Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ TRUMPET NEWSLETTER May 2020 • Volume 875 On the Journey . . . Rev. Dr. Bob Gross OCC Have you ever driven a long trip on the Interstate and then when you take an exit you find it hard to slow down to the new speed limit? Or have you taken a vacation and noticed it takes a few days to turn off all your thoughts about back home and ease into vacation mode? I noticed the same phenomenon during this pandemic. It took me time to get into sync with new patterns of my daily activity. That isn’t true for some of us. Some of us have had to ramp up our activity level. So, before I go further, a word to doctors, nurses, aides, hospital and nursing home staff, police, fire, first responders, etc., you are our heroes. Thank you for your service. We join you in prayer for your safety and that God might use you as God’s healing agents during this difficult time. There are plenty of other essential personnel, the people who work to fill the shelves at our grocery stores or provide take-out food for us to eat. Thank you for your service. We’re praying for you as well. I could go on, there are many essential personnel to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Thank you all! For the rest of us, we may be getting antsy. We’re bored, we miss getting out, we miss our family and friends, we miss worship and our community of faith. We’re tempted to throw caution to the wind and go back to “normal.” I need to restate a word of caution here. There is no normal to go back to. There will be no switch to flip where the virus is gone, and we can resume our familiar activities. We are probably moving into months of stepped transition. The question for us is rather, how do we go forward? Too often, we get caught in the tyranny of the urgent. We rush to do what needs to be done right now, without asking ourselves, “What is important?” Do we prepare to return to a manic existence where success is measured in accomplishments and things rather than a faithfulness to God, one another, and a rule of love? I’ve heard people say, “I wish we could go back to a simpler time.” There is no clock we can turn back. In some ways, for many of us, we’re there. What can we do during this simpler time to prepare us for the challenges ahead? American sociologist Bertice Berry tells the story about the advice she received from a woman when she was a girl. You can watch her tell the full story on our Facebook page, it’s just three minutes and well worth your time. If you can’t, here’s a summary. Berry worked as a cleaner after school and on weekends. She would often ask the women waiting for a bus to go to their cleaning jobs about how to best do her job. One day an older woman told her, always clean the lights, especially the lightbulbs. She was told, “If you take care of the light, everything shines.” The first time she cleaned the chandelier in the entrance hall of a home, the home- owner, came out and asked, “What did you do? It looks amazing in here!” They asked her to come back and gave her a raise. “Always take care of the light,” she tells us. “There’s a light inside of each of us,” Berry says, “that must be nurtured, that must be cared for, that needs to shine brightly. It hasn’t been addressed. It hasn’t been talked to. It hasn’t been loved. Give it the music it wants. Give it the dance it needs. Give it the sunshine it so admires. Give it the stars at night. Your light, that thing about you that shines so brightly, others want to see, needs to be nurtured, loved, and cared for . . . We’ve been given this time to take care of the light.” I would say that light, that which makes you unique, is a spark of the divine Creator, the presence of God within you. Now, as ever, we need to nurture, love and care for our understanding of God and ourselves. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or bored, remember God’s love for you. God has created you to be a unique expression of the Divine in the world. We will be cooped up a bit longer and it will be okay. Use the time you have “to clean the light.” . . . Continued on page 3
Transcript
Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ
TRUMPET NEWSLETTER
May 2020 • Volume 875
On the Journey . . . Rev. Dr. Bob Gross OCC
Have you ever driven a long trip on the Interstate and then when you take an exit you find it hard to slow down to the new speed limit? Or have you taken a vacation and noticed it takes a few days to turn off all your thoughts about back home and ease into vacation mode? I noticed the same phenomenon during this pandemic. It took me time to get into sync with new patterns of my daily activity.
That isn’t true for some of us. Some of us have had to ramp up our activity level. So, before I go further, a word to doctors, nurses, aides, hospital and nursing home staff, police, fire, first responders, etc., you are our heroes. Thank you for your service. We join you in prayer for your safety and that God might use you as God’s healing agents during this difficult time. There are plenty of other essential personnel, the people who work to fill the shelves at our grocery stores or provide take-out food for us to eat. Thank you for your service. We’re praying for you as well. I could go on, there are many essential personnel to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Thank you all!
For the rest of us, we may be getting antsy. We’re bored, we miss getting out, we miss our family and friends, we miss worship and our community of faith. We’re tempted to throw caution to the wind and go back to “normal.” I need to restate a word of caution here. There is no normal to go back to. There will be no switch to flip where the virus is gone, and we can resume our familiar activities. We are probably moving into months of stepped transition. The question for us is rather, how do we go forward?
Too often, we get caught in the tyranny of the urgent. We rush to do what needs to be done right now, without asking ourselves, “What is important?” Do we prepare to return to a manic existence where success is measured in accomplishments and things rather than a faithfulness to God, one another, and a rule of love?
I’ve heard people say, “I wish we could go back to a simpler time.” There is no clock we can turn back. In some ways, for many of us, we’re there. What can we do during this simpler time to prepare us for the challenges ahead?
American sociologist Bertice Berry tells the story about the advice she received from a woman when she was a girl. You can watch her tell the full story on our Facebook page, it’s just three minutes and well worth your time. If you can’t, here’s a summary.
Berry worked as a cleaner after school and on weekends. She would often ask the women waiting for a bus to go to their cleaning jobs about how to best do her job. One day an older woman told her, always clean the lights, especially the lightbulbs. She was told, “If you take care of the light, everything shines.”
The first time she cleaned the chandelier in the entrance hall of a home, the home-owner, came out and asked, “What did you do? It looks amazing in here!” They asked her to come back and gave her a raise.
“Always take care of the light,” she tells us. “There’s a light inside of each of us,” Berry says, “that must be nurtured, that must be cared for, that needs to shine brightly. It hasn’t been addressed. It hasn’t been talked to. It hasn’t been loved. Give it the music it wants. Give it
the dance it needs. Give it the sunshine it so admires. Give it the stars at night. Your light, that thing about you that shines so brightly, others want to see, needs to be nurtured, loved, and cared for . . . We’ve been given this time to take care of the light.”
I would say that light, that which makes you unique, is a spark of the divine Creator, the presence of God within you. Now, as ever, we need to nurture, love and care for our understanding of God and ourselves. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or bored, remember God’s love for you. God has created you to be a unique expression of the Divine in the world.
We will be cooped up a bit longer and it will be okay. Use the time you have “to clean the light.”
. . . Continued on page 3
Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ, 413 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 Page 2
May Notes from Sunday school Mary Ann Proffitt, Christian Ed Director
“Deep Sea Discovery: Diving into the Bible”
While I write this, it is a bit chilly, but the sun is shining and the daffodils are in full bloom at my house and spring is on its way😊 While we’re still unable to be together in person, I’m grateful for the technology and ways that we are all able to share in God’s love and learn about the stories of the Bible.
I continue to add lessons to the Virtual Sunday School Website. April has included lessons on Easter through the Eyes of Peter, Palm Sunday, Easter and Doubting Thomas.
Activities have included story videos, a resurrection scavenger hunt, making your own palm branches and new life butterflies, science activities on how Jesus makes things new again, coloring projects for the heroes in our lives, a road to Easter game to learn the sequence of the Easter story and to practice using our Bibles and a cooking lesson making Resurrection rolls! I also share some of our fun music each week! For Easter, I sent an Easter poem with a package of flower seeds to the kids to remind them that Jesus brings new life to us just as planting flower seeds bring new flowers. We’ve been very busy and May will bring more new lessons and fun!
After I add a new lesson to the Sunday school website, I resend the link out to our families, so they know that a new lesson has been added. Families can find a time when it is convenient for them to access the lesson and have some fun learning about the stories of the Bible. I also repost the link to our church Facebook page and it is located on our church website as well! I appreciate any feedback, as this is a work in progress, and I’m learning as I go, so if you have any suggestions on how I can make the site better, please let me know!
The link for this website is below. Please check it out & feel free to share with anyone you feel might enjoy this😊 https://sites.google.com/view/eandrucc-ce/home
I’ll continue to pray for all our families during this time and hope that you all stay well and value the time you have together. God bless and may He bring us all together again soon!
Youth Group News Mary Ann Proffitt
Even though the youth group has not been able to meet in person, they have been meeting virtually every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm! They’ve been staying connected talking about virtual school, life, disappointments etc. and have been doing some activities virtually too!
The youth had a craft night and made cards for some members of our church and mailed them out while visiting with each other online. They also had a competitive game of Virtual Pictionary which was a lot of fun. This week we are trying a trivia game.
The high school students are also bringing their favorite beverage and meeting online for Common Grounds every other Monday at 7:30 pm via Zoom to touch base with each other. Their next meeting will be Monday, May 4th.
I am also exploring other possible youth activities, projects, and Bible study options that we might do virtually until we can meet again in person.
Praying for everyone as we are all trying to make things work in our lives. I’m not going to say stay strong cause that’s really hard sometimes, but I am going to say listen to each other, acknowledge the disappointments and frustrations, validate them (cause we are all feeling them) and then help each other move forward. God bless you all!
Hope Center Toni Perez
You’re invited to join us:
Loaves & Fishes: Sunday, June 7th
1:45 to 3:30 pm
Hope Center Meal: Wednesday, August 19th 5 to 6:30 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.
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Women’s Fellowship Sue Manzke, President
Hello friends . . . Mother's Day is right around the corner!!! As tradition goes . . . Women's Fellowship always gives each LADY in the church a flower to plant in their garden!!! This year is no different! Ron Knutson will be at the South door (parking lot door) on Mother's Day after our church service, from 10:30 ‘til 11:30 am for you to pick up your flower. We would also request that you bring a donation for the Food Pantry and give that to Ron. There are a lot of people in need right now, so if you can help out even a little bit, that would be great! We hope you are all staying "safe at home" and we look forward to the day we can ALL be together again! Giving Tree
Giving During this unprecedented time, we all know many families that are struggling to make ends meet. If you are in a place
to be a blessing to others, please prayerfully consider giving a gift of any size to the Giving Tree, to ease the burden for others. A check can be mailed (made payable to E & R Church) or a gift can be given online by going to our website (uccwauksha.org) and giving a gift to the Giving Tree. Receiving We’re all going through a difficult time and some of you might be feeling the financial effects of this pandemic more than others. If you have a specific need, I want to remind you that the Giving Tree exists to help members in need. Reach out to Pastor Bob and we’ll see how we can help.
On the Journey . . . Rev. Dr. Bob Gross OCC
. . . continued from Page 1 Here’s a version of Psalm 23 that a friend shared with me recently. This adaptation comes from a Japanese perspective, I pray it connects you with a new perspective, hope for these times, and the promise of God’s presence. God is my Pacesetter, I shall not rush. God makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals. God provides me with images of stillness that restore my serenity; God leads me in ways of efficiency to calmness of mind. God’s guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for God’s presence is here. God’s timelessness, God’s all importance — will keep me in balance. God prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with oils of tranquility. My cup of joyous energy overflows! Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours, for I shall walk in God’s peace and dwell in God’s house forever.
New data base Brigette Unger, Office Manager
We’ve recently begun working with a new database to manage our members, giving, attendance, etc. as well as the financial areas of the church. Since some of you may have a little extra time on your hands & while I’m working from home . . . I’m asking for you to help us to make sure that the information (see items below) we have on file is current & complete date for each person in your family. The easiest way to do that is to email ([email protected]) or call me on my cell (262-271-0293) & I can send you or review with you what we have in our records. Thank you in advance for your help with this project.
Name • Address • Home, cell & work phone Email • Birthdays • Baptism dates Confirmation dates • Anniversary
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Family Fun Time Events Greg & Mary Ann Proffitt
Book Club
Will go virtual and meet via Zoom at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 5th!
If you’d like to join us, please email or call Mary Ann Proffitt.
We’ll be discussing “Circe” by Madeline Miller.
“In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child -- not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power -- the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.
Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.
But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws
the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.”
Make yourself a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and snack/dessert and join us for an evening of discussion and a lot of fun! Everyone is welcome!
Virtual Pictionary Night for all Ages
Friday, May 15 7 to 8:30 pm
The youth group had a great time last week playing Pictionary via Zoom so I thought I would offer a Pictionary night to the congregation! Your whole family can play. Just email Mary Ann Proffitt at [email protected] if you would like to sign-up. All you need is a computer, iPad, or phone with a webcam. I will email you the link as we get closer, you click on “join the meeting” and I will let you in. Then you just activate your audio and you are good to go to have some fun! If you have any questions, please let me know. Hope you will join me in some virtual fun!
Crafter's Corner
Is still tentatively scheduled for . . . Saturday, May 30th 9 am to 8:30 pm at church Although, it will be dependent on whether the safer
at home order has been lifted and, on the guide-
lines, given at that time. I will keep you posted. If
we cannot meet in person, we will plan on
spending some time together virtually😊
Come craft the afternoon away! Bring your favorite
crafts and join in an afternoon of fellowship and fun!
We’ll be doing a soup and sandwich theme with items
such as rolls, bread, deli turkey, deli ham, deli roast
Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ, 413 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 Page 5
Welcoming Ministry Ron Knutson
Question: "Why does God allow sickness?"
Since our last article, COVID-19 has caused us to worship and pray together virtually. We have learned to socially distance ourselves from others and protect one another in order to “flatten the curve”. We talked last month about fear and I am certain that many of you are worried about the outcome of this pandemic.
The issue of sickness is always a difficult one to deal with. The key is remembering that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). When we are suffering with a sickness, disease, or injury, we usually focus solely on our own suffering. In the midst of a trial of sickness, it is very difficult to focus on what good God might bring about as a result. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can bring about good from any situation. Many people look back on times of sickness as times when they grew closer to God, learned to trust Him more, and/or learned how to truly value life. This is the perspective God has because He is sovereign and knows the end result.
This does not mean sickness is always from God or that God always inflicts sickness upon us to teach us a spiritual lesson. In a world tainted by sin, sickness, disease, and death will always be with us. We are fallen beings, with physical bodies prone to disease and illness. Some sickness is simply a result of the natural course of things in this world. Sickness can also be the result of a demonic attack. The Bible describes several instances when physical suffering was caused by Satan and his demons (Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 13:10-16). So, some sickness is not from God, but from Satan. Even in these instances, God is still in control. God sometimes allows sin and/or Satan to cause physical suffering. Even when sickness is not directly from God, He will still use it according to His perfect will.
It is undeniable, though, that God sometimes intentionally allows, or even causes sickness to accomplish His sovereign purposes. While sickness is not directly addressed in the passage, Hebrews 12:5-11 describes God disciplining us to "produce a harvest of righteousness" (verse 11). Sickness can be a means of God’s loving discipline. It is difficult for us to comprehend why God would work in this manner. But, believing in the sovereignty of God, there is no other option than suffering being something God allows and/or causes.
The clearest example of this in Scripture is found is Psalm 119. Notice the progression through verses 67, 71, and 75 - "Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word . . . It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees . . . I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me." The author of Psalm 119 was
looking at suffering from God’s perspective. It was good for him to be afflicted. It was faithfulness that caused God to afflict him. The result of the affliction was so that he could learn God’s decrees and obey His Word. Again, sickness and suffering are never easy to deal with. One thing is for sure, sickness should not cause us to lose faith in God. God is good, even when we are suffering. Even the ultimate of suffering—death—is an act of God’s goodness. It is hard to imagine that anyone who is in Heaven as a result of sickness or suffering regrets what they went through in this life. One final note—when people are suffering, it is our responsibility to minister to them, care for them, pray for them, and comfort them. When a person is suffering, it is not always appropriate to emphasize that God will bring good out of the suffering. Yes, that is the truth. However, in the midst of suffering, it is not always the best time to share that truth. Suffering people need our love and encouragement, not necessarily a reminder of sound biblical theology.
I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone 262-424-0496.
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Community Outreach & Vitality Committees Dan & Kris DeKarske, Mary Gross, Brian Van Buren & Sue Kuhtz
Acts of Kindness
We encourage the following Acts of Kindness during the Coronavirus Pandemic & Volunteer Week. Three areas we are focusing on are Food assistance, Homelessness and Health & Wellness of our citizens.
Family Promise of Waukesha County Update:
Our May 10th week to volunteer at the Delafield Church has been canceled, but they’re in need of gift cards to Walmart, Pick N Save, Piggly Wiggly &/or Aldi. Donate by
mail: 543 A J Allen Circle, Suite D, Wales, WI 53183 or online at: https://familypromisewaukesha.org/donate. FP continues to assist alumni families & fund future families & provide Counseling. Thank you to Sue Kuhtz for her service as our FP Coordinator & thank you to all who have contributed. Please check out this link to learn more about FP: https://mailchi.mp/9f842078f2e1/you-did-it-1547500?e=a227f809d6
The ProHealth Care RiverWalk for Cancer Update:
Walk any time & support this great cause! Join the E & R UCC Team & register online at ProHealthCare.org/WalksforCancer. Early bird pricing is extended through May 31, allowing you to register for the virtual Walk for just $25*. To honor the governor’s #SaferAtHome mandate through May 26, they are pleased to announce this year's t-shirts will be mailed to our registered participants.
• Pick your favorite spot to walk • Walk 2 miles wearing a Cancer Walk T-shirt • Send in your photos on Facebook (optional).
To support our Health Care workers, please donate to ProHealth Care Foundation, 725 American Ave., Waukesha, Wi 53188. Fact: Sixty Cancer patients alone were referred to ProHealth Cancer services last month. Thank you to all who have contributed and have made a difference in our Community! Stay Safe!
Hebron House of Hospitality Update:
COVID-19 has a devastating impact on many Families. Hebron House has expanded bed space and increased the length of stay in all their shelters. They are coordinating hot meal deliveries to keep people fed and safe inside the shelters. Two ways to donate during this critical time are by mail to Hebron Housing Services, 111 E. Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186 and online to www.hebronhouse.org.
"Baby Drive" Update
Has now been extended through June 1st due to Covid 19. Angel’s Baby Closet (ABC) at WMH
welcomes Preemie & Newborn diapers, clothing & toiletries as well as knitted or crocheted Baby Blankets. If you’re talented in those fields, you might want to whip up a couple. The Food Pantry of Waukesha County would also appreciate
donations of Baby Cereal (soy, oatmeal & rice) & Baby food like Gerber
"Good Start”. Please plan to drop off in Barrels by Welcome Table when we return to worship. Food Pantry of Waukesha
Has updated their needs to the "Big 8 Foods to Donate” list. We may be doing a drive by our church donation day in May, watch for more details.
Please do not donate past date (expired) foods. Donations can be dropped off at 1301 Sentry Dr. For more information, call 262-522-2374.
BIG 8 TO DONATE LIST
• Whole Grain Cereal • Shelf Stable Proteins (Stews, Tuna, Chicken, Tofu) • Canned Pasta with Meat • Shelf Stable Soy/Almond Milk • Low Sodium Canned Vegetables • Canned Fruits in Juice • Ready to eat Soups • Soaps & Toilet Paper
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Staying Connected:
The staff is hard at work doing what they can to keep us all connected & the church operating. That means we’re all working from home. If you have need of us, you may email, text, or call our cell phones:
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 May & June. While most of the positions will not need “servers” for most of May, we may be in touch to have you serve in a reduced capacity.
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, *Soundboard, Host, **Childcare Worker or Liturgist.
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Council Meeting – April 13, 2020 Recorded by Ray LaBarge, Council Secretary
Present: Toni Knutson, Nancy Witt, Susan Kuhtz, Sue Buyatt, Terry Sasse, Brian Van Buren, Dennis Hink, Ray LaBarge, George Golding, Jenna Knoll, Bonnie Stojadinovic, Linda Hink, Sandy Anderson-Payne, Kerry Montgomery, Rev. Bob Gross, Rick Sasse. Absent: Trish Bakalars, Gary Giese, Scott Donavon Meeting called to order by Toni Knutson at 7:04 p.m. Rev. Bob Gross performed opening prayer. 1. Review Minutes Approval - Motion and second
had been made via online council discussion for approval of last month’s minutes. Vote called by Toni K. 11 yes, 0 no votes.
2. Treasurer’s Report: $4,400 of maintenance and repair budget was in this month from delayed snow plowing budget Motion to accept by Ray, Second by Sue B. 11 yes, 0 no votes. Non-budgeted expenses were reported for the quarter. Only major items were a returned a scholarship check and paying for personalized bricks.
3. Financial Secretary Report: No Report 4. Christian Ed/Youth: See Council Reports 5. Senior Pastor Report: See Report to follow 6. Elders: No Report 7. Trustees: See Council Reports 8. Deacons: Attendance Trends
Report (email only) 9. Personnel: No Report 10. Interiors Committee: No Report 11. Vitality Committee: No Report 12. Outreach Committee: No Report 13. Welcoming Ministry: No Report 14. Stewardship Committee: No Report 15. Membership Committee: No Report 16. Security Committee: No Report 17. Scholarship Committee: No Report 18. Pastoral Relations: No Report 19. Nominating Committee: No Report 20. Council Size Task Force: No Report 21. Motion to accept all reports: by Terry S.; Second
by Linda H., 12 yes, 0 no votes. (Additional vote due to Jenna K. joining the meeting.)
22. Treasurer Computer Update: Brigette should be creating a back-up file of Servant Keeper to be sent to PowerChurch this week. All bills to be paid should be put into Sue Buyatt’s mailbox. These are getting scanned in once per week and getting transferred to Sue Kuhtz for payment. This will be the case for the remainder of COVID situation. Sue Buyatt is accepting email as treasurer at [email protected].
Old Business: Consolidating committees: An email was sent by Toni K. asking for thoughts to committee members. Responses were logged and reviewed by
Council. Discussion was had on consolidation of Budget-Investment- Stewardship committees and Benevolence-Outreach- Vitality-HOPE center committees. Toni K. called for a vote to keep budget, investment and stewardship committees separate. Vote was 12 to 0 in favor of keeping the committees separate. Motion by Sandy A-P. to update the bylaws that the budget committee must include in its composition a representative from investment committee and a representative from stewardship committee. Second by Brian V.B. 12 yes, 0 no votes. Combination of Benevolence-Outreach-Vitality-HOPE center was tabled until we have an in-person council meeting for Council to have a discussion with the committee members. Financial reporting format: Discussion of financial reporting format with Rick S. This will be tabled until an in-person meeting where Gordon H. is in attendance. Investment Committee Report: Investments committee met last week with Mark from Edward Jones Investments as to the latest with the Church’s finances. Investment is asking for long term maintenance plan from trustees. Per Ray L. and Toni K., trustees will send to the investment committee. Investment committee is reporting that financial outlook in terms of investments is ok for this year and will know more in August as to a clearer picture of impact of COVID. New Business: Vanco –Online giving is going to start being used for Church through this service. Thoughts were that this would also benefit the Church in the long run to have online giving. Next Opening Prayer: Gary Giese Motion to adjourn: Sandy A-P made motion to adjourn, second by Brian Van Buren. Oral vote was taken. Ayes have it over nays. Meeting adjourned at 8 pm. Adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. Reports due to Brigette ON or BEFORE May 6th, 2020 Next meeting scheduled for Monday, May 11th at 7 pm Reported by Ray LaBarge, Secretary. Council Minutes Review Procedure (adopted January 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.
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Virtual Worship We hope you’ve been able to join us for virtual worship. It is our hope to return to in-person worship at the end of May, but if it must be longer, we are grateful to have this opportunity to share the Word of God and His love with you. When we know more, we’ll revise our decisions accordingly and let you know as soon as we are able. In the meantime, we’ll continue to broadcast to Facebook, and possibly YouTube, Sunday mornings at 9 am. Sometime before worship, you should receive an email from [email protected] with a copy of Sunday’s bulletin. You may follow these steps to find us on Sunday mornings at 9 am for worship & Tuesdays/Thursdays at 4 pm & 7:15 pm for a brief prayer time. You do not need to have a Facebook account to join.
If you’re a Facebook member: Go to Facebook, go to "Evangelical and Reformed Church", this page should have a picture with the word Busy at the top. Down the
left side, under Pastor's picture you'll a list of options to view. Click on "Videos". You will see a list of videos, if Pastor is on Live, you'll see a small red box that reads LIVE. Click on the picture square & it will open up the Live Stream. If he's not on yet you'll see previous videos. Due to copyright restrictions the entire worship will be removed by the end of the day. When we have it recorded, the sermon will still be available on YouTube.
If you’re not a Facebook member: Go to our church website: http://uccwaukesha.org/ Go to the black area at the very bottom of the home page. Click the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/EvangelicalandReformedChurch/ this page should have a picture with the word Busy at the top. Down the left side, under Pastor's picture, you'll a list of options to view. Click on "Videos". You will see a list of videos, if Pastor is on Live you'll see a small red box that reads LIVE. Click on the picture square & it will open up the Live Stream. If he's not on yet you'll see previous videos. Due to copyright restrictions the entire worship may be removed by the end of the day.
About Our Church . . .
“Our Mission is to foster the spiritual growth of a community of devoted followers of Christ.”
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
