SALEM UCC MISSION STATEMENT

To praise and glorify God through Jesus Christ, Salem United Church of Christ will be a nurturing

family that shares the Good News with people of all ages.  Our congregation will invite and warmly

 welcome others into this faith community.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will create and maintain places and programs,

which satisfy needs and nurture spiritual growth while recognizing and

utilizing the diverse gifts and talents of all.

February 2012

Volume 62 No. 2

 

FIRST NOTES

It’s hard to believe the month of January—and the start of the new year—is about 2/3s over as I write this.  Winter has finally come on to the scene and the Packers—regrettably have left it.  So it goes.  We’re into the teeth of the season.

However, in most years (and this one is no exception) February eventually brings us into the start of Lent, as well.  In the midst of winter’s cold, we pushed forward to Holy Week, however slowly.  We begin that pilgrimage to the foot of the cross and to the empty tomb.

The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 22nd.  A Communion service with the optional imposition of ashes will be held at 7:00 p.m.  On the next five Wednesdays we will continue to meet for worship at 7:00 p.m. and will continue on with the theme, “People Who Met Jesus on Good Friday.”  We will look at how meeting Jesus on the day he died impacted the lived of Caiaphas (February 29), Pontius Pilate (March 7), Herod Antipas (March 14), the Repentant Thief (March 21), and the Roman Centurion (March 28).  As we have done in years past, we will also meet for Soup and Sandwich meals on Wednesdays from February 29th through March 28th at 5:30 p.m.  (We’ll need help with soup preparation and hosting, as well as participation in worship, so please give prayerful consideration to helping out).

I hope that many of us will take advantage of the time and the opportunities presented to spiritually prepare during the Lenten season.

May God’s grace and care sustain you and those you love through the days that lead to Lent and beyond.

Your servant in Christ,

Rev. Jim Hoppert

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

 2/1                Carl Hoeppner

                        Greta Debbink

2/2                  Lorena McKerrow

                        Cody Eickberg

2/3                  Arnold Kleinhans

                        Harold Kleinhans

2/5                  Arline DeMunck

2/6                  Dale Zimmermann

                        Isabella Tracy

2/7                  Richard Meilahn

2/8                  Lori Holzer

2/9                  Avrien Garcia

                        Abigail Hoppert

2/10                Dena Adamson

2/11                Kenneth Hoppert

                        Judy Lukaszewski

                        Laverne Eickberg

                        Claire Miller

2/12                Dale Katsma

                        Warren Luedke

                        Margaret Bub

2/13                Starr Boldt

                        Denise Kleinhans

                        Molly Hengst

                        Lucas Guillette

2/14                Donald Diver

                        Richard Groene

                        Dale Vanderkin

                        Dayvin Curtiss

                        Georgine Littlefield

                        Pat Schoening

                        Jenna Iserloth

2/15                Dennis Fuerst

                        Carol Fenner

                        Mary Hembel

                        Hunter Struve

2/16                Scott Miller

                        David Bohrmueller

                        Andrew Hartmann

                        Judy Triplett

2/17                Robbie Gremminger

2/18                Kelsey Hughes

2/19                Carrie Ardell

                        Amanda Hernandez

                        Alex Miller

                        James Johnson

2/22                Stacy Harder

                        Alivia Grall

                        Tammy Huenink

                        Elaine Seurer

2/23                Betty Klemme

2/24                Steve Groene

                        Jered Krueger

2/25                Jennifer Bubb

                        Gloria Eldredge

                        Natalie Richart

2/27                Joan Petters

                        Sam Meyer

                        Nancy Bruggink

2/28                Nathan Mauk

2/29                Helen Toerpe

                        Kaye Theune 

2/6      Ken & Arlene Heckmann

2/14    Curt & Judy Triplett

2/23    John & Karen Koehler

2/27    Richard & Sharon Groene

 50+ ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

We would like to honor all couples who have been married 50+ years.  This recognition will be held on Sunday, February 12th.  Please contact the church office if you would like your name listed in that Sunday’s bulletin.

 

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT 

Topic:  Thank you

I am writing this article after listening to the song (Thank You) in church on Sunday, January 8th which was sung by Terry Debbink.  In listening to the song and the words, I couldn’t help but make it my topic for this month.  

In Everything Give Thanks!  Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.  Hebrews 13:15

We should not just praise and offer thanksgiving when there is a reason to do so.  It is easy to give thanks and praise if we have a reason.  But then it is not a sacrifice.  We should, of course, offer up praise and thanksgiving at all times, being mindful to thank God for all the blessings in our lives and for the favor He has shown us.

If we started making a list of blessings we would be quickly enlightened concerning just how good we really have it.  There are many things we take for granted because we have an abundance of them, when people in other countries would think they were wealthy if they had them.  Clean, fresh water is an example.  In India and many other parts of the world, water is a commodity that is not easy to come by.  Some people must walk miles just to get a day’s supply of water.  We take baths in it, swim in it, do dishes in it, wash our hair in it, cook with it, etc.  We can have it hot or cold, as often as we like, as much as we desire.  There are times while I am taking a hot shower, especially if I am tired, when I stop to give thanks to God for hot water.

There are many things to be thankful for if we decide we are going to be people who continually offer up thanksgiving.  The flesh looks for things to complain about, but the spirit searches for reasons to give God glory.

Wishing you and your families would give thanks more in 2012, I know I will.

God bless,

Jim Lehrke

MANY THANKS

Thank you to everyone for their prayers, cards and calls during my recent surgery and recovery.  A special thanks to Dale & Jim for their well wishes.  Thanks also, to Ken & Pat Schoening, our dear friends, for bringing us dinner and sharing it with us.

Linda Lehrke 

* * * * * * * * * *

Dear Salem Friends,

Thank you to the Care Meal Ministry for the delicious meal delivered to me after my recent surgery.  Also, another big thank you to Rev. Hoppert for his visit, to Dale for his phone calls, and most importantly for your prayers.

Corrine Vorpagel

 * * * * * * * * * *

To my Salem Friends,

Thank you to the Care Meal Ministry for the delicious meal that was delivered to me after my surgery.  Also, thanks for all the prayers, cards and calls I received.  Greatly appreciated!

God bless you all, Mary Ann Luedke

* * * * * * * * * *

I want to give a big thank you to the young children and adults, Marsha Meyer, Pam Miller, Andrea Miller, Tom Daigle, Jill Thiel and Tiffany Longmuir, when you came to my house and did caroling and for the gift I received.  Your caroling was very nice and made me feel I wasn’t alone this holiday season.  All was very much appreciated. 

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year!

Marion Mayer

RUMMAGE SALE 

Salem UCC Rummage Sale 2012:  The Rummage Sale Committee met in May, 2010 to plan this year's rummage sale.  This year's sale will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and will be a one day sale.  Set-up for the sale and the dates for drop-off of merchandise are as follows: 

1.  Tuesday, April 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

2.  Wednesday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

3.  Thursday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

4.  Friday, April 20 from 10:00 to finish.

The date for removal of items and clean-up following the sale will be April 23 from 10:00 a.m. until completion.

Your generous donation of items for the sale are appreciated.  If you have items that you are unable to store and wish to donate before the drop-off dates, please contact Pam in the church office and she will provide you with a key to the church garage.  If you have larger items to donate, e-mail Richard Jarosch at sarmj@excel.net and arrangements will be made to assist you.  Thanks to Jim Lehrke and his team of five and to Scott Bunyea who transferred a number of larger items to our church garage a couple of months ago.  

A volunteer sign-up sheet will be posted in the hallway next to the gathering area in late March and many volunteers will again be needed during set-up and on the date of the sale.  If you are working full-time and can help for an hour or two in the evening, we welcome your donation of time.  Members of the church are again encouraged to prepare bakery to donate for the sale and Leslie Blad and Angie Fontany will be asked to coordinate the youth toy sale.  A meeting is planned for Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the church library to finalize details for this year's sale.  Everyone in the church who is interested in helping with the sale is invited to attend.  We appreciate your prayers that this year's event will be an enjoyable and safe event.

BIBLE WALK

Salem UCC will present a Bible Walk on Sunday, July 15, 2012.  The Bible Walk will feature five familiar bible stories that will be reenacted with costumed characters in scenes inside and outside the church.  A simple lunch will also be held in Fellowship Hall.

Help will be needed sewing costumes, constructing and painting sets, making lunch and helping in the kitchen.  There is also a need for people interested in narrating and acting in scenes.  This is an all-church event and would be a way to share your time and talents.  Watch for the display in the gathering area in the coming weeks to sign up for volunteer opportunities. 

 * * * * * * * * * *

“To love another person is to see the face of God.”

—Lyrics from Les Misérables, Claude-Michel Schönberg

CHOIR PRACTICES

Women’s Choir will meet Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., beginning February 2nd.  The ability to read music is helpful, but not required.  Please consider joining or dropping by to see what it’s all about.  Please contact Anne Hernandez with any questions.

Kids’ Choir will meet Sunday mornings after church school for a half hour, beginning February 26th.  Kids interested in joining choir must be able to read as we will be using music.  Please contact Anne Hernandez with any questions. 

REFOCUS FOR LENT 

Give up complaining—focus on gratitude.

Give up harsh judgments—think kind thoughts.

Give up worry—trust God to provide.

Give up discouragement—be full of hope.

Give up bitterness—turn to forgiveness.

Give up hatred—return good for evil.

Give up anger—be more patient.

Give up pettiness—become mature.

Give up jealousy—pray for trust.

Give up gossiping—control your tongue.

Give up sin---turn to virtue.

Give up giving up—persevere.

 --Author Unknown

 FEBRUARY LECTIONARY READINGS

Sunday, February 5, 2012-Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Hebrew Scripture:  Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm:  Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Epistle:  1 Corinthians 9:16-23;          

Gospel:  Mark 1:29-39 

Sunday, February 12, 2012-Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Hebrew Scripture:  2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm:  Psalm 30; Epistle:  1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Gospel:  Mark 1:40-45

Sunday, February 19, 2012-Last Sunday after Epiphany/Transfiguration

Hebrew Scripture:  2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm:  Psalm 50:1-6; Epistle:  2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Gospel:  Mark 9:2-9

Wednesday, February 22, 2012-Ash Wednesday

Hebrew Scripture:  Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm:  Psalm 51:1-17; Epistle:  2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

Gospel:  Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Sunday, February 26, 2012-First Sunday in Lent

Hebrew Scripture:  Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm:  Psalm 25:1-10; Epistle:  1 Peter 3:18-22; Gospel:  Mark 1:9-15

A NOTE OF THANKS

Dear Members of Salem,

The Plymouth Food Pantry would like to thank you for your recent donation of $47.20 to our pantry from the donations taken through your produce table.  Also, thanks for the $64 from the Epiphany service held at your church.

 The Plymouth Food Pantry 

NAOMI CIRCLE 

Sixteen ladies were in attendance at our January 11th meeting.  Sharon Schoenfeld led the devotions on the theme of “Touching the Lives of Others”.  The program was presented by Linda Lehrke and Julie Sukowaty re-calling their experiences on the 2011 Mission Trip to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  This reservation is the poorest place in the United States with an 80% unemployment rate, alcoholism and drug abuse.

Lucille Larson conducted the business meeting.  The secretary’s report was read.  Thank you notes and correspondence were also read.  The treasurer reported a balance of $109.27.  We discussed the up-coming meetings in spring.  The February meeting will be held on the 28th at Colonial Columns at 9:30 a.m.  (Please note date change.)  Rev. Hoppert will have devotions and give communion to the residents. 

The Lenten Breakfast will be held on March 12th.  Lucille Larson has arranged for David Gallikanti, a professor at Lakeland College, to speak.  This year is the 150th anniversary of the college.  Rev. Hoppert will have devotions.  We will be serving strata, tea breads, muffins and fruit for breakfast. 

The April meeting will be held at Arbor View.  In May we will honor women of the church.

Sharon Schoenfeld, Secretary pro-tem 

FEBRUARY LITTLE LAMBS CHILD CARE 

Sunday, February 5th:

8:30 a.m. Jill Thiel & Mickayla Johnson

Sunday, February 12th:

8:30 a.m. Susie Katsma & Ashley Krueger

Sunday, February 19th:

8:30 a.m. Annette Bunyea & Gail Kleinhans

Sunday, February 26th:

8:30 a.m. Angie Iserloth & Mary Thiel

THANK YOU

Thank you to Vern & Jane Habeck for making the gift bags for the Sunday School children.  They were very much appreciated by all the children!

 Please keep these members in your thoughts and prayers . . .

HOSPITALIZED

Aurora Sheboygan Memorial, Sheboygan

Ralph Groene, William Klemme, Faye Hughes

St. Nicholas, Sheboygan

June Miller, Irene Dessloch

St. Luke’s, Milwaukee

Mary Ann Luedke

FEBRUARY USHER LIST

Saturday, February 4th:

4:30 p.m. Head Usher:  Amy E. Nischik, Ansel Tupper, Bob Becher, Norb Gumtow

Sunday, February 5th:

8:30 a.m. Head Usher:  Tom Daigle, Norman & Karen Raeder, Marian Lisowe 

Saturday, February 11th:

4:30 p.m. Head Usher:  Andrea Miller, Gail Klatkiewicz, Scott Miller, Linda Krueger

Sunday, February 12th:

8:30 a.m. Head Usher:  Lisa Grall, John & Bette Humbracht, Betty Klemme

Saturday, February 18th:

4:30 p.m. Head Usher:  Paul Clarke, Roger Rortvedt, Marilyn Reichert, Ansel Tupper

Sunday, February 19th:

8:30 a.m. Head Usher:  Scott Bunyea, Jeff & Mary Bender, David Huibregtse

Wednesday, February 22nd:

7:00 p.m. Head Usher:  Lisa Grall, Al & Linda Bosman, Janice Bunyea

Saturday, February 25th: 

4:30 p.m. Head Usher:  Paul Clarke, Susan Clarke, Terry & Rachel Risse

Sunday, February 26th:

8:30 a.m. Head Usher:  Kevin Lisowe, Gene & Chuckie Boll, Alyssia Kleinhans

Wednesday, February 29th: 

7:00 p.m. Head Usher:  Lisa Grall, Dale & Janis Knuth, John Grothe

Saturday, March 3rd:

4:30 p.m. Head Usher:  Consistory Member, Bob Becher, Lori & Danielle Holzer

Sunday, March 4th:

8:30 a.m. Head Usher:  Consistory Member, Ken & Dorothy Baumann, Dennis Fuerst

LENT

During Lent, as we focus on Christ’s journey to the cross, let’s also examine the journey of our lives.   The first task when leaving on any adventure is packing.  What have you placed in your bag?  Are you weighed down with temptations, self-doubt, money worries or relationship troubles?  Have you overlooked any important items?  Maybe your bag feels too empty for the challenges ahead.  Remember to pack mercy, grace and forgiveness.

Thanks to Easter, we know that our journey in Christ continues, even when the road becomes difficult.  So as you prepare for Lent, carry with you the hope made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.

—Newsletter, Newsletter February 2012
 

PANCAKE SUPPER

Salem will host a Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 21st, serving from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.  Watch the sign up board for ways that you can help!

ATTENTION . . .

Free to a good home - 3 like new Artic claws 205- 50 R 17 'S.  Please contact the church office (892-7456) if you are interested.