|
|
Ebenezer United Church of Christ
June 2019 Eagle Newsletter
|
|
I remember growing up in the 60’s in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I had a blessed childhood: several neighborhood friends, playing baseball nearly everyday in the summer and football everyday in the winter, lots of time to read on the front porch, watching TV and yearning for the few times the Detroit Tigers games would be televised. The Tigers were the centerpiece of the summer.
My dad would sit on the front porch every night and listen to the game on the radio. He had the center chair. My mom would sit on the porch occasionally, she was not the fan that he was. At the beginning of the baseball season, he would schedule the summer vacation around the Tigers schedule.
One day in August we would drive to Detroit to watch a twi-night doubleheader, two games for the price of one! This was our family vacation each year. I remember some of the games and most I don’t, but I do remember the days and the travels. Dad would see a cloud in the sky, and he was sure the games would be rained out. We would pack a lunch and eat on the road. We were allowed one hotdog and one drink at the ballpark. I don’t remember any of the drives home at 10:00 p.m. or later. Sleep was deep and peaceful. The next morning it was time to start counting down the days until the next year’s twi-night doubleheader.
It was fitting that when I joined the Navy, a group of sailors and I were inducted at Tiger Stadium. I stood near home plate and looked at the stadium from a new perspective. Dad and Mom were there, as well as my brother. The place where I had longed to be each summer had a new meaning for me.
That was many years ago. Much has changed; Tiger Stadium is gone, so are Mom and Dad. I am now their age when they made their last trip to Detroit. My kids are grown and off on their own with their lives. Changes came to my life, sometimes I was ready and sometimes I wasn’t. I am the person I am today because of the changes. I will continue to change, and I will continue to thrive.
How has your understanding of church changed over the years? How has your faith thrived?
Peace and Grace,
|
|
Congratulations to Claudia Brown, Riley Schneider, Emily Roehrig and Max Mueller who were confirmed Sunday, May 5th. It has been a pleasure having these fine people in class each week. I miss them, their questions, their insights and their laughter.
Pastor Mike
|
|
At the January Annual Meeting, it was approved to implement a new security system at EUCC.
Installation of this system began on May 13 and as of today, this install is still ongoing. However, once the install is complete, if you had a key to EUCC you will now only be able to access the building through swiping a keycard on the pads located at the Main Office Door and the Happy Hour Door (if you are in need of a card, please see
Jackie).
With this new system, ALL the doors will be locked 24/7 (except during a scheduled time on Sunday morning when all 4 doors will be open). Guests that come to EUCC during office hours will need to be buzzed in to enter the church. The office has the only master panel that can see who is outside the Main Office door, and then can grant access.
Only the Main office door has this intercom/buzzer.
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 Intercom Button & Wait for response from the Office.
FAQs about the system:
- If the power goes out, the pad for the key cards will work for up to 24 hours on battery backup.
- The 4 doors will be programmed to be open on Sunday mornings during scheduled times.
- The Main Office & Happy Hour doors can be programmed for special events (such as the Ice Cream Social, funerals, etc.) - requests for the doors to be open will need to go through the office.
- The doors inside will have a sensor; meaning, when you are close to the doors, they will automatically unlock so you can exit the building. They will then lock again following your exit.
As we begin using this new system, there are going to be questions so please feel free to reach out to
Jackie or Ken Lisowe and we will do our best to answer these questions.
|
|
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.
|
Pastor Sue and I share a mighty “thank you” to all who have offered help, prayers and encouragement during the past two months of moving. Special thanks go to Ken Lisowe, Vern Gasch, and Kelly & Jill Sippel for their help in moving boxes and large items.
|
|
Our move from Sheboygan Falls to Chilton is finally completed. May 9th the moving truck arrived in Chilton and within a couple of hours all our belongings had been deposited throughout various rooms and the job of unpacking began. It continues.
It already has been enjoyable being a part of our two communities and we look forward to spending time with you at many of our summer community activities.
|
Thank You to Tiffany Porsche for the Mother's Day pens!!
|
|
Elaine Hessil was presented with a plaque on May 26 for all her work with the bell choir!
|
|
The Evangelism Committee is thrilled to have 18 flower pots on display this summer throughout the community!
|
|
On May 12, Shirley Lisowe was honored for her 40+ years of dedication to the EUCC youth!
|
|
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.
June:
June 2: Council
June 9: Kelly Brown Family
June 16: Vern & Ann Gasch, Dean & Ellie Papendieck
June 23: Steve & Chris Stenz, Don & Connie Waldvogel
June 30: Brian Adamietz Family
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 & Shirly Lisowe
If you have any questions about your ushering duties,
click here for the instructions.
|
|
Ice Cream Social Supper ...
|
|
We know it's still early, but July will be here before you know it so please save
Wednesday, July 10,
as a time to attend Ebenezer's Annual Ice Cream Social Supper. Serving times are 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, and carryouts are available from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. in the parsonage garage.
Menu will include grilled chicken breasts, pulled pork, coleslaw, calico beans, German potato salad, beverages, and of course homemade pies.
Any monetary check donations should be written to Women's Guild;
we ask that you
do separate donations for the Ice Cream Social and your church giving to avoid confusion.
So please save the date and support this annual event! Funds raised from this event go towards Our Church's Wider Mission.
Thank you!
Joan Woelfel and Ruth Aebischer
Co-Chairs
|
|
Notes from Sunday School ...
|
|
Another Sunday School year came to an end on May 12, Mothers’ Day. It was a lively year and we had the pleasure of working with the kids from age 3 through the 6th grade. Our final week together was a Children’s Worship Sunday and as a special treat to the moms (who am I kidding-it was a treat for everyone there!), Jake Propson and Natalie Adamietz played piano solos, and the 1st and 2nd grade students, Jennifer Pringle, Riley Roehrig and Jordan Propson sang
“Love, Love, Love”
to the congregation.
We will now say good-bye to Owen Brown, Kaleb Plate, Logan Platner, Ryan Schnell, Meghan Adamietz and JorJa Ninneman as they graduate into the confirmation class with Pastor Mike in fall. Saturday, May 18, several of the kids had a fun time bowling at Pla-Mor Lanes at our end-of-the-year party.
Our own Blessing Box has been the kids’ mission project for the school year, and they did a great job of filling it several times. All monetary offerings we received will be used to purchase supplies throughout the summer.
Thank you to all the parents who made an effort to get your child to class each week and thank you to the teachers who gave so willingly of their time to teach these great kids. We may be needing some help with teaching in the fall, so anyone who has a desire to make a big difference in a child’s life, please come forward. See you in fall!!
Shirley Lisowe
|
|
Notes from the Music Corner ...
|
|
THANKS
go out to many individuals that provided special music for May worship:
- Karen Cmejla rang a bell solo for Confirmation
- Natalie Adamietz and Jake Propson played piano solos for Mother's Day
- Jennifer Pringle, Jordan Propson and Riley Roehrig sang an energetic song for the last day of Sunday School /Mother's Day
- Katharina Keller sang meaningful selections on May 19
- Ebenezer Brass concluded their season with a patriotic medley as prelude and “Love Divine” on Memorial Sunday
Thank you to director Jill Sippel and all of the Ebenezer Brass participants for their dedication in attending weekly practices, and playing for worship at St. Johns on the 2nd Sunday and Ebenezer on the 4th Sunday of each month - plus the wonderful Christmas concert. Their dedication and time contribute a major element to the life of Ebenezer and St. Johns. We’ll look forward to their return in September. Please consider joining the group. No special music background is necessary.
Hymn singing will again precede the July services, therefore, everyone will again have the opportunity to submit a list of their favorite hymns the last two Sundays of June. Be thinking of songs you’d like to sing. Remember, they need not necessarily be from our hymnal. We had a wonderful list that we got through last year. New and old ideas are always welcome because a new list is made up each year.
On
June 30
the
2nd
Edit
ion Polka Band from Wittenberg, Wisconsin
,
will provide the music portion of the worship service. They will do many favorite hymns with a different beat! They will also play 10 minutes before worship begins, so be sure not to miss this varied music approach. They are welcomed regulars at the annual Gospel Fest in August.
|
|
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: May 19, 2019
|
|
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, Barbara DeKerf and Ken Lisowe.
Approval of Agenda:
Ken Lisowe made a motion to approve the agenda. Colleen Marx seconded.
Approval of Minutes:
The April 2019 meeting minutes were previously approved via email.
Treasurer’s Report:
Zach Platner made a motion to accept the April financial report. Barb DeKerf seconded. The motion carried. The May bill list was previously accepted via email.
Minister’s Report:
Attendance is 73 on average for a Sunday. All Utilities, cable and internet for the parsonage are in Pastor Mike’s name and will be billed directly to him. There will be two Baptisms June 2.
Committee Reports
- Christian Education and Music: No new news.
- Evangelism: The flowerpots will be placed at 15 businesses in the Chilton area.
- Mission: No new news.
- Property: Vern Gasch made a motion to accept the painting and repair of the trim outside the church to be paid for by a donation from Vern and Edith Knoespel. Zach Platner seconded. The motion carried.
- Stewardship: No new news.
- Membership: No new news.
Continuing Business:
Church Security:
CEC has started with the installation of the security system. Key cards will be distributed to those who need them. The contract amount was approved at the Annual meeting. The installation will be paid out of the Memorial Fund. A bill for the security hardware was approved and will be paid. A balance remains to be paid once the installation is complete. Colleen Marx made a motion to pay the CEC bill and Vern Gasch seconded. The motion carried.
New Business:
- Visitation Log: It was recommended that a visitation log be created by the church office to track the sick/homebound and nursing home visitations and if communion was given to help with family inquiries. A sick/homebound/nursing home list was created and will be updated as needed. It was also recommended that a visitation card be created to be used at visitations with a message from the Ebenezer congregation.
- Flags: The Evangelism Committee has suggested creating and purchasing flags to be placed around the church to advertise our many ministries and special worship music provided by our handbell choir. They will create the flag and its proposed contents and present for review and possible purchase approval at the June council meeting.
- Brochure Approval: The Evangelism Committee, with the help of Jackie in the office, has created a brochure to be distributed in Chilton and the surrounding communities. The draft was evaluated and approved with corrections. Colleen Marx made a motion to accept the brochure and pay for 500 copies to be made. Zach Platner seconded. The motion carried.
**Next council meeting is on June 10 at 5:00 p.m.**
Adjournment:
Ken Lisowe made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Vern Gasch seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 a.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx
Approved by: The Church council via email.
|
|
Ebenezer Church Council - Special Meeting
Meeting Minutes: May 5, 2019
|
|
Opening: The special meeting of the Church Council was called to order at 8:00 a.m. on 05/05/2019 by Kari Meyers.
Present: Kari Meyers, Colleen Marx, Ken Lisowe, Vern Gasch and Andy Hofmeister.
Pastor Housing Allowance
Kari Meyers spoke with the president of St. John’s council. St. John would like to continue to pay Pastor Mike directly the housing allowance as they have in the past. It was agreed they will not pay the allowance to Ebenezer and will continue to pay it to Pastor Mike.
Parsonage Utility, Water, Sewer and Cable/Internet Payment:
In a previous church council meeting it was agreed that Ebenezer would pay the utility, water, sewer, and cable/internet for the parsonage with St. John paying Pastor Mike’s housing allowance to Ebenezer. Upon further review, and with St. John paying the housing allowance directly to Pastor Mike, it was determined it would be best for Pastor Mike to set up the utility, water, sewer, and cable/internet in his name and pay for them directly. Vern Gasch made a motion to rescind the previous agreement and accept the new agreement of Pastor Mike assuming responsibility and payment for the utility, water sewer, and cable/internet bills. Ken Lisowe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 a.m. by Kari Meyers.
Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx
Approved by: The Church council via email.
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
|
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
.
|
|
Ryan Schnell: Jun 1
Erin Woelfel: Jun 5
Mark Pingel: Jun 5
Kelly Brown: Jun 8
Kris Pagel: Jun 8
Kyla Rona: Jun 9
Charlie Kuhn: Jun 11
Jane Bolz: Jun 17
Donald Pagel: Jun 18
Patrick Marx: Jun 18
Vern Knoespel: Jun 21
Jean Goeldi: Jun 22
Dylan Tyson: Jun 27
Judy Mastrocola: Jun 29
May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
|
- 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. Thank you!
- The ADRC is offering a Lunch & Learn titled “Eggs. To Eat or Not to Eat. That is the Question.” See the flyer on the board for detailed information!
- You are invited to attend the "The Eat Healthy, Be Active Workshop" at Fox Valley Tech. The 6-part series is for those over 60; see the board for dates & times!
- Information on the "Know Your Rights Workshops" are on the board.
- Sunday, June 2, the Evangelism Committee will be meeting at 8:00 a.m. - all are welcome!!!
- Gregory Zelek will be performing a concert at St. Peter’s UCC in Kiel on Wednesday, June 5; for tickets, call 920-894-2404 or see the flyer.
- Sunday, June 9, will be the Strengthen the Church Offering.
- June 13 the ADRC is presenting “The A B C and D’s of MEDICARE” at Chilton High School. Call (920) 849-1451 for information/to register.
- On June 30, the II Edition Polka Band from Wittenberg will provide the music portion of the worship service!
- August 16-17 is the Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest in Hilbert - grab a brochure off the Narthex table to learn more!
- The Memory Café meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Chilton Public Library. See the board for details.
- If you are interested in learning more about Fairhaven Senior Services, there are brochures located on the table in the Narthex.
- Upcoming events at Lakeland College have been posted to the bulletin board.
- Information about The Appleton Visually Impaired Support Group is located on the bulletin board for anyone interested in the topic of vision loss.
- The May/June 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
