This issue of the Eagle is sponsored by Lynn Vogel Rollmann in memory of Kathryn Vogel Larson, and the birthday of Alice Kinley who is celebrating her 102nd birthday on September 24th!
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
September 2018 Eagle Newsletter
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“
Hope is the deep religious conviction that God has not quit
.” Walter Brueggemann
Our church and secular calendars are sometimes out of sync with our lives. Farmers harvest in October, not December. Youth start school, not in January, but in August and September. We celebrate Pentecost, the birth of the church, in May or June just as families leave for summer vacations and the program year draws to a close. Our beginnings and our ends are somewhat confused.
September brings a hint of the coming winter: the end of the baseball season, harvests, farmer's markets, and cooler temperatures. In many ways, September marks the beginning of the end of the year. September also marks a beginning of a new year; the return to Sunday school, Bible studies, Confirmation and increased church attendance. The year ends - and the year begins. The spirit of Pentecost returns three months after we celebrated its calendar arrival.
We return to a church that has not been sitting idly by during the summer as if the world had come to a standstill; as if all we had learned during Easter and Pentecost had been forgotten. The work which again begins in earnest is a work that never ended. The Holy Spirit has been moving and calling to many of us to look at the world as it is and compare it to the world which God desires. Pentecost is a time to be in the world, to examine the world, to take a hard look at it and ask if this is the way the Kingdom is to be. September is a good time to put on our Pentecost sweaters, and look at the world and the church.
The church stands as a beacon of hope and courage in a world which has succumbed to living in fear and hate. Our world has returned to a time when to be different is to be marginalized and blamed. If you are:
- Poor – you are lazy, stupid, a criminal, a drain upon society.
- LBTQ – you are abnormal, you have chosen to go against God’s ordered society, you are a child molester, you want to make all children homosexual.
- Undocumented person – you are a criminal, you want welfare, you are here to take jobs from real Americans, you are a drug dealer, you are a rapist.
- You are any color but white – you are lazy, stupid, a criminal, and your cultural background is worthless.
- Holding a different set of beliefs about God - you are a false teacher, false prophet, an antichrist, a devil.
The church stands firmly testifying that the Kingdom of God is a place where we:
- Support the widow, the child, those who have been caught up in the cycle of addiction and dependency, those who have been left behind by a rapidly-changing workplace.
- Accept our sexuality as a gift from God to be celebrated in loving and caring relationships.
- Adhere to the Biblical instructions to welcome the alien, to treat the resident alien as a member of the community, to welcome the spirit of determination of the alien.
- To recognize that in Christ we are equal, that there is no difference between men-women, Jew-Greek, black-white, or Asian-Native American.
- Accepting our understanding of God is shaped not only by the scriptures, but by our life experiences, parents, friends, co-workers, classmates, illnesses, gender identity, the church we attend, and pastors who have served those churches.
The church stands as a place where hope is eternal. It is a place where we imagine the rich and poor are not so much, where justice is available to all, where children are safe in their neighborhoods, homes and churches, where there is plentiful food, clean water, the environment is healthy, and greed is a bad memory.
I welcome you back to a new year of worship, music, prayers, and a Pentecost hope that has persisted throughout the summer. The church is here and working toward God’s Kingdom on earth.
Peace and grace,
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Congregational Meeting Vote
The church voted to continue the Shared Ministry with St. John UCC through January 31, 2019. Some people asked why we can’t just move from this discovery time to make this a permanent Shared Ministry right now. We have not gone through an entire church year yet. It was decided we need to go through a full year to help spot any areas that might need to be strengthened before we give our final blessings.
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Sunday School Start Time
The congregation voted to move the start time for Sunday school to 8:00 a.m. beginning with the Kick-off Rally on September 9. This allows time for the teachers to arrive early to prepare for the kids, and it also gives Pastor Mike time to begin the day with the kids.
"I missed being with the kids after we started the Shared Ministry. I am beyond happy imagining Sunday mornings with the kids." - Pastor Mike
Sunday School Kick-off Rally is September 9!
First Day of Sunday School is September 16!
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Yes, fall is almost here and with it is the start of several activities.
In early September, we will have a meeting with all Confirmands and parents to determine what day and time works the best for all involved.
The Wired Word: St. John has decided they want to have a Wired Word class on Wednesday mornings. We’ll see if we can combine the classes, or if we’ll have 2 classes.
I’ll be posting a survey for additional classes in the Narthex on August 26, and September 2, 9, and 16.
I’m looking forward to another year of learning, sharing, and fellowship.
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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.
September:
9/2: Council
9/9: Eric & Jamie Plate Family
9/16: Robert & Sheri Van Beek Family
9/22: Kelly Brown Family
9/30: Steve & Chris Stenz, Don & Connie Waldvogel
October:
10/:7: Council
10/14: Sunday School
10/21: Don & Donna Pingel, Kimberlee & Jennifer Pringle
10/28: James & Penni Gleason Family
If you have any questions about your ushering duties,
click here for the instructions.
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September: Bell Choir
October: Property Committee
November: Evangelism Committee
December: Council
January: Women's Guild
February: Mission Committee
March: Council
April: Worship/CE Committee
May: Bell Choir
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Ice Cream Social Supper Follow Up ...
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Thank you, again, to everyone that supported the Ice Cream Social Supper in July!
Our proceeds from the Ice Cream Social came to
$1,786.98.
Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer, and we’ll see you in church!
On behalf of the Ebenezer Women’s Guild,
Joan Woelfel & Ruth Aebischer,
Ice Cream Social Supper Co-Chairs
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Notes from the Music Corner ...
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Oh what energy and talent the Bechtold Family brought to the August 19 worship! Dad, Alan, and 4 children presented a variety of vocal and instrumental gospel songs. Thank you to all who contributed to the free will offering to help cover their travel expenses from Marion, Iowa.
Anyone interested in handbell ringing is welcome to attend the first rehearsal of the season on Wednesday, August 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. If you have questions or are wishing to begin ringing, call director Jill Sippel at 920-418-1534. Remember, you do not need to read music in order to participate. We’ll look forward to seeing old and new faces on August 29!
After many years of an 1887 upright Steinway piano ‘packed’ away in the basement of Ebenezer, we finally found a piano technician from Waupun that sees great possibility in restoring it. Presently it is ‘buried’ under rummage sale items. He recognizes that it will take hours of work but feels it has great potential of being restored to its original condition! It is very heavy so moving it will be the first major task. He will then begin the tedious task of restoring it when it is in ‘residence’ at the Waupun historical society. He also assessed and played the piano in the fellowship hall, and felt this 1917 Ivers & Pond piano is well built and is a collectors’ item. He gave a 15-minute amazing mini-concert for Elaine and a friend because he truly enjoyed the piano! What other hidden treasures are at Ebenezer!?
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Congregational Meeting
Meeting Minutes: August 12, 2018
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Call to Order at 8:51 a.m. by President Kelly Brown.
Based on membership here Quorum was declared by President Kelly Brown.
Kelly Brown brought forward a motion from the council to continue with the Shared Ministry, with St. John UCC, until January 31, 2019.
Open discussions were had and a motion was passed unanimously.
Options for Sunday School start times was also discussed and Shirley Lisowe informed the congregation that after discussing with parents and teachers, they agreed upon a 8:00 a.m. start time for the 2018-2019 school year.
Meeting adjourned at 9:08 a.m.
Jamie Plate
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Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: August 20, 2018
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Opening
The meeting of the Ebenezer Church Council was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Kelly Brown.
Present: Kelly Brown, Colleen Marx, Kari Meyers, Vern Gasch, Pastor Mike and Andy Hofmeister.
Absent: Dale Hintz and Jamie Plate
Approval of Agenda
Kari Meyers made a motion to approve the agenda. Andy Hofmeister seconded.
Approval of Minutes
The July 2018 meeting minutes were previously approved via email.
Treasurer's Report:
Our July revenue was $13,185.07. Our July expenditures were $10,773.77. The Equity as of July 31 was $83,647.81. Our balance as of July 31 was $285,492.69. Our stocks went up to $34,067.68. Kari Meyers made a motion to accept July’s financial report. Vern Gasch seconded. The motion carried. Kari Meyers made a motion to accept the August bill list. Andy Hofmeister seconded. The motion carried.
Minister’s Report:
Attendance each Sunday is an average of 73 people. Giving is an average of $1,850.00 weekly. Pastor will take vacation September 4 through September 6. Pastor Mike will be joining a Community of Practice Group in Fond du Lac in September.
Committee Reports:
- Christian Education and Music: Sunday school kick off is September 9 at 8:00 a.m. Thank you to the Bechtold family from 'The Voices of Peace' Concert for the special music on Sunday, August 19.
- Evangelism: No new news.
- Mission: No new news.
- Property: Parsonage walk through will be in September.
- Stewardship: No new news.
- Membership: No new news.
Continuing Business:
- Braille System Update: No new news.
- Church Security: CEC a security group in DePere did a walk through. Their proposal was for $10,534 to cover card access at the main and daycare entrance. There would be locks installed at two other entrances. A video camera intercom would be installed on the main entrance. CEC was our first walk through and quote. We are still looking at other companies and for other quotes.
- Shared ministry: Both churches voted yes to continue the Shared Ministry through January 31, 2019.
- Spanish Ministry: No new news.
- Happy Hour Update: Happy Hour staff has made us aware that they only need the space for the Day school through December 2018. After that, they will only need the space for storage until the 2019-2020 school year. A motion was made by Andy Hofmeister to have them pay the lease for as long as school is in session. Colleen Marx seconded. The motion carried.
- Worship Service Recordings: Discussions are continuing.
New Business:
- Start dates for Confirmation, The Wired Word, and Adult Bible Study are still being discussed.
- Request for our church to be a meeting space for UCC going to Kenya. Motion was made. Vern Gasch to approve and seconded by Kelly Brown. The motion carried.
**The next Church Council Meeting will be on September 16 at 8:00 a.m.**
Adjournment
Kari Meyers made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Vern Gasch seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Colleen Marx
Approved by: The Church council via email.
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Tod ~ Katy ~ Lorraine
Arlene
~ Da’Nisha ~ Larry
Laura ~
Pat ~ Rod
David ~ Gracie ~ Sue
Scott ~ Linda ~ Vern
Pastor Susan ~ Alice ~
Janine
Shelly ~ Terry ~ Marlene ~ Jeff
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.
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Painting:
EUCC is going to be painting the Sanctuary; if you would like to give a donation or know someone that might be interested in this job, please contact a member of the church council.
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 in the office on Tuesday mornings. All items should be sent to
ebenezeroffice@yahoo.com
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Ebenezer Office Hours:
(Labor Day - Memorial Day)
Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ebenezer Pastor Hours:
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ebenezer Phone: (920) 849-4331
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St. John Pastor Hours:
Monday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 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
*Pastor Mike will be on vacation September 4 - September 6.*
We ask that if you would like to meet with Pastor Mike, please call the office before heading over to schedule an appointment.
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Thank you to JoAnn Lakin for cleaning out the refrigerator and putting it back in Fellowship Hall.
Please note that it now needs to be plugged in at all times!
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Alice McNeely: September 1
Wayne Pagel: September 3
Barbara Dekerf: September 4
Shirley Lisowe: September 4
Tami Brown: September 7
William Elliott: September 8
Jim Jaeger: September 16
Abigail Kuhn: September 16
Jake Propson: September 17
Nan Popp: September 19
Casey Stephenson: September 22
Melissa Kuhn: September 23
Emily Roehrig: September 23
Alice Kinley: September 24
Breanne Woelfel: September 24
Tim Brown: September 26
Jerry Giebel: September 26
Christie Kuhn: September 27
Gerri Van Oss: September 27
Owen Platner: September 28
Dale Hintz: September 29
May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
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- Handbell Practice resumed August 29; practice is on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and anyone interested in joining handbells is welcome. You do not need to be able to read music. Come join the fun! If you have any questions, contact Jill Sippel at 920-418-1534.
- The Sunday School time for this school year will be 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
- Starting August 30, the Elder Rights Project is partnering with the ADRC to launch the “Know Your Rights Workshop,” a free, monthly educational series for seniors. Details can be found on the bulletin board!
- Sunday School Kick-off Rally is September 9!
- First day of Sunday School is September 16!
- September 19 is the Holy Rosary Parish Salad Luncheon; see the flyer on the board for detailed information!
- Santa’s Best is holding their Christmas Closeout Sale throughout September; see the flyer for date and times!
- The ADRC is hosting Tai Chi Classes in the area starting in September; check the board for dates, locations, and times!
- The September/October Upper Room devotional guide is available in the Narthex book rack. Help yourself!
- A 2018 Flower Chart has been posted; please notify the office if you sign up!
- Grab a flyer if you are interested in the St. John Youth or Adult Quilting Program!
- Happy Hour Nursery School is now enrolling potty-trained children age 3+; visit the site to learn more and contact them!
- Become a Chilton ADRC Meal Site Volunteer; check the board for details!
- Affinity Hospice could use your help; see the flyer on the board.
- Lakeland University has several Fall programs available; the schedule of events has been posted to the bulletin board!
- A pew card for those that give electronically is available for placement in the offering plates on Sunday morning.
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Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church
Please keep our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church in your prayers. This is surely a time of great confusion for many as revelations of clergy abuse have surfaced again.
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