Welcome to Worship
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (Year-round) - All are welcome to worship at United Methodist Church of the Pines on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Attend our in-person service in the church sanctuary at 415 Chippewa Street in downtown Minocqua or watch the service on our church Facebook page or on our YouTube channel.
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (Year-round) - All are welcome to worship at United Methodist Church of the Pines on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Attend our in-person service in the church sanctuary at 415 Chippewa Street in downtown Minocqua or watch the service on our church Facebook page or on our YouTube channel.
Giving
Your giving matters! Your continued financial support is greatly appreciated.
To make an online gift to Church of the Pines, click on the green "give online today" graphic to the left or the button below, use a debit or credit card or pay from your checking account, AND you can designate your contribution to the fund of your choice.
Your giving matters! Your continued financial support is greatly appreciated.
To make an online gift to Church of the Pines, click on the green "give online today" graphic to the left or the button below, use a debit or credit card or pay from your checking account, AND you can designate your contribution to the fund of your choice.
Journey to Christmas at Church of the PinesAs the days grow shorter and the lights of the season begin to glow, we invite you to journey with us through Advent and into Christmas. Whether you are full of joy, carrying questions, or feeling a bit weary this year, there’s a place for you at Church of the Pines.
Our Sunday worship services during Advent begin at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary and are also livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Together we’ll follow the story of Jesus’ coming and discover how God’s hope, peace, joy, and love meet us right where we are.
Advent Worship Series: Journey to ChristmasAdvent I – Sunday, November 30, 2025“The Promise Still Stands”
Scripture: Matthew 1:1–17
From a long line of imperfect people, God’s faithfulness keeps showing up. As we begin Advent, we’ll look at the genealogy of Jesus and discover that grace runs through every story—including ours.
Advent II – Sunday, December 6, 2025“God With Us in Our Questions”
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph’s story reminds us that God meets us in the middle of uncertainty. When the path ahead is unclear, God still calls us to courage, trust, and quiet obedience. If you’re carrying questions this season, you’re not alone.
Advent III – Sunday, December 14, 2025“Good News on the Margins”
Scripture: Luke 1:46–55 (Mary’s Song)
Mary’s song rises from an unexpected place and proclaims that God lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. This Sunday, we’ll celebrate the surprising joy that begins at the margins and moves toward the center of our lives and world.
Advent IV – Sunday, December 21, 2025“A Light for All People”
Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12
The Magi follow a distant light and find the Christ child—God’s love made known for all nations and all people. As we draw near to Christmas, we’ll reflect on how the light of Christ crosses every boundary and calls us to welcome, wonder, and worship.
Christmas Eve at Church of the Pines Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 • 4:30 p.m.
You’re invited to a beautiful candlelight service celebrating the birth of Christ — with carols, special music, and a message of profound hope:
The Weary World Rejoices
Into darkness, light is born.
Into weariness, joy arrives.
Christ brings peace, hope, and renewal.
Come early — Christmas music begins at 4:20 p.m.
Arrive by 4:15 to get settled and soak in the peace of the evening.
415 Chippewa Street, Minocqua
Join us online on Facebook or YouTube as the service will be livestreamed.
Let the light of Christ fill your Christmas.
Theme: “The Weary World Rejoices”
Scripture: Luke 2:1–20
Into darkness, light is born. Into weariness, joy arrives.
You’re invited to a beautiful Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. The service will include familiar carols, Scripture, a Christmas message of hope, and the soft glow of candlelight as we sing “Silent Night” together.
Come with family, bring a friend, or come on your own—just as you are. Whether this is your first time in church or a tradition you’ve kept for years, you are warmly welcome.
There’s a place for you this Advent and Christmas at Church of the Pines.
Our Sunday worship services during Advent begin at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary and are also livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Together we’ll follow the story of Jesus’ coming and discover how God’s hope, peace, joy, and love meet us right where we are.
Advent Worship Series: Journey to ChristmasAdvent I – Sunday, November 30, 2025“The Promise Still Stands”
Scripture: Matthew 1:1–17
From a long line of imperfect people, God’s faithfulness keeps showing up. As we begin Advent, we’ll look at the genealogy of Jesus and discover that grace runs through every story—including ours.
Advent II – Sunday, December 6, 2025“God With Us in Our Questions”
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph’s story reminds us that God meets us in the middle of uncertainty. When the path ahead is unclear, God still calls us to courage, trust, and quiet obedience. If you’re carrying questions this season, you’re not alone.
Advent III – Sunday, December 14, 2025“Good News on the Margins”
Scripture: Luke 1:46–55 (Mary’s Song)
Mary’s song rises from an unexpected place and proclaims that God lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. This Sunday, we’ll celebrate the surprising joy that begins at the margins and moves toward the center of our lives and world.
Advent IV – Sunday, December 21, 2025“A Light for All People”
Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12
The Magi follow a distant light and find the Christ child—God’s love made known for all nations and all people. As we draw near to Christmas, we’ll reflect on how the light of Christ crosses every boundary and calls us to welcome, wonder, and worship.
Christmas Eve at Church of the Pines Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 • 4:30 p.m.
You’re invited to a beautiful candlelight service celebrating the birth of Christ — with carols, special music, and a message of profound hope:
The Weary World Rejoices
Into darkness, light is born.
Into weariness, joy arrives.
Christ brings peace, hope, and renewal.
Come early — Christmas music begins at 4:20 p.m.
Arrive by 4:15 to get settled and soak in the peace of the evening.
415 Chippewa Street, Minocqua
Join us online on Facebook or YouTube as the service will be livestreamed.
Let the light of Christ fill your Christmas.
Theme: “The Weary World Rejoices”
Scripture: Luke 2:1–20
Into darkness, light is born. Into weariness, joy arrives.
You’re invited to a beautiful Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. The service will include familiar carols, Scripture, a Christmas message of hope, and the soft glow of candlelight as we sing “Silent Night” together.
Come with family, bring a friend, or come on your own—just as you are. Whether this is your first time in church or a tradition you’ve kept for years, you are warmly welcome.
There’s a place for you this Advent and Christmas at Church of the Pines.
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A Heartfelt Thank You!
What a beautiful evening of fellowship, food, and gratitude at our Harvest Dinner! We are grateful to everyone who attended and shared in this cherished tradition at Church of the Pines. A special word of thanks goes out to the many volunteers who made it all possible — those who decorated the Ministry Center so beautifully, planned and prepared the meal, greeted guests and took tickets, and provided lovely prelude music to welcome everyone. It truly took a village of caring hearts to re-create the Harvest Dinner from years past — a wonderful reminder of how God continues to work through His people when we come together in love and service. Here are photos and video clips of the dinner. Be sure to turn the volume up. To read a story about the history of Harvest Dinners at Church of the Pines, click here: https://www.umchurchofthepines.org/.../a_feast_of_faith... |
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Thank you from Sarah Stewart and Nell Goetz to our Pines@Home youth and parents!
Recently, Pines@Home gathered to serve our community by raking the leaves for two members of the Church of the Pines: Nell Goetz and Sarah Stewart. Pines@Home is a new expression of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries here at UMCOP. It is a gathering of families together for a time of service, fun, fellowship, food, and faith formation. It is a way for families to connect spiritually, providing support and nurturing one another's faith, and to live Christ's love in practical ways. Sarah Stewart and Nell Goetz would like to thank the youth and parents of our Pines@Home group, who spent Sunday, October 26th, raking their yards. "What a hardworking, cheerful, and faith-filled group of young people (and their adult helpers)! You didn't just clear away the leaves—you filled my heart with joy and reminded me what it means to live out God's love in action. Your laughter, energy, and kindness made the day so special, and my yard has never looked better! Thank you for being such a shining example of service and community." – Sarah Stewart "A big thank-you to our amazing youth—and their wonderful parents—for raking my lawn! You turned what could have been a big fall chore into a joyful time of laughter, teamwork, and plenty of flying leaves. I'm so grateful for your helping hands and generous hearts. Thank you." – Nell Goetz Be sure to take a look at the video with photos from their day of raking! |
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A huge thank you to a great group of Volunteers!
We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to rake leaves, tidy up the church grounds, and get the exterior of Church of the Pines ready for winter! Your hard work, teamwork, and love for our church truly shine. Because of your care and dedication, our church home looks beautiful and well-prepared for the season ahead. Thank you, Joe Augitto, Ron Capacio, Tom Frandy, Dave Kozeluh, John McCadden, Holly Nash, John Ross, and Jerry Weber. You are awesome! |
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Church Youth Assemble School Bags
This past Wednesday, some of the youth from the church, along with Pastor Mark, Venus Hilgart, and Rosalie Widstrand, assembled 100 bags containing all of the school supplies donated by our congregation. This Sunday, the school bags will be blessed during the worship service and then delivered to Midwest Mission in Pawnee, Illinois, by the members of our church's Mission Team who will be volunteering there next week. Midwest Mission will provide the school bags to children throughout the world where needed. We want to thank the youth for participating in this mission project, everyone who donated school supplies, and those who sewed the school bags. Thank you, Venus and Rosalie, for organizing this special Mission Project! |
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Food for Kidz 2025
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, members and friends of Church of the Pines spent time packing meals at Food for Kidz, which was held at Lakeland Union High School. Thank you to Bob Schuld and Pastor Mark Gilbert for organizing our volunteer teams from our Odd Couples group and Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. The meals packaged at Food for Kidz benefit neighbors in our communities and those around the world who are in need of food. THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who helped package the meals! Click on the graphic to the left to see our volunteers in action! Food for Kidz is one of the organizations supported by the United Methodist Church of the Pines through our special mission focus of increasing food security in our community and throughout the world. |
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Fall Celebration Potluck
What a great way to Kick Off the Fall Season of programs, activities, and worship at Church of the Pines! Check out photos of the Fall Kickoff Event by clicking on the graphic on the right! Church of the Pines is a welcoming community of people who are "Living Christ's Love." If you are looking for a church where everyone is welcome, please consider joining us for worship on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. There's a place for you at Church of the Pines! |
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The beauty of the flowers growing in the summertime at Church of the Pines always reminds us of the beauty of God's earth. Enjoy photos of some of the flowers. Better yet, stop by for not only the beauty of the flowers up close, but the fantastic array of wonderful fragrances. Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise. Click on the photo at the left to look at some of the beautiful flowers at Church of the Pines. (Make sure the sound is on and enlarge the screen.) |
Introducing CONNECT: Discover the joy that comes from building meaningful connections with fellow members and friends of our church community. Imagine a supportive partner system where newer members of our church can be paired with those who have been part of our congregation for a long time. The CONNECT Ministry, spearheaded by Sara Kozeluh and Deb Harris, aims to cultivate a warm and welcoming environment, foster relationships, and ensure that all members feel a sense of belonging and care as we grow together in faith.
You may be new to the church and would like to get to know some other members of our church family. Or maybe you aren’t able, for whatever reason, to attend church worship services or participate in church activities like you used to, and you would welcome visits from members of your church family. Whatever your situation, CONNECT may be perfect for you!
To learn more about CONNECT and how you can become linked with someone to visit or to request a visit from one of our CONNECT Ministry members, contact Sara Kozeluh at 715-482-4089 or [email protected].
You may be new to the church and would like to get to know some other members of our church family. Or maybe you aren’t able, for whatever reason, to attend church worship services or participate in church activities like you used to, and you would welcome visits from members of your church family. Whatever your situation, CONNECT may be perfect for you!
To learn more about CONNECT and how you can become linked with someone to visit or to request a visit from one of our CONNECT Ministry members, contact Sara Kozeluh at 715-482-4089 or [email protected].
In 2023, the Church of the Pines reflected on how it was living out its mission of making and growing disciples of Jesus Christ to love and serve the world. In that time, we worked to develop a mission focus that would help us live this mission out.
We identified an ongoing passion within the congregation for working to feed the hungry in our community and worldwide. It was an easy process then to develop our four-year mission focus of increasing food security in our community and throughout the world. Part of that special mission focus is to share our impact each year with the congregation.
As you will see, we have had a real impact in 2024, and we will continue in the years to come! For more information, click below.
We identified an ongoing passion within the congregation for working to feed the hungry in our community and worldwide. It was an easy process then to develop our four-year mission focus of increasing food security in our community and throughout the world. Part of that special mission focus is to share our impact each year with the congregation.
As you will see, we have had a real impact in 2024, and we will continue in the years to come! For more information, click below.
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LOCATION
415 Chippewa Street (corner of Hwy 51 North and Chicago Ave East) PO Box 144 Minocqua, WI 54548 715-356-3041 |
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Please contact the church administrator at 715-356-3041 or send an email to [email protected] for church-related business.
Monday - Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Please contact the church administrator at 715-356-3041 or send an email to [email protected] for church-related business.
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Click on the above graphics for more information.