Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

celebrate by introducing our CONFIRMATION CLASS (Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad & Bill Weber)! What a treat for their moms, to have their children confirmed on Mother’s Day! A day for the entire church family to celebrate!

MAYFEST IS COMING! Our family evening with meal & entertainment is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at 6:30! For dinner there’s turkey, rolls, salad, a side dish, build-your own sundae … just scrumptious! Melissa Gall & Jenny Lefevre will sing songs from the musical production our church young people are preparing … AND … in a SPECIAL APPEARANCE, local contemporary Christian singer CHAD JAMES will be here to share several songs from his CD, “Strong”. Chad is a VERY talented singer & guitarist who was born without a left hand. He writes his own music & lyrics, & is an inspiration to everyone he meets! Terry Arenz is event coordinator; she’s selling tickets at $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids under 12, & $11.00 for “family” (parent(s) & minor children living in the home) right now! Of course you may purchase tickets at the door, but it REALLY helps us to make good plans if you buy them IN ADVANCE … There’s room on the entertainment roster for others in the congregation who have a performing talent they’d like to share (Ventriloquist? Juggling while riding a unicycle? Acrobatics? There’s room for ALL kinds of possibilities! Talk to Terry, & she’ll sign you up to perform!) We’re also seeking folks willing to help with set-up (4:30 PM is when we’ll begin …) Mark your calendar this very minute so the date is saved, & be with us for the fun, food, fellowship, friends & TALENT you’ll find at MAYFEST!

There is a message that is clearly and consistently presented in the New Testament - and every once in a while I know I need to be reminded of it. I’m thinking that it is a message that we all can benefit from hearing again every once in a while. It is a message that Jesus, James, Paul and the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews all give us.

It is a message that is most consistent with God’s grace, and Jesus’ gospel of unconditional love. I’m thinking it is an especially important message for the church in the 21st century. Curious?

It’s that: “Do not judge!” message. We’re reminded that God is the judge of us all, and we are called to remove the log from our eye before we go looking for other’s splinters.

Here’s a good reason: at the end of the day - there really is no such thing as “constructive criticism.” Oh sure, often loved ones can offer some good advice from an outside perspective…

But you know what criticism feels like. It feels lousy. No one likes to be criticized, and psychological research informs us that criticism is not an effective way to change people’s behavior. All it does is spur resentment and hostility. Criticism can destroy self esteem - and it can wreck havoc among families - especially faith families.

So, the church needs to be and/or become a judgment free zone. We all will have negative feelings sometimes - but I try to keep my father’s voice close by. He’d say: “Kev, if you can’t say something nice (positive), don’t say anything at all.”

Here’s something to consider: pressure is a form of judgment. When we pressure folks to do something, anything, we send the message that we don’t approve of their behavior. Pressure is a community killer, and it has been known to destroy churches. Encouragement is fine, pressure is not.

In the church, we are called to do what we can to further the mission of Christ. We do what we can. We do not do what we cannot do. Logical?

God wants us to act out our faith, to pursue the mission of Christ, through a sense of gratitude, purpose, and calling. God doesn’t want our sacrifice if it leads to grumbling and ill will.

So, my beloved, I would “encourage” you to join me in a effort to avoid criticism and pressure. And, if by some chance, you become the target of those things, my hope and prayer is that you’ll be able to smile, let it go, forgive, and then move on. Old human habits are especially hard to break.

Ours is a particularly healthy and happy congregation. Let’s keep it that way. Let’s let God be God, and let’s just love each other!

Friends & family of Lorraine Beining. Lorraine passed away on April 8. Pastor Kevin led a memorial Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 12.

Hilda Czaplewski, who underwent surgery on April 15 for a subdural hemotoma.

The Dan Bailey family, on the death of Dan’s mother, Alberta Donna Bailey.

Joyce Zeeb, who had emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder on April 5. She’s making progress, & was back in worship with us on April 20!

A treasured former member of the church, Rose Telander, who is undergoing treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Get well cards may be sent to her at: 713 Bell Trace Circle, Bloomington, IN 47408-4408.

Lynn Heinrich will receive her Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership & Quality, on May 17! She won’t actually be done with classes until June, but graduation is in May. Well done, Lynn! Congratulations!

In the baptism of Alyssa Marie McLean, daughter of Jennifer & Tony McLean, on April 6.

For Joanne Jakubowski. The right part-time job came looking for her just as she was in need of one!

That Peter Jansen was with us in worship on April 13. Peter sang “I Can Only Imagine” for us. He’s back in San Diego, briefly … (See directory changes.)

That Melissa Gall (piano) & Matt Arenz (trumpet) will be going to STATE MUSIC CONTEST, on May 3 at Cardinal Stritch! Melissa will play “Sonatina, Opus 55, #2”, by Kuhlau, & Matt’s selection will be W.A. Mozart’s “Concert Aria”. Best of luck to these talented young people! We’re so proud of you!

That our GAPC Youth Musical, “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do?) will be presented here on Sunday, June 1! We have an outstanding cast, & the free will offering from that day will go to help New Life church, the African American congregation which purchased the former North Shore Presbyterian Church building. Our cast has worked SO hard, & the directors declare the production to be “awesome”. Invite your friends & neighbors to be with us, as well. The cast hopes to “take the show on the road”, come fall!

CONFIDENTIAL to LUNA LIZARD … PLEASE get in touch … you have our email addresses …

At EASTER BREAKFAST, we realized a profit of $301.00, all of which goes to support the Youth Group!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST realized a profit of $415.00! Thanks, JR & Heather Saugstad, for donating all the food for Pancake breakfast & to all who supported these two beloved events in the life of the church!

HELP!!! Do we have any SPRING GRADUATES who need to be acknowledged in the June newsletter? We do our best to keep up with our upcoming grads, but we do need your help. Let us know the school, the graduation date, future plans … &, of course, the NAME of your graduate! We’ll see that it gets included in our June newsletter. THANKS!

Marine Private Peter Jansen will be in San Diego for 3 weeks, receiving training to become an MP. Then he’ll go to either Missouri or Texas, where he’ll be for several months; we’ll let you know his address as soon as possible.

EVERYONE who helped remove our church pews, delivered them to their new homes, and helped unload & set up the gorgeous new pew/chairs which now grace our sanctuary. (If you haven’t seen them yet, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised. They’re great!)

Donna & Marv Saugstad, for the generous donation of a brand-new canister-type vacuum cleaner. (Would YOU like to learn how to use it? We’d love your help cleaning the church!)

Jan Wilke, who has volunteered to serve as our new “Flower Lady”. (Husband John will be helping out.)

Alan Arenz, for the informative presentation on internet “phishing” scams which aim at stealing identity, during Adult Discussion time on April 20.

Melissa Gall, who provided wonderful “special music” on the piano on April 6 (& other occasions.)

Nicole Martin, continuing to lend flute accompaniment to so many musical numbers.

The generous folks who provided cookies & bars for the Special Presbytery meeting (& Committee on Ministry meeting) which we hosted here on April 15.

Matt Arenz, (accompanied on piano by Melissa), who treated us to a trumpet solo on Apr 27.

Pat Sczypiorski, who filled in as “guest preacher” while Pastor Kev was away Apr. 27.

Announcing!

Something Really Special for ‘08

It’s the “What the Church Needs Now” Summer!

Be a part of shaping history!

Be a Reformer!

Make a difference - in the church - in the world!

Bring your Ideas!

Exercise your Faith!

Join us on Sundays for Worship,

Togetherness and Fun!

Sundays - 9:30 - At Your Church!

Ellen Morris-Gutierrez writes: “(4-15-08) GAPC - Thank you for hosting the Special Meting of the Presbytery this afternoon. Your welcome was warm & your refreshments were abundant. I’m certain that all of us who attended appreciated the grace of God that you demonstrated.”

VBS (Vacation Bible School) is in the planning stages! The theme is timely, & important: it’s about the RAINFOREST! Parents will want to mark their calendars for August 11 - 15. Hours are 9 AM to noon. Once again, it will be a “Fab 4” effort, with volunteer staff & children from GAPC, Forest Park PC, Heritage PC, & Faith PC. It’s scheduled to be held at Forest Park in New Berlin, this year. Terry Arenz is part of the team doing the planning. HELPERS ARE UREGENTLY NEEDED! Want to be involved? Want more information? Call Terry at 321-7354. She’ll be glad to tell you all about it!

May 11 - We’ll share some moments in the lives of our mothers, our lives as mothers, & “other mothers”. Sue Smith is discussion leader.

May 18 - Elizabeth Jansen will show us the video of Peter’s graduation from the U.S. Marine Corps basic training camp.

We are about to embark on our biggest project of all: replacing the sanctuary & narthex flooring! We’re going to need lots of help because this is one project we plan on doing ourselves.

The removal of the old flooring needs to be done by an asbestos removal company first. We plan on having them come in the week of June 23. That means we’ll need strong hands to move the seating out of the sanctuary for temporary storage in the library. Asbestos removal should take about a week. We can begin floor prep & tiling the first week of July. Folks will be needed to mix mortar, lay tile, cut tiles (not as difficult as you think), & wash tiles after grouting. It would also be helpful to have someone who can make sandwiches & keep the workers hydrated. (It will be July, after all!)

If you have a weekday off or would be willing to schedule a vacation day from your regular job, you help would be greatly appreciated. This is a BIG undertaking, & the more help we can get, the quicker we’ll be able to worship in our beautiful sanctuary. More info will come in future newsletters & bulletins.

Special thanks to our custodial volunteers for April. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Ed & Bobbie Griffith; Phyllis Shudy; the Dickson family; Donna & Marv Saugstad; Kay Ulma; Deanna De Troye-Brown & Mrs. Ewert.

Our first date at Miller Park was April 9, & those who worked had a FANTASTIC time! We raised $577.85 for the church, which was just fine for a week night! There are LOTS more dates when you can volunteer to help. (You must be trained, before you’re able to help us staff a booth.) JR Saugstad can provide details. We ESPECIALLY need workers for the evening game on Tuesday, May 13. Talk with JR TODAY, to tell him when YOU can help!

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Say It With Flowers If you receive a plant or flowers for your birthday or anniversary, why not bring them to share with the church family on Sunday? Of course, you’ll want to take them home following worship … but it’s a great way to add to the service! And … when your garden begins producing flowers, we’d love to have you bring a bouquet or blooming plant for Sunday worship. No need to bring a vase; we have plenty here at the church. Just see me, your flower lady Jan Wilke, & we’ll get you all set up! Thank you!

TEACHER APPRECIATION SUNDAY is May 18, the last day of Sunday School for the semester. ALL our teachers & teacher’s helpers are encouraged to be here, while we recognize your dedication, in worship, & give a round of applause for a job well done!

FLAG DISPOSAL Perhaps you’re not aware of it, but American flags that are in poor repair should be destroyed in a prescribed manner. It’s a gesture of respect to this beloved symbol of our country, to see that they are honorably disposed of. Do YOU have an American flag that looks tattered, & needs to be replaced? Our own Harry Koroghlanian, a member of Post 416 of the Greendale American Legion, has volunteered to see that your flags are included in the flag-burning ceremony the post will conduct as Flag Day (June 14) approaches. Please bring your flag(s) to the church for collection ANY SUNDAY IN MAY. You may give your worn-out flags to Harry, or place them in the library, on the countertop nearest the sink. Harry will bring them to Post 416. Thank you, Harry, for providing this much-needed service.

Maybe you or someone you love might have few assets and will need to go on Medicaid (Title 19) some day. If so, you are allowed to have only $1,500 of cash value in your life insurance policy.

With an irrevocable final expense trust that is established by a life insurance company, a person can purchase up to $12,500 (life insurance’s limit) to fund the irrevocable final expense life insurance program.

Proceeds from the irrevocable trust must first go to the funeral home which provides the funeral services. If there are excess funds, they can be designated to the church or to the estate.

Therefore, if there is a small amount of assets, after paying for funeral expenses, you could still leave something to the church. Have any old life insurance policies?

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

Joan S. Gray, Moderator of the 2006 General Assembly of the P.C. (U.S.A.), writes:

On the Day of Pentecost, a great sound of rushing wind filled the upper room where the disciples met, & tongues as of fire rested on them…

“The Spirit of God was poured out on the church that day & is still God’s gift to all believers, unto children’s children. The Spirit is no respecter of age -- it often uses children & youth to accomplish God’s purposes in this world. The stories of young Miriam, David, & Samuel remind us that God chooses people not because of age, but because of heart.

“What a precious gift young people are. Yet, in today‘s world, many live without hope for the future or support to meet daily needs. What better place could there be to make spiritual & financial investments than in our children & youth?

“The Pentecost Offering, while the newest of the PC(USA) special offerings, is also one of the most exciting. When a congregation receives this offering, 40% stays with the congregation to fund mission & ministry with children at risk. At the General Assembly level, the Pentecost Offering funds ministries with children at risk, youth, & young adults. Youth ministries provide opportunities for spiritual growth & leadership development for Presbyterian youth. Young adults explore their call to mission service through the Young Adult Volunteer program. Child advocacy ministries speak & act on behalf of those who cannot protect themselves. All of these ministries act to help bring God’s love & care to younger members of God’s family.

“I say again, What better place could there be to make spiritual & financial investments than in our children & youth? I encourage you to search out the needs in your community & find

ways to show Jesus’ love to these “little ones” & give generously to the Pentecost Offering. Let the Holy Spirit who moved the disciples out to the ends of the earth on that first Pentecost move you to give sacrificially. Together we can have a significant positive impact on the children & youth of our churches & of the world.”

Although at GAPC we “officially” accept the Pentecost Offering on May 11, the Day of Pentecost, you may use the special pew envelope to make a donation any Sunday during the month of May.

SYNOD SCHOOL 2008 - It’s a learning & personal enrichment experience for people of all ages., which seeks to create an environment of hospitality, healing, & hope. Designed for laity & clergy, individuals & families, Synod School will be held this year at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, from July 27 - Aug. 1. “Coloring Outside the Lines” is the theme, & the school offers classes & activities for adults, youth & children. If you’re ready to participate in a unique experience of Christian community, worshiping, studying, playing & living together … Synod School is for you! The catalog & additional information are posted on the narthex bulletin board. If you’d like to take home a copy to examine, please borrow the church office catalog from Administrative Assistant Sue Smith (so the narthex copy is always readily accessible.)

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

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

SATURDAY - Rashel’s Dance Studio, from

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, in JACK REICHERT HALL

Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “Day Off” is Friday

The MEMORIAL SERVICE for Marj Tarvid, (PASTOR KEVIN’S MOM), will be on Saturday, May 17, in Dellwood, WI, at 1:00 PM at Carlson’s Rustic Ridge. It’s a genuine non-traditional celebration of her life, which Marj would have loved! Pastor Kevin will be away from Friday the 16th through the evening of Sunday, May 18. As always, while he is away, in an emergency call Sue Smith at the church office or at home or Sandy Reichert, chairperson of Deacon’s Member Care, at home or on her cell. They’ll see to it that one of the pastors who’s “covering” for Pastor Kevin is available to you.

CE/NURTURE COMMITTEE would like to purchase a set of chimes (2 octaves/25 notes) for

the music ministry of GAPC. These chimes would be used as part of the bell choir, but also can be easily used by the CHILDREN. If anyone is interested in donating money toward the chimes, please let Laurie Kadunc know. The cost would be approximately $1,000. (Bobbie Griffith has donated $320 from the sale of her hand-stamped original greeting cards to this effort. THANK YOU BOBBIE!)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

For the month of March, 2008

INCOME $ 10,725.99

EXPENSES $ 14,941.43

As of March 31, 2008

a LOSS of ($ 4,215.44)