Messenger. St. Paul s. United Methodist Church. Inside... Join Us...

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1 St. Paul s Messenger Page 1 United Methodist Church Plant Faith, Nurture Disciples, Grow in Witness & Service Volume 46, Issue 8 AUGUST, 2011 Inside... August Worship Schedule News and Updates Sunday School Info Kids For Christ VBS News Youth Events Opportunities to Serve Opportunities for Prayer VBS 2011 ~ PANDA MANIA is ready to begin!!!! August :00 8:00pm Are YOU ready???? If your son, daughter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors & friends are not yet registered, there s still time!! Details are all on page 9!! Church Family Small Groups UMW News Join Us... Sunday Worship 9:00am Sunday School Resumes Sept. 11th EVERYONE is invited to join us at the N.E.W. Zoo in Suamico Sunday, August 14th immediately following the 9:00 worship service. Fun, food, friends.it s going to be a great day! This is an ALL CHURCH event not just for VBS!! Turn to page 8 for all the info!

2 Page 2 PAGE 2 MESSENGER VOLUME 46, 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 Congreg. Care Rev. Sue May Cord. of Discipleship Min.Lisa Srenaski Office Administrator Bookkeepers Tracy Hakenjos Bill Bradshaw Sharon Wolosek Chancel Choir Director Merle Colburn Organist Childcare Coordinator Custodian Our Staff Vashni Seitzer, SPC Danell Vietzke Contact Us Paul Blair Please submit written material for the SEPTEMBER Messenger by noon on Friday, August 19, 2011 Sunday, August 7 8th Sunday after Pentecost, Communion Scripture: Colossians 3:1-15 Sermon: Connectionism, the United Methodist Way A mark of Methodism is our connectionalism. But how do Methodists understand connectionalism? As Christians we have a new life in Christ. We have been renewed to be united as one in Christ. How should we live our life as being one in Christ through our connectionalism? We welcome Mao Her as our guest preacher today. She is the wife of Rev. Nhia Wahn Her of New Faith Hmong Congregation and is in her 2nd year of theological studies at Garrett Evangelical Seminary. Music: 9:00 Skylar Rotter Sunday, August 14 VBS CELEBRATION SUNDAY Scripture: Psalm 139 Sermon: We Are Wonderfully Made! - Rev. Diane It s Celebration Sunday! Whether you were a part of VBS or not, come enjoy the rousing music from the VBS kids & leaders, see some of the pictures from the week, and hear the Scriptures the kids learned about how God made us, God listens to us, God watches over us, God loves us no matter what, and God gives us good gifts! Music: 9:00 VBS Kids & Leaders Sunday, August 21 10th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Psalm 121 Sermon: Still Up? - Rev. Diane The psalmist reminds us that we can TRUST in God, who never slumbers or sleeps. So what are YOU doing up so late? Music: 9:00 Merle Colburn Sunday, August 28 11th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Sermon: Zacchaeus - Rev. Sue Come and hear what life was like for a Jewish tax collector and how it changed when he met Jesus. Music: 9:00 Stand-Up & Sing Choir Director: Dale Johnson

3 Your Church Family... Page 3 Our sympathy is extended to the family of Ida Schroeder who passed away July 3, 2011 Ralph Reimer Who passed away July 4, 2011 Maurice Moose Berner, who passed away July 14, The church directories are here! If you had your picture taken for the directory, you have a free copy waiting for you. Just stop by the table in the Narthex after Sunday morning worship ~ give the volunteer your name, and you will receive your directory. You can also stop in the church office during regular office hours. There will be limited copies available to those who did not have their picture taken, after reserved copies have been distributed. Did you receive your newsletter in your inbox this month? If so, your hard copy has been discontinued ~ unless you requested otherwise. If you would like to receive your monthly church newsletter via , please send a request to office@stpaulsumcgb.com. Questions? Please contact Tracy in the church office at or at the above address. Hard copies of the newsletter are also available in the church narthex. 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 would 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 pastor. Welcome to St. Paul s! Rev. Diane Rew will be on vacation August 25 September 10. If you have a pastoral emergency, after office hours, during this time, please contact Rev. Sue at Thank you to Bill & Barb Bradshaw, George Rather, Herb Hessil, Sue Proctor, and Kari Alvey for preparing and serving the monthly meal at the N.E.W. Community Shelter on July 1st. A total of 204 meals were served. Thanks to everyone who helped with the painting in the Sunday School rooms and hallways during the past few weeks: Lisa, Wyndham & Ainsley Srenaski; Tracy, Eric & Conner Hakenjos; Jennifer, Noah & Lydia Cousineau; Espy Fassbender; Kris & Rachel Engebretson; Esher Wentz; Gavin Klein. We re not done yet, but it s starting to look brighter already! The cost of paint and supplies has been provided by funds bequeathed to St. Paul s Sunday School by Helen Goltz.

4 Page 4 Opportunities for... Prayer 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. 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 17th from Noon 2:00pm. Come and go as you can! Yarn, patterns & treats are provided!! Questions? Call Jacque Dahlin: or the church office. 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, at 9:00am in room 107. In August, the Prayer Team will meet on the 2nd, 16th & 30th. 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! 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

5 Page 5 Opportunities to... Make a Difference The Missions Team continues to collect nonperishable food & household items on a monthly basis. On the 1st Sunday of each month, you are invited to bring a donation for the Salvation Army ~ non-perishable food item, package of toilet paper, a tube of toothpaste There is a marked bin in the Narthex for your donations. The Melodies of Compassion (all of the loose change in the offering plates on Sunday mornings) for August will be 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! Each year during VBS we have a mission project. This year, all of the offerings collected during that week will be used to purchase gift cards for the children of soldiers with the 395th Ordnance Company who deployed to Afghanistan in July. The gift cards will help with the cost of school supplies for this fall. Many of these families struggle while mom or dad are deployed, so this will help with back-to-school expenses. YOU are invited to help with this mission! There are 62 kids who have a parent deployed with the 395th, so this is a big project! If you would like to help, just write Children of Soldiers on the memo portion of your check or indicate such on the envelope. In addition, the VBS kids will be making God s Eye crafts during their mission workshops ~ one will be sent to each of the soldiers and one will be given to each of the soldiers kids. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! The United Methodist Women of St. Paul s are sponsoring a new mission project for July, August & September: West High School Clawset The following items are needed for their students who are in need: Sweatpants ~ all sizes, but especially small and medium Tennis Shoes ~ men s and women s, all sizes Belts ~ men s and women s, all sizes Underwear & Socks ~ men s and women s, all sizes School Supplies ~ assorted Toiletries ~ men s & women s, such as body wash and spray, shampoo, hairspray, men s cologne Sweatpants, belts, and shoes 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 Erica Schintgen at

6 Page 6 What Did We Do In JULY?? * Painting began in the Sunday School rooms and hallways Capital News: TWO Big Reasons to Celebrate! * Continued collecting donations for VBS * Construction continued on the VBS set * Celebrated America with a patriotic service on Independence day weekend * Served a monthly meal at the N.E.W. Community Shelter * Hosted a wedding for a couple from New Hope United Methodist Church in De Pere * Held an informational gathering for the VBS volunteers * Memory Garden Committee continued to work in the garden to make a beautiful place of peace * Recalled and celebrated the lives of Ralph Reimer and Maurice Moose Berner * Enjoyed wonderful special music on Sunday mornings from solos and groups * Stand-up & Sing Choir returned for another summer to share their music * Cup of Life and the adult discussion classes both continued 1. ROOF LOAN REPAID!! ALL expenses for the roof replacement and insulation have been paid! We are so thankful to be able to report that our bank loan, as well as the loan we borrowed from our own money market Account, have been repaid. In addition, we have seen substantial savings ($300 $500 per month) in our utility bills! 2. THE WORK ON OUR WINDOWS HAS BEGUN!! Thanks to your continuing faithfulness to your three-year capital pledges, we have begun work on replacing the windows in Fellowship Hall, the kitchen, and the dishwashing room. The new windows will provide safety (the old ones did not!), energy efficiency and attractiveness. Our Trustees have worked diligently to obtain bids to do as much of the window work as possible and we are pleased to report that if all of us who pledged to this capital effort pay our pledges in FULL by year-end, we will be able to pay for this portion of our window project without ANY loan. * Prayer Shawl Ministry continued to comfort people in powerful ways * Hosted a bridal shower and a graduation party * Care Team continued to bring joy and comfort to those unable to join us in worship, as well as served Communion to them * Collected coins for Gideons * Collected items for Salvation Army and Ecumenical Partnership for Housing * Served as a polling location for recall elections * Extended our beautiful building for scouts, TOPS, EPH, the Neighborhood Association and Hmong services We re counting on each & every one to faithfully complete their three-year capital pledges in order to meet this portion of our capital needs goals. By doing so, we continue to provide a safe and attractive building out of which we can live out our mission to Plant Faith, Nurture Disciples, and Grow in Witness & Service. Those of you who are participating in this capital campaign will soon receive a statement which will update & thank you for your gifts. Remember, if you ever have questions, please feel free to contact one of our bookkeepers, Bill Bradshaw or Sharon Wolosek. Again, THANK YOU for your over & above giving to our capital needs. Your generosity makes a difference in the ministry of Jesus Christ!

7 Page 7 Come hang out with Laura & your friends Wednesday, August 10th 6:30 7:30pm in the Youth Room This is a great way to stay connected with your friends at St. Paul s and have fun! We ll be planning for an August 21st after church activity and we need YOUR voice to help us plan this event! Watch for details on the website and through s. We need YOUR help! Youth entering grades 6 & up are needed to volunteer to help with VBS August 7th 11th, 6:00 8:00pm YOUR energy & enthusiasm is needed! Come join the fun and excitement of VBS 2011 ~ PandaMania!!!! For more info or to sign up, contact Tracy: (call or text) or office@stpaulsumcgb.com Coming in September.Coming in September.Coming in September.Coming in September. Come kick off the new year with an ICE CREAM PARTY!!!! This will be an opportunity for parents, 6th graders, and ALL YOUTH to get acquainted, talk about our mission and focus in youth group...and HAVE FUN!! Watch the website, and the September newsletter for all the details!

8 Page 8 EVERYONE is invited to join us at the N.E.W. ZOO!!!! Sunday, August 14th beginning at 10:00am following the 9am Celebration Worship Service We have reserved the ski lodge at the zoo (air conditioned) from 10am 3pm. This event is for the WHOLE CHURCH ~ not just those who are a part of VBS! Come join the fun!! 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.), a water balloon challenge, 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 new ministry.

9 Page 9 KFC (Kids For Christ) Ministries... Kids for Christ Ministries VBS 2011 is set to take place in a Chinese jungle Sunday, August 7th through Thursday, August 11th 6:00 8:00pm ALL kids ages 3 years through 5th grade are invited to join us! Invite your friends, family, neighbors, teammates.all are welcome!! Join us for fun games, crazy crafts, fabulous drama, awesome movies, yummy snacks, rockin music, and more!!!! Registration forms are available in the Narthex info center, contact the church office at or office@stpaulsumcgb.com, or go to the new church website at ~ click on Ministries and then on VBS EVERYONE is invited to join us for Celebration Sunday August 14th at 9:00am followed by the ALL CHURCH Celebration at the N.E.W. ZOO!!!! Details on the N.E.W. Zoo Celebration are on page 8. Join us for this celebration worship service where the VBS kids will sing their favorite songs from the week, we ll see the pictures from all the fun, and more!

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! Leah Circle and Susanna Circle Circle gatherings will resume in September. Questions about circles? Leah Circle: Contact Mary Barrows at or mary.barrows@sbcglobal.net Susanna Circle: Contact Inez Gulbrandson at or inieg@yahoo.com Questions about UMW? Contact Becky Engebretson at or bengebretson@new.rr.com Mission Project The UMW Mission Project for July September is West High Clawset All the details and list of needs is featured on page 5. Questions about this UMW Mission Project? Contact Erica Schintgen at or ericaedge@hotmail.com The next UMW Team meeting will be held on August 25, at 6:30pm in room 107. Reading Corner The Noticer By: Andy Andrews Category: Spiritual Growth Poverty, a failing marriage, old age, lost dreams. To the residents of Orange Beach, Alabama, these desperations are hopeless, barren places with no chance for change. But to an old drifter named Jones, with a gift of seeing what others miss, there is no such thing as a dead end. It only takes a little perspective, he says, to recognize the miracles in our moments, the seeds of greatness tucked into our struggles. As Jones mysteriously makes his way through this coastal town and into the searching hearts of its residents, he offers simple wisdom and sound hope. If you have been participating in the reading program, please remember that your completed forms are due by July 31st for special recognition! Many 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 Pastor Sue continues a drop-in weekly discussion class. YOU are welcome to join us! Sunday Mornings during the summer at 8:00am in the library Discuss the sermon topic for the day. or ANY other topic of interest to you. Each class is self-contained, so join us whenever you are able! Did you know that the Bible is not just 1 book, but a library of books? There are history books, poetry, letters, law, wisdom literature and more. Each with its own style and message. Do you realize that the Bible didn t happen in a vacuum, but culture & secular history affects what happens to the people of faith? Did you know the Bible isn t put together in chronological order? These issues often make the Bible hard to understand. But understanding scripture is not impossible. With a few tools this wonderful book can be a joy to read. Ask any one of those who just completed the Disciple I class! This fall we are offering Disciple I AND Disciple II!! Lisa Srenaski will lead Disciple I ~ Monday evenings beginning Sept. 5 from 6:30 8:30pm. If YOU are interested in this 34 week class, contact Lisa in the church office. Rev. Sue will lead Disciple II (for all those who have completed Disciple I) on Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 7 from 6:30-8:30. Contact Rev. Sue if YOU would like to participate. Covenant Disciple Groups are designed for people who want to grow in their Christian faith, be around people who listen and care for you and become a better, more dependable disciple of Christ. These groups of 2-12 people meet at various times specified below and are led by a class leader. Tuesday evenings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. This group began a new study on July 26th entitled Being Yourself: How do I Take Off This Mask?. Anyone is welcome to join. Any questions or to join call Inez Gulbrandson at Wednesday evenings: Every other Wednesday, meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in a variety of locations. This group is currently using the book Who Is Your Neighbor? to guide their discussions. All are welcome!! Any questions or to join call Wanda Matuszewski at

12 Opportunities to... get involved Page 12 Do you have a honey-do list at home?? You know.little chores that need to be done, projects that need to be completed. Well, your church has a honey-do list too!! Our list contains things like: Mow the Lawn Pull Weeds Trim Around the Trees Help Clean Up During Window Installs Do YOU have some time to occasionally come and help check some things off of our church honey-do list?? If so, please contact the church office at office@stpaulsumcgb.com or to have your name added to our list of Honey-Doers! You will be contacted as the needs arise. Thank you! Sunday morning worship is a wonderful time of prayer, praise, and inspiration. BUT, it takes a lot of people to make it happen! Greeters, Welcomers, Communion Preparers, & Projectionists are all needed at various Sundays. Your church needs YOU! If you would like further info, or would like to sign up, contact the church office at or office@stpaulsumcgb.com. Wanted: People who want to make a difference in the lives of children. Do YOU have a heart for children? Are YOU looking for an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for Christ with our children? SUNDAY SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!!!! Whether it is a one-time commitment or a one month commitment, there are many opportunities to serve in our Children s ministries! Sunday School is looking for more people to help with our rotation workshops. This is a commitment of only ONE HOUR on Sunday morning! Positions Needed: **Teachers for rotation workshops Including games, science, cooking, art, storytelling, computers and movie. **Subs for a variety of age groups to fill in as needed. **Helpers during the Sunday School hour and in preparing lessons for teachers. If YOU would like to volunteer, or would like more information, please contact Lisa Srenaski at

13 Opportunities to... get involved Page 13 Mark your calendars!!!! The annual G.E.T.S. Scholarship Ride is fast approaching! Saturday, September 17th This year, the ride will begin from ST. PAUL S!! The bicyclists will drive to Peshtigo United Methodist Church, then bike to Marinette United Methodist Church for lunch. Motorcyclists will ride up and down the Menominee River and then join the bicyclists for lunch in Marinette. More details coming soon! All funds raised go toward scholarships for seminary students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Join your church family on Rally Sunday after worship for our neighborhood picnic!!! Sunday, September 11th 11:15 a.m.-3:00 p.m. There will be delicious food, music, games, a big slide and obstacle course and much more! Come join the fun and help us celebrate a great faith community for kids of all ages! Watch for details coming soon! Questions? Call Penny Wendorf at The summer Stand-Up & Sing Choir Is back for another summer of wonderful, faith-filled music! If you enjoy singing, then YOU are welcome to Stand-Up & Sing! Just come at 8:00am to rehearse and then sing at the 9:00 service. Kids and Adults are welcome! The last time Stand-Up & Sing Choir will provide music this summer is August 28. 2nd Mile Giving Music Ministries: We re blessed at St. Paul s to have a variety of musical groups, leaders & participants. We continue to lift up our music ministry as an opportunity for 2nd Mile Giving. Celebrate Music Ministry! Our yearly nonsalary costs for music ministry generally runs from $2,000 $2,500. This includes things like the cost of choral and bell music, piano & organ tuning/maintenance, etc. We are hoping that you will consider our music ministry needs as one of your 2nd Mile commitments this year.

14 Sunday Volunteers... Page 14 Communion Prep. Communion Stwd. Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 7 9:00 Sue Proctor, Lori Larson Jim & Mary Ellen Sorenson Bob Haberkorn, Audrey Kiefert, Jennifer Grell Kari Alvey Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 14 8:00 VBS Kids & Leaders Ken & Gladys Paitel, Denise Foxworthy, Espy Fassbender, John Wilson Lynn Clark Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 21 8:00 Warren Clark Jim & Mary Ellen Sorenson Ken & Zona Graetz, Brian Foxworthy Zona Graetz Liturgist Ushers Greeters Projectionist Coffee Fellowship Nursery Assistant August 28 9:00 Bill Bradshaw Ken & Gladys Paitel, Connie Shaw Connie Shaw, Mary Barrows, Jennifer Grell Marge Curran 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 This past week I had my two and a half year appointment with my breast cancer surgeon. During the first few years after cancer surgery, I have appointments every six months to make sure the cancer isn t returning. Waiting in the doctor s office that day for the results of my tests brings back all the hopes and fears of hearing the word cancer the first time. I was relieved to find out that I am still cancer free. But the whole experience reminds me again of what is most important. You know I didn t check the Dow all day that day. I didn t call my office for messages. I didn t check my . I didn t care about my outfit, shoes, or hair. But I did think a lot about my family, friends, and those important people along the way who have helped me navigate through this. I looked out the car window and noticed the rich greens of summer and the many colors of the flowers, heard the songs of the birds and the sounds of people going about their lives. The whole experience reminded me again of the importance of attitude. It is important to live life realizing that everything is a gift; being born in this time and place, having the family we do, having the skills we have, even having the health we have. It is all a gift. It is easy to think we are entitled to what we have and to take everything for granted, rather than realize it is a gift. Having food to eat, friends we can count on, a beautiful day, our home, a job, family; those things are often not given a second thought. In fact, we often complain that these things are not quite the way we want them. But those are the real gifts of life. And they need to be recognized and valued, especially the gift of the people in our lives. Life is way too short to miss the opportunities to tell those ordinary, everyday, always there for you people, just how much you appreciate them. It is important to let them know that you notice the place they have in your life and that you care about them. It doesn t take much. Just, Thank you for helping me or You re a great friend, or even I love you. It could be as simple as taking a walk with someone, giving them a hug, writing a note, listening to them talk or saying again how glad you are to know them. That is what God did when God sent Jesus. That said to each of us, You are extremely valuable to me and I love you. Think about it: you are loved for the person you are by the God of the universe. Jesus came to tell you so. Maybe you ought to tell others that news, too. If you aren t sure how to share God s news, then invite them to church so they can hear it from the scriptures, songs, prayers, and sermon. It is news worth hearing and sharing! Pastor Sue May

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