RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 18 May 1998 Number 5
From the Pastor
The worship services of Holy Week and Easter are still
fresh in my mind. Several of you have commented on the depth and richness of the liturgy
through those days. As the 50 days of Easter continue, may God continue to renew our lives
in Christ. Easter propels us to outreach. The Risen Jesus breathed his Spirit upon the
disciples and sent them forth as his witnesses.
I'll be attending two workshops the end of April that relate to congregational
outreach. One is "The Inviting Church: Ministering to New Members." Pam
Whiting and Wil Johnson will accompany me to this Kansas City event which will help us
evaluate the way in which we try to integrate new members into the life of the church.
Sometimes I hear a new member say, "I've been a member here for 9 months, but I don't
know anyone and I don't feel I belong here." We want to be doing those things that
will help foster hospitality and incorporation.
The Easter thrust into the world is also seen in the other April workshop, Outward
Bound Congregation Event. This event is designed to strengthen congregations in their
mission to the unchurched. How shall we listen carefully to the culture around us? How
shall we respond strategically to non-churched people that they might experience an active
welcome and clear message of truth and love in Jesus Christ? In what direction might
Reformation be moved?
The desire to reach out to the community is what started the River Festival Worship
back in 1990. Easter outreach is also seen in our support of Dawn Gorges who nears
the end of her first year of seminary training. Dawn will be with us in May and this time
will preach at both worship services on May 24. She will also speak with us about her
first year of seminary experience at 9:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
In the next month we have 10 eighth graders affirming their
baptism through confirmation, and four seniors graduating from high school. Both of these
events are stepping stones on the journey of life. Both confirmation and graduation are
endings and new beginnings.
The graduates are ending their familiar high school years and entering into an unknown
and unfamiliar future of college or full-time work, perhaps far from home.
The confirmands are affirming the promise that their parents and sponsors made for them
on the day of their baptism. They themselves are saying yes to living out the
promise of being a child of God. They are becoming confirmed members of the congregation,
with the privileges and responsibilities that come with it. They are leaving behind Sunday
School and Confirmation classes, but they are stepping out into different opportunities
and choices in their faith development.
After graduating from high school, many people choose to never take another class.
Others continue their education throughout their lives.
After confirmation some of our young people may think they are finished with church or
with Sunday School, but none of us ever graduates from our faith. We may make choices that
do not consciously develop our faith, but God has claimed each of us. We are reminded of
God's claim on us in 1 Peter 2: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Let us celebrate these stepping stones with our confirmands and our graduates!
-Deaconess Doreen
Thank You!
We want to thank everyone for their concern and their
prayers while Natalie was in the hospital. She is progressing quite well.
- Tim & Sandy Kloth
* * *
I wish to thank you for your many cards and prayers while I was taking treatment in
Houston.
- Gene Peters
Task Force Gathers Information
The Task Force on Effective Church Structure is gathering
information to aid in preparing a model structure for accomplishing the work of our
church. As part of that information gathering effort, members of the Task Force have
attended committee and council meetings, asking each group five questions. The questions
are:
- What is this committee's job?
- How does the job get done?
- What is going well?
- What is not going well?
- If you could change one thing to make your committee more effective,
what would you change?
Using the congregation's Vision Statement as an organizing
principle, the Task Force will consider the comments and concerns they heard as they begin
to formulate some ideas to develop a model structure. Some of the issues being explored
are: overlapping committee responsibilities, budget responsibility, clarity of job
descriptions for each committee, how to measure success, and the many demands on the time
of the congregation. The members of the Task Force are Ron Ott, Tom Pletcher, Sondra
Langel, Scott Jensen, Susan Cherches, Pastor Mansholt, and Michele Groves, Chair. Everyone
is encouraged to share their comments and ideas with members of the Task Force.
May Ushers at 11:00 Worship
Ushers scheduled for the 11:00 worship service during the
month of May are: Loren Deines, Chris Deines, Art Latham, Gary Hoepner, Keith Martin, Andy
Martin, and Jenna Godwin.
Driver Improvement Course
The Health & Wellness Committee is sponsoring "55
Alive/Mature Driving," a driver improvement course for persons over 50. The course
will be offered on Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,
and will be held in the Parish Hall. The cost is $8.00, payable to AARP. For additional
information and to register, call Mark Dickerson, 683-4748. This is not limited to
church members. We welcome anyone.
The Parish Record
JANUARY - MARCH
BAPTISM
- Cameron Michael East, March 8
DEATH
- Arletha Maack, February 1
- Emilie Knipe, March 31
TRANSFER
- Ronald & Kalynn Blum to Lord of Life Lutheran, Wichita
- Rebecca Bunting to Immanuel Lutheran, Kansas City, Missouri
- Scott & Shelley Gustin, Erin to Lord of Life Lutheran, Wichita
- Dennis Hardin, Derek, Eliot to West Heights United Methodist, Wichita
- Mildred and Joan Junker to St. James Lutheran, Seattle, Washington
- Benjamin & Becky Kindschuh to Trinity Lutheran, Axtell, Nebraska
- Todd & Maura Milner to Prince of Peace Lutheran, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Easter Breakfast A Success!
The Easter breakfast sponsored by the High School Youth and
AAL raised $1,492.03 in support of seminarian Dawn Gorges. In addition, AAL Branch 4499
will contribute $800 in matching funds.
Thanks to the congregation for their generosity and to all who contributed egg
casseroles and assisted with the breakfast.
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Priscilla May 12 - 9:30 a.m. at church
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice
Ruth May 14 - 7:00 p.m. at the home of Eunice Meyers, 2725 Beacon Hill Ct.
Sarah May 18 - 7:00 p.m. Meeting place to be announced
Dorcas May 20 - 1:00 p.m. at the home of Mark Dickerson, 2123 Bluff Ct.,
Co-hostess is Emma Born
Rachel May 28 - 7:00 p.m. at church
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED OF WICHITA will have a May Fellowship Day on Friday, May 1,
at 1:00 p.m., Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 11215 W. 13th Street. Meet Carol Ott in the
Reformation parking lot at 12:30 to car pool across town.
WOMEN OF REFORMATION BOARD MEETING will be Monday, May 11, 1:00 p.m. at church.
All officers and circle leaders are expected to attend.
The STITCHERS will meet Tuesday, May 12, at 1:00 p.m.
No BUNCO in May.
THANKOFFERINGS HELP DEVELOP HISPANIC CONGREGATION IN TEXAS
Maria and Jesus Castillo are the lay leaders of Christian Community
Lutheran Church, a 75-member synod-authorized worship community in Brownsville, Texas.
Worship here is much like that in other ELCA congregations, but services are in Spanish,
and music has a decided Mexican flavor.
In its three years, the ministry has grown steadily, and Christian
Community hopes to formally organize as an ELCA congregation and call a pastor this year.
It will continue to reach out to unchurched members of its Hispanic community, thanks in
part to the support you provide through your Thankofferings.
LOOKING AHEAD . . .
The MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEA will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June
7, and will feature a bridal fashion show put on by the Women of Reformation. Tickets
will be $2.50.
Women of ELCA are invited to a THEOLOGICAL RETREAT in
Oklahoma City, "Feast at Katie's Table," with Dr. Norma Cook Everist to
be held Friday, June 19, 7:00 p.m., through Sunday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. Hear
the basics of Lutheran doctrine, practice theological thinking, and articulate your faith.
The retreat will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Registration cost, which
includes lodging for two nights plus five meals, is $81 per person. See the bulletin board
for more information or contact Kathy Drake. Registrations are due by May 19.
Women of Faith's BRING BACK THE JOY CONFERENCE comes to the
Kansas Coliseum August 7 & 8. Check the bulletin board in Parish Hall for more
details and a sign-up sheet. If 10 or more of us pre-register together, cost is $39 each.
The SYNOD CONVENTION is October 9 & 10 in
Columbia, Missouri. Our president, Kathy Drake, is planning to attend and would like at
least one other Reformation woman to go with her. If you would like to better understand
the structure of the Women of the ELCA or would like to renew your enthusiasm for the
women's organization, this is the place to go! Contact Kathy if you have questions or are
interested in going.
Best Time of Life
B.T.O.L. will meet Monday, May 11, at 12:00 noon in the
Parish Hall for the regular potluck luncheon. The program following the luncheon will be
presented by Cindy Klose, News Anchor for KWCH TV - Channel 12. Here will be an enjoyable
opportunity to meet and visit with a well-known local television news personality. All
senior adults are welcome to attend.
From the Seminary . . .
Dear Friends,
Time flies, and my first year of seminary is over! At this time I am completing final
papers. I have completed 38 graduate hours, ranging from Greek to pastoral care, since I
began studies last June.
This year would not have been possible without the love Reformation friends have poured
upon me and Quinn and Anne. At times the support and encouragement have been overpowering
. . . and always welcome. The financial support has been essential. The cards, letters,
e-mail, calls and gifts have been wonderful, too. The move to Austin and the adjustment to
a very different lifestyle have been relatively easy for us. Your outpouring of love and
support have made this possible.
I will spend the summer working as a chaplain at Seton Medical Center in Austin. This
may be my greatest challenge yet. My experience and comfort with medical issues is
limited, but I am in training now, and I am beginning to look forward to the assignment.
Quinn, Anne, and I are eager to visit Reformation on May 24 and to thank you personally
for your goodness.
Blessings to each of you,
- Dawn Gorges
Social Outreach
Social Outreach Committee would like to thank all those who
took part in the Mennonite Housing "Repair Affair" on Saturday, April 25. We had
a real good time and look forward to the "Paint the Town" event in the fall.
Also, the committee would like to remind everyone that even though times are good,
there is still a great need for assistance to those less fortunate. Recent surveys have
shown that there is now a greater demand on the food banks than ever before. Your
contributions to our food collection at the church will be appreciated. May is canned
foods month, but all types of non-perishable foods are needed.
E-Mail from Hungary
"Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord
upholds him with his hand." (Psalm 37:24)
Over the past six months I've learned a lot about stumbling blocks, both trivial and
seemingly big. Everyday is a potential hazard--from miscommunicating with my students
(just when I feel like I'm getting through to them) to frustrations with a language I
can't seem to learn. It seems that something is always a little "off"--plans
fall short or change, throwing an unexpected wrench in the way I think things ought to be
. . . like the activity I designed for one of my classes that involved "faith"
walks.
One student would close his/her eyes while another student would lead him/her around
the playground using English commands (go right, stop, turn around, etc.). The exercise
was intended to make them use English with the larger purpose of illuminating 2
Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight). Needless to say, in one of my
classes a boy came back with a bloody nose after running into a metal bird feeder (the boy
was fine).
Or, albeit less dramatic, the time when the mushroom pizza I ordered came with sardines
. . . .
Just when I think I've got a handle on a situation, something trips me up . . . calling
me to be patient and to remember God's promise to steady me. Living in another culture and
trying to communicate has been humbling for me . . . the results I want to see, or the
comfort I want to feel in knowing precisely how God is using me here, have made me realize
that God is much bigger than a failed lesson or sardines . . . that in each little test,
whether presented in a full-fledged questioning of my faith or in simple annoyance with
myself over common language mishaps, I am gaining perspective on my own patience with
myself and others, as well as admiration for God's patience with me. He steadies me
despite the severity of the stumble . . . comforting me when the time calls for it and
laughing with me in the humor of it all.
- Amy Ryding
** Side note: Sardine pizza actually isn't that bad.
Stephen Ministry
Dallas Cronk and Rich McDiffett attended the Stephen
Leaders Training Course in St. Louis, April 19 - 25. Our Stephen Ministry program is
blessed by their willingness to serve. Dallas and Rich will be officially commissioned at
Sunday worship service on May 17.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Congratulations to our high school seniors who will be
graduating:
- Christa Cherches June 1 East
- Kate Johnson May 19 Andover
- Monica Mansholt June 2 Heights
- Jennifer Roberts June 3 Southeast
Confirmation Sunday
Our eighth graders will reaffirm their baptism on May 3 at
the 11:00 service. They will present a confirmation program for the congregation and their
families and friends, 9:45 - 10:45 in the Parish Hall.
Confirmands are: Chris Deines, Alan English, Ashley Fornshell, Rachel Fraizer, Angela
Johnson, Greg LaRue, Annika Mortensen, Megan Pfeiffer, Nicole Wegner, and Zack Zimmerman.
Middle School Wacky Pizza Night
We will have a "Make a Pizza Night" for all
middle school youth on Friday, May 22, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The pizza crust will be
provided. Everyone is asked to bring their favorite pizza-making ingredient. Together we
will create a couple wacky pizzas for everyone to enjoy, or not.
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School will begin on Pentecost, May 31, with
a special intergenerational Pentecost celebration in the Parish Hall, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
We will have intergenerational Sunday School from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. each Sunday in
June, plus Sunday, July 5. All children and adults are invited to participate.
New Members
On March 22, the Reformation congregation welcomed 16 new
members:
Ralph Acs 636-2339
8918 Clubside Cir., Wichita 67206
Janell Foster 687-4876
Nathan
5706 Shadowridge, Wichita 67220
Bob & Shelly Gleichman 733-2693
Casey, Eric
15011 Tipperary Cir., Wichita 67230
Caroline Lohmann 686-1201
9100 E. Harry St., #1312, Wichita 67207
Joan Lucas 733-7424
Alex, Mike
14735 Sundance, Wichita 67230
Dr. Mary Nielsen
6409 E. 11th, Wichita 67206
Harvey & Jane Sanders 634-0616
7700 E. 13th St., #54, Wichita 67206
Dave & Dr. Traci Word 788-0843
3300 S. Woodland, Derby 67037
Stewardship Event
Stewardship Committee is planning an informative and tasty
event for everyone to come together on June 7 at Reformation. We plan to have each
ministry, committee, or group represented to share insights and experiences of their
loving gifts of time and abilities toward the mission of Reformation.
Bring the family, meet and learn about other members' works and experiences, then stay
for ice cream. Anyone with an interest in sharing their group's purpose in the church that
hasn't been contacted, please contact Bruce Brittain, 733-5764, or your chairperson. Watch
for details in the bulletin and in next month's Re-Focus.
Called to Serve through Our Giving
River Festival Service
Reformation is sponsoring the "Festival of Faith"
service at the Wichita River Festival again this year. The service will be held on Sunday,
May 10, at 9:30 a.m. in the A. Price Woodard Park on the river bank just west of Century
II. It promises to be a most enjoyable worship service in song and word led by Pastor
Mansholt, with the choir under the direction of Phil Orlando. Many Reformation members
will participate along with others from the community. Dress casually, bring a blanket or
lawn chair for your comfort, and plan to stay following the service for doughnuts and
coffee served by our Fellowship Committee.
Note: There is no 8:30 a.m. worship service at Reformation that day and no Sunday
School. However, there will be an 11:00 a.m. worship at Reformation Church.
Space Mission Bible Camp
Vacation Bible School is set for August 9 -14. Times have
not yet been set, but VBS will be in the evening. Each day at Space Mission Bible Camp
will be packed with activities designed to launch kids on a mission of God's love. Space
Mission Bible Camp focuses on one key Biblical concept: God Helps Us. This Bible point is
reinforced daily through Bible stories, Bible verses, and hands-on activities that help
kids, and adults, discover the strength God gives them. We will be offering VBS for all
ages from preschool age through adult. (Yes, even parents can attend VBS!) As always, many
volunteers are needed to help make VBS a success. Please prayerfully consider how you can
share your talents and interests for VBS and sign up on the form available in the narthex,
or call Patty Taylor (788-2435) or Jill Brink (634-2168).
From Your ChristCare Equippers --
Biblical Equipping -- Living What You Learn
Dr. John Tietjen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ft. Worth, Texas, is a trained
ChristCare Equipper. Before becoming Trinity's pastor, Dr. Tietjen served as a seminary
professor and president. Familiar with a broad range of Bible study resources through his
many years as a professor of theology, Dr. Tietjen initially approached the process of
Biblical Equipping with some skepticism. "When I began to read Biblical Equipping,
I wondered how anything could possibly be new in Bible study. When I was done reading, I
realized this was a new way to study the Bible. The 'new' is a cycle of eight steps that
first leads you and others in your group to discover what is in the Bible text and then
helps you live out the truth you discover."
"Biblical Equipping is a blessing for both group leaders and group members. Group
leaders do not need study materials other than the Bible--the emphasis of Biblical
Equipping is on the text itself, not supporting interpretive materials. And during the
time between meetings, group members are living out what they learned in their group
study. This method leads to learning and discipleship."
If you are interested in joining one of Reformation's ChristCare groups, call Cheryl
Hoops at 685-7566.
Groups meet:
- Every Sunday, 7:00 p.m. at Carl R. Nelson's home
- 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in members' homes
- 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m. in West Wichita, starting May 11
