MAY, 2011 - MESSENGER

GREENFIELD  AVENUE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

1455 S. 97th 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

Sunday Worship Schedule

 May 8 - May 29, 2011

Sun May 8 - 9:30 AM  Mother’s Day & “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23

Second Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Sermon: “The Walk!”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Smith

Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz

Sun May 15 - 9:30 AM   Wills Emphasis Sunday

First Reading: John 10:1-10

Second Reading: Acts 2:42-27

Sermon: “Glad & Generous Hearts”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Terry Arenz

Ushers: Libbie Jansen

Sun  May 22 - 9:30 AM  “Penny Sunday”

First Reading: Psalm 31:1-5, 15 & 16

Second Reading: John 14:1-14 

Sermon: “Troubled Hearts”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Jan Wilke

Ushers: Tom Liempeck, Jeff & Jim Dickson

Sun May 29 - 9:30 AM

First Reading: John 14:15-21

Second Reading: 1^st Peter 3:13-22

Sermon: “Clear Conscience ...”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid

Ushers: Sally & Sherman Stock, Tom Liempeck & Marv Saugstad

FROM OUR PASTOR:  Happy May, Beloved:

 As I write, it is again rainy and cold, dark and gray. I so could use a little sunshine right about now. I’ll bet we all could.

 This morning, I’m headed to Presbytery for our latest “What Next?!?!?“ meeting. We keep hoping to get a little glimpse into the future. When we do, the picture is a bit bleak.

 I hear rumblings that perhaps five more Southeast Wisconsin Churches are in real danger of closing. I hear that even some of the big ones are hurting.

 So, in the midst of all this gloom and sadness, might there be a bit of hope, a little ray of light at the end of the tunnel - that isn’t an out of control train headed right for us? YES! YES! YES!

 We are reminded this week that - when God is involved - resurrections are not only possible, they are the way things work!

 We are obviously in the midst of a new Reformation. God is clearly at work. The Holy Spirit is molding us into something even more useful for Christ.

 Our calling is to be pliable, willing, dedicated and loving. Our little faith family here is one of those oasis in the desert. We are growing stronger and more faithful day by day.

 So, as Annie always says: “the sun’ll come out tomorrow.” Let us be a source of “Son Shine” for a world that needs us more than ever. Thanks - I knew I could count on you.

 God loves you. Me too!

 - Pastor Kevin

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE is already responding to the need for help throughout areas of the south which were devastated by the more than 300 tornadoes in the month of April, with funds from One Great Hour of Sharing. If you would like to make additional gifts to provide assistance, please go to http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/p0da/us-spring-storms-2011 or call 1-800-872-3283.

A RETREAT for Youth & Young Adults is planned for Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, at Cedar Valley Center in West Bend. Church youth (grades 6 - 12) & young adults will spend their nights in the Cedar Valley log house, (with adult chaperones, of course.) We’d be delighted to have ALL our young folks in those age groups attend! Younger Sunday School kids, 5th grade & under, along with parent(s), or guardian(s), are invited to join in the fun on Sat., June 4. In fact, EVERYONE who’d like to be with the group on June 4 is welcome! Lots of outdoor activities are planned, including a campfire with S’mores, kite flying, & an outdoor worship service! And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s plenty to do indoors! If any adults or families with younger children (5th 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 at 414-257-0196.

 “THE RESURRECTION” is the topic of the Adult Sunday School Class on May 15 & May

22. It’s being led by our special guest speaker, the Rev. Roger Hawthorne. If you attended Pastor Roger’s classes on becoming a welcoming & inviting congregation last month, you know just how thought provoking & discussion-stimulating our Adult Class is! “The Resurrection” promises to be equally absorbing. He poses the following questions to consider, before you arrive at the classes:

What do we really believe about what happens to us after our physical death? If we seriously believe in physical resurrection, does that preclude cremation of the body? Is our understanding of resurrection far, far too limited, thinking it involves only the restoration of life to these bodies we inhabit? How old will we be when we are resurrected? Will we still be as old as we were when we died? Do our pets go to heaven, & will we see & still enjoy them after resurrection? There’s lots MORE, as you might imagine, & you might want to make a list of the questions YOU’D like to add to the list, for we’ll talk about as many as we can. Mark those dates on your calendar!

COOKIES FOR HABITAT ... We’ve been asked to provide cookies for the workers at Habitat for Humanity the week of June 13, as we have for so many years in the past. We thought we’d give our talented church bakers a “heads up”, so they can make plans to do some baking, & bring the cookies to worship with them on Sunday, June 12. Our Peace & Justice Committee members will pack up the cookies that morning, following worship, & will see that they’re delivered to the Habitat site the next morning. We understand that the cookies GAPC sends are eagerly anticipated by the good folks working at Habitat, & it’s a “labor of love” for us, as we “give back” by treating these hard-working & wonderful volunteers.

 SPECIAL PEOPLE

Louise Myers Roth, a long-time member of GAPC, passed away recently in Arizona, where she had lived for many years. We’re sorry, but we no further details.

Lin Bradley, who’s hoping to receive a kidney transplant within the next few weeks. Let’s pray hard that it comes to pass!

Toni Jansen was hospitalized early this month. She’s home again, back with us in worship.

Marvin Saugstad, who received a pacemaker, but was readmitted to the hospital with pneumonia & several complications. He HOPES to be home by the time this newsletter reaches you all ...

Dick Kloes, who’ll soon have knee replacement surgery. 

Sue Pope, being treated for degenerative problems in her back.

Diane Edward, who’ll soon undergo a bit of surgery.

Lee Larson, who’s just not feeling “up to par”.

Steve Ewert, experiencing problems with severe back pain.

Jeri Gamache, recovered from a nasty sinus infection, but still dealing with health concerns.

Loretta Nalencz, who’s met with so many specialists in the attempt to find the cause & cure for her hands, which still refuse to do what she tells them to do. It’s so frustrating for her.

The Leintz family, mourning the death of Ed’s brother, Leonard.

“Friend of the Church” Tony McLean, who’ll have another injection for back pain on May 2. It’s hoped he can avoid surgery.

Continued prayers for: all job seekers; those undergoing medical testing; our shut-ins.

For Leah Karrels, who performed in the Whitman Middle School production of “School-house Rock Live! Jr” on Apr. 29 - May 1. Way to go, Leah!

For Jason Sczypiorski, who is to be confirmed on May 1 at First Presbyterian Church in Galesville, WI. Grandparents Peg & Lee, & aunts Laurie & Trish, will drive there for the big event.

For Kathy Dill, who’s begun a new job which is JUST what she wanted! Congratulations!

That Steve Jakubowski has accepted a position at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, TN. He, Rheanne, & the children will move there soon. We’ll miss them, but Steve expects to be back for frequent visits.

That Victoria Pope’s volleyball team won 1^st place in a VERY long tournament.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO:

JT Gall, our “Chief Pancake Flipper” at the 22nd Annual Great Pancake Breakfast on April 2, & all who helped with this event. We raised $540.00, which goes to help our general budget.  

  and ...

Rev. Roger Hawthorne, who led the Adult Sunday School Class on April 3 & 10, with absorbing discussion on “Becoming an Inviting & Welcoming Congregation”.

  and ...

Our Miller Park workers, whose efforts at the SportService booth raised $830 on “Opening Day”.

 and ...

Laurie Kadunc, who coordinated the April 14 Seder meal.  

and ...

Our wonderful young folks, who helped out as liturgists for the Passion/Palm Sunday program April 17. And CE Chairperson Diane Edward, & Laurie Kadunc, who “made it happen”.

and ...

Dick Kloes & LB Smith, for shepherding the FANTASTIC Easter Breakfast on April 24. Thanks, too, to their helpers: Gail Kloes, Jim & Judy Dickson, Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Larry & Sue Smith, & the good folks who helped with clean-up, following the event.

and ...

Anne Sheridan, who donated the new clock which graces the east wall of Jack Reichert Hall.

and ...

Jill Lukas, Janice Borkenhagen, & Terry Arenz, who worked so hard with Chancel Choir, Handbells, & God’s Guild, whose music on Easter (& during all of Lent) was so moving & beautiful.

and ...

All the church musicians, who did such a wonderful job during the Lent/Easter season.

and ...

Anne Sheridan & Jill Lukas,

who gave up their time on Easter afternoon to work a beverage cart at Miller Park.

and ...

Tom Tarnowski, Mike Schmeling, & Becky Huck, who received training to tape our Sunday worship services, for later showing on Channel 96. If you don’t live in West Allis, but have ATT-U-Verse as your cable carrier, we’re told you can still get Channel 96.

and ...

Those who helped with “Yard Work Day” on April 30.

and ...

Dick & Gail Kloes, our dedicated office volunteers, always smiling & helpful.

The PACE CLASS (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) held an Easter Party on April 21. Judy Dickson baked & decorated an EASTER BUNNY CAKE, which was so festive, & great fun! This VERY worthwhile class meets on Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30 PM (though they’re taking the “day off” on May 5); they’re eager to welcome new members! You need not be a member of the church to attend, & the cost is just $1.00 per session (if you can afford it.). Class is led by Lynn Heinrich, RN, a trained PACE instructor who volunteers her time. Seriously, folks, it’s one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Even “couch potatoes” can easily manage this class. Come check it out on May 12! It will lift your spirits & get your blood circulating, & that’s a GOOD thing!

WE’RE STILL LOOKING FOR GRADUATES! Is there anyone in the church family who’s graduating from high school, college, or receiving an advanced degree this spring? We do our best to “keep up” with our folks, & as yet, no one has announced a graduation. Please let us know if there are to be any graduations, for we want to extend our congratulations & good wishes, & we’d hate to miss someone! Thanks!

WANT TO SEE ONE OF OUR “PRODIGAL” SERVICES ON TV?

Channel 96 will show it on Wed., May 4, at 5:00 PM; on Thurs., May 5, at 7:30 PM; on Sun., May 8, at 11:30 AM; & on Wed., May 11, at 5:00 PM.

We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For April, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Phyllis Shudy, Kathy Dill, Karin & Mike Schmeling, Becky Huck, & 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! 

DON’T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR SCRIP on the second Sunday of each month! Target, Pick ’N Save, Menard’s, Fazolis, Speedway, & just SCADS of other area merchants take part! Each one returns a % of the purchase price of their SCRIP gift cards TO THE CHURCH, so it’s an excellent way to benefit our general budget! Turn in your order to church treasurer JT Gall on the 2nd Sunday, & receive your SCRIP gift cards, on the 3rd!

MILLER PARK WORKERS ARE NEEDED! Our trained workers are urged to speak with Jill Lukas or Anne Sheridan & sign up, for we need workers at ALL of the games we’ve agreed to do! Remember, the more workers we have for any given Brewers game, the larger booth we can be assigned ... & the bigger the booth, the smaller the chance that we’ll experience a cancellation, & the GREATER chance that we’ll make more money for the church! Hard work? Yes. But it’s also great fun as we meet Brewers fans “up close & personal”; to work with your friends in the church family; & to introduce GAPC to the larger community!

SUMMER CAMP at STRONGHOLD Want an INTRODUCTION to this special place at 1922 IL Rt 2N near Oregon, IL? Attend their Summer Camp Preview & Open House on Sat., May 14 (see their web site, for times.). There will be opportunities to try out many games, work on projects, meet counselors, visit cabins & lodges ... & MORE ! Stronghold is Blackhawk Presbytery’s con-ference, retreat & camping center, which has been offering exciting Christian camping experiences for youth ranging in ages from 1st thru 12th grades for over 45 years. We have registration forms & flyers on the narthex table. Learn more by calling 815-732-6111; or go to summercampinfo@ strongholdcenter.org

SYNOD SCHOOL information is here! It’s July 24-29, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, & it offers opportunities for life-enhancing studies that are simply INCREDIBLE! Want to study the Bible? Here are a few of the offerings:

Scripture Meets Desperate Housewives: Tough Stories

Bible Study for Dummies

Gospels Not Included in the New Testament.

Want something physical? Try:

Belly Dance

Yoga: Vacation Style

Ultimate Sports

Introduction to Tai Chi

Seek to nurture spirituality? Then consider:

Guided Spiritual Retreat

What’s in a Dream?

Spirituality 101: Spirituality for Busy People

Is MUSIC your forte? Try

African Style Drumming

Synod School Choir

A History of Rock & Roll

How to Start a Children’s Chime Choir

Enjoy some theological reflection

in discussing

God at the Box Office

Conversations on The Shack

Inviting Jesus for Dinner: Rethinking Communion

Visiting the Early Church

And, if you want to help to enhance the ministry at GAPC, (& the truth is, we’re ALL ministers), attend workshops on

Wonderful Websites

The Spiritual Lives of Children

Church and Stage

Using Social Media for Church -- It’s NOT just a Fad.

We don’t have room to list all the other exciting possibilities for workshop offering, but there’s a Synod School catalog on the bulletin board in the narthex. OR, check the catalog out online, at www.lakesandprairies.org

THANK you all for your participation in the Tab collection for Ronald McDonald House!! Since we have been collecting (around the beginning of Nov 2010) we have gathered 10 lbs. of tabs!! The current price for a pound of aluminum is $.60 which with my incredible math skills, (10lbs. X $.60) is $6. Families that stay at the Ronald McDonald house are asked if they can to pay $10 a month so we are on the way to helping someone stay a month. Sometimes that is all a family needs, and sometimes that is still too much for them. So please keep those tabs coming we are doing a great service for families that need to be with their children during tough times. Also join me on May 5th at the Ronald McDonald House – Lower parking lot at 8948 Watertown Plank road from 3:30-5pm I am keeping the Tabs to be able to toss them on that day. - Terry A.

from our friends at FOREST PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dear Pastor Kevin Tarvid:

I am writing on the behalf of Forest Park Presbyterian Church to extend an invitation to you to join us on Saturday, June 18, 2011 for our “Repurpose 2 Renew 2 Inspire” (a flea market, art and craft event). Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian is an important member of our Fab Four Family so we would like to provide you with a FREE 12 x 8 booth to help support your mission and your programs! This event will be held rain or shine. Canopy structures are permitted because all booths are outside. Set up is scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with the event running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Forest Park will be selling rummage, craft, bakery and food items and we are actively working to include music, storytelling and games. Overall we have the potential to rent over 35 booths. Any vendors are welcome who keep within a family orientated theme. No animals, firearms or alcohol will be allowed. We are also offering a limited amount of free space to non-profit or charity groups to support their fund raising efforts and programs.

If you know of anyone interested in participating please refer them to our website at (www.forestparkpcusa.org) for more information and a vendor application.

Thank you for your time and consideration. All of us at Forest Park sincerely hope you are able to spend the day with us!

Blessings and Peace,

Sheryl Dolan

MAY, 2011

CALENDAR 

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

Mon May 2 7:15 PM - CE/Nurture/Evangelism

Thur May 5 ** NO PACE CLASS TODAY

Sun May 8 9:30 AM - TWO BAPTISMS!

Mon May 9 - Fri May 13 - Pastor Kevin’s away *

Sun. May 15 10:45 - 11:45 - Special Class for Adults - Part 1 - “The Resurrection” *

Mon May 16 7:15 PM - Resources Committee

Tues May 17 6:30 PM - Session Meets

Sun May 22 9:30 AM - Teacher Appreciation Sunday *

10:45 AM - Special Class for Adults, Part 2 of “The Resurrection” *

Tues May 24 4:00 PM - Presbytery meets at West Granville

FROM INTERFATIH, WEST CENTRAL - During Volunteer Recognition Month, West Central Interfaith would like to thank Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian's Congregation for your participation in our program this past year. Helping our frail older neighbors is such an important ministry. We appreciate your ongoing financial support as we try to keep our frail older neighbors connected to a caring community.

In addition, we thank you for the volunteers who provided so much help to our elderly friends. I would especially like to thank the volunteers from your congregation who served West Central Interfaith during the past year: Barbara Brunett; Ed Griffith; Marvin Saugstad. God’s blessings on all of you!

Do YOU own American Flags which have seen better days, that need to be “Honorably Retired”? Our own Harry Koroghlanian, a member of Greendale’s American Legion Post 416, will collect your torn, faded flags during the month of May, & deliver them to the Post for burning (which is the proper way to dispose of them) on or about Flag Day, which is June 14. If you or your family members, friends, or neighbors have flags which are no longer in good condition, bring them to the church & place them on a counter in the library, or give them to Harry on a Sunday morning. He’ll see to it that they are given the respect they deserve at the Post’s ceremony.