RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 18 February 1998 Number 2
From the Pastor
The congregation stands and sings, "Let the vineyards
be fruitful, Lord . . . ." We call it the offertory, and during the singing the
ushers come forward. Granted, money has been collected from the worshipers, but what is
being offered to God?
Notice the words of the offertory prayer, "Merciful Father, we offer with joy and
thanksgiving what you have first given us--our selves (!), our time (!), and
our possessions (!), signs of your gracious love."
We are not presenting to God only some change rattling in our pockets or a check
hastily written. We are not simply raising money to keep the religious operation going.
We are inviting one another, in response to the Word of Life that has been proclaimed
through scripture and sermon, to present our very selves as offerings to the Lord,
including our time and possessions. Even the person without any financial means whatsoever
is able to make the most important offering--the giving of our selves.
February is stewardship month at Reformation. Mr. Stan Rose, Associate Director of
Resident Stewardship Service, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
will be with us for ten days. We will talk about money and giving and church finances.
Those are vital topics for the empowering of congregational mission.
Talk of finances begins, however, with the offering of our lives, again and again, to
the merciful Father, who offered himself for us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gifted by God, as Robert L. Edwards says in the hymn, with ". . . nature's wonder,
Jesus' wisdom, costly grace, grave's shattered door . . . ," let us offer ourselves
in praise.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
As a congregation a lot of our energy will be going into
stewardship this month. While we adults focus on how to return to God what has been given
us, let us remember that it is never too early to teach the principles of good stewardship
to our children.
How do we teach children about stewardship? First, it is important to remember that
children learn many beliefs, practices, and values through example. Stewardship is no
different. The best way to raise a responsible steward is to be a responsible
steward.
Secondly, help your child understand that being a steward means taking care of
everything that God gives us, including clothes, our homes, money, the earth, our church,
our rooms, our friends, and ourselves.
Although stewardship includes so much more than just money, don't be shy about talking
to your child about the importance of giving money to the church. Talk about why the
church needs money to buy Sunday School materials, to pay the electric bill so we have
lights and heat, to pay the pastor's and other staff's salary, to provide the bulletins we
use on Sunday, and so on.
And finally, encourage your child to share his/her gifts, talents, and time in the
congregation and in the community. Explore with your child the various ways he/she can be
involved.
While you are participating in the stewardship campaign, remember that your child can
also be learning from you as well as in Sunday School. Teachers will be doing special
lessons with the children on February 15 & 22. Share with them what you are learning
and ask what they are learning. Train children in the right way, and when old, they
will not stray. Proverbs 22:6
- Deaconess Doreen Leptien
Thank You!
Thanks to all at Reformation for your prayers, support, and
love shown to us during Jennie's illness and after her death. All the food, flowers, and
visits were greatly appreciated.
A special thanks to Donna Moyer and Barb Everson for the delicious lunch served our
family before Jennie's service.
- James & Carolyn Pitts
* * *
Sincere thanks for the prayers, cards, and expressions of sympathy given to me at the
time of my mother's death.
- Leona Synstegard
* * *
We are all enjoying the new "quiet" comfort in our Parish Hall. The
thoughtful and generous gift of new duct work was provided by Pauline Latham. We thank
you, Pauline!
* * *
Thank you for the contributions to the families of Mead Middle School. Your generosity
at the holiday season was greatly appreciated by the families and the Mead staff. Suzanne
Koch, our library-media specialist, is a valuable member of the Mead faculty and was
responsible for the selection and distribution.
- Sincerely, Diana Raugust, Principal
* * *
A special thanks is extended to the stitchers for providing the Christmas stockings
used to contain the "goodies" given to our much loved shut-ins.
* * *
Thank you for all the expressions of sympathy, the many cards, and all the hugs from
Reformation members at the time of the death of Art's granddaughter, Angela, who lived in
the Kansas City area.
- Art & Pauline Latham
* * *
Thank you to Pastor Mansholt for his hospital visits and prayers and to Barb Lee and
Jette Mortensen for their visits. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and cards. I am
doing very well.
- Virginia Schuessler
* * *
From the Seminary . . .
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your gracious gift of $1,500 towards Student Aid for Dawn Gorges as she
continues her studies with the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest. I assure you
that your interest, prayers and support mean a lot to us. We appreciate your partnership
with us in this ministry of our church in theological education.
With this gift you have become a partner with us in this ministry of theological
education. Your participation in the preparation of men and women to serve as pastors of
this church means a lot to all of us. We depend upon local individual, congregational and
organizational gifts for almost half of our annual budget. Thank you for your assistance.
Let us rejoice together in this season of our Lord's Epiphany, when we reflect upon the
fact that our Lord Christ was made known even also unto us. May the light that led the
Magi to the adoration of the Child of Bethlehem also lead us in worship and praise of
Christ our Lord.
Sincerely, August Wenzel, Director
Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest
The Parish Record
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
BAPTISM
- Alexa Kristene Cusick, October 12
- Rebekah Grace Smith, November 2
- Erich Wolfgang Hayen, November 2
- Rebekah Dawn Schlender, November 9
- Nathaniel Thomas Burgoyne, December 21
- Lillian Kay Burgoyne, December 21
- Thomas James Carr, December 28
MARRIAGE
- Traci Rauch and David Word, December 28
DEATH (Omitted from October Re-Focus)
- Hubert Maack, September 22
TRANSFER
- Ronald & Hollee Greenhoff, Austin
to St. Andrew's Lutheran, Wichita
- Scott & Barbara Pleus
to New Hope Lutheran, Missouri City, Texas
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Priscilla February 10 9:30 a.m. at church
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice
Ruth February 12 7:00 p.m. at the home of Deanne Fortney
1441 N. Rock Rd., #2103
Sarah February 16 7:00 p.m. at the home of Virginia Leikvold
8417 Willowbrook St.
Dorcas February 25 1:00 p.m. at church, hosted by Charlotte Herrold and Reola
Lerager
Rachel February 26 7:00 p.m. at church
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice
Women of Reformation Board Meeting: Monday, February 9, 1:00 p.m. This includes
all officers and circle leaders.
Do you need a reason to read something more than the paper? How long has it been since
you read a book? Just too many books out there to choose from? The Book Club has
changed their meeting time to 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 23, at church, and the 4th
Monday morning each month thereafter. The book they will be discussing in February is
the first of "The Mitford Series" by Jan Karon. This is a four-book series about
a 60 year old Episcopalian priest in a small town. Very easy, fun reading.
The Dollar Bill Dilemma
Listen to a dollar bill:
"For years I have been an important part of the offering in my local congregation.
When the offering plate is passed around, I am in good company for a lot of my friends are
also placed in the plate along with me.
But the other night I started to think what would happen if my value would double or
even triple. Think of all the good we could do. Besides contributing toward our local unit
or church, we could widen our horizons and increase our giving to the Synodical and
Churchwide Women of the ELCA."
Why is it that in everything else, including church work, costs continue to rise, but
women are content to contribute only a dollar bill in the offering. Could we sacrifice a
dinner out for the month and contribute that amount in the next offering? Where can you
get a nice dinner in a restaurant for less than $5 or even $10 or $20?
Could we change the one dollar bill dilemma to the five dollar bill challenge? The work
of our Women of the ELCA, local, synodical, and Churchwide, could expand, and all our
budgets would be met.
But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete
earnest giving, and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2
Corinthians 8:7)
Best Time of Life
B.T.O.L. will meet Monday, February 9, at 12:00 noon in the
Parish Hall for the regular potluck luncheon. At 1:00 p.m. Carl A. Nelson will present an
illuminating, general information program on "Bethphage: Where Potential Comes to
Life." This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn how those who are served
by Bethphage can be helped to lead more fulfilling and productive lives. We hope to see
you on February 9!
River Festival
The River Festival Committee is requesting proposals for
the design to be used on the bulletin at the Festival of Faith service this year. The
theme of the River Festival this year is "Flying into the Future," and the
worship service will also follow this theme. The design should be in color and be
presented on the 8 ½ " x 11" format of the worship bulletin. The design will
also be used on a publicity flier and on tee shirts that will be available to purchase.
If you wish to submit a design for consideration, please submit it to Waldo Gerards,
Wil Johnson, or Pam Whiting by March 15. If you have questions, please call Waldo
Gerards at 683-8602.
Stephen Ministry
On Sunday, February 8, we will commission our third group
of Stephen Ministers. Upon completion of nearly 50 hours of training, Pam Adams, Larry
Ehrlich, Judy McDiffett, and Rich McDiffett will be commissioned. Stephen Ministers make
an initial two-year commitment to serve as one-on-one care givers. We ask for your
continued support and prayers for all of our Stephen Ministers.
* * *
"Stephen Ministry has been a wonderful opportunity for me to reach out and meet
others that I might never have met, not only my care receivers but the other wonderful
Stephen Ministers. The skills I learned in Stephen Ministry are put to use in my job. I
deal with people constantly, and I know I do it better since I've become a Stephen
Minister."
- Susayn Brandes, Stephen Minister
Paul Manz Hymn Festival
Mark your calendars for February 8, 3:00 p.m. Paul
Manz will be at the organ console at Reformation Lutheran Church for a Hymn Festival. The
Hymn Festival is based upon the church's tradition of hymn singing, a practice
particularly popular in the time of Martin Luther. Paul Manz Hymn Festivals have been
enthusiastically received as both spiritual and musical experiences of the highest order.
His hymn improvisations have been a significant force in the development of renewed
excitement in hymn singing. Paul Manz currently serves as recitalist, composer, teacher,
and leader in worship at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Luke in Chicago. He has
appeared in concert with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. The Hymn Festival is sponsored by
Reformation Lutheran Church in partnership with the ELCA congregations of Area Ministry 5.
February Ushers at 11:00
Ushers scheduled for the 11:00 worship service during the
month of February are: Fred Hambright, Jan Moyer, Ken Woodard, David Day, Mark Metz, Mike
Metz, and Ben Langel.
The Lutheran Revisited
Think Sunday School is just for kids? This article asks you
to think again and realize Christian growth doesn't end at confirmation. Three successful
adult education programs of ELCA congregations are profiled and key aspects identified.
This article is from page 33 of the January issue.
- Suzanne Koch, Evangelism Committee
February Fitness Tip
NASA has been in the forefront of research regarding the
human biological clock. Circadian rhythms regulate body temperature, muscle strength, lung
capacity, and mental alertness. According to Roger S. Smith, a sleep medicine specialist
in Palo Alto, California, circadian rhythms can affect athletic capacity by as much as 10
percent throughout the day.
Early Morning: While flexibility and strength are at an all-day low early in the
morning, it's still a great time to exercise. Studies have shown that people who get up
early to exercise are three times more likely to keep it up than those who try to fit
exercise into some other time slot. And, you only have to shower once.
Midday: Because your mental alertness is waning about this time, a good workout
during lunch hour can jump-start the brain for an afternoon of creativity.
Late Afternoon: You'll be at your physical peak at this time of day. You can do
more than at any other time. But watch out: ozone concentrations peak in the late
afternoon.
Early Evening: After sundown, air pollution drops. This is a good time of day to
use moderate exercise as a sleep inducer. If you're outside, be sure to wear reflective
clothing.
Watch the March Re-Focus for a "Fitness Check-up" and an opportunity
to stretch your score!
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday worship, with the imposition of ashes and
Holy Communion, will be at 7:00 p.m. February 25, following a 6:00 p.m. Congregation Meal.
On the following Lenten Wednesdays (all in March), two worship opportunities will be
offered. One will be a 12:00 Noon Lenten service. It will be a service of song, sermon,
and prayers.
In the evening, the LOGOS schedule will be changed slightly to allow Evening Prayer to
begin at 7:30. The liturgy of Holden Evening Prayer, one familiar to our high school
youth, will be introduced with the aid of the choir. The service will focus upon the
readings, prayer, and song.
Teacher Workshop
Our monthly Teacher Workshop will be on Saturday,
February 28, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. All Sunday School and LOGOS teachers are invited to
join us for breakfast, then we will share ideas on what works in the classroom, any ideas
you would like to see happen, and any suggestions you might have to encourage other
teachers. As always, we will devote the last 15 minutes or so praying for each other and
for the children. Please note that the date has changed from the original schedule.
Scout Sunday and Chili Lunch
February 1 has been designated as Scout Sunday. All Boy
Scouts and Cub Scouts will be honored at the 11:00 service. Members of Troop 523 will
participate in the service, and all scouts and leaders are invited to wear their uniforms
to church that day to be recognized.
Our congregation sponsors Troop 523. Tim Meyer is the Scout Master; Bob Weaver is an
assistant scout master; and Ken Fortney is the chartered organization representative.
Troop 523 is holding a chili/soup lunch after the service on February 1 in order to
help raise money for much needed camping equipment. Tickets are $3.00, available at the
door.
Sunday School Offering Outreach
In February, we are asking that the Sunday School offerings
be in the form of personal items for residents of the Wichita Homestead Assisted Living
Residence. These items will be packaged as Valentine gift bags for the residents and
delivered on Sunday, February 15, by our Sunday School students. Travel-sized items like
hand cream, baby powder, shampoo, and toothpaste are items that the residents must
purchase on their own. Also suggested for this project are items like stationery, greeting
cards, crossword puzzles, word searches, and playing cards. Currently there are 33
residents (6 males, 27 females) at Homestead.
We request that these items be brought to your Sunday School classroom on the first two
Sundays of February (February 1 and February 8). Each Sunday School class will be
responsible for collecting items for three gift bags. The bags will be supplied, but we
will ask each class to decorate them as they choose. Residents of the Homestead are
Reformation's neighbors, and it is important that our Sunday School students have an
opportunity to learn about different forms of outreach stewardship. If you have questions,
please contact Susan Gross at 687-4804.
Area High School Retreat
Area 5 Ministry is sponsoring a retreat for high school youth on March 21 & 22 at
King's Camp on Lake Afton. Come live the Passion story with storyteller Pam Faro!
We will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and close with a worship service at 2:30 p.m. on
Sunday. Cost is $35.00. Turn money and registration forms in to Deaconess Doreen by February
20. Extra registration forms are available from Deaconess Doreen if you did not
receive one, misplaced it, or need one for a friend!
Reading Tutors Needed
Edison Ingalls-Isely Academy is looking for volunteers to commit at least one hour a
week to tutor students in reading. Training will be provided. Please contact Karen Vlamis,
Volunteer Coordinator, at 683-5520 for more information.
