FEBRUARY 2017 The

WORD Word Up!

Nekoosa United Church of Christ (the church by the bridge)

Rev. Timothy Miller, Pastor 205 Market street Nekoosa, WI 54494 715 886-3371

Sunday Worship: 9:30 am Fellowship follows Worship

Office Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Pastor’s Hours: Mon 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm Tues – Thur 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

There is an Urban Dictionary that explains the meaning of words or phrases that are not found in the original dictionary of accepted words. For example “word up” means: “I comprehend what you are saying and verify that your statement is true, my good brother”. This newsletter is entitled THE WORD. Well of course I had to check “word” in the Urban dictionary and it had three descriptions as follows: Word 1) well said 2)said in agreement 3) can be used as a greeting, hey what’s up? Words can hold different undertones and silent meanings that are not conveyed in just the words themselves. I can’t tell you how many times the wrong meaning has been inferred in the reading of an e-mail or text. Words can be cold and unliving without someone giving them voice. When I heard my mother say “Tim” I often pretended that I didn’t hear her because the word Tim had no urgency to it. It was often followed by a slightly raised undertone to it, TIM, this raised concern in my mind and did get my attention; however not my full attention. Then mother skipped the silent meanings and undertones by adding life and a few additions to the word which wasn’t doing what it was intended to do; TIMOTHY MILLER! Did that get my full attention?...WORD UP! Have you ever noticed that Jesus was a man of few words? He must have added life and meaning to the ones that he did speak. “Follow me”, or simply “Come and see” are not really compelling enough for me to immediately leave my family and job behind and blindly follow some stranger. So what was behind Jesus’ words? What extra flair or razzle dazzle did they have? I have heard many smooth talkers and fast talkers that can deliver a speech or a sermon that can draw you into their spell cast by their charisma. Some talk so fast and long they beat down your defense mechanisms until you’re tired of listening and just give in. I can verify that statement is true, my good brother, because of the time I purchased a $1200 stainless steel vacuum cleaner.

Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web Site: www.nekoosaucc.com

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Jesus wasn’t a salesman with a seamless sales pitch or with trickery; he spoke the truth. Every undertone behind his words came through as being truthful and honest. Throughout the year let us remember and give meaning to the simple commandment Jesus gave us for life, “Love one another”. That didn’t have much urgency to it and probably didn’t get everyone’s full attention so, “LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!!” …You know it still isn’t doing the words justice. I guess we will have to give that command life and meaning by living it. You got one life here on this big blue colored marble…give it meaning and life! Peace & Love Pastor Tim

February 2017 BIRTHDAYS 1 – Patricia Fischer 1 – Leonard Mader 9 – Elliott Schider 9 – Gunnar Jensen 11 - Landen T. Wilhorn 12 – Mike Beadell 13 – Amy Marcoux 13 - Joan Witberler 18 – David Stensberg 20 – Jaron Richardson 22 – Logan Hilgers 23 – Shelley Eichhorn 26 – Eunice Humke 29 – Dorothy Resheske

ANNIVERSARIES Our committee met on Sunday, January 15. We are planning some fun things for February. On February 5 the Youth Group will once again sponsor a “CHILI COOK OFF”. Pastor Tim and Cole Williams have been challenging each other for the past two or three years. Let’s give them some competition. On February 11 we are sponsoring a Roller Skating Party at Skate City. Be at Skate City at 1:00pm. Your admission, pizza, ice cream and soda will be furnished. Kids under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. On February 26, we have been invited by the Wisconsin Rapids UCC to go bowling. They are planning to be there by 11:30am. We will bowl 2 games at $2.50 each. There will also be pizza and soda. I think the Christian Ed Committee is also picking up the cost for this. YOU MUST RSVP BY FEBRUARY 3. Marcia Kumm

10–Ken &Lynette Hilgers

If you would like to have your birthday or anniversary listed during the year, or there is an error in the date, please contact the church office at 715- 886-3371.

‘A Silent Talk with God’ … Do you have someone or something you especially want to pray for. Our sanctuary is open every Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Please come in!! Sit and Stitch February 11 (9:00am to 4:00pm)

Dates to Remember Feb. 5 – “Souper” Bowl Sunday Feb. 11 – Roller Skating Feb. 11 – Sit N Stitch Feb. 22 - Prayer Service/Pot Luck Feb. 26 – Bowling with W.R. UCC Youth

Feb 1 - 9:00am…Quilt Work Feb. 15 - 9:00am…Business Meeting/ Quilting All Ladies of the church are members of the Women United so come to our meetings and see what we are about.

Committee Meeting Dates Diaconate – Feb 13 7:00 pm

It is through the anonymous generosity of many people in our church that our Wish List needs have been and continue to be met. We are always in need of: KLEENEX and PAPER TOWELING

Christian Education – Feb 12 10:45am Mission & Outreach – Feb 15 6:00pm Trustees –No Meeting until March Church Council –Feb. 15 7:00pm (meetings are open to congregation)

Thank you to the many wonderful individuals in our church family who continue to provide when the need is there. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. A special thank you this month to June Hamel for her donation of Kleenex

 SHOUT OUT to Donette Krcmar for all the work & time she puts in to make our church look beautiful. SHOUT OUT to Nita Kirst for ‘unpainting’ the outside doors . SHOUT OUT to all those Committee Members who are stepping down this year. Your service is greatly appreciated. SHOUT OUT to all the New Committee Members. Thank you for giving of your time & talents. SHOUT OUT to Don Adams for leading us in worship on January 15. Super job Don!! SHOUT OUT to Tom Kirst for keeping pipes warm, scraping ice and being an all around great trustee. SHOUT OUT to Melani Johnson, Tom Kirst, Donette Krcmar, & Dorothy Resheske for researching & helping implement E-giving.

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Care Ministry The Care Ministry was formed in January of 2014

If you were one of the original volunteers for The Care Ministry – We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help in keeping this important ministry going. There are many parts of this ministry: VISITATIONS: We would like people of our congregation to help with visiting our home bound, elderly, those ill, hospitalized, nursing home residents and those living alone. RIDES TO/FROM CHURCH: Providing rides to get “friends” to and from church.

Calling All Readers!!! Are you a fan of historical fiction? The library has a number of books in this genre, from Ken Follett’s World Without End to Edward Rutherfurd’s Paris, Dublin and The Forest to Colleen McCullough’s First Man in Rome. Come in and browse a bit! The Nekoosa UCC library is now open and can be found in the youth room. Checkout is easy, just sign the log. There is no time limit on borrowed books.

WRITE CARDS: Sending warm wishes on a birthday or anniversary is a wonderful way we can say we are thinking about you and want to send our best wishes to you. If you would be willing to write out greeting cards, that too would be appreciated! PRAYER CIRCLE: There is a prayer group of eight that prays for any one in need. If the office gets a request to put someone on the prayer list- someone ill, injured, going through a hard time, or just needs a little extra prayer said for them, it is done. Prayer is a powerful thing. PRAYER SHAWL: The Prayer Shawl group has been very active in providing beautiful shawls to men, women, children and babies as needed. The recipient can use this shawl as a reminder that the people of the church care for them and wish them all the best. If you would like to make a prayer shawl at home or attend one of our gatherings we have a supply of yarn and needles.

It is just little things that we can do for each other to show we really do care about each and every one in our congregation. If you would like to become involved in any part of this ministry or have any questions about it, please contact one of The Care Ministry Team-Cindy Dorr, Ellen Osborne, Lynette Hilgers

“THANK YOU” To Judy Spice for all the books she donated to the church library. “THANK YOU” Also to Sandy & Allen Brown who donated books for the church library. They donated six children’s musical books on behalf of Kora Brown.

"SO THAT IS HOW THAT WORKS" SOME FACTS ABOUT FUNERAL MEALS HERE AT CHURCH YOU MAYBE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT

You may ask, "Why am I getting a call to help serve at a funeral or donate a cake for a funeral". Well, here is the scoop. The women's group of the church, UCC Women United is responsible for setting up, serving, cleaning up and providing cakes at all funerals held here at the church. All women of the church are a part of UCC Women United, just by being a member of our church. You may not be active in our group, although we would love to have you join us. If your name is on the rolls of our church, your name appears on our Women United booklet list. When there is a funeral at our church and a meal is served here, Valieta Griffin the chair of the Telephone Committee, contacts her calling committee which consists of Lynette Hilgers, Cindy Dorr, Marlene Hamel and Rita Freeman. They in turn contact women of the church off calling lists to help out at that meal and provide cakes. The estimated size of the funeral determines how many workers and cakes are needed. We do not cook the meals. Meals are catered by whomever the family chooses. We set tables, serve the food, do the dishes and clean up the kitchen.

There is a committee called the Ways and Means and Meals committee that organizes the kitchen plans, so you are never without someone there that knows the system and what to do. So if you think "I can't work a funeral, I don't know what to do, I have never helped in the kitchen", you won't be alone and you will be given gentle guidance at each meal. So please, next time there is a funeral at our church and you get a call to help, either by providing a cake to be served at the meal, or by helping serve and clean up after the meal, please consider helping out your church family by saying yes. The more helping hands we have, the easier it is for everyone. And did I say, men of the church can help out too. So if you want to help us out with the task, just let us know you are available and we will welcome you with open arms. UCC Women United Calling Committee

The Nekoosa United Church of Christ will hold its Thirteenth Annual Quilt Show on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 10am until 4pm. We invite you to the quilt show and offer you an opportunity to enter item(s) in it. Set up will be on Friday, March 10th. You may drop off your entries any time on Friday after 9 am, but before 4pm. Entries may be picked up immediately after 4pm on Saturday the 11th. This is a free event to enter and free to attend. A free-will offering will be accepted at the door. There are six categories that you may enter under this year: 1) wall hanging, 2) baby crib quilt, 3) throw, 4) bed quilt, 5) miscellaneous, 6) Youth (18 and under) and Entry forms may be picked up in the office. We will have a special display this year themed “Cherished Children’s Treasures”. If you would like to show any of the following, we would love for you to bring it! Items such as vintage or antique baby quilts, handmade dolls, doll blankets, doll clothes, baby clothes, cloth books, stuffed animals or other “toys” (handmade, vintage or antiques) Older or antique quilts are displayed together in the same general area. If you have shown an item at one our previous shows, we ask that you bring something different. The community will be invited to view the variety of quilts. They will have an opportunity to vote on a viewer’s choice in the six categories. There will be a time to relax and enjoy fellowship. A light lunch will be offered. A few quilts will be for sale that the UCC Women United has tied. Other miscellaneous items will again be available to purchase as well. Cheryl Emery will be back from Pine Tree Fabrics, Reedsburg. She will have fabrics, patterns and kits for sale. Our primary goal is to enhance the interest, knowledge and skills of quilting and to share ideas, expertise and fellowship among our community. All women of the church are encouraged to help with this event. We need help in many areas. Kitchen and dining room help will be needed for the luncheon. Help is needed to mingle with the visitors that will be in the church, making them feel welcome. Spotter’s are needed to keep guests from touching the quilts. Setting up the quilts for display on Friday is a big job and extra hands would be appreciated. If you could help in any way, even for just an hour or two would greatly be appreciated. We are in need of quilt racks and/or drying racks. Please let Sandy Dicks 715-424-0309 or Lynette Hilgers 715-886-4189 know if we could borrow them. Thank You

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

SCRIPTURE READERS FOR February Feb. 5 – Dorothy Resheske Feb. 12 – Dorothy Resheske Feb. 19 – Dorothy Resheske Feb. 26 – Dorothy Resheske ***********************************

Living the Questions: More than a Bible Study, Study! Great Lenten Journey together! We will be meeting Sundays starting February 12th through April 2nd at 11:00 in the Lounge. The Study lasts one hour and we try very hard to be done by noon. So please let me know if you will be attending each time so I can print up enough study guides. This is a thought provoking study and you need no religious knowledge, just curiosity and questions! Come to any-one or all Sundays. February 12th #7 Out into the World: Challenges Facing Progressive Christians

If you are moving, have a change of address or, planning a temporary address change, please contact the Church Office. Did you know returned mail is an additional expense to our church? Call 715886-3371

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HOSPITALIZATION Please remember to contact the Church Office when there is an illness, concern, hospitalization or, you would like a call from Pastor Tim. The hospital will not inform us without your permission!

 BULLETINS & NEWSLETTERS Would you like an Announcement made in a Sunday Bulletin? Please contact the Church Office NO LATER than 10:00 AM, THURSDAY’S.

February 19th #8 Restoring Relationships February 26th # 9 The Prophetic Jesus March 5th#10 Evil, Suffering & a God of Love March 12th#11 The Myth of Redemptive Violence March 19th

#12 Practicing Resurrection

March 26th

#13 Debunking the Rapture

April 2nd

#14 Reclaiming the World

Articles for the “the Word” must be submitted by NO LATER than 10:00 AM the 3rd Friday of every month. The Church Office can’t guarantee late articles will be put in the newsletter due to time and space constraints.

Nekoosa United Church of Christ 205 Market Street – Nekoosa, WI 54457 715 886-3371 Church Office…office@nekoosa ucc.com Pastor…[email protected] Web Page…www.nekoosaucc.com

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1

9:00am…Women United 9:30am…Exercise 6:00pm…Confirmands

5 9:30am…Worshipw/communion 10:30 am…Chili Cook Off SCRIP Sales

9:30am…Worship 10:30am…Coffee & Fellowship

12

9:30am…Exercise 6:00pm…Choir 7:00pm…AA

9:30am…Exercise 6:00pm…Choir 7:00pm…AA

6

26

9:30am…Exercise 6:00pm…NCUMtg 6:00pm…Choir 7:00pm…AA

7

9:30am…Exercise 6:00pm...Confirmands

8

2

Saturday

3

7:00-8:00pm…Silent Talk w/God 9

13

27

14

21

15 9:00am…Women United 9:30am…Exercise 6:00pm…M&O, Trustees 7:00pm…Council

16

7:00-8:00pm…Silent Talk w/God

22

23

6:00pm…Prayer/Supper Service 7:00-8:00pm…Silent Talk w/God 28

9:00am-4:00pm… Sit’nStitch

10

4

11

1:00-:400pm… Roller Skating

7:00-8:00pm…Silent Talk w/God

19 20 9:30am…Worship 9:30am…Exercise 10:30am…Coffee & 6:0 6pm…Choir Fellowship AA Pocket Change Sunday 7:00pm…AA 9:30am…Worship 10:30am…Coffee & Fellowship 11:30…Bowling w/ WR UCC

6:30pm…Prayer Shawl

Friday

17

18

24

25