| December 2011 |
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DECEMBER, 2011 - MESSENGER GREENFIELD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1455 S. 97th St., West Allis, WI 53214 Church Office (414) 453-3710 Pastor Kevin G. Tarvid Pastor’s Cell Phone for Emergencies (414) 588-0159 Sunday Morning Worship Sunday Church School 9:30 AM www.gapc-usa.com 10:45 AM “Friends Moving Forward, Focused on Faith”
Sunday Worship Schedule December 4, 2011 - December 25, 2011
Sun Dec 4 - 9:30 AM Communion Worship First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 2nd Sun. of Advent Sermon: “Patience Is ...” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Judy Olson
Sun Dec 11 - 9:30 AM 3rd Advent; Penny Sunday First Reading: John 1:6-8, 19-28 Sermon: “Jubilee!” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sue Smith Sun Dec 18 - 9:30 AM 4th Advent First Reading: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Christmas Sermon: “Nothing Is Impossible with God” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Young People
Sun Dec 25 - 9:30 AM Christmas Day & “Penny Sunday” First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 Sermon: “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time” Liturgist/Children’s Message: Jan Wilke
The Christmas Program will take place on Sun, Dec 18, during morning worship. Our young people will serve as liturgists, leading us in the call to worship/lighting of the Advent Candles, & prayer, & will play an instrumental role in the “Children’s Message”. This service is always especially meaningful, a combination of reverence & fun that we look forward to eagerly, each year. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP, our traditional Service of Lessons & Carols, will be held at a NEW time, this year. Because it’s on SATURDAY, Dec. 24, we’ll begin at 4:00 PM ! Though it’s something we haven’t tried before, we’re optimistic that it will be well-received, for the early hour gives us time to simply relax following worship, or to attend family or other holiday gatherings which are often scheduled on Christmas Eve. Be sure to mark your calendar ... & invite family, friends & neighbors to join us as we gather in joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus! And in case you’ve been wondering, YES, we WILL have worship on Christmas morning, at 9:30, as usual. Let’s fill the church to overflowing, as we praise & thank God for the most precious gift of all -- the SON! During the sermon, “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time”, Pastor Kevin asks that you be prepared to share “Favorite Christmas Memories”. It’s sure to be delightful & full of meaning! COMMUNION SERVERS for Dec. 24 are Barb Brunett, Lori Johnson, Dan Lefevre, Judy Olson & Sally Tarvid.
FROM OUR PASTOR: Happy Advent, Loved Ones: As often happens with me this time of year, I have to admit I’m a little nostalgic, and a little homesick. Are you, too, perhaps? I’m remembering a beloved friend of our family, whose name was Jim Hand. Jim was one of those people that was just fun to be around. Jim was a unique character. Part of his charm was that he had a condition I’ve come to know as “alopecia” -- and so he had no hair whatsoever -- completely bald -- to the point that he used an eyebrow pencil so you could tell where they would be! One of my most favorite memories of Jim surrounds the Christmas gatherings we would celebrate together. As I said, Jim was fun to be around, & he knew how to have, and to lead, a good time. Jim had a beautiful baritone voice, and was always happy to lead us in those good old Christmas carols. The only problem was -- Jim could never remember the words. The FUN part was, he made up for his lack of memory by being most creative. He would make up new words as he sang. So, often the results would be absolutely hilarious! We would sing, we would laugh, almost to the point we couldn’t breathe. I’m thinking that, these days, we in the church can learn a lot from Jim Hand. We the Church need to be the kind of folks who know how to have, and to lead, a wonderful time. We need to be the kind of disciples who are fun to be around. We also need to be happy to sing the old songs, but creative enough to innovate, even on the fly. We need to be fun, and flexible. But we also need to always be aware that the words we use are important -- they carry so much meaning! And so let us always use our words carefully. The season for rejoicing is upon us! God loves you. Me, too. - Pastor Kevin
Who are the recipients of the offering? Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Schools & Colleges; & the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. With its historic commitment to higher education, the PC(USA) has long promoted the education of racial ethnic men & women through the establishment of racial ethnic schools & colleges. Thanks to the enduring legacy of this offering, today’s racial ethnic Presbyterian students may receive much-needed scholarship assistance, while their schools may get help with basic operating costs. With the burden of their educational debt reduced, today’s Presbyterian students & future church leaders are more freely able to discover & pursue their professional goals. Through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions (which comprises a broad range of programs) the offering honors the faithfulness of current & retired church workers in their hour of greatest need by providing funds to help them through life’s challenging circumstances. To grant both peace of mind & practical assistance to retired church workers & their surviving spouses, the Board offers income supplements to raise incomes to a level where retirees can afford to live modestly, while continuing to maintain their independence. This important effort is a great opportunity to “give back” for all the PC(USA) has given us. The cremains of the Rev. Roger Hawthorne were lovingly interred in our Peace Garden following worship on Sun., Oct. 30.
SPECIAL PEOPLE Prayers for: Becky Leintz Pope underwent breast cancer surgery on Nov. 15. Lab results showed some lymph node involvement; the family will meet with an oncologist to determine on the best course of treatment. We’re praying for both the Pope & Leintz families, for strength & healing. Jim Dickson had surgery on Nov. 15. It turned out to be a bit more complicated than expected, so a longer hospital stay was necessary, but Judy says although there’s a lot of pain, “Jim’s doing okay.” Sophia Rose Klauck, Matt & Annette (Burke) Klauck’s new baby daughter, is home from the hospital and eating with enthusiasm. She was in worship with us on Nov. 20 -- what a BEAUTIFUL little girl! Ruth Lefevre spent a few days in rehab after her recent hospitalization, but she’s now able to be back with us in worship. The Arenz family, on the death of Elsie Mae’s brother, Rudy, on Nov. 6. . Anne Weber, continuing to receive radiation treatments. Joann Jakubowski, who had a serious infection. Patrice Schwabe, who’s been having a hard time. Her father passed away in June, & in addition to dealing with that grief, it’s been necessary for her to move to Waupaca. She sends greetings to everyone, & regrets that she’ll no longer be able to worship with us. John Wilke, continuing his recovery from coronary bypass surgery. John & Jan send special thanks to all in the congregation for prayers & messages of caring, during this time. Continued Prayers for Lin Bradley, Loretta Nalencz; for our shut-ins; for all with ailing family members; & for all who search for jobs. Joy: For Emily & Jarrod Drury, on the birth of their son, Jett Robert Drury, at 2:50 PM on Nov. 10. The new little one weighted in at 6 lbs 3 oz, & was 19” long. Grandpa JT Gall & “Aunt Melissa” are all smiles! Congratulations to all! That our new CHIMES were dedicated in worship on Oct. 30. They sound SO lovely! That Melissa Gall played a role in Carroll University’s very successful production of “Fiddler on the Roof” Nov. 19 & 20. That Sandy Reichert is feeling much better. Sandy sends thanks to the church family for the many expressions of caring & concern.
Fall Fest Coordinator Diane Edward tells us: “We’d like to send a ‘thank you’ note to the person who donated the ‘Bath & Body Works’ basket, valued at least at $30.00 ... but we don’t know who it came from! Also, we don’t know who donated the pretty garden mosaic! If you read this message, generous people -- THANK YOU!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO: The good folks who helped with “Yard Clean-Up Day at the church on Nov. 17. and ... Bobbie Griffith, who donated the proceeds from the sale of her hand-stamped greeting cards to pay for the major portion of our new chimes. and ... Dan Lefevre, who’s worked SO hard trying to find a new, high-speed internet service for the church. Please note that we still DO NOT HAVE INTERNET in the church office ... it’s HOPED that we’ll be “back online” by the end of December. and ... Our 2011 Nominating Committee: Lori Johnson, Millie & Tom Tarnowski, Dan Lefevre, Mark Brodaczynski, & Joanne Haschker. and ... Our newly elected “Class of 2014” Elders: Judy Dickson, Diane Edward, Sue Pope, & Sally Tarvid; & our “Class of 2014 Deacons: Mark Brodaczynski, Jimmy Dill, & Pam Torcivia. We couldn’t manage without the services of these selfless folks! and ... To the 27 who signed up to be donors at our Nov 5 Blood Drive, & to the 23 who were actually able to donate. What a difference you’ve made, in the lives of so many! And many, many thanks to Marv Saugstad, who organized the event & encouraged donations! and ... Everyone who helped to “Hang the Greens” on Nov. 26. Doesn’t the church look just beautiful? Special thanks to Laurie Karrels, who created the gorgeous new BOWS for us. and ... Our Stewardship Committee, for their hard work during November. And to all who pledged for 2012. (It’s not too late ... if you haven’t already done so, you can still send in your pledge commitment form!) and ... Church Office Volunteers Gail & Dick Kloes, for their cheerful dedication & willingness to take on any assigned task. They’re such a joy to work with! CHRIST CHURCH Christmas Toy Store For 42 years, Christ Presbyterian Church Toy Store has been able to make the lives of many children a little brighter. With your help, their tradition of giving can continue. This year the Toy Store will be on Sat, Dec. 17, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, serving children through the age of 11. New items needed for the store include: toys, games, clothing, books, crayons, markers, stuffed animals, balls, mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, school supplies, dolls, cars/trucks, puzzles, etc. Additionally, your donations of money help in meeting the ongoing needs of the people Christ Church serves. Should you wish to send a check, please make it payable to Christ Presbyterian Church, & designate “Christmas Toy Store” on the “memo” line. PLEASE BRING YOUR GIFTS, UNWRAPPED, to GAPC BY SUN., DEC. 11, & place under the “big” tree in the sanctuary. We’ll see to it that your gifts are delivered to Christ Church by Dec 14, as they request. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. We Love Our Custodial Volunteers ! For November, those dusting, vacuuming, mopping & cleaning were: Ed & Bobbie Griffith, Anne Sheridan, the Myers, & Karin & Mike Schmeling. These volunteers continue to be our “Custodial Angels”, for it’s a vitally important means of keeping our expenses here at the church down!
DON’T FORGET to sign up for the ADMIRALS HOCKEY outings on Jan.27 & Mar. 3 OF 2012. Classic rock group “Styx” will perform following the March game, with country music favorite Dierks Bentley performing after the Jan 27 date. Ticket cost is reasonable. Mark Brodaczynski has sign-up sheets. The “HABITAT TREE” in the narthex offers you an opportunity to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Here’s how it works: Make a donation of any amount to Habitat; each donation allows you to place an ornament on the Habitat Tree. You’ll also receive cards to send to those “hard-to-buy-for” folks on your gift list, which explains that you’ve made a donation to Habitat, in their honor. We’d LOVE to see the tree just COVERED with shiny silver ornaments -- wouldn’t you? HEIFER PROJECT INTERNATIONAL is one of the organizations we support with great enthusiasm. “Penny Sunday” provides our church young people with an opportunity to take part by collecting pennies (& other coins) on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month, immediately following the Children’s Message. Once a year, we select “animals” to purchase for Heifer; we thought you might like to know what your donations can buy. $60 buys a trio of rabbits, or a gift of tree seedlings $30 buys a gift of honeybees $20 buys a flock of chicks, or ducks & geese $120 buys the gift of a sheep, or of a goat $250 buys the gift of a water buffalo $150 buys the gift of a llama $500 buys the gift of a heifer and $5,000 buys the gift of an ARK The Gift Ark goes around the world -- Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe & the Americas. Wherever we find hunger, poverty & hopelessness, HEIFER Project answers with animals & training. What does this generous gift mean? It means ... oxen, donkeys & water buffalo .... cows, sheep & goats ... even bees, chicks, & rabbits & more ... healthy, hardy animals that will go forth & multiply, improving lives for countless families & children, & passing on your spirit of faith & charity over & over again to places around the world where your generosity, kindness, & vision are needed most. An ARK provides 2 cows; 2 sheep; 2 camels; 2 oxen; 2 water buffalo; 2 pigs; 2 beehives; 2 goats; 2 donkeys; 2 trios of ducks; 2 trios of rabbits; 2 trios of guinea pigs; 2 flocks of geese; 2 flocks of chicks, & 2 llamas. Here’s just one example of what the gift of a GOAT can do: For farming families throughout the world, goats are the key to survival.
Since receiving the gift of 2 dairy goats, Thellenza Pilafi from Albania has taken her family from the brink of poverty to the threshold of self-reliance. Thellenza says, “From the goats I can expect to get milk, cheese, butter, & even some money.” Thellenza & her husband have put their new income toward home improvements to give their children a decent place to live. In addition to income, Thellenza says, “The second impact of these goats has been the nutrition of our large family.” They consume most of the milk & dairy products that the goats produce. “Last year we had 20 - 30 pounds of cheese per month,” Thellenza proudly reports. Thellenza Pilafi is grateful for the assistance that she received from Heifer. “If one of the donors was here I would say, ‘Thank you a lot. May God bless you. This has been a great help”.
UN-DECK THE HALLS ... DE-HANG THE GREENS ... Seems like we just finished decorating the church for the holidays (maybe because we just did ...), but we’ll REMOVE the Christmas decorations on Sat., Jan 7, (the day after Epiphany). As usual, we’re asking folks to come out & HELP with this chore. Things can be packed away quickly when many workers help, so please join in!
ORDINATION/INSTALLATION of new church officers will be held on Sun, Jan 15, during morning worship. We’ll take a few moments to thank our “outgoing” officers (some of whom are coming right back ON), & welcome the new. Make sure to be present to show your appreciation!
FROM BECKY HUCK: “Thanks to our Session members for the wonderful “Thank You” my uncle, Tom Tarnowski, & I received during worship on Nov. 6. We’re so very appreciative! We’ve now named our project after the guy who started it: “The Tarnowski Project”. The goal of this project is to get the word out that we’re welcoming new members, & that we’re a warm & welcoming church. If you have any ideas that may encourage viewers to visit us or have any suggestions for improving the show, utilize the Black Comment Folder on the back table (you can make comments anonymously, too!) PLEASE sit toward the FRONT of the church, & if you make an announcement or are liturgist, please speak up! Here is the information that we’ve been running in The Messenger for a while, but just a reminder that our show can be viewed on Channel 96 if you have Time Warner Cable (& 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.) Lastly, you’ve probably noticed Tom Tarnowski in the balcony, diligently filming the service every Sunday ... DON’T IGNORE THE CAMERA... Instead, wave at the camera, & be FRIENDLY!
Service of 10/23/11 will be broadcast on Ch. 96, or Ch 99:
Friday 12/2/11, at 3:00 PM
Service of 11/6/11 will be broadcast on Ch. 96, or Ch 99:
Sunday, 12/18/11 11:00 AM
A REMINDER: In case of REALLY BAD WEATHER on a Sunday morning during December, January, February & March (it wouldn’t DARE snow or sleet in April ... would it???) ... please check WISN TV 12, to find out if church services happen to be canceled. We’ve only canceled ONCE in 29 years, as far as your editor can remember .. but when Old Man Winter gets cranky, you never can tell. (Folks with computers can check WISN.com). If you don’t see a “closing” notice, but are still concerned, don’t take any chances. Stay home. We want all our folks to stay SAFE.
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 5:00 - 6:00 PM - TOPS in library
WEDNESDAYS 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 Dec 4 9:30 AM - Final day to order poinsettia plants for Christmas worship services Thurs Dec 8 7:00 PM - Friends of MS Mon Dec 12 7:15 PM - Resources Committee Sun Dec 11 9:30 AM - Last day to bring TOYS for the Christ Presbyterian Church Children’s Christmas Toy Store * Tues Dec 13 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Presbytery’s “What’s Next” committee meets here at GAPC Sat Dec 17 10:30 AM - Noon - Forest Park P.C.is borrowing Jack Reichert Hall for an event Sun Dec 18 9:30 AM - Christmas Program * Tues Dec 20 6:30 PM - Session meets Sat Dec 24 4:00 PM - Christmas Eve Worship * Mon Dec 26 Christmas holiday observed - our church offices are CLOSED on this day Mon Jan 2, 2012 New Year’s holiday observed - our church offices are CLOSED on this day
* Article about event appears in newsletter |
