Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

Our Midweek Worships continue on Thursday evenings, at 7:00 PM. It’s the perfect time

to experience a more “contemporary” worship service, as well as providing an opportunity for those who can’t be here on Sunday morning to take part in a service! There’s a bit of study, with thought-provoking conversations, & the feeling of fulfillment that comes with from sharing worship in a faith community. Invite your friends to come with you!

“AFTER CHURCH CAFÉ” is coming up on March 14, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, in Jack Reichert Hall. It’s a fund-raising effort of our Peace & Justice Committee, & features a choice of several WONDERFUL home-made soups, plus build-your-own sandwiches, beverages, & cookies & bars. Cost is just $5.50 for adults & $2.50 for children. Our P & J Committee works with SO many worth-while groups: (Interfaith for the Elderly, West Central branch; a literacy program; support for Good Samaritan Outreach Center and for the Guest House; Amnesty, International, to name just a few.) WOW! Your patronage at the café helps us provide assistance for these & other important organizations.

THE CHURCH YOUTH will lead Seder worship on Thurs., March 25, at 7:00 PM in Jack Reichert Hall. It’s a traditional Jewish celebration of Passover, filled with meaning for Christians, as well. If you’ve not previously experienced a Seder, you’ll find it especially compelling ... do come share this special time with us.

MAUNDY THURSDAY Worship will take place on April 1, at Heritage Presbyterian Church

in Muskego (Sunny Slope Rd. & College Ave.), at 7:30 PM. It’s a combined worship experience with GAPC, Forest Park, & Faith Presbyterian Churches joining Heritage. Be with us in this time of worship & reflection.

Here we are, knee deep in Lent! As we prepare for the coming of the Resurrection, we seek ways to deepen our faith and strengthen our spiritual lives.

So, here’s a challenge for us. Actually, I’m thinking that this is THE challenge for us in 2010. In our day and age, somewhere between 60 and 90% of people choose to be elsewhere when a community of faith gathers for worship, fellowship and service.

Why do you suppose that is? There’s a whole train of thought out there in Fundamentaland that suggests that the problem is that these folks are flawed in some spiritual way. In other words, the problem is with the people, and not the church.

Others suggest, that especially with all the bad press the church has received in recent years, it is because the church has become morally bankrupt.

Some suggest that the reasons are somewhat simpler, like church is boring, the language used is weird, and churches just aren’t friendly enough.

I think that there are a million reasons for the mess we find ourselves in. My hope and prayer is that we will continue to figure out how to be as warm, welcoming and helpful as possible to people. I figure, the more faithful we are, the more the church will thrive. And the angels will smile… God loves you. Me too!

EASTER BREAKFAST is at 8:00 AM on Sun., April 4, featuring our favorite egg dish,

donut holes, rolls, cereal, juice, milk, coffee ... as always, it will be absolutely DELICIOUS! Dick Kloes & L.B. Smith & their helpers work hard to provide church family & friends with this tasty prelude to our joyous Easter celebration. We’ll need a few “assistants”, to help with set-up (9:00 AM on Apr. 3); serving coffee & clean-up that morning ... there’ll be a sign-up sheet at the rear of the sanctuary. Funds realized go to help support our YOUTH GROUP ... so we hope EVERYONE will plan to attend, savor the food, & share in the spirit! Tickets are $5.00 for adults; $2.50 for kids under 12; family $12.50 (“family” consists of parent(s) & minor children living in the home.)

scheduled for Sat., April 10, from 7:30 - 11:00 AM. JT Gall is in charge of this once-a-year feast, which offers all-u-can-eat pancakes & toppings, sausage, juices, apple sauce, plus coffee, tea or milk. Can you believe it’s really been twenty-one years? Time really DOES fly, when you’re having fun, & hosting this meal IS lots of fun! It’s also a fund-raising effort, so PLEASE INVITE LOTS OF FOLKS TO BE WITH US, & HELP US SPREAD THE WORD.

HELP GAPC WORK at MILLER PARK SPORTSEVRVICE during MILWAUKEE BREWER GAMES! Many, many folks are needed for this project; the church receives a percentage of profits from “our” food booths! We must receive training before we can work; Kerstin Lefevre can give you training dates, times, & the dates we’ll be working. It’s a vitally important part of our effort to raise funds to help the church budget!

Pat Dentice, a former member at GAPC, passed away in Sun City, AZ on Feb. 16. Pastor Kevin led a memorial service for Pat at GAPC on Feb. 24. Our deepest sympathy for husband Frank, & the family.

Judy Dickson came home from the hospital on Feb. 14, following successful knee replacement surgery. She’s working hard at physical therapy.

Laurie Karrels Feb. 10 shoulder surgery was successful, but her sensitivity to pain medications makes her recovery less than pleasant. She developed a nasty cold, on top of it all ... may she feel better, soon!

Hilda Czaplewski is back in worship with us, recovering from the blood clot she experienced last month.

Lin Bradley endured a painful case of shingles, in addition to her ongoing health challenges.

In the birth of Greta Sue Reichert, to Tom & Erin Reichert of Rosemount, MN, on Feb. 9. The baby weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 oz., & was 21-1/2” long. Grandma Sandy Reichert is all smiles, & reports that the new little one “has lots of hair, & good lungs!” Best wishes to all! Greta is the first child for Erin & Tom.

For Rachel Schmeling, who moved to Florida on Feb. 11. Rachel will begin a culinary apprenticeship at Universal Studios & attend the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Both the apprenticeship & college are full time, so we expect Rachel will be in class & kitchen 7 days a week from about 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 at night, (with a few breaks in between). What better way to spend your time than doing what you love? Her goal is to become a Master Chef! (Rachel already channels the spirit of Julia Child, including her love of butter.) She will live in the Orlando area for 18 months.

That Patrice Schwabe knows CPR! Patrice recently saved a life, at Southridge Mall. We’re so proud of her!

For Becky Schmeling & Jeremy Huck, first-time homeowners. They’re busy “getting everything in shape”. CONGRATULATIONS!

Former member Joanne Bennett sends greetings & love to the church family from her Anchorage, Alaska, home. She reports that she & Brian are enjoying the winter there (went snowmobiling 2 weeks ago ...) We miss you both, Joanne!

Our Leah Karrels is one of six students at Underwood Elementary School in Wauwatosa who created a script titled, “Take Action, Be Assertive”! for the Time Warner Cable “Hang Tough” Video Contest for 2009-2010. Over 2,000 students from 70 public, private & parochial schools submitted more than 600 entries, & the script submitted by Underwood is one of 20 finalists! Each finalist school’s 30-second public service announcement will be produced with the guidance of a Time Warner Cable producer/director & will be cablecast 20 times a day on over 20 cable networks, such as USA, CNN, MTV, ESPN & Nichelodeon for one week. All of the finalists & their classmates will be invited to attend the Time Warner Cable “Hang Tough Video Contest Awards” premier in April at MATC’s Cooley Auditorium to announce the winners of this year’s contests. Great job, Leah! We wish Underwood School the very best!

For the Pope/Leintz family. Pam Leintz writes that Mikala Sue Pope was baptized on Dec. 27, at the Georgia church of her parents Becky (Leintz) & Gene Pope. Pam & Ed send good wishes for the new year ... & miss us, though they’re very happy in Georgia.

NOTES OF THANKS ...

Judy Dickson sends warm greetings, and says: “Many, many thanks to all the folks in the church family for the prayers, cards, calls & concern expressed during my knee replacement surgery & period of recovery. You are such a caring “family”, & your love & support means more than you can know.” She adds that she’ll be back with us in worship as soon as her “new” knee bends a bit better.

Louise Berte writes: “Thank you to all my dear Friends at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church, who sent me cards, notes, & phone calls

for my 90^th birthday. I was so pleased; it was so special to me!”

Deacon’s Moderator for 2010 is Larry Jansen. Thanks to Bobbie Griffith & Kristina Tarvid, who have served as Deacon’s co-chairpersons for the past several years. Bobbie & Kristina continue their work as active Deacons. Sandy Reichert continues as Member Care coordinator. The Deacons will be presenting a “Minute for Mission” just prior to worship on the third Sunday of each month.

It’s not too late to get tickets for “The Wizard of Oz”, the Nathan Hale H.S. production starringMelissa Gall as “Dorothy”! It’s being presented the first 2 weekends of March ...you can order advance tickets through proud father JT Gall, or you may purchase them at the door. (It might be good to order in advance, though, for it COULD be a sell-out!) Melissa or JT will be glad to provide additional details.

Our generous congregation, for you donated $205 on “Souper Bowl Sunday”. The money will be given to the food pantry at Good Samaritan Outreach Center.

Bob Huck, Mike Schmeling, Alan & Eric Arenz, & Ed Griffith, who cleared sidewalks of snow during February.

“Fab 4” church members who attended Ash Wednesday worship. These good folks donated a total of $175 to support youth who wish to attend the 2010 Youth Triennium at Purdue University July 20-24.

Janice Borkenhagen, who filled in as “guest organist” Feb. 21, while Loretta Nalencz enjoyed a well-deserved day off.

Terry Arenz, who prepared charts on display in Jack Reichert Hall, which explain just how much money the church receives back from SCRIP sales. It’s an important part of our fund-raising effort, which can be even MORE successful as members plan ahead, & order scrip from the MANY merchants who take part in the program.

Gail & Dick Kloes, our Super-Star office volunteers, who continue to be SOOOO helpful!

FLOWERS for EASTER - We’ll be offering a variety of plants you may order to decorate our sanctuary for Easter this year: Easter lilies, chrysanthemums, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, hydrangeas and Asiatic lilies. Because some folks tell us they’ve forgotten what they ordered, the names of those who wish to take their plants home after the worship on Easter morning will be attached to the plants. Order forms can be found on the table in the narthex, & will also be included in bulletins through the deadline date for orders, which is Sun., Mar. 21, 2010. PLEASE be sure to indicate whether you wish to take your plant home, or leave it in the sanctuary to beautify worship in coming weeks. THANK YOU!

The MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS face off against the Peoria Rivermen at 4:00 PM March 7, & a group of us from the church plan to attend! Mark Brodaczynski has made all the arrangements, & we’re really looking forward to it!

Psalm 36:6 tells us: “Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.” We’re convinced that God loves our critters, just like we do. SOOOO -- you’re encouraged to provide snapshots of your family pet(s), to be displayed on the bulletin board in Jack Reichert Hall. Family dogs, cats, “Hudson” Schmeling (a BEAUTIFUL Percheron) & others already have their photos up ... bring your photos to add!

Don’t forget: If you haven’t already signed up to take part in Pick ‘N Save’s “We Care” program, be sure to get an “Advantage Card” to use when you shop there, (if you don’t already have one) ... Then, make sure they sign up your Advantage Card with the church participation number, which is 297275. Then, when you use your card, Pick ‘N Save gives the church a percentage back on everything you purchase there! The number on your Advantage Card won’t be the same as the church ID number, but Pick ‘N Save will have the information on their computer system, which will automatically credit the percentage to GAPC. THANKS!

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For February, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Phyllis Shudy, Becky & Karin Schmeling, Anne Sheridan, Barb & Bud Brunett, & Kerstin Lefevre. 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!

Nurture/Christian Education/Health & Wellness: Laurie Kadunc & Sally Tarvid, Co- Chair-persons; Diane Edward & Jenny Lefevre

REGULAR EVENTS

DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

SUNDAY 9:30 AM - WORSHIP

10:45 AM - Church School for all ages

Communion 1st Sunday of each month

2nd & 4th SUNDAYS - “Penny Sunday”

MONDAYS - 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise”

TUESDAYS - 5:00 - 6:00 PM - TOPS in library

WEDNESDAYS 6:30 PM- Handbells

7:30 PM - Chancel Choir

THURSDAYS - 1:30 PM -People w/Arthritis Can Exercise

2nd THURSDAY of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, “Friends of Multiple Sclerosis” meet

THURSDAYS - 7:00 PM - Midweek Worship Services

Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “Day Off” is Friday

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - “Do you love me? Feed my sheep”, Jesus tells us in John 21:15-19. Tending & feeding all in the flock who are needy is the purpose of OGHS, which began more than 60 years ago, in response to the devastation of WWII. It’s been raising money through many Christian denominations ever since, & the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is happy to be among them! The PC (U.S.A.) divides the gifts collected into thirds, roughly equal amounts which are distributed through the Presbyterian Hunger Program; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; & Self-Development of People. For the past 10 years, the ecumenical offering has received about $20 million; the PC (USA) offering has received $8 million to $11 million for at least the past twenty years! We’ll accept contributions all through Lent, with the final day being Easter Sunday; (please use the special pew envelopes for this purpose, & indicate “OGHS” on the memo line of your checks). We’ve already taken up a special collection for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to help in Haiti ... but there’s SO much more work to be done! Please be generous!

A REMINDER: the deadline for articles for the “Healthy Newsletter” is Mon. March 8.

We’re told that the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum is better than you can possibly imagine! If you haven’t already made plans to go, it’s well worth seeing! Allow AT LEAST 2 -½ hours for the tour; (Monday is discounted for Milwaukee County residents). Folks from the museum provide the following tip: if you want an experience that’s less crowded, plan your trip to begin around 1:00 PM. There are many schools which bring classes to the exhibit in the morning ... & the youngsters return to school for afternoon classes, which means the museum is less congested. Some of the church family members visited the exhibit on Feb. 22, & they said that it’s simply AMAZING!

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

For the month of January, 2010

INCOME $ 19,287.85

EXPENSES $ 11,583.73

As of Jan 31, 2010 $ 7 ,704.12

(Please note: of the “income” amount, $8,000.00 is from the Reichert gift.)

* on calendar indicates an article about the event appears in body of the newsletter