Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church

WEAR RED ON PENTECOST!

And we want to “Deck the Halls” with red, & have

lots of candles ... it’s the birthday of the church!

DAY here at Greenfield Avenue Church! Our Sunday School teachers do a fantastic job of sharing their joy in knowing Jesus with their students. They work hard to make sure that our young (& not-so-young) students get the very best lessons, & fun-time, & TLC (tender, loving care) it’s possible to give. We hope everyone in the congregation will be here to acknowledge their efforts, & make a “joyful noise to the Lord” with applause for these dedicated folks. Please note that we WILL have Sunday Church School through SUNDAY, MAY 17, which is the last Sunday before “summer vacation” begins.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, (also known as “VBS”), is coming up as a “Fab 4 Churches” adventure August 10 - 14. It will be held this year at Forest Park Presbyterian Church in New Berlin. We’ll have additional information in the upcoming issues of The Messenger, but we want you to be sure to save those dates on your calendar, so MANY of our youngsters can attend. Terry Arenz, 321-7354, can tell you more.

I’m thinking about one day some time ago when I had some errands to run, and as sometimes happens - I realized I needed fuel - actually two kinds of fuel!

The gas gauge on my little truck was getting to close to empty, and it seemed my personal tank was a little on the empty side too.

I decided that the truck’s needs were greater than mine at that very moment - or else - and so I found my way to my nearest Speedway station.

Now, I know I could have gotten cup of coffee and a treat there, but I had a real taste for a Starbucks and one of those great oatmeal raisin cookies they have.

Well, long story short (too late), I filled up the truck and went in to pay the cashier. I was struck by how sad they were. You could just tell that this poor person was downhearted, if not heart-broken; and irritated - they had no energy, no drive, it seemed no hope. As I drove away, I prayed for them.

The Starbucks was a study in contrasts: the barista was friendly to the point of bubbly - delightful - engaging. He even remembered that I didn’t require a bag for my cookie - since it wouldn’t make it out of the parking lot anyway!

I’ve been thinking that our church is a fueling stop on folk’s faith journey. My hope is that our church will always be more like my second stop that day - knowing that some churches are more like the first.

I want us to remain and grow as the place that is thoughtful, friendly beyond the ordinary, delightful and engaging. In short, we need to be - more and more - the kind of place where people want to be.

I know I always look forward to gathering here for worship. I hope you do too. I hope that together, we can encourage more and more people to join us.

Let’s think and pray about how to become even more warm and welcoming. Call me. We’ll talk. God loves you. Me too!

Ø Lord help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 7:41:23 AM, Central Daylight Time.

Ø God, help me to not try to RUN everything. But, if you need some help, please feel free to ASK me!

Jason & Samantha Winchell, at the death of their premature infant son, Austin Allen Winchell.

Hilda Holle, presently undergoing rehab at the Village at Manor Park. She’d love to have visitors.

Megan Ewert, who had back surgery on May 1. She’ll have to be on very restricted activity for 4-6 weeks.

The many folks who have been struggling with a variety of upper respiratory viruses.

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

For Tina (Schultheiss) & Spencer Myers, who were married in our sanctuary on April 25 in a beautiful ceremony, with Pastor Kevin, officiating. May you enjoy many, many years of happiness!

For Derek Saugstad, who made the Junior Varsity baseball team at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Congratulations!

For Tiffanie Jansky, whose role in a Walgreen’s infomercial will be aired on the Lifetime channel, soon! WOW!

A “Thank You” from Phyllis Shudy “Thank you for the opportunity to play for the choirs and congregation. It has been a pleasure for me to share my talent with you. Thank you for my special Sunday and the ice cream cake treat. It was really appreciated.

Thanks, also, for the prayers and concerns for my brother, Paul, & his wife in Australia. The fires are now out around them & I know our prayers were answered when they were kept safe & didn’t have to leave their home.

Thanks, too, for prayers for Peter when he had his mini-stroke. He’s had good reports from his doctors and is doing well. It’s wonderful to be part of a caring & loving congregation.

Thanks again.” - Phyllis

PASTOR KEVIN’S 10th Anniversary with GAPC is coming up in June. We’re planning a special celebration on Sunday, June 14. We’ll also have the formal dedication of the beautiful new “Family Room” at the rear of the sanctuary that morning. It’s going to be VERY exciting, & lots of fun, as well! We thought we’d give you lots of advance notice, so you can mark your calendar NOW, to be sure you don’t miss this festive occasion.

SPRING GRADUATES - Congratulations to Kayla Jervis, Kevin Kadunc, Josh Kosler, & JJ Saugstad, who will graduate from Nathan Hale High School on June 13.

Kayla will attend Carroll University (she’s recipient of the Jack Reichert Scholarship); Kevin will attend UW-LaCrosse, where he plans to major in physical therapy; Josh will uphold family tradition, & report for duty in the United States Navy in July; & JJ will be off to UW-Madison, where he plans to major in chemistry or pharmacology. We’re so very proud of you all!

Are there other graduates whom we’ve missed? Please let us know, so we can include the information in the June issue of The Messenger.

Jenny Lefevre, who wrote “Because Jesus Was Human”, the skit which the young people performed as an introit on Palm Sunday.

God’s Guild, Guild director Terry Arenz, & Laurie Kadunc for their special music & other participation in the Palm Sunday worship.

Kathy Doty, Loretta Nalencz, & the Chancel Choir, for working so hard to ensure that we had a choir on Easter Sunday. Also to God’s Guild, for their Offertory Music that day.

Dick Kloes, & LB Smith, who coordinated Easter breakfast; & their adult & youth helpers. The $336 earned at the breakfast goes to support activities of our Youth Group.

Though “Yard Clean-Up Day” on April 25 was rained out after just an hour, we’re so grateful to the good folks who came & worked before the downpour began ...

Flower Lady Jan Wilke, who made sure we had such a wonderful variety of Easter Floral Tributes on April 12. Also to those who contributed for the flowers.

Matt Arenz, for trumpet accompaniment on our opening Easter hymn, “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”. It really added to the festive feel of the music!

Office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, who tease that your newsletter editor is a slave-driver, but keep coming back for more! They’re invaluable!

There are still a few unclaimed church directories for 2009 in the box in the narthex ... if you’ve forgotten to pick up your copy, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. They’re alphabetized, for your convenience ... Thanks!

HABITAT WORK WEEKS ... Habitat has announced 2009 “Build Weeks” . They’re May 11 - 15; 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.

Habitat is again depending on us for COOKIES (our annual donation) for Build Week starting June 22. That means we would need bakers & packers for Sunday, June 21st. There will be 150 workers; therefore, we’ll need to have 450 cookies! Bobbie Griffith says: “Jan Fox, the coordinator, tells me that we at GAPC are the ‘best cookie bakers!’ “ Okay, bakers, let’s do our best to live up to that reputation!

Judy Dickson thanks those who collected & gave her their empty prescription pill bottles, so she could bring them to a lady at Clement Manor, who had a use for them. The project has been completed ... so Judy is no longer able to accept the pill containers. Do remember, though, how very happy your caring made the lady who was involved in collecting. It was a nice thing to do, & was appreciated on many levels.

FLAG DISPOSAL - Did you know that 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. If YOU have an American flag that needs to be retired, our own Harry Koroghlanian, a member of Post 416 of the Greendale American Legion, will 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 valuable service.

KATHY DOTY tells us the St. Francis Music oosters Association is having a vendor/craft sale at St. Francis High School, on Sat. May 9, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. The school is located at 4225 S. Lake Dr. in St. Francis. Kathy tells us there will be items that are “perfect for Mother’s Day gifts ...” It’s always delightful to see what the latest craft items will be!

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For April, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Schmelings, Griffiths, Phylilis Shudy, The Alan Arenz family; the Evans; Peter Zoeller; & Dan, Kerstin & Jenny Lefevre. 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!

HEIFER PROJECT UPDATE - We are overjoyed to report that our checks for Heifer Project, totaling $8,000, were dedicated & mailed to Heifer Project International on Easter, April 12, 2009. The 4 checks mailed included: Faith Presbyterian - $256.00 (a great amount for just starting your collection; Forest Park: $1,401.10; Greenfield Avenue: $2,887.96; & Heritage- $3,454.94. With that AWESOME amount, we were able to not only donate an “Ark”, but also a “Milk Menagerie”, a “Joy to the World” gift, & a “Knitting Basket”.

A letter was sent with the donation explaining the details of our fundraising. It was closed with these words: “We pray that this gift will give hope, dignity, & self-reliance to many people, & that everyone who is touched by it will feel the spirit of God’s abundant love.” It was signed with the names of our 4 churches.

It is such a pleasure working together with the “Fab Four” churches. We accomplish GREAT things together! We look forward to many more opportunities of sharing God’s love with each other & the rest of the world.

(Late-breaking news! On April 29, the church office received a phone call from Lucy at Heifer Project, thanking us profusely for our generosity in sending the above gifts. We’ll be receiving a certificate of appreciation from them in the next 10 days or so ... we’ll post it on the narthex bulletin board, for all in the church family to read!)

PENTECOST OFFERING What better place could there be to make spiritual & financial investments than in our children & youth? Give to the Pentecost Offering! It’s one of four Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in which GAPC participates.

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 in a wide variety of ways.

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 ...

On Pentecost, recognized as “the birthday of the church”, the Spirit of God was poured out on the church, & is still God’s gift to all believers. The Spirit is no respecter of age -- it often uses children & youth to accomplish God’s purposes in this world. What a precious gift young people are! What better place could there be to make spiritual & financial investments than in our children & youth? Be moved by the Holy Spirit, who sent the disciples out to the ends of the earth as a result of their experience on that first Pentecost day! Show Jesus’ love to these children, youth, & young adults with a special gift. Although Pentecost is Sun., May 31, you may use the special pew envelope to make a donation any Sunday in May.

DRIVERS desperately needed to take people to & from medical appointments. There’s also a waiting list of people who need a volunteer to do grocery shopping with or for; be an in-person visitor; or help with grass cutting. If you can help in their office, Interfaith needs you for that, too! Make a difference in the life of an older adult! Call LeAnn at 774-1747.

SENIOR COMPANION: Get a TAX FREE income that won’t affect other benefits; make new friends; help seniors in the neighborhood. Are you: at least 60 years old? In good health? Then call The Senior Companion Program at 906-2781.

SENIOR INTERN: Are you at least 60 years old with a retirement income & looking for a part-time job training program? We are looking for seniors who are interested in clerical work & computer entry work in our office. A Federal job training program that pays minimum wage allows Interfaith to have Senior Intern help for their program. They are looking for help, NOW! Please call LeAnn at 771-1747 to find out more, or to sign up!

HERE’S ANOTHER WAY TO HELP INTERFAITH! Doing your spring cleaning? Please consider donating your unused jewelry to help Interfaith. The organization is planning to use donated jewelry for a jewelry sale to help their program raise money. Your donation will help pay for staff time to help older adults in this neighbor-hood. If you have unneeded, unwanted jewelry, (costume or better -- they’ll take ANY jewelry) -- Barb Brunett will collect if from you on Sunday mornings, at church. Or, you may bring it to the West Central Interfaith office at Greenfield Park Lutheran Church, 1236 S. 115th St., which is located 1 block north of Greenfield Avenue. The office is generally open Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 5:00, but please call 774-1747 to make sure that someone is in the office before delivering your donation. The actual sale will take place in the fall, at a date yet to be determined.

Our Peace & Justice Committee has supported Interfaith for many years, & encourages you to assist in any way you are able. Thank you!

SUMMER CAMP AT STRONGHOLD offers wonderful opportunities for kids of MANY ages! The camps provide a safe, nurturing Christian experience for youth as a caring community in a natural environment. Stronghold Summer Camps offer young people opportunities to respond positively to the person & ministry of Jesus Christ, grow in their relationships with God & one another, & increase their understanding & appreciation for the world around them. The program is developed as a progression: from the day camp for “early elementary age youth” to senior high experiences. Each individual is guided through the various levels & stages of camping, dealing with important issues of life’s journey. Brochures containing registration forms are on the narthex table. Melissa Gall has attended Stronghold for many summers, & will gladly share her experiences with anyone who is thinking of attending. The camp is located just outside Oregon, Illinois, a bit over an hour away.

Milwaukee Presbytery’s Session Partnerships is offering scholarships to children & youth who attend summer camps this summer. Grant application deadline is May 10, which is earlier than in the past. Scholarships are for half the cost of the camp up to a maximum of $150. Applications for scholarships can be found at: www.pbymilwaukee.org under Presbytery Papers, & then, under Application Forms. It’s an experience EVERY child should have, & we encourage kids, parents & grandparents to check it out!

SYNOD SCHOOL at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA, will be held July 26-31 this year. The theme is “Building a Culture of Peace”, & adult convocation speaker is Sara Pottschmidt Lisherness, Director of Compassion, Peace & Justice ministry for the P.C. (U.S.A.); she has been involved in the peacemaking ministries of the Presbyterian Church since the mid-1908’s. In addition, there are inspiring worship leaders; an artist in residence; fascinating workshops galore; opportunities for spiritual formation; a labyrinth; programs for children & youth ... the list just goes on & on. There’s a catalog on the bulletin board in the narthex, which you may examine for ALL the details. If you’d like a registration form, contact the church office, & we’ll see to it that you receive one. Phyllis Shudy has attended many of the schools, & can tell you all about it.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - Our friends at Zion United Church of Christ have asked for help with a special project they’re working on, assisting the people of Honduras. They’re collecting used bicycles for the people of Honduras. WHY? The answer is really quite simple. Aside from walking, bicycles are often the only means of transportation available to the needy people of Honduras ... & even then, a bicycle may cost far more than these folks can afford. Zion UCC asks that we donate used bicycles (they need not be in PERFECT condition, but having both wheels & being in rideable condition is good) so Zion can ship them to that Central American nation. Although you may drop them off at Zion, 3301 s. 76th St. in Milwaukee, you may also bring them 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 used shoes & tools, in reasonably good condition, & new school supplies. It’s a vitally important way to help make life less difficult for people who live in disadvantaged parts of the world. As Christians, we are the body of Christ. We strive to be Christ’s hands, & do his work, in the world. COLLECTION DATES ARE MAY 1st thru Aug 21st, 2009. Thank you for anything you can do to help.

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 - 7:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship

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

Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “Day Off” is Friday