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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
December 2022 Eagle Newsletter
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Worship Services held Sundays at 8:45 a.m.
Sunday School is held Sundays at 8 a.m.
Communion is held the 1st Sunday of each month.
**Follow us on Facebook to view LIVE sermons each Sunday**
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Obituary
Susan L Safford-Gaul
Chilton, WI
Susan Louise Safford-Gaul, age 62, of Chilton, died on November 24, 2022, at Sharon Richardson Community Hospice near Sheboygan Falls. She was born November 22, 1960, daughter of the late Thomas and Georgianna Safford.
Susan, the sixth of seven children, was born in Escanaba Michigan. She graduated from Rapid River High School and attended Wright State University. Later in life, Susan was called to ministry and earned her Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities. During her time as a pastor, Susan served many churches and provided worship for her beloved parishioners. She first served at Amherst and Buena Vista United Methodist churches, followed by Emmanuel Community UMC in Menomonee Falls, Faith UMC in Brillion, and Faith and Bethel UMC in Sheboygan Falls.
Susan married Volker Gaul on her 20th birthday in 1980. Together they had three wonderful children, Erich, Jason and Annette. Family was the utmost importance to Susan and her family only grew with her marriage to her second husband, Michael Safford-Kennedy, in October of 2006. Susan was also blessed with three grandchildren, who made her heart sing with every visit to grandma’s. She was happiest spending time with her family, relaxing at the family cabin, and sharing stories with her best friend, her sister Jen.
Susan brought joy to everyone she encountered and encourage others to, “give the gift of a smile to someone today.”
Susan is survived by her husband, Michael Safford-Kennedy; children: Erich (Roxanne) Gaul, Jason Gaul, and Annette (Adam) Koepke; grandchildren: Desmond Gaul, Adeline Gaul, and Noelle Gaul; her sister: Jenny Safford; Mike’s children: Laura Kennedy, Heather (Dan) Feld, and Rob (Kristin) Kennedy; Mike’s grandchildren: Caleb and Parker Kennedy; her children’s father: Volker Gaul; brother-in-law: Peter Brock; sisters-in-law: Kris Safford and Alice Safford; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents: Thomas and Georgianna Safford; and siblings: Cindy Brock, Duke Safford, Thomas Safford, Klint (Dale) Safford, and Sim Safford.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at St. John United Church of Christ (2111 Church St.) in New Holstein.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm at the church on the day of the service.
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'Substitute' Pastor's Corner
Greetings!
By now, I’m sure most of you know that Pastor Susan has been called home to be with our loving Creator. As I am writing this, I’m remembering the words of the Apostle Paul, (Romans 12:15) “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.” Let us join our hearts in mourning the passing of Pastor Susan. Let us also join our hearts in praying for our Pastor Mike and the entire Safford-Gaul-Kennedy families. Please allow the family, time and space, to journey through these difficult and grief-filled times. If any congregational member believes they would like grief support, please reach out to me and I would be honored to journey with you.
While there’s no easy or smooth segue into the rest of my message, I would like to transition into our new Church Year by asking, ‘What is Advent?’ Some faith communities practice the discipline of Advent, while other have no clue what Advent is and believes it is unimportant. So, why do I believe that it is important? I see Advent as a season of waiting, a season of preparation, and a peek into the future. We see a small piece of that patience through the use of our Advent Candles. We just don’t light all four of them at once, merely because we might like candles. We light them one candle per week… With intention… With patience… With meaning… We savor the ancient stories, as they build upon each other. And with each passing week, the ‘Light’ becomes brighter. Last week, we started with a call to “Wake up!” Rise from our slumber. Get the sleep out of our eyes and prepare for what’s next. On December 4th we hear the cries of John the Baptist that the kingdom of God has come near. On the 11th, our impatience in waiting for Christmas becomes a bit more apparent. In some ways, we will stand in a quiet discomfort, wondering ‘should we wait?’ (Hint: Answer is ‘yes’.) And on the 18th, we hear the prophecies about a young girl, having a child, and naming him Emmanuel. We come to remember that God is always with us. And walked the face of the earth with us. How amazing this was… This is… How amazing it will be to hear from our youth on December 18 as well.
Finally… At Last… December 24th. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light! Christmas! For to us a child is born. And consider how the birth was announced. Not to the rich and powerful. Not to kings or emperors. Not to the influential. But to simple and lowly shepherds (and most likely the third-shift shepherds). God chose to reveal this birth to the least influential and least believable.
And we get to return to church on Sunday, to celebrate Christmas Day! What an exciting time of year. Go tell it on the mountain! Tell it everywhere! Jesus Christ is born! And Jesus lives today!
I am so excited to be able to share these stories with you – and I welcome your thoughts and feedback. For the next three months, I pray you will continue welcoming me, as I journey with you through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and the start of Lent. I also pray that we will continue getting to know each other better, as we live, work, and worship together. Please know that I am as close as a phone call or an email away.
Remember that God loves each and every one of you – Go out and share that love.
Dave 😊
Rev_David_Kohls@yahoo.com
920-522-2565
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Deadlines in December:
Annual Reports
Please hand in all reports to Ashley by the deadline. If unable to do so, please contact her as soon as possible with an expected date of receival. Thank you.
Deadline for reports is Friday, Dec. 16
Eagle Articles
All articles should be submitted to Ashley by Friday, Dec. 16
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Bake-less Bake Sale
Who has time or the extra funds to cook in huge batches during the hectic holiday season?! Spend more time with loved ones and leave the baking & chasing behind. Instead, we are kindly asking for your monetary donations to the Mission Education Committee’s Bakeless Bake Sale fundraiser for Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) which is going on now until Monday, December 19.
Please make checks payable to Ebenezer United Church of Christ / Missions and send them to 44 W. Washington St. Chilton, WI 53014. You can also drop cash/check donations off at the church office during office hours which is Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thank you and please contact any committee members if you have questions: Ruth Aebischer, Janet Andrews, Karen Cmejla, or Jeanne Keuler.
Deadline for donations is Monday, Dec. 19
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Warmest Thank You Wishes
Karen and Ruth would like to thank Don Pingel, Kerry Duchow, and Kelly and Dan Weibel for their help in decorating church for the Christmas season. After all was done and the Christmas lights were turned on, the church looked picturesque. It can’t help but put you in the spirit of Christmas.
A thank you, also, to the Bell Choir for carrying the tubs of decorations up into church for us too. It saved us a lot of steps.
We’d also like to thank the Dexter Sattler Family for the poinsettias that they donated. They certainly add to the beauty of the church with their bright colors and fullness.
We hope everyone has a chance to attend church this holiday season and see what we’re talking about.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Karen & Ruth
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Notes from the Music Corner | |
It seems that Christmas music starts the day after Halloween. It can be heard on some radio stations, in stores, etc.. The Hallmark Channel is running Christmas movies 24-7. In our worship services we view Advent beginning November 27 and have the music reflect a period of waiting and preparation for the birth of the Christ Child. There is usually a question of why we don’t sing Christmas Carols earlier. On December 18, the day of the Sunday School program, everyone will have the opportunity to request to sing their favorite Christmas song during the pre-service sing along beginning at 8:30 a.m. | |  |
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This will give everyone chance to ‘shout out’ their request for all to sing. If your favorite is not found in the hymnal, please let Elaine know in advance. The July pre-service sing alongs were always fun and exciting, let’s repeat that on December 18. This will be an invigorating way of setting the ‘stage’ for the Sunday School program during worship!
We’re also looking forward to the Bell Choir concert in the afternoon of December 11 – see details elsewhere in this Eagle. The Choir has been diligently practicing to present an exciting program for the season.
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USHERS
Dec. 4- Council
Dec. 11- Kelly
Dec. 18- Andy
Dec. 24- Council
Dec. 25- Council
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READERS
Dec. 4- Natalie Adamietz
Dec. 11- Pastor Mike
Dec. 18- Addison Brown
Dec. 24- Pastor Mike
Dec. 25- Pastor Mike
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Grieving during the holidays is something we all can relate with. For those struggling with how to stay positive during these times when we miss our loved ones the most, here are a few ways we can honor them and incorporate their being into our celebrations:
- By lighting a candle in their memory and letting it burn during your regular traditions
- Leaving a chair open to symbolize their presence is still very much welcome
- Making a memory wreath out of their favorite colors of flowers
- Buying gifts you know that person would love but instead donating them to a shelter
- Creating or purchasing ornaments for each loved one that's passed
- Decorate your lawn or a spot inside your home as a Holiday memorial area dedicated to your special someone
- Visit their grave/talk to them; ask them for signs they are still with us
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EBENEZER BRASS HANDBELL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT
"These are a Few of Our Favorite Songs"
Come join us in celebrating the Christmas spirit with the handbell choir as they present to us their hard work and dedication in providing holiday cheer for one and all.
Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Ebenezer United Church of Christ
Snacks and fellowship to follow.
*No admission fee; freewill offerings accepted.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
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Jeris Waldvogel Scholarship
Lillian Sheets, this year's scholarship award winner, is pictured here with Connie Waldvogel and Jeris’ daughter, Amy Virch. She was presented and accepted her award during the November 20th Worship Service. Congratulations to you, Lillian, and best of luck on your college endeavors!
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HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
The Delightfully Calumet Holiday Light show will be held in December 2022 at the Hobart Park/Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton. Delightfully Calumet is a joint venture of fourteen organizations in Calumet County that come together to present a drive-through
Christmas light show choreographed to holiday music. Fourteen 150-foot displays with various themes boasting over 140,000 lights can be viewed. The public is invited to view the light displays on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Admission is a can food donation. Donated food will be distributed to five Calumet County food pantries. Monetary donations will be accepted for the future growth of Delightfully Calumet and the participating organizations.
For further information, please like us on Facebook at
Delightfully Calumet or view www.delightfullycalumet.com website.
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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
*December 1: Beverly Baltz, Mark Rusch, & Dennis Winkler
*December 2: Glen Pingel
*December 3: Tyler Geibel & Chelsa Schneider
*December 5: Rita Pingel
*December 6: Kerry Duchow, Judy Kurscheidt, & Kristi Schnell
*December 8: Nick Kuhn & Noel Kuhn
*December 9: Ryan Pierquet
*December 14: Christopher Marx
*December 15: Jeanne Keuler
*December 19: Brian Adamietz
*December 20: Heidi Pringle
*December 21: Janet Andrews & Norman Pautz
*December 25: Tricia Roehrig
*December 28: Logan Platner
*December 30: Riley Roehrig & Dean Papendieck
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Arlene, Audra, Audrey, Da'Monique, Da'Nisha, Dennis, Diana, Ellie, Eric, Eugene, Glen, John & Janet, Jim, John S., Kari, Pastor Mike, Rebecca, Rod, Stephanie, Steve, Tod, Tony, Vern, & Vernon. | |
December Church Happenings:
- Men's Breakfast Group held at 7 Angels restaurant at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.
- No Women's Guild Meeting this month
- Dec. 11 is the Ebenezer Brass Handbell Choir Concert at 3 p.m. inside EUCC.
- The Council Meeting is being held on Dec. 18 at 8 a.m. in the Lounge.
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Sunday School Christmas program will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service held at 4 p.m. on the 24th.
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Christmas Day Worship Service is held at the normal time of 8:45-- there will be NO Sunday School classes on this day.
- There will be no practices or classes held the week of Christmas.
- Confirmation classes are being held at EUCC for the remainder of December.
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December Calendar
Click to enlarge
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