Ebenezer United Church of Christ
Pastor’s Corner

As February draws to a close, we look forward to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent.
 
Lent is one of my favorite church seasons. Lent calls Christians to step back from the demands and fast pace to which society calls us. We are instead called to take the time to reflect upon our lives and reorient ourselves toward God.
 
I can get wrapped up in the speed of the secular world. There is always something happening, something that needs to be done, something that demands my undivided attention. The odd thing is that at the end of the day I can’t recall what was so important about most of those things I did that day. Shouldn’t I give my time, my energies, and my love (my gifts) to that which is truly important? Daily I ask if I am using my gifts in ways that God would find pleasing. Some days I do better than others. This is why Lent is important to me.
 
I appreciate the focused time, which I set-aside during Lent to study the scriptures more deeply than usual. I seek out time and space during the day to read the Bible. My reading is more than simple reading. I seek to read not for information or sermon preparation rather I read to come closer to God. From time-to-time during this reading I stop and reread a verse or a few words that catch my attention. I stay with these words for a time asking what they are saying to me, asking God why have these words caught my attention. I can’t force this style of reading to fit into a predetermined time frame because God may have a word for me, which doesn’t come in the time I set aside for reading. I let myself journey toward God-time.
 
Lent, a time for preparation, examination, and prayer. I like to use this season as a time to give myself to God by entering into God-time.
 
Peace and grace,
Notes from the Music Corner

The meditative music for March 6, the first Sunday of Lent, will be “What Can Wash Away My Sin?”. The words continue – “Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again, Nothing but the blood of Jesus”. This will be a continued thought as we journey through the Lenten season. 

I have often wondered why we no longer sing “Amen” at the end of hymns. Amen meaning ‘may it be so’, expresses approval. The African-American spiritual “Amen” gained popularity during the 1960s civil rights movement. It became especially well known from Sydney Portier teaching it to some German immigrant nuns in the movie “Lilies of the Field”. The hymn rhythmically tells the story of Jesus’ mission on earth. The song is #161 in the New Century Hymnal so we are hoping to have that as a congregational hymn in the near future with the help from a soloist and a Sunday School class. It should be a fun song/story to tell!!!

On March 27, the Pine Haven Men’s Chorus will lead our worship in a service of song. They presented a service in song at Ebenezer in 2019 and were very well received so you won’t want to miss worshiping with them again. They were originally organized as a quartet in 1951 to financially aid the elderly residents residing in the Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls. Their membership now numbers 25 -30 who love the Lord and enjoy singing His praises. There is one charter member and many longtime, dedicated members. Through free will offerings they raise funds to provide a better Christian atmosphere for the residents at the three present-day Pine Haven Christian communities. You won’t want to miss this vocal testimony. Spread the word and bring family, friends and neighbors!.  

Wired Word Bible Study

Everyone is invited to the Wired Word. Wired Word bible study is held Tuesdays at Ebenezer and Wednesdays at St. John each day from 10:00 - 11:00 am. The topic is different each week and always discusses some event in the news. Scripture readings are provided and explanations of those scriptures are included to help with the discussions. We find when we are discussing the topic that many of us have had an experience which helps us think more deeply about the issues raised in the lesson.
 
The lesson for the week is available in the narthex of each church on Sunday morning.
 
Everyone is invited for the discussions and storytelling.
Ash Wednesday Service

Ash Wednesday service will be held at St. John UCC at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2nd. Masks are encouraged though they are optional. Imposition of ashes will be part of the service.
 
Confirmands from St. John and Ebenezer are required to attend and assist during the service. Confirmands should arrive at St. John by 6:15 pm.
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be taken on March 27th. Please look in the Narthex for additional materials and offering envelopes. Here is a sneak peek of what this great offering is for. Thank you ahead of time.
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.

March
March 6: Council
March 13: Kelly
March 20: Andy
March 27: Zach

April
April 3: Council

For questions on ushering duties please click here.
Bathroom Renovations
We are currently in the process of getting bids to renovate the downstairs bathrooms. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to those who have donated already!
Eagle Articles
Eagle articles are due March 15th. Please have them in at that time. We like to get them out to members before the end of the month. Thank you for your help on this.
VIRTUAL SERVICE

If you are unable to make it to service, you are 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!
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
Dean ~ Diana ~ Kari
Pastor Sue ~ Rebecca ~ Janice Rod ~ Steve ~ Tod ~ Tony ~ Vern Dennis ~ Joan and Family~ Stephanie 


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.
Administrative Assistant - Nikki:
(920) 849-4331
Administrative Hours:
Monday: 9-2:30p
Wednesday: 9-2:30p

Please note: Nikki is not always in the office and often works from home but the phones are forwarded to her. You may contact her via email at ebenezeroffice@yahoo.com during these hours as well.

Pastor Michael Safford - Kennedy:
Cell: (920) 286-1956
Hours:
Monday: 9-12p
Tuesday: 9-4p
Wednesday 1-3p
Thursday 9-12p

The office phone messages are checked during office hours; if you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Mike at (920) 286-1956 or via email.

If you have a non-emergency, send the office an email or leave a voicemail.
Peter Hofmeister 3/2
Don Goeldi 3/3
Wayne Kress 3/4
Donna Kuba 3/6
Kelly Kress 3/7
Kaitlynn Wagner 3/8
Gloria Peik 3/10
Ellie Augsbuger 3/11
Kimberlee Pringle 3/12
Jaren Pingel 3/13
Mike Redig 3/13
Pastor Mike 3/14
Landon Pierquet 3/15
Dean Beyer 3/16
Torrey Gasch 3/19
Edith Knoespel 3/21
Eric Plate 3/21
Jim Scholz 3/21
Aiden Tanner 3/21
Karen Cmejla 3/22
Sue Riesterer 3/23
Dean Pingel 3/25
Roger Kloehn 3/28

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
  • March 2: Ash Wednesday Worship is at St. John at 7p. Please note that the confirmation students are required to attend this service.
  • Men's Group Breakfast: 8:30a on March 10 at 7 Angels!
  • Bell Choir will play on March 13
  • Women's Guild Breakfast 9a on March 17 at 7 Angels!
  • Wired Word is on Tuesdays at 10a.
  • Confirmation Classes are on Wednesday nights at 5:30p.
  • Bell Choir Practices are on Wednesday nights at 6:30p
  • March 20: Church Council Meeting at 11a
  • March 27- Pine Haven Men's Choir will be here
  • Eagle Newsletter: Articles are due March 15.
  • One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be taken on March 27

Ebenezer Council Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2022 at 11a
Attendees: Stacey Freund, Don Pingel, Mark Rusch and Pastor Mike
 
Meeting adjourned due to not reaching a quorum.
 
The next regular council meeting will be March 20, 2022 at 11a
 
Respectfully submitted by new Council President,
Stacey Freund  
Approved by Council via Email
Follow Ebenezer UCC Chilton on Facebook to be sure you're getting the latest news!