The Word

The Nekoosa United Church of Christ

“God is Still Speaking”

What a Year! & What a Church! Wow, what a year it’s been for the Nekoosa UCC! The incredibly welcoming church that just so

happens to be by the bridge. When I started typing this article I typed November 2015 newsletter article. I

cannot begin to fathom that it is December, the end of another year. It’s hard to take time out and look back at

the year when we are moving forward with so much steam. By the time this comes out advent will have started,

Christmas plays will be coming up, choirs will be singing, Christmas Eve 4, 7, and 11 O’clock services need to

be planned and then we get one month off and lent begins already.

This last year was a tough one financially and mentally on us. The accident proved to be much more in

depth and long lasting than I ever could have imagined. The paperwork and bills are almost finished with just a

few straggling threads to tie together yet. The new boilers are in place and are pumping out the heat and will be

for many years to come. The plumbing problem has been fixed and is now better than ever. The sanctuary has

all new paint and looks great. The entrance way whimsically invites visitors upstairs to worship together with us

and encourages them to “Go and Serve” as they leave. When anyone is passing through the stoplights people

can now easily identify our church with the new letters on the side of the building. The new sign out front is

changed every week letting the community know what we are up to and invites them to join us. Our ‘Silent Talk

With God’ service is catching on and we recently completed a successful lay-led “Unwrapping Our Gifts”

program.

We would not be sitting where we are if it wasn’t for a dedicated and giving congregation. This church

continues to amaze me! Some people are here doing things that need-to-be-done weekly if not daily. Some are

here when we really need the help during special events every year. Some come as friends to others in this

church and help out while here. Some are new members learning where they are needed and just what the gifts

are they have offer; and some are seasoned professionals helping to teach them. Some are teaching our youth

and some are making beautiful music together. Some are stacking the supply shelf with toilet paper and paper

towels they donate and others are filling the food pantry cart with food. Some are decorating floats that win 1st

place and some are reading scriptures for all to hear. Some are working at SWEPS and some are serving meals

at the Neighborhood Table. Some are writing checks to support the church and some to support our camps.

Some are record-keeping and some are learning more about God. Some are sending thoughtful cards and some

are praying for others. Some are checking in and visiting those who are hurt or ill and some are driving others to

church and to community meals. Some are grilling brats for sale and some are baking casseroles for pot lucks.

Some are ushering us to our seats and some are greeting us with a smile.

Each and every one is equally important to the overall wellbeing and health of this remarkable living

and breathing body of Christ. I can’t possibly properly thank everyone that should be thanked so please

accept my sincere gratitude and my heartfelt “Thank You” to all of you who make this church as great as it is!

Together we are going to become all that we can be! Can you even begin to imagine how beautiful that will

look like?

Thank you and may God bless you on this incredible journey that we are on together.

Peace and Love, Pastor Tim

4 - Steve Zuege 5 - Raegen Lee Wilhorn 8 - Gary Fischer 10 - Jon Krummel 13 - Justice Eichhorn 14 - Gordon Layton 14 - Jade Martin 17 - Mark Johnson 18 - Alden Olson 20 - Roger Kester 20 - Taylor Martin 22 -Travis Sorenson 24 - Tom Schider 25 - Journey Surak 25 - Kora Brown 27 - Gerald Kumm 28 - Dylan Buehring 28 - Ellen Osborne 29 - Sara Maerz

26 - Darrow and Roxanne Cather 28 - Howard and Adah Jones 28 - Mike and Marcia Kumm

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.

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

TOILET PAPER

PAPER TOWELING

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 Barb and Delores Nelson for their donation of paper toweling and toilet paper! Harold & Marge Grunewald also brought in toilet paper

RIDES TO CHURCH

If you are unable to get to Church on Sunday,

we have a list of people willing to pick you up.

Please contact one of the following people to

coordinate a ride for you:

Ellen Osborne 715-886-4008,

Lynette Hilgers 715-886 4189, and

Cindy Dorr 715-887-3702.

***** DON’T FORGET TO TURN IN YOU CAMPITAL CAMPAIGN PLEDGE CARD AND YOUR STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD*****

SHOUT OUTS are to

recognize people who do things around the church – some things that are readily noticeable and some not so noticeable.

Shout-Out to Abby Kraft, daughter of Jim & Joy Kraft for her help in setting up the Rummage Sale and entertaining the other workers. She was helpful and delightful. Thank you Abby!!

Shout-Out to Montese Schider and Mary Schultz for the vision and style in rearranging Pastor Tim’s office to include a conference area, new color scheme and decorating touches. Great job ladies!!

Shout-Out to Shelby Sorrell and Rita Freeman for coordinating everything that goes into having a successful booth at Pumpkin Fest. This is our church’s biggest fundraiser and these two ladies work hard to make it a huge success.

Shout-Out to Melani Johnson for organizing the Stewardship Campaign. She also puts the Church Budget together so getting people to pledge enough to cover our bills is important to her. Let’s show her our appreciation by turning in our pledge cards.

Shout-Out to Lynette Hilgers for organizing the Campital Campaign to raise money to keep our church camps updated and running.

Shout-Out to Barbara Schauer for all the work she does with SWEPS.

Shout-Out to the Women United and all the ladies (& gentlemen) who worked so hard to make the Fall Rummage Sale a success. The lower level was packed with stuff that turned out to be someone else’s treasure.

There are several groups that need to be recognized with a Shout-Out (can’t begin to name everyone);

The Youth Group did a great job on the Pancake Breakfast. Thank you kids & adult helpers.

The All Church Retreat Committee. We had another awesome retreat. This committee really

works hard so we can all have a fun and spiritual retreat.

The Ushers who are here every Sunday rain or shine to open up and get things ready for worship.

The Prayer Shawl group whose beautiful shawls welcome us, comfort us, and keep us warm.

PASTOR TIM for encouraging us to be the best we can be.

And a big SHOUT OUT to the entire congregation. WE are the CHURCH!! Please take the time to thank them when you see them. And then next month submit a Shout-Out of your own!

The Annual Meeting of the Nekoosa UCC Congregation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 after worship service. Part of the reason I wanted to be Moderator was to have more open communications and get everyone involved, or at least heard. Therefore It is extremely important to me that all church members attend this informational meeting and be heard and let your vote count. With the new year upon us we need to make decisions on the growth and health of our/your church family. All officers and secretaries and treasurers of the various committees and groups are asked to submit a narative report and a financial accounting of their funds. Please have your narrative report into the Church Office by January 1, 2016. Financial Reports should be submitted no later than Friday, January 8, 2016. All of this information must be ready for the Church Council’s review at the January 20, 2016 monthly meeting. You can submit your report via the office email at office@nekoosaucc.com . Or please have it print ready in the Church Office during business hours. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the church office at 715 886-3371. -submitted by Marcia Kumm

SCRIP CARDS You still have time to shop for Christmas!

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE TAKE SCRIP ORDERS

ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH:

Next Date: December 6

You can use SCRIP cards to buy items that you will be purchasing anyway and help support

your church at the same time. If you have never used SCRIP cards, it is so easy.

Just stop in the church office and purchase one of

the SCRIP cards we have on hand. We usually

have Piggly Wiggly, Kwik Trip, Wal-Mart,

Applebee’s, Shopko, Subway, Walgreen, Bath &

Body Works, Copps, Home Depot, Kohl’s, and

Papa Murphy cards. Take them and spend them just

like you would a gift card. Merchants contribute at

varying %’s and donate directly to our church.

If there is a specific card, not listed above, that you

would like to purchase as a Christmas gift contact

Chris Turok or the church office. Orders are placed

right after the first Sunday of the month.

Questions: Call Chris Turok -- 886-5952

Or contact the church office

THANK YOU!!!

GET YOUR SCRIP CARDS TODAY!! Scrip Cards are just like cash or gift cards at local businesses – Piggly Wiggly, Kwik Trip, Wal-Mart, Copps, Shopko, Bath & Body, Papa Murphy’s, and many more. If you plan to give any gift cards as Christmas gifts, SCRIP cards are perfect because you get what you need and the church gets a percentage behind the scenes. If you do your weekly gas fill-up and grocery shopping with cash, a check, or a credit card, changing to SCRIP CARDS is perfect because you get what you need and the church gets a percentage behind the scenes. In 2015

to-date, we’ve earned $475 – that’s enough to pay the gas bill in Dec. So stop by the SCRIP CARD table in the Dining Room the first Sunday of the month or anytime in the Church Office and see what we have that works for you!!

“SPECIAL ORDERS” SCRIP cards available by order are, but not limited to, Ace Hardware, Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel, Gander Mountain, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Menards, Old Navy, Taco Bell, Younkers. If you are interested in any of the above, see Chris Turok on the first Sunday of the month or call the church office.

Dec. 2nd at 9:00 AM – Business meeting and

prepare for Christmas Coffee

12:00 noon – Luncheon at the Alexander House

Dec. 6th - After Church – Lunch and Christmas Bake Sale.

Ladies of the Church You're Invited

When: Sunday, Dec. 6 – 1:00pm Where: Linda Sorenson’s 325 Robindale Court Why: Christmas Cheer Bring a hor d’oeuvres to share, your favorite beverage and a small wrapped ornament. If you need directions or a ride call 715 570-1233 or 715 325-5701

We’d like to thank the Diaconate and

church family for giving our

grandchildren, Onna and Finley, the

opportunity to experience camp at the

Moon Beach All Church Retreat. They

felt loved by all. They had a great time! (And so did grandpa

and grandma- having a chance to spend some extra special

time with them!)

Ken and Lynette Hilgers

Fall Rummage Sale

The Women United would like to

thank all the people who helped

with the Fall Rummage Sale. It

was a huge success. We made

$1869.05. This money is used for Mission and

Church projects throughout the year. Thanks go to

all the people who brought in donations, sorted,

priced, cleaned items, set up and took down tables,

and worked at the rummage sale, packed and

delivered the left over items. Without everyone’s

help we would not be able to do this project. The

left over items were donated to the Nekoosa

Library, Hope’s Door in Wisconsin Rapids,

Practical Cents in Adams-Friendship, the Orphan

Grain Train, and Kings Veteran Home in Waupaca.

Thank you, --Ellen Osborne Treasurer Women United

(Lynette found this when she was going thru some old annual reports): From Report of the Diaconate “

CHECK OUT OUR

NEW LIBRARY!!! The Nekoosa UCC library is

now open for business and is

located in the youth room

upstairs. The check-out

procedure is very simple; just fill out the paper on

the clipboard located there. There is no time limit

on checking out any of the books. So come and see

what we have available for you! We have a number

of books by popular authors – Sandra Brown, Dan

Brown, Danielle Steele, Ken Follett and Mary

Higgins Clark to name a few. We also have

biographies on Barbara Bush, the Kennedys,

George Burns, Ronald Reagan and others. The

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and the Twilight

Series by Stephenie Meyer are also in the library.

And of course, we have a number of religious-based

books to enhance anyone’s study of the Bible or

knowledge of other religions (Encyclopedia of

World Religions – a very interesting read). So

come check it out and find a book you’re interested

in reading…you’ll be glad you did! --submitted by Pat Fischer

'

THE CHRISTMAS FUND

OFFERING 2015 Our Church is proudly a "5 For 5" UCC Church. What does that mean? A "5 For 5" Church is one that fully supports Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM) by participating in basic support of OCWM and the 4 special mission offerings throughout the year: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen The Church, Neighbors In Need and The Christmas Fund. On December 20, 2015 we will be gathering in the Christmas Fund for the ‘Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund’ (a long title I know) Special Offering. The theme for this year’s Christmas Fund offering is "LOVE SHINES THROUGH". For 113 years, The Christmas Fund has been a leading light in our mission to provide the UCC with a means to directly assist those who have so faithfully and selflessly served our churches and are now finding themselves facing unexpected financial need. The ‘Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund’: Remembering those who serve our church. These funds provide direct financial assistance to individual clergy and lay church employees - not institutions or support programs - but for real people. HOW? ***Retired clergy and lay employees get supplementation for basic needs such as food, utilities, living and medical expenses. ***Help is given to supplement Health Premiums so individuals can afford quality health care ***Christmas "Thank You" gift checks are given to Veterans of the Cross to remind them they have not been forgotten ***Emergency grants are given to clergy - active or retired - facing large medical expenses or natural disasters with their homes With your continued generosity, more clergy and lay employees will receive the support of the church in their time of need. Please give what you can on December 20, 2015 to the Christmas Fund Special Offering.

Neighborhood Table Our church is once again sponsoring a meal at the Neighborhood Table, Tuesday, January 19th. Meals are served at The United Methodist Church 441 Garfield St., Wisconsin Rapids.

For those unfamiliar with Neighborhood Table,

it is a non-profit volunteer organization with a

mission to reduce hunger in our community,

improve the quality of life for our residents and

create an awareness of needs that exist in our

community.

We need volunteers to help prepare the meal, and

help with the many other jobs throughout the day,

such as a plate scrapper, dishwasher, a greeter,

kitchen server and more. We are also asking for

volunteers to provide desserts of cookies cakes or

bars.

There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Any

questions- Lynette Hilgers Thank you!

“LOVE GIFTS” is a title that was given to a project

our church does each December for those in need of a

little extra help at this time of the year. Mission and

Outreach will be seeking food donations through

December 19th. Let us help others during the upcoming

holiday season with our church’s annual Love Gift

collection.

Please bring your donation of non-perishable food

items to the church between now and Saturday,

December 19th

. Items can be dropped off in the “Love

Gift” boxes just inside the church entryway. Perishable

foods will be purchased and added to the gift boxes on

the day they are delivered to the recipients. If you prefer

to donate money to help defray these costs, please label

your envelope “Love Gifts” and turn in to the church

office by Sunday December 14th.

Suggestions, but not limited to: flour, sugar, canned

fruits and vegetables, pasta, hamburger helper, tuna

helper, catsup, tuna, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter,

jelly, cereal, bottled juice……… other items brought in

will be much appreciated as well!

If you know someone who is having financial

difficulty, please submit their name(s) to the church

office. The list of names will remain confidential, other

than to the member of Mission and Outreach who

delivers the gift.

On behalf of the Mission and Outreach Board, we thank

you for your continued generosity and spirit of giving.

--Mission and Outreach Board

About one year ago, Cindy Saylor, Emma McKeel, Lynette Hilgers, Marcia Kumm and Pastor Tim went to a “Turnaround Church” workshop. With so many churches losing members and closing, we wanted to get some ideas on how to revitalize the Nekoosa United Church of Christ and get more people excited about our church. We came away with so many good ideas it was impossible to put all of them into practice. They suggested that we work with a mentor to help decide what ideas would work in our church and how to implement them. Since then we have been meeting once every other month with Greg Whatley, Pastor Tim’s mentor. Greg has had experience in this area and agreed to mentor our church. He tosses out ideas and we brainstorm. Anyone who has ideas on how to make our church more exciting or is interested in brainstorming with us is encouraged to attend our meetings

We are working hard to raise money to go to the National Youth Event in Florida next July. The Pancake

Breakfast netted $200+ and the Women United have donated $500 to our cause. Now I am starting to get excited!! Our next project is a fundraiser one Pastor Tim recommended. It’s called Hearts of the Sky. Hearts of the Sky Fair Trade fundraiser began when Melinda Van Slyke spent a few years in Guatemala as a human rights observer. She sends a selection of her best selling merchandise to us all priced and ready to go. (Jewelry, scarves, adorable kitchen goods, bags, etc.) We sell and keep track of total sales and send back what doesn't sell. We keep 50% and send the remaining 50% to me. (I in turn send that money back to Guatemala in the form of placing orders.) In other words, there are no upfront costs. Be sure to stop down in the fellowship hall after worship and check out the colorful items.

The twenty-first Annual Women’s

Wild Winter Weekends!

Feb. 19 – 21, 2016

Feb. 26 - 28, 2016

Moon Beach will again hold two identical winter

women’s retreats each offering an assortment of

activities to delight you. Sign up for one or both! In

fact, stay with us the week in-between and enjoy the

solitude of the Northwoods. You will not be

disappointed! We’re prepared to give you a

weekend you won’t forget!

You’ll be enriched, enlightened, and uplifted. We’ll

help balance your stay with singing, fellowship,

crafts, group activities, quiet time, worship and

motivational sessions. These are active weekends,

but you’ll find personal quiet time when you need

it. Bring a book, a craft project or help us finish the

annual jigsaw puzzle. Mealtimes are always special

events with delicious menus planned especially for

you.

OFFICE HOURS:

MONDAY to FRIDAY

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

[Closed Sundays & Most

Holidays]

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 715-886-3371

PASTOR TIM’S CELL NUMBER: 715-697-3087

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 715-

886-3371

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!

CHURCH EMAIL ADDRESSES:

office@nekoosaucc.com

pastor@nekoosaucc.com

Does the Church Office have your email address? Please contact Vicki with this information)

www.nekoosaucc.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nekoosa-United-Church-of-Christ/153330554707594

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.

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

The Nekoosa United Church of Christ 205 Market Street – Nekoosa, WI 54457

715 886-3371 Church Office … office@nekoosaucc.com

Pastor … pastor@nekoosa.com Web Page … www.nekoosaucc.com

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

“God is Still Speaking”

1 4:00-6:00pm…Girl Scouts 6:30pm…Prayer Shawl

SWEPS 4:00 – 8:00pm

2 9:00am…Women United 12:00noon…Luncheon at Alexander House 6:00-7:30pm…Confirmation

SWEPS 12:00-4:00pm

3 8:00pm…Silent Talk

SWEPS 12:00-4:00pm

4

SWEPS 12:00-4:00pm

5 11:00am-5:00pm…Baby Shower

6 9:30am…Worshipw/Communion 9:45am…Sunday School 10:30am…Coffee & Fellowship

Scrip Card Sales 10:45am…Christmas Program Practice

7

6:00am…Choir 7:00pm…Diaconate

7:00 pm…AA Meeting

8 4:00-6:00pm…Girl Scouts 7:00pm…Emmaus Mtg

9 5:00pm…Youth Group 6:00-7:30pm…Confirmation

10 8:00pm…Silent Talk

11

12 9:00am-4:00pm…Sit N

Stitch

13 9:30am… Worship 9:45am…Sunday School 10:30am…Coffee & Fellowship

Scrip Card Sales 10:45am…Christmas Program Practice 11:00am…Orientation for New Members

14

6:00pm…Choir

7:00 pm…AA Meeting

15

4:00-6:00pm…Girl Scouts 6:30pm…Vitality Crew

16

9:00am…Women United

6:00pm…M&O, Trustees,CE

7:00pm…Church Council

17 8:00pm…Silent Talk

18

19

20 -Pocket Change Sunday- -Christmas Fund-

9:30…Worship – Children’s Christmas Program 9:45…Sunday School 10:30…Coffee & Fellowship

21

6:00pm…Choir 7:00 pm…AA Meeting

22

4:00-6:00pm…Girl Scouts 6:00pm…Rainbow Preskl Christmas Program (church & fellowship hall)

23

7:00pm…Emmaus Group

24

4:00pm…Worship 7:00pm…Worship 11:00pm…Worship

CLOSED

25 CLOSED

26

27 9:30… Worship 9:45…Sunday School 10:30…Coffee & Fellowship

28

6:00pm…Choir 7:00 pm…AA Meeting

29

30

31

Tentative Pastor Hours: (Call ahead to be sure)

Monday: Noon – 6:00 pm Tues – Thurs: 9:00– 2:00

Friday: Day off

Church Office Hours

Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (Closed Weekends &

Most Holidays