APRIL, 2011  -  MESSENGER   

GREENFIELD   AVENUE   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH

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

Church Office 453-3710     Pastor Kevin G. Tarvid    

Pastor’s Cell Phone for Emergencies   (414) 588-0159

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 AM                Sunday Church School  10:45 AM

“Friends Moving Forward, Focused on Faith”           www.gapc-usa.com      

 

 

 

 

Come one, come all, &

 bring your friends & neighbors !!

 

GREENFIELD AVENUE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1455 S. 97th Street      West Allis WI

(one block south of Greenfield Avenue)

 

TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL

GREAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST

 

 

All-U-Can Eat Pancakes with toppings/ Syrup/ Juices

Sausage / Apple Sauce / Coffee, Tea, Milk

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2011

7:30 TO 11:00 AM

 

DONATION                         ADULTS     $5.00

                          CHILDREN under 12    $3.00

 

Sunday Worship Schedule

  April 3 - May 1, 2011

 

Sun Apr 3 - 9:30 AM      Communion Worship

First Reading:  Psalm 23

Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

Sermon: “Try to Find Out ...”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Judy Olson

Ushers: Dick & Gail Kloes

Servers: Dan Lefevre, Judy Olson

 

Sun Apr 10 - 9:30 AM    “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Second Reading: John 11:1-45

Sermon: “Whatever You Ask ...”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Anne Sheridan

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz

 

Sun  Apr 17 - 9:30 AM    Passion/Palm Sunday

First Reading:  Matthew 21:1-11

Second Reading:  Philippians 2:5-11

Sermon: “Every Knee & Every Tongue”

Liturgist: Our Sunday School Young People

Ushers:  Libbie Jansen

 

Sun Apr 24 - 9:30 AM    EASTER WORSHIP

First Reading:  Matthew 28:1-10

Second Reading:  Jeremiah 31:1-6

Sermon:  “Divine Amnesia - NOW!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Janice Pendergast

Ushers: Tom Liempeck, Jeff & Jim Dickson

Servers: Barb Brunett, Jim Dickson, Lori Johnson, Dan Lefevre, Judy Olson & one more needed

 

Sun May 1 - 9:30 AM - Communion  & “HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY” 

First Reading:  1^st Peter 1:3-9         

Second Reading:  John 20:19-31     

Sermon:  “As the Father ...”         

Liturgist: Barb Brunett

Children’s Message: Pastor Kevin

Ushers: Dick & Gail Kloes

Servers: Jim Dickson, Lori Johnson, Dan Lefevre

 

On APRIL 3, following the Sunday School classes, the young people (no, make that “kids of all ages”) are invited to stay to watch the film “Jesus Christ, Superstar”.  It’s a powerful work that really makes Jesus’ story come alive; if you haven’t seen it (or even if you HAVE ...) you’re invited to be here!  A light lunch will be served.

FROM OUR  PASTOR:

 

Happy April, Beloved:

 

That wonderful Presbyterian Poet Ann

Weems has a word for us as we dive deep

into Lent.  It is called:  “We Pray This Day.”

 

O God, we pray this day:

For all who have a song they cannot sing

For all who have a burden they cannot bear

For all who live in chains they cannot break

For all who wander homeless

and cannot return

For those who are sick

and for those who tend them

For those who wait for loved ones

and wait in vain

For those who live in hunger

and for those who will not share

their bread

For those who are misunderstood and

For those who misunderstand

For those who are captives, and

For those who are captors.

For those whose words of love are locked

within their hearts

And for those who long to hear those words.

 

Have mercy upon these, O God.

Have mercy upon us all.

 

Ann always has a way of helping us focus

On what’s important.  Lent is always

challenging for us.  That’s a good thing.

Sometimes, it might feel like too much.

But then we remember.  Resurrection!

God loves you.  Me too!

 

                                                   -     Pastor Kevin

 

 

 

Our Oh-So-Good EASTER BREAKFAST  is at 8:00 AM on Sun., April 24!  It features the popular egg & cheese dish (available with or without bacon), cereal, donut holes, rolls, beverages; just delicious!  Dick Kloes & LB Smith are event coordinators, who tell us that set-up will be here at the church at 9:00 AM on Sat., April 23.  Of course, they’d appreciate your help with that ... Sign-up sheets for kitchen helpers can be found at the rear of the sanctuary.  Ticket prices are just $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for kids under 12; $12.50 for “family”.  It’s the perfect way to kick off the celebration on this joyous Easter morning!  Please try to purchase your tickets in advance; it helps our “chefs” know how much food to prepare.

  From the Book of Yard Work, Chapter 7:11-17 : 

   “And God created winter, so that the people might enjoy fun in the snow, & fully appreciate the wonders of spring, summer, & autumn.  And when the snow melted at last, behold, a vast array of dead leaves, grayish-brown grass, fallen twigs, discarded candy wrappers & other debris appeared on the church lawn.  Then speaketh the Resources Committee: “Behold, for everything there is a season.  The time has come to rake, & pick up, & trim, & make spiffy.”  (Spiffy?  Yea, spiffy.)  Therefore it was decreed that on Saturday, April 30, commencing at 9:00 AM, a YARD CLEAN-UP DAY shall take place at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church, that all things may be made BRIGHT and BEAUTIFUL.  Your assistance is needed.  Bring yourself, & a rake, your pruning sheers, & other yard care equipment, & celebrate the changing seasons by helping to repair the ravages of winter.  It should not take long.  If you can help, please speak to Ed Griffith or J T Gall.  Thank you!

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We’ll have a SEDER MEAL on Thursday, April 14, in Jack Reichert Hall at 7:00 PM.   Our Seder isn’t a full meal, but it incorporates elements of the ritual feast that traditionally began the Jewish festival of Passover.  Since it’s symbolic of the meal Jesus took with his disciples on the night he was betrayed, it’s of significance to Christians.  Want to learn more?   Join us!

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 The PASSION/PALM SUNDAY program on April 17 will feature our young people as liturgists, some VERY special music by the Chancel Choir, & a wonderful, interactive Children’s Message (in which “the young & young-at-heart” are encouraged to take part).  The week begins with Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, but quickly darkens into a time of betrayal & death.  From the “Hosannas!”  of the cheering crowds to the moments of the Passion, this day’s worship conveys the experience of Holy Week.

 MAUNDY THURSDAY Worship service will take place here at GAPC, at 7:00 PM on

April 21.  Choirs from Faith,, Forest Park, Heritage & GAPC) will sing during the service.      

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL  -  On Sundays April 3 & 10, the Rev. Roger Hawthorne, HR, will be special guest speaker in the Adult Sunday School Class.  His topic: “Becoming an Inviting & Welcoming Congregation”.  Since his retirement, Rev. Roger has spent many hours visiting “sister” Presbyterian churches in Milwaukee Presbytery, & as a result, has reached some thought-provoking conclusions.   He poses the following questions to ponder, in advance:  “If a tree falls in the forest, does anyone know--or care?   How is that like a church?"   Another one:  "Would you tell Jesus to His face that you have no intention to do what He ordered us to do?"  Yet another (and the flip side of that last one): "When God extends a privilege to us, why would we refuse it?"   Then there is “Can you think of any good, or bad, reason anyone should or would want to join any church, much less your church?" Be sure to come to class on those dates, for there’ll be LOTS of absorbing discussion!

 HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY is May 1!  In ancient times the week after Easter was a time of great celebration, as Christians expressed their joy at the resurrection of Christ.  In 1988, the

Fellowship of Merry Christians “resurrected” the idea, & the result was Holy Humor Sunday, which is observed the first Sunday after Easter.  We’ll have some extra fun in worship, as we thank God for one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon us ... a sense of humor, & ability to have fun (but not at the expense of others.)  Samples:  “On the sixth day, God created the platypus.  And God said, “Let’s see the evolutionists figure this one out.”  Or, in the words of G. K. Chesterton: “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”

 

  SPECIAL PEOPLE - Prayers for:

 Beth Beck passed away on March 4, following a long battle with fronto-temporal dementia.  Pastor Kevin led a memorial worship on March 9.  We extend our deepest sympathy to Beth’s family & loved ones.

 Marvin Saugstad was in WAMH & then St. Luke’s, but he’s home at this writing.  Soon, he’ll need a heart valve replacement.

 Patrice Schwabe had hip surgery to reattach several tendons, & drain a bursa.  She reports that she’s doing well, & hopes to see us soon, on Sunday mornings.

 Emma Weinel, who suffered a broken wrist in a recent fall.

 Peg Larson, nursing a broken arm.  And Lee Larson, experiencing some heart-related concerns.

 Kaitlyn Saugstad, with a serious muscle strain in her leg, & had to give up basket-ball for the season.  (Since it’s less strenuous, Kaitlyn is still able to participate in volley-ball, for which she’s thankful.)  

 Joann Jakubowski, with  back problems which may require another surgery.  It’s causing her to fall, a lot. 

 Lin Bradley, who had another foot surgery on March 11.  We’re praying that this time, they got all the melanoma.

 Elsie Mae Arenz, who’s being treated for some difficulty with blood pressure.

 Pray for all who are searching for employment, or may soon have to begin the search.

 Continued prayers for: all of our shut-ins.

 JOY:

That we received Jamie Schwabe into membership on March 6.  That’s also the day we baptized Madison Schwabe!  Wonderful!

 For Megan Ewert, who’s able to be back in worship with us,

following back surgery.  Her million-dollar smile makes the day for the little folks in the nursery (& others!)  

 For Marie Hagen, who’s celebrating the birth of her 11^th great-grandchild, a girl.

 For Annette & Matt Klauck, who are expecting a baby, & will make Ken & Fran Burke first-time grandparents.

 For Kathie (“Kat”) Smith, who began an exciting new job on March 23.  Congratulations!

 For Derek Saugstad, who’ll be attending Boy’s State come July.

 

GREETERS:

 Apr 3 - Joanne & Bill Haschker                          Apr 24- Kristina & Sally Tarvid

 Apr 10 - Joyce Zeeb                                            May 1 - Megan & Steve Ewert

 Apr 17 - Julie Williams  

  

 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO:

Jill Lukas, our extraordinary chef & CEO of the March Madness Spaghetti Dinner on March 11.  DELICIOUS! Thanks, too, to Janice Borkenhagen, who made meatballs, & all others who lent a helping hand.

                 and ...

The Handbells, Chancel Choir, Jill Lukas & Janice Borkenhagen, whose musical offerings contributed so much the memorial service for Beth Beck on March 9.

                 and ...

Barb Brunett, Judy Dickson, Joanne Haschker, the Deacons, the cookie bakers, & others who helped with the “Chili Mac” meal following the service for Beth Beck.  The food was provided by our Peace & Justice Committee in memory of Beth, who prepared so very many “Chili Mac” meals for St. Ben’s. 

                and ...

Mark Brodaczynski, for arranging the trip to the Milwaukee Admirals game on Mar. 19. .

                and ...

The Southminster Youth Music Ministry, for bringing their modernized version of “The Prodigal” to our worship March 20.  Their (S)spirit-filled sharing of talent, & the time spent in rehearsing resulted in an inspiring & delightful production.  

                and ...

Those who contributed to the special offering for the Southminster Youth Music Ministry on Mar. 20.  A total of $307.48 was raised to help fund the group’s summer mission trip to Tennessee.

                and ...

Dick & Gail Kloes, whose help as office volunteers is so appreciated.  

 

 

DO WE  HAVE GRADUATES???  Graduations are coming up in May & June, & we’re wondering if any of our folks will be donning caps & gowns for these auspicious occasions.  If YOU have a graduate-to-be in your family, please give Sue a call at the church office, to provide details.  If yours is a high school graduation, we’d love to have information on future plans, as well, so we can include it in the May or June newsletter. 

 

RELAX - RENEW -

RETREAT !!

 

We are planning a Youth/Young Adult retreat at Cedar Valley Center in West Bend on Friday June 3^rd, 2011 - Sunday, June 5^th.  The Youth (grades 6-12) & Young Adults will be staying overnight in the log house at Cedar Valley on Friday & Saturday night, with adult chaperones.

 We would like to invite the younger Sunday School children (5^th grade & below) along with their parent(s)/guardian(s) to spend the day with us on Saturday June 4^th, as well as any other interested church members or friends.  Cedar Valley’s peaceful 100-acre setting offers an outdoor labyrinth & nature trails.  Activities for the day may include crafts, hiking, kite flying, swimming, etc. (weather permitting).  On Saturday evening we hope to have a campfire (with songs & s’mores, of course) as well as an outdoor worship service.

If any adults or families with younger children (5^th grade & below) are interested in staying overnight at Cedar Valley, there are a limited number of rooms available in the main lodge -- single room without meals is $65/night, & a double room without meals is $85/night.  We will have food available in the log house [breakfast - lunch-dinner]; otherwise meals can be obtained in the main lodge for an additional fee [single room with 3 meals is $90/night & double room with 3 meals is $80/per/night].  Cedar Valley also has a bookstore/gift shop & spa services [massage, manicure, etc] available for any interested adults -- spa services are by appointment only.  For more information, the website for Cedar Valley is www.cedarvalleycenter.org, & the phone # is 262-629-9202.  If you are interested in joining us for the day on Saturday, or you would just like more information about this event, please contact Laurie Kadunc..

PROJECT  HOPE  -  Some time back we introduced you to a program soon to be offered at GAPC.  Jill Lukas has started “Project H.O.P.E.” (Helping Other People Everywhere). We will be having our first meeting on Saturday, April 9th. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us! We will meet in the Jack Reichert Hall at 10:00 AM and continue until 1:00 PM. Just to refresh your memories… Project H.O.P.E. is a charity sewing project. It was started because of a great need throughout the area for such basic necessities as a warm quilt, or a hat & pair of mittens for a child or someone who is homeless. From there it grew into many other projects. Everything made by those who participate is donated to various hospitals, nursing homes, the rescue missions & other charitable programs right here in the Milwaukee area.

If you’d like to learn more about it, or have any questions, see Jill on a Sunday morning, or call her; her numbers are in the church directory.  There’ll be something for EVERYONE to do, so please plan to join us. We can promise it will be a highly rewarding experience!

How can you help other than on Saturday mornings? Please keep us in mind as you are doing your spring cleaning. We need clothing donations of wool winter coats or any type of sweaters and suits. We could also use quilts, blankets and comforters. So instead of sending items like these to Goodwill or just discarding them, please let us re-purpose them for you. You will be amazed at just how far one piece of clothing can go.

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers !  For March, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were:  Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Kathy Dill, Karin Schmeling, Becky Huck, Hugh Evans, Peter Zoeller, & the Dicksons.     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!

 SCRIP is now available for TARGET, in $25 & $100 increments, as it is for Pick ’N Save. Place your order the 2^nd Sunday of each month, for a percentage of your purchase price is returned to the church!

 MILLER PARK Sign-up is going very well, & it’s not too late to add YOUR name to be trained as a worker in SportService food booths for Milwaukee Brewers home games!  The more workers we have signed up for a particular date, the bigger booth we can be assigned ... & the more money we can raise to help the church budget!  The two training dates that are still available are Wed, April 13, & Wed., May 4.  Sign-up sheets for training AND the Brewers games we’ll be working are on the table at the rear of the narthex.  The work we do at Miller Park is also a great deal of FUN, so please do join in!.           

ONE  GREAT  HOUR  OF  SHARING

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is one arm of the OGHS offering, which sends help to victims of natural (& human-made) disasters in the U.S. & around the world.  It was there to help the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake the island nation suffered in 2010; it’s there to offer help to the people of New Zealand, following the earthquake in Christchurch last month; it’s there offering help to the victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan, & the terrible destruction from the tsunami which followed.  It’s there to help SO many people in need! 

There are other outreaches supported by OGHS, of course.   Our Presbyterian denomination  

divides OGHS gifts, giving 32% to one of three programs: Self-Development of People; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; & the Presbyterian Hunger Program.  The remaining 4% goes to the Presbyterian Hunger Program for its work on homelessness & affordable housing.

The world in which we live is a world filled with needs; charitable giving, such as OGHS, is one way we can show our gratitude for our blessings, by “giving back”.  Please give generously on Easter Sunday (or any Sunday during Lent), by using the special OGHS 

pew envelopes, & write “OGHS” on your check, so your financial record can be properly credited.

 

NOW is the time to start thinking about SUMMER CAMP, & Stronghold is holding a Summer Camp Preview & Open House on Sat., May 14.  Try your hand at archery!  Learn to play Ga-Ga Ball.  (Find out what Ga-Ga Ball IS!)  Make an Arts & Crafts project; visit the cabins & lodges; meet the counselors; enjoy a campfire & s’mores.  Stronghold is Blackhawk Presbytery’s conference, retreat & camping center, at

1922 IL Rt. 2N, Oregon, IL 61061

For over 45 years, Stronghold has offered exciting Christian camping experiences for youth ranging in ages from 1^st thru 12^th grades.  It offers a variety of activities for campers.  Some weeks include canoeing, swimming, crafts, high ropes, archery, drama, campfires, cookouts, & of course, Stronghold’s CASTLE.  All camps have Bible study.

 

Want more information?  Call 815-732-6111; check out summercampinfo@ strongholdcenter.org

There are brochures & registration forms on the table in the narthex.  (Melissa Gall attended Stronghold camps for MANY summers ... & had a ball!

She’ll be glad to share her experiences with you.)

 

A  SWEET  TREAT

Donna Saugstad brought the following wickedly delicious treat to the annual Music Department Party in January.  Lots of the folks asked for the recipe, which Donna graciously shared.  At last, we finally have room in the Messenger to print it.  (Consider using it if you’re hosting special Easter gatherings!)  Enjoy!

 

      CHOCOLATE CHIP

         CHEESE BALL 

1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese,

     softened

½  c butter, softened

¼  t. Spice Islands, All Natural,

       No Corn Syrup Added,

       Pure Vanilla Extract

¾  c. confectioners’ sugar

2  T. brown sugar

¾  C. miniature semisweet

     chocolate chips

¾  c. finely chopped pecans

Graham crackers

 

IN a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter & vanilla till fluffy.  Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Cover & refrigerate for 2 hrs.  Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hr.  Just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans.  Serve with graham crackers.

Yield:  1 cheese ball (about 2 c.)

 

SYNOD SCHOOL information is here!  It’s July 24-29, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, & it offers a number of INCREDIBLE workshops!  Our friend, Carroll University Chaplain Bill Humphreys is leading his popular “Bible for Dummies” once again; & there’s “Spirituality 101: Staying in Touch - Spirituality for Busy People”; “Preparing Church Officers for the 21^st Century”; an Introduction to Tai Chi; “They Didn’t Make the Cut: Gospels Not Included in the New Testament”; and SOOOO much more.  See the narthex bulletin board, for more information!

 

 

APRIL, 2011

CALENDAR

 

       

Fri Apr 1    6:30 PM - Set-Up for Pancake Breakfast

Sat Apr 2   7:30 - 11:00 AM - 22^nd ANNUAL GREAT PANCAKE  BREAKFAST  *

Sun April 3  10:45AM- Adults have Special Class *

Mon Apr 4     7:15 PM - Resources meets

Sat Apr 9   10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Project HOPE *

Sun Apr 10   10:45 AM - Part 2 of Adult Class which began last week* 

Mon Apr 11   7:15 PM - CE/Evangelism/Nurture Committees meet

Thurs Apr 14  7:00 PM - Seder meal *

Sat Apr 16     2:00 PM - Kristina’s 30^th Birthday Bash at the Tarvids - everyone’s invited!!!   *

Sun. Apr 17  9:30 AM - Youth Passion/Palm Sunday Program  *

Mon Apr 18    9:00 AM - Deadline for May newsletter

Thurs Apr 21  7:00 PM - Maundy Thursday worship here, with other “Fab 4” churches  * 

Sat Apr 23     9:00 AM - Set up for Easter Breakfast

Sun Apr 24   8:00 AM-EASTER BREAKFAST *

                      9:30 AM - EASTER WORSHIP

Sat Apr 30     9:00 AM - SPRING WORK DAY *

Sun May 1    9:30 AM - It’s Holy Humor Sunday *

 

SCRIP NEWS !!

TARGET stores now offer SCRIP, in increments of $25 or $100!  Since Pick N Save offers those same options, you can plan ahead to purchase Scrip on the second Sunday of each month ... & help the church raise money, since the stores which take part return a percentage of your purchase price to the church!  (Some give 4%, others a whopping 10%, so it really, really pays!)  If you aren’t already participating in the SCRIP program, there’s no time like the present to give it a try!  There are SO MANY great stores that offer SCRIP gift cards, all it takes is a bit of advance planning, & you’re “good to go”!  Take a look at the information on the large table in the narthex, to find out which of YOUR favorite stores participate.  There’s Menard’s; Fazoli’s; Speedway; Dress Barn; WAY more others than we have room to list here!  Be ready with your filled-out-form & check (made out to GAPC) on the 2^nd Sunday of each month; give your order to JR Saugstad or JT Gall -- & on the following Sunday, you’ll receive your SCRIP gift card(s).

                  

 

We’re not quite ready to be on TV’s Channel 96, yet, but it looks as if it won’t be too much longer!  We’ll keep you posted ... & our shut-ins will be able to see our worships!

  

 

*   Article about event appears in newsletter