| September 2011 |
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SEPTEMBER, 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 September 4 - October 2, 2011
Sun Sept 4 - 9:30 AM Communion Worship First Reading: Romans 13:8-12 Second Reading: Matthew 18:15-20 Sermon: “We Can Work It Out!” Liturgist/children’s Message: Judy Olson Ushers: Dick & Gail Kloes; Servers: Barb Brunett, Jim Dickson, Dan Lefevre, & Judy Olson
Sun Sept 11 - 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday” First Reading: Matthew 18:21-33 Second Reading: Romans 14:1-12 Sermon: “Not for the Purpose ...” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Janice Pendergast Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz
Sun Sept 18 - 9:30 AM First Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 Second Reading: Philippians 1:21-30 Sermon: “Standing Firm!?!” Liturgist: Barb Brunett Children’s Message: Pastor Kevin Ushers: Libbie Jansen, Stephanie & Kayla Jervis
Sun Sept 25 - 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday” Guest Preacher is the Rev. Dr. Wayne Peach First Reading: Genesis 12:1-3 Second Reading: Luke 15:11-32 Sermon: “Forgotten Memories” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Karin Schmeling Ushers: Tom Liempeck, Jeff & Jim Dickson
Sun Oct 2 - 9:30 AM World Communion Sunday First Reading: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Second Reading: Psalm 19 Sermon: “The Meditation of Our Hearts” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally Tarvid Ushers: Dick & Gail Kloes; Servers: Jim Dickson, Diane Edward, Dan Lefevre & Judy Olson FROM OUR PASTOR: Happy September, Beloved: Have you ever thought about why you come to church on any given Sunday? Or why you don’t? Years ago, I met a Presbyterian Professor named Roger Nishioka. He had written a book called: “Java or Jesus?.” In the book, he described a possible scenario for a young family. The question was: “Do we make the kids get out of bed, cajole them into getting dressed, and then drag them to church, or do we send one of the parents to Starbucks, get coffee and scones, and then climb back into bed with the kids and watch Sunday morning cartoons? There are probably hundreds of good reasons not to go through the effort of getting to church on Sunday, and there are probably lots of times when those reasons overcome the reasons to go. But here’s something to consider next time you are wondering about making the effort. Many years ago, my rocker hero Stephen Stills wrote a song called: “Do for the Others.” Have you thought about how your presence at church is good for the people around you, even if you don’t know them? When we gather together in worship, the more there are of us, the stronger the Spiritual Strength we have. Our activity in worship benefits the entire congregation, and the world! In worship, as in a nuclear chamber, there is a point of “critical mass”, where the level of excitement, joy and dedication to God create a chain reaction, and cause us to burst out into the world, even stronger, even more faithful, even more capable of doing good. Starting with September, I would love to see us increase our attendance by 10%. Will you help us? God loves you. Me too. Amen. - Pastor Kevin
P.A.C.E 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION is on Sun., Sept 11. What an exciting & important ministry the “People with Arthritis Can Exercise” program has been (& continues to be) for the past 10 years! Getting & staying healthy is one of the most important things we can do for our God-given bodies; PACE proves that even with a painful condition, staying active is possible. It’s also great FUN for the participants, who look forward to the social aspect of the group in addition to “keeping moving”. Lynn Heinrich, R.N., initiated the P.A.C.E. program here, & continues as instructor/leader of the group, meeting in the church library ALMOST every Thursday, from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. In celebration of this decade-long (& counting) ministry, there’s a special P.A.C.E. Reunion/Recognition during the service the 11th. EVERYONE who’s taken part in P.A.C.E. in any way will want to be here to rejoice in the success of this special ministry of GAPC. Know someone who’s been a PACE participant who’s no longer active in the group? 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.
It’s THAT time of year; we kick off our Sunday School year with RALLY DAY on Sun., September 18! Children will meet briefly with their teachers, & then we’ll have a Pot Luck Lunch to celebrate! (We have it on good authority that there’ll be hot dogs from the BBQ, also!) Please bring an entrée, salad or dessert to share, plus your own tableware. A special addition to worship will be God’s Guild’s presentation of “Praise & Prayer”. “BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH SUNDAY” THIS YEAR IS OCT. 2, which is also World Communion Sunday. It’s a great way to introduce your friends, neighbors, or newcomers to the neighborhood to this caring church family. Invite everyone you know! It’s okay if they have their “own” church; we’d love to meet your friends, anyway! AND ... that same morning, it’s the PEACE & JUSTICE COMMITTEE’S “POTATO TOPPER” Peacemaking Luncheon, beginning about 10:45 AM! Come enjoy savory baked potatoes with MANY delicious toppings - - you get to build your own! Cost is just $5.50 for adults, $2.50 for kids under age 12. There will be NO Sunday School on this day; instead, everyone is invited downstairs to Jack Reichert Hall, where we’ll watch videos of the June 3-5 RETREAT at Cedar Valley. It was such an incredible experience -- come see for yourself! WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK, as you 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.
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 Edward (414-425-8635) 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!!!
THE PEACEMAKING OFFERING will be accepted on Sun., Oct. 2, (though you may contribute to it any time during the months of September & October. It’s one of the Special Offerings of the P.C. (U.S.A.) in which we participate. Created in 1980, the Peacemaking Offering supports our efforts to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking as part of our faithfulness to God. Just what is peace, anyway? Is it tranquility; a calm & quiet state free from disturbances & noise? It probably has a slightly different meaning for all of us. Here’s the thing, though: living peacefully includes the protection of individuals’ integrity & human rights. For some it means access to education, or elimination of poverty, homelessness, injustice, & violence. The God who grants peace & wholeness calls Christians to understand & address the root causes of violence & injustice so that we may share in mending the brokenness that exists in our increasingly conflict-ridden & fragmented world. Peacemaking is the human response to God’s gift of peace giving, for in our homes, communities, & world, we are called to be makers of peace. There’s a special envelope in the pews which you may use to donate to this special offering. SPECIAL PEOPLE Prayers for: The Rev. Roger Hawthorne, continuing to receive cancer treatments. Peter Jansen, who began his second tour of duty in Afghanistan the week of Aug. 22. We pray for safety for Peter, and for all of our military personnel who themselves in harm’s way, as they work to protect us all. Anne Weber, undergoing her second round of chemo. Lee Larson, whose cataract surgery went well. Hugh Evans, who had a skin cancer removed from his arm. Continued Prayers for Lin Bradley; for our shut-ins; for those with ailing family members; & for all who search for jobs.
Joy:
For Kelley Kadunc, who began medical school at UW-Madison on Aug. 16. WOW! That Melissa Gall made the Dean’s List at Carroll University for the spring semester. Melissa has declared a minor in theatre; we look forward to seeing her in many excellent productions in coming months & years! In the baptism of Jordaniel Luis Rivera, son of Tammy Vest & Luis Rivera, on Aug. 7. Pam Leintz sends love to all in the church family. Roger Hawthorne thanks everyone for their prayers, cards, visits and transportation during his long and continuing illness as he battles throat cancer constricting his breathing. He writes: “This is an extraordinary congregation, as I was reminded time and again, a single example serving. Jill had taken me to some appointment and the admitting nurse commented how nice it is that my daughter would drive me to the appointment. When I explained that Jill is not my daughter but a member of the congregation, the nurse's eyes widened almost in disbelief that a congregation would provide rides to its own members! These incidents all involved nurses who deal with hundreds of patients a year, and the nurses were startled to discover that a congregation could care so much for its own people that it might provide transportation. Greenfield Avenue assuredly is not the only congregation that does so, but that example shows how little it is done by other congregations. Around 200 A.D. as another wave of persecution broke out in the Roman empire, one Christian defended our faith observing that the typical reaction of Romans who were exposed to Christians was to comment, "See how they love another." To all of you: "Well done, good and faithful servants."
GREETERS: Sept 4 - Sue & Larry Smith Sept 18 - Sandy Reichert & Lin Bradley Oct 2 - Donna & Marv Saugstad Sept 11 - Lori Johnson Sept 25 - Joyce Zeeb Eric & Matt Arenz, who provided a trumpet/trombone duet called “Give Thanks” during communion on Aug. 7. and ... Members of the Chancel Choir who sang at the Memorial Service of Diane Edward’s brother, Charles Hegji, on Aug. 25. and ... Eric & Matt Arenz, Kayla Jervis, & Melissa Gall, who provided musical offerings for us on Aug. 14. (Eric on trombone; Matt on trumpet; Kayla on clarinet, & Melissa on digital piano. ) and ... Mike Schmeling, for making arrangements for the cracks in the parking lot to be refilled. This work was covered under the one-year warranty from last year’s vendor. and ... Pastor Kevin & Sally Tarvid, for hosting the always-popular Ice Cream Social on Aug. 28. and ... Terry & Alan Arenz, who opened the church for the “Rock the Lakes” workers the evening of Aug. 19. and ... God’s Guild, for providing Special Music on Aug. 21. and ... Exceptional office volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, always available to help with various tasks.
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC Where did the summer go? Chancel Choir will resume practice on Wed., Sept. 7, & handbell practice will begin on Wed, Sept. 14. We’re always looking for new members for both of these wonderful choirs! This year promises to be bigger, better, & more fun than ever for everyone! Lots of new & exciting music has been purchased, & we even have some exciting music left over from last year! WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU COME JOIN US! There are no tryouts, & you need not be a professional. All that is required is a love of music & singing & /or ringing! Practice is on Wednesday evenings, at 6:30 for handbells, & 7:30 for Chancel Choir.
So far this baseball season, (that is, as of Aug. 14), our Miller Park workers have raised over $8,000.00 for the church general fund -- & THEY AREN’T DONE YET!! A HUGE “thank you” to these dedicated folks ! Please let them know how much their efforts are appreciated! (Wonder who they are? Check out the sheets at the rear of the sanctuary.) Special thanks to Jill Lukas & Anne Sheridan, who coordinate the effort.
BREWERS OUTING - The tickets have been purchased for our Sat., Sept. 10 Brewers game, & we’re all set to enjoy a wonderful day at the ball park! Since the Brewers are playing SO well this season ... it is expected to be a sell-out crowd, & we’ll want to be there early! We will meet at the church at 2:30 PM on Sept 10 (just in case you forgot the date), & from there we’ll carpool to Miller Park. We want to be there just as the gates open at 3:00 PM, enabling us to get the very best possible parking spots. All you’ll need to bring is a lawn chair. (If you don’t HAVE a lawn chair, please let Jill Lukas know.) Food, drinks & shade from the sun will be provided. A few prayers for good weather would be appreciated, as well! Hope everyone is looking forward to this as much as I am -- see you there, & GO BREWERS! - Jill
WORLD COMMUNION DAY is Sun., Oct. 2, & we’re inviting folks in the congregation to wear “International Outfits” to worship. “Fling” (Highland, that is) your kilt out of mothballs; climb into your lederhosen; Don (Ho?) your lei; wrap an obi around your kimono, (you get the picture...) as we celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ with Christians around the world! By the time you read this, a mud jacking project to raise the sidewalk slab in front of the outside elevator door may already be complete, but we wanted you to know about it. The walk had sunken to the point where it is/was difficult to push a wheel chair over the door threshold. Surrounding slabs will be/were adjusted to match the repositioned slab. Have you spent time in the Peace Garden lately? Enjoy the visit, reflect, & view the lovely flowers. New in the garden is a plaque given by the Leintz family. The plaque quotes Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, verse 1. The BIG TV has not been usable for some time. The reason is that the TV had sparks shooting from it, & we were unable to have it repaired, so it has been recycled. That type of TV (projection) does not tolerate bumping around, & the way we were using it, it got LOTS of moving & bumping around. Alan Arenz has spent time investigating a replacement, & Session has approved the purchase of a projector, stand, & screen. This will give us a much more flexible, up-to-date system. The money for this purchase will be taken from the Memorial Fund. - Ed Griffith BECKY HUCK says: 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 shows are usually aired about a month after the actual church service (each show will be titled based on the sermon that is included in that service). We are limited to 58 minutes, so we sometimes have to edit certain parts of the service. Also, (only if you need to visit the balcony area during filming), please be very quiet while filming of church services is taking place. If you have seen our show on TV and would like to fill out a comment card, please get one from the black binder on the back table of the sanctuary. We appreciate feedback! If you would like a copy of any service, please let us know and include $2 for the copy of the DVD (preferably before the date of that service). *Also, we are now offering to film weddings at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church as well!* Here are times for the upcoming shows.......... 7/17/11 "GAPC-Surely the Lord is in this Place". Tuesday 9/6/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96 7/24/11 "GAPC-Predestined, Justified, Glorified". Tuesday 9/20/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96 7/31/11 "GAPC: Wrestling with God". Tuesday 9/13/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96
We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For August, 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! DON’T FORGET THE BLOOD DRIVE scheduled for Sat., Nov. 5. If you donate on a regular basis, we’d like to remind you to SPACE your donations so you can be here to donate for our drive, which will take place 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!
West Central Interfaith wants us to tell you: “We have been providing free services to older adults in this neighborhood for the past 20 years. We are one of 13 neighborhood outreach offices serving the older adult population (60 years & older) of Milwaukee County. Interfaith Older Adult Programs helps older adults in Milwaukee County maintain an active, healthy, & independent lifestyle while living safely in their own homes. Our mission is “Linking Older Adults with a Caring Community”.
Volunteering brings both fun & fulfillment. Our volunteers put in anywhere from 2 hours a month to 20 hours a month, depending on their availability. We match volunteers with individuals who live in their neighborhood & with whom they are compatible. Many volunteers grow to become close friends with the older adults they visit. The good work we do is because of support by congregations such as yours. Your congregation is one of 19 Sponsoring Congregations with whom we collaborate for funding, volunteers, outreach, & projects. Thank you for your support over all these years; you have enabled us to touch the lives of many older adults. Addie’s Story Addie was a wonderful woman who had lived in West Allis all her life. She finally called us when she was 93 years old. She had gotten in an accident driving out of her condo complex & realized that she couldn’t drive any more. She was still very active & was devastated to give up driving & her independence. Without driving she could no longer get to her doctor’s appointment or get out of the house to see anyone. Addie felt alone in the world & didn’t know who to call for help. Fortunately, a neighbor told Addie about Interfaith, & we were able to connect her to volunteers in her neighborhood who provided her with rides to her appointments & friendship along the way. Right now, our most critical need is for additional volunteers who can help drive or visit older adults. There are older adults sitting at home right now who are lonely & unable to drive to their appointments or to get their groceries. If you would be interested in helping make a difference in the life of an older adult, PLEASE call us at 414-774-1747. Your time & your kindness may make a world of difference to someone like Addie.”
SEPTEMBER, 2011 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 - 4:30 - 7:00 PM - Teen DIVAS 5:00 - 6:00 PM - TOPS in library
WEDNESDAYS 3:00 PM - Maplegrove Treatment Center meets downstairs; Director Tim Kabarra has office hours in lower classroom, as necessary. 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.
Sun Sept 4 2:00 PM - Scott Dettman wedding Mon Sept 5 - Labor Day holiday observed - Our church offices are CLOSED on this day Wed Sept 7 7:30 PM - Chancel Choir practice Thur Sept 8 7:00 PM - Friends of MS Sat Sept 10 2:30 PM - Meet at church to car pool to Miller Park for tailgate party & Milwaukee Brewers game! * Sun Sept 11 9:30 AM - Our PACE Health Ministry celebrates 10 years of exercising! * 10:45 AM - CE meets Mon Sept 12 7:15 PM - Nurture/Evangelism meets Wed Sept 14 6:30 PM - Handbell practice begins Sat Sept 17 9:00 AM - WORK DAY * Sun. Sept 18 9:30 AM - RALLY DAY * with a God’s Guild Program! 10:45 AM - POT LUCK LUNCH * Mon Sept 19 7:15 PM - Resources Committee Tues Sept 20 6:30 PM - Session & Deacons meet * Wed Sept 21-Mon Sept 26 - Pastor Kev vacations * Tues Sept 27 - 4:00 PM - Presbytery meets at Sun Valley P.C. in Beloit Sun Sept 25 - The Rev. Dr. Wayne Peach is guest preacher Sat Oct 1 10:00 AM - Project H.O.P..E. * Sun Oct 2 9:30 AM - World Communion & “Bring a Friend to Church” Day * 11:00 AM - Peacemaking “Potato Topper” luncheon *
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
For the month of July, 2011
INCOME $ 17,662.03 EXPENSES $ 10 984.84 As of July 31, 2011 a GAIN of $ 6,677.19
** OCTOBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is MON., SEPT 19, at 9:00 AM !! **
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