Area Ministry 5 November 2009

MESSENGER Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Central States Synod

Word of God, come down on earth,

living rain from heav’n descending;

touch our hearts and bring to birth

faith and hope and love unending.

Word almighty, we revere you;

Word made flesh, we long to hear you.

Word eternal, throned on height,

Word that brought to life creation,

Word that came from heav’n to die,

crucified for our salvation,

saving Word, the world restoring,

speak to us, your love outpouring.

Word that caused blind eyes to see,

speak and heal our mortal blindness;

deaf we are: our healer be;

loose our tongues to tell your kindness.

Be our Word in pity spoken,

heal the world, by our sin broken.

Word that speaks God’s tender love,

one with God beyond all telling,

Word that sends us from above,

God the Spirit, with us dwelling,

Word of truth, to all truth lead us;

Word of life, with one bread feed us.Text: James QuinnWOV 716

Coming up... Area Ministry 5 Annual Meeting

Pastors and members of all 14 congregations in Area Ministry 5 are

invited to the Annual Meeting. One pastor and 2 designated lay

representatives of each congregation may vote. Everyone has voice and

input.

Look forward to a good time and important business together,

including adoption a revised constitution, 2010 budget, Global Mission

Formation Event report, planning ahead for Synod Assembly here in June,

and more. Area Ministry Chairperson Donn Bischoff has sent information

to each congregation. Contact him at 316-722-7373 or

Donnhb@yahoo.com.

When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 3:00 p.m.

Where: Lord of Life Lutheran Church

11215 W. 13 St. N., Wichita.

Come, You Thankful People Come...

Gloria Dei Thanksgiving Vespers on Sunday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m., with

Parish Choir, Liturgical Dance, and vocal soloist Spencer Stelljes.

Soup supper and Pie Fest after worship.

Zion Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 22, 7:00 p.m. Pie Fest

following, and gathering canned food for Food Bank and donations for

ELCA World Hunger.

Reformation Thanksgiving Eve Worship at 7:00 p.m., to join in praise

and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings. Pie Social after

worship. Extra pies to be shared with residents of Inter-Faith Inn.

Emanuel Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 7:30

p.m., with thanksgiving, music, and celebration of Holy Communion.

Pie and coffer afterward.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Emanuel

Emanuel will serve its sixth Thanksgiving meal for the Hutchinson

community on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The

meal is Emanuel’s way of showing love to the community and giving all

people an opportunity to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and

fellowship with others. Hundreds will enjoy the meal!

More than 60 singers and instrumentalists crowded

into Reformation’s balcony choir loft to present

music directed by Dr. John Buckner (left).

In memory of Pastor Earl and Ida Mae WallThe sad news reached us on Oct. 26 of the tragic auto

accident of Pr. Earl and Ida Mae Wall near Joplin, MO, as

they were returning from celebration of Messiah,

Springfield’s, 50th anniversary. Pr. Wall had served as an

interim pastor there. They loved returning to churches he

served and greeting their many friends. We mourn the

death of Ida Mae that day and now the sadness of Pastor

Wall’s death on Nov. 8. They have truly blessed us as

saints among us. May God’s peace and promise of the

resurrection, and the love of countless friends and family

surround and uphold their family! In April 2007, the

following article and picture appeared in this Area

Ministry 5 Newsletter, featuring 3 pastors who were

originally in the Augustana Synod - Pr. Wall, Pr. Al

Lindberg, and Pr. O.H. Lindeblad.

“Pastor Earl Wall was a student at

Augustana Seminary while Pr.

Lindeblad was, though they did not

know each other. Pastor Wall was

ordained at the Augustana Convention

in 1953 in the University of Chicago

Chapel. In the preceding years of

depression and war, young Earl grew

up on a farm in Nebraska, attended

Luther College for 2 years, and

eventually graduated from Bethany College where he met

his wife, Ida Mae Anderson. He had served the U.S.

Navy in World War II, 1943-1946, in the Pacific,

working in ship engine rooms.

“He served churches in Colton, Oregon (1953-58),

Lakewood, Colorado (1958-1966), Trinity in Hays, KS

(1966-1981), and Reformation, Wichita (1981-1988),

when he retired – sort of! He has since served as interim

pastor at Messiah, Springfield, MO; Our Saviour’s,

Mulvane KS (twice); Emanuel, Hutchinson; Trinity,

McPherson (twice); Gloria Dei, Wichita (twice); and

Christ, Eureka.

“The Walls have 5 children: Tim, David, Julie, Ron,

and Carolee, and 9 grandchildren. They like to help them,

especially son Tim’s family while he is in treatment for

colon cancer. Now 84, Pr. Wall has volunteered for the

American Red Cross Good Neighbor Nutrition Program

driving and delivering meals for 13 years, and is on the

Board of Shepherd’s Center West. Ida Mae has taught

English, special education and ESL classes in the places

they have lived. She has volunteered in the Library at

Caldwell Elementary School for 15 years. They are

members of Gloria Dei.

“Pr. Wall’s favorite part of the ministry is ‘one on one

with people,’ listening, enjoying the people. He also still

likes preparing homilies for Sunday worship services.”

As this is written, plans have not been set for their

funeral service. May the light and love of Christ surround

them forever!

We Sang with All the Saints in Glory!On All Saints Day, Nov. 1, a combined choir from

Area 5 congregations, children and adults, handbells from

Gloria Dei and Reformation, an ensemble of instruments,

and an inspired congregation joined in scripture and song

for the Hymn Festival “Sing with All the Saints in Glory,”

conducted by Dr. John Buckner (Gloria Dei). Liturgical

dancers of Gloria Dei accompanied “The First Song of

Isaiah.” One of the singers said, “This afternoon has ben

the thrill of a lifetime.” Another spoke of the experience

as “profound and awesome!” Special thanks to Marlene

Hallstrom (Reformation) and Annette Lindal (Gloria dei)

for planning the event, and to the many musicians and

congregation who offered such a memorable service.

Gloria Dei’s Prayer Dancers

Melissa Stanton, left, St. Paul’s, autographed her book

about a girl in Russia for Grace Maxwell and others on

Oct. 10. St. Paul’s hosted the reading/book signing of

“The Secret.“ Hostesses were Karen Haynes, Edna Mae

Olson and Jackie Volbrecht of Gloria Dei’s Ruth Guild.

Proceeds will support girls of St. Marie’s Orphan School,

Ussurisk, Russia.

Dr. John Leavitt brings musicalheritage to life

In his studio office, Dr. John Leavitt worksamid the tools of music today: pianos (grandand upright pianos and electronic keyboard),and an array of computers for musicalproduction, notation, and transmission ofmaterials. John, a member of Reformation, is anationally acclaimed composer, arranger,conductor, teacher, choral director, and churchmusician. He has taught in universities andserved as Director of Music at ImmanuelLCMS and Cantor of Reformation. He led theMaster Arts Chorale and Youth Chorale formany years in Wichita. Area Lutheransremember the inspiring Ascension Day 1999joint service with Episcopalians at St. Mary’sCathedral, when John conducted a mass choirfrom area churches. Now he is a full timeproducer and recorder of music.

What kind of music does John Leavittproduce? John’s music, as he says, is “firmlyrooted in traditional music”and “finding waysto extend the musical language.” He isespecially interested in American folk musicand original rhythms. He arranges classical andsacred music as well as Broadway tunes, andcomposes original works. He believes that“cultural music is part of what binds ustogether as a people,” as a church as well as asociety. He writes for his own pleasure and tomeet the requests of publishers with whom heplans for the year ahead. He works on manyprojects at any given time.

What does it mean to be in the “musicbusiness”?

John works with music publishers as wellas other organizations and churches, producingmusic and as leader at workshops,conventions, and concerts. He works towardthe academic year, well in advance, so that

music will be published, recorded,and ready for summer musicreadings by music directors whoselect then for the year ahead.John composes and arranges foradult, high school, middle school,and elementary groups, sometimesputting classical or familiar musicin SATB or else in soprano, alto,and baritone to be accessible forsmall ensembles. He records CDswith a choral ensemble in thesummer, usually at WSU’sWiedemann Hall. John says thatthis recording is his favorite thing. It is an intense time with excellentsingers and instruments, in an acoustically fine environment, and“everyone trying to present the music in the best possible way.” He alsoproduces one keyboard collection each year.

What are some recent highlights? Last year John composed 3cantatas, for Christmas, Passiontide and Lent, in which Scripture isexpressed in music, and service of lessons and choral. Each summer heconducts festival choirs gathered in NY from across the country. Lastsummer they sang his “Symphony of Songs and River in Judea.” That isavailable in printed music for choirs, with suggestions for use in theliturgical year, and available on CD. In October John presented aconcert/hymnfest for Immanuel’s 100th Anniversary, including organmusic, and hymns around the church year.

John and his wife Connie have three grown children, Matthew, Chrisand Katy. He is a lifelong Lutheran, with music degrees from Emporia,Wichita State, and KC Conservatory of Music. His goal, he says, is “tohave music accessible to listeners so they can relate to it and yet findenough ‘spice and surprise’ to encourage active rather than passivelistening.” He finds that these days technology is changing the media bywhich we listen to music, changing musical preferences, and is addingmany choices. John says, “I love for my life to further our Lutheranheritage.”See more and order music at his websitewww.johnleavittmusic.com.

Operation Holiday of Inter-Faith Ministries Operation Holiday assists thousands of low-income individuals,families and children needing food assistance, coats, blankets, andgifts during the holidays. Help is needed and welcome. How tohelp: Volunteer -Take applications until Nov. 24, several locations,your schedule.

Volunteer/assist at gift distribution Dec. 10, 11, 12, choose yourtime.Give: Food, new or gently used coats and blankets at OperationHoliday Distribution Center, 1227 S. Hydraulic (corner of Lincoln,former Dillon’s store), Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - 1p.m.

Send checks to Inter-Faith Ministries Operation Holiday, 829 N.Market, Wichita 67203. Info, call 264-9303; www.ifmnet.org

Annette Lindal is

Director of Music

and Christian

Education at Gloria

Dei.

St. Paul’s 8:45 service has music leadership

by Julianne Kallman. Debra Ary, and

occasionally others, singing with keyboard,

guitar, flute, and other instruments. This

“family friendly” service is more informal,

using primarily hymns from Augsburg

Fortress’ “Worship & Praise” book..

O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence withthanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King aboveall gods. Psalm 95:1-3

O Sing to the Lord! Our choirs and choir leadersChoirs and choir leaders help many congregations lift their voices in songs of prayer and praise, thanksgiving anddedication, hope and inspiration. The red-robed Choir of St. Paul’s-Wichita and the burgundy-robed Choir of Christ-Wichita process at the beginning of services, as the people of God entering into the presence of God. They sing from thefront, while at Reformation and Gloria Dei the choir anthems are heard from balconies above and behind the congregation.These churches have traditional choirs, as do Resurrection, Christ-Eureka, Zion, and Emanuel. Music in early services atChrist and St. Paul’s in Wichita are graced by more informal ensembles. Some churches have singing groups of childrenand youth. Other congregations do not have choirs or ensembles at this time. The choral leaders have shared ideas toencourage one another.

Gloria Dei: Annette Lindal has beenleading choirs at Gloria Dei since February2008. Singing groups include Parish Choirof 26 adults and high school students whosing 3 Sundays at 11:00 and one Sunday at8 a.m.; Children’s Choir of 16 boys andgirls K-5th grade singing on the secondSunday each month at 11 a.m., and theYouth Ensemble of 6 middle and somehigh school students, singing on5thSundays. On Gaudete Sunday, the thirdSunday of Advent, all the musical groupswill join in an anthem. They hope for aBach Festival in the Spring. Priscilla

Galusha accompanies the Parish Choir as they sing mainlyclassical anthems, while Annette who is also the organistaccompanies other groups. She also uses her musical giftsand education as organist at St. Mary’s Cathedral (RomanCatholic) at the Saturday service. She likes “knowing thatwhat we are doing is enriching our worship and might bringsomeone closer to God by a song we are singing.

St. Paul’s: Frances Sloan has directed theChoir at St. Paul’s-Wichita most of the timesince 1990. The Choir leads music at the 10:45service. Selected children and youth will singwith the Choir on the Sunday beforeThanksgiving, “Look at the World” by JohnRutter. On Fridays, Frances works withpreschool children of St. Paul’s Kids’

Kingdom Learning Center, with children’s songs and hymnslike “Away in a Manger.” Frances is also accompanist forBroadway Singers who will perform at Cowtown andBotanica in December.

Zion: Alice Jane Hayes is volunteer Choir Director for Zionin Hutchinson. Although she had no special training, shehad sung in choirs for years, and learned from previousdirectors. The choir is 9 women, from 7th grade to 60s,singing every Sunday, September - May. The Choir ispreparing special music for the Candlelight Christmas Eveservice. Alice Jane says “The ‘specialness’ of these women istheir dedication and their enjoyment of being a veryimportant part of each Sunday’s worship service.” She says,“I gain the most satisfaction from directing from thewillingness of each member to serve the choir as a whole. Ilove to watch their faces when they know they have done asuper job! They love music and they love to sing. We have acongregation member that sits in the front row every Sundayand holds up a card with some comment, rating, or verbalapplause that is always much-anticipated. On ReformationSunday, the card read ‘Encore - Luther clapped!’” They hadsung a little-known hymn by Martin Luther.

Resurrection: Evelyn Clark leads Resurrection’s 16-voiceadult choir. Accompanied by talented pianist Marty Gould,the choir sings 2 or 3 Sundays a month. Evelyn says “Thechoir is one of our best small group ministries... We do enjoysinging and the fellowship is great!”

The Adult Choir at Christ sang the cantata“You Are the

Christ” in 2006 with the Ensemble, and presented “The Living

Last Supper” in 2009, in narrative and anthem, with

congregation participation.

The Ensemble at Christ-Wichita has grown from 2-4 singers to

about 15 now. Freyja says, “Don’t be afraid to start small and

informal.”

Reformation: Marlene Hallstrom isDirector of Parish Music at Reformationand has served as a called Associate InMinistry for about 7 years. She leads theParish Choir of adults, singing anthems thatare classical or more recent compositions that relate to the readings and themes of theSunday service. Marlene leads theChildren’s Choir of 1st - 4th graders who are

learning as well as occasionally singing and playing handchimes, and the Youth Handbell Choir of 5th graders andolder. She is active in Wichita Metropolitan Music TeachersAssociation and American Guild of Organists, for which shechaired the recent 10-state regional convention. Marlene,who has masters degrees in music education and in organperformance, especially likes the interaction with the choirmembers, and appreciates their faithfulness and dedication.She feels blessed by her assistant organist/choir accompanist,Nancy Martin, and was excited to host the area Hymnfest onAll Saints Day. Marlene has heard choir members say “Icome because it is good for me to come and sing... it is a kindof therapy for me.”

Christ-Wichita: Adult Choir and

Ensemble: Darla Steinert is in her 5th yearas Choir Director for the Adult Choir atChrist for the 10:45 service. Music isblended traditional, accompanied byMargaret Dietz, organist for 44 years. Choirmembers appreciate Darla’s creativity andspiritual leadership. Since 2005 the churchhas offered a Good Friday service that Darla

says “is the most introspective and stirring of services.” Sheserves as “liturgist, scripting and weaving creative threadsinto this holiest of services.” Darla sings in the WichitaChamber Chorale, which will perform “Sounding Joy 2009:A Christmas Retrospective” concerts on Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.,West Heights United Methodist, and Dec. 13 at PlymouthCongregational Church. Darla says, “It’s not just aboutmaking music, but making God’s music ‘special’ and puttingit into the hearts of the musicians and congregations as wegive the praise back to God... We are stewards of God’sprecious gift of music – do it with your heart, mind andsoul... Believe in what you sing...And sing what youbelieve... Show it on your faces.”

Emanuel: Neal Allsup has directed Emanuel’s Senior Choirfor about 15 years, as well as the Men’s Ensemble. His wifeJoni is the Choir accompanist and an organist. Neal is alsoDirector of Vocal Music at Hutchinson Community College.In October the College Choir presented a program in Sundayworship, as it does each year. Neal also sings in the RenoChoral Society. He particularly enjoys finding new qualitymusic literature, and recommends finding the right literaturefor the makeup of the church’s ensemble. He notes, as doother directors, that these seem to be to be tough times forpeople to make the commitment that choirs need.

Emanuel also has SonShine Singers children’s choir (age4-1st grade), led by Jean Carey, and Carol Choir, 2nd-6thgraders, led by Elizabeth Orr.

Christ-Eureka: Heidi Teichgraeber directs the Adult/Teen

Choir at Christ in Eureka, which sings occasionally in10:30 worship. They are preparing the cantata “Christmas IsForever” to present on Dec. 2 in worship at 10:30 and for thecommunity at 2 p.m.. The children’s choir, led by BonnieCoulter, sings at least once a month in worship.

Freyja Carlstedt accompanies the Ensemble at Christ-Wichita that sings at 8:45. She says she is not the Director,as the group is informal, with input from everyone. She hasselected pieces and played for the group since the beginningabout 18 years ago. The ensemble sings contemporary musicin 4 parts, related to the lectionary readings or theme of theday. Ensemble singers sit with their families and move to thefront to offer music. Freyja says that the group has funtogether, and focuses on sharing the message of the music.

See page 8 for more thoughts and ideas for choirs and singing

groups.

Women of Ark Valley Cluster of the ELCA enjoyed the

presentation by Anita Mansholt (right) of her trip with ELCA

Bishops and spouses to the Holy Land in January. Pictured

with Anita are Willie Cooper (left, Good Shepherd) and Lotus

Gerards (center, Reformation.). Anita informed her audience

through photos and commentary about the tensions between

Palestinians and Israelis that affects the daily lives of people

she met. She quoted one of the pastors of Palestinian

Christians saying of the major faiths in the area, “We need to

see God in each other.”

The ELCA Global Formation event in Lincoln, NE, Oct. 30-31

drew these enthusiastic members of Area 5 . Left-right: Pr.

Natacha Kemp (Good Shepherd), Laurie Peterson-Flaharty

(Cross of Glory), Lloyd & Lola Mae Hershberger (Gloria

Dei), Alice Burnett (Cross of Glory) and behind: Barbara

Klingman (St. Paul’s), Jackie Volbrecht (Gloria Dei), Lynn

Standrich (Good Shepherd), and Elaine Harvey (St. Paul’s).

Lloyd appreciated the stewardship message of ELCA’s

Charles Lane: “God is overly generous because he loves us so

much. Our part is to give because we love Jesus.”Lola Mae

reports that there is much available in Global Travel in 2010

& 2011 for studying and learning about another country’s

culture and traditions, especially for a church group with a

mission project in countries like Tanzania, Argentina, and

Honduras through the ELCA. Lynn says the Global Formation

Event was “an amazing time!” All encourage others to go to

future such events.

Salute to vets Good Shepherd and youth of 3 congregations (God’s

Greatest Fans Youth Group) along with Pastor Natacha

Kemp invited all veterans and families to a Recognition

Banquet on Nov. 8. Youth of Good Shepherd, Cross of

Glory, and St. Paul’s-Wichita hosted the event.

Speakers included Chaplain (Col.) Dave Fulton, St.

Paul’s, and Pr. Maynard Peterson, Chaplain, Robt. J. Dole

Veterans Medical Center. Special guest Curtis Waltermire

offered a fun-filled and unique presentation of the Gospel,

using magic and music. There was fun, food, fellowship,

celebration and encouraging words!

Christ-Wichita “Ringer” newsletter listed 22

members who are veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Army

Air Corps, Air Force, Marines,, including those who

served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, totaling more than 100

years of service!

Moms In Touch International invites all women to

attend “Arise! Cry Out! On Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. - 1

p.m., as part of a worldwide event pr prayer and fasting

for children and their schools. Speakers will inspire

women crying out to the Lord for this generation to know

and love Jesus Christ. The event will be at Aldersgate

United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21 St. For info call

Edna Lopez (299-3719), or check www.momsintouch.org.

Luke Out Loud!

On Sunday, Nov. 22, starting at 6 p.m., Reformation

members will hear the story of Jesus as told by the entire

Gospel of Luke. “We learn stories in many ways: reading,

writing, singing, telling stories, or viewing art. In each of

these mediums, a story is discovered. In Christian

communities, we have joy experiencing God’s story in all

these ways as we read the Bible, sing hymns and songs,

listen to preaching, and celebrate art.” The Gospel of

Luke will be the primary New Testament scripture in the

year ahead. Light refreshments will be served during the

3-hour reading, and child care provided. All are invited.

“The Real, Earth-Shaking story of Christmas” will be

a Sunday morning study led by Pr. Tom Schaefer at Gloria

Dei beginning on Nov. 22. Was Jesus born in a stable?

What was the star of Bethlehem? Why is Matthew’s story

of Jesus’ birth different from Luke’s? Participants will

journey to Bethlehem and discover the deeper meaning of

Christmas.

Mike Iuen, KAKE News, and

Elmer Hoyer, Christ-

Wichita and CROP Walk

planning team. Also on the

planning team were Sally

Hoyer, Christ-Wichita, and

Elaine Harvey, St. Paul’s-

Wichita.

About 22 people of Gloria Dei, mostly youth, kept warm

walking to help the hungry.,

About 35 Christ-Wichita walkers raised generous funds,

matched by Thrivent. Among the Walk’s sponsors were Christ-

Wichita, Blacksheep.com (Dan Hoyer, Christ), Reformation,

Lord of Life, and St. Paul’s-Wichita. Area 5 congregations

raised over $4215. Christ led the pack with more than $2,000

and then Reformation, over $1,000.

After offering a prayer for the walkers and for

the hungry people they are helping, Pr. Sally

Fahrenthold greeted St. Paul’s-Wichita CROP

walkers, Elaine and Dennis Harvey and

Wendell Forsse. Good Shepherd also had

walkers. St. Paul’s Community Breakfast will

receive a portion of the local funds raised.

Remembering Thanks-Giving Tears came to my eyes the other day as I watched a news

report about the long lines of people waiting for food In South

Africa. I thought South Africa was one of the more prosperous

countries of Africa. The people were coming down from the

northern countries where the rains had failed and consequently

the crops failed also. The people were unfortunately turning to

alcohol, tobacco and drugs to deaden problems which certainly

is not a solution. Every year we have a special day of

Thanksgiving but we are reminded that our whole year should

be filled with thanksgiving. We retell the story of how the

Indians helped the pilgrims get established in this country and

how they worked together in the beginning to help and share

with each other. It's the way people should live, sharing and

helping each other to enjoy life together. Poor fertility of the soil

was a problem for the pilgrims and the Indians also but the

Indians showed them how to raise corn, squash, beans, barley

and peas. They sometimes ate boiled acorns also. It's amazing

what you can find to eat when there is hunger. The Indians also

brought deer and the Pilgrims brought ducks, geese and turkeys

that they were able to hunt.

The point of Thanksgiving is thanking God and sharing His

blessings so that all can receive them. Some congregations such

as Emanuel in Hutchinson have a Thanksgiving meal and invite

the whole city if one doesn 't have a place to go on Thanksgiving.

Sometimes generous individuals will offer money to World

Hunger to be matched by the congregation. Some congregations

take a special offering in the Fall for World Hunger and some

congregations have displays on hunger up all year. All of these

help to make the problem known and attempt to share the blessings.

I don't have a fertile place to garden so I am going to try fruit

trees and have ordered half a dozen for fall planting. Fruit trees

can usually produce a lot of good fruit for a lot of people when

they mature.

There is yet another important way that Hutchinson, KS has

benefitted from generosity in the past years and again on

October 31st. St. Andrew Society, a Christian group, oversees

the potato harvest in our country and finds many potatoes that

are not quite good enough for the market but far too

good to throw away. They collect and bag these

potatoes for shipment to communities that want them

and can use them. A semi-truckload of 500,000

potatoes are then shipped to a community.

Praying that all may have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Pr. John Schroeppel,

Area V Advocate for

our World Hunger M inistry

Wichita CROP Hunger Walk successful

Several congregations too part in the Walk for the

Hungry on Oct. 11. Wichita CROP Hunger Walk will

be held next year on the first Sunday of October,

Oct. 3, not the second Sunday as usual, at Sedgwick

County Park. Any congregation may sponsor this walk

at the $100, $200 or $300 level, and put it in their

budget. Sponsors gets their name or logo on the back

of the T shirt. For info, Elmer Hoyer, Christ-Wichita,

vp@bsnr.net.

Cassie Scarlett greeted Cross of

Glory friends, cowgirl Danielle

and honeybee Katrina Turner.

A wonderful “Falloween” party attracted about 75+

children in costumes ranging from fairy princesses and

Darth Vader. About 40 teens and adults from area

churches (Christ, Cross of Glory, Reformation,

Resurrection, and St. Paul’s) led games, crafts, food, and

haunted house. After the party, the teens visited the Cox

Corn Maze. Many stayed on for the over-night lock-in.

Many thanks to all who took part in these events!

Ideas for choirs new or beginningChoir and ensemble leaders were asked for ideas:

* If you have even 3-4 people who like to sing, that is

enough to begin. Every director says that is fine to “start

small.”

* Make it fun and caring. Darla Steinert likes to start

rehearsal with time for sharing the week’s ups and down,

and prayer.

* Annette Lindal recommends that new leaders find a

mentor to help with choices and resources for music and

other ideas.

* Emphasize in invitations that choir takes commitment,

and is a gift we give to the church and to God.” (Annette).

* Some choir directors deeply enjoy selecting the music.

Others, like Alice Jane Hayes, let the choir help choose

music because they do best on music they like and enjoy

singing.

* Communication again and again, handing out schedules

of practices and services, email reminders, help people

come from the many places of their lives.

* Set a specific day for practices each week. But maybe

not sing every week.

* For beginning groups, it is all right to sing in unison

without parts, and it is all right to repeat favorites

throughout the year.

*For children’s groups, encourage and thank parents and

children frequently.

* Let children’s groups learn to lead parts of the liturgy -

and not expect applause.

* Gloria Dei had children sing Christmas carols in the

church’s neighborhood - an old-time tradition that

delighted today’s families; pizza party afterward.

Youth News! Youth leaders of area ELCA

churches are meeting at Christ-

Wichita on Nov. 10, 7 p.m.,

planning hotel arrangements for

Youth Quake/Zone in February in

Wichita.

Reformation is hosting Oaks

Mission School youth Nov. 14/15.

Steven Howard, (Christ-Eureka)

son of Pr. Maureen and Richard

Howard came in 27th of 105 runners

in cross country in the state track

meet. Steven has now gone to state

competition in all three sporting

events he participates in here in

Eureka: cross country, wrestling,

and track.

Women of the ELCA at Emanuel are baking now for

their 17th annual Cookie Sale to be held on Saturday, Dec.

5, 9 a.m. - noon. This is a BIG event, selling hundreds of

boxes of delicious cookies for $10 each. This year the

proceeds will benefit the seminary education of Chris

Deines (Reformation), who served as Parish Worker at

Emanuel.

Darla Steinert was asked “What is your favorite thingabout leading the Choir?

She replied, “When they sing with emotion, heart and

good vocal technique. When they have the confidence to

trust themselves and get ‘It.’ Every piece of music has an

‘It.’

“Be it the message of the text intertwined with the

notes to create what a musician calls ‘text

painting,’ be it the flow of the melodic line;

be it the look on my singers’ faces when I see them

interact with the music on their faces, bodies, and

radiating throughout their souls;

or when I give the final cut off and we hear the

residual musical ‘ping’ in the room

These are the gifts of music.

This is the gift of God’s word gracefully set to music.

These are the ‘Its’ and borrowing the motto of my

friend, Amy: those ‘magical, musical moments.’”

Fr. Jerome Spexarth and

neighbor working for Safe

Streets.

Partners for Wichita/Safe Streets staff are Randy Wells

(St.Thomas Aquinas) and Cindy Galstad (St. Paul’s)

with board chairperson Pr. Dave Fulton (St. Paul’s).

Parish partners with Safe Streets Wichita to

‘clean up’ neighborhood This article is reprinted with permission from the Catholic

Advance October 2009. Partners for Wichita/Safe streets is the

new united effort of congregations to work together for Peace

though Partnership.”

After being named pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Wichita,Father Jerome Spexarth heard gun shots at night and noticedgang activity in his neighborhood. Faced with the issues ofviolent crime and families asking for help with gangs, FatherJerome partnered with (Partners For Wichita/)Safe StreetsWichita to help make his parish neighborhood a safer and

better place to live.Safe Streets’ fundamental

principle is that few know moreabout the needs and assets oftheir community than the peoplethat live and work there. Butknowing where to turn forassistance and guidance can bedifficult. Safe Streets works torestore peace and security to ourstreets and be a catalyst to bringneighbors and resources together. This summer (in partnershipwith Partners For Wichita/ SafeStreets), St. Patrick’s hostedcommunity meetings to learnmore about child discipline vs.abuse, gang awareness, andorganizing a Neighborhood

Watch. St. Patrick’s hosted a National Night Out Party onAug. 4. Three hundred parishioners and neighbors attendedand enjoyed a barbecue, met with Wichita City ManagerRobert Layton, Wichita Fire Chief Ron Blackwell, andWichita police officers. For the children there was a piñata,Slip and Slide, a fire engine, a bouncing room, a clown, andice cream.

The seeds planted are beginning to sprout. On Aug. 15,52 volunteers helped area neighbors collect 45 tons of trash,debris and unwanted items along with 300 tires for aneighborhood cleanup around St. Patrick’s Church.

Poverty Awareness Community EducationHave you dealt with the issues of poverty…economic,

health, environmental, social and educational?

Gloria Dei is currently examining this delicate topic

during their Sunday School hour. There are 35

participants, including high school youth. They are

completing 4 sessions, and having energetic and

informative discussions.

The wheel of poverty grinds on, but there are ways to

change its course. Partners for Wichita’s facilitators bring

four presentations on poverty. Experience in heart, soul

and mind what it is to be impoverished and learn ways

that every one of us can do to create a difference in the

lives of our neighbors. For more information on bringing

this series to your group please contact Monica Ellis

316.207.3925 or monica.ellis@partnersforwichita.org

"Offering Hope for Tomorrow"

Congregations and members are joining together this

winter in special donations for Center of Hope Inc. to

help people with utilities and rent assistance to prevent

homelessness and strengthen families. Center of Hope

helps families work with counselors for a better future.

This is a way we can together give warmth and light to

neighbors. Partners for Wichita, congregations working

together for "Peace though partnerships," offers this

special opportunity. Give through your congregation, and

note on memo line “Center of Hope.” You are making a

difference in a family’s life. Thank you!

Area calendar itemsTuesday morning clergy text studies are moving

from Gloria Dei to Good Shepherd beginning in

December. Thanks to Gloria Dei and Pr. Peter Jacobson

for hosting for many years.

Nov. 15, 3:00 p.m. Area 5 Annual Meeting at Lord of

Life (see pg. 1)

December 1, 9 a.m.: Clergy/AIM/PMAs monthly

gathering at Good Shepherd

Our sympathy to Pr. Larry Blue, whose mother Gerda

Blue died on Oct. 14.

Retired pastors take pension hit

Did you know that retired pastors in the ELCA will

take a 9% reduction in their monthly pension income in

2010, and additional 9% reductions in 2011 and probably

2012, and stay at the 2012 level for the future (total about

27% reduction). This is because the ELCA pension fund

currently has a 26% deficit because of lower than usual

investment returns in the past year or so.

Praying in the SpiritJesus prayed for his followers, that we would be one,

united in him. Serving together in his ministry, we

encourage congregations and individuals to pray for one

another in worship and personally:

For the family of Pastor Earl and Ida Mae Wall

Nov. 15: Good Shepherd, Wichita, Pr. Natacha Kemp

Nov. 22: Lord of Life, Pr. Gary Harris.

Nov. 29: Our Saviour’s, Pr. Larry Blue

Dec. 6: Reformation, Wichita, Pr. Lowell Michelson; Pr.

Kristin Neitzel, Marlene Hallstrom AIM

Dec. 13: Resurrection, Haysville, Pr. Tom Hallstrom,

interim pastor

Dec. 20: St. John’s, Wellington, Pr. Larry Blue

Dec. 27: St. Paul, Peabody, Pr. Bob Kloth;

Jan. 3: St. Paul’s, Wichita, Pr. David Fulton

Jan. 10: Zion, Hutchinson, Pr. Henry Hartman

Thanks for your news notes. Please send news and photos to Pr.

Sally Fahrenthold at sallyf@cox.net or address below, before the

4th of the month. Newsletter is sent about the 10th each month.

Please distribute copies of mailed newsletter or color newsletter

that is e-mailed. New names are welcome for mailing or email

list. This Messenger newsletter is a service of Area Ministry 5

ELCA.

Area Ministry 5 MessengerPr. Sally C. Fahrenthold6515 E. 30 St. N. #2900Wichita, KS 67226

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 p.m.