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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
November 2018 Eagle Newsletter
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I am listening to Ashokan Farewell, the wonderful violin piece written in response to Ken Burns’
Civil War aired on PBS nearly 20 years ago. The music always causes me to reflect upon the Civil War and ask, "What did those 600,000 people who died, die for?" I believe they died to make a nation greater. I believe they died to fulfill a purpose that God set before that generation to bring the Kingdom of God closer to reality. I believe they died to end the curse of slavery from this land. I believe that after generations of people have lived and died, we do not yet know the full implications of those sacrifices. None of us knows the mind of God and all that God intended for those who died, for those who lived, and for the generations which came after that great struggle.
The ancestors of the United Church of Christ immediately opened primary schools and colleges for the newly-freed peoples. The United Nation helped win World War I and defeat the Nazis, and end the genocide of World War II. Now 70 years after World War II, what do we have to hold up to the memories of those who died 150+ years ago? We call our political opponents our enemies. A candidate said to his opponent he would "stomp on your face." Our highest leaders fail to call out racial hatred when confronted with words, deeds, and flags celebrating ideas buried a century and a half ago. Local officials make it difficult for minority people to register to vote. Other officials then seek reasons to reduce the number of minorities on the voting rolls. It is a monthly occurrence that a white person calls the police because a black person is: swimming, selling water, babysitting, greeting voters, driving in a white neighborhood, and walking into their own apartment.
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the midst of the Civil War, the war that God used to cause slavery to be vomited from the land. Do we choose the wide path which returns us to a time of rampant hatred or do we choose to walk the path that is narrow and leads to freedom, redemption, grace, and wholeness? For what do we give thanksgiving; allowing distrust and hatred to rise from the mud and spread its stench throughout the land, or to remember that 600,000 people died in a struggle to make the country whole and bring the Kingdom of God close.
The people, the nation, the world, and God await our answer.
Peace and Grace,
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Below is the upcoming ushering schedule;
please note that the church office does not find a replacement,
but we are happy to help you get in contact with possible subs!
Please let the office know when any changes are made.
November:
November 4: Council
November 11: Sunday School
November 18: Eric & Jamie Plate Family
November 25: Robert & Sheri Van Beek Family
December:
December 2: Council
December 9: Sunday School
December 16: Vern & Ann Gasch, Dean & Ellie Papendieck
December 23: Kristi & Ryan Schnell, Kari Meyers, Kurt Knoespel
December 30: Steve & Chris Stenz, Don & Connie Waldvogel
If you have any questions about your ushering duties,
click here for the instructions.
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November Confirmation Readers
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November 4: Max Mueller
November 11:
No reader
November 18: Gavin Tyson
November 25: Jaren Pingel
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Wednesday, November 21, an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church (10509 Meggers Road, New Holstein, WI 53061) at 7:00 p.m.
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Thank you, again, to our committees who are hosting coffee hour each month! Below is the schedule; please note that this should be
a light snack to enjoy after church.
November: Evangelism Committee
December: Council
January: Women's Guild
February: Mission Committee
March: Council
April: Worship/Continuing Education Committee
May: Bell Choir
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Mission Education News ...
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The annual Cookie/Candy Walk will be held on Saturday, December 8, in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We will be selling cookies, candy and new or gently used Christmas items that you no longer need/want. Drop off for cookies, candy or Christmas items will be on Thursday, December 6, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. or anytime that week during regular office hours (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday). Find your favorite recipes and get together with family and friends to make holiday treats for a good cause!
If you have any questions on anything about the sale, need to have cookies/candy picked up, or would like to pre-order any cookies or candy, you can contact Nan Popp at 920-418-0149 or Jeanne Keuler at 920-203-4137. Cash donations are also appreciated and can be dropped off or sent to the church office.
Reminder:
We will not be having a rummage sale this fall but one is planned for March 2019
. There is limited space in the rummage room so if at all possible, please consider bringing your rummage items then.
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Notes from the Music Corner ...
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“
Eternal Father Strong to Save”
will be offered by Ebenezer Brass on Sunday, November 11, as a tribute to those who have served in the military or any now serving. It is also stewardship Sunday, so it is a good time for all of us to ponder how we may serve our community, our nation and our church.
During the worship on November 18, Katharina Keller will be presented with the Jeris Waldvogel scholarship. She has graciously offered to sing a vocal solo during the worship – thank you and good luck to Katharina.
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There was a lot of healing going on during Youth Sunday on October 14!
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Thank you to those who helped out working for the Brat and Burger Fry at Heritage Orchard during the Rural Arts Road Show in October. It was another success, but profits were a little down from previous years. We made $716 to be dispersed between Camp fund, Handbell Choir, Sunday School and Women’s Guild.
Thanks,
Karen Cmejla
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Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: October 21, 2018
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Opening:
The meeting of the Ebenezer Church Council was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Kelly Brown.
Present:
Kelly Brown, Colleen Marx, Kari Meyers, Andy Hofmeister and Jamie Plate.
Absent:
Pastor Mike, Vern Gasch and Dale Hintz.
Approval of Agenda:
Jamie Plate made a motion to approve the agenda. Kelly Brown seconded.
Approval of Minutes:
The September 2018 meeting minutes were previously approved via email.
Treasurer's
Report:
Our September revenue was $9,463.63. Our September expenditures were $8,699.98 The Equity as of September 30 was $87,240.68. Our balance as of September 30 was $285,801. 97. Our stocks went up to $35,043.42. Endowment fund is at $213,740.86. Kari Meyers made a motion to accept September financial report Colleen Marx seconded. The motion carried. Kari Meyers made a motion to accept the October bill list. Colleen Marx seconded. The motion carried.
Minister’s Report:
Thanksgiving service will be at Bethel United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve.
Committee Reports
- Christian Education and Music: Sunday school 8 a.m. time gives an improved transition. Attendance is same as last year. Blessing Box is Sunday school mission. Christmas program is December 16. Christmas service schedule: Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. at Ebenezer, and 7 p.m. at St. John. Christmas Day service at Ebenezer at 9 a.m.
- Evangelism: No new news.
- Mission: No new news.
- Property: Security Luebke roofing will be looking at leaking church roof.
- Stewardship: No new news.
- Membership: No new news.
Continuing Business:
- Braille System Update: No new news.
- Church Security: No new news.
- Spanish Ministry: No new news.
- Worship Service Recordings: Services can now be recorded. Congregation members who desire a recording should contact the church office with whether they want it via internet or DVD.
New Business:
Church painting: Painting begins in November.
Snow removal: Continue with Scott’s Towing providing removal.
Next council meeting is on November 18 at 8 a.m.
Adjournment:
Kari Meyers made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Colleen Marx seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx
Approved by: The Church council via email.
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Christian Education/Worship Committee Minutes
Meeting Minutes: October 14, 2018
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The committee met on Sunday, October 14. An overview of the Sunday School program was reported. There are about 24 enrolled; however, attendance is sporadic. The 8:00 a.m. start time works better than the 9:45 a.m. (following worship), however they do feel limited in accomplishing all their prepared lessons. Their mission project is to keep the Blessing Box supplied. It appears that more people are coming to the Box, let’s all help to share our blessings. The Sunday School Christmas program will be during worship on December 16.
Ebenezer Brass will be playing the 2 Sunday of each month at Ebenezer, and the 3 Sunday at St. John UCC unless scheduled otherwise. They will do a Christmas concert during worship at St. John UCC on December 2, and at 4:00 p.m. at Ebenezer on December 9.
All Saints’ Day will be observed on Sunday, November 4, when seven members of Ebenezer will be remembered.
A Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service will be held at Bethel UMC, New Holstein (Meggers), on Wednesday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. (watch for confirmation of this time).
Advent begins on December 2.
Christmas worship times are
tentatively
scheduled as follows:
- December 24*:
- 4:00 p.m. family/candlelight worship at Ebenezer
- 7:00 p.m. worship at St. John UCC
- 11:00 p.m. candlelight worship at Ebenezer
- December 25*: 9:00 a.m. worship at Ebenezer.
*Communion will be available at all services. Watch for updates!
Thanks to Mary Thompson for faithfully watering the plants at Ebenezer every week.
Would anyone be willing to help her out?
Members attending: Shirley Lisowe, Bea Pingel, Jamie Plate, Tiffany Porsche, Kristi Schnell, Chris Stenz, Pastor Mike, Elaine Hessil
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Tod ~ Katy ~ Da’Nisha ~ Terri
Lorraine ~ Larry ~ Laura ~ Jeff
Arlene ~ Vern ~ Rod
Pat ~ David ~ Gracie
Sue ~ Linda ~ Scott
Steve ~ Terry ~ Marlene
Shelly ~ Alice ~ Pastor Susan
Due to privacy laws, last names cannot be printed on the prayer list because the Eagle goes on the church website which can be viewed by anyone on the Internet.
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Building Use Form:
If you would like to use the Fellowship Hall, please fill out the
Building Use Form
and return it to the office.
We do require you fill out the form for all events you plan to have in the Fellowship Hall that are not related to EUCC
(if you are planning multiple events, i.e. a recurring meeting, you only need to fill it out once.)
Painting:
Painting of the church will be happening in November. Thank you for all of the donations that have already come in! There will be at least 1 service where we will need to accommodate the scaffolding and move pews, but it will be worth it in the end!
Newsletter Articles
are due to the
office
on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (unless posted otherwise); be sure to check the calendar for the month’s due date. Please also share any pictures for inclusion!
Weekly Bulletin Announcements
are due to the
office
by Tuesday mornings.
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Ebenezer Office Hours:
(Labor Day - Memorial Day)
Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
(920) 849-4331
Pastor's Ebenezer Hours:
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Pastor's St. John Hours:
Monday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
2111 Church St
New Holstein, WI 53061
(920) 898-4259
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Pastor's Cell Phone: 920-286-1956
*Please note that Pastor Mike will be gone on Thursday, November 1.*
Please make sure to write a note on the pad on Sunday mornings if you need to communicate with the office. Pastor Mike is a little preoccupied on Sundays, so please use the pad to assure these tasks are completed. Thank you!!!
Please schedule any appointments with Pastor Mike through the
office
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Thank you to all that responded to the nearly empty Blessing Box in mid-October! We appreciate all the help in keeping this box full for those in need, so please continue to help stock it whenever you can.
Please note that non-perishable and non-expired items are welcome in this box including:
- paper products
- hygiene supplies
- diapers
- canned goods
- boxed meals
- cereal
- And more!
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Kathy Kuhn: Nov 1
Alex Greuel: Nov 2
Mariah McGinnis: Nov 5
Adam Gasch: Nov 6
Donald Sattler: Nov 7
Pamela Schneider: Nov 7
Ashley Porsche: Nov 8
Bruce Alten: Nov 11
Lake Pingel: Nov 13
Linda Edgington: Nov 14
Janene Van Hoorn: Nov 15
Jean Reichwald: Nov 15
Ruth Aebischer: Nov 17
Ella Bechlem: Nov 20
James Brocker: Nov 21
John Schroeder: Nov 22
Rev. Susan Safford-Gaul: Nov 22
Stephanie Adamietz: Nov 27
Amy Kuhn: Nov 27
Joseph Kuhn: Nov 27
Skyler Goerl: Nov 30
May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
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- Handbell Practice: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join; contact Jill Sippel at 920-418-1534 with questions!
- All Saints' Sunday will be November 4.
- The Jeris Waldvogel Scholarship will be presented during the November 18 service.
- The Evangelism Committee is meeting on Sunday, November 25, at 8:00 a.m. We are always looking for new members so please join us!
- Starting Friday, November 30, Lakeshore United Methodist Church in Manitowoc will again be hosting 'The Wonder of Christmas' nativity scene. Click here or see the board for details.
- There is No Confirmation on Wednesday, November 21.
- Wednesday, November 21, an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church (10509 Meggers Road, New Holstein, WI 53061.) at 7:00 p.m.
- The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 22.
- The Cookie/Candy Walk is on Saturday, December 8 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon in Fellowship Hall!
- Drop off for cookies, candy or Christmas items will be on Thursday, December 6, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. or anytime during regular office hours (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday) the week of December 3.
- Tentative dates have been set for Handbell Christmas Concerts: Sunday, December 2 (St. John UCC) during the 10:15 a.m. service with coffee hour to follow, and Sunday, December 9, (EUCC) at 4 p.m. followed by food & fellowship in Fellowship Hall.
- Christmas worship times are tentatively scheduled as follows:
- Monday, December 24:
- 4:00 p.m. (EUCC) family/candlelight worship
- 7:00 p.m. (St. John) worship
- 11:00 p.m. (EUCC) candlelight worship
- Tuesday, December 25: 9:00 a.m. (EUCC) worship
- Details for the Elder Rights Project/ADRC monthly program titled “Know Your Rights Workshop” can be found on the bulletin board.
- Dates/locations/times for the ADRC Tai Chi Classes can be found on the board.
- The Lakeland University Fall program schedule has been posted to the board.
- The November/December Upper Room devotional guide is available in the Narthex book rack. Help yourself!
- A 2018 Flower Chart has been posted; please notify the office if you sign up!
- Become a Chilton ADRC Meal Site Volunteer; check the board for details!
- Affinity Hospice could use your help; see the flyer on the board.
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Thank you to Ruth Aebischer
for volunteering her time in the office on Monday, October 29 & Tuesday, October 30, so that Jackie could spend some time unpacking at their new home!
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