Algoma Boulevard UMC
Dear Beloved ~
It is the EASTER season! A season of changes and transformation. A seas hope and renewal. A season that G with us every step of the way, whil invites us into the NEW CREATION
This month, we will say, “Happy Retirement!” to Lisa-Marie, as we celebrate her on May 10.
ess, to lead may we is to is with gratitude for what has been, we can embrace each new day with gratitude for what is and will be.
We are people of the Risen Lord, responding anew each day!
Love and Peace, Pastor Ellen
EMERGE
Easter Worship Series
In this Easter season, we will journey together through the stages of emergence. From tombs and cocoons into new life in the light, we will explore what it means to trust God in times of waiting, to step out of what is familiar, and to awaken to the possibilities unfolding within and around us.
This is not just a story of resurrection long ago. It is an invitation for us here and now to become who God is calling us to be.
Emergence asks something of us. It calls us to trust, to release, and to step into new life —even when we cannot yet see what it will become.
May 3 - Week 4 Communion
Unwrap: Waking Up
John 11:1-44
May 10 - Week 5
Lisa-Marie’s Celebration
ld: Claiming New Possibilities
Matthew 16:13-20
May 17 - Week 6
Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don’t Need Readings from Exodus 16
May 24 - PENTECOST
Journey: The Places We Will Go Acts 2:1-4; Acts 10:34-36
WEAR RED
GRADUATE SUNDAY
Neighbor-To-Neighbor Series Begins May 31 (June’s Communion Sunday)
Special Guests: Caden & Seamus
Trinity & Peace w/Justice Sunday
Neighbor-to-Neighbor begins May 31 (June’s Communion Sunday). 3
Matthew 5:9
United Methodists around the world are being called to join a powerful movement of faith, generosity, and leadership development through Miracle Sunday, to be observed on May 17, 2026.
Already, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, representing every region of the worldwide church, including both residential and retired bishops, has led by example, collectively giving or committing $414,208 to support theological education.
This remarkable outpouring of sacrificial generosity underscores the church’s shared conviction: strong theological education is essential for a faithful, resilient, and flourishing United Methodist Church especially in some of the most challenging contexts of ministry in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
“Miracle Sunday is about investing in the future of the church,” said Bishop Patrick Streiff, leading the Miracle Sunday Initiative and President of The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. “By strengthening theological education, we equip trusted pastors and leaders to serve with wisdom, courage, and deep spiritual grounding in places where the gospel is bearing new fruit amid challenging contexts.”
The need is urgent. Across large parts of the connection, theological schools and training programs are facing limited resources while preparing pastors to lead congregations navigating poverty, conflict, migration, and rapid social change.
Miracle Sunday is a time for all United Methodists, laity and clergy alike, to participate in raising up new generations of leaders. Gifts received will directly strengthen theological education for pastors serving in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, helping sustain the global witness of The United Methodist Church for years to come. Together, this can be a Miracle Sunday one that transforms lives, strengthens the church, and shapes the future of United Methodist leadership worldwide.
Peace with Justice Sunday May 31, 2026
Seeking justice, peace, and reconciliation through faith and action
On Peace with Justice Sunday, United Methodists come together to speak out for justice and peace. Grounded in our Social Principles, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in a world longing for healing. We renew our commitment to transform the world by working across nations, reducing reliance on weapons, and addressing the root causes of conflict with lasting, just solutions.
Peace with Justice is a faithful expression of shalom in the Bible. It calls the church to strengthen its capacity to advocate publicly in communities and nations throughout the world. (2020/2024 Book of Resolutions, #5207) The United Methodist Church has a long-standing dedication to peace and justice. Through the General Board of Church and Society’s consultative status with the United Nations, we engage in global conversations that advance just and peaceful outcomes. Your gifts support ministries that educate, equip, and mobilize advocates — from local efforts in your annual conference to international peacemaking work. Together, through our shared actions and connectional efforts, we answer God’s call to be peacemakers actively working toward reconciliation and enduring peace in every corner of life.
One of the denomination’s six special offerings, Peace with Justice Sunday, encourages United Methodists to participate in transforming the world and challenging injustice by calling on our leaders and elected officials to prioritize policies that support communities and reflect God’s economy of abundance and grace.
Welcoming & Hospitality Greeters
Welcome people at the main entrance, answer questions, and help create a warm first impression. Arrive ~30 minutes early Ushers
Greet people in the sanctuary, distribute materials, assist children, collect offering, and help track attendance.
Fellowship Set-Up
Prepare coffee and treats before worship and set the space for fellowship afterward.
Fellowship Hosts
Offer hospitality during fellowship time refill coffee, notice guests, and help connect people in conversation.
Fellowship Donations
Provide treats, beverages, or financial support for fellowship time.
Worship Leadership Liturgists
Read scripture during worship.
Prayer Leaders
Lead the prayers of the people. Prayers may be provided or written in collaboration.
Children’s Time Leaders
Share the children’s message (materials provided).
Musicians & Singers
Serve with the praise band or choir. Acolytes
Light the candles for worship.
Tower Bell Ringer
Ring the bell at the start of worship
Behind the Scenes
Tech Team
Support sound and video (training available).
Communion Stewards
Online Ministry
Online Hosts
Welcome and engage the congregation as we gather online.
Assist with setting up and cleaning up communion.
Worship Ready Crew (Mondays)
Prepare the sanctuary for the coming week.
As we prepare to return to two services this fall, we will be expanding our teams in all areas.
Interested in serving?
Contact Todd forTech & Choir. Contact Pastor Ellen or Deb Nelson for all other areas.
Sundae + Mr. Goessl features award-winning vocalist Kate Voss (Earshot Magazine's Vocalist of the Year, two-time Seattle-Kobe Vocal Jazz Princess) and tireless virtuoso guitarist, Jason Goessl. This charming wife/husband duo has a style all their own and incorporates humor, vintage style, interesting instrumentation, nostalgia and serious musicianship in their act. While some label their style as "Vintage Pop" and others deem it "Cowboy Jazz" there's one adjective that everyone can agree on: delightful.
Recently awarded Acoustic Ensemble of the Year, Sundae + Mr. Goessl are bringing back the sounds from a by-gone era and spreading the joy of music like Johnny Appleseed. Their distinct brand of “Fun & Fancy Music” has been delighting audiences across the US for the past 12 years. Married in 2015, the couple has put out 7 albums and has performed 2000+ shows and has successfully drafted an act that encompasses virtuosity, jazz, pop, americana, country, charm, fashion, comedy and vaudeville with accolades and awards to boot.
Sunday, May 17
Potluck at 11:30 am
Concert at 12:34 pm
May’sTheme: Transitions
Wednesdays @ 7 pm
May6
Celebrating70years of Full Ordination Rights forWomen
May13
So Long, Farewell ~ It’s So Hard to SayGoodbye
May20
AHeart StrangelyWarmed Stories of Charles & John and the days that changed theworld
May27
FUN NIGHT!
9 Square, Pizza, & CelebratingOur Students
Graduate Sunday is May 24
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu !
Last year, I stepped away from children’s and youth ministries here at ABUMC after 15 years. Now, it is time for me to say goodbye to my role as Connections Coordinator, which I’ve held since 2020. I’m grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had to do God’s work with you throughout the years.
To all who have said yes, thank you from the bottom of my heart! The work of outreach cannot be done by one person. It requires countless enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, and I am so appreciative of the wonderful people from within and outside of ABUMC who have stepped up and given of themselves in many different ways. Keep up the good work!
It seems crazy that it has been 16 years working here, under three different pastors! Shout out to Pastor Barry for actually thinking that hiring me to be a positive influence on children and youth was a good idea. ��
I’ve had a blast! Thank you, ABUMC!
Mission Trip
by Day Shelter
School Picnic
On April 11, 2026, the Wisconsin Conference of United Women in Faith hosted a Social Action Day Zoom session titled “Responding in Love.” As United Methodists, we affirm that God has given us principles for living in community. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings is the Great Commandment: to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:35–40; Mark 12:28–34).
“We declare that all individuals… are entitled to basic human rights and freedoms.”
We also affirm from the 2025–2026 Social Principles:
“We declare that all individuals, no matter their circumstances or social standing, are entitled to basic human rights and freedoms… As a church, we will work to protect these rights and freedoms… so that every human being can thrive.”
The morning featured Attorney Grant Sovern speaking on “Immigration in Wisconsin: Standing Up for Due Process,” followed by Rev. Breanna Illéné, who shared how congregations can take action on immigration in their own communities.
It was an informative and inspiring event and we are happy to report a record attendance for this important and timely topic. An action list will be shared with attendees. One suggested step is to make Our Social Creed available to all church members. Copies are now available at the Information Hub. One powerful line reads: “We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world, to the rule of justice and law among nations, and to individual freedom for all people of the world.”
A meaningful first step in social action is simply knowing what we, as Methodists, stand for.
You may remember that our Northeast District Retreat was scheduled for May 2 in New London. Unfortunately, due to severe flooding in the area, the event was canceled to allow those affected time to recover.
This presents an important opportunity to respond.
Each loca Network, all items are given free of charge to those in need.
This year, Wisconsin is sending two box trucks and we’re helping fill them! Our unit is collecting Personal Dignity Kits, Bed Pack Kits, and monetary donations. A display in Paine Hall includes the approved item lists. All donations must be new and received by May 31.
The May coin offering will also support Midwest Mission. Please give generously and consider assembling a kit or two.
We also share that the Holy Sock Program has come to an end. Over two years, 5,458 pounds of socks were kept out of landfills, generating $5,458 for Northcott Neighborhood House in Milwaukee. Thank you to all who participated!
Our new “Banned Book” corner is now available in the library, featuring titles such as The Color Purple, Speak, and A Good Kind of Trouble. Suggestions are welcome, and 2026 Book Club selections are available in the Open Door Library.
Our next unit meeting will be on Wednesday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m., featuring Cully Sheahan from The Damascus Road Project, whose work focuses on preventing sexual exploitation and supporting survivors. Please consider joining us.
Thank you for your continued support and participation.
Sandy Butcher
Connections Ministry helps us live out our faith by caring for our neighbors and building community both within our church and beyond.
Help bring birthday joy to children in our community! Our church is collecting supplies for the Birthday Bags service project to support families who utilize the Oshkosh Community Food Pantry. These bags allow families to celebrate their child’s birthday with a cake and a few simple party items.
Sunday school classes will assemble Birthday Bags on May 3, and the Ridgeway 4-H Club will package additional bags on June 9. To prepare for these events, we are collecting supplies now and ask that donations be received by the morning of May 3.
Each Birthday Bag will include cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates, napkins, and a birthday card. You can help by donating any of these items. Supplies may be dropped off in the church entryway.
You may also support this project through a monetary donation. It costs $5 to sponsor one Birthday Bag. Checks can be mailed to the church; please make them payable to ABUMC and write “Birthday Bags” in the memo line. Donations will also be collected between services throughout April. Thank you for helping make birthdays special for children and families in our community!
Written by Evan Numrich, 12th grader and member of Ridgeway 4-H Club
The Open Table
The final Open Table meal for this season will be on May 11.
Thank you to all our guests who’ve joined us.
To those of you who have dined with a visitor to our church and made them feel welcome, we appreciate your kindness.
A shout-out to all our wonderful volunteers, and especially to Nancy Levesque, for her dedication to this outreach! We hope they all enjoy their well-deserved rest!
God’s Gardeners: Many Hands Help Our Garden Grow
How does our garden grow? With the help of many hands!
Volunteers are needed for God’s Gardeners, a ministry that helps keep the outside of Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church welcoming and well cared for all summer long.
Facilitated by Deb Madel, God’s Gardeners invites volunteers to care for one of eight small outdoor areas around the church. Volunteers help maintain the landscaping, tend plantings, and give special attention before times when we welcome more visitors, such as the Memorial Day Parade that passes directly by ABUMC.
God’s Gardeners was started by the late Judy Thoma while she served on the Board of Trustees. After Judy’s death in 2020, her sister Deb began facilitating the team. Deb says the work and time commitment are minimal and can be done on each volunteer’s own schedule as needed.
Designated areas include the sign area at NewYork and Algoma, the hosta garden, the Algoma side of the church, the NewYork side of the church, the parking lot entrance, the main entrance, the fence line, and the planters.
Anyone interested in helping can contact Deb Madel or the church office.
May Coin Mission
The United Women in Faith will be collecting items for personal dignity and bedding kits for the Midwest Mission Distribution Center as part of the Wisconsin Annual Conference meeting. The distribution center works with the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) to receive, assemble, store, and disburse UMCOR kits. Their preparedness allows them to be able to respond within 24 hours of an emergency to distribute kits.
During the month of May, the coins collected during the offering will help pay for shipping of the kits.
Recycling 101
Are you a savvy recycler? Sometimes we do more harm than good with our recycling efforts. Wishcycling is the well-intentioned, yet incorrect practice of placing non-recyclable items into recycling bins in the hope that they will be recycled. It contaminates recycling streams, increases processing costs, and breaks equipment. Here are a few tips to help you be a recycling hero.
Plastic bags must be CLEAN & DRY to recycle at the store drop-off
NO plastic cups are recyclable locally - including Solo cups or cups from fast food
Do NOT crush your bottles or cans
Greasy pizza boxes ARE recyclable, just not with a lot of food attached
NEVER put recyclables in a plastic bag within your bin (entire bag will be thrown out)
Shredded paper should be thrown away
Clothes, cords, rigid plastic items, and nursery pots are NOT recyclable in your bin
Polystyrene foam containers (styrofoam) are NOT recyclable in your bin
You can do it!
