Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

Sun June 14 - 9:30 AM 10^th Anniversary Celebration, a Special Dedication, & More

GOD’S GUILD performance; Our Young People run the service, while Pastor Kevin is away.

IT’S A PARTY! PASTOR KEVIN’S 10^th Anniversary with GAPC is coming up in June & we’re planning a SPECIAL CELEBRATION on Sunday, June 14. It’s going to be a meaningful day, for we’ll also dedicate the beautiful new “Family Room” just behind the sanctuary that morning. So VERY exciting, & lots of fun, as well! Be sure you don’t miss this festive occasion!

STRAWBERRY FEST -It’s our big community outreach program, set for Sunday, June 28, 2009, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, right here on our front lawn! But it’s a lot MORE than just an outreach. It allows us to have FUN, connect with friends, enjoy wonderful FOOD (hot dogs, strawberry shortcakes, sundaes, pizza, soda, a super-colossal BAKE SALE); there’s a BIKE & HELMET give-away for kids ages 5 - 15, (a $250 value, courtesy of the Equitable Reserve Association of Neenah), GAMES for the kids, music ... & MORE! AND ...this will be our 20^th Annual Strawberry Fest! (Time flies, when you’re having fun!) Invite everyone you know! Word of mouth is the BEST way to get the word out! (Just imagine the taste of those juicy, succulent berries heaped on top of shortcake & ice cream -- IRRESISTIBLE!)

You know, we’re about to celebrate our 10^th anniversary together!!! It’s amazing to me - it seems like just yesterday that you welcomed me and my family into your family of faith… It just proves the old saying: “Time flies when you’re having fun.” We are obviously having a real ball!!!

To paraphrase our buddy the Apostle Paul: “everyday I give thanks to God for you.” Not only have you worked side by side with me for the past decade, but together we have bucked the trends - and set a few trends of our own. You have also been very understanding and accepting of my - let’s say “unique” style!

Now I want share with you a perception I’ve been having. You know that I can be quite sensitive to people’s feelings at times. Not enough to get my own “Psychic Hot Line”, but pretty aware none the less.

I’m sensing that some of you are feeling a little frustration. You work very hard for our church, and sometimes you work until you get tired - really tired.

Sometimes, you feel as though you need for others to chip in and lift some of the load. I understand.

Sometimes, you may even feel that, if you’re going to work this hard, people should be more sensitive to what you want for our church. I get that, too…

Others may wish they could do more, but with life as complicated as it is, so busy, so hectic, so challenging, the thought of taking something else on is just toooooo much!!!

It is a well known church fact that a big percentage (some say 80%) of church members rely on the “more active” members to carry a big share of the load. If so - it’s easy for that 20% or so to get tired - and/or frustrated - and/or worried… sometimes to the point of resentful.

If you think you are part of the 20% - my experienced advice is this - take a deep breath - relax. Do what you can do. Don’t do what you can’t. Gently ask for help. Trust God to find someone to help carry that cross.

If you think you are part of the 80% - and wish you could be a little more active - talk to me. We can explore ways for you to help that are not overwhelming, or even anxiety producing.

The healthier a church is, the more people share the work load. The perfect church would be the one where everybody chips in a little bit.

There is no such place. We may not be perfect - but we are pretty special. I believe in us.

So - as we begin our next decade together, let’s explore how we can more evenly share the work of the gospel - and really dive into the joy.

Beth Beck moved into the

Golden Living Center - Bradley

6735 W. Bradley Road

Milwaukee, WI, 53223

on Monday, May 18.

A personal note from JT Gall:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for all the care and support that the members of “our” church family have given Beth and me over these past couple of years. I want to especially thank the half-dozen or so individuals that spent time with Beth, early in the morning and in the evenings, preparing meals and providing her comfort and security when I was out of town.

“As Beth moves into this next transitional phase of her life, I know she would love to receive notes and cards. At this time, we are asking that no visits from congregation members be made, as it would make her transition more difficult. Once Beth has “settled in”, a visitor from time to time would be appreciated, but as of this writing, that moment has not arrived. She is now in the hands of professionals that know how to establish a regular routine; providing her with the stimulation and activities to keep her quality of life ongoing for as long as possible.

“God’s blessings to all of you,

JT Gall”

JT Gall, & Beth Beck & her extended family, during the difficult time of transition.

The Arenz families, on the death of Elsie Mae’s brother, Joseph Sorcic.

Jim Dickson, hospitalized at West Allis Memorial, with dizziness resulting from ear problems.

Hilda Holle, in rehab at the Village at Manor Park. Hilda loves & welcomes visitors!

Marve Hagen, who has finished radiation treatments & will have additional tests in a few weeks.

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

Peter & Megan Jansen, who were wed in California on May 12. Congratulations!

For Jeri & John Gamache, who will be grandparents before too many months pass!

In the May 17 baptism of Brady John Thomas Wachowiak, son of Tiffany & Mark, grandson of Dan & Pam Bailey.

Sally & Sherman Stock, whose granddaughter Sahar Milani is recipient of the Jack F. Reichert Scholarship at the UW-Milwaukee Business School. It’s in the graduate program, with the scholarship covering the 2009-2010 school year. Wonderful!

For Hilda Czaplewski, who sold her house & moves to a LOVELY new apartment June 15 !! Best wishes, Hilda!

That Tina Myers’ back problem has eased enough to allow her to get in her yard & do some PLANTING!

Laurie Kadunc received Aurora Health Care’s “Nurse Excellent Award for Nursing in a Non-traditional Setting”. The award was presented to Laurie on May 7 (during National Nurses’ Week) at the Aurora Nursing Celebration, an event attended by thousands of metro area Aurora nurses. Laurie was nominated by a staff nurse at the Women’s Pavilion of West Allis Memorial Hospital, who directly witnesses what Laurie does every day. We’re so happy for this lovely, dedicated lady, who shares her skill & joy with so many people, every day! CONGRATULATIONS!

Last month we noted that Josh Kosler will be reporting for basic training in the U.S. Navy, come July. OOOOPS! Sorry, Josh! It’s the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, & the date is SEPTEMBER 1!

Larry Smith, who worked hard getting the southeast flower bed prepared for summer, & did much planting & transplanting, as well.

Jan & John Wilke for their gift of a beautiful glass pitcher for use in baptisms.

Harry Koroghlanian, who voluntarily collects our American flags which need to be honorably retired & brings them to his Post 416 of the Greendale American Legion, for disposal.

All our Sunday School teachers, for their hard work & dedication this past year.

Musicians Larry Jansen & Sue Smith; Loretta Nalencz; Sally, Kristina & Kevin Tarvid; “God’s Guild” & director Terry Arenz; & Melissa Gall, for their “Special Music” during the month of May.

Office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, who cheerfully assemble our newsletter, & tackle other assigned tasks.

HABITAT WORK WEEKS ... Habitat “Build Weeks” for 2009 are June 22 - 26; & September 14 - 18. September Build Week includes a WOMEN’S BUILD (women only) HOUSE.! If you are at all interested in working, or have questions, please talk to Ed Griffith.

for the Build Week that begins on June 22. That means we need folks to bake before the 21^st; bring the cookies with them to worship on the 21^st, & help PACK them after worship. We’ll need 450 cookies, for the 140 workers. We have a reputation to uphold; we’ve been told that GAPC has “the best cookie bakers!” Speak with Bobbie Griffith, for additional information.

GOD’S GUILD will lead our worship service on Sun., June 21, 2009, (Father’s Day) presenting the musical “What a Day for a Daydream”. It’s about a young girl who is trying to find purpose in her life. Will she rely on God? Come witness her struggle and the way she deals with all the “Stuff” in her life. Bring anyone who likes music, comedy and “Disco”! The Mission that we have chosen this year is Habitat for Humanity. God’s Guild chose this mission because our church is very involved and believes in giving to our community and to communities across the country. A free will offering will be collected on that day. We would love to see a full Sanctuary that day, so invite everyone you know!!

Vacation Bible School is set for August 10 - 15 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 2300 S. Sunnyslope Rd., New Berlin. It’s 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). We’re well into planning, but are always interested in new ideas. Want 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 with ANY questions you may have, & about how you can help. More details in the coming weeks.

CHRISTIAN EXPO - Come celebrate our church by attending the Christian Expo & Family Music Festival at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, Wisconsin State Fair Park on Friday & Saturday, June 5 & 6, (Fri. 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Sat. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM). What a great chance for you to speak to folks about our church & what makes us special! If you would like to help for an hour or so, we’d love it! Come & see the Festival! Whether you help or not, it’s a great time!

INTERNET NEWSLETTER? Postal rates keep rising, & a great many of our sister churches in the PC (U.S.A.) are no longer using “snail mail” (also known as the Post Office) to send out their newsletters. Instead, they use the internet.

Would YOU like to receive your monthly issue of The Messenger via email? If so, please speak with Sue Smith (at the church office, 453-3710). You’ll have to be sure to give her your EMAIL address, of course; & it’s a good idea to print out your emailed version as “hard copy”, to keep by your phone for easy reference ... but it provides “hot off the press” access, which is HANDY!

Not a computer owner? Don’t have internet access? Simply prefer to continue receiving it the same way as always? That’s fine; we’ll continue to mail it. Just let us know if email would work for you. THANKS!

For May, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Bobbie & Ed Griffith; Arliss & Hugh Evans; Peter Zoeller; & Alan, Terry, Eric & Matt Arenz.. 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!

INTERFAITH WEST CENTRAL is planning a JEWELRY SALE as a fund-raising project. As you know, we support this dedicated group, which provides a variety of free assistance to the elderly in our area. YOU can help by donating your unused jewelry (costume or “fine”) for this effort. Barb Brunett will collect your donations on Sunday mornings, at church. The sale itself will be held in the fall, at a date yet to be determined. Your help is appreciated!

SUMMER CAMP There’s LOTS of information on Stronghold Summer Camps for young people on the narthex table; there are so many exciting possibilities to choose from ...! You’ll find registration forms there, also. If you have questions about Stronghold, speak with Melissa Gall, who has attended Stronghold for many summers. She’ll be glad to share her experiences with those who might be thinking of attending. The camp is close; it’s located just outside Oregon, Illinois, a bit over an hour away.

SYNOD SCHOOL at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA, will be held July 26-31 this year. It, too, is a wonderful opportunity for adults AND young people to join together for terrific workshops, worship experiences, fun, sharing spiritual adventures with other Presbyterians ... so VERY worthwhile! The theme is “Building a Culture of Peace”, & you’ll find the catalog on the narthex bulletin board. Want to attend? Contact Sue in the church office, & she’ll see to it that you receive a registration form. Phyllis Shudy has attended many of the schools, & can share insights with you about it.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - 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 volunteered 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 - On Sat., Nov. 21, 2009, we’re sponsoring a blood drive from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, here at GAPC. The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only supplier of blood to more than 50 area hospitals; every single day, they need to collect more than 800 units of blood. (30% of that total comes from mobile drives, just like this one!) We hope to have a MINIMUM of 35 folks sign up to donate. Through this drive, our congregation can help to save the lives of friends, family members & neighbors! We’ll provide more complete information as the date approaches, but we wanted to publicize it well in advance so that you can SET ASIDE THE DATE - - NOVEMBER 21 -- & plan to donate, or help in other ways. There’ll be a committee forming, so your assistance there will be important. And if you’ve not donated blood before, you’ll be glad to learn that it takes only about one hour from registration time to refreshment time which follows the donation. Actual blood donation time is only about 10 minutes!

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

PASTOR KEVIN will be on Study Leave from June 20 - 27. 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. They’ll see to it that one of the pastors who’s “covering” for Pastor Kevin can be available to you.

ATTENTION MUSICIANS! We’re eagerly seeking willing folks to provide “Special Music”

for worship during the summer months. If YOU have a special talent for singing, or with an instrument, & would like to share your gift with the congregation, we encourage you to sign up on the sheet at the rear of the sanctuary. There’s a choice of dates available, & you may do a solo, duet, form a small group -- whatever you prefer. Don’t delay! Sign up NOW, so you can reserve the Sunday that works best for you. Thank you!

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

For the month of April, 2009

Income $ 11,037.50

Expenses $ 12,588.33

As of April 30, 2009

a LOSS of ( $ 1,550.83)