MARCH, 2007

THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1455 s. 97^th St., West Allis, WI 53214

Church Office 414-453-3710

www.gapc-usa.com gapc@execpc.com

Sunday Worship Schedule

March 11 - April 1, 2007

Sun. Mar 11 - 9:30 AM - It’s “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Psalm 63

Second Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9

Sermon: “A Witness and a Leader”

Liturgist: Pat Sczypiorski

Children’s Message: Pastor Kevin

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith, Kevin & Laurie Kadunc

Sun Mar 18-9:30 AM

First Reading: Psalm 32

Second Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Sermon: “In Good Company ”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Elsie Mae Arenz

Ushers: Libbie Jansen, JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Sun Mar 25 - 9:30 AM - “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: John 12:1-8

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Lori Johnson

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

Sun April 1 - 9:30 AM - Passion/Palm Sunday;

Communion Worship

Servers:

First Reading: Luke 19:28-40

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Sermon: “That Same Mind”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message: Terry Arenz

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

“CHILI MAC AFTER CHURCH CAFÉ” is Sunday, March 11, a fund raiser to support the St. Ben’s community meal program. In Jack Reichert Hall, from 11 AM to 1 PM, you may savor several scrumptious soups, create your own sandwich, (a “Dagwood”,if you wish); enjoy a warm or cold beverage; & indulge your sweet tooth with cookies or dessert bars. Judy Dickson is selling tickets; adults are $4.50; $2.00 for kids under age 12.

THE 18^TH ANNUAL GREAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST is coming up on SAT. MARCH 31! It doesn’t seem POSSIBLE we’ve been hosting this fantastic meal for that long! (Time flies when you’re having fun!) We begin serving at 7:30, & offer pancakes with multiple toppings, sausages, apple-sauce, coffee, tea, milk, juices all for just $4.00 for adults, & $2.50 for kids under age 12. Sign-up sheets will be on the table at the rear of the sanctuary, soon, so you can let us know how you’ll help! INVITE YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS to be with us for this tasty, enjoyable, fund-raising/social event!

FROM THE PASTOR

Hi Kids!

I have a challenge for you – a real brain teaser, if you will. So, here it is: what can we get for less than 7¢ a day? Not much, can we? I remember when the popsicles at Dittburner’s store went from a nickel to 7¢. I was indignant! I’m guessing that was about 42 years ago. It’s been a while since I bought a popsicle, but I’m willing to bet (7¢!) that they’re a lot more now.

Let’s see: 7¢ a day would add up to 49¢ a week, about $2.10 a month, or about $25.55 a year. That kind of money won’t keep us in daily coffee. I doubt it would even keep a family of four in good toothpaste. I’m wondering if $25 would get us a decent meal for

two at a nice chain restaurant – once! (Maybe if we just drink water)

So – what can we get for 7¢ a day? How about spiritual strength? How about a network of almost Two Million people dedicated to our well-being? Maybe even, someday, world peace

For just under 7¢ a day, we can pay our per capita. It’s a funny word for our dues in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

My buddy the United Methodist Minister tells me that they pay over 34¢ a day for their “apportionment” (a similar thing – about $125 a year!)

For our $25.45, we support some fantastic folks who make life better for all Presbyterians – Folks like Greg Neel, our Executive Presbyter, Diana Barber, a Synod Staffer, and Joe Small, a leader at the Center in Louisville.

I have great stories about how each of these people have made our life better. They have earned my respect, my admiration, and our support

So, here’s my request. No matter what we give for the support of our church, if all of us could just find an additional 7¢ a day - ($25.45 to be exact!) - we can make a big difference in the world.

Usually, about two-thirds of us pay our per capita each year. If, this year, everyone could, it would make a great difference for our congregation. I know that, for some folks, even 7¢ is tough. Maybe, this year, some of us could even “adopt” a sister or brother, and pay a spare per capita.

I know we ask for money a lot. This time, we’re asking for a little. That 7¢ can really make a big difference. Thanks a million. God loves you. Me too! PK

God loves you. Me too! - Pastor Kev

SPECIAL PEOPLE

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Don Farrar, experiencing back problems.

Marj Tarvid (Pastor Kevin’s mom), whose health continues to decline.

Ruth Lefevre & family. Ruth’s sister, Marion, passed away recently, at the age of 101. Her cousin, Anne, (age 99) died the same week.

Jeri Gamache, whose terrible cough continues; she’s dealing with symptoms which have her doctors mystified.

That we received Cary & Lisa Pope (with Victoria and Alexzandrea) into member-ship on February 4. Welcome!

For Barb Brunett, whose recent medical test went well.

That our outstanding HANDBELL CHOIR gave such a lovely & moving performance at the Ash Wednesday service at Forest Park church. It was a complex piece which required much hard work, & the “ringers” impressed all who were present with their excellence & dedication. Thanks, to all “ringers” & director Pam Leintz. We are so blessed by your presence with us!

That Pastor Kevin & Sally were among the 28 couples who renewed their wedding vows Feb. 10, at “I Left My Heart on Broad Street”, the Greendale celebration of Valentine’s Day. Pastor Kev led a renewal worship before vows were exchanged. He admits that it seemed a bit unusual, to be performing his own wedding, -- but it was a wonderful experience for all who attended. Sue & Larry Smith also renewed their vows, & loved every minute!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

March 12 - Barb Brunett

15 - Norma Martin

16 - Matthew Arenz

17 - Zack Miklautsch & Joyce

Saugstad

20 - Eric Arenz

24 -Bobbie Griffith & Jeff

Weber

27 - Joanne Haschker

29 - Libbie Jansen

31 - Jean Seiberlich

22 - Lynn Heinrich

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

March 19 - Kerstin & Dan Lefevre

20 - Toni & Larry Jansen

27 - Laurie & Tony Elliott

GREETERS:

Mar 11 - Joyce Zeeb

Mar 18 - Ruth & Stu Lefevre

Mar 25 - Kerstin & Dan Lefevre

Apr 1- Joanne & Bill Haschker

A WORLD OF THANKS TO:

Ed Griffith, who was able to clear a serious jam in the office saddle stapler.& paper shredder.

and ...

Emily Barber, who provided the Feb. 18 Adult Discussion Group with an “inside look” at her trip to China.

and ...

Rebecca Hilson, from the Wisconsin Tissue Bank, who spoke with our Adult Class about the gift of tissue donation.

and ...

All the folks who received training for Sportservice at Miller Park on Feb. 25.

and ...

JR & Heather Saugstad, for scheduling the training.

and ...

Phyllis Shudy, who willingly filled in for organist, “Sheri Music”, when she was ill on Feb. 11.

and ...

The Popes, who provided a delicious cake for us to enjoy during Fellowship Time on Feb. 4.

and ...

Gail & Dick Kloes, office volunteers of the very highest order!

ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP

Mar 11 - Pastor Kevin is today’s discussion leader.

Mar 18 - Guest Speaker

Dr. Michael Tremba presents the second in his 2-part nutrition series. Topic: “Foods By God”. The 1^st part, “Foods By Humans” was a most absorbing presentation; be here for this one!

Mar 25 - Bob Connolly , from Greater Milwaukee Sponsors, is guest leader today. PLEASE NOTE: The Youth Class will meet with the Adult Class, for this presentation.

April 1 - Sue Smith facilitates the discussion this morning.

THE CENTER for EVERY DAY SPIRITUALITY at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church has scheduled it’s “First Annual conference”, to take place here on Saturday, March 24, from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

The focus is on the strange & wonderful creature called the human, & all the things humans need to be spiritually whole. There’s registration (with coffee, juice & donuts) from 8:30 - 9:00 AM, followed by a “Welcome & Devotion time” from 9:00 - 9:15. There are 3 workshops by the Center’s staff members at 9:20; an additional 3 workshops are offered at 10:40. There’s a light lunch from 11:50 - 12:30, followed by Pastor Kevin & Sally Tarvid’s Keynote presentation: “Healthy Relationships: Couples, Kin, Congregation, Community. Registration ($15.00 for one, but it’s “buy one, get one at half price”) forms are available at the church; deadline is dunay, March 18! Plan to attend & bring LOTS of friends!

USE YOUR TALENTS TO HELP THE CHURCH

We are not asking you to preach a sermon or sing a solo, but we have eliminated the staff position of Church Custodian, and we need your help to keep the church clean. You may not be able to provide as much financial support as you’d like, and this is another way to support the church. We provide the equipment & instructions, & you provide the labor. See a Session member if you have any questions, but DO sign up on the sheet in the back of the sanctuary. OPERATING IN A VACUUM?? We are in need of an additional vacuum

cleaner. If you would like to donate money toward one, please put money in an envelope marked “vacuum”, & place in the collection plate OR if you wish to purchase a vacuum, please give the good news to Ed Griffith.

THE BETHLEHEM STARS will be singing on the on both Palm Sunday AND Easter, so we’re hoping “Star’s” Parents will make every effort to get their youngsters to practice on March 18, 25, & April 1. Pam will be away on March 11, so there’s no practice that day. That makes it even MORE important to have the kids here the following three Sundays. It’s such a great group of children, who add so much to our worship THANKS!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT is coming on Saturday, March 24. Time, as usual, will be from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Final plans are still being made, but it will PROBABLY be a “pizza night” once again. Watch our Sunday bulletin for additional announcements, or call the church office for details. Be sure to bring your favorite games, your family & friends, & the desire to HAVE FUN!

Eighteen people attended the Feb. 11 wine tasting & raised $180 for the church! It was great fun, & very educational, as well! Thanks to all who participated!

Session has asked that we repeat the following column, which appeared in our January issue of The Messenger.

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!

The “HABITAT” CHRISTMAS TREE raised a total of $576, thanks to donations from our generous congregation. A check in that amount has been sent to Habitat for Humanity. We have received a note from them, acknowledging the donation.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING As of Feb. 13, over $6.3 million dollars had been raised by the Souper Bowl of Caring, for its fight against hunger. Along with churches of other denominations, 2,900 Presbyterian churches were registered to participate in the 2007 event . The Presbyterians churches hoped to reach a goal of $1.4 million. The caring congregation here at GAPC contributed $224 on Feb. 4 & we’re so appreciative! Thank you!

SYOND SCHOOL will be held July 22-27, 2007 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Our catalog & registration materials should arrive in the next few weeks. Workshops will include “Writing Your spiritual Autobiography”; “Finding Meaning from Change” ; “Being Community in an Individualistic World” and LOTS more. Save the dates, & “stay tuned to this station,” for further information.

The Dollars & Sense of Giving:

Do you or will you need income? The National Presbytery Foundation can help you with a charitable gift annuity. In exchange for your irrevocable gift, the Foundation agrees to pay you and/or your loved one a payment for life. Payments can also be deferred to be timed with other events such as retirement.

Some planners believe that 40% of your retirement should be in fixed guaranteed payments.

At the time of the gift, the maximum fixed payment is determined by the age of the person or persons to be paid. The charitable contribution can be claimed in the year the gift is made.

After your lifetime, the remainder interest in the gift annuity becomes available for the ministry you designate.

Call me for details. I can help.

Happy Giving

Sue Pope CLU, ChFC

Securities and investment advisory service offered through Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” the lawyer asked Jesus.

Jesus explained that the road to life goes through our neighbors. First, we must love God. Next, love our neighbor. “If you do this, you will live.”

“Who is my neighbor?” the lawyer responded.

What comes next, in

Luke 10, is the familiar & much-loved tale of “the Good Samaritan.”

Our salvation is not a private peace we can negotiate with God. It requires our being involved with one another. And in “the Good Samaritan”, Jesus makes it clear that “one another” does not just mean the people who live next door or around the corner. It means whoever is in need.

One Great Hour of Sharing is one of the ways in which we reach beyond our own experience to the needs of others, needs we may never have seen first hand. Surely, it is one of the ways we share the love of God with others. In recognizing our own face in that of the thousands fleeing genocide in Darfur; in the victims of famine in Somalia; victims of tsunamis, of hurricanes, of war when we experience the recognition of God in each other, when we share God’s love with one another, in the words of a Presbyterian Disaster Assistance worker in New Orleans, then “we are most fully ourselves.”

The One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is accepted any Sunday during the Lenten season. Through our donations to this offering, we have the opportunity to reach out in love to neighbors around the world. OGHS envelopes are n the pews.

ON THE FUNNY SIDE OF OUR STREET

People love to share “bulletin bloopers” with folks who work in church offices they are always great fun, & often hilarious. They are sentences which actually appeared in church bulletins around the U.S., or were announced in church services. Sometimes, they’re plain old “typos” (typographical errors); other times we read them, re-read them, & still say, “Huh? HOW is that supposed to read?” Just when your editor thinks she’s heard them all, a few new ones arrive to bring laughter. Enjoy.

“The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water”.

The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus”.

“John & Susan met in the field and had two children, Scott & Elizabeth.”

“Hymn: When We All Get to Heave”

‘”The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.”

End Response: “Arise, Shine, Your Ride Has Come”

“Hey, Small Group Leaders -- having a small group get-together? The “Burnt Offerings” ministry group would like to cook & serve you at the Donaldson’s home.”

“Come, All Christians, Be Committeed” (that must have been a Presbyterian bulletin).

“Trustees Report Item 3: There’s a loud noise coming from the ladies restroom.”

“All quilters are welcome to come gather around the guilt frame.”

“Vicki will recruit ladies to pass out on Sunday morning.”

Hymn: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Blow”

“Anyone wishing more information on being baptized in the Holy Spit should contact the church office.”

And some messages not just seen, but photographed (for documentation purposes) on church marquees:

At St. Cyril of Alexandria’s Catholic Church: “Staying in bed shouting, ‘O God, it’s morning’ does NOT constitute going to church.”

At Claude Presbyterian Church: “There Are Some Questions that can’t be answered by Google.”

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

“God so loved the world that he did NOT send a committee”

Donelson View Baptist Church: “Forgive your enemies -- it messes with their heads.

At the Neighborhood Christian Center: “ Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.”

And then, there’s the case of the little boy whose Sunday School teacher asked:

“Now, Simon, tell me honestly. Do you say prayers before eating?”

Simon replied: “No, Mrs. Wilson, I don’t have to, because my mom is a good cook!”

EVANGELISM

Defined as “to spread the news of the gospel.”

THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE EVANGELISM COMMITTEE

Now that I have your attention, this letter is for each and every member of the church. It is our duty and our pleasure for ALL of us to be spreading the good news of the gospel. This means that no matter what we do, at home, at work, at school, at the grocery store we are all leading our society and evangelizing in the course of our daily life. This means that by being YOU, you are a member of the church’s evangelism committee, and by simply being you (no more time required), the world is a better place. Thank You!

If for some reason this note comes as a surprise, good. Our church, yes our church has a lot of wonderful events, functions and opportunities to serve. Spread the word and lend a hand... whatever you can do!!

Remember we are a family, yes a family. We are all Gods children. We need to remember that we may not always agree with something that our family members may say or do (members, staff, and pastor). That is O.K and wonderful; God has given us the blessing of being individuals and when we come together as a church family we make group decisions for the majority. Remember though that as a family, we might not agree with your opinion, but we appreciate it and most definitely love our siblings. This is our church home, visit often!

Volunteers are needed to actively serve on the Evangelism committee, for Miller Park, for coffee fellowship, for greeters, for church clean-up, etc - please volunteer.

Thank You!

Your evangelism committee

MARCH, 2007

CALENDAR

Mon Mar 5 - Pastor Kevin away until Wed. PM

6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Wed Mar 7 6:00 PM - Personnel Committee

6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thurs Mar 8 1:30 PM - PACE meets

7:00 PM - Friends of MS

Sun Mar 11 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Chili Mac

After Church Café

Mon Mar 12 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

7:15 PM - Resources meets

Wed Mar 14 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thur Mar 15 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sat Mar 17 Marriage of Cary Pope & Lisa Carletto

Sun Mar 18 10:40 AM - Dr Michael Tremba talks

to the Adult Discussion Group.*

Mon Mar 19 - 9:00 AM - Deadline for March

NEWSLETTER *

6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Wed Mar 21 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells &

Chancel Choir

Thurs Mar 22 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sat Mar 24 8:30 AM - Our FIRST ANNUALLLL

HEALTH & WELLNESS CONFERENCE

(see green insert in front of Messenger)

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Family Fun Night *

Sun Feb 25 9:30 AM - Bob Connolly presents

Minute for Mission & at

10:45 AM talks with Adult Class

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

Tue Mar 27 6:30 PM - Deacons meet

Wed Mar 28 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Bells & Choir

Thur Mar 29 1:30 PM - PACE

Fri Mar 30 6:00 PM - Set Up for Pancake

Breakfast

Sat Mar 31 - 7:30 AM - 18^TH ANNUAL GREAT

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Session

Partnerships meet in the library

Sun April 1 9:30 AM - Communion Worship (&

Bethlehem Stars Sing *)

Can it be here already? Is it possible? DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins on SUNDAY, MARCH 11 !! Be sure to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour (“spring forward” is the rule of thumb that helps us remember) before you go to bed on March 10! You’d hate to show up an hour late for worship!