DECEMBER, 2007

THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

Church Office 414-453-3710

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

Sunday Worship Schedule - December 9, 2007 - January 6, 2008

Sun Dec 9 - 9:30 AM 2^nd Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, 18 & 19

Second Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

Sermon: “Wild-Eyed Prophets”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Smith

Ushers: L & G Smith, Eric & Matthew Arenz

Sun Dec 16 - 9:30 AM 3^rd Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Second Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

Sermon: “Kickin’ Tail and Takin’ Names!”

Liturgist /Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

Ushers: Libbie Jansen; JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Sun Dec 23 9:30 AM 4^th Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16

Second Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon: “Yeshua!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Laurie Kadunc

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

Mon Dec 24 - 6:30 PM Christmas Eve Worship

A Service of Lessons & Carols, with Communion

Servers: Lori Johnson, Laurie Kadunc, Sally Tarvid

Sun Dec 30 - 9:30 AM

First Reading: Psalm 148

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:10-18

Sermon: “Reasons for Celebration”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Terry Arenz

Ushers: Sherman & Sally Stock, Tom Liempeck & Marv Saugstad

Sun Jan 6 - 9:30 AM Epiphany, & Communion

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Second Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon: “Let’s Have an Epiphany!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:

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

Servers: Barb Brunett, Judy Dickson, Sally Tarvid & Kay Ulma

YE OLDE TYME CHRISTMASSE FAIRE -- Here, on Saturday, December 8, begins at 2:00 PM! It features an incredible SILENT AUCTION, (we’re offering MANY high quality items, including fine jewelery; bids close at 5:30 PM). The MEAL is catered by RUPENA’S (it’s a SCRUMPTIOUS chicken dinner)!

TICKETS to the meal are just $20 per person, but they must be purchased in advance; they’re on sale, NOW, from Terry Arenz only 100 available the dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. AND we need folks to SERVE the meal; & strolling minstrels & singers BAKERS are needed for sweet treats of all kinds (ethnic especially would be appreciated,) for we’re having a MOST TEMPTING BAKE SALE

There’ll be an “Alternative Gift Shoppe”, which offers opportunities to purchase CHARITABLE gifts for the “folks who have everything” on your list; & a “Traditional Gift Shoppe”, (including items from our Sheri Masiakowski’s “Seasons of the Heart”). There’ll be LOTS of fun & merriment, & you’re asked to INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW to come & enjoy our hospitality!

FROM THE PASTOR: Happy Holidays, Loved Ones

There are a million songs I love to hear at Christmastime, but there is one CD that just has to be the one to open my heart to the seasons. It’s always John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain Christmas”.

The final cut is a beautiful little song he wrote for his son called: “A Baby Just Like You ”, & here are some of the words:

“The Season is upon now --

a time for gifts and giving

A Savior King was born that day

A baby just like you

And as the Magi came with gifts

I come with my gift, too.

That peace on Earth fill up your time

and brotherhood surround you

(sisterhood too!)

that you may know the warmth of love and wrap it all around you

If we can give one gift to the world this Christmastime let this be it: Peace and love surrounding.

It is the perfect gift to give in honor to that Baby Savior King. It is also the gift that Christ commands we give each other I look forward to our celebration together -- In Christ’s Love!

-- Pastor Kev

On Sunday, December 23, our young people will take part in the worship service, in a variety of ways. We hope you’ll want to be present, for it will be a wondrous family day. Then, on Monday, December 24, at 6:30 PM, we’ll have our traditional Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols. It’s always so lovely & moving, with the church beautifully decorated, twinkling candles, the Chrismon tree, and an atmosphere filled with love as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. Why not invite friends to join us? We want EVERYONE to experience & share in our joy as we give thanks to God, who sent us the Son.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! The church office is a busy place, but as the holidays approach, there’s always time to send greetings to all in our congregation, with the wish for a Christmas filled with the wonder, peace, love, joy, & hope Christ brings. May your New Year be filled with only good things. My personal thanks to you for being such a pleasure to work with. - Sue Smith

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Lin Bradley, trying to regain strength as she continues 3 times/week kidney dialysis.

She was able to be back in worship with us on Nov. 30.

May she receive a “new” kidney, soon.

The family of Mary Lefevre, who passed away on November 14. Pastor Kevin lead a celebration of Mary’s life on Nov. 18.

Toni Jansen, who was hospitalized after suffering a seizure. She’s recovered, but is always happy to be remembered in prayer.

Lorraine Beining, dealing with serious health challenges.

Marj Tarvid, (Pastor Kevin’s mom), who was expected to undergo partial hip replacement surgery the last week of November.

The Karrels family, on the death of Laurie’s Uncle Al.

All our folks who are battling seasonal “bugs”

Brook Buccholz, who had her tonsils & adenoids removed several weeks ago, is doing VERY well, & is back to her “old” self.

Louise & Vince Berte became great-grandparents for the 12^th time on Oct. 29, when Warren Howard Peterson was born.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

December 3 - Becky Leintz

4 - Karin Schmeling, Laurie

Kadunc

5 - John Gamache

7 - Mark Hendry, Hailey

Hendry, Tom Reichert

8 - Dan Lefevre

17 - Patti Saugstad

25 - Bill Burke

28 - Brenna Sczypiorski

31 - Marie Hagen

Jan 2 - JT Gall

Jan 6 - Leah Karrels

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Dec. 6 - Arliss & Hugh Evans

(55 years!)

10 - Jean & Bill Toepfer

24 - Rose & Allan Luttrell

27 - Amy & John Reichert

Jan 2 - Terri & Pat Sczypiorski

Our 12 CROP Walkers (in the rain, no less!) raised $401.00 on Oct 14! We’re so proud of the dedication our GAPC church family has to mission! WOW!

Miller Park Total!

The efforts of our numerous staffers at the Miller Park SportService food & beverage booths brought in a fantastic $8,200 to the church! Thank you, thank you, to ALL who helped!

Miller Park dates are available from JR Saugstad. Look them over carefully, so we’ll have a good idea in advance which will work best for our group. (He now has a mailbox in the coat room, so you can put your filled-out sheets in it if you don’t see him at a service.)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - TO:

The “Class of 2010”, (the folks who have agreed to serve as Deacons & Elders). They are: Deacons - Hilda Czaplewski, Bobbie Griffith, & Kristina Tarvid.

Elders - Judy Dickson, Laurie Kadunc, Larry Smith & Sally Tarvid

and ...

Larry Jansen & Janet Lefevre, whose moving vocal duet “Jesus Never Fails” on Nov. 25 was so lovely. And to Bob Lefevre, who accompanied them.

and ...

Sandy Reichert, who proofread our new church directory (available NOW).

and ...

Thanks to everyone who helped make “Lynn Heinrich Day” such a resounding success.

and ...

Nancy Moravec, who spoke to the Adult Discussion Group on Nov. 18, sharing her experiences as a kidney transplant recipient 9 years ago.

and ...

The Bethlehem Stars, whose performance on Nov. 18 was just awesome!

and ...

Sandy Reichert, Pastor Kevin, Phyllis Shudy, who attended the Healthy Congregations Workshop on Nov. 3.

and ...

Barb Brunett & Libbie Jansen, who told the Adult Discussion Group all about their August trip to Russia, on Nov. 25. It was super!

and ...

Our Thanksgiving Eve Musicians who sang or played in the Brass Choir. What a marvelous addition to worship!

and ...

The good folks who bought popcorn from the Youth Group. (the kids will be selling 2008 calendars, soon.)

and ...

Our ever-faithful office volunteers, Gail & Dick Kloes.

GREETERS:

Dec 9 - RuthMary Gamache Dec 16 - Sally & Sherman Stock

Dec 23 - Joyce Zeeb Dec 24 - Arliss & Hugh Evans

Dec 30 - Jean & Bob Seiberlich Jan 6, 2008-Ruth & Stu Lefevre

Special thanks to our custodial volunteers for November. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Arliss & Hugh Evans, Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Phyllis Shudy, Jim & Judy Dickson, Kay Ulma, Lori Johnson, Alan, Terry, Eric & Matt Arenz. What a wonderful job you’re doing! The church looks super!

Our Youth Retreat is coming up on Dec. 14, 15 & 16. It’s at Cedar Valley

in West Bend, & is open to all youth 7th grade thru young adult. (The kids are also welcome to invite & bring a friend or two.) Their POPCORN SALE was a great success; it’s being delivered on December 9? 16?? Eric Arenz is COOKING for the event (& we understand he’s a wonder in the kitchen ) It’s going to be a BLAST!

Adult Discussion Group

Dec. 9 - Melissa Gall tells the Adult Discussion Group of her experiences at Triennium, at Purdue University, this past summer. There’s a fabulous DVD presentation that accompanies her presentation you’ll want to be SURE to be present, for this one.

Dec. 16 - The group shares “Christmas Memories” Dec. 23 & Dec. 30 - NO CLASSES

January 6 - Adult classes “Un-Hang the Greens”

LOOKING for the PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT?

Try SCRIP! There’s scrip that will please EVERYONE on your list! JR & Heather Saugstad are taking orders both the first AND second Sundays of December, so you’ll have TWO dates on which to order (in case you’re not in worship on one of those Sundays.) Gift certificates from Speedway, Menards, Fazoli’s, AMC theatres, Kohl’s, Dress Barn, & SOOO many more & the church gets a percentage back from your purchase! Solve your gift-giving dilemmas, while helping your church! It’s a win-win!

POINSETTIAS to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas may be ordered using the forms available in our Sunday worship bulletins through December 16. (Additional order forms are available on the “Youth Booth”.) Cost will be $7.00 per plant. Please be sure to 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. 6. Do note that we do longer take poinsettias to our shut-ins at Christmas. Instead, our deacons bring plants & visit during less hectic seasons. (If you are unable to be in church to pick up an order form, please send a note with all necessary information & your check for $7.00, & we’ll take it from there.)

Our Peace & Justice Committee is dedicated to helping to make our community (& world) a better place, & they do an outstanding job! We thought the congregation would like to know how some of the money the committee raises is spent. $300 will go to support the St. Ben’s food program (coming from the “Chili Mac” fund;) $50 will support Amnesty International, U.S.A. (from the Peacemaking Fund); $75 to support Amnesty International - Local (also from the Peacemaking Fund); and $50 to Sojourner Truth House (from the Peacemaking Fund.)

The committee thanks all in the congregation for the support they provide.

The prayer chain is being updated; if you are NOT presently ON the chain, but wish to be notified when someone needs prayer, please call Deacon’s Member Care coordinator Sandy Reichert, 476-5822 (H); or cell, 430-5564, as soon as possible. If you are presently ON the prayer chain but wish to be REMOVED, Sandy would like to know, also. Thanks!

Watch for the Habitat for Humanity Tree in the narthex during Advent! You’ll have the opportunity to purchase gifts for those hard-to buy-for folks on your Christmas list -- in their honor! Just a few dollars provides a bucket of nails, a hammer the list goes on & on.

Please note that the church office is CLOSED on Christmas Eve Day, & on New Year’s Eve Day. As always, Pastor Kevin will be available on his cell phone.

THE CHRIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS STORE - We’re contributing gifts to the Christ Presbyterian Church Christmas Toy Store once again this year. Children from needy families in this inner city congregation will be coming to their church on Sat., Dec. 15, to choose gifts for loved ones. Adult items needed are: hats, gloves, scarves, house-hold items (such as kitchen utensils), toiletries, bathroom items, linens, 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 should be brought & placed under our sanctuary tree on Sun., Dec. 2 or Sun. Dec. 9. We’ll see to it that they’re delivered to Christ Church on Dec. 10.

The folks at Christ Church have discovered that some of the greatest needs in the community they serve are actually discovered AFTER the Christmas store ends. For this reason, money is also needed. 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.

Dollars & Sense of Giving

Last time we mentioned donating some of your IRA to the church, we said that you could donate up to $100,000. BUT, you can donate smaller amounts also. There is no charitable deduction allowed on the tax return. The provision allows those who do donate some of their IRA, not to include it in their taxable income. The direct transfer from the IRA to the church can also satisfy a person's required minimum distribution for the year.

If you give to the church already it makes some sense to do it directly from the IRA, at least the minimum distribution. Then that amount won't be included in taxable income. This move could lower your adjusted gross income and might help to avoid or lessen the amount of taxable Social Security benefits. Remember, this is only allowed until the end of 2007.

Call, I can help. Merry Christmas! Happy Giving!

Sue Pope CLU,ChFC

Registered Representative and securities offered through Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc.

Thanks, RuthMary Gamache, for getting the handouts for National Donor Sabbath Sunday, which we made available to all who were present that day. It’s SOOO important to sign up to be an organ donor on the back of your driver’s license!

THE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

A Presbyterian tradition for 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 Christmas Joy Offering envelopes in the pews; we hope you’ll feel moved to make a donation!

DECEMBER, 2007

CALENDAR

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

Wed Dec 5 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thurs Dec 6 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Fri Dec 7 ** 6:00 PM - Set-Up Christmasse Faire

Sat Dec 8 2:00 PM - Ye Olde Christmasse Faire

5:30 PM - Silent Auction bids close

6:00 PM - Christmasse Faire Dinner

Sun Dec 9 9:30 AM - “Penny Sunday”

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

7:15 PM - Resources Committee

Wed Dec 12 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thur Dec 13 1:30 PM - PACE meets

7:00 PM - Friends of MS

Fri Dec 14 - Early AM Sunday Dec 16 - Youth

Group Retreat at Cedar Valley *

Sun Dec 16 9:30 AM - Poinsettia orders due

Mon Dec 17 9:00 AM - Newsletter Deadline *

6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Tues Dec 18 7:00 PM - Session meets

Wed Dec 19 6:30 & 7:30 PM- Handbells & Choir

Thurs Dec 20 1:30 PM - PACE

Sun Dec 23 9:30 PM - Kids help with worship

Mon Dec 24 6:30 PM - Christmas Eve worship *

Tues Dec. 25 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

Thurs Dec 27 1:30 PM - PACE meets ???

Sun Dec 30 10:45 AM - Farewell party for Sheri

Mon, Dec. 31 & Tues. Mon Jan 1, 2008 - Church

Offices CLOSED

Wed Jan 2 6:30 & 7:30 PM- Handbells & Choir

Thurs Jan 4 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Jan 6 10:45 Am - We Un-Hang the Greens

SHERI MASIAKOWSKI, our beloved organist, will be guest of honor at an “Appreciation Day” on Sunday, Dec. 30. As many in the congregation are aware, that will be her last day with us, as Sheri has accepted a 40-hour a week job at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. We will miss her greatly, as she will miss us, but we rejoice in the wonderful opportunity her new ministry at St. Greg’s will provide. Be sure to join us immediately after worship on Dec. 30, as we celebrate her time with us, & wish her “Godspeed”.

UN-HANG THE GREENS! Sunday January 6 is the day our holiday decorations are packed away for another 11 months. Many hands make light work, so ALL the adults are encouraged to help with this task. THERE WILL BE NO ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES on this date.

** Deadline for the

January newsletter is

Monday, December 17, at 9:00