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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
March 2019 Eagle Newsletter
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Christmas is exciting. It is good that Lent follows so closely upon the heels of Christmas because Lent is serious. The way we celebrate Christmas in our culture tempts us to place ourselves ahead of all other people and all other concerns.
There are no memorable lighting displays for Lent. No sales designed to lure us into stores and overspend for gifts. There are no hymns that bring such joy that we raise our voices and sing with happiness. No one buys a new outfit to wear to church for Lent. No one has an office party to celebrate Lent. To the culture, lent is a bummer.
To many, Christians' Lent is a mystery celebrated by many churches but certainly not church-wide. Many Christians identify Lent with making a sacrifice by giving up something, typically chocolate or something small, but that gives pleasure.
As I have said before, I prefer to add something to my life and to my faith during Lent. I give up those all-important things like artichoke hearts and cauliflower, and then add something. In the past, I have added additional personal prayer time, devotional reading, and a book study. This year I will again add to my faith life.
It has been six years since I came to Ebenezer and one year since arriving at St. John. During that time, you have prayed with me during Pastor Susan’s hospitalizations, and celebrated as my children have moved forward with their careers. We have shared weddings, baptisms, and said goodbye to too many friends and family members.
I will add a time of daily thanks for all the people who have made an impact upon me during these past 6 years; helping me grow, challenging me, and leading me to become a better Christian.
Lent may not have bright lights and catchy hymns, but it does offer us the chance to examine our lives, give thanks, and become better disciples of the Living God.
Peace and Grace,
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You are invited to Ash Wednesday services at Century Ridge (building 2) at 1:30 p.m., and St. John UCC on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone will be invited to come forward for the imposition of ashes.
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New EUCC Council Member Installation 2/3/2019: Barbara DeKerf, Zach Platner and Ken Lisowe
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Baptism of Delilah Eileen Kuhn: 1/27/2019
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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.
March:
March 3: Council
March 10: Sunday School
March 17: Ken & Shirley Lisowe, Kelly Brown Family
March 24: Kristi & Ryan Schnell, Tiffany Porsche & Kurt Knoespel
March 31: Ralph Schmid, Mark Rusch, JoAnn Lakin, Karen Cmejla
April:
April 7: Council
April 14: Sunday School
April 21: Mike Redig, Sue Verrier, Ken & Shirley Lisowe
April 28: Brian Adamietz Family
If you have any questions about your ushering duties,
click here for the instructions.
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March Confirmation Readers
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March 3: Caitlynn Paulson
March 10:
No reader
March 17: Claudia Brown
March 24: Riley Schneider
March 31: Emily Roehrig
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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.
March: Council
April: Worship/Christian Education Committee
May: Bell Choir
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Mission Education News ...
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The Mission Committee will be holding a Rummage Sale: Thursday, March 28 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Friday, March 29 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; and a $4 bag sale on Saturday, March 30 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Please bring your salable items to the Fellowship Hall starting on Sunday, March 24,
or anytime earlier that week during office hours. Our room downstairs is full so we would appreciate it if you can wait until this time.
Please no TVs.
Do you enjoy helping people? The Mission Committee is looking for a couple new people that would like to join our committee. Please talk to
Nan
,
Jeanne
,
Janet
,
Ruth
or
Karen
if interested.
Thank you!
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Notes from the Music Corner ...
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We are delighted to welcome the Pine Haven Men’s Chorus for worship on March 10. The Chorus began in 1951 with quartets from area churches coming together to sing praises to the Lord they loved, and to financially help support special projects for the Pine Haven Retirement community. They present performances throughout southeast Wisconsin from January – May. This year there are 25-27 members. Their mission is to glorify the Lord through song and testimony and spread the word of salvation, while supporting the ministry of the Pine Haven Christian communities. There will be a free will offering which goes toward their special project at the Pine Haven retirement community. Since this is a Sunday School Sunday, the students will participate as usual. The music will appeal to all ages, so be sure to attend and bring your friends to worship on March 10. You can get more information and listen to the chorus if you check the
website (
www.pinehaven.org/pine-haven-mens-chorus/).
Other special music offerings will be vocalist, Katharina Keller (Jeris Waldvogel Scholarship recipient) on March 3, Ebenezer Brass on March 24, and a handbell duet by Karen Cmejla and Claudia Brown on March 31. Thank you to all for their extra efforts!
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Christian Ed/Worship Committee
Meeting Minutes: January 27, 2019
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The committee met after the January 27 worship. The following items were discussed:
- Reflections on the three Christmas services: Well received; 121 attended 4 p.m. candlelight/communion; 30 attended 11 p.m. candlelight/communion; and 28 attended 9 a.m. Christmas Day with communion. Suggestion was made to rope off the balcony for the 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. services because of the logistics of serving communion and lighting candles.
- Sunday School update: Attendance today (January 27) was 14 despite the frigid weather. Regular attendance is encouraged for the continuity of the lessons. Final day of Sunday School will be May 12, Mother's Day. A grand finale bowling party will be planned for the following Saturday, May 18. Everyone that attended last year’s party had a good time!
- March 6 (Ash Wednesday): 1:30 p.m. worship with ashes at Century Ridge, Building 2; anyone welcome and 7:00 p.m. Worship with ashes at St. John UCC.
- March 10: Pine Haven Men’s Chorus will lead worship.
- April: This committee provides coffee hour. No coffee hour on Easter, April 14. Shirley will organize who will provide simple treats and juice.
- April 14: Palm Sunday; Shirley will order palms.
- April 18 (Maundy Thursday): 7:00 p.m. worship with communion.
- April 19: Ecumenical worship??? No time or place yet planned.
- April 21 (EASTER): No breakfast because of the early worship time; no Sunday School classes
- May 5: Confirmation.
- May 12 (Mother's Day): Tiffany will make the tokens to be given
- June 16 (Father's Day): Don and Diane Sattler will make tokens to be given
Suggestion was made to have those that will be confirmed write a brief paragraph about themselves to be printed in the March and April Eagle so the congregation is acquainted with them when they are confirmed on May 5. This could include telling about their family, their grade in school, special interests and activities, what they liked best about confirmation classes, what their future plans are, etc.
Also, it would be great for the Confirmation students to help the Mission Committee carry items from the basement to the Fellowship Hall for the March rummage sale. This would be a much appreciated ‘service’!!!!!
Committee members present: Shirley Lisowe, Bea Pingel, Jamie Plate, Kristi Schnell, Elaine Hessil
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Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: February 17, 2019
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Opening: The meeting of the Ebenezer Church Council was called to order at 8:03 a.m. by Kari Meyers.
Present: Pastor Mike, Colleen Marx, Kari Meyers, Vern Gasch, Zach Platner, Andy Hofmeister and Barbara DeKerf.
Approval of Agenda: Ken Lisowe made a motion to approve the agenda. Zach Platner seconded.
Approval of Minutes: The January 2019 meeting minutes were previously approved via email.
Treasurer's Report:
Our January revenue was $12,639.11. Our January expenditures were $18,447.09. Our balance as of January 31st was $333,022. 68. Our stocks went up to $32,832.11. It was discussed that the council would like to continue with the financial report contents as have been reported in the past including monthly revenue and expenditures, monthly balance, and equity, as well as stock reports. The council would like to continue to receive the monthly Wisconsin Bank and Trust statement. Colleen Marx made a motion to accept January financial report. Andy Hofmeister seconded. The motion carried. Colleen Marx made a motion to accept the February bill list, Andy Hofmeister seconded. The motion carried.
Minister’s Report: Attendance is 71 on average for a Sunday. Averaging $1,908.00 in weekly contributions.
Committee Reports
- Christian Education and Music: The meeting minutes from the January committee meeting were reviewed. Reflections on the Christmas services, a Sunday school update, Confirmation update, and Lenten, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day services were reviewed. Barb DeKerf will be the council representative.
- Evangelism: No new news. Zach Platner will be the council representative.
- Mission: Rummage sale March 28th, 29th and 30th. Colleen Marx to remain the council representative.
- Property: The roof leaks were repaired. Most of them were covered under warranty except approximately $200. Ken Lisowe will be the council representative.
- Stewardship: No new news. Andy Hofmeister will remain the council representative.
- Membership: No new news. Kari Meyers will remain the council representative.
Continuing Business:
- Braille System Update: No new news.
- Church Security: The security proposal was reviewed and approved at the Annual Meeting. Ken Lisowe will contact the CEC security firm to discuss installation.
- Spanish Ministry: Have not met for months at Ebenezer. After multiple attempts to contact their representative, it was determined they are no longer meeting at Ebenezer.
- Worship service recordings: Zach Platner agreed to be the council representative in charge of the recording. The aim would be to record two services a month.
New Business:
- Summer Office hours (Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) were discussed. Vern Gasch made a motion to approve and Zach Platner seconded. The motion carried.
- Safe church forms: Will review and discuss in the future.
- Coffee Hour in March was assigned: 3/3 Kari and Andy, 3/10 Vern, 3/17 Colleen, 3/24 Zach, 3/31 Barb.
**Next council meeting is on March 17, 2019, at 8:00 a.m.**
Adjournment: Vern Gasch made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Colleen Marx seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 a.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx
Approved by: The Church council via email.
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Tod ~ Katy ~ Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha
Arlene ~ Vern ~ Laura ~ Rebecca
Beverly ~ Rod ~ David ~ Gracie
Sue ~ Scott ~ Marlene ~ Jeff
Steve ~ Shelly ~ James
Janice ~ 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 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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If the Chilton Area School District is closed due to winter weather, the 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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Peter Hofmeister: Mar 2
Donald Goeldi: Mar 3
Kevin Marx: Mar 3
Wayne Kress: Mar 4
Donna Kuba: Mar 6
Kelly Kress: Mar 7
Christina McGinnis: Mar 9
Eleanor Augsburger: Mar 11
Heather Zwetow: Mar 12
Kimberlee Pringle: Mar 12
Michael Redig: Mar 13
Jaren Pingel: Mar 13
Michael Safford-Kennedy: Mar 14
Hannah Verrier: Mar 15
Bill Hoff: Mar 16
Don Waldvogel: Mar 16
Dean Beyer: Mar 16
Dianne Buechel: Mar 19
Torrey Gasch: Mar 19
Paul Halbach: Mar 19
Janine Bratz: Mar 20
Eric Plate: Mar 21
Aiden Tanner: Mar 21
Jim Scholz: Mar 21
Edith Knoespel: Mar 21
Karen Cmejla: Mar 22
Sue Riesterer: Mar 23
Dean Pingel: Mar 25
Gary Elliott: Mar 28
Roger Kloehn: Mar 28
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; contact Jill Sippel at 920-418-1534 with questions!
- The March/April Upper Room devotional guide is available in the Narthex book rack. Help yourself!
- Upcoming events at Lakeland College have been posted to the bulletin board.
- The Memory Café will be meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Chilton Public Library. See the board for details.
- 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!
- Ash Wednesday (March 6) Services: Century Ridge (building 2) @ 1:30 p.m.; St. John UCC @ 7:00 p.m.
- The 12th Annual Open Barn hosted by Sattler Farm Lamb is on Saturday, March 9, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Details for the “Face Time with Jesus” Women’s Day Event at Zion Lutheran Church (New Holstein) on March 9 have been posted to the bulletin board.
- The 25th Annual Farm Toy & Craft Show at New Holstein High School is on Sunday, March 10. See the flyer on the board for details!
- Confirmation Students: Sunday, March 24, please plan to stay following worship to help carry rummage sale items up to Fellowship Hall.
- We will be collecting the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on Sunday, March 31.
- The 21st Annual Women’s Breakaway is on Saturday, April 6, at Chilton High School.
- Join the General Synod 32 Team – Volunteer! Hosting General Synod is an honor and will require many people and talents to make it a success. If you want to volunteer but do not plan to register for and attend Synod, you can provide hospitality at hotels, the Airport or the Intermodal Station; you can assist with the Outdoor Festival or for select Mission Projects.
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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 & hygiene products
- diapers
- cereal
Thank you for taking the time to check the box to make sure it is stocked! I
f you have any questions, contact the
church office
.
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