2026 Newsletters
Summary:
The September 2026 Emanuel Church newsletter highlights spiritual reflections, financial updates, upcoming events, and ministry opportunities for the congregation and community. Pastor Ron shares insights on the meaning of Sabbath and the importance of relationships, both within families and the church. The newsletter emphasizes the church’s mission to connect people to Jesus through worship, education, and service.
Here are the five most important points from the newsletter:
Return to Two Sunday Services and Fall Programming: Starting September 13th, Emanuel Church resumes two Sunday worship services (8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.), with the same message at both. Fall Sunday School and Rally Day also begin, featuring classes for all ages and a Chili Cook-Off Potluck.
Annual Charge Conference: The Charge Conference is scheduled for September 20th after the 10:30 a.m. service, including a brunch and business meeting. All are welcome, but only members may vote on certain items.
Community Initiatives and Collections: Emanuel Women are collecting feminine hygiene products for Baraboo schools in September and undergarments for Pathway Home and Hope House in October. The church is also transitioning to a combined garbage and recycling dumpster to streamline waste management.
Christian Education and Youth Programs: Multiple Bible studies and youth programs begin in September, including women’s and men’s studies, children’s activities, youth group meetings, and Sunday School classes for all ages. Special groups like Caregiver Support, Mom’s Morning Out, and American Heritage Girls are also featured.
Financial Update and New Endowment Fund: The church reports year-to-date offerings of $165,263 and expenses of $179,262, resulting in a net loss of $13,999. Emanuel is establishing a permanent endowment fund (Emanuel Legacy Fund) to support its ministries long-term, aiming to launch by January 2027.
Click to open: Newsletter September 2026
Summary:
Key Topics:
- Pastor Ron’s Reflection: A call to embrace Jesus Christ to overcome the burdens of sin and fear, emphasizing love for God and others.
- Financial Update: Year-to-date offerings totaled $72,209, with expenses at $78,979, resulting in a net loss of $6,770.
- Upcoming Events:
- Pancake Fundraiser: May 17th, 9-10:30 AM, to support the youth mission trip to Kentucky.
- Vacation Bible School (VBS): June 15-18, themed around Psalm 23 and the story of David.
- New Ministry Groups:
- Unraveling Grief: A six-week support group starting April 26th, led by Deb Pimm.
- Online Women’s Bible Study: Monthly meetings via Facebook Messenger, led by KaLee Lane.
- Community and Missions:
- Pantry Power Drive: Collecting donations for St. Vincent’s Food Pantry throughout May.
- Red Bird Mission Trip: Scheduled for July 18-24 in Beverly, Kentucky, open to youth and congregation members.
Click to open: Newsletter May 2026
Summary:
Key Topics:
- Holy Week and Easter Services: Maundy Thursday (April 2, 6 PM), Good Friday (April 3, 6 PM), and Easter Worship (April 5, 8 AM & 10:30 AM). No Sunday School on Easter.
- Financial Update: Offerings through February 2026 totaled $44,330, below the YTD budget of $55,342, with a net loss of $9,731.
- Upcoming Events:
- Women’s Retreat at Castle Rock Lake (May 2, 9 AM–3 PM).
- VBS Planning Meeting (April 7, 5:30 PM) for the summer program (June 15–18).
- Guest Speaker Pastor Dianne Deaton Vielhuber on grief (April 19).
- Red Bird Mission Trip info meeting (April 12, after 10:30 AM service).
- Emanuel Women’s Meeting: April 14 at 1:30 PM in the church library, featuring a program by Agnes Holt and dessert by Linda Zara.
- Weather Notifications: Updates on cancellations will be available via local radio (99.7 MAX FM) and TV stations (WMTV 15, WKOW 27).
Click to open: Newsletter April 2026
Summary:
This month’s newsletter highlights key events and opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement at Emanuel Church. From educational classes on Wesleyan theology to meaningful Lent activities, the church invites members to deepen their faith and connect with others. Easter celebrations are planned with special services, and there are several volunteer opportunities to serve the congregation. Additionally, a new ministry, Freedom from Food, offers support for those facing challenges with food and body image.
Top 5 Topics
Wesleyan Theology Class
- A 10-week class titled “Wesleyan Theology: What We Believe & Why We Believe It” begins on Monday, March 9th. This course will explore the essentials and non-essentials of Christianity, focusing on the Methodist perspective and fostering unity in the church.
Lent Activities
- Lent Wednesday Soup, Worship & Testimony: Join for a free soup dinner at 5:15 PM, followed by inspiring testimonies in the sanctuary at 6:00 PM.
- Speakers:
- March 4: Dave Becraft
- March 11: Darla Karasek
- March 18: Bob Stearns
- March 25: Youth Group Service
- Speakers:
- Lent Wednesday Soup, Worship & Testimony: Join for a free soup dinner at 5:15 PM, followed by inspiring testimonies in the sanctuary at 6:00 PM.
Easter Worship Services
- Celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 5th with worship services at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. A photo opportunity will be available in the narthex. Note: No Sunday School on Easter Sunday.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Nursery Volunteers: Needed for 10:30 AM Sunday worship services. Sign up in the narthex.
- Greeters: Volunteers needed for 8:00 AM services on April 19th and May 17th. Contact the church office to join this welcoming ministry.
New Ministry: Freedom from Food
- A God-centered program supporting individuals with challenges related to food, body image, or unhealthy eating patterns. Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Contact Jenny Gramer at 608-495-1052 or jljahnke@live.com for more information.
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Click to open: Newsletter March 2026
Summary:
The February 2026 Emanuel Church newsletter highlights upcoming events, financial updates, and opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. Pastor Ron emphasizes the importance of reflecting on Jesus’ impact during Lent, while various church ministries share updates and plans for the month.
Lenten Season Activities:
- Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, with weekly soup suppers at 5:15 PM followed by worship and personal testimonies at 6:00 PM.
- The “Marked by Grace” Lenten study runs from February 18th to March 25th, with nursery services provided.
Women’s Mini Retreat:
- Scheduled for Saturday, March 7th, from 9 AM to 12 PM, featuring guest speakers Pastor Debbie Pimm and Kriston Barrows.
- Open to all denominations, with a $10 fee covering breakfast and beverages.
Financial Update:
- The church ended 2025 with a $10,000 loss in the general fund, significantly reduced from a $40,000 deficit in November.
- Weekly giving goal for 2026 is $6,386.
Lange Memorial Scholarship:
- Applications for Fall 2026 are open online until March 15, 2026, for students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships are available for up to three years.
Upcoming Worship Services:
- February sermons will focus on Paul’s letters to the churches, covering Ephesians and Philippians.
- Lent Wednesday services will include soup suppers and worship, with topics such as Ash Wednesday (Luke 15:11-32) and a testimony by Josh Bahe.
- Applications for Fall 2026 are open online until March 15, 2026, for students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships are available for up to three years.
Click to open: Newsletter February 2026
Summary:
The January 2026 Emanuel Church newsletter provides updates on upcoming events, programs, and initiatives for the congregation. It includes details about Christian education activities, youth group events, worship schedules, discipleship classes, and financial updates. The newsletter also highlights opportunities for involvement, such as item sales, AED training, and Lenten studies.
5 Most Important Topics:
Christian Education Programs: Sunday School resumes on January 4th, and Wednesday activities (Bible Study, Fun in the Son, and Youth Group) restart on January 7th. Fun in the Son will focus on the Book of Psalms using emojis to explore emotions.
Youth Retreat: The Youth Group will attend a winter retreat at Fort Wilderness in Rhinelander, departing on January 23rd at 12 noon. Support for the trip was raised through a bake sale and Pizza Ranch event.
Lent Study – “Marked by Grace”: A six-week Lenten study begins February 18th, featuring free dinner at 5:15 pm followed by testimony at 6 pm in the sanctuary. Men’s and Women’s Bible Study will pause during this time.
Upcoming Worship Schedule: January services will focus on Paul’s Letters, with themes like “Equipped to do Christ’s Work” and “Justified Through Faith.” Services will be held in the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary.
Discipleship and AED Training Classes: The Adult Disciple Class resumes January 26th, focusing on prayer, followed by Wesleyan Theology starting March 9th. An AED training class will be offered in partnership with Baraboo EMS, with the date and time to be determined based on interest.
Click to open: Newsletter January 2026
