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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
May 2020 Eagle Newsletter
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Through May 24, Sunday Services will be held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at the Twilight Theater (Chilton).
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It has been more than a month since we gathered in church. I miss it. I miss seeing you. I miss the music. I miss the singing. I miss the kids. I miss the Confirmands. I miss the fellowship time after church. I miss going to the church preparing for the Sunday service. I miss the Wired Word. I miss the community. I miss seeing and talking with Jackie. I MISS CHURCH.
I know I’m not alone in this. Many of you miss all of this and far more. Husbands and wives in homes who cannot be visited. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren who cannot be hugged. Teachers who cannot see their students. People who want to work but cannot. We have lost so much and we lose even more as each day passes. There is much to lament during this time.
Sometimes it is appropriate to spend time lamenting our losses. As we count our losses, feel our losses, we become aware of our blessings. We miss our loved ones, but we still have them and their love. As I write this, I sit in the parsonage looking out a picture window opening to the backyard. In the backyard, right now, there are birds in the trees, on the ground, two rabbits, several squirrels some of whom are chasing one another, and surrounding all of these creatures is bright sunshine. Normally at this time, I would be in an office reading and writing and missing out on the visual beauty.
I don’t mean to minimize what you have lost or to tell you not to mourn. What you feel is true for you in this moment. We live our lives with these feelings and these experiences. As the Psalmist says, God walks with us through the darkest valleys of our lives. Undoubtedly, this is one of the darker times for most of us. We must continue to walk through the valley to experience the emergence from the valley. When we do come to the end of this time, it will be good to offer thanksgiving to God for God’s presence with us each step of the journey.
I’m ready for this time to be over. The time to see the end is not for me to know. I am bound by faith to experience the loss and emptiness and to find God’s presence in each moment.
Peace & Grace,
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As I began to write this, I was notified the Governor has extended the Safer-At home order to May 26. I am disappointed, but this is the right decision for this time in the life of the church and the wider community. We will continue to practice social distancing and the other recommendations for keeping the virus away.
The church will continue to be closed for all activities until further notice.
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Dear Ebenezer Folks,
What a month this has been. I can’t recall a seminary class that could have prepared me for the challenges the Coronavirus and physical distancing brought to my ‘normal life’. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, afraid, angry, or in shock… I get it. So much feels different.
And yet some things remain: the abiding love of God, the connections of friendship and prayer within our congregation, and our commitment to reach out in service to our neighbors.
Here at Ebenezer, we are learning new ways to still be the congregation you treasure. We are offering virtual services on Facebook Live and YouTube. We have started a calling tree to make sure every household would receive a call. We don’t need a building to be church, but we do need each other.
I want to thank you for your commitment to Ebenezer. For those who’ve made gifts in first quarter, your gifts this first quarter help sustain the faithful mission and ministry of our congregation. Your support is critical to our sustainability.
Some in our community face enormous personal economic challenges because of this pandemic. If you are facing financial uncertainty or chaos, please make certain your family is secure before you consider giving to the church. If you find yourself able to make an additional gift beyond what you normally give or to continue your usual contributions, know that your donation is deeply felt and lasting.
Together, we can support each other through this difficult time. Together, we can answer God’s call to mission and ministry. Together, we can be spiritually united even when physically apart.
Peace and grace,
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These are strange and sad times we are going through right now. Your church council wants you to know that we are here for you. If you need anything, you can call or email the church office (920-849-4331), Pastor Mike (920-286-1956), or any one of the council representatives with your request. Phone numbers of the council members are all listed in your most recent church directory.
Kelly Brown and Ellie Papendieck have also offered to run errands for anyone during this time.
Governor Evers recently extended the safe-at-home order into May, so our church will remain closed to all gatherings until it is lifted. We have been able to worship as a congregation on Sunday mornings at the drive-in theater in Chilton. Everyone remains in their vehicle as Pastor Mike leads the worship from the parking lot area. There will offering buckets available. This will be ongoing through May 24 at 9:00 a.m.
Even though most things are very different than we are used to, one thing that does not change is the fact that the bills keep coming in. We are in good shape, so no need to worry, but if you are able, please remember Ebenezer. We are accepting an offering on Sunday mornings at the drive-in and you can also mail your donations to the church office. Deposits at the bank are being made on a semi-regular basis. The council, at their meeting last week, has decided to donate all loose offering to Mr. Mike Radue’s charity of choice. Mike is the contact person from the theater who has made our Sunday worship possible. He asks nothing for himself, but has asked instead that we would benefit a charity.
We’re hoping you are all staying safe, and remember that help is just a phone call away if you need it. Your council members are listed below.
Barb DeKerf
Vern Gasch
Andy Hofmeister
Ken Lisowe
Zach Platner
Dennis Winkler
Joan Woelfel
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It is with sadness that we report the passing of lifetime EUCC member Alice McNeely. She passed on April 24, 2020, at the age of 87 after bravely battling dementia, kidney failure, and pneumonia.
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The extension of the Safer-At-Home order will force us to re-think Confirmation Sunday. Stay tuned for further information.
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EUCC members/Chilton Community,
If anyone is concerned about heading into the community because they are in a high risk group (i.e. elderly, compromised immune system, etc.), Kelly and Ellie are happy to run any errands needed such as groceries, pharmaceutical needs, etc. Please don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Kelly Brown
920-418-0351
Ellie Papendieck
920-418-4978
P.S. Thank you to the Brown Family for helping clean Elaine's lot!!!
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Blessing Box
I know many paper, toiletry and food items are difficult to find, but if you have ANY you can spare, please remember that the Blessing Box is still open and is a valuable resource to those in need in our community.
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Evangelism Committee Note ...
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The Evangelism Committee will not be meeting again until the Fall.
- Church congregation directory (hoping for Fall)
- May - Don Waldvogel will take flower pots to "Just For You" shop
- Have to buy 2 new pots this year since 20 will be put in front of several Chilton businesses.
- Any one who is willing to help put these pots in place, please contact Don - they want them to be out and about before Father's Day Parade.
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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. See the article below as a refresher on what all the duties of an usher are.
May:
May 31: Kelly Brown Family
June:
June 7: Council
June 14: Vern & Ann Gasch, Dean & Ellie Papendieck
June 21: Steve & Chris Stenz, Don & Connie Waldvogel
June 28: Brian Adamietz Family
If you/your family would like to be added to the ushering schedule, or if you're on and would like to be removed to serve the church in other ways, please let the office know.
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Notes from the Music Corner...
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What can be said when the past has been erased, the present is ever changing and the future is uncertain?? One certainty is that God is present. All the music plans for the Easter season, for confirmation and Mother's Day have fallen by the wayside but, hopefully, will resurface at a different time, perhaps in a very robust manner.
It was so uplifting to have the Easter worship and subsequent worship services at the drive-in! I felt such joy after the Easter service that I stopped at church, propped the fellowship door open, and played “Christ the Lord Has Risen” and “The Day of Resurrection” with full volume on the organ so the whole world could hear! It was delightful to have Pastor, his daughter and another congregation member peek in to concur with the musical message. Following the meaningful April 19 drive-in worship, my soul wanted to again be released in music. When I stopped at church, the council members were arriving for their monthly meeting in the Fellowship Hall where they could stay distanced. That meant I could not turn the organ volume up as I had the week before. The Holy Spirit guided me to play songs I usually use for communion – "Here I Am Lord," "Dona Nobis Pacem," "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace," "Open My Eyes," "Precious Lord Take My Hand," etc. I would really like to share that musical message, but for now and for the uncertain future, about all I can do is prop the door open for anyone going by to hear!
Oh what a glorious day it will be when we can all gather back in the sanctuary. For now, keep praying for good health for ourselves, our community, nation and world, and for all the workers providing health care services and other necessities.
Elaine
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Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: April 19, 2020
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Opening: Ken Lisowe called the meeting to order at 9:59 a.m.
Present: Ken Lisowe, Andy Hofmeister, Vern Gasch, Barb DeKerf, Dennis Winkler, Joan Woelfel, Pastor Mike
A motion was made by Dennis Winkler and seconded by Vern Gasch to accept the Meeting Agenda and Last Month's Minutes. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report
There was discussion about the possibility of the use of a trailer for Pastor Mike to stand on for services at the Theater. We discussed the positives and negatives of using a trailer. It was also noted that the Twilight Theater is reserved every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. through May 24. There was discussion about how to thank and recognize the theater.
Joan Woelfel made a motion to use the cash from the offering to go to Mike Radue's (from the theater) suggested groups. Andy Hofmeister seconded the motion and it was carried.
Committee Reports
- Christian Education: There will be no more Sunday School classes this year
- Property: Heiberger finished the trim in front of the church.
Old Business
- There was discussion about the bat mitigation. The council discussed possibilities for how to deal with that. Dennis Winkler will follow up.
- The church picture directory has been postponed.
New Business
- All church activities (at the church) are suspended until further notice. Services will be at Twilight Theater as noted.
- There was discussion about paying supply pastors. Vern Gasch made a motion to pay for supply pastors from the association or members from church. Mileage would also be added if they are from the association. Joan Woelfel seconded motion and it carried.
Dennis Winkler made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Joan Woelfel seconded the motion, and it carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
*Next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 17*
Minutes Submitted by:
Andy Hofmeister
Approved by: The Church council via email.
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Tod ~ David ~ Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha ~ Pastor Sue
Arlene ~ Rebecca ~ Vern ~ Marlene ~ David
Audrey ~ Rod ~ Jeff ~ Steve ~ Janice
Ryann ~ Diana ~ Betty ~ Kathy ~ Don
Terri Ann ~ Mary ~ Bob ~ Audra ~ Patrice
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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Visitation List: If you know someone who is ill/homebound that you would like to add to Pastor Mike's Visitation List, please contact the office (include a contact number and address).
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 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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The June Eagle deadline is May 22.
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Strengthen the Church offering will be on May 31.
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Save the date for the Interfaith Education event scheduled for November 14, 2020, at Lakeland University. See the board for information.
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The May/June Upper Room is now available; contact Pastor Mike or the office for a copy.
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In the Fall, LifeTouch will be coming to EUCC to take member/family pictures for a new picture directory. Stay tuned for details!
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Samantha Mitchell: May 1
Donald Pingel: May 1
Ralph Schmid: May 2
Ken Lisowe: May 3
Jennifer Pringle: May 4
Barb Pautz: May 5
Talena Popp: May 6
Stacey Sabish: May 7
Joel Propson: May 9
Joe Dorn: May 11
Connie Waldvogel: May 11
Teagan Sabish: May 12
David McGinnis: May 12
Breanna Cook: May 12
Emily Kolbe: May 12
Paula Pingel-Rona: May 17
Alex Ditter: May 19
David Miller: May 20
Johanna Bechlem: May 24
Lynn Merino: May 30
May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
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The extension of the Safer-At-Home order will force us to re-think Confirmation Sunday. Stay tuned for further information.
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Ebenezer Office Hours:
*Until further notice, the church office will be closed.*
(920) 849-4331
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Pastor's Cell Phone: (920) 286-1956
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Help Strengthen the Church by supporting the growth of UCC ministries and local churches. This special offering helps the church in its quest for a just world for all. We will receive this offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.
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