Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

Even though the weather hasn’t felt so much like it - our summer is in full swing. We all have so many things to do - so many places to be. As much fun as the summer can be, it can be very exhausting, too. I think many of us are feeling quite “stretched.”

“The experts” suggest that somewhere around 40% of people have a connection with a faith family. And, “they” say, about 40% of the 40% are in worship in any one week. If “they” are right, that means only somewhere around 16% of folks gather in worship in any given week. I’ll bet it’s less than that in the midst of a busy summer.

Now, none of us can be in worship every week, but I figure that a church needs a certain number of faithful folks in order to be able to pursue its mission. We do well in this category - but we could always use more company!

If you are one of those folks who is very often in worship - what is it that makes it possible for you?

And perhaps just as importantly: If you find it difficult to attend church very often, what is it that tends to keep you away?

I’d really like to see us be able to strengthen the bonds we have with all our people. What can we do to make worship more possible/ convenient/ meaningful/ fulfilling/ inspiring/ fascinating/ fun?

I’ll bet that there a ton of factors, (some as simple as space in the parking lot), that discourage folks from being in worship on a Sunday or Wednesday.

So, please think about it. Let me know. Make a list if you can. Let’s consider how we can make worship a higher point of the week for more and more people.

Thanks for your continued love and support, for me and for our faith family. As the saying goes: “See ya in church!”

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - We’re staffing the Nachos Booth from 5:00-9:00 PM

on Mon., July 27, at Farmer’s Market. Come & enjoy this show of solidarity against crime in our neighborhoods! (Can you help? Let Pastor Kevin know!)

the home of Sue & Larry Smith. It’s a family affair, so bring your swim suit & towel, a lawn chair & TV tray, a dish to share for the pot luck, dinnerware, plus your own chicken, hot dogs, burgers, brats plus rolls, or whatever else you’d like for the grill. It’s a rain or shine event, which also has great shade for non-swimmers. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the WARM water and/or the outdoors; chat with other members of the church family; & savor the tasty delights provided by our very fine church culinary artists! Beverages & condiments are provided. DO let the Smiths know you’ll be coming, so they can plan accordingly. Thanks!

The 5^th Annual ROGER SAUGSTAD MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING to benefit the American Cancer Society & Greenfield Ave. Church is all set for Fri., July 31, 2009, at the St. John’s/Northwestern Military Academy Golf Course in Delafield, WI. Lunch begins at noon; golf starts promptly at 1:00 PM (with a shotgun start). “Dinner is served” following golf, at about 5:30 PM. There’s a RAFFLE, & there are DOOR PRIZES -- WOW!!! Cost for the event will be $60.00, & the price includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, snacks, beverages, dinner, T-shirt, & 5 raffle entries. Please note that there are only enough golf carts for the first 36 paid golfers. Want to attend -- but don’t plan to golf? The cost, including everything EXCEPT golf, is just $30.00! Door prizes, donations, volunteers & sponsors are being sought for this enjoyable event. Can you help in some way? JR or Heather Saugstad will be glad to tell you about it. There are registration forms on the table in the narthex -- or you may obtain them from JR or Heather. Be sure to take part in this wonderful outing!

FALL FEST RUMMAGE SALE - It’s NOT TOO SOON to begin sorting through your things, & weeding out unneeded items for donation to our RUMMAGE SALE, which is part of FALL FEST on Sat., Oct. 31. Are you doing some down-sizing, or simply cleaning? We’ll be glad to accept your donations of high-quality rummage items NOW, & store them till Fall Fest. It’s one of the year’s biggest fund-raisers, & VERY important to us! Please speak with Lori Johnson to arrange pick-up of your things, or for additional information! (Fall Fest will be SUPER this year -- we’ll have some “spooky” treats for tricksters, Halloween themes (maybe even folks in costume) it’s ALWAYS GREAT FUN!

Lucy Duga & family. Herman Duga passed away early on the morning of June 16, following a long period of declining health. A memorial service for Herman was held at the church on Friday, June 19.

Hilda Holle passed away on June 17, at almost 92 years of age, following a 6-months struggle with ill health. A service was held on June 20, with GAPC’s Pastor Kevin, and Pastor Peter Skanse of the West Allis Weslyan Church officiating. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Holle family, & Judy & Jim Dickson & family.

Norma Schuele, who broke her hip in a fall, & underwent surgery at St. Luke’s At this writing, she’s making a good recovery.

Bob Seiberlich, who has been in the hospital facing several medical challenges.

The family of Gordon Bomey, a former church member who passed away on June 22.

Lin Bradley; Sylvia Koroghlanian; all our homebound folks; those who are struggling financially; & all who are engaged in job searches.

For new grandparents Pam & Ed Leintz. Mikaela Sue Pope was born to Becky & Gene on June 6, weighing in at 7 lb. 10 oz, 19 - ½ “ long. All are healthy, & said to be “walking on air”. Pam emailed pictures, & a message, which are posted on the narthex bulletin board. The family hopes to be with us in worship on Aug 23, (exchanging Georgia heat for Wisconsin warmth.) Best wishes to Becky & Gene, & to all in the family!

For Marie & Marve Hagen, who sold their house almost the moment it was listed! They’ll be moving to an apartment late this month.

Melissa Gall, who attended Badger Girls’ State at UW-Oshkosh the week of June 22.

That Sally Stock is back with us in worship, after knee surgery complicated by the development of blood clots.

Congratulations, Graduate! Kimberly Moelk graduated from Nathan Hale High School on June 13. She’ll attend UW-LaCrosse, this fall, & plans to major in education.

Although Hilda Holle knew that she was soon to leave us, her sincere wish was that our congregation received the following message.

“Thank you for all of the prayers, thoughts, cards and visits you have sent my way. Your kindness and caring mean so much to me! God bless you! - Hilda Holle”

The family of Herman Duga wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, & condolences for our loss. Special thanks to Pastor Kevin; John Gamache; & those who helped with the receptions following the service. The support of the church family has meant so much to us all.

- Lucy Duga & Family

EVERYONE who helped make June 28’s Strawberry Fest such a smashing success! Special thanks to the Schmeling family, who shepherd the event; all who work so hard preparing God’s Guild performances; Eric Arenz & crew for providing music; all the workers, in every area -- we wish we had space to list ALL your names! We raised a total of $1,189.50 ($324.50 of which was from the bake sale.) What a fantastic group of folks to work with!

God’s Guild & Director Terry Arenz, who led our worship on June 21 & presented their delightful musical, “What a Day for a Daydream” as the morning message.

For our two June dates, over $1,100 was raised for the church thanks to their dedication & hard work!

The good folks who baked &/or helped to package “Cookies for Habitat” for the June 22 work week.. As always, Habitat workers were very appreciative, & lavish in their praise of our bakers.

“Ploodle” Pope, who made a “Special Guest Appearance” during Sue Pope’s “Children’s Message” on May 31. This “golden doodle” therapy dog was a hit with the entire congregation!

Melissa Gall, whose piano “Special Music” in the anthem & offertory spots May 31 were outstanding.

Sally, Kristina, & Kevin Tarvid, whose musical number “In My Life” was so meaningful in our June 14 celebration of their 10^th anniversary with us.

Marv & Donna Saugstad & Bobbie & Ed Griffith, Dave Linsmeier & the Edu-Care staff, who moved all the furniture & other items out of the carpeted Sunday School classrooms, when the heavy rains of June 18 & 19 caused “water in the basement”. Experts are working to clean & dry the carpeting.

Loretta Nalencz, who worked hard to learn how to record organ music for the worship service while she was away on June 28.

Kathy Doty, who served as “co-pilot” for the June 28 worship, making sure all organ portions of the service worked properly.

Ruth Lefevre, who sends out all the birthday & anniversary greeting cards to members of the church family.

Deanna DeTroye-Brown & Sally Tarvid, who took over nursery duties while Megan Ewert recuperated from back surgery.

Gail & Dick Kloes, ever faithful office volunteers, whose assistance is so valuable.

WED. JULY 29 - At the 6:30 PM Mid-Week Worship, we’ll have “A Decade Together” celebration with the Tarvids, with an outdoor worship (weather permitting). We’ll have FOOD -- you’re asked to bring your FAVORITE appetizer (or two) -- to share, plus your own beverage & lawn chair. If you play a guitar or other instrument for a play/sing-along, we encourage you to bring that, as well. Be thinking of the music you’d like to have, & plan to JOIN US!

Sunday School Teachers, CE Committee members, & other folks interested in the continuing education of all ages of our congregation will meet in the library at 7:15 PM on Mon., July 20. We’ll be planning for the 2009-2010 church school year, & discussing a variety of VERY important related topics. TEACHERS are urgently needed in several areas; it’s vitally important that we continue to provide a high-quality CE program for EVERYONE. New to the church or long-time member, you’re invited & encouraged to attend! We value your input, & welcome your questions.

CALLING OUR MUSICIANS! - There are still spots on the sign-up sheets at the rear of the sanctuary for those who would like to provide “Special Music” during worship for

We’d love to have you sing, play an instrument, form a musical group to showcase your different abilities ... there are a variety of ways you can contribute! Consider volunteering, for the musicians who’ve shared their talent so far have done an exceptional job! Thank you!

ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the Tarvid’s home will be from 2:00 - 4:00 PM on Sunday,

August 23. Ice cream, toppings & beverages will be provided. You’ll want to bring a lawn chair & sunscreen, however. Those who feel they really want to “bring something” might like to consider PIE ... It’s an annual event that everyone enjoys, & it’s fun for ALL ages. Put it on your calendar RIGHT NOW, so you have the date saved!

We received a lovely “thank you” note to the “Fab 4” churches from Heifer Project, in appreciation of the Ark & other donations recently sent to them.

HABITAT WORK WEEK ... There’s another Habit “Build Week” scheduled for September 14 - 18, & it . includes a WOMEN’S BUILD (women only) HOUSE.! If you are at all interested in working, or have questions, please talk to Ed Griffith.

25 Years of HOPE is being celebrated with this year’s West Allis/ New Berlin RELAY FOR LIFE for the American Cancer Society, held this year July 17-18 at the track at Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W. Lincoln Ave. in West Allis. It’s a community gathering where EVERYONE can participate in the fight against cancer! Once again, a GAPC team will participate; the event begins on the 17^th at 6:00 PM, followed at 6:30 by a “Survivor’s Lap”. The relay concludes at 10:00 AM on Sat., July 18. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event -- because cancer NEVER sleeps. We’re blessed to have a VERY committed church team. Please contact Laurie Kadunc if you’re interested in joining the team. We’d be VERY pleased if you’d like to SPONSOR our walkers!

VBS The date for Vacation Bible School is drawing nearer ... it takes place from August 10 - 15 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 2300 S. Sunnyslope Rd., New Berlin. For the past several years, it’s been a joint venture of the “Fab 4 Churches” - GAPC, Faith, Heritage & Forest Park. The theme this year is “Camp E.D.G.E. (Explore & Discover God Everywhere). It’s not too late to volunteer to share yourself with a wonderful group of children & young people! All you need is a love for God & willingness to share your faith! Please contact Terry Arenz to register to attend, or with ANY questions you may have.

For June those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Deanna DeTroye-Brown; Bobbie & Ed Griffith; Barb Brunett; Diane & George Edward; & the “Alan Arenz clan”........ 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!

Don’t forget: our friends at Zion United Church of Christ, 3301 S. 76^th St. in Milwaukee, are collecting “gently” used bikes, shoes & tools for shipment to Honduras. The bikes are particularly important, for they offer a transportation alternative to folks who otherwise would have to travel everywhere on foot. And, of course, shoes & tools can make a HUGE difference in the lives of people who have very little ... If you would be willing to donate any of the above items, you may drop them off at Zion any Monday - Thursday through August 21, 2009, 8:00 AM - Noon.. You may also bring bikes here to GAPC & place them behind the church. Just let Ed Griffith, Pastor Kevin, or Sue Smith know you’ve brought them here, & we’ll contact one of Zion’s folks, who is glad to come here & pick them up. There’s also a need for new school supplies, which can be so important in helping Honduran children obtain an education, which is the BEST way out of poverty! Thank you, for whatever you can do!

BLOOD DRIVE - Here’s a reminder that on Sat., Nov. 21, 2009, we’re co-sponsoring a blood drive with the Equitable Reserve Association of Neenah, WI, (a fraternal organization, which for many years has donated the bike & helmet we give away through the drawing at Strawberry Fest). The drive will be from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, here at GAPC. We’ll have additional reminders in the August and the September/October issues of The Messenger, but we hope you’ll mark your calendar & plan to participate. Thanks!

Just Wondering ... No one has replied to the query we made last month in The Messenger, asking if some of you would like to receive the church newsletter via email. Is it possible that everyone really prefers to receive the “hard copy” we publish (& mail, when necessary) each month ... or is it possible that no one reads the newsletter? Just for fun, if you are now reading this little notice -- how about letting us know? We HOPE to hear from EVERYONE (tee-hee ...)

The following are “bloopers” that have actually appeared in bulletins or newsletters of churches throughout the United States. Although the office receives emails filled with bloopers on a regular basis, those appearing this month are “brand new” to your editor. We hope you’ll enjoy them!

“Men’s Prayer Breakfast: There will be no charge, but your damnation will be gratefully accepted.”

“The church will host an evening of dining, superb entertainment, & gracious hostility.”

“Visitors, please feel free to stay after the service & say “Hell” to the pastor.”

“Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.”

“Today’s sermon: ’How Much Can a Man Drink’, with hymns from a full choir.”

“The ‘Over 60’s Choir’ will be disbanded for the summer with the thanks of the entire church.”

“Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.”

REGULAR EVENTS

SUNDAY 9:30 AM - WORSHIP- Communion 1st Sunday of each month

2nd & 4th SUNDAYS - “Penny Sunday”

MOST MONDAYS - 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise Class” (for all ages)

EVERY TUESDAY - 5:00 - 6:00 PM - TOPS in church library - new members welcomed

EVERY WEDNESDAY - 6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship Service

EVERY THURSDAY - P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) at 1:30 PM.

This class is suitable for people of all ages.

Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “day off” is Friday

Mon July 6 - July 4^th holiday celebrated -- church offices are CLOSED on July 6

Fri July 31 NOON - 5^th Annual Roger Saugstad Memorial Golf Outing in Delafield *

FINANCIAL SUMMARY For the month of May, 2009

Income $ 10,883.70 ****

Expenses $ 10,689.10

As of May 31, 2009 $ 194.60

**** Means the “Income” amount includes a $2,000 withdrawal from our Endowment fund in order to pay the expenses for the month of May ****