the interpreter su aint nited stephens church of christ...october 31, 2017 the interpreter page 2...

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E-MAIL US Reverend Kyle Carnes Tina L. Scott-Bus. Manager Kelly Krembs-Admin. Asst. Jason Chandler-Facilities Mgr Mary Pat Campbell-Interim Pastoral Associate The Interpreter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Feed Your Spirit 2 Awareness/Education 2 Special Gifts 3 Welcome Little One@ 3 Our New Members 3 New Nursery 4 Humor 5 Sunday School News 5 Leave the Light On 5 Crunching Numbers 6 Leadership Thoughts 7 Puzzle 7 November Birthdays 8 November Calendar 9 Upcoming Events 10 Weekly Calendar 12 LINK UP UCC WI Conference NW Association October 31, 2017 No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here. Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-4:30 | Fri 8-4 Rev. Kyle Carnes, Senior Minister The Interpreter Saint Stephens United Church of Christ 903 E 2nd St Merrill WI 54452 Office: 715-536-7322 Pastoral Care Needs: 715.575.3191 MY CHURCH … “My church …” is our stewardship theme for the year. It’s time to reclaim the church as our own, as my own, as your own. Of course, I’m not talking about owning the church in a way that is possessive or domineering. I mean in terms of commitment, conversation, and yes, pride. There is so much going on in the life of Saint Stephens United Church of Christ these days, and there are so many members and friends who are involved, engaged, and excited to be volunteering with all that is happening. “My church …” … what does it mean to you to claim this church as your own? Whether you’re the fifth generation, first generation, a new member, staff, or friend, what do you say, when you talk about your church? Maybe I should wonder first about how often you use that phrase at all. Now, I know that some of you reading this are not members of Saint Stephens and belong to another congregation, but I wonder how often you start a sentence with “My church …” And when you do … how do you finish that sentence? Is the sentiment positive? Is there interest, engagement, even excitement in your voice when you talk about your church? Why is this the case? If there’s negativity or pessimism in your voice, why is that? What has happened? What isn’t happening? I wonder how often you start a sentence with “my church” because I honestly wonder how much you talk about church at all with someone who doesn’t attend this church, or in any setting where you might talk about the fact that you attend church, and if so, do you claim this one as … your own? Over the next three weeks, we’re going to talk our church … ”My church …” And we’re going to work on giving voice to claiming this congregation as our own, with all of our strengths, warts, and dreams. There will be note cards available, and you can always just send an email to me or to the church. AND, of course, put your name on it. Let’s gather together to hear what real people feel about this congregation. Yes, this is a stewardship theme. I wonder about how the power of naming out loud that you claim a church as your own might have in your life and your commitment to it. Maybe you are already highly involved in the life of this congregation, but have just never taken the time to actually put into words what this community means to you and why it’s important to your life. We have a lot coming our way this upcoming year with (prayerfully) a new Associate Minister, a capital campaign, and all of the regular ministry and mission we host and accomplish for our congregation and the community around us. So, maybe start here: When you read “My church …” What do you hear? What do you think? What do you feel? What are you curious about? Take some time to share these things, and together, we will continue to find and to make room for all of our stories within this growing community. Don’t wait. Tell your story today, so that our story might grow. Blessings, Kyle

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Page 1: The Interpreter SU aint nited Stephens Church of Christ...October 31, 2017 THE INTERPRETER Page 2 Saint STEPHENS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST were dressed as streetwalkers, or naughty nurses

E-MAIL USReverend Kyle Carnes

Tina L. Scott-Bus. Manager

Kelly Krembs-Admin. Asst.

Jason Chandler-Facilities Mgr

Mary Pat Campbell-Interim Pastoral Associate

The Interpreter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Feed Your Spirit 2

Awareness/Education 2

Special Gifts 3

Welcome Little One@ 3

Our New Members 3

New Nursery 4

Humor 5

Sunday School News 5

Leave the Light On 5

Crunching Numbers 6

Leadership Thoughts 7

Puzzle 7

November Birthdays 8

November Calendar 9

Upcoming Events 10

Weekly Calendar 12

LINK UPUCC

WI Conference

NW Association

October 31, 2017

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-4:30 | Fri 8-4 Rev. Kyle Carnes, Senior Minister

The Interpreter Saint Stephens United Church of Christ

903 E 2nd St Merrill WI 54452

Office: 715-536-7322

Pastoral Care Needs:715.575.3191

MY CHURCH …

“My church …” is our stewardship theme for the year. It’s time to reclaim the church as our own, as my own, as your own.

Of course, I’m not talking about owning the church in a way that is possessive or domineering. I mean in terms of commitment, conversation, and yes, pride.

There is so much going on in the life of Saint Stephens United Church of Christ these days, and there are so many members and friends who are involved, engaged, and excited to be volunteering with all that is happening.

“My church …”

… what does it mean to you to claim this church as your own? Whether you’re the fifth generation, first generation, a new member, staff, or friend, what do you say, when you talk about your church?

Maybe I should wonder first about how often you use that phrase at all. Now, I know that some of you reading this are not members of Saint Stephens and belong to another congregation, but I wonder how often you start a sentence with “My church …”

And when you do … how do you finish that sentence? Is the sentiment positive? Is there interest, engagement, even excitement in your voice when you talk about your church? Why is this the case?

If there’s negativity or pessimism in your voice, why is that? What has happened? What isn’t happening?

I wonder how often you start a sentence with “my church” because I honestly wonder how much you talk about church at all with someone who doesn’t attend this church, or in any setting where you might talk about the fact that you attend church, and if so, do you claim this one as

… your own?

Over the next three weeks, we’re going to talk our church … ”My church …” And we’re going to work on giving voice to claiming this congregation as our own, with all of our strengths, warts, and dreams. There will be note cards available, and you can always just send an email to me or to the church. AND, of course, put your name on it. Let’s gather together to hear what real people feel about this congregation.

Yes, this is a stewardship theme. I wonder about how the power of naming out loud that you claim a church as your own might have in your life and your commitment to it. Maybe you are already highly involved in the life of this congregation, but have just never taken the time to actually put into words what this community means to you and why it’s important to your life. We have a lot coming our way this upcoming year with (prayerfully) a new Associate Minister, a capital campaign, and all of the regular ministry and mission we host and accomplish for our congregation and the community around us.

So, maybe start here: When you read “My church …”

• What do you hear? • What do you think?• What do you feel?• What are you curious about?

Take some time to share these things, and together, we will continue to find and to make room for all of our stories within this growing community. Don’t wait. Tell your story today, so that our story might grow.

Blessings,

Kyle

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October 31, 2017Page 2THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

were dressed as streetwalkers, or naughty nurses.

If costumes are a chance to dip into our most deeply unexpressed selves, the self we wish we could give a little more play to, what did this turn of events say about the wearers? Perhaps simply: that toxic masculinity, and the puritanical double-standard for women, are both deeply confining and harmful roles to play (or maybe that all those humanities majors really wished they had gone to nursing school instead to learn some practical skills).

God in Jesus has given us a person who wears no masks. Everywhere he goes--whether dining among tax collectors, arguing with high priests, playing with prostitutes or breakfasting on the beach with fisherfolk-

-he is completely Himself, fully integrated, substance and shadow.

If you were dressing up today (and maybe you are), what would you go as? And what would it say about the self you need to give a little more play to/acknowledge?

Prayer

Unchangeable God, give us the courage to acknowledge our whole selves to ourselves: the sweet and salty, the good and evil, the sexy and straightlaced, the male and female and a little bit of each and none of the above--so that the truth about who we are may set us free. Amen.

By Molly Baskette

FEED YOUR SPIRIT . . .Alter Egos

Jesus said to them, “...You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.” - Luke 12: 1-3

When I was in college, Halloween was our high holy day. For weeks my friends and I labored over obscure and arcane ideas (I once went as: “a figment of my imagination.” It required a lot of explaining). We trolled the thrift stores for props, dusted off rudimentary sewing and hot glue gunning skills to make our masterpieces.

Then, inevitably, at every party I went to, 80% of the men were dressed as women, and 80% of the women

AWARENESS/EDUCATION

Your word is a lamp to my feet anda light for my path.Psalm 119:105

We are seeking everyone’s input at our Awareness/Education Gatherings. Please join us this week on Wednesday, November 1, at 4:00 PM or Sunday, November 5, at 11:30 AM (following 10:30 AM worship). Meetings will be held in the Sanctuary. If you haven’t already RSVP’d for one of these, please do so today!

The remaining Awareness/Education meetings are: 3. Sunday, November 12, 2017, at 10:00 AM (following 9:00 AM worship). 4. Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 7:00 PM (following 6:00 PM worship). 5. Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 10:00 AM (following 9:00 AM worship). Please RSVP to Tina or Kelly in the church office at (715) 536-7322 or email: [email protected] or [email protected] to indicate which meeting you will be attending. We look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings.

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCEThe Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program runs through May 15, 2018. To schedule an appointment to apply for energy assistance, Lincoln County residents should call the Department of Social Services at 715.539.1344. Eligibility is based on household size and gross income in the three months prior to the application month.

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October 31, 2017Page 3THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!Please give a warm Saint Stephens welcome to our newest members and some folks who have reaffirmed their desire to be members of Saint Stephens after an absence.

Eric StormLaurie BerghKeith & Petrina HoushtonFred & Karen BruckertRichard WolffCasey Penrod

We publicly recognized this group during our “New Member Sunday” worship this past Sunday, but please stop them and make them feel welcome when you see them!

SPECIAL GIFTSSpecial gifts in honor or in celebration will be printed with the dollar figures shown unless otherwise specified.

Bible Sponsorships $1,000.00 in memory of Elaine & LeRoy Dahm from Philip Dahm

Organ Fund $15.00 in loving memory of my brother, James Berndt, from Kathy Case

New Roof Fund $25.00 in memory of Elgart Salefske from Kristine Smith $25.00 in loving memory of my dad, Carlos Berndt, from Kathy Case

WELCOME, LITTLE ONE!What grows our faith community for the future? Children! As the number of children and families in our church grow, so, too, will Saint Stephens grow and build community in ways that can truly make a difference. All are welcome here ... and that includes little ones. The birth of a new baby in our congregation is something to celebrate!

That’s why we’ve started something new ... and just recently delivered our first Saint Stephens Baby Gift to welcome a new little one. (The ribbon on the bear is custom printed to say “Welcome Little One” in keeping with our church’s motto that “No Matter Who You Are, Or Where You Are On Life’s Journey, You’re Welcome Here!”) Let’s celebrate new babies!

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FAMILY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLEIf your family is entirely unable to purchase gifts for your children this holiday season due to extreme financial hardship, the Christmas Spirit - Lincoln County United Giving Tree Program may be able to help bring a little joy into your children’s Christmas. Note: This program is not a way to give your children additional Christmas gifts but is only to be used if you cannot afford to get your children any gifts. You may be asked to provide documentation of current financial hardship or to participate in a personal interview to determine eligibility. All information provided is confidential. Applications are on the table outside the church office. Due date to apply: November 17.

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October 31, 2017Page 4THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW NURSERY?Fresh paint (thank you volunteers!) and an awesome new easily cleanable play mat for little crawlers make the new nursery on the third floor modern, warm, and inviting. Staffed by more incredible volunteers, little ones have the opportunity to play and socialize with other little people their age.

Nursery care is available during our 9:00 AM worship service. Feel free to bring your little ones ages 0 - 2 to the nursery where our adult volunteers will be happy to care for them during the service. (If you have not already done so, please complete an enrollment form for your child.)

Is your child age 3, 4, or 5? They’ll love playing with other kids, doing crafts, and learning about Jesus in our Pre-K/K Sunday School class on the second floor. Please complete an enrollment form for each child attending Sunday School and then join us!

Children in grades 1 through 6 have Sunday School every Sunday during the program year (unless otherwise noted), and 7th & 8th graders meet twice per month during 9:00 AM worship for Faith Formation. (See next page.)

Do you sing? Play an instrument? Perhaps both?

We are still looking for vocalists and instrumentalists to fill our music calendar. If you or someone you know would like to grace us with your musical talents, please contact Jim Bjorklund at 715.539.3442 to get scheduled! Currently, we have openings on the following dates:

December 31 January 28February 11 February 25March 11

SPECIAL MUSIC

NEEDED

36th Annual Potato & Buttermilk Pancake Dinner

November 510:30 AM - 12:30 PMFaith Lutheran Church

15425 S. Cty Rd K, MerrillAll You Can Eat!

Adults: $7Children 6-12: $3

Children 5 & Under: Free

Menu includes potato and buttermilk pancakes, fresh pork sausage, applesauce, cheese, coffee cake/bars, beverage, and locally produced maple syrup.

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October 31, 2017Page 5THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

7th & 8th graders ... Our next Faith Formation classes are Sunday, November 12, and Sunday, November 19, at 9:00 AM!

SUNDAY SCHOOLNEWS

FOOD FOR KIDSSaint Stephens is now able to accept donations for the Food for Kids program we have adopted. Checks for Food for Kids should be made payable to: Food for Kids and may be dropped into the collection plate or delivered to the church office.

USHERS RAFFLE The Annual Ushers Raffle is under way! Stop your favorite usher and ask if you can buy a ticket. This is a great fundraiser and funds are used to support the needs of our church community. For instance, recently the Ushers paid for two new large coffee pots we needed for the kitchen. And you could win a great prize, too!

Remember: SCRIP costs you NOTHING to use in

place of cash!

WE’LL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON FOR YOUYou may have noticed the lights on outside of church doors after dark. Please know this is a conscious decision to both improve security and make our church a more welcoming presence in our community. And since we use energy efficient LED or fluorescent bulbs, the cost is minimal.

HELPING THE HOMELESS

When my family wakes up in the morning, we turn on the furnace. Maybe we are thankful the air conditioner is running. We open the fridge and have a choice between cereal, eggs, or peanut butter and jelly toast. My mom and dad have coffee. ’m very thankful to have a home.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be homeless? Maybe shivering on the streets, shoes that don’t fit, cold food from a garbage to eat, no place to shower, and it probably feels like no one cares and that nothing will ever change.

The Sunday School students want to be a part of a change. In November, one of our Bible lessons is about service and another about preparing. We are reaching out to you. We want to contribute to the “Under the Bridge” collection for the Wausau area. We will be putting together small care packages. Please help us by bringing in donations that include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant and hand and feet warmers. We will package them up and send them on to “Under the Bridge.” Please bring the supplies to the church office by the evening of November 8.

Thank you for supporting us!

- Sunday School Students and Teachers

2017 CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES Boxes of contribution envelopes for 2017 are still available. Stop in the office if you would like a box.

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October 31, 2017Page 6THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERSGeneral Fund income totaled $26,385 in September, which is a nice increase from the summer months; however, General Fund expenses for the month also increased significantly, as a number of fourth quarter expenses were due, bringing the total expenditures for the month to $36,024, resulting in a negative difference of $9,639. While we previously had a bit of a cushion ... “money in the bank,” so to speak, with Year To Date Income exceeding Expenses ... this is no longer the case. We are now “in the red” $1,092 for 2017.

How can you help? This is the time of year when we begin to examine and explore Stewardship. Certainly all efforts to be more faithful stewards of our finances ... both at home and here at church ... are one way we can help. Take a look at your planned giving for 2017 and see if you are on track. If not, it’s never too late to

“Catch Up On Your Commitment,” and there are even special envelopes in your boxes for just this purpose.

Electronic giving options are an easy way to both manage your commitment (set it and forget it!) and help Saint Stephens, because regular, consistent giving is one key to helping us best manage our church budget. If you haven’t considered electronic giving yet, or if you’ve been meaning to set it up but just haven’t done it, check out the information on page 9 to get that started.

There are other ways to help, as well. Using Scrip is a painless way to help church finances. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Scrip program was able to move $4,000 in profits into the General Fund. Every time you use Scrip for purchases, you help the church’s bottom line at no additional cost to you.

Memorial gift designations are another. When you make a memorial gift, consider a simple memorial that benefits the General Fund and can be used for day-

to-day expenses. When you give memorials to the New Roof or Organ Fund, while investing in our future dreams, that may be at the expense of our day-to-day operations. Simply giving a general Memorial gift can help offset normal monthly church expenses.

We will be talking about our dreams (and our very real needs) ... including a new roof and a new organ ... at our upcoming Awareness/Education meetings. Please plan to attend one of these meetings and RSVP to the office now. It’s important stuff we’ll be discussing, and your input and opinion matters!

As always, thank you for another month of support, generosity, and faith in the life and ministry of Saint Stephens United Church of Christ! Your support ... financially and in every possible way ... truly matters!

Calvary Lutheran ChurchAnnual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale

Saturday, November 410:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Come and enjoy homemade soups, a chicken salad croisssant, a hot dog plate, wonderful desserts, and coffee.

Purchase baked goods and holiday items ... ornaments, home decor, and gifts.

Let the holiday fun begin!

Located at N365 Cain Creek Road, Merrill

St. Paul’s Pine River Craft FairSt. Paul’s Church - Fellowship Hall

Saturday, November 410:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Come and enjoy lunch.

Stay and shop for homemade cookies and bakery, handcrafted items to include jewelry, crochet, and knits, candles, holiday decor, and more!

Located at 2604 County Road P, Merrill

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October 31, 2017Page 7THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE ...

MY THOUGHTS FROM MY EXPERIENCE

I would like to share with everyone one of things that most moved me from our trip to the Leadership Institute in Kansas City.

It came from one of the small group sessions I attended when we were asked two questions. The first question was: “How do you view your congregation? Is it a cruise ship, that is, a congregation that is self-serving, or is it a battleship, that is, a congregation that is about doing the mission of Christ?” The second question was:

“Why do you come to church?” These two questions are very moving questions that can only be answered by each of us personally, but are questions that we need to ask ourselves.

I have thought a lot about the second question, and I would have to say there was a time when I came to church because that was what we did for that hour on Sunday. Then I was asked to help teach Sunday School, and I did, and from that day on, I found a need to be in fellowship with others that also have a belief in Christ. So I would have to say I come to church for that fellowship and also to be rejuvenated through fellowship to go out and do the mission of Christ the best that I can.

To the first question: “How do you view your congregation,” that was a matter of looking at the list of things that our congregation is doing and has done since its founding. I feel that our congregation is a battleship and always has been, and I am blessed to part of this congregation and the mission we are doing by living as Christ did on earth.

My goal is to pass on to all the inspiration that I have received through Christ and the Leadership Institute to continue living the mission of Christ.

- Cliff Williams

HOLIDAY WISH LISTSWe have received “Wish Lists” from both Pine Crest and Haven. If you could help with new gifts for Pine Crest residents so they get gifts this Christmas, take a peek at the complete list of desired items on the bulletin board and kiosk.

Similarly, Haven’s Wish List has also been posted.

Thank you for your generosity!

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We want to acknowledge and celebrate your special days, and we’re starting with

birthdays! Send your church friends birthday wishes, whether in person, via email, or by

sending one of those wonderful cards you can hold in your hands by mail!

November 30 Dorothy KayhartNovember 30 Christian MerkelNovember 30 Landon Reist

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

November 1 Seth CollinsNovember 1 Brenda GrefeNovember 1 Joanne HarknerNovember 1 Dawson HeckendorfNovember 1 Laurie HumphreyNovember 1 Charmaine StormNovember 2 Riley HumphreyNovember 3 Corey DornbrackNovember 3 Todd GrabauNovember 4 Jaimie HoeftNovember 5 Daniel HahnNovember 5 Brandon LawrieNovember 5 Taylor NelsonNovember 5 Tiffany NinnemannNovember 5 Coletta SchroederNovember 6 Mindy HahnNovember 6 Melita HallNovember 6 Greg HeathNovember 6 Josh KohnhorstNovember 6 Leah LangeNovember 6 Glen SimonisNovember 7 Holly BoehmNovember 7 Bobby NeyNovember 7 Payge OsnessNovember 7 Hunter YinglingNovember 8 Leigha JanssenNovember 9 Leroy FrickNovember 10 Jill FryNovember 10 Sue HeckendorfNovember 10 John SchenzelNovember 10 Jacob StevensonNovember 12 Amanda BadeauNovember 12 William Beyer, Jr.November 12 Avery ClarkNovember 12 Linda PlautzNovember 12 Jeffrey PorathNovember 12 Tara SlagoskiNovember 13 Kelsey AmelseNovember 13 Scott KastenNovember 13 Andrew PodeweltzNovember 14 Roxanne BaumannNovember 14 Eppie GrulingNovember 14 Dennis Kremsreiter

November 14 Luke LazareNovember 14 Gay ObergNovember 15 Naomi BergNovember 15 Kathy CaseNovember 16 Jessica NowakNovember 17 Bradley SchnablNovember 18 Geraldine DotterNovember 18 Virginia KrauseNovember 18 Jean MootzNovember 19 Mary EllisNovember 19 Carly HansonNovember 19 Audrey HeuserNovember 19 Brady MatthiasNovember 19 Zachary ShimelNovember 19 Florence WollerNovember 20 Cheryl AmentNovember 20 Andrew MahnNovember 20 Gary RoggenbuckNovember 22 Dylan AlftNovember 22 Lexi DoeringNovember 22 Bailee GolischNovember 22 Brian RoweNovember 22 Shari SchubertNovember 23 Joan JohnsonNovember 23 Fred KrauseNovember 24 Katrina DepiesNovember 24 Taytum GrovenburgNovember 24 Cody KrauseNovember 24 Macie MerkelNovember 25 Ione KoehlerNovember 26 Michael HrubyNovember 26 Philip MussellNovember 26 Katie RajekNovember 26 Gary Sholund, Sr.November 27 Bert HoppNovember 27 Diana HustonNovember 27 Gay StencilNovember 28 Tammy DuweNovember 28 Jessica FrickNovember 28 Michael GolischNovember 29 Gavin DingesNovember 29 Matthew KroppNovember 29 Allison Rodemeier

Age is a question of mind over matter.

If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

- Satchel Paige

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Page 10: The Interpreter SU aint nited Stephens Church of Christ...October 31, 2017 THE INTERPRETER Page 2 Saint STEPHENS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST were dressed as streetwalkers, or naughty nurses

October 31, 2017Page 10THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Come one, Come allWednesday night worshipA simple, meditative, communion service.

Wednesday evening worship begins at 6:00 PM

Come as you are, to find a space of rest and reflection and peace, a moment away from the

hectic world we live in.

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

OPEN SPONSORSHIP DATES

Flowers Sign up in Office

November 19 December 3, 17, 31

Radio Ministry Call the Office

January 7, 21, 28

Coffee Hour December 24, 31

At 5 PM Monday

Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Hot Veggie

Dessert (when available) and Beverages

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5: Worship at 9:00 AM, with Nursery; 9:00 AM Sunday School; 10:30 AM Worship

Coffee Hour after 9:00 AM Worship DINNER @ FIVE Every Monday at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall

EVERY WEDNESDAY: Worship at 6:00 PMSTEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN Begins Soon

WOMEN’S RETREAT AT MOON BEACH - November 3-5WISCONSIN DEER HUNTING SEASON - November 18-26

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY - November 19TOTENFEST- November 26

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS - December 2O’TANNENBAUM - December 2-3ADVENT BEGINS - December 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

PLANNING AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS EVEThere will be a change to the times for Christmas Eve worship this year, and we hope this change will make it easier for

families, especially those with small children, to come and worship together. The service times for Christmas Eve worship will be: 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. We will also have Sunday morning worship service that day, on Sunday, December 24, at 9:00 AM. There will be no worship service on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25.

FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR BIBLE TO CHURCHDid you know that it was uncommon for ordinary people to own Bibles as recently as 500 years ago ... because they were expensive and most were not in the native languages that people could read? As recently as 150 years ago, there were also still a great many people who could not read at all. Reading our Bibles is something most of us take for granted, but what a different world it would be if we could not read God’s word for ourselves!

So go ahead ... feel free to bring your personal Bible to church, and perhaps to make pencil notes in the margins during the sermon. Go ahead and do that if you feel so moved!

Page 11: The Interpreter SU aint nited Stephens Church of Christ...October 31, 2017 THE INTERPRETER Page 2 Saint STEPHENS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST were dressed as streetwalkers, or naughty nurses

October 31, 2017Page 11THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

ELECTRONIC GIVING OPTIONSHave you tried electronic giving yet? It’s fast, easy, and secure, and there are several different ways you can do it.

1. First, you can use your bank’s Bill Pay system to initiate checks being sent to the church according to whatever schedule you choose.

2. Second, you can pay electronically online from your home computer. It’s easy to do, and you can either

“set it and forget it” for regular weekly or monthly contributions, or you can go in and enter contributions, memorials, or special offerings whenever you choose.

For complete instructions on how to begin giving electronically, contact Tina in the church office. She will email you easy-to-follow instructions.

3. Third, you can text to give right from your phone, even while sitting in church if you want to. While everyone else is dropping an envelope into the collection plate, you could theoretically be making a donation via text at the same time. You could also do this before or after services or any time at all! Complete Text Giving instructions are printed in this edition of the Interpreter!

TEXT TO GIVE! It’s Fast, Quick, Easy & Convenient ... Wherever You Are

Have a “smart” cell phone? Then you can donate to Saint Stephens by sending a Text. It’s Simple. Here’s all you need to do:

1. Text SaintStephens (no spaces in between) to 732562. You will get a reply message with a link. Tap the link & it will take you to a screen that lets you input:

• The Dollar Amount you want to give (minimum of $3 per transaction for text giving).

• The Fund you want your money to go to (by default it will go in Weekly/Pledged Giving ... the General Fund ... but you can choose any fund listed).

• The Account Type you want to use to make your payment (Credit/Debit Card, Checking, Savings).

3. Beneath that, you will be prompted to enter the appropriate account numbers, expiration date, and/or security information for the account you selected. Be assured this is a secure system and we at Saint Stephens will never see your account information.4. Check the box that says “I’m Not a Robot” and follow the instructions to verify you are not a robot. It will be a simple “human” test such as selecting some photos that meet a certain criteria.5. Click the GIVE button.

You will get a Thank You message with a receipt immediately following your transaction to confirm that it went through. A receipt will simultaneously be texted to your phone number and sent to the email address you entered.

If you have any questions or concerns, call Tina in the office. She tried it and successfully processed a personal donation to create this set of instructions.

COUNCIL/FISCAL TRANSPARENCYIf you are ever curious about what is happening with your Church Council and church finances, you are always able to request a copy of the most recent Council Minutes and Treasurer’s Report at any time. While these two documents are too lengthy and cumbersome to include here in their entirety each month, they are always readily available to you. We want everyone to know what is happening in the life of the church.

Simply call Tina in the church office for a copy.

2017 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS/OFFICERS

President Bill McIntyreVice President Kent ReinhardtTreasurer Sara ZastrowSecretary Terry Krueger Kristine Bowe Tyler Drake Kevin Golisch Jennifer Oestreich Cliff Williams Beth Houle Marge Johnson Christopher StammClergy: Rev. Kyle Carnes

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 ... Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost- Rev. Kyle Carnes

Worship at 9:00 AM, Nursery Available 10:30 AM Worship

Musicians are Darlene Johnson and Quartet 4 Him.Flowers on the altar are in memory of nephew, David Alft, and niece, Jessi

Alft, and in memory of husband, Terry Alft, on what would have been our 52nd wedding anniversary on October 30, from Judy Alft.

Radio Ministry is in in memory of Marvin Koehler on the 12th anniversary of his death, November 6, from Dick & Kathy Vandre.

Coffee Hour is sponsored by the Reinhardt-Porath Family. Nursery will be staffed by Jennifer Porath, Carmen Klug, and Stephanie Pajtash.

For subscriptions, removals or changes of address: 715-536-7322 or [email protected] PROVIDES THE BEST SERVICE.

WEEKLY CALENDARMONDAY, NOVEMBER 6 9:30 Former PALS 4:30 REZ Group Meeting 5:00 Dinner @ Five 5:00 Aerobics 6:00 Church & Ministry

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 6:00 Zumba

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 9:30 Former PALS 6:00 Worship 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous (Open Meeting) 7:00 Choir

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 9:30 Former PALS 5:00 Aerobics 6:00 Chimes

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 12:00 Alcoholics Anonymous

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T ST STEPHENS UCC US POSTAGE PAID 903 E SECOND ST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION MERRILL WI 54452 PERMIT #10 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED MERRILL WI 54452-2576

Pastoral Care Telephone Number: 715.575.3191.

Please add this number to the contacts in your cell phone or keep with your other important or emergency telephone numbers.

Thank you, Rev. Carnes, for all that you do!You’re the Apple

of our Eyes!