AUGUST,  2009 - THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1455 S. 97^th St., West Allis, WI 53214

“FRIENDS MOVING FORWARD, FOCUSED ON FAITH”

Church Office 414-453-3710

www.gapc-usa.com   

Worship Schedule

 August 9 - August 30, 2009

 

Sun  Aug 9 - 9:30 AM      “Penny Sunday”  

First Reading:  John 6:35, 41-51

Second Reading:  Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2

Sermon: “Be Angry -- But Do Not Sin”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Laurie Kadunc

Ushers: Larry & Tyler Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz

 

Sun Aug 16 - 9:30 AM    Congregational Meeting

First Reading:  1 Kings 2:10-12 & 3:3-14

Second Reading:  Psalm 111         

Sermon:  “The Beginning of Wisdom”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Sally Tarvid

Ushers:  Libbie Jansen, Melissa Gall & Josh Kosler

 

Sun Aug 23 - 9:30 AM    “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Psalm 84

Second Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Sermon:  “Against the Cosmic Powers”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Sue Smith   

Ushers: T Liempeck, Jeff Dickson & Kevin Kadunc

 

Sun Aug 30 -9:30 AM    

The Rev. Mr. Bill Humphreys is our “Guest Preacher” this morning

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Sue Pope

Ushers: Sherman & Sally Stock; Tom Liempeck &  

Marv Saugstad

 

 

 

 

For 35 years, our congregation

has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Mary Linsmeier/Children’s Edu-Care children’s programs, which have utilized space on the lower level of our building.  Our hearts are heavy as we report that, as of August 28, 2009, they are closing their facility at GAPC.  Although they will remain open at other locations, the GAPC site has not been profitable for several years.  Our prayers go with their staff members, who are faced with very difficult decisions because of the closing.

 

Our thanks to Children’s Programs, Inc. for their generosity to and cooperation with us during the years of our association.  They will be missed. We wish them great success at their remaining locations.

 

It must be noted that the impact of their departure on our budget will be considerable.  For some years, they have provided us with approximately 13% of our income.  It is, therefore, essential for us to watch even more carefully all expenditures, & to discover new and creative ways to increase the church income.  Our mission and community involvement in West Allis and the greater Milwaukee area are vitally important.  We pray that God will send us the wisdom and the resources to continue our work, for we are Christ’s hands in the world. 

 

FROM OUR PASTOR  --

 

Peace, Beloved:

            By now, you’ve heard about the challenge/opportunity that we have before us!  After 35 years, the School/Child Care Center downstairs is closing.

            The Session is already hard at work charting out our new future, and I am convinced that we will come through this stronger than ever!

            By far, the best solution to our newest “budget challenge” is for us to grow - in membership - and in faithfulness.

            Some folks have expressed concern about our ability to have a larger membership - and I know that growing churches are rare these days.

But I am absolutely sure that we can attract a whole bunch of delightful, dedicated new members.

            In August, we’re planning a door-to-door pamphlet campaign in the neighborhood around the church, and are thinking about ways to reach folks who live further out.  Any help and/or ideas you have will be wonderful!

            Once the visitors start coming in the fall, there will be a million little things we can do to make them feel more welcome.  Here are just a few…

            We could consider finding a seat closer to the front of the sanctuary.  Visitors love to not be in the spotlight too soon!

            When the weather cooperates, some could consider enjoying worship from the balcony.  I always love having people up there.

            The parking lot is a place that gets crowded even before the sanctuary does.  I’d like for people that are able to join me in parking on the side street north of the church - and anywhere that will leave extra room in the lot.

            I would love to have a volunteer team that would make sure that, every week, the aroma of baking bread is wafting through the church.  A loaf of bread would make a wonderful gift for a visiting family. 

            Let me know what you’re thinking:

588-0159!  God loves You!  Me too!  

                                                                       -   Pastor  Kevin

 

 

 

VBS (Vacation Bible School) begins on Mon., Aug. 10, & runs from 9:00 AM - 12 Noon.  It’s at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 2300 S. Sunny Slope Rd., & is a combined effort of the “Fab 4” churches: GAPC, Forest Park, Heritage (in Muskego), & Faith (in Franklin).  Last year there was a total enrollment of 35, & the teachers are looking forward to an equally good group this year!  If your child hasn’t already sign up, speak with Terry Arenz; she’ll be glad to provide details.

 

ICE  CREAM SOCIAL at the Tarvids, on Sun. Aug. 23!!  It’s from 2:00 - 4:00 PM & is ALWAYS a wonderful opportunity to enjoy FUN, FOOD, & FELLOWSHIP.  You’ll want to bring a folding chair, & sun screen, & your sweet tooth ... Remember that this invitation is extended to EVERYONE in the church family, including “Friends of the Church”!!  Folks  who feel they really must “bring something” might like to consider PIE; (bakers, you can “get in practice” for the Fall Fest BAKE SALE this way ... SEE YOU THERE!

 

 

FALL  FEST is  coming!!!  Sat., Oct. 31, 2009

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM!!  We’re planning to make our 

RUMMAGE SALE OUR BIGGEST & BEST EVER !!!  It’s NOT TOO EARLY to begin sorting through your “gently used” RUMMAGE items, setting them aside for the sale, (but NO clothing, please.) Need to get them out of your house before Oct. 31?  Sandy Reichert has room in her basement; Pastor Kevin will be happy to pick up your donations in his truck, to bring them to Sandy’s place ... OR you may bring them to the church between Sunday, Oct. 25 & Thursday Oct. 29, to be sorted & priced. AND ...

THERE’S MORE!!! There’s a wonderful SILENT AUCTION (Sue Pope & Diane Edward are collecting items or services for the auction; who do you know who’d be willing to make a donation????  Let them know!)  AND ... There’s a WORLD CLASS BAKE SALE (for which we need BAKERS ...)  There are SO many ways you can help!  TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT FALL FEST, & INVITE THEM TO COME!        

 

                                           SPECIAL PEOPLE

 

 

 

Bob Seiberlich passed away at Zilber Hospice on Mon., July 27, following a lengthy battle with cancer.  Pastor Kevin led a celebration of Bob’s life on Thurs. July 30.  Our sincere condolences are extended to Jean & the Seiberlich family.

 

Marve Hagen, receiving care from home hospice. 

 

Norma Schuele, now in rehab at Clement Manor.

 

Josh Kosler, who was struck by a car while riding his bike, & suffered a compression fracture of a vertebrae.  His spirits are good, & he’s optimistic that there will be enough healing for him to report for duty with the U.S. Air Force on Sept.1, as scheduled.

 

Scott Johnson, experiencing some health problems.

 

Continued prayers for Lin Bradley.

 

 

Jenny Lefevre, who will purchase her first her house (we HOPE) at the scheduled closing on Aug. 14!

 

That Tom & Erin Reichert are “expecting” ... but let’s pray that  Erin will soon be through a dreadful bout of morning sickness.

 

 For Leah Karrels, who competed in the Clavinova Musical Festival at the White House of Music on July 25.  Her peers voted her “best”, & the piece she played was one she composed herself!  Leah played it for an audience at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha on July 26.  (Some of us were fortunate enough to hear Leah play it during a lull in swimming at Smith’s pool party on July 19 ...) HURRAH, LEAH!

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

Aug 3 - Kay Barber

4 - Bud Brunett

7 - John Reichert

9 - Angela Burke 

13 - Pat Sczypiorski &

        Alexzandrea Pope;

15 - Bill Toepfer    

18 - Benjamin Cetnarowski

19 - Joyce Zeeb

24 - Patrice Schwabe

26 - Jason Sczypiorski

27 - Annie (Dettman)

       Kaczmarski

30 - Kathy Dettman 

31 - Erin Reichert

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Aug 10 - Bobbie & Ed Griffith

               (52 years!)

18 - Sally & Kevin Tarvid

               (36 years!)

23 - Annette & Matt Klauck

28 - Pam & Ed Leintz

29 - Sylvia & Harry

       Koroghlanian (56 years!)

 

GREETERS:

Aug. 9 - Laurie Kadunc

    

Aug 16 - Donna & Marv

               Saugstad

 

Aug 23 - Dan & Kerstin Lefevre

 

Aug 30 - Bill & Jean Toepfer

 

Sept 6 - Joanne & Bill Haschker

 

 

DIRECTORY

CHANGE

   Marie & Marve Hagen

   Phone 262-797-6489

 

 

FROM OUR NEW CHOIR DIRECTOR

 

I think many of you have noticed me already as the new person on Sunday mornings, but let me introduce myself. My name is Jill Lukas, and I have just been hired as your new Choir Director.

 

To tell you a bit about myself, I have been a West Allis girl all of my life.  I graduated from Nathan Hale High School and went on to MATC and became a Funeral Director.  I worked for the Borgwardt Funeral Home in West Allis for 12 years until I left there to start my own bridal business (yes- I went from burying to marrying!).  After doing that for almost 10 years, I gave it up to start an embroidery business which I am still doing today. 

 

Music and singing have been a mainstay in my life.  I began piano lessons at the age of 4 and I have been singing for weddings and funerals since I was a teenager.  Most importantly, I love directing a choir and have been serving as both the youth choir and Sr. choir director at First Lutheran Church in West Allis for the past 27 years. 

 

On a more personal note, I own a home near 71st and Lincoln in West Allis, and have a wonderful man in my life named Bob, whom I have been with for the past 11 years.  Together we have 3, four-legged children (all sisters) named Brittany, Brandy and Brooke that we adopted from a rescue about 18 months ago.  Bob has a 23 year old son, Kevin, whom I am thankful to be very close to as well. 

 

I am very excited to be joining you in this new venture!  I feel so blessed that God put me on the path to find your congregation.  In the few weeks that I have been attending services, I have already been made to feel a part of the family.  The first time I met Pastor Kevin I told him I was looking for more than a job….I was looking for a new home.  I feel as though I have found that home with all of you.  I hope to see MANY of you at choir practice!

                 Blessings -

                                    Jill Lukas

 

THANK YOU,  THANK YOU, THANK YOU,   TO:

 

Laurie Kadunc, who worked so hard in planning,  & the WALKERS & SPONSORS for the West Allis/New Berlin Relay for Life on July 17-18.  Our 34 church walkers raised the amazing sum of $1,350 to fight cancer! We’re so grateful to you all!

                  and ...

July’s “Special Music” providers: Larry Jansen & Sue Smith; Kathy Doty; Karin & Rachel Schmeling; Karin Schmeling & Kristina Tarvid.  Even during the summer months, we have LOTS of lovely music gracing our worships!

                  and ...

Our Miller Park workers, so dedicated & hard-working!

                 and ...

Those who sponsored Tina & Spencer Myers & Eric Arenz on their MS 150 bike ride on Aug. 1 & 2.

                 and ...

The good folks who have already provided their email addresses to have the newsletter delivered to them in that way. 

                  and ...

July 27 National Night Out Nachos Booth Staffers, who help our church take a stand against crime in our streets, & make our presence known in the community.   

                  and ...

Heather & JR Saugstad & volunteer helpers,  who work so hard to make the Roger Saugstad Memorial Golf Outing a reality each year.  We also thank all who donated door prizes &/or raffle items for that event on July 31.

                  and ...

What a good time we had at the “A Decade Together” celebration at our mid-week worship on July 29!  Thanks to all who brought appetizers to share, & contributed time, thoughts, & effort.  Spirituality & fun!  What a winning combination!

                  and ...

Sue & Larry Smith, who hosted 46 swimmers & party-goers at their annual event on July 19.  The cool-ish weather didn’t spoil the fun; in fact, many found they preferred it to 90+.  (The water was lovely, at 86 degrees ...)

                  and ...

Gail & Dick Kloes, simply the best office volunteers any-where, who continue to help with a variety of tasks!

 

SCRIP  PURCHASES Help our BUDGET!!  Each week in our Sunday bulletin announcements we print a message about SCRIP.  However, we’ve recently learned that there are still some folks don’t know about the program!  We really hope that EVERYONE will read about it here, & then consider planning ahead to purchase gift cards from this program, which returns between 2% -10 % of the purchase price TO THE CHURCH.

JR Saugstad, who shepherds the program, tells us that for certain restaurants, the return is even MORE than 10%!!!

Here’s how it works:  On the SECOND Sunday of each month, pick up a form from JR or Heather Saugstad.    HUNDREDS of merchants  offer scrip -- Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart; Boston Store;  Cousins Subs; Dress Barn; Kohl’s; Menard’s; Speedway; AMC Single Theatre Tickets, & MORE!   After looking over the order form, write a check to GAPC for your order, & place it with JR or Heather.  On the THIRD Sunday, just pick up your scrip when you come to worship!  Make extra money for the church, while buying items you’d get anyway!  Saugstads will be glad to provide additional details!

 

The PEACEMAKING LUNCHEON will take place here on Sun., Oct. 4, & it’s one of our favorite meals:  potato toppers, salad, dessert bars & beverage.  A DYNAMITE speaker is being lined up, & the tickets are just $5.00 for adults & $2.50 for children under age 12.  Barb Brunett can provide you with additional information: 282-7280.

 

HABITAT WORK WEEK is scheduled for September 14 - 18, & it  includes a WOMEN’S BUILD (women only) HOUSE.!  If you are at all interested in working, or have questions, please talk to Ed Griffith, 453-0982. 

 

The PEACEMAKING Offering, which will be accepted on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, supports the efforts of our congregation, presbytery, synod & denomination to spread the peace of Christ in a world that is deeply divided in conflict & war.  It’s also the time when we as Christians celebrate the unity that we find at the Table of the Lord.  The Offering’s theme is “Justice & peace shall kiss each other”, as noted in Psalm 85:10.  Our Peace & Justice Committee will decide how to use the 25% of the offering which remains here in the congregation. Special pew envelopes are available for this offering.

 

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers !  For July those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Tina & Spencer Myers, Dan, Kerstin & Jenny Lefevre; Ed & Bobbie Griffith; Phyllis Shudy; Kathy & John Doty; Hugh Evans; Peter Zoeller; & Karin Schmeling. 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!

 

It’s Not Too Late to donate “gently used” bicycles to our friends at Zion United Church of Christ, 3301 S. 76^th St. in Milwaukee, who will be sending them (as well as shoes & tools in good condition, which you no longer need,) to Honduras.  These items can make a HUGE difference in the lives of people who have very little ...   Drop off your donations at Zion any Mon. - Thurs. thru Aug. 21, 2009,  8:00 AM - Noon.  Or, you may bring the bikes here to GAPC & place them behind the church.  Just let  Ed Griffith, Pastor Kevin, or Sue Smith know you’ve brought them here, & we’ll contact one of Zion’s folks, who is glad to come here & pick them up.  There’s also a need for new school supplies, which can be so important in helping Honduran children obtain an education, which is the BEST way out of poverty!  Thank you, for whatever you can do!

 

 BLOOD  DRIVE -  Don’t forget that on Sat., Nov. 21, 2009, we’re co-sponsoring a blood drive with the Neenah, WI  “Equitable Reserve Association” (a fraternal organization, which for many years has donated the bike & helmet we give  away through the drawing at Strawberry Fest).  The drive will take place from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, here at GAPC.  We’ll have additional reminders in the September/October & November issues of The Messenger, but we hope you’ll mark your calendar & plan to participate.  Thanks!

 

AUGUST, 2009  -  CALENDAR

 

Mon Aug 3     6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Wed Aug 5     6:30 PM - Mid-Week worship

Thur Aug 6  ** NO PACE CLASS TODAY **  

Sat Aug 8    Library reserved for anniversary party

Mon Aug 10 - Fri Aug 14 - 9:00 - Noon - VBS at Forest Park PC in New Berlin*

Mon Aug 10     6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

                         7:15 PM - Resources Committee

Wed Aug 12     6:30 PM - Mid-Week worship

Thur Aug 13     1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Aug 16   10:40 AM - Special Congregational Meeting *

Mon Aug 17    9:00 AM - Newsletter Deadline  * 

                         6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

                         7:15 PM - CE/Nurture Committee

Wed Aug 19     6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship

Thur Aug 20     1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Aug 23      2:00 PM - ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the Tarvid’s home *

Mon Aug 24      6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Tues Aug 25      6:30 PM - Session meets 

Thurs Aug 27    1:30 PM - PACE 

Sat Aug 29  - God’s Guild sponsors a trip to Bristol Renaissance Faire

Sun Aug 30  - The Rev. Mr. Bill Humphreys is our “Guest Preacher”