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Church People Programs Calendar Resources For Members

RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 22 May 2002 Number 5

From the Pastor

God is here! As we your people meet to offer  praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us, all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts.

Fred Pratt Green, WOV #719

The gathering of the people is a powerful witness to our faith in Jesus Christ. Early one Sunday morning, other families in our neighborhood greeted me as we all drove toward our various churches. We all knew we share in this one faith. Others nearby could see this too, and know that worship of God inspires, renews, and strengthens us for our everyday lives.

The gathering of the people here includes greeting good friends and new faces, each of whom is a gift of God to our community in Christ. It is the Spirit who gathers us and gifts us. How often we experience that, as parents bring sons and daughters for Baptism, as we see the faces of people receiving Holy Communion, as we pray for strong faith for our Confirmands, as we bless high school graduates venturing forth, as we recognize our many ministries of learning and teaching, serving the community and the world, and caring and praying for one and all.

The gathering of the people here continues the gatherings of people from those who clustered around Jesus, those who experienced his Spirit on Pentecost in Jerusalem, those who have formed and reformed the Christian church, those who have gathered as Reformation Lutheran Church for these 50 years, and those who will gather in God’s future.

The gathering of the people here will be shown in the delightful and meaningful drama at both services on Sunday, June 2, in "Reformation - a Church on the Move - Yesterday." You will enjoy seeing folks enacting our "roots." The upcoming picture directory will gather the faces that share in this part of the "communion of saints." In the faces of one another we glimpse the presence of God.

The gathering of the people strengthens our own sense of being part of a faith that is shared with many others and being part of a community that has meaning and importance today. We need this gathering. Throughout the summer, I encourage you to be part of the gathering each Sunday- whether here at Reformation, at churches where you vacation, or at lakesides and campgrounds. As you gather for worship, you will be an encouragement of faith to your family and friends, to your neighbors, to our congregation - and for yourself. And you will experience the renewal of faith that we need for living every day.

Come and bring a friend! We will welcome one and all! God’s blessings to you!

- Pastor Sally Fahrenthold

For your enjoyment . . .

For your information . . .

For your inspiration . . .

For our celebration!

The dramatic presentation of

Reformation Lutheran Church -
A Church on the Move . . . Yesterday!

Sunday, June 2 - 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

Acted by many talented members of Reformation.

  • Written and directed by Wil Johnson.
  • Sets and lighting by Gene Bowers.
  • Theatrical effects given by Steve Wolf.
  • Worship service of Holy Communion, including hymns and liturgy from our first year, 1952. Come! Bring the family!

Photo Directory

Thanks to the many, many families who have made appointments for photographs for the upcoming church directory. Those who have not responded will be contacted by phone. You may also schedule by calling the church office. It is so important to have all of our Reformation families included as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary and anticipate the arrival of a new pastor. Reminder cards with appointment times will be mailed prior to the photo dates, which are: Friday, June 7 (3:00-9:30 p.m.); Saturday, June 8 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m); Monday - Wednesday, June 17-19 (3:00 -9:30 p.m.). Please don’t be left out! If you know you/your family will be gone on all of these dates, contact the church office for more information.

Vision for Mission

Contributing to the "Vision for Mission" fund is an opportunity to support a global network of Lutherans working to make Christ known. This annual offering helps to undergird our ELCA churchwide evangelism and leadership development efforts. The offering supports the main engine that is mission support. Brochures/ envelopes are available in the narthex with other informational materials and on the Community Ministries kiosk display. Help make Christ known by enclosing your offering in the envelope provided, sending it to the address shown on the envelope, or placing it in the offering plate.

New Members Received

On Sunday, April 28, the following persons were welcomed into the membership of Reformation Lutheran Church:

  • Randy & Tonya Annett, 733-4151, Andrew, Matthew, Grant, 219 W. Waterford Ct., Andover 67002
  • Dr. Eric & Rebecca Bunting, 733-2970, Kathryn, 13204 Edgewood Dr., Wichita 67230
  • DeAnne Dennis, 945-5444, Brayden, 6804 Par Ln., Apt. 2, Wichita 67212
  • Andy Holzrichter & Lisa Simon-Holzrichter, 733-8849, Alex, 7175 S.W. Trail Settler Rd., Andover 67002
  • Jennifer Kaufman, 686-1467, 5700 Mainsgate Rd., #1406, Wichita 67220
  • Marsha Regen, 685-5631, 2305 S. Cooper St., Wichita, KS 67207
  • Michael Studtmann, 838-2796, 2933 Porter St., Wichita 67204

Flower Calendar

There are still several open dates on the Altar Flower Calendar. If you have been meaning to sign up for a Sunday or two, now is the time- before all the dates are filled. Providing altar flowers is a meaningful way to commemorate a special occasion in your family and also beautify our sanctuary. The sign-up calendar is located on the bulletin board on the north wall in the Parish Hall. Please contact Mary Lou Bengtson if you have questions.

Church Gardens Need Care

Help!! The church gardens have been weeded, treated, and mulched. Your help is needed now in maintaining them. Please contact Waldo or Lotus Gerards, 683-8602, to choose the area you would like to keep looking its best. Let’s keep our church grounds attractive. This is a great service opportunity for a family or a group of friends.

Women of Reformation

CIRCLE MEETINGS

Priscilla, No meeting in June, July, August

Sarah, Monday, June 17, 7:00 p.m., at the home of Dolores Hoyle, 3900 N. Woodlawn, #10 Lansdown

Dorcas, Wednesday, June 19, 1:00 p.m., at the home of Lotus Gerards, 1921 Farmstead St.

WELCA Board Meeting will be Monday, June 10, 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Blanket Makers meet Mondays, June 3 & 17, 9:00 a.m., at the church.

Monthly Outreach Ministry: Plan to join us at Cornerstone Assisted Living, next to our church, on Tuesday, June 11, 3:15 to 4:00 p.m., for fellowship with their residents. Bring sweet breads to share.

Please join us for Women’s Night Out. We will be meeting at Chelsea’s, 2949 N. Rock Rd, on Tuesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the nursery door, or call Marcie Fosdick, 733-0340, for reservations.

Thank You to all who helped make our WELCA Bake Sale a "big" success. A total of $380.68 was raised to help send Kathy Drake to the Triennial Convention in July. Donations will still be accepted through June. Congratulations to Caroline Johnson who won our wonderful Mother’s Day basket to give to her lucky mom.

The Women of Reformation have been asked to host the Bishop’s Reception on June 14, to be held following the Friday evening worship service of the Central States Synod Assembly. The service and reception will take place at First Presbyterian Church. If you would like to serve as a host or hostess, help with decorations, or provide cookies, please contact Shari Ryding at 733-1162.

Church Women United will be collecting towels and sheets, new or in good condition, to be given to Inter-Faith Inn on October 4. Donations need to be brought to church by September 29.

Best Times of Life will meet Monday, June 10, at noon in Parish Hall for a covered dish luncheon. The program, entitled "Four Generations: A Journey through Life," will be presented by Marvin J. Martin. If you are 55 years or older, bring a covered dish to share and your own table service for an enjoyable program and fellowship.

Summer Sunday Brunch

Don’t forget to come and enjoy food and fellowship between the 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services every Sunday, now through Labor Day. We’ll have coffee, juice, and snacks to enjoy while we meet and greet our fellow members and visitors.

Youth to Attend Confirmation Camp in June

Seven young people who have completed the seventh grade confirmation program will enjoy Confirmation Bible Camp, June 23-28, at Camp Tomah Shinga, near Junction City, KS. Camp activities include singing, crafts, campfires, hikes, canoeing, swimming, interactive lessons, and more. Attending will be: Andy Johnson, Sarah Keith, Amber Kershaw, Stephanie Larma, Mitchell List, Aaron Watkins, and Adam Watkins.

Pastor Sally will participate several days and lead the lesson on one morning.

On the Move . . .

God’s blessings to friends to whom we are saying goodbye as they move to new places:

  • to Eivend, Gwenn, Jennifer, and Kristofer Djupedal, to Minnesota
  • to Brad, Dawn, Adrienne, and Megan Olney, to the Kansas City area
  • to Doug, Jo Ellen, Megan, Mason, and Madison Vandersee, to Illinois
  • to Troy, Kimberly, Luke, and Elise Lindemann, to England for 6 months

God’s blessings to you, as you are blessing to us!

Welcome to the Lord’s Table!

Receiving Holy Communion for the first time on May 19, Pentecost, were: Seth Ellingson,

Eric Jensen, Bradley Johnson, Spencer Lofing, and Eileen Vlamis. May they be strengthened in the grace of God!

Community Ministries

Local Community

Yellow Bags for food will be handed out after worship services on Sunday, June 9. During worship services on Sunday, June 30, the Yellow Bags will be brought forward to the altar. The food will be distributed at the Community Food Ministry on Mosley Street to those in need.

The menu on the Yellow Bags each month is only a guide, and the bags can include some or all of the items listed. Other food items are also welcome. Each month the menu includes dry milk as an optional item on the menu and sometimes (as this month) some other special item families may need is included.

Repair Affair - Thank you to volunteers who painted a house for a very appreciative homeowner on May 11. Volunteers were Mike Buxton, our group leader; Julie Buxton; Paul Garcia; T. J. Garcia; Michele Groves; Wil Johnson; and Neal Pfeiffer. Pictures of the painters and before and after pictures of the house are part of the Community Ministries display on the narthex kiosk.

Planning Ahead - For your calendars: Paint the Town will be on Saturday, September 21. CROP WALK will be on Sunday, October 13, 2:00 p.m.

Michele Groves

Community Ministries Coordinator

Congratulations to Graduates!

We salute our high school graduates this year:

Chris Deines, Alan English, Ashley Fornshell, Rachel Fraizer, Greg LaRue, Annika Mortensen, Megan Pfeiffer, Nicole Wegner, and Zack Zimmerman

Best wishes as well to these graduates:

  • Chris Aagaard, B.S. degree, Kansas State University
  • Andrew Bowers, B.S. in Business Administration, Friends University
  • Christa Cherches, B.S. in Business, Administration, University of Kansas
  • Monica Mansholt, B.A. in Music and Religion, Luther College
  • Krista Tiller Shackelford, Doctor of Medicine degree, University of Kansas School of Medicine (will be resident in dermatology, University of Indiana)
  • Laura Ulicky-Weerts, Master of Divinity degree, Yale University Divinity School

God’s blessings to all!

Summer Worship Assistants

The summer worship schedule is posted in the narthex; thanks to those of you who have already signed up to serve. Help is needed from adults and youth to serve as Assisting Ministers, Communion Assistants, Lectors, Acolytes, and Crucifers. Please check your family’s summer schedule and sign up on the dates that work best for you. If you are interested in assisting with worship and have not done so before, please contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office.

Sunday School

Thanks again to all who made Sunday School a tremendous success. Looking forward to next fall, there are several openings on our teaching staff.

If you are interested, contact Kimberly Byers (612-1012).

Have a wonderful summer!

The Ministries of Reformation Folks Make a Difference!

THANK YOU to our:

  • Confirmation Guides, who every Wednesday evening have led our young people in growing in faith:
  • 8th grade Guides - Susayn Brandes and Tim Meyer (both for 2 years)
  • 7th grade Guides - Al Flores and Rhonda Larma
  • LOGOS Co-Directors - Mary Brittain and Angela Davis, who last year and next are leading the terrific teams who make LOGOS Wednesday wonderful all year!
  • Sunday School Coordinator - Kimberly Byers, who oversees Sunday morning learning for children and youth, and to all the leaders and helpers.
  • High School Graduates Brunch Coordinators - Pam Buxton and Susan Martin; and Speakers, Chris Koepsel and David English
  • High School Leaders - Kathy & Dan Wegner, Tina Alstrom, and Tom & Jill Pletcher
  • Coordinator for Welcoming New Babies, Parents & Children’s Play Days, Women’s Night Out, Seminarian Support Group, Sunday School Teacher and Artist - Kimberly Lindemann, who also serves on Positive Support Task Force
  • AAL Branch Coordinator - Doug Vandersee, also Assisting Minister, Fall Festival Coordinator, Sunday School teacher (and more), and Sunday School teacher (and more), Jo Ellen Vandersee and lector Megan Vandersee
  • Prayer Vigil Coordinator - Carol Ott, who arranged the Prayer Petitions booklet and the prayer schedule for our Meditation Garden on May 1. Thank you, too, for regularly entering our membership information into our computer and permanent records. And to Carol and all the Blanket Makers for the lovely quilts!
  • Financial Secretary - Marjorie Bender, who manages the accounting of offerings, and also is Recording Secretary for the Council, and a Stephen Ministry leader
  • Ministers of Music - Dr. Eugenia Yau (Director of Music & Choirs); Nina Kindt (Children’s Music); singers in Parish Choir & Children’s Choirs; and Handbell Players
  • Music Ministry Task Force - Byron Folkerts, Ruth Koepsel, Virginia Leikvold, Dawn Olney, Eugenia Yau, as they seek a new organist/accompanist
  • Call Committee - Ron Ott, Tanya Flores, Heidi Jensen, Bruce Brittain, Waldo Gerards, and alternates, Judy McDiffett and Kimberly Lindemann, as they consider candidates for the new pastor.
  • River Festival Team - Waldo Gerards, Eugenia Yau, Ruth Koepsel, and all who prepared a wonderful, inspiring service (held in church at 11:00)
  • We THANK YOU for your ways of serving Christ and the church, and helping us all!

From Our Seminary Graduate . . .

Dear Reformation friends,

As summer approaches I am looking forward to a time of rest and relaxation before going on the road, working my way toward the Midwest. I plan to be with you the 23rd of June. I look forward to my time with you! In some ways it seems as if these past couple of years have been jam packed with books, lectures, and the exposition of many term papers. Sometimes it has seemed never-ending. Yet, as I sit here writing you this letter today, I am amazed at how quickly the time has really gone. It seems as though I just packed up my car and headed for New Haven! Life is an interesting journey. I am happy to have fulfilled this portion of it. I am in the process of determining the specifics of where I will be over this next year as I continue on in the ordination track of the ELCA. I will keep you posted on all that transpires along the way. See you soon!

Blessings and peace,

Laura

A sincere "THANK YOU" to the following members who have made it possible for all of us to enjoy coffee, doughnuts, and juice every Sunday morning during the school year. They have served

by coming early to make coffee, pick up donuts and juice at Dillons, and by staying late to clean up after worship. If you enjoyed this fellowship, please give them a personal "thank you!"

Donna & Jan Moyer, Susan & Keith Martin, Pam Clinger, Pam & Mel Adams, Ramona & Hank Hamilton Family, Carol & Bob Weaver, Michele Groves, Sharon & Randy Fornshell, Lotus & Waldo Gerards, Rhonda & Jeff Larma, Deanne & Ken Fortney, Faith & Steve Tucker, Eva & Jerry Whetstone, Mary Lou Bengtson, Rich and Tyler McDiffett, Sandy & Russell Muse, Jan & Larry Barr, Lyla & Carl Keith, Jane & Harvey Sanders, Mark & Jack Dickerson, Pam & Mike Buxton, Carolyn & James Pitts, Charlotte & Bill Herrold, Shari & Paul Ryding, Jan Peter, Kathy Drake, Wil Johnson, Margo & Ken Lang, Virginia & Howard Leikvold, Pat Johnson, Logos Kids, Marsha Meili, Marlene & Dick Hasselwander, Shirley Anderson, Mary & Bruce Brittain, Shirley Metz, Janet & Steve Wolf, Randy Worrell

News from the Central States Synod office . . .

The Rev. Janice Kibler will begin ministry in June as Assistant to the Bishop for Rostered Resources. She will provide oversight for the call process, ministry candidacy, leadership development, and Parish Ministry Associate program, assuming responsibilities now held by Rev. Christine Hallemeier. Pastor Kibler is a graduate of Luther Seminary, served the American Church in Berlin (Germany), and congregations in Arizona and Minnesota. She is married to Rev. Clyde Ham, Jr., a United Methodist pastor.

Synod offices and the Synod Resource Center will relocate about August 1 to the Harold Thomas Center for Reconciliation, 3210 Michigan Ave, Kansas City, Missouri. The Resource Center will become a joint venture with the Heartland Presbytery and the Christian Church - Disciples of Christ.

Central States Synod Assembly in Wichita June 13-16

"Making Christ Known: Promise for a New Day" is the theme for our Central States Synod Assembly to be held here in Wichita at the Hyatt Hotel, June 13-16. Bishop Gerald Mansholt will preside over sessions of worship, meetings, workshops, and dinners of approximately 800 voting members from more than 200 ELCA congregations across Kansas and Missouri. Members of Reformation are participating in hosting the event, including Tom Cronk, Steering Committee; Golfers for God, hosting golf tournament; Reformation Women of the ELCA, hosting the Bishop’s Reception; Ruth Koepsel and others assisting in registration; and Pastor Sally Fahrenthold, on the Worship Committee.

Voting members of Reformation are Keith and Susan Martin, Craig and Nina Stallwitz, and Pastor Sally. Everyone is invited to attend as an observer (not voting or speaking, not including meals). All are especially invited to take part in the Festival Worship Service and Bishop’s Reception on Friday evening, June 14, at First Presbyterian Church, Central and Broadway.

The Assembly will include presentations by Joanna Chadwick, ELCA Executive Director of the Commission for Women; Rev. Louis Forney, pastor of King of Kings, Shelby Township, Michigan;

Rev. Nancy Nyland, pastor of Lutheran Church in East Andres, South Dakota; and Bible studies by Rev. Ernine Hinojosa, pastor at Camino Real Christian fellowship, San Antonio, TX; leaders of social ministry organizations, global missions, and ELCA colleges; and more. Evangelism and outreach will be highlighted. Thursday evening will highlight music and pictures from the recent trip of Synod members to Papua New Guinea, including Bishop Jerry and Anita Mansholt. Inspiring worship services will begin and end each day.

Come, take a look at what’s happening! Look for a detailed schedule in the church narthex.

"Brave Believers" VBS Is Coming to Reformation!

Make your plans now to attend Vacation Bible School 2002! VBS will be held July 14 - 18, Sunday through Thursday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please remember to invite your friends and other family members to join us in the Major Leagues with God.

We are having a cookout on Sunday and encourage the whole church to come and join the fun. You will need to bring your own plates and utensils. We will provide the hot dogs and pop. Please come and see the first game of the week with God.

We are still looking for volunteers to help out! If you want to help, please read over the following descriptions, and if any fit you, please contact Katie Johnson at 733-9830 ASAP.

Skit Setup Help: We are looking for people to help create the set and to set it up and take it down before and after VBS. We are looking for creative minds (2 people needed).

Skit Leaders: Will be involved in a 5-minute skit each night to lead us into the lesson of the evening. We are encouraging the middle school and high school youth to help us with this part of VBS. You need to be available the week before VBS and every night July 14-18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. We would also like you to help as an Assistant Coach. Not required. (3 middle / high school youth needed).

We will be putting up a donation list in the narthex around June 15. Please look at this list if you are able to donate to Vacation Bible School. We will also be having a pre-registration on Sunday, June 30, before and after the 10:00 a.m. service. Please try to sign up so we can get close to accurate numbers. We are encouraging everyone to bring at least one friend to VBS.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Dr. Eunice Myers, who received the John Barrier Award at Wichita State University for excellence in teaching in humanities and social studies. This is for a professor selected by students and faculty.

Quilt Auction

Mark your calendar and join in this exciting day, Sunday, August 3, at your Central States Lutheran Bible Camp and Retreat Center, Camp Tomah Shinga, for our second annual quilt auction. The quilts will be on display at 9:00 a.m., and the live auction starts at 10:00. The day promises fabulous food, great fun, and lots of beautiful quilts donated by friends of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Reformation’s beautiful quilt will be on auction. The auction will be held rain or shine. Lunch served 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends.

Tied, machine-quilted, and hand-stitched quilts are all welcome donations. To participate, call

toll-free, 866-238-3654, or direct at 785-238-3654, or e-mail, or send your name or your group ‘s name to Camp Tomah Shinga - Second annual Quilt Auction, 6605 W. Lyons Creek Rd., Junction City, KS 66441.

Health Care Volunteers Needed

Camp Tomah Shinga-Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is seeking qualified nurses or health care professionals to serve as onsite short-term (one week) volunteer health staff for our summer schedule. You will be a part of a Christ-centered ministry team committed to the Lord’s service. Love of children and a desire to mentor them and their families in their Christian faith is our highest priority. Please contact David Burrier, Camp Director, toll free at 866-238-3654 or e-mail to request a summer camp schedule, for questions, and/or to place your name on a list for consideration for a health care staff position. Nancy Watkins plans to serve one week.

Former Reformation Member To Be Ordained

David A. Frerichs has graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary and will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on June 16, at 3:00 p.m., at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Wichita. He will serve as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Inter-Faith Ministries to Host Conference

Inter-Faith Ministries will host the annual conference of the North America Interfaith Network here in Wichita August 3-6. The conference will be based at Newman University, with some events in other locations. There will be presentations and dialogue led by national leaders of various faiths: Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Native American, Sikh, and more. The program will include a visit to the new Hindu Temple here, to Inter-Faith Ministries’ Center, and to Great Plains Nature Center. Registration for in-town participants: $165. For specific info and pamphlet, see Pastor Sally.

Your Chance to Win a Truck

Inter-Faith Ministries, with the assistance of Parks Motors of Augusta, is giving the community an opportunity to make a donation to Inter-Faith Ministries and win a Dodge Ram. Please stop by Inter-Faith Ministries, 829 N. Market, to make a donation and pick up a ticket. Tickets are available for you to check out and offer this opportunity to your organizations and friends. The drawing will be held June 25. For more information, call Inter-Faith Ministries, 264-9303.

Summer Volunteer Opportunity

Inter-Faith Ministries’ Campaign to End Childhood Hunter is looking for folks to give an hour or more per week for up to ten weeks this summer, providing fun, healthy activities for low income kids at area congregations. Activities include reading, arts, crafts, music, and sports. Have a special talent that you want to share with kids? Great!! Call 264-9303 and ask for Karole Bradford.

Also Needed (for the Summer Food Service Program Sites): books, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, face paint, finger paint, water balloons, yarn, googly eyes, balls, and just about any other craft or activity resource you might have.

Summer Intern Positions

Youth Activities Coordinator

Inter-Faith Ministries is seeking 12 summer interns to provide literacy, tutoring, and other activities to at-risk, low-income youth at six neighborhood sites to recruit volunteers and resources, coordinate volunteers, market the project sites within the surrounding neighborhood, and track participation. Successful candidates will possess a combination of the following: community organizing skills, experience with organizing youth activities, computer skills, oral and written communication skills. Bi-lingual candidates preferred.

Wichita Justice/Poverty Researcher

Inter-Faith Ministries is seeking three summer interns to capture, through personal interviews and research, how the inter-religious Wichita community has responded to community justice issues (including racial justice, women’s rights, resettlement of refugees after WWII, treatment of indigent and homeless people) since 1900. These summer VISTA members will interview at least 12 people from Inter-Faith Ministries’ history, including past presidents and board members, videotape and/or audiotape all interview sessions, and compile a written report on each interviewee. Summer VISTAs will also research photographs and local newspaper articles highlighting the work of the inter-religious community during the peak years of each interviewee. Successful candidates will possess a combination of the following: research skills, written communication skills, attention to detail, and journalism or newspaper experience.

For both of these positions, applicants must be at least 18 years of age by June 1, 2002. Contact Inter-Faith Ministries, 264-9303, for additional information.

Last update August 03, 2008

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