RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 20 July 2000 Number 7
From the Pastor
The Memorial Service for Johnie Pearl Nulan was a taste of heaven. I
looked out upon the more than 200 people in worship at Reformation Church. It was a
colorful sight--black and white people all seated together for worship, about even in
number, singing, swaying, praying and communing with the saints in heaven. Johnie Pearl,
now numbered with the saints triumphant, was rejoicing, I am certain.
Sunday morning, however, remains the most segregated time in our
country. Johnie Pearl was African-American and a member of Reformation since 1958. A
Lutheran pastor in Toledo had told her to integrate that Lutheran Church in Wichita,
as she and Buck returned to this city. I commented in the first words of my sermon, that
sadly, it takes a death to bring blacks and whites together in worship. And yet, I think,
it will take many deaths to bring healing and wholeness--deaths to fear, ignorance, old
attitudes and pride, to name a few.
In March, Jill Pletcher and I attended a two and a half day
introductory workshop, Dismantling Racism and Building Anti-Racist Multicultural
Diversity Within Religious Congregations. The workshop, offered through Inter-Faith
Ministries, was led by Rev. Joe Barndt, an ELCA Pastor, and Ms. Anne Stewart of CROSSROADS
MINISTRY.
I realized again that we have both come a long way and have a long
way to go. Racism is so deeply embedded in the fabric of life in this country. I also am
convinced that we white folk, we white churches, have a lot of work to do in learning
about racism in our society. Someone said, being white means not having to deal with
racism.
I was honored to have been invited by the Urban League of Wichita to
give the Invocation and Benediction at their recent Anniversary Dinner. Writer Leonard
Pitts, whose column appears regularly in The Wichita Eagle, was the featured
speaker. As an African-American, Leonard Pitts writes and speaks out of his own life
experiences.
I was reminded again, by his powerful words, that we have come so
very far, but there is hard work to do as we face the future.
Oftentimes when the subject of racism comes up, white people are
paralyzed with guilt. We feel badly about the things of the past and don’t know how
to get a handle on the things of the present.
I am not writing these words to weigh people down.
We are a forgiven people, made right with God and with one another
by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus. Because of the new life in Jesus Christ, we are
free to open up the issue and talk about the things that plague us. The work is hard and
sometimes painful. But because of hope and healing in Jesus Christ, we can face our
history and our life today.
Jill and I are looking for a few people to be part of an Anti-Racism
Ministry Team. On July 13, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m., an introductory experience of Crossroads
Ministry will be offered at Inter-Faith Ministries. More training will be offered in the
fall. Have you gifts in this area? Can you identify someone we could invite to be part of
this ministry? Give one of us a call. Johnie Pearl would be pleased.
- Pastor Jerrry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
I have soccer practice. Play practice is tonight. I have
gymnastics, softball, study group, dance, etc., etc., etc.
The list of activities in which our young people are involved goes
on and on. Activities at church are only one option in their lives filled with busyness.
Participating in such activities is vital for healthy youth.
The fourth type of external assets emphasizes the importance of
providing young people with opportunities to grow through programs and activities. On a
whole, this asset is well covered by our families at Reformation. I know of very few youth
who are not involved in many activities. But surprisingly, the Search Institute research
found that only 54 percent of all youth spend six or more hours per week in outside
programs and activities which provide them with opportunities to build peer relationships
and connect them with caring adults who can nurture them.
If you’re wiping your brow, saying, Whew, we don’t have to
worry about that one, the title of this asset is The Constructive Use of Time. Our
young people need a balance between involvement in positive activities and time to spend
alone in order to be renewed emotionally. One researcher has found that youth who spend
about 25-45 percent of their waking, non-school hours alone are better adjusted than those
who spend too much or too little time alone. Our young people need to learn to balance
their time with activities and with alone time. Speaking as someone who struggles with
this myself, we can’t help our young people do something we don’t do. We need to
set the example of being involved in healthy, positive activities and spending time
resting and being renewed.
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
We would like to thank everyone at Reformation Lutheran for their
prayers at the time of the birth of Dylan. Thank you for the cards and for the kindness
you all have shown us. We especially want to thank Pastor Jerry, Barb Lee, Jette
Mortensen, and Laura Ulicky-Weerts for visiting us at the hospital following Dylan’s
birth. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from Reformation. We are looking
forward to the day we can bring Dylan to church. Once again, thank you all.
- Matthew, Adrianne, and Dylan Hultman
* * *
Thank you to all who responded to our request and donated eye
glasses and soaps for the needy during the month of May. Every little caring gesture helps
someone!
- Pam Adams, Community Outreach
* * *
Welcome Visitors & Newcomers!
During these summer months let’s all make an extra effort to
greet and welcome one another at church–especially our newcomers. Enjoy the Coffee
Fellowship in the narthex from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., which provides a good opportunity
to get acquainted with others. As you sign the red Friendship Register in your pew,
please include your address and phone number so that visitors will also do this.
CHURCH OFFICE
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Monday - Friday
- Phone:(316) 634-0586
- FAX:(316) 634-2034
Annual Ice Cream Social Sunday, July 16 - 6:00 p.m.
Plan to attend this fun-for-all event as we also celebrate the
beginning of Vacation Bible School at Reformation! Watch for sign-up posters in the
narthex for you to bring ice cream or cookies, bars, cake, etc. Invite your family,
neighbors and friends to come with you!
Reformation Vacation Bible School Presents: "Holy
Word"
July 16 - 20
The Reformation VBS team wishes to invite all kids (big & small)
to join us in games, music, fun, and activities as we celebrate the gift of Christ and the
many blessings he brings to each of us.
The VBS fun will take place at Reformation on Sunday through
Thursday evenings, July 16-20, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a kick-off ice cream social Sunday
evening. The cost is $5.00 per child. Preregister now to hold your spot. Registration
forms are available in the narthex. For more information, call Victoria (681-2012) or Dave
(685-5897). Volunteers are needed too! Call now–don’t miss the fun!
A Great Service Opportunity . . .
Help is needed in maintaining the landscaped areas around the church
building. This does not include the lawn, as it is being well cared for by crews of
volunteers. Rather, this need is for the areas with plantings and shrubbery– to help
keep them weed free. Would your family, a couple, a group of friends, or some ministry
team like to "adopt an area"? Your responsibility would be to weed
"your" area on a regular basis and at some point possibly help spread new mulch
in that area. When many hands work together, the work is light indeed! All areas were
weeded the week of June 20, so you would be starting at a good time. Please call Waldo
Gerards, 683-8602, to "adopt your area." Let’s share the ministry of
maintaining our church property. Thank you!
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla, Tuesday, July 11, 9:30 a.m., at church
- Rachel, Tuesday, July 11, 7:00 p.m., at church
- Dorcas, Wednesday, July 19, 1:00 p.m., at the home of Barb Lee, 6903
E. 14th St. N.
- Ruth - No Meeting
- Sarah - No Meeting
Blanket Makers will meet July 3, 17 and 31, 9:00 a.m.
in the Parish Hall.
The 13th Annual Convention of the Central States Synod Women
of the ELCA will be August 11-13 at the Marriott Hotel in Wichita. The theme is
"We Are Called." Hopefully, you feel the "call" to attend since we are
one of the churches hosting this event! The cost to attend the entire convention is $50.
However, if you can only attend on Friday evening, the cost is only $15, or all day
Saturday is $35. Registration forms are available on the Women’s bulletin board in
Parish Hall or by contacting Kathy Drake. Registration deadline is July 15.
The Women of Reformation will take their annual Trip to Lindsborg
on Thursday, July 6. A sign-up sheet is in the Parish Hall to enable us to plan
for drivers and make reservations for our luncheon in Lindsborg. Guests and children are
certainly welcome. We need cookie donations for the Bethany Home visit. Even if you
can’t attend, your cookies would be appreciated! We will arrive back in Wichita about
4:30 p.m. This should be a fun day for all, so sign up and mark your calendar for July 6.
Questions? Call Pam Adams, 733-9627, or Carol Ott, 683-5482.
Please plan to join us for Women’s Night Out on Tuesday,
July 25, at 6:30 p.m. This month we are meeting at Kwan Court, 1443 N. Rock Rd.
Sign up on the nursery door or call Kimberly Lindemann at 691-1440.
Best Times of Life, a friendly fellowship group for those 55 or
more, will meet on Monday, July 10, at noon in Parish Hall for our monthly potluck
luncheon. The program will be presented by Carol Peterson, who will attend as a Victorian
lady with her carpetbag. Her carpetbag is full of surprises sure to provide conversation
and trigger memories of yesteryear. Please join us for a great meal, enjoyable program,
and friendly fellowship. Bring a covered dish to share, your own table service, and if
you’ve not been called, phone Pauline (942-4885) or Betty (682-2030) with your
reservation.
Faith in the Home
Telling our stories to our children helps them feel like they belong
and helps them to know us, who we are and what we believe. This summer try some of these
ideas from the little book, That Reminds Me by Jean Brown Eittreim.
Tell what you did on lazy summer days when you were a kid. Tell lots
of stories. Did you build tents or forts? Did you put on plays or circuses? Did you sell
lemonade? Did you play with neighbor kids or by yourself? Did you explore a park? A creek?
What was your favorite summertime activity?
Tell about places you stayed without your parents. What was your
scariest night away from home? How did you get in trouble when you were away from home?
What skill did you learn that your parents would never have taught you? Remind the child
that wherever you go, God is with you.
Tell about trips into nature you took with your family. Did you go
to the beach, the mountains, the lake? How long did you stay? What did you do in the car
on the way? What did you pack to take along? What did you do when you got there? What
impressed you most about God’s creation?
Usher Schedule for July
- 8:30 - Alan Aagaard, Erik Larson, Randy Fornshell
- 10:00 - Don Anderson, Chris Koepsel, Mike Buxton, Randy Koepsel,
Scott Fraizer, Craig Stallwitz
From the Internship Site in Waco, TX . . .
Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe, but my internship at St. Matthew in Waco is
about to end. Right now our apartment is full of partially packed boxes, and we'll move
the end of July. It has been a very rewarding year for me. Right now I'm left with
year-end papers and reports, two more sermons, and a going-away "roast."
Then it's back to Austin for two more semesters of study. Steps to
the call process will begin in October. I'll share more about that as I walk through it.
In the meantime, thank you for your continued support and cards and
letters. Your steadfast concern for Quinn, Anne, and me is precious.
I will be at Reformation on July 16 to preach and visit with you. I
look forward to that day.
In God's peace, Dawn Gorges
Meditation Garden Bricks
Did you miss out on ordering your monogrammed brick for the
Meditation Garden, or maybe not order enough? Another opportunity is being offered as
there is still room for more bricks. Orders for additional bricks will be taken until
Sunday, July 30. Order forms are on a poster in the narthex, and the cost is still $25 for
each brick. Please make your check payable to Reformation Lutheran Church. Contact Waldo
Gerards, 683-8602, if you have any questions. Again, the deadline for ordering is
Sunday, July 30.
Contact Person Needed
Someone from Reformation (other than the pastor or council
president) is needed to serve as a contact person for the Reformation congregation of Area
Ministry 5. This person needs to have computer access and on-line capability in order to
receive resource information to share with the congregation or particular groups within
the congregation. If you are interested in doing this, please contact Janine Blue at Good
Shepherd Lutheran, 524-3401, or at her home, 777-4822.
LSS Adoption Applications
Lutheran Social Service is preparing to accept new applications for
infant adoption. Infant Adoption Information Meetings will be held at Risen Savior
Lutheran Church, 6720 E. 34th St. N., as follows:
- Sunday, July 16 - 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 22 - 2:00 p.m.
All families who wish to apply to adopt an infant through Lutheran
Social Service must attend one of the Adoption Information Meetings. Application forms and
other pertinent materials will be available at the meetings. It will also be an
opportunity to discuss additional questions.
Please note that applications are accepted at any time from families
interested in adopting school-age children, children with special needs, or children of
African-American heritage.
Jason, Dylan and Prayer
Prayer has been an important part of my life for as long as I can
remember. Three years ago, my prayers took on a great urgency. A child whom I loved
greatly was in very serious trouble. I prayed for this child and his safety many, many
times a day. I lay awake at night and prayed for the child and the protection of the
child. I asked others to pray for him.
God brought the child safely through a time of great peril. God
forgave this child, protected this child, and gave this child, Jason, a second chance at
life. My prayers changed from supplication to thanksgiving. I hope I have been as faithful
in thanking God for this miracle as I was in praying for it.
I believe I have witnessed two miracles in the past three years. The
first is the deliverance of Jason from evil. The second also deals with a child, my
grandson Dylan. I believe these miracles are the result of prayer.
I prayed for the safety of my new grandchild throughout my daughter
Adrianne’s pregnancy. Her doctor felt concern following a routine office visit on
April 11 and scheduled an appointment for a sonogram on April 14. Once again, my prayers
became more urgent. I went to the appointment with Adrianne. We learned the baby was in
distress and she was to be admitted to the hospital. She called her husband Matthew. I
made three telephone calls: one to my husband Richard, one to my daughter Holly, and one
to Carol Ott to request prayers.
Adrianne was admitted to the hospital at 11:49 a.m. Dylan was
delivered by emergency C-section exactly eight minutes later, at 11:57 a.m. He weighed two
pounds, thirteen and one-half ounces. He arrived six to eight weeks early. He spent a
total of six weeks in the hospital, including two weeks in the neonatal intensive care
unit.
I told Dylan’s pediatrician, a family friend, I believed Dylan
was here because of prayer. His response, It’s a miracle he was born alive, and
it’s a miracle he is as healthy as he is. I am very thankful to God for this
precious grandson. I will always believe the many prayers which were said for Dylan are
the reason he is here, and is a healthy baby.
Submitted by Judy McDiffett
Deepening Prayer Life
One mark of discipleship is prayer. Lord, teach us to pray, the
disciples said to Jesus. The Risen Lord continues to lead us into prayer with God in
heaven. One way to deepen our discipleship is to deepen our life of prayer--to pray more
regularly, to pray for others, to pray that God’s will be done by us, to pray in
adoration and praise of God.
To deepen the life of prayer at Reformation two changes are being
introduced this month--one on Sunday mornings, the other during the week.
Prayer Petitions. Beginning the first Sunday in July, a
prayer petition booklet will be stationed just inside the nave of the church. If you have
someone to remember or a special intercession to make in the Prayer of the Church, the
request may be written in the prayer book. Ushers will bring the prayer sheet to the
Presiding or Assisting Minister following the Prayer of the Day. The request will be
included in the Prayers of the Church.
Quiet Time for Prayer. Beginning July 3, the nave of the
church will be reserved for Prayer from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Resources for prayer will be made available. For some it may mean prayer during the lunch
break, for others a stop at the church while running an errand. We will make sure there is
no other activity in the nave or sanctuary at that time.
The Prayer Chain is a ministry of about 40 people who pray for
specific needs as they arise. The Prayer Chain was organized in 1992 after a retreat about
prayer was held by the Women of Reformation. This ministry is available to all people of
the congregation. To have a need prayed for, or for more information, contact Carol Ott
(683-5482), who is the Prayer Request Coordinator.
Meal-A-Month for July
- Spam • Baked Beans
- Boxed Potatoes
- Jello / Fruit
- Dry Milk (optional)
Central States Assembly, June 1-4, 2000, at Bethany
College, Lindsborg, KS
Making Christ Known: Faith For a New Century
Thursday Evening
A program titled "Sharing Faith—The Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Russia and Other States (ELCROS) was presented with comments from a number of
people including Rev. Manfred Brockmann from Vladivostock. An especially moving video on
soup kitchens was shown with many elderly women depending on it for their daily bread.
There is obviously much need in Russia for our gifts and missionary work.
Friday
This was a very full day starting with Morning Prayer at 8:00 am.
Rev. Wayne Weissenbuehler challenged the assembly to discipleship with his Bible study on
Mark. Rev. David Poling-Goldenne brought news from the ELCA and urged the participants to
work together because we can always accomplish much more together than when we work on our
own. There are 218 congregations and 73,000 people in the Central States Synod. There are
90,000,000 unchurched people in the USA, making it the world’s 4th largest mission
field. This equates to 17 unchurched people for each ELCA member. Bishop Charles Maahs
addressed the assembly as well. He lifted up four mission priorities for synod planning
and leadership for the future:
- To support and equip existing congregations for mission
- To develop and support lay and rostered leadership for mission
- To plant and support new congregations
- To Make Christ Known through our synod, churchwide, and global
ministries
Two new congregations were organized in 1999, both in Missouri.
Starting on Friday, resolutions were presented to the delegates for
discussion and voting. In all, 10 resolutions were approved, and a number of people were
elected to Synod Council and Churchwide Assembly Delegate positions.
Friday evening’s worship service focused on "Living Faith
in Rural Ministry." Bishop Maahs gave the sermon using parables related to farming.
The 600+ people registered for the Assembly participated in this Communion worship
service.
Saturday
Three keynote speakers gave presentations related to "Living
Faith for a New Century."
Rev. David Poling-Goldenne related insightful examples of the lack
of biblical knowledge among many people in the USA including those who identify themselves
as Christians. He outlined the seven faith practices: prayer, study, worship, invitation,
encouragement, service, and giving. Through these practices, people of the ELCA can heed
the "Call to Discipleship," deepen their worship life, and teach the faith.
Mim Campbell’s presentation was "Nurturing Lifestyles that
are Christ-styled." She noted that congregations should look for needs that exist
among their people and communities and focus on these. Sometimes programs are started
because they sound good, not because of the need that they will address. All people, young
and old, have three basic needs:
- The need for a strength of identity and belonging
- The need for opportunities for growth, involvement, and engagement
- The need for a sense of purpose and vocation
Churches that focus on these needs will attract and retain people by
helping them take faith into their homes and lifestyles.
The third keynote by Rev. Paul Nelson concentrated on worship and
celebration. He described many parts of the liturgy but concluded that we must never
forget that Christ is the center of our worship, even though the services may vary.
A number of helpful workshops took place in the afternoon. Summaries
of those we attended are available.
A banquet was held in the evening with musical entertainment and the
recognition of a number of ministry anniversaries.
Sunday
Rev. Wayne Weissenbuehler concluded his Bible study on various
readings from Mark and his exhortation that "if you will, you can." Bishop
Wesley Kigosung from Papua New Guinea addressed the Assembly. His concluding questions
were left for the participants to ponder: Will our children have faith? And will our faith
have children? A final all-Assembly communion service was held with Rev. Susan Candea
preaching. Again, she challenged all to heed the call to discipleship.
If anyone would like more information on the Assembly, including the
details of the excellent workshops, please contact any of your delegates. Thank you for
the opportunity to represent you at the Central States Synod Assembly. It was a very
uplifting and inspiring weekend!
Marsha Meili, Linda Hoepner, Gary Hoepner,
Larry Ehrlich
Three Trees, Inc.
In anticipation of their fall opening, Three Trees, Inc., a new
center for grieving children and their families, will begin volunteer training support
programs starting July 25.
Volunteer opportunities include: support group facilitators, office
support, maintenance, site decoration (carpenters, painters, artists, etc.), and committee
positions, including grant writing, fund raising, marketing, public relations, and more.
For more information, call 263-3335.
Venture House Needs Your Help
Volunteers are desperately needed in all programs. If you have some
free time, want a worthwhile volunteer experience, and want to give back to your
community, then YOU need Venture House!
People are needed immediately to:
- prepare and serve lunch weekdays
- prepare and serve supper on Monday evenings
- greet and answer the reception desk phone
- help disabled individuals manage their money
- meet in small groups with at-risk teens on Monday & Thursday
evenings
- assist individuals in the employment resource center
- help in a variety of other ways.
Training is provided. To learn more about the opportunities, call
Venture House, 269-4160, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Ask to speak to
Linda, Karen, or Judy.
