Christus News 2017 Newsletter.pdf · Hospitality: Kelli Celsor & Joyce Johnson PowerPoint: Cathy...
Transcript of Christus News 2017 Newsletter.pdf · Hospitality: Kelli Celsor & Joyce Johnson PowerPoint: Cathy...
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 - 7
S T E W A R D S H I P 7 - 8
C H R I S T U S N E W S 8 - 1 3
F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T 1 3
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 4
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H 1 5
N E W S F R O M A R O U N D
T H E S Y N O D
1 6 - 1 8
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 9
C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S 2 0
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
O R I G I N A L M I N I - M U S I C A L
Christus News 2017
“Christus is a growing body of Christians who share the good news of
God’s grace with all people through courageous love with a purpose.”
Love Courage
Purpose
The Power of “God Bless You”
Writer and speaker Reggie
McNeal often challenges
Christians to go beyond “doing
church” to “being church.” He
notes we do a fantastic job “doing
church” – such as, worship,
Sunday School, Bible study, and
the like. We even do a good job
getting out in our communities and
doing good things there as well.
Where many Christian churches
often fall down, however, is
connecting the things we do with
the faith that has prompted us to
do them. That is to say, we are
happy to do things like volunteer
at a homeless shelter, and even
say we are from such and such
congregation, but we don’t always
make the leap to say, “And I’m
doing this because God has richly
blessed me in Christ Jesus and
has called me to go and do
likewise in his name.” Nor do we
go on to say, “And Jesus loves
you, too, let me tell you more!”
Mr. McNeal then shared one way
he himself goes about “being
church” – when a store clerk asks,
“Is there anything else?” he’ll re-
ply, “How can I ask God to bless
you today?” A simple question,
but one that, based on the
anecdotes he has shared, gets
widely varied responses.
How can I ask God to bless you
today?
Page 2
It is a simple question, but it can
be a powerful testimony to the
person you are asking, and it can
have a powerful effect on their life
as well. Let me share a related
story.
Our family tradition since Corey
and I were first married is to go
out to lunch after worship on
Sunday. One of our favorite post-
worship haunts is Chili’s. Back
before you paid on the electronic
Ziosk, whenever I took care of
paying the bill I would write next to
the tip line, “Thank you and God
bless you!” And, because it’s me,
I’d also put a little smiley face J.
One week, just after we were
seated, the server who had
helped us the last time we were
there approached our table with a
huge smile. She then thanked us
for the blessing and said some-
thing to the effect that it had made
her feel so good and so cared for
to read those words. We were
surprised and delighted in return,
and grateful such a simple thing
on our part had meant so much to
her. (PRO TIP: If you do this,
make sure you are leaving a tip
that is also a blessing to your
server. Saying “God bless you” is
a wonderful gift, but it isn’t some-
thing your server can use to pay
their rent or mortgage or to buy
school supplies for their children.)
How can I ask God to bless you
today?
So simple, and yet what an effect
it can have on you, the one
seeking to bless, as well as the
recipient of that blessing.
This month, I challenge all of us to
look for an opening, an
opportunity to ask
that very question,
or to offer a simple
blessing. Given
we Lutherans tend
to be kind of shy,
I might suggest
practicing on a
family member at first. Ask your
spouse, child, parent, sibling, or
grandparent, “How can I ask God
to bless you today?” Then try it on
your server at the coffee shop or
restaurant, the cashier at the
grocery store, or someone else
God places in your path.
“How can I ask God to bless you
today?” Ask the question and be
prepared for God to amaze you
with the response.
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
“...I’m doing this because God has richly blessed me in Christ Jesus and has called me to go and do likewise in his name.”
2017 S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T
1
2 Food Pantry Food Drive 9 am Worship Service, with Communion
3 6:30 pm Pub Theology @ the StoneYard Office Closed
4 Independence Day Office Closed
5 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres 6 pm G2 Youth Group
6 TBD Christus Sowers 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting
7
8 10 am Nature Walk @ Bubolz Nature Preserve
9 Mission Trip Commissioning 9 am Worship Service, with Communion and Beck & Brantley Baptism
10
11 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres 6 pm Ladies’ Night Out at Perkins (Pie Night)
12 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 11:45 am Daytimers’ Pot-Luck Luncheon 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6:30 pm S’mores Worship Service, NO Communion
13
14
15 Youth Leave for Mission Trip
16 School Supply Drive 9 am Worship Service, with Communion
17 6:30 pm Pub Theology @ the StoneYard
18 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres 6 pm Business Management Team Meeting
19 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group
20 TBD Christus Sowers 6 pm Ladies’ Night Out @ The Melting Pot
21 Office Closed
22
23 School Supply Drive Youth Return from Mission Trip 9 am Worship Service, with Communion
24
25 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres
26 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 1 pm Stewardship Team Meeting 6 pm G2 Youth Group
27 28 29
30 School Supply Drive-DUE 9 am Worship Service, with Communion
31
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
July 2 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Jason & Pam Schroeder
Kelli Celsor
Janet & David Zuleger
Nile & Carol Beck
Kelli Celsor
Pastor, Lisa Ahles & Simon Posselt
Luke & Amber Zuleger, & Alison Posselt
Jenny Cesar Family
Linda Mix
Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)
July 9 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Steve & Kim Maertz
Suzanne Nuernberger
Bob Hicks
Dick & Eileen Steingraber
Craig Burow
Pastor, Ron & Karen Toshner
Larry & Terrie Bentle, & Brianna Prochnow
John & Pam Conrad
Ben Lucia
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
July 23 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Jeff & Tanya Arps
Bob & Sandi Luedke
Dawn O’Dell
Gary & Patti Ruhle
Tina Hanson
Pastor, Patti Ruhle & Brianna Prochnow
De & Dan Dalum, & Brooke Prochnow
Holly Wiesler
Brian Falk
Can You Help? (8:45–10:15 am)
July 16 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Traver & Jackie Krieglstein
Gary & Wendy Bekx
Brad & Ashley Fischer
Scott Kolbeck & Ralph Tellock
Kathy Forst
Pastor, Kelly & Emerson Shattuck
Jackie Krieglstein, Julie & Eli Shattuck
Brian & Melisa Hansen
Jarrod Osborn
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 5
August 6 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Tom & Laura Mischka
Ron & Karen Toshner
Nile Beck
Lynn & Brice Richardson
Holly Wiesler
Pastor, Margaret Callies & Lexie Wagner
John & Pam Conrad, & Dylan Wagner
Kris Menting & Vicki Riley
Linda Mix
Lexie Wagner (8:45–10:15 am)
August 13 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Laura Michels Family
Sue DeSautel
Amy Wierschke
Gary & Wendy Bekx
Gary Timm
Pastor, Kathy & Maddie Brazil
Julie Cartwright, Angie Brazil-McMillan & Lexi Brazil
Mindy Roever
Ben Lucia
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
July 30 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Jenny Cesar Family
Craig Nielsen
Kelly Taube
Gary & Patti Ruhle, & Melissa Prochnow
Can You Help?
Pastor, Patti Ruhle & Marcus Christenson
Kelly, Riley & Rowen Taube
Kelli Celsor & Joyce Johnson
Cathy Mertz
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
August 20 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Bob & Amber Hicks Family
Nile & Carol Beck
Patti Ruhle
Jim & Lisa Borowski
Marilyn Drager
Pastor, Scott & Ryan Schnabl
Jan, Jenny & Lanie Mallmann
Karl & Barb Held
Jarrod Osborn
Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)
Page 6 V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E
August 27 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Zuleger Family
Lois Posselt
Janet & David Zuleger
Mark Mertz & Ralph Tellock
Amanda Nuechterlein
Pastor, Sheila & Tyler Olson
Jackie Krieglstein, Tom Mischka & Kyle Olson
Jarrod & Kimberly Osborn Family
Brian Falk
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
September 3 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Scott & Dawn Schnabl
Tim Calder
Brad Lotto
Dave & Linda Mix, & Tony Brunner
Patti Ruhle
Pastor, Tim & Lauren Calder
Mark & Jill Beyer, & Brooke Prochnow
Gary & Patti Ruhle
Linda Mix
Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)
September 10 9:00 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Sue DeSautel
Kelli Celsor
Amy Wierschke
Zuleger Family
Kelli Celsor
Pastor, Kathy Forst & Simon Posselt
Luke & Amber Zuleger, & Alison Posselt
Michels Family
Ben Lucia
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
September 17 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
Ed & Sandy Bush
Jamie Richardson
Bob Hicks
Sprehe Family
Larry Bentle
Pastor, Amber & Kendra Hicks
Ed & Sandy Bush, & Riley Hicks
John & Pam Conrad
Jarrod Osborn
Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)
Gary & Wendy Bekx
Gary & Wendy Bekx
Brad & Ashley Fischer
Lisa Ahles & Jackie Krieglstein
Julia Martinson
Pastor, Kelly & Emerson Shattuck
Lisa Ahles, Julie & Eli Shattuck
Mark & Cathy Mertz Family
The nursery is available Sunday mornings from 8:45 am until 10:15 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
G O D ’ S G R E E N A C R E 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 on-line-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 May 31, 2017
General Fund Activity
2017 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Budget
Income - contribution $161,424 $154,813 $151,800
Income - designated $12,639 $12,091 $14,765
Income - Scrip $4,084 $4,364 $4,450
Income - other $4,323 $8,032 $6,110
Expense $190,526 $180,744 $177,980
Surplus (Shortfall) ($8,056) ($1,444) ($855)
July 5: Can You Help? July 18: Can You Help?
July 11: Gary & Patti Ruhle July 25: Gary Bekx
V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 7
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!
September 24 8:30 Service 10:35 Service
Greeters:
Altar Care:
Multimedia:
Ushers:
Reader:
Comm. Distr: Group 1:
Group 2:
Hospitality:
PowerPoint:
Nursery:
John & Susan Brattlund
Lynn Richardson
Dawn O’Dell
Nile & Carol Beck, & Nancy Kuettel
Nancy Kuettel
Pastor, Cindi Zaloudek & Tanya Arps
De & Dan Dalum, & Brianna Prochnow
Borowski & Brattlund Families
Brain Falk
Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)
Adamovich Family
Michele Reagan
Janet & David Zuleger
Jim & Carrie Bolssen Family
Kelly Taube
Pastor, Can You Help? & Marcus Christenson
Kelly, Riley & Rowen Taube
Joel & Penny Ort
S T E W A R D S H I P Page 8
As you know, we are engaged in the eminent domain process with the State of Wisconsin. When instructed
by Council, a congregational meeting will be held to vote on the sale of the property that the State intends to
take for the Highway 15 expansion project.
In preparation for this vote, as well as the upcoming vote on same-gender weddings at Christus, the
Congregation Council reviewed our constitution to ensure that the meetings at which the vote will take place
will be called in a proper manner, and that all who vote are “voting members” of the congregation as defined
by our constitution.
Please carefully read the following, as it contains important information about the congregational
meeting process and the requirements to be considered a voting member of the congregation.
Congregational Meetings
According to our constitution, a special congregational meeting “may be called by the pastor, the
Congregation Council, or the president of this congregation, and shall be called by the president of the
congregation upon the written request of 25% of the voting members. …The call for each special meeting
shall specify the purpose for which it is to be held, and no other business shall be transacted.” (C10.02)
Our constitution further specifies “Notice of all meetings of this congregation shall be given at the services of
worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays and by mail or electronic means, as permitted by state
law, to all [voting] members at least 10 days in advance of the date of the meeting.” (C10.03)
In addition to the aforementioned, our constitution states, “Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be
permitted.” (C10.05) Therefore, members must be present to vote.
The Council plans to notify the congregation of the special meeting to vote on the highway project in the
following ways: verbal announcements at the two Sunday morning worship services prior to the meeting date,
a notice in the Sunday bulletin, a postcard, and an e-mail message.
Continued top of page 9.
N O T E S F R O M T H E C O N G R E G A T I O N C O U N C I L ( R E P R I N T E D F R O M J U N E )
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 Coming Fall 2017:
Love, Courage, Purpose Celebrating the
25th Anniversary of
Christus Lutheran Church
Celebrating the 500th
Anniversary of the
Protestant Reformation
Continued from bottom of page 8.
Voting Members
Chapter 8 of our constitution identifies the requirements to be a “Voting Member” of the congregation. There
are four categories of membership defined by our constitution: baptized members, confirmed members,
voting members, and associate members.
The two categories relevant to congregational meetings are “Confirmed Member” and “Voting Member.”
A “Confirmed Member” is defined as follows:
“Confirmed members are baptized persons who have been confirmed in this
congregation, those who have been received by adult baptism or by transfer as
confirmed members from other Lutheran congregations, or baptized persons received by
affirmation of faith.” (C8.02b)
A “Voting Member” is defined as follows:
“Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the current
or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have
made a contribution of record to this congregation. Members of this congregation who
have satisfied these basic standards shall have the privilege of voice and vote at every
regular and special meeting of the congregation.” (C8.02c)
Please note, in order to be a Voting Member at a congregational meeting held in 2017, one must have
participated in Holy Communion and have made a contribution of record at least one time either in 2017 or
2016. A “contribution of record” means a member has given via check, cash in an envelope with his or her
name on it, or through one of our e-giving options. Please note, there is no minimum amount for a
contribution to be considered eligible; a donation in the amount of $.01 fulfills this requirement.
If you are unsure if you are a voting member of the congregation, please contact the church office.
In order to ensure the vote on the sale of our property is legal, the Council is working on a check-in process.
Doing so confirms votes are cast only by eligible voting members of the congregation. Further, this process
will be used at all official congregational meetings at Christus from this point forward.
If you have any questions, please contact your Congregation Council members. Their names are listed
below.
Amy Wierschke, Council President Bob Hicks
Larry Bentle, President-Elect Lois Posselt
Jeff Arps Luke Zuleger
De Dalum
C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 9
N O T E S F R O M T H E C O N G R E G A T I O N C O U N C I L , C O N T I N U E D
M U S I C N O T E S
Join us around the campfire for our S’mores Worship
Services at 6:30 pm on
Wednesdays July 12th
and August 8th. Guitar
music will accompany the
songs for these events. We moved inside for
the June service due to stormy weather
conditions, but we still had a virtual campfire
and a friendly gathering.
We’ve been using a blended variety of traditional
hymns and contemporary songs during our 9:00
Sunday summer worship. Your feedback on
this mix of styles would be appreciated, and
you can offer your comments to any of the
church staff or the worship team.
For more information on the music program at
Christus, or to be included in the weekly
Christus Music Update email, please contact
Bruce Koestner at [email protected],
or (920)209-5932.
“...feedback on this mix of styles would be appreciated…”
C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 10
Won’t you join us?
Daytimers is a social
group for everyone!
If you are retired,
working close, living
close, or just have
the day off, then the Daytimers’
pot-luck is for you! The 2nd
Wednesday of each month, at
11:45 am, the Daytimers meet at
Christus for a pot-luck luncheon.
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
July 12th. Don’t miss out on the
fun! There will be no pot luck in
August. See you in September!
D A Y T I M E R S ’ P O T - L U C K L U N C H E O N
C H R I S T U S L A D I E S ’ N I G H T O U T
Christus Ladies’ Night Out meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This month there is
an extra Ladies Night Out! Meet us July 11th at 6 pm, at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery,
Appleton for PIE, and/or July 20th at 6 pm, for our regular night out at The Melting Pot,
Appleton. All women 18 and older are welcome! Watch the Kiosk to sign up.
G R E E N V I L L E S U M M E R S E N D - O F F P A R A D E
Christus will once again make a return entrance in the Greenville Summer Send-Off Parade on August 26th at
2 pm. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and encouraged to help us out with every aspect of this great
ministry opportunity.
Join us August 13th, after the 9 am service, to reassemble our float and add
something new. Pizza will be provided for lunch.
On August 26th, at 11 am, help add any finishing touches to our float, then walk
with us as we extend welcoming smiles and candy to all those in the Greenville
community! Line up behind the Post Office at 1 pm. Our theme will be
‘Celebrating 25 Years of Love, Courage, and Purpose.’ Please sign up on the Kiosk, or contact
Melissa Prochnow.
C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 11
S U M M E R W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E
This Summer continuing through September 10th, there is ONE Sunday Worship Service. The service is held
at 9 am, with nursery care from 8:45-10:15 am. Service volunteers will be alternated between 1st and 2nd
service volunteers, every other Sunday. This is what it looks like:
September 17th will be back to the original worship times of 8:30 am and 10:35 am, with the first day of
Sunday School starting between services at 9:45 am.
As always, please send Melissa Prochnow your “Do Not Schedule” dates.
Did you know, when you take care of hospitality on Sunday, you can submit your receipt? You can either
request a refund check, or you can submit it as a donation and it will count toward your taxes. There are two
forms, a check request form and a donation credit form, from which you can choose to fill out, depending on
which is applicable. They both are located in the office on the wall right inside
the door. Please be sure to staple the receipt, or a copy of the receipt, to the
form and leave it in the basket on the desk. If you have any questions, please
contact Melissa Prochnow.
H O S P I T A L I T Y N E W S
July 2nd, 2nd service volunteers August 20th, 1st service volunteers
July 9th, 1st service volunteers August 27th, 2nd service volunteers
July 16th, 2nd service volunteers September 3rd, 1st service volunteers
July 23rd, 1st service volunteers September 9th, Pet Blessings Service 4:00 pm,
July 30th, 2nd service volunteers Volunteers Needed
August 6th, 1st service volunteers September 10th, 25th Anniversary Celebration.
August 13th, 2nd service volunteers w/ Bishop Mansholt
This summer, join us for an outdoor S’mores Worship Service. Bring your lawn chair and
join us by the fire pit in Christus’ own back yard! These services will be held July 12th and
August 9th at 6:30 pm. After worship, stick around and roast some S’mores! If you have
your own roasting stick, bring that along, too. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, we’ll
share! Christus will provide marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.
S ’ M O R E S W O R S H I P S E R V I C E
Page 12 C H R I S T U S N E W S
C H R I S T U S ’ 2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y - U P D A T E
It’s time to celebrate 25 years!! Can you believe it?? 2017 marks 25 years of
Christus being a recognized body of Christians by the ELCA. We have set the date
for the official congregational celebration: September 10, 2017. Worship will be at
9:00 am, with Bishop Mansholt, of our Synod, the East Central Synod of Wisconsin
(ESCW), presiding. A celebration meal catered by the Machine Shed will follow.
Here are a few more plans so far: We will be inviting the local community to
worship with us, and not just September 10, but every Sunday! There will also be a fundraiser for those who
would like to help donate to cover the cost of the anniversary celebration and related promotional activities.
Watch for a bulletin insert with more information, along with special donation envelopes. Please click here for
more information and suggested donation amounts.
Whether you’ve been with Christus from the start, or just joined the family, we are looking for your help. We
want to celebrate this wonderful journey, but need you to do it. It’s time to go through those old photo albums
and closets. We want to share your memories! So if you want to help us travel down ‘memory lane,’ or like to
plan awesome parties/activities, now is the perfect opportunity! If you have any ideas, memories, trinkets, or
want to learn about, or share, where Christus has been, please contact Pastor Jen or Melissa Prochnow.
Don’t forget, Summer office hours at
Christus are Mon.-Thurs., 8 am-3 pm. If
you need to stop by the church on a
Friday, it is highly recommended you
call first to make sure someone is in the
office. Christine has office hours on
Fridays, however, she often has
business outside of the church or on
Saturdays, so the office may occasionally
be closed.
Normal office hours, Monday-Friday,
9 am-3 pm, will resume September 5.
C H R I S T U S ’ 2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y - P H O T O S
V A C A T I O N B I B L E S C H O O L S U P P L I E S N E E D E D
We could use your help with collecting photos! If any of you have been baptized, had first
communion, been confirmed, or married here at Christus, we would love to share your
photo on the 25th anniversary table. Please send or email the photos or copy of the photos
to Melissa Prochnow.
S U M M E R C H U R C H O F F I C E H O U R S
We could use some help getting
supplies for Vacation Bible School this
year. Would you be able to donate
something? Please look for the supply
list by the VBS display in the back of the
Gathering Area to see how you can help
make this year’s VBS a success.
Thanks in advance for helping us out.
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
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
or be a member of Christus to join the
fun, so invite a friend and share the
Good News!
NO CLASSES OFFERED FOR JULY OR AUGUST.
See you again in September!
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
Page 13 C H R I S T U S N E W S
N A T U R E W A L K @ B U B O L Z
Come for a Nature Walk at Bubolz Nature Preserve Saturday, July 8th!
We'll gather at 10 am at the picnic tables and from there, split off to our adventures. At 12,
we will meet back at the picnic tables for sandwiches and to share our experiences.
Whether hiking the full Wilderness Trail or meandering around the meadow and ponds,
there's adventure to be found for all. To reserve your spot in the sandwich line, sign up on
the Kiosk so we can have a headcount.
We welcome into the Christus faith family through baptism, Beau
Christopher Minehan, grandson of Jim & Becky Becker; and Maris
Mabel Sussex, daughter of Ryan & Kaysie Sussex. May their
parents, sponsors, and our church family nurture them through
their faith journey. Maris Mabel Sussex
F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T
Beau Christopher Minehan
B A P T I S M C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
Pub Theology at The Stoneyard meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the
month, @ 6:30 pm. All are invited to join us and enjoy open-ended conversations,
fellowship and drinks with other Christians. Check out our Facebook page and like
us! www.facebook.com/pubtheologygreenville. We will continue to discuss the book,
“The Story of Christianity, Volume II, The Reformation to the Present,” by Justo L
Gonzalez.
P U B T H E O L O G Y
Page 14 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
Thank you to all those who donated blood on May 7th at Faith Community United
Methodist Church. The next blood drive will be hosted here on July 16th, from
8 am until 10:30 am. You will be able to sign-up online and on the Kiosk.
NEW PROMOTION:
All presenting donors are eligible to win 1 of 4 $500.00 Scheel’s Gift Cards. Promotion
runs July 1 – 31, 2017.
All donors will receive a drink tumbler.
Please contact Melissa Prochnow if you have any questions.
July Grocery List for the Food Pantry
Jam/Jelly (small, plastic)
Canned Fruit
Canned Soup
Peanut Butter
B L O O D D R I V E
Sometimes it’s a better workout than the YMCA boot camp! The Christus ground’s brigade will continue to
meet Tuesdays through October. If you are willing and able, we need your help for a
few hours just one Tuesday night each week this season to help keep up with the
growing grass, landscaping and general maintenance of the property. This is a great
way to help your church by lending a hand. Youth, It’s a great opportunity to earn
service hours, too! We start Tuesday evenings at 4:30 pm. Sign up on the Kiosk.
G O D ’ S G R E E N A C R E S
H O R T O N V I L L E F O O D P A N T R Y S C H O O L S U P P L Y P R O J E C T
The Hortonville Community Food Pantry is once again conducting its back-to-school supplies’ project. We will
be collecting supplies from July 16th through July 30st. Last year, almost 150 children and over 60 families
were served by the generosity of individuals and businesses in the community. Any help you can provide is
greatly appreciated. Please have items turned in by July 30th, 2017. Thanks again for helping out!
Backpacks
Pocket folders
Pocket folders with clasps
Poly plastic pocket folders
1 subject spiral notebooks
Loose leaf paper
#2 pencils
Colored pencils
Colored markers
Crayons
Large pink pearl erasers
Glue sticks
Glue bottles
Scissors
Ruler – wood with inches & centimeters
Highlighters
Supply boxes or pencil cases
Pink erasers
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H Page 15
V A C A T I O N B I B L E S C H O O L S I G N U P
August 7 thru 11
Smell the popcorn. Get your ticket. This years VBS is all about kids making good
choices. Based on Joshua 24:15, SonWorld Adventure Park is where kids will discover
choosing Jesus is the ticket to the best ride of their lives. At SonWorld Adventure Park,
there’s no height requirement, the lines are short and everyone gets a good view of the
parade. But hold onto your hats, because it’s sure to be a life-changing ride!
Open to 3-year-olds to children entering 5th grade
3-year-olds through entering Kindergarten, 9 am to Noon
Entering 1st grade through entering 5th grade, 9 am to 3 pm
Monday through Friday. Register by July 31st.
Click here to register.
G 2 Y O U T H G R O U P
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.
2 0 1 7 M I S S I O N T R I P P A R T I C I P A N T S
Youth:
Laura Burow
Maddie Cartwright
Dylan Eggebrecht
McKenna Gervais
Saree Hansen
Preston Hella
Riley Hicks
Sammy Holtz
James Kellerman
Ethan Long
Preston Long
Kendall Lotto
Cecelia McDermott
Lauren Mertz
Tyne Michels
Olivia Nuechterlein
Stella Roever
Kelsi Salm
Alex Sharp
Olivia Sharp
Anna Shepro
Aime Skrober
Dakota Snyder
Megan Sprehe
Bret Stenson
Will Stenson
Riley Taube
Hayden Thompson
Bri Timm
Lexie Wagner
Rachel Westphal
Hailey Wichman
Mitchell Wydeven
Jarrett Wunderlich
Amber Zuleger
Adults:
Christine Loppnow
Lisa Borowski
Craig Burow
Julie Cartwright
Paula Hella
Jodi Long
Ann Salm
Dean Schiller
Jill Sharp
Luke Zuleger
On July 15th through 23rd,
these youth and adults
will be doing home repair
and construction on the
Rosebud Indian
Reservation in Mission,
South Dakota. Please
keep them in your
prayers.
Page 16 N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D
Bishop Gerald Mansholt
** Note: This article is taken directly from the July ECSW Missions & Ministry Connections newsletter.**
I first began working with refugees back in 1975 when I was a young pastor serving my first congregation in
Oklahoma. I received a phone call from a staff member of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
working at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. He asked if our congregation would work with a local Oklahoma business-
man in the resettlement of refugees from Vietnam. A short time later in the spring and summer of 1975 I
found myself heavily involved with the coordination of local efforts to resettle a busload of refugees.
Many in this synod have their own experiences with refugees. On several occasions I have heard rich stories
of congregations working with the Hmong refugees. People have spoken of the joy, satisfaction, and the
enrichment of life that has come from welcoming the stranger and helping people who have experienced
traumatic upheaval in their lives.
June 20 is World Refugee Day, the date established by the United Nations in 2000. As Christians we are
motivated by the compassion of Christ to do our part as global citizens to welcome refugees. As Lutherans
we have a long history in the welcoming and resettlement of refugees and decades of experience on the
national and local level. We are grateful that Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of nine
national organizations that resettle refugees on behalf of the United States government.
There is a lot of fear in this country based on misunderstanding. Here is what LIRS says about refugees:
Refugees are people who cannot return home
People whose own government cannot or will not protect them.
People who are persecuted for their religious or political beliefs.
People who flee war or genocide.
People who are brutalized by a military regime.
People for whom escaping to another country is the only means of survival.
Refugees are people…and every person has a story. Stories of family and friends. Stories of love
and loss. Stories of rebuilding hope and establishing self-sufficiency in a new land.
When refugees arrive in the United States they immediately begin the process of putting roots down
and establishing themselves in their new communities.
They enroll their children in school. They learn the local transit system. They sign up for English or
computer classes. And they are eager to find employment to be able to provide for themselves and
their families. As they work their way to self-sufficiency, refugees prove to be some of the most de-
pendable, hardworking and committed members of our communities, congregations and workplaces.
Self-sufficiency is key to successful integration into American society. LIRS helps newcomers by
engaging local churches and communities in the resettlement process and by promoting
employment and providing training and support to local job developers.
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” ~ Matthew 25:35
Continued top of page 17.
N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D Page 17
At Synod Assembly, the Bishop announced the closing of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin Resource
Center and he held a Closing of the Resource Center. This means the Center is no longer open for people to
borrow resources or to come in and use them as plans for Fall begin. If you have any overdue resources, we
will be sending you an overdue notice, so please return them as soon as possible.
At this time, we are going through all resources to determine which ones will be kept in the office. Once that is
decided, we will prepare the resources for release. We will send out a letter in August informing you when
you can come in and take (for a minimal fee) the resources you would like.
We will be ‘reforming’ this space to continue to meet your needs in new ways in the future. Details of what
that means will be shared at a later date.
Blessings,
Darlene H. Kalfahs
Assistant to the Bishop
R E S O U R C E C E N T E R C L O S I N G
Refugees are people with stories. Their stories are about the traumatic loss of friends and loved ones, and
community, home and work. Their stories are about defying all odds and surviving and then leaving behind
discrimination, threats, and violence.
I was in Washington D.C. recently for a meeting about refugees. A staff member of Lutheran Immigration and
Refugee Service talked about an Iraqi woman whose mother had recently died. She could not return home
for the funeral because of the threats to her life. Refugees are people who long to provide a safe place for
their family and children.
As Christians we respond to the needs of refugees out of love for neighbor. Jesus calls us to love God with
all our heart and soul and mind and then adds, “...you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:38)
But it also makes political sense for the citizens of this country. As we help refugees we send a message of
hope and healing to the world. We let people of the world know that the United States is on the forefront of
freedom and social justice for all. That message counters the narrative of death and destruction from terrorist
groups around the world. We want the world to look upon the United States as a beacon of hope for people
who do not enjoy the freedom we have in this country.
Continued from bottom of page 16.
N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D Page 18
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
Lois Posselt. Liaison to Fellowship Team
Luke Zuleger, 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
Tom Mischka, 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
Suzanne Nuernberger & 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
Suzanne Nuernberger, Funeral Coordinator
Suzanne Nuernberger, Rod Paul & 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 19
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 20
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.
Fox Valley Lutheran Home (FVLH):
FVLH has an opening for a part-time (16 hrs/wk) Care Coordinator. We prefer an experienced RN with current Wisconsin Licensure. Send resume, or for additional information, to [email protected], or mail to Fox Valley Lutheran Homes, Inc. 425 N. Linwood Ave. # 111, Appleton, WI 54914, ATTN: Becky Luett, Executive Director.
FVLH Annual Pie, Ice Cream, & Silent Auction: October 1, 10 am-1 pm. Plan to bake delicious pies, make creative craft items, donate baskets, wooden projects, yard art, business items & more; we know we can count on you for providing! Help us reach new people to come & enjoy pie, ice cream & purchase all these wonderful silent auction items you are so generous to help provide!
FVLH Spring Appeal Update: One more floor to go! A few more generous donations will do the trick. If you haven’t sent your donation in yet, please do so as soon as you are able. We appreciate any and all donations.
Becky Luett, Deacon Executive Director
Lutheran Men in Mission: One Year to Live: Men of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with God. Join us and be adventurous, courageous, genuine & spiritual. Look forward to banding together, being challenged, examining your life & making decisions. Be prepared for a spiritual boot camp. This 45-hour experience is not for the faint of heart! September 15-17. Brochure & Registration Info available here.
The Voice of the Martyrs: Join us July 22, 9 am-4 pm, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 5100 Hummingbird Road, Wausau, for The Voice of the Martyrs’ Advance Conference. Many Christians around the world today are persecuted because of their faith in Christ, yet through their lives & words they continue to advance the gospel. Come & be encouraged by persecuted believers’ testimonies of courage & faith, hear how God is working in restricted and hostile nations & learn how we can be a part of advancing His kingdom. No fee but an offering is accepted. To register & for more information, visit vomadvance.com & click on ”July 22, 2017 Wisconsin” in the conference listing.
We are so blessed! At our Volunteer Luncheon on April 3, it was amazing to see the Commons filled with so many people and to know all of those people volunteer in the min-istry of FVLH. Many of those people are you, and I know some of you weren’t able to be there, so thank you again to those who were there, and to those who weren’t.
The big push right now is in conjunction with the Human Race. Besides walking, running, rolling or being pushed through the 1 mile or the 5k parts of the Human Race, we have set our own personal goal for FVLH of what we want “our portion” of the proceeds to go for…a defibrillator! That means we have to have a LOT of supporters and earn LOTS of money! Please support us for the Human Race and help us earn our defibrillator! Thanks!!!
Thanks to all of you for what you do to support us and our ministry!
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.
Anticipated Highway 15 Bypass Schedule:
Anticipated construction start dates:
Bypass segment (CTH T/Givens Road-CTH JJ): August 2018 East Segment (CTH JJ - Lily of the Valley Drive): August 2018 West Segment (USH 45 - CTH T/Givens Road): March 2020
Greenville Lions Park 2017 Movie Schedule:
Christus is a proud supporter of the 10th year of the Greenville Lions Park Movie Night! Movies start at dusk and concessions are sold in the pavilion. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. In the event of rain or wind, the movie will be shown in the pavilion.
July 12: **Audience Choice** July 26: Finding Dory August 2: Lego Batman August 9: Moana August 16: Sing August 30: Beauty and the Beast
Rethinking Church: Better Questions, Bolder Experiments: Are we still doing Sunday morning just like it's 1950? In what ways have our worship, education and fellowship changed? How is the Holy Spirit forming community in our contexts in 2017? If you are ready to ask different questions than simply how to get people to come, Rethinking Church is for you! Luther Seminary invites you to attend July 26-28, 2017. Information & Registration available here.