Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The bulletin today is in Memory of Butch Sohrweide, given by Betty Schilling, Dick & Karen Sohrweide, and Marv & Grace Geiser.
We will celebrate Good Friday and Easter this month. The pain and loneliness of Good Friday will give way to the joy of Easter Sunday. The defeatism of that dark Friday will be replaced by the optimism of Easter. I, for one, cannot wait for Easter.

It seems this past year has been an exercise in a greatly extended Good Friday with its closed doors, social isolation, and a sense of doom waiting around every corner. After months of a pandemic, we can be tempted to give up, admit we will never return to a time when we can gather and not worry about COVID-19. We miss having fully open worship services, Sunday school, adult Bible studies, and in-person Confirmation classes. We want to sing, to move about the sanctuary, listen as the Confirmands read scripture, getting to meet the Confirmands, and having a cup of coffee before and after worship. It is easier to believe we have no hope than it is to constantly pray for freedom and relief from the virus.

Giving up would be an option if we weren’t the church. Because we are the church, we have a resurrection faith. This faith has taught us no matter what the problem is it is never too big to cause us to lose faith because when all was lost, when all was death on Good Friday, God did something new. God raised Jesus from death and showed us that with faith in God there is no problem too big. 

During the past few weeks all the indicators are trending in the good directions as we as a country continue to observe the CDC guidelines for gathering, wearing masks, and washing hands. The biggest change has come as a result of the three vaccinations which are now widely available. It certainly appears the vaccinations will allow us to awaken to a Sunday morning when the church doors are open to everyone regardless of masks and previously roped off pews. Yes, God is preparing to do a new thing!

The Church Council is moving forward with the belief that the church community will be ready to return to worship, Sunday school, Confirmation, and adult studies as soon as it is safe to do so. Everyone on the Council is aware the past year has been difficult for everyone. We believe I will be able to visit people in their homes, hospitals and nursing homes. We believe Sunday school will return with teachers and students happy to see each other. The church bell will ring extra loud when we return. Smiles will be seen and voices raised in song will proclaim God has indeed done a new thing.

I, and the Council, want to jump right in to fully open worship, however, we also recognize to do so right now might place the congregation at unnecessary risk. We will continue to follow recommendations of the CDC, the Wisconsin Conference of the UCC, and local officials. As we do this, we are also preparing for the return of a 100% open church which we are sure is coming soon. Praise the Lord!

Peace and grace,
Maundy Thursday Worship Service will be at 7:00 p.m. at St. John UCC (4/1)

Good Friday Worship Service will be at 7:00 p.m. at Ebenezer UCC (4/2)

Easter Sunday Worship Services will be at their normal times of 8:45 a.m. (EUCC) and 10:15 a.m. (St. John UCC)

Both churches are invited to each service.
Notes from the Music Corner ...
On an overcast, cool April 12, 2020, we celebrated Easter for our first worship service at the drive-in. It truly was a joyous time to worship together, despite having to stay in our cars and Pastor being outside in the breeze. The one thing missing was music. This year for Easter on April 4, we will be blessed with music. Ebenezer Brass (a spirited four ringers) will offer “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” which may appear several times in the service in various arrangements. That hymn, written in the early 1700's, originally had 11 verses. In the New Century Hymnal, we have four verses. Karen will be accompanying several verses on the bell tree. At the time of this writing, we are not sure about singing but do hope to express the joy of the risen Christ. It was great to sing the “Gloria Patri” at the March 21 worship. Music offered at any Holy Week worship will hopefully express the passion of Christ. 

Elaine
Get to know your Ebenezer Confirmands!
You met several of our confirmands in last month’s Eagle. Here is the rest of the group.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Hi. My name is Caleb Wiegert. I am a 7th grader at Chilton Middle School. My parents are
Mark and Laura Wiegert. It’s just the three of us--no brothers or sisters. My special interests
are playing video games and playing football. We’ve had to learn in the classroom and virtually
over the past year. I prefer being in the classroom. It’s much easier that way. Sometimes I
wonder about snowmobiling.

Hi. My name is Maddie Mueller. My parents are Jeremy and Jill Mueller. I am an 8th grader at
Chilton Middle School. The best thing about being in the 8th grade is looking forward to our
class trip to Washington D.C. I hope we will be able to go. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I
like it best because I get to spend lots of time with my family and because we have a break from
school. If I could have any super power I would like to be able to teleport to different places.

Hi. My name is Logan Platner. My parents are Zach and Carolyn Platner. They are both
teachers in the Chilton school district. My dad is also the president of the Church Council this
year. I have one younger brother, Owen. My favorite subject in school is science. In my spare
time I like to play sports and read books. I think the worst thing about COVID has been having
to stay away from my friends and family. My favorite meal would include any breakfast food.

Hi. I am Owen Brown. I am an 8th grader at Chilton Middle School. My parents are Rick and
Kelly Brown. I have one older sister, Claudia, and one younger sister, Addison. I especially like
sports video games and movies. We spent time learning from home and also learning in the
classroom this past year. I prefer learning in the classroom because it’s easier to pay attention
that way. When I spend time just thinking about stuff, I sometimes wonder how people become
famous.

Hi. My name is JorJa Ninneman. My parents are Erin Woelfel and Tom Ninneman, Jr. I live in
New Holstein. My grandma and grandpa are Joan and Herb Woelfel. I have one step sister,
Cici, who was born in October. If i could have any super power I would like to be able to be a
shapeshifter. That’s the ability to physically change into something else. I think the best thing
about being an 8th grader is that I am almost done with middle school and getting prepared for
high school. My favorite holiday is Halloween because I love the decoration, costumes and just
the overall theme of the season.

Hi. My name is Meghan Adamietz. I live in Chilton, but go to school in Stockbridge, where I am
in the 8th grade. My parents are Stephanie and Brian Adamietz. I have one older brother,
Casey and one younger sister, Natalie. I am pretty active in school and have been part of the
sports program, the music program and have acted in the school play. I was part of the
Ebenezer bell choir and I remember the year that I sang O Holy Night as a solo in the Christmas
program. Here’s a fun fact. Did you know that my family is now living in the house that used to
be the Ebenezer parsonage when Rev. Moeschberger’s family was here?
Congratulations to Alex Greuel, Jaren Pingel and Aiden Gleason, and on their March 21 Confirmation!
Participate in the Annual Meeting!
There are multiple ways for you to be a part of the Wisconsin UCC Annual Meeting:

  • You can share your singing talent through the Virtual Choir. Each participant will record "The Summons" at home and submit their video file electronically. The production team will then create a powerful video that blends all voices together. The virtual choir will be featured in the various worship services during the Annual Meeting, and again during the Conference-Wide Virtual Service on Sunday, May 16. This worship service will be available to congregations beginning on April 27. Detailed information on this can be found here.
  • You can be one of two delegates needed for EUCC. Information on the Virtual Annual Meeting, including dates and agendas, can be found here.
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!
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.
Thank You to Edith Knoespel, Judy Mattes, Joan Woelfel, Karen Cmejla, and Ruth Aebischer for contributing towards the Easter lilies!!
Daily Prayer

Each weekday morning at 6:15 a.m., Pastor Mike posts a short Bible reading with commentary on his YouTube channel. It is a great way to begin your workday.
On Easter Sunday, April 4 "Bells will be ringing!" Christ is alive! He has risen! Ebenezer Brass will be playing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."

Please review the document before attending in-person worship.
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: March 21, 2021
Meeting called to order at 11:05 a.m. by Zach, seconded by Ken

Present: President Zach Platner, Vice President Ken Lisowe, Secretary Stacey Vernon, Treasurer Dean Papendieck, Joan Woelfel, and Pastor Mike. 

Motion for approval of agenda and last months minutes by Ken, seconded by Dean. All in favor. 

Treasurer’s Report: Motion by Joan and seconded by Ken to approve Treasurer Report, all members in favor.

Committee reports
  • Christian Ed/Music: Shirley will send out letter to parents if Sunday school can/should continue for April and May. 
  • Mission: Zach spoke with Elaine regarding mission committee and will likely resume some committee. 
  • Property: Ken will reach out for estimates on bathroom remodeling/updates
  • Stewardship: None
  • Evangelism: Flower pots with flowers from Brillion bring to fairgrounds to do planting. 
  • Membership: Shirley went through directory regarding non active members and will be sending out a positive, informative letter to those who are currently inactive (no attendance/giving) to see if they would still like to continue their membership. Joan motioned for letter regarding membership, Stacey seconded the motion. All in favor.
  • Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee: Joan contacted several members to see their interest in being on the pastor/congregation committee for positive solutions. 
 
Old/Continuing Business
  • Church council is still looking for another member to join church council. 
  • Addressing downstairs bathrooms 

New Business 
  • COVID updates: Motion to have Jackie draft letter inquiring on members vaccine status, the importance behind it, motioned by Ken, seconded by Dean, all in favor.
  • Member updates: Shirley working on the letter to send out
  • Easter Sunday services: Coming up with a plan to see how many members will be attending
  • Assigned council members to each committee for follow through. 

Motion to adjourn made by Ken, seconded by Dean at 12:45 p.m. 

*The next Council Meeting is Sunday, April 18 @ 11:00 a.m.*

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
Ann ~ Mary ~ Bob ~ Rod ~ The Mattes Family Vern ~ Kari ~ The Ramey Family
The Sattler Family ~ Terri

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.
Ebenezer Office Hours:
*Until further notice, the church office remains closed.*

(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.

If you have a non-emergency, send the office an email. )
Pastor's Cell Phone: (920) 286-1956
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
Judie Giebel: April 1
Dexter Sattler: April 1
Zach Platner: April 3
Kevin Lau: April 5
Callie Woelfel: April 10
Rosemary Daun: April 10
Jason Wagner: April 11
Kari Meyers: April 14
Jamie Plate: April 15
Frank Cmejla: April 16
Colleen Marx: April 18
Sheri Van Beek: April 21
James Gleason: April 26

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
  • Maundy Thursday Worship Service: 7:00 p.m. at St. John UCC (4/1)
  • Good Friday Worship Service: 7:00 p.m. at Ebenezer UCC (4/2)
  • Zion UMC and Camp Forest are hosting a Drive-Thru Egg-Stravaganza on April 3 – see the flyer for details!
  • Men's Group Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. on April 8 at 7 Angels!
  • Women’s Guild breakfasts: Thursday, April 15, at 9:00 a.m. at 7 Angels.
  • United Church Camps is ready! For a current program listing, visit www.ucci.org.
  • 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 March/April Upper Room is available in the Narthex.
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