A beautiful morning to gather in the Reflection Garden – to worship, to give thanks, to share in blessing of our pets. “God, we thank you for the gifts of life, love, and the people and pets who bring us joy. We thank you for the beauty and wonder of creation.”
On Sept. 30, Rev. Roger retired as we celebrated with him and said thank you. “We express our gratitude for your time among us. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave us. We release you from the duties of Pastor, with the help of God. We offer our encouragement for the enjoyment of your retirement and for your ministry as it unfolds in new ways, with the help of God.” Congratulations and God’s Blessings, Rev. Roger!
Refugee Support Community Sheboygan
As an integral part of the Refugee Support Community Sheboygan, we work in concert with many other organizations and individuals to support recently arrived refugees. Our goal is to provide a warm welcome. In the past year, 10 families were identified and assigned an advocate that determines what is needed and how best to help. Four Syrian, two Somali, and four Rohingya families received assistance. Four additional families and six individuals were helped occasionally.
Refugee Support Community Sheboygan is action-oriented, flexible and fluid, respectful of cultural diversity, reaching out to identify and organize resources able to help. Support for refugees takes many forms: housing and housekeeping, education and tutoring English language learners, medical and dental needs, resume writing and getting jobs, transportation and learning to drive, food and nutrition, socialization, and administrative assistance, including help with Green Card applications. “Rolling up our sleeves,” working together, sharing our knowledge, expertise, and resources, we have made a difference.
From our new, dear refugee friends, we have learned much about profound strength, dignity, courage, resourcefulness, resilience, and gratitude. We thank you. We’re glad you’re our neighbor.
“It will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy…they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.” Isaiah 35:2
Like warm hugs…Made-by-hand prayer shawls and throws recently were donated by Ebenezer’s Sonshine Stitchers to Sheboygan County’s Fresh Meals On Wheels to be distributed with daily meals. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV
When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone,
When the sages and the shepherds have found their way home,
The work of Christmas is begun:
To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love,
To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food,
To feel the earth below, the sky above!
To free the prisoner from all chains, to make the powerful care,
To rebuild the nations with strength of good will,
To see all God’s children everywhere!
To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth,
To make music in an old person’s heart,
And sing to the colors of the earth!
“I Am the Light of the World” – J. Strathee, in response to a Christmas poem by H. Thurman
“We believe that it is our calling as people of faith to respond to the God who loves us, and who loves the earth and all its creatures, by protecting our planet and all its inhabitants. I don’t know what effect it will have, but my hope and my faith tell me it’s important for all of us to raise our voices.” …Barbara Darling, chair of Environmental Ministries for the Massachusetts Conference
UCC
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.
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 del
ivered them today.
