RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 21 January 2001 Number 1
From the Pastor
Thank you, Barbara!
For the past two and half years, Barbara Lee has served as one of
our Volunteer Ministry Staff. Because of her passion for reaching people who have no
church home, Barb devoted much time and energy to our ministries of inviting and
welcoming. Many good things do come to an end, however, and Barb has resigned effective
December 31, 2000. Barb served faithfully through this time of transition from a
committee-based structure to Ministry Teams. She has been a valued part of our Monday
morning Ministry Staff meetings. We give thanks to God for the service Barbara gave. While
no longer on Ministry Staff, she will continue to use her gifts as a Parish Nurse. Thank
you, Barbara, and blessings!
Capital Appeal
One year ago in my annual report to the Congregation, I noted that
we must address the indebtedness of the congregation if we are to move forward in mission.
A Task Force in the previous months had shown that we have borrowed the maximum that we
ought. I noted also that our mortgage kept us from adding the staff needed for a
congregation this size.
A few weeks ago the congregation also received a report from the
Ministry Staffing Task Force. The Task Force had studied our staffing needs, surveyed
congregations our size and larger, and determined that Reformation is greatly
understaffed, and needs to add staff even to maintain our current programming. Specific
recommendations were set forth. In the informational meeting it was noted again that our
monthly mortgage has kept us from adding the staff we need.
This past year another Task Force addressed the congregation’s
indebtedness. Members of the Task Force were Tom Pletcher (chair), Ron Ott, Randy Koepsel,
and Doug Brantner. Their report and recommendation that we engage in a capital appeal have
been received and approved by the Church Council.
Thus the Church Council is recommending that Reformation enter into
contract with Kairos and Associates, Inc., for a capital appeal in the spring of
2001. A letter to the congregation announcing the January 7 Congregation Meeting will have
additional information.
As many of you are acutely aware, there is also need for additional
building space -- a larger kitchen, additional classrooms, and meeting space. But that is
further down the road. First, the congregation needs to address the indebtedness and
staffing.
All this is that we might go forth in our vision and mission. We are
called to be Servants of God, Guided by the Holy Spirit, to Make Christ Known.
May God bless us in our efforts and guide us with counsel from above.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
For months now I have been writing about developmental assets
that help our young people live healthy and productive lives. I have tried to be positive
about the things we do well here at Reformation, while encouraging being more intentional
about helping our youth develop these assets. But maybe I have been too complacent. Maybe
I haven’t stressed how important these building blocks are to all youth. Or
maybe I am just feeling helpless right now about so much tragedy.
In December, four young men were arrested for killing eight people.
Chances are that none of us had contact with those four men, but that doesn’t let us
off the hook. We each have a responsibility to the youth of this congregation and to this
community. I don’t know much background on those four young men we are calling
murderers; although I am willing to bet that they didn’t have a community of
concerned adults willing to help provide the necessary assets.
Tom Dowd of Boy’s Town has done research that indicates that
the development of skills in the area of social competencies can determine how well
young people are equipped for life. His research shows that a lack of social skills is
strongly linked to aggression and antisocial behavior, juvenile delinquency, child abuse
and neglect, mental health disorders, loneliness and despondency, learning disabilities
and school failure.
The Social Competencies assets include:
- Planning and decision making
- Interpersonal competence
- Cultural competence
- Resistance skills
- Peaceful conflict resolution.
What can we do? In the congregation, we can support young people
when they take leadership roles that help them build social competencies. In the home,
talk with children about what they can do when they get into various situations where they
face tough choices or where they feel uncomfortable. When interacting with youth in the
community, help them learn to solve problems and resolve conflicts themselves. You can
help!
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
Thanks to everyone who helped in any way in making someone's
Christmas a little merrier by taking an angel from our Angel Tree, by helping with the
fruit baskets for our shut-ins, or by supplying needs to the Women's Crisis Center. A
special thanks to Kimberly Byers for coordinating the Angel Tree project. Your hearts are
filled with love, and it shows!
Pam Adams
Community Outreach Coordinator
* * *
Ron and I want to thank our church family for all of your loving
acts during my recent surgery and recovery. Your prayers and get-well cards assured us
that God had us in His care. All of your expressions of concern meant a great deal.
- Carol Ott
* * *
A sincere thank you to my wonderful Reformation family for all your
love and concern for me and my family during Janet’s illness and death. We all felt
your arms around us.
Peace and Joy, Vera M. Bentson
* * *
Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers involved in the high
school youth garage sale, which raised $1,188 for their activities. Lutheran Brotherhood
matched an additional $450. Thanks to everyone who came to support the event!
Marsha Meili
Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator
* * *
Our youth who traveled to Oaks Indian Center on December 9 had a
good time and enjoyed getting to know the youth at Oaks. The early Christmas presents that
they delivered brought many smiles and much joy to the children and youth at Oaks.
A giant thank you to all who gave to God by giving to our brothers
and sisters at Oaks.
* * *
Thank you to those members who pulled weeds out of the garden areas
around the church this past summer and fall: Don & Virginia Arnold, Jerry & Eva
Whetstone, Angela Davis and children, Carol Ott, and Waldo & Lotus Gerards.
* * *
Usher Schedule for January
- 8:30 - Alan Aagaard, Erik Larson, Randy Fornshell
- 11:00 - Don Anderson, Randy Koepsel, Mike Buxton, Craig Stallwitz,
Scott Fraizer
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla: Tuesday, January 9, 9:30 a.m. at the church
- Ruth: Thursday, January 11, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Muriel Hansen,
8146 Grail St.
- Sarah: Monday, January 15, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Shirley Anderson,
1140 Apache Dr.
- Dorcas: Wednesday, January 17, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Barb Lee,
6903 E. 14th St. N.
- Rachel: Wednesday, January 17 6:30 p.m. at the church. Baby-sitter
available
A WELCA Board Meeting is set for Tuesday, January 2, 1:00 p.m., at
the church. All officers and circle leaders should attend.
Blanket Makers will meet in Parish Hall on January 15 & 29 at
9:00 a.m.
Don’t forget! The deadline for renewing your subscription to Lutheran
Woman Today is January 15. This is the magazine that carries the Bible study
that is used in the circles. If you want to continue your subscription or are interested
in starting a subscription, give your name, address, and $9.50 to your circle leader or
Eva Whetstone.
Lutheran Social Service Needs Volunteers
Though this is a busy time of year, Lutheran Social Service is
desperately in need of volunteers to help with an important project. Help is needed 2 to 3
hours a day, and possibly several days, at its Twin Lakes office. LSS will provide initial
training for adults to help with alphabetizing, sorting, and filing of records. If you are
interested, please contact Kent Dove at 832-0189 for more information and scheduling. If
you could help following the holidays, please call then.
Best Times of Life is a friendly fellowship group for those
55 and over. We meet monthly on the second Monday of the month for a potluck lunch,
fellowship, and varied programs. Your are warmly invited to join us! The January meeting
will be on Monday, January 8, at noon in the Parish Hall. This month’s
program will be presented by Sandy Evans of ENVISION, a non-profit organization providing
specialized rehabilitation services for people who are blind or low vision. Come and join
us-bring a covered dish to share, your own table service, and phone your reservation to
either Pauline, 942-4885, or Betty, 682-2030. We’ll be looking for you!
Nurturing Faith in the Home
As parents, you are the teacher and example of faith
practices. As we lift up the faith practice of Inviting this month, remember that
your children learn most from your actions.
God calls each of us to share God’s Good News with others. Here
are some ways you can help your children learn to be inviting children of God:
- Take time around the dinner table to identify some friends or
neighbors you might invite to worship with you. Pray for the opportunity to invite and for
their openness to come.
- Look over upcoming programs and church activities. Identify occasions
that might be natural entry points for unchurched friends who may already have a
relationship with you or your children. Children are always encouraged to bring friends to
Sunday School, LOGOS, and youth activities.
- Invite neighbors and friends to come to your home for an evening
where they can experience God’s presence as you provide friendship and hospitality.
Office Staff Opening
Reformation Lutheran Church will begin a hiring process for an
additional office secretary in early January. Should church members know of someone who
may be interested, resumes will be accepted now. For more information, speak to Pastor
Mansholt.
From the Seminary in Austin, TX . . .
Dear Friends,
The new year is often a bittersweet time. We look back with some
regrets. There are people we hurt and tasks left undone. At the new year we also look to
the future with hope. January marks the opportunity for a new beginning.
Luther, of course, taught us that every day is a new beginning. It
is the grace we are given because of our devotion to Jesus Christ. Grace is freely given
to us, but many of us, unwittingly, do not accept God’s gift to us.
You see, when we listen to sermons and then walk away unchanged, we
are not accepting the grace. When we are baptized, but do not live disciplined Christian
lives, we reject God’s grace. If we accept holy communion, but do not confess our
sins and repent, again we have turned our backs to God’s gracious gift.
Living in the grace of God means living the Word of God. It calls us
to follow Jesus. It requires that we live his commands to love.
It’s a new year. A time of renewal and resolutions. Leave the
past behind, open yourselves to God’s gift, and live fully in God’s grace.
Blessings, Dawn Gorges
Golfers for God
Golfers for God is a group which meets weekly, weather
permitting, to fellowship and enjoy the game of golf. Sometime ago a practice of making
weekly donations to a charitable fund was established. The generosity of the members has
made it possible to purchase two lawn edgers for the church. Also, 30 youth Bibles, 12
scientific calculators, and a Foosball table were purchased for the Oaks Indian Center in
Oaks, Oklahoma. The group was also responsible for Reformation’s annual spring golf
tournament which was held at Echo Hills Golf Course in north Wichita. Forty people
participated, and a good time was had by all. The total contributions for the year 2000
were $1,897. Members are: Tom Cronk, Waldo Gerards, Dick Hasselwander, Clarence Koch, John
Lee, Jack Metz, Jan Moyer, Paul Ryding, Jerry Whetstone, and Ken Woodard.
From the Seminary in New Haven, CT . . .
Reformation Friends,
January 2001 is a very important time for the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America. By now, most of you are probably aware of the recent CCM agreement
between the Lutheran and Episcopal churches. This month, the "Called to Common
Mission" will be officially implemented into our churches. This will allow ministers
from either church body to serve Lutheran or Episcopal parishes as the need may arise. One
of the greatest benefits will be for those congregations who find themselves in rural
settings. Often it is those parishes that have a difficult time getting a full-time
pastor. If, for example, there would be a vacancy at one of our Lutheran churches, and we
were having difficulty filling the vacancy, the church could be allowed under this joint
agreement to call clergy from the Episcopal Church. They, then, could serve this
congregation either temporarily or full-time as the situation deemed appropriate. In this
way we are in common mission to the larger Christian Church.
In light of this ecumenical agreement, the Lutheran and Episcopal
students at Yale have been participating in a joint colloquium where we have weekly
discussions on the similarities and differences of our religious traditions. We also
participate in each other’s weekly worship services, as well as supporting one
another in our formation as future ministers of the church. By participating in this
colloquium, we hope to set the tone for the church’s mission in an ecumenical spirit
of unity. Together we will meet the needs of our congregations as partners in the Gospel
of Jesus Christ.
- Laura Ulicky-Weerts
Children and Youth Active in Worship . . .
is a day-long workshop intended to introduce strategies for
fully involving children and youth in congregational worship. Who would benefit from
attending this workshop on Saturday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., in
Russell, KS? Anyone who values children, and especially people working with Sunday School,
LOGOS, worship and music. Interested? See the brochure at the Welcome Center. Speak to
Pastor Mansholt.
Special Congregation Meeting
A Special Congregation Meeting has been called for Sunday, January
7, 9:45 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to act upon a recommendation of the
Church Council to engage the services of Kairos and Associates for a capital appeal.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be Sunday, January
28, following a noon luncheon. In addition to receiving the annual report and
adopting the 2001 budget, the meeting will elect Council members, synod assembly
delegates, and members of the Nominating Committee and Mission Endowment Committee.
Confirmation Note
The parents of our 7th grade confirmation students are invited
to a Family Session on Wednesday, January 10. You are welcome to join us for
dinner at 6:10 p.m. for the price of $2.00. Please let Deaconess Doreen know by Monday
that week. Our learning session will begin at 6:45 p.m. for those who will be joining us
then.
Concert Opportunity
The popular Christian band, "Brother’s Keeper,"
will be at Celebration Baptist Church (7202 E. 9th St.) on January 13 at
6:30 p.m. A love offering will be taken after the concert.
Press Credentials Not Required
For Lenten Devotional Writers
You don't have to be a news pro to create a
devotional meditation for our 2001 Lenten Devotional booklet. All you need is the interest
and willingness to write a 300-400 word message based on an assigned Scriptural text. Each
year, Reformation publishes a Lenten Devotional which is distributed to all members of the
congregation, to various nursing homes, shelters, and incarceration centers, and (for the
first time last year) to hundreds of people across the country via Internet. The theme
this year is "The Road to Coronation." Through our meditations, we reflect on
the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus from the perspective of Him as the
Servant-King, Messiah without earthly kingdom but with all the power and glory of the
kingdom of God. A few more writers are still needed. If you think you might be interested
in trying your hand at this, check our website at Reformation-lutheran.org/lent/assignment.html,
or contact Dallas Cronk (733-2454). Copy deadline is January 21.
Gift for Ministry?
Do you have gifts for organizing and delegating? Do you have a
passion for ministries of inviting and welcoming people into the church? Would you
prayerfully consider devoting several hours a month to ministries like these at
Reformation?
If you answer yes, perhaps God is calling you to a specific ministry
at Reformation. Call Pastor Jerry or Deaconess Doreen, and let’s talk further.
Area Ministry Five
Three pastors are new to Area Ministry 5.
- Pastor Mark Kreemer was installed at Good Shepherd Lutheran,
Wichita, in November.
- Pastor Tim Carey was installed in December at Emanuel Lutheran
Church, Hutchinson, and joins Pastor John Schroeppel.
- Pastor Mike Clark has accepted the Call to Christ Lutheran,
Wichita, and will be installed January 21.
Trip Canceled
Pastor Jerry and Anita Mansholt have canceled the 10
Day Biblical Tour of Israel scheduled for March of 2001. Increasing outbreaks of
violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians was the reason. Twenty-six people were
registered for the trip. They hope to be able to reschedule the trip within the next year.
Feast of Epiphany
You are invited to an Epiphany Eucharist on Saturday, January
6, 5:00 p.m., at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1101 North River Blvd. The service is
being led by St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Gloria Dei
Lutheran.
Last update
August 03, 2008 |
