GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

West Allis, Wisconsin 53214 414-453-3710

Sunday Worship Schedule

January 14 - February 4, 2007

Sun. Jan 14 - 9:30 AM - It’s “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: John 2:1-11

Second Reading: Psalm 36:5-10

Sermon: “The Good News”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Smith

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith, Kevin & Laurie Kadunc

Sun Jan 21 - 9:30 AM

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10

Second Reading: Luke 4:14-21

Sermon: “The Year of the Lord’s Favor”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Terry Arenz

Ushers: Libbie Jansen, JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Sun Jan 28 - 9:30 AM - “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 13:1-13

Sermon: “The Greatest of These … ”

Liturgist: Ed Griffith

Children’s Message: Lynn Heinrich

Ushers: Tom Liempeck, Larry Czaplewski, Jim Dickson, Steve Jakubowski

Sun Feb 4 - 9:30 AM - Communion Worship

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

Second Reading: Luke 5:1-11

Sermon: “Really? Everything?”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message: Sandy Reichert

Ushers: Gail Kloes, Jenny Lefevre, Lillian & Phyllis Anderson

The DEADLINE for reports to be included in THE ANNUAL REPORT is Sunday, January 14. All committee chairpersons or others who submit should be sure to turn them in at the church office by that date, because …

THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL

MEETING & POT LUCK LUNCHEON

will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007, immediately following the Sunday School hour. You’re asked to bring a main dish, salad, or dessert to pass, plus your own tableware (it helps save on clean-up time, following the meal.) We’ll plan to start the meeting, (where we vote on several SIGNIFICANT issues) at about 12:30 PM.

It’s important for everyone to attend, to help make these decisions & stay well-informed about everything that’s going on in our busy congregation.

Happy New Year, Beloved:

This is a time of year for new beginnings, as well as new hopes & dreams! And so, it is a good time for us to take a look at where we are as a faith family, where we would like to be, and where we need to be going.

I recently did a comparative study of our congregation, & some of our sister churches nearby. I invite you to go to pcusa.org & find out what I did. If you look at the charts for ten-year trends, you’ll find that what our hearts tell us is true. We are a healthy, vibrant, growing congregation. The data prove it.

If you compare us with some other churches, you’ll find that we really are quite unique. These are difficult and challenging times for the church all over the country. We are blessed.

Here’s the challenge: Even though we are in wonderful shape, we need to be even stronger & healthier to survive in this competitive environment. We need to be able to meet all of our obligations, spiritual & financial!

There is a wonderful book, written years ago by Lyle Schaller, entitled 44 Ways to Expand the Financial Base of Your Congregation. Clearly, the time has come for us to embrace some of these ideas, so that we can be more fiscally sound.

The idea is for us to reach out to the community, & find more ways to raise funds to further the mission of our church. That way, we will not create an undue burden on our own membership!

I’m asking for your prayers, your ideas, & your time & effort. Together, we can find ways to set aside these money concerns, & focus on what is really important: Our mission for Jesus Christ -- making the world a better place.

I’m most interested in speaking with you about these issues. Call me -- or call Sue & set up a meeting at church or your place. This year is going to be great. God loves ya. Me too!

- Pastor Kevin

PER CAPITA assessment for 2007 is $25.45 per confirmed member. Our total per capita for this year is $3,385.00, (based on a membership of 190.)

Lots of folks don’t realize just what “per capita” is, or why it is necessary for them to pay it. Simply put, per capita is an administrative fee which we MUST remit to presbytery every year. Much of it goes to pay for “behind the scenes” work of the presbytery, synod, & General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

“Okay, so what does THAT mean?” some may ask. The answer: per capita monies go toward Christian Education curriculum development; church revitalization; Synod School; church educator & clergy training, & many, many other programs of similar nature which are essential for the local church to fulfill its mission.

Of course, your payment of per capita also helps the overall financial position of our church. When an active member does NOT pay his or her per capita … it must be taken from the general budget, & paid to presbytery, for it is not an “optional” payment; it is a REQUIRED payment. A “Per Capita” envelope is included in your 2007 offering envelopes; it’s the very first one, blue in color. Please consider paying your per capita amount as soon as possible, & our thanks to those who have already paid it!

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Prayers for:

Condolences to the Shudy family, on the recent death of Peter’s brother, Henry.

Family & friends of Earl Laun, who passed away on Dec. 25.

Pastor Kevin led a memorial worship on Dec. 30.

Ellen Welden Crisci & family. Ellen’s mother, Olyve Welden, passed away on January 3. Condolences to Ellen, Peter, & daughters Emily & Katie.

The Arenz family, on the death of Elsie Mae’s brother. Will.

Mary Zemke, struggling with health problems.

Helen Groninger is now at home, at this writing feeling much better. She thanks all for the cards & prayers during the time of her heart surgery. Let’s keep praying that her recovery goes well. Helen hopes to be back in worship with us soon.

Donna Saugstad, who underwent placement of a stint to clear a coronary blockage. Donna thanks everyone for their prayers, & asks that we continue prayers for her healing.

Beth Smith, who will have gall bladder surgery on Jan. 9.

Greg Smith, nursing a broken right hand.

Rev. Melvin Herlache, who was pastor here for many years. After successful hip replacement surgery several months ago, he developed a pressure sore, which resulted in a second hospitalization.

Herman Duga now at home, entering outpatient rehab to regain his ability to walk.

Heather Saugstad, who may require knee surgery.

Joy:

For Becky Leintz, whose engagement was announced on December 24. Husband-to-be Gene Pope was here from Atlanta for the Christmas holiday. Congratulations!

For Steve Jakubowski, who announced his engagement to Rheanne Derematto on Dec. 24.

That Beth Beck has recovered from her bout with pneumonia.

For Ruthmary Gamache, who celebrated 11 years with her “new” heart, on Dec. 18.

For Marie Hagen, who celebrated her 80th birthday on Dec. 31. Family members & many friends honored Marie at a festive party on the 30th. Our best wishes for many more happy birthdays, Marie,

For Kaitlyn Saugstad. who recently won the DARE essay & was awarded a medal for her efforts. She wrote of the downfalls of doing drugs, alcohol, & smoking. Kaitlyn also spoke at a school board meeting, telling of the programs they have at her school including peer mediation, being a cadet, & SOS (students, principal talk about positive traits ) at the school. These traits include patience, respect, responsibility, etc. These are all programs dealing with helping other students, & programs teaching students positive means of solving problems. Congratulations!

Kaitlyn, you’re an inspiration to us all!

For Ryan & Tyler Smith, & Zack Miklautsch. In recent testing at the World Martial Arts Academy, Ryan advanced to permanent First-Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Zach advanced to “high” red belt, & Tyler to “high” purple belt. Way to go, guys!

Word from former member Joanne Bennett is that she & Brian are continue to enjoy Anchorage … & Joanne has just begun a new job with the State of Alaska, in their Division of Insurance.

That we received a lovely Christmas card from Shirley Hagerty. She writes: “Although I’m at Woodland Health Center & can’t be with you all -- I still think of all of you -- I want to thank you for the many cards & visits that I have received since being here. God has been so good to me, & I know that it was his purpose that I live here at Woodland. I know that Romans 8:28 is a testimony of His love for me. Love to all of you -- Shirley”

There’s a Christmas card & message from Greg & Cindy Brodaczynski on the narthex bulletin board. They report that they’ve found a church in Scottsdale that both enjoy.

A NOTE OF THANKS …

“Thank you, thank you, to our wonderful congregation for all the cards & good wishes on my birthday! Your warm messages meant so much … they helped make it a really special birthday.”

- Marie Hagen

DIRECTORY CHANGE

Emily Gall

1500 Memoli Ln, Apt. B-3

Ft. Myers, FL 33919

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

January 9 - Rob Martin

12 - Kelley Kadunc

17 - Michael Johnson

20 - Terri Sczypiorski

22 - Lori Johnson & Rachel

Hendry

24 -Terry Arenz

25 - Jean Ann Toepfer & Dan

Shudy

27 - Deanna DeTroye-Brown

30 - Bill Weber & Tyler Smith

31 - Jean Kern, Emma Weinel & Frances Trzcinski

Feb 1 - Tina Schultheiss

2 - Stu Lefevre

3 - Ann Liempeck

4 - Peg Larson

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Jan 2 - Terri & Pat Sczypiorski

8 - Joyce & Maynard Saugstad

28 - Anne & Jeff Weber

30 - Bud & Barb Brunett

(52 years!)

GREETERS:

Jan 14 - Marie & Marve Hagen

Jan 21 - Jean Kern

Jan 28 - Arliss & Hugh Evans

Feb 4 - Chuck & Kay Barber

A WORLD OF THANKS

TO:

Sherman Stock, Matthew Devan & Jessica Haeger, who designed our new church logo. (Did you notice it in the upper right-hand corner of our front page?)

and ...

Our outgoing church officers, for their dedication & hard work as board members.

and ...

The Bethlehem Stars, Chancel Choir, Handbells, Nicole Martin, Sheri Masiakowski, Pam Leintz, Bobbie Griffith, Jean Kern, Libbie Jansen, Alan, Terri, Eric & Matt Arenz, Dan Lefevre, Jim Dickson, who made our Dec. 17 service & Christmas program so special. You were awesome!

and ...

Everyone who made our Dec. 24 services so magical.

and ...

Donna & Marv Saugstad, who hosted the wonderful Christmas Eve Open House!

and ...

Pastor Kevin & Sally, whose loving care of the folks in the congregation is appreciated more than they can know.

and ...

Nikki Hagen Wilson, (Marie & Marve’s granddaughter), whose beautiful vocal solo “Breath of Heaven” lent such a moving touch to our Dec. 31 worship.

and ...

all who purchased ornaments for the Habitat for Humanity tree, with their donations.

and ...

The generous folks who contributed gifts for the Christ Church Toy Christmas Store.

and ...

Mike Schmeling, who volunteers as our parking lot “plower”, for the excellent job he did removing our 12” of snow on Dec. 1. (We’ll surely be thanking him again before winter is over …)

and ...

Sally & Pastor Kevin, who opened their home for the Music Department “post-Christmas” party on Dec. 27.

and ...

Ruth Lefevre, our “attendance keeper”, whose help is so greatly appreciated.

and ...

Gail & Dick Kloes, who receive shiny gold stars as office volunteers.

ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP

Jan 14 - Special guest speaker is Dr. Michael Tremba, the area chiropractor who has been with us on several previous occasions. This week, his topic is NUTRITION. As most of us resolved to LOSE WEIGHT in 2007 … it’s especially timely.

JAN 21 - Sue Smith leads the class this morning.

Jan. 28 - Parish Nurse Lynn Heinrich is scheduled to lead us today, on a health-related topic.

Feb. 4 - Rebecca Hilson is our guest speaker. She’s from the Wisconsin Tissue Bank, & will talk with us about the importance of a posthumous tissue donation, which almost everyone can do.

ADULT CLUB - 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.

AREA FOOD PANTRIES desperately need our help! The shelves are BARE. There’s a greater need for non-perishable food items to restock than has been experienced for some time. Please, folks, when you purchase groceries for your family, remember the less fortunate of our community, by buying extra to bring up to the narthex, for delivery to Good Samaritan Outreach Center. Baby food is one area where the need is critical. This is such a generous, giving congregation … we know you’ll do whatever you can. Thank you!

CALLING ALL OUR CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Here’s an idea! Whenever you take pictures of a church event (such as the Children’s Christmas Program, a Family Fun Night, the golf outing, etc.), how about having an extra print made of several of your best shots? Then, bring them up to the church office, so we can put it in our “history” file! What a great way to chronicle the life of our church family!

SAVE THE DATE! Sat., Feb. 10, 2007

It’s Church Leader Training Day at the Carroll College Campus Center, 100 N. East Ave., in Waukesha. It’s the annual presbytery event that supplies support & training for church leaders. It runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Cost is $5.00 per person, & includes lunch. Additional details will be available in upcoming Sunday worship bulletins.

THE YOUTH GROUP

continues to sell gorgeous 2007 calendars, available at the Youth Booth for just $6.00.

They’re also selling a wonderful variety of blank-inside greeting cards for the amazingly low price of $6.00 a box. If you’re tired of cards that are “too sweet”, or that just don’t quite have the message you want to convey, these are the perfect solution.

The pictures on the outside of the cards are lovely, & you can WRITE YOUR OWN MESSAGE inside, so you’ll be sure the recipient gets exactly the message you want to send. Proceeds from both projects benefit -- (you guessed it) -- the Youth Group!

The Dollars & Sense of Giving: Gift of Life Insurance

One method of direct giving involves either the gift on an existing life insurance policy or a new one. Life insurance can provide great leverages, because the gift benefit to the church can be four to five times larger than the total cash contributions. Do you have a policy that is no longer needed? The beneficiary and owner then would be the church. The donor is entitled to an income tax deduction in the year of transfer equal to the lesser of the total premiums paid or the fair market value of the policy.

A new policy may be gifted, too. The donor is the insured and the church is the owner & the beneficiary. The donor gives an amount equal to the premium to the church annually or can gift a single lump sum to purchase a single premium policy. The donor’s income tax deduction for the premium is subject to certain limits of the donor’s adjusted. income.

Call me. I can help.

Happy Giving,

Sue Pope, CLU, ChFC

Registered Representative and Securities offered through Packerland Brokerage

Services, Inc.

Member NASD & SIPC

Nurse’s News

by Lynn Heinrich, NR, Parish Nurse

In partnership with Aurora Health Care

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:27)

Happy New Year! Here we are once again at the start of another new year. I’ve always found that changing the calendar helps me reflect on the blessings of the year gone by & to somehow put to rest the sadness & sorrow that were present there. Sometimes you almost want to wipe your forehead & say “Whew. We made it through another one!” I am also reminded of God’s continued steadfastness. He is a constant in an ever-changing, sometimes very sad & lonely world. What joy did 2006 hold for you? What sorrow or sadness were present there? In some ways a year passes so quickly, & in other ways it seems like forever ago. My prayer for all of you is that 2007 brings you health, happiness, love and the peace that comes from having a relationship with a good, gracious & loving God who is always present. May your faith grow & your heart sing! New Year’s blessings to all of you!

New year’s resolutions … can be fun & useful but seldom are sustained throughout the new year. Resolutions can come in all different shapes & sizes but often are associated with lifestyle changes to improve our health & well-being. If you want to make a resolution, start off slow. Build on your successes throughout the year, have fun dreaming & planning about what will be, & don’t be discouraged if you don’t follow through. Making a change is not an easy thing to do. If exercise is in your plans, consider joining our Monday night Fit & Faithful group. We have lots of fun & are truly energized by the exercise. If you can’t make that class, consider the PACE class that meets on Thursday afternoons at 1:30. This class is less vigorous & focuses on stretching, balance & activities that help strengthen & tone. If dietary changes are in your plans, watch for some of the offerings that will come from the Health & Wellness committee. Whatever you plan & resolve to do, enjoy the planning, have fun with it, eat well & stay healthy!

Advanced Care Planning … Have you been considering completing your Health Care Power of Attorney? Do you have one already in place? Does your doctor have a copy in his/her office? Does the hospital that you use most often have a copy on record? Do you have several blank forms at home & think, “I really need to take care of that soon?” A “Signing party” is being planned where we can get together, ask questions, & get our forms signed. Watch for some new & exciting programs coming from the health & wellness committee. The focus will be edification of your physical, spiritual & mental health. More information will be coming soon!

Blessings -- Lynn

JANUARY, 2007

CALENDAR

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

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

7:15 PM - Health & Wellness

7:15 PM - Resources

Tues Jan 9 6:30 PM - Peace & Justice

7:30 PM - Nurture/CE

Wed Jan 10 6:30 PM - Handbells

7:30 PM - Chancel Choir

Thurs Jan 11 1:30 PM - PACE meets

7:00 PM - Friends of MS

Sat Jan 13 6:30 PM - Adult Fellowship Club*

Sun Jan 14 9:30AM-DEADLINE-Annual reports

Mon Jan 15 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

7:00 PM - Sanctuary reserved for

special gathering of adopted children

Tues Jan 16 7:00 PM - Session

Wed Jan 17 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thur Jan 18 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sat Jan 20 5:00 - 9:00 PM - Family Fun Night *

Mon Jan 22 9:00 AM - Deadline for January

NEWSLETTER *

Mon Jan 22 6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

6:30 PM - Deacons

Wed Jan 24 - 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thurs Jan 25 - 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Jan 28 - 9:30 AM - Morning worship

11:45 AM - Annual Pot Luck *

Luncheon, followed by

12:30 PM - THE ANNUAL MEETING *

Mon Jan 29 - 6:00 pm - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Tues Jan 30 - 7:00 PM-POSSIBLE Session meeting

Wed Jan 31- 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Bells & Choir

Thur Feb 1 - 1:30 PM - PACE

Sun Feb 4 - 9:30 AM - Communion Worship

** Deadline for the

February 2007 newsletter is

Monday, January 22!! **

COMING EVENTS:

WE don’t usually work too far ahead with newsletter announcements, but you’ll want to mark several February dates on your calendar so you’re sure you don’t miss out.

As noted earlier in The Messenger, Church Leadership Training Day is coming up at Carroll College on Sat., Feb. 10. We’ve just received the following information. There are 7 morning workshops: 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”. Lots to choose from, you’ll agree.

Then, on Sunday, Feb. 25 - THE SOUTHMINSTER YOUTH MUSIC MINISTRY will present our morning worship. It’s a favorite -- “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”! It will be WONDERFUL!

* - Article about event appears in newsletter.