RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 22 September 2002 Number 9

Pastor Thomas J. Hallstrom Accepts Call

In a letter to the members of Reformation Lutheran Church, received August 8, the Rev. Thomas J. Hallstrom announced his acceptance of the Call to serve as Senior Pastor of Reformation, effective October 16, 2002.

In anticipation of this new beginning, Pastor Hallstrom wrote, "I am both excited and humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I am certain that with the help of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be an effective team at work in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that await us as we begin this new chapter together in our lives."

"[Marlene and I] look forward to the day when we know the entire congregation. Please, be assured that I will continue to vigorously commend your congregation to the Lord in prayer, and I ask that you do the same for Marlene, my family, and me. We now anticipate with great delight our move to Wichita and our new association with Reformation Lutheran Church."

The installation service for Pastor Hallstrom will be on Reformation Sunday, October 27, during both morning worship services.

Rally Day - September 8

Mark your calendars: Rally Day for Sunday School 2002-2003 will be Sunday, September 8, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. All youth (age 3 years through high school) and their parents will meet in the sanctuary to join the fun. We’re looking forward to another phenomenal year!

Sunday School Staff for 2002-2003

Teachers:

• 3 Year Olds - Lori East, Amy Kuttler, Kimberly Lindemann
• 4 Years Olds - Juanita Freed, Emma Ellingson,
• Kindergarten - Katie Johnson
• 1st Grade - Carol Weaver
• 2nd - 3rd Grade - Deanne Fortney, Sarah Muse
• 4th Grade - Robin Folkerts
• 5th Grade - Karen Vlamis
• 6th Grade - David & Nancy Day
• 7th - 8th Grade - Dan East
• High School - Jill Pletcher, Kathy Wegner

Staff:

• Co-Coordinators - Kimberly Byers, Brenda Laflin
• Attendance - Barbara Borg
• Offering - Barbara Borg, Jane Camenzind, Nancy Watkins, Carol Weaver
• Supplies - Nancy Day

THANK YOU . . .

Our family would like to truly thank our church family for all of your support throughout Loren’s illness and passing. All of the meals, cards, phone calls, and visits meant so much to us. We would like to especially thank Barb Lee, Jette Mortensen, Pastor Sally, and Waldo and Lotus Gerards for simply being there in our time of need. Loren was a man whose life touched many, and whose life was touched by Reformation Lutheran Church.

Thank you for everything. We will always remember how much you gave to us.

In God’s Name,

Martha, Megan & Chris Deines

* * *

The Pitts and Buxton families wish to thank our Reformation family for prayers and support during the loss of our sister and aunt, Anna Juergensen. Ann enjoyed many activities at Reformation during our building of the new church and dedication.

- Carolyn Pitts and Mike Buxton

* * *

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my father, who was hospitalized for hip surgery. He is at home and progressing well. A special thank you to Pastor Sally and Jette for their visits and prayers. Your care and concern are much appreciated.

- Sandy Muse

* * *

Dear Reformation Members,

I would like to thank you for the generous scholarship given to me towards my tuition at Bethany College. This scholarship has made it easier for me to choose to attend a private college even though there are added expenses. I am sure that attending a Lutheran college such as Bethany College can provide an education beyond that of a public college. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Sincerely, Alan English

* * *

A resounding thank you and congratulations to Wil Johnson and all the fine actors and "stage hands." The dramas were a wonderful way to celebrate our church’s anniversary. I learned about our past and look hopefully to the future. May the predictions of growth and a Spirit-filled church come true!

 

- Dr. Eunice Doman Myers

Remembering September 11

Reformation will offer a special prayer service on Wednesday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. in our Meditation Garden. The service will include readings and prayers to commemorate the tragic losses of a year ago; express gratitude to local representatives of disaster responders (such as police, firefighters, EMS, and counselors), and commitment to a future of peace. There will be participation by leaders and members of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian congregations, including area ELCA Lutheran churches. The invitation to the service is going out to our members and friends, close-by neighborhoods, area churches and congregations of other faiths, and the public. Come, and invite others.

Our Meditation Garden and church will be open for prayer during the day of September 11. Many churches will toll bells at 7:45 a.m., 8:43 a.m., and 9:00 a.m., remembering the times when planes hit the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon, and crashed in Pennsylvania. There will be worship services elsewhere, volunteer projects through United Way, and an evening program at Century II at 7:30 p.m.

Cookies will be given to emergency responder units. Please bring home-baked cookies packed for these groups to church on Sunday, Sept 8, or to the Prayer Service.

Women of Reformation

CIRCLE MEETINGS

Priscilla Tuesday, September 10 1:30 p.m. at the church

Sarah Monday, September 16 7:00 p.m. at the home of Pat Anderson, 8008 Morningside Dr.

Dorcas Wed., September 18 1:00 p.m. at the home of Nadine Norton, 4758 Portwest Ct.

WELCA Board Meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 1:00 p.m., at church.

Monthly Outreach Ministry: Please join us at Cornerstone Assisted Living, next to our church, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 3:15 to 4:00 p.m., for fellowship with their residents.

Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, Sept. 16 & 30, at 9:00 a.m. at church.

Our Lindsborg Trip will be on Tuesday, Sept. 17, to visit Bethany Home. Lunch will be at "Irene’s Teas, etc." We will car-pool and leave church at 10:00 a.m. Bring cookies to share, or please donate if you are unable to attend.

Please join us for Women’s Night Out. We will be meeting at Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza, 4817 E. Douglas, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the nursery door, or call Marcie Fosdick, 733-0340, for reservations.

 

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.

Church Women United will meet Friday, Oct. 4, at 1:00 p.m., at Inter-Faith Ministries, 829 N. Market.

WELCA Weekend will be Saturday, October 12, at church. Join us for our physical and spiritual wellness program, with some yoga for fitness, and gourmet cooking tips for nutrition. We will share a salad luncheon. On Sunday, the women will also conduct the worship service. Come and participate in a fun time!

The Central States Synod Convention will be October 18-20 in Tulsa, OK. All women are invited. Registration fee of $55 and application should be in by September 15; room reservations by October 4. If interested, please contact the church office.

* * *

Best Times of Life,

Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55 and over, will meet on Monday, September 9, at noon in Parish Hall for our potluck luncheon and program. This month our program will be presented by Laura King of the Sedgwick County Zoo. She will be bringing Cheyenne, the extra-ordinary prairie dog. Please come and join us for good food, friendly fellowship, and an entertaining afternoon. Bring a covered dish to share, your table service, and call Pauline (942-4885) or Betty (682-2030) with your reservation.

50th Anniversary Weekend Planned

The celebration of Reformation’s 50th Anniversary will be concluding the weekend of October 26 & 27. On the evening of October 26, a banquet for all members will be held at Botanica from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Dr. Eugenia Yau and others. Pastors MacLennan, Wall, and Keen, and Bishop Mansholt are being invited. This will also be the first opportunity for Pastor Hallstrom and Marlene to join us in a social event. The gardens will be open at 5:30 p.m. for self-guided tours, if you desire, at no additional expense.

Reservations are $5 per person, 12 years and older. Under 12, there will be no charge for the dinner. You will be receiving a letter with the information and a card for making reservations.

The weekend will conclude at the Sunday Services, October 27, with Bishop Mansholt preaching and with the installation of Pastor Hallstrom at both services.

From the Pastor . . .

And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new.... To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life."

- Revelation 21:5-6

This feels like a season when things are new. There have been some cooler breezes to begin the new days. Students and teachers are returning to schools and colleges, with a new spirit and fresh new supplies for the adventure of learning. New fall fruits and flowers fill trees and fields.

At Reformation we have that sense that God is doing something new in our life as a congregation and in our personal lives. The waters that we splash in baptism are bringing new life to those beginning a life of faith — and to us all, renewing our relationship with God and one another. I am fascinated by the way life with Christ takes on new meaning at each stage and time in my life.

We are preparing for the fall programs of Sunday School for all ages, LOGOS midweek classes for kindergarten through 6th grades, Confirmation classes for 7th and 8th graders, Crossways and Adult Forums. Perhaps you are ready to try something new, and be a leader or helper in one of these. We are signing up to put fresh new paint on a home at "Repair Affair," and we are ready to take new steps in the CROP Walk for the Hungry. We are looking over the terrific "Volunteer Ministry Opportunities" booklet, considering new ways to help our church, sharing our ministry in Jesus Christ. A new season - a new beginning.

Very exciting is the good news that the Rev. Thomas Hallstrom will become our new pastor on October 16! Another new beginning, filled with the promises of God.

God is also at work within you, transforming your heart and your life. What does this mean for you?

I encourage you, as you pray, to ask God to lead you in new ways of serving, caring, and experiencing God’s presence, every day in every place in your walk of life.

We are Servants of God, Guided by the Holy Spirit, to Make Christ known.

God’s blessings to you!

Pastor Sally Fahrenthold

Help "Spruce Up the Gardens" and Stay for Brunch!

Come and join us for our "Spruce up the Gardens" morning! We will meet at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, to tidy up the gardens around the church building as well as the Meditation Garden. MANY HANDS are needed to complete our work by late morning when brunch will be served to all our workers.

We will be pulling weeds from gardens, from between bricks in the Meditation Garden, and in the parking lot. Edging will be repaired, dirt added to hold edging in place, and mulch spread where needed. Bring gloves to wear and please bring any of the following pieces of equipment you have available: weed diggers, clippers to "deadhead" roses, containers to put weeds in, rakes, shovels, push brooms, and wheel barrows.

Men, women and youth are welcome! Please come and lend a hand! If you have questions or suggestions, call Lotus or Waldo Gerards, 683-8602.

An Invitation

What: The Muslim Community in Wichita is cordially inviting all fellow Wichitans to participate in remembering the victims of the heinous crime perpetrated against our nation on September 11.

When: Wednesday, September 11.

At 9:00 a.m. people of faith will assemble around our nation’s flag and say prayers for the 9/11 victims and for peace In America and around the world.

An Open House from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

People of all faiths are invited to come together and express their solidarity as Americans and people of faith.

Where: The Muslim Community Center, 6655 E. 34th St. N., Wichita, KS 67226, Telephone: 682-5479

 

A Safe Haven for Children

As you may have heard, the Council has formed a new task force, with the purpose of our church being a Safe Haven for Children. Policies and procedures are being considered, reviewed, and drafted to make every effort to have the church be a safe place for our children. There would also be procedures to follow if any allegations were made. To our knowledge, there are no problems due to improper interaction with our children. Nor is this a "witch hunt." Rather, as we have all seen in the news recently, failure to prepare can cause lifelong issues for the young person and costly liability for the church. Much as one prepares for a tornado but hopes never to need it, the same would be true for this issue.

Greg Keith, Safe Task Force Member

First Communion Class

We are offering another First Communion Class on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 to11:45 a.m. We provide the class, not only for those children who want to begin receiving Holy Communion, but also to help parents and children, with the input of Pastor Sally, to discern readiness for the Sacrament. In accordance with the policy on Holy Communion adopted by this congregation in the summer of 2001, the class is open to children of all ages and their parents, as well as to any older youth or adult who does not currently receive Communion. Please call the church office by September 16 to let us know how many from your family will be attending. First Holy Communion will

be received on Sunday, September 29.

Third Grade Bible Event

Third graders and their parents are invited to the "Get Acquainted with Your Bible" program on Saturday, September 14, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This event will introduce youth to more "grown up" use of the Bible in preparation for receiving their own Bibles in worship the next day. When babies and children are baptized, the pastor asks parents and sponsors (who represent, in a personal way, the whole Christian Church): "As they grow in years, you should place in their hands the Holy Scriptures and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith.... Do you promise to fulfill these obligations?" As these young people are prepared for receiving and using the Bible, we are together keeping the promises of Holy Baptism. Please let church office know that you and your third-grader will be present.

Confirmation Classes Coming Up

Confirmation classes for 7th and 8th grade youth will begin on Wednesday, October 2, with supper at 6:10 p.m. There will be a gathering for students and parents for supper and information on Wednesday, September 18. Watch for details and plan to come.

New Member Classes

We invite newcomers to become members of Reformation Lutheran Church. Anyone interested is encouraged to learn more about the Christian faith and Lutheran beliefs in classes on Tuesdays, August 27, September 3 & 10, at 7:00 p.m. New members will be received Sunday, September 15. If you are interested, please see Pastor Sally or contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office.

From Our Seminary Graduate . . .

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Soon after you read this article I will be on my way to the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Having ventured ever westward from New Haven, to Buffalo for the summer, and now to the "Windy City," reminds me that when walking with God, anything is possible! I am now looking forward to yet another year of personal and professional growth that will prepare me for the things to come. Shedding the old, however, is not necessarily an easy endeavor. All of us, including myself, cling to what is safe and familiar. We even hang on to old issues, old guilt, old patterns, and old resentments. I have found that all this really does is hold us back from what God has intended from the start – the development of a new creation, one that is free and unencumbered by the worries of this world. God wants to lead us on a life adventure that is full of hope and possibility! It is important for us to realize, however, that all this requires a point of departure...the willingness to shed what's safe and predictable. Only then can we embrace new people, places, predicaments, and pleasures. This is true for me. This is also true for you.

Blessings and peace,

Laura Ulicky-Weerts

It’s Garage Sale Time Again!

Plans are underway for the 6th Annual Reformation Garage Sale sponsored by the high school youth. This year’s sale will expand to two full days, October 4 & 5. Once again, there are many ways the congregation can be involved:

Donate items to be sold

The "Drop-Off" schedule will be as follows: Beginning Saturday, September 14: Saturday mornings, 9:00 -11:00 a.m.; Sunday mornings during church hours; and Wednesday evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Look for the trailer parked east of the church in the parking lot. Drop-Off continues through Wednesday, October 2. If you need items picked up, contact Dan Wegner at 683-6172. Cans of pop to be sold are also welcome.

Donate items for use at the sale

This includes paper and plastic bags and hangers. Also welcome would be donations toward lunch for the youth/adults who are working.

Volunteer to help setting-up (sorting/pricing)

Volunteer to work during the sale

Extra help will be especially needed on Friday. Sale hours both days will be 7a.m. to 4 p.m.

All proceeds from this year’s sale will be used toward sending our youth and sponsors to the National Lutheran Youth Gathering held in Atlanta, GA, in July 2003. The theme of the gathering is "Ubuntu - Do Life". Reformation Lutheran Church is applying for up to $450 in Congregational Matching Funds through Lutheran Brotherhood Wichita Branch #8062. To offer help in any way, contact Kathy Wegner at 683-6172.

New Address

Dr. Ingolf Mork
Larksfield Health Care Center, Rm. 309
2828 N. Governeour St.
Wichita, KS 67226
Phone: (316) 630-8117

Dr. Mork is recovering from surgery. Present address and phone number above. He would welcome phone calls.

Fall Festival

Reformation’s Fall Festival Pit BBQ will be held this year on Sunday, October 6, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Plans are underway to once again prepare mouth-watering pork and turkey, cooked in an underground pit. Members will be asked to bring side dishes, table service, and lawn chairs. Many hands are needed for this event. Here are some of the ways that you can help AND have great fellowship at the same time!

• Fire Crew - needs help to split wood, build and man the fire on Saturday, Oct. 5
• Pit Crew - needs help to dig and uncover the meat
• Meat-Pulling Crew - just what it says (gloves provided!)
• Set-Up Crew - needs help with tables, chairs, and ice-table for side dishes
• Clean-Up
• Entertainment/Games - for kids/adults.

A great deal of firewood is always needed. Watch for the designated spot off the parking lot. Sign-up sheets for the various work crews will be posted in the narthex. Anyone wishing to help or who has questions can contact Rich McDiffett, Randy Worrell, Gary Hoepner, or Waldo Gerards. Planning will continue on Tuesday, September 10, at 6:00 p.m. at the church. Everyone is welcome. Bring your ideas! The proceeds from this year’s festival will support our middle and high school youth programs. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend.

Two New Pastors Installed at Area 5 Churches

Two area congregations installed new pastors on Sunday, August 18. The Rev. Loren Mai was installed as a Pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson. He joins the pastoral ministry there with Rev. Tim Carey. Pastor Mai is the son-in-law of Pastor Bob and Patricia Kloth, and was the husband of Ruby Ann Kloth Mai, who died about three years ago. The Rev. Peter Jacobsen was installed as Pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Wichita. Pastor Jacobsen came from Grace Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Nebraska, where he served as Associate Pastor with Pr. Tom Hallstrom.

Wanted: Caring, Friendly, Patient, Enthusiastic Leaders

A few Sunday School Teachers are still needed for the year 2002-2003. The school year will begin soon, so it is time to get organized. Are YOU interested in sharing your spirituality with Reformation’s youth?

Classrooms are organized with team teachers to enable partners to create their own teaching schedules. Lectionary-based curriculum provides detailed lessons and activities that are user friendly. Children of all ages supply leaders with countless memories and immeasurable job satisfaction.

The following classes have openings. Please contact Kimberly Byers (612-1012) or Pastor Sally (634-0586) if you or someone you know is interested. Our children thank you for seriously considering this important ministry!

• 4-Year-Olds - Teacher #2
• Kindergarten - Teacher #2
• 5th Grade - Teacher #2

"Divine Drama" Class To Begin Sept. 8

A Bible study opportunity for adults this year will be the "Divine Drama" class. The course studies the Biblical narrative, beginning with Genesis and continuing through the Gospels. If you are interested or have questions, please visit the class on Rally Day (September 8).

Since study materials need to be ordered, an idea of how many are interested in attending is necessary. Cost for the course will be $15.00 for 15 units, each with study guide and resource materials. The class will be offered during the Sunday School hour (9:45 - 10:45 a.m.) in the church library; Lynn Schriever, facilitator. Please contact Lynn if you have specific questions:

Phone: 650-3623

Our Mid-Week Children’s Program

Building Christian relationships in a four-part retreat experience

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Join us on Sunday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, for LOGOS FAMILY BINGO NIGHT! All families interested in LOGOS with kids age K-6th grade are invited. Registration will take place for the 2002-2003 LOGOS year. There will be bingo, prizes, dessert, and lots of fun! Wednesday, September 25: LOGOS Volunteer Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. This is an orientation for ALL volunteers of LOGOS; more information will be coming. Wednesday, October 2: LOGOS BEGINS! 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 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Help our youth and become part of a very fulfilling ministry – Get Hooked on LOGOS! We are currently getting staffed for the upcoming year. We have opportunities in the areas of Recreation helpers, Worship Skills helpers, cooks, Table Parents, and Bible Time teachers and assistants. Please consider helping, and pray for our LOGOS program and about what your part of this ministry might be. If you would like to help with our LOGOS ministry, please call Angela Davis, 733-0045, or Mary Brittain, 733-5764.

Community Ministries

Local Community

PAINT THE TOWN, Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up on the tall kiosk in the narthex by September 8. Help an elderly or disabled low-income resident in the community by painting their home on the Mennonite Housing Paint the Town day. Lack of resources forces many low-income residents to make the difficult choice of neglecting maintenance on their home. The community, as a whole, as well as individual families, is affected by this problem. This is a great opportunity to spend a day with other members of Reformation and serve the Lord. Painters, helpers, and lunch providers are needed. No experience necessary! There will be Paint the Town tee shirts for volunteers. Our Paint the Town leaders are Karen Pfeiffer, 686-4306, and Korey Torgerson, 744-0098.

School Supplies are again on the suggested "menu" for the Yellow Bag Ministry. Let’s help needy children start the school year right with needed supplies. As usual, food donations are very welcome, too.

Rev. Sam Muyskens, Director of Inter-Faith Ministries, will preach in worship and speak in the adult class about interfaith relationships and community services on Sunday, September 22.

On Sunday, September 29, Karole Bradford of Inter-Faith Ministries will tell us about CROP Walk and talk about local Anti-Hunger efforts in the adult class in the Parish Hall. CROP Walk will be October 13 at 2:00 at Sedgwick County Park. Plan now to walk or to be a sponsor. Walkers who bring $100 from sponsors will receive a CROP Walk Tee shirt. Our CROP Walk leaders are Deanne Fortney, 636-2578, and Randy & Sharon Fornshell, 733-2870.

Benevolence Letters of Appreciation

The Reformation budget includes specific budget amounts to help support church-related organizations such as Bethany College, and Lutheran Social Services. In addition, our budget provides for supporting local helping organizations in our community. The Local Benevolence Ministry Team, after careful consideration, designates organizations in the community to receive our assistance in their mission. Two of the organizations which recently received our contributions and who sent letters of appreciation included:

 

The Women’s Crisis Center/Safehouse – This organization is part of the YWCA and provides a place of safety and counseling for women and their children who have been in abusive or dangerous home situations.

 

Operation School Bell – Last year over 2000 Wichita public school children received clothing through this program. Our gifts to this project made it possible to clothe at least five children, depending on their need.

Thank you notes from these and other organizations can be found on the Community Outreach Bulletin Board on the kiosk in the narthex.

Michele Groves, Community Outreach Coordinator, 634-0553

 

Time to Review Your Stewardship Commitment

After a long, hot summer, the cool whispers of autumn should be teasing us by now. I’d like to thank everyone for their generous giving over the summer months. As we prepare for the fall season and the resumption of Sunday School, LOGOS, and other ministries (as well as the arrival of a new pastor), I’d like to encourage everyone to review their stewardship commitments. Maintaining the discipline of regular giving encourages spiritual growth and keeps us grounded in our faith commitment in the midst of our other worldly commitments that seem to grow with the season. May we all keep our priorities consistent as the seasons change.

In Christ, Laurel Davis, Stewardship Ministry Team

Last update August 03, 2008