OCTOBER, 2008

THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

“FRIENDS MOVING FORWARD, FOCUSED ON FAITH”

Church Office 414-453-3710

www.gapc-usa.com       

Worship Schedule

October 12 - November 2, 2008

Sun  Oct 12 - 9:30 AM       “Penny Sunday”

First Reading:  Exodus 32:1-14

Second Reading:  Philippians 4:1-9

Sermon: “Who’s Your Idol?”

Liturgist/ Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz   

Sun Oct 19 - 9:30 AM       

First Reading: Matthew 22:15-22

Second Reading:  1st Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon:  “Too Many Hypocrites!?!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sandy Reichert

Ushers: Libbie Jansen; JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Sun Oct 26 - 9:30 AM       “Penny Sunday”

We’ll have a guest pastor (to be announced) while Pastor Kevin is in Oconto, attending the celebration of that church’s 150th anniversary.

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Elsie Mae Arenz

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

Sun Nov 2 - 9:30 AM     Communion Worship

First Reading:  1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

Second Reading:  Matthew 23:1-12

Sermon: “I’ll Have My Phylactery Broad, Please”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Sue Smith  

Ushers: Dick & Gail Kloes; Jenny Lefevre & Phyllis Anderson -- Servers: Judy Dickson, Judy Olson, Larry Smith & Kay Ulma   

FALL FEST IS COMING!   It’s Sat., Oct. 18, from 9:00 - 3:00! 

We have a HUGE RUMMAGE SALE (filled with high-quality items; have you started gathering the things you want to donate?)  And a top-notch BAKE SALE, filled with tempting goodies (will YOU bake pies, cookies, bars, breads, muffins, etc. to bring for the sale?  We need LOTS & LOTS of bakery items!)  There’s a CAFÉ so you can “do lunch”; cookbooks, greeting cards & other items for sale; it’s a WONDERFUL fellowship & fund-raising effort of this active congregation!  WE NEED: loaned card tables for the café; people to help mark & sell rummage & baked goods; folks to help with set-up at 6:00 PM on Oct. 17, & with clean-up, on the 18th;  workers to staff the kitchen; & folks to distribute flyers door-to-door in the neighborhood around the church.  There’s a sign-up sheet at the rear of the sanctuary, so you can let us know how YOU will help.  One of the MOST important ways to help is to TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW about this event!  Take some of our flyers to ALL your friends, & talk it up!  Word-of-mouth is STILL the VERY BEST FORM OF ADVERTISING! 

FROM PASTOR KEVIN … Peace, Loved Ones …

We have accomplished so much in the past few years with regard to our Transformation Project …  We insulated our Sanctuary ceiling for the first time ever, *& improved the insulation in the rest of the church.  We had that beautiful ceiling installed.  We air conditioned our worship space, & made it much more comfortable during the dog days of summer.

Then, we replaced that old, dark entrance to the Sanctuary with a new, warm, functional one.  And we replaced those worn, old, uncomfortable pews with new ones that look better, & to most folks, feel better, too.

Next, we had that dangerous asbestos tile removed, & replaced with the beautiful porcelain tile that should last just about forever!

And now, we’re in the final stages of the project.  It’s a good time to ask: Why was it that we did all this???

Was it so that the church would look nicer?  Sure.  Was it so that our energy bills might be lower, & that we would have more comfort?  Wes, that too.  Was it so that we could look at our space with a greater sense of price?  Well, maybe, but some folks consider pride a sin.

The truth is, while we will enjoy these improvements, the whole project was about the gospel of Jesus Christ, & making our church even warmer & more welcoming -- as warm & welcoming as possible.

And now we’re even adding Wonderful Wednesday Worship (6:30).  Because -- we are called to invite our loved ones; our friends, our neighbors -- anyone & everyone -- to come & join us!!!

Our faith family can never be a blessing just for us.  It is our holy responsibility to share this gift with as many people as possible.

The old movie says: “If you buildi it, they will come …”  We’ve built it.  Now, let’s share it.  Invite everyone you can think of to come & join us.  The angels will smile!!!

                    God loves you.  Me too!!!      - Pastor Kevin

C.R.O.P. Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 12.  The initials stand for “Community Responding to Overcome Poverty”, and our Peace & Justice Committee is seeking WALKERS (our church Youth Group members have signed up …) as well as folks to SPONSOR our walkers.   Please DO plan to bring an extra bag of food to worship with you that day, so our walkers can take it with them to McKinley Marina, where the walk begins.  Want to sign up as a walker or sponsor?  Speak with Barb Brunett, 282-7280.  Thank you, in advance, for your support.

THE PEACE & JUSTICE LUNCHEON, featuring our own Scott Dettman as speaker, will be held at 11:45 AM on Sunday, October 26.  It’s our famous “Potato Topper” meal, with baked potatoes & ALL the trimmings; salad, dessert bars, & beverage.  Price is just $5.00 for adults, & $2.00 for kids under the age of 12.  You’ll want to be sure to hear Scott, for he’s involved in quite a number of important community activities.  Invite some friends to join you for lunch!

TRICK OR TREAT FOR UNICEF… On Sun., Oct, 26, for one-time-only, our “Penny Sunday” coins will go to support “Trick or Treat for UNICEF”.

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Herman Duga, who was hospitalized with fluid on the lungs.  He’s making progress, slowly.

Don Farrar, who had a bit of surgery on Sept. 10. 

Ruth Lefevre, hospitalized with heart-related problems.  She’s home, & is able to be back with us in worship.

Louise Berte, still mending after a serious fall.  We’re happy to report that she’s back at home.

Scott Johnson, recovering from a double sprain of this left ankle, due to a fall he suffered while on a fishing trip.

Sue Pope, experiencing back pain, the probable result of a pinched nerve.

Lin Bradley, always in our prayers, that she may receive a kidney transplant.

Larry Olson, (Judy’s husband), facing very serious health challenges.

Derek Saugstad, nursing a painful foot injury.

Hilda Holle, not feeling quite “up to par”.

Peter Jansen, who graduated from MP School at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO on Sept. 5.  He’s currently in San Diego, where he’ll be for some months; we’ll let you know his address when he provides it.

That Jazlene Luz Guzman, daughter of Dawn & Ricardo, was baptized here on Sept. 14.

What a cutie!  Emiliano’s now a BIG BROTHER!

That we welcomed Anne Sheridan into membership on Sept. 28!  We’re so glad to have you, Anne!

That our “God’s Guild” singers appeared at Faith Presbyterian Church in Franklin on Sept. 21, performing “WWJD”.  They were wonderfully received, & made some connections with the Faith youth group.

That we celebrated Tom Liempeck’s time as usher coordinator on Sept. 28.   (Tom’s officially “retired” from that position, now)  Thanks to Eric Arenz, who is taking over this important duty.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

October 6 - JR Saugstad

15 - Melissa Gall

17 - Ken Arenz 

18 - Gail Kloes  

24 Peter Jansen 

27 - Josh Lefevre  & Corrine Reichert

28 - Marve Hagen & L.B. Smith

31 - Kelly Buchholz

November 1 - Phyllis Shudy

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

October 13 - Rachel & Mark  Hendry

14 - Kay & Chuck Barber

24 - Laurie & Dave Karrels

26 - Jeri & John Gamache

October is “Clergy Appreciation Month”, with Sunday, Oct. 12 designated as “Clergy Appreciation Day”.   We are so blessed with a pastor who is so very dedicated to our church family … why not take a moment to let him know just how special he is to us all?  (The anniversary of his ordination was Oct. 4 …)

ADDRESS

 CHANGE

          Laurie Elliott

         123 Page Rd.

Sneads Ferry,  N.C. 28460

GREETERS:

    

Oct 12 - Jean Kern                             Oct 19 - Jean & Bill Toepfer

Oct. 26 - Kay & Chuck Barber         Nov 2 - Sally & Sherman Stock

                                       

THANKS A BUNCH TO:

Dan Lefevre, who planned & implemented our Sept 12 Wine Tasting.  What fun! 

                  and ...

Lee Larson, who grilled hot dogs for Rally Day in heavy rains …

                 and ...

Everyone who helped with set-up, clean-up, & cooking for our Rally Day Pot Luck. 

                  and ...

Kerstin Lefevre, who led the “Fit & Faithful” Exercise Class on Sept. 15, while Jeri was on vacation. 

                  and ...

Laurie Kadunc, who does such an outstanding & creative job designing the monthly displays on the bulletin board across from the front doors of the church.

                  and ...

Melissa Gall, Eric & Matt Arenz, for the piano/handbell special music on Sept. 7.  It was a difficult feat, superbly done!

                  and ...

Lori Johnson, who prepared the spaghetti sauce & meatballs (& cooked the spaghetti) for the Sept. 26 Youth Group Spaghetti Dinner.

                  and ...

Sally Tarvid, who helped with making spaghetti & other event-related tasks; &  the others who assisted with set-up, clean-up, etc..  

                  and ...

The Youth Group, who served the spaghetti …

                  and ...

Eric Arenz & Matt Pagel,  disk jockeys for our HomeComing Dance which followed the spaghetti dinner.  

                  and ...

JR & Heather Saugstad, who have headed up our Miller Park food booth fundraising efforts this season.  We also thank ALL who have helped with this time-consuming work.  And yes, it IS work … but it’s also been GREAT FUN!  And, it has added much-needed funds to the church budget.

                  and ...

Our church ballplayers, who took part in the Youth vs. “Matures” SOFTBALL GAME as part of our HomeComing weekend.  The “matures” thought they’d won by one run, but there seems to have been some “sloppy score-keeping”, so it’s been contested …  So much enthusiasm, & real joy!    WHAT A FANTASTIC TIME EVERYONE HAD!

Special thanks to our custodial volunteers

September.  Dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were:  Alan, Terry, Eric & Matt Arenz; Marie & Marve Hagen; Barb & Bud Brunett; Deanna DeTroye-Brown; Megan Ewart; & Karin,  Mike, Becky & Rachel Schmeling.   This continues to be such an important means of keeping our expenses here at the church down;  PLEASE consider signing up to be one of our “custodial angels”!

MID-WEEK SERVICES here began on Sept. 24, & if you haven’t had the opportunity to attend one, we encourage you to do so.  They’re especially valuable for folks who plan to be away over the weekend, but don’t want to miss worship with their own “church family”.  Our new service at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays is “just the ticket”.  Come see what it’s all about!

YE OLDE CHRISTMASSE FAIRE & MADRIGAL DINNER will be held on

 Sat., December 6.  (Please note, there has been a DATE CHANGE from our previous announcements.)

                                                         *** ATTENTION

                                                               CRAFTERS!  ***

We are in need  of items for the Faire’s “Christmasse Store”.  Wreaths, candleholders, pot holders, scarves & mittens … anything “Christmassy” will do.

                                                           *** HELPERS ***

Although it’s still a ways off, we’re going to need LOT of help; let us know if you’re willing to BE a helper!  We’ll need BAKERS, CRAFTERS, SERVERS, ENTERTAINERS, help with set-up & clean-up … AND … we want to make sure our SILENT AUCTION is the best thing since sliced bread!

Do YOU have a gift or service you’d like to DONATE to that auction?  (It doesn’t have to be a HUGE gift, though we’ll accept “huge, too” …Word has it that one of our members is contributing two KENTUCKY DERBY PIES, delivered to you on a date that’s mutually agreeable to baker & high bidder …)

AND … wherever you go, to a restaurant, the hairdresser, a business you frequent, ask if they would be willing to donate something for the auction.  (It can be a gift certificate, a product, or a service.)  In return, they can give you their business cards or brochures, which we’ll display (as advertising for them) with their auction donation. 

There are SOOOO many ways you can help … & it’s not just a great fund-raiser; it’s fun, fellowship, food …

Remember, the Madrigal Dinner will be catered by Rupena’s; and there’ll be  GAMES (a pillow joust & others to delight & amaze one & all.)   Speak with Terry Arenz, 321-7354 about the auction.  Kerstin or Jenny Lefevre, 423-8698 will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the Faire. 

Our “God’s Guild” singers On Friday, Oct. 24, these talented young folks will present their “WWJD” musical at Forest Park Presbyterian Church in New Berlin.  It’s kind of  Forest Park’s  “Family Fun Night,” which will also feature a meal called  “WWJE” (what would Jesus eat?)!  It should be a blast!

F.Y.I. (For Your Information)

We purchase our “special bulletins” (for weddings, memorial services, Christmas Eve, & such), at Northwestern Publishing House,  which also offers a wide variety of Christian items (books, jewelry, cards, CD’s, videos, knick-knacks, etc.) that you may already know about.  But you may NOT know that they’ve just introduced a new “customer loyalty program”, which provides savings certificates for both the buyer -- & the buyer’s church! 

We’ve posted their information sheet, which provides a full explanation the program of on the narthex bulletin board.  Check it out … savings for yourself AND rewards for the church are a GOOD thing!

ON THE FUNNY SIDE OF OUR STREET

A little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story.

From time to time, the child would take her eyes off the book & reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek.  She was alternately stroking her own cheek, & then his again.

Finally she spoke up.  “Did God make you, Grandpa?” she asked.  “Yes, sweetheart,” he answered.  “God made me a long time ago.”

“Oh,” she said, & paused.

Then she added: “Grandpa, did God make me, too?”

“Yes, indeed, honey,” replied the grandfather.  “God made you just a little while ago.

She rubbed her palm gently along his cheek again, & then her own.  The grandfather could scarcely contain his laughter as the child’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, & she exclaimed:  “God’s getting better with practice, isn’t he?”

TUESDAY, NOV. 4, IS ELECTION DAY!   BE SURE TO  VOTE !!

OCTOBER, 2008

CALENDAR

Mon Oct. 6  9:00 AM - Healthy Newsletter deadline

                      6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Wed Oct 8   6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship,

                     7:30 PM - Chancel Choir Practice

Thurs Oct 9  1:30 PM - PACE meets

                     7:00 PM - Friends of MS    

Sun Oct. 12   9:30 AM - Clergy Appreciation Day *

                     12:30 PM - CROP registration

                       1:30 PM - CROP Walk

Mon Oct 13 - Bring your RUMMAGE items to the

      library this week, but by Thurs. 10-16, please. 

   6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise (downstairs)

                      7:15 PM - Resources Committee

Wed Oct 15    6:30 PM  - Mid-Week Worship

Thur Oct 16   ** NO PACE TODAY **

Fri Oct 17      6:00 PM - Set-Up[ for FALL FEST

Sat Oct 18   9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - FALL FEST *

Mon Oct 20   9:00 AM - Newsletter deadline *

                      6:00 PM - Fit & Faithful Exercise

Tues Oct 21   7:00 PM - Session

Wed Oct 22   6:30 PM - Mid-Week Worship 

                       7:30 PM - Chancel Choir Practice

Thur Oct 23   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Fri Oct 24       6:00 PM - “WWJD” goes to Forest

                        Park. P.C.; performance is at 7:30.

Sun Oct. 26    11:45 AM - P & J Luncheon *

Mon Oct 27     6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” Exercise

                        7:15 PM - CE/Nurture

Wed Oct 29     6:30 PM - Mid-Week service *

Thurs Oct 30   1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Nov 2        9:30 PM - Communion Worship

Pastor Kevin will be on vacation from the afternoon of Oct. 19 thru the evening of Oct. 26, (though he WILL be here for the Session meeting on Oct. 21.)   As always, while he is away, in an emergency call Sue Smith at the church office, or home (262-782-4533); or Sandy Reichert, (H) 476-5822; (c) 430-5564.  They’ll see to it that one of the pastors who’s “covering for” Pastor Kevin is available to you.

The church now has a new email address.  However, you WON’T find it on our web page.  The reason:  we were getting SO much “spam” (unwanted & often very inappropriate emails), that Session decided to make the change.  You see, once an email shows up on the internet, (on a web site or some other way), it’s amazing how quickly the “spammers” jump on the band wagon!  The execpc spam filter is NOT able to do the job & get rid of the spam.  Now, for the time being, the old email address is still in operation, but if you have church business to conduct, we encourage you to use the new one.   We will be shutting down the OLD address in another month or two.  Anyone who gets a  “hard copy” of our newsletter will find the new address printed there, & if you’re someone who regularly gets emails from the church, you’ve already been given the new address.   If you have business with the church, & would LIKE to be given the address, please phone the church office; we’ll be happy to provide it.  You’re welcome to use it to contact us, any time.  One more note: on the new address, please, only VERY IMPORTANT forwards.  There just isn’t enough time in the day at the church office to download them all, or take “company time” to read them.  THANK YOU!

      *   Article about event appears in newsletter.