RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 19 November 1999 Number 11
From the Pastor
This year’s stewardship theme lifts up each of us as
persons of faith, hope and love. The emphasis will culminate in Consecration Sunday,
November 14. During this time you are being asked to think about the faith we share,
the hope we hold, and the love for the Lord at the center of our life together. As people
of faith, hope and love, you will be asked to consider prayerfully your financial
commitment to the congregation for the year 2000. All members are being asked to attend
church on November 14 and offer a financial statement of intent.
Many good things have been accomplished at Reformation over the past 10 months. The
mortgage has been refinanced at a favorable rate with Lutheran Brotherhood. Task Forces
have developed strategic plans for reaching Ministry Goals related to a more intentional
outreach in witness and service, the deepening of our discipleship, and the utilizing of
the rich and varied gifts of music and liturgy in worship. A Ministry Fair in late summer
lifted up the work of our Ministry Teams in the areas of Inviting people into lives
of discipleship, the Growing of disciples, the Sending of disciples into
ministry to others, and the gathering disciples in Worship. The Meditation Garden
is nearing completion. Three of us have been trained and are eager to implement in the new
year CROSSWAYS, a comprehensive Bible study.
And yet for Reformation to fulfill its mission by implementing strategic new
ministries, things are needed in the year 2000 that will require additional funding. For
Reformation to implement new ministries of outreach, to provide adequate office staff, and
to continue to develop lay leadership, strong financial support is an absolute
necessity--both now and in the new year. As people of faith, we trust God to
provide for our every need. As people of hope, we live not in fear of the future but
confident of God’s abiding presence. As people of love, let us be faithful to our
Lord and faithful in support of Christ’s Church.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
How do you as parents facilitate faith sharing in your
home? In last month’s newsletter I shared an article that listed four areas:
- Caring conversation,
- Devotional life,
- Service opportunities, and
- Celebrations and rituals.
This month we continue with suggestions for how the last two areas can become a regular
part of your family’s routine.
Service opportunities for the whole family can be rewarding to both your family and
those whom you serve. The possibilities are endless in Wichita. Our Community Outreach
Coordinator, Pam Adams, could offer you suggestions on places to begin. A book and video
entitled, Family Serve: Volunteer Opportunities for Families, is available from
AAL. See me if you would like a copy of that book.
On September 12, the parents of our 3rd graders presented their children with a Bible
while gathered around the Baptismal font. During that worship service I noticed how many
of those families had invited friends and family members to be present that day for this
special ritual. I anticipate the same thing happening when our 5th graders celebrate their
First Communion on October 31. These are important celebrations and rituals within our
faith community, but there are others in a child’s life that can be recognized. The
Jewish bar mitzvah and the Latino practice of celebrating a girl’s 15th birthday are
rituals that celebrate the beginning of manhood and becoming a woman. While making a big
deal about a certain birthday could be purely secular, there are ways to bring
Christ’s love for them into the celebration.
Sharing faith with your children does take intentionality, but it can be a fun and
fruitful endeavor. Enjoy it!
- Deaconess Doreen Leptien
I have thought about writing this many times, but I just
could not find the words to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful
comfort and support I received during the hours preceding and after my beloved wife Elsa
passed away. Pastor and Deaconess Doreen were with me, as were Jill Brink and Barbara Lee.
Pastor arranged a most meaningful Memorial Service for Elsa, and I thought it was perfect
in every way. My gratitude to all of you who attended the service, sent beautiful cards,
visited me in person or by phone, sent flowers and contributed to her Memorial. It truly
was an outpouring of Christian love, and an admirable tribute to Elsa.
- Ray Baum
* * *
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually
remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by
love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
As the Apostle Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonians’ faith, we give thanks for
your faith, lived out in your generosity toward us. Not only was the Pit Barbecue benefit
a lot of fun, but the money raised will be a tremendous help toward paying medical bills.
A special thanks goes to Pastor Mansholt, the AAL Branch and Doug Vandersee, and the
planning team for all their care and work.
- Doreen Leptien and Paul Scheuerman
* * *
Thank you to all the members that donated items for the 3rd Annual Garage Sale
sponsored by the High School Youth. A special thank you goes to the parents and youth that
helped with this huge endeavor? A total of $1,400 was collected to support our Youth
Ministry.
* * *
A big thanks to the members of Reformation who participated in the CROP Walk Sunday
afternoon, October 10. Our contribution amounted to $530 to feed the hungry here in
Sedgwick County as well as those in other parts of the world. Also, help is given to those
who suffer from various disasters.
* * *
Stewardship Notes
Celebration Sunday will be November 14: GROW YOUR
VISION. What is your mission at Reformation and how can you Grow Your Vision
for individual ministry? The fall stewardship program is intended to raise those questions
for each of us. Temple talks, youth education, and a fun project for beautification of our
grounds are in store.
A Celebration Meal after each service on Sunday, November 14, will highlight the fall
program. Watch for bulletin inserts on October 31 and November 7 for reservations for the
meal. Your financial commitments are vital to our programs and operating the ministries of
Reformation. Please start planning now--for attending worship service and the Celebration
Meal on November 14--as well as for our future and Growing Your Vision.
Telecare Update
Earlier this fall, Reformation’s Telecare callers
began our Telecare Ministry. It has been well received, and our second effort will be held
in January 2000. Callers attempted to reach all our local member households, and
the result was quite amazing. A total of 278 households were reached by a Telecare
caller or a follow-up caller, and 19 letters were sent to those not reached by phone. This
effort was accomplished through the dedicated work of 36 callers, 6 team captains, and 5
follow-up callers. THANK YOU to each of you!
Lotus Gerards
Telecare Ministry Coordinator
November Meal-A-Month
The Urban Ministry’s food pantry is running low on donations. Please jot down the
selected menu for November (listed below) and return your contribution the next time
you’re at church. Let us not forget those who are dependent on our gifts this
Thanksgiving and throughout the year.
November Menu:
- Chicken & Dumplings
- Lima Beans
- Cranberry Sauce
- Instant Pudding
- Dry Milk (optional)
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- PriscillaTue., November 99:30 a.m. in church library. Nursery available with prior
notice
- RuthThur., November 11 7:00 p.m. at the home of Anita Mansholt, 3538 N. Rushwood Ct.
- SarahMon., November 157:00 p.m. at the home of Clarice Peters, 2003 S. Terrace Dr.
- DorcasWed., November 171:00 p.m. at the home of Jan Barr, 6950 Kentford Cir.
- RachelThur., November 187:00 p.m. at the church. Nursery available with prior notice
Board Meeting - Monday, November 1, 1:00 p.m. in the church library, for
all officers and circle leaders.
Blanket Makers will meet November 1, 15, & 29 in the Parish
Hall at 9:00 a.m.
Thankoffering Worship Service - Thursday, November 4, 7:00 p.m. in the
sanctuary. Bring your offering and set aside this time to thank God for your blessings.
Church Women United of Wichita - World Community Day, 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November
5, at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 1525 N. Lorraine.
Check the Women of Reformation section of the bulletin board in Parish Hall for a
listing of items we will be collecting for our annual Thanksgiving contribution to the Women’s
Crisis Center. We will provide a deadline for submitting your donations and designate
a place to leave them.
Best Times of Life, a group of those 55 and beyond, meets monthly for delicious food,
warm fellowship, and interesting programs. Our November meeting will be on Monday, November
8, at 12:00 noon in Parish Hall. The potluck luncheon will be followed by a
musical trio including our own Johnie Pearl Nulan as accompanist. The trio, led by Kay
Johnson, is "Three on a Melody," and they deliver a most enjoyable program. Come
and join us for a wonderful meal and fun with friends!
Our LOGOS Program
LOGOS is off to an exciting start. Enrollment and active
participation is growing each year. The rule of LOGOS is, "Everyone is to treat
everyone else as a child of God. No one has the right to treat anyone else as if they do
not matter." Everyone needs spiritual nurturing. Even though the program is for our
youth, it is also nurturing for the adults of our congregation as well.
Play Group at Church
A play group has been formed at Reformation to play in the
church nursery. This is a time of fellowship while we watch our children play. Please come
and help us get to know you and your child(ren). The next two play dates are Wednesday, November
3, and Wednesday, November 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Contact person is Jane
Camenzind, 685-6154.
Oaks Indian Center
Thank you to everyone who helped make Oaks Indian Center
Sunday a success and also for your generous response to the Bring Up A Child
Appeal. 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. The Thanksgiving Offering has been designated to be
given to the Center.
Start the Millennium Off Right!
Recently I had the privilege of attending a two-day
training on the Crossways in-depth Bible study series in Norfolk, Nebraska. Pastor
Mansholt attended a similar event in Topeka. Deaconess Doreen and I spent two days with
about eighteen people from two Lutheran congregations in Norfolk, learning from the
founder of the Crossways approach, the Rev. Dr. Harry Wendt. A Lutheran minister with
years of experience both in the pulpit and as a teacher of seminars, he made the
Scriptures come alive through pictures, dynamic speaking, and the most impressive
knowledge of the Bible I have ever seen.
Crossways materials are used in about thirty countries, by every major denomination
around the world. As Dr. Wendt states in the preface to The Bible’s Big Story, Our
Story, the Bible can appear complicated or even overwhelming. This series helps you
"understand the sweep of the narrative from Creation to Christ. You’ll become
familiar with the themes, covenants and events of the Old Testament" and time between
the Old and New Testaments. "Most importantly," continues
Dr. Wendt, "you’ll then be able to see how creation and history culminate in
Jesus the Messiah, how He deals with all that came before Him, and what that means for
you." In other words, you get great information that’s "relevant," to
use a term from the 70s.
I came away excited about studying the Bible in a new way. A three-week Bible study in
January (Seeing through the Scriptures) will give you the opportunity to begin your
own enthusiastic journey. The course will be available at three different times during the
week. Watch for details in the Re-Focus and Sunday bulletins. Plan now to start the
millennium off right!
- Dr. Eunice Doman Myers
You are cordially invited to a reception honoring the 50th wedding anniversary of Les
and Dorla Alseike. This reception is being hosted by their children and will be held on
Saturday, November 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Doreen Leptien and Paul Scheuerman
invite you to share in their love and joy
as they unite their lives in marriage
Friday, November 26, 1999
7:00 in the Evening
Reformation Lutheran Church
7601 East 13th Street North
Wichita, Kansas
Reception Following
Holiday Progressive Dinner
Fun and fellowship abound at Reformation’s annual
Progressive Dinner, scheduled this year for Sunday, December 5. All adults are
invited to join one of the caravans moving from home to home for appetizers and salads.
The main course is served at church, followed (we hope) by a new Refo-Mummers drama.
Sign-ups for this very popular event will begin November 7 in the narthex and will
continue through November (deadline is November 28), but you are encouraged to act as soon
as possible. Our seating capacity for the main course is limited to 150. Watch the
bulletin for more details, or contact Coordinators Shirley Metz or Dallas Cronk.
Journey to Bethlehem
Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 12,
2:00-5:00 p.m., to experience the annual "Journey to Bethlehem," a living
re-enactment of the day of Jesus’ birth, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5356 N. Hillside.
More details in the December Re-Focus.
Children’s Christmas Service
The Children/Youth Christmas Service will be on Sunday, December
19, at 11:00 a.m. Look for more information in the next few weeks.
Lutheran Social Service Dinner Party-Auction
You are cordially invited to attend the Lutheran Social
Service Dinner Party-Auction on Friday, November 5. This 13th annual fundraiser
will be held at the beautiful Bank of America (formerly NationsBank) at Broadway &
Douglas. Free parking is available across the street west, with easy access to the bank by
the overhead walkway. Tickets are $10.00, in place of a free-will offering, which covers
the entire evening. The Silent Auction will begin at 5:30, followed by a bountiful buffet
arranged by area vendors for guests as they browse the wonderful biddable items on tables
on the main level. The Live Auction with Gene Francis as auctioneer will be held later in
the evening with fabulous better-than-ever items for bid. Local celebrities will be on
hand, along with wonderful music for our guests’ pleasure.
Tickets can be purchased by mail (deadline 10/29) by sending $10 for each ticket to
Lutheran Social Service, 1855 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214. Bidder packets will be
returned with the tickets to avoid standing in line that evening. Tickets also can be
bought at the door. With the fourth year of the LSS Kansas State Special Needs Adoption
Contract just begun, your presence and support are more vital than ever! Every child needs
a permanent, nurturing family. Please help us reach this goal.
Festival of the Family
Inter-Faith Ministries in partnership with the Midtown
Community Resource Center will present this year’s annual Festival of the Family on
Sunday, November 7, at 3:00 p.m. This event will be held at the Midtown Community
Resource Center, 1150 N. Broadway. Come experience the Art of Gratitude within the family
from the perspective of five religions: Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and
Judaism.
Usher Schedule for November
- 8:30 Jack Dickerson, Gary Hoepner
- 11:00 Loren Deines, Andy Martin, Chris Deines, Keith
Martin, Jenna Godwin, Dick Hasselwander
Thoughts from Waco . . .
Celebrating Women
One must be intentional to find women in the New Testament. The obvious heroes of
Christianity are men--Peter, Paul, Stephen, Barnabas. Women are hidden in the New
Testament, but if you look, you’ll find them. Dorcas was devoted to good works and
acts of charity (Acts 9:36). Lois and Eunice were the grandmother and mother of Timothy;
Paul called them women of sincere faith (2 Tim. 1:5). Lydia had her household baptized and
invited Paul and his into her home. Phoebe was a deacon and benefactor of the church (Rom.
16:1). Euodia and
Syntyche worked for the gospel (Phil. 4:2-3).
From their brief references, these women are little more than shadows. Yet, while we do
not know them in a personal way, we can be assured of their importance to the Christian
faith, because each of these women worked for the Kingdom of God, and each of them held
Christ cheerfully in her heart. The men traveled and evangelized, but it was the women,
Dorcas, Lydia, Phoebe and the others, who nurtured and shaped the early Christian
community with their faith, charity, and hospitality.
Following their lead from centuries ago, Women of the ELCA continue to lead the
Christian community. WELCA women are joined with the early Christian women in the joys and
struggles of living and working together in Christ. It is the women who nurture and shape
the community of Christ in our
church and neighborhoods.
Although I am away from Reformation now, when I visit I see evidence of the women who
make this congregation work. In the few years we have been in the church on 13th Street,
countless receptions and meals have been served from the kitchen. Women at Reformation
make quilts and prepare missionary packages and collect food offerings. They welcome new
women to the congregation through circle Bible studies. At one time or another most of the
women here have taught Sunday School or worked with youngsters in other ways. It is the
women of the church who keep the sacristy clean, prepare the altar, and make banners.
Today, women at Reformation and in churches around the world are as hidden as the women
of the New Testament. This month we lift up the Women of the ELCA of Reformation Lutheran
Church for their commitment of faith, charity, and hospitality in the name of Christ. It
is the women who keep the church centered in Christ and moving forward in love. Thanks be
to God.
- Dawn Gorges
"Out of the Darkness"
Nationally known Christian speaker, Tim Glendening, on
behalf of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ord, Nebraska, will present "Out of
the Darkness," a musical presentation about surviving clinical depression. This event
is scheduled for November 7, 7:00 p.m., at Resurrection Lutheran Church in
Haysville.
"Out of the Darkness" is a ministry designed to offer words of help and hope
to those who struggle with depression, to those who love them, and most importantly, to
those who do not understand. The program is open to all people from every walk of life.
This dramatic presentation includes a collection of Christian ballads interwoven with
Tim’s personal story of his life-long decline into the darkness of clinical
depression. From early childhood to an eventual suicide attempt, Tim points to signs of
depression that went unnoticed and of a faith that was without God’s love. He relates
how therapy and the discovery of God’s unconditional love have been instrumental in
his recovery.
A seasoned vocalist and former radio personality, Tim has been performing throughout
the Midwest for several years. Since 1955, Tim and his wife Jan have traveled throughout
the United States sharing this ministry with congregations of all denominations. "Out
of the Darkness" is an inter-congregational outreach program of Bethany Lutheran
Church in Ord, Nebraska, and is the first of its kind for ELCA congregations. While on
tour they are housed by the congregations they visit, and the only sources of funding for
this ministry are the donations of people who attend the program.
Confirmation Guides
We have 25 youth in this year’s 7th & 8th grade
confirmation ministry. We also have six parents working with Pastor Mansholt and Deaconess
Doreen to facilitate small group discussion and building of relationships. Those six
adults are referred to as confirmation guides. Seventh grade guides are Pat Johnson,
Sheri-Lyn King, and Rod LaRue. Guides with the 8th graders are Paul Garcia, Maggie Koser,
and Ken Woodard. We give thanks for their service in this ministry.
Confirmation Guides will gather on Sunday, November 7, at 12:15 p.m., for mutual
support.
Nurturing Faith in the Home
We often think of November as the month when we emphasize
giving thanks. While we can be thankful to God all year long for all God gives us,
November provides a wonderful opportunity to practice giving and showing thanks as a
family.
- Invite family members to draw pictures or write short notes to day care providers,
teachers, coaches, and special friends, thanking them for the special role they play.
- Give jars of thanks or baskets of blessings to significant people in your
life. Fill them with slips of paper identifying why you are thankful for them.
- Do an alphabet of praise by naming something you are thankful for that begins with each
letter of the alphabet.
- Before beginning your Thanksgiving meal, engage your family and guests in a prayer of
thanks for each other, inviting everyone to identify silly and serious things about the
person for which they are thankful.
Lutheran Youth Day
Bethany College is hosting their annual Lutheran Youth Day
on Saturday, November 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for all high school youth.
Cost is $10 per person. Call Campus Pastor, Noni Strand, (785-227-3380, ext. 8340), to
register.
3rd-5th Grade Ministry Team
To more efficiently care for our young people, all folks
working with a particular age group make up a ministry team. These ministry teams meet
periodically throughout the year to share joys and concerns about the children/youth and
to support each other in their joint ministry.
A team gathering will be held on Saturday, November 20, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.,
for all Sunday School Teachers and LOGOS teachers and staff who work with 3rd-5th grade.
Parents or other adults who would like to plan and implement one or two social
activities for 3rd-5th grade are also invited to attend the gathering. You may also talk
to Deaconess Doreen about your interest.
Friday Bible Study Class
The Friday afternoon Bible Study Class will be starting a
new series, Ten Key Passages from the Bible, on November 5. The group meets
in the church library/conference room at 1:00 p.m. This series will continue through
December 17, every Friday except November 26. For more information, you may contact
Dorothea Rindt, 682-9417.
Greeters Needed for the Year 2000
It’s easy! Spend 20 minutes a Sunday for one month
helping guests and members feel welcome and comfortable Sunday mornings. Greeter
substitutes are also needed. If you have not served as a greeter in the past but are
interested in this welcoming ministry, please call Deb LaRue at 733-8794 for information.
FUNNY?
- Funny how a $100 bill "looks" so big when you take
it to church, but so small when you take it to the mall.
- Funny how long it takes to serve God for an hour, but how
quickly a team plays 60 minutes of basketball.
- Funny how long a couple of hours spent at church seems, but
how short they are when watching a movie.
- Funny how we can’t think of anything to say when we
pray, but don’t have difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend.
- Funny how we get thrilled when a baseball game goes into
extra innings, but we complain when a sermon is longer than the regular time.
- Funny how hard it is to read a chapter in the Bible, but how
easy it is to read 100 pages of a best-selling novel.
- Funny how people want to get a front seat at any game or
concert, but scramble to get a back seat at church service.
- Funny how we need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a church
event into our schedule, but can adjust our schedule for other events at the last moment.
- Funny how we believe what the newspaper says, but question
what the Bible says.
- Funny how you can send jokes through e-mail and they spread
like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice
about sharing.
Funny, isn’t it? Are you laughing? Are you
thinking? Actually, it isn’t funny at all!
- Author Unknown
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