JANUARY,  2009

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

January 11 - February 1, 2009

 

Sun  Jan 11 - 9:30 AM   Baptism of the Lord

First Reading:  Genesis 1:1-51

Second Reading:  Mark 1:4-11

Sermon: “Heard It??”

Liturgist:  Ed Griffith

Children’s Message: Pastor Kevin 

 

Sun Jan 18 - 9:30 AM    Week of Prayer for

                                         Christian Unity

First Reading:  1 Samuel 3:1-10

Second Reading:  John 1:43-51

Sermon:  “Ears Tingling?”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Sandy Reichert

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith

 

Sun Jan 25 - 9:30 AM    

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Second Reading: Mark 1:14-20

Sermon: “Repaint!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Barb Brunett

 

Sun Feb 1 - 9:30 AM    Communion Worship, &

        Ground Hog Day Eve Healing Service

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Second Reading: Mark 1:21-28

Sermon: “Prophets of God!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

Servers:  Sandy Reichert, Sue Smith

 

 

 

 

“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1a-2-a)  EPIPHANY will be celebrated at our Mid-Week Service on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 6:30 PM.  Be sure to come & share this meaningful experience with us!

 

Need a little EXCITEMENT in your life??? Plan to be with us Sat, Jan. 10, at 9:00 AM.  It’s our annual PTICH DAY, when we get to look through cupboards & closets & nooks & crannies & corners, &  behind & underneath & above things … and if what we find is in poor condition, or obsolete, or never going to be needed or used again … we gleefully PITCH IT!!!!  We need lots of helpers as we endeavor to improve our limited storage space by disposing of that which is no longer useful.  MARK YOUR CALENDAR, & BE HERE TO HELP!  We also need PLASTIC STORAGE

BINS, so we have tidy places to keep things we want to save, but which need to be better organized.  We’ll be glad to accept your DONATION of storage bins … feel free to bring them along on the 10th!

 

FROM OUR PASTOR:    Happy New Year, Beloved!

          It’s that time of year again - a time for new beginnings, resolutions, and hoping ahead.

          Here’s a challenge for us…  What if this is the year that we are able to grow to be larger than the average Presbyterian Church?  We are only about 30 members away from the national average of 205.

          Wouldn’t another 30 wonderful people be a joy to have around?  They could add their voices to our songs and prayers, they could share their stories, and their faith lives with us.  They could bring their experience and hopes and dreams and faithfulness.  They could make us stronger in our mission to share God’s love…

          Where do you suppose we might find 30-some people?  Is there someone in your family, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, that might be interested in a faithplace like us?

          I know that we are not your usual run-of-the-mill kind of church, but I figure you can find those anywhere.  Nope, we are - let’s say - unique - extraordinary.  So maybe there are unique and extraordinary people out there that would be willing to stand with us, learn with us, serve with us!

          Are there other ways that we can strengthen our outreach ministry - to let more people know about the warm welcome waiting here?  What do you think?  Any ideas?

          Are you ready for a challenge?  I sure am.  Let’s do it! God loves you.  Me too!

 

 

 

ORDINATION/INSTALLATION of our new church officers will take place during morning worship on Sun., Jan. 11.  We’ll recognize outgoing board members, & welcome as elders: Eric Arenz, Phyllis Anderson, Diane Edward, Ed Griffith, & Sue Pope; and our Deacons “Class of 2011”, comprised of Mark Brodaczynski, Larry Jansen, & Michelle Koroghlanian.  It’s always such a meaningful experience, as the entire congregation takes part in this special service.  Be here to say “Thank You”, to all.

 

THE POT LUCK LUNCHEON, followed by our ANNUAL MEETING, will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009.  The luncheon begins at 11:45 AM, immediately following Sunday School, with the Annual Meeting scheduled to begin at about 12:30.  It’s a significant day in the life of the church, as we review the past year, elect nominating committee members,  vote on several other important items on the agenda, & discuss the 2009 BUDGET.  We hope EVERYONE in the church family will be with us!  For the Pot Luck, you’re asked to bring: an entrée, salad or dessert to share, as well as your own tableware (which saves so much clean-up time, following the meal.)  It’s DELICIOUS, it’s IMPORTANT, & we ask that you be sure to mark the date on your calendar, for it’s an  occasion you DON’T want to miss!

 

SPECIAL PEOPLE

 

 

Kerstin, Jenny, Josh & Dan Lefevre, & Tina Schultheiss & Spencer Myers.  Kerstin & Tina’s father, Fred Schultheiss, passed away on December 30.  Sincere condolences to all in the family.  

 

Vince Berte, hospitalized for a second time with complications from pneumonia.  He’s now recovering at Kindred Hospital.

 

Jean Seiberlich, recovering from shoulder surgery.   We’re glad she’s been able to be back in worship with us.

 

Esther Hendry, who was hospitalized at St. Luke’s with a serious case of pneumonia.     

 

L.B. Smith, back at work but still recovering from a case of pneumonia.

 

Friend of the church Cindy Nelson, undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

 

All who are engaged in job searches.

 

Continued prayers for:

Lin Bradley, Herman Duga, Larry Olson

 

 

For Erick Leintz & Casey Schneider, who will be married at Elmbrook church on Aug. 15.

 

For Becky (nee Leintz) & Gene Pope, who will become parents in June.  (Pam & Ed can hardly wait to become grandparents!)

 

For Greg Smith & Kathie (“Kat”) Kubik, who became engaged on Nov.  29.  No wedding date has been chosen, yet.

 

That so many beloved members of our church family who live some distance away were able to be with us for our beautiful Christmas Eve worship.

 

That we’ll be receiving some wonderful new members, VERY SOON!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY                                        HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

 

January 5 - J T Gall                                  January 8 - Joyce & Maynard Saugstad, Sr.

  6 - Leah Karrels                                                    28 - Anne & Jeff Weber

12 - Kelley Kadunc                                                 30 - Barb & Bud Brunett (54 years!)

20 - Terri Sczypiorski

22 - Lori Johnson & Rachel Hendry

25 - Jean Toepfer & Dan Shudy

27 - Deanna DeTroye-Brown

30 - Tyler Smith, Bill Weber, & Peter Zoeller

31-  Emma Weinel, Frances Trzcinski & Daniel Hendry

Feb. 1 - Tina Schultheiss

 

   

GREETERS:

    

Jan 11 - Hilda Czaplewski                    Jan 25 - Joanne & Bill Haschker

 

Jan 18 - Laurie Karrels                        Feb. 1 - Jean & Bill Toepfer

 

 

 

 

MANY, MANY THANKS TO:

Our outgoing Deacons & Elders.  Included are Elders Judy Dickson, Ed Griffith, Kerstin Lefevre, & Heather Saugstad; and Deacons Michelle Koroghlanian, Diane Edward, & Sandy Reichert.  We’re thrilled to announce that Ed is returning to Session for another 3-year term; that Diane will become an Elder on Jan. 11, & that Michelle will serve another 3-year term as deacon.  Sandy Reichert, though rotating off as a deacon, will continue as Member Care Coordinator.

                  and ...

Jenny Lefevre, who has completed the photo album of “church history” from the 1940’s through the 1970’s.  You’re sure to enjoy this trip down memory lane … it’s on display, in the narthex.  Jenny expects to have the second album finished, soon.  Such a monumental project, & so beautifully done!  Be sure to let Jenny know how much we appreciate her efforts!

                  and ...

The generous folks who contributed items for Ye Olde Christmasse Faire’s Silent Auction & Raffle.

                  and ...

Judy Dickson, Bobbie Griffith, Marv & Donna Saugstad, & Kathy Lietch,  who prepared the meal which followed the memorial service for Don Farrar here at the church on Dec. 15.   

                  and ...

Norma Jean Larson, who accompanied our young singers at the Youth Christmas Program on December 14.

                  and ...

To the Bethlehem Stars, & God’s Guild, for their delightful presentations for us on Dec. 14 & Dec. 21.  What wonderful additions to worship!

                  and ...

Jim & Judy Dickson & Peg Larson,  who helped to assemble the Dec. 7 worship bulletin.

                  and ...

Phyllis Shudy, who filled in as guest musician on VERY short notice, when inclement weather kept Loretta from being with us on Dec. 21.

                  and ...

ALL who helped with Ye Olde Christmasse Faire, especially coordinators Kerstin, Dan & Jenny Lefevre; Rachel, Karin, Becky & Mike Schmeling; Terry, Alan, Eric & Matt Arenz; & Jan & Jon Wilke.  (We raised nearly $3,000 for the church at this event!  AWESOME!)

                  and ...

The good folks  who “Hung the Greens” on Nov. 29.

                  and ...

Everyone who brought food

for our “Special Food Drive” in November.  The need at local food pantries is almost overwhelming, & your response is amazingly generous!

                  and ...

Lynn Heinrich, who continues to bless our congregation by leading the PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) class on Thursday afternoons.

                  and ...

Jeri Gamache, for her generous donation of time & energy, keeping the “Fit & Faithful” exercise class fit & faithful!

                  and ...

The Chancel Choir, & Readers, for adding their talents during our moving Christmas Eve worship service.

                  and ...

Karin & Rachel Schmeling (& Loretta Nalencz, who accompanied them) for the moving “O Holy Night” duet on Christmas Eve.
                  and ...

Office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, who were “back on the job” to  assemble your January newsletter.  

 

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers !  For December, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were:  Barb & Bud Brunett, Judy, Jim & Jeff Dickson; Hugh Evans; Ed & Bobbie Griffith; Marie & Marve Hagen; Phyllis Shudy; Kristina Tarvid; & Peter Zoeller.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  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!

 

THE PEACE & JUSTICE COMMITTEE made the following year-end donations, thanks to the generous support of our congregation: Interfaith West Central - $50.00; Sojourner Truth House - $50.00; The Guest House - $50.00; St. Ben’s Meal Program - $125.00; Literacy Services of Wisconsin - $50.00; Amnesty International - $50.00; and Good Samaritan Outreach Center - $125.00.  That’s a total of $500.00!  WOW!

 

 

JOIN US to enjoy 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!

 

  CHURCH  LEADER TRAINING DAY will be here before you know it!   It’s on Saturday, February 21, at Carroll University in Waukesha.  There’s a wonderful worship service, which the Rev. Neddy Astudillo, whose major interest is Eco-Justice, will lead.  The keynote speaker is the Rev. Anna Case Winters, of McCormick Theological Seminary, who is author of Down to Earth: A Christian Theology of Nature.  (In case you haven’t guessed, the theme for the day is “Embracing Creation”.)

Registration & continental breakfast begin at 8:30; morning worship is from 9:00 - 9:30.  Nine workshops will be offered, including one on Deacon Networking; Elder Training, Treasurer Sharing; Community Garden Ministry; Greening of the Church; God’s Creations: Relationships with Difficult People; Embracing Yourself as Holy Creation; and “Proven Strategies to Grow Your Church!”  The day concludes with closing prayer at 1:45 PM. 

Registration is $10.00, which the church will pay, (although you may donate your registration fee, if you wish.)  Since this event is for elders, deacons, pastors, & ALL church leaders & members, we hope to have a good representation from GAPC.  Laurie Kadunc, Chairperson of the Christian Education/Nurture Committee can provide additional details. 

 

 

WATCH FOR THESE COMING EVENTS:

           

Sunday, Feb. 22 -

It’s our “After Church Café”, to raise funds for the Peace & Justice Committee.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 25 - Lent begins with our Ash Wednesday worship service

 

 

PLEASE DON’T FORGET YOUR PER CAPITA

The amount this year is $27.10 for each confirmed member of the church.  It’s a fee each church MUST remit to Presbytery, every year, for it is essential to the administration not only of the Presbytery, but for Synod & General Assembly, as well.  What’s it used for?  Many things.  Christian Education curriculum development is a big one.  Then there’s church revitalization, Synod School, Youth Trienniums, and SOOOOO much more!  It helps our financial position greatly when you make this payment, for if members do not pay it, it must come out of operating expenses for the church.  There’s a special envelope for that purpose included in your contribution.

JANUARY,  2009

CALENDAR

 

Mon Jan 5      6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Wed Jan 7      6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship, our Epiphany service

Thurs Jan 8    1:30 PM - PACE meets;  7:00 PM - Friends of MS

 Jan 9             9:00 AM - PITCH DAY *

Sun Jan 11    9:30 AM - ORDINATION/INSTALLATION OF New Church Officers *

                       and DEADLINE for ANNUAL REPORT *

Mon Jan 12    6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise;   7:15 PM - Resources Committee

Tues Jan 13    6:30 PM - Deacons meet;  7:00 PM - Session meets

Wed Jan 14    6:30 PM  - Mid-Week Worship

Thur Jan 15    1:30 PM - PACE meets   

Mon Jan 19   9:00 AM - Newsletter deadline *; 6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Wed Jan 21   6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship 

Thur Jan 22  1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Jan 25   11:45 AM - POT LUCK LUNCH, & at 12:30 PM, our ANNUAL MEETING *  

Mon Jan 26   6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Wed Jan 28   6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship

Thurs Jan 29  1:30 PM - PACE meets    

Sun Feb 1       9:30 AM - communion Worship

 

     

Did you notice how especially lovely the chancel & sanctuary looked with the new paint in the chancel, & the poinsettias adding beautiful contrasting colors over the holiday season?  It’s always such a joy to worship in a place of such beauty.  Thanks to those who donated poinsettias, as well as those who did such a marvelous job of decorating!

 

GAPC is such a caring community, filled with fellowship & fun, creativity, & opportunities for service!  Do you know some folks who are looking for a church family?  Invite them to visit a worship service!  Sharing our warmth & faith with others is what we’re all about! 

 

OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY, ELSIE MAE ARENZ, reminds us that offering envelopes for 2009 are available on the table in the narthex.  Please pick them up & USE THEM.   When you use your envelopes it improves the accuracy of your statement.  When using any other envelope, such as a pew envelope (because you forgot yours, at home), or a “special offering” envelope, PLEASE be sure to include your name, address, the amount of the donation, & what it is to be used for.  (This will simplify the process for the financial secretary, & make sure that you are credited for all donations.)  Questions? Call Elsie Mae at 262-895-3252.  THANK YOU!

 

                  

 

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is MON., JAN. 19, at 9:00 AM !!  **