| October 2011 |
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OCTOBER, 2011 - MESSENGERGREENFIELD 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
FALL FEST IS COMING! It will be here before you know it! SAT., OCT. 22, 2011 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
THERE’S A QUALITY RUMMAGE -- & A FABULOUS THE RAFFLE, A TASTE-BUD TEMPTING BAKE SALE featuring lots of PIES, COOKIES, & OTHER GOODIES; it’s an event that’s not to be missed!Sunday Worship Schedule October 2 - October 30, 2011
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
Sun Oct 9 - 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday” First Reading: Philippians 4:1-9 Second Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 Sermon: “The Invitation” God’s Guild performs “Praise & Prayer” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Smith Ushers: Larry & Greg Smith; Eric & Matt Arenz
Sun Oct 16 - 9:30 AM First Reading: Matthew 22:15-22 Second Reading: Exodus 32:1-14 Sermon: “What Are Our Golden Calves?” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Pope Ushers: Libbie Jansen, Stephanie & Kayla Jervis
Oct 23 - 9:30 AM “Penny Sunday” First Reading: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 Second Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 Sermon: “The Greatest Commandment” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Judy Olson Ushers: Tom Liempeck, Jeff & Jim Dickson
Oct 30 - 9:30 AM First Reading: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 Second Reading: Matthew 23:1-12 Sermon: “Where Are They Now?” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Jan Wilke Ushers: Sherman & Sally Stock, Tom Liempeck & Marv Saugstad
SHHH! Don’t tell Pastor Kevin, but CLERGY APPRECIATION DAY is Sun., Oct. 9! (The 19th anniversary of his ordination is Oct. 4 ...) FROM OUR PASTOR: Happy October, Beloved: So, here’s something challenging! Baylor University is out with its latest study regarding religion and spirituality in America ... Surprise, surprise! Fewer and fewer Americans have respect for “Organized Religion”! Actually, we can’t be very surprised, can we? Organized religion has had such bad press in the last many years. First, there are all the headlines about clergy misconduct. Then, there are the stories of all the weird “cults”. And, of course, there are the fundamentalist folks who get all the TV time and the headlines, who spend most of their time beating up on already fragile human beings. Finally, religion is being blamed for most of the armed conflicts in the world today. Here are my concerns: While organized religion is guilty of many of the things it’s accused of, I don’t know what to think of it’s alternative. What good can come of “disorganized religion”? When left without spiritual leadership, we humans can be capable of the screwiest ideas. Here’s what I think we are being called to do: I think we need to let the world know that “Organized Religion” is not one, unified thing. We need, without criticism or judgment, to let people know that not all churches, and not all denominations, are the same. We need to let them know that we are different. Not perfect, but different, and seeking to be all those things that religion should be: a source of peace, and love, and comfort. Our message needs to be genuine, and consistent. What do you think? Are you with me? Let me know! God loves you. Me too. - Pastor Kevin
It’s “BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH SUNDAY” on OCT. 2, which is also World Communion Sunday & the day we accept the Peacemaking Offering. We hope you’ll want to invite friends, neighbors, or newcomers to your neighborhood to come & meet the GAPC church family. Then, we’ll enjoy the PEACE & JUSTICE COMMITTEE’S “POTATO TOPPER” Peacemaking Luncheon, which will start about 10:45 AM. It’s a “build -your-own baked potato” opportunity, with cheese, sour cream, chili, & other delicious options! It’s SOOO reasonable, as well ... just $5.50 for adults, $2.50 for kids under age 12. Please note that there’s NO Sunday School on this day; instead, everyone is invited downstairs to Jack Reichert Hall, where we’ll watch the video our folks so enjoyed at the June 3-5 RETREAT at Cedar Valley.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL begins on OCT. 9, & it’s going to be GREAT fun as we talk about “QUOTES”. What are your favorites? How about Elbert Hubbard’s “The love we give away is the only love we keep”? Or “God is Love” (1st John 4:8b). Or “The opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings”? Or “In times of extinction, it is best not to look too much like a dinosaur” (Pastor Kevin). Make a list of some of the best quotes you ever heard & bring it along. There’s room for the insightful, the humorous, the ridiculous ... this is bound to be a great discussion!
ALSO ON OCT. 9, we’ll be treated to the God’s Guild presentation of “Praise & Prayer”. They’ve been working hard on this project; the free will offering we accept that day is earmarked for Habitat for Humanity.
We accept the PEACEMAKING OFFERING each year on World Communion Sunday, observed in 2011 on Oct. 2. The theme is “A harvest of justice is sown in peace,” (James 3:18). The offering was created to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking as part of our faithfulness to God. As Christians we are called to be agents of reconciliation for individuals, in families and communities, throughout the world, and with the whole of creation, building a culture of peace. We Christians long for a more just and peaceful world -- where the worth of every person is valued, where greed no longer rules and hunger no longer results, where bullets and bombs no longer devastate. God’s Word shows us the way: that the harvest of justice and righteousness will be sown by peacemakers, planted and nurtured in words and deeds of peace. Each of us who follow Christ can plant these seeds. Each of us can prayerfully seek “the wisdom from above” and sow God’s word in our homes, our congregations, our communities, our world. Then, let us all look forward to the bountiful harvest. In making a commitment to peacemaking, congregations work toward healing the brokenness of the world. In 2010 nearly $2 million was received through the Peacemaking Offering. There are special pew envelopes in which you may place your gift to this important special offering. Please be as generous as possible.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Time ends on Sunday, November 6. You’d HATE to be an hour EARLY for worship, so DO remember to turn your clocks BACK 1 hour before you head for bed on Sat., Nov. 5!
SPECIAL PEOPLE
Prayers for:
Hilda Czaplewski passed away on Mon.., Aug. 29, at the age of 89. Pastor Kevin led a service of Worship & Remembrance at the church on Sept. 2. Our condolences to her family.
Jim Dickson, waiting for test results to determine treatment for a medical condition.
Sandy Reichert, struggling with a painful knee condition which has curtailed many activities.
Elsie Mae Arenz, who suffered a serious knee injury while on vacation. There’s probable ligament damage ...
Lucy Duga, dealing with a painful case of shingles.
John Wilke, who’s having some medical testing done on Sept. 30.
Ruth Lefevre, who was hospitalized briefly after a dizzy spell, & found to be suffering from low potassium & dehydration.
Diane Edward, who will have gall bladder surgery this month. (It’s to be laprascopic, so recovery should be rapid.)
Frances Beaumont, (Heather Saugstad’s grandmother) passed away on Sept. 27, at age 101. Our deep condolences to Heather, JR. & family.
Ben Cetnarowski, who broke his leg on the first day of school. He’s eager to get the cast off ...
The Rev. Roger Hawthorne, continuing to receive cancer treatments.
Anne Weber, whose energy level is still low, (though improving), following chemo treatment.
Continued Prayers for Lin Bradley; for Loretta Nalencz; for our shut-ins; for those with ailing family members; & for all who search for jobs.
Joy:
For Alan Arenz, who has started an exciting new job!
For Deanna DeTroye-Brown, moving to a new apartment on Oct. 1.
For Kayla Jervis, who will begin an exciting new job at Franciscan Woods on Oct. 17, as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Congratulations, Kayla!
For Marv & Donna Saugstad, who enjoyed a trip to Branson, MO, where Marv attended a reunion for all who have ever served aboard the USS McKean, (a U.S. naval destroyer).
GREETERS:
Oct 2 - Donna & Marv Saugstad Oct 23 - Sally & Kristina Tarvid
Oct 9 - Lori Johnson Oct 30 - Peg Larson
Oct 16 - Toni & Larry Jansen Nov 6 - Donna & Marv Saugstad A Note of Thanks - Marv Saugstad thanks everyone for the many concerns expressed during his recent hospitalization. “It’s so good to know that so many people are praying for me, caring about me,” Marv tells us. Our PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) group has recently welcomed 5 new members! If YOU’VE been thinking that you really SHOULD “get moving”, PACE meets every Thursday at 1:30 PM, in the church library. A HUGE “THANK YOU” to our Miller Park workers, who have made this season such a grand slam success for GAPC’s fund-raising efforts! We can’t begin to tell you all how very much you’re appreciated for the long hours & hard work you put in on this effort! It’s been a season to remember in so very many ways! To coordinators Anne Sheridan & Jill Lukas we extend special thanks, but ALL our workers deserve hugs & kudos for everything they’ve done working concession stands at Milwaukee Brewer’s games. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO: Jill Lukas, who arranged our delightful tail gate party at Miller Park on Sept 10. And to Becky Huck, & JT Gall, & Bob Huck, all of whom helped. Thanks, too, to those who brought desserts to share. What fun! and ... Those who brought cookies & bars for the lunch that followed the memorial service for Hilda Czaplewski . and ... The roofing crew of Alan & Eric Arenz, Jeff & Jim Dickson, Jimmy Dill, Dan Lefevre, Larry Smith, Kristina & Pastor Kevin Tarvid, who removed the old shingles & replaced the roofing on the church’s attached shed on Sat., Sept. 17. The job looks wonderful, & will keep the shed dry (where the roof is concerned) in the future -- & something GREAT -- no one smashed a finger of fell off the roof! The project was funded with money given in memory of Herman Duga for improvements to the shed. We thank the Duga family for this gift. and ... All those who helped with staining the Peace Garden fence. It was 12 years since it was last stained -- & took 8 gallons of stain to complete. Kerstin Lefevre painted the words “Peace Garden” in blue, which contrasts beautifully with the fence. and ... Everyone who helped with the Rally Day Pot Luck, which was such fun. Special thanks to “grillmaster” Lee Larson, who barbequed hot dogs for the event. and ... All who helped with “Bring Your Pet to Church/Blessing of the Creatures” Day on Aug. 28. The speakers & digital piano were moved into the back yard, chairs were set up for those who forgot to bring lawn chairs from home ... it was a meaningful event which proved to be great fun. We had more than 20 dogs (with only one or two barks) in attendance; one domestic rabbit, one cat, & 1 Percheron. We can’t wait to do it again! Special thanks to Pastor Kevin & the Deacons & Elders who participated in the “blessing”. and ... Gail & Dick Kloes, our faithful office volunteers. THE DEACONS plan to send a “Care Box” to our Marine, Peter Jansen, in Afghanistan very soon. Would YOU like to contribute to defray the cost of filling the box & shipping it? If so, please place one or two dollars in an envelope addressed “Deacon’s Military Care Package”, & give or send to Sandy Reichert. It will brighten Peter’s Day, & remind him we’re thinking of & praying for him & all of our military personnel who are in harm’s way. THANK YOU! also ... You’ve surely noticed the “Care Notes” in the narthex, which are provided by our Deacons. They’re valuable aids in dealing with a wide variety of concerns which our folks frequently encounter. BUT ... there are MANY more “Care Notes” available, which could provide the congregation with additional ideas for helping find the way through stressful situations. The thing is, we need a rack on which to DISPLAY additional Care Notes. Are you handy? Would you be willing to make a rack to match the current one in the narthex, which could fit below it, to increase our display area? If so, please call Sandy Reichert. The GAPC BLOOD DRIVE is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 5, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. It’s run by the Blood Center of Wisconsin, which supplies blood to ALL the hospitals in the Milwaukee area. The need is great, so we hope everyone who’s healthy will sign up to donate ... 35 would be a GREAT number, but we’ll need to have a minimum of 15. Please see Marv Saugstad after worship to sign up, or call him at 414-258-1726. He’ll schedule you for a time that’s convenient during those hours. Did you know? A single pint of blood can save 3 lives! Be a life saver, & donate!
PROJECT HOPE - Because we are scheduled to work Miller Park on Oct. 1 (IF the Brewer’s playoff game ends up with home field advantage), we’ve POSTPONED the first meeting of Project H.O.P.E. until Sat. Oct. 8. ... We’ll resume Project H.O.P.E. meetings in Jack Reichert Hall at 10:00 AM & continue until about 1:00 PM. As you may recall, Project H.O.P.E. is a charity sewing/knitting project that 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. 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. There’ll be something for EVERYONE to do, & there is NO sewing experience required! Want to know more? Speak with Jill Lukas on a Sunday morning.
C.R.O.P. WALK - On Sun., Oct. 9, a group of GAPC walkers will participate in the 26th annual Greater Milwaukee CROP Hunger Walk beginning at the McKinley Marina, with registration beginning at 12:30 PM, & the walk commencing at 1:30. Walkers may choose from a 2 or a 5-mile walk . CROP is an acronym for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty, & the walks take place all over the world to raise money to support worldwide efforts to fight hunger & poverty. Funds raised go toward international relief and development, & local poverty and hunger fighting advocacy. 25% of the funds raised here remain in the Milwaukee area to support Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee. The remaining funds are used by Church World Service to provide sustainable self-help & development, disaster relief, refugee assistance & global hunger education in more than 80 countries, INCLUDING the U.S. Walkers bring non-perishable food items to the walk, which is donated to the Hunger Task Force for distribution to food pantries & homeless shelters throughout the Greater Milwaukee area for free. How can you help? Sign up to walk, or to sponsor a walker! And, bring your non-perishable food items to worship with you on Sun. Oct. 2, or Sun. Oct. 9, so that our walkers can take them to CROP with them. Thank you!
West Central Interfaith Mum Sale Thank you to everyone who helped with this year's West Central Interfaith Mum Sale, it was a wonderful success again this year. We raised over $2,000 and there are many more beautiful flowers all over our neighborhood! Thank you to everyone who purchased a mum and to all the incredible volunteers that made this event possible. This money is greatly needed and will be used carefully to support our programs serving the elderly in this community. - Bekki Schmitt, Neighborhood Director, West Central Interfaith We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For September, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Hugh Evans, Mike, Karin & Rachel Schmeling, & Becky Huck. 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. ADMIRALS HOCKEY outings for 2012 are in the planning stages. Mark Brodaczynski suggests January 27 & March 3 as good possibilities. He’ll provide additional information as those dates draw closer; save the dates by penciling them in on your calendars. ABOUT OUR TV SERVICES: Becky Huck writes: 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 (below, 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. 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 table at the back of the church. We appreciate feedback! If you would like a copy of any service, please let Becky Huck know and include $2 for the copy of the DVD. We are also sending copies of the services on DVD to some of our shut-ins that can not be with us when they want to be. Also, we are now offering to film weddings at Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church as well! Lastly, you've probably noticed one of us filming the front of the church, or the greeters in the morning, or people saying goodbye to Pastor Kevin and the Liturgist at the end, and Don't Ignore the camera.......Instead, wave at the camera, say welcome to Greenfield Avenue Church, say how much you like coming to Greenfield Avenue Church, be FRIENDLY! Pretend the camera is a new member visiting the church for the first time!
Here are times for the upcoming shows........
8/14/11 "GAPC: Only God Can....." Tuesday 9/27/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96 8/21/11"GAPC: What Sacrifice Means"
8/28/11 "GAPC: God Loves Critters Too" Tuesday 10/11/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96
9/4/11 "GAPC: We can work it out" Tuesday 10/18/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96
9/11/11 "GAPC: Not for the purpose" Tuesday 10/25/2011, 9:00 PM, Channel 96 FALL CHANGES AT SCRIP - Some new merchants have been ADDED to our SCRIP list: Burlington Coat Factory, in $25 increments, of which we get 8%; Dunn Bros. Coffee, in $10 increments, at 8%; Einstein Bros. Bagels, $10 increments, 10%; Papa Murphy’s Pizza, $10, 8%; ServiceMaster, $50, at 5%; Sprouts Farmer’s Market in $25, $50 & $100 , at 5%; Tony Roma’s, $25 - 12%; & Whole Foods Market, increments of $25 & $100, at 3%. New denominations are now available at Bed, Bath & Beyond, in $100 amounts; Cracker Barrel in $25 amounts; Roundy’s $50, & Sees Candies, $16.50. Note that Copps & Rainbow supermarkets, & Pick’n Save are discontinued, because now they are all on the “Roundy’s” card. Also discontinued are Harry & David, Kay Jewelers, Marie Callendar’s Restaurant & Bakery, & Texaco. And, of course, most of our old favorites are still available. DO REMEMBER to place your SCRIP orders here on the second Sunday of every month. It’s a painless way to help the church earn money -- for things you planned to purchases, anyway.
October, 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 Oct 2 9:30 AM - “Bring a Friend to Church” Day * 10:45 AM - Peace & Justice Committee’s “Potato Topper” lunch * Wed Oct 5 5:00 PM - Session Partnerships meets in the library 6:30 PM - Handbell practice 7:30 PM - Chancel Choir practice Sat Oct 8 10:00 AM-1:00 PM - Project HOPE * * Article about event appears in newsletter Sun Oct 9 9:30 AM - God’s Guild presentation * 12:30 PM - Register for CROP Walk * 1:30 PM - CROP Walk @ McKinley Marina * Thurs Oct 13 7:00 PM - Friends of MS meet Mon Oct 17 7:15 PM - Resources meets Tues Oct 18 6:30 PM - Session meets Fri Oct 21 6:00 PM - Set up for FALL FEST * Sat Oct 22 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - FALL FEST * Sat Nov 5 10:00 AM -2:00 PM - Blood Drive * ** NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is WED., OCT 19, at 9:00 AM !! ** |