Ebenezer United Church of Christ
To allow all 8 EUCC Confirmands, and anyone wanting to attend the service, proper space to do so the May 2 Confirmation Service will held in the Pavilion at the Calumet County Fairgrounds (not EUCC!). Service time will be the normal 8:45 a.m.
Do you know what’s coming? Summer! Vacations, swimming, running outdoors, walks in the morning and evenings, and the sounds of kids playing in the yard. Ah, summer is one of God’s wonderful blessings.

I remember summers as a kid. I would spend them playing baseball almost every day. I’d play “whiffle ball” in the driveway a couple of times each day. Sometimes we would walk to the Junior High School about a mile away and play ball on the ball field. When we didn’t play a game of baseball, we’d play “pickle” for an hour or more. If there wasn’t anyone else to play with, I’d take a ball and a glove and throw the ball off the foundation of the house and practice my glove skills. 

My dad was a baseball umpire so we would spend at least two evenings a week at one of the local ballparks. We would watch my dad umpire and listen to the people in the crowd yell at him and occasionally “boo” him (it’s a strange feeling to hear people “boo” your father and say all kinds of unkind things about him). I have many good memories of Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids. I can still picture the wooden bleachers and the concession stand. It was extra fun when the game would be broadcast on one of the local radio stations!

During the evenings, the family would sit on the porch and listen to the Detroit Tigers. During the summers of 1967 and 1968, we would listen to the Detroit Tigers and talk about the race riots in Detroit and in our city of Grand Rapids. One week, during the riots, the police set up barricades just one block from our house. My parents talked about sending my brother and I to live with relatives until the rioting was over. It was confusing and scary.

Much of my life was lived during those summers, outside in the sun (without sunscreen, we didn’t know any better!) playing baseball, learning how to win and more painfully – learning how to lose, and then doing it again the next day. 

Peace and grace,
Welcome to our Confirmands!
On Sunday, May 2, at the Calumet County Fairgrounds we will welcome: Meghan Adamietz, Owen Brown, Maddie Mueller, JorJa Ninneman, Ryan Pierquet, Kaleb Plate, Logan Platner, and Ryan Schnell into the church as our newest Confirmands. I 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 one of them in church, congratulate them and encourage them to continue growing in their faith.

Location: Calumet County Fairgrounds

  • The pavilion is covered, but not heated so please plan accordingly.
  • There is plenty of parking, and it is handicap accessible.
  • EUCC will be providing chairs

Any additional questions regarding the Confirmation service, please feel free to contact Zach or Pastor Mike.
Don Pingel, Ebenezer’s long-time, faithful and dedicated outdoor and indoor custodian is dealing with several health issues. At the time this is being written, he is undergoing treatment at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton. For the time being, a cleaning service (Houseskeepers, Inc.) and a lawn care service (Eisch Management Service LLC) have been hired. Don’s sincere efforts will certainly be missed. He recently had retired from his full-time position at Vern’s Cheese. We pray for a quick recovery and years ahead to enjoy retirement. 
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. As a reminder, you can always tune into 95.5 within a block of the church during the service!
Wednesday Nights at the Parsonage

Looking for a summer night with friends around a bonfire? If you answered “Yes” then set aside the 3rd Wednesday of June, July, and August. We will provide more details as June gets closer.

Pastor Mike and Sue are looking forward to hosting all of you for conversation, a short Bible study and lots of fun.
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.
Adult Bible Study is Resuming!

We will resume Adult Bible Study beginning Tuesday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. in the lounge. We will be discussing "The Wired Word." The topic for discussion will be emailed to those interested and paper copies will be available in the Narthex.

Please wear masks. If all participants are fully vaccinated, we will be able to remove our masks.

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 resuming the class and having fun talking about the weekly topics.
Mark You Calendars!

The Annual Ice Cream Social Supper will be held on Wednesday, July 14, from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. We wanted to let you know so you could save that date and support the event that day. 

More details will be printed in the June and July issues of the "Eagle." 

Thank you!

Joan Woelfel & Ruth Aebischer
Co-Chairs
Vaccine Inquiry Letter

You should be/have received a letter regarding vaccination either via mail or email. If not, or if you misplaced it, a copy of this letter can be found here.

Please note that your vaccination information WILL NOT be shared, this is just for a numbers count.

Please review the document before attending in-person worship.
Ebenezer Church Council
Meeting Minutes: April 25, 2021
Meeting called to order at 11:11 a.m. Prayer lead by Joan

Present: President Zack Platner, Vice President Ken Lisowe, Secretary Stacey Vernon, Joan Woelfel, Pastor Mike. 

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

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

Ministers Report:
  • May 4th Wired Word resumes
  • Confirmation class ended last Wednesday
  • 8 confirmands
  • Confirmation will be held at Calumet County fairgrounds next Sunday (5/2)
  • May 17th-21st Pastor Mike will be on vacation
  • Pastor Sue health insurance increased
 
Committee reports:
  • Christian Ed/Music: get fairgrounds ready for confirmation Sunday
  • Mission: n/a
  • Property: Motion by Ken and 2nd by Stacey, all in favor, to approve the estimate from Security/Luebke Roofing, Inc. deficiencies, but not to approve the Heat Tape option.
  • Stewardship: n/a 
  • Evangelism: meeting in May at fairgrounds to get flower pots ready to distribute.
  • Membership: motion to approve letter to be send out to inactive members by Stacey, 2nd by Joan. All in favor.
  
Old/Continuing Business:
  • Downstairs bathrooms 

New Business: 
  • COVID updates: motion by Stacey, 2nd by Joan, all in favor, to start with lifting restrictions; temperatures will no longer be taken coming into church. Masks will continue to be worn but singing of the Gloria Patri response, as well as a hymn towards the end of the service, will begin.  
  • Vaccine Letter: some emails with completion of vaccinations have been received.
  • Member updates: letters will be sent. 
  • Confirmation: Ken will check with Shirley to take picture Wednesday. Confirmation next Sunday.

Other Business:
  • Thank you letter received for gift of money from congregation to OCWM for basic support.

Motion to adjourn made by Joan, 2nd by Ken, all in favor at 12:29 p.m. 

*The next Council Meeting is Sunday, May 16 @ 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 ~ Terri ~ Don

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
Donald Pingel: 5/1
Samantha Mitchell: 5/1
Ralph Schmid: 5/2
Ken Lisowe: 5/3
Barb Pautz: 5/5
Talena Popp: 5/6
Stacey Sabish: 5/7
Joel Propson: 5/9
Connie Waldvogel: 5/11
Joe Dorn: 5/11
Emily Kolbe: 5/12
David McGinnis: 5/12
Breanna Cook: 5/12
Teagan Sabish: 5/12
Paula Pingel-Rona: 5/17
David Miller: 5/20
Johanna Bechlem: 5/24
Lynn Merino: 5/30

May God bless your years and may you continue to bless Ebenezer!
  • May 2 is Confirmation Sunday at the Calumet County Fairgrounds!
  • The Wired Word Adult Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. in the lounge! All are welcome!
  • Men's Group Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. on May 6 at 7 Angels!
  • Women’s Guild Breakfast: Thursday, May 20, at 9:00 a.m. at 7 Angels.
  • May 23 we will be collecting for the Strengthen the Church special offering. This offering offering helps the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities. 
  • Mark your calendars for the Ice Cream Social on July 14!
  • June 16, July 21 & August 18: Wednesday Night Bible Study and bonfire at the Parsonage!
  • 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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