of Jesus, to reflect on the Passion narrative. This upcoming event is a natural continuation of that journey—an opportunity to deepen our understanding of scripture and explore the Jewish context of Jesus’ life and teachings.
This event also holds special meaning for our congregation. Don Nelson, who faithfully led many studies among us and had a deep appreciation for Amy-Jill Levine’s work, was eager to have Amy-Jill come to our community. She will also be speaking in Madison this month at Pastor Cathy’s church, Madison First UMC. We give thanks for his life, his leadership, and his love of learning.
We invite you to join us for these engaging and educational events. Brochures for the event are available in Paine Hall.
All events are free. For questions, please call our office at 920-235-8430 or email adminfumc@firstumcoshkosh.org.
Registration is not required, though we kindly ask for an RSVP for the Pastor’s Workshop to help with lunch planning.
We hope many from our congregation will take part in this opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow together.
As a co-sponsor of this event, we have been asked to help with the luncheon on Tuesday, April 21.
Lisa-Marie is coordinating our congregation’s response. Please contact her if you are available to help serve, contribute food, or funds. Thank you.
Covenant for Our Public Witness
Path to Palm Sunday – Oshkosh
On our Palm Sunday journey, approximately 175 people from ten congregations in Oshkosh gathered to bear witness to the teachings of Jesus — a witness shaped by love, courage, and peace.
In the spirit of that calling, we covenanted together to:
• Act in nonviolence in word and action
• Treat every person with dignity and respect, including those who may disagree with us
• Speak and carry messages grounded in love, justice, and compassion
• Care for one another and for the wider community
• Follow guidance from event organizers and safety volunteers
• Help maintain a peaceful and welcoming presence for all
Our purpose is to bear witness to the gospel call to love our neighbors, seek justice, and walk humbly with God.
We gathered not in anger or hatred, but in hope — trusting that acts of courage, compassion, and solidarity can help shape a more just and peaceful world.
From table, to cross, to empty tomb...
Folk roots in Indie vibes, Sam Ness & The Other Natural Flavors are packaged in a way that slips past the AI firewalls. From the Highlands of Scotland to the snowy Northwoods of Wisconsin, these songs and stories are written with the intention of finding something more together; something sincere.
“TikTok trends, Amazon Prime deals, mass starvation, and gluttony in the same neighborhoods. We’re served food-like products that give us fewer nutrients than licking a stamp. There’s so much to be said in today’s world for just not being an asshole. That’s our mission statement.”
Potluck at 11:30 am Concert at 12:34 pm
And yes, that is our very own Travis in the picture.
March is a meaningful month for United Women in Faith. In 1869, Clementina Butler and Lois Parker shared the urgent needs of women in India—needs that led to the founding of what would become a global movement of faith, service, and advocacy. From those early efforts came the first women’s college and hospital in Asia—ministries that continue to serve today.
That spirit of faithful response continues in our work now.
Our recent Social Action Day was a powerful example, with more than 130 people from across Wisconsin gathering to learn, reflect, and take action together. We give thanks for the strong participation and shared commitment to justice and compassion.
March also invites us into giving and prayer. The Day of Giving (March 23) supports the Legacy Endowment Fund, which sustains United Women in Faith ministries around the world. Our recent Call to Prayer & Self-Denial focused on the theme “The Future is Now: Invest in Our Children,” supporting programs that care for and uplift vulnerable children through education, mentoring, mental health support, and more.
April 11 – “Responding in Love” (Zoom or Watch Party at ABUMC)
ABUMC hosted one of the Watch Party sites for this year’s Social Action Day. Over 130 people attended via 21 Watch Party sites.
We learned from attorney Grant Sovern, who spoke on Immigration in Wisconsin: Standing Up for Due Process, and from Rev. Breanna Illéné, who shared how congregations can respond to immigration needs in their communities
You can learn more about Grant Sovern’s work at CILC: Community Action Law Center at https://www.cilcmadison.org/.
For more information about Rev. Illéné’s work, please visit https://www.wichurches.org. The Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is a member organization of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, and Pastor Ellen serves as one of the voting delegates.
Upcoming Opportunities
May 2 – North East District Retreat (New London UMC)
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Liz Kroll, Executive Director of the Sheboygan County Warming Center & Community Café
Marge Voigt, retired nurse and former healthcare administrator
Cost: $25 | Registration deadline: April 18
Month of May
Collecting supplies for the 2026 Wisconsin Annual Conference In-Gathering
United Women in Faith continues to offer meaningful ways to grow in faith, serve others, and work for justice.
We hope you will consider participating in one of these upcoming opportunities.
Connections Ministry helps us live out our faith by caring for our neighbors and building community—both within our church and beyond.
Help bring birthday joy to children in our community! Our church is collecting supplies for the Birthday Bags service project to support families who utilize the Oshkosh Community Food Pantry. These bags allow families to celebrate their child’s birthday with a cake and a few simple party items.
Sunday school classes will assemble Birthday Bags on May 3, and the Ridgeway 4-H Club will package additional bags on June 9. To prepare for these events, we are collecting supplies now and ask that donations be received by the morning of May 3.
Each Birthday Bag will include cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates, napkins, and a birthday card. You can help by donating any of these items. Supplies may be dropped off in the church entryway.
You may also support this project through a monetary donation. It costs $5 to sponsor one Birthday Bag. Checks can be mailed to the church; please make them payable to ABUMC and write “Birthday Bags” in the memo line. Donations will also be collected between services throughout April. Thank you for helping make birthdays special for children and families in our community!
Written by Evan Numrich, 12th grader and member of Ridgeway 4-H Club
Pizza Sale!
Thank you to all who purchased pizzas and to all who are making pizzas. Pick-up date will be Saturday, April 25. Questions?
Contact Lisa-Marie, connections@abumc.org or 920-231-2800, ext. 5.
April Dates
Monday, April 13
Monday, April 27 (May Date is Monday, May 11) Questions?
Contact Lisa-Marie, connections@abumc.org or 920-231-2800, ext. 5.
Casserole Chaos - Part II
We have an opportunity again to feed the guests of the Day By Day Shelter with our world-famous casseroles and baked dishes. Back in September, we showed up at their door with 25 amazing homemade entrees for them to put in their freezer, and we think we can top that this time! Not every date on their meal team calendar gets filled, and they are grateful to have some frozen meals to fall back on.
Please help us fill the freezer! We’re looking for homemade casseroles and other baked dishes that can be frozen until the shelter needs them. Do you make a wicked lasagna, tuna casserole, or chicken enchiladas? Whatever your specialty is, they’ll love it! We’ll have some aluminum foil baking dishes for you to take and use. (Don’t bring your dish in a container you want returned!)
Casseroles need to be dropped off at church May 3-5. Please include a description of your entree and baking instructions. Contact Lisa-Marie if you need to set up an alternate drop-off or need someone to pick up your donation.
April Coin Mission. Devastating cuts to international aid by the U.S. government are endangering the lives of people caught in some of the world’s most difficult circumstances: Children threatened by malaria, people who need lifesaving treatment for tuberculosis, families displaced by war, and many others.
While Doctors Without Borders does not accept funding from the U.S. government, it does work alongside many other organizations and communities around the world that are directly affected by the aid freeze.
Doctors Without Borders cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural and human-made disasters, and exclusion from health care in more than 75 countries. More than 16,490,000 medical consultations were conducted by their humanitarian teams and 1,660,000 people have been admitted to their hospitals or clinics around the world.
During the month of April, the coins contributed during the offering will benefit Doctors Without Borders. Additional donations may be made via the offering envelope, by check, or via online giving. Please be sure to indicate that the donations are for Doctors Without Borders.
