Ebenezer United Church of Christ
Sunday, May 16, the Ebenezer Council met for our regular monthly meeting to discuss church business. Foremost among the items was (as it has been for the past 16 months) our response to COVID-19. Our first responsibility has always been to provide a safe place for worship. This has meant that last summer we worshipped outdoors to minimize chances of infection. When we moved indoors in early August, we set aside one out of every three pews for seating. We required masks to enter the church and we did a health screening of each person wishing to enter the church. We limited services to approximately 45 minutes, and did not allow singing. We have learned much about the virus in the months since then, and scientists have developed vaccines which are effective and safe. More than 50% of the people attending services are now fully vaccinated. These new conditions have led the Council to make new recommendations for our worship services.

Masks will no longer be required for entry. Mask wearing is recommended. Wearing masks continues to be an effective way to minimize transmission of COVID-19. If you wish to wear a mask, you are encouraged to do so.

All pews will be open for seating. Practicing social distancing is still recommended but is not mandated. As a courtesy to others, please ask if it is OK to sit close to someone with whom you do not normally socialize. A few pews will be reserved in the front for people who wish to sit apart.

We will not have post-worship coffee and snacks until a later time.

Singing continues to be one of the easiest ways to transmit the virus. We are holding off for a while before returning to full singing in the worship service. I have heard from MANY people that they miss singing and want it to be fully returned to the worship services. We will be monitoring the changes we have made and also watching for current trends in COVID-19 cases in the surrounding area, and also data from churches which have returned to full normal singing programs. When the Council determines it is safe for singing, we will do so with gusto.

We will continue to offer masks and hand sanitizer at the doors.

I thank every member of the Ebenezer Council for their faith-filled efforts to keep church members safe, and to determine when it is safe to reopen the church. For some of you it has not been fast enough and for others it has been a bit too fast. You have discussed these issues at every meeting since the shutdown in March 2020. You have more than fulfilled your duties in a difficult time. I thank you for your thoughtful care for the church, its members, and its mission. You have served faithfully.

Peace and grace,
Notes from the Music Corner ...
It It is with sadness in our hearts but many grateful memories that we pay tribute to the life of Don Waldvogel who passed away on Thursday, May 13, after many months of health struggles. In addition to being a vital part of Ebenezer, he was a dedicated handbell ringer since 1991. He was well known for ringing those heavy bass bells, often playing several positions. He truly enjoyed participating in regular worship, but especially the opportunity to play at other churches and in the community. Traveling with the bells was a highlight for Don. He will certainly be missed, not only for his ringing ability, but also for his effervescent spirit and promotion of the bells. A huge thank you goes out to all the hand bell ringers, both current and alumni, who quickly came together for intensive rehearsals to give testimony at the funeral to Don’s 30 years ringing bells. The “Hymn of Promise” that was sung by Katharina Keller and Sydnee Koenigs (both past recipients of Jeris Waldvogel scholarships) profoundly concludes with “In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity, In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory; Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.” Thank you Don for all you gave!!

At the time of this writing we are grateful to be adding a bit of singing to the worship service – Gloria Patri and a final hymn. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do more singing in the near future. In the past, June had been the month when everyone had the opportunity to submit their favorite hymns, and in July we’d have about 15 minutes before the service to sing those hymns. We are not sure if that will be possible (maybe with masks???), but please feel free to write your favorite hymns on a slip of paper and drop it in the offering plate or tell Elaine what you would like.  We already have one very energetic request that will be played even if it can’t be sung – you may even want to dance to this one!!!  
Sunday School Corner ...
Since March 2020 there have been a lot of things that our Sunday school didn’t have. We didn’t have our end-of-the-year party in May 2020, we didn’t have the start of a new school year in September 2020, we didn’t have a mission project and we didn’t have a Christmas program. What we did have was a willingness of 12 students to come back to church for two mini series of classes this spring. We had a short series during the Lenten season, then took a two week break and came back with another short series to close out the school year. We gathered together on the floor of the fellowship hall as a combined group (all ages together) and then split into two classes, which we called “The Bigs“ and “The Littles“. It felt very strange to be back together again after a full year apart-strange, but right. I want to say a special thank you to Kristi Schnell for helping make these classes happen. We are hopeful that we will start September with a normal routine and classrooms filled.
The pictures were taken following the story of the Tower of Babel. The kids built their own towers out of Styrofoam cups—not as easy as it sounds.
Congratulations Confirmands!
Sunday, May 2nd we welcomed Meghan Adamietz, Owen Brown, Maddie Mueller, JorJa Ninneman, Ryan Pierquet, Kaleb Plate, Logan Platner, and Ryan Schnell into the church as our newest Confirmands. Pastor Mike met with these young people Wednesday evenings, sometimes in person and too often via Zoom, from September through the end of April for the past two years. These young people are equipped to move forward in their lives and their faith. When you meet them, congratulate them and encourage them to continue growing in their faith.

Many thanks go to Ruth Aebischer, Karen Cmejla and others who transformed the pavilion at the Calumet County Fairgrounds into a sacred space with plenty of seating and decorations to transform the facility into a beautiful setting.
Annual Ice Cream Social Supper!
Ebenezer UCC's Annual Ice Cream Social Supper will be on Wednesday, July 14. This year, again, we will only be offering carry-outs which will be available from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Menu will include: Johnsonville brats, hamburgers, coleslaw, beans, German potato salad, and, of course, homemade pies. 

If you would like to place an order ahead of time for curbside pick up, please call Joan Woelfel at 920-418-5457 or Ruth Aebischer at 920-849-9427 by Monday, July 12. Otherwise, just stop in and order off the menu in the Fellowship Hall. Social distancing precautions will be in place that day and (currently) we also ask that masks be worn (keep an eye out in regards to any changes at the church in regards to mask preference).

Funds raised from this event goes towards Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM). If you have questions or concerns about the Ice Cream Social Supper, please call Joan or Ruth.

Thank you!

Joan Woelfel and Ruth Aebischer
Co-Chairs  
Join the Ushering Team!

We could use a few more volunteers to help with the ushering duties. Scheduling should not be more than every six or eight weeks. Obviously the more help we get, the less often you would be scheduled. Please give Shirley Lisowe (920) 418-1675 a call if you would be willing to help out!
Wednesday Nights at the Parsonage

Looking for a summer night with friends around a bonfire? If you answered “Yes” then set aside June 16, July 21, and August 18. We’ll begin at 6:30 p.m. and have a bonfire going when you arrive. Please bring your chairs, drinks, and any settings that you need if you wish to cook any food. We’ll provide bug spray, warm temperatures, and gentle breezes. Pastor’s Mike and Sue are looking forward to hosting all of you for conversation, a short Bible study and lots of fun.
Adult Bible Study

Our Adult Bible Study is held every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the lounge. We are discussing The Wired Word. The topic for discussion will be emailed to those interested and paper copies will be available in the Narthex.

This class is open to everyone regardless of biblical knowledge and background. Please bring a Bible. If you do not have one or forget your Bible, we have plenty to share.

We look forward to seeing you in the class and having fun talking about the weekly topics.
Ebenezer Brass has suffered a huge loss. Don Waldvogel was a mentor, a father, a brother, and sometimes he was that little annoying voice in your head. He made every one of us a better ringer and a better person. He will be missed. We love you Don! Ring those bells loud in heaven!

Click here for Don's obituary.
Updated COVID Protocol

At the May 16 Council Meeting, a motion was made, and seconded, to open all the pews, masks are now recommended and not required for those that are vaccinate. Those that do not feel comfortable with the lifted restrictions can request reserved pews that will have social distancing, or continue to view the live service on Facebook.
Virtual Service

Each Sunday morning at 8:45 a.m., the virtual worship service is posted to Pastor Mike's YouTube account. You are also welcome to view the service Live on Facebook. As a reminder, you can always tune into 95.5 within a block of the church during the service!
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: May 16, 2021
Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. 
 
Prayer lead by Joan
 
Present: President Zach Platner, Vice President Ken Lisowe, Treasurer Dean Papendieck, Secretary Stacey Vernon, Joan Woelfel, Pastor Mike. 
 
Motion for approval of agenda and last month's minutes by Ken, seconded by Joan. All in favor. 
 
Treasurer’s Report: 
Motion by Joan and seconded by Stacey to approve Treasurer's Report, all members in favor. Dean read the Treasurer's Report. 

Ministers Report:
Visitation Log
 
Committee reports:
  • Christian Ed/Music
  • Mission
  • Property: Carpet cleaning 
  • Stewardship 
  • Evangelism
  • Membership: letters to be sent out
  
Old/Continuing Business:
  • Downstairs bathrooms (still looking into it)
  • Confirmation: completed; positive feedback
  • Vaccine Letter: the office is keeping a record of vaccinated members
  • Pastor Health Insurance increase: Pastor Mike will get statement to Jackie
 
New Business: 
  • COVID updates: Motion made by Stacey and 2nd by Dean to open pews, masks recommended, and those that do not feel comfortable with the lifted restrictions can request reserved pews that will have social distancing. All in favor. 
  • Member updates: letters will be sent within the next week. 
  • Carpet cleaning: Motion by Joan and 2nd by Dean to have church carpets cleaned by Housekeepers, Inc. All in favor. 
 
Other Business: N/A
 
Next Regular Council Meeting: Rescheduled due to Father's Day. Motion by Joan and 2nd by Ken to move council meeting to Sunday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m. Church council pictures will be at 8:30 a.m. on June 13 prior to Church service. All in favor.
 
Motion to adjourn made by Joan, 2nd by Dean, all in favor at 12:30 p.m. All in favor.

Minutes Submitted by:
Stacey Vernon
Approved by: The Church council via email. 
Tod ~ David ~ Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha ~ Vern
Pam ~ Pastor Sue ~ Zachary ~ Rebecca ~ Don 
Terry ~ The DeKerf Family ~ Da'Monique
Patrice ~ Diane ~ Arlene ~ Gary ~ David
Audrey ~ Jeff ~ Kathy ~ Sharon ~ Steve ~ Janice Ryann ~ Diana ~ Betty ~ Virginia ~ Audra
Mary ~ Bob ~ Rod ~ The Ramey Family
Terri ~ The Waldvogel Family ~ 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.
Scrip: If you are in need of Scrip, please let Kelly know. If you are interested in re-loadable cards and direct pay to avoid contact, there is a small fee for credit card charge and bank withdrawal.

Kelly Brown
920-418-0351
Ebenezer Office Hours:
The office will be open on Tuesdays beginning June 1 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(920) 849-4331

The office phone messages are not monitored daily; if you have an emergency, contact Pastor Mike at (920) 286-1956 or via email (ebenezerchiltonpastor@gmail.com).

If you have a non-emergency, send the office an email. )
Ryan Schnell: June 1
Erin Woelfel: June 5
Mark Pingel: June 5
Kris Pagel: June 8
Kelly Brown: June 8
Jane Bolz: June 17
Donald Pagel: June 18
Patrick Marx: June 18
Vern Knoespel: June 21
Jean Goeldi: June 22
Dylan Tyson: June 27
Judy Mastrocola: June 29

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
June 1: Office hours resume on Tuesdays ONLY from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • EUCC is having the Narthex and Sanctuary carpets cleaned on Friday, June 4. The carpet will be dry the following day, so plan stops at church around this date.
  • Men's Group Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. on June 10 at 7 Angels!
  • June 13: Council Meeting 1:00 p.m.
  • June 16: Wednesday Night Bible Study and bonfire at the Parsonage!
  • Women’s Guild Breakfast: Thursday, June 17, at 9:00 a.m. at 7 Angels.
  • Mark your calendars for the Ice Cream Social on July 14!
  • Pastor Mike continues to hold a daily morning Bible study Monday - Friday on his YouTube Channel. The daily study is posted at 6:15 a.m.
  • The May/June Upper Room is available in the Narthex.
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