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OUR MISSION
Sharing God's Love & Shining God's Light
WHAT WE DO
We love God through our worship - Col. 3:15
We learn by studying God's word - Psalm 119:105
We follow by emulating Christ in our lives - 1 Peter 2:21
We serve by using our gifts to build the church - 1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 2:10
We share through ministries of compassion and by telling others of the good news of Jesus Christ - Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20
OUR CHURCH'S FORMATION
On March 10, 1850, two men and four women declared their faith and united to form the First Presbyterian Church of Winneconne. In 1856, with a membership of 33, the first church building was constructed. That building was destroyed by a fire in the summer of 1886. Five year later, in 1891, the present church was built and dedicated. In 1949, a major renovation project was undertaken. The result was a larger sanctuary with a new chancel, new front entrance steps, an improved kitchen, and additional Sunday School space. This was completed in time for the church's 100th anniversary in 1950. A new manse was built in 1957. The purchase of adjoining property in the late 70's allowed for a large addition, which was dedicated in October 1980. The project provided a new kitchen and a fellowship hall which could easily be divided into several rooms for Christian Education. The full basement remained unfinished until 1994. It is currently used for a variety of Christian Education activities.
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Throughout its history, First Presbyterian Church has been a leader in promoting an ecumenical spirit in the community. We continue these endeavors today.
HOW DOES THE PCUSA CHURCH GOVERN AND MAKE DECISIONS?
A COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH AND EXPRESSION OF UNITY & MUTUALITY
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The Presbyterian Church (USA) is governed by councils, which "exist to help congregations and the church as a whole be more faithful participants in the mission of Christ."
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1. The councils of the church are the session, the presbytery, the synod and the General Assembly.
2. The session is the council for the congregation and is composed of ruling elders, elected by the congregation to active service, as well as all installed pastors and associate pastors.
3. Councils serve as an expression of the unity of the church and "all councils of the church are united by the nature of the church and share with one another responsibilities, rights, and powers as provided by the Constitution."
4. Along these lines, each council remains subject to the review of the next higher council.
5. Our polity envisions a system of unity, mutuality, and accountability where councils communicate and work together to make important decisions impacting the faith and mission of the whole church. Our polity presupposes a fellowship of love and trust where important constitutional matters are not decided unilaterally, but where lower councils collaborate with higher councils to prayerfully discern the mind of Christ and work through decisions that will impact the mission of the church. Through dialogue and working together on important and often difficult decisions, sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly can help the whole church understand more fully what it means to us to be a community of faith, hope, love, and witness. (F-1.0301).
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