FEBRUARY / MARCH, 2012 - MESSENGER
GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1455 S. 97th St., West Allis, WI 53214
Church Office (414) 453-3710 Pastor Kevin G. Tarvid
Pastor’s Cell Phone for Emergencies (414) 588-0159
Sunday Morning Worship Sunday Church School
9:30 AM www.gapc-usa.com 10:45 AM
“Friends Moving Forward, Focused on Faith”
Sunday Worship Schedule
February 5 - March 25, 2012
Sun Feb 5 - 9:30 AM Communion Worship
First Reading: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
Second Reading: Mark 1:29-39
Sermon: “Healed to Serve!”
Liturgist/Children’s Message: Jan Wilke
Ushers: Dick & Gail Kloes -- Servers: Diane Edward, Lori Johnson, Sue Pope & Sally Tarvid
Sun Feb 12 - 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday”
First Reading: Psalm 30
Second Reading: Mark 1:40-45
Sermon: “One & Only Time Not to Listen to Jesus”
Liturgist/Children’s Message: Diane Edward
Ushers: Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz
Sun Feb 19 - 9:30 AM
First Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4:1-6
Second Reading: Mark 9:2-9
Sermon: “A Little Transfiguration Never Hurts”
Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid
Ushers: Libbie Jansen, Stephanie & Kayla Jervis
Sun Feb 26 - 9:30 AM First Sunday in Lent & “Penny Sunday”
First Reading: Mark 1:9-15
Second Reading: 1st Peter 3:18-22
Sermon: “Not Just Dirt!”
Liturgist/Children’s Message: Elsie Mae Arenz
Ushers: Jeff & Jim Dickson
Sun March 4 - 9:30 AM Communion Worship & 2nd Sun. in Lent
First Reading: Gen 17:1-7, 15-16
Second Reading: Mark 8:31-38
Sermon: “Let Us Not Be Ashamed”
Liturgist/Children’s Message: Judy Olson
Ushers: Gail & Dick Kloes
Servers: Barb Brunett, Lori Johnson, Tina Myers & Judy Olson
Sun March 11 - 9:30 AM - 3rd Sunday in Lent & “Penny Sunday”
First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17
Second Reading:1st Corinthians 1:18-25
Sermon: “Foolishness!?!?!”
Liturgist/Children’s Message: Barb Brunett
Ushers: Greg Smith, Eric & Matt Arenz
Sun March 18 - 9:30 AM 4th Sunday in Lent
The Southminster Presbyterian Church Youth
Music Ministry presents “Are We There Yet?” for us
Scripture Reading: John 3:14-21
Worship Leader/Liturgist: JT Gall
Ushers: Libbie Jansen, Stephanie & Kayla Jervis
Sun March 25 - 9:30 AM 5th Sunday in Lent & “Penny Sunday
First Reading: Psalm 51:1-12
Second Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon: “Partners in Waiting!?!”
Liturgist: Dan Lefevre
Children’s Message: Dan & Jenny Lefevre
Ushers: Jeff & Jim Dickson
FROM OUR PASTOR: Happy February and March, Loved Ones:
I know that I have been a bit of a gloomy Gus lately. I have been quoting sad statistics and pointing out how badly the “church” is doing across the country.
Please understand that my purpose is not to get us down, or to somehow lower our expectations.
It’s just that I’m convinced that we have to face the challenges ahead squarely, so that we’ll be willing and able to make the changes that we need to make us even more faithful, even more vital, even more healthy.
You’ve heard the saying about “you can’t keep doing things exactly the same way and expect improvement.” That’s why I have been asking about what we consider to be bedrock foundation for our life together, and what we can add or change to bring about greater growth, health and peace.
There’s this credit card commercial where a lady is talking about being on a movie set for a short time, but then it takes longer. There’s a scene where they blow up a ship, and the Director shouts; “NO! BIGGER!!!” Don’t get me wrong. I do not want to blow up the ship. But the time has come for us to be “bigger.” We need to be even more effective in our worship, and in our service, and in our outreach. We need to be able to catch people’s attention, so that they can see what we have, and want to join us.
So, may I ask us to be willing to change? Can we be even a bit more playful, faithful, ready to experiment? Can we make a number of little changes that can grow up to be a great, wonderful reformation?!?
I hope so. I need your help. God loves you. Me too! - Pastor Kevin
The Peace & Justice Committee’s “After Church Café”, featuring
a variety of home-made soups & “build-your-own sandwich” (with tasty meats, breads & garnishes to choose from) will take place on Sunday, Feb. 19, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Ticket prices are just $5.50 for adults, & $2.50 for kids under age 12, & are available from Barb Brunett, if you’d like to purchase tickets in advance. Monies raised go to support Good Samaritan Outreach Center, St. Ben’s Community Meal Program, Sojourner Truth House, Amnesty International, & Interfaith West Central, among others. Come & enjoy!
THE LENTEN SEASON BEGINS with a joint worship of the “Fab 4” churches on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22,at Faith Presbyterian, 3800 W. Rawson Ave. in Franklin at 7:30 PM. It’s a time to pause & reflect, as we ponder the meaning of Jesus’ ministry & sacrifice for all of us as we await the victory of the resurrection on Easter. For those who wish to sing in the “joint choir”, choir practice will be at 6:30 PM at Faith, with robes.
DISCOVERY DAY, the Presbytery of Milwaukee’s time of workshops, worship & fun, will
take place on Sat., Feb. 25, at Carroll University in Waukesha. Keynote speaker is the Rev. Mr. Landon Whitsitt, Executive & Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. His topic will deal with “an open source church”. We hear you asking, “Hey, just what is that, anyway?” You’re encouraged to attend Discovery Day, & find out! There are workshops: “Open sourcing Your Church”; “Practices for Those Stirred Up Times ...Making Room for Wisdom”; “Discovery Choir, a workshop for choir members & directors; Deacon Networking; Ruling Elder Coaching; “Waves of Grief: Dealing with Loss and Transition in the Congregation”; & more. An inspiring time of worship is scheduled. It’s open to EVEYONE in the congregation. We’d appreciate it if you’d turn in your registration forms, to Sue Smith, by Jan. 29, (though we CAN register up until Feb. 17. The church gets a discount if Presbytery receives the registrations by Feb. 3.)
A TRADITIONAL JEWISH SEDER MEAL, led by Cantor Craig Zucker from Beth Hillel Synagogue (in Kenosha) and helpers, will take place here on March 25, following worship. We’re asking folks from our congregation to sign up to assist with the Seder, and also to bring food to augment the meal. Sue Pope will have sign-up sheets. Please save the date for this wonderful educational opportunity, & & invite your friends & neighbors, as we learn more about the Passover celebration.
THE 23 rd ANNUAL GREAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be here before you know it! It’s Sat., March 31, from 7:30 -11:00 AM!!! JT Gall is “Flipper in Charge”, & he’ll need kitchen helpers, & folks to help with set-up on Mar. 24 at 6:00 PM, folks to sell tickets, & clean-up helpers. JT will have a sign-up sheet so you can let him know how you’ll help. It’s an “All-You-Can-Eat” affair, on the pancakes; & there’s syrup & fruit toppings; sausages, apple sauce, & coffee, tea, or milk. Price is just $5.00 for adults; children under age 12 is $3.00. We look forward to this event every year, for it’s more than just GREAT FOOD ... it’s FUN. Many people from the community look forward to it & are “regulars” ... it’s a wonderful opportunity to invite friends & neighbors to come & sample GAPC’s warm hospitality!
SPECIAL PEOPLE
Arliss Evans passed away on the morning of January 16. Pastor Kevin led a celebration of Arliss’ life on Sat., Jan. 21, at the church. Our prayers and condolences reach out to Hugh Evans, her husband of 59 years; daughter Kay Barber & family; & Arliss’ other children & grandchildren.
Becky Leintz Pope, who began chemo treatments in early January. She’s having a difficult time with it.
Continued Prayers for Lin Bradley; for Jimmy Dill; for our shut-ins; for all with ailing family members; & for all who search for jobs.
That we received a letter from Peter Jansen, (currently stationed in Afghanistan). It was a LONG time getting to us, for he talks about the Brewers losing game 6 the day before he wrote it ... but we’ve posted it on the narthex bulletin board for all to read. Proud dad Larry tells us Peter should return to the U.S. in March. Let’s keep the prayers coming for ALL in our armed services who are deployed.
We’ve been praying so hard for Joanne Haschker’s mom, who was in the hospital for weeks & endured several surgeries. We thought you’d like to know that Joanne’s mom is doing much, much better.
We’re so glad that Anne Weber is feeling well enough to be back with us in worship!
That Sophia Rose Klauck, who had such a traumatic delivery & time following birth, will be baptized here on Feb. 19.
A NOTE OF THANKS - John & Jan Wilke send thanks to the congregation for the prayers, cards, & messages of concern & support during the time of John’s recent heart surgery, subsequent hospitalization & time of recovery. Things are improving.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO:
Those who helped to “Unhang the Greens” on Jan. 8. .
and ...
The Tarvids, for hosting the delightful “Post-Holiday Open House” at their home on Jan. 8. Thanks, too, to those who brought snacks to share.
and ...
Everyone who worked so hard putting together their Annual Reports for our Jan. 22 meeting, (& turned them in in “a timely fashion”. They ALL made it by the Deadline!)
and ...
Our outgoing Deacons & Elders.
and ...
Our new Elders & Deacons: Elders Judy Dickson, Diane Edward, Sue Pope & Sally Tarvid; Deacons Mark Brodaczynski, Jimmy Dill & Pam Torcivia.
and ...
Those who set up for the lunch which followed the memorial service for Arliss Evans; and those who brought cookies & bars for that gathering.
and ...
Diane Edward, Lori Johnson & Sue Pope, who coordinated the wonderful pot luck luncheon prior to the Jan. 22 Annual Meeting. Thanks, also, to the congregation’s spectacular cooks, who shared such tasty food with us!
and ...
The 2011 Nominating Committee, whose members gave such careful thought to presenting a fine slate of officers for the “Class of 2014”, as well as choosing nominees for two unexpired terms.
and ...
Millie Tarnowski & Kathy Dettman, whom the congregation elected on Jan 29, to fill the unexpired terms of Eric Arenz (Class of 2012); & Tina Myers (Class of 2013) on the session. They’ll be ordained & installed on February 5, during worship.
and ...
Becky Huck, who volunteered to head up our Miller Park food booth fund-raiser this year.
and ...
Phyllis Anderson, who accepted another 2-year term on the church Audit Committee.
and ...
Ed Griffith, Marie Hagen & Kristina Tarvid, who will serve as the congregation’s “Members-at-Large on the 2012 Nominating Committee.
and ...
Church Office Volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, who assembled & stapled the Annual Report, the “mailed hard-copy” Messenger, & a number of Sunday worship bulletins. They’re willing to undertake just about any task & we’re SOOOOO appreciative!
COMMITTEES FOR 2012:
Elder Members:
C.E. - Diane Edward, chairperson; Janice Pendergast & Sally Tarvid
Peace & Justice: Barb Brunett, chairperson; Judy Dickson
Resources Committee : Dan Lefevre, chairperson
Nurture Committee: Judy Dickson, chairperson; Lori Johnson, & Dan Lefevre
Personnel: Sue Pope, Chairperson; Lori Johnson & Judy Olson
Nominating Committee: Barb Brunett, chairperson; Dan Lefevre
We depend heavily on members of the congregation to be a part of these committees! It’s our hope that, if you served on a committee last year, you’ll continue in 2012 ... & if you’re not presently serving, we encourage you to choose the one that’s most appealing to you & attend its next meeting (see the calendar, last page). Committee work is a vital part of our mission as “the body of Christ” -- & YOU can help!
SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Youth Music Ministry’s
2011 musical, "Are We There Yet?", will be presented here as part of our worship service on Sunday, March 18. It’s based on the music of SonicFlood's song of the same title, and includes music by a host of other Christian rock artists. The message, shared through a number of different sketches, is one of telling the world about Jesus Christ and calling us out to spread the gospel message to the ends of the earth. The music is uplifting, energizing, and engaging, and will leave you singing the praises of this wonderful journey of faith that each of us are traveling with Christ and with each other. Invite your friends & neighbors to join us for this performance. A free will offering will support Southminster youth’s summer mission program.
A REMINDER from THE PEACE & JUSTICE COMMITTEE
We’re focusing on particular items to donate to Good Samaritan Outreach Center & the Guest House this year. For many years, Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church has supported both of these important organizations. Good Samaritan hosts a food pantry; the Guest House helps men who are homeless. Of course, you may bring any non-perishable food item to donate to Good Samaritan; toiletries & other personal items are welcomed by the Guest House. The following are only SUGGESTIONS. For February & March, the suggestions are:
Good Samaritan
Feb.
Mac-N-Cheese
March
Tuna/Canned meats
The Guest House
Feb.
Hand Lotion
March
toothbrushes/toothpaste
SOUPER BOWL of CARING is observed on Sun., Feb. 5, for it’s not only the “Super Bowl Sunday” eagerly anticipated by football fans, it’s an effort by youth across the nation, to help to fight hunger & poverty in their own communities around the time of the Super Bowl. At the end of the worship service, our young folks will stand at the rear of the sanctuary holding food pots, in which we hope you’ll place at least one dollar. The money raised will stay in our community, going to a food pantry which the young people choose.
MILLER PARK - The Brewers start their 2012 season soon!!! If you would like to volunteer with us at Miller Park for fundraising, please contact Becky Huck! It involves a short training session prior to baseball season starting, but if you go with your fellow church members and even carpool together, it makes the time go by quickly. Even if you can volunteer for ONE game, please let me know, for it helps the church soooooooooo much! We have so much fun together at the games, there is lots of goofing around and laughing, but we still stay focused when we need to. It's a great way to get to know your fellow church members and make new friends that you would not expect! There is a clip board on the back table of the sanctuary with some useful information on it, and we will be posting our game days and training dates ASAP. I will make periodic announcements when new information arises! THANKS!!!
- Becky
SIGNED UP FOR THE ADMIRALS HOCKEY outing on March 3? Classic rock group “Styx” will perform following the March game. Ticket cost will be $14.00. Mark Brodaczynski has sign-up sheets. If you have questions, Do contact him.
ARE YOU interested in shepherding Easter Breakfast? The good folks who have run it for the past few years would like to take a year off. If YOU would like to volunteer to step in & take it over on April 8, please speak with Pastor Kevin. Perhaps it could be more along the “Continental Breakfast” line, with some coffee & rolls; it needn’t be elaborate. If no one volunteers, Easter Breakfast will take at least one year off.
We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For January, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Karin & Mike Schmeling & Becky Huck, Phyllis Shudy, Hugh Evans & Peter Zoeller. These volunteers continue to be our “Custodial Angels”, for it’s a vitally important means of keeping our expenses here at the church down! AT THIS WRITING, WE HAVE CLEANERS SIGNED UP ONLY THROUGH FEB. 12.
TV PROGRAM: Our church family at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian
The goal of this project is to get the word out that were welcoming new members, and that we're a warm and welcoming church. If you have any ideas that may encourage viewers to visit us or have any suggestions for improving the show, utilize the Black Comment Folder on the back table (you can make comments anonymously). Please sit towards the front of the church, and if you make an announcement or are liturgist, please speak up! We are making free copies of the services available to our shut ins. If you need a copy of any service, please donate 5$ to the church per DVD. Or, if you don't want to pay, just
record it when it's broadcast (see times below).
Our show can be viewed on Channel 96 if you have Time Warner Cable (and live in the Milwaukee/Northshore area), or Channel 99 if you have AT&T as your cable provider (if you live in the Milwaukee/Northshore, or the surrounding areas). Lastly, you've probably noticed Tom Tarnowski in the balcony diligently filming the service every unday.......Don't ignore the camera ....... Instead, wave at the camera, be FRIENDLY!
**If you are not able to make it to church services or know someone that can't be here that would benefit from getting a copy of a service, let Becky Huck know ASAP- 414-526-7707!**
Here are the broadcast dates & times for the upcoming shows "Our Church Family at Greenfield Ave."
3rd Sunday in Advent, Sermon: “Jubilee!”, 12/11/11
Sunday 2/5/2012, 11:00 AM
Monday 2/6/2012, 1:00 PM
Tuesday 2/7/2012, 9:00 PM
Sunday 2/12/2012, 11:00 AM
Monday 2/13/2012, 1:00 PM
Tuesday 2/14/2012, 9:00 PM
The Children’s Christmas Program Service- 12/18/11
Sunday 2/19/2012, 11:00 AM
Monday 2/20/2012, 1:00 PM
Tuesday 2/21/2012, 9:00 PM
Sunday 2/26/2012, 11:00 AM
Monday 2/27/2012, 1:00 PM
Tuesday 2/28/2012, 9:00 PM
Christmas Eve Service- 12/24/11
Sunday 3/4/2012, 11:00 AM
Monday 3/5/2012, 1:00 PM
Tuesday 3/6/2012, 9:00 PM
Sunday 3/11/2012, 11:00 AM
Monday 3/12/2012, 1:00 PM
Tuesday 3/13/2012, 9:00 PM
EASTER FLORAL TRIBUTES - Beginning on Sunday, March 4, you’ll find Easter Floral Tribute forms in your worship bulletins each week through March 25. If you’d like to order flowers to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, we’d be pleased to accept them. You may choose to take your plant(s) home following the service, or to leave them here to add color & beauty to services in weeks to come. We’re offering Easter lilies; chrysanthemums; pots of daffodils; of hyacinths; tulips; cineraria (which is a colorful, painted daisy plant); Asiatic lilies, or hydrangeas. Easter lilies are $9.00; all others are $10.00, except for the hydrangeas, at $17.50. The DEADLINE for floral tribute orders is Sun., Mar. 25..
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - “Sharing Brings Joy. To Others, to God, and to Us”. That’s the theme of the 2012 OGHS. It’s an ecumenical offering in which the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) participates, in which many Christian denominations work together cooperatively to create the resources that interpret the offering. Gifts given by Presbyterians will be used within the PC (USA). You may use the special envelopes that will be available in the pews on any Sunday in March right up through Easter Sunday (on April 8,) to support this special offering.
So what’s it all about? Immediately following WWII, Protestant churches in the U.S. made appeals for the relief & reconstruction of areas devastated by the war, primarily Europe & Asia. In 1949, the leaders of several denominations formed a committee to organize an appeal to support their churches’ separate campaigns. A program called One Great Hour was broadcast on March 26, 1949, over major networks & many independent stations. The broadcast closed with a request that listeners attend their local church the following morning & make a sacrificial contribution. No exact measure of receipts was possible, but it was estimated that more than 75,000 churches participated. The next year, the offering was repeated, using the name “One Great Hour of Sharing” for the first time. From the beginning, this has been an ecumenical effort. As denominations changed & merged, OGHS has varied from eight to 29 participating communions. While each denomination allocates its gifts differently, all use their funds for ministries of disaster relief, refugee assistance & development aid. Today, projects supported by OGHS are under way in more than 100 countries, including the US & Canada. In recent years, Presbyterians have given about $10 million annually. 36% goes to the Presbyterian Hunger Project, 32% goes to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and 32% goes to Self-Development of People. Consider making a gift to this special offering.
SYNOD SCHOOL is set for July 22-27, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.
We’ll have MANY more details in the April newsletter. You might want to save those dates on your calendar now, for the workshops offered are excellent!
February/march, 2012
CALENDAR
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
Pastor Kevin’s USUAL “Day Off” is Friday
NOTE: Regular calendar events listed in the box above are NOT included in the information below -- unless an event is CANCELLED on a particular date.
Mon Jan 30 7:15 PM - Christian Ed. meets
Sun Feb 5 9:30 AM - Communion Worship
Mon Feb 6 7:15 PM - Resources Committee Mon Feb 13 9:00 - 3:00 - Presbytery’s “What’s
Next” Committee meets here
Sun Feb 19 9:30 AM - Baptism of Sophia Rose Klauck
11:00 AM -1:00 PM -“Soup & Sandwich After Church Café” *
Tues Feb 21 6:30 PM - Session meets
Wed Feb 22 7:30 PM - Ash Wednesday worship at Faith Presbyterian, 3800 W. Rawson Rd. *
Sat Feb 25 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM - Presbytery’s “Discovery Day” at Carroll University in Waukesha
Sun Mar 4 9:30 AM - Communion Worship
Mon Mar 5 7:15 PM - Resources Committee
Tues Mar 6 6:30 PM - Peace & Justice Committee
Thurs Mar 8 7:00 PM - Friends of MS meets
Sun Mar 18 9:30 AM - Southminster P.C. Youth Music Ministry is here *
Tues Mar 20 6:30 PM - Session meets
Sun Mar 25 11:30 AM - Traditional Seder service & meal, with Jewish Cantor Craig Zucker *
Fri Mar 30 6:00 PM - Set-up for Great Pancake Breakfast *
Sat Mar 31 7:30 - 11:00 AM - 23rd ANNUAL GREAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST *
** APRIL NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is MON, MARCH 20, at 9:00 AM !! **
* Article about event appears in newsletter
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