Emanuel United Church of Christ

May 2019

Sunday Worship Service & Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. Office phone: 734.428.8359 Email: emanuelucc8359@gmail.com Facebook: Emanuel UCC – Manchester, MI Website: www.emanuelucc.org Marcia Meabon’s cell: (810) 923-5087

Upcoming Celebrations - Mother’s Day Service is Sunday, May 12th. - LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL – MAY 19th with a

celebratory coffee hour - June 2nd – Worship time changes to 9:30 a.m. for the

summer - Manchester Baccalaureate Service on Thursday, June

6th at 7:30 p.m. Location to be determined. - June 9th - Pastor Chris Kurtz’s first service here at

Emanuel - Manchester Graduation Day, June 9th

o Celebratory Coffee Hour hosted by Church Council - Father’s Day Service is Sunday, June 16th. - June 17-20 Manchester Community Vacation Bible

School hosted by St. Mary’s Church at Emanuel. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with pick up at 8 p.m.

- July 9-13 Fair Week - July 18 Manchester Chicken Broil - August 1 Emanuel’s Annual Ice Cream Social

Pastor’s Pondering… May 2019

When I was in the Holy Land, we spent time with Rabbi Dalia Marx who teaches at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. She led us in a Bible/Torah study about Jerusalem. In traditional Hebrew fashion, she brought in Midrash and commentaries as well.

At one point during her excellent teaching, one of my colleagues asked if Jerusalem had become an idol, that people were seeing the city as holy instead of the God Jerusalem represents. Taken slightly aback, she agreed.

It became a topic of discussion among our group, and it has been one that continues to be in my mind. Israel and Palestine do not see eye to eye on many things, but especially Jerusalem. The place has become the subject of many conflicts because it has become an idol to both.

I often wonder whether we who are so capable of seeing the mote in another’s eye are capable of seeing the logs in our own. While I love certain church buildings, and Camp Talahi, and places I see as sacred, am I just as guilty of idol worship? Is God only in those places?

Of course not! God is everywhere, within us and around us. Places of worship, places where we encounter God, are still places. We need to remember it is God we are to worship, not a place where we encounter God.

The beginnings of the Decalogue say, “Then God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God.”

As we look at our church buildings and properties, keep your focus on who we worship and remember we don’t worship a what or a where. Blessings on the journey, Pastor Marcia

Spring Clean-up Day is Saturday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m. Bring your yard gloves and some yard tools. We appreciate any and all help! Let’s make the church look beautiful!

CALLING ALL GRADUATES We would like to invite all graduates to church

on graduation Sunday, June 9 at 9:30 a.m. Our Church Council will be hosting coffee hour

in your honor. If you are graduating this year, please let the

office know of your future plans to publish in the bulletin.

We are in need of someone to take over the job of washing the kitchen towels. The Manchester seniors rent the kitchen during the school year as well as coffee hour on Sundays and meals. We need a new person or couple of people to be in charge of this starting June 15th. Please call the office if you are willing to help.

We have a sign-up sheet posted by the fellowship hall door if you are able to help mow this summer. We appreciate all the help we get to make our church grounds look beautiful and save the church some money. Thank you! We will be selling our old lawn mower through sealed bids. We have a 2003 John Deere LT160 with a 42” deck. There is 554 hours on it. An extra set of blades are included. Please submit a sealed bid to the property committee box or the office by May 10th. Bidding will start at $300.00. If you have any questions please call Keith Clark at 734-476-4511.

COFFEE HOUR: We love to be able to join in fellowship after worship. This is a nice time to catch up and meet new people. Thank you to those who have hosted coffee hour. If you would like to host a coffee hour, there is a sign-up sheet near the fellowship hall entrance.

Our Missions Board is creating a new shirt to represent our church! Watch for more information to come! They are working on finalizing the design now.

This year we raised $276.00 for the Community Resource Center during lent. Thank you for the supplies that were also donated. Your community thanks you for your support!

Camp Talahi 2019 Emanuel will be offering their camp scholarships paying 50% of camp fees this year to anyone attending camp. Before registering please email Hannah Braun at info@camptalahi.org and let

her know that Emanuel UCC, Manchester, will be paying for 50% of your camp costs. Then go online to www.camptalahi.org and click the blue “Register for Camp!” button. After you have registered please email the church to let us know how much we owe towards your kid going to camp. If you have not experienced Camp Talahi before we encourage you to talk with kids that have gone like Morgan Blaine or Hayley Ray. Registration deadline is June 12th, so don’t wait!

Missions is collecting CWS HYGIENE KITS -One hand towel measuring approximately

15x 28" or 16x32" (no fingertip, bath, dish towel, or micro fiber)

-One washcloth -One wide-tooth comb (removed from package) -One fingernail or toenail clipper (removed from

package) -One bath size bar of soap in original package -One toothbrush in package -Ten standard Band-Aids - $2 processing fee

All items need to fit inside a one-gallon Ziploc type bag You may donate $15 (the value of a kit) in lieu of making a kit This year, if you are not able to purchase an entire kit, we welcome separate items and we can assemble kits. We welcome complete kits as well!

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Catherine Nickerson Born July 22, 1924, entered into Christ’s care on April 1, 2019. A Witness to the Resurrection at Borek Jennings on April 4, 2019. Officiated by Pastor Marcia Meabon.

Graveside Memorial service for Mae Sellers will be Thursday, May 9th

at noon at the Norvell Cemetery

Officers of Church Council 2019

President: Siobhan Gorman Vice President: Gary Stautz

Secretary: Vicki Eisele Treasurer: Kathy Buss

Financial Secretary: Jan Steinhauer

Board & Committee Liaison List:

Nominating – Gerry Mann Missions – Siobhan Gorman CE – Kathy Buss Music – Cathy Eisenhauer Property – Gary Stautz Historical – Vicki Eisele Deacons – Patsy Kemner Endowment – Jan Steinhauer Stewardship– Memorials– Staff Relations – Siobhan G & Tom A

Emanuel United Church of Christ

Church Council Meeting Minutes Monday, April 15, 2019

Council Present: Kathy Buss, Siobhan Gorman, Vicki Eisele, Gary Stautz, Patsy Kemner, Jan Steinhauer, Bryan Houttekier, Tom Ash, Gerry Mann

Council Absent: Cathy Eisenhauer Ex Officio: Rev. Marcia Meabon, Pastor and Christina Whitesall,

Administrative Assistant Call to Order: 6:33 p.m. Devotions: Jan S. read an Easter poem written by her mom Ellen

Haeussler. Guests: Keith Clark

Approval of Agenda: Tom A. moved and Jan S. seconded the motion to approve the agenda. The motion passed

Approval of Prior Minutes: Jan S. moved and Brian H. seconded the motion to approve the council minutes from March 18. The motion passed.

Pastor’s Report: Rev. Meabon reported that she was preparing for Holy week. A clergy meeting is scheduled for Wed. Sally Tindall will be preparing the lunch. Rev. Meabon conducted Catherine Nickerson’s funeral service. Sally Tindall accompanied Rev. Meabon to the Brooklyn Living Center for a service. Judy Fiegel played the piano for this service. Rev. Meabon commented that the Sunday service went well the day she was ill. The hymn sing was a hit, so she is starting a Favorite Hymn list. Please contact Chrissy W. in the office to get your name and favorite hymn on the list. Rev. Meabon will use this list as hymns are selected for services.

President’s Report: Siobhan G. offered thanks to everyone for everything they are doing for the church. She would like to attend committee and board meetings. Chairpersons should make sure that Chrissy W. has the date and time of your meetings, so Siobhan G. can schedule her time.

Financial Reports: It was noted that there have been no Sunday school collections. Gerry M. moved to accept the March financial report. The motion was seconded by Jan S. and the motion was carried.

Old Business:

a) Fair Committee: Tom Ash and Ray Kemner will be co-chairing the fair food trailer. They would like to serve a meal each night. Volunteers are needed to sign up to prepare these meals. The fair is July 9 through July 13. Contact Tom A. or Ray K. if you are able to help.

b) Safe Church policy: Rev. Meabon and Siobhan G. will be working on this.

c) Rental request from Fusilier Farm: Have not received a response from Fusiliers.

New Business:

a) Bell removal: See Property Committee report below. b) Kurtz Health Insurance: options are being investigated. c) Shelter Verification meeting: Meeting will be May 16 from 10 –

12 noon. This is a Red Cross certification. d) Pastor laptop and printer: Rev. Kurtz has requested a laptop

and printer for the parsonage. Chrissy W. will handle. e) Graduation Sunday: Council will host the coffee hour on June 9.

This is also Rev. Kurtz’s first Sunday service with us.

f) Marketing: Siobhan G. would like volunteers to brainstorm on ideas for uses of our building that would bring in some extra money. A family movie night was suggested.

Board Reports: Deacons: There will be one Easter service. They are investigating

having our Sunday services at the same time every Sunday year round.

Christian Education: No meeting. Bibles were passed out to the 3rd and 4th grade kids last Sunday.

Stewardship: No Report. Missions: Will be hosting Easter Breakfast. Will be working on health

kits. Looking into new church T-shirts.

Committee Reports: Endowment: No meeting. Staff Relations: No meeting. Property:

They are working with the contractor to finalize the plan for the new audio system.

The committee has been working on getting someone to take out the steeple louvers and center bricks. One quote was for a substantial amount. The bell contractor offered to do the work for $3,500. Jan S. moved to have the louver and masonry work done by the bell contractor not to exceed $3,500. Tom A. seconded the motion and it passed.

The installation of insulation in the parsonage attic is being scheduled.

Options for the lawn equipment shed construction are being gathered.

They are looking at options for the gas fireplace in the parsonage to conserve energy.

John Hinkley is working on plans for the elevator. A drawing of an alternative placement of the elevator from Jim Mann was given to the committee for consideration.

Historical: Work continues on sorting and inventorying contents of historical room.

Music: No meeting. Gifts & Memorials: No meeting. Nominating: No meeting.

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, May 20, 2019 – 6:30 PM. Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. Minutes submitted by: Vicki Eisele, Secretary

Serving in May Deacons to Serve in May: Dave & Martha Wenk Usher Team: Ray Kemner, Kim Clore, Rachel Bross, and Cathy Eisenhauer Communion Preparation: Cathy and Doris Eisenhauer **Acolyte Sign-up sheet is located in the Narthex near the balcony steps – we welcome anyone to help – robes and ropes are located in the sacristy, if you need help, ask a Deacon.

February GENERAL FUND

INCOME EXPENSES Pew Collections $13,602.00 Benevolences/Missions $233.51 Initial Offering $4.00 Property/Maintenance $5,522.03 Bulletin Sponsorship

$20.00 Administrative $897.88

Christian Ed $0.00 Coffee Hour $200.00 Worship Supplies $100.73 Building Use $1,134.30 Music Expense $0.00 Refunded Bank Charges

$0.00 Salaries/Benefits $8,101.15

Other Income $561.20 Total Operating Expenses

$14,855.30

Total Income $15,521.50 Income to Expenses $666.20 Overall Church

General Funds $4,828.37

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May 1: Robin Newkirk Andrew Andonian May 2: Brooke Evans May 3: Avery Vincent John Barnard May 4: Richard Simkiss Bradley Kemner Scott Adams May 5: Teresa Henry Nathan Smith May 6: Jonathan Okey Allyson Leverett Sophia Houttekier May 7: Karl Jacob Megan Bodkin May 8: James Roberts Amy Sobieralski Jessica Barnhart May 9: John Hinkley Robin Willits May 10: Jeff Bruestle May 11: Danell Proctor Benjamin Okey May 12: Courtney McLennan Aimee Mahoney Addie Baier May 13: Lynn Preston May 14: Russell Hieber Robert Burkhardt Laura Woods Cody Adams May 15: Meagan Lee Carson Woollams

May 16: Nicole Dyer May 17: Lillian Ellis Christian Minard May 19: Brantley Triplett May 20: Miranda Steele Jane Cottrell May 21: Jeno Okey Madalyn Newkirk May 22: David Marshall Joni Holmquest Peter Johnson May 24: Cori Steele May 25: Fred Castenholz Donald Steele Kurt Kensler May 26: Gerard Clark Seth Goodell May 27: Alfred Ferris Wyatt Feldkamp Bret Harvey May 28: Norman Walz Katie Ray Gina DeClaire May 29: Hilda Arnold Michael Garrison Katelyn Paul May 30: Anna Walz Olivia Walz If your birthday does not appear on this list for May or is incorrect, please call the church office so that we may update your membership record.

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Robert & Beth Smith May 2, 1981

Jefferay & Teresa Henry May 3, 1988

Charles & Diane Schultz May 5, 1990

Laurence & Erika Woollams May 5, 2001

Casey & Heidi Salkauskas May 7, 1993

Michael & Sally Tindall May 8, 1982

David & Deborah Seegert May 11, 1996

Louis & Tina Way May 15, 1982

Larry & Lori Stautz May 17, 1986

Vaughn & Kristy Martin May 19, 2005

Carl & Amanda Provey Jr. May 19, 2018

David & Charlene Goodell May 20, 1972

Rusty & Jennifer Blackwell May 20, 2005

Billy & Lori Lee Alber May 20, 2016

Jim & Renee Dorman May 21, 1988

Bill & Marlene Wagner May 21, 1989

William & Susan Callaway May 22, 1982

Donald & Ethelyn Rhees May 23, 1959

Jeff & Jewelie Bruestle May 26, 1984

Nicole & Matthew Wolf May 27, 2017

Ray & Patsy Kemner May 28, 1966

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Vacation Bible School 2019 June 17-20, 2019 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Emanuel United Church of Christ 324 W. Main Street

Brought to you by the Churches of Manchester:

Emanuel United Church of Christ Manchester United Methodist Church

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church Sharon United Methodist Church

Pre-School Age 3 through 5th Grade

Desire More Information?

Call St. Mary’s Church 734-428-8811

VBS Registration Form is found online at

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BloY--JkZk4YGdzPxFTiBxaqubD3ovE5UE8OtBH-ulE/edit

This link will also be emailed out. If you do not receive the email please let the church office know.