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FROM YOUR MINISTER Pilgrim United Church of Christ
Pilgrim’s Progress December 2019
SPECIALPOINTS OF INTEREST:
Hanging of the Greens &
Chili Supper - Dec. 4
Christmas Caroling - Dec. 8
Women’s Advent Candlelight
Service - Dec. 9
Children’s Christmas Program
- Dec 15
Youth Cookie Bake - Dec 15
Gift Wrapping at Mt. Horeb -
Dec 15
Christmas Fund - Dec 22
Christmas Eve Services - Dec.
24, 3-5-9 pm
New Year’s Eve Party -
Dec. 29 between services
Inside this issue:
Pilgrim Announcements
2
Missions 3
Children’s Ministry 4
Youth Ministry 5
Social & Enrichment 6
Our Thanks and Pilgrim Prayers &
7
Committee News & Thank You’s
8
Council Highlights 9
Council Highlights, cont’d
Birthdays, Office
Hours
10
Serving at Pilgrim 11
December Calendar 12
Directory &
Committees
13
Grace and Peace to you
I have a really hard time being patient around this time of year. It started when I was a kid, when
sometime in mid-November I stopped sleeping through the night. I would lie in bed, wishing myself
to fall asleep so that when I woke up, I would be one day closer to Christmas. Eventually, the rest-
less nights turned into stomach aches, and culminated in the absolute inability to sleep on Christ-
mas Eve (which always found me holding absolutely still in my bed so Santa didn’t hear me move
and think I was awake, lest it would cause him to skip our house).
Even as an adult, somewhere around mid- November, I get the itch to put up Christmas decora-
tions. And, Christmas music starts to fill my house, my office, my car. Because I find it hard to be
patient. And wait.
Advent is all about waiting. Little did my childhood self know, was that one day, I would grow up to
be a pastor and talk every year about how we needed to have patience. And wait. And then wait
some more.
Maybe I am too cynical for my age, but I’m getting tired of waiting. Waiting for those things prom-
ised during our Advent season: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy, every single year. During this season,
remembering that a long time ago, there came a promise that the world would be eased of its pain.
That we would lay down our swords, that the lion and the lamb would frolic together, that a branch
would come up and bear fruit that was marked with righteousness. During Advent, we wait for
God. We are reminded that we must be patient. Counting down the days when promises have
finally been fulfilled.
But this year, in mid November, I found myself asking a question to no one in particular: What are
we waiting for in Advent? Sure, we are waiting for Christmas Day, for the Baby Jesus to be born.
But what about all of those other promises that are not yet fulfilled: swords into plows, lion and
lambs, trees that bear the fruit of peace. We live in a world with an increasing income gap and
income disparities. In the greater Milwaukee area, we live with more racial segregation than any
other part of the country. Some of us believe that climate change is a real threat to human kind.
Some of us believe that climate change is merely part of a larger weather pattern. We can’t agree
on who should have access to guns. Or who has rights in this country.
It’s not the idyllic world I remember from my childhood Sunday school classes, a time in my life
when I believed that all things could be healed in my life time.
So I wondered this year, what ARE we waiting for?
I don’t believe it’s God. God is here present with us, right now (of that I am sure).
We are waiting for me. For you. For us.
We are waiting for us to remember, that a long time ago there came a child that would teach us
and remind us that we are responsible for one another. That the lion and lamb were able to lie
down together because they realized that their lives depended upon each other. Swords were beat
into plowshares, because more was gained in tilling the fields with our neighbors than by arguing
with them.
Advent and Christmas are important because they remind us how powerful our human flesh,
hands, souls, and spirits are when they collide with God. That we, with the memory of a baby lying
in a manger, realize we have the power to change this world.
Friends, I am tired of waiting. I’m tired of being patient, and being told in time,
all things would be healed. Might we be blessed with an impatient Advent. And
make all our Christmas wishes come true.
Your sister in Christ,
Pastor Ashley
Page 2 PILGRIM ANNOUNCEMENTS
NARRATIVE LECTIONARY READINGS:
Where have we been? November 3: Elijah at Mt. Carmel Kings 18:17-39 November 10: Hosea Hosea 11:1-9 November 17: Isaiah’s Vineyard Song Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5 November 24: Josiah’s Reform 2 Kings 22:1-20; 23:1-3 Where are we going? December 1: Promise of the Messiah Jeremiah 33:14-18 December 8: Isaiah of the Exile Isaiah 40:1-11 December 15: Rebuilding the Temple Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13 December 22: Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:5-13 [14-15], 57-80 December 24: Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] December 25: Shepherd’s Visit Luke 2:8-20 December 29: Beginning of Good News Mark 1:1-20
Women’s Advent Candlelight Service
Monday, December 9
The Women’s Journey would like to invite you, your friends, neighbors, co-workers or daughters to an evening of relaxation, songs, stories and candlelight--a night just for you amid all the hectic holiday preparations.
6:30pm Friendship and refreshments 7:00pm Service
We are still in need of treat bakers.
Please sign up in the Narthex.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Join us on Sunday, December 8, immediately
following the 10:30 worship service, for a light
luncheon (a free will offering to be taken) and
then off to bring Christmas
Caroling & Hand Chime
Cheer to some Pilgrim
friends. Watch the Narthex
Bulletin Board for a sign up.
If you have any questions,
please contact Cory Jepsen-Hobbs at 376-1724
or at [email protected]
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Services:
Family Candlelight Service-3:00 pm:
This abbreviated worship service gathering includes
carols, scriptures, and prayers.
Children’s Candlelight Service-5:00 pm:
A child-friendly service encounter with the
Christmas Story offered through carols and worship.
Traditional Candlelight Service - 9:00 pm:
This worship service will include traditional
scripture, carols, and special music
December 29 - One Service at 9:00 am
ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE: Sunday,
January 19, 2020, between services.
Please submit your pledge cards as
soon as possible. Extra cards and E-
Giving forms are available at church.
Hanging of the Greens
We will be hosting our Annual Chili Supper & Hanging of the Greens on Wednesday, December 4.
The activity begins with a chili and dessert supper at 6:00 pm, followed by decorating the sanctuary and narthex and
6:30 pm. Please sign up on the narthex board and indicate whether you can bring a pot of chili or a dessert.
DECEMBER 29: New Year’s Eve Party
POINSETTIA ORDERS DUE MONDAY, DECEMBER 2.
Please contact the office if you still need a form or have any questions or concerns.
Page 3 MISSIONS
ST. NICK GIFT FOR WOMEN VETERANS—
Thank you for the generous donations of gifts for the women veterans residing at Dom 123 and Boudicca House. We assembled 40 gift bags on Veteran’s Day. Faye Junker donated a beautiful Stellar Explosion quilt, which will find its home in the gath-ering room at Boudicca House. See pictures on the Mission Board.
HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR MOUNT HOREB CHILDREN If you’ve taken an Angel tag from the tree in the Narthex, you’ll be helping to bring smiles to Mount Horeb children’s faces on Christmas morning. We ask that you re-turn your unwrapped gifts to church by Sunday, December 8 with the tag se-curely attached to the outside of your bag
and place it in the Narthex.
MOUNT HOREB WRAPPING PARTY—There will be a wrapping party on Sunday, December 15th to help parents wrap the gifts for their children. After the gifts are wrapped and tucked away, refreshments will be served as a way for members of Mount Horeb to say “Thank You.” Rides can be arranged from church leaving around 12:45 for the 1:15 start. Please sign up on the Mission board.
THE CHRISTMAS FUND—This year’s theme is “The Light Shines in the Darkness”. The Christmas Fund one of the special UCC offerings and will be received on Sunday, December 22. Through these contributions, direct financial assistance is given to individual UCC clergy and lay church employees in their time of need. Please use a special envelope found in the pews.
FAMILY PROMISE OF OZAUKEE—DATES FOR 2020—Pilgrim volunteers will continue to assist Grace Lutheran Church when they host Family Promise guests. The 2020 dates are: 1/26-2/2, 3/29-4/5, 8/23-8/30 and 11/15-11/22. If you are interested in joining Pilgrim’s volunteer team, please contact Donna Tredrea—[email protected] or text to 262 302-0013.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY—The Grafton Duplex Build is Underway—If you are interested in helping with this, please contact Peter Federspiel at [email protected] They are looking for help on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
AN INVITATION: Habitat for Humanity-Ozaukee invites you to join them on December 3rd
to help kick off their “DOUBLE YOUR DONATION” GIVING CAMPAIGN, which will run from December 1-15. The Open House on December 3rd is at the Family Enrichment Center located at 885 Badger Circle in Grafton from 4 to 6 pm. All donations will be matched by the Family Enrichment Center during this campaign. If you’d like to double your impact, stop by on December 3rd or visit www.ozhh.org to donate.
ST. BEN’S COMMUNITY MEAL—DESSERTS & SERVING DATES—Desserts for St. Ben’s are needed on Friday, December 6. Please sign up on the Mission board. Thank you to all of the Pilgrim bakers for your continued support—especially at this busy time of year!
In addition to our once-a-month desserts, we also assist St. Ben’s by helping to serve the meal, usually on the second Tuesday of each month. If you would like to help on Tuesday, December 10, please sign up on the Mission board.
MR. BOB’S UNDER THE BRIDGE MINISTRY—In addition to donations to help the homeless community in Milwaukee, Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge Ministry is always looking to add volunteers to its team. It’s their hope that anyone who is interested in volunteering will visit their website for details:
mrbobsunderthebridge.org.
YARN & FABRIC MINISTRY—Your donations of yarn and cotton fabric continue to help the woman at Ellsworth Correctional Facility create blankets, quilts, throws, hats and other items. Please place your bag marked “Yarn Ministry” near Mr. Bob’s bin near the carport entrance.
EMPTY RX BOTTLES—When you recycle your empty prescription bottles, you are helping the Bread of Healing Clinic in Milwaukee provide medications to those in need. Please remember that they only use the amber pill bottles. Our bin is located downstairs in Kalweit Hall.
NEXT MISSION TEAM MEETING—Sunday, January 12 at 11:30 am, Conference Room
Page 4 CHILDREN'S MINISTRY—ROCK HOUR NEWS
PILGRIM CHILDREN’S SUNDAY
PROGRAMMING
Explorers (1st-4th grade) & Voyagers
(5th-6th grade)
ROCK HOUR 9:00am-10:20am
2yrs. – Kindergarten
LITTLE ROCKS after Children’s Time at
the 10:30 service
Infant – Kindergarten
ROCK ‘n PLAY 7:45am-11:45am
*Parent must be in the building
for child to be in the nursery.
ROCK ‘N PLAY CENTER
Staffed from 7:45am-11:45am for infants-5K.
Children ages 2yr-5K are welcome to join.
Little Rocks follow “Children's Time” during the
10:30am worship service.
As always, we welcome volunteers to help in the class on Sunday morning. Give it a try and sign up today!
http://signup.com/go/VTvtmzE
ROCK HOUR HELPERS NEEDED!
Consider volunteering during
ROCK HOUR! You may be sur-
prised and learn something while
you are helping out your church
family.
Click on this link to sign up for a
Sunday during Rock Hour:
Copy of ROCK hour helpers 2018-19
Children's Christmas Program Sunday, December 15, both services
Kids will need to be at church by 8:00 am to perform at the 8:00 service. Between services, we will be having a Christmas Party, with pizza, snacks, activities, and a movie!
We will then perform again at the 10:30 service. **Little Rocks are invited to join us at the 10:30 service
and should arrive at 10:00 am
Our Voyagers are work-ing hard to prepare for the Christmas Program.
The Explorers will
continuecontinue to learn about the Christmas story and work on the song for the
program!
PARENTS:
Need time to wrap presents?
Need an evening out?
December 20 will be another
movie night at Pilgrim! Drop
your kids off at 6 and pick
them up at 8:30! $10 per
child, max of $20 per family.
Popcorn and juice provided.
No Classes on December 22 or 29.
“Rock ‘n Play” will be not be staffed
during Christmas Eve Services and
on Sunday, December 29.
Can you donate to the Youth Cookie Bake?
The items below are needed for
this annual fundraiser. Please
leave your donation by the youth
bulletin board.
Granulated Sugar
All-Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Butter
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
Pretzel Rods-Large
Decorating Sprinkles
Mini Chocolate Chips
Mini M&M’s
Crushed Nuts
Candy Pieces
Melting Chocolate
Ribbon
Paper Plates
Decorative Bags
Food Coloring
Page 5 YOUTH MINISTRY
CONFIRMATION CLASS NEWS:
CONNECT & COMMUNE Connections will once again meet once a month for Connect & Commune Sunday. This is a chance
for 7th and 8th grade Confirmands to gather, share friendship and attend service together as a group. Food provided. Connect
and Commune will be the first Sunday of the month (with a few exceptions) and 8 opportunities to fulfill your attendance re-
quirements with your friends! Our next Connect & Commune is Sunday, December 1, followed by Sunday, January 5.
Details: Gather from 10am-10:25am in the Coffee House Room for food and friendship.
MOUNT HOREB GIFT WRAPPING, December 15. We need both youth and adults to help on Sunday, the 15th, for gift wrap-
ping. This is fun and uplifting time where we can come together and join or sister church in wrapping gifts for the kids, begin-
ning at 1:15 pm. The sign up sheet is on the Missions Bulletin Board.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DROP OFF and PICK UP Wednesday nights are very busy at Pilgrim! We have outside classes, music prac-
tices, Bible studies, small groups, etc. We need your help to ensure the safety of everyone. When you come to pick up your
son/daughter, please do not come down to the doors as a drop off and pick up line – this causes confusion within the parking
lot and people are going the wrong way and then kids having to dodge between cars. Please use a parking space as you are
waiting on your son/daughter to be done with confirmation classes and travel in the direction of the arrows in the parking lot. If
you have any questions about this, please talk with Rachel at 612/275-9615 or [email protected]
Pilgrim’s Youth Ministry Team
Rachel Grossman-Zack Meg Claeys Middle/High School Coordinator Elementary/Middle School Coordinator Phone: 612/275-9615 Phone: 262-707-2927 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
SYNAGO SERVICE Calling all 9-12th graders, we want to see you: December 8!
Our format is as follows:
Gathering 10-10:25 - Eat and enjoy some time catching up with friends in the Media Room
Service 10:30-11:30 - We all go to the service and sit together
We will continue to have these meeting times at least one time per month. Our next Synago Service: January 19
MOUNT HOREB GIFT WRAPPING, December 15 We need both youth and adults to help at Mt Horeb Gift Wrapping on Sunday, the 15th, beginning at 1:15 pm. This is a fun and uplifting time where we can come together and join our sis-ter church in wrapping gifts for the kids. The sign up sheet is on the Missions Bulletin Board.
SOCIAL: Talk it out Tuesdays – as mentioned at the meeting with the high school students, if we decide to move for-ward with talk it out Tuesdays, they will begin starting in January – If you have any other social ideas, please reach out
to Rachel at 612/275-9615 or [email protected]. MISSION TRIP: We are going to Kentucky with the Appalachia Service Project the week of July 12, 2020 – There is a
sign-up on the youth bulletin board.
The Youth Ministries Fundraising team has set a goal of $5,500 for our
2019/2020 calendar year, and we need your help and to meet this goal!
ANNUAL COOKIE BAKE SALE - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
Cookie Prep and Bake: December 12 through 14. We will have sign-up sheets and also use
a sign-up genius for our youth. These will be hanging and sent out the first week of December.
We will need help on Thursday & Friday in the evening, and Saturday during the morning and
afternoon; exact times will be coming your way through email and text. The cookies will be sold on Sunday, December 15--after the 8:00 service and before and after the 10:30 service. This is a day where we need all
hands on deck from our youth! Sign-ups will be posted and leaders will send out a sign up genius.
2nd MOVIE NIGHT with the KIDS– DECEMBER 20 Our first Movie Night on November 15, 2019 was a great suc-
cess! We will provide a second one for the kids of Pilgrim on December 20, 2019. Kids Birth–6th grade are invited
to enjoy a movie night with the middle and high school youth of Pilgrim as they watch over and provide a good time
for the kids. We will need 7th-12th graders to arrive on the 20th at 5:30 pm to help set up the movie watching and
snack areas; 7th-12th graders should be able to leave this event by 9:00 pm after we have finished cleaning up.
FUNDRAISING: All YOUTH!
Page 6 SOCIAL & ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITES
Holiday Sheepshead awaits! Please join us on Fridays, December 6 & 20 at 1:00 pm in the Conference Room.
Due to holiday activities, Senior Coffee, Breakfast & Learn, Crafters, and Funsetters will not have a regular meeting/event in December, but will resume in January.
Women’s Journey will not meet in December, but are looking forward to seeing many people at the Women’s Candlelight Advent Service on the evening of December 9th.
“Messiah” During the Christmas Season, come listen and enjoy
Milwaukee Area Messiah Community Chorus & Orchestra,
“...bringing communities together through Gods’ Word.” Pilgrim chorus members are Marilyn Dearth,
Jeanette Koch, and Larry Sween Admission is free, with donations to benefit the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
Friday, December 6, 2019, 7:30 pm
St. Anthony on the Lake, W280N2101 Prospect Ave, Pewaukee
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 3:00 pm
Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 6031 W Chapel Hill Rd, Mequon
Thursday Adult Study Book Discussion
“What Does the Bible Say About...?”
Various scripture passages provide insight for reflection on topics that are pertinent in our lives today. Over sev-
eral weeks we will discuss gambling patience and waiting, colorful language, perfection and more. For details
and copies of the discussion points, please contact Ron Wildasin at 262-377-9547 ([email protected]).
Sunday Morning Adult Study Group - 9:20 am
“The Apocryphal Jesus”
We are following this DVD 24-session series, which covers a variety of early Christian writings that survive outside of the
Canon (authoritative scriptures) in the New Testament. These writings reveal diversity and vitality of Christian story-
telling. Experience some new insights from letters and revelations. No preparation is required.
Ushers & Readers Needed for Christmas Eve Services
If you will be joining us for one of the Christmas Eve services (3 pm, 5 pm or 9 pm) please consider help-
ing by serving as an usher or reading scripture. There is a sign-up sheet on the narthex bulletin board.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITES
Breakfast and learn – January 11
Mark your calendar for our next Saturday breakfast scheduled in
January.
The presentation will be made by a representative of the Grafton Histori-
cal Society.
Join us and learn about the history of
Grafton and the goals of this relatively new
organization.
Page 7 THANK YOUs, PILGRIM PRAYERS & CARES
Thanks to….
60th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE: Heidi Jenkins, Ron Wildasin, Marji Groth, and George & Joyce Showalter. Thank you,
committee members, and to everyone who worked tirelessly toward this day as a loving tribute to Pilgrim United Church of Christ.
Date Night: To the youth and chaperones who volunteered to the fun movie night for kids on November 15.
Saukville Community Meal - To everyone who donated time and food to the community and Thanksgiving meals in November.
Youth Involvement Sunday -To all the youth who participated in this special Sunday on November 10.
Breakfast & Learn - to Dave & Jan Braby for their excellent “Visit to the Holy Land’ presentation on November 16.
For Healing and Strength:
*For Leslie, friend of Patty Guist and Beth Hartman, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
*For Erin Schumaker, who is recovering from recent surgery.
*For Jeff, Marilyn Gallagher’s son-in-law, who was recently diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer.
*For Larry Tredrea, who continues to develop complications.
*For Duffy, who relocated to Milan Estates assisted living in Saukville.
*For Bob, Mike Fischer’s father, who remains in hospice care.
*For Nicole Pekarske, who recently had foot surgery and is recovering at home.
*For Autumn, Kathy Ellenbecker’s granddaughter,and her baby, Jazmin.
*For Ginny Minard, Jill Cobb’s mother, who was diagnosed with bone cancer.
*For Michelle Wagner, who continues chemo treatments.
ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS
*For Kathleen, Pat Grabow’s mom, as she remains in hospice care.
*For Les Kobliska, Kory’s father, who is suffering from worsening dementia.
*For all of those that will be traveling for the holidays.
*For all of those that are expecting.
*A special prayer of thanks for all those who serve in the military and their families.
*For all of our homebound members and those in care facilities.
*For all of those struggling with mental illness, and their families.
In Sympathy
*For the Schowalter Family, as they continue to mourn the loss of Rev. Mark Schowalter on October 29.
Our Members in Care Facilities or Homebound
Kathy Kanios, Home Carol Charnitz, Home Rev. Steve Evans, Cedar Communities Carolyn Fuhr, Village Pointe Commons Donna Graham, Gina’s Home Elizabeth Hembel, Lasata Heights Eleanor Paschke, Home Pam Paul, Home Linda Schafer, Lasata Wayne (Duffy) Ver Velde, Milan Estates, Saukville
Jacob Godejohn – US Marine Corps, LCpl
Owen Godejohn - US Army-Basic Training
Luke Johnson - US Navy-Builder Petty Officer 1st Class
Nathan Kline – Wisconsin Army National Guard, PVT
Adam Lusty – US Army, Sgt.
Mark Aaron Schubert - US Air Force-Ellsworth, SD
Page 8 COMMITTEE NEWS AND THANK YOU’S
A big thank you to all those who so generously donated soup, a casserole, or a full meal towards our annual
Meal Blitz. Seventeen Pilgrim friends benefitted this year from your thoughtfulness. It warms my heart to
know how well we take care of one another.
God’s love abides in all your hearts.
Peace and hugs,
Cory Jepsen-Hobbs,
Pilgrim Care Team Chair
PILGRIM FAMILY FUND
Are you familiar with this fund? It is used to help members within our congregation who are experiencing financial hardship. During this special holiday season, please consider-ing making a contribution to the fun. Please see the envelopes found in the pews marked “Family Fund.” Checks can also be sent to the church office. Thank you.
January 11, 2020 - 10am to 11:30
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Author Shauna Niequist invites you to consider the landscape of your own life, and what it might look like to leave behind the pressure to be perfect and begin the life-changing practice of simp-ly being present, in the middle of the mess and the ordinariness of life."
Books may be purchased independently ($13 on Amazon currently) or contact Kelly DuB-
ord for a book.
ENDOWMENT NEWS
During the past several months, some inquiries have been made about our Church’s support in the areas of Ministry
and Education. In particular, this interest was for the future financial support for both Ministry and Education. In
response to this interest, the Financial Advisory Committee and the Endowment Committee have established the
framework and parameters of an Endowment Fund to support these efforts. The parameters for this new Fund, named
the Pilgrim UCC Ministry and Educational Endowment Fund, are for an initial Principal Balance of $5,000 and a
Minimum Threshold Balance of $25,000. This means that the Fund will not become fully operational until the total
initial donations have reached $5,000. The Fund, to be invested with Vanguard, along with additional contributions,
together with its investment earnings, will be allowed to grow until the Threshold has been reached. After that, the
earnings can be distributed to the appropriate Committees for the support of Pilgrim’s Ministry and Educational
activities. To start the ball rolling, the Memorials Committee has committed the use of $2,500 in undesignated
contributions to be used as "matching funds" to help reach the Principle Balance of $5,000. Once the new Fund is
operational the next goal would be to reach the Minimum Threshold Balance of $25,000 so that future earnings, along
with future contributions, can be used to support the Church's Ministry and Educational efforts.
The Schowalter family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all who have of-
fered prayers, cards, phone calls, condolenc-es, and words of comfort upon the death
Rev. Mark Schowalter. There is none other like the caring Pilgrim People.
Joyce and George Schowalter, Sue
Schowalter (widow), and LouAnn , Karen, John, and Joel and their families.
“The Vacation Garden School Benches Have Arrived!
Thanks so much for your support of our recycling project!
... the rainbow bench will be placed near Eden's Bluff Garden and the purple bench (in
memory of Elli Westfall) will be placed on the east lawn - outside of Lucas Hall windows.
What a fun project - thanks for everyone's support! -Julia Holister, Vacation Garden School
From Liz Yoon, Chimin’ In Bell Choir Director:
“Thank you to the anonymous donor for the generous gift of music risers for the bell choir.”
Page 9 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS & FINANCE REPORT
November 14, 2019 *Unapproved as of printing*
October Treasurer’s Report: The total revenues for October 2019 were $24,662. Total expenses were $33,176, which included a Building Assessment
Evaluation fee resulting in a Net Loss of ($8,514). Operating Checking Acct Balance is $ 77,172, Envelope offerings totaled $21,141 for October 2019.
Minister’s Report:
Worship:
● A word of well done to all of our youth that participated in Youth Involvement Sunday on November 10!
● Our 60th Anniversary Celebration is November 24, hoping many of the Council members are able to attend! Rev. Franz Rigert will be coming back to
preach.
● Pastor Ashley shared with Council a heartfelt card with well wishes and a donation to our 60th year celebration sent from retired Rev. Allen Marheine,
the Founding Minister at Pilgrim UCC.
Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on Wednesday November 27 at 7:00 p.m. Advent begins on December 1 Christmas Eve services have been scheduled. ● We have a number of baptisms in the month of December and early January.
Pastoral Care
● Pastor Ashley has continued to follow up on Pastoral Care needs as she is made aware.
● Pastor Ashley has continued to make routine pastoral care calls.
● Pilgrim will be hosting a Celebration of Life Service for Rev. Mark Schowalter on Saturday November 16.
Administrative / Staffing
● Pastor Ashley has continued to meet with staff and finish up Effective Conversations.
● Pastor Ashley has continued to meet with and support Staff Relations.
● Pastor Ashley continues to meet with staff on an as needed basis.
● Pastor Ashley led the staff meeting on October 21; the next meeting is November 18 and will be a combined staff and leadership meeting.
● Pastor Ashley has continued to offer support to the Finance Advisory Team. Including participating in conversations about Endowments.
● Pastor Ashley has continued to support the Stewardship Committee in their work, and has a lot of gratitude for them and their work and dedication
this past month, along with the support of Lisa Quick.
● Pastor Ashley has been working with Dick and Tink Linhart leading New Member Session with them.
● Thank you to all who attended the November 4 Nominations meeting!
● Pastor Ashley has continued to meet with various small group leaders as we embark on our next phase of small group ministry, and is grateful that
Tom Kopka, Kelly DuBord, and Erin Peterson have stepped forward to be leaders of various small groups in the church!
● Pastor Ashley has continued to meet with and support the Anniversary Committee. She extends a HUGE thank you to Marji Groth, Ron Wildasin, Joyce
Schowalter, George Schowalter and Heidi Jenkins for their work over the past few months!
Educational
● Pastor Ashley extends a thank you to members who attended out Oct 23 Confirm. class and participated in the member interviews with our 7th & 8th
graders.
● Pastor Ashley has continued to offer support to the Children’s Ministry team, as needed.
Denominational
● Pastor Ashley attended the Pilgrim Center Site Committee Meeting on Tuesday October 22 at Pilgrim Center in Green Lake.
● Pastor Ashley will be attending the UCCi Board meeting December 6 and 7 at Pilgrim Center in Green Lake.
Other
● Pastor Ashley continues to meet with her coach.
● Pastor Ashley will be working on her Next Generation Leadership Initiative Grant within the next few weeks. She will formally submit to the council on
its completion.
● Pastor Ashley plans on attending the Grafton School District Clergy lunch held on December 17.
● Pastor Ashley plans on meeting with the Pastoral Relations Committee on Tuesday November 19.
● Pastor Ashley put together the Pilgrim quizzes used as part of our anniversary celebration.
● Pastor Ashley will be focusing on Visual Arts classes as part of her continuing Congregational learning.
● Pastor Ashley will be leading a team to sort an distribute the Pilgrim UCC T-Shirts at this Sunday’s Service.
Old Business:
A. Security Committee Update/Review – Presented by Robb Ladd
● Neal Hobbs, as a member of the Security Team, joined the Council meeting to join in the discussion surrounding the detailed options that need to be
decided upon in order to move forward with the equipment and services required for the new proposed Building Security Plan.
● Robb met with the Grafton Fire Department’s Chief to discuss the requirements to be met for the Fire Dept. to gain access to the building in case of
an emergency, and shared with the Council.
● Council has chosen to contact the Safety equipment supplier and set up a secondary meeting with them to review the equipment and services re
required and have them quoted.
B. Status update on nominations for new Council members and Treasurer - Led by Bill Maca
● A nominee has agreed to take on the post of Treasurer, and will receive training from the current Treasurer, Caryn Boegel, which will overlap her last
month’s as Treasurer.
● Nominees for the (2) openings on Council were presented, discussed and narrowed down. The selected nominees will be contacted by members of
Council to gauge their interest, willingness and commitment to serve.
C. Web Page Contribution “Option” – Presented by Dustin Beck
● Dustin presented a detailed breakdown of fees, costs and services offered by 2 service providers to deliver a Web Page Contribution Option.
● Dustin will contact and setup a meeting with the service provider to review and demonstrate their product’s offerings to a small group at Pilgrim for
further evaluation .
D. Report from the Building Assessment Evaluation – Presented by Larry Sween
● Discussion was held regarding budgeting and the projected major costs for building & property repairs, services and equipment replacement that is
facing the church over the next 10 years, presented to Council in the recently compiled detailed Building Assessment Evaluation.
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
A copy of the complete
Council Minutes, as well as
Financial Reports,
are available upon request
from the Church Office.
Page 10 COUNCIL & FINANCIAL, CONT’D / DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS, OFFICE HOURS
1 Victor Sowers
2 Phil Koch
Carl Roemke
Will Seawall
3 Gunnar Simenc
4 Geoffrey Karnish
5 Ron Holtslander
Mike Homme
6 Phyllis TeStrake
7 Pam Morrow
Diane Tompkins
8 Brynn Hegedus
Roberto Ramirez
Richard Whitaker
9 Elaine Hilkert
Nicole Kline
Joshua Meier
Lori Stern
10 Mike Button
Kyle Elbe
Reagan Schmitter
11 Aubrey Ashley
Cory Jepsen-Hobbs
Clare Pedersen
12 Laura Bloedorn
Tink Linhart
Terese Sackett
Heidi Steckel
Nathaniel Wolfgram
13 Megan Adams
Nicole Ashley
Giorgio Fuentes
Kyle Peterson
Elizabeth Rottier
14 Brynn Bertrand
Wesley Dreier
Erik Nelson
Andy Schmitter
15 Christopher Bennin
Kiera McInerney
Calina Tagliapietra
Violet Waldhart
Adrian Zimmermann
16 Jack Gallagher
17 Mary Johnson
Tom Mayer
David Plautz
18 Mitchell Bennin
Paul duVergey
Jordan Hughes
Heidi Jenkins
Diane Kornetzke
Gerry Orten Jr.
19 Maggie Fouliard
20 Kristen Halula
Pam Klenner
Kathy Roberts
Adam Schulz
Janet Van Zile
21 Mike Godejohn
23 Annalee Bennin
Carol Charnitz
Chris Hart
24 Anne Roemke
26 Brynn Roberts
Bailey Willis
27 Kelly DuBord
Brandon Kelling
Diane Nauta
29 Trinn Rigert
Julie Rottier
Bonnie Schlenvogt
30 Dee Dieringer
Vic Pappas
31 Kyle Adams
Dennis Grabow
Shawn Moede
Jacquelyn Richter
Jody Schubert
Megan White
OFFICE HOURS
Please submit January Pastor Ashley Nolte: Monday - Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm
articles by Monday Evenings & weekends by appointment and as necessary.
December 16 Please call or text 920-762-0192
Lisa Quick: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 1:00 pm
Office Phone 262-377-2640
Email–[email protected] OR [email protected]
WEB Page – www.pilgrimuccgrafton.org
Next Meeting: December 12, 2019 Respectfully submitted, Robb Ladd, Council Secretary
New Business:
A. Nominations by Council for next year’s Council President and Officers - Led by Bill Maca
● After a discussion on how we should nominate the Council President and Officers for next year, a collective process involving a voice from each
member of Council was carried out.
● Council nominated and voted to retain Bill Maca as President, Dustin Beck as Vice president and Robb Ladd as secretary for the coming year.
B. Set Agenda for January 19, Congregational Meeting- Led by Bill Maca
● Discussion was held to establish agenda items and leadership assignments for each.
C. Investment Policy Procedure Change for Endowments – Led by Caryn Boegel
● Caryn presented information from recent meetings involving the roles of Investment companies.
● A vote was taken by Council to have the Endowment investments put into a Managed Fund rather than in an Un-Managed Fund, after
discussions surrounding the pros, cons and availability of Endowment Committee members to carry out the management of these Funds.
WANTED: USED CAR...for a 27-year-old lady who resided
at Family Promise and recently moved to her own apart-
ment with 2 young children in Port Washington. She walks
her children to daycare in a wagon, a 20-minute walk
daily. Then, she walks to work another 30 minutes. If any-
one has or knows of a car they’re willing to donate, please
call Marji Groth at 262-853-7684.
Page 11 SERVING AT PILGRIM
December SCRIPTURE READERS
8:00 10:30
1 Mary Beuscher Marcia Ramirez
8 OPEN Jane Sowers
15 Children’s Christmas Program
22 Lynda Van Dyck OPEN
29 9:00 am: OPEN
WELCOME CENTER - December
LaVerne Johnson - December 1, 8, 15
at 8:00 am
FLOWERS AND BULLETINS FOR December
Flowers Bulletins
1 OPEN OPEN
8 OPEN Gisela Berber
15 Poinsettias OPEN
22 Poinsettias Jack & Lila Landmann
29 OPEN OPEN
GREETERS
DECEMBER
8:00 am 10:30 am
1 Roger & Jane Groth - C 1 Jen & Brandon Wittenberg - C
Brian & Valerie Klippel - N Lance & Jennifer Wooten- N
8 Andy & Megan Helm - C 8 Lucy Wyka - C
Elaine Hilkert - N Jan Yoon - N
15 John & Pam Holloway - C 15 Kyle & Megan Adams - C
Ron & Lisa Holtslander - N Curtis Ashley - N
22 Roland & Faye Junker - C 22 Scott & Susan Bartlein - C
Lora Kanios - N Eric & Michelle Bauer - N
9:00 am
29 TBD
JANUARY
8:00 am 10:30 am
5 Kraig & Sheila Kuck-C 5 Sven & Amanda Binder-C
Robb & Roberta Ladd-N David & Linda Boesch-N
12 Eric & Louise Lusty-C 12 Tim & Mary Boesch-C
Karen Meier-N Eric & Allissa Borchardt-N
19 Mark & Amy Matter -C 19 David & Jan Braby-C
Nathan & Christie Matter-N Justin & Tracy Braun-N
26 Dale & Diane Nauta-C 26 Eric & Kate Burrows-C
Geoff & Valerie Nauth-N Michelle Burt-N
If you find you cannot greet on your assigned Sunday, please contact: Dorothy Bowen [email protected] or call at 262-377-2218.
USHERS
C = Carport N = Front Door to Narthex
DECEMBER
8:00 10:30
Geoff Nauth Mike Godejohn
Louise Lusty Vic Pappas
Lynda Van Dyck Kit Faase
Sheila Kuck Matt Faase
Kraig Kuck Bill Maca
JANUARY
8:00 10:30
Ron Wildasin Greg Mursch
Randy Mitschka Brian Heniadis
Jane Bachman-Groth John Smith
Roger Groth Neal Hobbs
Barb Arity
December SUNDAY TREAT SCHEDULE:
1 Moede Family / Staff Relations
8 Deb Neu, Deanne Schubert,
Leila Behrens
15 Combined Choirs / Jan Svoboda
22 OPEN
29 New Year’s Eve Party
ACOLYTES DECEMBER
8:00 am - OPEN
10:30 am
1 OPEN
8 Ryan Leidel
Jacob Leidel
15 Christmas Program
21 Owen Voss
Audrey Kleckner
29 9:00 am: OPEN
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