Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

will take place on Sunday, December 17, during the 9:30 morning worship service. It’s called “When Christ Was Born”, with dialogue by Vicki Hancock Wright & Music by Michael Bedford. Scene 1 is titled “An Advent Song”; Scene 2 is “Christ Is Born!”, & Scene 3 is “Star Bright”. The Bethlehem Stars Children’s Choir plays a prominent role, & there’s MORE! Invite your family & friends to be here that day, to help celebrate Jesus’ birth (a few days early!)

We’ll have our usual 9:30 Sunday worship service on Dec. 24 -- it’s our “4^th Sunday of Advent” worship. Then, at 5:30 PM, we’ll celebrate Christmas Eve, with a very special service. It’s filled with music, warmth & love, as we share the miracle of Jesus’ birth with each other & with Christians everywhere. It’s a magical night filled with wonder, awe, and great love. Please note that the evening service is earlier than in previous years.

We’re inviting twenty thousand of our closest friends and neighbors to come and spend time with us this Christmas. The ad will appear in the next “Money Mailer” issue, and we’ll also be doing some print advertising. Pretty Exciting

I’m thinking that, if everybody shows up at once, we are going to be challenged in a number of ways!!!

We are known for being a warm and welcoming community, and now we get to test that impression to the max!

We’ll want to make sure there’s room for everyone. If we have to squeeze together, or use the loft or the narthex more, that’s great.

We’ll want to be our usual warm and friendly selves, but we need to remember that some of these folks may not have been to church in a very long time. It may be scary at first. We want to welcome without overwhelming

Some folks might be surprised at how joyful and active we are in worship. We need to be open and let people know that this is just how we are!

Bottom line is this: we can be a great gift to a number of new folks. They, in turn, can be a great gift to us. Is Christmas great, or what!?!

If you have any ideas about all this, please call me. If you can think of someone who might like a special invitation, let’s talk. God loves us!

John Kostan, Sr., a long- time member of GAPC, passed away on Tues., Nov. 14, at the age of 91. Pastor Kevin officiated at services on Thurs., Nov. 16. Our condolences to the Kostan family.

Helen Groninger underwent heart valve surgery on Nov. 21, at Froedtert. We’re praying for a good recovery.

Gus Hendry, now at home after spending 7 weeks hospitalized at St. Luke’s.

Marv Saugstad spent a few days in the hospital, but he’s “out & about” again, feeling much better.

Continued prayers for Herman Duga. He’s home, after spending a few weeks in rehab, but needs to regain more strength. His spirits are good, & he reports that he’s “practicing his walking.”

Kaitlyn Saugstad broke the radius bone in her right wrist over the Thanksgiving holiday.

That we received a BRAND-NEW extension ladder, a generous & loving gift from Donna & Marv Saugstad. Thank you so very much!

That Lillian Anderson’s surgery was successful. She reports that everything is “just

That 9 of our youth, (plus 5 adults) attended the Nov. 17 -19 retreat at Cedar Valley . Everyone had a wonderful time, & made it back in time for worship the 19^th (though some were a tiny bit tired.)

That Melissa Gall traveled to Disney World with the Nathan Hale High School Orchestra. It’s a “once every 4 years” trip, so it was the only possible time for Melissa (a freshman at Hale) to make the trip. The orchestra performed at Good Samaritan Retirement Village on Wed., Nov. 22; on Thanksgiving Day, they performed at Downtown Disney Marketplace-DockStage. Additionally, there were opportunities to visit Epcot, MGM, Animal Kingdom, & Magic Kingdom . They arrived home in late evening of Sat., Nov. 25.

Melissa was also one of the girls from Girl Scout Troop 42 to participate in Hales Corner’s first Veterans Day flag retirement ceremony, at the Ben Hunt Cabin, on Sat. Nov. 11. It’s marvelous to have so many of our church young people actively involved in so many meaningful activities & projects! We’re so proud of them all!

The perfect Christmas Gift! There’s scrip that will please everyone on your list! Place your order with JR or Heather Saugstad on the 2^nd Sunday of each month!

We’re happy to announce the results of our Oct. 29 Congregational Meeting for election of officers. Elected were: Deacons: Ken Arenz, RuthMary Gamache & Mary Lefevre; Elders: Barb Brunett, Lori Johnson, Pat Sczypiorski & Kay Ulma. They’ll be ordained / installed in early January.

The Nominating Committee, for the fine job recruiting our newly-elected Board members. Nominating committee members for 2006 were: Judy Dickson, chairperson; Dick Kloes (elder), RuthMary Gamache (deacon), & Barb Brunett, Lori Johnson & Dan Lefevre, members-at-large.

Bob & Janet Lefevre, (here from Arizona visiting our Mary Lefevre), who so graciously shared special music with us on Nov. 26.

Nicole Martin & the “Chamber Bells”, for enhancing our Nov. 5 anthem; & to Nicole & the Chancel Choir for their special effort on Thanksgiving Eve, at Heritage P.C.

Kevin Kadunc & Melissa Gall, who prepared November’s “Chili Mac” (with help from Judy Dickson & Beth Beck).

Poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary at Christmas time may be ordered using the forms available in our Sunday worship bulletins through Dec. 17. (Additional order forms are available on the “Youth Booth”.) Cost will be $6.00 per plant. Please indicate on the form the NUMBER of plants you’d like, & whether you’ll be taking your plant home on Dec. 24, or leaving it at the church to beautify the sanctuary on Dec. 31 & Jan. 7. Please note that we will NOT be taking poinsettias to shut-ins this year. Instead, Deacons bring plants & visit during less hectic seasons.

Dec 10 - Personal Trainer Jeri Gamache will lead us in some SIMPLE (but helpful) exercises, which are suitable for ALL ages.

There will be no class on Dec. 24 or Dec. 31, & during class time Jan. 7, we’ll be taking down our holiday decorations.

Once again, we’ve been asked to provide gifts for the Christ Church Christmas Toy Store. Children from needy families in this inner city congregation will be coming to their church on Sat. Dec. 16, to choose gifts for loved ones. Adult items needed are: hats, gloves, scarves, house-hold items (such as kitchen utensils), toiletries, bathroom items, linen or gift certificates). Children’s items needed include toys, games, coloring books, crayons, markers, small

gifts for all ages, balls, mittens, gloves, hats, school supplies, etc. The UNWRAPPED gifts which you donate may be brought & placed under our sanctuary tree on Sun. Dec. 3 or Sun., Dec. 10, so that we can deliver them to Christ Church Dec. 11. Contributions of money (in the form of checks, please) are also most welcome. A letter we received from Christ Church explains: “Last year we served well over 450 children in the store in one day. Later we provided help to families who needed everything from food to toys for their children. We find that some of the real needs are discovered AFTER the Christmas store ends. This is why money is also needed. Your checks should be made out to “Christ Presbyterian Church” & can be designated to Christmas Store, Pastor’s Emergency Fund, Christian Academy , Food Pantry, or the Black Male Empowerment Program.”

All of us at GAPC have been so blessed; God asks us to be blessings to our brothers & sisters who are in need. Thank you.

Next meeting is Sat., Jan. 13, 2007, in Jack Reichert Hall. It’s at 6:30, & it’s our usual “Second Saturday” dinner meeting. It’s a “Chili Dump”, which is so popular with the group. (What would taste better on a cold, January night than a piping hot bowl of chili?) This is the night we collect our yearly dues (such a deal at $7.00) & if you PAY your dues that evening, the meal’s on us! Reservations to Adela, 414-476-2325, by the January 9 deadline, please.

Remember the Holiday Concert of the WAUKESHA AREA SYMPHONIC BAND. (Our Nicole Martin plays flute in this accomplished group.) It’s on Tuesday, December 12, in Shattuck Auditorium at Carroll College . Ticket prices are SOOO reasonable, & it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Nicole will be glad to provide more information.

“Amnesty International Group #106 Milwaukee, will be observing the annual Human Rights Day event at Central United Methodist Church (639 N. 25^th St), starting at 5:00 PM on Sun., Dec. 10. District Attorney E. Michael McCann will speak on the Death Penalty. As usual, there will be a candle lighting remembrance for “prisoners of conscience”, and letter writing for those who wish to participate. Refreshments will be served. Come join us.” Contact Sally Stock, (414-425-3494), or Kathleen Westover, (414-476-0116) for additional information.

We received a recipe request for “The Best Ever Cookies”, (which we sold at our recent Fall Fest.) Marie Hagen answered our plea; it was she who made them for our bake sale. Marie’s sister-in-law, Corrine Reichert, who received the recipe from a friend, had passed the recipe on to Marie. That ‘s the way of recipes, as you probably know. SO -- with many thanks to Marie, & Corrine, & her friend here’s the recipe.

Drop on cookie sheet by teaspoonful. Bake @ 350 degrees for 12 -15 minutes. (Marie suggests setting the temperature at 360, & baking till lite brown.)

There you go -- you’re now all set for that neighborhood Christmas Cookie exchange!

A few NURSERY HELPERS are needed for the month of December. Sign up on the sheet at the rear of the sanctuary.

a Presbyterian tradition for almost 70 years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need.

Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Schools & Colleges receive 50% of the offering. The Presbyterian Church has long promoted education through establishing & supporting racial & ethnic schools. Christmas Joy Offering funds provide scholarships to deserving students as well as help with basic operating costs. These institutions develop leaders in the church & in society, & they enable students to discover & pursue their professional goals.

The Board of Pensions also receives 50% of the offering, with funds earmarked to help retired church workers & their surviving spouses by raising incomes to a level where retirees can live modestly yet continue to maintain their independence.

There are special Christmas Joy Offering envelopes in the pews; we hope you’ll feel moved to make a donation1

Here’s A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION you might like to consider: join one of our church COMMITTEES! GAPC is a congregation which finds great satisfaction in community involvement; the Peace & Justice Committee or the Evangelism Committee might be just what you’re looking for if you share those interests. Resources takes care of our finances & property; Church Transformation is planning our “face lift” projects; Nurture & Christian Education oversee the spiritual life of the congregation; the Personnel Committee evaluates & works with our staff there’s a place YOU can help! While it’s true that our ELDERS are active in at least one (& usually two) committees they can’t do it alone! That’s where YOU come in! Consider lending your time & talent by working for your church in this way.

much as $100,000 each year to charity, tax free, directly from your IRA. This counts toward your required minimum distribution. Wow! What a tax savings! What a gift!

2. The stock market has done pretty well this year. Do you have stock or mutual funds that have increased in value? Consider donating them to the church. You could get a tax deduction of what they are worth now, & you might not have capital gains taxes.

NURSE’S NEWS - by Lynn Heinrich, RN, Parish Nurse in partnership with Aurora Health Care

May the peace and love of the coming Christ-child fill your hearts and homes with an ever present sense of God’s grace and mercy. In this Advent season we ready our hearts and welcome this tiny babe with great joy and hope. The Savior of the world, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords was born in a lowly stable and placed in a manger to sleep. The Christmas story is truly one of unconditional love. Sin condemned us and God’s perfect plan of salvation saved us. I sometimes think I am lucky because the history of Christ’s birth, his perfect, sacrificial life, his innocent suffering and death and his glorious resurrection, are all recorded in God’s holy word. It all happened with certainty. UI have great admiration for the Old Testament believers. They believed God’s promises and knew with the same degree of certainty, that the Savior was coming. His manifestation was yet to be revealed, however. Now, as we once again wait with anticipation and hope, for the celebration of Christ’s birth that happened some 2000 years ago, be merry and joyful in knowing that you are one of God’s precious children and the gift of salvation is yours! Merry Christmas, my friends! Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

Check it out Watch for your holiday edition of the “Health and Wellness” newsletter. There are great articles regarding your spiritual health, your physical health and your mental health. Along with that, there are healthy recipes, a joke or two and even a puzzle for the children.

Grief and the holidays The holidays are upon us once again and for some folks that can be an especially difficult time. If you have had a recent or past loss and find that this is a touch time for you, consider attending one or more of the support groups that offer special programs at this time of year. Watch my office door for specifics or give me a call and I will get you connected.

Any money left in your flexible spending account? If so, treat yourself to a massage. If you have a prescription from your health care provider for a relaxation massage or a stress relief massage, you can submit the cost and it will be covered. Remember, you will need a prescription from your primary care provider. If you have any questions, please give me a call. Even if you don’t have a flexible spending account, consider treating yourself to a massage or consider treating someone else with a gift certificate. Don’t forget that it’s one of the first things Santa does when he gets back to the North Pole!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOURS FROM ME & MINE - With Love & Joy - Lynn

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

NURSE LYNN’S OFFICE HOURS

Lynn ’s “IN” MOST Thursdays from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

& most FOURTH SUNDAYS of each month

OR BY APPOINTMENT

(On Thursdays, call ahead to be sure she’s in)

WEDNESDAYS

6:30 PM - Handbell practice

7:30 PM - Chancel Choir practices

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

SATURDAY - Rashel’s Dance Studio, from

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, in JACK REICHERT HALL

MOST 2nd SATURDAYS - Adult Fellowship Club

Dinner at 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall

Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “Day Off” is Friday

O Jan. 7 we’ll “Un-Hang (“De-Hang”?) the Greens” (that is, we’ll be taking our Advent/Christmas/Epiphany decorations down & putting them away,) just as soon as the “ Bethlehem Stars finish rehearsing. There will be NO Adult Discussion Group or Bible Study that morning, as it’s a “community effort” to accomplish this task. Our Adult Sunday School Classes will resume on January 14.

It’s Christmas Concert time! Relax & enjoy some GREAT harmony on Sat., Dec. 16, at the award-winning Milwaukee Showcase Chorus’ presentation of “Christmas at Rockefeller Center ”. Our own Barb Brunett & Libbie Jansen are chorus members, & if you’ve not heard the group, you’re in for a treat! The singing, the costumes, the wonderful talent & enthusiasm all add up to a performance that’s pure magic! (Milwaukee Showcase Chorus is a branch of the Sweet Adelines, International Women’s Barbershop group.) Also featured in the program is “The Children’s Choir of Waukesha ”. There are TWO performances: a 1:30 PM matinee, & an evening show at 7:30. The concert will be held at the Kostka Theater at Mount Mary College , 2900 N. Menominee River Parkway . Prices: $10 for the matinee; $15.00 for the evening performance (seniors & students $12, if purchased in advance.)