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Welcome to the World Wide Web edition of the
February 2014 issue of
Ebenews
Celebrating over 150th Years of Serving Christ
Our Mission is to Equip God’s People to Share Christ’s Love
Published ten times a year to lift up the ministries of
Ebenezer United Church of Christ
630 Main Street
West Seneca, New York 14224
United States of America
http://www.eucc.org/
Click on Church to Return to Homepage
Newsletter | Map to EUCC | Our History | EUCC Staff | Ministry | Prayer Concerns
Note: Format has been somewhat changed to be more "web friendly" and
resident phone numbers have been changed to the church office telephone
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02/01 Kimberly Bornhoeft 02/01 Meg McGowan 02/02 Paul Haft 02/02 Donald Guerra 02/03 Alfred Rasp 02/03 Jennifer Thompson 02/04 Shirley Anderson 02/04 Daniel Stribick 02/04 Donald Stribick 02/05 Shirley Hughes 02/05 John Webber 02/06 Jennifer Ventola 02/07 Brian Louis 02/07 Jill Chmura 02/07 Mark Kielbasa 02/08 Lenora Servos 02/08 Michael Koester 02/09 Scott Schoenhardt 02/10 Edward Stribick 02/10 Joshua Jelonek 02/10 Michael Rizzo 02/10 Kyle Carroll 02/10 Helen Heerdt 02/11 Lois Videtti 02/11 Polly Giordano 02/11 Lisa Hewitt 02/11 Tammy Perison 02/11 Heather Bridge 02/12 Robert Zinter 02/13 Robert Schlegel 02/13 Nancy Klein 02/13 Joseph Young 02/14 Sylvester Schulenberg
02/14 Edward Berlin 02/14 Maxwell Hawkes 02/15 Patricia Hamman 02/16 Margaret Grimm 02/17 Robert Franger 02/18 Lindsay Hanna 02/18 Daniel Carroll 02/18 Sue Pace 02/18 Jeffrey Perla 02/18 Alexis Perla 02/18 Brandon Knerr 02/18 Adam Johnson 02/19 Lynn Radlich 02/19 David Komosinski 02/19 Deborah McGowan 02/19 Tara O'Reilly 02/20 Dolores Weber 02/20 Sandra Tomasik 02/20 Jeremy Bauer 02/21 Deborah Fuller 02/22 Bonnie King 02/22 Pamela McNamara 02/23 Joseph Woody 02/23 Tracy Skalski 02/23 Mark Eppolito 02/24 Janet Joy 02/25 Marge Komosinski 02/26 Debbi Cummins 02/26 Robert Niefer, Sr. 02/27 James Eiseman 02/27 Fran Wirtner 02/28 Timothy Lexner 02/29 William Wolff
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Happy Anniversary
February 2014
2/02/1963 Mr & Mrs John & Mary Bihr 2/08/1983 Mr & Mrs John & Dixie Blando 2/14/1959 Mr & Mrs Todd & Sally Hoffman 2/14/1981 Mr & Mrs Gary & Merry Pellow 2/14/1987 Mr & Mrs William & Sherry Bauer 2/15/1969 Mr & Mrs William & Linda Boldt 2/17/2007 Mr & Mrs Joseph & MaryEllen Mesi 2/28/1987 Mr & Mrs Thomas & Barbara Robertson
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Nico Eddie Cruz was born on May 16, 2013 in Orlando, FL and is the son of Leah (Thompson) & Juan Cruz. Godparents:Jeffrey Pusateri and Marcelina Cruz. Baptized on December 8, 2013 by Rev. Dr. Ralph T. Anderson and Rev. Gary H. Gossel. Josephine Emily Plyler was born on September 14, 2013 in Buffalo NY and is the daughter of Kathryn (Zimmer) & Joshua Plyler. Godparents: Stephanie Zimmer and John Bezon. Baptized on December 8, 2013 by Rev. Dr. Ralph T. Anderson and Rev. Gary H. Gossel. Juliana Lisa Place was born on February 14, 2007 in Buffalo NY and is the daughter of Bobbi Jo Clark. Godparent: Sandy Pakenham. Baptized on December 15, 2013 by Rev. Dr. Ralph T. Anderson and Rev. Gary H. Gossel. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kristen Marie Komara and Conrad Joseph Kloc were married on December 7, 2013 by Rev. Gary H. Gossel.
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or in Health Care Facilities
Since December / January EBENEWS was published:
Lorraine Franger Harold Ulrich
Shirley Baumgart
In loving memory of Lenora Link
- Ron & Gail Baumgarten
In loving memory of Lorain Reimers - Neighbors on Lyndale Ct.
- Warren & Joan Muck
In loving memory of Debra Remson - Judith Liedike
In loving memory of Alan & Steven Day
- Darlene & Mike O’Such - Douglas & Roz Day
In loving memory of Mary & Reg Green (Good Neighbor Fund) - Rev. Ralph Anderson
In loving memory of Lenora Ann Link
- Ron & Gail Baumgarten
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Thompson-Monfuletho, Joan Ann (nee Smith) Passed away, November 14, 2013. Beloved wife of the late Gordon Thompson and the late Rupert Monfuletho. Service was held on November 18, 2013 at Buszka Funeral Home by Rev. Gary H. Gossel.
Parry, Florence R. (nee Thomas) passed away on November 30, 2013, beloved wife of the late Robert T. Parry. Loving mother of Robert T. Jr. (Margaret) Parry, Betty (Richard) Esthimer, Sheila (Edward) Pancia and Edward (Pamela) Parry; sister of Jacqueline (William) Murray. Service was held at Hoy’s Funeral Home on Dec. 3, 2013 by Rev. Dr. Ralph T. Anderson Darstein, Raymond R. passed away on December 1, 2013; beloved husband of the late Lillian L. (nee Lesswing). Service was held at Hoy’s Funeral Home on December 4, 2013 by Rv. Dr. Ralph T. Anderson. Homer, Richard R. Sr.”Dick” passed away on December 9, 2013, beloved husband of Diane Ebert and the late Billie Jean Homer. Service was held on December 13, 2013 at Ebenezer UCC by Rev. Gary H. Gossel. _______________________________________________________
Looking for
Nursery Volunteers
We are always in need, so please consider helping out with this most important ministry! The sign-up sheet is located outside the nursery door in the CE building Thank you!
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For Successful Surgery Bill Adamy Jacob Caroline Ron Eiseman Mary Sullivan Lorraine Franger Neil Sloat For Healing Frank Eitler
For Comfort: Michael Bliss
Carol Eitler Harold Ulrich Charlotte Shultes Lynn & Dave Schimmel Prayers for a healthy pregnancy & healthy baby: A friend of Barb Watkins sister
Jeff Schmidt Denise Charlie Arnold’s son Zackary June Strebel Shirley Baumgart
Prayers of Comfort & Strength: Jane Mark and family
Jim Steinhour
Please call the church office (674-4566) or e-mail us ([email protected])
if you would like to put someone on our prayer chain.
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Feb. 3, 2014 – Feb. 9 The Cost of Ministry
Psalm 28 Mon: Luke 9:57-62 Tues: 1 Kings 19 Wed: Philippians 1:19-30 Thur: 1Peter 5:1-11 Fri: Luke 22:24-27 Sat: John 13:1-17 Sun: Isaiah 58:3-9a Psalm 112:1-9
Feb. 10, 2014 – Feb.16 The Rewards of Ministry
Psalm 27 Mon: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-18 Tue: 1Timothy 6:6-20 Wed: Philippians 3 Thur: Ezekiel 33:30-33 Fri: 2 Timothy 1:8-14 Sat: Romans 6:1-11 Sun: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8
Feb. 17, 2014 – Feb. 23 Unchanging Truths
Psalm 40 Mon: Ephesians 6:10-17 Tue: Hebrews 12:1-17 Wed: 1 Peter 2:7-12 Thur: Philippians 3:12-21 Fri: Matthew 23:1-12 Sat: Matthew 7:13-23 Sun: 1Corinthians 3:10-11 Matthew 5:27-37
Feb. 24 – March 2, 2014 Protected by God
Psalm 94 Mon: John 10:1-18 Tue: Luke 15:1-10 Wed: Luke 12:22-34 Thur: Psalm 121 Fri: Revelation 22:1-5, 7 Sat: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Sun: Leviticus 19:1-2 Matthew 5:38-4
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Dear Rev. Anderson and Rev. Gossel, Thank you for all the visits and prayers for Lorain. Thanks especially for the wonderful service that you both provided for her funeral. I especially thank you for the gift of Ebenezer UCC. Even though I live far away, the peace and love of Ebenezer UCC are with me and I know my mom treasured it throughout her whole life.
Rich, Jackie, Dave and Joe Reimers Rev. Anderson Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the most beautiful memorial service you gave for my husband Joseph Setlock. Plus the flowers, food etc. It was much appreciated. Marie Setlock Thanks to the Pastoral Care Team and to the Sunday School children for their thoughtful greetings during the Christmas Season. They were greatly appreciated. Marge DeGraff
Dear John Pankow and Ebenezer UCC, Thank you for coming to my Eagle Court of Honor and thank you for the generous gift. I’m so glad you shared my special day Christian Clark Your HELP is needed to supply God’s beautiful flowers on the altar each Sunday. Vases are $10.00 each and may be given to honor someone, in memory of someone, or just for all the blessings you have received. Flowers may be taken with you after the service OR if you wish can be given to a shut in. Orders may be placed by calling me at 674-4561. The flowers are ordered each week from Ebenezer Greenhouse. Thanks again for your help! Pat Pfohl
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Lenten Journey 2014
All services start at 7:00pm March 12
th – St. John’s Lutheran
3512 Clinton St., WS March 19
th – St. Peter’s UCC
1475 Orchard Park Rd., WS March 26
th – St. John Vianney R.C.
295 Southwestern Blvd., OP April 2
nd - St. Nicholas Anglican
2784 Seneca St., WS April 9
th - New Hope UMC
2846 Seneca St., WS
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014 4:00pm – 7:00pm
At Ebenezer United Church of Christ
630 Main Street, West Seneca
Adults: $10.00 Children (ages 4-12): $5.00
Children 3 and younger: FREE
Presale: Adults: $9.00 Children: $4.00
TAKE-OUTS AVAILABLE
Call 674-4566
Includes: Roast beef Mashed potatoes / gravy Green beans Coleslaw Roll w/butter Beverage Pie for dessert
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CHURCHES IN ACTION UPDATES
Christmas in the Country Fundraiser: More than 50 people volunteered to work at Christmas in the Country, many of the volunteers were from Ebenezer UCC. Premier Promotions provides us with an opportunity to sell shopping bags to raise money for CIA projects. This year, we raised $2,249.00 for future projects. Thanks for your continued support! We hope to see you next year. Caroling: Thank you to all who joined us in this year’s CIA Christmas caroling. We were able to share song’s, cookies, and fellowship at 10 local group homes. We had 187 singers of all ages. Ebenezer had 13 people carol at a group home. Thanks to all for making this year’s effort a success. Thanks also to those who baked the delicious cookies – they were well appreciated. This is a great way to start your holiday – think of joining us next year, you will be glad that you did! Vicki Jayes, Peggy Blesy – Ebenezer Mission Committee Reps to the CIA
I would like to take a Minute to say
To everyone who came to see us in
our Christmas pageant and for all the people who put the reception
together after the pageant From the Sunday school
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SENIORS February: President of the Month is Hazel Reukauf Happy February. "Thank goodness January is over". Didn't we have a crazy welcome to 2014? Well, now it's February. So sit back, watch the Olympics on TV, think red, warm fires, Valentines, Heart Month, Cherry Month, and don't forget that Feb. 7 is 'Wear Red Day". Oh - and keep an eye out on Feb. 2 for Ground Hog Day. Hope it's not sunny, so he doesn't see his shadow, and spring will be on its way! Our first Feb. meeting is on the 7th, at 12:00, NOON. Meet at Tony Rome's, on Union Road, for lunch. You can get individual checks, and if you choose, their basket lunch is only $6.50 (yep, they raised the price) - still a deal. As in the past two years, Tony Krew will be here to entertain us with his accordion and sound system. This year, Hazel has made up some song sheets, so we can 'sing-along' to those old favorite songs. And don't forget - it's Wear Red Day. Remember, 12:00 NOON. Feb. 9 - 2:30 - Lancaster Opera House to see Arsenic and Old Lace. Don't forget your tickets! The next meeting is Friday, Feb. 21, at our usual 1:00. After our meeting, we'll hear from Eva Doyle, a historian, writer, and retired school teacher. She'll present a lecture about Mary Burnett Talbert, who was an American orator, activist, suffragist, and reformer. Called "the best known colored Woman in the US, she was among the most prominent African Americans of her time. She moved to Buffalo in 1891, and joined the Michigan Baptist Church, which is now listed on the 'National Registry of Historic Places'. (I bet you didn't know that, did you?) And so she is also buried in Forest Lawn . Now, we can look forward to March, and to spring, and to crocus and tulips, to an Irish holiday, and to warmer weather. And to those dumb big town garbage cans! See ya' then!
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.
SANDWICH SUNDAY
Thanks to Al and Sue Schneider for delivering 318 sandwiches
to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in the month of December and
Darryl Dusch and Kim Pratt for delivering 217 sandwiches in
January. They would not be delivering these without our faithful
members who make all these sandwiches each month. Our
sandwiches are always welcome at St. Luke’s to help feed the
many who come to their doors every day. Our total for sandwiches
in 2013 was 3,559. We have a very caring congregation. If you
would like to know more about St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, pick
up a pamphlet and DVD entitled “Mercy without Judgment”.
Please return the DVD when you have viewed it so others may
enjoy seeing the many works of mercy at St. Luke’s!
Please call me if you have any questions regarding the
sandwiches. Polly Giordano
Our next Sandwich Sunday will be February 9th.
Take a moment to imagine a nourished and abundant world,
where the world will live as one.
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From the
Senior Pastor's Desk February 2014
The New Revised Standard translation of the Holy Scriptures translates
the words of Paul in Philippians 3:12-14: “ Not that I have already
obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it
my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not
consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting
what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on
toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly[d] call of God in Christ
Jesus.”
I also like the way “The Message” paraphrases this same text and its
unpretentious “beans & wienies” approach to life: “ I’m not saying that I
have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way,
reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.
Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in
all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us
onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
Friends, this will be my last article for the “Ebenews” as your Senior
Pastor.
On my library shelf sits a copy of Paul Tillich’s “Systematic Theology,”
which was among the keystone works of Protestant thought for the 20th
century. Believe it or not, I actually read much of this massive volume. I
paid $50 for the tome back in 1975, which was an enormous sum back
in the days when Jacki and I were in seminary and we barely had two
nickels to rub together -- plus a new baby.
Strangely, I still remember thinking as I held this large book in my hand,
“one day, when I retire, this book will probably go in a garage sale for
twenty-five cents,” which then, seemed a thousand years away. It
occurred to me as I write this final piece for the “Ebenews” almost forty
years later that day has arrived.
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Over the last weeks while greeting people after
services, folks have asked, “Rev. Anderson, how
does it feel to have done your last _____ (you fill
in the blank) service here at Ebenezer?” That
sounds so final! I usually respond, “I hope this is
not my last service, but as your pastor here at
Ebenezer, it is. Hopefully, I still have years of
service ahead, but it just won’t be as your
minister.” We will always be friends, but the
baton of being your Senior Pastor is now passed on.
First of all, I want to thank God, and you, for the incredibly humbling
experience of being amidst some of the most tender, profound, and
challenging aspects of your lives. Unlike any other profession, a pastor
has the amazing privilege of intimately walking with folks through all
junctures of life. From birth (and even before birth), to death, and
everything in-between.
Yet, as the old saw goes, “Old ministers never retire…..they just go out
to pastor.” I’ll be doing other work for Christ, but just no longer through
Ebenezer United Church of Christ, and I do emphasize “United Church
of Christ.” Why this emphasis on our denomination? A church that is
not anchored in association and accountable to a wider body always
runs into the danger of creating a church in the image of its members,
and not Jesus Christ.
Decades ago, Pope John Paul II once made the statement, “had I known
I would have been Pope one day, I would have studied harder in
seminary.” So what have I been taught through our being together over
twenty-years that I perhaps didn’t learn at Colgate Rochester/Bexley
Hall/Crozer Theological Seminary? If I could do a “reset” of the twenty-
two plus years we’ve journeyed together, would I have done things
differently? On the whole, probably not very much, because what we
“know” about life is gleaned though living it. There are some things in
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life that cannot be taught in seminary but can only be learned through
experience, that’s why it is the “practice of ministry.”
So what may I have learned since being called as a student pastor in
West Bloomfield, New York, in July of 1976, to Kenilworth United
Church of Christ in Kenmore in 1980, or as your pastor in November
1991? Let me share just a few tid-bits.
What I have learned is that everyone has goodness within and people
are pretty much the same everywhere, and, at the same time, each
person is a unique treasure created by God. This “sameness” and
“uniqueness” it is a paradox, but it is also a reality. Within that reality is
again the fact that goodness resides in every one of us, yet also, within
us all are imperfections as fallen creatures of God – thus, “judge not,
lest ye be judged.”
Another point I think learned is that the Church of Jesus Christ is the
people – the people with Christ as the Head. Yes, we’ve all heard the
Avery and Marsh tune, “We Are the Church,” and yet, do we truly
understand this? God forbid, but if our beautiful building were to cease
to exist, would we continue to be the Church? Of course. The Church is
not a building, the Church is the people. We are the Church of Jesus
Christ and wherever two or more gather, Christ is in the midst.
Another insight definitely picked-up is that life is good. Perhaps this
should have been the first on the list. Just as Yahweh God worked
through each day of creation in the book of Genesis remarked, “and it
was good,” so may we affirm life is good. We can all affirm there are
those moments when life’s challenges, discomforts, and pain may blind
us, but throughout it all, God is in the midst of our journeys. Erma
Bombeck was quite correct when she observed, “If life is supposed to
be a bowl of cherries, why do I sometimes find myself in the pits? But
here’s where the Good News, the Gospel, comes in. It’s all about joy.
Joy is not a euphoric happiness, but the assurance that “nothing can
separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans
8:38-39). Even to those saints who have chosen to leave this life
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prematurely for reasons only Christ can understand, each one is still
under the protective shelter of God’s love from which no one can be
separated.
Next, and related to the last point, I have learned there are things in life
that we mortals simply cannot understand, nor ever will. Couple this
with the knowledge there are problems and challenges in life that will
never be resolved, or for which there are answers or solutions. The old
“theodicy” question, or why does God let evil happen (throw that word
out at your next cocktail party and watch people look at you in
amazement) will be with us for all times.
Finally, everybody likes to laugh. True, humor is like a seasoning that
can be over used, but in all my years I have yet to meet a single person
who doesn’t like to laugh. Laughter is the universal language. I thank
God for gifting me with a sense of humor and the ability to share it with
others. It has been a powerful tool in ministry having the capability to
deflect negativism, enable me to be approachable, or to just give
someone a sense of hope and perspective in a tenuous situation. As a
pastor with all these letters after my name (although they don’t spell a
darn thing), self-effacement is merely a recognition that we’re all
together in this thing called life, and through Christ, everything will be
well.
And so, dear friends, thank you! It has been wonderful and I’m sure
we’ll run into each other at the pistachio bin at TOPS, but in the
meantime, never forget that life is a daily gift. “Yesterday is history,
tomorrow is mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why we call it the
present.”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ralph Anderson
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Relay For Life
As we settle in for the long cold winter we need something to
look forward to! That something is Relay for Life. June is only a
few short months away. This year’s Relay will be June 14, 2014
at West Seneca East Sr track. Last year our goal “Go for the
Gold” was an amazing success. Let’s try and make this year
even better! I will be holding team meetings in the upcoming
months. If you have any great ideas or just want to help please
feel free to e-mail me or see me at church. I was thinking of a
Lenten project. If everyone saved spare change for Relay that
would really add up.
I will keep you updated on further fund raising projects. Hope to
hear from you with new and exciting ideas. Our team is already
set up so you can register now.
Sandy Tomasik
Team Captain
674-4566
Reminder: If you move please contact the office with your new address. This will help cut down on cost of the return postage. Thank you for your help!
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Fellowship as Stewardship
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with
them” (Matthew 18:20 NIV). What better words can there be as we enter the month of February, a month associated with love and friendship. Where only two or three are gathered, God is with us.
Where two of three of us are gathered doing God’s work, you can feel the love and joy. I came to church the night the mission committee was passing out the Thanksgiving food. It was a cold night, but it was warm inside the church – just by being around people who were so happy to be helping others.
A church is not just a group of people who come together on Sunday morning to worship. It is more than that. During coffee hour, committee meetings, choir rehearsals, Christian education activities, we become a family. Fellowship is an important part of being a church family.
Gathering for coffee hour and joining in that time together. Praying for each other’s needs during worship on Sunday morning. Singing in the choir. Working together on committees. During all these activities we are growing closer together and following the example of early Christians – as Acts tells us: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (2:42).
I look forward to my time of fellowship with you.
Tina Bacon
TOPS GIFT CARDS: Tops cards are still available and can be purchased through the church office. Your purchase will benefit our Youth Mission team.
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From The Associate Pastor
February 2014
Grace and peace to you, Brothers and Sisters in Christ! It is with joy in my heart that I take this opportunity to congratulate Rev. Anderson on his retirement. It has been an honor serving with him, learning from him, and growing in faith together. Ebenezer truly has been blessed these last 22 years! Having had the honor of being on the search committee to call him to Ebenezer, being his colleague, and now being able to honor him upon his retirement, I take a few moments to reflect on my thoughts around this moment in time, this sad and joyous event. The scripture that comes to mind is one where Paul encourages Timothy, his young protégé. Paul encouraged Timothy to look beyond his youth and know that his faith is very real and always developing, and one that needs to be shared. A number of years ago, Rev. Anderson might have heard his call to ministry to serve and develop his own faith that needed to be shared because that is how God blessed him with gifts.
…but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.15Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 16Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. I Timothy 4:12b-16
Looking ahead these years, he truly has been a part of our lives and helping with so many needs of the members of this community and beyond. He has blessed us with wisdom and loved us through joys and difficulties. He has never stopped learning and never ceased teaching. Yes, he has been a devoted servant of God.
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Wow! The thoughts of years of specific moments rush into our minds. All of us have had special moments. I think of Rev. Anderson’s tenderness at the passing of my grandmother, shortly after my wedding. His words about her at her funeral were so memorable as he reflected on her faith that she shared in letters. He has taught us to be leaders and doers, showing us the way to face adversity and celebrate the joyous events. In many ways, he has seen me through very special moments in my life – he performed my wedding ceremony; lead the service for my ordination; welcomed me as a colleague/co-worker; was present with me at my father’s passing and there for his funeral service; and so much more! Rev. Anderson’s devotion to sharing Christ’s love does not change! Although he has come to a crossroads and made a decision to take a path that many have taken before him, his faith is still his faith. He will keep growing and sharing, but it will be in other parts of God’s vineyard. No, we don’t like to think of pastor’s retirement. But, Rev. Anderson has walked with us and helped us to become a stronger, more faithful Ebenezer! The future is unclear. But, one thing is for sure: God will guide us. The Spirit will move. And, Christ’s love will be sure to grow in us and be shared by us! In all that is to come, keep the faith and stay the course that Rev. Anderson has helped us to follow and we will only be assured of a very promising future. Blessing on the journey, to you Ralph and Jacki. Blessings be upon Ebenezer! Faithfully yours,
Pastor Gary Gossel
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WNYACIC
Winter Learning
Extravaganza February 22, 2014 9 AM Registration 9:30 AM Worship
10 AM – Noon Workshops Noon – Lunch
1 PM – 3 PM Workshops Registration Fee: $8.00
Ebenezer United Church of Christ 630 Main Street, West Seneca
Theme – Resourcing the Church - Unity in Mind and Spirit: Sharing, Caring, Praying, Teaching, Witnessing, Blessing
Workshop Topics include:
Support Ministries; Godly Play; Social Media; Global Mission; Spiritual
Disciplines, Working with Youth & Young Adults; UCHS & Hearts and
Hands
Send registrations by Feb. 10 to: WNYACIC, 45 Dalton Drive, Buffalo 14223
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Come and see if this is the university that you would like to attend!
When: Feb. 1, 2014
Where: EUCC CE Aud. Time: 6:00PM - to the end
RSVP – please sign up outside the CE office
We will be serving movie snacks. The university will be accepting breakfast food donation
monsters have to eat. (pancake mix, instant oatmeal, cereal and etc.)
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If you see tiny little drops of water here and there, they're from me. I've been crying. I had such a nice home in that big tree, you know, the one in the giant hallway where you walk in, and somebody took it down! Lucky for me, they didn't see the little extra straw in there, or they would have been suspicious. Oh dear - now I have to find a new place to sleep again. Don't overfill it! Watch the weight! The candle goes on top! The wreaths are too hard to get out! If you tap it gently here, it'll work better! I'll microwave some more! Eeeeeeek. I heard that over and over and over. My nose led me into that kitchen room, where I found 3, no, 5, no, 4, no 6 people at a long table working like a assembly line. One of them, Don, was even a guy people! (The others were girls). I finally learned they were making chocolate. Mmmm - it sure smelled good. Once they even dropped one of those little things on the floor - I raced as fast as I could, but the tall one (in charge) scooped it up and threw it in the garbage before I got there. So after a while, I figured out how it all worked. First, they microwaved the brown pellets. Then when they melted, the tall lady poured some into squeezie bottles, and put some in that other warm crock-pot thingy for the June, no, July, no, May lady. So 2 people pour the soft brown stuff into these plastic sheets with cutout shapes in them. Then they go in the fridgy thing. Then bang, they get plopped out on the table. Then sorted into piles (santas here, snowmen there, etc). Then someone folds boxes, puts holiday stickers on the top, and puts the little pieces in it. Then it gets weighed. Then marked M or D. (huh?) Then it's taped shut. Whew - that's lots of work ! So all this work is done by the Willing Workers and friends. Then they sell the chocolate to make money. I think they're going to buy new chairs with the $. Good. I hate those wood ones in the
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giant auditorium room - I fall right off the back when I try to sleep on them! That's all for now. I saw people working together, like family, to do something for the church. I guess that's the way this whole church is - like family. I'm glad I'm here. Aren't you? See you next time. Love,
Anony Mouse
Looking for Greeters and Liturgists
If you are interested in doing
either of these, please use the sign-up sheets located in the
Narthex or call the church office.
What a great way to start your Sunday!
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Willing Workers Although this year we were very shorthanded with our annual Christmas Candy fund raiser, we owe special thanks to Crista Beyer, Camille Greco, and Jan Walkden for stepping up to help us in making the chocolate. We had fewer orders than past years, but it still ended up successful. It won’t be long before we are into making candy for Easter. We also had a very successful Pecan Sale and thank all who purchased them or ordered chocolate. Another project we will soon be working on is Hygiene Kits for Church World Service. Items needed for this project are: Hand Towels measuring approximately 16" x 28" (no fingertip or bath towels), Washcloths, Wide-tooth
combs, and Nail clippers. These will be sent to CWS in April so donations of any of these items will be appreciated at your earliest convenience. Thanks go out to the Sunday School children
who donated 142 non-perishable food items to the Food Pantry. The Willing Workers went through the food, sorted and shelved it. It was very much appreciated by the Mission Committee. The Sunday School also supported the “2¢ A Meal” offering by filling M&M candy tubes with change which added up to $52.55. To date the Sunday School advent calendar donations add up to $36.89 collected and this, too, is going to “2¢ A Meal.” The Willing Workers are very grateful to the Christian Education Department for supporting this worthwhile mission. We thank all for their continued support of our projects.
