RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 21 March 2001 Number 3
From the Pastor
I am delighted to announce that Ruth Koepsel is joining the staff at
Reformation Church. The Church Council approved her employment at its regular meeting last
month, and Ruth began her duties on February 18. On March 4 she will be installed as
Ministry Staff of the congregation.
Last month, you may recall, we had stated in the bulletin and
newsletter that a position for an additional office secretary would soon be opening. We
also had other pressing ministry needs. One was someone to replace Barbara Lee who ended
her service as Ministry Staff at the end of December. Another has been someone to serve in
the area of worship coordination.
When Ruth expressed an interest in the position of office secretary,
it also seemed to be an opportunity to explore other ministry staffing possibilities. God
provides the gifts needed for ministry. When those gifts are given, it seems that we also
should through prayer and conversation ask how we might best utilize those gifts in
ministry. This we did with Ruth, with Council leadership, and with other staff members.
Through this process, it seemed best that Ruth could serve the congregation well in three
areas, in a three-quarter time position.
Office. Part of Ruth’s work will be assistance in the office. She and Becky
Deckard will work out the specifics, but Ruth will be of a great help. She also will help
us to maximize the use of volunteers in the area of office support. Because of her other
responsibilities, Ruth will provide an important communication link between Ministry Staff
and office support.
Inviting/Welcoming Ministries. Another part of her service will be in the area
of inviting ministries. This is part of the ministry that Barbara Lee had been
doing. Ruth will provide support, encouragement, and accountability for those Ministry
Teams that are part of these ministries.
Worship Coordination. A big, big job is the coordination of
all the ministries that are related to the worship life of the congregation. Ruth will
provide oversight and coordination for those who do things like scheduling worship
assistants and the sending of worship tapes to the homebound.
We welcome Ruth to this service among us, and pray that our life together will be
strengthened and built up.
Ruth and her husband Randy have been members of Reformation since 1975. They are the
parents of two children: Chris, a senior at Wichita East; and Sara, an 8th grader at
Robinson Middle School.
- Pastor Jerry Mansholt
From the Deaconess
Over the past year or so I have used this column as an opportunity
to talk about the 40 assets that are necessary for healthy, positively contributing youth.
This month I would like to give you some statistics to illustrate how
important these assets are for all young people.
According to Search Institute, a community should strive to ensure that all
youth develop 31 or more assets. But the research shows that only eight percent of youth
have 31 or more of the 40 assets. The average young person experiences only about 18
assets. Why is this so important? Here are some statistics based on a survey of nearly
100,000 sixth through twelfth graders in 25 states.
Used illicit drugs three or more times in the past year.
42% 0-10 assets; 19% 11-20 assets; 6% 21-30 assets and 1% 31-40 assets.
Has had sexual intercourse three or more times in lifetime.
33% 0-10 assets; 21% 11-20 assets; 10% 21-30 assets; 3% 31-40 assets.
Has engaged in three or more acts of fighting, hitting, injuring a person, carrying
or using a weapon, or threatening physical harm in the past year.
61% 0-10 assets; 35% 11-20 assets; 16% 21-30 assets; 6% 31-40 assets.
Is frequently depressed and/or has attempted suicide.
40% 0-10 assets; 25% 11-20 assets; 13% 21-30 assets; 4% 31-40 assets.
Taking time to nurture these assets in the young people of our congregation and
community can pay off. As the commercials from the Kansas Health Foundation ask, "Have
you made a difference today in the life of a young person?"
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
A sincere thank you for your prayers and cards for our family during my husband’s
illness and death. A special thank you to Jette. We felt that God was with us.
- Bernice Lahti
New Church Directory
A new church membership directory will be printed soon. You may pick
up a copy for your household on Sunday, March 11, from the table in the
narthex.
The Road to Coronation
Lent is a time to reflect upon this great mystery of who God is. In
addition to reading your Lenten Devotion, take this opportunity to see Jesus and the
season of Lent differently than you ever have before. Join us for a six-week class on The
Road to Coronation.
Classes will be offered five times each week for your convenience: Sunday, 6:00 p.m. in
the Parish Hall; Monday, 7:00 p.m. in the Library; Tuesday, noon in the 3 year-old
classroom; Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. in the library; or Thursday, 7:00 p.m. in the Parish
Hall. Although classes started on Sunday, February 25, if you missed the first class,
please still join us for the next five weeks! Cost is $10.00 per person.
Parish Nurses’ Notes
Anyone wishing to have blood pressure checked is welcome to come to
the Parish Nurse Office on the first and third Sundays of each month. You may stop by
after either worship service. Blood pressure checks are also done at the B.T.O.L.
meetings.
The following items are available in our office:
Vial of Life kits - a medical information sheet with a plastic storage vial, a front
door sticker, and a refrigerator magnet. This can give clear access to important health
information in a medial emergency.
Wheelchairs, crutches, and canes that you may borrow.
Cases of Ensure - to be given to anyone.
If we can be of help to you, please contact us. We wish for you the blessings of
wellness–in body, mind, and spirit.
Jette Mortensen, 634-2067 - Barbara Lee, 684-5434
Usher Schedule for March
8:30 - Tom Arnold, T.J. Garcia Paul Garcia
11:00 - Don Benton, David Johnson, Bill Burress, Clarence Koch, Larry Ehrlich,
Melvin Swanson
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Ruth, Thursday, March 8, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Marsha Sears, 1441 N. Rock Rd., #1204
- Priscilla, Tuesday, March 13, 9:30 a.m. at the church
- Sarah, Monday, March 19, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Vera Bentson, 1655 Georgetown, #333
- Dorcas, Wednesday, March 21, 1:00 p.m. at the church
- Rachel, No Meeting in March
WELCA Board Meeting is set for Monday, March 5, 1:00 p.m., at the church. All officers
and circle leaders are encouraged to attend.
Opportunity Knocks! Coordinators are needed for a Mother-Daughter Event this summer and
for a Retreat in September. If you would like to see these events continue, call Kathy
Drake, 686-8444, and offer to bring these events to reality.
An assistant wedding and anniversary reception coordinator is also needed. Most
receptions are held on Saturday, and there are only 3 or 4 a year. For more information,
call Carol Ott, 683-5482, reception coordinator.
Blanket Makers will meet in the Parish Hall at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, March 5
& 19. Hopefully, a quilt will be ready for hand quilting during this month. The
quilt will be donated to Camp Tomah Shinga for their First Annual Quilt Auction to be held
at the camp on August 4, 2001.
World Day of Prayer, a function of Church Women United of Wichita, will be held
Friday, March 2, 1:00 p.m. Please check the notice on the WELCA bulletin board for
the church that is hosting.
Join us for Women’s Night Out on Tuesday, March 27, 6:30 p.m. We
will meet at Piccadilly’s, Central & Rock Rd. Sign up on the nursery door or call
Kimberly Lindemann, 691-1440.
Keep saving those Beverage Can Rings for the Ronald McDonald House!
You are invited to join us! Best Times of Life is a fellowship group for those 55 and
over that meets monthly for a potluck luncheon, programs, and great fellowship. We will
meet in March on Monday the 12th at noon in the Parish Hall.
This month we will play BINGO! Bring a wrapped "white elephant" gift to add to
the prizes! We would love to have you come–just bring a covered dish to share, your
own table service, and call Pauline (942-4885) or Betty (682-2030) with your reservation.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our youth who were part of the All City Honor
Band and Orchestra this past month. Members of the honor band were Sapphire Garcia,
8th grade; Nicole Wegner, 11th grade; and Chris Koepsel, 12th grade. Two
members, Melicent King, 8th grade; and Megan Pfeiffer, 11th grade, were part
of the honor orchestra. Way to go--we’re proud of you!
Lenten Worship
Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a season of renewal in
the Christian faith. You are encouraged to participate in the special worship services
being held at Reformation every Wednesday throughout this season. Behold the Tree,
a special service for Lent, will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesdays, followed by lunch in
the Parish Hall. Each Wednesday evening at 7:30, Holden Evening Prayer will
be the Lenten worship following LOGOS.
From the Seminary in Austin, TX . . .
RITE OF PASSAGE
On February 15, I took another step through the rite of passage to ordination. I
preached my senior sermon during an Episcopal service in Christ Chapel on the seminary
campus. The text was Mark 8:27-33, Peter’’s confession. It doesn’t seem to
matter how much one has preached, the senior sermon is intimidating. In fact, I’ve
had professors say they don’t even like to preach before the seminary congregation.
It is always difficult to preach to one’s peers, and that, coupled with the
theological experts gathered in the congregation, makes the task rather daunting.
The gist of the sermon was that after Peter confessed, "You are the Christ,"
he wondered about his words. Peter, we know, was rather prone to impulsiveness and
mistakes, but through them all, Jesus stayed steadfastly at his side. Even after Peter
fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane twice and denied Jesus three times, Jesus never
left him. In fact, when Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the
tomb the young man told them, "Go tell the disciples and Peter that he has
risen." Go tell Peter, reassure him. Jesus never left Peter.
Jesus called Peter, and Jesus calls each of us to serve in his kingdom. Sometimes the
work seems too much for us, and sometimes we make mistakes. But, as with Peter, Jesus
never leaves us. Thanks be to God! Blessings to each of you, Dawn Gorges
New Member Class Being Held Sunday Mornings
Re-Discovering the Catechisms, a class for those interested
in becoming members of Reformation Lutheran Church, meets Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the
Parish Hall. The start-up for this 8-session series of classes was February 25, but it is
still not too late to join the class. This is an opportunity to meet others
new to the church, deepen your faith, explore the basic teachings of the Church, and grow
in discipleship. New Member Sunday will be April 22, the Second Sunday in the Easter
Season.
From the Seminary in New Haven, CT . . .
THE LORD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
A number of weeks ago–actually on the day of my 39th birthday–I was given a
blessed gift from God. On my way out the doors of our Chapel, where my New Testament class
happened to meet that day, I glanced at the worship folders on the back table that were
placed there for the Chapel service which was to begin momentarily. To my surprise, I saw
this printed within: "Our choir this morning will perform a KYRIE from Missa
Festiva, a rendition that combines lyrical melody, touches of counterpoint, and often
brilliant accompaniment in this first setting of the mass by composer, John Leavitt."
You can imagine my surprise and glee! At that point I searched out my own little corner of
the chapel, sat back, and took in the beauty of the choir’s presentation of
John’s musical Credo. I was so moved by this experience–not only to hear the Kyrie
performed so beautifully by the Yale choir, but to have a sense of somehow being in the
midst of my Reformation family within that moment. I felt as if you all shared in my
birthday celebration on that day. Needless to say, after the service I informed my
friends, the choir members, and their director that they had sung a choral piece by MY
church’s music director! I was so proud. Thanks for the gift you all inadvertently
gave to me that day . . .especially you, John!
Blessings and Peace, LAURA
Meal-A-Month for March
- Tuna Tuna Helper or Mushroom Soup & Noodles
- Green Beans
- Fruit Cocktail
- Dry Milk (optional)
Yellow Bags are available in the narthex. Please return them with the requested items
by March 25. Donations support the local food bank managed by United Methodist Urban
Ministry.
Your Support is Greatly Appreciated!
Nurturing Faith In the Home
Encouragement, one of the seven faith practices, helps us to show
sensitivity to those who need to see signs of God’s presence and activity in their
lives. An old American Indian saying refers to walking a mile in someone else’s
moccasins. This discipline of encouragement reflects our ability to put ourselves in
someone else’s place. This may not be a practice or attitude that our children learn
naturally. Below are some activities that will help both you and your children be more
sensitive to people’s needs so that you can be an encourager of their faith.
Purchase a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses. Use them when you talk about how we can
look at other people through eyes of love. This can be used with all ages as we are faced
with kids who tease, teachers who don’t seem to care, co-workers who are difficult,
brothers or sisters who can be a pain.
Write words of encouragement and affirmation on self-adhesive notes. Stick them on
mirrors, doors, and other places where other family members can see them.
Be kind to people you meet. Offer a smile, a greeting as you pass by. Explain to your
children that, "We love, because God first loved us." (1 John, 4:7-8).
Nurture unconditional love. Teach your family members to handle inappropriate behavior
with a response, I might not like what you do, but I’ll always love you."
Share your old or extra toys with a local women’s shelter.
Go through your children’s clothes with them. Package outfits they’ve
outgrown and deliver them to a local clothing distribution center.
Pick up an extra copy of the Lenten booklets given to the children. Let your child give
it to one of their friends who maybe doesn’t go to church.
Summer Camp at Tomah Shinga
Registration forms for summer camp 2001 are available in the
narthex. There are some exciting opportunities for all ages. The theme for the week is
"Jesus Is." The daily texts will focus on ways we experience Jesus in our lives
today: Son of God, Healer, Teacher, Savior, and Friend. Don’t wait too long to make
your camping plans. Registrations are due by May 1, 2001. Please let Deaconess Doreen know
when your child will be attending camp so that she can connect people interested in the
same week! Here are some dates to note:
Parent/Child Overnighter
Pre-Junior Half-Week
Junior Camp
- Grades 4-6
- June 10-15, July 8-13
Confirmation Camp
Combination Camp
- Grades 4-9
- July 29-August 3
New VBS Dates
Mark your calendars now! Vacation Bible School will be July
22-26 in the evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will kick off our VBS week on
Sunday, with an introduction to the theme, a treasure hunt, and ice cream!
David Dibble and Victoria Morgan are not only the VBS coordinators, but the creators of
Swiss Family Reformation, VBS 2001. Many others are involved with helping to put
together the activities, lessons and props. If you would be interested in helping, please
call Victoria (681-2012) or David (685-5897).
