English Lutheran Church of Bateman (ELCB) The MeyengerThe MeyengerThe MeyengerThe Meyenger

IN THIS ISSUE:

From Our Pastor/Mission Statement 2

From Our Pastor Cont’d 3

Online Worship/Time Change/DMV Update 4

Page Turners/Care Creation/Imp. Dates/Church Conn. 5

Kid’s Korner/YouTube/Zoom Bible Study 6

Calendar of Events/Council Minutes 7

Address Page/Church Info Back

VOLUME XIV ISSUE VI JUNE 2020

Jessica Schmidt 6/4

Jason Buckli 6/5

Greyson Carey 6/6

Karen Sperber 6/8

Emrow Yoost 6/8

Waldimer Moucha 6/12

Joel Sperber 6/16

Aaron Christie 6/18

Jackie Cody 6/18

Erika Schmidt 6/21

Mary Fehr 6/22

Bob Raschke 6/23

Denis Winrich 6/24

Susan Gillig 6/27

Jadelyn Schmidt 6/28

Marjorie Bunce 6/28

“ I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” - Psalm 34:4

Please watch for our new Please watch for our new Please watch for our new Please watch for our new

website to be launched in the website to be launched in the website to be launched in the website to be launched in the

next couple weeks! It will all be next couple weeks! It will all be next couple weeks! It will all be next couple weeks! It will all be

handled inhandled inhandled inhandled in----house and is a great house and is a great house and is a great house and is a great

improvement with information improvement with information improvement with information improvement with information

being simpler and more being simpler and more being simpler and more being simpler and more

accessible. accessible. accessible. accessible. It will be the same It will be the same It will be the same It will be the same

address: www.elcbateman.org.address: www.elcbateman.org.address: www.elcbateman.org.address: www.elcbateman.org.

THE MESSENGER Page 2

We’ve had our son and two granddaughters with us for almost 4 weeks now. Right now the plan is for them to return home the second week of June. Our 4 year old granddaughter, Alice, will sometimes ask the question, “When am I going to go home? When can I see my mom?” Sometimes there are tears. But I don’t think her questions are just about wanting to know the exact time as time is pretty irrelevant for a 4 year old. We can tell her it will be in June but that’s not really what she wants to know. Her questions are not necessarily wanting an answer as they are more laments. She is lamenting how much she misses her mom and her home. And so we validate her feelings. We say, “It is hard to be away from home. And I know you miss your mommy. And it is hard to wait but we are going to have to learn how to be patient.” Patience is hard for a 4 year old. But it can also be hard for adults too. We too are asking the questions, “So when are we going to get back to church? When will life get back to normal?” And we really don’t know the answers to those questions. But the questions may also may be more laments for the loss we are experiencing. I know we are all missing gathering together in worship and miss going out and being with people. We miss the sporting events and the concerts. And we wonder, “how long?” I realize that there is a strong desire by many people to gather together at our church to worship. We have been staying at home and apart for a long time. I think most of us thought it wasn’t going to be this long. And now we see more businesses opening up and know of other churches opening. And yet many people are still concerned that this is happening too quickly. The number of infections are still going up in our county. You may or may not have heard that speaking and especially singing provide greater risks to getting infected. So we may not be able as a congregation to pray or sing aloud. We will all need to wear masks and maintain social distance. We will probably have to limit the total number of attendees to 50. Some may choose not to risk coming to public worship and still choose to participate through online services. How do we know when it is safe enough to come back to public worship? And when we do return, how do we make sure we provide as safe a place as we can? The ELCA and the Wisconsin Council of Churches (an ecumencial group of different denominatons and faiths) have given guidelines to help churches know how and when we can start gathering safely. You can find the first page of the ELCA Guidelines following this article. The Councils at both English and St. James Trinity have these guidelines and are trying to discern what is the safest time and way that we can return to worship. I think the next step for us to consider will likely be a parking lot service. I am purchasing an FM transmitter that will broadcast the service to nearby car radios. If we did that people would need to stay in their cars with the windows up. On Holy Communion Sundays we will also be getting individual packets of grape juice and a wafer that we could hand out as you drive into the parking lot. You would open those yourselves. It is hard not gathering in person but we do have congregations with a lot of elderly people who would be more at risk. Loving our neighbor is trying as best as we can to protect the most vulnerable among us. We are learning how to be the church without meeting in a building and that our unity is based on Christ. My

Mission Statement: We, the family of English Lutheran Church of Bateman,

are here to serve the Lord through worship, fel lowship, stewardship and discipleship.

Page 3 VOLUME XIV ISSUE VI

son, Steven preached a sermon recently where he showed times in the Bible when people worshipped without a building. Abraham built an Ebenezer (pillar of stones) to worship as he travelled. The Temple was destroyed twice. The second time was by the Romans and the early Christians met in homes. The church is not a building. We, the people of God, are the church doing the work of the church in our daily lives. I do thank you for your prayers and financial support. I ask for your continued prayers for discernment for our leaders for the safest way forward. Here is the first page of the ELCA Guidelines: Considerations for Returning to In-person Worship Being Church Together During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated May 12, 2020) “As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding when and how they will be able to gather again for worship, this resource offers general guidance. Please note that this is not a comprehensive, one-size fits-all resource; it will need to be interpreted and adapted for your local context. In many, if not most contexts, it will not be safe or advisable to gather for in-person worship for some time. National, state, and local medical and legal guidelines will need to be consulted and followed. While risk is not avoidable, this guidance is presented with the aim of reducing the level of risk for your community. Your pastor and congregational leaders will want to carefully consider:

Legally binding orders The safety of the community and congregation Recommendations from health officials1 Recommendations from your synod office Insurer loss-control recommendations and your insurance policy Following state guidelines and federal guidelines for a three-phased approach to opening.2 Of

particular note are the criteria for moving from strict physical distancing (Phase 1) to a staged reopening (Phase 2):

(1) The number of new cases has declined for at least 14 days. (2) Rapid diagnostic testing capacity is sufficient to test, at minimum, all people with COVID-19 symptoms, including mild cases, as well as their close contacts and those in essential roles. (3) The health care system is able to safely care for all patients, including providing appropriate personal protective equipment for health care workers. (4) There is sufficient public health capacity to conduct contact tracing for all new cases and their close contacts. Be mindful that the “staged” or “phased” approach presented in a number of resources will likely not be a linear one; there may be times of gradual reopening as infections decrease, followed by restrictions if new waves of infections emerge. In all situations, you will want to err on the side of love for your neighbor and know that change will be inevitable. Patience, grace, and flexibility will be necessary as you strive to make the most appropriate decisions for the people of God in your place at this time. In addition to worship planning, it will be helpful to spend time reflecting upon what you have done online or in-person, as this time will likely lead to new insights and discoveries for your worshiping community. 1 “Community and Faith-Based Organizations: Plan, Prepare, and Respond,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html. 2 “National Coronavirus Response: A Road Map to Reopening,” American Enterprise Institute, https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/national-coronavirus-response-a-road-map-to-reopening/; “Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening During COVID-19: Guidance for Governors,” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Health Security, https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2020/200417-reopening-guidancegovernors.pdf; and “Guidelines: Opening Up America Again,” https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/. Here is the link for the whole document: https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Returning_to_In-person_Worship.pdf

Page 4

DMV Update

Beatitudes for the Pandemic Pandetiquette is a new word recently being shared in “Social Media” circles. Justin Patchin, the co-director of the Cyberbul lying Research Center and a professor at UW-Eau Claire, came up with the term when reading various name-call ing, threats and other disrespectful behavior shared on-l ine during the Covid-19 pandemic. Churches and congregations are just as gui lty of letting our emotions, reactions, and even politics negatively influence our Dreams, Ministries, and Visions during stressful times. My father used to remind me to make sure my brain is engaged before putting my mouth into gear. As Christians, I pray that we also engage our hearts before responding or reacting to someone’s opinion that does not exactly align with ours. So, according to Justin, here are some tips to help us treat each other when engaged and confronted with opposing viewpoints inside and outside of church: 1) Consider the Source = Are the people family, friends, or strangers trying to ri le things up? 2) Consider the Issue = Are there evidence and facts, not just emotions, to justify the topic? 3) In the end, be Kind =It is possible to disagree with people without being disagreeable. IN God’s Spirit of Kindness, Gre’gory

Online Worship Service With public worship services being canceled, we will have an online worship service on Sundays at 8:30 am. There will also be a call-in option at 10:30 am for those who are not able to watch online. You can get all the links for watching and calling, the bulletins, children’s bulletins, and online giving

on our website or on Church Connect. They will also be emailed shortly before the service. Call In info: Conference Call @ 10:30 Dial-in using your LAND LINE ONLY: 800-719-6100 Dial –in using your CELL PHONES ONLY: 717-275-8940, 641-426-1600, 605-475-2879 Access code: 549 6519 Giving Link: https://gp.vancopayments.com/gpo/#/donateNow/fbd6c62391d25a67e39a890436ff56f5 Facebook Link to watch live stream: https://www.facebook.com/ELCBateman ELCB Website for Bulletins: http://www.elcbateman.org/

Church Connect (For Members Only): https://elcb.churchtrac.com/

THE MESSENGER

Worship Times Change

to 10:30 am

on July 5th

Page 5 VOLUME XIV ISSUE VI

JUN 1 - Global Day of Parents JUN 4 – National Hug your Cat Day JUN 5 - World Environment Day Jun 8 – National Best Friends Day JUN 8 – World Oceans Day JUN 14 – Flag Day JUN 14 - World Blood Donor Day JUN 15 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

JUN 16 - National Fudge Day JUN 17 - National Eat Your Vegetables Day JUN 18 - National Go Fishing Day JUN 20– World Refugee Day JUN 21 - Father’s Day JUN 21 - International Yoga Day JUN 22 – National Onion Ring Day JUN 30 - World Social Media Day

IMPORTANT STUFF IN JUNE

Care of Creation Produce Re-directed

The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day gathering at church planned for April 22nd was postponed due to Safer-at-Home Guidelines and now has a new shape. Before restrictions were put into place ELCB kids planted seeds for salad greens to be shared at a Wednesday night gathering. The plan was to share food, pool our concerns and strategies surrounding creation care, and re-purpose old tee shirts into shopping bags. The salad greens are still growing and have been joined by patio tomatoes, basil, peppers and other healthy staples. Unfortunately with the health concerns we face, we cannot meet as planned; therefore this Thrivent Action Team has been adjusted to fit a slightly different community need.

On June 20th, Pantry Pals families will have the opportunity to take home a recycled patio pot of our growing veggies in conjunction with the Toy and Game Giveaway. In this way, hopefully, the growing and caring for God’s gifts of food will “matter.” Individuals and families can contribute by bringing toys and games and perhaps making a tee shirt bag with instructions I will send out.

Earth Day is not just a day. The need continues for prayerful stewardship of all God’s gifts. Please be thoughtful of the Earth and how its facets can be preserved and shared.

-Linda Stockinger, Worship and Music Chair

June 15th - Be Frank with Me: A Novel by Julia Claiborne Johnson

July 20th - Chariot on the Mountain by Jack Ford

August 17th - The Last Train to London: A Novel by Meg Waite Clayton

September 21st - The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

October 19th - The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

November 16th - Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

December 14th - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel by Kim Richardson

2020 READING LIST

Church Connect

Church Connect is a program that connects with our Church Management Software, ChurchTrac. This webpage can only be accessed by members and is a one-stop-shop. We will update this page with new announcements, bulletins, worship information and any other useful information. You are also able to submit prayer requests, access the church calendar, view and print a current directory, print your contribution statements and update your own contact information. This is a great tool and we hope everyone uses it!

https://elcb.churchtrac.com/

Page 6 THE MESSENGER

Game Giveaway

The Game Giveaway has been rescheduled to coincide with the June 20th Pantry Pals distribution. This will ensure that

all safety precautions and protocols will be used in accordance with this approved children church ministry.

We are encouraging people to drop off their new or slightly used children’s games, coloring /activity books, pencils,

crayons, balls, and other kid activities at a table located under the pavilion.

Please put the items inside a garbage bag so that they can be picked up and properly sanitized prior to “Giving Away” to

the families. I will be checking the pavilion table daily, however, any questions please call me at 715-520-7766.

Here are some pictures of Jensen and Quinn (Jack & Karen’s grandkids) enjoying their weekly mailed Kid Kits during

“Easter” last month.

Zoom Bible Study We will be having a Bible study using Zoom each Tuesday at Tuesday at Tuesday at Tuesday at 10AM 10AM 10AM 10AM and you are all invited to join us. We look at the gospel lesson for the upcoming Sunday. You are welcome to use your own Bibles but we will also send out an email with the lessons.

Please email pastor@elcbateman.org for the link or phone number, For security reasons, we are not able to post.

We now have a YouTube channel. It is ELC Bateman. You can subscribe to our channel to get a

notification when a new video is posted. Right now we aren't able to provide the Sunday worship

service live but are working on it. We will post the service by Sunday afternoon, hopefully by 1pm.

To subscribe: go to youtube.com and enter ELC Bateman in the Search Box and hit enter. Then click

on

Page 7 VOLUME XII ISSUE VII I VOLUME XIV ISSUE VI Calendar for

June 2020 English Lutheran Church

of Bateman (To get better quality copy go to ELCB website at www.elcbateman.org and go to the calendar option).

April 20, 2020 Council Meeting Summary

Payroll Protection Loan – The Council voted to accept the loan and for the Executive

Committee to manage the use of the funds. The funds are designated for staff salaries,

benefits, retirement, utilities and interest. If it is determined ELCB has not been negatively

impacted by COVID-19, the funds will be returned.

Researching potential future parsonage use.

Pastor Rick is now providing the option online for home Communion following the first, third

and fifth Sundays of the month.

Children’s Ministry is looking at hosting a game giveaway event. Date TBD.

Buildings & Grounds will obtain quotes to clean carpets.

The Council voted to extend the church closure in accordance with state guidelines.

ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BATEMAN 20588 County Highway X Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 www.elcbateman.org facebook.com/elcbateman

Church Staff: PASTOR RICK BIEDERMANN

Pastor Email: pastor@elcbateman.org Office Phone: 715-723-4231 Cell Phone: 515-229-6193

LAUREL BOYER, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Church Email: admin@elcbateman.org

Church Office Phone: 715-723-4231 Cell Phone: 715-828-5596 Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 9am-2pm GREG’ORY HARRELL, DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIESR Email: elcbateman.kids@gmail.com KAREN ROKSER, TREASURER Email: bookkeeper@elcbateman.org KAY SCHARN, CHOIR DIRECTOR NANCY NERDRUM, ORGANIST CHERI BURISH, FACILITIES

ELCB Committees & Groups: Serving God & our Community! There are several committees to get involved in and we are always looking for new members and new ideas.

Everyone is welcome to join a committee at any time. Below is a list of committees or groups and their chairs. Church Council: Jack Rokser, Lavane Hessler, Steve Thon, Dennis Knutson, Angela Sieg-Bruhn, Patsy Tepp, GREG hARRELL, Cedric Boettcher and Jordan Gilles (Youth Advisor). Buildings & Grounds: Cedric Boettcher, Chair Care & maintenance of church and parsonage. Worship & Music: Linda Stockinger, Chair Oversees worship, music and special services. Finance/Stewardship: Steve Thon, Chair Church budget and finances. Evangelism Ministry Team (EMT): Ray Peterson, Chair Keep leadership and the congregation outreach minded. Mission Endowment: Ray Peterson, Chair Maintains and distributes our financial resources above and beyond regular offerings that allow outreach in the community and around the world.

Faith Formation: Sheri Wahlin, Chair Oversees youth and adult education Dreams, Ministries, Visions (DMV): Greg Harrell, Chair

Creating a path combining the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) and community information.

Personnel/Executive: Jack Rokser, Chair Oversee staff and evaluations. Covenant Board: Carol Dittmar, Chair Provides oversight and support for the sharing of a pastor with St. James Trinity. Audit Committee: Ray Peterson, Chair Audit financials Memorial & Special Gifts: Darin Fellom, Chair Distributes memorial funds and gifts. Altar Guild: Carol Peterson, Chair Prepare the Altar and Sanctuary for services.

Pantry Pals: Julie Mitchell, Chair Monthly food pantry for local residents in need. Scrip Program: Cathy Thompson, Chair Program provides gift cards and gives the church a percentage of sales. .Bible Study: Pastor Rick Biedermann Every Tuesday at 10am. Library: Carol Peterson, Chair WELCA (Women’s Group): Karen Rokser, Chair Men of English (Men’s Group): Denis Winrich, Chair Page Turners (Book Club): Carol Turner, Chair Pieceworkers (Quilting Group): Ann Arneson, Chair Technology Team: Darin Fellom, Laurel Boyer, and Pastor Rick Biedermann Sound & Streaming: Von Wolff and John Stockinger Projector/Media: Greg Harrell

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