Ebenezer United Church of Christ

March 2021 Eagle Newsletter

Please review the document before attending in-person worship.
One of the most painful and rewarding journeys in life is the path of self-exploration. To journey on this path is to walk, stumble, run, and sometimes fall in search of answers. Sometimes when we travel this path, we find the answers we were expecting. Sometimes we find unexpected answers. Sometimes we find understanding. We begin this path on Ash Wednesday and continue through the season of Lent.

Since we last gathered during Lent of 2020, much about our world has changed: COVID-19 has devastated the country and has changed the ways we worship, when is it safe to send our children to school, a presidential election that left the nation torn, and questioning what is fact and what is truth. How we see the world influences our behavior and right now we are tempted to see the world as a place filled with uncertainty, distrust, and violence.

As Christians we see the world as a place in need of transformation, a place where creation is ongoing, and we are managers in the process of the transformation. To be effective managers, we must spend time asking ourselves if we are the people Christ calls us to be. When we see sin in ourselves, we seek to shed it and its effects upon us. Lent is the time to do this self-examination.

I look forward to experiencing the path of self-examination with each of you. See you on Sunday morning.

Peace and grace,
Notes from the Music Corner ...
While we continue to miss singing in our worship services, the Meditative Music is intended to help individuals feel a sense of the message the music extends. Often, you may recognize the tune but don’t recall all the words, that’s OK - just absorb the sense of the music. Thank you for the kind comments about the music. I truly enjoy searching for and practicing music to coincide with the scripture. Thinking ahead to the Lenten season, following are some of the Meditative Music that is planned: "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," "In the Cross of Christ I Glory," "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" and "Blessed Assurance."

Elaine
Get to know your Ebenezer Confirmands!
COVID has prevented most of us access to some things that have been important to us over the
past year. One more thing that we’ve had taken from us is the ability to get to know our
confirmands. It’s a large group this year - 13 Ebenezer students. They have not met in person
since last March, but rather have had to hold their confirmation classes virtually. The kids have
submitted short paragraphs about themselves to help us all get to know them a little better.
Some of those bios are part of this month’s Eagle, and the rest will be here next month.
____________________________________________________________________________

Hi. My name is Kaleb Plate. My parents are Eric and Jamie Plate. We all live, with my younger
sister, in a new home just outside of Chilton. I am in the 8th grade and I think the best thing
about being an 8th grader is that I am the class president. My favorite holiday is Christmas
because I get to see all of my family. I had to think a long time to decide what my most prized
possession is, but I finally decided that it is my second place cross country ribbon. I worked
hard to earn that and I am proud that I did. Want to know what super power I would choose to
have? I would most like to be able to fly!

Hi. My name is Carson Pierquet. I am in the 7th grade and in the first year of confirmation at
Ebenezer. My parents are Randy and Rachel Pierquet. In my free time I like to play farming
simulator. My dad works on a dairy farm and I guess his love of it has rubbed off on me. My
favorite sport is basketball--playing it, not watching it. I have a special pet--a golden doodle.
It’s really early to start thinking about myself as an adult, but I think I would like to do something
in the business field as my profession.

Hi. My name is Ryan Pierquet. My parents are Randy and Rachel Pierquet. My brother,
Carson, is also in the confirmation class. I also have a younger brother, Landon. We live in the
country on highway 151 west of Chilton. My favorite subject in school is social studies. In my
spare time I like to play sports and hang out with my friends. If I could choose a favorite meal, I
guess it would be chicken alfredo. COVID has been hard and I think the worst thing about it is
not being able to see more of my family and my friends more often.

Hi. My name is Aiden Tanner. My parents are Sheri VanBeek and Scott Tanner. Bob VanBeek
is my step-dad. I live in Forest Junction. I have two brothers, Bobby and Alex and one sister,
Amber. My special interests include bowling, snowmobiling, football and playing video games.
COVID has forced us to do some learning from home, but I prefer the classroom because then I
can see my friends and get to talk to them. Sometimes I just stop and think about things.
Sometimes I wonder if we are living in a simulation (like those video games I like to play) and
when COVID-19 will end. Oh yes, I’m also wondering if we’re going to get more snow. I did say
I like to go snowmobiling, after all.

Hi. My name is Ryan Schnell. My parents are Kristi and Randy Schnell and my grandparents
are Vern and Edith Knoespel. Our family has been part of this church for a long time. I am in
the 8th grade and the 2nd year of confirmation. I love all kinds of sports, but I think my favorite
is football. I like to play it and I like to watch it. In my free time I like to play XBox video games,
go snowmobiling and four wheeling. I think I might like to be a small engine mechanic after I’m
through school.

Hi. My name is Mason Pagel. I am a 7th grader at Chilton Middle School. My parents are Tim
and Pam Pagel. My favorite subject in school is social studies. In my spare time I like to play
basketball. I think the worst thing about COVID has been having to wear masks. If I had my
choice at any meal, I think I would choose steak.

Hi. My name is Spencer Wagner and I am in 7th grade. My parents are Emily and Jason
Wagner. We live in St. Anna. In my free time I like to spend time outside and I also like
spending time with my family. I have two pets named Jackson and Freddy. My favorite sports
are baseball and football and I would rather play than watch. I still have a long time to decide, but right now I think I would like either to become a police officer or join the National Guard.
Women's Guild Happenings...
A thank you to Bea, Chris, Edith, Elaine, Joan, JoAnn, and Ruth for attending the Guild meeting on February 18, despite the cold temperatures. Everyone enjoyed breakfast together and lively conversation on family and world issues. We may not have solved all issues, but we certainly could make some recommendations! After breakfast, we held our meeting and had an election of officers. The 2021 Guild Officers are:

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, March 19, at 9:00 a.m. at 7 Angels. All ladies are welcome and encouraged to attend. It's a fun time for everyone! If you need a ride, contact wither JoAnn or Ruth. If you have questions about the Guild, please feel free to contact any Guild officer to have them answered.

Stay warm and safe, and we'll see you on March 18!

Ruth
Join the Church Council!

The Council still needs one more person to make the 7-member team; please see Ken Lisowe or Zach Platner if you're interested!
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.
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!
One Great Hour of Sharing

Sunday, March 14 is the One Great Hour of Sharing special mission offering. The UCC works with international partners to provide sources of clean water, food, education and health care, small business micro-credit, advocacy and resettlement for refugees and displaced persons, and emergency relief and rehabilitation. One Great Hour of Sharing also supports domestic and international ministries for disaster preparedness and response.

Envelopes will be available beginning March 7.
Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee

EUCC is reforming the Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee, and we are looking for volunteers. If interested, please speak with Joan: 920-418-5457.
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.
Attention Bell Ringers!!

Ebenezer Brass would like to get a group together to play for Easter. Anyone interested please contact Jill.
Be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread:
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: February 21, 2021
Meeting called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Zach, seconded by Joan.

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

Motion for approval of agenda and last months minutes by Ken, seconded by Joan. 

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

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

Committee reports
  • Continuing with WilKil pest control quarterly service 
  • Ken motioned to continue annual donations to Firepup and Annual Flag Contract. Seconded by Stacey. All members in favor 
  • Ken motioned to approve and continue NorthEast Association of WI UCC scholarship. Joan seconded motion. All members in favor. 
  • Letter from Shirley requesting Sunday School resume for the month of March. Joan motioned to resume Sunday School for the month of March in the Fellowship Hall. Ken seconded the motion. All members in favor. 
  • Motion to start Pastor Congregation Relations Committee by Joan, seconded by Dean. Committee will be for congregation to bring positive and negative concerns to committee, and for Pastor to bring positive and negative concerns to committee. Joan will head up committee. Those interested in joining the committee should contact Joan at (920) 418-5457. Motion to create the Pastor/Congregation Relations Committee made by Zach and seconded by Dean. All members in favor. 
  • Motion to move Jackie from hourly to salary by Ken, seconded by Stacey. All members in favor. 
 
Old Business
  • Church council is still looking for another member to join church council. 

New Business 
  • COVID updates 
  • 2021 confirmation class Sunday March 21st (need to order carnations)
  • New paint, updating downstairs bathroom 
  • Start paying correct amount to pension 
  • A need to reform Evangelism Committee to improve outreach and communication, visits and phone calls to elderly, ill, shut ins, etc. 
  • Updating Membership Roll (No motions on the above, just discussions) 

Motion to adjourn made by Ken, seconded by Dean at 12:20 p.m. 

*The next Council Meeting is Sunday, March 21 @ 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 
Terry ~ The DeKerf Family ~ Da'Monique
Patrice ~ Diane ~ Arlene ~ Gary ~ David
Audrey ~ Jeff ~ Kathy Sharon ~ Steve ~ Janice ~ Ryann ~ Diana Betty ~ Virginia ~ Kari ~ Don ~ Terri Ann ~ Mary ~ Bob
 Audra ~ Rod ~ The Mattes Family
The Ramey Family ~ The Sattler Family

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:
*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
Follow Ebenezer UCC Chilton on Facebook to be sure you're getting the latest news!
Peter Hofmeister: 2-Mar
Donald Goeldi: 3-Mar
Kevin Marx: 3-Mar
Wayne Kress: 4-Mar
Donna Kuba: 6-Mar
Kelly Kress: 7-Mar
Christina McGinnis: 9-Mar
Eleanor Augsburger: 11-Mar
Heather Zwetow: 12-Mar
Kimberlee Pringle: 12-Mar
Michael Redig: 13-Mar
Jaren Pingel: 13-Mar
Michael Safford-Kennedy: 14-Mar
Hannah Verrier: 15-Mar
Don Waldvogel: 16-Mar
Dean Beyer: 16-Mar
Bill Hoff: 16-Mar
Paul Halbach: 19-Mar
Dianne Buechel: 19-Mar
Janine Bratz: 20-Mar
Jim Scholz: 21-Mar
Eric Plate: 21-Mar
Edith Knoespel: 21-Mar
Aiden Tanner: 21-Mar
Karen Cmejla: 22-Mar
Sue Riesterer: 23-Mar
Dean Pingel: 25-Mar
Roger Kloehn: 28-Mar
Gary Elliott: 28-Mar

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
  • Join the Men's Group for Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on March 11 at 7 Angels!
  • Sunday, March 14 is the One Great Hour of Sharing special mission offering.
  • March 14 is also the beginning of Daylight Savings so be sure to move your clocks head one hour!
  • The Women’s Guild breakfasts are back! Join them on Thursday, March 18, at 9:00 a.m. at 7 Angels.
  • Sunday, March 21, EUCC will be confirming the class previously scheduled for May 2020!
  • EUCC will also be doing a special offering on March 21 to support the local FirePup Program!
  • March 28 is Palm Sunday.
  • The March/April Upper Room is available in the Narthex.
  • Brochures regarding Project Recovery, an outreach program working with farmer & farmworkers impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state of Wisconsin, are located on the Narthex table.