| August 2011 |
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AUGUST, 2011 - MESSENGER GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 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
Sun August 7 - 9:30 AM Communion Worship Sermon: “Walking on Water”
Sun August 14 - 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday” Sermon: “Only God Can ...”
Sun August 21 - 9:30 AM Sermon: “What Sacrifice Means ...”
Sun August 28 - 9:30 AM Blessing of the Creatures & “Penny Sunday” Sermon: “God Loves Critters, Too ...”
FROM OUR PASTOR: Happy August, Beloved: I get the feeling that some of us are struggling a bit with our faith. Might that include you? If so, I have great news. Welcome to the CLUB! You are A-OK! There’s a great story from the ninth chapter of Mark, where a Dad asks Jesus for help for his child. It seems the child is possessed with a demon, and the effects are just awful. The Disciples tried to get rid of the unwanted guest, with no luck. Jesus suggests that the problem is a lack of belief on the part of the disciples. He asks the dad if he believes, and the dad replies: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!!!!” That’s where so many of us are. We believe, but we’re just not sure quite what it is we believe in!!! We need to remember that faith is a journey, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and lots of bumps in the road. Sometimes, when life and the world are so hard, it’s not easy for us to feel that God is involved, and not only involved, but intimately, lovingly, effectively involved. No wonder that some of the early American philosophers thought that God is like a great toymaker, who wound up the universe like a top, and let us go. They thought that, while God might watch with curiosity, God would not interfere with the trajectory we’re on. I’m convinced that God is indeed in charge, and in a most loving way. I’m also convinced that the crud we deal with in life is the price we pay for freedom, and so that we will reach out to each other, and to God. So, if your faith wavers once in a while, don’t let that get you down. It is your soul seeking a deeper, better connection with God. My beloved Pastor, Ed Hunt, used to tell me of a prayer partner he had from far away. Every once in a while, that partner would call and say: “Hey Ed, what are we believing today?” Faith is a day to day, moment to moment journey, and I’m always happy to visit with you along the road. God does love you. Me too! - Pastor Kevin
FALL FEST IS COMING! It will be here before you know it! SAT., OCT. 22, 2011 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
ABOUT THE RAFFLE: We need donations of items to put in baskets to be made up for RAFFLE PRIZES! (We know WINE will be among them; & original watercolors by well-know area artist Lee Roesch; & a wonderful, one-of-a kind QUILT, made especially for Fall Fest by our talented Jill Lukas ... BUT ... many additional items are needed!) Tell Diane Edwards what YOU will provide...OR, perhaps you’ll donate a basket full of items, OR know of a business we can contact for a donation! If you’re willing to contact a business yourself, let Diane know, for she can provide a letter for you to present to the owner/manager, introducing the raffle to them. Diane also needs donations of BASKETS, in which to place donated items. This is a REALLY, REALLY significant part of our event, & we want it to be SPECTACULAR! QUALITY RUMMAGE may be brought in any time after Labor Day (Sept. 5), to the center room downstairs, (but if you’re planning to come on a week day, PLEASE phone first to make sure someone will be here to let you in ... 414-453-3710). Rummage coordinators Terry Arenz & Kayla Jervis need PAPER & PLASTIC BAGS so “our” rummagers can carry their purchases home ... do save your bags, & bring them in to help out! NO CLOTHING, PLEASE! BAKERS: we hope you’ll prepare lots of PIES, cookies, breads, & other mouth-watering, tastebud-tempting sweets. (We need bags for the baked goods, of course.) AND we need KITCHEN HELPERS, LOANS OF CARD TABLES for the CAFE, & FOLKS TO HELP WITH SET-UP (6:00 PM on Oct, 21 in Jack Reichert Hall, for Bake Sale & Kitchen). As soon as they’re printed, (in early October) please TAKE SOME OF OUR FLYERS, give them to your friends, neighbors, everyone you know, & INVITE THEM TO ATTEND!!! Word-of-mouth is always the best form of advertising, & we’re SOOOOO eager to make this our BEST FALL FEST EVER! It’s SUCH an IMPORTANT fund-raiser!
TALK IT UP!!! “BRING YOUR PET TO CHURCH / BLESSING OF THE CREATURES” on SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 Many of the folks here at GAPC, (& in the larger community, as well) have beloved pets whom they consider to be part of their family. We’ve decided to celebrate these “critters” who share our lives on Sun. Aug. 28, at 9:30 AM, with a special outdoor worship service, (which we HOPE to make our “First Annual” of this particular kind). In case of inclement weather, we’ll hold the event in Jack Reichert Hall. To make the service most enjoyable, we’re asking ALL who bring pets to follow these simple guidelines:
We encourage you to tell your friends & neighbors who are animal-lovers about this worship service & invite them to attend! All are welcome with their pets; they need not be members of GAPC in order to attend. Remember what the hymn says: “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small; all things wise and wonderful ... the Lord God made them all”. And surely, it is the truth. See you there! THE ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL at Pastor Kevin & Sally Tarvid’s will begin at 2:00 PM on Sun., Aug. 28. The Tarvids invite everyone to be with them to enjoy ICE CREAM WITH MANY TOPPINGS; cool beverages; & a lovely, shady yard in which to relax & socialize with good friends. No need to bring anything except a comfortable lawn chair to sit on, & the desire to enjoy yourself! (Folks who really feel they must “bring something” might consider pie ...) P.A.C.E 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Can you believe it? Our People with Arthritis Can Exercise program has been keeping folks who suffer from this debilitating condition active for 10 years, come the second week in September! Our beloved Lynn Heinrich, who initiated the P.A.C.E. program here, continues as instructor/leader of the group, which meets in the church library ALMOST every Thursday, from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. In order to celebrate this milestone, on Sunday, September 11, we’ll have a special P.A.C.E. Reunion/Recognition during the morning worship service at 9:30 AM. EVERYONE who’s taken part in P.A.C.E. during the past decade is encouraged to be here to rejoice in the success of this special Health & Wellness Ministry of GAPC. If YOU know someone who’s been a PACE participant who’s no longer active in the group, be sure to invite them to attend. And, if you’ve been thinking that you really SHOULD get up & get moving, P.A.C.E. is a great place to start. The group has been on a brief hiatus for several weeks, but they’ll resume on AUGUST 11. God wants us to keep our bodies healthy, & exercise is one of the best ways!
RALLY DAY, which kicks off our Sunday School year, will be held on Sun., September 18, this year! God’s Guild will present “Praise & Prayer” as part of the worship that morning. SPECIAL PEOPLE
Prayers for:
The Karrels family, on the death of Laurie’s mother, July 21. The family of “friend of the church” Frances Trzcinski, who passed away last month. Pastor Kevin led a memorial service here at GAPC on July 21. Hilda Czaplewski, who underwent surgery on her head on July 11, to remove a cancer. Tests results indicate a very successful surgery. Reconstructive surgery is scheduled for mid-August. Roger Hawthorne, whose health continues to improve, but still needs prayers for healing. Elsie Mae Arenz, still experiencing troubling bouts of very low blood pressure. Jim Dickson, also “under par” due to low blood pressure incidents. Sherman Stock, who recovered from acute bronchitis in time to undergo cataract surgery. Anne Weber, undergoing difficult chemotherapy treatments.
Lin Bradley, who’ll have an additional medical procedure. Sally Stock, who was treated for an ear problem. Bill Weber, gradually improving but still in pain from degenerative back problems.
Loretta Nalencz, receiving new treatments which seem to be producing some positive results. Continued Prayers for our shut-ins; for those with ailing family members; & for all who search for jobs.
Joy:
For Stephanie Jervis, who traveled to Costa Rica on July 10 with members of her high school Spanish class. Stephanie spent time with a host family, immersed herself in Spanish, & returned on July 22nd. She tells us it was a wonderful trip, (except for a bout with food poisoning, which affected many in the group for several days). Nevertheless, Stephanie says she had a fantastic time. For Rachel Schmeling, returning to Milwaukee to begin a 4-month externship at the popular Bacchus restaurant, under the supervision of Adam Siegal, on August 15. She’s VERY excited about this opportunity; she’s living her dream! Congratulations, Rachel! We’re SOOOO proud of you! For Melissa Gall, who took advantage of the opportunity to visit her sister, Emily Drury, in Ft. Myers, Florida in July. Melissa was able to spend time exploring the workings of the veterinary clinic where Emily works, there; veterinary science is one of the majors Melissa is considering, after she gets her Bachelor’s Degree. $196.00 was raised from the recent Popcorn sale, & will go to the Youth Group.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO: Chancel Choir & God’s Guild, for the VERY special music they provided for worship on July 3. and ... The generous folks who baked COOKIES for the lunch that followed the memorial service for Frances Trzcinski on July 21. and ... Melissa Gall, who shared her considerable talent on the piano with us during “Special Music” & Offertory portions of worship on July 10. and ... Event coordinator Laurie Kadunc & the “Church Team” & sponsors who supported or took part in “Relay For Life” July 15-16 and ... Karin Schmeling, for the beautiful vocal solo on July 17. and ... Sue & Larry Smith. who hosted the annual pool party on July 17. It was “just the ticket” on a very HOT, HUMID Sunday afternoon! Thanks, also, to our wonderful cooks, who brought such delicious fare for the Pot Luck BBQ which was part of the event. and ... Jill Lukas, who joyfully shared her marvelous voice with us during July 24’s “Special Music” segment of worship. and ... Alexzandrea Pope, whose violin solo during worship on July 31 will make her father Cary’s birthday “extra special”. and ... JR & Heather Saugstad, & all taking part in any way in the 7th Annual Roger Saugstad Memorial Golf Outing on July 29. and ... Exceptional office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, always available to help with various tasks. Our Miller Park workers raised $790.00 at the July 4th game; $710.00 at the July 6th game, & $520.00 at the July 8th game! That’s $4,900.00 for the year, so far, with more to come!!! APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE for ALL these dedicated folks, who work SO hard to raise much-needed funds for the church! THANK YOU!
1st ANNUAL BREWERS GAME & TAILGATE PARTY After years of working at Miller Park Concessions….it’s time that we actually go to see a game! Come join us on Saturday, September 10th for a day of fun as we watch the Brewers take on the Philadelphia Phillies. We will meet at church (time yet to be determined) so that we can carpool to the stadium, where we’ll have a tailgate party complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, brats and all the “fixins”. Game time is 6:10 PM. Everyone is welcome -- you don’t want to miss this fun filled event! Cost is just $23.00 per person, which includes your ticket, tailgate party and parking. We have to have our tickets purchased about 30 days in advance to help us get seats all together, so please pay Jill Lukas BY SUNDAY, AUG. 7, if you plan to attend. We’ve been able to ADD 4 dates to the schedule of games we’re working at Miller Park ... & there’s also one more training date available, if you’d like to work, but aren’t yet trained. DO sign up to work one or more of these games, for as you know, the more workers we have, the larger booth we’ll be assigned. That means we’ll be able to raise more money for the church! You’ll find the sign-up sheet on the table at the rear of the sanctuary. Speak with Jill Lukas or Anne Sheridan if you have questions.
We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For July, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Hugh Evans, Mike & Karin Schmeling, Becky Huck, & Judy & Jim Dickson. 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! Jan Wilke continues to collect gently-used BOOKS for the West Allis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. The books you donate will be sold for a small fee to folks waiting for family members to come out of surgery, & the like. Proceeds fund scholarships which the Auxiliary provides. Fiction, non-fiction, & travel books will be welcomed, & received with thanks. Jan says they’re in “desperate” need of books ... please bring your volumes to the Family Meditation Room, & let Jan know they’re there, so she can take them to the hospital
PLEASE REMEMBER: IF YOU DONATE BLOOD on a regular basis, we’d like to remind you to SPACE your donations so you can be here to donate for the church blood drive on Sat., Nov. 5, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. We’ll need to have LOTS of donors (35 is a nice number to aim for...) Just think: a single pint of blood can save 3 lives! Maynard, Sr. & Joyce Saugstad were in town for the 7th Annual Roger Saugstad Memorial Golf Outing on July 29, & brought us up to date on Maynard’s avocation of Senior Softball-USA. After participating in the 2010 Japan-Taiwan Tour, where Maynard “continued to be a very sharp pitcher”, according to Senior Softball-USA CEO Terry Hennessey, they’re hoping to go to China to play in 2012. Mr. Hennessey also reported that Joyce is “a great bat-girl”, which comes as no surprise to those in the GAPC “family”. Maynard’s recent knee replacement surgery was so successful, he’s hoping to be back playing ball in St. Pete within another two months. Mr. Hennessey states that Maynard & Joyce “are welcome to come on any of the (Senior Softball-USA) tours -- you are both great ambassadors for both the sport and America”. PLAN AHEAD. Mark your calendars, NOW, & plan to take part in the Saturday, September 17 WORK DAY at the church. We’ll be re-roofing the church-attached shed, (which REALLY needs it), & staining both the Peace Garden & refuse container fences. It won’t take long, if we have lots of willing volunteers. Starting time will be 9:00 AM. from Becky Huck: HEY, CHURCH FAMILY! Our church services are now on TV! They 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). The dates we have for August are:
The GAPC-6/12/11 Pentecost Sunday, sermon title “The Lord’s Great & Glorious Day” Communion Sunday 7/3/11, Sermon: Guest Preacher Bill Humphreys, "The Work of Wisdom Is Easy and Light" If you would like an (edited version) dvd copy of any one of the past services, let Becky Huck know (414-526-7707)! If there is a service or a part of a service that you know of In- advance that you would like an uncut copy of (ie. a Baptism, a service where a friend or family member is playing special music, etc.), let one of us know that day or prior to that day. Please include $2 for the cost of the dvd. We are making copies of the church services available to anyone that is not healthy enough to come to church upon request, free of charge. AUGUST, 2011 CALENDAR REGULAR EVENTS
SUNDAY 9:30 AM - WORSHIP
ON MON., JUNE 27, MAPLEGROVE TREATMENT CENTER began hours here for the special needs children with whom they work, from (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) They will NOT be here on Wednesdays, as a general rule. Their summer program here will finish on August 19.
MOST MONDAYS - 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise Class” (for all ages)
EVERY TUESDAY - 5:00 - 6:00 PM - TOPS in church library - new members welcomed
EVERY THURSDAY - 1:30 PM - P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) This class is suitable for people of all ages.
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.
Sun Aug 7 9:30 AM - There’s a BAPTISM . Mon Aug 8 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise” 7:15 PM - CE/Nurture/Evangelism Mon Aug 15 6:00 PM - “Fit & Faithful Exercise” 7:15 - Resources Committee meets Tues Aug 16 6:30 PM - Session & Deacons meet Wed Aug 17 9:00 AM - Newsletter Deadline * Sun Aug 21 10:40 AM - Choir Practice * Thurs Aug 25 10:30 AM - Choir be at church 11:00 AM - Memorial service, here, for Charles Hegji (Diane Edward’s brother) * Sun Aug 28 9:30 AM - Blessing the Animals Sunday * 2:00 PM - Ice Cream Social at the home of Pastor Kevin & Sally Tarvid * DID YOU REMEMBER TO PAY YOUR PER CAPITA FOR 2011??? And just what IS Per Capita, anyway? In brief, it’s a “per confirmed member” obligation of $27.80 which must be paid to the Presbytery of Milwaukee in 2011; (the amount changes each year). It’s used for the administration of the church’s larger governing bodies of Presbytery, Synod, & General Assembly. Per Capita funds “behind the scenes” work of these groups in the areas of development of Christian education curriculum; church revitalization; Synod School; church educator & clergy training; youth trienniums, and SOOOOOO much more! Your payment of this assessment helps the overall financial position of GAPC, for the church is required to pay the $27.80 of those members who do not meet this obligation. If you haven’t yet made your payment, please do pay your share. A special envelope for Per Capita is included in your contribution envelope box. THANK YOU! ** Deadline for the September newsletter is Wednesday, August 17, at 9:00 AM !! ** * on calendar indicates detailed article about this event appears in the body of the newsletter. |
