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March … April

1 (Thurs.) 9:30 am - Guild 1:00 pm – Handbell practice

2 (Fri.) World Day of Prayer

4 (Sun.) 9:30 am – Full Worship Service NO – Adult Bible Study

7 (Wed.) 8:00 am – Men’s Bible Study* NO – Lakeshore Living Service 3:45 pm –YOUTH GROUPS

8 (Thurs.) 1:00 pm – Handbell practice

11 (Sun.) 9:30 am – Full Worship Service

Holy Communion 14 (Wed.) 8:00 am – Men’s Bible Study*

NO –YOUTH GROUPS15 (Thurs.) 9:30 am – Guild

1:00 pm – Handbell practice

18 (Sun.) 9:30 am – Full Worship Service NO – Adult Study Chit Chat articles due

21 (Wed.) 8:00 am – Men’s Bible Study* 9:30 am – Session Meeting 3:45 pm –YOUTH GROUPS 22 (Thurs.) 1:30 pm – Handbell practice

Holy Week Begins25 (Sun.) 9:30 am – Full Worship Service

PALM SUNDAY 28 (Wed.) 8:00 am – Men’s Bible Study* 3:45 pm –YOUTH GROUPS

29 (Thurs.) 1:00 pm – Handbell practice7:30 pm –

Maundy Thursday Service 30 (Fri.) Good Friday

APRIL1 (Sun.) 9:30 am – Full Worship Service

Happy Easter after the worship service:

Annual Easter Brunch4 (Wed.) 8:00 am – Men’s Bible Study*

3:45 pm – YOUTH GROUPS

5 (Thurs.) 9:30 am – Guild 1:00 pm – Handbell practice

*- meets at Hogan’s Store

DutiesUshersMar. 4 Steve & Angie JacobsMar. 11 Jim & Emily BokernMar. 18 Keith & Carol BohlinMar. 25 Helyn Woolf and Dian PaneitzApril 1 Deane & Joan Galloway

Liturgist: Mar. 4 Carol BohlinMar. 11 Rose King Mar. 18 Mary WatkinsMar. 25 David FosterApril 1 Rose King

Communion Person March – John SuffronApril – Dave EdgcombLay Leader: Mar. 4 Deane GallowayMar. 11 Helyn WoolfMar. 18 Deane GallowayMar. 25 Helyn WoolfApril 1 Helyn Woolf

CountersMar. 4 Deane Galloway and Dave EdgcombMar. 11 Vince Hoehn and Sharon LukasMar. 18 Mid Sharpe and Eric KosterMar. 25 Dave Lukas April 1 Eric Koster and Sharon Lukas

LENT continues to… EASTER…

SESSION MEMBERS 2018Clerk Lois Bauers: 715-904-3105

Nan Bloch: 715-356-9410, Eric Koster: 715-686-7300Dick Smith: 715-686-7686, Dave Vogt: 715-686-7418John Suffron: 715-686-2668, Joyce Hoehn: 715-543-

8350Margo Perkins: 715-686-2035,Joan Ouimette: 715-476-

3887Dave Edgcomb: 715-663-0952, Kay Krans: 715-499-

7538DuWayne Schumacher (Treas.): 715-686-2074

DEACONS 2018Mary Watkins: 715-686-2212Sharon Lukas: 715-686-7697

Carmen Farwell: 715-686-7480Jan Schumacher: 715-686-2074

Robert Rider: 715-686-2620 Rose King: 715-583-9979

FEBRUARY/MARCH... the months of candy hearts & Palm branches...

Did you see the student's performance in February!! They were not only singing about God's love, they displayed giant 'hearts' for their "Fruit of the Spirit" presentation and song. And if that didn't put a smile on your face, they handed out your own box of candy hearts. Our Youth Group students are certainly sharing their love by expressing God's love with their musical talents. We couldn't be more proud of them AND the Youth Group volunteers for helping make this presentation possible in my absence.

>> REMINDER: No Youth Group classes on Wednesday, March 14 for Spring Break vacation!

On March 25 the students will sing at the 9:30 Palm Sunday service, AND the Easter Sunday 9:30 service. A 9:00 a.m. arrival is needed for a quick rehearsal of the songs.

USHERS for the Palm Sunday service are Vivian Callender and Chance Jacobs

GREETERS for the Palm Sunday service are August Callender and KD Knipp

(Ushers and greeters for Easter Sunday will be assigned if needed.)

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS to 8th grader Journey Jacobs on the 8th, 5th grader Liliana Gindorff on the 166th, 5th graders Angus Callender and August Callender, on the 26th,

and 7th grader Kadence Knipp on the 27th. HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAYS to 5K Lolalynne Wilson on the 5th, and 7th grader Sean

Gardner on the 16th

We are begin working on our grand finale presentation for Mother's Day, May 13 th at the 9:30 worship service. You won't want to miss our special musical selection with our talented band

students. We will also host the coffee fellowship following the service.

CALLING ALL 2018 SUMMER CAMPERS.... If you haven't signed up for summer camp, you can get information for various camps from the brochures we have in the office. We also have funds available to help with tuition if the necessary forms are completed. See Margo, Liz or Lois for the brochure if interested!

I am interested in hosting a two day craft camp - June 11 and 12, at the church from 8:00 a.m- 4:00 p.m. for students who are craft-minded and can stay on task to complete projects. If you think your child would like to attend, please let me know by May 1 st so I can make arrangements, gather supplies, and generate the agenda! I and so excited to make this happen and hope it can become an annual event!

In Gratitude… Adele Duranso

Fleazaar

Have you been up in your attic?Don't do it tonightthe temperatures now could give you frost bitebut check out your basementif a crawl space no needbegin your collectingbegin the deedof gathering “stuff”that you're using no morestuff you trip over as you head for the doorstuff you call junka treasure to othersnot the mementosyou got from your mothersbut things that showed upover the yearsextra card tablesthat old set of chairsdish set you replacedeons agothat old set of wrenchesan old garden hoe

your new mower is a riderthe old one a pushnow you do the jobwhile at ease on your tushdonate the old onethough it may not startwe get most of them runningthat is our partreuse and recycleare you still usingthat old ten speed bicycle?Saturdays are good daysto work in a barnyou won't toss any hayand you may hear a yarnabout times in the pastFleazaars of yorewhen stuff reached the ceilingand flowed out the doorno matter the reasonwe need your shoes

and please do come in themyour help we can use

to collect organize and begin to stackwe promise to assist so you won't injure your backand you'll become a witnessto this years filling barnsand can tell your taleor spin it as a yarnhow garages and basementsspilled forth treasures of oldand they turned into dreamswhen they were soldas missions to assist familieswho were in needYour help with the Fleazaaris a very Good Deed

---Warren Johnson (poet)

FLEA-BITESIt is a new year and many plans are being made and people contacted! First, be sure Fleazaar Day; Wednesday, July 18th is marked on all of your calendars. Secondly, take the time to thank Deane Galloway for his very able leadership over the past 2 years as head of the Fleazaar Committee. His organizational skills and unbiased leadership have helped to make Fleazaar the success that it is. Not to mention last year’s gross income was the highest of record! Thanks, Deane.

Officially, we are done with pickups until spring. We will still take drop offs under special conditions. Contact the Flea-tsars (Dan or Nan) if you have something you would like to drop off. We will give Jay Woolf and his Mighty Mules a chance to rest and their backs to strengthen before they start pick-ups.

As you are using these cold winter months to go through closets and storage—think Fleazaar. Check the Church’s web site, MWCPC.org for items we do not accept. The list is periodically

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:18

updated. There are always exceptions, for instance vacuum cleaners. Shop vacs, hand held cleaners and Kirby, Oreck and Dyson sell, but Dirt Devil, Bissell and Eureka don’t. Now, if it is new and in a box, that’s a different story... It is very helpful if bed linens either have their sizes on tags or are marked with tape as to bed size. If the linens are ripped or not useable we give them to an animal rehab. Again, it is helpful if they are labeled as such. Clothing is donated to the Springstead Fire Department’s thrift shop. It saves the sorters time if all clothing is kept separate from general Fleazaar donations.

Please see that all items are in good condition, except for items for the animal rehab shelters, before you donate them.

We will be opening the Barns for drop offs the end of April or early May when the bronzed SnowBirds start returning.

Please contact us with questions or ideas: daniel.bloch@att.net or 715.356.9410.

Flea and Fleaette

The Board of DeaconsThe Board of Deacons wants to be helpful to members of the congregation whenever and however we can.   But, for us to be successful, we need your help too.    When you know of someone-—perhaps yourself--- who has suffered a loss, an illness, family worries, or some other difficulty, would you please let Lois in the office know by phone or email?    Or, please email Deacons’ chairperson Carmen Farwell at johncarmf@gmail.com.     Once we become aware of issues, we will try to share the love and concern of the congregation and help as we can.

March Birthdays:3rd Cody Meier, Jay Williams, 4th Sue Patterson, Jeff Krans, Kerry Kost, 8th Chuck DeCarlo,

10th Jean Rein, Nathaniel McFarland, 11th Judy Strauser, 12th Sharon Bridges, 13th John Wilson, David Frandy, 14th Leslie Cervenka, Mikayla Cayo, 15th Leslie Sullivan, 16th Bill Perkins, Freda Masar, Sean Gardner, 18th Bob Nickerson, 21st Grayson Johnson,

22nd Mary Monroe, Kelsy Backlund, 23rd Sheila Klagos, 24th Matthew Nelson, 26th Carole Berglin, Susan Rueger, 29th Bill Kauffman, 30th Chuck Behnke

March Anniversaries:24th Jack & Lynn Majewski

Hippity Hoppity to Easter…

9:30 am Worship Service…

followed by the Annual

Please Join Us!!

MISSION 2018

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING   Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity.  The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, The Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self Development of People.  All work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. 

      How can we help? There will be announcements from the pulpit, inserts in your bulletins, a display in the Narthex, and envelopes in the pew for your convenience.  Please read the inserts in the bulletins, pick up the literature on the display, and consider giving generously to this important fund-raiser. 

      I would like to share three stories of how help from One Great Hour of Sharing has impacted so many lives and communities…      After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, funds were distributed among fifteen congregations.  Desperately needed items, such as food, water, diapers, and medical supplies were swiftly in the hands of hurricane survivors.  Maria’s winds of 150 mph, destroyed homes, infrastructure, and vegetation across the island, and resulted in death and injuries to many.  Help was also given to three major hurricanes in the United States and the Caribbean, a devastating earthquake that shook Central Mexico, and raging wildfires that caused havoc across the Pacific Northwest.       In Uganda, Najjuma, a 56 year old widow grows food on 8 acres of land o feed her three children and eight orphaned grandchildren.  She has no other source of income.  Her in-laws ordered her off the land that her husband inherited.  Thanks to training programs held by Action for Rural Women’s Empowerment, Njjuma knew the law was on her side.  When widows do not know their entitlement to their property, or the husband does not leave a will, many times they are evicted and have nowhere to go. One Great Hour of Sharing helped Najjuma avoid this fate.       The Front Porch Cafe in Akron, Ohio, serves up healthy portions of food and friendship for people needing a new start in life.  At the Front Porch, individuals recovering from addiction, or re-entering society after a stay in prison, can eat a good meal and share quality conversation with

others who share their struggles.  This mission of The Self Development of People is just one small snapshot of how One Great Hour of Sharing helps people move from depths of despair to hope. 

      These three stories are just a tiny, tiny view into the lives of individuals and how great the needs are around the world and in our own country.  Dig deep and give generously to help all those in need.  Last year, our church donated $994.50 to One Great Hour of Sharing. A job well done. 

       This month, the Mercer Food Pantry is the recipient of our Loose Change Fund. A huge grocery cart of food was also delivered to the Mercer Food Pantry on Feb.21. Once again, thanks to all who donated with their time, money, and goods. It does make a huge impact on those in need. Respectfully Submitted,Joan Ouimette

The Loose Coins for January through March will go to the Mercer Food Pantry

WESTMINSTER GUILDWestminster Guild’s Bible study lesson for February continued the theme of the “community of Christ” in Hebrews, and brought the discussion into the present. Just as the Hebrews of biblical times were persecuted and suffered many trials, they experienced joy as well. Because Jesus participated fully in the human condition, he too experienced both suffering and joy — and those two diametrically opposedconditions are present in OUR lives today. We have hope today because the Christ of our experience understands and supports us. Our lives have meaning, and our lives are significant partly because suffering matters so very much. Jesus stands with the suffering — not to make us feel better, but to make us feel not alone. Faith in the face of suffering is also about community. We stand with each other just as Jesus stands with us, and our hurts can often allow us to open our hearts to the hurts of others. Our pain is lessened by the community we have around us.

On the mission/business side of our activities, plans are under way for our annual Easter brunch. We always look forward to this shared meal, and we ask that members of the congregation bring coffee cake or sweet rolls to complete our menu!

We are also eagerly anticipating two upcoming gatherings of Presbyterian Women — one gathering of PW of the Northern Waters Presbytery in Duluth on Thursday, May 10, and the other a CHURCHWIDE PW Gathering in Louisville, KY, August 5-8. All women of our congregation are welcome, and we sincerely hope you will consider joining us for one or both of these wonderful occasions. Please see Kay for details if you are interested.

Kay SuffronModerator

Holy Week PrayerLord God,We give you thanks, for you are good, and your mercy is endless.Here we stand, at the start of this holy week,This week in which we remember Jesus’ passion and death,And we are distracted by many things.Turn our eyes now to the One who comes in your nameThe one who opens the gates of righteousnessThe one who answers when we call.We bless you, Lord, for shining your light upon us,And for sending your son to us, in human frailty.To walk the road we walk.Open our eyes that we may see him coming,And may praise him with a pure heart.And may walk in the way of his suffering,And share also in his resurrection.Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.Amen.

Manitowish Waters CommunityPresbyterian ChurchPO Box 69Manitowish Waters, WI 54545

March…April

2018

LENT … Palm Sunday … Maundy Thursday … Good Friday …

EASTER!“He has Risen, Have faith in him…and he will always

be there for you!”Have a Blessed and Happy Easter.

Office Hours:Monday through Friday = 9:00 am till noon

715-543-2998Rev. Chips 715-776-2998

manwtrschurch@centurytel.netwww.mwcpc.org

CHIT CHAT

March 2018 (Interim) Pastor’s Message

When we were living in Wausau I used to work out at the YMCA 2-3 days a week, mostly running laps. I would use the time, mindlessly circling the track, 16 laps to the mile, to reflect on the Scriptures for the weeks worship service, to meditate, to think about the pastoral concerns of the moment. Sometimes my focus would center on the Coat of Arms that led into the gym with the inscription from John 17:21, “that they all be one”, Jesus’ prayer in the garden shortly before his own death.

In Wausau, the Y was one of the only places that prayer was being realized. With the influx of Hmong refugees from Laos, the community, which had at one time been identified as the “whitest county in America”, struggled. There were divisions over school integration, which was shamefully broadcast on 60 Minutes. There was open hostility in workplaces as long- time residents feared the newcomers were taking over their jobs. But at the Y, which held after-school programs and many intercultural activities I witnessed Anglo and Asian playing basketball together, weight lifting partners from different races supporting one another.

I have been reflecting on Jesus’ prayer frequently of late in the face of the significant divisions in our country. Trump supporters who believe that he can do no wrong; Trump antagonists who feel he is evil incarnate. Dueling memos regarding the Justice Department from the Republicans and the Democrats. Collusion with the Russians or “fake news”. Jesus’ prayer falls on deaf ears in the halls of Congress and in our political discourse.

With the chaos and discord in our public sphere, I am so grateful for the sanctuary of our faith community where we do listen to that prayer and strive to live it out. Certainly there are differences of opinion in our midst, but we are one in the Spirit in our support of our young people (didn’t they do a fantastic job on February 11th?!?). We are one in the Spirit in our prayer life as we hold up concerns for those experiencing struggles and joys, prayers for our armed service members, for caregivers, for our nation and the world. We are one in the Spirit in our support of mission through all the hard work of Fleazaar. We are one in the Spirit when we gather for worship, attend to the Word in Scripture and appreciate the word in song.

As Jesus continues to pray for us, for the world, that we may be one, may we continue in our efforts to make it so.

Rev. Nancy RussellRev. Stephen Russell