RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 21 October 2001 Number 10
From the Interim Pastor
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self control....If we live by the Spirit, let us also be
guided by the Spirit."
- Galatians 5:22, 25
The Spirit of God is present and lively at Reformation! The fruit of the Spirit that
the apostle Paul names in Galatians is evident in the worship, learning, people and
ministries of this congregation in wonderful ways. Thanks be to God!
During these sad days following the disasters of attacks in New York, Washington DC,
and Pennsylvania, we struggle for a sense of security, of order in life, of recovery from
grief and suffering. The prayer services here, across the country, and around the world,
which we have shared in person or by way of television, have brought us together in deeply
meaningful ways. We are able to support and minister to each other in that spirit of
kindness, gentleness, and faithfulness. It is my prayer that we as a nation will find the
path to true recovery, justice and peace, and that the Spirit of God will breathe the gift
of new life.
The people of Reformation are serving in many amazing ways these days, as we have
embarked on the fall season. I am delighted to take part in the ministries of learning and
growing in faith with Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman, where I am coming to know young people
preparing for Holy Communion and their parents, those preparing for Confirmation, LOGOS
people, newcomers preparing for membership, people in Crossways and Bible studies,
and men and women of all ages, discovering God’s Word in new ways.
I give thanks for Stephen Ministry, Parish Nurses (or Health Ministries), outreach with
Oaks Indian Center and with CROP Walk and food ministries that touch the lives of people
in times of need and
give valued support. What fun it will be to get together for the Pit BBQ at the Fall
Festival for all ages on Oct. 7, planned by AAL! And all the other good gatherings for
friendship and celebration. Lotus Gerards leads these ministries of sending. The
ministries of the Call Committee, Stewardship Ministry, Spiritual Gifts Ministry, Council,
Women of the Church, and office manager, Rebecca Holden Deckard, bring important gifts of
leadership. Worship is inspiring these days, as Ruth Koepsel prepares services that bring
us together for Word, Sacrament, prayer and praise. Our music leaders, Dr. Eugenia Oi-Yan
Yau, Clark Rice, and Nina Kindt, along with Parish and Bell Choirs, uplift us in song. We
join in celebrating the upcoming ordination of Dawn Gorges, soon to be pastor, and extend
our prayers for blessing.
Even in the midst of this Christ-centered mission, we come here through the barrage of
signs held by demonstrators who do not seem to understand our proclamation of God’s
message of love, forgiveness, hope, and welcome for all people. As Lutherans, we recognize
that we can hold a variety of opinions and convictions on important issues, and yet come
together united in our faith in Jesus Christ, in the grace of God. Our congregation
Council is taking steps in response to the outside harassment. Some Council members and I
met with two leaders of the demonstrations to discourage the use of signs and to encourage
prayerful witness. As I write this, we do not expect that change. We have met with Wichita
police officers to plan their presence on Sunday mornings and for special services. We are
establishing a ministry team to implement Christ-centered welcome for members and visitors
who come our way, and to support the congregation, especially children and parents, as we
come to church. We will pray for our congregation and for the people who are
demonstrating, that we may come to faithful ways of living together as the Body of Christ.
I encourage all to read the whole passage of Galatians 5:16-26 for guidance.
Even when faced with so much in our lives, we know that Jesus promises, "Behold, I
am with you always, to the close of the age." May the God of hope fill you with all
joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit!
- Pastor Sally Fahrenthold
From the Deaconess
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. - Romans
12:14
We are tired of driving through the signs and the people each Sunday morning. Some of
you are staying away because of it. Some of you have expressed your anger; others seethe
silently. So we have to ask ourselves where we go from here.
This may be our opportunity to practice the gospel that we hear and preach each week.
It won’t be easy; it wasn’t even well accepted in Jesus’ time. Turning the
other cheek and loving those who persecute us is a real challenge. Here are some basic
steps that I am going to try to practice myself.
1. View the people holding the signs and yelling as people who also define themselves
as Christians and who believe they are following Christ. In doing so, they are not just
the enemy, but people who are also part of the Body of Christ.
2. Pray for those who grace our sidewalks each week. In Romans 12, Paul tells us to
Bless those who persecute us. Not only do we pray for them, but we can pray blessings
on them.
3. Try to reach out in love. Romans 12:20 says,
If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to
drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads. Someone a few
weeks ago took lemonade out. That is a perfect example of what Romans 12:20 is talking
about.
4. Remember that we will not change them or their beliefs, so let’s work on our
own attitudes and seek God’s will. Romans 12:2 says, Do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is
the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.
These are difficult days, but God calls us to respond in love.
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
I want to thank members of the congregation who supported my dedication to help cancer
patients through Victory in the Valley. I raised $11,527.00 for this year’s East-West
Walk/Run event.
- Rose Fladeland
* * *
After five and one-half weeks in hospitals, I can’t help but be grateful for the
many expressions of hope, the visits from friends, and good wishes for recovery. Now that
I am home, my prayers are for continued progress in the days to come. Dorothea and I wish
to express special appreciation to Pastor Sally, Jette, Barb, Jerry, Lotus and Waldo for
the help and assistance they provided for us.
Sincerely, Donald Rindt
* * *
A special "Thank You" to the following members who provided special music
and/or served as a cantor during our summer worship season: Shirley Anderson, Virginia
Leikvold, Christy Hansen, Nina Kindt, Sam Martin, Monica Mansholt, Scott Jensen, Amy
Keith, Mark Yeskie, and Deaconess Doreen. The sharing of their musical gifts is sincerely
appreciated by all who gather for worship.
Search for New Pastor Begins
The Call Committee was installed Sunday morning, September 16, and began the search for
a new pastor for Reformation by meeting with Pastor Christine Hallemeier of the Synod
Office for orientation. The Call Committee was appointed by the Church Council and
includes: Bruce Brittain, Tanya Flores, Waldo Gerards, Heidi Jensen, Ron Ott (chairman),
and Tom Pletcher, with Judy McDiffett and Kimberly Lindemann serving as alternates. If
anyone in the congregation wishes to submit a candidate for the position, Candidate
Referral Forms are available in the church office.
Submit completed forms to the Call Committee.
Local Benevolence
Thank You, Reformation Congregation, from the following agencies for recent financial
support:
- Bethany College
- Lutheran Social Service
- Kansas Ecumenical Ministries
- Hospice, Inc.
And from the Staff of Catholic Charities, Anthony Family Shelter, for a donation of
food.
New Members to be Received
New members will be received on November 18. Newcomers are invited to
Sunday morning classes at 9:45 a.m., beginning on October 7, for preparation and getting
acquainted with the congregation. It is a special joy that many people have indicated that
they wish to join. All interested persons are invited to indicate "Wish to join"
on the Friendship Pad in worship, or to come to the Sunday morning classes.
Program on Long Term Care Offered by AAL
Reformation Lutheran Church members are invited to attend an Aid Association for
Lutherans educational program on "Long Term Care" on Tuesday, October 9,
7:00 p.m., at Black Canyon Grill. Appetizers and wine will be served. You do not have to
be an AAL member to attend. To make a reservation or obtain additional information on this
program, please contact Todd Massaglia at 683-6254. Reservations are required.
Big Brothers / Big Sisters "Big for a Day"
Individuals, couples, and families from Wichita area churches are invited to
participate in a special event, "Big for a Day," at Exploration Place on
Thursday, October 25, 6:30-9:00 p.m. Dinner and museum entrance are free.
Volunteers can spend the evening with one of 1000+ children on the Big Brothers Big
Sisters waiting list, ages 5-17. There is no commitment beyond the evening, but Big
Brothers Big Sisters hopes that some of the volunteers attending will choose to
participate in one of their mentoring programs: Community-based (2-3 hours once a
week doing activities of your choice at home or in the community), Bigs in Schools
(once a week, 30-60 minutes at an elementary or middle school), Club Buddies (an
hour a week at a Boys and Girls Club site), or Malisa’s Hope after-school program
(an hour a week at a church-based after-school program). Call 263-3300 to volunteer.
CROP Walk Part of a Network of Caring
In times of need, and now disaster, CROP is there to help. In partnership with many
organizations in more than 80 countries, including the United States, Church World Service
offers opportunities to be part of a people-to-people network of caring for others. Join
your fellow walkers in Wichita and do your part through CROPWALK.
October 14 - 2:00 p.m.
Sedgwick County Park
6501 West 21st St. N.
(Near the Zoo)
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla, Tuesday, October 9, 1:30 a.m. in church library
- Sarah, Monday, October 15, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Kathy Drake, 1550 Floberta
St.
- Dorcas, Wednesday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Nadine Norton, 4758
Portwest Ct.
WELCA Board will meet Monday, October 1, at 1:00 p.m. in the
church library.
Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, October 1, 15 & 29 at
9:00 a.m. in Parish Hall.
The Wichita Area Church Women United will meet again Friday, October
5, at 1:00 p.m., after the summer break. We will gather at Inter-Faith Ministries,
829 N. Market, for a listening forum.
The WELCA for the Wichita and surrounding communities will hold its fall Cluster
Meeting at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1451 E. 47th St. South, on Saturday, October
20. Registration and fellowship starts at 9:00. More details are posted on the
WELCA bulletin board in Parish Hall.
Please join us for Women’s Night Out. We will be meeting at the
Outback Steakhouse, located at 2020 N. Rock Rd., on Tuesday, October 23, at
6:30 p.m. For reservations, sign up on the nursery door or call Kimberly Lindemann,
691-1440.
Best Time of Life
Reformation’s fellowship group for those age 55 and over, will meet Monday, October
8, at 12:00 noon, for a covered dish lunch and program. Come and join us for
delicious food, warm, friendly fellowship, and an interesting program by the Senior
Services. Bring a covered dish, your own table service, and please call Pauline (942-4885)
or Betty (682-2030) with your reservation.
"Can I Get You Some Coffee?"
Our Sunday morning, coffee fellowship is something many Reformation members and friends
look forward to. It is important because it provides more than just a cup of coffee. It
provides a meeting spot, a time for fellowship, a chance to see a friend or fellow member
who attends the other service, a chance to express concern or offer support.
In order to ensure that our coffee fellowship continues, help is needed. Coffee must be
started prior to the early service and then cleaned up following the late service. Our
standing order for donuts from Dillons at Woodlawn & 13th needs to be picked up (no
payment is required, but the donuts do need to be picked up before early service). If you
would be willing to help in any way for one week -- or one month -- please sign up at the
poster by the coffee pots in Parish Hall. All of the instructions you need will be
provided.
Not a coffee drinker??? Not to worry! This is still a way that you can provide a
gesture of fellowship and outreach to your Reformation family as well as visitors and
guests.
Strike Up the Band!
The Luther College Concert Band will perform in concert in Wichita on Sunday, October
21, at 2:00 p.m., in DeMattias Fine Arts Hall on the campus of Newman University.
The music of students of this college of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will
be a joy to hear. Reformation is a host sponsor for the concert. The students and leaders
need homes to stay in for the night of October 21, leaving early in the morning. The
arrangements need to include at least two guests per home. If you can provide this
hospitality, please contact Korey Torgerson at 744-0098.
The Original Plan
This illustration from See through the Scriptures (Crossways International,
1993) shows God’s original plan for humanity before sin destroyed that relationship.
The all-loving God, king of the universe (the circle with a crown) created us to live in
harmony, serving him and each other. (Note the upraised arms and people on bended knee.
The arrows go in both directions between God and people, and between the people.) Further,
his plan was that all people-both genders, from all ethnic, racial, and economic
backgrounds-would be a harmonious world community (the globe and people holding hands).
When sin broke apart all relationships, God began working to restore the original plan.
He chose Abraham to lead a chosen people to bring blessings to all nations. He spoke
through the prophets to remind his people of his will for them. Then he broke the cycle of
sin and death through his Son. When Jesus gave up his life on the cross, he made possible
our reunion with God and gave the potential for harmony and love. The Church’s
mission and our individual responsibility is to restore all people to unity with God and
one another. Compare our congregation’s mission statement: Servants of God, guided by
the Holy Spirit, to make Christ known. How do you accomplish this? How can I? We ask
daily: How can I use my life to glorify God and serve others?
Mission Endowment Fund
The Mission Endowment Fund Committee is pleased to report the following financial
activity of the Fund from its inception in January 2000 to July 31, 2001:
- Gift from members of the Endowment Fund Committee $ 4,000.
- Transfer of Jenny Campbell Memorial Fund 3,468.
- Bequest from the estate of Ray & Elsa Baum (portion allocated by Church Council)
20,000.
- Earnings on invested funds 2000 - 2001 467.
Total as of July 31, 2001 $ 27,935.
These monies have been transferred to an account established with the ELCA Foundation.
Reformation gratefully acknowledges the above gifts for the mission of the church and
encourages all members to consider the Mission Endowment Fund as a lasting legacy. For
more information, contact Jan Moyer, 733-2108.
Funds Needed for Kidney Transplant
Lutheran Brotherhood Wichita Branch 8062 is sponsoring a fund drive to help with
expenses associated with kidney transplant for William W. Schmidt. Matching funds up to
$1,117.50 will be available from the Lutheran Brotherhood branch. Bill and his wife Elaine
live in the South Central Kansas area. Since his several heart attacks, deteriorating
kidneys, and diabetes, he is unable to work.
Donations may be mailed to: Bart Herheim
Branch Treasurer of Wichita Branch 8062
3321 S. Knight
Wichita, KS 67217
Make checks payable to Lutheran Brotherhood Wichita Branch #8062.
A Letter from Texas . . .
Dear Friends,
It is a great joy to announce that on Sunday, September 16, I received a call from Lord
of Life Lutheran Church in northern Oklahoma City, near Edmond. The congregation was
established in 1984 and has about 250 confirmed and communing members. I will begin my
ministry at LOL on October 15. Anne and I will be moving the first week in October.
This call to serve Lord of Life is the culmination of a partnership the folks of
Reformation began with me 4 ˝ years ago. This has been a rich and meaningful period in my
life, a time that has been fulfilled because of our relationship. Once again I thank you
for your love and support.
We will celebrate my journey with my ordination into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament
at Reformation on Sunday, October 21, at 4:00 in the afternoon. A few weeks later, on
November 11,
I will be installed at Lord of Life. You are invited to that event as well.
Yours in Christ, Dawn Gorges
Oaks Indian Center
October 7 will be Oaks Indian Center Sunday at Reformation. Representatives
from Oaks will be present to participate in the morning worship services. Sol Mockicin
will present the sermon. Also, the free-will offering taken during the Fall Festival,
following the 11:00 worship service, will benefit Oaks Indian Center.
Oaks Indian Center is located at Oaks, Oklahoma, which is approximately 50 miles east
of Tulsa. It is home to 48 Native American children who need a safe place to live. They
need the love and guidance that only a stable home can provide. They need food and
clothing and, above all, an opportunity to obtain a good education. Oaks Indian Center
provides for the needs of these children. The Center is currently appealing for funds
which will allow for the improvement of the current facilities and provide space for 24
additional children.
Ordination Gifts
The Reformation congregation will give something special to Dawn Gorges upon her
ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. If you would like to contribute toward
this gift, please make your check payable to Reformation and designate "ordination
gift."
From the Seminary in New Haven, CT . . .
"No one knows when their hour will come.
As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so humanity is
trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them."
Ecclesiastes 9:12
The last few weeks have been unnerving for the nation. Living in Connecticut has put me
that much closer to "ground zero," which affected a significant number of
families in this state. Having been trained in Critical Incident and Stress Management, I
am equipped to work with individuals who have experienced mass tragedy and trauma. I am
currently on 'stand by' with the Red Cross to serve as a pastoral care provider as needed
in the next weeks and months ahead. When something like this devastating terrorist attack
occurs, the question always begs to be asked."Why?" Unfortunately, we may never
know the answer to that question this side of heaven. Many a person throughout the Bible
has also asked that question - including the familiar character of God's servant Job. The
one thing Scripture clearly highlights is the message that we are all called to be
instruments of God's grace through Jesus Christ. We are called to do this in a world often
wracked with pain and sorrow. In light of this reality, how might you reflect this grace
as you follow the example of Jesus, particularly in his role as a messenger of love in a
world where pockets of hate can manifest themselves when you least expect it? Although
this Ecclesiastes passage might easily lead us toward a sense of despair, it is actually
to be understood within the greater context of the Gospel message. It is this Gospel of
Jesus Christ that enlightens us with hope-hope for today and hope for eternity. It is in
light of this hope that I pray God's power be upon you as you carry out your tasks
faithfully in his name.
Sincerely, Laura Ulicky-Weerts
Sharing your Gifts through the Altar Guild
Have you ever wondered about the care and preparation of the altar for worship? This
very special service and sharing of gifts is provided by the Altar Guild. Altar Guild
members are guided and taught to care for the linens, paraments, communion ware, and
candles, as well as the actual preparation of bread and wine for communion. Some
additional help is needed during the month of November and for some of the extra Christmas
services. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please call Dorla
Alseike at 686-8210. An experienced Altar Guild member will always be there to help and
guide you. This is truly a meaningful way to serve in the Lord’s church.
Reformation Celebration
On Sunday, October 28, we will celebrate Reformation Day. This marks the
day Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the church at Wittenburg and began a
religious reformation that led to the beginning of Protestantism and Lutheranism.
All God’s children will meet together from 9:45 to10:45 a.m. There will be
no regular Sunday School classes. Watch for more details the week or two before!
Retreat for Leaders and Interested Members
"Looking Ahead for Reformation and Our Ministries" is the theme for a retreat
gathering coming up on Friday evening, October 26, and Saturday morning, October
27, at the church. This will be an opportunity to become more rooted in our vision
and mission, to affirm our gifts personally and as a congregation, and to share ideas and
dreams for the future. As we prepare for new pastoral leadership, we will grow in
anticipation of what this might mean for Reformation. Everyone who serves on Council, on
the Call Committee, Nominating Committee, as a ministry leader or participant, teacher,
and in many other ways is encouraged to take part. Put this on your calendar, watch for
more information, and plan to come.
Our Mid-Week Children’s Program
Building Christian relationships in a four-part retreat experience.
Join us on Wednesday, October 3, as we kick off our 2001-2002 LOGOS program!
LOGOS is a four-part congregational ministry dedicated to nurturing school-age children
(K-6th grade) into discipleship. The four-part program consists of: Recreation, Worship,
Family Time, and Bible Study. LOGOS meets every Wednesday evening (October-May) from 5:00
to 7:45 p.m.
The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with a 30-minute period of recreation, creative
pursuits and fun interaction. The development of personal relationships occurs when adults
and children are able to play together while just being themselves and having fun! At 5:30
p.m. the children engage in a variety of age-appropriate worship skills, during which they
may sing, learn about the liturgy and worship symbolism, or practice for the Bell Choir.
At 6:10 p.m. a hungry crew moves to Family Time, where a healthy, warm meal is served. The
meal provides an arena for bonding relationships to develop between the children and table
parents.
Family Time is a time to eat, but the primary reason we are together is to build
Christian relationships. We have four cook teams who prepare food on a rotating basis. At
7:00 p.m. the evening is rounded out with Bible Study, organized by age. The Bible study
time is the core of the entire LOGOS Program. Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman is in charge of
this part. She has a dedicated group of teachers who spend time preparing stimulating and
interactive lessons to help the children develop a more personal relationship with our
creator.
Each week there will be a different theme! In October, the LOGOS themes will be as
follows:
- Oct. 3 Getting to Know You
- Oct. 10 Wild, Wild West
- Oct. 17 World Series
- Oct. 24 Mummy Madness
- Oct. 31 No LOGOS
Join the fun . . . Bring a friend . . . We look forward to seeing you October 3!
Nurturing Faith in the Home
Study is one of the seven faith practices that helps us to grow as disciples of
Christ and builds up individuals and the community.
Back in the 1500's Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism to help parents teach their
children the basics of faith. Luther believed that Christians were to be lifelong
learners, and that the learning began as children.
What can you do in your home to practice the discipline of study so that you and your
children will learn how God is active in your life through the Word.
Display symbols of faith in your home at a level everyone can see (pictures of Jesus,
crosses, Bible quotes, etc.)
Choose age-appropriate Bibles and devotion books to ground your family faith discussion
in a Bible story or verse.
Use The Home Altar as a daily devotional booklet with your children. The
Oct.-Dec. issue is available in the narthex.
Learn Bible verses that promote healthy behavior, such as: May the Words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, and post them on
your refrigerator.
Give children the opportunity to include Bible stories in their imaginary play. Set up
play stations to act out specific stories: the Christmas story (Luke 2), Noah’s ark
(Gen. 7-8), Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:37-39), Jesus’ feeding of the 5000 (John
6), just to mention a few.
Talk to your children about what they learned in Sunday School and heard in worship.
Keep the Bible story (usually Sunday’s Gospel) in front of your family throughout the
week.
Preview movies and TV programming through a faith lens. Question whether they will
enrich your hearts or tempt you to stray from God’s way.
Read together and talk about the stories that emphasize how we love even those who are
against us: Genesis 39, Acts 6 & 7, Luke 23 are just a few good ones to start
with.
Sunday School Notes
The Sunday School Opening from 9:45 to 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary is for all
children in grades K-6th. The opening is a time of singing and preparing the children for
the theme of the day. Our Children’s Music Director, Nina Kindt, leads this opening
time with the help of Karen Vlamis. The three and four year olds have there own opening
time in their classroom.
Attendance Recognition: Each Sunday any class with perfect attendance will put
out a special banner on their door, indicating that their whole class is there that day.
At the end of each trimester, the class with the most days of perfect
attendance will get a treat of doughnuts. Students at the end of the year will also be
recognized for their exceptional attendance. It is very important that if your child
attends church somewhere else, a church bulletin should be given to Barbara Borg the
following week. Please put your name on the bulletin.
Confirmation Sessions Begin
Our confirmation sessions will begin on Wednesday, October 3, at 6:10
p.m. We will begin each session with a meal together, before moving into our learning
event. We will end each week at 7:45 p.m.
These two years of confirmation instruction are intended to help our 7th & 8th
graders continue growing in their faith that began at Baptism, to build relationships with
their peers and other adults, and to learn more about living a life of discipleship.
Advent Retreat
Be Advent-urers! All 4th-6th graders can participate in an Advent Retreat at Camp Tomah
Shinga on Friday, November 30, 7:00 p.m. until Saturday, December 1,
3:30 p.m. We will learn what it means to be Advent people: Be Ready, Be Repentant, Be
Waiting, and Be Listening.
Cost is $35.00. Parents are encouraged to attend as sponsors. Registration forms are
available in the narthex and should be mailed in by Nov. 15. Please mention to Deaconess
Doreen if you are interested so she can help coordinate with other interested families.
First Communion
First Communion classes for young people in Grade 5 are currently being held for the
youth and their parents. These youth will receive their First Communion on Sunday, October
14.
A two-part Communion workshop will be held on Saturday, October 20, and
Saturday, November 3 9:00-11:00 a.m., for children and their parents who may
be considering celebrating Holy Communion for the first time. This workshop is in response
to our new policy on Communion:
Baptized children are invited to begin to commune on a regular basis at a time
determined through mutual conversation that includes the pastor, child, and parent(s).
Educational opportunities will be offered for parents and children on a regular basis.
These classes are intended to help parents and children to discern the appropriate time to
begin to commune and to deepen their understanding of Holy Communion.
Sunday Morning Adult Education
Adult / New Member Class in the Parish Hall:
All members are invited to attend this six-week class which will focus on The
Apostles’ Creed for a New Millennium.
Divine Drama: Our Narrative in the Library:
This year-long study delves into how we live out our lives in response to God’s
love for us. Specific topics include: Baptism and the Trinity.
On Sunday, October 28, during the Sunday School hour, all adults in the congregation
are invited to join the children to celebrate Reformation Day. Please take this
opportunity meet some new children, and help nurture the young people of this
congregation.
Taizé Worship
You are invited to participate in a style of worship called Taizé at Grace
Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas, 5:30 p.m., on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the
month, in the chapel. The worship is contemplative and features repetitive singing and
silent meditation. It is an ecumenical service provided to deepen ones own spirituality.
Dress is casual. The service lasts 30 minutes.
From the Parish Nurses
Flu Shots: We hope we will be able to provide flu vaccinations again this
year. The latest information we have from CDC is that it will be late again this year,
probably late November or early December. The price will be $5.00. We will keep you
posted.
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Breast Cancer Awareness: October is national Breast Cancer Awareness
Month.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
- lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- any flattening or indentation of the breast skin
- any puckering, pitting, or dimpling of the breast skin
- any change in the position, size, or color of the breast
- clear or bloody nipple discharge
- a retracted nipple
- redness of the breast skin
Who’s at risk? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, other than skin
cancer. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among women. The chances of
developing breast cancer increase with age. By age 50, one in every 50 women will have
breast cancer. By age 85, the chances increase to one of every eight.
Know the Risk Factors:
- having a mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt with breast cancer
- having a history of hyperplasia (atypical cell growth)
- menstruation before age 12
- menopause after age 55
- never giving birth or giving birth first after age 35
- eating a high-fat diet
- tobacco use
The 4th Annual State Parish Nurse Conference, "Ambassadors for
Christ," promoting integration of body, mind, and spirit, will be held Wednesday and
Thursday, October 24 & 25 at the Spiritual Life Center. Registration
forms are available in the Parish Nurse Office.
Medicines and Drugs: October is Talk About Prescriptions Month.
Fall Festival - October 7
Reformation Lutheran’s Fall Festival will be Sunday, October 7, immediately after
the second worship service. The Fall Festival will include the annual pit barbecue, along
with Karaoke, pony rides, balloon tying, volleyball games, horseshoes, kid’s games,
and raffle drawings for prizes.
Oaks Indian Center staff and youth will participate in both worship services Sunday
morning. A free-will offering will be taken to help support the Oaks Indian Center and
their youth program. Aid Association for Lutherans will provide matching funds from
AAL’s "Helping Hands" program for the first $800 raised.
Please bring your family, friends, picnic chairs, favorite salad or dessert, and come
join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. For additional information or to
volunteer to help with this great event, please call Doug Vandersee at 744-3769, or Rich
McDiffett at 282-0598.
