Ground Breaking

Methodists are famous for their potlucks, but the lunch that was enjoyed after church service at Merrimac United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 29 was a very special one.  Members and friends worked up an appetite as they used gold shovels to break ground for an addition to their building in the little village on Lake Wisconsin. McKee Associates of Madison began construction three days later on the project that members hope will be completed by Christmas. Church volunteers will provide many hours of labor in their areas of expertise, as they live their faith of “God’s Work, Our Hands”.

The 1700 square foot addition will improve accessibility at the church that was established in 1852 by three couples. Special guests George Palmer and his daughter Yolanda were honored as descendants of one of these couples, Mr. and Mrs. Esek Green.  George recalled when he was a young man that he, his father, and his grandfather performed all parts of the church service on several occasions.

Pastor Roxi Gnatzig said she had a vision when she arrived at Merrimac UMC in July 2012.  As she looked north from the church, she dreamed about addition with a new entrance, from which worshipers could see all the way to the cross and altar as they arrived.  This dream is becoming a reality in 2019, with the support of members’ resources, time, talents, and service.  A building fund has grown over several years in anticipation of a formal project and pledge drive.  The nine-member building committee has worked diligently for over a year to gather input from the congregation, choose a builder, and organize a successful pledge drive with a slogan “Raise The Roof!”

PAST EVENTS

Construction

Church Opening

Merrimac United Methodist Church opened for worship, in its remodeled building, on Sunday, June 21.  A crowd of 30 people worshipped God in a renovated sanctuary, with a new handicapped-accessible restroom, a new pastor’s office, and ample storage and gathering space. Many COVID safety precautions were in place- masks and social distancing were required, there was no singing of hymns or group readings/prayers, and no coffee/snacks were provided. God was praised with piano music by Kari Richard, readings by liturgist Pat Gallus, and prayers/sermon by Pastor Roxi.  Parishioners gathered outside afterward for socially distanced conversation.  Many smiles were evident as friends gathered for the first time in three months! ​

Rededication

Pictures of the Merrimac Rededication for the new addition, July 25, 2021.

Our thanks to God for His Work and Our Hands. We feel especially blessed to have had  Bishop Hee-Soo Jung present with us as well as retired Pastor Rev. Marianne Cotter and her husband, Rev. Jim Cotter as well as many members and friends from Merrimac and surrounding areas. God is Good.

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What's Happening at the Merrimac United Methodist Church and the Community

A Basic LSM class is being taught on Zoom and at our First United Methodist Church, on Saturdays, Sept 23 and 30, 2023.  Contact Pat with any questions: ptgallus@gmail.com

 Men's Bible Study - Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 pm

Brat Sale - We are doing a Sept 8 & 9 at Piggly Wiggly in Sauk City 9-5 pm

Circuit Potluck Luncheon - At the North Shore Pavilion on Devils Lake North Shore. October 15, 2023, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. Watch for updates! Contact Eric with questions: erickphunter@gmail.com