Circuit Rider | June 2026

Algoma Boulevard UMC A Reconciling Ministries Congregation of The United Methodist Church

Circuit Rider abumc.org |June 2026

Haiti Sunday ~ June 21g

From the Heart of Pastor Ellen You are wonderfully made.~ Psalm 139:14

Dear Beloved ~ My heart overflows with gratitude for you. I am so very blessed to serve as your pastor.

Thank you for welcoming me into this community and continuing to engage with me on our incredible journey. Three years ago, I moved here.

This July marks our three-year anniversary.

Leather is the traditional gift for this anniversary, and I can’t think of a more appropriate gift for us—shoe leather.

🙂

The carpeting project that is before us will require shoe leather, sweat (hopefully not blood and tears), and elbow grease. You’ve brought us this far with your faithfulness and generous giving; I have no doubt we’ll get through this in grand style.

You have worked hard to make the capital campaign for the deferred maintenance project a reality. You have prayed. You have dreamed. And now, the last project is before us. Hang in there. It will be messy. It may be filled with surprises. But oh, on the other side of this, a more welcoming space and a beautiful tribute to what we can do together.

Many of the projects you have supported are not immediately visible, but they have made a tremendous difference (just ask the new boilers!).

Now we come to the most visible part of the project—the flooring that welcomes people through our doors every day.

For the next three months, the inside back cover of the Circuit Rider will offer the plans for the carpet project. There are actually SIX phases! We give thanks for the team that is leading the way and for all the hands making it possible. Thank you, Deb Madel and Anne Fields, for your leadership and vision.

This entire capital campaign project journey has been a tremendous reflection of your faith.

First, we acknowledged that we had an amazing God. (Psalm 146:6) Next, we prayed and prayed and prayed.

(Mark 11:24 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) We did not give up doing good. (Galatians 6:9) We know we have a purpose. (Micah 6:8) We know that we have a special message to share—that all are made in the image of God and are fearfully and wonderfully made.

In a time when messages of love and hope seem hard to come by, you prove again and again through your faithfulness that love and hope are very much alive and that they need to be shared. Thank you for creating a warm and inviting space to share the story of Jesus and his love.

As we journey through our BELOVED worship series this month, thank you for helping create a place where people can discover that they are beloved, created in love, and called to love.

Love & Peace, Pastor Ellen 2

Ministry Transitions & New Beginnings This position reflects our commitment to living out our faith through justice, compassion, and meaningful engagement with our community.

A good goodbye creates space for a good hello.

Ministry Transitions & New Beginnings Thank you for your FABULOUS send-off for Lisa-Marie! We got to celebrate her and her ministries in grand style with all of you and the staff. Thank you!

One of the many things that clergy learn over the years is the importance of honoring ministries. A good goodbye helps create space for a good hello. Thank you, Lisa-Marie, for allowing us to celebrate you, and thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special.

We miss her on staff and are incredibly grateful for the foundation she built for the next chapter of these ministries.

As we look toward the future, our Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) has begun the search for two full-time staff positions to help us continue living into our mission and vision.

Coordinator of Outreach & Community Engagement This position will strengthen our partnerships with neighbors, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations while helping connect faith with action.

Coordinator of NextGen & Campus Ministries Through a partnership between ABUMC and Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry, this position will help strengthen ministry with youth, college students, and young adults both within our congregation and on the UW–Oshkosh campus.

We are excited to invest in the next generation and create spaces where young people can grow in faith, belonging, service, and leadership.

Looking Ahead As many of you know, Travis is currently on sabbatical, and Kaidyn is away for the summer. We look forward to welcoming both of them back in August.

Our hope is to have these new staff members in place as we prepare for our fall ministry launch. Please keep the SPRC, applicants, and ministry leaders in your prayers during this season of discernment.

As we have been reminded throughout our BELOVED worship series, we are created in love and called to love. We look forward to seeing how God continues to shape that calling through the people who will join us on the journey ahead.

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Worship

In a world where many people are told they are not enough, not welcome, or not worthy, the gospel offers a different message: You are beloved.

This June, we invite you to join us for BELOVED, a worship series exploring what it means to be created in the image of God, claimed by grace, and called to love our neighbors.

Together, we will explore themes of belonging, dignity, justice, compassion, and hope. Through scripture, music, prayer, stories, and conversation, we will reflect on God's invitation to build communities where every person is valued and every voice matters.

Throughout the series, children and adults alike will receive stickers that reinforce our weekly themes: May 31 — You Are Loved ~ Isaiah 43:1-4 God calls us by name and claims us as beloved.

June 7 — All Music Sunday A celebration of faith through music and creativity.

June 14 — Made in God's Image ~ Genesis 1:26-31 Every person bears sacred worth and divine dignity.

Special Guests: Caden Ames and Seamus Rutkowski June 21 — Haiti Day ~ Matthew 5:14-26 Welcoming guest speaker Bruce Blumer and learning how love changes lives through Haiti Alive.

June 28 — Love God. Love People. Disrupt Hate. ~ John 8.1-11 A call to embody courageous love in our daily lives.

No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here.

Because you are beloved.

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Looking Ahead in Worship

WORSHIP THRU SERVICE Sunday August 9

As we prepare for our new carpeting installation, we will experience worship in a different way.

Rather than gathering for a traditional worship service, we invite everyone to begin the morning together at church for a brief time of prayer, blessing, and sending forth.

From there, we will become the church in motion.

Some will stay at ABUMC to prepare meals for the Oshkosh Neighborhood Fridge (Hope Fridge), help return the sanctuary to worship after the carpet installation, or assist with other hands-on projects around the building.

Photo Credit: NASA, Artemis II Mission

Just Imagine...

Others may choose to serve with a favorite nonprofit, neighborhood organization, or community ministry partner.

Come dressed to serve—or come dressed for worship! If you arrive expecting worship, wonderful. We'll have meaningful work waiting for you, and every act of service will become an act of worship.

Throughout the weekend and wherever God leads you, we invite you to: Pray.

Serve.

Share the Good News.

Witness to God's abundant provision.

Together we will discover that worship doesn't end at the church doors—it walks out into the world.

Wonder.

Curiosity.

Hope.

Coming in July...

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Haiti Day

Welcoming Bruce Blumer & Haiti Alive On Sunday, June 21, we will welcome Bruce Blumer, co-founder of Haiti Alive, as our guest speaker.

For more than a decade, Haiti Alive has partnered with communities in Haiti to support education, nutrition, healthcare, leadership development, and sustainable community growth. Rather than simply providing aid, Haiti Alive works alongside local leaders to build long-term relationships that strengthen communities and create opportunities for children and families.

Bruce brings a unique perspective shaped by careers in education, ministry, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and chaplaincy. He is also the author of several books and a passionate advocate for global partnership and compassionate service.

Through stories, photographs, and personal experience, Bruce will help us better understand the challenges facing Haiti as well as the resilience, faith, and hope found within its communities.

As part of our Haiti Day celebration, we will also learn more about the ongoing work of Haiti Alive and the ways people of faith can support ministries that create lasting change.

Join us as we celebrate God's love that reaches across borders, languages, and cultures—and discover how lives are being transformed through partnership, hope, and community.

Special Music Guest: Adem Tesfaye 6

12:34 Concert Series

Award-winning Wisconsin musician Adem Tesfaye brings an energetic blend of soul, hip-hop, blues, reggae, rock, and R&B to every performance. A gifted singer-songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller, Adem is known for creating music that is both deeply personal and joyfully engaging.

Originally from Madison, Adem has spent years honing his craft in Seattle, New York City, and beyond before returning home to Wisconsin. His rich baritone voice, thoughtful lyrics, and dynamic stage presence have earned him a growing following throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Adem's work has been recognized with the 2024 Madison 365 Musician of the Year Leadership Award, and the Adem Tesfaye Band has been nominated for Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Band of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.

Whether performing solo or with his band, Adem creates an atmosphere that invites listeners to connect through rhythm, story, and hope.

Join us for a free community potluck at 11:30 a.m., followed by the concert at 12:34 p.m.

Everyone is welcome!

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Thank you, Musicians!

...because every week you help us pray what words cannot express.

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Congratulations, Graduates!

Grandson of Philip & Barb Carpenter Lili Alderson UW - Milwaukee Masters of Art History Certificate in Museum Studies

Celebrating our 2026 Graduates

Alaina Haase

Matthew Koskubar

Appleton East High School Destination: UW Green Bay, Psychology

Oshkosh West & Riverside High School 10

Congratulations, Graduates!

Ashlynn Numrich UW Madison Doctorate Occupational Therapy

Evan Numrich UM Scholarship Recipient

Neenah High School Destination: UW LaCrosse, Biochemistry

Celebrating our 2026 Graduates

Son of Steve & Lesa Zehner Jason Selwitschka Grand Canyon University Masters of Science Leadership 11

United Women in Faith

We believe love in action can change the world Serving with Compassion and Hope At our May meeting, United Women in Faith welcomed Terra Koslowski from Damascus Road Project, Inc., an Oshkosh-based organization that has been raising awareness and assisting victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation since 2009. Her informative presentation highlighted the ongoing need for education, advocacy, and support throughout the Fox Valley, Wisconsin, and beyond. Following the presentation, our unit made a donation to support this important ministry.

May was also a busy month of mission preparation. Together, we collected Personal Dignity Kits, Bed Pack Kits, and financial gifts for the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, one of eight cooperating depots in the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Supply Network.

A special thank you to everyone who donated twin sheet sets, pillows, dignity kit supplies, and financial gifts. After Pastor Ellen blessed the offerings during worship on May 31, the supplies were delivered to the Annual Conference Ingathering on June 5. Your generosity will bring comfort and hope to people experiencing crisis around the world.

Mission u – Summer Study The Wisconsin Conference United Women in Faith invites everyone to Mission u 2026, featuring the study A Deep Knowing: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives by Linda Louise Purtado.

Two opportunities are available: Online (Zoom): June 16, 18, 23 & 25 • 6:30–9:00 p.m.

Led by Pastor Jenny Arneson In Person: Saturday, July 11 • 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Hotel Mead, Wisconsin Rapids Led by the Rev. InSun Lee, South East District Superintendent Finally, our Banned Book Club is continuing to collect book suggestions and donations. Once the new carpeting is installed, we'll set up the display in Paine Hall and begin sharing books that encourage thoughtful conversation and deeper understanding.

Thank you for your patience—and keep those title suggestions coming!

— Sandy Butcher

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Serving with Compassion and Hope Thank you, Caden and Seamus for your powerful witness!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, One Bike at a Time On May 13, two juniors in the Communities Program at Oshkosh North High School, Caden Ames and Seamus Rutkowski, hosted a Community Bike Program event at the Algoma United Methodist Church. Around 30 bikes were distributed to students from Read Elementary School in Oshkosh. The bikes were lined up early that afternoon when several Read Elementary students spotted them and excitedly called their friends over, shouting, “The bikes are here!”

Ames and Rutkowski have organized this event to increase mobility and promote outdoor activity for local youth. By connecting families with the resources of the Oshkosh Community Bike Center, the project aims to ensure that more people in the area have access to safe, reliable transportation, and learn the joy of cycling.

Ames explained, “I have enjoyed getting to learn how to work on bikes knowing that what I’m doing is going to make a difference.”

Both juniors have spent every Wednesday since the start of April going to the bike center helping refurbish bikes for this event and subsequent bike distributions. Ames and Rutkowski have worked with Steve Sagmeister, founder of the bike program, alongside some other amazing volunteers to coordinate the event and get everything ready for this special day.

Since 2009, the Oshkosh Community Bike Center has placed thousands of bicycles into the hands of children and adults who need reliable transportation. Their mission is simple: provide bikes that open doors to work, school, appointments, recreation, and independence.

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Community Connections

Curious about this new-fangled thing called an UnConference?

Pastor Ellen admits she was a bit nervous about hosting the event. Even though Michael, the lead organizer, generously shared information and a video beforehand, she still wasn't sure what to expect. As it turned out, it was a wonderful day of people gathering, sharing ideas, and passing gifts forward to the community.

Neighbors in Dialogue

Thirty people attended, shared in twenty-one sessions over six indoor and two outdoor meeting spaces over six time blocks plus lunch! Michael shared that an invested angel provided a delicious meal from Fatt Mamaas Po Boyz. Everyone ate well and there was plenty left over for folks to take home, and box a number of meals for Hope Fridge.

It was a day filled with delight, grace, and heartfelt dialogue. One guest shared, “Thank you to this church. I never imagined that a church would host an event like this!” Several said that they want to come back and asked, “When’s the next one?”

Sometimes all it takes is a welcoming space and curious people. Thank you for sharing ABUMC with our neighbors!

The Magical Grid Michael (the organizer) was very nervous about using the wooden doors as the foundation for the grid.

Pastor Ellen was confident the painter’s tape wouldn’t harm the wood.

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Connections Ministries Memorial Day: A Ministry of Hospitality Opening Our Doors Every Memorial Day morning, neighbors near and far line Algoma Boulevard to honor those who have served our country. ABUMC has become a gathering place where families bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Children wave flags. Neighbors gather together.

For many years, Pastor Cathy helped create a simple but meaningful tradition: opening the church doors.

Pastor Ellen continues that tradition.

One of the greatest joys of ministry is watching traditions become shared ministries. This year, Steve Zehner graciously opened the building and welcomed our neighbors, and Pastor Ellen got to come in a bit later. (Almost too late, the parking lot was full and she had to move the dumpster in order to park her car.)

This year, our parking lot was full long before the procession reached the church. Visitors stopped in for restrooms, fresh water, directions, and a quiet place to rest. Rolling welcome signs guided guests through the building while volunteers made sure everyone felt at home.

To everyone who stopped by, thank you for sharing Memorial Day with us.

To everyone who volunteered, thank you for extending hospitality in one of the simplest and most faithful ways possible.

To Cecelia and friends, thank you for ringing the church bells as a final salute.

Sometimes ministry looks like a smile, a cup of water, and an open door.

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Connections Ministries Little Free Pantry & Hope Fridge "Can we have something to eat?"

School had only been out a few days when three neighborhood children met Pastor Ellen outside the church.

They weren't asking about church.

They were asking about food.

They hoped for something to eat now—and spaghetti noodles and sauce to take home.

When the food came outside, there weren't three children anymore.

There were eight.

The granola bars disappeared almost instantly as the children were encouraged to share with one another.

Moments like these remind us that summer can be especially difficult for families who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs.

How You Can Help Our Little Free Pantry shelves need replenishing.

Especially needed: Peanut butter & jelly Cereal, pancake mix & syrup Spaghetti sauce & noodles Tuna Soup Granola bars, protein bars Individual snack items

Every donation goes directly into the hands of neighbors who need a little extra help.

Hope Fridge Refresh Our community refrigerator will soon receive a deep cleaning, fresh paint, and a refreshed appearance as volunteers prepare for a summer relaunch.

During the refresh, look for updates through the Weekly News & Updates and future editions of the Circuit Rider.

Because hope deserves a welcoming home, too.

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Living Generously June’s Monthly Mission Offering Building Homes. Building Hope.

This month's Loose Coin Offering supports Habitat for Humanity, a ministry that brings together volunteers, donors, and future homeowners to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing.

A safe place to live changes everything.

Children are better able to learn.

Families experience greater stability.

Neighborhoods become stronger.

Communities flourish.

Habitat believes what we believe: Everyone deserves a decent place to call home.

Every coin, every dollar, every gift becomes part of something much larger than itself—a foundation for hope.

Thank you for helping build homes and build community.

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Living Generously

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The Carpeting Project A Fresh Foundation ~ The Building Carpeting Plan Something new is going beneath our feet.

After thoughtful conversation and congregational input, the sanctuary carpeting project is underway. The selected design combines a Forest Green chancel area with a multi-colored loop pattern throughout the pew seating area, creating a warm and welcoming space that honors both our history and our future.

What to Expect Installation will happen in six phases over approximately three months.

During each phase: Areas of the building will be temporarily closed.

Furniture will be moved.

Hallways may change.

Supplies and equipment will be visible.

In other words...

Things are going to be gloriously messy for a little while.

Volunteers Needed We'll periodically need volunteers to help: Pack materials Move furniture Deep clean rooms Unpack and reorganize spaces

Not a true color representation

For everyone's safety, please do not wander into construction areas or stop by to check on the progress, even on Sundays. Temporary flooring changes and equipment create trip hazards.

Instead, we'll keep everyone updated through the Circuit Rider and Weekly News & Updates, including volunteer opportunities as they arise.

Looking Ahead When the final phase is complete, we'll celebrate together with a Grand Re-Opening this fall.

We can't wait to welcome everyone into a refreshed space designed for worship, music, fellowship, and generations yet to come.

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