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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
July 2019 Eagle Newsletter
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Greetings all,
Summer is a slower time at the church. Bible studies, Confirmation and Sunday School are wrapped up for the program year. Everyone involved in those activities gets a chance to stand back and exhale. Another program year has been completed and all is well with the church. 😊
During late June my thoughts turn to September and the start of a new program year. What does the church need to fulfill its ministries for next year? We have new students coming into Confirmation, new students for Sunday School, new Bible studies, new ministries, and a new stewardship year. Yes, there is a break, but it is short and now is the time to plan for success. But a well-balanced life also enjoys the summer.
Someday soon it will stop raining and warm up. Someday soon we can play soccer and baseball and not have to wear lifejackets. Someday soon we can work in the yard without waders. I plan to get outside and enjoy creation no matter the weather. I’ll be outside working around the yard during the day and staring at the sky in the evening. Pastor Sue and I will go to concerts, Friday night outdoor celebrations, try some of the local restaurants, and go to the cabin to enjoy the forest and the lake.
Summer is for planning and for rediscovering the wonders of Wisconsin and UP summers. It’s a time for praising God and soaking in God’s wonderful Creation.
Peace and Grace,
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Many of you have asked how the move is coming along, if we are done unpacking and getting settled in. I can answer 'Yes' to both - with a caveat.
The news of the move came to us in March, if I recall correctly, we started packing the next day. All the packing, moving and unpacking produced just one broken item! This was a joy to both of us because many of the things we have, have great sentimental value.
We haven’t finished unpacking. There are maybe 5 or 6 boxes which we have barely touched. We looked in the boxes and decided what was in there just didn’t look like anything we needed right now. We have pushed them out of the way and are waiting until we have the desire and the energy to tackle them. I’m sure “any day now” we’ll try again. 😊
The Parsonage is in fine condition. Everything works the way it should. Nothing leaks. Items start and stop when they should. All is good inside and out at 118 Reed St.
Thanks to Frank and Karen, Ken Lisowe, Don Pingel, and the Women’s Guild for the loving care of the Parsonage.
And a thank you for the new refrigerator in the Parsonage; the new one is a better size for our needs and works wonderfully!
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The installation of the new security system is 99.9% complete!
If you have keys to the outside doors, we ask you to turn them into the office as they no longer work.
Entrance to the church is now done with a credit card sized keycard. If you do not have a card and need to get into the church during regular hours, come to the Main Office entrance, press the intercom button and Jackie or Pastor Mike will buzz you in (
only the Main office door has an intercom/buzzer). If you need access after hours, get in touch with
Jackie or Pastor Mike.
How to use the card reader:
To enter, swipe card access card and wait a few seconds for the door to unlatch. Pull on handle to open the door.
How to use the intercom: Push the Intercom Button and wait for response from the Office.
Please feel free to reach out to
Jackie or Ken Lisowe as we go through this new system with any questions/comments.
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Please note that EUCC Summer Office Hours began on Tuesday, May 28 and will run through Thursday, August 30 (Memorial Day - Labor Day):
Tuesday - Thursday
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Have a
prayer request? Place it in the Church box located on the Narthex table! Forms are in front of the box; simply fill it out and insert it into the top!
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Congratulations to Blake and Annabelle on their baptisms on Sunday, June 2!
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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.
July:
July 7: Council
July 14: James & Penni Gleason Family
July 21: Ralph Schmid, Mark Rusch, JoAnn Lakin, Karen Cmejla
July 28: Mike Redig, Sue Verrier, Ken & Shirley Lisowe
August:
August 4: Council
August 11: Kelly Brown Family
August 18: Ralph Schmid, Mark Rusch, JoAnn Lakin, Karen Cmejla
August 25: Don & Donna Pingel, Kimberlee & Jennifer Pringle
If you have any questions about your ushering duties,
click here for the instructions.
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Ice Cream Social Supper Approaching!
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The Ice Cream Social Supper is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10th, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. Carry-outs are available from 4:00-6:30 p.m. in the parsonage garage. Menu is: pulled pork and grilled chicken breast sandwiches, German potato salad, coleslaw, calico beans, homemade pies, ice cream, and beverages.
If you wish to make a donation to the Ice Cream Social Supper, please make checks payable to:
Ebenezer Women’s Guild
. Donations can be dropped off in the church office during office hours (Tuesday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), or given to any Guild officer: Diane Sattler, Ruth Aebischer, or JoAnn Lakin and also Joan Woelfel.
Pie Bakers:
The Fellowship Hall doors will be open by 6:00 a.m. on July 10th if you want to drop your pies off before you go to work.
We ask that everyone please try to get their pies to church by 1:00 p.m. that day
. It’s also very important that we know how many pies we will be getting so if you haven’t returned your post card yet, please do so by June 28th.
The Women’s Guild would like to thank everyone who helps on July 10th, bakes a pie(s), or donates cash. It is very much appreciated!
Please join us and bring along family, friends, neighbors, etc., on July 10th for food and fellowship. All are welcome!
Thank you for your support!
Joan Woelfel and Ruth Aebischer
Co-Chairs
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Notes from the Music Corner ...
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The articles printed on the back of the Sunday bulletins give us a view of the broader church and often expand on the scripture for the day. Several weeks ago it expounded on the scripture for the day, Acts 16: 16 – 34. It gave an action-filled version of Paul and Silas being imprisoned. During the night, they drew on one of “the most transformative superpowers of God’s people – they began to sing!’’ The prisoners, and even the jailer, were set free! So as we sing during worship, don’t just make your way through a series of notes and words, make it into your superpower. Be filled with joy and comfort and bring these gifts to all the world. With this in mind, we will be having pre-service sing-alongs during July of all the favorite hymns that were submitted the last two weeks of June. Let the Holy Spirit help us sing with conviction and joy for all the world to hear!
Although Independence Day, July 4th, is on Thursday, we will have a variety of patriotic music for July 7th worship. That will be the first day to have a sing-along before service (8:30-8:45 a.m.). Ann and Elaine will present a patriotic organ – piano prelude. Karen will offer a patriotic bell solo. This will be an extension of observing our Independence!
Karen Cmejla and Claudia Brown will be attending the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in St. Louis on July 16 – 20. It truly is an invigorating and enriching opportunity to expand their bell ringing skills. Claudia will again be participating in the Distinctly Teen sessions with a performance on the last day. In addition to the many skill sessions, they will have the opportunity to hear concerts by eight renown handbell groups from all over the United States. All of this will take place in the shadow of the Arch! We’ll be anxious to hear about their adventures! Good luck girls!
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Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: June 10, 2019
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Opening: The meeting of the Ebenezer Church Council was called to order at 5:06 p.m. by Kari Meyers.
Present: Pastor Mike, Colleen Marx, Kari Meyers, Zach Platner, Barbara DeKerf and Ken Lisowe.
Approval of Agenda: Barb DeKerf made a motion to approve the agenda. Zach Platner seconded.
Approval of Minutes: The May 2019 meeting minutes were previously approved via email.
Treasurer’s Report:
The security system installation expenditure was taken from a designated fund and not from the general fund. Colleen Marx made a motion to accept the May financial report. Ken Lisowe seconded. The motion carried. Ken Lisowe made a motion to accept the June bill list. Colleen Marx seconded. The motion carried.
Minister’s Report: Attendance is 72 on average for a Sunday. There were two Baptisms on June 2nd. The Visitation log has been created. Pastor Mike will contact Jackie with the date and time of any visitations and highlight if communion was given and date and time of any upcoming visitations.
Committee Reports:
- Christian Education and Music: On June 30 the 2nd Edition Polka Band from Wittenberg, Wisconsin, will provide the music portion of the worship service. They will also play 10 minutes before worship begins. They are welcomed regulars at the annual Gospel Fest in August. Ebenezer will issue a press release regarding the June 30th performance.
- Evangelism: The design of the advertisement flags continues. The church brochures have been completed and will be distributed in Chilton and the surrounding communities.
- Mission: No new news.
- Property: Thank you to Zach Platner and his father-in-law, as well as Ken Lisowe, for cleaning the upper level gutters around the parsonage. Pastor Mike asked that the refrigerator in the parsonage be upgraded to a larger model. The current one is too small. Colleen Marx made a motion to accept a budget amount for a new refrigerator. Barb DeKerf seconded. Zach Platner made a motion to sell the old refrigerator and stove. Colleen Marx seconded. It was discussed to consider updating all of the church lighting to LED. Ken Lisowe will look into this.
- Stewardship: No new news.
- Membership: No new news.
Continuing Business:
- Church Security: The security system installation is completed. Key cards have been distributed. The doors are programmed to be open on Sunday from 7:30 -11:00 am.
- Worship service recordings: Pastor Mike will mention the service at his visitations and let Zach Platner know if there are any interested parties.
New Business:
- The Happy Hour Lease was renewed.
- Pastor Mike’s Health insurance paperwork has been completed and the premium will be paid to Pastor Mike on the 15th of the month.
- Safe Church forms: Zach Platner will review.
**Next council meeting is on July 21st at 8 a.m.**
Adjournment: Ken Lisowe made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Barb DeKerf seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx
Approved by: The Church council via email.
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Evangelism Committee Meeting
Meeting Minutes: June 2, 2019
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Present: Don, Connie, Stephanie, Zach
Called to order @ 8:00 a.m.
- Visitation Log
- Need names of people who are sick, etc.
- Check the guest book for contacts
- Box for prayer requests
- Outdoor flags
- Spiked is included in cost
- Council was going to discuss another company
- Brochures
- Printed and will be distributed
- Flower Pots
- 18 pots placed on Friday
- Some need signs – Stephanie will have them this week
Adjourned @ 8:35 a.m.
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Tod ~ Katy ~ Jeff ~ Steve
Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha ~ Janice
Arlene ~ Rebecca ~ Pastor Susan ~ Sarah
Vern ~ Marlene ~ Sue ~ Ryann
Beverly ~ Rod ~ Earl ~ Diana
David ~ James
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 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:
(Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Tuesday - Thursday 9:30 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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Cole Woelfel: July 4
Michael Bratz: July 6
Jordan Kress: July 7
Bea Pingel: July 9
Tyler See: July 10
Sadie Kubichka: July 11
Terra Hintz: July 16
Owen Brown: July 17
Vern Gasch: July 18
Chris Stenz: July 23
Megan Tyson: July 23
Josh Ditter: July 24
Jody Mattes: July 27
Emily Wagner: July 27
Royce Verrier: July 30
May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
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- Large Print Bulletins are available every Sunday (including music); please see an usher if you would like a copy!
- The Mission Committee is looking for some new members; talk to Nan, Jeanne, Janet, Ruth or Karen if interested.
- The church has an electric range for sale! It is from the Parsonage and is in working order. Contact Ken Lisowe if you’re interested!
- St. John UCC will be offering Kids Quilting for grades 3rd+ on Tuesday's from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Call Susan Hawk for information: 920-286-6094.
- The Memory Cafe meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Chilton Public Library - see the board for details!
- On June 30, the 2nd Edition Polka Band from Wittenberg, WI, will provide the music portion of the worship service!
- You are invited to St. Peter’s UCC Picnic in the Park/Kiel Municipal Band Concert on July 3 at Kiel City Park. See the flyer on the board for details!
- The church office will be closed on Thursday, July 4.
- Wednesday, July 10, is Ebenezer's Annual Ice Cream Social Supper! Check donations should be written to the Ebenezer Women's Guild – please separate any monetary donations for the Ice Cream Social and your church giving to avoid confusion.
- You are invited to the ‘Drive Your Tractor to Church’ event on Sunday, July 21, at St. James UCC (Newton). See the flyer on the board for details!
- August 16-17 is the Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest in Hilbert - grab a brochure off the Narthex table to learn more!
- The Chilton Public Library has many events this summer including Camp Chilton, Tween Nights and Wonderful Wednesdays; see the board for their Summer Calendar!
- Brochures are on the Narthex table regarding Fairhaven Senior Services.
- Information about The Appleton Visually Impaired Support Group is located on the bulletin board for anyone interested in the topic of vision loss.
- The July/August Upper Room devotional guide is available in the Narthex book rack. Help yourself!
- A pew card for those that give electronically is available for placement in the offering plates on Sunday morning.
- Please call the office to schedule any needed appointments with Pastor Mike.
- EUCC will be video recording select worship services; please contact the church office for details.
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