EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH

1301 Richland Street

Columbia, SC 29201-2578

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID

Columbia, SC

Permit # 724

Interim Senior Pastor

Rev. Melvin E. Amundson

Pastoral Associate

Rev. Gary Dreier

Director of Music & Worship

David E. Turner

Administrative Associate

Diane M. Oliver

Accountant

Wendy B. Isgett

Reaching out to draw others to Christ.

Office Hours

8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Monday-Friday 803.765.9430

Visit us on the Web

http://www.ebenezerlutheran.org and Facebook

Church Council

Ebenezer Staff

Buddy Bateman Brian Baucom

Roger Davis

Sarah Dixon

Fred Fellers

Ian Grant

Karen Hardy Rosemary Jones

Beth Mays Lois Park Mole

Emma Claire Revere

Linda Smith Shealy Mike Siomacco

James Thomas Tom Tuten

Ministry Teams & Team Leaders Communications - Julie Siomacco Faith Formation - Elisa Strickler

Finance - Phil Bingenheimer Member Care - Linda Davis

Outreach - Chris Brown &

Mimi Wortham Brown

Personnel - Rich Roberson

Property - Jay Metts

Worship- Karen Hardy

Sundays

9:15am Summer Sunday School for Adults 9:30am Gathering Time, Reception Room

10:30am Worship*, Church

Wednesdays

12:10 pm Mid-Week Worship*, Chapel

*Eucharist at each service.

The deadline for the next issue of the Parish News

is 12 noon, Thursday, June 15. To have an item included in the newsletter, please submit in writing

to Diane Oliver or e-mail to doliver@ebenezerlutheran.org

Monthly calendar of events on line at

www.ebenezerlutheran.org

OFFICERS

Lois Park Mole, President

Buddy Bateman, Vice President Beth Mays, Secretary

Phil Bingenheimer, Treasurer

COUNCIL MEMBERS

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America www.elca.org

Volume 45 | Number 5 June 2017

PARISH

NEWS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

COME ALONG ON AWESOME ADVENTURES

alongside some of your favorite Bible heroes and discover the qualities that make us truly heroic in God!

This adventure is for children and youth, ages 2 - 8th grade. VBS is FREE! Bring a friend! Invite a neighbor!

We want you here!

June 11-15 Sunday 4-7 pm kickoG for All Ages-Young & Not As Young

Mon-Thurs 8:45am - 12:15pm; registration begins at 8:30am

REGISTER ONLINE: http://2017.cokesburyvbs.com/ebenezerlutheran/ VOLUNTEER contact Elisa Strickler elisa.m.strickler@gmail.com/843-609-9894

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

DAY OF PENTECOST

and

CONFIRMATION DAY

FOR FOUR OF OUR YOUTH

����Callie Baucom ����Olivia Bokesch ����Addison Floyd ����Porter Hane

CONFIRMATION IS A PUBLIC RITE OF THE CHURCH preceded by a period of instruction designed to help baptized Christians identify with the life and mission of the Christian community. The rite of confirmation provides an opportunity for these individuals, relying on God's promise given in Holy Baptism, to make a personal public confession of the faith and a lifelong pledge of faithfulness to Christ.

CONFIRMATION INCLUDES INSTRUCTION on Martin Luther's theology on the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism and the Eucharist.

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PASTOR’S PAGE...

Pentecost - O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen ELW page 36

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“I will not forget you.”

For me, one of the dearest images of God is in Isaiah (49.14-16). The people of God have complained that “the LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.” God responds:

Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb?

Like a faithful mother, God stays true and will never forget us. Then God acknowledges that the comparison breaks down: sadly dementia sometimes grips our mothers and they do forget us! So God promises

Even if these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

God loves us even more than our mothers! Then God adds a

vision of his love that is reminiscent of John 3.16:

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.

“For God so loved the world!”

You are loved.

And if you ever forget that, God will not forget you!

~Pastor Gary

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FINANCE MINISTRY TEAM REPORT

June 2017

We celebrate in the generosity of God’s people as we continue to pay down debt and free resources for our ministry at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, within the Columbia community, the SC Synod, and beyond!

185/1830 Debt Retirement Campaign: $338,550 Goal

$154,001 Received as of April 30, 2017 $184,549 Remainder to meet Goal

Our debt obligations as of April 30, 2017: $520,047 2007 Parish Life Renovations

$106,856 Marion Street Property Mortgage

$626,903 Total Debt

MEMBERS IN

CARE FACILITIES & HOMEBOUND

Deepwood Estates Mary Hallman Heritage at Lowman Julian Wise National Health Care, West Cola Birdie Culp Palmettos of Parklane Bernice Folsom

Presbyterian Home Betty Cagle, Joyce O'Sheal Rice Estate Eddie Moore

Homebound Ruby Ford, Lodd & Marilyn Havird, Bob Hennies, Ione Hildebrand, Louise

Hydrick, Sandra Lewis, Gertrude Metze, Marilyn Minick, Renate Moore, Helen Sand-ers, Leesa Smith, Sonja Zagata.

Remember these special members with an occasional greeting card, a telephone call or even better a visit.

MEMBER UPDATES

TRANSFER OUT

● Dale & Wayne Earhardt Eastminster Presbyterian

● David & Beth Lever

St Stephen's Lutheran ● Monte & Jeanna Luker

St. Joseph Catholic Church ● Steven & Adrienne Sorenson,

Tripp & Joseph St Stephen's Lutheran

NEW GENERATION A ministry for adults 55 & older, but everyone is

welcome to join the group on outings, meetings & trips.

New Generation had a great outing in May at Santee State Park. Watch the bulletin for the

next event.

For now mark your calendars for the annual Bible Study Beach Retreat -Isle of Palms, Sept 11-14 (Mon-Thurs)

Sign up with Linda Davis (772-7690)

OPENINGS GATHERING JUNE 27 - 6PM

PARISH LIFE CENTER DINING ROOM

In the spirit of our mission, "Reaching out to draw others to Christ," Ebenezer will host the

June meeting of OpeningsSC, a supportive and welcoming network of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and straight allies, coming from diverse spiritual traditions, to open hearts, minds and doors. Ebenezer is always glad to host and support our neighbors. Ebenezer members are welcome to attend both

the supper and the program as a manifestation of that support.

Supper served at 6 pm, $10 cash at the door Program begins at 6:30pm

RSVP to Openings.Reservations@gmail.com.

For further information contact Outreach

Team Leader, Mimi Wortham-Brown

mimiwb@sc.rr.com. or see the website:

www.openingssc.org.

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CONGRATULATIONS to our 2017 SPRING GRADUATES

Graduating from… Will be attending… Bennett Ballentine Irmo High School Clemson University Bradley Brunson River BluG High School University of South Carolina Keitt Hane AC Flora High School Clemson University Miranda Hampton Airport High School Clemson University Kolby Leitner River BluG High School University of Mississippi

* * * * * * * * * * * * Cally Morrell College of Charleston, Studio Arts Susan Moon Furman University, History Jon Simmel The Ohio State University, Engineering Physics

OUR CUB SCOUT PACK IS IN NEED OF LEADERSHIP.

PLEASE CONSIDER WAYS YOU CAN HELP TO SUSTAIN THIS PROGRAM!

FEMALE AND MALE LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED.

WE NEED A CUBMASTER AND A PACK COMMITTEE CHAIR

CUBMASTER RESPONSIBILITIES: Complete Cubmaster Fast Start training and leader position-specific training. Attend monthly roundtables. Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack according to the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

COMMITTEE CHAIR RESPONSIBILITIES: Organize the committee to see that all functions are

delegated, coordinated and completed. Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the Scoutmaster. Work closely with the Scoutmaster in preparing Troop Committee meeting agendas. For more info: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/About/ThePack/pcomm.aspx

THE CHARTER ORG REP FOR EBENEZER IS ALSO NEEDED: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/About/ThePack/chorr.aspx The chartered organization representative is the direct contact between the Scouting unit(s) and the chartered organization. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the district committee and the local council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the local council. When a chartered organization has more than one unit, a single chartered organization representative serves them all.

QUALIFICATIONS: Is at least 21 years old, is a member of the chartered organization, and is not the unit leader or assistant unit leader. Is appointed by the chartered organization to serve as its oUcial Scouting representative and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Call or text Mimi Wortham Brown at 803-319-5007 or mimiwb@sc.rr.com

if you are interested in helping or would like additional information.

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WEDNESDAYS:

WINE, &

WORD continues

Light supper begins at 6:00 pm and after everyone is served the book discussion begins. Participants make a donation to cover food and beverages.

RSVP 765-9430.

WWWW REGISTER TODAY

GraceWorks

JULY 16-21

Each summer, about 100 Lutheran youth in middle and high school grades come together from 15 churches for a week of service all across

the Midlands. Agencies served during the week include the Autism Academy, Camp Discovery, Hannah House, Transitions, St. Laurence Place,

Water Wagon and more!

Each day starts with worship, then youth depart for a day of service, and at the end of the day, come back together to share what was most meaningful from the day’s experiences. This is Ebenezer’s year to host GraceWorks. We will begin in the chapel each morning for worship, and end each day in the Parish Life Center for discussion and learning.

This year, our youth leadership team selected the theme of “love” and chose Corinthians 16:14 as

the basis for the worship and learning experiences for our participants. The t-shirts will be emblazed

with, "Let all that you do be done in love."

Youth participants - $50 fee, payable to St. Paul’s. Adult volunteers/chaperones - no fees (Adults accompany each group of youth to the projects for morning & afternoon activities.)

Can’t wait to register?

Visit Facebook - search for GraceWorks SC,

click on the registration link & complete the form. Questions? Call/text

Mimi at 803-319-5007 /mimiwb@sc.rr.com

SUMMER VACATIONS;

WEEKENDS AT THE LAKE;

TRAVELING TO VISIT

FRIENDS & FAMILY; LONG

HOLIDAY WEEKENDS; GRADUATION

PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS.

Particularly at this time of year, there’s no shortage of plans, events, gatherings and happenings for most of us this summer. These events and plans help to keep us refreshed, re-connected and rejuvenated. However, we should be grateful and remember our pledges and commitments to one another and to

Ebenezer as well. When you’re traveling or away for some time, continue to pray for our Ebenezer staG and pastors; for our worship community and for all Ebenezer members.

Our worship and ministry continues among

the people of God no matter what the season

or calendar month. So, too, should our

commitments of time, talent and treasure.

Pledges, tithes and donations can be sent by

mail to the church oUce. continued on page 4

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4

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP REVIEW

SPECIAL GIFTS TO EBENEZER as of May 15

❧

Capital Campaign-Debt Reduction *In honor of Roger & Linda Davis, Bob & Dottie Hampton, David & Martha Cobb by Pat Wertz & David Wertz Music Ministry*In honor of Judy Woolly and David & Carolyn Donges by Pat Wertz & David Wertz General Fund *In memory of John S Ducate by Ann Ducate Thanksgiving & Memorial *In memory of Mary Eargle by Thurmond & Barbara Sharpe Pastors Discretionary Fund *In memory of Harriet Moore by Eddie Moore

“Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.” Julia Cameron

Both mystery and surprise are hallmarks in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, a book which

clearly demonstrates the creativity of Agatha Christie. According to a review in the Library Journal, “This novel…is considered the best and

most successful of the early mysteries…[ though] met with no small outrage when it appeared, as it uses a plot device many readers thought ‘unfair.’ ” Some of our members agreed with the “unfair” comment when they learned the identity of the murderer.

Christie’s novel focused on solving the crime rather than on the crime itself. We noted that

most characters were rather one-dimensional

and not well developed. There was little information about the main players, keeping readers from “knowing” them or speculating on possible motives for murder. Our favorite character was the charismatic detective,

Hercule Poirot.

A recent survey of members of the Crime Writers’ Association, (Jonathan Brown in The

Independent), revealed that The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was voted the best and finest example of the genre ever penned. In addition, Agatha Christie was voted the best crime writer. Critics

have called this novel “a landmark of detective

literature” and “one of the cornerstones of

crime fiction.”

Born in 1890, Christie was the youngest of three children born into a conservative, well-to

-do family. She did not attend school but was taught by a governess and tutors. A shy child, she kept herself occupied by creating games and turning to music and writing for self-expression. At the age of 24, she married Archie Christie, a fighter pilot. While he was on active duty, she worked as a nurse. That is when she first began writing detective stories. She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1971 and died in 1976.

Thursday, June 1 we will discuss 17 Carnations by Andrew Morton, a book that reveals historical

information that has been kept secret by the royal family in England. Then we will not meet again until August 3. Diane Jones

continued from page 3

We also have Electronic giving available. Go to the new Ebenezer website, http://ebenezerlutheran.org for information. Electronic giving is simple, easy, and reduces check-writing chores. When you participate in online giving, you’re also helping to streamline administrative overhead costs – thus, putting more of your dollars to work in the ministries of the church. We appreciate your generosity and your cooperation in supporting the church in our

mission and service opportunities. ❧

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COUNCIL CORNER May Highlights

� Rejoiced in the receipt of an additional $81,320 from Phoebe Callahan's Estate.

Approved giving $8,100 to the SC Synod and $14,750 to Transitions from these funds.

This completes the pledge Ebenezer made to the Midlands Housing Alliance/Transitions.

� Approved a donation of $1,000 from TASC

account to the Community CME Church in support of their summer camp. Approved using the remainder of TASC funds, approximately $2,400, as scholarships for children and youth in the community to attend Ebenezer's Disciple Camp or similar events.

� Rejoiced in knowing $13,135 is awarded to Ebenezer from the Richland County Conservation Commission for the ceiling restoration and painting project. Authorized the executive committee to accept this grant award once it is determined that Ebenezer's portion of the cost is in hand.

� Approved the Property Team's recommendation to close in the new HVAC unit with matching decorative fencing. Learned from Team leaders the status and condition of the dozen -plus HVAC systems and three boilers on ELC's campus and discussed improving security on the property.

� Rejoiced in learning the Worship Team is planning Services of Healing in the Chapel at 6:30 pm on June 8 and August 10, 2017.

� Rejoiced in the receipt of a beautiful letter of thanks and gratitude from the SC Science Academy for use of the sanctuary for the school's recent academic awards ceremony.

� Continued discussion about a major missional activity. Council members will meet with

neighboring organizations in the next two months. Full minutes for every meeting are available by request. Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:45 pm in the PLC Dining Room. All Ebenezer members are welcome to attend and observe

Council meetings.

CHAPEL CEILING

PROJECT UPDATE

You may recall that an application for a second grant from Richland County Conservation Commission was made

following the cupola project completion. The proposed project is to address the flaking lead-based paint falling from the pressed metal ceiling and to restore it to its original four-color scheme, and to repaint the walls to their previous complimentary color. Although the competition for these funds was greater this year, we are pleased to report that Ebenezer was oGered $13,135! Our share

of the project cost will be about $42,400, a good portion of which is already in hand in the form of dedicated gifts. Congregation Council has voted to accept this grant oGer pending the receipt of the balance of funds needed for the project. It is expected that additional dedicated gifts will be forthcoming to proceed with this project during the summer, but please consider making your own contribution in honor or memory of special persons or institutions in your life. ~Roger Davis, Projector Coordinator

LUTHERAN NIGHT

at the BALLPARK ,

Spirit Communications

Park, Bull Street, Sunday, June 25, 5:05 pm game.

The cost is $10 in the All Star Section

AND $1 of every ticket goes to World Hunger!

We get acknowledged on the scoreboard, help feed the world and have a good Lutheran time! Hurry there are only 125 tickets available. For tickets go to https://fireflies5.streamlineticketing.com/group/ and enter Augsburg in the Group Access Code box.