MAY, 2018 -  MESSENGER   

GREENFIELD   AVENUE   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH

1455 S. 97^th St., West Allis, WI 53214

Church Office (414) 453-3710     Pastor Kevin G. Tarvid  (cell) 414-588-0159   

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 AM    www.gapc-usa.com   Sunday Church School  10:45 AM

 

                                                                           Faith    Hope   Love  =          

                                                                     GREENFIELD  AVENUE  PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                                                                          

                                                                                       GAPC              

 Worship Schedule    May 6 -  May 27, 2018

     

Sun.  May 6 - 9:30 AM      Communion

First Reading:  Psalm 98

Second Reading:  Acts 10”44-48

Sermon: “Lucky to Be Invited”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Sally T

Servers: Lori, Kerstin, LB, & Sally T

 

 

Sun. May 13 - 9:30 AM     Mother’s Day & Penny Sunday

First Reading:  Psalm 1        

Second Reading:  Luke 1:26-35 

Sermon:  “What the Dalai Lama Taught Me About Mom!”

Liturgist:  Barb

Children’s Message:  Pastor Kevin

                

Sun. May 20 – 9:30 AM    Pentecost

First Reading:  Acts 2:1-21

Second Reading:  Ezekiel 37:1-14

Sermon:  “Turns Out, We’re Not the “Frozn Chozn”

Liturgist/Children’s Message:  Lori

 

Sun May 27 - 9:30 AM         Trinity Sunday  &  Penny Sunday

First Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 

Second Reading:  Isaiah 6:1-8

Sermon: “A Glimpse …”

Liturgist/Children’s Message: Peter

 

                                                                                       

 

NAPOLEON & MARIBEL will SPEAK with  the SUNDAY SCHOOL on  MAY 20^th …  Our treasured friends Napoleon & Maribel, who’ll be members here soon, will speak with our Sunday School class on  May 20, following worship.  They’ll tell us about the conflict in their native country of Cameroon, which has both English-speaking and French-speaking sections.  There is fighting between government troops and armed separatists fighting for independence of the English speaking from the French speaking regions.  This has been paralyzing to businesses there.  Additionally, achieving a state of peaceful coexistence between Muslims & members of other faiths is beyond challenging; the terrorist group Boko Haram is attempting to recruit young men to their cause with promises that they will go to heaven if they die fighting so-called “unbelievers”.   Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the Far North region of Cameroon, & produce is rotting in fields.  (Information comes from “Voice of America”.) Invite family & friends to be here to learn about this little known (to Wisconsinites) but extremely serious  deadly conflict. 

 

WHO  ARE  OUR  GRADUATES THIS  SPRING?   We don’t want to MISS anyone … Please let us know if there’ll be a graduate in your family in 2018!  Thanks!

 

 

FROM OUR PASTOR :  Happy Finally Springtime, Beloved!

          Lately, we’ve been talking about the practical benefits of an active church life…

          You know, back in the day, many folks considered the primary benefit of church to be fire insurance.  (Not your typical fire insurance, but the “get out of hell free” type!)

          Today, fewer people believe in hell, and even fewer worry about it, thinking that’s a place where “other” “badfolks” go.

          In any case, the Church is left wondering:  what are we here for?  What is our purpose?

          The more I work with the “practical benefits” list, the more amazed I am…

          Did you realize that active church-goers tend to live longer and be healthier in general?

          Did you know that active church members tend to feel happier, more supported, and have better relationships with other human beings?

          Did you know that active Church members, especially in our branch of the family tree, tend to be less anxious, more courageous, and have a greater sense of purpose?

          You may be thinking, “I wish I had more of those qualities?”  Three points:

1) Just think about how much worse it could be without your faith!  2) Consider that there can be a direct relationship between our level of faith activity and how strongly we feel these positive attributes.  3) When we feel better about ourselves, it has a direct positive impact on those around us.

          I know that, with all the demands on our time and energy these days, being more active in church poses quite the challenge.  I truly believe the effort we put into our faith has direct and tangible benefits to make life better.

          Next time, we’ll explore the benefits of a deeper spiritual life, and see how the joys of church life can keep growing and growing!

          So, let’s keep talking about how we can make the world a better place by working together, and at the same time, make our lives better too!

          God loves you!  Me too!                          ~      Pastor  Kevin 

 

    STRAWBERRY   FEST    SUN.,  JUNE 17, 11:30 – 3:00

                                

Sundaes,  Shortcakes, Hot Dogs, Pizza, Soda, Water, Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, a BAKE SALE,  &  LOTS,  LOTS  MORE !   We’ll have 10 Rafflle Baskets (could you donate items to FILL these baskets???)  And there’ll be a 50/50 raffle … & a GIVING  TREE where EVEYONE is a winner … (it was so popular at Fall Fest that we’re doing it again, at this one!)   We need your help in many ways -- & don’t foget to loan us your CARD  TABLES!   This will be a WONDERFUL  day of eating delicious TREATS,  VISITING WITH FRIENDS,  winning terrific PRIZES … What a FANTASTIC  DAY!   

                  Invite everyone you know!!

 

                          

   COOKIES  for HABITAT   -   We’ve  been  asked  to  provide as many cookies as possible for HABITAT for HUMANITY the  week of JUNE 17.  Since you’ll be baking for Strawberry Fest, please bake additional  cookies  to  donate  to  HABITAT.  Bring them to the church library when you come to worship on Sun. June 17.

 

Our final Sunday School of the “Semester” will be on Pentecost, May 20.  That doesn’t mean there won’t be occasional “special” classes during the summer, for  it’s possible that there may be speakers who are only available during the summer whose message would be of great interest. Or, there could be some compelling topics that come to our attention, that we’d like to learn about right then.  So DO watch for our “All-Church-Emails” or phone calls, which will let you know if something very special is coming.

 

                         

May 6 – Mark                          May 20 – Jim & Judy

 

May 13 – Bud                          May 27 – Sandy S

 

 

         TO:   Session members & others in the church family who brought the delicious “pot luck” to share before worship on Easter Sunday morning.  Mouth-wateringly tasty, & lovely to look at, as well.

 

All who helped with one or both of our “Church-Clean-Up” days.  Ed & Bobbie,  JT, Jim, Judy & Jeff , Kerstin,  Jay,  Larry ,  Pastor Kevin & Sally, & Kristina were here on one or both days, cleaning the inside AND outside of the church. (Hope we didn’t miss anyone …) 

    There’s still much to do INSIDE the building.  JT took THREE loads of “junque” to the city yard in his truck, & there are many, many more things we can dispose of.  Watch for announcements of our next “cleanathon”!

               and …

Sherman, who spoke with the Sunday School class on April 22, on the inception of “Earth Day”. Sherman was legal council for Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day, when Nelson was a U.S. Senator.  It was SO informative!  

               and …

Pastor Kevin & Sally, who spoke to the Sunday School class on April 29, about meditation & mindfulness.  This conversation will continue, in the future.

               and …

Sue S, who led the discussion about “Laughter”, during Sunday School on “Holy Humor Sunday”, April 8.  What a good worship that morning -- & much laughter in both the service & Sunday School!

 

 

    is set for Friday, July 20!  We’ve had a GAPC team for many years now, and we continue to join in the fight against cancer!   Libbie is our team captain, & Peter is “on (the) board”.  You can sign up on line at Relay for Life West Allis/New Berlin – or speak with Libbie or Peter for additional details.

 

FRED ROGERS, of “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” fame, was a Presbyterian minister who was very gentle & caring!  2018 marks the 50^th Anniversary of this visionary children’s television show! 

Fred Rogers often shared this bit of wisdom from his mother. 

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' "

So true.  People being good neighbors are always there.

 

How often have you heard those folks who, when confronted with serious illness, death of a loved one, or other traumatic or heartbreaking event, ask “Why is God doing this to me???”

The answer, of course, is that God ISN’T the cause of such events!

So we just can’t help including this message that “Mr. Rogers” wrote before his passing in 2003.  It’s filled with wisdom, & love, & is worth not only reading, but also passing on to others.  He said:

   “I’m not God, but I can tell you some things that I believe.  I believe sometimes medical issues just happen – they’re not cosmic tests; they are not retribution for all the wrong things you’ve done over a lifetime.  It’s not some moral righting of the universe.  It’s just something going wonky with the wiring.

     “I think God cries when we are in pain; he cries with us and he supports us; but I also think he stands back & lets us sort things out.  God lets the doctors do their work & lets your body heal itself.  [And sometimes, that’s not possible.  – ed.]

     “God isn’t really about the body, God’s about the soul.  Praying isn’t a form of divine insurance.  It is a way of communicating, just a way of opening up your heart.”

 

Thank you, God, for sharing Fred Rogers with the children & adults who will never forget his messages.

 

HABITAT for HUMANITY sends the following letter of thanks to GAPC:

The support of your congregation “is not only helping a family afford a decent place to live.  Crime is down 48% where we’ve built in the Washington Park neighborhood.  87% of Milwaukee Habitat homeowner’s children have graduated from high school, nearly 30% higer than the average rate of Milwaukee Public School students.  And 50% of Milwaukee Habitat homeowners reported experiencing fewer housing-related illnesses, such as asthma, after moving into their Habitat home.

   “We couldn’t do this without YOU!  Thank you for helping to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.        With much gratitude,   Brian Sonderman  Executive Director”

 

PREBYTERIAN  DISASTER  ASSISTANCE   also sends thanks to us.  In response to the donations we sent to the Gulf Coast & Caribbean battered by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma & Maria, they wrote:    These storms “brought violent winds & severe flooding, & their rapid succession left many people & relief organizations over- whelmed.  Your faithful & generous support allowed the PCUSA to respond with the light of hope in the midst of chaos. …

Your gifts provided emergency funding in Texas, Cuba, & Puerto Rico. … You have been so generous to us, and we thank you.”

And THANK YOU, GAPC family, for sharing your love of God’s & neighbor in this way.  

 

The PENTECOST  OFFERING is accepted during the month of May,  “officially” on May 20.  It’s one of the  four “Special Offerings” of the PC (U.S.A) in which we participate each year.  (There’s an offering envelope for this purpose in your envelope box.) 

   “Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit as a bringer of new life.  With the Sprit’s coming, we no longer need to settle for “business as usual” but can know the transforming, redeeming love that God makes the impossible possible.      “The Pentecost offering … is about guiding the Christian formation of our young people – building a solid foundation of faith formed in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood.  Gifts to the Pentecost Offering unite young people in Christ & inspire them to share their faith, ideas, & unique gifts with the church & the world.” (from Presbyterian Mission materials)     Through Child Advocacy via education; by providing one-year service opportunities to Young Adult Volunteers (for young adults ages 19 -30); & Ministries with Youth … that aims to “ build a foundation of faith with young people that unites them in Christ will all other generations & proclaims the love of God without end”, the Offering is able to help children at risk, youth, & young adults.  It’s important.  Please consider making a donation.

 

         REMEMBER to order  SCRIP each month, on the 2^nd Sunday.  The  GIFT  CARDS you’ll receive return a percentage of purchase toGAPC !  Why is SCRIP  so wonderful?  Its  because you can use it for things you ordinarily buy anyway; & because it makes the PERFECT  GIFT for birthdays, anniversaries, “just because” gifts, & more.  Who can’t use a GAS CARD, or a GROCERY CARD, or one of the MANY others you can purchase???

We HOPE our newsletter & announcements on Sunday morning will inspire you to PURCHASE as much SCRIP as possible whenever we offer it!!  It’s such a PAINLESS way to help our church!  Here are just a few possibilities:  PICK ’N SAVE,  SAM’S CLUB, WAL-MART, MENARD’S, SPEEDWAY,  & KOHL’S)  There are MANY, MANY more, so many that we just DON’T have room to list them all.  Please do look over the Scrip pages in the narthex, so you can decide well in advance which ones you want to order!  Then, – place your order with Church Treasurer JT & your gift cards will be here the next week!   It’s one of the best ways you can help out the church budget!

       

             FOOD  PANTRY   CHALLENGE:   The Peace & Justice Committee challenges us to gather as many of the SUGGESTED items for each month of the year as possible.  At the end of the month we will take them to Good Samaritan Food Pantry.   For May,  it’s RICE.   Of course, you may donate anything you wish at any time, all non-perishable food items are needed!  Thank you for helping!

 

THE  GUEST  HOUSE,  which helps men in transition, both “in shelter” & in permanent housing, has many serious needs!  We’ve been helping The Guest House for many years, & plan to continue helping with their ministry. Especially needed at present are:

• New men’s jeans (34x32, 36 x 32, & 38 x 32)
• New men’s T-shirts sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3 XL
• New men’s boxers sizes S, M, 2X & 3 X
• New men’s deodorant    -  To view the remainder of the Guest House Wish List, please go to their web site, www.guesthousemilwaukee.org

 

      Don’t forget to help us as we continue to support WILSON SCHOOL!  We’re concluding our 5^th  year helping this WAWM elementary school by making donations of back packs & school supplies.  This school, (like so many others in the area) has a significant number of students whose parents, through no fault of their own, cannot afford the necessary school supplies.  Teachers & administrators often dig deep into their own pockets to provide for these children, whom they care about so deeply.   This is a year-long, ongoing mission for us, so even though school will be ending for the semester in a few weeks, we ask that you continue to bring supplies & leave them in the decorated box in the narthex.  And, once July & August arrive, be on the lookout for the Back-to-School SALES you’ll see in so many stores.  Our help means SO MUCH to the teachers, administrators, & most of all, to the children who NEED it!

 

 

2018 CALENDAR

 

 

 

Mon. May 7      7:00 PM – Resources committee

 

Sun. May 13     9:30 AM – Mother’s Day worship

 

 

Wed. May 16     7:00 PM – Session meets

 

Sun. May 20     9:30 AM – Pentecost Worship

                        10:45 AM – Last Sunday School until September (sort of …)

 

Mon.  May 28     Our Offices are CLOSED for the Memorial Day holiday