Refugee Resettlement : New Life, New Energy

In partnership with God and each other…. we are ordinary people working hard to accomplish extraordinary things. (from Ebenezer’s Identity Statement)

New Life, New Energy: Listen as Jen gives testimony to her life-changing participation in local Refugee Resettlement efforts.

A Rainbow of Prayer Shawls and a Bounty of Thanksgiving Baskets

Today, we dedicated Thanksgiving food baskets and prayer shawls and blankets: “May we, and these gifts, serve you, Loving God.  May they bring comfort, change, and hope.”  The photos show only two of the many, beautifully-made prayer shawls, throws, and blankets.  Thanks to all who lovingly crafted them.  And thanks to those who purchased items for the food baskets and those who del20161120_112326ivered them today.20161120_101153
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our faith, our voice, our vote

voteLiving in a democracy is a precious gift, and as Christians we understand ourselves to be stewards of the gifts God has given us. With the right to participate in the political process comes the responsibility to exercise that gift on behalf of the common good.

Helpful Information for the 2016 Elections

  • Go to the Wisconsin Voter Information site at https://myvote.wi.gov, select your “Voter Category” and enter your name and birthdate to check your registration status, find your polling place and municipal clerk contact information, see a sample ballot, and find additional voting information. You can also find out how to register to vote or re-register if your address has changed. To register to vote, you will need to bring a photo ID as well as some proof of your residence.  You can also register at the polls.
  • Photo identification is now required when you go to the polls to vote. To find out what forms of photo ID are allowed, how to obtain a free photo ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles if you don’t have one, exceptions to the requirement, etc., call your local elections official or visit the Bring It to the Ballot website, bringit.wi.gov
  • Early Voting has started – and will continue to Friday, November 4th. In Sheboygan, you can vote Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall (828 Center Ave.).  If you live in another municipality, check with your municipal clerk for location and hours.
  • Absentee voting – go to http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/voters/absentee for deadlines and other information needed if you need to vote absentee.

Made available by Wisconsin Council of Churches

Wisconsin Council of Churches website-www.wichurches.org/resources/voter-resource

 

Love is the point

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Celebrating the Ministry and Ordination of Nathan Athorp

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Nathan Athorp was ordaiFB_IMG_1462149032285ned as Pastor of Outdoor Ministries in April during a service held at Pilgrim Center of the United Church of Christ on Green Lake, Wisconsin.  Pilgrim Center’s outdoor ministry provides a unique and sacred setting in which participants of all ages can explore God in their lives.  The facility provides year-round camping, retreats, and meeting space. Nathan explained, “As the camp chaplain, I have the privilege of having sacred conversations with (those experiencing our outdoor ministry), accompanying them along their unique spiritual journey.  It is both exciting and challenging to explore new methods of ministry within the camp setting.”

Celebrating the Ministry and Ordination of Lex Cade-White

“Chaplaincy is sitting with the most unfathomable and unimaginable times in other’s lives and holding all as sacred space, place and time.” The ordination of Lex Cade-White this afternoon was a spirit-filled service with calling of ancestors, mixing of the sands of her life, laying on of hands, reflective and joyous singing, and sharing of Communion. Reverend Cade-White will serve the church as Pastor of Hospice Ministries through her work as a hospice chaplain. The special service included the Conference Minister of the Southeast Conference of the UCC, Rev. June Boutwell, representing the ordaining body, and the Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Jane Anderson, of the UCC Wisconsin Conference performing the installation.2015-12-21 01.51.56

Advent….A Season of Hope

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We are filled with HOPE that God’s promises, made long ago, will continue to come true in our experience of the world.  The colors of our Advent candles, going from purple to dark blue, light blue, and rose, represent the sky at dawn and the hope of a new day.  The flickering flame of the candle reminds us that our hope is lived out in prayer and action as we journey toward Christmas … together – knowing that God journeys with us.

from Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy

photo by Ruth Harker

 

 

You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore

Matthew 4:18-22

“You have come down to the lakeshore

Seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,

But only asking for me to follow.

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Kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.

On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;

Now with you I will seek other seas.”

( Words by Cesareo Gabarain)

(Photo by Ruth Harker)

 

God’s eye is on the sparrow, and I know God watches me.

Luke 12:4-7

“Let not your heart be troubled,” Christ’s tender word I hear,

And resting on God’s goodness, I lose my doubts and fears….

God’s eye is on the sparrow, and I know God watches me.

 ( Words by Civillia Martin)             (Photo by Ruth Harker)
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