APRIL, 2008

THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1455 s. 97th St., West Allis, WI 53214

“FRIENDS MOVING FORWARD, FOCUSED ON FAITH”

Church Office 414-453-3710

www.gapc-usa.com       gapc@execpc.com

Worship Schedule

April 6 - May 4, 2008

 

Sun April 6 - 9:30 AM  - Communion Worship

Servers: Barb B, Laurie Kadunc, Judy O, Heather

First Reading:  John 9:1-11

Second Reading:  Ephesians 5:8-14 

Sermon: “You Are Light!”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message:  Laurie Kadunc

Ushers: Gail Kloes, Jenny Lefevre, L & P Anderson

 

Sun April 13 - 9:30 AM   It’s “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Psalm 23

Second Reading:  Acts 2:42-47

Sermon: “Awe for Everyone”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Heather Saugstad

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz   

 

Sun April 20 - 9:30 AM  

First Reading:  Psalm 31:1-5, 15 & 16

Second Reading:  John 14:1-6a

Sermon: “How Can We Know the Way?”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Jan Wilke

Ushers:  Libbie Jansen; JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad 

 

Sun April 27 - 9:30 AM   It’s “Penny Sunday”

Elder Pat Sczypiorski is guest preacher today

First Reading: 

Second Reading: 

Sermon: “Life’s Mulligans”  

Liturgist /Children’s Message:  Sandy Reichert

Ushers: T Liempeck, J & J Dickson & Kevin Kadunc

 

Sun May 4 - 9:30 AM      Communion Worship

First Reading: John 20:19-31

Second Reading:  1st Peter 1:3-9

Sermon: “Protected By The Power of God”   

Liturgist/Children’s Message:    

Ushers:  Gail Kloes, Jenny Lefevre, L & P Anderson

 

Elders as “Guest Preachers”

On occasional Sundays, when the pastor of one of our Presbyterian churches is away, Presbytery encourages us to invite one of our ordained elders to fill in as “guest preacher”.  That doesn’t mean we’ll never have a clergyperson filling in when Pastor Kevin’s away … it just means that sometimes, like this coming April 27, an elder will occupy the pulpit.  Since Pastor Kevin will be on vacation from the afternoon of April 20 through the evening of April 27, Elder Pat Sczypiorski will be our guest preacher!  Some years ago, we used elders in this capacity very successfully, so Session has decided to try it again!  (Non-golfers may be puzzled by the title of Pat’s message April 27, but  it’s a winner, &  you can rest assured that you’ll find out all about it on that morning!) 

See you at church!    

 

MAYFEST IS COMING!

Our popular evening with meal & entertainment is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at

6:30 PM in Jack Reichert Hall. We’re announcing it well in advance, so you can save that date on your calendars. Terry Arenz, who’s event coordinator, promises a FABULOUS meal (wherever Presbyterians gather, there shall be FOOD!) with some top-notch entertainment!  We’ll have full details of this fun-filled, fellowship-filled event in the May issue of The Messenger.  Tickets will be available soon!  

 

PASTOR KEVIN’S MESSAGE FOR APRIL - 

 

Peace, Loved Ones…

          As I’m writing, it’s the day after Easter - and the Sun is shining, and that !&*#@% snow is melting, and I just have to tell you how much yesterday meant to me.

          It was a most memorable, joyful Holy Day.  It was great to see so many of us together: some I had just seen the day before, and some that haven’t been able to be with us for quite a while.  I loved seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, seeing and being a part of reunions and embraces.  Yesterday was about life abundant, and love eternal, just as Jesus promised.

          I want to thank all the musicians - the children and the choirs and Kathy, Loretta and Phyllis.  How much your ministry means to us - your spirit and your excellence! Thank you!

          I rejoiced in the power of our prayer, and the holiness of our sacramental moment together.  You could just sense the movement of the Holy Spirit… 

          I spoke yesterday about the inability of our language to adequately describe the importance of the event we celebrate - and yet I knew, that deep in our hearts, in that place so deep that words become unnecessary, we felt and delighted in the gift we are given.

          So now the questions become: what are the best ways to keep the celebration going?  How do we live together the joy of Easter through the day to day?  How do we hold onto this joy and holiness past the spring and into the dog days of summer?

          I know that every day can’t be a mountaintop experience, but I’m hoping that by being intentional about keeping the flame alive, we can continue to revel in the joy of Easter!

          I’d like to hear how this season has fed your faith, and how you’d like to continue that new-life feeling.  I love to hear your ideas about increasing the holy joy in our lives, and in the lives of those we love - even the ones we don’t know yet.

          Let’s keep the conversation going, as we continue the “dance of the merrymakers”!

Peace,       Pastor Kev

 

Mid-week Services - Session is considering the possibility of Wednesday evening services here at GAPC, to begin in the not-too-distant future.  With so many hectic work & school schedules, serious weather complications (such as the one which canceled nearly all Good Friday services in the Milwaukee area), vacations, & unexpected variations in daily routines, it’s not always possible for folks to get to Sunday worship.  Wednesday evening worships (of an informal & contemporary nature) are “on the drawing board”.  We’ll keep you advised!

 

SPECIAL PEOPLE

 

 

The Kloes family, on the recent death of Dick’s brother-in-law.

 

The Hagens, on the death of Marie’s sister-in-law, Betty.

 

Bob Seiberlich, who was hospitalized as a result of severe dizziness.  A middle ear problem seems to have been the culprit …

 

Barb Brunett, hospitalized briefly with cardiac arrhythmia.  She’s back in worship with us, doing well.

 

Lorraine Beining, who was admitted to Froedert Memorial Hospital on March 19, suffering form a spinal infection.  It’s very, very serious.

 

Heather & JR Saugstad & family, on the death of Heather’s grandmother.

 

Sylvia Koroghlanian, who had a fall recently.

 

Continued prayers for:

Lillian Anderson

Deanna DeTroye-Brown

Dick Kloes

 

 

 

The Williams family.   Julie & Bob are parents of Alaina Paige Williams, 5 lbs. 5 oz., born on March 1.  We had a chance to meet the little lady in worship on Palm Sunday.  What a beautiful baby!  And congratulations to Amanda & Hailey, on their new sister!

 

That Joanne Jakubowski is back in worship with us, recovering nicely from her knee replacement surgery.

 

For newlyweds Annie (Dettman) & Robert Kaczmarski, (married here this past Feb. 9), who have returned from their honeymoon in France & are back in worship with us.

 

 

That Peter Jansen will soon “graduate” from basic training in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He’ll be home on a brief leave, & will sing “I can Only Imagine” for us in worship on April 13.

 

That Melissa Gall (piano) & Matt Arenz (trumpet) will be going to STATE MUSIC CONTEST, on May 3 at Cardinal Stritch!  Melissa will play “Sonatina, Opus 55, #2”, by Kuhlau, & Matt’s selection will be W.A. Mozart’s “Concert Aria”.  Best of luck to these talented young people!  We’re so proud of you!

 

We’re pleased to welcome Michelle Ulma as our staff Nursery Attendant.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

April 1 - Trevor Buchholz

2 - Mike Schmeling

11 - Kristina Tarvid

12 - Jeff Dickson

13 - Laurie Karrels &

       Esther Hendry

19 - Phyllis Anderson

23 - Lorraine Beining

24 - Katelyn Buchholz

25 - Peggy Cetnarowski

26 - Sherman Stock

28 - April Miklautsch

29 - Marietta Hewelette

30 - Anne  Weber

May 3 - Sue Pope

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

 

April 19 - Vince & Louise

            Berte - 67 years!!!

27 - Sue & Larry Smith

                 45 years

 

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP !     TO:

Nicole Martin & Tina Schultheiss, whose flute accompaniment so enhanced our worship during the Lenten/Easter season.

                  and ...

Kathy Doty, Loretta Nalencz, & Phyllis Shudy, dedicated staff members who make our wonderful music program possible.

                  and ...

Eric & Matt Arenz, whose trumpet / trombone duet during Wednesday Lenten worship was so inspiring.  Matt played trumpet for us on Easter Sunday, also.

                  and ...

Terry Arenz, Heather Saugstad, Sally Tarvid, Sandy Reichert & others, who provided food for our Wednesday evening Lenten meals.

                  and ...

The Chancel Choir, the Handbell Choir, the Bethlehem Stars & the Praise Band & Singers, whose musical contributions this season have been outstanding.

                  and ...

Melissa Gall, who continues to impress us with her musical abilities!

                  and ...

L.B. Smith & the volunteers who made Easter Breakfast happen.  It was SUPER!!  So many wonderful folks helped … & we’re so appreciative!  (Profits from the breakfast  benefit the Youth Group.)

                  and ...

The generous folks who donated food to Easter Breakfast (which helps us keep expenses down!)

                  and ...

J T Gall & the many helpers who continue to make the Great Pancake Breakfast one of our favorite events!  (The one we enjoyed on March 29 was our 19th year!)

                  and ...

 Pastor Kevin, for the “Extra” hours spent in preparing & leading our special worships.

                  and ...

Office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, back “on the job” & very much appreciated!

                  and …

A VERY SPECIAL “THANK YOU” to Ruth & Stu Lefevre, who have taken care of our attendance records for the past several years.  It’s been  a great help!  You’re appreciated, &  much loved!

 

YOUTH  GROUP  Performance   Exciting news!!  The youth group and I (Terry Arenz), & the youth groups of Forest Park and Heritage Presby-terian Churches are teaming up to bring you a wonderful musical entitled “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do?)  We are shooting for a summer release sometime in June.  We will be taking this production “on the road” to support a church called New Life.  They are a growing African American church.  Because we often forget the needs “in our own back yard”, the youth decided to support a mission that is close to home.  This musical and the youth’s dedication to it is another extraordinary example of their love of Jesus Christ and His church.  We will keep you updated as to when rehearsals are and when and where the performances will take place.   As always, thank you for the support you give this youth group.  They are doing amazing things (with many thanks to Laurie Kadunc and Beth Beck). I am blessed to be a part of this group!  Any help you can give us would be appreciated.  (We may need some microphones for the road, and as always, prayer is essential).  Thanks for your support!      -    Terry Arenz and  the Youth Group of GAPC.  

 

GREETERS:

    

April 6 - RuthMary Gamache                            April 27 - Donna & Marv Saugstad

              

April 13 - The Haschkers                                   May 4 - Terry & Alan Arenz   

 

April 20 - Ruth & Stu Lefevre

                                       

Confirmation of Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad and Bill Weber will take place on the day of Pentecost, May 11!  They’ve had an exciting few months, as they (along with the entire youth class, for whom it’s been a “refresher course”) studied, worked (together with Pastor Kevin, Laurie Kadunc, & Beth Beck) prayed, & shared ideas about what it means to be a Christian.  We’re so proud of these outstanding young people … be here to celebrate with them!

 

 

FAMILY FUN NIGHT is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 5:00 - 9:00 PM.

You’re asked to bring a pizza to share, (or some other snacks, if you’re not a pizza fan); your favorite game(s), your family, your friends … & be with us for this outstanding time of FELLOWSHIP!  See you there!

 

A Second Note from Pastor Kev

 

I don’t think everyone has heard this story, and so I wanted to share this exciting news with you.  Sally and I, through a series of interesting events, have become part owners of Sally’s workplace, Pathways Counseling Center!

 

Pathways is a full service Behavioral Health Clinic that has a long reputation for a wide variety of mental health services and excellence of care.  We’re both blessed and challenged by this opportunity.

 

Sally has been devoting a tremendous amount of time and energy, and I’m trying to be as helpful as possible without getting in the way.  I will be practicing a little Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction and Guidance as a hobby,

and in an effort to strengthen the clinic. I won’t be taking time away from our church.

 

Sally and I will not be able to see any members of our church in the practice, due to conflict of interest, but we have a number of fine therapists and would love any referrals you can send our way.

 

One more note:  Since I’ll be taking cell calls from both Pathways and the church, I will begin to answer: “Hi, this is Dr. Tarvid.” It isn’t that it’s all gone to my big fat head - it’s that this title works best for both places.  Don’t let it keep you from calling me - I’m still Pastor Kev.

We so appreciate your support in this endeavor.  This is certainly strengthening our ties to the community.  We covet your prayers and good wishes.        Thanks.  PK

 

A Word or Two from “Miss Diane”

Teaching 4 - 6 year-old Sunday School has been challenging but even more rewarding.  I’m ever thankful I answered the call to do so this year.  I think I’ve learned more from my students than they have from me!  Of course, it’s not always about the lesson being taught, but it has always been enlightening.  The active imaginations and the willingness to share of this age group is limitless!

Our lessons began with sharing time followed by a brief review of the previous week’s Bible story.  After introducing the current week’s story and trying to relate it to the children, we would read the story.  Activities followed to help the children better understand the Bible story & to keep them actively involved.  Art activities, puzzles, games, puppets, drama, music, etc. were used to help keep the children engaged. 

The Bible story cards & what students made were sent home weekly.  This was a wonderful opportunity for parents to review the lesson with their child.  Children love to share what they have learned!  On the back of the cards were activities that related to the story on the front.  This was a great Sunday School “homework” activity.  I hope parents & children tried some of these!

 

Attendance for Sunday School was inconsistent.  Most weeks two or three students attended, &, on good weeks, five or six attended.  (Nine students are registered.)  As they say, “the more the merrier!”  When more students attend, the lessons seem better, because the exchange between students helps to make discussions more meaningful.

This has been & continues to be a great year.  Thank you to my students for making teaching fun & rewarding.  Thank you to the parents for their continued support.  I can see myself continuing this calling.

God bless -  Diane Edward

 

Adult Discussion Group  April 6 - On this day we’ll be presented with a proposal for a “Family Meditation Room” to be constructed where the Cloak Room is currently located.  We would really like to hear opinions & ideas from ALL the congregation!  Session members will be present to listen to these ideas so that they can make a decision that will be best suited to the future life of the church.  We hope EVERYONE can join us!

 

April 13 - Sue Smith is discussion leader.   We’re talking about the book  Freakenomics, in which a “rogue economist” puts forth some unusual ideas.  No need to have read the book; you’ll hear key passages in class, & be asked for your thoughts on them.  Our discussions sometimes go “far a field”, but they’re always enlightening, & fun.

 

April 20 -  Alan Arenz talks with us about “Phisher of Your Bank Account”, which answers questions about how the internet works, & protecting yourself from those who use it to steal the identities of the unsuspecting.  It’s a VERY compelling topic, & should interest EVERYONE, even those without experience with the internet.  (“Phishing” is the term for an e-mail fraud scam, designed to steal your identity.)

 

 April 27 - We’ll talk some more about Freakenomics.  Sue Smith leads the class.

 

May 4 - To be announced.

 

Special  thanks  to  our  custodial  volunteers for March.  Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: the Sczypiorskis, Brunetts, Dicksons, Griffiths, & Deanna DeTroye-Brown

 

A Ground-floor Opportunity -- We’ve cleaned out some kitchen cabinets here at the church, & are selling WATER GLASSES for the BARGAIN PRICE of only 10 cents a glass!  Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to purchase these semi-antique drinking glasses!  (Well, actually, you’ll have a second chance, at our Fall Fest Rummage Sale …) Buy now, & avoid the rush later!

 

 

DOLLARS AND SENSE of Giving    Do you or will you need income?  The National Presbytery Foundation can help you with a charitable gift annuity.  In exchange for your irrevocable gift, the Foundation agrees to pay you and/or your loved one a payment for life. Payments can also be deferred to be timed with other events such as retirement.

 

Some planners believe that 40% of your retirement should be in fixed guaranteed payments.

 

At the time of the gift, the maximum fixed payment is determined by the age of the person or persons to be paid.  The charitable contribution can be claimed in the year the gift is made.

 

After your lifetime, the remainder interest in the gift annuity becomes available for the ministry you designate.

 

Call me for details.  I can help. 

 

Happy Giving.

Sue Pope CLU, ChFC

Securities and investment advisory service offered through Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc.

 

SYNOD SCHOOL 2008

It’s July 27 - August 1 at Buena Vista University, in Storm Lake, Iowa.   The theme is “Coloring Outside the Lines”, which is explained by Convocation Speaker Scott Nesbitt.  Dr. Newbitt is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa, & explains the importance of the theme:

“Jesus tells his followers that, in order to receive the Kingdom of Heaven, they must first become like children.  Of course, stripping away all of our nature is much easier said than done.  We worry that, in so doing, we might fail or look foolish.  But so what?  It’s time for the people in our churches to renew a spirit & love of discovery, not only by being bold enough to try new things, but also by giving one another the freedom & encouragement to be unconventional.  Making discoveries, boldly attempting new things, fostering unconventional efforts & perspectives: these are all a part of “coloring outside the lines” & necessary for seeking the Kingdom of Heaven.  Will we make mistakes in the process?  Absolutely.  However, this is nothing to fear.  Just keep coloring -- even if you don’t know how the big picture will eventually look -- & trust that God will bring it all together as a divine work of art!”

The catalog has arrived, filled with exciting workshop offerings.  PLEASE examine the catalog, for there are SOOO many opportunities there for inspirational learning experiences!  (One is “Bible Study for Dummies”, led by Bill Humphries, chaplain at Carroll College & a frequent pulpit supply visitor here at GAPC.)  Registration forms are next to the catalog.  Deadline is July 1, (to ensure availability of requested courses.)  Please DO NOT remove the catalog from the narthex.  If you need to take one home to look over, you may borrow the one in the Church Office from Sue Smith.

 

                                           APRIL, 2008    CALENDAR

 

Mon Mar 31   6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Thurs Apr 3   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sat Apr 5    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Presbytery’s

                     Session Partnerships meets here

Sun Apr 6      9:00 AM - Pre-Baptism Breakfast

                       9:30 AM - Communion & Baptism

Mon Apr 7     9:00 AM - Deadline for “Healthy

                                Newsletter” articles

                       6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

                       7:15 PM - Resources Committee

Tues Apr 8     6:30 PM - Deacons

Thur Apr 10   1:30 PM - PACE meets

                       7:00 PM - Friends of MS meets

Sun Apr 13    9:30 AM - Health Awareness Sunday;

         the “Healthy Newsletter” is available today

Mon Apr 14    6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Tues Apr 15    7:00 PM - Session

Thur Apr 17   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sat Apr 19      5:00 - 9:00 PM - Family Fun Night *

Sun Apr 20     9:30 AM - Morning Worship

        1:30 PM - Bridal Shower in Jack Reichert Hall

Mon Apr 21    6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

                        7:15 PM - Nurture/CE Committee

Tues Apr 22    9:00 AM - Newsletter Deadline *

Thurs Apr 24  1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Apr 27     9:30 AM - Elder Pat Sczypiorski

                            is guest preacher this morning

Mon Apr 28     6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise”

Thurs May 1    1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun May 4        9:30 AM - Communion worship

 

PASTOR KEVIN will be ON VACATION from the afternoon of Sunday, April 20 through

the evening of Sunday, April 27.  As always, while he is away, in an emergency call Sue Smith at the church office or at home; or Sandy Reichert, chairperson of Deacon’s Member Care, at home or on her cell.  They’ll see to it that one of the pastors who’s “covering” for Pastor Kevin is available to you.