The “VISITOR Ebenezer United Church of Christ

Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “VISITOR”
I AM HERE
EBENEZER
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
3215 SAEMANN AVE.
SHEBOYGAN, WI 53081
Phone
920-452-9766
Website
www.ebenezerucc.org
FaceBook
EbenezerUCCSheboygan
Email addresses
Church office
ebucc@ebenezerucc.org
Rev. Dr. Roger Mealiff
revrog@ebenezerucc.org
Rev. Lorri Steward
revlorri@yahoo.com
Beth Petzke Student Pastor
bethpetzke@sbcglobal.net
Church Secretary
Cassie Hogue
Worship Schedule
Starting Sunday Sept. 7
Sundays; 8:00 & 10:30am Worship
9:00 Sunday School
9:15 JR/SR High Sunday School
Thursdays; 7:00 pm Worship
No matter
who you are
or
where you are
on life’s journey,
The scriptures for the past several Sundays have been telling the story of
our faith roots, from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & Joseph, to Moses, who,
when called by God to confront the powers enslaving God’s people, asked
for God’s name. The answer he got was YHWH, in Hebrew, often translated Yahweh or LORD in English, which means, “I am who I am”, or simply “I
am”.
As I compose this article for our monthly newsletter, I usually ask myself,
“What is important for me to say to the congregation just now?” Sometimes
the answer is not obvious. So this time I pressed on: I wonder what God
might want to say to the readers right now? Perhaps it might be something
like this:
I am here WITH you. You are not alone. In the struggles you
face, in the questions and confusion, in the joys and celebrations
—I am with you.
I am here FOR you. Sometimes people get the idea that God is
just waiting for them to slip up in order to condemn them for their evil
ways. I want you to know that I am for you, not against you. I created you in love. I try to lead you in healthy living. I came in Jesus to
show you that my love will stop at nothing—even dying—that you
can trust and build your life on my love that lasts forever. I am on
your side. Let’s work together.
I am here to work IN you. I can help you discover the gifts and
abilities I have given you. I can give you the courage you need to
face the challenges of life. I weep with you when life breaks your
heart. I rejoice with you in your accomplishments. I will reveal the
glimmer of hope when all hope seems lost. As I had Paul tell the
Philippians in the Bible: I will complete the good work that I have begun in you.
I am here to work THROUGH you. There is a reason for all this
and it isn’t just to make you feel good (though I hope it does that). It
is so we can make a difference in the world together. Your hands
and my heart. Making the world a more peaceful place for the whole
human family. Caring for all creation. Ensuring the earth can be a
healthy home for generations yet to be.
I imagine God has a lot more to say to us than that, but this gives us plenty
to ponder. What speaks to your life here? Listen and pray in openness to
our Stillspeaking God.
YOU ARE
WELCOME HERE
An Open and Affirming
United Church of Christ Congregation
God is still speaking ,
Ebenezer United Church of Christ Identity Statement
We are Ebenezer United Church of Christ. Our name, from I Samuel 7:12, means:
“Thus far, God has helped us.” Building on that solid rock, we reach forward in faith on
the growing edge of our community. We offer to all people meaningful worship and
education, and an open invitation to share in Holy Communion. Ebenezer demonstrates a welcoming openness that helps people feel “at home”, fortifying us to live out
our faith on a daily basis. Following Christ’s example, we reach out to bring hope and
justice to all of God’s family. We affirm the gifts and cherish the image of God in each
person. We welcome into the full life and ministry of the church all persons of every
race, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, and
family structure. In partnership with God and each other, in traditional yet progressive
ways, we are ordinary people working hard to accomplish extraordinary things.
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
EXPLORE, SERVE, PLAY
Youth Ministry at Ebenezer UCC
Explore (exploring our faith): The children and youth will be leading the Children’s Sabbath service on
Sunday, October 19th. Please let Rev. Lorri know if you would like to participate.
Jr. & Sr. High Sunday School Class 9:15 – 10:15 am on Sunday mornings in the Jr. & Sr. High
Sunday School Classroom, which is the room with the couches next to Rev. Lorri’s office
Serve (serving others): Thanks to all who participated in Shanty Town for Habitat for Humanity!
It was a fun ‘learning’ opportunity that also raised money for a great cause!
Looking Ahead:
Youth Spaghetti Dinner: November 15th (all day)
November 23rd: Delivering Thanksgiving Baskets after late Service (High School Youth)
November 29th: 9-11:30 am: Decorating the Sanctuary for the Christmas Season
November 30th: Assembling Care Packages for college Students, 9:30 – 10 am
Play (fun, fellowship, getting to know one another): JUST FOR FUN!!
Wednesday, October 15th, Game Night for Confirmation 6:30-8pm
Confirmation Retreat for Middle School Students: November 21st-23rd
SPAGHETTI DINNER
Saturday, November 15th
Serving 11:30 am – 1pm AND 5 pm – 6:30 pm
Tickets available for sale beginning October 5th ($8.50 for adults, $4 for kids ages 5-12) and the sign up sheets
are out for those who are willing to help will also be out that day. Shifts are available throughout the day so that
everyone is able to help and enjoy the meal. The funds raised through the youth sponsored spaghetti dinner
help to supplement the youth ministry programming at Ebenezer AND help with scholarships that we are able
to offer youth who participate in Youth Programming through the National Church and the mission trips.
Tickets are available through the church office (Monday – Friday, 8 am – noon) and on Sunday Mornings. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Rev. Lorri (627-4450).
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
October Visitor
October is here, and it’s the time of year where we celebrate our children and children around the world. The
National observance of Children’s Sabbath is Sunday, October 19, 2014 and our very own children from the
congregation will be singing at the 10:30 service. Please come celebrate the day with our children!
I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone that helped in any way for our “Kick Off” Sunday for Sunday School. Without your help we could not have made it run as smoothly as we did so thank you, thank you,
thank you!!!
To our fabulous Shepherds, you all rock and thank you for all that you do for our children. Below is a list of
the Shepherds helping out and which group of children they are assisting. If you are in need of any contact
information for the other Shepherds in your group, the information is located on the “WRM Information
Board” in the last classroom, on the left of the Sunday School hallway.
4K & Kindergarten
1st & 2nd
3rd & 4th
5th & 6th
Janice Schmitz
Lori Albrecht
Beth Williams
Patty Verhage
Milena Vujcic
Rebecca Sewacki
Debby Tryba
Hayley TeStroeteReese
Cassie Albrecht
Mary Wingender
Missy Selk (once a
month)
Angie Albrecht
Jenny VanEngen
Linda Enders
Elaine Wangemann
Ashley Guillette
Camille Gort
We also welcome any parents that would like to help in any way possible. The more help the merrier!
COATS FOR KIDS
We will be collecting coats of all sizes (children’s are especially needed)
clean and in good repair, in the gathering area till October 3rd, to be distributed through the Salvation Army. It may be warm now, but we know
that winter is coming and coats will be needed, so if your family members have outgrown their winter gear, this is a good way to
pass it along and make a difference for a family in need.
Members of Ebenezer Church:
You are invited to an Open House at Terrace Estates Party Room, on October 19, 2-4pm
It is Joan Grosshuesch’s 90th Birthday
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
I would like to thank everyone who volunteered and worked at the Plymouth Stock Car Races at the
fairgrounds this year. There were 40 people who worked in June. The church had a second race in
June that was cancelled due to the weather, but was able to take on an August race, where we had 20
people volunteer. The church received $1200 (yes, we did get a bit more than we had expected) from
the June race and $500 from the August race. The fellowship was enjoyable. Nice job volunteers, and
I hope to see you next year. Bob Lorenz
“Remember to contact Cassie, church secretary, if you have a change of address, phone number, cell
number, or email address change. Or, if you want to verify what she has on record. It is very important
that all of this information is up-to-date, so that information from the church can get to you timely, and
so that you can keep up with the many good things that continue to happen at Ebenezer United Church
of Christ. Contact information is as follows: church phone is 920-452-9766, email at
ebucc@ebenezerucc.org, or send a note in the mail to 3215 Saemann Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
Ebenezer Garden Update
Under Lisa Burrell’s leadership a group from Ebenezer planted a garden this past spring. The
vegetables from this garden were to go to the Fresh Meals on Wheels site for preparation into
meals for their clients. Several Ebenezer members and friends have weeded and have been
picking and delivering the vegetables to the Meals site.
So far we have delivered many pounds of fresh vegetables starting with beans and beets.
We’ve also delivered squash (over 75 pounds), watermelon, kohlrabi, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and sweet corn.
A big thank you to Lisa for starting this ministry and to all those who have assisted in the planting, weeding, picking, and delivering of our vegetables.
Nametags!
Ebenezer is blessed to have Beth Petzke as our new student pastor. Beth will be
with us through May, and she would love to get to know each of you. One of the best ways
to start getting to know a person is to know their name. Please help extend Ebenezer’s extravagant welcome to Beth by wearing your nametag.
For our student pastor, our newest members, and others who are attending regularly, nametags make a huge difference in helping people feel “at home.”
Thank you for wearing your nametag!
~ Grace Rindfleisch, Inviting Ministry Coordinator
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!
The ECJ Circle celebrates their 65th anniversary on October 3, 2014! On that day in 1949, the “Young
Ladies Guild” of Ebenezer E & R church was organized as an evening group for members who couldn’t
attend daytime meetings. The group was soon named the E.C.J. Circle in honor of the pastor, Rev.
Elmer C. Jaberg. Charter members included Mrs. Ruth Hameister, Mrs. E. C. Jaberg, Mrs. Elenora
Klarhorst. Mrs. Fern LeMahieu, Mrs. Lois Hoffmann, Miss Elsie Lutze, Mrs. Verona Ottensmann, Mrs.
Gerry Trossen, Mrs. Ruth Schuricht, Mrs. Madeline Herr, Mrs. Ruth Zogg and Mrs. Marjean Kain.
They worked as a missionary group for the first five years, until it was desired to work as a service
group. By the time of their 25th anniversary, the ECJ Circle had sewn and folded 55,137 cancer pads.
They were active in the church Talent Fair raising money for the Building Fund and also served chili
suppers and countless funeral lunches. They enjoyed style shows and hat sales, sold pepper, vanilla
and candies to earn money for the various projects such as furnishing the church lounge, dinnerware,
stainless steel cookware, serving carts, and cutlery for the kitchen. They helped provide scholarships
for youth to attend Moon Beach summer camp.
After cancer pads were no longer in use, the group began making quilts for Winnebago Children’s
Home, which became Sunburst Youth Home and even enjoyed a field trip to Neillsville, WI with women’s
groups from other area UCC churches to deliver the quilts.
In 2001, the ECJ Circle focused more locally, making over 20 twin-size quilts for the Salvation Army
shelter in Sheboygan. At the same time, they began making a baby quilt for each infant baptized in
Ebenezer UCC. So far they have given over 110 baptism quilts to families at the church.
We celebrate with the ECJ Circle, with charter member Fern LeMahieu and the members who have
joined more recently, in their 65th anniversary. With every infant baptism, the entire congregation shares
in the joy of the tangible reminder brought by their quilts, that this and every child of God is surrounded
by the warmth of God’s love.
MUSIC AND MINISTRY
Christian musician and author, John
Michael Talbot will share his gifts at
7pm on October 7, 8 & 9 at. St. Margaret Mary Parish, 3970 North 92nd
St., Milwaukee, WI 53222. Founder
of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity
and a contemporary Christian musician, Talbot has contributed greatly to
the renewal of music in the Catholic
Church.
SONSHINE STITCHERS CRAFT DAY
October 18
8am-5pm
A great time for you to work on your crafts and
fellowship with others. Remember to brig a dish
to share for a potluck lunch.
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
Embracing Ministry: Mission Outreach
Food Pantry A Special thanks to all the volunteers
and the donations that make this Ministry possible
The third Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Collection Sunday at
Ebenezer UCC so October 19 is our next collection date. Your donations of nonperishable food items play a vital role in keeping the Sheboygan Area Food Pantry
stocked for those in need of this service.
A pantry shelf for your donations is located in Gathering Area.
Volunteers Thank you for all your help.
Donated items for September
111
So many of the people who come to the food pantry never experienced family life. Simple things
that we take for granted, but are so important to learning what a family is all about. A lot can be
learned from the planning of a family meal. Our patrons feel like the food pantry helps them plan a
meal. The bag they receive may have the fixings for a spaghetti dinner, chili, a pasta salad or a
featured meat item meal.
When good people like you respond with care, making monetary donations, donating grocery gift
cards, or contributing food items, you become part of our ministry to help feed the poor. May God
bless you for your continued support and the many works you engage in to make the world reflect
the love of Christ. ~ Northside Food Pantry.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Wally Adler, Jane Reseburg(Terrace
Park), Mark Heffernan (Nephew of Kaisers), Mary Lavey (grandmother of Stephanie Winkelhake), Mary Voigt’s friend Timmer (heart transplant), Herman Mayer (Dorothy’s Husband),
Alexander Dodds (Alan & Cheryl’s grandson,) Lallensack’s friends Kathy & Jim (cancer), Jamie Ottman (Tina Boykin’s brother), Jared Luebke (friend of Janice Schmitz), Clayton Meinolf,
Sue Thiel, Robert Platz (June’s brother), Lu Zehfus, Luke Peters (Harold & Shirley Henning’s
grandson), Allen and Jeanette Wangemann (Terrace Park), Zona Ziegler, Tom Fredricks, Jerry
& Betty Richards, Vern & Irene Feldt, Andrew Vreeke, Dorothy Free, Zach Samz (Fort Stewart),
and persons with cancer and other health concern.
Comma Café
All you can eat
October
PANCAKE BRUNCH
5th
Loaves & Fishes
12th
AV Team
19th
Educate Ministry
26th
Gospel Singers
(Please bring a dish to share)
Sunday, October12, 2014 ~ 8am to1pm
Includes Pancakes sausage, ham, applesauce
cheese beverage and dessert
Plymouth Masonic Center
441Smith St. Plymouth
Tickets: Advance$5/At the door $7/
Children 6-12 $3
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
October Bible Readings
Day
1
2
3
Book
Colossians
2 Peter
Titus
Chapter
1:15-23
1:1-21
1:1-2:10
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Matthew
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
14:12-25
119:1-32
119:33-48
119:49-80
119:81-104
119:105-128
119:129-176
11
12
13
14
Matthew
1 Timothy
Habakkuk
1 Corinthians
9:1-30
3:14-4:16
2:1-14
14:1-25
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Proverbs
Hosea
Ephesians
Luke
Daniel
1 Corinthians
Isaiah
4:1-27
4:1-11
3:1-21
6:39-49
2:1-45
2:1-16
44:1-20
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1 Timothy
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians
John
1 Corinthians
Colossians
Ecclesiastes
6:1-21
15:10-34
15:35-58
1:1-18
12:1-31
2:6-23
2:12-26
29
30
Ephesians
1 Corinthians
4:17-32
8:1-13
1
2
2
3
Ryan Kinney
Donna Bertram
Jerad Dittrich
Beverly Illig
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
Mary Kohl
Devin Oglan
Brian Titel
Sandra Aaholm
Robin Entringer
Shaylee Sipiorski
Nancy Stanskas
Mindy Lukaszewski
5
6
9
9
10
10
13
13
13
Barbara Polster
Scott Quasius
Boeldt Antoni
Barbara Shircel
Richard Degen
Tanya Kuehl
Kristin Dewar
Arika Ploetz
Robert Schlink
14
14
15
15
Steve Jesinski
Bonnie Reichert
Cody Goetsch
Joyce Hameister
15
Arthur Magruder
17
Nora Lynn Dewar
17
Robert Wangeman
19
Joan Grosshuesch
19
Larry Hinze
19
Lauren Wingender
20
20
22
23
23
23
23
24
24
Alan Dodds
Michael Mannchen
Jordan Kuehl
Shaunna Albrecht
Heather Foshag
Kathy McGinley
Elizabeth TeStroete
Sue Adamavich
Darlene Garbisch
25
Jennifer Knuth
26
Christopher Ahrnsbrak
26
27
28
Tyler Williams
Clarence Polster
Evan Dodds
30
David Sabrowsky
7:00 PM
Thursday,
October 9
Sunday,
October 12
Sunday,
October 12
7:00 PM
Thursday,
October 30
7:00 PM
Sunday, Octo- 8:00 AM
ber 26
Sunday,
10:30 AM
October 26
Thursday,
October 23
8:00 AM
Sunday,
October 19
Sunday,
October 19
10:30 AM
7:00 PM
Thursday,
October 16
10:30 AM
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
8:00 AM
Time
7:00 PM
Sunday,
October 5
Date
Thursday,
October 2
Sunday,
October 5
Ron
Rindfleisch
DARRYL
GUMM
DARRYL
GUMM
A/V
Child Care
Mary Kohl
Cheryl Magruder
Mary Kohl
Beth Williams
Rebecca Sewacki
E and R
Wangeman
Victoria Stark Dawn Rousse
Austin Tryba
Ryan Selk
Nick Shircel
Masee Selk
Reina Scharl
Carter Selk
Payton Scharl Dawn Foshag
Acolyte
Cathy
Lucchesi
Julie Kinney
Liturgist
Worship
Deacon
Janice Hill
Sue Dolgner
Sharol
Schoneman
Ron Rindfleisch
Cheryl Dodds Jan Free
Tina Boykin
Ron
Rindfleisch
Penny Schaap Julie Manz
Ushers
Jean Dean
Dawn Race
Ron
Rindfleisch
Ron Rindfleisch
Tina Boykin
Julie Manz
Jean Dean
Sue Kaiser
Jan Free
Darryl Gumm Jim Race
Jean Dean
Mary Voigt
Charlie Tiede Steve Shircel Jean Dean
Ron
Rindfleisch
Mike
Eberhardy
Ron
Rindfleisch
Cathy Lucche- Sandy
Reinwand
si
Cheryl Dodds Dawn Foshag Cheryl Dodds
June Platz
Sue Kaiser
Sharol Schoneman,
Patti Verhaeghe, Cheryl
Magruder
Tina Boykin
Doris Wuestenhagen,
Jean Dean, Marie
Schwinn
Communion
Clean
OCTOBER WORSHIP SUPPORT SCHEDULE
Jim Kasten
Mike Kohlmanm
Barb Schuette
Ray /Nancy
DeLisle
Lori Albrecht
Judy Kliejunas
Ann Mueller
Yvonne Lavey
Darryl Gumm
Karen Kasten
Jim Race
Sally Vreeke
Cheryl Dodds
Greeter
Gert Rindfleisch
Kim Radder
Gert Rindfleisch
Kim Radder
Gert Rindfleisch
Kim Radder
Gert Rindfleisch
Kim Radder
Welcomer
October 2014
SUN
5
MON
6
8:00/10:30 am.
4:30 Music for Tots
Worship/Communion 6pm H.R Meeting
9:00 Sunday School
9:20 Gospel Singers
9:15 Jr/Sr Sunday
School
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
2
3
4
9:oo Bible Study
12:30 Foot Clinic
6:30 Confirmation
7pm Worship/
5:30 Rehearsal
1pm Wedding
7
8
9
10
11
9:00 Music for Tots
12:30 Foot Clinic
4:30 Music for Tots
6:30 PRC Mtg
7:00 Handbells
7:00 Line Dancing
9:oo Bible Study
12:30 Foot Clinic
6pm Quilters
6:30 Confirmation
7pm Worship
5pm Rehearsal
Wedding
14
15
16
17
18
Communion
12
13
8:oo/10:30 am
Worship
9:00 Sunday School
9:20 Gospel Singers
9:15 Jr/Sr Sunday
School
9am ECJ
8:30 Men’s Breakfast 9:oo Bible Study
12:30 Foot Clinic
4:30 Music for Tots 9:00 Music for Tots
12:30 Foot Clinic
6:30 Confirmation
4:30 Music for Tots
6:30 UCC gathering
7:00 Handbells
7:00 Line Dancing
7pm Worship
19
20
22
23
8:oo/10:30 am
Worship
9:00 Sunday School
9:20 Gospel Singers
9:15 Jr/Sr Sunday
School
4:30 Music for Tots 9:00 Music for Tots
12:30 Foot Clinic
4:30 Music for Tots
7:00 Handbells
7:00 Line Dancing
9:oo Bible Study
12:30 Foot Clinic
6:30 Confirmation
7pm Worship
26
27
29
30
8:oo/10:30 am
Worship
9:00 Sunday School
9:20 Gospel Singers
9:15 Jr/Sr Sunday
School
4:30 Music for Tots 8:30 Men’s Breakfast 9:oo Bible Study
12:30 Foot Clinic
6:30pm Consistory 9:00 Music for Tots
12:30 Foot Clinic
6:30 Confirmation
4:30 Music for Tots
7:00 Handbells
7:00 Line Dancing
21
28
7pm Worship with
Communion
Last one
8am-5pm
Sonshine
Stitchers
Craft Day
24
31
25
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Ebenezer United Church of Christ
The “Visitor”
Sunday School Donation to Bridgeway
Ebenezer’s Sunday School students partnered with their parents and members of the congregation to donate
new sheet sets to Bridgeway House. According to Rev. Lorri , the students looked at needs in the community
and chose Bridgeway as an organization they wanted to support. “We want to demonstrate to the children of
our church that there are many ways to show God’s love,” Rev. Lorri explained. “When residents arrive at
Bridgeway, they will be given a new set of sheets. Then as they transition to their own home, they would be able
to take their sheets with them,” she continued. The new sheet sets were dedicated at a church service this summer. During the service, Heidi Gudmunson, SCIO Executive Director, made a presentation about Bridgeway.
Bridgeway and Beyond is a three-phase transitional living program to help single mothers and their children move
from living in “crisis management mode” to a satisfying life of self-sufficiency. During the first-phase, families reside at Bridgeway House, a group home that can house up to six families at one time. The primary goal is to
teach single mothers how to provide a safe, stable, loving and nurturing environment for their family, so they can
move from merely surviving to thriving.
The Bridgeway and Beyond program is part of SCIO, a spiritually-based volunteer organization established by
faith communities in Sheboygan County and the surrounding area. SCIO (Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization) works for justice, dignity, and improvement in the quality of life for all people, bridging the gap between
community needs and resources.
Caption for Photo:
Sunday School students organized the donation of new sheet sets to Bridgeway House residents. The donations
are part of Ebenezer’s continuing efforts to educate students about community needs. Delivering donated sheets
to Bridgeway are: (front row left to right) Addison Lallensack, Alyssa Lallensack, Keenan Guillette, Noah
Wingender, Quinn Wingender; (back row left to right) Tanner Lallensack, Austin Tryba, Mary Selvig, the director
of SCIO Social Services, Devin Lallensack, and Sara Athorp holding Ethan Wingender
E B E N E Z E R U N I T E D C H U R C H O F C H R I ST
3215 Saemann Ave.
Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-452-9766
ebucc@ebenezerucc.org
Rev. Dr. Roger Mealiff
Rev. Lorri Steward
Address Services Requested
October 2014
Newsworthy
October
5th
18th
19th
30th
World Wide Communion
Sonshine Stitchers Craft Day
Children’s Sabbath
Last Thursday Night Service