Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

We’re having a SEDER as our Mid-Week worship on Wed., April 1, at 6:30 PM. It explains the ancient Jewish feast of Passover, which Jesus celebrated with the disciples on the night he was betrayed. Do plan to attend this meaningful service. Members of the Youth Class play a large role.

famous, fabulous egg dish, is on the menu, with juice, coffee, milk, rolls, all for the extraordinary price of $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for kids under age 12. We hope you’ll purchase tickets in advance, for that helps us judge how much food to prepare! L.B. Smith & Dick Kloes are in charge of this delicious occasion, & of course, they’d be delighted if you’d HELP … we need folks to help with set-up & clean-up, help in the kitchen by pouring coffee, washing dishes, serving, etc … will YOU pitch in? There’s a sign-up sheet at the rear of the sanctuary, so you can let us know what you’ll do! THANK YOU!

As I write, it is 62 degrees - above zero, the Dow Industrials are on a five day rally, and the snow has almost melted from the church parking lot!!!!

This morning, when I walked our Dog - Jet - at the very same time I could hear Cardinals, Robins and Ducks singing. (If indeed Ducks sing…)

What I’m suggesting is that, despite all the previous indications, a miracle is happening - Spring is almost here, and our concerns may be thawing just a little bit, too…

As we move in the direction of Easter, I’m reminded that there are such things as Resurrections, big and small. They happen all around us, all we have to do is keep our eyes, ears, minds and hearts open.

We believe with all our hearts that our God is the God of Resurrections, and that the gift is promised to us, as well. We may occasionally find ourselves way deep in the darkest valley, but our God is intent on lifting us up, breathing new life into us, and standing beside us.

I’m thinking that, while our church is really very healthy, maybe we can lead a little resurrection for our denomination and maybe even the mainline churches all together.

We have a gabillion pamphlets that we had printed a while back. Would you be willing to grab a few and share them with friends, family, neighbors - folks you care about. See if they would like to come and check us out.

for: Tues., June 9; Wed, June 10; Wed, June 24; Thurs.June 25; Sat, June 27;Thur, July 9; Mon July 27; Tue, July 28; Tue Aug 11; & Wed Aug. 12. A delightful group of folks have indicated that they’ll help out, but MORE are welcome, & encouraged to be part of this fund-raising opportunity for GAPC. It’s true it’s hard work, but it’s actually also lots of fun! Check with Kerstin Lefevre, 423-8698, to find out when trainings are scheduled. (We’re in special need of additional workers on

Louise Berte & family. Our beloved Vince passed away on Feb. 27 at the age of 97, following a period of declining health. Pastor Kevin led a funeral worship at the church on March 3.

Hailey McLean, infant daughter of Jennifer & Tony, who was hospitalized at Children’s with a serious heart murmur. She’s back home, now, & it appears the problem was caused by a bad cold.

Hilda Holle, who suffered a stroke, & was admitted to West Allis Memorial Hospital. Her progress is not as rapid as she’d like.

Jim Dickson, who suffered a stroke early in March. He’s home, doing very well thanks to rapid medical intervention. Jim reports that except for some problems with peripheral vision in his left eye, he’s feeling fine.

Lin Bradley, undergoing additional medical tests, but happily, back in worship with us.

Sylvia Koroghlanian; Herman Duga; all our homebound folks; those who are struggling financially; & all who are engaged in job searches.

Greg & Cindy Brodaczynski send thanks for the prayers for a new job for Cindy; the search was successful, & she began her job on March 9.

Kristina Tarvid, recovered from her bout with mono, & able to return to work & begin her “new” job on Mar. 23.

Louise Berte writes ... “Thank you so very much to everyone in the church family, who expressed such loving concern during this time of bereavement. So many calls, & cards, prayers & caring thoughts ... there just aren’t enough words to convey my appreciation. I especially want to thank Pastor Kevin, Sally, & Barb & Bud Brunett for their support. They have been such a help to me, & my heart is filled with gratitude.”

John Doty, who sang for us on Mar. 1; God’s Guild, who provided an introit on Mar. 8; Kathy Doty, who treated us to a lovely flute solo during worship on Mar. 15 (& Loretta Nalencz, who accompanied on piano); Mark Brodaczynski, who provided Special Music on Mar. 22; & God’s Guild, who performed again on Mar. 29.

Alan & Eric Arenz who helped wire the sound system into the Family Meditation Room.

Bud Brunett, who made the “Welcome” sign which now hangs over the coat rack in the narthex. Have you seen it? It’s beautiful!

EVERYONE who helped make the 20th Annual Great Pancake Breakfast such a delightful occasion. SPECIAL thanks to JT Gall, who continues to shepherd the event, & those who helped serve, clean up, etc. We realized $538 from the event, which makes it one of our most profitable, ever!

Sandy Reichert, who did three separate proof readings of our new, 2009 church directory.

Office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, dependable & cheerful as they assemble our news-letter, file nametags back on the board, & complete other assigned tasks.

EASTER MUSIC - With the help of Loretta Nalencz & Kathy Doty, we’ve gathered the Chancel Choir to sing on Easter Sunday. Choir practice will be Wed. April 1 & Tues. April 7, at 7:30 PM, in the downstairs music room.

Please note that there IS NO EVENING WORSHIP on Wed., April 8. (See you at Maundy Thursday worship, at Forest Park on Apr. 9!) And, because Pastor Kevin will be on vacation from April 21 through April 24, there will be no mid-week worship on April 22.

YOUR NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY FOR 2009 is available, now, in the box in the narthex. It’s cover is “day glo orange”, so you can’t miss it! You’re asked to look if over carefully, & call the church office if any of your information that’s printed there is incorrect. We’ll be glad to print the correct information in our May newsletter ... but we’re depending on YOU, to let us know! Thank you!

Does your family have a SPRING GRADUATE we should acknowledge in the May or June Messenger? If so, please call Sue Smith at the church office & give her the information, including future plans, so we can offer our congratulations!

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For March, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: the Schmelings; Anne Sheridan; Brunetts; Griffiths, Phyllis Shudy; the Bricks; & the Dicksons. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! These volunteers continue to be our “Custodial Angels”, for it’s a vitally important means of keeping our expenses here at the church down! DO, PLEASE, consider helping the church in this way!

FLYERS publicizing Greenfield Avenue Church are included in both your newsletter & your church directory (if you’re living in the area) this month. We’re so excited about this church family ... we’re asking that you give a friend or two our flyer, & invite them to attend a worship service with you! Keep the faith, spread the good news, & help to share the joy we experience in this congregation with others! It’s important!

KIT KAT BARS - Our beloved Jean Kern brought her famous Kit Kat Bars to every occasion where cookies or bars were called for. She loved to make it ... & WE loved to EAT it!

Since Jean’s passing, a number of our folks have asked us if we have the recipe ... & we do. Here it is -- it’s a “No Bake”.

Stir in 2 c. crushed graham crackers, &, watching carefully, boil for 5 minutes.

Layer the above in a 9 x 13 x 2” pan (can be glass), with whole Keebler Klub crackers. Pour ½ of the above mixture over the crackers.

Do another layer of crackers, then the rest of the mixture, & a 3rd layer of crackers.

Stir in 2/3 c. peanut butter. Spread on top as frosting, refrigerate, & cut into squares before serving. And ENJOY!

CHURCH CAMP Time flies when you’re having fun, & it’s FLOWN! The time of year has arrived when it’s good to start thinking about signing up for Stronghold Summer Camps! There’s a wonderful variety of opportunities there, including a camp for grandparents & grandchildren; a “first timers” camp for children who have completed grades 2 to 4; junior adventure camps for those who’ve completed grades 3 - 5; junior music, art & drama for kids who’ve completed grades 4 - 6; Jr High camps for Medieval Music, Art & Drama; Adventure Camps; & Wilderness Adventure; Senior High classes that are very exciting, including “Sr. High Adventure”; Sr. High Music, Art & Drama; a Sr. High Multi-sport Ozark Adventure; & that’s not all! You can learn more about it by picking up one of the Stronghold Flyers that’s on the table in the narthex; these include registration forms.

Milwaukee Presbytery’s Session Partnerships is offering scholarships to children & youth who attend summer camps this summer. Grant application deadline is May 10, which is earlier than in the past. Scholarships are for half the cost of the camp up to a maximum of $150. Applications for scholarships can be found at: www.pbymilwaukee.org under Presbytery Papers, & then, under Application Forms. It’s an experience EVERY child should have, & we encourage kids, parents & grandparents to check it out!

SYNOD SCHOOL We’ve just received the catalogs for 2009 Synod School, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. We’ve been telling you about it in our last two newsletters; it’s being held July 26-31 this year. Once again, Carroll University Chaplain Bill Humphreys is teaching is his favorite class, “Bible Study for Dummies”. And there’s “Belly Dance 1”; Spirituality 101: “Be Up & Awake to What God Is Doing”; “Praise & Prayer: Finding Meaning from Change: Opening New Windows”; “Why We Believe What We Believe”; “Aging Well: Body, Mind & Spirit”; & SOOOOOO much more! There are also programs for children & youth, so there really IS something for everyone! Be sure to check out the catalog posted on the narthex bulletin board, to find out ALL there is to know about it!

Please note that registrations MUST be received by July 1 to ensure availability of requested courses; a few have very limited enrollments. Registrations for housing cannot be accepted after July 17. Scholarships are available; see page 43 of the Synod School catalog.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - Any Sunday during Lent you may make a gift to One Great Hour of Sharing, a combined effort by a number of Christian churches to help people experiencing need around the world.

We know that many in our congregations are wondering about their financial future, with the financial crisis that has touched all corners of the world. However, we also know that many of the world’s poorest are wondering, “Can I feed my family today?” For this reason, on this sixtieth anniversary of the offering, we ask that you continue your generosity, as you have done so faithfully in past years.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” we are told in Matthew 6:21.

By participating in the 2009 OGHS, we not only share resources, we help to change lives ... for the better.

A special “Penny Sunday” on April 5 (Palm/Passion Sunday”) offering will be accepted for OGHS; on Easter Sunday, April 12, we “officially” accept the OGHS special offering. There are pew envelopes available for this purpose; be sure to fill in your name, so your financial statement can be credited with your gift. Thank you!

REGULAR EVENTS

DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

SUNDAY 9:30 AM - WORSHIP

10:45 AM - Church School for all ages

Communion 1st Sunday of each month

2nd & 4th SUNDAYS - “Penny Sunday”

MONDAYS - 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise”

TUESDAYS - 5:00 - 6:00 PM - TOPS in library

WEDNESDAYS 6:30 - 7:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship

THURSDAYS - 1:30 PM -People w/Arthritis Can Exercise

2nd THURSDAY of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM,

“Friends of Multiple Sclerosis” meet

Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “Day Off” is Friday

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

For the month of February, 2009

INCOME $ 8,366.50

EXPENSES $ 13,732.19

As of February 28, 2009

a LOSS of ($ 5,365.69)