1. Art and Diseño

The
Voice
February 2015
Church School
9:00 a.m.
gives us
Sunday Worship
10:15 a.m.
Congregational
Watchword for 2015
The word of the Lord
endures forever. That word
is the good news that was
announced to you.
1 Peter 1:25
Moravian Motto
In essentials, unity
In non-essentials, liberty
In all things, love
Pastor
Rev. Mary Lou Plummer
Board of Elders
Matt Fletcher, Kay Heller,
Becky Jacoby, Lynn
Mlodzik, Sandi Mroz, Milo
Plante, Robin Werth
Board of Trustees
Michael Barnes, Marilyn
Hutter, Bruce King, Kevin
Straughan, Eric Voight,
Wendy Wilson
How many times in our everyday life have we thought “I am at the mercy of …”? In our
modern society where institutions are being challenged, culture is in flux, and technology
provides almost instant access to knowledge, do we even consider who’s mercy, if
anyone’s, we are at? (That was probably poor sentence structure if I remember my
grammar lessons – here, again, rules of grammar are changing.)
Consider the patriarchs of the Bible – Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. They
all lived at the mercy of other tribes, the weather, and environment. Life back then was
so mysterious; there was so much humanity did not know. They truly were at the mercy
of a higher power they called Yahweh who led them into new ways of being in the
world. Even if we fast forward in time to when Jesus walked the earth, humanity didn’t
have a scientific grasp of medical, social, or environmental happenings. They, too, were
living at the mercy of outside forces who were more powerful than they. Yet, Jesus
came to remind them of a merciful, compassionate God who loves them beyond measure,
calling to them to new ways of being in the world.
Today, in our self-actualized, technologically absorbed,
independent society, just who’s mercy are we at? Where is the
mystery of life? Each generation knows so much more than the
preceding generation yet how often do we choose to enter into
a personal or communal environment which is mysterious and
without black and white answers? The season of Lent is our
invitation to explore the mystery of God – Who is God to me?
Am I living a life that reveals that I truly am living at the mercy
of a compassionate God? How well have I silenced my ego to
hear the still, small voice of God? How often do I recognize,
acknowledge, and respond to being at the mercy of God?
May the forty days of Lent be a revelation and an inspiration
to a new understanding of God working in your life. Enter into
the mystery that is God in whose mercy we abide.
urch, are growing in our
-Mary Lou Plummer
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The Way: Walking in the
Footsteps of Jesus
Love of Worship
Adam Hamilton
A Lenten Study
Begins February 25 at 6:30 p.m.
POLKA WORSHIP SERVICE
FEB. 15
TH
Travel with Adam Hamilton
as he retraces the life and
ministry of Jesus Christ.
Fascinating video from his
personal travels to the Holy
Land give you a “firstperson” experience while his
biblical wisdom and historical
knowledge provide thoughtful
and insightful commentary.
* 10:15 AM
Music by The Choraleers and
The Old Time Brass.
Bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker and
worship God with a lively half step!
Ash Wednesday
Holy Communion
We will be studying Jesus’ baptism and temptation; his
healing ministry; proclaiming the Kingdom; calming the
storm; sinners, outcasts and the poor; and his final week.
The cost for the study book is $12.50. Please sign up by
February 11.
On Wednesday, February 18 at
7:00 p.m., we will gather in the
sanctuary for a special communion
service as we begin the season of
Lent. Please join us around the
table.
Moravian women
Moravian Women will meet on Thursday, February 12
at 1:00 p.m. at church with Lorraine Abbott as hostess.
Men’s retreat
The Men’s Fellowship of the Lake Mills Moravian
Church is once again sponsoring a Men’s Retreat at Mt.
Morris Camp and Conference Center. The retreat will be
held from February 27 – March 1. The Rev. Brian
Dixon, pastor of the Lake Auburn Moravian Church will
serve as facilitator and the theme is “Feats of Strength.”
Registration forms are available from the table at the
back of the sanctuary.
Love of Teaching & Learning
Sunday School news
Our Sunday School children are presently learning about
respect. The main idea of this rotation is that Jesus
teaches us to love God and to love others. One way we
show love to God and to others is by being respectful.
This rotation is based on Matthew 7:12, “In everything
do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Children will hear what the Bible says about respect and
how to treat God, other people and nature.
Moravian Women’s conference
June 25-28, 2015
Sandy Cove Convention Center, Maryland
Every four years, the Interprovincial Women’s Board
hosts a three-day conference for Moravian women
across North America and other parts of the world.
Check out their website at
www.moravianwomensconference.org for further
information. Registration forms are also available at the
back of the sanctuary.
The field trip at the end of this rotation is to Skate City.
What a great venue for applying and practicing respect!
This is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 8th. More
information will be coming your way.
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 17 at 11 a.m.
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For the Love of Congregation Care
350 Gauze Sponges 4” x 4”
85 tubes of antibiotic cream Thank you,
Central Wisconsin Moravians for responding so quickly
to the needs of our Honduran brothers and sisters. We
will pass along future needs as they are made known to
us. Update: Sheets are no longer needed as they now
have plenty.
Thank you
Community outreach
The Saratoga Board of Elders wants to say “thank you”
to members of the Wisconsin Rapids congregation who
sang “Christmas Grace” with us at our Christmas Eve
service. We also thank those who came caroling with us
so that we could share the joy of music with those we
visited.
For February, we will continue to
collect personal essential items. This
includes shampoo, deodorant, soap,
toothpaste, etc. – anything along that
line. A complete list is posted on the
sandwich board by the offices.
– Rosemary Mooney
On a personal note, I want to thank all who made it
possible for me to enjoy a new gift of playing trombone.
This has been a wonderful gift that I am thankful for
every time I pick it up and play. Together we make
music a wonderful gift -- a gift that will last a long time.
-Trudy Knipple
Vice-Chair Saratoga Board of Elders
South Wood County Empty Bowls
Saturday, February 21
First English Lutheran Church (440 Garfield St.)
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For your $10 donation, you will receive a meal of
delicious soup from a local restaurant, bread, beverage
and dessert. A bowl handcrafted by one of our local
potters is our thanks to you for your support. All funds
raised will be used to benefit organizations that help our
neighbors meet basic food needs.
Thank you to everyone who baked or purchased a pie at
our pie sale in November. The sale netted $186.00.
-Dawn Wesenberg
Thank you to Bill Mohr for delivering the offering
envelopes that were not picked up.
Thank you
Thank you for your financial support. May God continue
to richly bless you.
-Helping Hands Gospel Mission
Love of Missions
The South Wood Emergency Pantry Shelf gratefully
acknowledges and thanks you for the donation of seven
bags of food items delivered in November and your
financial contributions. SWEPS volunteers from 16 area
churches filled 140 requests for food in December for a
total of 1,618 requests in 2014. We thank you for
helping us to share the blessing of food.
-Judy Steele, Treasurer, SWEPS Board
Ahuas Honduras clinic update
In December with very little notice, the Central
Wisconsin churches were made aware of the need for
gauze pads, antibiotic cream and sheets for the Moravian
clinic in Ahuas Honduras. Rick Nelson is serving the
clinic as Business Manager – a position he held for
many years in the 1980s and 1990s – on a two-year
position through the Board of World Mission. When he
returned to Honduras following holiday time with his
family in Sturgeon Bay, Rick took with him our
donations of: 26 twin flat sheets
20 pillowcases
627 Gauze Pads 4” x 4”
Saratoga Moravian
Beef Stroganoff Dinner
Saturday, March 7
4 – 6 p.m.
Proceeds will go to
Jeremiah’s Crossing
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December statistics
For the Love of Stewardship
Beginning 2014 Balance = -$39,613.75
Income thru 12/31/2014 = $151,535.11
Expenses = $161,268.58
General Fund Balance = -$49,347.22
Ave. Needed/Week = $3,087.67
Ave. for the Year Received = $2,853.38
Ave. Attendance for December = 85
Furnace Loan Balance as of 12/31/2014 = $15,385.92
News from church council
Much work was addressed at our church council held
Jan. 18th. Most of the time was spent reviewing the new
bylaws that were unanimously adopted. Much gratitude
is extended to the Bylaws Committee chaired by Aden
Ward and included Becky Jacoby (Elder), Kevin
Straughan (Trustee), Jody Werth (Congregational
Member-at-Large) and Pastor Mary Lou. Hard copies of
the new bylaws will be available in the back of the
sanctuary.
New financial secretary appointed
Our Board of Trustees has appointed Beth Sowatzke to
serve our community in the role of Financial Secretary.
In fact, Beth has been serving in this capacity since
October. Thank you, Beth, for taking on this
responsibility.
At the end of the meeting, appreciation was expressed to
outgoing board members: John Buchholz, Lee Fletcher
(Trustees), Ashley Kelnhofer, Jill Kemp, and Bill Mohr.
Elected to the Trustees were Mike Barnes and Eric
Voight (we have two Eric Voights – Trustee Eric is son
of Virgil and Elaine Voight). New Elders are Lynn
Mlodzik and Milo Plante.
We also extend our gratitude to Terry Barnes who has
stepped down as Financial Secretary. Thank you, Terry,
for your years of service and dedication to carry out the
responsibilities of this position with professionalism and
care. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Congregational watchwords
God’s Holy Spirit was present in our time together and
positive comments were raised in the reports that were
submitted and in the discussions entered into. God is
good and we felt that at church council.
Choir: I will set my eyes upon them for good. I will build
them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not
pluck them up.
Jeremiah 24:6
Christian Education Committee: Unless the Lord guards the
city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1
Confirmation: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty
hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
Flute Choir: I rejoice in your salvation.
1 Samuel 2:1
Marvelous Moms: Take care that none of you may have an
evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
Hebrews 3:12
Melodica Choir: With many dreams come vanities and a
multitude of words; but fear God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Moravian Women: Paul wrote: I am confident of this, that
the one who began a good work among you will bring it to
completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Recorder Consort: Do not be afraid; I am the first and the
last, and the living one.
Revelation 1:17-18
Senior Moravians: I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray
with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will
sing praise with the mind also.
1 Corinthians 14:15
Sunday School: It was not because you were more numerous
than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and
chose you – for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was
because the Lord loved you.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8
Stewardship Committee: O Lord, restore me to health and
make me live.
Isaiah 38:16
Ushers: Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker.
Proverbs 14:31
Board of Elders meeting of 1/13/15:
 Reports given and received.
 Request to move Confirmation Date in November;
Confirmation will now be Nov. 15th.
 Plans for possible resizing of Elders depending on
decision of Church Council.
 Suggestions for Central Wisconsin Moravians
coming together for Holy Week readings.
 Next meeting: Tuesday, February 10 @ 6:30 p.m.
Board of Trustees Meeting – 1/14/15:
 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report and payment of bills
were approved.
 Approved payment on heating system loan.
 Approved repairing the clavinova.
 Discussed offering used florescent light bulbs for
sale to the congregation.
 Approved disbursement of telephone stock
dividends.
 Next meeting: Wednesday, February 11 @ 7 p.m.
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In our church family
Birthdays
02/01 Bill Williams
02/03 Amy Hinrichsen
02/05 Cory Hiller
02/08 Colleen Straughan
02/11 Lynn Mlodzik, Falen Narel
02/15 Kay Shearier
02/19 Tyler Jensen
02/20 Hallie Anderson
02/21 Gary Heller, Robert Daven,
Terri Hiller
02/23 Donald Gunderson, Alli
Dewitt, Alexis Straughan
02/24 Morgan Anderson
02/25 Renee Barnes
02/26 Beverly Becker
02/27 Dennis Anderson,
Karenna Mohr
Anniversaries
02/14 Alan & Robin Werth
02/20 Milo & Kathleen Plante
02/23 Travis & Katharine Grimm
Nursing/group home
residents
Edgewater: Florence Garfield,
Ronald & Dorothy Langsdorf
Managed Care: Ethelmae Schulz,
Orva Schmick, Alta Daven
Maple Ridge Assisted Living: Kay
Doll
Pine Ridge: Gilbert Plantico
Arborwood Lodge: Bette Lauby,
Conlin & Peg Maier
Our House: Arvilla Zimmerman
Renaissance: Elizabeth Cooper
Homebound: Marlene Young,
Bill Williams, James Hanneman
Our servicemen
Paul Eklund, David Eklund,
Dustin Wesenberg, Jeff Paschal
Funerals
We extend our heartfelt
sympathies to the families of:
Anna Plantico who died Jan.15;
her funeral was held on Jan. 18
Danny Hedin who died Jan. 23;
his funeral was held on Jan. 30
Pastoral care
If you or your loved one is
hospitalized, please call the church
office. We are not always
contacted by the hospital. For
pastoral emergencies, please call
the parsonage at 715-423-2072 or
715-451-9992 (cell).
Around the community
From Bethesda Thrift Shop: In
February, we begin our seasonal
clearance sale with 25% off all
clothing and shoes (and the store is
still loaded with clothing and more
coming out each day)... changing
to 50% off later in the month. On
Feb. 27-28 we will have 50% off
almost everything in the store. We
have various Valentine items and
can we suggest using your tax
refund for our great selection of
NEW furniture or mattresses. Just
to let you know our progress, we
are a non-profit organization that
took in $265,751.00 in sales last
year with 65% of that going to
enhance the lives of the
intellectually and physically
disabled folks we serve. The 35%
of the income is needed for rent,
buying new furniture and
mattresses and store supplies. At
this rate we should take in our 2
millionth dollar in August! There
is no pay roll at our store – every
one working at the store including
management serves as a
volunteer. We have about 130
volunteers who worked 15,000
hours this past year. We had
33,000 customers and 4,300
donations this past year. Thanks
again for your continued support.
Every kid needs somebody, why
not you? Become a foster parent
for the Wood County Human
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Services Department! We have
many children who need a safe and
caring home to rest their heads.
We are seeking families to provide
short or long term care to a child
or sibling group. If you have a
desire to nurture a child and you
feel called to care for children who
have lived through difficult
experiences, then you are ready to
consider becoming a foster parent.
Contact Jean Rader at 715-4218600 or Grace Bauer at 715-3876374 for further information.
The Nekoosa United Church of
Christ will hold its Quilt Show on
Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. They invite you to the
quilt show and offer you an
opportunity to enter an item in it.
This is a free event to enter and
free to attend. A free-will offering
will be accepted at the door.
Need help filing your taxes? The
AARP Tax Aide Program was
designed to provide free assistance
to low to middle-income
taxpayers, with special attention to
those age 60 and older. Volunteer
counselors, trained in cooperation
with the IRS, will be available
every Monday, Wednesday and
select Thursdays starting February
2 through April 8 (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
at the Lowell Center.
Appointments are necessary! Call
715-422-2776 between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to schedule
your personal tax appointment.
Save the date
2015 Annual CROP Walk
Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
SWEPS is in need of
paper grocery bags.
Bring to church and we will
deliver them to the Pantry.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #176
Wis. Rapids,WI
The Moravian Church
310 First Avenue South
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-4155
RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED
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