DECEMBER,  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       

Worship Schedule

December 7, 2008 - January 4, 2009

Sun  Dec 7 - 9:30 AM   2nd Sunday of Advent;

First Reading:  Isaiah 40-1-11

Second Reading:  2nd Peter 3:8-15a

Sermon: “Hastening ?  Or Desiring?”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message: Laurie Kadunc

Ushers: The Kloes’; Jenny L. & Phyllis Anderson

Servers: Kerstin Lefevre, Judy O., Larry & Sue Smith

 

Sun Dec 14 - 9:30 AM    Third Sunday of Advent;

It’s the YOUTH CHRISTMAS SERVICE, with the young folks of the church leading our worship.

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz   

Sun Dec. 21 - 9:30 AM    Fourth Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Second Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Sermon: “Saying Yes …”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Jan Wilke

Ushers: Libbie Jansen; JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Wed Dec 24 - 6:30 PM   CHRISTMAS EVE

Servers: Barb Brunett, Judy Dickson,  Lori Johnson, Sandy Reichert, Larry Smith & Sally Tarvid

Sun Dec. 28 - 9:30 AM   

First Reading:  Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Second Reading:  Galatians 4:4-7

Sermon: “In the Fullness of Time”

Liturgist: Ed Griffith; Kid’s Message: Pastor Kevin

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

Sun Jan 4 - 9:30 AM    Communion Worship

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14

Sermon: “It’s Our Destiny!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Smith

Ushers: The Kloes’, Jenny L & Phyllis Anderson

Servers: Barb Brunett, Kerstin Lefevre & Sally Tarvid

          

It’s beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS, and on Dec. 14 we’ll celebrate with our Youth Christmas Service; on Dec. 21, the “God’s Guild” young people will perform for us; our traditional Christmas Eve “Service of Lessons & Carols” will begin at 6:30 PM on Dec. 24, followed by a Christmas Eve Open House at the home of Donna & Marv Saugstad, to which the whole congregation is invited!  It’s a warm time of fellowship, filled with lots of love as we converse, share Christmas munchies & beverages, & enjoy a wonderful time!  

                                                                     and ...

YE  OLDE CHRISTMASSE FAIRE is almost here!  It’s Sat., Dec. 6, & the festivities begin at 2:00 PM!  There’s a marvelous SILENT AUCTION, with many, many quality items on which to bid; a BAKE SALE, filled with ethnic Christmas goodies; an “alternative gift shop” (for those folks on your list who have everything; you may donate to Habitat for Humanity, or Heifer Project International in their honor, or memory); a “traditional” gift shop, featuring items crafted by members of our congregation; in the sanctuary, we’ll enjoy MEDIEVAL GAMES (pillow jousting, & such), & face painting.  There’s WARMING WASSAIL to drink, there are all sorts of COSTUMED CHARACTERS (in every sense of the word);  & STROLLING MINSTRELS; & our INCRECIBLE MADRIGAL DINNER, (which is catered by Rupena’s, & begins at 6:00 PM.)  Kerstin Lefevre will be happy to sell you a ticket, just $25 a person. 

To give you an idea of the bargains offered by the silent auction:  there are WINE BASKETS; gift certificates for RESTAURANTS in the area; a gift certificate for a massage that’s a $60 value; and MORE!  Please note that bids for the Silent Auction CLOSE at 5:15 PM.  We’ll also have a RAFFLE, with a choice selection of prizes.

2008 is only our second year holding the Christmasse Faire, & we aim to make it one of our most POPULAR events!  There are still MANY ways you can help; there’s a sign-up sheet in the narthex, so our coordinators can plan carefully. DO let them know how you’ll help!

AND … one of the BEST THINGS you can do is to TELL all your friends, neighbors, family members who live in the area, co-workers, EVERYONE YOU KNOW about this INCREDIBLE OCCASION!  Word-of-mouth is still the very finest form of advertising, & your help in this area is VERY IMPORTANT!

We’ll SET UP for this event at 6:00 PM on Saturday, Dec. 5, & would welcome your help in this aspect of the Faire, also.  See you there!

FROM THE PASTOR:  Merry Christmas, Beloved!

          One of my favorite pieces of Christmas is the story of the Magi.  I love how they followed a star. I love how they snookered Herod.  I love how they brought gifts of great value to the little child they believed to be King.

          It makes me think of wonderful Christmas songs like “Little Drummer Boy” and “In the Bleak Midwinter.”  It makes me think about the kind of gifts Jesus would like from us.

          I saw a bumper sticker recently that made me chuckle.  I wouldn’t put it on my car, but I believe I concur.  It reads:  “Jesus called - He wants his religion back.”

          I’m thinking that idea would be an excellent gift for this Christmas.  What if you and I would rededicate ourselves to giving Jesus what he really, really wants: a religion based more firmly upon the principles of love, forgiveness, understanding and peace!

          It would begin with an increased dedication to the Faith Family, spending more time together, in worship and fellowship and learning and prayer.  It would continue with an increased desire to put our beliefs into practice - to walk the walk of service even more.  Especially, these days, it would mean a deep desire and concerted effort to reach out to everyone who could benefit from our understanding of the gospel.

          I’m ready to give that gift - to make that commitment.  Will you join me?  Will you stand with me?  Good!

          In Christ’s love!       Pastor  Kevin

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Scott & Lori Johnson & family.  Scott’s father Jim passed away on Nov. 22, following a long illness.  Our heartfelt condolences to all.

The family of Don Farrar.  Don passed away on Nov. 8.  He had been in declining health for some time.  A memorial service will be held at the church at 11:00 AM on Mon., Dec. 15.

Jean Kern, hospitalized at Elmbrook Memorial as we go to press, with heart-related problems.

Jean Seiberlich, due to have shoulder surgery on Dec. 5. 

Larry Olson, who underwent removal of a cancerous kidney on Nov. 3.  (Judy says he’s making excellent progress.)

Vince Berte, ailing with a case of pneumonia.

The Rosen family, on the death of Bonnie’s sister-in-law.

Lin Bradley, in much pain following her tooth extractions.

All who are engaged in job searches.

Continued prayers for:

Herman Duga, Louise Berte & Cindy Nelson

That we welcomed Patrice Schwabe into membership here on Nov. 30.  We’re so glad to have you, Patrice!

For Judy Olson, whose antibiotic-resistant staph infection is completely cured!

For Sandy Reichert, who has begun a new job.

In the Election of Officers which took place following worship on Nov. 23.  Elected for a 1-year term on Session, filling the unexpired term of Pat Sczypiorski, is Eric Arenz.  Elders in the “Class of 2011” are Phyllis Anderson, Diane Edward, Ed Griffith, & Sue Pope. 

Deacons in the “Class of 2011” are Mark Brodaczynski, Larry Jansen, & Michelle Koroghlanian.  Thanks to all, for your willingness to serve!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

December 2 - Ainsley Reichert

  & Jason Bradley

4 - Karin Schmeling & Laurie 

   Kadunc

5 - John Gamache

7 - Mark Hendry, Hailey 

   Hendry, & Tom Reichert

8 - Dan Lefevre

17 - Patti Saugstad

25 - Jesus, & Bill Burke

28 - Brenna Sczypiorski

31 - Marie Hagen

(And belated birthday greetings to Kathy Doty, whose birthday was on Nov. 17.  We hope it WAS happy, Kathy!)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

December 6 -  Arliss & Hugh Evans (56 years!)

10 - Jean & Bill Toepfer

24 - Rose & Al Luttrell

        (53 years!)

27 - John & Amy Reichert

January 2, 2009 - Terri & Pat Sczypiorski

THANKS  FOR  YOUR  HELP !!!   TO:

Alyssa Sanfilippo, who was guest violinist for our Nov. 23 & Thanksgiving Eve worships, accompanying the choirs on “Simple Gifts”. 

                  and ...

Kerstin Lefevre, who took paintbrush in hand & transformed the chancel walls into a lovely shade of powder blue.  

                  and ...

Members of the Nominating Committee, who presented us with the excellent slate of new church officers.   

                  and ...

The volunteers who raked the church yard & otherwise participated in clean-up of our grounds on Nov. 15!

                  and ...

Janet & Bob Lefevre, who sang & played piano Nov. 30.

                  and ...

Phyllis Shudy, who filled in as guest musician Nov. 30 on short notice, with Loretta on vacation & Bonnie Rosen,  who was scheduled to play, called away by a death in the family.

                  and ...

Donna & Marv Saugstad,  who assembled your December newsletter.  

Have you noticed the change in the lighting at church?  Nearly all of the incandescent light bulbs (102 bulbs!) have been replaced with compact florescent light bulbs; all the non-electronic ballasts have been replaced with electronic ballasts (22); all the T12 tubes have been replaced with T8 florescent tubes (82); one 4 ft. florescent fixture has been replaced; & the exit light on the second floor was replaced with a LED sign.  All this has been done to conserve energy & provide better lighting.  WE Energy has provided incentives (rebates) to help offset the cost of these changes, & it is hoped that the first year savings will pay for the remaining cost.

Special thanks to our custodial volunteers for November.  Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were:  Barb & Bud Brunett, Judy, Jim & Jeff Dickson; Hugh Evans; Ed & Bobbie Griffith; Joanne Haschker; Kerstin & Dan Lefevre; Heather Saugstad; Anne Sheridan; & Peter Zoeller.  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! 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS may be ordered  thru Sunday, Dec. 14.  They’ll beautify our sanctuary during the Christmas season, & may be purchased  “in memory” or “in honor” of loved ones.  Available in red or white, the cost is just $7.00 per plant.  Order forms can be found in Sunday bulletins thru Dec. 14, or you may phone the church office at 414-453-3710 for additional information.  Please be sure to indicate on your order form whether you wish to take your plant home with you on Christmas Eve, or if you would like to leave it to add color to the chancel after the holiday.             

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL       

Our Peace & Justice Committee calls your attention to the following, which is one of the organizations we support.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA Group # 106 Milwaukee will observe the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Central United Methodist Church, 639 N 24th St., Milwaukee WI, 3:30 PM. 

Amnesty International also celebrates 47 years of worldwide human rights advocacy. Amnesty's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.  Amnesty International's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of our work to promote all human rights.  AI has more than a million members and supporters in over 140 countries and territories.  Amnesty International is impartial and independent of any government, political persuasion or religious creed. 

The program will include the showing of the film Darfur Now.  We will also have information on current Prisoners of Conscience, letter-writing and petitions, and Amnesty's current campaigns and issues.  Refreshments will follow. 

Sally & Sherman Stock have attended this meeting since 2003, & report that they are “still inspired” by it.  They tell us it’s an excellent celebration,  are planning to go, & will be glad to provide rides, or give directions to those who might wish to attend.  The parking is in a lighted lot at the rear of the church.   You may phone them at 414-425-3494.  

WATCH FOR THESE COMING EVENTS:

           

Sunday,  Jan. 4 - “De-Hang the Greens, Un-Deck the Halls”

Saturday, Jan. 10 - Help us clean out the church on “Pitch Day”!  (Did you know how much fun it can be to THROW OUT what’s no longer useful, or is in poor condition????)

Sunday, Jan. 11 - Ordination/Installation of Deacons & Elders

Sunday, Jan. 11 - DEADLINE for Annual Report info to be turned in to the church office

Sunday, Jan. 25 - Pot Luck luncheon followed by our ANNUAL MEETING.

 JOIN US to watch The Milwaukee Admirals hockey game on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 4:00 PM!  There’s a group from the church who plan to go … would you like to be one of them?  It’s always exciting, & Mark Brodaczynski will be happy to provide details.  Mark your calendars NOW, so you don’t miss out!

Saturday, Feb. 21 - Church Leader Training Day at Carroll University, in Waukesha.

The CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING   Presbyterians have long celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ by giving generously to an Advent offering.  The Christmas Joy Offering dates back to the 1930s, when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income & provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families.  Over the years, it has evolved into an offering which also benefits our Racial Ethnic Schools & Colleges.  One half of the offering goes to support these schools, which are an important part of the way we move forward to a culture & a church where all God’s children will be cherished & their contributions valued.  The other half of the offering  goes to the Assistance Programs of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to help meet unexpected needs of church workers (& their families). 

“Good News of Great Joy” is the theme for the offering.  It refers not only to the birth of Jesus Christ, but also to the good & joyful news it brings to the students & church workers whom it supports.  Each Sunday of Advent, there is a bulletin insert which tells the story of one way the Christmas Joy Offering has brought blessings to the lives of others.

Love is a central theme in the life of Jesus; Jesus clearly implied that love of God & love of one another are inseparable.  Through SHARING this love with one another, caring for each other as we care for ourselves, we fulfill both our responsibility and our privilege as Christians.

Please read your bulletin insert carefully, and then show your love through a donation to this important offering.  

                                       CALENDAR

                                     december,  2008

Mon Dec 1    6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Tues Dec 2    6:00 PM - Peace & Justice Committee

                      7:00 PM - Special Session Meeting

Wed Dec 3    6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship,

Thurs Dec 4   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Fri Dec 5        6:00 PM - Set-up for Christmasse
                                        Faire *

Sat Dec 6       2:00 PM - YE  OLDE

               CHRISTMASSE  FAIRE  BEGINS *

                       5:15 PM -Silent auction bids close *

                       6:00 PM - MADRIGAL DINNER *

Mon Dec 8     6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

                       7:15 PM - CE/Nurture Committee

Tues Dec 9     7:00 PM - Resources Committee

Wed Dec 10    6:30 PM  - Mid-Week Worship

                        7:30 PM - Chancel Choir

Thur Dec 11   1:30 PM - PACE meets   

                       7:00 PM - Friends of MS 

Sat Dec 13      The church is being used for a

                       graduation party at 7:00 PM

Sun Dec 14     9:30 AM - Youth Christmas Service

Mon Dec 15  11:00 AM - Memorial Service for

                           Don Farrar, here at the church

                       6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Tues Dec 16   7:00 PM - Session

Wed Dec 17   9:00 AM - Newsletter deadline *

                       6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship 

Thur Dec 18   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Dec 21   9:30 AM  - God’s Guild performs here  

Mon Dec 22   6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Wed Dec 24   6:30 PM - CHRISTMAS EVE

                                        WORSHIP  SERVICE

           8:45-ish - Marv & Donna’s Open House *

Thurs Dec 25 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!

              Church offices are CLOSED on this day

Thur Jan 1 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  -  Church

                    offices are CLOSED on this day

Sun Jan 4 - Communion worship, & “Un-hang the greens” *

DE-HANG THE GREENS & UN-DECK THE HALLS!  Immediately following worship on Sun., Jan. 4, we’ll take down the Christmas decorations.  The children will have Sunday School, as usual, but there will be no adult class that day, so that all the “grown-ups” may take part in this fun-filled occasion.  Lots of willing hands make the job go quickly, & we’re always happy to have as many workers as possible.  

                  

      *   Article about event appears in newsletter.