christus news 2017 - christuschurch.org newsletter.pdf · “the people who walked in dark-ness...
TRANSCRIPT
Christus Lutheran Church ELCA
N1915 Julius Drive
Greenville, WI 54942
Phone: 920-757-7775
Email: [email protected]
Web: christuschurch.org
Facebook: Christus Lutheran Church-Greenville, WI
P A S T O R ’ S
M E S S A G E
2
C A L E N D A R 3
V O L U N T E E R
S C H E D U L E
4 - 6
S T E W A R D S H I P 6 - 7
C H R I S T U S N E W S 7 - 9
F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T 1 0
V O L U N T E E R /
D O N A T I O N
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
1 0 - 1 2
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H 1 2 - 1 3
N E W S F R O M A R O U N D
T H E S Y N O D
1 3 - 1 4
O F F I C E H O U R S &
C H U R C H L E A D E R S
1 5
C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S 1 6
In This Issue
C H R I S T U S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H
Christus News 2017
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S F I R S T C O M M U N I C A N T S
First row: Lexi Brazil, Cale Adamovich,
Blayke Adamovich, Hannah Osborn,
Logan Peterson
Second row: Isaac Osborn,
Grayson Schmude, Karley Hackert,
Avery Lehmkuhl, Chase Osborn,
Kaley Peterson
Not pictured: Brayden Allgeyer
“The people who walked in dark-
ness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep
darkness – on them light has
shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
We have entered into the darkest
time of the calendar year. The
hours of daylight will grow shorter
and shorter until we are deep into
December.
Before becoming a pastor, I
worked for a few years at Humana
in De Pere, Wis. In both of the
positions I held, my cubicle was
located toward the interior of the
building, away from windows. In
late November and early
December, there were many times
when I felt as though I had
become a nocturnal being – it was
dark when I drove to work and
again dark when I left. If it
happened to be gloomy and
cloudy on a weekend, it could feel
as though the sun itself had gone
into hibernation. Rare glimpses of
sunlight, therefore, were like a
refreshing balm to the soul.
Perhaps some of you experience
or have experienced this, too,
during this dark time of year.
The verse from Isaiah quoted
above wasn’t spoken to the
people during a time of literal
darkness. Rather, the darkness
they endured was the rising threat
of war, the deserved wrath of their
Page 2
Lord who was angry with them for
chasing after other gods, and the
helpless, hopeless feeling of not
knowing how they could fix any of
the issues they faced. Into this
darkness Isaiah spoke these
words of hope: A light will shine;
all is not yet lost.
This is a message many of us
need to hear yet today. Although
we are entering into the church
year season of Advent, and the
secular year season of Christmas
Madness, not all of us are in a
“holly jolly” frame of mind. We
may struggle with the darkness of
the loss of a loved one, an
uncertain economic future, worries
over health, concerns about what
feels like a never-ending stream of
violence in our nation and in our
world, and that’s just to name a
few things. Even as the world
around us appears to celebrate,
we may feel as though we are
shrouded in darkness, without
light, without hope.
In the midst of such struggles,
these words of Isaiah, spoken
over two-and-a-half millennia ago,
can still be a healing balm to us,
much like a glimpse of sunlight is
in these dark December days.
“The people who walked in
darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep
darkness – on them light has
shined.” The light Isaiah promised
at the time was the birth of a good
king who would lead his people
with wisdom and might. In
addition, the light Isaiah foretold
through that promise was the birth
of the King of Kings, Jesus, who
would bring a light
into this world no
darkness would
ever overcome.
It is to that light we
turn our gaze
throughout the
seasons of Advent
and Christmas. It is a light that
shines in the midst of all of our
darkness – the darkness of sin,
the darkness of sorrow, the
darkness of pain and despair –
giving us the hope and courage
we need to face one more
moment, one more day. It is a
light that reveals even as it heals.
It is a light no darkness, not even
the deep darkness of December,
can overcome.
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
cling to the light of Christ this
Advent and Christmas. Let those
glimpses of light and hope comfort
and strengthen you in this busy
time, and in every time.
Blessed Advent and Christmas to
one and all,
Pastor Jen
P A S T O R ’ S M E S S A G E
F R O M T H E D E S K O F P A S T O R J E N
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.”
2017 S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T
1
2 8 am Youth Pizza-Making 4 pm Pizza Pick-Up
3 1st Sunday in Advent Christmas Giving Project Poinsettia Orders Due Food Pantry Food Drive 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service, with Communion 9:40 am Annual Congregational Meeting-Part I 9:45 am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal 10:35 am Contemporary Worship Service, with Communion
4 6:30 pm Pub Theology @ the StoneYard
5
6 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 5 pm Mutual Ministry Team Meeting 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6:30 pm Confirmation
7 6:30 pm Congregation Council Meeting
8
9 1 pm Cookie Walk Set-Up and Drop-Off
10 Christmas Giving Project Due Cookie Walk 8:30 am High School Worship Service, with Communion 9:45 am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal 10:35 am High School Worship Service, with Communion
11
12
13 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 11:45 am Daytimers’ Pot-Luck Luncheon 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6:30 pm Confirmation
14
15
16 TBD Christmas Program Rehearsal
17 8:30 am Sunday School Christmas Program, NO Communion 10:35 am Sunday School Christmas Program, NO Communion
18
19 6 pm Business Management Team Meeting
20 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6 pm Confirmation Christmas Party
21
22
23
24 Christmas Eve 4 pm Family Worship Service, with Communion 6 pm Contemporary Worship Service, with Communion 8 pm Candlelight Worship Service, with Communion
25 Christmas Day Office Closed 9:30 am Christmas Day Worship, with Communion
26
27 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group
28 29 30
31 New Year’s Eve 9:30 am Service of Lessons and Carols, NO Communion & Hospitality Cookie Pot-Luck
C A L E N D A R
V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 4
Christmas Services are:
Sunday, December 24th: Monday, December 25th:
4:00 pm (Family) 9:30 am
6:00 pm (Contemporary)
8:00 pm (Candlelight)
Sunday, December 31st:
9:30 am (Lessons & Carols)
Click Here to see volunteer opportunities for all Christmas Worship Services.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are not available to volunteer on the day scheduled, please swap Sundays with
someone. Please let Melissa Prochnow know of any volunteer schedule changes. Thank you!
December 3 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Jim & Becky Walter
Can You Help?
Dawn O’Dell
Dick & Eileen Steingraber
Craig Burow
Pastor, Lexie & Dylan Wagner
Jan, Jenny & Lanie Mallmann
Amy Klitzke & Pamela Birch
Linda Mix
Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)
Craig & Bobbie Nielson
Sue DeSautel
Amy Wierschke
Jenny Cesar Family
Kathy Forst
Pastor, Christine & Emma Loppnow
Kelli Celsor, Sue DeSautel & Kiley Hansen
Joel & Penny Ort
December 10 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Amy & Neil Peterson Family
Tim Calder
Nile Beck
Jim & Lisa Borowski
Tina Hanson
Pastor, Tina & Eli Hanson
Holly Wiesler, Jamie & Brice Richardson
Steve & Shirley Carlson
Ben Lucia
Lexie Wagner (8:15–11:45 am)
Julie & Madison Cartwright
Jackie Krieglstein
Brad & Ashley Fischer
Scott Kolbeck & Jackie Krieglstein
Wendy Bekx
Pastor, Lisa Ahles & Simon Posselt
Jackie Krieglstein, Julie Cartwright & Alison Posselt
Mark & Cathy Mertz
December 17 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Lynn & Brice Richardson
No Communion
Patti Ruhle
Robin & Barb Krause Family
Children’s Christmas Program
No Communion
No Communion
John & Kris Forsling
Jarrod Osborn
Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)
Jim & Carrie Bolssen
No Communion
Kelly Taube
Tom & Laura Mischka
Children’s Christmas Program
No Communion
No Communion
Michels Family
V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 5
January 7 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Amy & Neil Peterson
Jamie Richardson
Brad Lotto
Lynn & Brice Richardson
Vicki Brull
Pastor, Margaret & Van Callies
Randy & Vicki Brull, & Dylan Wagner
Barb & Karl Held
Cathy Mertz
Lexie Wagner (8:15–11:45 am)
Vicki & Matthew Sigl
Kelli Celsor & Vicki Schrader
Kari Juadis
Mark Mertz & Ralph Tellock
Kelli Celsor
Pastor, Kathy & Maddie Brazil
Julie Cartwright, Angie Brazil-McMillan & Lexi Brazil
Mindy Roever
January 14 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Aaron & Melissa Lehmkuhl
Gary & Patti Ruhle
Bob Hicks
Dave & Linda Mix
Sandy Bush
Pastor, Amber & Kendra Hicks
Ed & Sandy Bush, & Riley Hicks
Tim & Dawn Mirkes
Ben Lucia
Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)
Eddie Fiestedt Family
Gary & Wendy Bekx
Brad & Ashley Fischer
Gary & Wendy Bekx
Gary Timm
Pastor, Kay Ryder & Marcus Christenson
Julia Martinson, Kathy Forst & Karlee Fiestedt
Sue DeSautel
January 21 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Scott & Becki Tellock
Travis & Cindi Zaloudek
Dawn O’Dell
Nile & Carol Beck
De Dalum
Pastor, Tim & Lauren Calder
Mark & Jill Beyer, & Can You Help?
Steve & Kim Maertz
Jarrod Osborn
Lexie Wagner (8:15–11:45 am)
Michelle Nelson
Michele Reagan
Amy Wierschke
Adam Adamovich Family
Julia Martinson
Pastor, Sheila & Tyler Olson
Jackie Krieglstein, Tom Mischka & Kyle Olson
Lisa Ahles
January 28 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Keith & Kristi Piechocki
Keven & Rachel Sprehe
Nile Beck
Keven & Rachel Sprehe
Holly Wiesler
Pastor, Cindi Zaloudek & Riley Tassone
De & Dan Dalum, & Colin Tassone
Holly Wiesler
Brian Falk
Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)
Scott & Alisha Rudie
Lois Posselt
Kim Lee
Jim & Carrie Bolssen
Kari Juadis
Pastor, Can You Help? & Alison Posselt
Zach, Kari, & Harley Juadis
Kelly & Julie Shattuck
The nursery is available Sunday mornings from 8:45 am until 11:45 am for infants through kindergarten-aged-
children. Or, if you prefer to bring your children to worship with you, they can help themselves to a blue bag
located just outside the Sanctuary doors. Blue bags contain paper, crayons, little toys and trinkets to help
keep small hands and brains busy during worship services. Please help us conserve offering envelopes and
other things in the pew pockets by using the supplies in the blue bags.
N U R S E R Y H O U R S & B L U E B A G S
S T E W A R D S H I P
O N - L I N E G I V I N G J U S T G O T E A S I E R W I T H
O U R S M A R T P H O N E Q R C O D E
You can be routed directly to the mobile version of our online-
giving page by scanning this image.
Or log-on to our website: www.christuschurch.org and click on the
DONATION page.
Year-to-Date information through October 31, 2017
General Fund Activity
**Please note: $20,000 of the shortfall is due to HWY 15 expenses.**
2017 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Budget
Income - contribution $284,154 $288,474 $295,690
Income - designated $32,764 $34,596 $30,290
Income - Scrip $7,288 $8,115 $8,500
Income - other $6,783 $16,417 $10,700
Expense $381,460 $356,458 $354,231
Surplus (Shortfall) ($50,471) ($8,856) ($9,051)
V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 6
Dec. 4-10: Jim Becker Dec. 18-24: Zach & Harley Juadis
Dec. 11-17: Robin & Cole Krause Dec. 25-31: Gary Bekx
Please shovel the walkway on the side of the building, sidewalk in front of the
church and the patio off the Sunday School wing.
S N O W S H O V E L I N G
Jan. 1-7 : Gary Bekx
Jan. 8-14 : Jim Becker
Jan. 15-21:
Jan. 22-28: Robin & Cole Krause
Jan. 29-Feb. 4: Jim Borowski
Feb. 5-11:
Feb. 12-18:
Feb. 19-25:
Feb. 26-Mar. 4: Mashlan Family
Mar. 5-11 Robin & Cole Krause
Mar. 12-18: Jim Borowski
Mar. 19-25: Mashlan Family
Mar. 26-Apr. 1: Jim Becker
Apr. 2-8:
Apr. 9-15:
S T E W A R D S H I P Page 7
Sunday School Christmas Program: December 17, at both services.
Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 pm (family) and 6:00 pm (contemporary), with a
candlelight service at 8:00 pm. All three services will have communion
Christmas Day service will be at 9:30 am, with communion.
Please see the kiosk for volunteer opportunities during the Christmas services.
C H R I S T M A S S E R V I C E S
C H R I S T U S N E W S
F A L L 2 0 1 7 S T E W A R D S H I P C A M P A I G N
Stewardship Campaign
Courage, Love, Purpose Thank you to all who gave of their
time, talent, and treasure to make our Fall stewardship
focus a success.
We will report the total number of Estimates of Giving received, and the total amount pledged
for the coming year at the December 3 Annual Meeting of the Congregation.
If you have not yet turned in a 2018 Estimate of Giving, you may still do so. Estimate of Giving
cards may be found on the name-tag table outside the Sanctuary, or to complete yours
online, click here.
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of
Christus Lutheran Church
Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the
Protestant Reformation
Christus is once again ordering Poinsettia plants to decorate the Sanctuary for our Christmas Eve services.
The cost is $13.50 per plant. Order forms and envelopes are available on the name-tag table and may be
ordered in honor or memory of a loved one. There will be a special Christmas insert
recognizing your order. Deadline is Dec. 3. Please make checks payable to Christus.
You may bring your plant home after Christmas Day service, but be sure to bring home your
plant not later than December 31. All plants leftover will be donated. Thank you for making
our Sanctuary beautiful this Christmas!
P O I N S E T T I A P L A N T S
C H I L I C O O K - O F F
C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 8
The Annual Congregational Meeting
is scheduled for Sunday, December
3rd, at 9:40 am, in the Sanctuary
between services. This is a very
A N N U A L C O N G R E G A T I O N A L M E E T I N G - P A R T I
important meeting and there needs to
be a quorum representing Christus.
Please mark your calendar to attend
this very important meeting.
Thank you to those who have been participating in the Scrip program this year. As of September 30, the
program has given back $7,200 to Christus in net profit. Thank you for making this program successful.
As we near year-end, please continue to focus on how you might increase your Scrip usage as we finish out
2017! No need to purchase anything you don’t already want or need. Just purchase Scrip cards for the
stores, restaurants or gas stations you already use. Many of you are purchasing your gas and groceries with
Scrip cards. Thank you for making this choice!
Does your family go out to eat? Many restaurants in the area offer a generous profit on Scrip card purchases.
Here are a few to consider: Chipotle-10%, Texas Road House-8%, Arby’s-8%, Chili’s-11%, Buffalo Wild
Wings-8%, Domino’s Pizza-8%, Dairy Queen-10%, Applebee’s-8%. Some others are Taco Bell-5%, Wendy’s
-4%, Panera Bread-5%. Consider having a couple of these cards on hand for those days when cooking just
won’t be an option for you.
Think ahead about all the purchases you make in a week. Will you be doing any shopping at the mall or any
of the big-box retail stores? Macy’s offers a 10% profit on Scrip cards. Younker’s offers 8%. Dick’s Sporting
Goods offers an 8% rebate. Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy offers 14%!
Thinking about decorating for Christmas? Pier 1 offers a 9% profit. Do you have medical needs? Walgreen’s
offers a 6% discount. Need a Starbucks to relax after a long day? Their payback is a profit to Christus of 7%.
Consider buying small denomination gift cards to use as stocking stuffers for Christmas. Here are some
ideas: Bath & Body-13%, Cabela’s-11%, Marcus Theaters-9%, Land’s End-16%, Barnes & Noble-8%.
Christus has many of the Scrip cards mentioned above in stock. Some cards will need to be ordered for you
to pick up the following Sunday.
The Scrip program at Christus offers gift cards you purchase at face value each Sunday between services.
Our Scrip coordinator then purchases the cards from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a reduced price. The
difference is an instant rebate for Christus. It’s really that simple!
Thank you for taking time to consider purchasing Scrip. If we each do a little bit, we can make a big difference
for our church!
S C R I P U P D A T E
On January 28th, Christus is bringing back the Chili Cook-Off!!! Right after late service, at
approximately 12 pm, be prepared to serve your famous, home-made chili and compete to
be Christus’ Chili Champion! Making chili not your thing? That’s ok, because we need lots of
taste-testers to help us determine who has the best chili recipe.
If you are retired,
working close, living
close, or just have
the day off, then the
Daytimers’ pot-luck
is for you! Join us on the 2nd
Wednesday of each month, at
11:45 am, here at Christus. Stop
in with a dish to pass and a
friend, if you wish, and join other
Christian-minded friends for our
next monthly luncheon on
December 13. Don’t miss out on
the fun!
D A Y T I M E R S ’ P O T - L U C K L U N C H E O N
Page 9 C H R I S T U S N E W S
M U S I C N O T E S
Special words of appreciation are due to
Jacob Ahles, who has regularly played the
trombone at our 10:35
worship. It was originally
thought that he would be
joining the military in March,
but he was called up earlier
than expected. We thank him for his
years of musical service to Christus, as well
as for his future service to our country.
For more information on the music program
at Christus or to be included in the weekly
email update, please contact Bruce Koestner,
at [email protected] or
920-209-5932.
“We thank him for his years of musical service to Christus, as well as for his future service to our country.”
B A P T I S M C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
N E W M E M B E R C L A S S E S
We welcome into the Christus faith family through baptism, Finley William
Ryder, son of Jordan & Kay Ryder, and Aspen Sammie Mallmann,
daughter of Sam & Jenny Mallmann. May their parents, sponsors, and our
church family nurture them through their faith journey.
Aspen Mallmann Finley Ryder
New Member Classes are scheduled for:
Tuesday, January 23rd & 30th at 6 pm , with light refreshments and childcare provided.
The New Member Reception is Sunday, February 11th , during and after each service.
Register online at the Christus Website, christuschurch.org, click on the New Member
Registration in the announcement’s section. Contact Pastor Jen or Melissa, at
920-757-7775, with any questions. Spread the word!
D I D Y O U K N O W ?
On October 18th, the Confirmation youth participated in an evening of service projects. What did they do? A
few groups learned about jail/prison ministry as Jesus said in Matthew 25, “I was in prison and you visited
me,” and then wrote letters to inmates. Another group made gift bags to be given to children who are part of a
support group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren in Calumet County. Another group
decorated cookies to be sent to some of our college students. Two groups carved pumpkins with develop-
mentally disabled gentlemen and decorated their home for Halloween. And lastly, one group cleaned up the
blue bags children use in worship. Great job, Christus youth!
Pub Theology at The Stoneyard meets on the 1st & 3rd Mon of the month at
6:30 pm (5:30 pm for food & drink) at the StoneYard. November 20th, Chapter 36 is
discussed and December 4th (the last meeting of the year) we’ll finish the book with
Chapters 37 & 38.
Due to the holidays, meetings for January will be the 8th and 22nd. We’ll begin the new book,
“Creed: What Christians Believe and Why,” by Adam Hamilton, exploring the Apostles’
Creed. Contact Nile Beck for bulk ordering of the book at a lower cost. Meetings will resume the normal
schedule in Feb. Check out our Facebook page and like us! www.facebook.com/pubtheologygreenville.
Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am, faithful
women, led by Pastor Jen, meet in
The Center to discuss Bible readings
each week. You do not need to register
Page 10
P U B T H E O L O G Y
W E D N E S D A Y M O R N I N G W O M E N ’ S B I B L E S T U D Y
or be a member of Christus to join the
fun, so invite a friend and share the
Good News!
F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T
S O D A T A B S F O R R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E
As a faith community, we will walk together to dig deeper into what it is we believe, not only as individuals, but
as a community of faith. We hope you’ll join us on our faith journey. Sunday mornings, for adults, between
worship services, at 9:40 am, in The Center (unless otherwise noted).
December 3: Open Sunday; Annual Congregational Meeting-Part I,
Held in the Sanctuary
December 10: Open Sunday; Cookie Walk
December 17: Open Sunday; Sunday School Christmas Program
December:24 Open Sunday; Christmas Eve
December:31 Open Sunday; New Year’s Eve
B E T W E E N - S E R V I C E S A D U L T E D U C A T I O N
We are always continuing to collect soda tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House.
Collecting pop tabs is a great way to teach kids about philanthropy and the importance of
recycling, while raising funds to help children and their families at the same time. The tabs
are recycled and the money is donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Families either stay
at no cost or are asked to make a small donation, however, payment is NEVER
expected for those who cannot afford it. Stays can be as short as one night or as long as
several months, and sometimes extend to a year or more, depending on the child's illness and treatment.
V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Page 11 V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S
We are in need of more volunteers to help with Communion & Altar Care during the10:35
worship service. Communion volunteers would be helping Pastor distribute the bread
and wine during communion. Altar Care volunteers are the ones that set up and clean up
the bread and wine before and after the services.
I am asking to put you on a rotating schedule with our other wonderful volunteers. If you
would be interested in either, or both, opportunities, please reply to Melissa Prochnow.
Thank you to all those who donated blood on
November 5th. We met our goal of 20 units! The
next blood drive will be at Faith Community
United Methodist
Church (across the
street) on
January 21st.
Take a look at the chart to see what your blood
type is, what blood type your blood can be do-
nated to and what blood types you can receive
blood from.
B L O O D D R I V E
Did you know Christus is a drop-off site for Cell Phones for Solders? We gladly accept your used cell phones
and tablets (no cases but chargers accepted if paired with the phone/tablet), and have been for about 7
YEARS! We send in the phones and tablets to this national nonprofit organization, knowing troops and veter-
ans use the donations from the recycled phones and tablets to call home. How awesome is that! Using the
proceeds from donated phones and tablets, they send prepaid international calling cards to the troops to use
via their approved phones.
There are a lot of interesting FAQ’s here. If you have any questions please contact Melissa Prochnow.
C E L L P H O N E S F O R S O L D E R S !
C O M M U N I O N A N D A L T A R C A R E H E L P N E E D E D
Thank you for your gently used donations for the
Community Clothes Closet!!!
C O M M U N I T Y C L O T H E S C L O S E T C L O T H I N G D R I V E
G 2 Y O U T H G R O U P
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H
The Service Team will once again be
sponsoring a Christmas Giving
Opportunity by “adopting” ten children
associated with the Hortonville
Community Food Pantry and ten seniors
at Brewster Village. Giving tags are
available in the Gathering Area Sundays
through December 3 and are due with
tags attached December 10.
C H R I S T M A S G I V I N G P R O J E C T
C O O K I E W A L K
Thank you to everyone who gave generously toward Thanksgiving
turkeys for the Hortonville Area Community Food Pantry. We raised $1,228
for 81 TURKEYS for area families. What a great way to give Thanks!
V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S Page 12
The Hortonville Community Food Pantry is asking for donations of food items:
H O R T O N V I L L E C O M M U N I T Y F O O D P A N T R Y
G2, (high school youth group) meets Wednesdays, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm in The Center at
Christus. Come for fun and faith, and a chance to chill with your friends.
On Sunday, December 10, Christus will hold its annual Cookie Walk. Proceeds go to the Fox Valley Warming
Shelter. To contribute to the Cookie Walk, bring two dozen cookies to church on Saturday,
December 9, from 1-3 pm, or bring your cookies on Sunday morning, December 10 before
first service.
It’s a great opportunity to get out Grandma’s special recipe, or showcase your own unique
Christmas cookie to exchange with other Christus members, and raise money for a good
cause at the same time!
D R E S S T H E T U R K E Y W I T H T H A N K S
Canned Fruit
Canned Veggies
Canned Pie Filling
Canned Soup
Page 13 C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H
S U N D A Y S C H O O L G I F T S H A R I N G
On December 17th, during the worship services, we will be having a special processional
as part of the Sunday School Christmas program. We would like to ask all children,
including our toddlers, to please bring a new, unwrapped toy, or canned food to church on
Sunday, December 17th. The children will be invited to come forward to
place their gift on the altar. The toys will be donated to the Salvation
Army and distributed to families, and the food will go to the Hortonville Community Food
Pantry. Toys can be purchased for young children all the way up to teenagers.
S U N D A Y S C H O O L C H R I S T M A S P R O G R A M
Sunday School Christmas Program, December 17th
Attention parents of Sunday School children:
We will be practicing for the Christmas program during Sunday School times December 3rd
and 10th. And, we will be having a very special rehearsal on Saturday, December 16th, in the
morning. Times of the practices for that morning are still being determined. It is important for
your child/children to be here to practice. Thanks so much in advance for all your support and
help with this. What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior by having our children at Christus tell
the story.
N E W S F R O M T H E E A S T - C E N T R A L S Y N O D O F W I S C O N S I N H U N G E R T E A M
1 in 6 children in Wisconsin live in poverty. Why? What are we doing about it? Visit www.wichurches.org/
resources/combating-poverty, www.elca.org/advocacy and www.facebook.com/ELCAworldhunger
Why is advocacy important? Isn’t our direct service work enough? We believe God is calling us into the
world to serve together. Through our direct service, we aid immediate needs before us. Our advocacy work
impacts systemic, long-lasting change. By telling our lawmakers how Lutheran ministries believe, we are
helping create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and defend God’s creation.
Why does the ELCA understand advocacy to be part of its mission? We serve in response to God’s love
to meet human needs and protect creation. When you write your public official, you are uniting with an
apostolic community of Lutherans concerned with how public policies work for our neighbors as a matter of
faith. In our first social statement, “The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective,” from 1991, we committed
to “work with and on behalf of the poor, the powerless and those who suffer, using its power and influence
with political and economic decision-making bodies to develop and advocate policies that seek to advance
justice, peace and the care of creation.”
Does the U.S. Constitution permit religious bodies to advocate? Yes. The First Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution guarantees the exercise of religious freedom, including the public witness of religious bodies. The
Church in Society social statement describes our church’s relationship with government as one of
“institutional separation and functional interaction.”
N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D
N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D Page 14
“I ask …that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
~ John 17:21-23
** Note: This article is taken directly from the November ECSW Missions & Ministry Connections newsletter.**
At a recent meeting I was asked why I was passionate about the work of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Actually it was the new Executive Director of the Council, the Rev. Kerri Parker, asking all the members of the Board why we were committed to this ecumenical work and willing to give of our time and energy. She wanted to know with whom she was working and what was in our hearts.
When it was my turn I said something like this. First of all, Jesus commands that we seek the unity we are given, even prays for the healing of divisions among us. In John 17, the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays that his followers might be one, enjoying the communal life of the Holy Trinity as he and the Father enjoy the oneness. And then Jesus adds, “the world might believe.” Overcoming divisions and showing the life we share in the Good News of Jesus Christ is a powerful witness to the world and to the members of our own churches as well.
At the recent Service of Common Prayer in Green Bay, Roman Catholic Bishop David Ricken and I both preached at the service commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, both lamenting the pain of our divisions and the hurt caused over the centuries since. In a workshop following two couples in “mixed marriages” of Lutheran and Catholic families shared stories and facilitated conversation about the joy and struggles, blessings and pain of living in a divided communion of faith.
At our Wisconsin Council of Churches meeting I shared a few other reasons as well. Others had already spoken about the rich variety of gifts in the ecumenical settings. I spoke of how we are impoverished when we do not claim the gifts of other Christian traditions. Personally I was raised in a congregation and church body that looked with deep suspicion upon Christians from other traditions. In my life through seminary and now after more than 40 years of pastoral ministry I have been deeply enriched, sometimes by being pushed out of my comfort zone, by the experience and witness, the insights and perspectives of those in other traditions.
I also think we must be involved ecumenically to hold one another accountable. No church body or tradition is the Church unto itself. We are all part of the vast Body of Christ, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. We all are called to remember that decisions we make and positions we hold must stand the test and be informed by the theological perspectives of our brothers and sisters in other churches as well.
Finally, in the Beatitudes Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, which might also be understood as bridge-builders. We are called to help people overcome divisions, to reconcile differences, and be a leaven for such work in the world around us.
I remember Dr. Michael Kinnamon, former General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, reminding a group of us at an ecumenical meeting years ago that unity is not something we must work for. Unity is God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ. Those who are baptized in Christ Jesus are one in faith, one in Spirit, one in baptism. The work in ecumenical circles, he said, is for us to realize that gift among us, to keep walking into the communion where the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are indeed one.
As this Church Year comes to an end and we begin praying for the Advent of our Lord, I pray for the unity of the Church and the healing of divisions among us. As we say in the Kyrie, “For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.”
Bishop Gerald Mansholt
O F F I C E H O U R S & C H U R C H L E A D E R S
Church Council
Amy Wierschke, President
Larry Bentle, President-Elect
De Dalum, Liaison to Service Team
Jennifer Christenson, Liaison to Worship Team
Jeff Arps, Liaison to Outreach and Membership Growth
Team
Vacant. Liaison to Fellowship Team
Vacant, Liaison to Faith Development Team
Bob Hicks, Liaison to Youth Team
Jennifer Christenson, Pastor
Staff
Jennifer Christenson, Pastor
Bruce Koestner, Director of Music
Christine Loppnow, Director of Youth Ministry
Melissa Prochnow, Ministries Coordinator
Kim Lorenz, Office Administrator
Calder Family, Cleaning
Ministry Team Coordinators
Lisa Ahles, Worship Team
Rae Tyriver, Service Team
Ministry Team Coordinators, continued
Vacant, Outreach and Membership Growth Team
Jenny Finerty, Fellowship Team
Jill Beyer, Youth Team
Lisa Borowski, Faith Development Team
Other Church Leaders
Jan Mallmann, Business Management Team Coordinator
Adam Hanson, Technical Coordinator
Tina Hanson, Scrip Coordinator
Adam Hanson, Treasurer
Nile Beck, Stewardship Coordinator
Cathy Mertz, PowerPoint Coordinator
Vacant, Multi-Media Coordinator
Betty Urbanek, Church Kitchen Co-Coordinators
Kelly Taube, Drama Coordinator
Mark Beyer, Building & Grounds Coordinator
Jim Borowski, Land Use Coordinator, Long-Range Planning Team Chair
Vacant, Communications & Website Coordinator
Vacant, Wedding Coordinator
Vacant, Funeral Coordinator
Gary Timm, Mutual Ministry Team
Pastor Jen Christenson
Monday: Off
Tuesday through Thursday: In at 9 am
Friday: Work from home (church secretary has contact information)
Youth Director: Christine Loppnow
Tuesday: In at 9 am
Wednesday: In at 1 pm
Thursday: In at 10 am
Friday: In at 9 am (depending on weekend work obligations, may not be in the office on Fridays)
Parish Secretary: Kim Lorenz
Monday through Thursday: 8 am—3 pm
Ministries Coordinator: Melissa Prochnow
Tuesday through Thursday: 8 am—2 pm
Director of Music: Bruce Koestner
Works off-site; call 920-209-5932.
Weekly Staff Meetings are generally held 10:30 am—noon every Thursday.
NOTE: The above noted days and times are when we generally expect to be in the office. However, our
schedules can change quickly, based on what is happening in the life of the congregation. Occasionally, we
need to be away from the office for meetings, hospital visits, home visits, and more. Therefore, we strongly
encourage you to call ahead and/or make an appointment if you are planning to stop by for a visit, or
need to have a face-to-face meeting with the pastor or staff.
W E E K D A Y O F F I C E H O U R S
C H U R C H L E A D E R S
Page 15
C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S A N D S E R V I C E S Page 16
YMCA Bus Tours: Kohler Summertime, Tuesday, August 18
It’s the Y’s annual excursion to Milwaukee to root for the home team (or the visiting team if you want!) Head to Miller Park for game between the Brewers and the Atlanta Braves. Lunch is on your own, so you can choose ballpark fare or bring a brown bag to enjoy before entering the stadium. The “Selig Experience,” is expected to be open at Miller Park by this time. Your loge bleacher seat down the first base line is situated to give some shade from the afternoon sun. The parking area and stadium are large spaces and there are some steps to negotiate getting to your seat. Fee: $51 or $56. Includes transportation and game ticket. Leave MSC 9:30am; Return 7:15pm
GermanFest: Culture and Church Service, Sunday, July 26
Get on the coach in downtown Appleton and be delivered to the gate at the Henry S. Maier Festival Grounds. We’ll arrive in time for the church service in Marcus Amphitheater. This year the service is Catholic Worship, in both German & English. An alternative to church attend-ance is to sit behind the amphitheater hill, gaze at the blue of the lake and watch the boats sailing or motoring. Afterwards, transition to the Festival grounds and enjoy everything German that the festival has to offer. Enjoy numerous stages of entertainment; catch the breezes along the lakeshore; shop in the marketplace; enjoy the demonstrations of skilled craftsmen and purchase something special from them; trace your family tree in the genealogy section, and, of course, try your choice of national beverages. Fee: $25 or $29. Includes transporta-tion and admission. Leave TCC 7:30am; return 6:15pm
For more information on these tours and to register, go to the YMCA of the Fox Cities, scroll down to programs, and click on Adult Bus Trips, or call the YMCA.
ELCA Good Gifts Advent Calendar: Each day is a reminder of the reason for the season with hymns, prayers, Bible verses and stories of how ELCA Good Gifts make a difference in the world. Order here.
Streets of Bethlehem: You, along with your family, friends & neighbors are invited to walk the Streets of Bethlehem at Appleton Alliance Church. As you stroll the village streets and shops, you will see, hear, smell, touch, and taste what life was like the night of Jesus’ birth. This event is free and open to the community. Bring your friends and family! Dec. 14-17, 5:30-9 pm. No cost or registration.
Educational Offerings
Mon., May 8, 10:30 am, a guest speaker will present, “Unlocking the Past” This presenta-tion will deal with the informative and interesting history of the Fox River Locks.
Mon., May 15, 10:30 am. “Don’t Drain the Brain,” is a review of brain function and the fas-cinating research done in the past few years. It is never too late to learn new things; you can make your brain “smarter” and offset some of the effects of brain aging.
All are welcome for both presentations! Call 734-7225 or email [email protected], to re-serve your spot.
Fox Valley Lutheran Home (FVLH):
Linwood Place: When you see the name “Linwood Place,” don’t be confused. That name has been the name of our apartment building since 2009. We are now officially using that name in our business for marketing purposes. The names Linwood Place and Fox Valley Lutheran Homes will be used much more interchangeably, so don’t be confused. We are still talking about the same wonderful place to live at 425 N. Linwood Place!
Apartments for Rent: 1 & 2 BR apartments available mid-November at Linwood Place. Call Becky, John, or Brian to arrange a tour. The 2 BR even has 1½ bath! Becky (734-7225), John (419-5754), Brian (840-3578.)
Becky Luett, Deacon Executive Director
Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA: As of September 30, the campaign has received more than $128.3 million in cash and multi-year commitments, representing 64.8% of our $198 million goal. Read more about campaign progress in the 2016 Annual Report. Thank you for your continued support!
ELCA World Hunger Advent study: The study is perfect for Wednesday worship, adult study or devotions at home, this study takes you through each week of Advent. Download Advent Study.
Appleton Boy Choir: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: Featuring the Copper Street Brass Quintet & Kathrine Hanford, guest festival organist. Dec. 2, 1 pm & 4 pm, Lawrence Memorial Chapel. Reserved Seating: $15 or $20. For more information or tickets, call 955-2224, or AppletonBoyChoir.com.
newVoices: Christmas at the Chapel: Join us for one of the most joyous Christmas traditions in the region as we present a concert of sacred songs and hymns. Celebrate Christmas with 75 voices lifted in praise and joy as they ring through the beautiful Lawrence Chapel to proclaim the true meaning of the season in jubilant song! Dec. 16, at 2 & 7:30 pm. Tickets $25, senior, student & group discounts available-call 832-9700 for details, or online at newvoiceschoir.org.