Pastor’s Corner
Greetings all,

Last week in Confirmation, we talked briefly about the spiritual practice of prayer. One example was Lectio Divina (much of this description of Lectio Divina is taken from the UCC website) which literally means "divine reading." It can also be translated as "holy reading" or "reading with God." Lectio Divina is a way of praying meditatively with the Bible so that the Word of God can reach into our hearts and minds.

Lectio Divina can help us let go of our own agendas when we read the Bible. Like other forms of meditation, it silences the noise of the world around us, leading us in stages to an inner silence where God is waiting for us. But Lectio Divina is not an escape from the world. Instead, God's Word helps us see both our lives and the world around us through God's eyes—and to love what we see in the heart of God. It is both inner-directed (to the presence of God within) and outer-directed (to the world God created).

When we listen to God's Word in this way, meditation can be both a calming and a disturbing experience. Sometimes, God may want to quiet our fears and hold us gently. At other times, God may want to confront us with uncomfortable doubts or unanswered questions.

How do we practice this Holy reading? Most people follow a four-step process. This is not to say that this is the only way to practice this, but it is the way most people have found it to be rewarding.

Lectio (reading)
Read the Bible slowly and reflectively. Any text from the Bible can be used for this purpose, but the reading should not be too long.

Meditatio (reflection)
Think quietly about the text you read. You can read the text many times to let the words sink into your mind and heart.

Oratio (response)
Leave your thinking aside and simply let your heart speak to God.

Contemplatio (rest)
Let go of your own ideas and plans. And you can go deeper: let go of your holy words and thoughts. Simply rest in the Word of God. Listen at the deepest level to God who speaks within you with a still, small voice.

As you read, reflect, respond and rest, you can leave yourself open to be transformed from within by God's Word. Whether over time this transformation influences the way you see and live in the world is one test of the authenticity of prayer. You take what you read in the Word of God into your daily life.

Okay, but how does it work? What do I do?

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to read the Bible as a source for meditation. As you experiment, you may find yourself adapting this old tradition in ways that are useful to you. Here's one method:

First, look for a quiet space where you can read and pray. This could be a chair that is comfortable—but not so comfortable that you fall asleep! You want to be relaxed and attentive at the same time. You could sit on the floor with a cushion for support. You might want to set apart in your home a "holy place" to use for daily prayer. A lighted candle, icon, cross or some other meaningful object can be used to center your attention.

Second, ask God to become part of you, to enter through God's Word. Any "prayer of illumination," or your own spontaneous prayer, is suitable. Here's one example: "Prepare my heart, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in me any voice but your own, that, hearing, I may also obey your will, through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen."

Third, use deep breathing to calm your body and mind. This is an ancient technique used for centuries in Christian and other faith traditions. Breathe in slowly and deliberately, then out in the same manner. Be conscious of your breathing: remember that all living things breathe, and that "spirit" means "breath." Find a slow but natural and comfortable rhythm for your breathing. Continue until you feel relaxed and attentive.

Fourth , pick up the Bible and read through your chosen text. You can read the text quietly out loud or silently in your mind. Take your time. Read several times until one verse or a few words from a verse "speaks to you."

Fifth , repeat the verse or words you have chosen. If it helps, divide the text into two parts: think the first part as you breathe in and the second part as you breathe out. Continue repeating the text until God moves you to silence.

Sixth , spend time in silence. Be aware that you are in God's holy presence. Continue looking at the object you have chosen as a focus of meditation: an icon, cross or lighted candle. Be open to whatever may happen to you: you may feel an emotion, or a sense of awareness, or simply a sense of God's presence.

Seventh , bring the time of meditation to a close. When you feel the time is right, re-read the Bible text one more time. Then conclude with the Lord's Prayer, or any other prayer, or a personal prayer you feel moved to express in God's presence.

Experiment, and find your own way!

Remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to pray! You may find these suggestions useful, or you may not. Feel free to experiment and develop a style of your own. The important thing is to remember that the Bible is not only a text for study but also the first and best prayer book of the Jewish synagogue and the Christian church. The Bible can be your resource for prayer as you seek a closer relationship with God.

We are coming to Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping/parties, and finally New Years. Begin to practice a discipline of prayer now so that the pace of the year does not overwhelm you and your family.

Peace and grace,
Stewardship

As we return from a summer spent at the lake, visiting family across the state or the country, family reunions, it’s time to return focus to the church. The church needs volunteers for just about every part of the church life. I know it’s tough to volunteer because the unknown of what might await you is a powerful and sometimes scary thought. If this is what is keeping you from helping out, please be assured we help our volunteers understand just what is needed and how to do it. We will never leave you on your own with no idea on what to do, how to do it and when it is needed. 

The church budget: The Council starts looking at the church budget in the autumn. We ask ourselves "what we are trying to do as a church?," and how best can we do this and how much money will it take to do it? The Council examines every aspect of the budget because we know you want your offerings to be spent well, on important ministries, and vital items to keep the church functioning at a high level.

Sometimes the church counts it as a success when we reduce the budget from the previous year. This is a success in if we find more efficient ways to do ministry. Our church budget needs to rise if we are to create new ministries to touch families and individuals who need our help. To increase our effectiveness in the community, we sometimes need to increase our budget. Increasing spending is something that is never taken lightly by the Council.

Please prayerfully consider how you can help the church grow this coming year through volunteerism, ideas for reaching into the community, and how to grow the budget.
Faith Formation

The Wired Word is at 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays at Ebenezer and 10:00 a.m on Wednesdays at St. John. We spend 90 minutes looking deeply into an item in the news. Judging from our conversations, we are having a great year.

Everyone is welcome to come to the class. Each week’s topic is different so you can miss a week and not be lost. The cost of the class is free, all you need to bring is a Bible and if you don’t have one, we have plenty for you to choose from.
Confirmation Readers

November 3: Caitlynn Paulson
November 10: no reader
November 17: Kaleb Plate
November 24: JorJa Ninnemann
All Saints' Day

On Sunday, November 3, we will be remembering the following for All Saints' Day:

Alice Kinley 2/25
Nancy Rusch 3/12
Honoring Our Veterans

Veterans Day is November 11; thank you to the following members of EUCC that have served:

Vern Gasch
James Gleason
Don Pagel
Norm Pautz
Dean Pingel
Stacey Sabish
Ralph Schmid
Jim Scholz
John Schroeder
Steve Stenz
Robert Van Beek
Pastor Michael Safford-Kennedy

If anyone is missing from this list, please contact the office or Ruth.
Coffee Hour Sponsors

November: Evangelism Committee
December: Church Council
January: Women's Guild
February: Mission Committee
March: Church Council
April: Worship/Christian Education Committee
May: Bell Choir
Ebenezer Brass performing on Sunday, October 27.
Addison Brown helping at the Rural Arts Roadtrip on October 12.
EUCC Ushering Schedule
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.


November:
November 3: Council
November 10: Sunday School
November 17: Robert & Sheri Van Beek Family
November 24: Zach & Carolyn Platner Family

December:
December 1: Council
December 8: Sunday School
December 15: Vern & Ann Gasch, Dean & Ellie Papendieck
December 22: Kristi & Ryan Schnell, Kari Meyers, Kurt Knoespel
December 29: Steve & Chris Stenz, Don & Connie Waldvogel

If you have any questions about your ushering duties, click here for the instructions.
Sunday School Corner ...
We have a great bunch of kids and teachers in our Sunday School this year! Our mission project, collecting “fun” band-aids for the Children's’ Hospital, has been very successful so far and the amount of boxes are growing and multiplying each week. 

The 4th grade class received their Children’s Bibles at our first children’s worship Sunday in October. Giving Bibles to the 4th graders has been a long standing tradition at Ebenezer. They will be put to good use during class time as the kids learn to find their way around scripture.

The generous donations of some of our members have allowed us to put rugs in two of the classrooms and get some bean bag chairs for the 6th grade boys. The 6th grade has also gone electronic with their curriculum this year using Kindle tablets. They have embraced this change and are learning with a new enthusiasm. 

Oh, and if you see any of our kids offering to open the door for you, or maybe tell you a joke to make you smile, it might just be because they are working out the “random acts of kindness” that we have begun this year. Each week everyone picks a slip off the bulletin board suggesting a random act they should do throughout the week. It’s become a fun thing for them each week and we are hopefully instilling good habits that will stick with them forever. 
Cookie/Candy Walk
The Annual Cookie/Candy Walk will be held on Saturday, December 7, in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We will be selling cookies and candy; please drop them off on Thursday, December 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. or anytime that week during regular office hours (9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday.) Find your favorite recipes and get together with family and friends to make holiday treats for a good cause, which is Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM)!  

If you have questions on anything about the sale, need to have cookies/candy picked up, or would like to pre-order any cookies or candy, you can contact Nan Popp at 920-418-0149 or Jeanne Keuler at 920-203-4137. Cash donations are also appreciated and can be dropped off or sent to the church office.

Thank you!
The Mission Education Committee
Notes from the Music Corner ...
On November 24, Ebenezer Brass bell choir will participate in worship by musically telling the story of the Wiseman and the Foolish Man based on Matthew 7:24-27. For many of us, we may recall this song from Sunday School. It truly is an interesting song to tell a story. That Sunday also celebrates the Reign of Christ which precedes Advent beginning on the following Sunday. 
Ebenezer Christian Education/Worship Committee
Meeting Minutes: October 27, 2019
Committee Members attending: Barb DeKerf, Shirley Lisowe, Ashley Porsche, Chris Stenz, Elaine Hessil  

Shirley gave an ambitious report of the Sunday School curriculum and projects for this year. The average weekly attendance is 26 students. The lessons are designed specifically for each grade level with the 6th grade enthusiastically doing electronic lessons. The mission project of bringing colorful band-aids is off to a great start as well as the weekly random acts of kindness. Congregation members can give Shirley suggestions for any random acts of kindness that can be added to their bulletin board opportunities. Preparations are underway for the Christmas program to be presented during worship on December 22. In addition to returning teachers Kristi Schnell and Shirley Lisowe; Ashley Porsche, Melissa Kuhn, Tami Brown and Terra Hintz have joined this year’s staff.  Thanks to all for their dedication and time.

A few comments were made about the summer sing-along; a desire for Christmas music to be sung in December, and the listing of service music titles (prelude, offertory and postlude) in the bulletin.

The following upcoming dates were noted:
  • November 3: All Saints’ Day – remembering Alice Kinley and Nancy Rusch  
  • November 27: Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship; 7 p.m. Bethlehem UCC
  • December 1: Advent begins, Karen & Ruth will be decorating – watch for details to lend a hand. 
  • December 15: 4 p.m. Ebenezer Brass bell choir concert; watch for details
  • December 22: Sunday School program during worship
  • December 24: 4 p.m. Family worship, Communion, candlelight, bells play
  • December 24: 11 p.m. Communion, Candlelight
  • December 25: 9 a.m. Communion - Due to the small attendance (28 last year), the council suggested eliminating this service. The committee felt some families attended this service, as well as people outside our congregation. If anyone has thoughts about this Christmas Day worship, please express it to any Council Member.

A thank you is extended to Jackie (Ruth subbing) for watering and caring for the sanctuary plants. 
Ebenezer Evangelism Committee
Meeting Minutes: October 5, 2019
Called to order @ 8:15 a.m. 

Old Business:
  • Zach is working with Zander Press on the design for outdoor flags
  • He will keep the committee informed on the progress of this project

Continuing Projects:
  • Connie is sending birthday and get-well cards to parishioners 
  • Prayer request box on table in Narthex:
  • Needs more use!
  • There were 18 flowerpots in Chilton this year and will be a least 20 next year
  • EUCC brochures are on display at 14 locations
  • We need help from the congregation to get more out to local towns
  • A letter was sent to the local schools and churches looking for more bell ringers for Ebenezer Brass
  • The committee would welcome any suggestions to enhance Ebenezer Brass and EUCC’s presence in the area, and our own congregation.

The committee is in need of members to participate; see Don Waldvogel or Zach Platner!

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. 

The next meeting is Sunday, November 3 @ 8:00 a.m. – all are welcome! 

Minutes submitted by:
Don Waldvogel
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: October 20, 2019
Opening: The meeting of the Ebenezer Church Council was called to order at 8:01 a.m. by Kari Meyers. 

Present: Colleen Marx, Kari Meyers, Andy Hofmeister Ken Lisowe, Pastor Mike, Barb DeKerf and Zach Platner

Approval of Agenda: Ken Lisowe made a motion to approve the agenda. Barb DeKerf seconded. The motion carried. 

Approval of Minutes: The September 2019 meeting minutes were previously approved via email. 

Treasurer’s Report: 
Barb DeKerf made a motion to approve the Octobers bill list, Andy Hofmeister seconded. The motion carried. 

Minister’s Report: Attendance is 63 on average for a Sunday. The are 12 confirmation students. There will be 4 people attending the new members class. 

Committee Reports:
  • Christian Education and Music: No new news. 
  • Evangelism: No new news. 
  • Mission: No new news. 
  • Property: A basement window will be replaced. The PA was repaired. An amplifier was replaced. Platner made a motion to replace the East sidewalk, Barb DeKerf seconded. The motion carried. Congregation members will look into what needs to be done to refresh the basement space and bathrooms in 2020. 
  • Stewardship: No new news.  
  • Membership: No new news.  
 
Continuing Business: 
  • Pastor Mike’s Health Insurance: Pastor submitted a hard copy of his health insurance premium amount to put on file at Reinl accounting. 
  • Pastoral visitation card: Approved but in a 3x5 size. 
  • Flags: Still working on design. 

New Business: 
  • Bat mitigation: Nuisance Pro will be at Ebenezer November 7th at 9:30 a.m. to do the bat inspection. The company will invoice us after the appointment. 
  • Safe Church Forms: Council members reviewed the safe church forms and approved them with the appropriate updates.  
  • Christmas service times: 
  • Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. 
  • Christmas Day: Attendance has been low on Christmas day for the last few years. The council discussed whether or not to continue the Christmas day service at 9 a.m. Announcement will be made to the congregation to illicit their thoughts on the proposal. 
  • Snow removal: The council approved to continue with Scotts Towing for snow removal this season. 

*Next council meeting is on November 17, 2019, at 8:00 a.m.*

Adjournment: Colleen Marx made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ken Lisowe seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 a.m. 

Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx 
Approved by: The Church council via email. 
Tod ~ David ~ Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha
Mary ~ Arlene ~ Rebecca ~ Vern ~ Marlene Audrey ~ Rod ~ Jeff ~ Steve ~ Janice ~
Ryann ~ Diana ~ Betty ~ Kathy
Don ~ Bob ~ Kevin ~ Terri Ann

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. 

If you want someone added or removed, please contact the church office . Thank you.
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.
Ebenezer Office Hours:
(through January 2, 2020)
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 - 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 .
Follow Ebenezer UCC Chilton on Facebook to be sure you're getting the latest news!
Kathy Kuhn: Nov 1
Alex Greuel: Nov 2
Mariah McGinnis: Nov 5
Adam Gasch: Nov 6
Pamela Schneider: Nov 7
Donald Sattler: Nov 7
Ashley Porsche: Nov 8
Bruce Alten: Nov 11
Lake Pingel: Nov 13
Janene Van Hoorn: Nov 15
Jean Reichwald: Nov 15
Linda Edgington: Nov 17
Ruth Aebischer: Nov 17
Ella Bechlem: Nov 20
James Brocker: Nov 21
John Schroeder: Nov 22
Stephanie Adamietz: Nov 27
Amy Kuhn: Nov 27
Joseph Kuhn: Nov 27
Skyler Goerl: Nov 30
Delilah Kuhn: Nov 30

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
  • See the flyer on the board for receiving or donating to the 37th Thanksgiving Day Express
  • November 3 at 8:00 a.m. in the Lounge: Evangelism Committee Meeting
  • Don't forget that this Sunday (November 3) marks the end of Daylight Savings so be sure to change your clocks back an hour!
  • November 3 is All Saints’ Day
  • Zion United Methodist Church (Forest Junction) will be holding a Pancake Supper and Silent Auction on Tuesday, November 5, from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.; see board for more details.
  • St. Martin Lutheran Church, is holding their Chili Supper/Bake Sale, on Tuesday, November 5, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. For menu items and info, see the flyer! 
  • St. Paul's UCC (N10362 St. Paul Road, Malone) is holding an educational discussion on Suicide Prevention to learn how to provide help for family, friends and community members in crisis on Wednesday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. 
  • Come have lunch with the Women's Guild on Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. at 7 Angels! All are welcome!
  • Thursday, November 27 is the Ecumencial Thanksgiving Service at 7:00 p.m. at Bethlehem UCC.
  • The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 28.
  • Saturday, December 7 is the Annual Cookie/Candy Walk!!
  • The Bell Choir Christmas Concert will be Sunday, December 15, at 4:00 p.m. at EUCC - save the date!
  • The Children's Christmas Program is Sunday, December 22.
  • The Christmas Fund Offering will be taking place on Sunday, December 22.
  • A list of needed items for Pillars Adult & Family Shelter has been added to the board. 
  • The Memory Cafe meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Chilton Public Library - see the board for details!
  • Did you know the Chilton Library delivers? Learn more from the flyer on the board!
  • November is National Family Caregiver Month. If you would like to learn about resources and programs available to support you as a caregiver, including respite services, please contact the ADRC at 920-849-1451. 
  • Information about The Appleton Visually Impaired Support Group is located on the bulletin board for anyone interested in the topic of vision loss. 
  • The November/December 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. 
The EUCC Calendar can be viewed online anytime at: https://churchtraconline.com/public_calendar?ui=FDBEB63