The Word
The Nekoosa United Church of Christ
“God is Still Speaking”
I’m a humble person, really.
I’m actually much greater than I think I am.
Oh boy! What a week it has been! Actually the last few weeks have been hectic. I left my
office at 11:00 am on the Monday after Easter not feeling well. I slept on and off until 8:00 am
Tuesday morning; and I still could have slept longer. Sleep is how my body copes with stress or
illness. Like a turtle withdrawing into its shell when danger approaches; my body withdraws from the
world and goes to sleep. It’s my body’s way of protecting me from harm, withdrawing into protective
and restoring slumber. My home stereo can really blast the tunes for me. When I turn it up into the
red for too long, the stereo protects itself by muting itself; barely a whisper of the melody comes out
of the speakers. This lasts for about ten minutes then the stereo, refreshed and cooled by the
downtime, kicks back up to a disturbing volume ready to give its all again.
If you looked at a turtle when it is in its shell, without understanding it, you might say, “this
turtle is useless…it has no legs or head”. If you peek in my window and see me sleeping for 20 hours
you might think, “what a lazy slug!” If you try to turn up my stereo when it is in protective mode, you
might think, “what a piece of junk”. To truly understand something you need to get to know all
about it. You must also understand that what is going on right now might affect the state of
condition that has temporarily taken over.
"The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don't know anything
about." This is a quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer that I re-read often. During Lent I preached on the
importance of not judging or profiling others; as a matter of fact we considered it a sin to do so. It
didn’t last long for me, I sinned. I jumped to conclusions and judged someone by the way they were
behaving; not because they were behaving badly, just differently from how I thought they should be
behaving. Feel superior much Tim? Hey, I never said our Lenten journey was going to be easy or
quick and painless. It takes intentional work, it’s a process of love; and it is a journey.
I hope we can continue to journey together, catching one another when we stumble, picking
one-another up and dusting us off when we fall. We celebrated Easter by rejoicing in the new life
Jesus had been given and the new life that we all have been given. Let’s help one-another make the
most of this new chance at life; and let’s help one-another to understand things or people before we
reject something or someone. Jesus didn’t give up on God when it seemed like God rejected him and
let him suffer and die. God didn’t give up on us, even though we often stumble on our journey. Let’s
not reject this opportunity to love, what we have been graciously given, through the gift of the
resurrection of our Lord and Savior! Let’s do something; and let’s do that “something” together!
Peace and Love,
Pastor Tim
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BIRTHDAYS
1 - Tyler Dean
1 - Emma McKeel
3 - Lisa Schenk
4 - Melody Moody-Zuege
5 - Ruth Bennett
5 - Vicki Nehring
7 - Danise Wegner
8 - Mary Schultz
13 - Loren Elkin
15 - Harley Bennett
18 - Heather Michels
22 - Andrew Beadell
22 - Jennifer Lau
22 - Doug Kirst
24 - Marilyn Elkin
25 - Joyce Murray
26 - Laney Sorenson
27 - Ken Marcoux
27 - Shanna Richardson
30 - Dorothy Shillius
ANNIVERSARIES
7 - Charles and Joy Schauer
8 - Loren and Marilyn Elkin
11 - Bill and Shelley Eichhorn
15 - Roger & Pat Kester
26 - Chuck and Shelby Sorrell
If you would like to have your birthday or
anniversary listed during the year, or there is an
error in the date, please contact the church office
at 715 886-3371.
It is through the generosity of many people in the
church that our Wish List needs have been and
continues to be met. At this time, we are in need
of the following items:
 8½ X 11(20#)White Copier Paper
 8½ X 14(20#)White Copier Paper
 8½ X 11(20#)Color Copier Paper
(Not Blue or Green)
 8½ X 14(20#)Color Copier Paper
Thank you to everyone in our church family who has
donated requested supplies over the many years.
Your generosity if greatly appreciated.
RIDES TO CHURCH
If you are unable to get to Church on Sunday,
we have a list of people willing to pick you up.
Please contact one of the following people to
coordinate a ride for you.
Ellen Osborne 715-886-4008,
Lynette Hilgers 715-886 4189, and
Cindy Dorr 715-887-3702.
THE DIACONATE’S ANNUAL
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ADULTS AND YOUTH………$8.00
Women’s Evening
Group
It’s Spring (believe it or not)
and time for our annual Spring pilgrimage to TWO
LAKES Supper Club in Almond!
When: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 6:00 pm (we will meet at church at 5:15 for
anyone who would like to car pool)
Please RSVP (if you can or cannot make it) to Donna
at [email protected] or 715 886-5793
CHILDREN, 12 AND UNDER………$4.00
{Carry-outs Available}
ON SITE MENU INCLUDES: ROAST PORK,
SAUERKRAUT, POTATO SALAD,
JELL-O SALADS, POTATO CHIPS, BAKED
BEANS, ROLLS,
DESSERTS AND BEVERAGES
Want something fun to
do on a Friday night???
We thought a Family Game
Night would be fun so we
planned one for Friday, May 9.
Come down to the Fellowship
Hall where we will have popcorn, cool-aid and an
assortment of games. If you would like, bring your
own favorite game, snack or soda.
The Christian Education Committee has chosen
Sunday, June 1 as Children’s Sunday. We will
recognize teachers, students, and high school
graduates. Please mark your calendars and come help
us recognize our future.
Bankers Hours!
Starting in May the Pastor will be in the office on
Mondays from noon until 6:00. This is to allow those
who work during the day the opportunity to talk with
the pastor in the afternoon/early evening. Feel free to
stop in or make an appointment with the office to
schedule a time.
Years ago, after becoming frustrated with trying to
meet with my pastor after I was done with work, I
promised myself that I would have hours to
accommodate the working congregants if I ever
became a minister. If there are any other ways that I
can be more accessible, please let me know.
Pastor Tim
Save the Date!!!!
Remember how much fun the All
Church Retreat was last year.
Well we are doing it again this
year!! Mark your calendars for
October 26, 27 and 28, 2014.
More details to follow at a later
date.
Winifred Taylor Scholarship Eligibility
There have been some questions and confusion about
the Winifred Taylor Scholarship Eligibility. I'd like to
clear this issue up. It was brought to the Diaconates
attention last year that the monies are to be given to
the youth of our church only with the Diaconate
having the sole decision of where to use and award
these scholarships. But again, to be used solely for
the youth of our church per the will of Winifred
Taylor.
Now, in the past, anybody who applied for a
scholarship was awarded one, including the adults,
which was not in accordance of the guidelines of her
will.
Last fall a large number of our members were going
to Moon Beach and many applied for this scholarship
money to go. The church council inadvertently
approved the scholarships, which was wrong. Once
the rules of the will were presented to the Diaconate,
they brought it back to the church council. The
decision was made that the youth would be paid
100% from Winifred Taylor, and the adults would
get 50% of the cost through the Pumpkin Fest
money.
There are scholarships available through our
conference for adult education and camp. But, to be
noted, you need to apply for these scholarships four
(4) weeks before the event happens. Applications are
available at our church office.
I hope this clears up any confusion. Any questions
please call me.
Peace,
Tom Pangburn, Head Deacon
Because the Winifred Taylor Monies are no longer
available to adults, we are working on starting up a
fund to provide scholarships to adults who want to
further their education, go to camp, etc. We have
already received a nice pledge and are in the process
of setting up guidelines.
There are of course scholarships available through the
Northwest Association. However these scholarships
must be applied for 4 weeks before registration is
due.
If you are looking for further information about these
scholarships, please contact the office.
Wisconsin Conference Annual
Meeting
FIRE in the Pews!
June 6 - 8, 2014
Green Lake Conference Center
SAVE THE DATE!
Because of our membership the Nekoosa United
Church of Christ is allowed to send two delegates
to the Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting.
However, guests are welcome.
If staying on-site the fee is $60 for the full
program plus meals and lodging.
If staying off-site the fee is $65 for the full
program plus meals and lodging.
If you want to attend a single day the fee is $30.
If you want more information or want to see a
brochure listing workshops and presenters,
please call the church office.
The Women United will be hosting
their annual Mother/Daughter
Night on Tuesday, May 6 at
6:00pm at Sophia’s. Please RSVP to Linda Sedall 715
421-2647 by Sunday, May 4. Come and enjoy the fun.
Bring your mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister or
friend.
There will be on meeting on May 21 at 9:00 am to
elect officers. They will be in recess during June, July
and August.
For the BIBLE
Tells Me So”
No Rental Fee
Just Come Into the Church Office and pick
up the Video.
Is It Possible...a
Nekoosa Community
Garden?
A planning committee is being formed to
investigate and develop a plan for a
community garden in the city of Nekoosa.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church is hoping to
gather community members from Bethlehem
Lutheran, Nekoosa UCC and Sacred Heart
Catholic Church to investigate whether or
not, a plan can be put together for a
community garden and then set the plan in
motion with hopes of having a garden ready
to be planted in 2015!
The land to be used is located on the corner
of Cedar Street and Market Street (former
site of an apartment building with a pond).
This land will be tested for soil type and
fertility, if good, plowing and composting will
happen. The land will then need to rest and
further planning will go on as to how to
protect the garden from the native animals.
This means that planning and planting of the
garden could happen in the spring of 2015.
If you are interested in community work
and gardening, or if you have questions,
please contact Nita Kirst or the church
office by May 12, and offer to volunteer for
this community garden committee.
We would like to thank the Christian
Education Committee for putting on the skating event at Skate
City. Falls were had by some but FUN was had by all
including our friends that came with us to the event. Thanks
again!!!
Joy, Zeke, and Abby Kraft
Brian, Elizabeth, Maximus, and Isabelle St. Myers
Help for Seniors from the Aging and
Disability Resource
Center of Central Wisconsin
The Senior Home Safety Program is designed to
help lower income homeowners over the age of 60
live more safely in their own homes.
(Some
additional eligibility qualifications may apply, such as
not enrolled in IRIS or Family care, Live in
Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade or Wood County, and
do not have others to help with minor safety related
modifications or repairs in their homes.)
The Senior Home Safety Program works closely
with qualified volunteers to make simple safety related
home repairs or modifications at no charge to the
homeowner. They also have temporary wheelchair
ramps available to rent to adults over the age of 18
for up to 6 months at $15. per month. Work that they
do includes but not limited to: installing grab bars,
hand rails, hand held shower heads and make repairs
on stair treads. Donations to the program are always
welcome and allow the program to serve even more
people.
If you or someone you know could use this
program, please call a Resource Specialist at the
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central
Wisconsin toll-free at 1-888-486-9545, or 715-3848479 in Marshfield or 715-421-0014 in Wisconsin
Rapids
REMINDER FROM
SCRIP
We now have Piggly Wiggly, Kwik Trip and Wal-Mart
SCRIP Cards on Hand. NO WAITING!!
Check in the Church Office.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE TAKE SCRIP ORDERS
ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH:
Next Dates: April 6 & May 4
If you have never used SCRIP cards, it is so easy.
Order a “gift card” using the SCRIP order form
for merchants that you buy from regularly,
Questions: Call Chris Turok -- 886-5952
Or Marcia Kumm -- 886-3940
Or contact the church office
THANK YOU!!!
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Sit and Stitch will meet Saturday, May 3rd,
The walk will take place on Sunday afternoon May 4, 2014
First Congregational United Church of Christ in
Wisconsin Rapids
Registration begins at 12:30-The walk starts at 1:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served after the 2 mile walk along the
beautiful Wisconsin River
25 % of the CROP Hunger Walk collection will help
families assisted by the Neighborhood Table and
SWEPS. 75% is for Church World Service to fund the
hunger global program.
We will be collecting nonperishable items to take up to
SWEPS the day of the walk.
Please bring an item or two with you to church on
Sunday, May 4th.
Your pledges and food donation will make a real
difference.
beginning at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm. Come for
the entire day or any part of it. All are welcome to
join crafters working on their own projects. Bring
your project(s) or stop in the see what everyone is
working on and visit with us. Bring your own lunch,
or grab a bite at a local establishment. There is some
interest in meeting once a month through the
summer. Watch for these dates to be announced!
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Prayer Shawl meeting has been changed to
Thursday May 8th, due to many activities scheduled
for the Tuesdays in May. This will be our last
gathering until we resume in the fall.
If you know of someone that needs a hug or a prayer,
our ministry would like to offer a shawl to give them
comfort and send them caring thoughts and the
loving warmth that a shawl can give. Contact the
church office or Lynette Hilgers.
Seven youth are signed up to walk
contact one of them to sponsor them.
They are: Bailey Esser, Erynn Seipel, Jade Martin, Zoe
Sorenson, Emma McKeel,
Gunnar Jensen, or Kaitlyn Kouba
Pocket prayer shawls(mini- 4”x4”) are available in a
basket in the church narthex. These were made with
the thought to be given out to those visiting our
church. You may also take one to tuck in your purse
or bag. A tag is attached with our church name and
worship time. Maybe you’d like to take one and offer
it to a friend, asking them to attend church with you.
Please walk with us, or sponsor one of the walkers!
Thanks for your support!
Neighborhood Table
WALK WITH GOD
Nekoosa United Church of Christ is sponsoring a
meal at The Neighborhood Table on Tuesday May
20th. We need your help!
Neighborhood table is a non-profit volunteer
organization with a mission to reduce hunger in our
community, improve the quality of life for our
residents and create an awareness of needs that exist
in our community.
The Neighborhood Table serves meals out of St
John’s Church in Wisconsin Rapids. (375-400 guests
on Thursdays.) Meals are also served on the last two
Tuesdays of the month. (about 150-200 guests )
We are still in need of two greeters 4:15-6:30, 10 table
servers 4:00-6:15 and 6 people for clean-up team
5:30-6:45. We are also asking for volunteers to
provide desserts. Cookies, cakes or bars would be
appreciated. Eight pans of bars or cookies are still
needed.
Please call the volunteer coordinator, Lynette Hilgers
at 715-886-4189 and let her know how you are able to
help. There is also a sign-up sheet in the narthex.
Thanks!
Equal Exchange
The taste testing of Equal Exchange products was
well received. Mission and Outreach has an order
form available if you would like to order any of the
products that were offered at the March 30th coffee
hour. You may find these forms in the narthex.
Chocolates, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, nuts, dried fruits
and olive oil are included. Fill out the form and leave
it in the office.
Regular coffee is being ordered and will be available
at coffee fellowship.
Ordering these products will help the small farmer in
our country as well as other countries a better way of
life.
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First of all we would like to thank
our church family for supporting
us. From all of those who donated
items for the “Souper” Bowl soup
lunch to the kind lady who bought pizza for the
Confirmation Group to everyone who came to
breakfast on Easter. Thank you to the parents who
make sure you come to all our meetings and to the
Women’s United who have given a generous
donation to make sure you are fed. Another big
THANK YOU to Rita Freeman and Travis Sorenson,
our chefs on Easter and to Michelle Sorenson and
Carl and Cindy Saylor .
We have been meeting twice a month, usually every
other Wednesday, to eat, talk, play games and plan.
Hopefully at our next meeting we can plan on
fulfilling a request we received on Easter. No details,
I think we should keep it a surprise.
With Spring finally here (we hope) and chores that
need to be done we hope you will keep us in mind if
you have some work that needs to be done. We work
cheap (free)!!
Confirmation
The first year of confirmation is
coming to an end. I have enjoyed
this group immensely and with several new
confirmands joining us for next year, it should be
even more exciting! My hope for next year is to signup a different parent to help supervise each week.
The schedule this year has changed several times and
I thank the parents and the class for accommodating
the changes. The last change this year will be that the
final class will now be on Wednesday May 7th, from 68 o’clock at the parsonage. We will have pizza
delivered to eat while listening to good and loud
music.
If you have a 7th grader or older by next fall, please
register them for confirmation soon so I can order
the books. There is no charge; just come with an
open mind and a respect for others.
Peace2u, PT.
Stone Soup Group!
According to legend and Wikipedia, some travelers
come to a village, carrying nothing more than an
empty cooking pot. Upon their arrival, the villagers
are unwilling to share any of their food stores with
the hungry travelers. Then the travelers go to a stream
and fill the pot with water, drop a large stone in it,
and place it over a fire. One of the villagers becomes
curious and asks what they are doing. The travelers
answer that they are making "stone soup", which
tastes wonderful, although it still needs a little bit of
garnish to improve the flavor, which they are missing.
The villager does not mind parting with a few carrots
to help them out, so that gets added to the soup.
Another villager walks by, inquiring about the pot,
and the travelers again mention their stone soup
which has not reached its full potential yet. The
villager hands them a little bit of seasoning to help
them out. More and more villagers walk by, each
adding another ingredient. Finally, a delicious and
nourishing pot of soup is enjoyed by all.
We are starting something new here at
Nekoosa UCC! Starting in May on Tuesdays, at
1:00. Everyone is welcome to come and have a cup of
coffee, feel free to bring cookies or bars to share, and
discuss the scripture readings for the following
Sunday. This will do several things
1. it will help the pastor write the sermon to
address points of interest or try to answer
questions brought up,
2. it will help the congregation understand the
sermon better,
3. and we will ask and try to answer questions
that are raised in our conversations.
People at all levels of Biblical knowledge are needed;
even if you have never read the bible you can be a
valuable asset to the group by adding something to the
pot! And hopefully a delicious and nourishing pot of
soup(sermon) is enjoyed by all on Sunday!
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OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY to FRIDAY
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
CHURCH EMAIL ADDRESSES:
[Closed Sundays & Most Holidays]
[email protected]
[email protected]
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
715-886-3371
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Does the Church Office have your email address?
Please contact Vicki with this information.
www.nekoosaucc.com
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If you are moving, have a change of
address or, planning a temporary
address change, please contact the
Church Office.
Did you know
returned mail is an additional
expense to our church? Call 715886-3371
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http://www.facebook.com/pages/NekoosaUnited-Church-of-Christ/153330554707594
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BULLETINS & NEWSLETTERS
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Please remember to contact the Church
Office when there is an illness, concern,
hospitalization or, you would like a call
from Pastor Tim. The hospital will not
inform us without your permission!
Would you like an Announcement
made in a Sunday Bulletin? Please
contact the Church Office NO LATER
than 10:00 AM, THURSDAY’S.
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Articles for the ‘The Word’ must be
submitted by NO LATER than 10:00 AM,
the 3rd FRIDAY of every month. The
Church Office can’t guarantee late
articles will be put in the newsletter due
to time and space constraints!
THE NEKOOSA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
205 Market Street, Nekoosa, WI 54457
715 886-3371…[email protected]
Minister: [email protected]
Webpage: www. nekoosaucc.com
MAY 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Church Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Closed Weekends
Most Holidays
4
Family Sunday
9:30 Worship w/communion
9:45 Sunday School (3-6yrs)
10:30 Coffee & Fellowship
10:30 SCRIP Sales
12:30 pm..Crop Walk
11
9:30 Worship
9:45 Sunday School
10:30 Coffee & Fellowship
5
9:00-4:00 Sit N Stitch
4:00-7:00 pm Nekoosa High
School- Helping Adolescents
Cope With Stress
6
7
8
9:00am …Exercise
5pm…Youth Group
6-8pm…Confirmation at
Parsonage
5:45pm....Choir Rehearsal
9:00am …Exercise
14
15
9:00am…Women United
9:00am …Exercise
7pm... AA Meeting
6:00pm…W omen United
Mother/Daughter Sophia’s
12
13
7p.m. AA Meeting
Saturday
3
9:00am…Exercise
1:00pm...Stone Soup
Group
6:15 pm Diaconate meet
Friday
2
9:00am …Exercise
1:00pm...Stone Soup
Group
9
6:30 pm Prayer Shawl
Meeting
10
6:00pm Game Night
16
17
23
24
30
31
5:45pm Choir Rehearsal
6pm… Trustees, M&O,
Christian Ed
7pm…Church Council
6:00pm…Diaconate
18
Pocket Change Sunday
19
20
21
22
9:00 am..Women United
9:30 Worship
9:45 Sunday School
No coffee hour
PIG ROAST
9:00am …Exercise
9:00am …Exercise
1:00pm Neighborhood Table
5:00 pm…Youth Group
5:45pm Choir Rehearsal
27
28
7p.m. AA Meeting
25
26
9:30 Worship
9:45 Sunday School
10:30..Coffee & Fellowship
9:00am …Exercise
9:00am…Exercise
7p.m. AA Meeting
1:00pm...Stone Soup
Group
29
5:45pm…Choir Rehearsal
“God is
Still Speaking”