MARCH, 2008

THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1455 s. 97^th 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

March 9 - April 6, 2008

Sun March 9 - 9:30 AM 5^th Sunday in Lent

First Reading: Ezekiel 37: 1-14

Second Reading: John 11:1-45

Sermon: “Lord, If You Had Been There ”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:: Sue Smith

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz

Sun March 16 - 9:30 AM Palm/Passion Sunday

First Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Second Reading: Matthew 27:32-54

Sermon: “The Rhythm of Three Parades

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Youth

Ushers: Libbie Jansen; JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Sun March 23 - 9:30 AM THE LORD IS RISEN!

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-6

Second Reading: John 20:1-18

Sermon: “The First Apostle!”

Liturgist /Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

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

Sun March 30 - 9:30 AM

First Reading: John 20:19-31

Second Reading: 1^st Peter 1:3-9

Sermon: “Protected By The Power of God”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Terry Arenz

Ushers: Sherman & Sally Stock, Tom Liempeck &

Marv Saugstad

Sun April 6 - 9:30 AM - Communion Worship

Servers: Barb B, Laurie Kadunc, Judy O, Heather

First Reading: John 9:1-11

Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

Sermon: “You Are Light!”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message: Laurie Kadunc

Ushers: Gail Kloes, Jenny Lefevre, L & P Anderson

HOLY WEEK EVENTS

Thursday, March 20 -Maundy Thursday

Worship at 7:30 PM at

Heritage Presbyterian, Muskego (Sunnyslope Rd. & College Ave.)

Fri., Mar. 21 - Noon - We’ll have a

1-hour Good Friday service

here at GAPC

Sat., Mar. 22 - 9:00 AM - Set up

for Easter Breakfast

Sun. Mar 23 - 8:00 AM - EASTER

BREAKFAST

About Easter Breakfast -L.B. Smith & Dick Kloes are in charge of this delicious occasion, & promise a scrumptious egg dish with juice, coffee, milk, rolls, donut holes, all for the extraordinary price of $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for kids under 12. As usual, we’ll begin at 8:00 AM, but we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets well in advance, so we know how many folks to plan for! We’re recruiting VOLUNTEERS to help in the kitchen by pouring coffee, washing dishes, helping with clean-up, etc. Are YOU able to pitch in? Thank you!

THE 19TH ANNUAL GREAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS COMING ON SAT., MARCH 29!!!! It begins at 7:30 AM & runs right up to 11:00 AM !!!

For the BARGAIN PRICE of $4.00 for adults, & $2.50 for children under age 12, you can enjoy All-U-Can-Eat pancakes & syrup; applesauce, sausages, coffee, juices, milk, PLUS the warm, friendly environment of our Jack Reichert Hall!

J T Gall is in charge of the kitchen; many years of experience qualify him to be designated “Chief Pancake Flipper”. He needs many willing helpers, of course! Sign-up sheets may be found on the table at the rear of the sanctuary, where you can indicate how you’ll help out! One of the very BEST ways to help, of course, is to INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW to come & enjoy this tasty morning of great food & fellowship! There’s always lots of good conversation to accompany the meal!

Tickets are available in advance AND at the door. Why not make a list of everyone you’d like to invite & then ask them? WORD-OF-MOUTH is still one of the

VERY BEST ADVERTISING METHODS!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

Easter is the day we accept the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering, & 2008 marks the 60^th year many of our Presbyterian congregations have participated. During this time, the offering has become a symbol of Presbyterian ecumenical commitment. We work with many other denominations to produce resources interpreting the offering. Each denomination then decides how to use it. Presbyterians support it generously, giving about as much as all the other One Great Hour of Sharing denominations put together!

That support makes a tremendous difference to people around the world who are experiencing need. Many have been thrust into that experience by sudden catastrophe -- war, flood, fire -- while others have gotten so familiar with need they can’t imagine a world of plenty.

The ministries of One Great Hour of Sharing (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Self-Development of People, & the Presbyterian Hunger Program) provide a range of responses that quickly address the most immediate & urgent needs while working patiently, in partnership with those in need, to address the underlying causes of chronic problems.

Special bulletin inserts during the month of March will explain a few of the many ways the One Great Hour of Sharing offering has changed so many lives. Pew envelopes are available for this offering, all during the Lenten Season. Thanks for Sharing!

FROM OUR PASTOR

Peace, Loved Ones

As I write, I’m looking out over Honey Creek Parkway onto a most snowy, icy landscape.

You know, except for those two years way down south in Louisville for Seminary, I have been a true blue cheesehead all my life.

I’ve seen some impressive winters - that one just seven or eight years ago was pretty special, but by this time spring was all around us, the snow and bitter cold was nothing but an unpleasant memory.

I think the zenith of winters was the one of ’59, when I was just five years old. I remember that one snow drift was so high, I was able to climb it and get on the roof of our garage. My parents couldn’t believe that A) I was able to sneak away undetected, and B) I didn’t fall through the drift and bury myself in the snow!

It just seems to me that winter was a lot more fun back then - toboggans, and skating ponds, later snowmobiles and cross country skis. Now the winter is much more about snow removal, and the aches and pains that come with all that. Now, the winter is more about the danger of slip and fall. Way back then, that was part of the fun. No longer!

So, to borrow a phrase from Shakespeare and John Steinbeck, this has become my “winter of discontent.” I know not everyone shares my feelings, but come on - enough is enough. I want green grass, blue skies, leaves gently rustling in the soft, warm, breeze. What I want is new life!

I’m always struck by the connection with the seasons of life, and the seasons of our faith.

Just as, it seems, the earth comes back to life, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and the new life we celebrate in Christ!

The dark and cold of the winter, and of the tomb, are broken into billion particles of warmth, and light. No matter how cold the world has been, the love of God melts away the pain, and brings the Sonshine!!! Here. Join us!

God Loves You - Your Faith Family, too!

- Pastor Kev

SPECIAL PEOPLE

The Tarvid family, on the Feb. 10 death of Pastor Kevin’s mother, Marj Tarvid.

Dick Kloes, hospitalized at West Allis Memorial on Feb. 23. He underwent gall bladder surgery Feb. 26, & was transferred to St. Luke’s on Feb. 27 due to cardiac irregularities. He had a catherization procedure the next day, & was scheduled to come home March 2 or 3.

Lillian Anderson, looking well, but with continuing health problems.

Joanne Jakubowski, whose knee replacement surgery went well. She’s recovering nicely, we’re told.

Bill Haschker, coping with a painful case of shingles.

Lorraine Beining, now at the Lutheran Home, at 76^th & North Avenue.

The Martin family, on the recent death of Nicole’s Aunt Joan.

Adam Jansky, injured in a car accident on the morning of Feb. 24. We’re thankful that his injuries do not appear to be too serious.

And continued prayers for:

All who are under-the-weather with seasonal viruses

Donna Saugstad

Our shut-in folks

For JJ Saugstad & Kevin Kadunc (& their proud families!) JJ & Kevin were inducted into the National Honor Society at Nathan Hale High School on Feb. 20. CONGRATULATIONS to these two fine young men! We’re all so proud of you!

Julie & Bob Williams, whose new baby should have arrived by the time the newsletter is distributed. (A Caesarean was anticipated on Feb. 29.)

That Adam Jansky recently received an important promotion at work.

Have you seen the photo board in the narthex, with pictures of the Becky Leintz-Gene Pope wedding? (Since it was in Atlanta on Oct. 20 last year, the church family was delighted to be able to enjoy the event vicariously.) What a beautiful bride!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

March 3 - Holly Weber

12 - Barb Brunett

16 - Matthew Arenz

17 - Joyce Saugstad &

Zach Miklautsch

20 - Eric Arenz

24 - Bobbie Griffith &

Jeff Weber

27 - Joanne Haschker

29 - Libbie Jansen

31 - Jean Seiberlich

April 1 - Trevor Buchholz

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

March 17 - Cary & Lisa Pope

19 - Kerstin & Dan Lefevre

20 - Toni & Larry Jansen

27 - Laurie & Tony Elliott

A Ground Floor Spiritual Opportunity!!!

Wonder-Full Wednesdays

6:00 PM - Fellowship Meal

6:30 - Choir Practice

(Bell or Chancel)

6:30 - Discussion Groups

Faith and Life

8:00 - Wednesday Worship

Contemporary - Prayerful - Powerful

Join Us!!! Invite Your Friends!!!

THANKS A BUNCH TO

Sandy Reichert, who monitored the church phone & took care of some important details while Pastor Kevin & Administrative Assistant Sue Smith were away in February. Sandy also assembled this newsletter, while the Kloes’ are recovering from surgery & viruses.

and ...

Everyone on the Peace & Justice Committee, who prepared such wonderful soups (& provided sandwich “fixin’s”) for the church family to enjoy for their “After Church Café to Benefit Peace & Justice” on Feb. 24. Thanks, also, to everyone who stayed to enjoy the feast! We raised $244.00!

and ...

Laurie Karrels, for doing such a beautiful job as Flower Chairperson over the past few years.

and ...

The Southminster Church Youth Music Ministry, whose outstanding musical presentation here on Feb. 10 drew rave reviews!

and ...

Pastor Kevin, who talked with our Adult Discussion Group about “The Meaning of Membership” on Feb. 10. We’re delighted to report that there were many, many of our folks present!

and ...

Everyone who attended the Family Fun Night on Feb. 23 -- & to our Evangelism Committee, who made it happen!

and ...

Those preparing food for our Wednesday evening Lenten meals.

and ...

All who attended Church Leader Training Day at Carroll College on Feb. 16.

and ...

Those who made donations to the church in memory of Marj Tarvid.

Adult Discussion Group

March 9 & March 16 - Sue Smith is discussion leader. Topics to be announced.

March 23 - Easter Sunday there are NO Sunday School classes for ANY age group.

GREETERS:

Mar. 9 - Kerstin & Dan Lefevre Mar 30 - Kay & Chuck Barber

Mar. 16 - Joyce Zeeb April 6 - RuthMary Gamache

Mar. 23 - Arliss & Hugh Evans

SPECIAL NOTE: On Sundays when a special luncheon (such as the Peace & Justice After Church Café; the Peacemaking Luncheon; Annual Meeting Pot Luck, etc.), are scheduled, our Sunday morning coffee fellowships will be held in the narthex. That way, we can continue to enjoy our coffee time, but won’t be in the way of those preparing the luncheons.

DIRECTORY CHANGE - We recently sent several letters to Corrine Reichert, a treasured friend of the church, which were returned to us by the post office as being “undeliverable”. We’ve just learned that we should REMOVE her Florida address from the church directory. Any correspondence for Corrine should be sent to her Illinois address, (correctly listed in our 2008 church directory). We’re sorry for the confusion that having two addresses for her may have caused, & we apologize to Corrine that her mail from us has been delayed!

A NOTE from PAM - We received an email from Pam Leintz, who says: “There’s good news! I’ve accepted a full time position at Georgia State University. I’ll be the new administrative secretary for the School of Music. How perfect is that? I’ll be staying in higher ed, and I’ll be “doing” music! I’m very excited! Thank you so much for your support [for all the “good vibes” during my prolonged job search]. You’re the best. Peace. Pam”

COMMITTEE MEMBERS for 2008 - At the January 29 Annual Meeting, Jeff Dickson, Dan Lefevre, Nicole Martin & Sue Pope were elected as members of the Nominating Committee.

Elder members of our other committees are as follows:

Nurture & Christian Education Committee: Laurie Kadunc,

chairperson; Lori Johnson & Sally Tarvid.

Peace & Justice Committee:

Barbara Brunett, chairperson; Judy Dickson & Ed Griffith

Resources Committee:

Ed Griffith, Chairperson; Kerstin Lefevre, Pat Sczypiorski, & Larry Smith

Evangelism Committee:

Heather Saugstad, chairperson; Kerstin Lefevre, & Kay Ulma

Health & Wellness Committee:

Sally Tarvid, chairperson; & Larry Smith.

Personnel Committee:

Judy Dickson, chairperson; Barb Brunett, Lori Johnson, Kay Ulma & Heather Saugstad

Nominating Committee:

Pat Sczypiorski, chairperson; & Larry Smith.

THANKS to all these good folks for their willingness to serve their church in this capacity.

WANTED: FLOWER CHAIRPERSON

As noted in last month’s issue of “The Messenger”, we’re in need of a volunteer to serve as “Flower Chairperson.” Laurie Karrels has retired from that position, & of course, we need someone to take over. It entails selecting our Easter Lily plants; Christmas poinsettias; having a single red rose at the church on mornings when there’s a baptism; & getting flowers or plants for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, & other occasions when we need “real” flora & fauna in worship.

If you are interested in helping the church in this way, please speak with Laurie Kadunc, chairperson of the Nurture/CE Committee, or Pastor Kevin. Do consider it it’s a wonderful way to help your church, & for those who have a talent with flowers, it’s a great creative outlet!

Special thanks to our custodial volunteers for February. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Arliss & Hugh Evans, the Alan Arenz family, Ed & Bobbie Griffith; Barb & Bud Brunett, Deanna DeTroye-Brown, & Phyllis Shudy.

MILLER PARK DATES - Lots of workers have been trained to staff Sportservice Booths at Miller Park this spring BUT we need ADDITIONAL folks to be trained to help out! Please speak with JR Saugstad, to learn details & dates of future training sessions. His cell phone # is 414-870-2752. Also, one of the dates we’d announced that we’d be working isn’t going to fit the schedule, so we’ll be choosing another date. JR has sign-up sheets available it’s such fun, & such an EXCELLENT fund raising effort plan to take part!

SYNOD SCHOOL is scheduled to begin on July 27 this year, and conclude on August 1!! It’s at Buena Vista University (one of our good Presbyterian schools) in Storm Lake, Iowa, & is an annual midsummer ministry of the Synod of Lakes & Prairies of the P.C. (U.S.A.) It’s for laity, clergy, families, singles, children, and youth, offering fun & mind-stretching courses, worship & singing, & times for both fellowship & quiet reflection.

There are over 60 courses offered! Among them are Bible studies (including “Putting on the Spectacles of Scripture” and “Bible Study for Dummies”); a class in belly dancing (move over, Fatima!); “Blessings and Curses: Our Cultural Differences, Faith, Money and Relationships”; & “Introduction to Islam”. And, there are classes for leader development, plus a host of others! Daily convocation speaker is Scott Nesbitt, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, IA, who’s also a popular Bible study & theology teacher. “Coloring Outside the Lines” is the theme of this year’s school, (& isn’t it sometimes fun to do just that?) Catalogs & registration materials will be here early this month. Check them out, & discover Synod School! (Phyllis Shudy will be glad to tell you of her experiences there!)

MARCH, 2008

CALENDAR

Mon Mar 3 6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

7:15 PM - CE/Nurture Committee

7:15 PM - Health & Wellness

Wed March 5 6:00 PM - Lenten Meal

6:30 PM - Chancel Choir practice

8:00 PM - Lenten worship

Thurs Mar 6 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Mar 9 2:00 AM - Daylight time begins *

Mon Mar 10 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Tues Mar 11 7:00 PM - Resources Committee

Wed Mar 12 6:00 PM - Lenten Meal

6:30 PM - Handbells practice

8:00 PM - Lenten worship

Thur Mar 13 1:30 PM - PACE meets

7:00 PM - Friends of MS meets

Sun Mar 16 9:30 AM - Palm/Passion Sunday - Our children & youth help with morning worship

Mon Mar 17 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Wed Mar 29 6:30 PM - Chancel Choir practice

Thur Mar 20 1:30 PM - PACE meets

7:30 PM - Maundy Thursday worship at Forest Park PC in New Berlin *

Fri Mar 21 12:00 Noon 1:00 PM - Good Friday

worship service, here at GAPC

Sat Mar 22 9:00 AM - Set-up for Easter Breakfast

Sun Mar 23 8:00 AM - Easter Breakfast

9:30 AM - Easter Worship!

Mon Mar 24 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

Tues Mar 25 7:00 PM - Session meets

Wed Mar 26 - NO BELL OR CHOIR PRACTICE

Thurs Mar 27 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Fri Mar 28 6:00 PM - Set up for Pancake Breakfast

Sat Mar 29 ** 7:30 - 11:00 AM - The 19^th Annual Great Pancake Breakfast **

Sun Mar 2 9:30 AM - Communion worship

It’s not to late to send some mail to our Marine recruit, PETER JANSEN, who’s in basic training in California. Until the end of the month, here’s what you’ll need to know: letters or notes, all positive in attitude, should be sent to:

Jansen, Peter, T.

3^rd BN Lima Company Plt 3242

39000 Midway Ave., Unit 5

San Diego, CA 92140-5535

Be sure to address it EXACTLY as it appears above, or we’re told he won’t receive it.

Let’s shower Peter with mail, letting him know that we’re thinking of him, keeping him in our prayers!

* Article about event appears in newsletter.

**