August Worship Schedule

Transcription

1 St. Paul s Messenger Page 1 United Methodist Church Plant Faith, Nurture Disciples, Grow in Witness & Service Volume 47, Issue 8 AUGUST 2012 Inside... News and Updates August Worship Schedule Church Family Opportunities for Prayer Opportunities to Serve Youth Events All Church Trip to the Zoo Kids For Christ/VBS News UMW News Small Groups Join Us... Schedule: Worship: 8:00 & 10:15 Sunday School: 9:05 Office Hours: Mon. Thurs: 9am - 2pm Fri: 9am - Noon Summer Schedule May 27 Sept. 2nd: Worship: 9:00am Office Hours: Mon. Thurs: 9am - 2pm Friday: Closed It s almost time for take-off! SKY VBS is here! Sun., Aug. 5 Thur., Aug 9 6:00pm 8:00pm ALL kids ages 3 years 5th grade are welcome! VBS is FREE for all kids!! All the sky-high details are on page 9! Kids For Christ Ministries is hosting the 2nd Annual ALL CHURCH day at the N.E.W. Zoo!! Sunday, August 14 10:00am 3:00pm YOU are invited to join us for this day of fun, food, and friends! Go to page 8 for all the details!!

2 Page 2 PAGE 2 MESSENGER VOLUME 47, ISSUE 8 August Worship Schedule Senior Pastor Retired Pastor The St. Paul Messenger is published by St. Paul s United Methodist Church, 341 Wilson Avenue, Green Bay, WI Phone: (920) Fax: (920) Website: office@stpaulsumcgb.com Editor: Tracy Hakenjos Rev. Diane Rew Rev. Howard Ott Cord. of Discipleship Min. Lisa Srenaski Office Administrator Bookkeepers Chancel Choir Director Organist Childcare Coordinator Custodian Our Staff Tracy Hakenjos Bill Bradshaw Sharon Wolosek Merle Colburn Vashni Seitzer, SPC Danell Vietzke Scott Raymaker Contact Us Please submit written material for the SEPTEMBER Messenger by noon on Friday, August 17, 2012 Sunday, August 5 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Communion Sunday Scripture: Mark 4:26-34 Sermon: Hard to Imagine - Rev. Diane A garden is never so good as it will be next year. Whenever I have heard this well-known quote by Thomas Cooper, it has reminded me of all that I did NOT get done this year in the garden! But maybe its more about being a part of something bigger than I can image! Jesus seems to say that the seeds that are planted in the kingdom of God grow in ways beyond our imagining! Music: Women s Ensemble, Skylar Rotter, Dale Johnson Sunday, August 12 VBS Celebration Sunday Scripture: Various Readings on Trust Sermon: NOT for Kids Only - Rev. Diane You have heard of material for ADULTS only. This week our kids have been learning about trust in God. And trust is NOT for kids only!! Music: VBS Kids & Leaders Sunday, August 19 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Baptism Sunday Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34 Sermon: You Have GOT to be Kidding! - Rev Diane The last thing that people want to hear in times of anxiety are simplistic answers like Don t worry, be happy! But in today s scripture Jesus tells us not to worry! Is this teaching of Jesus really for the birds? Music: To Be Determined Sunday, August 26 13th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7 Sermon: Treasures in Jars of Clay - Rev Diane Keeping Hope Alive! Patty Mevis will share the inspirational message of her and her family s journey with their daughter Kira s diagnosis of Rett Syndrome. You will be moved by their testimony of beauty, strength and courage. Patty Mevis is the Wisconsin Chapter President of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. She and her family are members of St Paul s UMC. Music: Merle & Kathy Colburn

3 Your Church Family... Page 3 Thank you for the lovely prayer shawl and many prayers and good greetings to go with it. I am recuperating slowly but surely. Thanks again for cards and good wishes. Kathy Colburn Thank you to everyone who brought art supplies for this year s Conner s Care for Kids project. I also collected art supplies at school and at my birthday party, and received a total of 788 items!!!! My parents and I delivered all of the art supplies to Children s Hospital and The Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee on the 4th of July. It was fun to visit these places again, after I had spent so much time there. I know that the kids that are there now will appreciate these supplies while they are being treated. Thank you for helping me bring a smile to the faces of sick children. Conner Hakenjos Thank you to all those who have so faithfully cared for the lawn and outside area around our church. Your efforts, especially during some very extreme weather conditions, are greatly appreciated. Thank you to Lee Harmon, George & Mary Rather, Herb Hessil, Bill Sieloff, Grant Curran, Ken Paitel, Mike Dugan and Jim Sorenson for preparing and serving the monthly meal at the N.E.W. Community Shelter on July 6th. A total of 204 meals were served. Rev Diane will be on vacation from Monday, August 20 Tuesday, August 28. If you have a pastoral emergency, after office hours during this time, please leave a message on the church office voic ; messages are checked frequently and on-call clergy will be contacted. We welcomed the following new members to St. Paul s in July: Erica Jensen Erica will be married to James Hansen on October 6th. She is employed at Schneider National. Eric Kamps & Hannah Morrissey Eric and Hannah will be married at St. Paul s on September 7th. They recently moved to Green Bay from Abrams and Lena. Welcome to St. Paul s Erica, Eric & Hannah! Congratulations to Katie & Robert De La Rosa on the birth of their son, Lucas Austin De La Rosa born on July 16th. Congratulations! Welcome to St. Paul s! We re glad that YOU are here! If you would like more information about our church, the ministries & opportunities available here, how to become a member, Sunday School, youth, etc., we d love to share with you! There are greeters in the Narthex area each Sunday to give directions, answer questions, etc. You are also welcome to contact the church office or speak to a Rev Diane. Welcome to St. Paul s!

4 Page 4 Opportunities for... Prayer Do you know that St. Paul s has an active Prayer Team? They faithfully pray for all of the concerns lifted up on Sunday mornings, as well as those called/ ed to the church office. They meet every Tuesday during the school year, and every other Tuesday during the summer (beginning June 5), at 9:00am in room 107. YOU are invited to join this team in prayer! No need to sign up.just come and join them when you can. Also, if you have a prayer need for yourself or someone close to you, please let us know. If you would like the person to receive a prayer card from the Prayer Team, contact the church office at or office@stpaulsumcbg.com with the person s address. We will send a card with the names of those gathered to pray. The intent is to let the person know that they are not alone in their challenges. We do care! Prayer Shawls continue to be made (knit or crochet) with love and prayers. The ladies of this ministry meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and invite YOU to join them! This month we will meet on Wednesday, August 15 from Noon 2:00pm. Come and go as you can! Yarn, patterns & treats are provided!! Prayer shawls are available to anyone who is facing illness, loss, etc. ~ the person does not need to be a member of St. Paul s. Just contact a pastor, the church office, or any member of the prayer shawl team. Questions? Call Jacque Dahlin: or the church office. Will you pray with us? St. Paul s has an active Prayer Chain. If YOU would like to join us in praying for our members and friends, please call the church office. You will be added to the chain and notified of requests. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20 Do you have a concern or a joy in your life? We would be privileged to pray for YOU! Prayer requests are always welcomed. You can write them on the request sheet when you enter the Sanctuary, speak with a pastor, or contact the church office: or office@stpaulsumcgb.com.

5 Page 5 Opportunities to... Make a Difference The Missions Team continues to collect non-perishable food & household items on the 1st Sun. of the month. You re invited to bring a donation for the Salvation Army & other area pantries ~ non-perishable food item, package of toilet paper, tube of toothpaste There is a marked bin in the Narthex & in the back of the sanctuary for your donations. The melodies of Compassion for July & August (the loose change in the offering plates on Sunday mornings) will be directed to the The Salvation Army Funds have been running low at the Salvation Army recently, due to the economic situation. Please give generously and let your coins make a melody of compassion! The St. Paul s Youth Group is forming a team to participate in the Strollathon 2012 to benefit the International Rett Syndrome Foundation September 29th Meadowview Park in Howard Our Youth Group is participating for 5 year old Kira Mevis, who, with her family, is a member of St. Paul s. Kira was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in YOU can help by joining us in walking on Sept. 29th, or making a pledge to the St. Paul s Youth Group Team. For more info, contact Tracy or Lisa in the church office. You can also find out more about Rett Syndrome at The United Methodist Women mission project for July, August & September is: West High School Clawset The following items are needed for their students who are in need: 3-Ring Binders, Folders, Mechanical Pencils, Calculators, Flash Drives, Narrow-Line Spiral Notebooks, Colored Pencils, Magic Markers, Pens, Belts, Dress Pants & Shirts, Ties (athletic teams must wear dress clothes for away games ~ sizes small extra large). Dress pants, shirts & ties can be gently used or new. All donations can be placed in the marked blue container in the narthex hallway, across from the restrooms. Questions? Contact Zona Graetz at

6 Page 6 What Did We Do In JULY?? * Construction continued on a great VBS set * Welcomed 3 new members to St. Paul s. * United Methodist Women gathered for a sewing day for missions * Welcomed some wonderful new musical ensembles to Sunday worship * Continued to collect donations for this summer s upcoming VBS * Held a VBS volunteer meeting * Served a monthly meal at the N.E.W. Community Shelter * Hosted an EPH board meeting * Education Team met to begin planning for the Sunday School year * Inspired by guest Mao Her, a seminary student from New Faith Hmong * Heard witness from one of St. Paul s lay speakers, Ray Neuman * Continued a women s Bible study Trusting God * UMW continued their mission project of collecting items for the West High Clawset * Prayer Shawl Ministry continued to comfort people in powerful ways * Care Team continued to bring joy and comfort to those unable to join us in worship, as well as served Communion to them * Jail team, together with Gideons, provided Bibles and devotional materials to inmates * Collected items for Salvation Army and the Ecumenical Partnership for Housing * Extended our beautiful building for scouts, TOPS, EPH, Neighborhood Association, and Hmong services I m thankful for all of you every time I pray because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. (Philippians 1:4-5, CEV) Thank you for your faithfulness in giving and worship attendance this summer. It s been a summer of record heat and yet there are people in worship. Your faithfulness in attendance and giving as well as the many ways you continue to offer your time and talents for our shared ministry, are gifts that truly make a difference. Your continued giving through your tithes and offerings have made it possible for us to pay our utilities and salaries and provide for persons in need. The giving of your time and talents have provided adult classes, special music, nursery care for our youngest disciples, fellowship times, mission projects and Vacation Bible School (soon to come!) Your giving also allows us to pay a portion of our mission giving. Our apportionments (or a-portionmeant-for-others) have put the systems in place so we could actually get pastors moved to serve new congregations starting July 1 st. At the same time the administrative systems we have in place allowed all Wisconsin United Methodists to deliver 500 flood buckets quickly and efficiently to persons affected by the floods in Superior, with more on the way. Our apportionments also provide the staff and facilities at Pine Lake Camp and Lake Lucerne Camp and Retreat Center. More than 880 campers have registered to date this summer. Super Hero Camp, canoe camps, family camps, the Stewardship Retreat and many more types of camps have invited children, youth and adults to experience the love of Jesus Christ in new and different ways in the outdoors. Thank you for the gifts you have given to the ministry of Christ through our Church.

7 Page 7 The Hunger Games study has been moved and will be held DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL, beginning in September!! Watch for details in the September newsletter! Team up with the Just Roll With It Youth Team as they continue to support Kira Mevis through IRSF in the upcoming Green Bay Strollathon. St. Paul s Youth will accept pledges or donations to help support this cause. These monies will go to support those with Rett Syndrome and their families, fund promising research and increase vital awareness. Go to for more information about how you can help! Green Bay Strollathon 2012 Saturday, September 29 10:00am at Meadowbrook Park Mark your calendars!! Senior High Convo is scheduled for November 9 11 Marriott Madison West Speaker: Bob Lenz Band: Loftland Watch for details coming soon! Come join us as we rock the lakes! August Student night is August 18, and we would love to take a group of St. Paul s Youth to this high-energy evening full of music & fun! Family night is August 19. All events begin at 4:00pm at Leicht Park in downtown Green Bay If YOU are interested in this FREE event, we ll meet Sat., Aug. 18 at 3:30 in the church parking lot. Contact Lisa at before Aug. 12th if you plan to join us! August 18: Skillet, The Afters, Flame Lace from Flyleaf August 19: Michael W. Smith, The Afters, The City Harmonic, L Angelus, Lace from Flyleaf

8 Page 8 EVERYONE is invited to join us at the N.E.W. ZOO!!!! Sunday, August 12th beginning at 10:00am following the 9am Celebration Worship Service at the church We have reserved the ski lodge at the zoo (air conditioned) from 10am 3pm. K.F.C. Ministries will provide hot dogs and hamburgers ~ each family is invited to bring a dish to pass. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex or call the church office. Besides the fun of the zoo, there will be indoor games for all ages (board games, cards, etc.), and tons of fun for EVERYONE!! For planning purposes, we would appreciate having an estimate as to the number of people planning to attend. Please sign up YOUR family on the green bulletin insert or contact the church office at or office@stpaulsumcgb.com. Don t miss this awesome day of food, friends, and fun! This event is being sponsored by Kids For Christ Ministries to thank the congregation for their amazing support of our ministry.

9 Page 9 Kids for Christ Ministries Mark your calendars!! VBS 2012 will take place up in the air Sunday, August 5th through Thursday, August 9th 6:00 8:00pm ALL kids ages 3 years through 5th grade should join us! Invite your friends, family, neighbors, teammates.all are welcome!! Join us for fun games, super science experiments, fabulous drama, awesome movies, yummy snacks, rockin music, and more!!!! Registration forms are available in the Narthex info center, on the church website, or contact the church office at or office@stpaulsumcgb.com. If you thought the jungle & waterfall were cool last year, just wait until you see the AIRFIELD that appears in Fellowship Hall this year!! VBS is FREE for ALL KIDS!!!! Just come and have fun while learning more about how much God loves you! Come be a part of this amazing week of fun, friends & faith! YOU & YOUR FRIENDS are not going to want to miss this one! VBS 2012 is coming soon, and we need LOTS of volunteers in order to make it happen! There is a job for everyone, so please consider being a part of this fantastic week! Details of where we need volunteers are on page 13 or contact Tracy in the church office. Come be a part of the VBS experience!

10 United Methodist Women Page 10 ALL ladies are invited to join us for ANY United Methodist Women (UMW) event ~ circle meetings, unit meetings, etc. You do not need to be a member of UMW, of St. Paul s, of any church just come and enjoy! Susanna Circle Susanna Circle will resume meeting in September. Questions: Contact Inez Gulbrandson at Leah Circle Leah Circle will resume meeting in September. Questions: Contact Kathy Gaffney at Thank you to all who participated and/or donated to our QuiltsPillowCaseFleeceBlanket mission project. As of July 18, we have finished 18 pillowcases, 3 fleece blankets, 16 baby quilts & 1 afghan. At least 26 members of the UMW participated in some way.all had a great time, too! There are more quilts being finished and pillowcases being made. Please leave additional finished projects in the UMW landing area. There will be a collection box placed there for your donations. When all projects have been turned in, they will be distributed to EPH, Marion House, and the Conker Cancer Project. The UMW Team meeting will be held August 30, at 6:30pm; a budget meeting will be held at 6:00pm Reading Corner The Suicidal Planet By: Mayer Hillman, et al. Category: Social Action Climate change is the single biggest problem humans are facing, yet we continue with lifestyles way beyond our planet s limits. Mayer Hillman examines the role of technology in addressing this issue, steps local communities and families can take to help, and why governments must act now to protect the planet for future generations. If YOU would like to participate, it is EASY! Just pick up a reading list in the library, read a book from each category, and return your completed form in July for special recognition! Many wonderful books on the UMW Reading List are available in the adult library, just off Fellowship Hall. Questions about the reading program? Call Linda Meetz at

11 Page 11 Opportunities for... Adult Education Are you looking for a way to grow in your faith? There are opportunities to do just that as a new school year approaches. From long-term to short-term studies, your faith development is dependent upon the ways in which you dive into the Bible and your church community. Check out some of the upcoming opportunities and if there is something that you are looking for, but aren t finding, let us know so that we can help! Search Scripture Find Community! Disciple classes will help you understand the Bible, develop daily habits, discover discipleship, find family, grow confidence to witness, and develop leadership. Disciple I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study A 34 week study of the entire Bible, this class meets weekly. Class sessions are supplemented by a DVD segment that is led by a theologian to give you background on the scripture being studied, what the Bible is telling us about the culture of that time & what it means for us today. This is the first class in the Disciple Bible Study. Sunday Mornings 9:00 10:00am Mondays Evenings 6:30 8:30pm Disciple II: Into the Word into the World This 32 Week study examines Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts in more depth. This emphasis helps us realize that all of our experiences in life are opportunities for faithful witness and service. Scheduling will be based on interest. These classes must have at least 8 people in order to be held. Contact Lisa Srenaski at or lsrenaski@new.rr.com, if you are interested and/or have questions. These classes usually meet over 5-8 weeks and require a little bit of reading during the week with an hour long session within a group. Christianity s Family Tree What Other Christians Believe and Why? by Adam Hamilton This class takes a look at eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, Adam Hamilton helps us see that each denomination has a unique valuable perspective to offer on the Christian Faith. You will learn a brief history, outlines of major beliefs and how what we learn can help us strengthen our own Christian Faith. This study includes a DVD, where a religious leader from each tradition is interviewed. This is will be an 8 week class, schedule determined by interest.

12 Opportunities to... get involved Page 12 Sunday school is the place where wonderful things happen, whether you are young or old, a student or the teacher; Sunday school can touch the lives of every member involved! What would happen if you decided to give Sunday school more attention? What if: We act as if being part of a Sunday School class is as critical to our faith as participating in worship? We affirm what the classes are learning? We listen for stories of growth & engagement, and share those stories with others in the congregation. We help the leaders recruit new teachers? We offer existing teachers a sabbatical to let them take a study so that they can return refreshed? We see classes as a primary spot for inviting new people and making them welcome. Sunday school is for life! We want to find ways to learn about God and teach the faith. Is the lesson always wonderful? No. Is the teacher always prepared? No. Is the class always engaged? No, but God is always there, yearning to gather us in and send us out. Our Sunday school has great support from church leaders, but sometimes we find that Sunday school is taken for granted and people just don t realize what it takes to have it ready every Sunday for those who come. How can you help? Sunday School needs you!!! We need short commitment help in these areas: Cooking Storytelling Movie Games Science To be a part of this great ministry this fall, contact Lisa: /lsrenaski@gmail.com. Please make note of the following meetings in July: Trustees: August 14 at 6:30pm Church Council: August 14 at 7:30pm If you are a member of either of these and will be unable to attend, please contact the church office. WHAT?? Amazing Musical Event! WHEN?? August WHERE?? Who?? Leicht Park (128 Dousman) Skillet, Michael W. Smith The Afters, The City Harmonic, Lacey from Flyleaf, L angelus A message from Franklin Graham each evening. There is also a fantastic COMMUNITY MISSION OPPORTUNITY associated with this event on Aug. 11th. Contact Lisa at / lsrenaski@gmail.com for details on how you can help!

13 Opportunities to... get involved Page 13 Are you looking for an easy way to participate in the life of YOUR church? We are always looking for volunteers to serve as greeters, ushers, sound system techs, projectionists, nursery helpers, coffee fellowship hosts.there are lots of ways for YOU to help ~ just contact the church office! VBS (Vacation Bible School) is an amazing week of music, games, fun, learning, friends & God! Sun., Aug. 5 Thur., Aug. 9 6:-00-8:00pm Mark your calendars! Once again St. Paul s will be hosting a flu shot clinic this fall. A Walgreens pharmacist & staff will be here on Sunday, September 16 9:00am 11:30am They will be able to bill your insurance right from church or will take cash, check or debit/credit card. Watch the green bulletin inserts for an opportunity to sign up for your shot, or contact the church office to express your interest in this service. YOU can be a part of this amazing week! Extra volunteers are always needed to: Help with projects Provide extra hands for the preschool crew Help clean up after snack time Greet & welcome kids & families Sub for a sick crew leader/helper Needed: Youth (age 7 & up) & adults to be Page Turners, Stop Pullers, Piston Pushers & Toe Stampers Job Description: * Assistant to our organist, Vashni * 1 Sunday/month (or more if avail.) * Arrange music pages, turn pages, pull stops, push pistons, stamp toe studs Pay: * 1 organ lesson for ea. 5 mo. service * Satisfaction of knowing you have praised the Lord by helping to make our organ play beautiful music Contact: Equal Opportunity Activity! Vashni: , organut@netnet.net Adults & youth (6th grade & up) are needed! If YOU want to join the fun & faith building of this week, contact Tracy at (cell or text) or to etchakenjos@gmail.com or just come any night you can!

14 Sunday Volunteers... Page 14 Communion Prep. Communion Stwd. Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 5 9:00 Sue Proctor,, Brian Foxworthy Paul & James Anderson Jesse Atkins, Denise Foxworthy, Kathy Gaffney Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 12 9:00 VBS Kids Jim Sorenson, Connie Shaw Grant Curran, James Hansen Herb & Jean Hessil John Wilson Shirley & Jack Byler Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 19 9:00 Lynn Clark Ken & Gladys Paitel Ken & Zona Graetz Jeff & Sharon Wolosek Rachel Engebretson Zona & Ken Graetz Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 26 9:00 Gladys Paitel Jim & Mary Ellen Sorenson Grant Curran Dorothy Conger Brian Foxworthy Lyn Rotter There are many opportunities for YOU to say, YES! and fill in some of the blanks! Contact the church office at or office@stpaulsumcgb.com.

15 Reflections... Page 15 As you may know, St. Paul s is a member of the Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, which provides transitional housing for homeless families in our community. The home that had served as our parsonage is now an EPH home. Following is a story from a family served by EPH. Our Past: We often found ourselves in different situations that we have no control over, which led us on the path of accumulating debt. Once the debt continued to accumulate, we were unable to keep a home over our heads. We were unprepared for the unknown. We couldn t afford to pay rent and were not able to address my husband s medical needs. We were not certain of where our future may be. That is when we were referred to The Salvation Army and EPH Transitional Housing Program to get the help we so desperately needed. Our Present: We have paid off the majority of our debts, considering when we entered the program we had three sheets that made up our credit report. Now we only owe one debt, which will be paid in full in the next coming months. I have completed three GED tests at NWTC and passed them with flying colors! I have one more to take in obtaining my GED. My husband continues to study to attain his GED and is receiving the help he needs to address outstanding medical problems. We are currently looking for a better paying job so we can continue to keep our family financially stable. Also during our time in the Transitional Housing Program we were able to receive a donated laptop! This laptop has enabled our family to do our studies from the comfort of our home. With this laptop we can continue to further our education. Our Future: We now have a brighter outlook and attitude towards the future because we are achieving what is valuable to us. We have a strong foundation now to enable us to be financially secure and stable. One of our sons will be graduating in January of He will be enrolling at NWTC for the spring semester. Our younger son will be joining the wrestling team at his school. My husband continues to study for his GED tests and is hoping to start testing soon. Our greatest sign for success: everyone in our family is striving towards a 2 or 4 year degree in college, we look forward to owning our home and pursue budget counseling to remain strong financially. We look forward to gaining the knowledge to set a clear direction for our future. Through determination and perseverance, will we be financially stable and exit the Transitional Housing Program into our OWN home! If you would like to learn more about EPH or how YOU can be a part of this life-changing ministry, contact our EPH Board representative, Lori Ver Boort ( , lorenaver24@att.net) or our St. Paul s EPH Coordinator, Mary Blair ( , pblair@new.rr.com).

16 Page 16 Exciting News Youth Events Opportunities for YOU! Make a Difference