The beginning of Lent is confirmation that Christmas is behind us and Easter beckons. Too often we skip Lent and simply move to Easter morning. We skip Lent to our detriment. Lent calls us to take a deep breath and step away from the usual daily routine and strengthen our faith.

Daily Bible reading can strengthen your faith. The Bible is quite a large collection of books so where should you begin? If you are interested in the life and teachings of Jesus, I’d recommend starting with Mark’s Gospel. Reading Mark you will be introduced to the main characters, events and teachings. If you prefer the Older Testament, I recommend either starting with Genesis or Exodus. Genesis gives the reader the background to understand the events of Exodus but if history is not your “thing,” then go straight to Exodus where you will be introduced to the Hebrew Bible’s greatest prophet; Moses. I strongly recommend either the New Revised Standard Version (this is the translation we use for Sunday readings), the New International Version, or if you need something a bit easier to read, “The Message” is a good choice.

You can begin daily Bible reading today. The sooner you begin the sooner your faith begins to grow. I would love to have people come to me after church each Sunday and show me their Bible only to discover that it is in disrepair! A pastor is thrilled to see Bibles that are torn, dirty, have food stains, are dog eared, and such. Those Bibles are being used. The Bible that is in perfect condition is never touched. (If you insist on having a Bible in pristine condition, get one, and then use another for daily reading, taking notes, writing reminders, etc.)

Take the plunge that is daily reading. You will learn, grow, and have a closer relationship to Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday services are on February 26 at Century Ridge (bldg 2) at 1:30 p.m. with ashes, and at Ebenezer UCC at 7:00 p.m.

Peace & Grace,
Confirmation Readers

February 2: Maddie Mueller
February 9: no reader
February 16: Jaren Pingel
February 23: Alex Greuel
United Church Camps

The calendar for the 2020 United Church Camps has been announced! There is a booklet on the Narthex table or check out their web site to learn all about these amazing camp opportunities for all ages!

Budgeted funds are available through the church to help with registration fees - talk to the office if you're interested.
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.


February:
February 2: Council
February 9: Sunday School
February 16: Glen & Rita Pingel, Kelly & Wayne Kress
February 23: James & Penni Gleason Family

March:
March 1: Council
March 8: Sunday School
March 15: Ken & Shirley Lisowe, Kelly Brown Family
March 22: Kristi & Ryan Schnell, Tiffany Porsche & Kurt Knoespel
March 29: Ralph Schmid, Mark Rusch, JoAnn Lakin, Karen Cmejla

If you have any questions about your ushering duties, click here for the instructions.
Mission Education News...
The Mission Committee would like to let everyone know that our recent Cookie/Candy Walk brought in $1,033.55 and our Food for the Poor Chick Project brought in $80.

We would like to thank everyone that helped out or donated to these projects. And a big thank you to our committee!
Worship Notes...
The sanctuary appeared rather ‘empty’ after the vivid Christmas decorations were taken down. You will notice there now are three candles on each of the altar railings to represent the three wisemen that were guided by the star to honor the Christ Child. This date is known as Epiphany and is on January 6. You will note in our weekly bulletin that we count the Sundays following Epiphany when Christ’s light is carried into the world. This season continues until the beginning of Lent (February 26), therefore these railing candles will continue to symbolize Christ’s light throughout this season. You’ll also notice that when the ushers extinguish the altar candles they carry the light into the world as they exit. 

Thank you to Ruth Aebischer and Karen Cmejla for adorning the sanctuary with current and meaningful decorations.

Ash Wednesday occurs on February 26. At present, worship with ashes is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Century Ridge, Building 2. This is open to Century Ridge residents as well as others in the community. Ebenezer will also be hosting a service at 7:00 p.m. 
Ebenezer Church Annual Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2019
Opening: The 2020 annual meeting was called to order at 8:45 a.m. by President Kari Meyers. A Quorum of Congregation members was established.

Approval of the Agenda: Zach Platner made motion to approve the agenda. Joan Woelfel seconded. Motion carried.

Worship Commenced.
 
Church Covenant: Read in unison by the congregation.

Prayer by Pastor Michael Safford-Kennedy
 
Approval of the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Joan Woelfel to approve the 2019 Annual meeting minutes. Don Waldvogel seconded. Motion carried.
 
New Business:
  • Appointment of Tellers: Kari Meyers appointed Ann Gasch, Edith Knoespel, Steve Stenz and Ralph Schmid as tellers.
  • Nomination and Election of new council members: Joan Woelfel and Dennis Winkler were nominated for a 3-year term on the church council. No other nominations were made. Ralph Schmid made a motion to close and accept the nominations. Ann Gasch seconded. The motion carried.
  • 2019 Financial reports: The 2019 financial reports were reviewed by Vern Gasch. Don Waldvogel made a motion to accept them. Terry Schenkus seconded. The motion carried.
  • Adoption of 2020 Budget: The proposed 2020 budget was reviewed by Vern Gasch. Diane Sattler made a motion to accept and adopt the 2020 budget. Kurt Knoespel seconded. The motion carried.
  • Reports: Committee, pastor and president reports were addressed and noted.
  • Property: Ken Lisowe reviewed needed projects for 2020: Replacement of the East sidewalks, renovation of the basement rooms and bathrooms and a new wheelchair ramp.
  • Colleen Marx reviewed the need for bat mitigation in 2020.
 
Adjournment: Kurt Knoespel made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Don Sattler seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 a.m.

Colleen Marx 
Approved by: The Church council via email. 
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2019
Opening: The meeting of the Ebenezer Church Council was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Kari Meyers. The meeting was postponed for the church service at 8:37 a.m. The meeting resumed after the church service and Annual meeting at 9:56 a.m.

Present: Colleen Marx, Kari Meyers, Barb Dekerf, Andy Hofmeister, Pastor Mike, Ken Lisowe, Vern Gasch and Zach Platner.

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

Approval of Minutes: The December 2019 meeting minutes were previously approved via email with the correction of Vern Gasch attending the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report : Colleen made a motion to approve the January bill list, Ken seconded. The motion carried.

Minister’s Report: Attendance is an average of 67 each Sunday. Visitation log was reviewed.

Committee Reports:
  • Christian Education and Music: No new news.
  • Evangelism: No new news.
  • Mission: No new news.
  • Property: No new news.
  • Stewardship: No new news. 
  • Membership: No new news. 
 
Continuing Business:
  • Bat mitigation: In 2020 the council will further investigate removal and exclusion options that fit our church needs. Ken Lisowe will be the contact person.

New Business:
  • Installation of new council members Joan Woelfel and Dennis Winkler will occur January 26, 2020, at the church service.
  • Pastor Mike will invite confirmands to attend council meetings in 2020.
  • Appointment of the new officers was completed. Ken Lisowe was nominated and accepted the position of President. Zach made a motion to approve this and Barb seconded. Zach Platner was nominated and accepted the position of Vice President. Barb made a motion to approve this and Vern seconded. Andy Hofmeister was nominated and accepted the position of Secretary. Vern made a motion to approve this and Zach seconded. Vern Gasch was nominated and accepted the position to continue as Treasurer. Andy made a motion to approve this Barb seconded. All of the motions carried.
  • The new council will review the Christmas service times for 2020 going forward.

**Next council meeting is on February 16, 2020*

Adjournment: Barb made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Andy seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 am.

Colleen Marx 
Approved by: The Church council via email. 
Tod ~ David ~ Lorraine ~ Da’Nisha ~ Tom
Arlene ~ Rebecca ~ Vern ~ Marlene ~ Bob
Audrey ~ Rod ~ Jeff ~ Steve ~ Terri ~ Mary
Janice ~ Ryann ~ Diana ~ Betty ~ Kathy ~ Don
 Pastor Sue ~ Jane ~ Patrice

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.
Ash Wednesday Services:
1:30 p.m. - Century Ridge (bldg 2)
7:00 p.m. - EUCC
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:
Monday - Thursday 10:00 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 .
Penni Gleason: Feb 2
Diane Sattler: Feb 3
Tjark Sattler: Feb 4
Doris Propson: Feb 5
John Mattes: Feb 5
Jamysyn Koeck: Feb 11
Bobby Van Beek: Feb 12
Kaleb Plate: Feb 15
Darren Sattler: Feb 15
Pirelli Payne: Feb 17
Terry Schenkus: Feb 21
Andy Hofmeister: Feb 21
Jase Porsche: Feb 21
JoAnn Lakin: Feb 21
Dyane Boese: Feb 26
Tim Van Oss: Feb 27
Fred Kubichka: Feb 27
Leah Zwetow: Feb 29
Tanner Zwetow: Feb 29

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
  • The Calumet County Family Caregiver Support Group will meet on Thursday, January 30 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at FVTC in Chilton.
  • February 2 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Evangelism Committee meeting - all are welcome!
  • The Christian Ed/Worship Committee will be meeting on February 2 following worship!
  • Bethlehem UCC Choir and Youth Fellowship are having their annual Chili Supper on Wednesday, February 5th – see the flyer on the board for details! 
  • On February 13, the Memory Café theme is Mardi Gras; information for this event is on the board. 
  • Join the Men's Breakfast on Thursday, February 13 at 8:30 a.m. at 7 Angels!
  • The Women's Guild invites you to their meeting on February 20 at 7 Angels at 1:00 p.m.!
  • The Holy Trinity Parish Perch Fry is on February 21, see the flyer on the board!
  • The Calumet County Home Health Care and Hospice Agency will once again be offering foot care clinics; see the board for details. 
  • The ADRC is offering a Lunch & Learn titled “Medicare Minutes;” see the board for dates, times and locations. 
  • A list of needed items for Pillars Adult & Family Shelter has been added to the board. 
  • Did you know the Chilton Library delivers? Learn more from the flyer on the board!
  • Information about The Appleton Visually Impaired Support Group is located on the bulletin board for anyone interested in the topic of vision loss. 
  • The January/February 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.
Weather Closing : If the Chilton Schools are closed due to weather, the office will also be closed. If there are any events scheduled, they are also cancelled (this includes Confirmation, The Wired Word, etc.) 
Follow Ebenezer UCC Chilton on Facebook to be sure you're getting the latest news!
The EUCC Calendar can be viewed online anytime at: https://churchtraconline.com/public_calendar?ui=FDBEB63