rev. dr. bob gross occ

Mar 2020 Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ Volume 873

On the Journey . . . Rev. Dr. Bob Gross OCC

The season of Lent has often been a time when we think about "giving something up”—a holdover from its penitential flavor in the medieval church. But what if we thought less about "giving up" and more about "making room?" This Lent, we will explore what it really costs to be so busy. It’s time to reconnect to an unhurried God.

I invite you to designate a chair in your home that will be your “Prayer Chair” for Lent. Find a time during the day when you can go to the chair for at least 10 minutes, perhaps light a candle, and then spend time in prayer. We have prepared a Daily Lenten Practices booklet for you to use during this time. It is available on the welcome table. If you can’t get to the church building, let us know and we’ll find a way to get one to you. There are also instructions in the booklet for creating a “God Box.” The God Box is a way of handing over the things that we worry (perhaps even obsess) about that are beyond our control. Whenever worries pop up, you are invited to write your worries on bits of paper and put them in your God Box as a sign that you are letting of that which you cannot control. Replace the time spent worrying in your head with speaking the Serenity Prayer by H. Rienhold Neibhur, 20th Century theologian.

As you prepare for worship each week, I invite you to take time to prayerfully consider the scripture texts, comments, and questions below.

March 1, Lent 1: “The Right Tempo”

Jesus said, “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30. Yet, he never promised that the yoke would literally be "easy." This is a mistranslation. In this context of yoking oxen, the translation means "well fitting." As we begin our "Busy" series, we discover that each of us has a tempo that fits well, that energizes us. What tempo gives you life and energy?

March 8, Lent 2: “Preparing a Table”

The Twenty-third Psalm is a great comfort to us as we imagine the green pastures and still waters. It also recalls the dark valleys and calls us into the not-so-easy practice of sitting down at the table with our enemies. An unhurried God is present with us in the good times and in the difficult time and invites us to be radically present to each other in the same way. Have we been too busy to be really present to one another? March 15, Lent 3: “Tuning In”

Martha was busy. Mary chose to be still, to tune in to Jesus, Luke 10:38-42. The lesson here is not that it is bad to work, but that we also need times of connection to God. Tuning in to the holy may mean just taking time to notice things that are beckoning to dwell with us a while. What contemplative practices can feed and nourish our active lives?

March 22, Lent 4: “Living Light”

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too," Luke 12:29-34. No one, at the end of their life, would say, "I should have spent more time at the office." And yet many of us live with the tyranny of measuring-up that keeps us weighed down. Lightening the load of expectations and "shoulds" is one way to lighten us up, as well as to literally lighten the clutter that crowds out our serenity. How do we create space to flourish in the ways God intends? I pray this Lent you will find hope, strength, and peace in connection with God.

Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ, 413 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186

March Notes from Sunday school Mary Ann Proffitt, Christian Ed Director

“Deep Sea Discovery: Diving into the Bible” . . .

The first day of spring is just around the corner & we’ve been busy as bees in Sunday school! Our grade school students have started a rotation on “The Beatitudes” & are learning to

locate the scripture, become familiar with the meaning of each of the Beatitudes, understand the meaning of some of the vocabulary & contrast the behavior which the world values versus the behavior Jesus values! They are learning this through the workshops of art, games, computers & cooking.

In art, the students are making a Beatitudes Lapbook to reinforce & become more familiar with the Beatitudes. In games, they are they are playing Beatitudes Bingo to reinforce their familiarity with the Beatitudes & to learn the meanings of unfamiliar words & phrases. They are also playing a Board Race Game to discuss what the world says makes for a happy life, what we say & what God says leads to a happy life. In computers, the students are playing “Galilee Flyer”, a computer game in which they search for & match Beatitude verses & answer questions about them, then land their plane & get their pilot ranking. In cooking, the students are seeing that the teachings of Jesus have definite purpose, then & now. They are practicing putting someone else’s needs first (humility) & also letting someone else serve them (accepting help). Lots of fun & learning!

In March, our Preschool/Kindergarten class will be

learning how Jesus does great things, that Jesus is the Son of God & that the Church tells about Jesus. They will learn this through storytelling, making a Jesus’ Power Flyer, coloring Follow Jesus Cards, &

taking care of “sick animals & baby dolls” in our Get-Well Hospital☺ It will be a lot of fun & learning so hope you’ll all join us!

Finally, we will be finishing our national mission this month which is supporting the UCC Disaster Ministries

to help Puerto Rico. Since

the hurricanes, the UCC Disaster Ministries has restored more than 75 homes so far in Puerto Rico, with many more houses on the waiting list. Now because of the powerful earthquakes, the UCC Disaster Ministries has issued an emergency appeal to assist the people of the island as they struggle to regain power & get water. For every $1 that your child brings in they will put a brick on the wall of our house as we try & raise $150 towards this project. Thank you to all the kids that are contributing towards this project as well as our wonderful congregation members for helping make progress to their goal. We will let you know next month how much we raised.

March 1 – Family Sunday

March 22 – No Sunday school (Spring Break Begins)

April 5 – Family Sunday

April 12 – No Sunday school (Easter)

May 3 – Family Sunday

May 17 – Last Day of Sunday School – Teacher

Recognition Day & Kids Mission Work Acknowledgement

July 13 – July 17 – Vacation Bible School☺ (Put it

on your calendar & invite your friends!!!!)

Remaining 2020 Election Dates

4/7 Spring & Presidential 8/11 Partisan Primary 11/3 General

As in past election cycles, E & R church will be a host site, therefore your help as a monitor would be greatly appreciated. Please look at your availability in advance. Sign-up sheets will be out three Sundays before the date of the election.


Youth Group News Mary Ann Proffitt

Thank you!!!

To all the youth that helped with the Friday Night Sitters and volunteering at

St. Vinnies!!! You all did a fantastic job! A huge thank you to Jamie Knoll, for being our second for both

of these events, Greg Proffitt for picking up the pizza and Karen Olson for being our second for our last youth group meeting! We couldn’t do any of these activities without all of you!

Waukesha Escape Room

Sunday, March 8th 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.

We’ll have our regular youth group meeting at 10:30 am and then have sandwiches at church. We’ll then head to the Escape room at 12:30. Parents can pick up their students between 2:15 - 2:30 pm at church. Sign-up at the welcome table as soon as possible. We have room for 20 people and will require 2 chaperones.

Spaghetti Dinner

Sunday, March 15th 4 to 7 pm

We need as many youth volunteers as possible to help with this event as it helps support our mission work. Please sign-up at the welcome table. See Family Fun section for dinner details. Worship Service

Planning

Sunday, March 29th 10:30 am to 3:00 pm We’ll meet after church to begin planning the youth worship service for Sunday, April 26th. Those who are in confirmation class will attend class first and then join the planning meeting. Mrs. Proffitt will provide lunch☺

Easter Breakfast Preparation

Saturday, April 11th 9:00 to 11:30 am. The youth will meet at church to do the prep work for the Sunday Easter breakfast. We

appreciate any help from members of the congregation as well☺ Sign-up at the welcome table. Serving Easter Breakfast

Sunday, April 12th 8:00 to 8:45 am The youth will be cooking and serving breakfast before the worship service. Please fill out the sheet in your bulletin insert and put in the offering plate to reserve your spot!

Youth Group Meeting

Sunday, March 8th after church at 10:30 am.

Youth group meetings are typically the second Sunday of every month to discuss mission work, events and activities and are for students 7th grade through high school. Everyone is welcome!

The Giving Tree Program Please remember to prayerfully consider giving to the Giving Tree anytime through the year. Write Giving Tree on the blank line at the top right of your giving envelope.

This program is designed to give anonymously to families & individuals with short term financial needs & is funded through Christmas Eve donations, weekly envelope donations, or special gifts from individuals or groups.


Women’s Fellowship Sue Manzke, President

Hello Everyone!! I can’t believe Christmas & Valentine’s Day are over & we are talking Easter& Spring! It’s February & every few days we get a little snow!! Gotta love Wisconsin & its ever changing weather.

Well 15 ladies were in attendance at our last meeting! If you were not there, we’d love to see you at a future meeting . . . to help us do the work that God wants us to do & to have some fellowship with other ladies of the church! It was a great meeting & we accomplished a lot!!

Each month we do a quick collection of loose change that we have with us. In 2019 we collected a total of $99 in 6 meetings. That collection goes to benefit The Giving Tree program.

Doris Dowling, the church Librarian, reported that there were a few more books donated & that she has weeded out a few also. If you haven’t visited our library & you’re a reader,

you might want to check it out. There are a ton of great books for all reading appetites! It is in the last room in the West hallway across from the nursery.

A huge THANK YOU to Pat Kruse for organizing all of the wonderful people who brought Harry & I meals etc. during his recuperation period . . . from major back surgery! It was all greatly appreciated. In the future if Pat calls you to see if she can help in your time of need . . . please accept it!! I didn’t think we needed that, but I had no idea that my role in his recuperation would be so time consuming! Let us help you too!! We received wonderful meals!!! THANK

YOU TO ALL!!!

Kris DeKarske reported that Angels Baby Closet at Waukesha Memorial would welcome some nice crocheted or knitted small type receiving blankets for newborns at the hospital. If you’re

talented in those fields, you might want to whip up a couple & give them to Kris.

Also, if you need yarn please see me (Sue M) & I’ll hook you up with our nice collection!!

We looked into trying to help with meals for the New Overflow Homeless Shelter on Sentry Drive in the old Fire Station. All of the dates in their meal train were filled up so we voted to send a donation of $200 to them for them to use where they see fit.

We’ll be cleaning out & re-organizing all of the drawers in the kitchen on March 26th. We have a few who will be helping but could use more help. There are plenty more things that need to be done to keep our kitchen clean!! In the future if you would please return items to the places you

found them, we would appreciate it! Many people use the kitchen & if we all work together it’s easier for us all.

Our ladies will once again be donating & preparing the meal for the next Annual Special Olympics Banquet on May 15th!! It is a great cause & group of people!!!

We’ll be donating a couple really nice baskets for the Spaghetti Dinner again!! Bonnie Dowling has been our shopper & has done a super job all of these years! Thanks Bonnie!!!

It’s time to think about Easter & the flowers that Women’s Fellowship provides for our sanctuary. You can help us out by purchasing them & can take them home after the Easter service. Last year George & Lynn Golding planted the leftover lilies in front of our church & they bloomed again in November! There will be someone at the Welcome Table 3/8, 3/15 & 3/22 so you can purchase them. You’ll need to pay for them when you sign-up. There will be 14 Lilies, 2 pink Azaleas & 18 (8 bulb) pots of Tulips. We’re not sure of the colors of the Tulips . . . it will depend on what the florist receives. So why not help us out with this? They make great plants for your own home or a gift for Gramma or a favorite teacher or someone who just needs a lift!!

Our next meeting will be on Monday April 6th, 2020 at 6:30 pm! Please join us & bring a friend . . . or just come if you have never joined us . . . the more the merrier! It’s a very casual atmosphere & we always have a yummy dessert!!!

Thanks Doris, for our February dessert!!! And Bonnie will be bringing one of her wonderful creations to the next meeting!!


Family Fun Time Events Greg & Mary Ann Proffitt

Book Club

Join us Tuesday, March 3rd

6:30 pm at church.

We’ll be discussing “Sea Creatures” by Susanna Daniel.

“When Georgia Qullian returns to her hometown of Miami, her toddler and husband in tow, she is hoping for a fresh start. They have left Illinois trailing scandal and disappointment in their wake, fallout from her husband’s severe sleep disorder. For months, their three-year-old son has refused to speak a word.

On a whim, Georgia takes a job as an errand runner for a reclusive artist and is surprised at how her life changes dramatically. But soon the family’s challenges return,

more complicated than before. Late that summer, as a hurricane bears down on South Florida, Georgia must face the fact that her decisions have put her only child in grave danger.

Sea Creatures is a mesmerizing exploration of the high stakes of marriage and parenthood.”

Come enjoy an evening of discussion, dessert & fun! Everyone’s welcome!

Laser tag

Friday, April 10

9:45 to 11:00 am

At Laser Tag Adventure 1814 Dolphin Dr Waukesha

Bring your friends & come join in the fun!! We’ll have the whole place to ourselves for an hour! Come bowl, jump on the trampolines, play laser tag or video games. Cost is $10 per person. Please sign up at the welcome table to reserve your spot now! Payment due that day. If you’d like to continue the fun, join us at Culver’s for lunch or just custard. It should be great fun & fellowship!!!


Welcoming Ministry Ron Knutson

RACISM WITHIN OUR SOCIETY

The first thing to understand in this discussion is that there is only one race—the human race. Caucasians, Africans, Asians, Indians, Arabs and Jews are not

different races. Rather, they are different ethnicities of the human race. All human beings have the same physical characteristics (with minor variations, of course). More importantly, all human beings are equally created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to lay down His life for us (John 3:16). The “world” obviously includes all ethnic groups.

God does not show partiality or favoritism (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9) and neither should we. James 2:4 describes those who discriminate as “judges with evil thoughts.” Instead, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (James 2:8). In the Old Testament, God divided humanity into two “racial” groups: Jews and Gentiles. God’s intent was for the Jews to be a kingdom of priests, ministering to the Gentile nations. Instead, for the most part, the Jews became proud of their status and despised the Gentiles. Jesus Christ put an end to this, destroying the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). All forms of racism, prejudice, and discrimination are affronts to the work of Christ on the cross.

Jesus commands us to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34). If God is impartial and loves us with impartiality, then we need to love others with that same high standard. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25 that whatever we do to the least of His brothers, we do to Him. If we treat a person with contempt, we are mistreating a person created in God’s image; we are hurting somebody whom God loves and for whom Jesus died.

Racism, in varying forms and to various degrees, has been a plague on humanity for thousands of years. Brothers and sisters of all ethnicities, this should not be. Racists may not deserve your forgiveness, but we deserved God’s forgiveness far less. Those who practice racism, prejudice, and discrimination need to repent. Victims of racism, prejudice, and discrimination also need to forgive. Ephesians 4:32 declares, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

“Present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Romans 6:13). May Galatians 3:28 be completely realized, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Racism is about making quick judgments on the characteristics of a race to rate them as inferior or superior—demonstrating partiality or bias. Racism is a problem we can’t ignore or run away from. It’s an issue today, and it was an issue throughout history, including when the Bible was written.

An Ancient Story of Racism

Paul, one of the early church’s leaders, wrote about divisions caused by racism.

In first century AD, it was common to assign different values to different races and ethnicities. Foreigners, women, and children were generally regarded as property owned by the male heads of households and local rulers. Foreigners would often be employed in bonded labor (enslavement to pay off debts, like Jesus mentioned in Matthew 18:21-35), making it difficult or impossible to live freely.

At that time, one of the primary divisions in the church was between Jews and Gentiles. Some Jews who had joined the movement of Christianity were trying to force non-Jewish (Gentile) believers to perform the Jewish rituals. They argued that to be a good Christian, they had to do all the right Jewish religious activities, too.

Rather than telling Christians to ignore the discrimination against Gentiles, Paul addressed it head on: “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Romans 10:12).

We see this echoed later when Philip, also a leader of the church, helps an Ethiopian eunuch understand part of the Bible and begin following Jesus (Acts 8:26-40).

Other people don’t determine our value; God does.

God brings peace where there was once strife, and kindness where there was once animosity.

What the Bible Says About Race and Favoritism

God cares how we treat each other because we’re all created in His image (Genesis 1:27). He makes no distinction between the inherent value of one race or ethnicity over another.

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● God cares about people regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, and social status (Deuteronomy 10:17-19). ● “God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35). ● “We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:13). ● “If you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (James 2:9). ● About the age to come, we see a heavenly picture: “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9-10). ● Jesus removes hostility and introduces harmony (Ephesians 2:14-18).

God isn’t about separation, but inclusion and unity. Jesus made it possible for anyone to be included in the people and promises of God (Galatians 3:28).

Why Reconciliation Is Critical

The good news is “the Gospel” doesn’t just mean that we’re brought near to God. It also means we’re brought near to the people we once considered so different from ourselves (Ephesians 2:13). God restores our relationships with people and groups we’ve mistreated. That’s called reconciliation: the removal of prejudice and the restoration of a relationship to healthy understanding and appreciation for each other.

God is a reconciling God. The Gospel is, at its core, a message of reconciliation. God brings peace where there was once strife, and kindness where there was once animosity. He’s done it with us and He can do it between us and our neighbors—whether black, white, Latino, or otherwise. If we belong to Jesus, we are part of His movement to bring more reconciliation between people and God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). As His representatives, we have the opportunity to share how the life- changing message of the Gospel creates a healthy relationship with God and healthy relationships between people, no matter who they are.

Your job and my job, as we learn to follow Jesus step by step, includes reconciliation because the message of Jesus is that we all belong with God, together—no separation, no difference in status or worth.

The Community Outreach & Vitality Committees Dan & Kris DeKarske, Mary Gross, Brian Van Buren & Sue Kuhtz

The ProHealth Care RiverWalk for Cancer

Walkers needed! Spring is almost here! Sign-up by March 15th!!

Event will be at Frame Park on Saturday, May 2nd! Please join the E & R UCC Team!! The Discounted

Registration Fee will be $25 if you sign-up online at [email protected] on or before March 15th.

Also sign up at the Welcome Table to let Kris DeKarske (Team Leader) know if you are able to walk. If unable to walk, donations also accepted to PHCF-Walks for Cancer. All proceeds stay in Waukesha County to help fight cancer through research, education and support services. Let’s make a difference in our community by signing up today!

Our next Outreach Drive or Project in March & April will be Diapers & Baby Items for Preemies & Newborns as well as knitted or crocheted baby blankets at the Angel’s Baby Closet at WMH. Also Large size diapers for the Food Pantry of Waukesha are needed. Family Promise:

Our next volunteer week to support the Delafield Presbyterian Church is the week of May 10th – 16th. Let

Sue Kuhtz know if you can volunteer. A training session is required if you are a new volunteer.

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Hope Center Toni Perez

You’re invited to join us:

Hope Center Meal: Wednesdays May 13th & August 19th • 5 to 6:30 pm

Loaves & Fishes: Sunday, June 7th, • 1:45 to 3:30 pm

Each meal needs volunteer servers, cakes for dessert & milk. These are great opportunities for the youth to get volunteer hours. As each date approaches there will be a sign-up sheet at the Welcome table. If you have any questions, please contact Toni Perez at 262-893-9020.

mailto:[email protected]


Serving Schedule Brigette Unger, Church Office

Thank you for your faithful commitment to one or more of our serving teams. We couldn’t do it without you. Below are the assigned servers for March. If you find that a change is necessary, please remember that it is YOUR responsibility to find a replacement & to let the office know no later than 8 am Thursday morning before the Sunday you’re scheduled to serve so the correct information is noted in the bulletin & the proper name tags are set out.

If you need to call in due to sickness or something unexpected at the last minute, please contact the serving Deacon or someone on the serving team you are scheduled for . . . messages left in the office after Noon on Friday, will not be received until Monday.

If you’d like to join a serving team, please contact the church office & let us know of your interest. We can use your help as Usher, Greeter, Host, *Soundboard, **Childcare Worker or Liturgist.

* Requires training ** Requires Background Check

** If you have yet to turn in your serving date requests for 2nd quarter, please turn them into the church

office by Sunday, March 1st for the months of April, May & June. Thank you!


Have you checked us

out on YouTube!

If you or someone you know can’t make it to worship, you can still watch & listen to the sermons online. Feel free to share our messages with your friends, neighbors or anyone in need of spiritual encouragement.

Hit control & click the link below to check out many of our past messages on YouTube.

Sunday flowers . . .

Church Office

Please see the Flower Sign-Up sheet at the Welcome table & pick a date that works best with your schedule to provide Sunday flowers in honor of a birthday, celebration of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one.

Bible Study

Exploring Justice: The Ten Commandments. Have you ever wondered how we, as a nation, got to be so divided? Do you long

for a place where you could explore social issues in a respectful environment? Then join us for 12 weeks to study Priorities, the first volume in a new series that examines social justice issues through the lens of the Ten Commandments. No matter what side of the issues you’re on, you’ll be able to express your opinions, listen to others, and learn the history behind some of our deepest divisions. This first study focuses on the opening commandments to have no other gods, make no idols, and refrain from taking God’s name in vain. By looking at how modern idols fuel our divisions and stall justice, we’ll explore protests, issues surrounding the flag, pledge of allegiance, and national anthem, the First and Second Amendments, tearing down monuments, nationalism, “America First,” and more. Join us on Tuesdays at 6:15 pm or Wednesdays at 1 pm. Please sign-up at the Welcome Table so we can order a copy of the book for you.

Many thanks . . .

We received a thank you card Family Promise – Waukesha County

“To our valued Pastors and Volunteer Coordinators, We would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you”

from the bottom of our hearts, for all you do to make Family Promise a viable ministry that meets the tangible needs of many people in our community. We would not

exist without you.” Sincerely,

Susan Klein – Congregational Liaison & Joe Nettesheim – Director

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We received a thank you note from the Manzke’s

“A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU!!!! The song “Angels Among Us” really came into play this past few weeks for Harry and I!!!! We want to

THANK ALL OF YOU who were so generous with your meals for us and also THANK YOU to all who sent cards! He has had several surgeries the past few

years, but this was the biggest!! And Last!!!! I didn’t think we would need help . . . never did in the past . . . but I learned different! We are a

little older . . . things get done slower and this time the nurse’s role was bigger than in the past. It is hard to accept help!! Each

and every one of you has a special place in our hearts!!

THANK YOU AGAIN!!“ Harry & Sue Manzke

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We received a thank you letter from Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County

““Thank you for your donation. Your generosity & continued support give hope to those at risk of

homelessness or experiencing it directly. This donation ensures that the Waukesha Winter

Overflow Shelter is able to remain operational during the harsh winter months; providing not only shelter, but

invaluable resources that aim to move program participants into independence & stability.

You are making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in this community with your generous gift.

Thank you again, for your support!” Sincerely,

Jackie Smith Program Director

https://goo.gl/Rq9Zxs


Council Meeting – February 10, 2020 Recorded by Ray LaBarge, Council Secretary

Present: Sandy Anderson-Payne, Kerri Montgomery, Rev. Bob Gross, Sue Kuhtz, Jenna Knoll, George Golding, Gary Giese, Dennis Hink, Bonnie Stojadinovic, Rick Sasse, Terry Sasse, Brian Van Buren, Mary Ann Proffitt, Ray LaBarge, Sue Buyatt, Linda Hink, Toni Knutson, Nancy Witt, Gordon Heilert, Scott Donovan Not Present: Trish Bakalars Guests: None. Meeting called to order by Toni Knutson at 7:02 pm. Pastor Bob performed opening prayer for Council. 1. Orientation: President prepared orientation

handout for new council members and copies also given to returning council members. Handout was titled “Welcome New and Returning Members. I’m on Council, Now What?”

2. Visioning for Church: Discussed the results of the “Building A Direction Questions”. Begin the Visioning! Council will return next month with goals for undertaking

3. Election of Officers: Secretary, VP, President a. Secretary –Ray LaBarge - Nominated by

Dennis H.; second by Terry S.; 12 yes, 1 abstention, 0 no votes.

b. Vice President – Dennis Hink – Nominated by Sandy A-P.; second by Brian V.B., 12 yes, 1 abstention, 0 no votes

c. President – Toni Knutson –Nominated by Sandy A-P., and seconds by Jenna K. and Gary G., 13 yes, 0 no votes

4. Christian Ed/Youth: See Council Reports. Youth group outlined helping with spaghetti dinner on 3/15. Youth group will be volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul and Friday Night Sitters this month.

5. Treasurer’s Report: See report. Sunday school, confirmation and youth were provided allotment for the year as per the Budget. Pastor’s Medical and Dental will now be a monthly expense, rather than quarterly due to UCC shared insurance being done. Ray L. made motion to approve treasurer’s report; second by Sandy A-P. 14 yes; 0 opposed; no abstentions. Additional vote came with Scott D. arriving at meeting.

6. Financial Secretary Report: No Report. Checking account was down $10k for the year. Edward Jones investments were up $33k for the year. Therefore, there was a net positive of $23k for the year. Financial secretaries are trying to make clear that we were $60 to $70k over budget, even though reporting seemed to suggest it was $10k under budget. The amount over budget was largely driven by change to scholarship policy; however, there were also

large donations given to the church specifically for scholarships. Concerns discussed that we need to make sure financials are transparent to the congregation. Annual report showed the income and disbursements on an annual basis. Reports will be changing with new software. Financial secretaries will review presentation of information once new software is installed. Barb is working with Sue to install this month.

7. Senior Pastor Report: See Report to follow. Discussion of “Dinner Church” during Lenten Soup Suppers.

8. Elders: No Report. Communion sign up passed around to council for March 1st.

9. Trustees: See Council Reports & Task list. Discussed interest from a potential tenant to lease church kitchen on weekdays in the afternoon. Kerry’s Kitchen currently uses the kitchen on Weekday mornings. Sue B. made a motion to deny request for use; second by Linda H. Vote taken verbally. Ayes take it. Motion to deny request for use of kitchen passes. Trustees also reported that Cloverleaf has not taken occupancy for the daycare now approximately 6 months into their lease. Cloverleaf has decorated the nursery as well as put in a new fence for the church at no charge to the church. Trustees recommend a rent reduction to Cloverleaf of $125.00 per month until occupancy is taken. It was noted that if Cloverleaf would never take occupancy before end of its lease at the end of September 2020, this would be a loss in the budget of $3,200.00; however, this is assuming no occupancy at all in a one-year long lease. Ray L. made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Trustees to reduce Cloverleaf’s rent to $125.00 per month until Cloverleaf takes occupancy; second by Brian V.B. 14 yes, 0 no votes. Trustees also reported update on church’s water usage. Thus far, appears things are back to normal since fixing urinal in men’s bathroom. Trustees will continue to monitor.

10. Deacons: Attendance Trends Report (email only). Deacons to elect new head deacon and then update on rotating deacon schedule.

11. Personnel: Job Descriptions being finalized. Treasurer position has been accepted by Sue B. who will begin training shortly.

12. Interiors Committee: No Report 13. Vitality Committee: See Council Reports 14. Outreach Committee: See Council Reports 15. Welcoming Ministry: See Council Reports 16. Stewardship Committee: No Report

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17. Membership Committee: No Report 18. Security Committee: See Council Reports. Will not be

starting locking of the doors as voted on by congregation until security doorbells are installed on the remaining two entrances. Committee is also working on emergency procedures for Sunday school and Nursery. Also discussing forming of a “security team,” but this is in early stages.

19. Scholarship Committee: No Report. Meeting will be in the next month.

20. Pastoral Relations: No Report. One suggestion in the box, but no signature. Suggestion from Committee to consider different meeting schedule. Task force will look into considering this as part of its work.

21. Nominating Committee: No Report

22. Constitution Task Force: Proposed description of task force from the President discussed. Concerns raised about proposed May deadline. Council is willing to allow task force to meet and report on feasibility of deadline and other suggestions for outline. Task force will be meeting before next Council meeting and report on plan with timeframe.

Old Business: Treasurer’s computer has been installed. Software is installed and Barb and Sue K. are meeting on 2/14/20 to go through new software. New Business: Review committee needs – President wants each committee to select a head before next meeting. Committee member lists reviewed and discussed. Discussion of changing time on the 5 pm Christmas Eve Service to 3 or 4 pm. Attendance slightly up this last year. Bonnie S. is going to help with outlining how to propose the question for the congregation to vote on. Next Opening Prayer: Brian Van Buren Motion to adjourn made by Sandy A-P. Second by Terry S. Oral votes. Ayes have it. Adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9th at 7pm Reported by Ray LaBarge, Secretary. Council Minutes Review Procedure (adopted Jan. 2020) : Send out minutes following Council meeting by Tuesday morning, Council has through Wednesday evening to send corrections, a new email with all edits will be sent Thursday evening for approval, email vote to be taken within two days of email being sent, email notification of vote to be sent by Council president, added to the bottom of the minutes report.

Hello Prayer Warriors! Julie Bessler

Prayer! The most powerful thing for healing and celebration! I’d like to extend an invitation to everyone to join us to make the Prayer Circle even stronger!

The power of Prayer is amazing! It’s easy & simple. Sometimes just saying, “Oh Lord help me!” is all He needs to hear. Join us via phone, text, or email. If interested, please sign-up at the welcome table.

Coffee Hour Brief Reminders Sue Manzke, Chairperson

• Donuts & hard rolls are now provided each Sunday. They’ll be delivered to the kitchen between 8- 8:30 am. It will be the assigned team’s responsibility to cut them up & prepare for serving.

• Please make your new members feel welcome & don’t assume they know everything.

• Please contact each member in regard to what they are bringing so you can coordinate things.

• Use the second coffee shuttle to make a second pot of regular coffee so we don’t run out.

Please contact Sue Manzke if you have any questions or comments.

Ma

rch

3/1/20 Choir

3/8/20 Christian Ed

3/15/20 Team 4

3/22/20 Team 1

3/29/20 Team 2

Ap

ril

4/5/20 Deacon's

4/12/20 Youth/Sunday School

No Coffee Hour - Easter Breakfast

4/19/20 Elder's

4/26/20 Gathering Grounds

Ma

y

5/3/20 Christian Ed

Confirmation

5/10/20 Trustee's

5/17/20 Team 3

5/24/20 Team 4

5/31/20 Team 1 PLEASE NOTE: All church members are

invited to attend Council meetings.


About Our Church . . . “Our Mission is to foster the spiritual growth of a

community of devoted followers of Christ.”

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Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ

413 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha WI 53186

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Please feel free to contact us by any of the methods below

to let us know of a birth, death or hospitalization, change

of name, address or phone, or to schedule an event!

Phone: (262) 547-2424 Email: [email protected]

Fax: (262) 547-2870 Web: www.uccwaukesha.org

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Office Hours: Monday- Friday • 8am – 12pm

Pastoral Office Hours:

Monday: 2 – 4 pm & Wednesday 9:30 -11am

Sunday Worship: 9:00am

Holy Communion: First Sunday of each month

Family Sunday: First Sunday of each month

(Kids stay in church with parents)

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Office Staff:

Senior Pastor: Bob Gross (C) 440-506-3258

Office Manager: Brigette Unger (W) 262-547-2424

Christian Ed Director: Mary Ann Proffitt

Youth Group Leader: Mary Ann Proffitt

Trailblazer’s Leader: Shelby Perez

Confirmation Leaders: Mary Ann Proffitt/Rev. Bob Gross

Treasurer: Sue Kuhtz / Sue Buyatt - training

Organist/AM Choir Director: Rueck Ruecktenwald

Evangelical Choir Director: Chris Wray

Music Coordinator/Pianist: Joel Matthys

Custodian: Don Backler

Pastoral Office Hours:

Pastor is currently hosting open office hours on Mondays from 2 - 4 pm & Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11 am.

If you'd like to speak with him, please stop in or call during these times. If these times don't work for you, please call him at (440) 506-3258 to set up an appointment. He is willing to meet you in the office, your home or at a local business for coffee or lunch.

Classes, Groups, Clubs, Meetings:

Coffee Hour: Every Sunday • 10:00am

Confirmation Class: 1st. 3rd, 5th Sun (Sep-May) • 10:30am

Trailblazers Class: 2nd & 4th Sun (Sept-May) • 9:00am

Youth Group Meeting: 2nd Sunday • 10:30am

Evangelical Choir Practice: Every Sunday • 10:30am

Counting: Every Monday morning • 9:00am

Connected Bible Study: Monday afternoons • 1pm

Women’s Fellowship: 1st Mon of even months • 6:30pm

Council Meeting: 2nd Mon of the month • 7:00pm

Christian Board of Ed: 3rd Mon of odd months • 7:00pm

Staff Meeting: Every Tuesday •11:00am

Trustee Meeting: 1st Tuesday of month • 6:00pm

Book Club: 1st Tuesday of odd months • 6:30pm

Oak Hill Terrace: 3rd Tue of odd months: 3:15pm

Investment Comm. Mtg: Quarterly on Tues • 6:30pm

Vitality Committee: Every Wednesday • 6:30pm

Andrew Club: 3rd Wed of even months: 2:15pm

Afternoon Bible Study: Wed 1:00pm (Sept-early June)

Crafter’s Corner: Sat of odd months • 9:00am-8:30pm

Welcoming Ministry: Dates vary, as needed • 6:30pm

~Please watch weekly bulletin for exceptions to schedule.

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Beyond Sunday: Weekly email sent out on Thursdays

Trumpet Articles: are due the 3rd Monday of the month

Trumpet Stuffing: last Wednesday of month • 9:15am

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Average Attendance for January 2020:

2020: 106 YTD: 106

2019: 110 YTD: 110

. . . to help our church grow!

Pastoral Relations:

For your concerns, suggestions or compliments, please contact a member of the committee or fill out one of the cards near the drop box to the left of the bulletin board. Thank you! * Chair

Dan DeKarske* [email protected]

Mary Kopp [email protected] 262-521-2955

Carla Oman [email protected] 262-547-7469

Kathy Price [email protected] 262-227-8443

Terry Sasse [email protected] 262-246-7083


http://www.uccwaukesha.org/






3/1 Mandy Morris

3/2 Mila Caputa 3/2 Carol Grosskopf

3/3 Marvin Eichstaedt 3/3 Sherry Lawrence 3/3 Bobby Schlieve 3/3 Lora Witt 3/3 Karen Wolf

3/4 Arlen Meidenbauer 3/4 Roberta Werning

3/6 Kaitlyn Bessler 3/6 Donna Zinnecker

3/8 Jack Heywood

3/9 Alexander Dowling 3/9 June Jackson

3/10 Shannon Coryell 3/10 Raymond LaBarge

3/11 Carolyn Pax 3/11 Christopher Payne 3/11 Kari Wilson

3/12 Joette Barta 3/12 Cynthia Bockman 3/12 Diane Sinner 3/12 Janice Suchecki

3/13 Karen Geboy 3/13 Robyn LaBarge

3/14 Deborah Meidenbauer 3/14 Patricia Schlieve

3/16 Jackson Sterner

3/17 Erin Davis

3/19 Caitlin Proffitt

3/20 Dave Valentine

3/21 Lynn Golding 3/21 Glenn Schmocker

3/22 Thomas Sr Dowling

3/23 Charles Bartolotta

3/24 Cadence Skorno

3/25 Peggy Beaster 3/25 Laura Kumferman-Armstrong

3/27 Betty Jirik

3/28 Emily Kostenko

3/29 Keeley Sterner 3/29 Sarah Toellner

3/31 Kenlyn Ahtonen 3/31 Jamison Horbinski 3/31 Nancy Witt

rev. dr. bob gross occ

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