RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 22 October 2002 Number 10
From Pastor Hallstrom . . .
Dear Friends in Christ,
As you are aware, I have accepted your call to become Senior Pastor of Reformation
Lutheran Church. At the same time, I am both extremely excited and somewhat anxious. I am
excited to begin this new ministry among such a splendid congregation, and yet anxious,
because I am leaving a comfortable ministry where I have served for 16 years. Some of my
anxiety comes from not knowing what lies ahead, and not knowing many of you very well. I
suppose you, too, are anxious on this account. So, I am going to share a little bit about
myself and my family, and in that way, you may come to know me a bit better as we labor
together in the Gospel.
I was born and raised near Webster, South Dakota, which is in the northeastern part of
the state. I was baptized, confirmed, and ordained at American Lutheran Church in my
hometown of Webster. After graduating from Webster High School in 1968, and from Northern
State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1972 (where I met my lovely spouse
Marlene), I taught Vocal Music in Winner, South Dakota. In 1978, I graduated with a
Masters of Divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, South
Carolina, and then served congregations in Strandburg, South Dakota, and Valley City,
North Dakota, before coming to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1986. In 1995, I was awarded a Doctor
of Ministry degree from Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago.
My wife Marlene and I were married in her hometown of Winner, South Dakota, in 1971.
Marlene has spent her life in music. Besides her undergraduate degree from Northern State
University, she holds a Masters degree in Keyboard Pedagogy (University of South Carolina)
and a Masters degree in Organ Performance and Church Music (University of Nebraska,
Lincoln). Marlene is a dedicated and accomplished music educator and Church Musician.
We have three wonderful children. Eric, a graduate of Augustana College, Sioux Falls,
SD, and of the University of Iowa School of Law, is a lawyer presently working on an
advanced degree in Law at Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. Erin, currently works
in Lincoln for Martin Luther Homes, having also graduated from Augustana College, and then
studying in Trodheim, Norway, for a year as a Fulbright Scholar. Betsy, our youngest, is
completing her education at St. Olaf College, in Northfield, MN, with a degree in Social
Work.
Marlene and I love music; we have two cats, Minka and Sebastian; we have become
accustomed to being "empty nesters," and in general enjoy life immensely. And
even though I might be a bit anxious as Marlene and I prepare to make this move, I am
grateful and honored that you have seen fit to call me to Reformation! I am confident that
our time together will be rewarding, productive, and above all, the will of the Lord of
the Church.
And in that spirit let us be of good courage as we remember the words of one of my
favorite hymns:
My life flows on in endless song;
above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
Love and Peace in the name of Christ,
- Pastor Tom Hallstrom
I want to thank Pastor Sally and Barb Lee for visiting me
in the hospital, and other Reformation members for the flowers, cards, and calls.
- Helen Landon
* * *
Thank You to All Who Helped "Spruce Up the
Gardens"
Thank you and HAT’S OFF to the following helpful hands
who accomplished great things in three hours of work in our church gardens and around the
property on Saturday, September 7. Those willing workers were: Jan Barr; Randy, Sharon,
and Alex Fornshell; Waldo and Lotus Gerards; Michele Groves; Gary and Linda Hoepner; Barb
Lee; Keith and Susan Martin; Shirley and Jack Metz; Steen and Jette Mortensen; Jan Moyer;
Russell and Sandy Muse; Ron and Carol Ott; Paul and Shari Ryding; Kurt Soschinske; and
Lola Wilks. Additional helpers were Nancy Watkins, an "early" weeder, and Ed
Wilks, who transported mulch prior to our workday. Over 60 bags of mulch were spread, and
AAL helped defray cost of the mulch. Workers were rewarded with a delicious brunch
prepared by Iva Volbrecht, Mary Ann Mercer, Jane Sanders, Deanne Fortney, Emma Born, Donna
Moyer, Jan Barr, and Lotus Gerards. THANK YOU! Let’s do it again in the spring!
Thank You, Summer Brunch Hosts
Remember all the delicious treats we enjoyed between
services this summer? Wasn’t it great to have that extra cup of coffee or juice
before the late service? Here is a list of volunteers we can thank for coordinating our
brunches throughout the summer: Gary & Linda Hoepner, Laurel & Angela Davis, Gary
& Toni Maycher, Al & Tonya Flores, Jeff & Rhonda Larma, Maureen Hofrenning,
Russell, Sara, & Sandy Muse, Boyd & Kimberly Byers, Bob Weaver, Jack & Mary
Ann Mercer, Richard & Marlene Hasselwander, Paul & Shari Ryding, Bruce & Mary
Brittain, Dan & Sheryl Johnson.
A special thank you to Dottie Caplan, Summer Brunch
Coordinator.
Bibles Presented to Children
The Holy Bible was presented on Sunday, September 15, to
children of the congregation in keeping the promises of Baptism. These young people
received Bibles after a class to learn more about using and appreciating this gift: Hunter
Borg, Evan Brittain, Dean Keith, Nicole Ottley, Kara Smith, Josie Stevens, and Amy Yeskie.
Many thanks to Betty Hayenga who made an embroidered bookmark, given with the Bible,
with each person’s name, the meaning of the name, and a Bible verse.
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla, Tuesday, October 8, 1:30 p.m. at the church
- Dorcas, Wednesday, October 16, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Janice Barr, 6950
Kentford Circle
- Sarah, Monday, October 21, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Kathy Drake, 1550 Floberta
St.
- Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, October 7 & 21, at 9:00 a.m., at the
church.
- Church Women United will meet Friday, October 4, at 1:00 p.m., at
Inter-Faith Ministries, 829 N. Market.
- Monthly Outreach Ministry: Please join us for fellowship with the residents of
Cornerstone Assisted Living, next to our church, on Tuesday, October 8, from 3:15
to 4:00 p.m.
- WELCA Weekend will be Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at our
church. We will have a wellness program of physical fitness, nutrition, and spiritual
time. Anita Mansholt will give a presentation on the Mansholts’ trip to Papua New
Guinea. The WELCA board will provide lunch. Come and participate with us for a fun and
interesting day – all women are encouraged to participate. On Sunday, the
women will also conduct the worship service.
Mums to Decorate the Sanctuary
As part of our festive anniversary weekend, members and
friends of Reformation will have the opportunity to order gold and white mums for the
sanctuary and the narthex. We will use the same method that we use for Christmas/Easter
flowers. Envelopes will be available on Sundays, October 6 and 13, for orders and
payment. Orders may also be called in to Ruth Koepsel in the church office. The cost
for each mum will be $10.00. When ordering, members will have the option of donating their
plants to the church gardens following the anniversary weekend.
Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55 and over, will
meet on Monday, October 14, at noon in Parish Hall for our potluck
luncheon and program. The program will be presented by Jim Moore of the Wichita
Community Foundation. 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.
Name Tags
All of us received a name tag when we joined Reformation,
but how many of us wear them? How many of us have misplaced them? As a helpful gesture for
Pastor Tom and Marlene, everyone is asked to wear their name tags on a regular basis. If
you need a new one, please contact Ruth Koepsel or leave your name on the clipboard in the
church office by October 8. The cost to replace a "Pin-on" tag is
$3.50; the cost for a "Magnetic" tag is $5.00.
Fall Festival - October 6
All members and friends are invited to Reformation’s
annual Fall Festival, held this year on the church grounds on Sunday, October 6, from 4:00
to 7:00 p.m. We will enjoy pork and turkey (cooked all night and day in the pit) as well
as delicious side dishes brought and shared by all. There are many ways to get involved
and help; please check the sign-up sheets posted in the narthex. There will be games for
kids of all ages and possibly a special guest!!?? There is no need to make reservations.
An offering will be taken, which, with matching funds from AAL, will go to support The
Lord’s Diner. (This is a change from a previous article; a project in December will
provide matching funds for our youth programs).
Plan Now to Attend: Sunday, October 6
(Gather at 4:00 / Dinner at 5:00) Bring a side dish to share (salad, vegetable,
dessert). Bring your own table service.
50th Anniversary Celebration 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 Wall, MacLennan,
Keen, and Deaconess Doreen have been invited, and Bishop Mansholt will be here. 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 cost.
Reservations are $5.00 per person, 12 and older. Under 12, there will be no charge for
the dinner.
The weekend will conclude at the Sunday Services, October 27, with Bishop
Mansholt preaching and with the installation of Pastor Hallstrom at both services. Please
be sure to mark these dates on your calendar.
Changes at Lutheran Social Service
Bernice Karstensen, the Executive Director of Lutheran
Social Service of Kansas and Oklahoma, is retiring effective September 30, 2002. The
Lutheran church, our community, and thousands of children and families have been blessed
by her dedication, skills, and many gifts for more than 20 years of service. Bernice will
continue to serve in her volunteer position as chair of the national Lutheran Disaster
Response Board of Directors. The Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Board of Directors has
appointed Marc Bloomingdale, former Chief Operating Officer of LSS, as Acting Chief
Executive Officer.
Another LSS change is the discontinuation of the Special Needs Adoption contract
through Kansas Children’s Service League because the resources of the contract do not
cover the cost of providing service. LSS will continue to serve children and families
through Foster Care, Emergency Foster Care, Planning Early for Permanency, Infant
Adoption, International Adoption, Pregnancy Counseling, and Disaster Services. Our
contributions help support these programs.
The Parish Record
JULY - SEPTEMBER
BAPTISM
- George Christopher Bunting, August 11
- Connor Richard Hultman, August 11
- Jack Martin Taylor, September 8
- Troy Alvin Brown, September 15
- Kara Louava Smith, September 15
- Josie Lynn Stevens, September 15
- Joshua Lee Day, September 22
- David Preston Campbell, Jr., September 29
MARRIAGE
- Erin Worrell and Aaron Gutierrez, July 27
TRANSFER
- Jeffrey Koch to Preston Meadow Lutheran, Plano, Texas
DEATH
- Loren Deines, August 7
- Jake Kerbs, August 29 (former member)
Church Closing
Peace Lutheran Church in Newton, KS, will mark the Closing
of the Congregation on Sunday, October 20, at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Gerald
Mansholt will be present for the recognition of ministry and life of the Church and its
members. Final worship service will be that morning. Peace has been served for almost five
years by Parish Ministry Associate Larry Frank, a member of Reformation.
Note: The above announcement, postmarked August 7,
arrived at the church on September 5.
From Our Seminary Graduate . . .
Dear Reformation Friends,
I’ve been doing a lot of praying lately, and like many of us, I have done most of the talking. But
recently I have been reminded that prayer is a two-way conversation. When we pray we enter
into the presence of God. In doing so, we are asked not only to present our thoughts and
petitions before God, but to also listen attentively to the One who addresses us in the
midst of our cares, concerns, hopes, and passions. To pray is to be aware of this voice of
love, whose desire is to meet the deepest needs and longings of our heart.
This process encompasses a measure of obedience. Although in many circles the word
obedience has taken on a somewhat legalistic connotation, its core meaning comes from the
Latin word ob-audire, which means to listen with
great attentiveness. Without listening, we become "deaf" to the voice of love.
The Latin word for deaf is surdus. To be
completely deaf is to be absurdus, yes, absurd!
I share this with you only to emphasize how important it is to listen to this voice. If we
neglect it, our lives become absurd lives in which we are thrown back and forth by the
whims of this world.
Therefore, I urge you to listen for this voice of love, whether you do so through
worship, Scripture reading, heeding another’s advice, or following your own
intuition. God speaks through many venues. Listen for the voice, and pray for the wisdom
to discern the message that God so much wants you to hear!
Blessings and peace,
Laura Ulicky-Weerts
Lutheran Theologian To Speak in Wichita
Dr. Martin Marty, nationally known Lutheran theologian, scholar, and author, will speak
in Wichita on Tuesday, October 15, 7:30 p.m., at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
1101 N. River Blvd. Dr. Marty will offer insights on a topic he has researched and knows
well: "Fundamentalism in Religions." He will speak for 50 minutes, and leave
plenty of time for discussion and exchange of ideas. All are welcome.
Acappella
Hymns for All the Ages
In Concert: Friday, November 1, 2002, 7:30
p.m., Presser Hall Auditorium, Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas
For the past 20 years, Acappella has been not only committed to ministry but spreading
the message of the Gospel through their unique style of music with 140+ concerts this year
alone.
This year’s tour celebrates the group’s newest release, Hymns For All The
Ages. This album offers 12 classics such as "Where He Leads Me I Will
Follow" and "The Sweet By and By" with their distinct style. There is
surely something for everyone to enjoy!
Reserved tickets are $8, $10, and $12. Group discounts are available. Students, half
price. For tickets or more information, call the Bethany College Special Events Office,
(785) 227-3380, ext. 8185.
Seminarian Support
Thank you for special contributions to support our member,
Laura Ulicky-Weerts, as she attends seminary in preparation for ordained pastoral
ministry. Our gifts are much needed, as Laura begins a year of studies at Lutheran
Theological Seminary in Chicago (LSTC).
Several years ago the congregation agreed to provide $5,000 per education year for each
seminarian. The Rev. Dawn Gorges and Laura Ulicky-Weerts have benefitted from your
generous gifts. This support comes entirely from individual designated gifts.
To make a contribution, please use the special envelopes in the pews, or designate your
check to Reformation for "Seminarian Support." You are investing in the ministry
of the church for years to come! Thank you.
Our Mid-Week Children’s Program
Building Christian relationships in a four-part retreat
experience.
LOGOS NEWS: Attention! The LOGOS year has begun, and we hope that you will make
plans to include this midweek ministry as a part of your week! You will want to be
included in this faith-grounding, relationship-building evening! Come, join the fun!
The themes for October are:
- Oct. 2 - God’s Great Outdoors We will make S’mores and have Bible Time
under the stars!
- Oct. 9 - Famous Noses Of course, people with famous noses love to roller
blade—bring yours for Recreation Time, and we will have a roller blade course in the
parking lot!
- Oct. 16 - Take Me Out to the Ball Game Be ready for the annual Parent/Kid
Baseball Game!
- Oct. 23 - A Trip Around the World Pack your bags!
- Oct. 30 - Haunted House A scary scavenger hunt is being planned!
We would like to thank the LOGOS Coordinators for all their hard work to date:
- Angela Davis and Mary Brittain - Program Coordinators
- Lori East - Publicity
- Barbara Borg - Registrar / Treasurer
- Tanya Flores and Carole Lofing - Family Time
- Ken Hobart & Marcia Werts - Bible Time
- Janice Yeskie - Worship Skills, middle school
Worship Skills and Recreation Time Coordinator positions have not been filled to date.
And also a big THANK YOU to the many, many helpers for all of the areas!
Community Ministries
Local Community
CROP WALK is Sunday, October 13, at 2:00 p.m., at Sedgwick County
Park. Look for the colorful display in the narthex and sign up to walk or to be a sponsor.
Walkers can choose to walk 3 miles or 6 miles. Walkers who bring $100 or more from
sponsors will receive a CROP WALK tee shirt. Help Stop Hunger. CROP WALKs are one of the
main fund-raising sources for Church World Service. 25% of the funds from the Wichita Walk
will be returned for Wichita hunger ministries. Our CROP WALK leaders are Deanne Fortney,
636-2578; and Randy and Sharon Fornshell, 733-2870.
YELLOW BAG FOOD MINISTRY - We are back to a food menu this month. Thank you to
everyone who helped provide school supplies the past two months. Our food donations go the
United Methodist Urban Ministry Food Ministry. Virginia Leikvold, 685-7993, is our
Yellow Bag Food Ministry Coordinator.
Benevolence Letters of Appreciation
We recently received a note of appreciation from the Campaign to End Childhood
Hunger for our sponsorship donation for the CROP Walk tee shirts. (Look for Reformation
on the back of the tee shirts)
Notes of appreciation were also received from Bethany College and from World
Impact Good Samaritan Clinic.
Michele Groves
Community Outreach Coordinator
Deadline Reminder
- Sunday Bulletin: Thursday, 10:00 a.m.
- Re-Focus Newsletter: 15th of the prior month
- Thanks for your efforts in meeting these deadlines!
Missing In Action!
Many ministry response cards are missing
Is one of them yours?
Approximately 125 of those electric red Ministry Response
Cards have been returned to the church, indicating ministry areas in which our members
would like to participate during 2003.
That is good news indeed. It’s very helpful information for Team Coordinators,
because it enables them to involve people who are genuinely interested in their
ministries.
However, many of our members have not yet returned their Response Cards. If you are one
of the missing, you are encouraged to take a few moments today to complete the card and
return it to the church office as soon as possible. There is no real deadline –
cards will be gratefully received at any time – but the Shared Ministry Team would
appreciate your prompt response.
Feeling Dramatic?
Well, Come on Down to Mamie’s Diner, Y’all
Mamie’s Diner, an original drama by Wil
Johnson, will be performed at the annual Progressive Dinner on December 8.
There are roles for 13 adults, both men and women, of all ages. In addition, we will
need some "Salvation Army" musicians, some adult carolers, and some youth
carolers.
As for any production, assistance is also required to build sets, run lights and sound,
secure costumes and props.
An organizational meeting for Mamie’s Diner will be held on Sunday, October
13, at 3 p.m. Anyone interested in helping with the production in any capacity
– on stage or behind the scenes – is invited and encouraged to come and learn
more about the show.
If you would like to participate but cannot attend the October 13 meeting, please
contact Wil Johnson, Gene Bowers, or Dallas Cronk.
Stephen Ministry at Reformation
Stephen Ministry is one-on-one Christian care-giving by
trained Stephen Ministers to give confidential support to someone dealing with one of
life’s many challenges. To be a Stephen Minister requires 50 hours of training and a
commitment of 2 years of service.
Stephen Ministry at Reformation Lutheran Church began in 1995 with 2 trained Stephen
Leaders and a starting class of 12. In all, 26 Stephen Ministers have been trained and
have served over 50 care receivers since commissioning. The following individuals are
trained Stephen Ministers; those names highlighted are active at this time.
Laura Lujano
Marjorie Bender
Judy McDiffett
Dovie Bowers
Rich McDiffett
Susayn Brandes
Marsha Meili
Dottie Caplan
Jette Mortensen
Dallas Cronk
Donna Moyer
Larry Ehrlich
Sandy Muse
Lotus Gerards
Carol Ott
Wil Johnson
Shari Ryding
Suzanne Koch
Marla Schmale
Dick Kreeger
Gloria Schrader
Georgene Kreeger
Eva Whetstone
Barbara Lee
Jerry Whetstone
Plans are being made for another training class to start in January 2003. If you
are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister and would like to be part of the class, OR
if you know someone who would benefit from having a Stephen Minister, please call one of
the Stephen Leaders listed below. Referrals for Stephen Ministry may also be made
through our Pastor.
- Marjorie Bender744-1254
- Dallas Cronk733-2454
- Pr. Sally Fahrenthold683-8649
- Lotus Gerards683-8602
- Rich McDiffett282-0598
- Jerry Whetstone681-2007
From the Interim Pastor . . .
"Do you see the light at the end of the tunnel?"
That’s the most frequent question I hear these days . . . looking ahead to the
"light at the end of a tunnel." It speaks of looking forward to new things
happening, new experiences, and new freedom.
Actually, I have not felt that I was going through a long, dark tunnel in serving at
Reformation. There has been a lot of "light" all along the way. Serving as your
Interim Pastor has been a joy for me, along with all the changes and challenges that the
year has brought.
President George H. Bush designated people across the country whom he called
"1,000 points of light" — people who brought the light of love and hope
into the world. We have about 750 "points of light" at Reformation — men,
women, youth, and children who bring the light of Christ to life in wonderful ways here in
the congregation and every day in every place. I have experienced your light.
There are some very special lights to whom I give great thanks for their ministry with
me this year — Mark Hansen and every member of the Council; Rebecca Holden Deckard,
office secretary; Ruth Koepsel and Lotus Gerards, ministry staff; Dr. Eugenia Oi Yan Yau,
Director of Music; and Carole Lyons Osborne, custodian. They, and certain "highlight
volunteers" who give of themselves in countless significant ways, will continue to
lead and serve you as the Rev. Thomas Hallstrom becomes our pastor.
Most of all, as an acolyte lights the altar candles for worship each Sunday, we
remember that we always live in the light of Jesus Christ, who lives among us, the Light
of the world. As I return to the pew as a member of the congregation, and as we go forth
each day, we share the mission given by Jesus: "Let your light so shine before others
that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Thank you for blessing me in so many ways!
Pastor Sally C. Fahrenthold
Interim until October 15, 2002.
Hospice Opportunities
"The Time of Your Life: a workshop to foster Living Well at the End of
Life" A look at end-of-life issues before you are in them with a
loved one
Every 1st Wednesday of the month 9:00 a.m. - noon
Every 1st Thursday of the month 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita
The Workshop is offered as a service to the community, and all ages are encouraged to
attend. Questions or more information: 219-1762.
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
(formerly Hospice, Inc.)
Want to talk with a Hospice Volunteer before considering volunteering? Give us a call
and we’ll link you to a man or woman who visits with patients and care givers.
Perhaps you, too, will want to discover wonderful opportunities as a Hynes Memorial
Hospice Volunteer!
Questions or more information: 219-1762.
Confirmation
Confirmation classes for 7th and 8th grade youth will begin
on Wednesday, October 2. Come at 6:10 p.m. for supper, with classes
following. Confirmation Guides (to date) are: Al Flores and Amy Keith for 8th grade, and
Pat Johnson for 7th grade.
Last update
August 03, 2008
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