SEPTEMBER, 2007

THE MESSENGER

GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

Church Office 414-453-3710

www.gapc-usa.com gapc@execpc.com

Sunday Worship Schedule

September 9 - October 7, 2007

Sun Sept 9 - 9:30 AM Rally Day, Teacher & Student Commissioning Day, & “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

Second Reading: Luke 14:25-33

Sermon: “Hyperbole & Sacrifice”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

Ushers: L & G Smith, Eric & Matthew Arenz

Sun Sept 16 - 9:30 AM

Rev. Bill Humphreys, Guest Preacher

Liturgist: Sue Smith

Children’s Message: Rev. Bill Humphreys

Ushers: Libbie Jansen; JJ, Derek & Kaitlyn Saugstad

Sun Sept 23 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

Second Reading: Luke 16:1-13

Sermon: “It’s a Mess!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Lori Johnson

Ushers: Tom Liempeck, Jim & Jeff Dickson & Kevin Kadunc

Sun Sept 30 - 9:30 AM

First Reading: Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

Second Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Sermon: “Carrot and Stick ”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Jan Wilke

S & S Stock, Tom Liempeck & Marv Saugstad

Sun Oct 7- 9:30 AM - World Communion

First Reading: Lamentations 3:19-26

Second Reading: II Timothy 1:1-14

Sermon: “A Spirit of Power, Love & Self-Discipline”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

Ushers: Gail Kloes, Jenny Lefevre, the Andersons

RALLY DAY POT LUCK is Sunday, September 9, immediately following worship! We’ll celebrate this first day of Sunday School with games & fellowship time followed by one of our delicious pot luck lunches. The Christian Education / Nurture Committee will set it up; you’re asked to bring an entrée, salad or dessert to share, PLUS your own tableware. Our new Choir Director, Kathy Doty, will be here with her guitar, & she invites everyone to come & say “Hi”, (especially the Bethlehem Stars), & join in some singing. There will be GAMES, & lots of fun and we’ll be eating in Jack Reichert Hall (to avoid the yellow jacket hornets which become such a nuisance at this time of year). You don’t need a ticket for this special event; just come & be prepared to help us “Kick Off” the Church School year. (Games will be held outside, weather permitting.)

FAMILY FUN NIGHT is at Kerstin & Dan Lefevre’s, 7308 Elstead, in Greendale, from 5:00 - 9:00 PM on Sat., Sept. 15! We’ll have a campfire with hot dogs bring a snack, & your favorite games condiments & beverages furnished.

Wow! Can it be that time of year already? It can & it IS! Fall Fest is coming on

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13! SO What does this mean? It means a

HUGE, QUALITY RUMMAGE (but NO clothing, please), & the biggest & best

BAKE SALE Greenfield Avenue Church can boast of! There are REFRESHMENTS, (yummy!) & CHURCH COOKBOOKS for sale & there’s free BLOOD-PRESSURE SCREENING.

Lori Johnson, Laurie Karrels & Laurie Kadunc (also known as “the Lori/Laurie Show” are coordinating the event. START GATHERING YOUR UNNEEDED TREASURES (or “junque”, but of the highest order). Assemble them in your garage, & bring them to

the church between Oct. 7 & Oct. 11.

We also need lots of BAKERS; the loan of your CARD TABLES for the refreshment

area, & help with set-up, clean-up, & delivery of flyers to the neighborhood around the church. We know this notice is early, but it’s such an important project, we need to THINK AHEA D!

From the Pastor:

Hi Friends:

Hey, it’s new season, & we have some new developments to rejoice around:

We welcome our new choir director, Kathy Doty, and her husband John, into our midst. What blessings they will be!

Transition is never extremely easy, but it can offer opportunities to try new things! Now may well be the time for us to introduce the mid-week worship we’ve been hoping for.

We’re actively considering a new Wednesday night schedule, & hope that, with a little accommodation, it just might work

Here’s what we HOPE to move to, in the near future

Bell Choir 6:00 PM

Chancel Choir 7:00 PM

Worship 8:00 PM

I know 6 is awfully early for ringers who come straight from work, but we’re very hopeful that we can adjust

“Wonderful Wednesdays” could also give us a chance to share a brown bag meal together, as well as provide a good time for other programming.

As busy as lives are these days, we really have a holy responsibility to care for the spiritual needs of people who work, travel, or have other commitments on Sunday mornings.

And, we know of many regular Sunday worshippers who would love to have a chance for a “booster” in the middle of the week.

So -- CE/Nurture and your Session will be looking forward to hearing any ideas or suggestions you might have (or call me!)

God loves you -- me too!

--- Pastor Kevin

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Condolences to Hugh & Arliss Evans on the death of Hugh’s sister, Marge Steeley, who passed away on Sunday, Aug. 19. She was an active member of our Presbytery of Milwaukee for many years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Waukesha at 11:00 AM.

Jean Kern, who had a bit of surgery.

Carl & Arline Nell, injured in a car accident.

Ken Arenz, suffering from some puzzling symptoms.

Deanna DeTroye-Brown, who had cataract surgery on Aug. 27. Deanna thanks everyone in the congregation for their prayers for her on Aug. 19, when she became ill. Also thanks to our “medical folk” who were present, for their assistance.

That we had such a wonderful day Aug. 12, as we celebrated Hilda Holle’s 90^th birthday.

That Kathy Doty has joined our staff as director of choirs! A big, Greenfield Avenue Church welcome to Kathy, & husband John (who sings bass!)

It was lovely to have Pam & Ed Leintz back for a visit on Aug. 19 They report they’re still working on “settling in” at their new home in Georgia.

Kay & Dave Borland were with us in worship on Aug. 5. They’ve been California residents for 22 years, but stopped in for a visit. They haven’t changed a bit -- & it was SO good to see them!

MEET OUR NEW DIRECTOR of CHOIRS!

Greetings! My name is Kathy Doty and I am very excited to be here at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian! I am a full time music teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I have taught K - 12 General Music & Chorus for 12 years & am currently teaching K - 3^rd Grade General Music at St. Francis Public Schools. I also have experience with church choirs & handbells, & was most recently at Norway Lutheran Church in Wind Lake. While there I directed the Adult Choir, Handbells, & eventually started a Praise Band that was an integral part of the newly formed contemporary worship time.

My husband John & I have now relocated to West Allis, & are excited to be a part of GAPC! We have no children yet, but we do have a beautiful puppy which we rescued from the humane society in May. Vegas is a 6-month-old lab & beagle mix, & she pretty much runs the house now! In our spare time we enjoy concerts, musicals, card games, & traveling.

I would like to say a big “thank you” to all at GAPC who have been so welcoming to John & me since the first day we were introduced! We already feel as though we are members of the family! I am looking forward to working with such a welcoming group of God’s children.

Blessings -- Kathy Doty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

September 5 - Jeri Gamache

6 - Frances Burke

7 - Jim Dickson

11 -Sue Smith & Greg Smith

13 - Derek Saugstad

14 - Jenny Lefevre, Julie

Williams, Spencer Myers

& Shirley Hagerty

16 - Alison Johnson, Alan

Arenz & Gus Hendry

19 - Tommy Martin

20 - Vince Berte (he’ll be 96!)

24 - Allan Luttrell

25 - Heather Saugstad, Sylvia

Koroghlanian & Glenn

Thomson

27 - Pam Leintz & Debbie

Thomson

30 - Laurie Elliott

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Sept 1 - Lori & Scott Johnson

2 - Marie & Marve Hagen (57 years!)

12 - Judy & Jim Dickson

(37 years!)

14 - Terry & Alan Arenz

21 - Julie & Bob Williams

GREETERS:

Sept 9 - Stocks Sept 16 - Seiberlichs Sept 23 - Haschkers

Sept 30 - Ruth & Stu Lefevre Oct 7 - Larsons

A WORLD OF THANKS TO:

Nicole Martin & Sheri Masiakowski, for the beautiful flute / piano duets on Aug. 19.

and ...

Jan Wilke, whose “signing” of the Lord’s Prayer on Aug. 12 was so lovely.

and ...

Melissa Gall, Eric & Matt Arenz, whose splendid piano/trumpet/ trombone trio enlivened worship Aug. 26.

and ...

Pastor Kevin & Sally Tarvid, whose annual Ice Cream Social was a huge success!

and ...

Barb Brunett & Lori Johnson, who handled our recent Kringle Sale. We had a fantastic profit of $1,001.25! Thanks, also, to everyone who SOLD and bought!

and ...

The Country Gospel Singers, who brought special music to our Aug. 5 worship.

and ...

Organist Sheri Masiakowski, who continues to amaze us with her wonderful musical talent.

and

All who baked cookies for the Aug. 14 Special Presbytery meeting.

and ...

Gail & Dick Kloes, the best office volunteers in the business!

COME BEFORE THE LORD WITH SINGING (and RINGING!)

Come one, come all, the GAPC Chancel Choir & Handbell Choir will be starting soon! We need YOU to be a part of the music at GAPC! The schedule for regular Wednesday rehearsals will be as follows:

Handbells 6:30 - 7:30 PM; Chancel Choir 7:30- 8:30 PM.

We will begin on Wednesday, September 5^th, 2007 with a “welcome back” (or “welcome to”) potluck gathering. If you are able, please bring a dish to pass. I will provide the beverages. Here’s how it will work.

6:30 PM - Handbell Meeting (and practice? we’ll see )

7:15 PM - Potluck for Handbell AND Chancel Choir

7:45 PM - Chancel Choir Meeting (and practice? we’ll see )

If you are interested in joining one of these groups, but need more information, please feel free to call me at 262-758-0147 (cell). Remember, if you can speak, you can sing! If you can count to four & know your colors, you can play handbells! We are equal opportunity groups! You do NOT need to be a professional to make music unto the Lord!

Do you play an instrument???? Please let me know if you would be willing to play in church to accompany a group, or as special music. Last, but not least, if you know of anyone that is interested in one of these groups & this information has missed them, please pass it along to them!

BETHLEHEM STARS Jesus said, “Let the children come to me ,” & I hope many WILL come to join our Children’s Choir. Our first meeting will be after Sunday School on Sept. 16, for about 20 - 25 minutes. If you are age five or older & like to sing, come check it out! We will sing, play music games, & have a great time! Trust me, it WILL be fun! Any questions??? Call Kathy Doty at 262-758-0147.

A note from Pam & Ed Leintz

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

“Dear Church Family,

And so it has come to pass. You are there and we are here. We’ve yet to comprehend the full meaning.

To say that you have been the most wonderful church family is an understatement. We were blessed to have been in your midst. From the moment we told you of our family plans to reunite n Georgia, you were positive, supportive, and encouraging. From retaining wall through chimney, you listened and commiserated. We thank you.

Thank you also for all the fuss & frivolity surrounding our leave-taking. Bethlehem Stars, you rock! Keep singing & playing together. Chancel Choir, your sound is incredible. The corsage was the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. Handbell Choir, you’re awesome; do you know that? The bracelet is exquisite & is a reminder of your sparkle & enthusiasm. Greenfield Avenue “Songbirds”, --WOW! You brought laughter at a time of great angst. We trust you will remember your pledge “to sing & ringy ding”. And to each of our GAPC family members individually & to all of you collectively, thank you so much for your kind words & good wishes, as well as for the “Blest be the ties” plaque (a visual reminder of you for the inside of our home), & the bird feeder (a reminder for placement in our yard).

You’ve not heard or seen the last of us. We will be back to visit. And y’all have an open invitation to stay with us should your path lead to or through Atlanta.

We miss you. We love you. We carry you in our hearts.

God’s peace be with you.”

Ed & Pam

VBS 2007 - The week of Aug 13-17 I was part of “The Fab 4” church group teaching for Vacation Bible School. I taught the 4^th - 6^th graders. There were 17 of them every day! The event took place at Heritage church in Muskego, & was a huge success! Altogether we had around 35 kids!

We learned about Moses; Naaman; the blind man; & how Jesus is our solid rock. It was a pleasure working with Karen & Heidi (the coordinators) & with Pastors Bill Zieche from Heritage, & Roger Woehl from Forest Park.

Not only did we do Bible study, games, crafts, music worship & snacks, but we also did science projects, & learned how they related to our Bible stories. I feel blessed to have been a part of this wonderful event & look forward to next year. God bless -- Terry Arenz

“FAB 4” event at Heritage - Come & hear Elizabeth Cook, a missionary from Costa Rica, as she tells of her experiences there. It’s on the evening of Sunday, October 7, at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Muskego (College Ave., just east of Sunny Slope Rd.) We don’t have full details as we go to press, but the hope is that it can be a “dinner and” kind of event. We’ll keep you up to date with announcements on Sunday mornings as the plan comes together. Do save the date on your calendars, now.

NEW MEMBERS Pot Luck & Packers Party - EVERYONE in the congregation is invited to join us immediately after Sunday School on Sunday, Sept. 30 as we celebrate the addition of our most recent new members with a Pot Luck Luncheon & Packer Party!

We’ll have the BIG SCREEN TV all set up so we can watch the Green Bay Packers noon game against (boo, hiss, boo) the Minnesota Vikings.

Brats & burgers will be supplied; you’re asked to bring a dish to pass (salad, vegetable dish or dessert) & your own tableware. It’s sure to be an exciting day plan to be here!

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE - The following committees or groups are in charge of our September coffee fellowships:

Sept. 2 - Evangelism

9 - Health & Wellness

16 - Personnel

23 - Teens / Congregation

30 - Nurture / CE

PEACEMAKING - OFFERING - Since 1983, the sessions of more than 4,500 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations have signed the Commitment to Peacemaking, indicating that they will incorporate peacemaking into the mission & ministry of their congregations. Each year, on World Communion Sunday (October 7, this year), we accept the Peacemaking Offering, a special offering of the P.C. (U.S.A.) The offering supports a variety of peacemaking efforts: 25% is retained by congregations, 25% is used by synods & presbyteries, & 50% is allocated to General Assembly ministries.

Some of the ways congregations utilize the monies received in the offering are:

• give to shelters & other support services for those who have suffered from domestic violence.
• support youth programs that work to prevent gang & drug involvement.
• support local school programs & peace camps that teach conflict resolution
• contribute to relief efforts in areas of the world which are hit by violence.

In 2006, more than $2.2 million was received through the Peacemaking Offering. On Sunday, October 7, 2007, we hope you will consider making a gift to this special offering.

Pew envelopes for that purpose will be provided.

You may make a donation to the Peacemaking Offering any time from Sept. 2 through Oct, 7. .

SEPTEMBER, 2007

CALENDAR

Mon Sept 3 - Labor Day Holiday; our church

offices are CLOSED on this day

2:00 PM - Adult Club Picnic at

Adela’s

Tue Sept 4 6:30 PM - Deacons meet

Wed Sept 5 6:30 PM - Handbells meet

7:15 PM - Handbell & Chancel

Choir hold a Pot Luck

7:45 PM - Chancel Choir

Thurs Sept 6 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sat Sept 8 10:00 AM - Nominating Committee

Sun Sept 9 9:30 AM - Rally Day *

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

Tues Sept 11 6:30 PM - Peace & Justice meets

7:00 PM - Session

Wed Sept 12 6:30 & 7:30 PM - Handbells & Choir

Thur Sept 13 1:30 PM - PACE meets

7:00 PM - Friends of MS meets

Sat Sept 15 5:00 PM - Family Fun Night at

Dan & Kerstin Lefevre’s *

Sun Sept 16 9:30 AM - Guest Preacher is

Rev. Bill Humphreys

Mon Sept 17 ** NO exercise class, tonight **

7:15 PM - Resources meets

Tues Sept 18 9:00 AM - Newsletter deadline

7:00 PM - Session meets

Wed Sept 19 6:30 & 7:30 PM -Handbells & Choir

Thurs Sept 20 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Sept 23 10:45 AM - Stewardship committee

Mon Sept 24 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful” exercise

Wed Sept 26 6:30 & 7:30 PM- Handbells & Choir

Thurs Sept 27 1:30 PM - PACE meets

Sun Sept 30 - October Newsletter is distributed

11:45 AM - New Members Pot

Luck & Packer Party *

Pastor Kevin will be on vacation from the afternoon of Sept. 9 through Sat., Sept. 15. As always, if you have an emergency while he’s away, call Sue Smith at the church office or at home. (You’ll find phone numbers in the church directory.) or Sandy Reichert, Deacon’s Member Care coordinator . They’ll see to it that one of the pastors who’s “covering” for Pastor Kevin is notified of your need.

* Article about event appears in newsletter.