In an attempt to combat theolinguaphobia (ask Tom), members of the congregation were asked to list five things they could tell people about First Presbyterian Church. What follows are some of the lists:
| 1.The sanctuary windows are exquisite | 1. Building/organ/windows | 1. Family atmosphere |
| 2. Congregation of warm, wonderful people & we will find more | 2. Kind, supportive people | 2. Searching for God's words' meaning |
| 3. Children enjoy Tom & Carol M. | 3. Young (today) pastor with a respect for tradition | 3. Lives in word and deed |
| 4. A brainy pastor who relates well to all in an informal manner | 4. Commitment to mission | 4. Love of music |
| 5. Landscaping is good now--more welcome "gardens" needed on N. side | 5. Open to change | 5. Opportunities to serve |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. Friendly place | 1. We have very supportive people in our church | 1. Our church is Christ centered. |
| 2. Traditional styles of worship | 2. We have many friendly people | 2. Our church warmly welcomes anyone and is friendly. |
| 3. Fun youth group activities | 3. Many of us love children and appreciate their presence | 3. Our minister preaches from the Bible and applies it to real life situations |
| 4. Sunday school every Sunday | 4. Many of us are involved in the church and the community | 4. Our church emphasizes service in our Lord |
| 5. Fun things like a talent show | 5. We try to respond to others' needs | 5. Our church loves children. |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. God is love is our main message | 1. It is my extended family | 1. We feel family here |
| 2. We respect everyone's opinion | 2. Everyone helps one another | 2. I learn about God's love for me |
| 3. It is a friendly, accepting place | 3. It is one of the earliest churches in Oshkosh | 3. I find peace among friends |
| 4. Music is an important part of our worship | 4. We have lots of fun | 4. I find answers for my life here |
| 5. Deacons look after our shut-ins | 5. We are a very welcoming group of people | 5. Presbyterian food is wonderful!! Food for the soul and for the body! |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. Meaningful sermons [both adult & children] | 1. Sound old building with character | 1. We worship The Holy Triune God. Reverence and humor are not opposite |
| 2. Congregation that accepts people as they are. | 2. Elders and Deacons who listen and care | 2. We are one in Christian family, concerned with mission outreach |
| 3. A helping & giving congregation, supporting many missions and each other | 3. Open communion | 3. There's a wonderful opportunity for Christian education and fellowship, choir, alpha, liturgical dancing group |
| 4. A church wanting to expand our membership and willing to seek new ways to do it | 4. Alpha | 4. There's a warm welcoming atmosphere--pot luck, quilting group, etc. |
| 5. Good music program | 5. Adult Sunday school | 5. Christian education--all ages |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. Nursery provided | 1. Most Presbyterians enjoy eating | 1. Younger membership is growing. |
| 2. Relevant services of worship, variety of music | 2. Born & raised Presbyterian | 2. Rich in tradition |
| 3. Supports community mission, i.e. Casa Cara, Food pantry, Habitat, etc. | 3. Friendly, caring congregation | 3. Friendly place to renew the soul |
| 4. Friendly with involvement for all | 4. Striving to go forward with innovative goals | 4. It's a good old building |
| 5. A variety of activities for all ages | 5. People who help outside the church | 5. The church bell doesn't get rung enough |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. We have fun things game night/talent night | 1. Programs | 1. We worry about getting too small to survive |
| 2. I like singing the Gloria Patri | 2. Trying new things | 2. We laugh at, with, and for each other |
| 3. Beliefs | 3. We are a family | 3. We learn about God |
| 4. Fellowship | 4. We include everyone | 4. We have fun with church members |
| 5. Sermons | 5. We believe in doing good works [not for salvation but to thank God for his gifts] | 5. We do a lot of interesting things |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. We feel loved | 1. Freedom to participate or not in activities | 1. Wonderful music [bells, hymns, piano, choir, guest musicians] organ |
| 2. We help others | 2. Church school seems to be growing | 2. Liturgical dancers |
| 3. We worship God in interesting way | 3. Knowledgeable minister who takes us on a Christian journey out of Jerusalem into our everyday lives. | 3. Alpha opportunities |
| 4. We might see Pastor Tom kiss a cow | 4. He's also willing to laugh at himself--thus teaching us to laugh at ourselves | 4. Very friendly |
| 5. Friendly people in congregation | 5. Warm and caring congregation--truly sharing each others' joys and concerns [where else does a congregation break into applause when an individual's surgery proves not to be cancerous?] | 5. Caring and compassionate |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. Can feel God's presence | 1. Fabulous kitchen facilities | 1. We are growing [in faith, in commitment, praise and members] |
| 2. Most friendly congregation! | 2. Friendly | 2. Session committees can work together for the good of the church |
| 3. Offers Christian education | 3. Support people in pain | 3. Great friends |
| 4. Upbeat, knowledgeable pastor | 4. Accepting of all people's beliefs | 4. Many opportunities for activities outside of church services--game night, progressive dinner, etc. |
| 5. Great worship services, inspirational, creative | 5. Alpha is here | 5. The people are loving, caring & fun, the pastor encourages us |
| ------ | ------ | ------ |
| 1. We are renewing our life in Christ through the Alpha program | ||
| 2. We have a new dance group to enhance our worship | ||
| 3. Our music is varied with traditional and contemporary styles | ||
| 4. Our pipe organ sounds wonderful, enhances our singing | ||
| 5. We love each other |