Fellow Olivetians,
This past year has been a journey of faith, and fellowship, and I thank God for the ways He has worked in and through our church family.
The turning of the calendar is more than just a change in date—it is a reminder of God’s faithfulness; He grants us each morning. As we step into this new year, may we do so with hearts full of hope, eyes fixed on Jesus, and hands ready to serve.
I pray that 2026 will be a year of growth, renewed strength, and abundant joy for you and your loved ones. May the Lord guide your steps, bless your lives, and fill your home with peace that surpasses all understanding.
Wishing You a Blessed and Joyful New Year
Darlene Crombie, Moderator
We are always looking for more ideas for fundraisers. If you have anything to suggest, we are always open to new ideas. You can email us at olivetucc.columbus@gmail.com or give the church office a call at 920-623-5140.
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Community Meal
Our next Community Meal will be held at Olivet on Thursday, January 8th, beginning at 5pm until 6:30 pm. Olivet will be serving 5 different kinds of soups; Cheesy Hamburger, Wild Rice & Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, Chicken Enchilada and Corn Chowder served with bread and dessert.
Methodist Church will host their community meal on Thursday, January 22nd from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
The community meals are for everyone in the community that would like to join us for some fellowship and a great meal together. All are welcome.
We are always looking for extra hands to help with the meals as well. Hope to see you there!
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Ushering and Fellowship sign-up
Thanks to Mina Kenevan our ushering schedule is now out for the upcoming 2026 church year. Each member that signed up to help usher will have 2 or 3 Sundays throughout 2026 to usher. If you do not receive a schedule, there are extra copies on the table in the Narthex. If you would like one mailed to you, please call the church office at 920-623-5140 and we will send one to you.
Thank you to all who volunteered.
Worship and Music Committee
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"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring - all of which have the potential to turn a life around"- Leo Buscaglia -
Adult Bible Study
You are invited to join us for our next adult Bible study on January 4 following the morning worship service. All are welcome.
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Potluck for Pastor Sandy on January 25th
Please join us on January 25th for a potluck right after morning worship to honor our very own Pastor Sandy Schieble for all she has done for us and continues to do for us.
Thank you, Pastor Sandy! We appreciate everything you have done for Olivet, past and present.
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Columbus Fall River Food Pantry
We rely on donations during this season of giving to help carry us through the upcoming year. We are currently serving over two hundred families in Columbus and Fall River. Demand is high, so the need is great. Our expenses are surpassing our donations, and our reserves have dipped to a critical level. Your ongoing support and generosity will allow us to continue serving. We are a volunteer organization and 100% of your donations go towards feeding people in our local communities. Please remember us during the holiday season.
If you would like to donate non-perishable, non-expired food donations may be dropped in the bin at Columbus Pick n Save - when available, and monetary donations may be deposited into our savings account at Farmers and Merchants Union Bank.
If you have questions, are planning a food drive, or have a large amount of food to donate, please contact Colleen @ 920-210-6266. More information about the Food Pantry is available by going to www.cityofcolumbuswi.com and clicking on: Government/Departments/Community Center/Food Pantry. Thank you for your continued support!
Thank you. Colleen Waterworth
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Pastoral Search
Pastor Laura Hawkins has accepted the call to be Olivet’s part-time Pastor. On January 11th, Pastor Laura will deliver a Sermon and a Children’s Message to us at our morning 9am worship service. We will then have the opportunity for members of Olivet to cast our votes on her acceptance. If the vote is favorable, she will begin her tenure at Olivet on January 27th, with her first Sunday at the Pulpit being February 1st. Please be sure to join us on January 11th.
For those who might be interested in visiting our members who cannot make it to church, please call the church office at 920-623-5140 or contact any Council member. You may also email the church office at olivetucc.columbus@gmail.com.
God Bless,
Darlene Crombie, Moderator
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Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all who are celebrating this month!
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Church Council Ongoing Activities
Endowment Committee Update
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Olivet. If you have any questions or concerns during this transitional time, please don’t hesitate to contact the church office or any council member.
God Bless,
Olivet Church Council
Our finance department now has a new email: finance@olivetucc.gmail.com. Please feel free to email us for finance inquiries.
Columbus/Fall River Food Pantry - New Scheduling Information
Effective January 1, 2025, the Columbus Fall River Food Pantry will have a new phone number for scheduling an appointment. The new number is 608-893-3079. Please leave a message if there is no answer. The messages will be checked daily by the church that is hosting for that month. The food pantry is open on Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 6:45 pm. It is in the back of the Columbus Community Center, 125 N. Dickason Blvd., Columbus.
Thank you to the following churches for serving: Connection Church-Pastor Jamie Turner, St. Jerom Jim Leeser, Faith Lutheran Church-Pastor Andrew Perger, Olivet Congregational UCC-Pastor Sandy Schieble (Interim Pastor), Zion Lutheran Church-Pastor Tim Schwartz, First Presbyterian Church, Columbus United Methodist Church-Rev. Sang Wook Park, Columbus Community Church of the Nazarene-Pastor Chris Baker, and Wisconsin Academy-Pastor Jonathon Fetrick.
News from Our Quilters
Like clockwork each second & fourth Wednesday mornings our ladies can be found laying out color schemes for quilts, tying them, sorting fabric and cutting squares (the sewing takes place in their homes). It is a beehive of activity in the fellowship hall. We would love to have you come - No experience necessary!
We are also in need of blankets and batting for the inside of our quilts and flat sheets for the back.
Receiving the Newsletter – Get It Your Way
The majority of newsletters, however, will be sent electronically to members and friends for whom we have correct email addresses. And the third means of distribution is to pick up a copy from the info table in the narthex.
Please contact the church office should you wish to change the manner in which you receive this valuable monthly document, or to update any of your contact information. If you have not received the newsletter at all, let the office know that too. We want you to be informed so you can participate in the goings-on at Olivet.
New Email Address for Olivet
Please note that Olivet has a new email address: olivetucc.columbus@gmail.com
Our email account was hacked, and the only option was to open a new account for us. Please update your contact information for Olivet UCC.
As a reminder
We had some trouble with our church being unlocked with the lights on after worship. It is mostly a case of our not knowing if someone else is in the building and not wanting to disrupt them. With a multi-story building that can easily happen. However, we all need to be vigilant about locking up. Lights left burning cost us $$.
We are always striving to keep our records current at Olivet. If you have a new address, phone number or email please let us know by giving us a call at 920-623-5140 or email us at:
olivetucc.columbus@gmail.com. Thank you for your help with this!
Messages on the Outdoor Sign
Are you watching the messages on the outdoor sign? They change about weekly. If you walk near the sign, you will see a number of “ministry rocks.” They are for the taking, if you wish. You might have fun placing them around town to be found by others as sort of a fun surprise.
Olivet now features E-Giving; an online service to allow you to make your donations in a secure way that also helps you track your donations over the year. Please see our E-Giving page on this website.
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