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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
January 2019 Eagle Newsletter
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(I found this in my files a few days ago. I wrote this a number of years ago and when I read it yesterday, it struck me as still being relevant. Enjoy.)
We are a few days from Christmas. The church is beautiful in its adornment. The radio is playing Christmas music all day, every day. Shopping is close to being done (no sense in getting into a panic before December 22), and we are preparing homes for family and friends. Cookies, breads and other sweets are baked and wrapped. Yes, the time of preparation is almost complete. One more preparation needs to be completed; are we prepared for the Christ child?
The cleaning, baking, shopping and other activities can serve to shield us from the deeper preparation that is required during Advent: hearing the promises of God for a Savior and preparing ourselves to live as disciples of the child who is about to come into the world. Advent offers us the time to turn the focus of our attention to the prophecies, the intervention of angels into the lives of two ordinary people, and to the meaning of this baby born into a world torn by civil and religious unrest. What are we to make of this time of waiting?
Waiting for something has almost become a forgotten blessing in our wired and wireless world. People complain if the computer takes more than two seconds to perform a complicated task. To wait at a traffic light seems to tear at the fabric of some people's souls. We have so many things to fit into our lives that it almost seems any activity that can't be accomplished in a few minutes isn't worth doing. Yet, we have been purposefully waiting for Christmas since Advent began on the last Sunday of November. Waiting means to contemplate and to understand what is coming. Understanding is rarely gained in a few moments or in a few keystrokes. Knowledge can be found almost instantly but understanding requires patience and time, the essential ingredients in waiting.
When we wait, we have the opportunity to listen for the ancient words of promise. When we wait, we have the time to hear those ancient words and bring them forward to today, a time that seems so different from 2000+ years ago. When we wait, we have the time to allow those words to enter our hearts to convict us and free us, to weigh upon us, and lift us. When we wait, those activities that shield us from deeper preparation begin to break down and we enter into a meaningful understanding, both in our hearts and heads, of what Christmas is about.
I read an article in the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Press a few minutes ago about a group in West Michigan that rates various stores according to their “Christmas friendliness.” Christmas friendliness was measured by the greeting used by clerks, and the number of times Christmas was used in their print and video advertising. I read it with a certain amount of skepticism and prejudice. I don’t recall where in scripture Christmas is defined as being related to advertising space. When I shop at any store from January through November, I do so to conduct a business transaction. I believe most people probably feel the same way. Yet, when the calendar turns to December suddenly that store becomes crucial to my faith development? Perhaps I'm a bit odd but I'm not sure if clerks wish me a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays. I'm more impressed with a clerk, who has been on his/her feet for many hours, can look me in the eye and still muster a smile. I've never made a shopping decision based upon the greeting of a tired, overworked, and underpaid seasonal employee. I do remember the clerks who can share a warm smile, who can overcome the company mandated greeting, and communicate happiness at seeing and serving me.
Waiting allows us to move beyond those mandated words and appearances. We are free to hear the Good News, to understand the Good News and live the Good News, even if it is just through a warm smile at the end of a long shift of work.
Enjoy the lights and music. Enjoy the waiting. Celebrate the birth of our Savior!
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.
January:
January 6: Council
January 13: Sunday School
January 20: Don & Donna Pingel, Kimberlee & Jennifer Pringle
January 27: Ken & Shirley Lisowe, Kelly Brown Family
February:
February 3: Council
February 10: Sunday School
February 17: Glen & Rita Pingel, Kelly & Wayne Kress
February 24: James & Penni Gleason Family
If you have any questions about your ushering duties,
click here for the instructions.
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Join the Council!
It is our favorite time of year! Yes Christmas, but also the time where we start to search for new council members. This year we will need three new members to join the council. Please consider supporting your church, sharing your ideas, and making my life (aka Kelly Brown's) easier by volunteering to become a member of the council. Please contact any current member if you have questions or are interested in joining the group! Thank you for volunteering.
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January Confirmation Readers
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January 6: Riley Schneider
January 13:
No reader
January 20: Emily Roehrig
January 27: Max Mueller
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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.
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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Our recent Cookie/Candy Walk was again successful, taking in $1,198.55 through cookie, candy and Christmas item sales. Thank you to all who baked, made candy, and gave donations of Christmas items or cash. We couldn't do it without you!
The collection for the Red Cross will run through the end of December. If you have not contributed yet, you still have time! All donations will go directly to the American Red Cross to help people in need after recent hurricanes and wildfires. Count your blessing and give generously!
We will also be collecting through the end of the month for the Eastshore Humane Society. Items in need are: cat litter, Purina Cat Chow or Purina Complete, Purina Dog Chow, bleach, laundry detergent, dog or cat toys, and monetary donations (which are tax-deductible). These living creatures need our help through no fault of their own! Please give generously!
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Notes from the Music Corner ...
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The music of Advent and Christmas is effectively expressed in many different ways and we were very fortunate at Ebenezer to experience this. Ebenezer Brass Bell Choir beautifully expressed the ‘Good News’ of Christ’s birth when they presented their concert on December 9. The concert was followed by an enthusiastic time of food and fellowship. Thank you to all of the ringers who put in countless hours of time and effort!
The Christmas energy continued when the Sunday School presented their message during the December 16 worship. It is always uplifting to see their energy and talents emerging. In addition, thank you is extended to Claudia Brown for a ukulele selection, Ann Arbuckle and Elaine Hessil for an organ/piano duet, and the Bell Choir ringing at the 4 p.m. worship on December 24. Thank you to Don and Kyle Pingel for their traditional “O Holy Night” and to Karen Cmejla for a bell tree selection at the 11 p.m. December 24 worship. Thanks to Karen for also offering a special bell solo for the Christmas Day worship.
Thank you
to the entire congregation for the vigorous singing of familiar Christmas songs!
In response to Pauline Geiser’s explanation of Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, several Ebenezer members rang bells at various Red Kettle sites. This included several ringers that ‘chimed’ at Farm and Home on December 15. What a wonderful mission in our community!
While the excitement of Christmas is past, we will continue to realize the gospel message in the music we sing and experience in 2019.
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THANK YOU
to Ruth Aebischer and Karen Cmejla for the countless hours and effort they put in decorating the church for Christmas.
THANK YOU
to Diane Sattler for decorating the church windows with her collection of nativity sets.
THANK YOU
to the Dexter Sattler Family for the beautiful poinsettias, as well as the plant in honor of Butch Sohrweide from his family. All of these efforts certainly add to the effective atmosphere for Christmas worship.
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Special Congregational Meeting
Meeting Minutes: November 25, 2018
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Meeting called to order 11/25/18 at 8:58 a.m. Quorum met as assembled members of the congregation were present.
Kelly Brown, Church Council President, presented the congregation with the need to repair and replace portions of Ebenezer's roof due to multiple leaks. A quote from Security-Luebke Roofing in the amount of $10,785 was obtained. Ken Lisowe, from the Property Committee, explained which areas of the roof are in need of repair and which are in need of replacement. Per Ken, the areas that are being repaired have at least 10 or more years of life left and that is why it is recommended to repair, rather than replace.
Discussions were had and questions were answered.
Kelly Brown presented the congregation with funding options. Those options consisted of the Memorial Fund and Stocks.
Shirley Lisowe made a motion to proceed with the roof repairs and replacement with the money coming out of the Memorial Fund. Kristi Schnell seconded. Motion was past.
Congregational meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.
Council Treasurer,
Jamie Plate
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Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: December 16, 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, Pastor Mike, Kari Meyers, Jamie Plate and Andy Hofmeister were present. Colleen Marx, Vern Gasch, and Dale Hintz were absent.
Approval of Agenda:
Kari Meyers made a motion to approve the agenda. Andy Hofmeister seconded. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes:
The October 2018 meeting minutes were previously approved via email.
Treasurer's Report:
Our November revenue was $65,193.72—this included the donation from Natalie Stauss. Our November expenditures were $12,175.89. The Equity as of November 30 was $141,358.93. Our balance as of November 30 was $341,503.08. Our stocks went up to $32,810.35. Andy Hofmeister made a motion to accept November’s financial report. Kari Meyers seconded. The motion carried. Kari Meyers made a motion to accept the November bill list, Jamie Plate seconded. The motion carried.
Minister’s Report:
Attendance is 71 on average for a Sunday. Averaging $1,908/week in contributions. Wired Word has 3-5 people attending per week. Confirmation has 10 students. Pastor is strongly considering offering a hospital visitation training class.
Committee Reports:
- Christian Education and Music: The Sunday School Christmas program was held during the 12/18/18 service and the children did an amazing job sharing the meaning of Christmas. A big thank you to Shirley Lisowe, Elaine and all of the Sunday School Teachers!
- Evangelism: No new news.
- Mission: Still accepting donations to the Red Cross for disaster relief and for the Eastshore Humane society.
- Property: No new news.
- Stewardship: No new news.
- Membership: No new news.
Continuing Business:
- Braille System Update: No new news.
- Church Security: Security proposal to be discussed at Annual meeting.
- Spanish Ministry: No new news.
- Shared Ministry: Shared ministry committee to meet before January annual meeting.
- Worship Service Recordings: We are still working on a process to transfer to a DVD.
- Roof repairs have been completed.
New Business:
- A Snow Day policy for Ebenezer’s Office was discussed. It was decided that if Chilton School District calls off school for the day, then Ebenezer’s office would be closed. If Jackie or Pastor are unable to come in due to weather on a day that Chilton Schools are in session, they will need to use a vacation day or take the day without pay.
**Next council meeting is on January 20th, 2019, at 8:00 a.m.—prior to Annual Meeting**
Adjournment:
Kari Meyers made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Jamie Plate seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Jamie Plate
Approved by: The Church council via email.
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Tod ~ Katy ~ Terri ~ James
Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha ~Arlene ~ Larry
Vern ~ Laura ~ Pat ~ Rod
David ~ Gracie ~ Sue ~ Linda
Scott ~ Marlene ~ Steve ~ Terry
Shelly ~ Alice ~ Pastor Susan ~ Jeff
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 Fellowship Hall, please fill out the
Building Use Form
and return it to the office. We require a completed form for all events 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 the form out once.)
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 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 use this pad to assure these tasks are completed. Thank you!!!
Please schedule any appointments with Pastor Mike through the
office
.
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Denton Aebischer: Jan 2
Carolyn Platner: Jan 6
Melanie Dvorak: Jan 6
Linda Dorn: Jan 6
Janice Kloehn: Jan 8
Ashley Ditter: Jan 15
Sandy Dietz: Jan 21
Marshall McGinnis: Jan 22
Tiffany Porsche: Jan 22
Herb Woelfel: Jan 23
Owen Zwetow: Jan 28
Jarrid Kress: Jan 28
Natalie Adamietz: Jan 31
Claudia Brown: Jan 31
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!
- See the poster or flyers on how you can support the Happy Hour Yankee Candle Sale. Use Group #: 999987724 when ordering online.
- Details for the Elder Rights Project/ADRC monthly program titled “Know Your Rights Workshop” can be found on the bulletin board.
- The January/February Upper Room devotional guide is available in the Narthex book rack. Help yourself!
- Appleton Visually Impaired Support Group: Learn how to live with vision loss from others who have been there. Discover different methods to accomplish those activities that are important to you.
- 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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Blessing Box Reminder
With the colder temperatures, please do not put anything in the Blessing Box that could freeze. Welcomed items include:
- paper products
- hygiene supplies
- diapers
- boxed meals
- cereal
Thank you for taking the time to check box to make sure it is stocked! I
f you have any questions, contact the
church office
.
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Please note that if the Chilton Area School District is closed due to winter weather, EUCC office (and all scheduled activities) will follow. Should the weather prohibit Pastor Mike and/or Jackie to come into the office any other time, forcing the office to be closed, a note will be posted to the EUCC Facebook page informing members of this closure as soon as possible.
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