RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 21 November 2001 Number 11
From the Interim Pastor
Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath
done, In whom his world rejoices; Who, from our mothers’ arms, Has blest us on our
way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.
(Lutheran Book of Worship, 533, 534)
The song "Now Thank We All Our God" was written by Pastor Martin Rinkart
(1586-1659) in the early days of the Protestant Reformation, a time of renewal of faith.
It means even more, knowing that it was written during a time of war and the plague.
Pastor Rinkart buried almost 4,500 plague victims, including his own wife! In the midst of
loss, sorrow, and change, Pastor Rinkart wrote a great hymn of praise, set to music by
Johann Crüger, that expresses well our experience still today.
Now thank we all our God . . . for the installation of our new Bishop and our
congregation’s former pastor, Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt . . . for the ordination to
the Ministry of Word and Sacrament of our member, Dawn Gorges, serving Lord of Life
Lutheran Church in Edmond, Oklahoma . . . for newcomers preparing for membership . . . for
ministries of worship, music, learning, caring, serving, feasting and fellowship here . .
. With hearts and hands and voices.
Who wondrous things has done . . . for God’s Spirit who continues to renew and
reform the church, which we celebrate on Reformation Sunday, October 28 . . . for the
saints, ordinary people and extraordinary people, who have shared the legacy of faith and
set examples of Christian living, to remember on All Saints Sunday, November 4 . . . for
our renewed commitment to Christ and using our gifts in his mission as we receive new
members and make giving commitments for the coming year on November 18 . . . In whom his
world rejoices. With countless gifts of love . . . for all of God’s blessings, we
give thanks, at our Thanksgiving Eve worship on November 21 . . . for good food and
fellowship, which we will enjoy at the Pie Social following worship on November 21 . . .
for Jesus Christ, our Savior in glory, whom we celebrate on Christ the King Sunday,
November 25 . . . for hope, faith, and love in the midst of all that life holds.
Oh, may this bounteous God, Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us, And keep us in his grace, And guide us when perplexed, And
free us from all harm In this world and the next.
Let us join in this month of thankfulness together! God’s peace be with you!
- Interim Pastor Sally Fahrentlhold
From the Deaconess
Last month while walking the aisles of Hobby Lobby I was intrigued with a display of
bottles filled with a clear liquid and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Before
I left the store I bought a similar bottle so that I could make my own decorative display.
Earlier this week I was once again wandering around the same store. When I came to the
same display, my reaction was quite different. I was appalled! How wasteful to use food as
decoration when so many people in our own country, as well as throughout the world, are
starving.
What a difference a month or a day makes!
As I contemplate my plenty, I was reminded of an incident many years ago in Omaha. I
was the S.S. superintendent and thought it would be a great idea to go around to the
Sunday School classes in November and ask the children what they were thankful for. Most
of the answers were what I would have expected. Then I asked a girl about six, who was the
foster child of one of the members. I don’t remember her name, but will never forget
her answer. She was thankful for a bed to sleep in.
What are you thankful for this November?
The needs in our city, in this state, in this country and in this world are so great.
We can become numbed by all the demands for money that come our way. But since everything
we have is God’s, the question is not, "How much of what I have do I give
away?" The question is, "How much of what is God’s do I need for
myself?"
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
We want to say thank you to all our friends at Reformation for all the beautiful
cards and best wishes sent to us for our 60th anniversary. It helped make our day very
special.
- Bill & Charlotte Herrold
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Fall Festival a great success. I
especially want to thank the Fall Festival Ministry Team: Rich McDiffett, Lotus &
Waldo Gerards, Gary Hoepner, Jane Camenzind, Randy Worrell, Mark Hansen, Martha &
Loren Deines, Jerry Whetstone, Barb Lee, and Ruth Koepsel, who through their hard work and
dedication made this one of the most exciting Fall Festivals to date.
Also, a special thanks to everyone who furnished wood, built the fire, prepared the
meat, set up and cleaned up for the festival, furnished horseshoes and volleyball
equipment; to Mark Yeskie and Carol Weaver for their artistic balloon creations, to Jane
Camenzind for preparing the kid's games, to Kimberly Lindemann for the great publicity;
and a great big thanks to Brigitta, Michael, and Samantha Bogan for bringing their horses
for all of the kids to ride.
The last special thank you goes out to the members of Reformation for preparing your
favorite salads and desserts, for supporting the Fall Festival with your attendance, and
for giving generously to help raise over $1,700 for the Oaks Indian Center. This amount
includes the $800 for matching funds from AAL's "Helping Hands" program. Thanks
again for your generous gifts. We are a very blessed congregation.
Doug Vandersee Fall Festival Ministry Team Coordinator
Thank You, Reformation congregation, from the following agencies for recent financial
support:
- Hospice, Inc.
- Luther College (for Monica Mansholt)
- Lutheran Social Service
- Senior Services, Inc.
A sincere note of thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways to host the Luther
College Concert Band on October 21-22. To Reformation families: Gerards, Lees, Otts,
Rydings, Torgersons, Nortons, Keiths, Dickersons, Herrolds, Pitts, and Buxtons. To Christ
Lutheran Church for hosting and providing dinner, and to additional host families from
Christ, Cross of Glory, and Gloria Dei.
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla, Tuesday, November 13, 1:30 p.m. at the church
- Dorcas, Wed., November 14, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Dorothea Rindt, 1945
Charlotte St.
- Sarah, Monday, November 19, 7:00 p.m., at the home of Pat Anderson, 8008
Morningside Dr.
The offices of President, Secretary, and Mission: Community are open for Election
This Fall. Kathy Drake, President; and Carol Ott, Mission: Community; have reached
their term limits. Please prayerfully consider accepting the call to a leadership position
in the Women of ELCA at Reformation.
- Blanket Makers will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, November 5 & 19, in
Parish Hall.
- WELCA Board Meeting will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 5, in the
church library.
- Church Women United of Wichita will celebrate World Community Day at
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1101 N. River Blvd., on Friday, November 2, at 1:00
p.m. This is an annual event focusing on issues of justice and peace.
- Please join us for Women’s Night Out. We will be meeting at 6:30 p.m.,
Tuesday, November 27, at IL Vicino Wood Oven Pizza, located at Douglas and Oliver.
For reservations, sign up on the nursery door or call Kimberly Lindemann, 691-1440
- Mark your calendar now for the Reformation WELCA Luncheon on Tuesday, December
4, at 12:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social
Plan to enjoy dessert and fellowship following the 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Worship on
Wednesday, November 21. This is a wonderful time to bring visiting family and
friends. Please look for the sign-up poster in the narthex to bring a pie or cookies.
Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those age 55 and over, will
meet Monday, November 12, at 12:00 noon in Parish Hall. Come and join us for
delicious food and friendly fellowship Dr. Lowell Wilder will present the program entitled
"The Grand Canyon, Looking Up." Bring a covered dish, your own table service,
and call Pauline (942-4885) or Betty (682-2030) with your reservation.
Festival of the Family
Inter-Faith Ministries’ Festival of the Family will be an opportunity to
experience the vision of a community that respects differences and finds "common
ground" within the wisdom of the faith community. The event will feature "You
Are What You Practice - Practice Responsibility," including Baha’i, Buddhist,
Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, and Unitarian Universalist booths and
performances of music, dance, chant, and prayer. Sunday, November 4, 3:00 to 4:30
p.m. at the WSU Metroplex, 29th & Oliver. Admission: canned food items for Operation
Holiday.
Holiday Progressive Dinner
For many, many years, Reformation’s Progressive Dinner has been a highlight of the
holiday season. This annual adult social will take place this year on Sunday, December
2, so mark your calendars now and plan to enjoy fellowship, delicious food, and
festive entertainment with your Reformation family. The first two courses are served in
members’ homes on four different routes, with appetizers at 5:00 p.m. and salads at
6:00 p.m. Everyone then gathers at the church for the main course, dessert, and
entertainment.
Reservations will be taken in the narthex beginning in mid-November at a cost of $10
per person. Babysitters will be provided in the church nursery at 6:45 p.m. that evening.
There are many opportunities to help with this special event! Offering your home and/or
helping prepare and serve appetizers or salads, taking reservations, decorating tables,
planning the main course . . . . If you would like to be involved, please contact Ruth
Koepsel in the church office or at home (685-3800).
Nurturing Faith in the Home
Give is one of the seven faith practices that helps us to grow as disciples of Christ
so that we can nurture generous hearts and healthy stewardship of time, talents, and
resources.
The Bible spends more time talking about money- related issues than any other subject,
so we can surmise that God thought the topic pretty important! Here are some ways you can
nurture the practice of giving in your family.
- Take one or more yellow Meal Bags this month and help your children fill the bag at the
grocery store. Talk with your children about how they are helping provide food for those
who have so little. Return the filled bag(s) to church.
- Help children identify clothes and toys they have outgrown. Invite them to share them
with younger children in need. As a family, deliver your contributions to a local clothes
distribution center.
- Plan a less elaborate Thanksgiving dinner this year. Explain to your children that the
money you save will go to a charity of your choice to help others.
- Plan for your family to volunteer at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or
anytime.
- Model regular giving to the church. Help your children fill their Sunday School offering
envelopes. Explain to them why people give.
Get Your Calendars!
The Middle School Youth will once again be selling calendars. These beautiful 2002
calendars are only $6.00 each. They make wonderful Christmas gifts and help support our
youth!
Nurture and Fellowship
All Sunday School and LOGOS staff are invited to a time of nurture and fellowship on
Sunday, November 11, from 12:15 to1:45 p.m. We will begin with a potluck meal.
Please bring a dish to share. Children are welcome to the meal. Child care will be
provided for the rest of the time.
Be Advent-urers!
Camp Tomah Shinga is hosting an Advent Retreat for 4th-6th graders on Friday, November
30, and Saturday, December 1. The fun will begin at 7:00 Friday night.
Advent-urers will leave camp at 3:30 on Saturday. Come have fun with young people from
throughout Kansas as we learn what it means to be Advent people.
Cost is $35.00 per person. Parents are encouraged to attend as sponsors. Registration
forms are available in the narthex and should be mailed by Nov. 15. If you have questions
or plan to attend, please let Deaconess Doreen know.
First Communion
Our first class of children of all ages will celebrate their First Communion on Sunday,
November 4. The second part of the instructional workshop will be held on Saturday,
November 3, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Those 5th graders who celebrated their First Communion
on October 14 were:
- Alex Applegate
- Joey Davis
- Shelby Johnson
- Tyler McDiffett
- Preston Peer
- Ashley Waswick
- Bryan Watkins
- Allison Wegner
Spotlight on Sunday School Teachers
Lori East
has team-taught the 3-year-old class for two years.
She, her husband Dan, and their children, Cameron and Caitlyn, have been members since
1997. Lori is a graphic designer currently working out of her home in order to enjoy more
family time. Her favorite moments in teaching Sunday School are observing the
children’s innocence and listening to their stories.
Kimberly Lindemann
has taught the 3-year-olds for two years
as well. She, her husband Troy, and their children, Luke and Elise, joined Reformation in
1997. Kimberly thoroughly enjoys her decision to change careers from architect to
stay-at-home mother. She says interacting with the children of the congregation and
revisiting the Bible stories through their eyes are her rewards for teaching.
Our Mid-Week Children’s Program
Building Christian relationships in a four-partretreat experience.
On Wednesday, October 3, we kicked off our 2001-2002 LOGOS program! Many thanks to the
entire LOGOS staff who helped get the program off to a great start!
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. At 7:00 p.m. the evening is rounded out with Bible Study, organized by age. The
Bible study time is the core of th entire LOGOS Program. A dedicated group of teachers
spend time preparing stimulating and interactive lessons to help the children develop a
more personal relationship with God.
Each week there will be a different theme! In November, the LOGOS themes will be as
follows:
- Nov. 7 - Crazy Nose
- Nov. 14 - We Gather Together
- Nov. 21 - No LOGOS
- Nov. 28 - Flight Night
Join the fun on Wednesday Nights! . . . Bring a friend!
Popcorn Sale
Boy Scout Troop 523 will be conducting its annual popcorn sale on Sundays, November
11 & 18, before and after church services. Proceeds of the sale assist scouts in
paying for summer camp fees and other expenses. Help support your Boy Scout Troop!
Stewardship Campaign
This year’s stewardship campaign is Legacy: That Your Faith May Live, a
program that was started last year. Legacy is based on the biblical text found in 2
Timothy 1:3-14. Paul encourages Timothy to remember the faith he has received from his
ancestors. Last year focused on our individual legacies that we received and pass on; this
year emphasizes the group legacies that we share with our families and within the
congregation.
Growing our legacy is an important thought for us all to meditate upon at this
time in our congregation. We celebrate our many existing legacies - the Fall Festival, the
River Festival worship service, LOGOS, Stephen Ministry, BTOL and others even as we plan
to reach out with new ministry staff in the coming year. At Reformation Lutheran Church,
2002 will be a year of growth and change. Consider what legacies are important for you to
pass on to the congregation, then plan to grow these legacies through gifts of time,
talents and treasures to make them take root in others.
I urge you to read 2 Timothy as you give prayerful thought to your stewardship
commitment for 2002. Remember that the faith living in us will not live on in others
unless we help to pass it on. It is a legacy, a gift, an inheritance that we invest and
grow as part of a long, unbroken chain of grace and hope. Reflect on the ways you are
investing this legacy for others, so that our faith may live in a growing, vibrant
community of faith.
Our Commitment Sunday will be November 18. Watch the mail for your commitment
card. Thank you!
Laurel Davis, Stewardship Ministry
Acolyte Training
A training session for worship assistants will be held on Saturday morning, November
10, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. This training is for any adult, youth,
or child who is interested in serving during worship as an acolyte, crucifer, or
torchbearer. If you would like to share your gifts with the church in this way, please
come. If you plan to attend or have questions, contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office
(634-0586) or at home (685-3800)
Stephen Leaders Rotate Duties
As part of a periodic evaluation of Stephen Ministry at Reformation, some changes have
been made in the duties of individual Stephen Leaders.
Marjorie Bender will now handle referrals. This means that if you or someone you know
might benefit from meeting with a Stephen Minister, you should contact Marjorie. She is
the person who puts those needing care into relationship with a Stephen Minister.
Rich McDiffett will serve as the Leader Team Coordinator. Other Stephen Leaders and
their new responsibilities are: Jerry Whetstone, Training Coordinator; Lotus Gerards,
Supervision Coordinator; and Dallas Cronk, Awareness-Building Coordinator.
From the Parish Nurses . . .
Flu Shots: We are still hoping to give flu vaccinations here at the church this year.
Our information from Via Christi is that vaccine will be available for us in late November
or early December at a cost of $5.00 per person. Watch for information in the Sunday
bulletins and on our Parish Nurses bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
A Health and Wellness Ministry Team will be forming to address health, wellness, and
healing concerns in our congregation and to support the Parish Nurses in their ministry.
If you might have an interest in this and would like more information, please contact
Lotus Gerards (683-8602), Jette Mortensen (634-2007), or Barbara Lee (684-5434).
Call Committee
The Call Committee continues to meet each week in an effort to finalize the
Congregational Mission Profile, which will soon be submitted to synod. The committee would
like to thank the congregation, the Council, and the ministry staff for taking the time to
complete the surveys. The information received from the surveys will be very helpful.
Anyone wishing to submit a pastoral candidate should complete a Candidate Referral Form
and submit it to the committee. It is very important that the names and resumes of all
candidates be held in strictest confidence throughout the process. This is in respect for
the potential candidate and for his/her current congregation.
Writers Needed for Lenten Devotional Booklet
Each year, Reformation produces a booklet for use as a devotional during Lent. This
book is written and edited by Reformation members. It is distributed in printed form to
all members of the congregation and via internet to hundreds of people all over the
country.
The Editorial Team is looking for members interested in contributing a devotional essay
for the book. Writers are assigned a particular passage of Scripture and are asked to
develop a half-page devotion based on that text. Copy deadline is December 31.
Contact Dallas Cronk for more information or to volunteer your gifts for this project.
AAL November Meeting
The November meeting of AAL Branch 4499 has been moved to Sunday, November 4,
12:30 p.m., in Reformation's Parish Hall. Current AAL members and anyone interested in
learning more about Aid Association for Lutherans are encouraged to attend. We will be
catering a special meal from Sweet Basil for this event. We will be conducting local and
national elections during this meeting. (Rumor says there is a full slate of officers
running, but you can still run if you are interested). Remember, a good turnout for the
national election helps to earn bonus points for the branch, which results in additional
funding for our branch in 2002. Come join us for food, fellowship, and fun. Please notify
Doug or Jo Ellen Vandersee (744-3769), Rich McDiffett (282-0598), or Kathy Drake
(686-8444) by November 1 if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
From the Seminary in New Haven, CT . . .
Dear Reformation friends,
It was wonderful to hear about Dawn's ordination in October! How great it must have
been to celebrate with her, as the culmination of her spiritual journey had now found
itself at the gates of the Promised Land! I am reminded how each one of us is on our own
spiritual journey. Some of us have an inkling of where we're headed. Others are not so
sure but are searching for it as the message of the cross illumines their way. A few weeks
ago, Yale concluded its year-long celebration of their Tercentennial. They had a number of
guest speakers come and address students and faculty on various subjects. I was one of
8,000 students lucky enough to get a ticket to hear former President Clinton speak. He
talked on the topic of Globalization in the 21st Century - and presented it in the light
of the recent occurrences of terrorism in our nation. What struck me most was a segment of
his speech that seemed to embrace spiritual overtones. While referring to Osama bin Laden
he said, "Some people seem to think they have the truth, but we, here, know that we
are only on the journey toward truth. One day the whole truth will be revealed to
us." I carried these words with me all that afternoon. How many of us are convicted
of our own truths every day? I am sure that the many picketers outside Reformation on
Sunday mornings see themselves as having the truth. The reality is that we all are
striving for truth, for goodness, for justice. We may indeed be enlightened to some of
God's revelations within our lifetime, but we will only know the complete truth - God's
truth - at the end of our life's journey when we enter the eternal Promised Land. Let us,
then, remain both humbled and in awe of the great mysteries of life. And let us carry on
in the "journey toward truth."
Peace and Love to you,
Laura
Bethany Lutheran Home to Celebrate 90 Years
Bethany Lutheran Home in Lindsborg, Kansas, will be celebrating, at a 2:00 p.m. worship
service on Sunday, November 11, the 90th year of its opening, with former governor
and now United States Archivist, John Carlin, as speaker. Following the service a brief
program will be presented, followed by an Open House.
Bethany Home had its beginning with its founding in 1907 by the Kansas Conference of
the Augustana Church. In the summer of 1907, eighty acres were purchased for the site. In
November 1911, the home was finished, with rooms to accommodate twenty residents. The
first home has been replaced, and new and more modern facilities have been constructed
with space now for 132 residents.
Today Bethany Home continues in its tradition to serve the needs of the elderly infirm
with Christian love. It is highly regarded by all who live there as well as by those who
visit, be they relatives, friends, or state inspectors.
