Volume 45 | Number 11 December 2017/January 2018

PARISH

NEWS

ADVENT FELLOWSHIP

Sunday, December 3 beginning at 4:00 pm

in the Parish Life Center

Members and friends of all ages are invited to make advent crafts, shop for unique gifts, share a meal, and learn about special opportunities for outreach. New activities are planned!

CHRISTMAS EVE

7pm Sunday, December 24 with pre-service music beginning at 6:30pm

All are welcome as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Come experience the story through scripture, music, and a special message from Pastor Amundson.

5:30 pm Saturday, January 6 EPIPHANY OR THREE KINGS' DAY,

is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally (but not solely) the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles.

Hot chocolate and cookies by the fire in the courtyard following the service.

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PASTOR’S PAGE...

Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. ~ELW page 20

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Christmas is a’comin’ . . . and it’s a’comin’ – oh and it won’t be long!”

In the Dreier household we have a collection of Christmas music we begin listening to right after Thanksgiving. And that quotation is from what has proven to be one of our favorite songs. Come around early November we start singing, with a giggle in our voice, “Christmas is a’comin’ . . . and it’s a’comin’ – oh and it won’t be long!”

It’s anticipation, I suppose, excited anticipation.

In liturgical churches like Ebenezer, we call this time of anticipation “Advent.”

“Advent” literally means “arrival.” We celebrate four weeks of anticipation of the arrival.

Of course, one of the arrivals I celebrate with anticipation is the arrival of Christmas and the arrival of family, and the songs, and the presents, and the food . . .

But in the church we celebrate three other arrivals.

The arrival of Jesus into our world as a baby in Bethlehem

The greatly anticipated arrival of Jesus at the End of Time when heaven will be home to all of us, when we all will truly “be home for Christmas.”

The arrival – and I think this might be the most important one of all – of Jesus daily, momentarily, constantly in our hearts.

What a Joy to the World to know that Jesus – Immanuel – is with us. What a comfort to

live every moment with the knowledge that Jesus is with us. What excitement – anticipatory excitement – to realize that every moment of every day God has exciting things planned for me, and planned for me to do.

“Christmas is a’comin’ . . . and it’s a ‘comin’ – oh and it won’t be long!”

God is with you all.

Pastor Gary

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RESULTS OF NOV 5 ELECTIONS

Congregation Council-

Adults-Mark Bokesch, Ed Kelly, Colleen Siniard, Diane Stone

Youth- Olivia Bokesch, Christian Hampton ELC Foundation - Howard Seale

Continuing on Council - Buddy Bateman, Karen Hardy, James Thomas, Tom Tuten, Roger Davis, Fred Fellers, Mike Siomacco, Linda Smith Shealy Continuing on Foundation- Lynn Ballentine, Tom Brown, Steve Moon

Join us on the

SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH

SERVICE OF HEALING 6:30 PM

in the sanctuary

We experience healing through the Word, Eucharist, and the laying on of hands with anointing. We hear contemplative music and a message of healing for body, mind, & spirit.

6:30pm - December 14

6:30pm - January 11

We gather in the chancel. All are welcome!

THERE IS STILL

TIME TO TURN

IN A PLEDGE

CARD FOR

2018

We encourage everyone to complete a card pledging your gifts of TREASURE, TIME and TALENT.

If you need a card please call the church o<ce (765-9430) and one will be mailed to you.

NOW available -

an updated church directory You may pickup your directory in the reception room on Sundays or during the weekday. They are boxed in alphabetical order. Please sign the notepad showing you got your copy.

“Koinonia Belonging” Gathering is not scheduled for December

but will resume in January with a Chili Cook-OE

January 11 6pm

in the Parish Life Center

Get your favorite recipe and crock-pot ready for an evening of good food,

fellowship and outright Lutheran fun! More details to come.

This issue of The Parish News is

a combined edition for

December/January.

The next issue will be dated February.

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SANDLAPPER

SINGERS

IN CONCERT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 7:30 PM

in the church, doors open at 7pm

Experience the joy of music through the eyes of a child with a performance of Rutter’s “Mass of the Children.” The Sandlapper Singers will be joined by the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir (Greenville, SC) and orchestral accompaniment to present this glorious masterwork. This concert will conclude with nostalgic holiday classics to bring out the child in you once again. For tickets and information, visit

sandlappersingers.org. Members of Ebenezer

receive a 20% discount on tickets for this

concert when ordering online. Use the code ELC17 to access the special rate.

EMMET CAHILL IN CONCERT

"A CELTIC CHRISTMAS"

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 AT 7:00 PM

in the church. Award-winning Irish tenor Emmet Cahill is making a return to the Patrons & Friends of the Arts 1301 series! He

will present "A Celtic Christmas," a concert of seasonal favorites, recalling his many childhood memories from Ireland. Emmet is

best known as a singer with the popular Irish music show, Celtic Thunder. And after the

show a dessert reception and artist meet-and-greet. Tickets are $20 each. www.patronsandfriends.org

HELPING HANDS NEEDED SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 23 to set up poinsettias and aisle candles. And also, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

"Un"-decorate the church after worship. Contact Karen Hardy & let her know you will help the 23

& or 31. klhpacem2@gmail.com or 779-8513

REACHING OUT… HELPING OTHERS

The GIVING TREE will be in the Reception Room until Dec. 17. It's such a great way to share the spirit of Christmas. Select a gift tag. Shop for the gift. Wrap the gift. Return the wrapped package to the tree with the gift tag attached. You have now helped to brighten someone's day!

GIFTS OF HOPE, an alternative giving program of the SC Synod is still available. There is a great assortment of gifts and price ranges. Perfect for that hard to shop for person on your list.

Marion St. High-rise Dinner & Bingo is

Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 pm in the PLC Dining Room. Volunteers are needed beginning at 4:30 pm to set the table, greet guests, help with last-minute preparations and serving. We are collecting items such as lotion, soap, body wash, shampoo and deodorant for Bingo prizes and large bags of individually wrapped candy gift bags. Drop these items in designated basket in the Reception Room by Sunday, December 10. Contact Mimi at mimiwb@sc.rr.com or call

or text 803.319.5007 if you can help.

CHRISTMAS

anonymous

Every time a hand reaches out To help another... that is Christmas. Every time someone puts anger aside

And strives for understanding That is Christmas.

Every time people forget their diEerences And realize their love for each other

That is Christmas.

May this Christmas bring us Closer to the spirit of human understanding

Closer to the blessing of peace!

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COUNCIL CORNER At its November 21, 2017 meeting, your Congregation Council:

�Adopted Housing as Ebenezer’s Major Missional Focus

�Approved Property Team’s recommendation to use Room 307 for Christi’s Closet, a

housing ministry for young adults age 17-26

� Joyfully approved receipt of Dianne McCarty and Wilburn (Terry) Walkup as new members

� Happily learned the Call Committee is working actively, talking with Pastoral candidates

�Approved Property Team’s recommendations for use of locks and signage on church grounds to increase safety and ensure access for members and guests

�Approved Worship Team’s recommendation for worship schedule on Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve: 10:30 AM Lessons and

Carols and 7:00 PM Holy Communion

�Scheduled Ebenezer’s Annual Meeting for Sunday, February 11, 2018, following worship

�Rejoiced that Ebenezer’s youth and adult chaperones are now registered for the ELCA’s Church-wide Youth Gathering in Houston June/July 2018!!!

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.

SUNDAYS AT LOWMAN CONCERT

SERIES 3:00PM SUNDAYS

NEW LIFE CHAPEL

HERITAGE AT LOWMAN CAMPUS

CONCERTS ARE FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE

DECEMBER 10

JOSHUA ROSS, PIANO

Coming oE his recent performance in Carnegie Hall’s legendary Stern Auditorium where he was described as “playing eloquently as if on glass harmonica”, Joshua Ross is quickly becoming a respected artist in the classical music world. He

holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Georgia where he studied with Dr. Martha Thomas. He

also holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from The Florida State University, where he studied with Dr. Heidi Louise

Williams. Joshua performs regularly as a soloist both domestic and abroad.

FEBRUARY 11

DEM BONES, TROMBONE ENSEMBLE

After many years of working together as the trombone section for the Dick Goodwin Band,

their collective lives were stirred. “Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause

breath to enter you, and you shall live” Ezekiel 37:5. The ministry of Dem Bones was born. Brahms called the trombone: “The Voice of

God”, Berlioz called it “The Epic One”, Mendelssohn cautioned that it was “too sacred

for frequent use”. When the insightful Martin Luther translated the Bible, he changed the Hebrew word for trumpet to trombone, thus avoiding the awkward title: Dem Trumpets. Dem Bones aim is to provide spiritual encouragement through music rooted in gospel and tradition. Their unique sound and arrangements are dedicated to the praise and glory of God.

2017 Contribution Posting Deadlines: In order to have your contributions or other gifts to Ebenezer posted to your 2017 record of giving, they MUST (1) be placed in the oEering plate not later than Sun, Dec 31 OR (2) hand-delivered to the church o<ce by 12:00 noon on Fri, Dec 29 OR (3) postmarked on or before Dec 31, 2017.

Consider using the convenience of Online Electronic Giving to ELC. We oEer online

electronic giving as a way to automate your regular pledge oEering. Online giving oEers convenience for individual congregation members and provides much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. It is an easy way to ensure that your pledge is paid directly from your bank to the church without you having to write a check. It confirms that our “first fruits” do indeed go towards God’s work. Online Giving allows you to go to our website, www.ebenezerlutheran.org at any time to set up

an automatic donation plan, change your donation plan, make a one-time donation or view

your online donation history. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. If you have any questions you can contact Wendy Isgett in the church o<ce by phone or email: wisgett@ebenezerlutheran.org.

Guidelines for Giving Stock to the Church Many people choose to give stocks instead of cash for their support of the church budget or for special gifts. It's easy to do and avoids capital gains tax, with the donor receiving full credit for the value of the stock as a donation to the church.

Ebenezer's main banking and investment relationship is with BB&T. Our account there can receive your stock transfers, convert it to a cash donation to the church, and the church will cover

the liquidation fees. Accounts are available at other institutions/companies if you or your broker prefer to use them.* Here is how it works: Do not sell the stock yourself or you may be subject to capital gains tax. Notify your broker to transfer the stock to the main investment account at

BB&T* and that institution will sell the stock.

Upon notification from your broker of the transfer, the church will authorize the sale of the

stock and record your contribution in the church accounting system.

************

You may use the following form for BB&T* INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUR BROKER:

Please transfer ___________ shares of my __________________________stock in the

name of _________________________________

to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland St,

Columbia, SC 29201. Ebenezer's account number

at BB&T* is 20588231 and the DCT #0702.

Please advise me by letter, with a copy to the church Treasurer, of the average cost basis of the stock on the date of transfer.

Signature _______________________________

Date ______________________

*Ebenezer maintains transfer accounts at other

financial institutions/companies. Please contact the church treasurer for details if you prefer to use them.

From the FINANCE MINISTRY TEAM

Finance Team Members: Phillip Heise, Joyce Lybrand, Wendy Isgett-StaE, Buddy Bateman- Council Liaison, Phil Bingenheimer-Team Leader.

Save the Dates Save the Dates Save the Dates Save the Dates Summer 2018Summer 2018Summer 2018Summer 2018 Children, Youth & AdChildren, Youth & AdChildren, Youth & AdChildren, Youth & Adultsultsultsults 6

June 10-14 Vacation Bible School

July 15-20 GraceWorks

July 22-26 Disciple Camp

SPECIAL GIFTS TO EBENEZER as of November 15

Capital Campaign-Debt Reduction

*In memory of Betty Cagle by Judy Woolly

*In memory Bernice Folsom by Shirley Smith

Jo Creason

Ruth Counts

Euenla Sloan

*In memory of Birdie Culp by Joyce Lybrand

ELCA Hurricane Relief

*In memory of Eddie Moore by the Ladies/Men's Bible Class

Family Promise *In honor of Elizabeth Padget

and Grace Metzgar by Pat Wertz and David Wertz

Music Ministry

*In honor of Judy and Phillip Heise and Carolyn and David Donges by Pat Wertz and David Wertz

Pastors Discretionary Fund *In memory of Eddie Moore

by John Dreher Judy Woolly

Thanksgiving & Memorial *In memory of Mary Eargle

by Judy Woolly *In memory of Bernice Folsom

by John Dreher Petal Pushers Garden Club

Welcome to our newest members,

Terry Walkup and Dianne McCarty! 7

The members of

Ebenezer have been

invited to attend

NEWBERRY COLLEGE WINTER

COMMENCEMENT IN WILES CHAPEL,

DECEMBER 11 AT 2:30P.M.

The Rev. J. Harry Crout will be presented with an honorary

Doctor of Ministry.

LOVE IS BORN AT CHRISTMAS

Living Springs Lutheran Church Live Nativity Drama

7:00pm

December 9 & 10

Be inspired by this 30-minute

outdoor dramatic presentation with live animals, characters, musical

interludes - and opportunity for children & others to interact with the animals and

characters after the drama is over. It is not a

walk-thru or drive-thru; presentation starts right at 7:00! Bring your lawn chairs. All are welcome! Living Springs Lutheran Church, 4224 Hard Scrabble Road (corner of Hard Scrabble & Clemson Roads), Columbia.

EBENEZER WOMEN: YOU ARE

INVITED TO A WOMEN'S RETREAT

Isle of Palms, Feb 9-11, 2018

hosted by the women of Christus Victor

- Are you in need of a weekend at the beach? SEASIDE ESCAPE is a retreat where

women slow down and enjoy time with other women and with God. It's an in-

depth Bible study, an unforgettable worship experience, and an open invitation for women to draw closer together, to be still in God's presence and to sun themselves in His love. The key verse for the weekend will be Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am

God."

$125. for the weekend. Ebenezer women

register with Linda Davis- 772-7690.

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HOW TO MAKE

A SPECIAL

NEW GENERATION

A ministry for adults 55 & older, but everyone is welcome to

join the group on outings, meetings & trips.

JANUARY 25, 2018 12:00 noon in the PLC

dining room, Jean Padgett will present "The Rooms of Your Life". Jean is a Christian speaker and Bible teacher who uses a four-story miniature house in her presentation. Just as there are many rooms in a house, so are there many areas of our lives. Don't miss this inspirational presentation. RSVP Linda Davis 772-7690

SAVE the DATE Sept 10-13, 2018 Annual Bible Study & Beach Retreat at Isle of Palms.

TOGETHER WE CAN . . . A SERIES OF FAMILY PROMISE FIRSTS!

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS, Ebenezer welcomed four Family Promise families! These fourteen guests (consisting of one set of grandparents, a grandson, three moms, and eight children) were openly appreciative of the warmth, care, and delicious meals that our Ebenezer volunteers provided!

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS, a note of thanks was left on the chalkboard in one of the

"bedrooms". The note read:

To our new friends @ Ebenezer: We want to say that you are an amazing example of the love of God. We as a family were blessed by your love and hospitality. The food encouragement, gifts, hugs, and advice were superb. Jesus did many things for many, but only a few said thank you. We want you to know we're thankful. This has been a great learning experience. By the way, T was ecstatic about his birthday. We love you all!

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS, we received funding from a large grant! The Woman's Club of Columbia Endowment, created from the sale of property has enabled the membership to award grants to 501 organizations. In 2017 alone they were able to give $40,000 to deserving organizations mostly in the Columbia area that provide services to women and children. Annette Metz, Carolyn Donges, Jo Creason, Judy Woolly, Doris Harrington, Lib Carswell, Martha Fowler, Gaye Betcher, Shirley Knox, Martha Cobb, Dottie Hampton, Joyce Lybrand, and Jane Holmes are dedicated Ebenezer members who also work tirelessly as members of this caring organization.

We are especially grateful to the Woman's Club of Columbia for the generous grant that they provided Family Promise of Ebenezer for 2017. Not only was money from this grant used to secure food, but funds were also allocated for the purchase of additional sheets, towels, and mats.

The money from the Woman's Club grant was coupled with a Thrivent grant graciously provided by James H. Johnson. With a larger number of guests came a more extensive grocery list as well as some additional needs. These generous funding sources were such beautiful examples of God's ability to provide what is needed to move this ministry forward!

YES, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS, WE WERE AT CAPACITY! However, we also felt

that this was one of our favorite Family Promise weeks! We are so grateful to the over sixty members of Ebenezer and Good Shepherd who gave countless hours to make this week a reality! We are also thankful for the Woman's Club of Columbia and Jim H. Johnson for providing the funding needed to feed, clothe, and shelter our special guests! Together we can... together we did! What a blessing!

EBENEZER'S NEXT WEEK TO HOST WILL BE FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 4, 2018

To learn more about Family Promise or become a volunteer contact Elizabeth Padget or Grace Metzgar who serve as are our faithful on-site Ebenezer coordinators.

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WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP REVIEW

Most readers would not expect a memoir, written by a son who lost both parents in less than a year, to be entertaining and humorous. In Losing Mum and Pup, Christopher Buckley did just that, writing about his “larger-than-life” parents, William F. and Patricia Buckley. Although not everyone was a fan of the book selection for November, we all thought the humor was wonderful. After portions of the author’s website were presented, we agreed that there is reason to both read and enjoy this unusual memoir. Christopher’s sophisticated humor and his humanity resound throughout his website, which includes fascinating information about the Buckley family. Of particular interest are the family’s ties to South Carolina. The document cited is found on

christoperbuckley.com/bio.

We discussed emotional trauma that adults

experience as they become orphans, recognizing that this occurs with those who have siblings as well as those who do not. The book includes

many references to great poetry, literature and music and evidence of Pup’s strong religious faith throughout his life.

Even though the author's childhood was not spent in a loving home, he was a generous and loving son to both parents in their final days and arranged lavish memorial services for them. While recognizing that “…Ozzie and Harriett, life with Mum and Pup was not…” the author said he loved them both fiercely and…

”wouldn’t have traded being his son—or hers—

for any amount of success.” (website cited above)

Next meeting - Thursday, December 7 We will discuss Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. All women are invited to attend.

~Diane Jones

from Karen Hardy, Worship Team Leader

When my younger son began to serve as an acolyte, his biggest concern was tying the rope belt securely. With time and opportunity to practice, he learned the art of loop knots and the rope stayed securely in place. However, this happened because there were more experienced disciples who shared their time and

their proficiency in serving as an acolyte and, in turn, passing their wisdom to him. When he became taller and stronger, he served as crucifer, learning from his predecessors how to “lift high the Cross.”

Countless generations of disciples have served in this ministry, bringing the light of Christ into the sanctuary at the beginning of the service and taking that light back out into the world. Our crucifers carry the cross of Christ into our worship service as we begin our processional, carry the cross of Christ into our midst in our Gospel Processional during Festival Services, and bear the cross of Christ

in our recessional, reminding us to take the good news out into the world.

Although historically this ministry has been

one done primarily by our children and youth,

it is also an opportunity for the “young at

heart.” Please consider serving in this essential

ministry of Ebenezer. Contact David Turner

in the church o<ce 765.9430 or Karen Hardy

779.8513 if you are willing to be a part of our

devoted group of acolytes and crucifers. Karen

is willing to train those interested.

Thank-you...

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LOOKING

for OPPORTUNITIES to SERVE?

Call 765.9430 (church office) & let's find

a perfect place for you to share

your time & talents.

MEMBERS IN

CARE FACILITIES & HOMEBOUND

Deepwood Estates Mary Hallman

Heritage at Lowman Julian Wise

Presbyterian Home Joyce O'Sheal

Homebound Ruby Ford, Lodd & Marilyn

Havird, Bob Hennies, Ione Hildebrand, Louise

Hydrick, Sandra Lewis, Gertrude Metze,

Marilyn Minick, Renate Moore, Helen Sanders,

Leesa Smith, Sonja Zagata.

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

MEMBER UPDATE

Joined the Church Triumphant •Treasure Charlan, Oct 26

•Birdie Culp, Nov 7 •Tania Richardson, Nov10

Baptized •Jack Rivers Bell, Nov 5

New Members Received Nov 12

•Dianne McCarty

•Terry Walkup

www.ebenezerlutheran.org

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your visits, calls, cards, notes and prayers. You bring Ebenezer to me when it is no longer easy for me to join with you in worship services. It is comforting to know that we who are "house bound" are not forgotten. God bless you. Gratefully, Helen Sanders

Dear Folks,

Please accept our most sincere gratitude for your concern and inquiries as to Dick's health. Your interest is much appreciated! We also are grateful for the gorgeous altar flowers which were kindly delivered by Joel Hiller. They were proudly displayed in our home, and they do bring life and beauty to our surroundings. Thanks over and over for your kindness! Sincerely, Dick and Kathy Coolidge

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers during my recent hospitalization and rehab. The beautiful flowers, your visits, the phone calls, and the many cards I received were just a reminder of what it feels like to be a member of such a loving congregation.

Linda Stalnaker

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 Sunday School for All Ages 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, Monday, January 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 Linda Smith Shealy, Secretary Phil Bingenheimer, Treasurer

COUNCIL MEMBERS

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