RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 19 October 1999 Number 10
From the Pastor
October 31 is Reformation Day on Lutheran calendars, a
remembrance of young Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses upon the door of the
Castle Church in Wittenberg. Reformation Day has been a big day in our Lutheran churches.
We have often remembered the day with gusto--singing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
and telling the story of the religious protestors and reformers.
This year we still can sing with gusto and pray with thanksgiving, but let us do so
mindful of another development. On October 31, 1999, in Augsburg, Germany, representatives
from the Lutheran World Federation and the Vatican of the Roman Catholic Church, will sign
the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. This statement, the result of more
than 30 years of dialog, states that a consensus in the basic truths regarding the
doctrine of justification has been reached.
It was in the middle of this millennium (the 16th century) that the Reformation
occurred. Some have called it a "tragic necessity." Tragic, because division in
Christ’s Church is a such a terrible witness to the world; necessity, because the
Good News of Christ’s love was being obscured. The issue at the heart of the
differences between Luther and the Roman Catholic Church was the doctrine of
justification. This doctrine addresses the question of how people become "right with
God."
In the Joint Declaration, Lutherans and Roman Catholics agree: "By grace alone, in
faith in Christ’s saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are
accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and
calling us to good works." As we leave this millennium, let us revisit our roots on
Reformation Sunday. Let us do so, however, not in denominational triumphalism, but in
thanksgiving for a significant step in this very long road of healing the barriers that
divide Christians one from another, including Lutherans from Roman Catholics.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
Once again I have taken the easy way out, although I prefer
to look at it as passing on wisdom that is worded better than I could ever write it.
I share with you this month another item from Entry Point for Nurturing Faith in the
Home.
There are many everyday ways to nurture faith in families. Four key areas to consider
for faith sharing in the home include:
- 1. Caring conversation
- 2. Devotional life
- 3. Service opportunities
- 4. Celebration and rituals
Caring conversation nurtures caring relationships. A devotional life includes Bible
reading and occasions for meditation and prayer, and gives perspective to the world that
swirls around us. Service opportunities encompass the home and the community. Patterns for
dealing with conflict and it’s resolution are a part of rituals and occasions for
celebration.
All four of the key areas mentioned above take intentionality and discipline. Caring
conversation requires really listening to your child or youth and responding. An article
following in this newsletter, Nurturing Faith in the Home, offers suggestions for
conversation and activities centered around Halloween. Other available resources are Faith
Talk cards, which can be borrowed from me, and Discussion Starters, which can
be obtained from congregational AAL coordinator, Doug Vandersee.
A regular devotional life can happen in 10-15 minutes a day where the whole family
gathers to focus on Christ. If you haven’t checked out The Home Altar lately,
please do so. It is a new and improved devotional booklet for families of elementary-aged
children. The October- December issue is available in the narthex.
Next month I will focus on service and rituals. In the meantime, may your family
continue to grow together in faith.
- Deaconess Doreen Leptien
A sincere "Thank You" to all for your expressions
of sympathy in regard to the recent death of our beloved Hillary Schmidt, granddaughter/
niece. Your care, concern, and prayers are greatly appreciated.
Dolores Hoyle
Rob & Holli Schmidt
* * *
Dear Friends at Reformation,
From Matthew 18:19 (RSVB): Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about
anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Thank you for the support all of your cards, thoughts,
and prayers have given me since my recent surgery. It has lifted me in many ways!
Sincerely, Gale Worrell
* * *
"Stop The Hate" Vigil
The names, James Byrd, Matthew Shepard, Amadou Diallo and
Billy Jack Gaither, speak of brutal murders and crimes of hate that have shaken the souls
of good and decent people. Add to that shootings at Columbine High School and other
schools and shooting rampages in Atlanta and in Alabama and we see a creeping climate of
hate in our culture.
On October 7 you are invited to participate in the "Stop the Hate"
Vigil at City Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. Endorsed by many faith communities, organizations
of goodwill, and law enforcement officials, "Stop the Hate" is a national
campaign for healing in the midst of hate violence. Watch the church bulletin and the
community newspaper for more information.
Paul says to the Romans (chapter 12): "let love be genuine; hate what is evil,
hold fast to what is good . . . do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good."
Usher Schedule for October
8:30 Tim Allbritten, Robert Norton
11:00 Les Alseike, Pat Johnson, Obert Fladeland, Rod LaRue, Mark Johnson, Eugene
Peters
Oaks Indian Center
Oaks Indian Center, located in Oaks, Oklahoma, is home for
48 Native American children in need. They need a place to call home, food and clothing,
love and guidance, and an education opportunity.
Oaks Indian Center is currently appealing for funds which will provide additional space
for 24 children. In response to the appeal, October 17 will be Oaks Indian Center
Sunday at Reformation. Don Marshall, development director, will conduct the worship
services and present information on Oaks Indian Center during the education hour.
October 18 is the Festival of St. Luke, Evangelist. Remembering Luke the
physician, we are offering a Service of the Word for Healing at 7:30 p.m. that
Monday evening. During his ministry Jesus performed many different acts of
healing--forgiving sins, casting out demons, curing physical disease. These practices
continued in the ministry of the disciples and in the practice of the early church. The
laying on of hands and the anointing of the sick with oil is an ancient practice of the
church, a ministry in which we pray for God’s healing upon an individual.
WHY THE LITURGY?
Why do we worship the way we do? What is the liturgy, and
how did it come to be? These and other questions will be addressed in Narrative Holy
Communion liturgy on Sunday, October 24. In both services that day devotional
comment following each section of the liturgy will take the place of the sermon. There are
reasons for learning the liturgy and being spiritually formed by the liturgy. The
narrative liturgy will be one piece of that education.
Shopping for Homebound
A ministry team is now in place to provide grocery shopping
for anyone who is homebound and has no means to get groceries. If you or someone you know
needs this service, please call Eva Whetstone at 681-2007.
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla, Tue., October 12, 9:30 a.m., in church library. Nursery
available with prior notice
- Ruth , Thur., October 14 7:00 p.m., at the home of Deanne Fortney, 1441 N.
Rock Rd., #2103
- Sarah, Mon., October 18, 7:00 p.m., at the home of Kathy Drake, 1550
Floberta
- Dorcas, Wed., October 20, 1:00 p.m., at the home of Barbara Everson, 204
Burr Oak Rd.
- Rachel, Thur., October 21, 7:00 p.m., at church, Nursery available with
prior notice
Board Meeting - Monday, October 4, 1:00 p.m. in the church library, for
all officers and circle leaders.
Blanket Makers - will meet on October 4 & 18
in Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m. If you can cut fabric or tie knots in string, your talent can
be used.
Church Women United in Wichita - Listening Forum, October
1, 1:00 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1750 N. Tyler. A flyer is posted on the
women’s bulletin board in Parish Hall, citing the subject to be presented.
On October 2, a team of women will be walking or
running in the "Walk or Run for the Cure." If you would be interested in
participating in the Run, contact Rose Fladeland at 686-6164.
Looking Ahead . . . Thankoffering
Each month there has been a short article in the Re-Focus with reference to how
your Thankofferings are used. The time has come to consider your offering. On Thursday, November
4, at 7:00 p.m., a Thankoffering Service will be held in the sanctuary. As it is
written in the book of Matthew, Jesus said, "Where two or three come together in my
name, I am there with them." Come share part of an hour with Jesus and women of
Reformation, offer prayers of thanks, sing songs of praise, and make your monetary
donation representing your thankfulness. Prayerfully consider your offering, mark your
calendar, and plan to attend.
Best Times of Life
Best Times of Life, a group of those 55 and beyond, meets
monthly for great food, warm fellowship, and interesting programs. Our October meeting
will be on Monday, October 11, at 12:00 noon in Parish Hall. The potluck
luncheon will be followed by a most entertaining speaker, Ruth Neal, who will speak on
"Verse by the Side of the Road." (Do you remember Burma Shave signs?) Come and
join us for a most enjoyable meal and fun with friends!
Middle School Youth
Calling all Middle School Youth! You have not been
forgotten! We are ready to start off this new and exciting year with a pizza party on
Sunday, October 24 right after the 11:00 worship service. This event is for all
6th-8th graders and their parents. Come meet the youth sponsors, David Dibble and Tanya
Flores, eat pizza, play a few games and make plans for the year.
David and Tanya are looking forward to the year and have lots of fun and exciting
ideas, but input from you and your parents is important for a quality youth ministry. Hope
to see you on the 24th!
High School Youth
The High School Youth will meet on Sunday afternoon, October
3, in Parish Hall, 4:00 - 6:00.
A Bake Sale will be sponsored by the high school youth on Sunday, October 24,
in the narthex.
Area Halloween Party
The second annual area-wide Halloween Party will be held at
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (925 N. Waco) on Saturday, October 30, beginning at
5:00 p.m. The middle school and high school youth of the congregation are invited to help
with the games and activities. People of all ages are invited to participate in the food,
games, and costumes.
Sunday School Notes
The Sunday School opening from 9:45 -10:00 a.m. in the
sanctuary is for all children in grades K-6th. The opening is a time of singing and
preparing for the children to sing during worship. This opening time is led by our
talented Children’s Music Director, Nina Kindt. The children will participate in the
worship service on Reformation Day, October 31. The three and four year olds have
their own opening time, and the 7th and 8th graders begin in their classrooms.
An awards Day for our Sunday School children and
youth is being planned for May 21, 2000. Children, youth, and teachers will be recognized
in various areas, with one area being Exceptional Attendance. An "Exceptional
Attendance" award will be given for all who have had two or fewer absences from
Sunday School. In order to be counted "present" if attending another church, a
church bulletin should be given to Pauline Latham the following week. Please put your name
on the bulletin.
First Communion
First Communion classes for young people in Grade 5 and
older and their parents are being held in October. These youth will receive their First
Communion on Reformation Sunday, October 31, at the 11:00 a.m. service.
First Communion classes are scheduled for:
- Monday, October 11, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Monday, October 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 30, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
For more information, or if you have questions, please speak with Pastor Jerry or
Deaconess Doreen.
Acolyte Training
An acolyte training class will be held on Saturday, October
16, for 7th graders or older youth who would like to serve as an acolyte/crucifer.
This training from 11:00-12:00 noon is for any youth who has not yet been trained, or
anyone who would like a "refresher" course.
Thoughts from Waco . . . Internship ‘99
Kingdom of Anxiety
The poet W.H. Auden wrote, "He is the truth. Seek Him in the kingdom of
anxiety."
We are all anxious, to one degree or another. So are those you see, even those who seem
most secure in their lives. Certainly Quinn and Anne and I have been anxious in the past
two and a half years, and we have been particularly anxious this summer. Quinn was off to
college. I was off to internship. Anne was off to have to make new friends (once again) in
a new city.
When our situations change we realize the depth of our vulnerability. Each of us
exhibits our anxiety in slightly different ways. We may be angry, sullen, impatient,
nervous, or superficially happy. Sometimes we cannot name the source of our stress, but we
don’t feel quite "right," and we respond in ways that surprise those around
us, and sometimes we surprise even ourselves.
In these times of uncertainty, we crave reassurance. When change throws us off-balance,
we realize our own limitation. Ultimately, we realize our own mortality. We realize that
we are just human, small, weak, and finite. We are not in control; we are mortal. In the
good times, we can overlook these disconcerting thoughts, but in times of change, we
realize we live without guarantees.
We are forgetting something, God is with us in our kingdom of anxiety. In fact, it is
part of his larger kingdom. But because we are such an independent people, we often (sort
of) forget about God when we are vulnerable. We don’t really forget God, of course,
but we work overtime to restore order, failing to let God take care of things. Sometimes
our prayers become so fervent and forceful, that we forget the need to be silent and
patient. In our anxiety, we fail to allow ourselves to feel God’s comforting
presence.
St. Peter tells us, "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you"
(1 Peter 5:7). And Proverbs reminds us, "Anxiety weighs down the human heart"
(12:25). In our kingdom of anxiety, we need to relax and take a deep breath. Let us trust
in the Lord, pray with open, hopeful hearts, and share God’s peace with those around
us.
Peace of the Lord to each of you, Dawn Gorges
Hospice Volunteer Training
Hospice, Inc., invites you to join their team. All of us
will be faced one day with a significant illness or death of someone we love. The Hospice,
Inc., Volunteer Training prepares people with the skills and confidence needed to be
present with a patient and family to enable them to live as fully as possible while coping
with loss and terminal illness. If you have a desire to serve others in need, please
consider participating in our upcoming Volunteer Training. Orientation begins October 4,
and training continues through November 6. Please contact Shirley Mallot, Volunteer
Services Coordinator, at 265-9441 for more information and registration. Informational
brochure is posted on the bulletin board in Parish Hall.
Lori Schiller
To help people gain a better understanding of mental
illness, Project Awareness presents Lori Schiller, Sunday, October 3, at a
Candlelight Ceremony, Wichita Boathouse, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lori Schiller suffers from
schizophrenia and was hospitalized for nine years. Hear her exciting story of coping and
recovery experiences. Lori is the author of "The Quiet Room" and has made
several appearances on national radio and television programs including ABC’s Prime
Time Live, NBC’s The Today Show, and CNN’s Larry King Live.
The Candlelight Ceremony is free and open to the public. The Wichita Boathouse is located
at 335 West Lewis.
Healthy Bodies & Souls
You are invited to join the Healthy Bodies & Souls
ChristCare Group that meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the home
of Muriel Hansen. We are just starting a new Bible study focusing on healthy eating and
lifestyle. Call Cheryl Hoops for details, 685-7566 or 729-8378.
Lutheran Brotherhood Workshops
Lutheran Brotherhood representatives will be presenting two
workshops on Long Term Care and Estate Preservation on Friday, October 8, at 2:00
and 7:00 p.m., in the Bison Room of the Sedgwick County Extension Building, 7001 W. 21st
Street. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Cheryl Hoops at 729-8378.
Coping With Grief
The death of a spouse, parent, child or loved one is a very
traumatic event. Grief cannot be avoided. The Counseling and Mediation Center sponsors
ongoing seminars designed for support and self-understanding. A $25 fee for each five-week
seminar includes materials, refreshments, and parking. Facilitator is Doug Morphis, a
Pastoral Counselor and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For more information, call
269-2322 or see the flier posted in the Parish Hall.
Communion Assistants
Are you grateful for the sacrament of Holy Communion? Do
you marvel at how reception of the Lord’s Supper nourishes and strengthens your
faith? Has God given you the gift of serving others? Perhaps assisting in worship as a Communion
Assistant is something you should consider. A training session for Communion
Assistants will be held Monday, October 4, 7:00 p.m. For more information speak to
Pr. Mansholt or Patty Taylor (788-2435).
Parish Nurse Conference
In his presence . . .we experience wholeness
is the theme of the 2nd Annual State Parish Nurse Conference, October 13-14, at the
Spiritual Life Center, 7100 East 45th Street, Wichita. Sponsored by the Center for
Congregational Health Ministry, the conference will help participants to identify the
hallmarks of Christian caring and compassion and examine the concept of wholeness at it
relates to congregational health. For more information, speak to one of Reformation’s
Parish Nurses or see the flier in the Parish Hall.
ELCA Identity Project
Do you have gifts in communication? Have you an interest in
Reformation’s outreach to the community? Want to work with others from Reformation?
Maybe the ELCA Identity Project is a place to start. This training workshop, October 9,
at First Lutheran, Manhattan, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will introduce an ELCA created
mufti-media campaign for the congregation. Through direct mail, print ads, radio ads, TV
ads, bumper stickers, and billboards, we can let the world know who we are and welcome
them into our church. For more information, call Barbara Lee at 684-5434.
State Fair Surprise!
The State Fair Booth turned profitable for
Reformation Church. Someone from the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office stopped by and
inquired if anyone knew of an "Evangelical Lutheran Church of . . ."
(that’s all the name they had) located at 6909 East Kellogg. Pastor Bob Kreier,
working in the booth, thought it probably was Reformation’s old address, telephoned,
and had this good news: there are unclaimed monies in the amount of $100 in the
Treasurer’s Office, monies left over from an insurance refund. A nice surprise!
Osteoporosis Education
Dr. Steen Mortensen of our congregation will present a
program on osteoporosis to the Adult Sunday School Class, 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, October
10. He will discuss all aspects of this condition which affects millions of maturing
adults each year. Come learn about the causes, treatments, and most importantly how to
prevent this condition. This educational seminar is presented by AAL Branch 4499.
Refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome. Please plan to join us!
Reformation Endowment Fund
The Gift and Memorial Committee, chaired by Jan Moyer, has
been working toward the establishment of an endowment fund for Reformation Lutheran Church
over the past two years. The final proposal from the committee was approved by the Church
Council on September 16, and it will now come before the Congregation at the Annual
Meeting in January. The Reformation Endowment Fund will enhance the mission of the
congregation apart from the general operation of the congregation. More information on the
proposed endowment will be made available in the coming weeks.
Play Group at Church
A play group is forming at Reformation. We will play in the
church nursery. This will be a time of fellowship while we watch our children play. Please
come and help us get to know you and your child(ren). Our first two play dates are
Wednesday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 20, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Contact person is Jane Camenzind, 685-6154.
Nurturing Faith in the Home
This fall month of October and Halloween offer many
opportunities to connect your faith with your regular activities. Here are some ideas on
how you can nurture your child(ren)’s faith this month.
Take time to play; to run through the leaves and listen to them crunch. Delight in the
creative ways God provides for our enjoyment. Remember to give thanks to God for the
leaves!
As you shop or make Halloween costumes, talk about how much fun it is to dress up and
pretend to be somebody else. Have them name the person or character they would most like
to be and share reasons for their choice. Ask them how they would dress if they were going
to be like Jesus. How would they act? What would they say or do?
Consider handing out heart balloons or a note attached to your treats saying, God
thinks you’re a treat! or God loves you with or without that costume on!
After you finish "trick or treating," take off your costumes and have an I
like you just the way you are party. Share a nutritious treat while you recognize
silly and serious things you admire about each other, and say a prayer of thanks for each
person just as they are.
Garage Sale
The 3rd annual High School Youth Garage Sale will be on
Saturday, October 16, 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., in the Parish Hall. Proceeds will be
used to send Reformation youth to the Youth Gathering in St. Louis next summer. Check
Sunday bulletins for information on when we will be accepting donations of items to sell.
A perfect time to go through those closets and donate items you no longer use!
Acappella in Concert
Acappella, Pure Voices, Pure Gospel, featuring a
unique style of music, will perform in concert Friday, November 12, at Bethany College,
Lindsborg. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m in the Presser Hall Auditorium. Reserved
tickets are $6, $8, and $10. Group discounts are available; students are half price. For
tickets or more information, call the Bethany College Special Events Office, 785-227-3380,
ext. 8185.
The Annual Reformation Pit Barbecue
Sunday, October 10 - At the Church
Gather at 4:00 p.m. - Serving Begins at 5:00 p.m.
Sign Up in the Narthex to Bring
Side Dish, Salad, or Dessert
Games! Pony Rides! Clown! Fun for All!
Invite Family and Friends!
(Bring Your Own Table Service)
Freewill Offering to Benefit
Paul Scheuerman, Deaconess Doreen’s Fiancé
To Help with Medical Expenses
AAL Matching Funds
(Wood Is Needed for the Fire Pit - Bring to
Designated Area Off Parking Lot)
Theologian-in-Residence
Bethany College and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus,
Ohio, present:
ENCOUNTERS: By Dr. Walter Bouman, Edward C. Fendt Professor Emeritus of Systematic
Theology Theologian-in-Residence, October 6-20, at Bethany College
- Thursday, October 7: 5:30 p.m. - Welcome Dinner with Student Leaders
- Friday, October 8: Issues in Christian Interpretation Classes:
"Faith Seeking Understanding"
- 7:45-8:55 a.m., Nelson 210 9:10-10:20 a.m., Library 50 1:00-1:50
p.m., Nelson 210
- 10:30-10:50 a.m. - Chapel, Swenson Chapel of Burnett Center, Dr.
Bouman, Preacher
- Sunday, October 10: 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. - Worship at Bethany
Lutheran Church, Dr. Bouman, Preacher
- 7:00 p.m. - Hymnsing with Dr. Bouman and Dr. Walter Pelz, Bethany
Lutheran Church
- Monday, October 11: 1:00-1:50 p.m. - Problems in Christian Ethics
Class: "Sexual Ethics: Part I" - Social Science 13
- 2:00-2:50 p.m. - 20th Century Theology Class: Part 1, Social Science
13
- Tuesday, October 12: Workshop for pastors, rostered persons, and
interested folks
- 8:30 a.m. - Registration, Lindquist Hall
- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - "The Gospel of Mark as Outline for
Theology: Wake up! The Year of Mark Is Coming Soon!"
- Wednesday, October 13: 1:00-1:50 p.m. - Problems in Christian Ethics
Class: "Sexual Ethics: Part II" - Social Science 13
- 2:00-2:50 p.m. - 20th Century Theology Class: Part II - Social
Science 13
- 3:30-4:30 p.m. - Conversation about Bethany’s Lutheran Identity
for faculty, staff, and other interested folks - Lindquist Hall
- Thursday, October 14: 12:00-1:00 p.m. - Brown Bag Lunch: Conversation
about Bethany’s Lutheran Identity - Levin Room
- October 15-17: Hyllningsfest
- Sunday, October 17: 9:30 & 11:45 a.m. - Worship at Messiah
Lutheran Church, Dr. Bouman, Preacher
- Monday, October 18:
- 2:00-2:50 p.m. - 20th Century Theology Class: Part III - Social
Science 13
- 7:30 p.m. - Conversation about Bethany’s Lutheran Identity for
invited faculty at home of Dr. Ron & Marcia MacLennan
- Tuesday, October 19: 5:30 p.m. - Dinner with Student Leaders
- Wednesday, October 20: 10:30-10:50 a.m. - Chapel, Swenson Chapel of
Burnett Center, Dr. Bouman, Preacher
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