RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 18 October 1998 Number 10
From the Pastor
How does a person, who has no background in the Christian faith,
become a follower of Jesus? How does a person, who never attended Sunday School as a child
and knows very little of the Christian story, begin journeying along the path of the One
who is the Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6)?
A blinding light and the voice of the Risen Jesus turned Saul’s
life around (Acts 9). Levi heard the voice of Jesus addressed to him directly (Matthew
9:9). He immediately followed, though there was much that he and other disciples would not
begin to grasp until much, much later. A jailer in Philippi had heard of the praying and
singing of prisoners named Paul and Silas, but was moved to belief and baptism, he and his
family, when the prison’s foundations were shaken by one of God’s tremors (Acts
16:25ff). These people were all in the Bible.
So, how does a person today, at the brink of the third millennium
A.D., anno domine, in the year of the Lord, become a follower of this Christ of
God? Answers vary, of course, and the ultimate answer is the Holy Spirit, who calls,
gathers, enlightens us, who are unable with our own reasoning to believe (Martin
Luther’s Small Catechism).
The answer is also this: God works through people, through you and
me. Journeys begin because someone invites someone else to take that first step, and then
another, and another. Friends even offer to travel along, to provide support and
encouragement, especially when we are not sure where the journey will lead.
On October 18 there will be an opportunity for Reformation members
to invite people who have spiritual questions and struggles, who are not actively
participating in the life of the church, to "come and see." That’s all
Jesus said to two would-be disciples, and that was all that Philipp would say to a
questioning Nathaniel, "Come and see" (John 1:35-51).
On Friendship Sunday you and I can invite others to come and see for
themselves. Friendship Sunday is another opportunity to live out the Vision
Statement of our congregation:
Servants of God
Guided by the Holy Spirit
To Make Christ Known
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
As we were getting ready for Sunday School and LOGOS to
begin, I was in and out of classrooms.
I was mortified to see the shape some of our classrooms
were in after only two years. Some walls already need to be painted because they are so
marked up. I do not know how this happened or when, but I do know that it has happened.
We, as a worshiping community, need to take two steps: 1.
Fix the damage that has been done and 2. Help our children learn respect for property so
that it does not happen again.
We teach children to respect property because doing so
preserves it. Respect of property is actually a stewardship issue; being good stewards of
that with which God has blessed us. Let us help our children know and understand that everything
belongs to God. This can be accomplished by talking about it with our children, as well as
in our prayers with them. As children hear prayers of thanksgiving for property and
belongings, they will become aware that everything comes from God.
Parents, please talk to your children about how they can
take care of their property, but also the property that may belong to someone else. This
church building provides an example of how we all can care for property used by many
people. Please also assure that children are not in unsupervised classrooms.
Teachers, please reinforce this idea of respect for
property during your class time. If you notice any damage done in your classroom, please
handle it with your class immediately.
- Deaconess Doreen Leptien
Thank You!
Emily Johnson and her family wish to thank all our friends
at Reformation for their prayers and visits while Emily was in the hospital. We felt your
prayers and support helped us through a very difficult time.
* * *
Dear Friends,
We would like to take a moment to thank you for your
friendship and support during the past three years at Reformation. Your kind words, cards,
notes, and well-wishes for the future are greatly appreciated. In turn, the three years
that we spent at Reformation were deep and meaningful for us. Most recently we received a
very generous "Love Gift" from you, which we greatly appreciate. Your outpouring
of care and love for us is something which we shall never forget.
Our best to you all as the church grows and emerges into
the future with new directions and a continually renewed sense of spirit. Most of all a
special expression of love for the members of the choirs for their continued unselfish
dedication and the sharing of their time and talents to the greater glory of God and the
support of the worship experience as well as the overall life of the church community. We
will miss you greatly. The best to you all in the future--you remain in our thoughts
with the warmest of memories.
Sincerely, Philip Michael Orlando
* * *
Dear Friends at Reformation,
Greetings from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where I
am beginning my second year as a music therapy/music education major. I would like to
thank you for the continued support you give me through your financial gift, your prayers,
and your letters and e-mails.
Thank you also for remembering me in your prayers this
summer as I worked as a camp counselor at Metigoshe Lutheran Bible Camp in North Dakota.
The summer was very rewarding and challenging. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
In Christ’s Love, Christina Hansen
Friendship Sunday - October 18
All of us have an opportunity to reach out to others with a
special invitation to worship at Reformation on October 18. Think about who you could
invite: friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, classmates. Please write their first
names on the Friendship Sunday Prayer Board in the narthex. Printed
invitations will be available at church for you to give to them.
Lutherans tend to be timid about inviting, but Martin Marty
has said, "Invitation is what evangelism is all about! It is one person inviting
another to find the Lord." Surveys have shown that over 75 percent of people who were
asked how they came to a church responded that it was through invitations by friends and
relatives.
In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus leaves no
doubt that growing and invitation are what the church is to be about:
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
When you bring guests October 18, refreshments will be
served in the narthex between worship services, and small remembrance gifts will be given
to our visitors. Let them know they are welcome to attend Sunday School classes. Please
remember to wear your name tags and give a warm welcome.
You are asked to PRAY and INVITE --
MAKING CHRIST KNOWN!
Homestead Escorts Needed
Would you like to help escort a few of our neighbors
at The Homestead Assisted Living facility, just south of our church, to enable them to
attend church at Reformation on Sundays? We are currently escorting two residents each
week to our 11:00 service. More may be able to come if we have enough willing escorts.
Please contact Pat Johnson, 733-6275, if you would like to help with this ministry to our
community.
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Priscilla October 13 9:30 a.m. at church
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice. Contact Sandy
Muse, 529-1491
Ruth October 15 7:00 p.m. at the home of
Carla Johnson
8523 E. Wassall St.
Sarah October 19 7:00 p.m. at the home of
Kathy Drake
1550 Floberta
Dorcas October 21 1:00 p.m. at the home of
Dorothea Rindt
1945 Charlotte
Emma Born, co-hostess
Rachel October 22 7:00 p.m. at church
Nursery available with 24-hr. notice. Contact Karen
Vlamis, 683-5520
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED will meet on Friday, October
2, 1:00 p.m., at West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 Westlink.
A CLUSTER MEETING for the women in ELCA District 5
will be held October 17, 9:00-12:00, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Mulvane.
Lunch will be served. See bulletin board in the Parish Hall for more details.
Kathy Drake and Dovie Bowers will be attending the WOMEN
of ELCA SYNOD CONVENTION in Columbia, MO, October 9 & 10. Show your
appreciation to them for representing us at this synod event.
Six women have been hand quilting a quilt for the LUTHERAN
SOCIAL SERVICE AUCTION. Be sure to watch for a display of donated handmade items
sometime this month.
THANKOFFERINGS will be received at the November circle
meetings. Your thankofferings support medical care for refugee children. Each year
hundreds of tired and sick refugee children come to the United States. When they arrive,
they need to see a doctor or a dentist. Some have seen very terrible things and need to
talk to someone about it. American families help refugees start a new life in the United
States, and most don’t have enough money to pay these doctor bills. Your
Thankoffering can help the ELCA Division for Church in Society pay for a child’s
surgery, dental work, treatment or therapy to give them a fresh start in their new
homeland. What a welcome gift your Thankoffering can provide: the gift of health.
Best Time of Life
B.T.O.L. will meet Monday, October 12, at
12:00 noon in the Parish Hall for the regular potluck luncheon. The after-luncheon speaker
will be Larry Hatteberg, news anchor for KAKE TV - Channel 10 He will speak on the subject
of "Larry Hatteberg’s People." These are people, it is said, who will charm
and delight you and, most of all, linger in your memory. All senior adults are invited!
Holiday/Progressive Dinner
Sunday, December 6, is the date set for this
year’s upcoming holiday dinner. We are still looking for homes to host the appetizer
and salad courses. If at least six houses are offered, the dinner will be progressive. If
we don’t have houses offered, it will be held at Reformation Church as it was last
year. Contact Shirley Metz, 636-1993, or Janice Barr, 685-1009, for additional information
or if you would like to offer your home for this event.
Flu Shots
The Parish Nurses will sponsor flu shots again this
year at $3.00 each. The dates available will be November 1, 8, and 15, from 9:00 to
11:00 a.m. in the Parish Nurse office.
Food Collection
During the month of October we will continue our
collection of canned goods (all kinds) for the food bank. Please give
generously--the need is great.
October Ushers
The following are scheduled to serve at the 11:00 worship
service during the month of October:
Les Alseike, Pat Johnson, Maynard Bohling, Rod LaRue,
Obert Fladeland, Eugene Peters, Mark Johnson
From the Seminary . . .
Over the past few years I have collected table graces.
While there is reassurance in repeating the same prayer each time we gather at the table,
sometimes the rottenness permits us to miss the call of the spirit. When we alter our
prayers from time to time, there is a freshness of spirit that moves around and within us.
The best prayers are those which come from our hearts, but
not all of us have the confidence to pray publicly in such a way. Some of us are more
comfortable reciting a prayer someone else has written. Prayers we offer at mealtime may
also be poems, songs, and pieces of Scripture. God gave us creative minds and hearts and
is always ready to hear what we have to offer.
Following are four prayers that Quinn, Anne, and I
especially enjoy.
May peace enter the hearts of all who join with us
and share the joy of this day. For the treasured friendship of those gathered here, we ask
your blessing, Lord. For the special gift of love we share, we ask your blessing, Lord.
For the oneness of heart that brings us together, we ask your blessing, Lord. For those
whose lives we will touch today, we ask your blessing, Lord. For those who have prepared
this meal, the food we are about to enjoy, we ask your blessing, Lord.
Teresa Mary Grass
+ + +
Bless our hearts to hear in the breaking of
bread the song of the universe.
Fr. John Giuliani
+ + +
Heavenly Father and Mother, lift the veil that
separates us from the knowledge of your love. May we be warmed by the flow of Your Divine
Love and freely give to others the love you freely give to us.
Jo-Anne Rowley
+ + +
Creator of the world, Help us love one another,
Help us care for each other as sister or brother,
That friendship may grow from nation to nation.
Bring peace to our world, O Lord of Creation.
Japanese Prayer
+ + +
God’s blessings to each of you.
- Dawn Gorges
Friends of The Carpenter
The Service of Groundbreaking for the Habitat for
Humanity House, 2200 N. Burns, took place on September 23. The foundation will soon be
laid and preparations made for the Blitz Build. The father, and two small children, who
will live in the home has been working on other Habitat homes to complete his sweat
equity.
Volunteers are still needed to help with housing construction as
well as with meals and snacks. The Blitz Build is scheduled for October 14-17.
If you are interested, fill out one of the sign-up sheets available in the narthex and
leave it in the church office, or call Jerry Whetstone at 681-2007.
CROP Walk - October 11
CROP Walk started in Wichita in 1947 as a wheat
relief project. Now CROP raises millions of dollars for local, national, and international
relief efforts. Money raised through the CROP Walk allows Church World Service to respond
immediately, creatively, and effectively to hungry people throughout the world. None of
the money raised at CROP Walk is used to cover costs of the walk, and 25 percent is
distributed to our local agencies.
This year’s CROP Walk for Church World Service will be Sunday,
October 11, 2:00 p.m., at Sedgwick County Park. Use the 21st Street entrance and meet at
the Horseshoe Shelter. Parking is available across the street from the shelter. You can
walk a full 6-mile route, or half the route, or a real short walk. If you can’t walk
at all, help is needed with registration, cheering people as they finish the walk, and
general setup and cleanup. Everyone is welcome!
First Communion
First Communion Classes for children in grade 5 and
older are being offered in October. Children will receive their First Communion on
Reformation Sunday, October 25. Any child in grade 5 or above who desires to receive his
or her First Communion is invited and encouraged to attend these classes. First Communion
classes are scheduled for:
Monday, October 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Monday, October 12, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
For more information speak to Pastor Jerry or Deaconess Doreen.
Congregation Information Meeting
An informational meeting for the congregation is
planned for Sunday, October 11, 9:45 - 10:45, to discuss a draft continuing
resolution outlining a new organizational structure for Reformation. The Choices
video series provided a valuable resource for generating discussion about how we can move
forward in our mission.
The Task Force on Effective Church Structure has prepared a draft
continuing resolution that describes an organization led by a Church Council that has
responsibility for setting goals and priorities, and planning and evaluating activities.
The draft provides that all members will have opportunities for meaningful Christian
growth through service and that ministry teams coordinated by ministry staff will
implement the ministries of the congregation.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the information meeting, look over
the draft, and offer comments. The Task Force has targeted January 1, 1999, to have the
major features of a new structure in place.
Sunday School Opening Reminder
The Sunday School Opening, 9:45 to 10:00 a.m., is for
all children from three years old through eighth grade. Parents and other adults are also
welcome!
Calendars On Sale
The Middle School Youth will once again be selling the
beautiful God’s World calendars for $6.00 each. Calendars will be on sale
until November 23 or until we run out. The proceeds will help finance our participation in
YouthQuake in February and the Synod Junior High Event in April.
Middle School Youth Activities
Any middle school youth who has not received
his/her calendars to sell, please contact Deaconess Doreen. The monthly Middle School
Youth event will be Friday, October 23, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more
information about this witching event!
Area Ministry 5 News
The Area Ministry 5 Assembly will be Sunday,
October 4, 3:00 p.m., at Emmanuel in Hutchinson. Pastor Gary Teske of Great Bend will be
the featured speaker.
The Area Reformation Service will be Sunday, October 25, 3:00
p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 925 N. Waco, Wichita.
