RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 22 July 2002 Number 7
From the Pastor
"Lord, you give the great commission:
‘Heal the sick and preach the Word.’
Lest the Church neglect its mission,
and the Gospel go unheard,
help us witness to your purpose
with renewed integrity.
With the Spirit’s gifts empow’r us
for the work of ministry."
- Jeffery Rowthorn, With One Voice 756
It’s been a year!
As Bishop Jerry Mansholt effectively and faithfully led members from across Kansas and
Missouri in our Synod Assembly here in June, I remembered his election to the office of
Bishop at Assembly a year ago. In rising to applaud his election then, we realized this
would bring changes for Reformation Lutheran Church as well. Amid all the changes, God is
here, touching our lives and enlivening our faith.
As Interim Pastor, I appreciate the ways that members of the congregation, newcomers,
and ministry staff work together as "Servants of God, Guided by the Holy Spirit, to
Make Christ Known," as our stated mission. We are doing great ministry together, even
amid challenges and changes.
We want to reach out to all people to make Christ known - his love and grace and his
offer of faithful discipleship. We witness as servants of God, in the many ministries of
the congregation, in our service to the people in need in the community - and in our
everyday walks of life. We pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit - with our diversity
of backgrounds, races, opinions, and experiences. It is God’s Spirit who unites us
all in Jesus Christ.
We have not been "on hold" for this year. I especially appreciate the
outstanding people alive and at work here in our church and involved in many ways in
community and the church-related programs. In worship, learning, caring, in community
service, in fun and friendship, we have been touched and strengthened by the presence of
God. We look ahead in anticipation of the future God has ready for us - a new pastor one
of these days, new musicians, new opportunities for all ages. We are making great plans
for the fall season.
In July, come for these important events:
* Worship Drama, "Reformation Lutheran Church - A Church on the Move -
Today!" features us, today. July 14. Last month’s play was an inspiring joy!
This promises to be as well.
* Vacation Bible School, July 14 -18, 6:00 - 8:00, starring "Brave Believers of
the Bible." Faith and fun for all!
Grace and peace to you!
Pastor Sally Fahrenthold
I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during my recent hospital stay.
Pastor Sally and Barbara Lee, R.N., were kind enough to come by and pray with the family;
it meant so much.
- Kara Pryor
* * *
Thank you! Thank you! What a delightful surprise and joy to receive all your birthday
greetings! Thank you for all the cards, the rousing birthday song, the lovely planter, and
all the hugs! I am most grateful and fully blessed by you all!
- Pastor Sally Fahrenthold
* * *
Dear Church Members,
Thank you so much for the prayers given for my son Jim and me. His surgery was a
success. We are very thankful.
Sincerely, Bernice Lahti
* * *
A sincere "Thank You" to all who made appointments and came for new
photographs. We had a wonderful response! We will receive a copy of the new directory to
proof within a few weeks.
If you have had any changes in address and/or phone number, please contact the church
office
ASAP to update this information.
* * *
The Parish Record
APRIL - JUNE
BAPTISM
- John Alexander Holzrichter, April 14
- Michaela Jo Birkholz, May 26
MARRIAGE
- Darcy Powers and William O’Neill, April 27
- Mimi Yamamoto and Yasushi Yoshitani, May 28
- Susie Kaufman and Sean McDonough, June 22
TRANSFER
- Amy Bird to Eastminster Presbyterian, Wichita
- Dolores Hoyle to Holy Cross Lutheran, Wichita
- Rhoda (Dodie) Kloth to Holy Cross Lutheran, Wichita
- Melanie Turner to Cross of Glory Lutheran, Derby
- Ronald & Carol Wirths, Jared Wirths to Holy Cross Lutheran, Wichita
DEATH
A Word from Stewardship . . .
I’d like to take a moment and thank everyone for faithfully and
generously contributing this winter and spring, and also to encourage you to remain
faithful and consistent in your stewardship over the summer months. Summer is a time for
vacations, travel and other pursuits that compete for our time and attention. As we
anticipate the arrival of a new pastor with the fall season, let us also remember that we
also have many ministries that will be starting anew with the school year. Our priorities
need to remain consistent, even though our activities may change with the seasons.
A disciplined approach to
giving encourages spiritual growth and keeps us grounded in our faith commitment. I would
encourage each and every one of us to maintain the discipline of regular giving during
this busy season.
In Christ,
Laurel Davis
Stewardship Ministry Team
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla No meetings in July or August
- Sarah No meetings in July or August
- Dorcas Wednesday, July 17 1:00 p.m. at the home of Pam Adams, 1 N. Grand Mere
WELCA Board Meeting will be Monday, July 1, at 1:00 p.m., at church.
Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, July 1, 15, & 29, at 9:00 a.m., at
the church.
Monthly Outreach Ministry: Please join us for fellowship with the residents of
Cornerstone Assisted Living, next to our church, on Tuesday, July 9, 3:15 to 4:00
p.m.
Church Women United are 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. Look for the big red tub in the narthex for donations.
Do You Know an Angel?
Yes, you may know an angel - a "French Horn Angel." In worship
on May 18, at the 8:30 service, we all enjoyed the music offered by the Wilder family of
parents and 10 children. Sitting in the pews, Barbara Taipalus noticed that one of the
boys was using a battered old French horn. She remembered her own very nice (no longer
used) French horn. She hurried home, and returned with the instrument. Barbara presented
her French horn to the youngster before the second service. He was delighted, and
expressed his joy with hugs of gratefulness. He played his new instrument in the later
service - and again that afternoon in recital. The whole family is deeply appreciative of
Barbara's wonderful gift. What an angel!
Best Times of Life will meet on Monday, July 8, at noon in the Parish Hall for a
covered dish luncheon. Each of you will be part of the program. Please bring an heirloom
to show and tell where it came from, or why it has special meaning to you. If you are 55
years or older, bring a covered dish to share, your own table service, and an heirloom to
share. Come and enjoy the fine fellowship and others’ heirlooms.
A Request from Our Youth
Greetings from the Senior High Youth! As the summer progresses, if any unwanted items
may be found, we would love it if you would save and donate them for our annual garage
sale, which will take place in October. Any help from the congregation on this and any of
our other fund-raisers would be greatly appreciated, and we know you have always been
incredibly supportive. All proceeds help fund our activities and our trip to the 2003
National Youth Gathering in Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you for all your support, and have a
great summer!
Worship Assistants
The worship calendar for July/August continues to be posted in the
narthex. Thanks to all of you for your responses to this sign-up schedule. Does this seem
like a workable way to continue into the fall? Ruth Koepsel would like to have your
comments/ suggestions. Please give her a call, 634-0586, or e-mail:
Summer Music for Worship
During the months of July and August, our choirs (Parish and Handbell)
will take a break from regular rehearsals and Sunday morning music during worship. This
provides a wonderful opportunity for a variety of special music offered by adults or youth
through vocal or instrumental solos, small ensembles, etc. If you would like to share a
gift of music, please contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office. There are several Sundays
open.
The Luther Rose
The Luther Rose, or Martin Luther’s Seal, is beautifully displayed in the form of
a stained glass window above the main doors in the narthex at Reformation. Each of our
high school graduates was presented a key ring with the Luther Rose on it at our
celebration for them this May. Some lovely replicas of our Luther Rose window are
available for purchase from our High School Youth, to assist in defraying costs to attend
the National Youth Gathering in Atlanta next year.
Do you know what the Luther Rose illustrates? The black cross within the red heart
reminds one that the Christ crucified saves us. The heart is fixed upon the center of a
white rose to show that faith causes joy, consolation, and peace. White is the color of
angels and blessed spirits. The rose is on a sky-colored background denoting the beginning
of heavenly joy to come. Around this is a golden ring to signify such bliss in heaven is
endless and more precious than all joys and treasures. For a more detailed explanation,
please see Reformation’s website.
Bethany Adds Christian Ministry
Degree to Academic Program
The program, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian
Ministry, includes five concentration options: youth ministry, Christian education, sacred
music, pre-seminary, and social justice and service. Students also have the option of
qualifying for an academic minor in Christian Ministry. The Reverend Dr. Ron MacLennan,
Associate Professor of Religion and Chair of the Humanities Division, is the Christian
Ministry program coordinator.
The Christian Ministry major at Bethany College includes both academic preparation in
religion with courses in Bible study, theology, and other course work in the area of
concentration as well as "hands on" experience related to the student’s
chosen field of ministry.
Community Ministries
Local Community
Yellow Bags were handed out at worship services on June 9, drawing attention to our
food ministry to help feed hungry families in Wichita. Each month Yellow Bags with a new
suggested menu of food are available in the narthex. The food collected is distributed to
those in need at the Community Food Ministry on Mosley Street. Thank you for sharing in
this important ministry. Virginia Leikvold is the Yellow Bag Food Ministry Coordinator.
Global Ministry
Vision for Mission envelopes are still available in the narthex with other
informational materials. This annual offering is an opportunity to support a global
network of Lutherans working to Make Christ Known.
Benevolence Letters of Appreciation
A thank you was received from a school social worker for bill payment assistance to a
family with several elementary children.
Bethany College wrote to Reformation to express appreciation for faithful financial
support of the college. Congregation benevolence funds help this ELCA-affiliated college
prepare individuals to develop their potential within a community of faith and creative
learning.
Planning Ahead
For your calendars: Paint the Town will be on Saturday, September 21. Crop Walk
will be on Sunday, October 13, at 2:00 p.m.
VBS: "Brave Believers" 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 will be having a cookout on Sunday, July 14, at 6:00 p.m., and encourage the whole
church to come and join the fun. We will provide the hot dogs, pop, popcorn, plates
& utensils. Please come and see the first game of the week with God.
A list of items needed for Vacation Bible School is posted in the narthex. Please take
a look at this list to see if there are any items you would like to donate to help us out.
We will be having Pre-registration on Sundays, June 30, and July 7,
before and after the 10:00 service. Please try to sign up so that we will know accurately
how many will be attending and can plan accordingly. We encourage everyone to bring
at least one friend to VBS.
Call Committee Update
The Call Committee has interviewed four good candidates for
Reformation’s senior pastor position. Three of the interviews were conducted in the
past two weeks. These four interviews were held after the committee had narrowed the list
of candidates to those that appeared to be the best fit for our position.
We have now released two of the four that were interviewed and are now in the process
of gathering additional information that we feel is needed to make a recommendation. After
the information has been received and processed, the committee should be in a position to
make a recommendation.
Synod Assembly
Voting members, lay and clergy, of about 210 congregations gathered for
the Central States Synod Assembly here in Wichita, June 13-16, at the Hyatt Hotel. Our
voting members were Keith and Susan Martin, Craig and Nina Stallwitz, and
Pastor Sally Fahrenthold. Bishop Gerald Mansholt presided well in his first Assembly.
The Assembly passed various resolutions and elections related to the ministry of the
Synod, serving Kansas and Missouri. Inspiring speakers, including the Rev. Ernie Hinojosa
and the Rev. Nancy Nyland, motivated members to reach out to the approximately 50 percent
of our neighbors who have no church and are longing to hear the Gospel.
A serious sharing and listening session around small tables offered everyone the
opportunity to consider deeply and prayerfully the issue of people in the church who are
gay and lesbian. Speakers offered thoughtful brief presentations on many issues, including
involvement of youth, campus ministry, and concerns about abortion. Worship services held
mornings and evenings were meaningful and wonderful!
Thank you to so many people of Reformation who took part in hosting this event: Golfers
for God; Women of the ELCA, hosting the receptions with now famously delicious cookies;
Kimberly Byers for her "God's Promise for a new Day" banner; lector, choir
members, ushers, communion assistants; registration aides; election assistants; Assembly
planners; and more. You made it all work smoothly and pleasantly!
Oops! Pardon Our Oversight!
The following persons were inadvertently omitted from recognition
in the June Re-Focus article, "The Ministries of Reformation Folks Make a
Difference!" These folks certainly do make a difference, and we are grateful for
their service to our church:
Music Ministry Task Force: Scott Jensen,
Tom Pletcher, Kurt Soschinske, Janice Yeskie
Call Committee: Tom Pletcher
River Festival: Troy & Kimberly Lindemann (bulletin cover design)
Last update
August 03, 2008
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