February 2016
LENT BEGINS ON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION
AT
9:00AM & 7:00PM
I have a confession to make. It is long past the middle of January and I still have my Christmas tree
up. Whew. There, I said it. The problem is that I just love the Christmas lights. The ornaments are
off the tree and boxed up. But I am really struggling to find the resolve to take that beautiful tree
down. Let it be known that mornings and I do not get along all that well. I detest alarm clocks and
getting up early. But I have to do it. And I have come to cherish that 30 minutes I have in the
morning where it is only the cat and I who are up. I pour a cup of coffee and turn on the tree
(recognizing that the neighbors probably think I am lazy or crazy or a delightful combination of the
two) and sit in the quiet with only the lit tree to pierce the darkness. Soon I will get the kids up and
assemble lunches. Soon I will begin to ready myself for the workday. Soon the kids will be out the
door and I will be on my way to the office. But in that moment there is peace and quiet and all is right
with the world.
Reluctantly I turn my eyes away from the tree and toward February. There begins the season of
Lent. There the quiet is not peaceful, but deafening. In the season of Lent we face the grown up
Jesus. We realize that we don’t like or follow or accept everything he says and everything he calls us
to do. In the season of Lent the silence reminds us that we sometimes choose to ignore the voice of
the Messiah and the silence is caused by our own unwillingness to speak the words of truth and
discipleship. In Lent, the silence is broken only with the wails of lament from those who gather at the
foot of the crucified Christ. In Lent, the tree has to come down, because the silence is almost too
much to bear.
Fortunately, the silence is also broken by the very voice of the one who hangs upon the cross. From
the cross Jesus spoke seven times. His words grant us insight as to the nature of the Christ and the
nature of our God. The words he spoke are amazing on an ordinary day—and they are almost
unimaginable when we realize this is the crucifixion day. From the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive
them” and to the man crucified with him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” He said to his
mother and the disciple John, “Mother, behold your son” and “Behold your mother.” He cried out in
agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “I am thirsty,” he admitted. “It is finished,” he
said near the end, and “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” and then he breathed his last.
We will examine some of these final words of Christ this Lenten season as we ponder the Prayers of
the Passion. Lent remains a season of challenge for me. While I readily embrace the Lord of Love
that came to save us and marvel at a God who would give so freely to us, I also struggle to own my
own participation in the events that took place. Where would I have been as I heard these words
spoken by Jesus? Would I have been grieving at the foot of the cross? Would I have been a skeptic
in the midst of the crowd? Or would I have been somewhere in between? I suppose it doesn’t matter
all that much. What matters now is where I stand today. Do I choose each day to be a disciple of the
one who gave his life in love and grace and mercy and service to others? Or am I a part of the
skeptical jeering crowd that considers such sentiment foolish? It is a choice--a struggle--indeed a
battle that rages daily. Praise God for the moments when I have the strength to overcome my own
sinfulness. And praise God even more for his grace that carries me through the other 99% of my day!
Pastor Andi
Cell Phone: 920-216-3622 Email: pastor.andi@emmanueloshkosh.org
FEBRUARY USHER, GREETER & ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
DATE
Feb. 7 (9:00am)
USHER
*Judy Christopher,
Haily & Evelyn Kerr
Feb. 14 (9:00am)
*Ron & Sandra
Golliher, Jackie &
Macy McCue
Feb. 21 (9:00am)
*Norm Luft, Jack
Steinert, Kay Lund,
Jody Schaick
Feb. 28 (9:00am)
*The Lee Yoder
Family
Lent Feb. 10, 17,24 *Judy Ambroso
(9:00am)
Volunteers needed
for 7:00pm
GREETER
Marie Gartman &
Vanis Bettin
Dan & Rene
Rogers
ACOLYTE
Haily Kerr
Macy McCue
Larry & Margaret
Yoder
Destiney Wilson
Gerry & Lisa
Keuler
Zach Wolf
TREASURER’S NOOK
YOU DID IT AGAIN!
Every January, we get a chance to reflect on the happenings of the prior year and that is no different for
Emmanuel Church. I spend the majority of the year urging everyone to give and every holiday season, you
always come through. 2015 was no different. Thanks to your generous support, we made our 2015 Budget!
Supporting our Church is important and the desire to support the budget competes with so many things and
tough decisions have to be made from time to time. We are so grateful that you have continued to support
the ministries of this Church. So a big THANK YOU is deserved.
DECEMBER
As mentioned above, December was a great month. Our expenses were again slightly overbudget, but our
strong giving and SCRIP sales helped offset that. As a result, we had a positive cashflow of $7,022 for the
month of December.
For the year to date, we ended up having a positive a cashflow of $4,530!
THE NUMBERS:
OPERATING BUDGET:
ACTIVITY FOR DECEMBER, 2015 AND YEAR TO DATE
MONTHLY
BUDGET
MONTHLY
ACTUAL
DIRECT GIVING
17,151
OTHER INCOME
2,607
SCRIP SALES NET
583
TOTAL INCOME
20,341
TOTAL EXPENSES
18,224
CASHFLOW/DEFICIT 2,117
YEAR TO DATE
BUDGET
28,889
4,583
(5,237)
28,235
21,213
7,022
210,382
22,575
7,040
239,997
239,947
0.00
YEAR TO DATE
ACTUAL
189,014
32,448
5,878
227,340
222,810
4,530
SCRIP PROGRAM:
NET COMMISSIONS EARNED
1ST QUARTER
2ND QUARTER
1,033
948
3RD QUARTER
4TH QUARTER
TOTAL
994
1,802
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
$4,777
SCRIP ORDERS ARE DUE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016
Please remember, you can drop off your orders any weekday morning
prior to the 7th in the church office!
SCRIP ORDERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016
Just in time for Valentine’s Day!! Pick up a SCRIP card for that
special someone in your life for Valentine’s Day!
For your convenience we have a limited supply of certain SCRIP cards
available every weekday morning in the church office,
or on Sunday in the lower narthex.
Thank you so much to LISA SMITH, PETR SMITH AND MARGARET YODER for
ordering and selling the SCRIP cards. We appreciate all that you do to keep this
program running smoothly throughout the year!
ANY QUESTIONS?
PLEASE CONTACT LISA SMITH AT
920-379-7732 OR BY EMAIL AT PICKETTSMITHS@GMAIL.COM
“SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEETHEART”
BAKE SALE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2016
Sponsored by the Sunday School
Proceeds will go to the Sunday school
Mission Project – “Campital Campaign”
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
DAUGHTERS OF SARAH
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 – 6:00pm
Hostesses: Kathy Hable & Bev Edwards
Mission: Bring a meat “helper” (Hamburger Helper, etc.) for
Emmanuel’s Food Pantry
ANNUAL “SUPER” PIZZA SALE
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Pizza making 8:00am – 9:30am
Pizza Pick up 9:00am – 11:00am
YA YA’S & GENTLEMEN
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 – 11:30am Lunch at Primo’s
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 – 6:30pm
Volunteers are needed….
Pastor Andi will need additional voices to help with the Wednesday
Lenten services.
Each message has parts for 3 voices – Pastor, a biblical character
and a contemporary character.
If you are interested in doing a part, please let Pastor know.
LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Wednesday Worship at 9:00am & 7:00pm
February 10, 17, 24 – March 2, 9, 16
Palm/Passion Sunday, March 20 at 9:00am
Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion, March 24 at 7:00pm
Good Friday Worship, March 25 at 1:00pm
Easter Sunday Worship with Communion
March 27 at 6:30am & 9:00am
LENTEN SELF DENIAL FOLDERS
Lenten Self Denial folders will be available in the upper narthex throughout the Lenten
season. Postal regulations no longer allow us to send them to you. You are welcome
to put a quarter in each slot, or enclose a check for $20.00, which is the amount once
the folder is full. Please don’t forget to put your name or envelope number on the
folder to receive proper credit to your account. Thank you!
Sunday School Happenings
The Sunday school will be hosting a Valentine’s Day “ Sweets for your Sweetheart”
bake sale to raise money for the mission project of the “Campital Campaign” on
Sunday February 14th.
Parents, you are encouraged to make cookies, cupcakes or any treat you would like
with your child(ren) in order for them to be involved in the fundraiser too. You may
drop off your items (asking 2 dozen treats per family) at the church on Sat February
13th from 9-11 a.m.
The Sunday school children with be singing on Sunday February 14th also. Please
have your child report to the choir room to practice between 8:30-8:45 before church.
Please mark your calendars to help support this important mission of our Sunday
school this year.
We are in need of a superintendent or co superintendents for the 2015-2016 school
year. If you think you would like to help with the Sunday school program of our church
please contact Lori or Pastor Andi at the church office.
Leanne Monroe
Emmanuel
“God with us”
To all High School and College Students…..
Do you need credits for community service? We have a lot of shredding that needs to
be done in the church office and we could use your help! The office is open in the
morning, but if that time doesn’t work with your schedule, we could make other
arrangements. It isn’t a difficult job, just very time consuming. We have the paper
shredder, we just need someone to feed it!! If this is something you would be
interested in, email Lori at lori.holland@emmanueloshkosh.org or by phone at 920235-8340. Thanks!
Would you like to Usher or be a Greeter?
We could use more ushers and greeters. We would be happy to work around your
schedule. If you could only help us out once and awhile, that’s okay, any time you can
help would be appreciated. If this is something you would be interested in, please
contact the church office by phone at 920-235-8340, or by email at
office@emmanueloshkosh.org.
EASTER BREAKFAST will be held at 7:30am on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016.
Watch for more information in your March Lamplighter and upcoming bulletins.
Volunteers are always needed to help set up, serve and clean up after the
breakfast. Tickets will go on sale in March. It is a great time of fellowship,
please think about joining us and helping with the meal!
FUNDRAISER FOR
CAMPITAL CAMPAIGN
EMMANUEL #SOUP2GO
ORDERS ARE DUE
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016
SOUP WILL BE READY FOR PICK UP
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016
ORDER BLANKS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE LOWER NARTHEX AND
IN THE MARCH LAMPLIGHTER
SOUP FLAVORS AVAILABLE ARE:
CHILI WITH BEANS
CHILI WITHOUT BEANS
CHICKEN DUMPLING
FRENCH ONION
$7.00 PER QUART
Food Pantry Update….
Thank you for bringing in non-perishable food items, paper and
plastic bags. We appreciate your continued support!
In December we served 181 families. 29 families were new to our pantry. We served
330 adults and 241 children. Approximately 5,430 pounds of food was distributed.
The need in our community for help with food continues to grow. We would like to
thank the following agencies for helping us meet that need. Thank you to OUR
SISTER CHURCH ST. PAUL, RICK PEPPLER AND PEPSI, MARK & SUSIE’S
PIGGLY WIGGLY, CARMEL RESIDENCE, INC., AND FOX VALLEY HEARING
CENTER, INC.
Thank you to our faithful volunteers for your continue dedication. Thank you GAIL
HABLE, MEG HABLE, MARY RAPP, JIM HARMON, MARGARET YODER, BONNIE
GREEN, MIKE GREEN, BEV FRETCHEL, RAY HITZ, JIM FELDA, HOWARD
GINTNER, MARILYN MORRISON, KELLY FREIBERG, KATHY MCGILL, KAREN
CHAPIN, KATHY HABLE, PAT FENRICH, JOAN GORCHELS AND RON
GORCHELS.
February’s food pantry item is any non-perishable food item you find on sale! If
you see a good sale, buy some extra and bring it to the food pantry. Anything
you want to bring in is welcome and needed!! Thank you!
Meet our new members….
My name is Lisa Nahmens. I am currently in my fifth year of school at
UW Oshkosh. I would like to work with troubled and disadvantaged
youth after I complete school. I have two dogs, a chocolate lab (Cooper) and a boxer (Olive). They
are both young and full of energy. I enjoy sports and spending time with Jessica and Ben.Jessica is
the person I am with and Ben is her eight year old son. I enjoy taking Ben to the YCMA and other
places to spend time together. I started attending Emmanuel United Church of Christ with Jenna
Parks, in 2004. Everyone is so welcoming and nice at this church. I would like to get involved with
more volunteer things that happen.
My name is Elaine Witthuhn. I belonged to St. John’s UCC in Appleton for the last 15 years, where
Pastor Andi actually made her sermon to apply for the job here at Emmanuel.
I did not know this at the time I walked in your front door. But I was greeted by Joan Gorchels who
was my neighbor some 40 years ago. She has taken me under her wing and introduced me to many.
As single girls Peggy Below and I spent time together and Phyllis Hitz was one of my bridesmaids so
I do believe God guided me to this church.
My son-in-law accepted a pastoral call in Phillips, Wisconsin and I decided I wanted to stay in
Oshkosh so I moved into Simeanna III where again I’ve made many friends and come January I will
be teaching classes on making greeting cards—a true passion of mine.
I was recently divorced in July and have two children so after living in Appleton for 15 years, returned
to Oshkosh.
After my twin sisters death and my divorce I found friends in the church and my new home in
Simeanna.
Like I told Pastor Andi once if I didn’t like her sermons I wouldn’t have returned Sunday after Sunday.
I’m here to stay folks.
Stephanie and Jeff Kintopf have three children, Kylie, Sidonie and Griffin. Stephanie is a
returning Emmanualite as she grew up in Emmanuel, as her dad was the pastor ( you may remember
him ;) ).
Jeff and Griffin are avid hunters that enjoy duck, turkey and deer hunting. Griffin keeps us busy as he
is a junior at OWHS who is involved in many sports( his favorite is football) and the band. Sidonie is a
Freshman at FVTC, with a compassion for the elderly and special needs kids. She plans on
transferring to UWO in fall and switch her major to Special Education. Kylie graduated December
2014 from UWO and is currently doing her second round of the Disney College Program in Orlando.
Stephanie enjoys Jazzercise, gardening with Jeff, reading a good laugh ( she gets her sense of
humor form her mother J ). It feels like home to be back at Emmanuel!
My name is James Peppler, I have decided I would like to join the membership of Emmanuel United
church of Christ, and I ask for the consideration of yourself and the congregation.
I look forward to Christian fellowship with my member relatives: Audrey Peppler, Duane and Laurelee
Peppler, Charles and Vivian Peppler, Sherry Peppler, Sandra Folske, Corey and Cindy Folske, Lee
and Vickie Burton, Earl and Laurie Dorst, Michael and Alice Peppler, Rick and Shelly Peppler,
Amanda Peppler.
I was born on January 19, 1939, and have been retired for several years. My wife, Jean, passed
away on August 2, 2014. I have three sons and one daughter, eleven grandchildren and one great
grandchild.
Thanks for your consideration.
My name is Linda Sagmeister. I was born in Coloma, WI and moved to Oshkosh when I was in the
third grade and have lived here ever since. I am a widow and am basically retired but do work a
small part-time job as a “lunch lady” for Lourdes Academy – Seton Elementary School. Currently I
live with the youngest of my three daughters and enjoy reading, games on Facebook and picture
puzzles. I was introduced to worship at Emmanuel by Walter Schmude, my ex-husband and now
close friend and companion. It is an honor to be welcomed into the family at Emmanuel United
Church of Christ.
CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS– January 12, 2016
Opened with prayer by Pastor.
SECRETARY'S REPORT: was approved as read.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Stock Shares for end of December at $62.45, up from last month; Bottom
Line: For the month and the year we had a positive cash flow. December net cash flow was
$7,021.71. For the year the net cash flow (deficit) was $4,531.09. Scrip profit continues to support
our congregation's cash flow with income earned for the year to date has been $4,777.00 (3.65%
average commission rate). We have a SCRIP on hand inventory of $3,350.00. Treasurer’s Repost
was approved as read for December.
PASTOR'S REPORT: January 18 Andrew Simons Eagle Scout Ceremony; January 19 Pastoral
Relations Meeting; January 24 Annual Meeting after church; January 30 Wedding at the church;
February 1-6 Pastor on Vacation/ RaeAnn Beebe from St. Paul’s to cover for Pastor; February 10 Ash
Wednesday Services at 9:00 am and 7:00 pm. Pastor has been asked to direct a Single Parent
Family Camp at Pilgrim July 8-10.
VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Food Pantry December: 181 Families; 29 New Families; 330 Adults;
241 Children, with 5,430 lbs of food distributed. Discussed concerns of the shed and needed repairs,
will submit pricing on various fixes. Habitat for Humanity’s old office to become our archived church
office & will need new shelving to organize the storage which Gail will gather. Discussed using the
leftover previous auction items to use as fund raising items for Campital Campaign.
**Motion made, second, and carried to use the items left over in the Habitat for Humanity’s Office
from past auctions be used for Campital Campaign fund raising.
BOARD OF EDUCATION: January 17 Cookie Sale “Sweets for your Sweetheart”; Sunday
School Superintendent Position will be open for 2016-2017. Please contact the church office if you
are interested.
TRUSTEE'S REPORT: Discussed sending an email copy of the Newsletter for those who want this
avenue. Those who still wish to receive a paper copy via post office will be able to do so. Will bring to
Annual Meeting for discussion. This will help reduce some of the newsletter costs. Bathroom off the
Fellowship Hall needs to be cleaned at all times. Changing cleaning routine to do more than once a
week due to the increased activity from the church and public for meetings and gatherings.
OLD BUSINESS: 125th Anniversary (December 2016) Next year is our 125th year Anniversary of our
Church, time to start planning/getting ideas from members. If you have any ideas please contact a
board member, Lori, or Pastor Andi.
NEW BUSINESS: January 24 Annual Meeting. Agenda will include discussion about Christmas
Day 2016, which falls on a Sunday, discussed what Church had done in the past. Discussion on the
current heat concerns and what needs to be look at with the thermostats to regulate the temperature
better with the colder weather.
Meeting was adjourned with The Lord’s Prayer
Special thanks to pastor Andi for her prayers and visits while I was at
Mercy Medical Center and St. Elizabeth’s hospital. Also thanks to the
church members who kept me in their thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Edwards
Please help us out…
If you are scheduled for an upcoming surgery or any procedures
please call the church office and let us know. We want to make
sure we are there for you and your family during these difficult
times. So if you don’t mind, please call the church office (2358340) or drop us an email at office@emmanueloshkosh.org with
the information. Thank you for helping us help you!
JANUARY MEMORIAL & HONORARIUM REPORT
In loving memory of DOROTHY DEMLER
A gift to the Clifford & Dorothy Demler Fund by
The Dorothy Demler Estate
In loving memory of DAVID FREDRICK
A gift to the Memorial Fund by
Dorothy Fredrick
In honor of SHIRLEY MILLER’S 80TH BIRTHDAY
A gift to the Food Pantry by
Larry & Margaret Yoder
Thank you to KAREN CHAPIN for removing the indoor Christmas
decorations. Thank you also to JIM HARMON & GAIL HABLE for removing
the outdoor decorations. We appreciate all that you did to make sure
everything was put away properly for use again in the future.
Thank you to LISA SMITH & CORY SCHULTZ for keeping our website up to
date.
Thank you to CORY SCHULTZ & KIM WINTER for videotaping the worship
services and making them available on our website
www.emmanueloshkosh.org.
Thank you to JEFF & CINDI POMMERENING for running the projection
screen during worship.
Thank you to MARGARET YODER & LAURIE DORST for helping with the
Lamplighter.
Thank you to EVERYONE for getting your annual reports in a time!!
Thank you to GAIL HABLE for cleaning and organizing the rooms in the balcony.
Thank you also for checking out the heating issues in the building.
COFFEE HOUR UPDATE….
Thank you to DENNIS CHAPIN, KAREN CHAPIN & CAROL SCHOENING for
picking up the donuts and supplies, setting up and cleaning the coffee hour
area each Sunday. We appreciate all that you do to make our time for
fellowship an enjoyable experience.
Please remember, if you have a prayer request you can enter it on our
website at www.emmanueloshkosh.org.
Labyrinth Project Update…
Once again we are offering the opportunity to purchase a brick in memory or honor of a
loved one to be placed in the Labyrinth Memorial Garden this summer.
Price per bricks are 4 x 8= $60.00
11 letters per line – 3 lines
8 x 8= $75.00
13 letter per line – 3 lines
12 x 12= $110.00
15 letters per line – 3 lines
(spaces are counted along with letters)
Please fill out the form below as clearly as possible---PRINT
# of bricks
Honor,
First name (s) Last name
Memory of
or…
Please include your name:_____________________________________
Number of bricks you would like to purchase_________
Amount Enclosed________________