JULY/AUGUST,  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       gapc@execpc.com

Worship Schedule

July 13 - Aug. 31, 2008

 

Sun  July 13 - 9:30 AM       “Penny Sunday”

First Reading:  Song of Songs 4:9-15

Second Reading:  Luke 7:31-50 

Sermon: “Time to Get Comfortable with Our Own Skin …”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message:  Sue Smith

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz   

 

Sun July 20 - 9:30 AM  

First Reading:  Isaiah 42:1-4

Second Reading:  Luke 6:27-38

Sermon: “Kindness & Karma”

Liturgist:  Dick Kloes

Children’s Message:  Pastor Kevin

Ushers: Libbie Jansen, JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

 

Sun July 27 - 9:30 AM        “Penny Sunday”

First Reading:  Jeremiah 31:31-34

Second Reading:  John 14:1-7

Sermon: “The Way …”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Mark Brodaczynski

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

 

Sun August 3 - 9:30 AM   Communion Worship

First Reading:  Lamentations 3:19-33

Second Reading: John 11:1-44

Sermon: “To Embrace Suffering & Resurrection”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Lori Johnson

Ushers: Gail Kloes, Jenny Lefevre & P. Anderson

Servers: Barb Brunett, Lori Johnson, Kerstin Lefevre & Sally Tarvid

 

Sun August 10 - 9:30 AM      “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Micah 6:1-8

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Sermon: “Strive, But …”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Barb Brunett

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz

 

 

Sunday August 17 - 9:30 AM   - It’s Our Annual

               “Country Gospel Sunday”

Pastor Kevin on vacation.  Guest Preacher is

               Elder Mark Brodaczynski.

First Reading:  Genesis 45:1-15

Second Reading: Matthew 15:21-28  

Sermon:   “Twang Time”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Pat Sczypiorski

Ushers:  Libbie Jansen, JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

 

Sunday, August 24 - 9:30 AM    “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Amos 5:21-24

Second Reading: James 1:22-27

Sermon:  “Real Religion …”    

Liturgist: Ed Griffith

Children’s Message: Pastor Kevin

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

 

Sunday, August 31 - 9:30 AM

First Reading: Haggai 1:2-8

Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-12

Sermon: “Time to Rebuild …”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Judy Olson

Ushers: S & S Stock, Tom Liempeck & Marv Saugstad

 

FROM OUR PASTOR:   

Peace, Loved Ones…

            Our “What the Church Needs Now Summer” is in high gear - and our timing couldn’t be better.

            As I write, we’re still reeling from that 500 year rain, dealing with all the sad news about ruined homes and businesses.  We hear about earthquakes and hurricanes and volcanoes and…

            And then, of course, there is war, $6 a gallon gasoline in the future, the housing market, the job market, the cost of living… 

            And, also, there is the personal heartache that touches us, or someone we love, all too often.  Long story short… the world is a mess right now.  Okay, it’s always a mess, but right now it just seems worse.

            In hard times like these, sometimes we human beings have a desire to nest.  We want to pull in our heads like the old tortoise, and try to stay out of the fray…  But… that doesn’t work!

            Now, we the church, need each other more than ever.  We need the emotional support - the loving, caring, understanding presence of our faith family.

            The old saying goes:  the family that prays (and plays!) together, stays together.  Trite or not, I am convinced that is absolutely true.

            Now is the time for us to hold together, to hold each other up more than ever.  It’s time to worship together, and fellowship together.

            It’s not that we need to fix things for each other.  Sometimes, in our desire to be helpful, we can even get in the way.  What we can do is be willing to listen, without judgment or pressure, and express our unconditional love and faith and confidence in our brothers and sisters.

            There is always a rainbow after the storm.  Things will get better. The law of averages will soon be on our side.

            When the storm subsides, we will stand strong, and we will be closer than ever - to each other - and to Christ.

            In the meantime, let’s get together, pray and praise, and have some fun! 

            In Christ’s Love,     

                                       Pastor Kevin

 

The UMPTEENTH ANNUAL SWIMMING POOL PARTY & BBQ

at the home of Sue & Larry Smith will be held on Sunday, July 13, beginning at 1:30 PM.  (They’ve been doing it for so long, they don’t remember HOW many years it’s been!)  Bring your swim suit, towel, a lawn chair, TV tray, a dish to pass for the “pot luck”, & your own meat & rolls for grilling.  We’ll fire the barbeque up about 4:30; cooking will begin at 5:00 PM. It’s always lots of fun, & it’s “Rain or Shine”.  (We’ll eat indoors if any “liquid sunshine” shows up!)  Beverages & condiments are provided.  Do let Smiths know if you’re going to come; it helps them to have some idea how much soda they’ll need! 

                       

The 4th Annual ROGER SAUGSTAD MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING

will take place on Friday, July 25, at the St. John’s/Northwestern Military Academy Golf Course in Delafield, (on Hwy C, 2 miles north of I-94).  There’s a noon lunch, with golf beginning promptly at 1:00 PM.  Funds raised are divided between the American Cancer Society and our church Memorial Fund.  Dinner is served following golf (at approximately 5:00 PM), with a raffle drawing, following.  $60.00 cost includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, snacks, beverages, dinner, T-shirt, & 5 raffle entries.  There are only enough golf carts for the first paid 36 golfers.  Want to attend the event without golfing?  The cost is just $30.00,   & there are LOTS of wonderful folks who AREN’T golfing, for you to visit with!   DOOR PRIZES,  DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERS, & SPONSORS ARE BEING SOUGHT.  If you can help, please contact JR or Heather Saugstad; it’s one of our most enjoyable events!

 

SPECIAL PEOPLE

 

 

Arilne Nell, a friend of the church who is at home recovering from successful hip replacement surgery.

 

Kay Ulma underwent some minor surgery in mid-June.  She’s doing well, back with us in worship.

 

Barb Brunett, who was hospitalized for tests for several days in late June.  She’s returned home, & is back with us in worship.

 

Donna Saugstad, who underwent cardiac catherization on June 30.  Everything checked out well; only medication adjustment is indicated.

 

Alaina Williams, who underwent medical testing.

 

Former member Lorraine Shaw, who had a nasty fall.

 

Kerstin Lefevre, nursing a shoulder injury but busily at work on our floor-tiling project.

 

Continued prayers for:

Lillian Anderson

Deanna DeTroye-Brown

Rose Telander

Family members of many in the congregation, suffering from a variety of serious medical problems.

 

 

For Max & Deanna Thomson,  who were wed here on June 14.

 

For Annette Burke & Matt Klauck, who will be married here on August 22.

 

That Tina Schultheiss said “YES!” when Spencer Myers asked for her hand in marriage.  Congratulations on your engagement!

 

For Melissa Gall, who spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica immersed in Spanish & learning about their culture with classmates from Nathan Hale High School.

Melissa will also be attending Stronghold Summer Camp from July 20 - July 25.

 

That Sherman Stock has made an excellent recovery from knee surgery.

 

That JJ Saugstad attended Badger Boys State at Ripon College in June.  (JJ just received his DRIVER’S LICENSE, so those venturing out on the highway are forewarned …)

 

That Norma Jean Larson has recovered from a bout with pneumonia.  

 

For the wonderful 60th Anniversary celebration of Stu & Ruth Lefevre, on June 29. 

Many, many members of the church family were able to attend.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

July 6 - Kay Ulma & Michelle

             Ulma

8 - Lee Larson & Victoria Pope

9 - Helen Groninger 

10 - JJ Saugstad 

14 - Rachel Schmeling &

       Grace Alessi

15 - Herman Duga

18 - Hugh Evans

19 - Becky Martin   

21 - Norma Schuele

23 - Marv Saugstad

24 - Emily (Gall) Drury, Mildred

       Nelson & Joanne Burke

25 - Scott Dettman 

30 - Hilda Czaplewski 

31 - Cary Pope

August 1- Sally Stock &

       Tom Liempeck

3 - Kay Barber     

4 - Bud Brunett 

6 - Lillian Anderson

7 - John Reichert

9 - Angela Burke

13 - Pat Sczypiorski &

      Alexzandrea Pope

14 - Hilda Holle

15 - Bill Toepfer

16 - Brook Buchholz

18 - Benjamin Cetnaroski

19 - Joyce Zeeb

26 - Jason Sczypiorski

27 - Anne (Dettman)

       Kaczmarski

30 - Kathy Dettman

31 - Florence Weigel   

         (she’ll be 94!)  &

         Erin Reichert

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

 

July 30 - Sue & Chuck Pope 

August  7 - Lucy & Herman

         Duga (60 years!!!)

8 - Nicole & Rob Martin

10  - Bobbie & Ed Griffith

           (51 years!)

18 - Sally & Kevin Tarvid

           (35 years!)

23 - Jean & Bob Seiberlich

          (61 years!!!)

24 - June & David Alessi

28 - Pam & Ed Leintz and

          Sue & Lou Martin

29 - Sylvia & Harry

   Koroghlanian (55 years!)

 

 

 

 

GRADUATES …

Rachel Schmeling will graduate from Marquette University on August 1.  She’ll receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis on history and museum arts.  She’s accepted the position of Administrative Assistant in Education at Discovery World Museum, at the lakefront.  WOW!  Best wishes for an exciting future, Rachel!

 

Peggy Cetnarowski completes course work at Sanford Brown in July in the Medical Assistant program.  She’s currently “seeking the right position”.    Congratulations, Peggy!

 

Karin Schmeling passed her “CCNS” exam (Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification) on Friday, June 13 (it was her “lucky day”, as it went very well!)  MARVELOUS!

               

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,   TO:

EVERYONE who helped with our June 22 STRAWBERRY FEST!  Special thanks to Karin, Mike, Becky & Rachel Schmeling, who shepherded the event … & to all who helped with set-up, clean-up, baking, sales, games, & the million & one things that make this annual “happening”.  Thanks, too, to Eric Arenz,  who loaned his sound system & handled DJ chores, providing just the right musical note for the occasion.  We’re pleased to announce that this community outreach event also raised over $1,000 for the church!

                  and ...

Our willing workers who helped move EVERYTHING out of the sanctuary on June 22, & to the good folks who remained after Strawberry Fest concluded, to help remove ceiling tiles in the                  

downstairs hall & in Jack Reichert Hall.  (The tiles had to come down so there was no risk of damage when the asbestos removal crew came in to remove our narthex & sanctuary flooring starting June 23.)  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to ALL who are helping to lay the new floor tiles, a project which got underway on June 30.  SPECIAL THANKS to Kerstin Lefevre, Ed Griffith, & the Church Transformation Task Force, who have worked so hard planning & seeing through this massive undertaking.  We’re hoping the work is completed in time to be back in the sanctuary for worship on July 20 … 

                 and ...

All our good folk who baked & packaged COOKIES for Habitat for Humanity during their June 23 “Blitz “Week”.  We’ve received a thank-you from them, which we’ll post in the narthex as soon as our renovations there are complete.

                  and ...

The cast & crew of “WWJD”, our Youth Music Ministry’s production presented here on June 1.  Applause goes to Matt, Alan, Terry & Eric Arenz; Maria Fricano; Melissa Gall; Libbie Jansen; Kayla Jervis; Laurie Kadunc; Josh Kosler; Jenny Lefevre; Jason Sczypiorski; and Amanda Williams.  Special thanks to Terry, our director, for her VERY hard work.  The cast spent many hours rehearsing, & the musical was SUPER!  (It will be performed at New Life Presbyterian Church, for whom the cast is donating all “free will offerings”, on August 9!)  And here at GAPC, our folks will want to be present on Aug. 24, when the “WWJD Singers” will present “Seasons of Love” as our Special Music for the day.

                  and ...

Max & Deanna Thomson, who loaned us the beautiful flower-covered arbor used at their wedding, for our worship service on June 15.

                  and ...

Diane Edward, who treated the Christian Education Committee with a DELICIOUS dinner in her home at the June 16 meeting.   (Thanks also to Sue Pope, for a tasty rhubarb dessert; & Lori Johnson, who brought a wonderful fresh fruit salad.)

                  and ...

All who have provided & continue to provide Special Music during the summer season.

                  and ...

Our Miller Park Sportservice booth staffers, who’ve worked so VERY hard!

 

GREETERS:

    

July 13 - Sue & Larry Smith                               Aug 17 - Peg & Lee Larson

 

July 20 - RuthMary Gamache                            Aug 24 - Kerstin & Dan Lefevre

 

July 27 - Laurie Karrels                                     Aug 31- Elsie Mae & Ken Arenz

                                     

Aug 3 - Joanne & Bill Haschker                        Sept 7-Donna & Marv Saugstad

 

Aug 10 - Gail & Dick Kloes

 

ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the home of the Tarvids, is coming up on Sunday, Aug. 24.  Build your own sundaes! Socialize with your church family!  Enjoy the great outdoors!

 

EVERYONE is invited … it’s always a super afternoon, &, as you may remember, wherever 2 or more Presbyterians are gathered … there shall be food.  (Those who wish to “bring something”  for the occasion might like to consider PIE …)

 

WHO ARE THOSE PEOPLE???   Jenny Lefevre is seeking assistance in identifying some of the folks in a number of slides donated to us by Tom & Dorothy Dietrich.  They’re from some years back, so if you’ve been here since the 1970’s (or thereabouts), let Jenny know you’ll “lend a hand”.  It’s the final step in her preparation of a photo album of church family history. 

 

 

Special thanks to our custodial volunteers for June.  Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Griffiths, the Alan Arenz family, Deanna De Troye-Brown, Megan Ewert & Phyllis Shudy.

 

RELAY  for  LIFE  is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer.  At 6:00 PM on Friday, July 18, our church teams will gather at Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W. Lincoln Ave. in West Allis, for opening ceremonies of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of West Allis/New Berlin.  It’s followed by a “Survivor’s Lap” around the track at 6:30.  The Relay concludes at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 19.  Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event -- because cancer never sleeps.  Our church has a VERY committed team.   Please contact Laurie Kadunc if you’re interested in joining the team. We’d be VERY pleased if you’d like to SPONSOR one (or more) of our walkers!

 

 

NATIONAL  NIGHT  OUT  in West Allis is Monday, July 28,  from 5:00 - 9:00 PM.  It’s at Farmer’s Market, & takes place annually as a community statement of commitment to making our streets safe places for citizens day OR night.  Greenfield Avenue Church staffs the Nachos booth: 5 or 6 (or more) volunteers are needed.  We hope you’ll be among them … speak with Heather Saugstad, & let her know you’ll help.  It’s a valuable outreach of our busy congregation, & it really helps our Evangelism Committee to know how many of our folks can be there to staff the booth. 

 

Vacation  Bible  School  is for kids ages 4K through 6th grade. The kickoff will be at 11:15 AM on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 2300 S. Sunnyslope Rd. in New Berlin.  Then, beginning at 9:00 AM Monday Aug. 11, there’ll be 5 mornings of fun as the youngsters learn about God & creation, with special emphasis on the RAINFOREST!  The event concludes on Aug. 15.  As it was last year, it’s a “Fab 4” effort, with volunteer staff & children from GAPC, Forest Park PC, Heritage PC, & Faith PC.  Terry Arenz is part of the team doing the planning, & she tells us that  HELPERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED!  Want to be involved?  Want more information?  Check with Terry!   She can provide all the details!  

 

COMING EVENTS --

There are lots of exciting events coming up in the next few months; several aren’t listed, as details are still being ironed out.  However, here’s what we DO know:

 

Fri., Sept. 12 -  7:00 PM - WINE TASTING at  Wine Cellars of Wisconsin, 130th & Blue Mound Rd. in Elm Grove.  Cost of this event is $25 a person & it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about different wines & sample a few.  One of the really wonderful things about this event is that $10 of the $25 --   goes to the church!

 

Sun. Sept 14 - RALLY DAY, followed by a POT LUCK LUNCHEON!  (It’s a version of our annual “church picnic”, but is held indoors to avoid the foul-tempered yellow jacket hornets, which abound outdoors at this time of year.)    

 

Wed. Sept. 24 - We begin Mid-Week Worship Services!

 

Sat Sept 27 - 4:30 - 7:30 Youth Group Spaghetti  Dinner

 

Sat. Oct. 11 - FALL FEST

 

Sun. Oct. 12 - National Clergy Appreciation Day

 

Sat Nov 22 - Ye Olde Christmasse Faire, with bake sale, a FABULOUS silent auction, & Madrigal dinner!

 

Wed Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Eve Worship, followed by PIE FEST

 

And on Sat., Feb. 21, 2009 -  It’s Church Leader Training Day at Carroll College!

Keynote speaker is Dr. Anna Case-Winters, Professor of Theology at McCormick Seminary.  Her topic will be “Embrace Creation”.  Save the date on your calendar NOW, for you won’t want to miss this one!

 

WHAT IS PER CAPITA?  Per Capita funding is how Presbyterians mutually share the costs of coming together to discern the Spirit’s leading for the future.

It is how Presbyterians are trained to become better elders and ministers.

It is how Presbyterians discern God’s call in their lives.

Per Capita dollars support the General Assembly, and the work of the presbyteries and  synods.   In short, much of it goes to pay for “behind the scenes” work of each of these governing bodies.  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 her or his 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.

 

The 2008 Per Capita rate is $25.83 per member of the church.  If you have not already done so, please consider paying your per capita amount as soon as possible … & our thanks, to those who have already paid it.

 

 

JULY/AUGUST, 2008  

 CALENDAR

  Tues July 8     6:30 PM - Peace & Justice

Thur July 10   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun July 13  10:45 AM - Resources meets

                   1:30 AM - Pool Party  & BBQ * 

Mon July 14   6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”  Tues July 15   7:00 PM - Session

Thur July 17   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Fri July 18       6:00 PM - Relay for Life at Nathan Hale High School, concludes Sat July 19 at 10:00 AM

Sun July 20 - Baptism of Evan Aigner

Mon July 21    6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

                 7:15 PM - CE/Nurture Committee

Thurs July 24   1:30 PM - PACE

Fri July 25   Noon - 4th Annual Roger Saugstad Memorial Golf Outing

Mon July 28    5:00 - 9:00 PM - National Night Out  *

                        6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Thurs July 31  1:30 PM - PACE 

Sun Aug 3       9:30 AM - Communion

Mon Aug 4      6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Tues Aug 5      6:30 PM - Ye Olde Christmasse Faire Planning Meeting

Thurs Aug 7     1:30 PM - PACE

Sun Aug 10      11:15 AM - VBS Kickoff at Forest Park PC in New Berlin *

Mon Aug 11 - Fri Aug 15 - 9:00 AM - Noon Vacation Bible School at Forest Park  *

Mon Aug 11   6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Thurs Aug 14    1:30 PM - PACE

Sun Aug 17       9:30 AM - “Country Gospel Sunday”

Mon Aug 18      6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Thur Aug 21      1:30 PM - PACE

Sun Aug 24        2:00 - 4:00 PM - Ice Cream  Social at the Tarvid’s home *

Mon Aug 25       6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful”

Thur Aug 28       1:30 PM - PACE

 

Administrative Assistant Sue Smith vacations from  July 20 - Aug. 10.  Sunday bulletins for July 20 - August 10 will be printed during the week of July 14.    DO get your announcements to Sue BY MONDAY, JULY 14, & feel free to share information on anything that’s not included during “announcement time” in the Sunday morning worship services.         

 

PASTOR KEVIN will be on vacation from Aug. 11 - 21.  While he is away, in an emergency please call Sue Smith at the church office (414-453-3710) or at home; or Sandy Reichert, Deacon’s Member Care coordinator, at home or on her cell (see church directory for numbers).  They’ll see to it that one of the pastors who’s “covering” for Pastor Kevin can be available to you.