Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

The Youth Music Ministry from Southminster P.C. in Waukesha is here to present “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” for us this morning!

Church Leader Training Day is coming up at Carroll College on Sat., Feb. 10. Seven (count ‘em, 7!) morning workshops are offered: new elder training; experienced elder training; deacon training; clerk training; a workshop on worship & liturgy; “Mission Causes for Your Church”; and “Seeing & Nurturing Community in the Local Congregation”. Then, in the afternoon, there’s an additional workshop, with Stephen Doughty, on “Discernment & Prayer: Healing Gifts for an Aching Church”. We encourage all new board members to attend -- & as many other of our folks who are able to make it! Lori Johnson has registration forms; they must be returned to the presbytery office by FEBRUARY 6! Cost is just $5.00, & includes lunch.

SUNDAY, FEB. 25 the Southminster Youth Music Ministry will be here presenting “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” during worship time. It’s a fundraiser for their summer mission trip (so there’ll be a free-will offering.) Always a super production, which we’re so pleased to host! Invite EVERYONE YOU KNOW to come see & hear these talented young people!

We’re all set to staff Miller Park’s Sportservice food/beverage stands again this year, and we need LOTS of willing workers to get the job done!

There’s a MINIMUM 10-game commitment we must fulfill, but that doesn’t mean YOU need to work all 10 games you have the option to sign up for as many (or few) dates as you wish. And, if enough of our folks are willing, & there are games needing workers, we may be able to work MORE games! That means MORE money to help meet our church budget! Last year, we raised more than $5,000 in this way, & since our 2007 budget is a “faith budget” (we have faith in God & our people to come up with the additional funds we need), CREATIVITY in raising money is essential.

TRAINING must be accomplished before you can work JR Saugstad is still waiting for Miller Park to get back to us on a date when the training can be done right here at the church! We’ll announce the date SOON.

ESPECIALLY NEEDED ARE FOLKS WILLING TO WORK AS BOOTH LEADERS! It’s not a very difficult position, & requires only a little extra work, but Heather & JR Saugstad will not be able to be at as many games this year as they did last year. We hope you’ll “step up to the plate”, & indicate willingness to serve as a LEADER.

Also needed MORE of our people to be trained, & sign up to work the games. Some of the folks who helped out last year may not be quite as available this season, & we MUST have a minimum of six workers per booth (larger booths require even more helpers, but also bring in greater revenue, so we’d like to get them whenever possible.)

Choose from these work dates: Sat.April 21, 6:05 PM; Fri. May 4, 7:05 PM; Mon. May 28, 1:05 PM; Wed. May 30, 12:05 PM; Sat. June 2, 6:05 PM; Fri. June 22, 7:05 PM; Mon. June 25, 7:05 PM; Wed., June 27, 1:05 PM; Fri, July 13, 7:05 PM; Sat. July 14, 6:05 PM.

Yes, it’s work, but it’s FUN -- & is so necessary to help us generate needed funds. (Note: Times listed above are GAME TIME. Group leaders must report at least 3 hours prior to game time; other workers will need to report 2 ½ hours before the game begins.)

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP will take place at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 2300 S. Sunny Slope Road in New Berlin, at 7:30 PM on February 21. The Chancel Choir will sing, Nicole Martin will play her flute with a violinist from Forest Park, & the service will feature 3 Bell Choirs & 1 Chime Choir. Especially meaningful, as we enter the Lenten season. Plan to be with us.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS will be held at the church on the 4^th Sunday of each month. (We began this effort in January, & it will continue for the remainder of the year.) Be sure to take advantage of this “free” opportunity!

Christian author and pastor Max Lucado has a wonderful little book entitled: On the Anvil. The premise of the book is quite intriguing. It suggests that God is the great Blacksmith, and we are the iron tools in God’s workshop.

Sometimes, it seems, God finds it necessary to refine us tools. We feel the heat, we are taken to the anvil, and then we find ourselves being reshaped, remolded, made more effective. Often, this process involves removing some of our “rough edges”.

As you can imagine, this process can be very exciting and invigorating. It can also be quite painful. Change is never easy, and “major remolding” can be very disconcerting.

I’m speaking from experience here, and I’m guessing you’ve been there, too -- On the Anvil.

I’m sensing, dear friends, that God is working on us as a faith family as I write. As good as we are, and we are very good, I’m convinced that God is molding us into something even greater, more beautiful.

It makes sense -- now, when the world needs us more than ever, God is calling us and shaping us to be even stronger, even sharper, even more excellent.

So, while we may find the future even more challenging than expected, we can rejoice that God loves us enough to “work on us”. The good news is, we have each other, and we have Christ to lead us.

ON THE FUNNY SIDE OF OUR STREET A friend listening to the radio heard the Disc Jockey announce, “We’ve just received an email requesting we play this next song for Jerry Amos, who’s 111 years old.”

You could tell the DJ was amazed at the request. Then he blurted out, “Oooops, I guess I need new glasses. It’s for Jerry Amos, who is ill.”

Condolences to the Shudy family, on the recent death of Phyllis’ brother, Fred Tepper.

Family & friends of Mary Zemke, who passed away on Jan. 18. Pastor Kevin led a funeral worship on Jan. 24 at the Mitchell Manor Chapel.

Jeri Gamache, who developed pneumonia after contracting the nasty cold virus that’s been “going around”. It’s been a trying recovery.

All of our folks who are dealing with several unpleasant seasonal viruses. LOTS of us have been effected!

Donna Saugstad, whose heart medications are being adjusted. She thanks everyone for their continued prayers.

Jean Seiberlich, now home following shoulder surgery. She says recovery time will be lengthy.

Sue Martin, who underwent a procedure to replace the battery which controls her sciatic pain on Jan. 24.

For Annie Dettman & Robert Kaczmarski, who became engaged at New Year’s. Nuptials are planned for February, 2008.

That we received Angela Peterson & Troy Nealey (with Mackenzie and Grace) into membership on January 14. And adorable 6-month old Grace Nealey was baptized that same morning.

Nicole Martin, who provided marvelous “special music” on her flute, on Jan. 7.

Dr. Michael Tremba, the local chiropractor who often leads the Adult Discussion Group on health-related issues. His topic was particularly absorbing; he’ll visit the class again on March 18, for “Part 2” of his presentation: “Foods by God”.

Heather Saugstad, with helpers JR, JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn. The Jan. 20 “Family Fun Night” was delightful. Heather’s term as chairperson of the Evangelism Committee has expired, but she’s done a fine job with the Fun Nights (& all other aspects of that position.) Fun Nights will continue watch for additional information, from the next Evangelism chairperson.

The Session, for sponsoring the Pot Luck Luncheon prior to the Annual Meeting. And to the COOKS, who provide such tasty fare!

Bonnie Rosen, (one of our earthly guardian angels), who filled in as guest organist while Sheri was away Jan. 7, 14, 21, & Feb. 4.

Alan & Terry Arenz, for the new “children’s” Christmas tree in the narthex, which we enjoyed so much during Advent;

Angela Peterson & Troy Nealey, who provided a delicious cake for fellowship time on Jan. 14.

CENTER for EVERY DAY SPIRITUALITY at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church As part of the mission of GAPC, we’ll be adding a new ministry to serve our folks AND the community. We’re calling it the Center for Every Day Spirituality at GAPC, & to introduce the center, we’ve scheduled our “First Annual Conference”, to take place on Saturday, March 24. The focus is on the strange & wonderful creature called the human, & all the things humans need to be spiritually whole.

There will be registration (with coffee, juice & doughnuts) from 8:30 - 9:00 AM, followed by a “Welcome & Devotion” time from 9:00 - 9:15. At 9:20, there’s a choice of 3 workshops; (they’ll last till 10:30.) Three more workshops will run from 10:40 to 11:50, when we’ll break for a light lunch.

At 12:40 Pastor Kevin & Sally Tarvid will provide a Keynote address on “Healthy Relationships -- Couples, Kinfolk, Congregations & Communities”, followed at

Pastor Kevin - “Visions for Vocation: Discovering What God Wants You To Be When You Grow Up”

Sandy Reichert “Staying Healthy While Helping the Elderly Age with Health & Grace”

Sue Smith - “On Gossamer Wings: Storytelling in the Fabric of our Lives”

and MORE! There’ll even be a CONTEST, complete with PRIZE, to NAME next year’s conference!

Cost is just $15 per person, but it’s a “Buy one, get one half-price” opportunity. In other words, when you purchase a ticket for $15 -- a friend can join you for just $7.50! (That price includes registration goodies, plus lunch.)

Registration forms with complete information will be available, soon. We’re asking that you talk it up, take some of the flyers as soon as they’re ready, & pass them out to EVERYONE you know! Invite your neighbors, the folks at work, or your card club, or favorite organizations, or your bowling buddies EVERYONE! The registration forms will need to be returned to the church office with payment NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, MARCH 18! This is a wonderful opportunity for OUTREACH, & our workshops are really outstanding. Join us!

Feb 18 - Emily Barber tells the class about her trip to China with a group of Carroll College students, as participants in Carroll’s “New Cultural Experiences Program” in May, 2006. They spent 2 weeks in Shanghai & a week in Beijing. Emily is majoring in Business Management at Carroll.

Feb 25 - Sue Smith & the class discuss “Embracing Your Spirituality”. It’s a Q A format.

will be singing on the FIRST Sunday of the month for the months of February, March, April & May. They’ll also sing & have parts in our program at the 9:30 AM Easter service. We need as many children as possible to be part of this wonderful group. Parents, if your children aren’t yet taking part, you’ll want to know that rehearsals are in the sanctuary every Sunday morning, just before Church School.

AREA FOOD PANTRIES are in such great need of our help, we’ll be holding a SPECIAL FOOD DRIVE on the first Sunday of each month. The Youth Group will hand out brown grocery bags on the LAST Sunday of each month, following worship. YOU are asked to return them filled with as many non-perishable food items as you are able to bring, on the FIRST SUNDAY. Helping those less fortunate than we is a Christian calling and this congregation’s response is always so generous! Thank you, in advance!

a new photo board (you’ll be seeing it every so often, in the narthex), which highlights our folks who need special care. All of them would enjoy hearing from any of you who would like to write them. To make this easier, we’ve attached a pouch to the photo board, which contains post cards. Feel free to take a post card when you’re here on Sunday mornings, write a short message ( the name of the individual you’d like to receive the card) on the front of the card. Hand it to any of our Deacons: Ken Arenz, Diane Edward, RuthMary Gamache, Bobbie Griffith, Libbie Jansen, Michelle Koroghlanian, Sandy Reichert, or Kristina Tarvid. They’ll complete the address , provide postage, & mail the card for you. It’s a way to stay in touch, & make the world a little brighter for the folks who can’t be here with us as often as they’d like.

Peace & Justice - Barb Brunett, Chairperson; Judy Dickson, Ed Griffith & Beth Beck

Resources - Ed Griffith, Chairperson & Corporation President; Kerstin Lefevre, Corporation Vice President; Steve Jakubowski & Pat Sczypiorski

Consider volunteering as a member on a committee; our elders can’t do it alone!

Sat. March 24 - 1^st Annual Health & Wellness Conference at the Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church Center for Every Day Spirituality, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM (see article)

Sun April 8 - Easter Breakfast at 8:00 AM, & Children’s Easter Program at 9:30

Sun. Sept. 9 - Rally Day & Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers & Children

Maybe you or someone you love might have few assets and will need to go on Medicaid (Title 19) some day. If so, you are allowed to have only $1,500 of cash value in your life insurance policy.

With an irrevocable final expense trust that is established by a life insurance company, a person can purchase up to $12,500 (life insurance’s limit) of cash value to fund the irrevocable final expense life insurance program.

Proceeds from the irrevocable trust must first go to the funeral home which provides the funeral services. If there are excess funds, they can be designated to the church or to the estate.

Therefore, if there is a small amount of assets, after paying for funeral expenses, you could still leave something to the church. Have any old life insurance policies?

Securities and investment advisory service offered through Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc.

GREAT RECIPE! Our PACE Class had it’s Christmas Party (after Christmas, since it’s a less hectic time) on January 11. It’s a pot-luck affair, and all the food was yummy but a dessert brought by Maryann Walker was REALLY outstanding. She generously shared it with us so we’re sharing with all of you.

In bowl mix cake mix, melted margarine & egg. Blend at low speed 2 minutes. Pat batter evenly in bottom of 9 x 13 pan.

In same bowl, mix cream cheese until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla & melted margarine. Add powdered sugar slowly. Beat for 1 minute. Melt chocolate chips. Pour remaining filling on crust. Spread over entire crust. Drop spoonfuls of chocolate batter over top of filling then swirl them with a knife so top batter has marble effect. Be careful not to cut through crust.

Bake at 350 for 45-47 min. or till browned, but center still jiggles when you shake it. Let cool for 30 minutes. Cut in squares. ENJOY!

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:8, 10 NIV

Warm greetings to you in this very frigid February! February has gained the reputation of “Hearth Month.” Valentine’s Day, of course, comes on the 14^th. The American Heart Association has taken advantage of the symbol most often associated with February -- the heart -- and builds public awareness about heart disease. February especially focuses on women and heart disease. The “Go Red for Women” campaign gains more public awareness each year. Have you had you cholesterol checked recently? Have you seen your doctor for an annual checkup? When you were there, did he/she go over your medications with you, asking about side effects or concerns? Did your doctor suggest losing a little “excess baggage” and encourage activity to promote health and well being? Partnering with our health care providers is one of the best things that we can do to keep health care costs down. Love yourself by taking care of the body, mind and spirit that God blessed you with. Be good to yourself out of reverence to God so in turn you will be able to glorify him in all that you are! Sending special Valentine wishes your way

The times they are a changing I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about the changes in my parish nurse hours. Over the past year or so, Aurora has been looking at many of their charity programs and how best the monies designated for these programs can be utilized. The parish nurse program has clearly surpassed the test of time and there is no doubt that all levels of administration are very supportive of it. The challenge, however, is where do we get the money to fund it. There are philanthropic donations that help, there are United Way monies that are earmarked for the program, and there are the churches contributions toward the parish nurse wages. When I first started, the initial agreement had been to increase contributions on an annual basis until approximately one half of my wages were covered. Then, just as now, church budgets were tight and there never was any pressure to ante up the money from Aurora’s part. In the ever-changing health care system, however, everything needs to be looked at and reevaluated from time to time. Parish nursing is no different. In an effort to maximize resources from both sides, it was determined that my hours would be cut to eight hours every two weeks. The changes that will be most prevalent will be this newsletter. I will be writing it six times a year instead of the current twelve. The other change that will be most apparent is that I will be present for worship one Sunday every other month. On that Sunday, I will do the children’s message and Sunday School just as I do now. Opposite months I will be available for an hour after worship for consultations, BP screening, etc. Should you need to reach me, please don’t hesitate to call me.

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 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

& every other FOURTH SUNDAY of the month

(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

Sun Feb 18 10:40 AM - Emily Barber tells Adult Discussion Group about her May, 2006 trip to

Wed Feb 21 7:30 PM - Ash Wednesday at Forest Park PC, 2300 S. Sunny Slope Rd, New Berlin. *

SINCE OUR AREA JEWEL FOOD STORES have been purchased by Pick ‘N Save, obviously we’re not going to be able to offer Jewel “scrip” as part of our scrip program. We’d like to encourage EVERYONE in the congregation to make sure you’re signed up for the Pick ‘N Save “WE CARE” program, & that all of you have a Pick ‘N Save “Advantage” card. Our participating number in this program is 297275, & when you USE your card there, Pick ’N Save gives the church a percentage back on everything you purchase. If you aren’t already signed up with a Pick ’N Save ADVANTAGE card, please do so, & give them our church number. Another pain-free way to contribute to the welfare of your church!

A LOAF OF BREAD, A JUG OF WINE, & THOU Take your Valentine to a Health & Wellness sponsored WINE TASTING on Sun., Feb. 11, at 7:15 PM, at WINE CELLARS OF WISCONSIN, 12910 W. Bluemound Rd. Cost is $25 per person; you’re asked to invite your friends, neighbors, relatives -- but SPACE is limited to 20 people. A glass of red wine a day is “heart healthy” it’s been proven. There will be non-alcoholic bubbly beverages available for those who prefer to abstain from “spirits”. We’re excited to explore this departure from our usual fund-raising events we hope a LOT of our folks will join us in the cellar

**** Please note that the DEADLINE for the March newsletter is Mon., Feb. 19. ****