RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 22 November 2002 Number 11
From Pastor Hallstrom . . .
Dear Friends in Christ,
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one
of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day
until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring
it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about
all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace
with me.
To encourage me to get on with a task - especially a difficult one, my paternal
grandmother frequently said to me, "Well begun, is half-done!" In some ways, I
feel like that today. Yesterday, October 20, was our first Sunday together, and it was great!
However, we are no means "half done" with our tasks together, but we are,
indeed, WELL BEGUN!
The apostle Paul says something about all of this in his letter to the Philippians.
This was the first congregation that Paul established on the European Continent, and Paul
was thankful and gracious in his assessment of their mutual labor in the work of the
Gospel.
I, too, am VERY thankful for our mutual relationship. We are, indeed, beginning a good
work together in the Gospel, and with God’s help it will bear much fruit. Marlene and
I would like to thank the people of Reformation for their gracious and loving
"welcome" gift presented to us last Sunday (October 20) during worship. What a
wonderful surprise and a warm and gracious beginning to our ministry among you. Thank you,
all, very much! It will be a constant reminder of our new-found home among you.
Yet, we also have much work to do together. And with mutual prayer, let us not only
give thanks to God for the gifts he has entrusted to us, let us also begin our
relationship together by praying for strength and vision to meet the days ahead. Let us
pray together that God will ignite the fire of the Gospel among us as we strive to make worship
attendance, financial stewardship, and care for our members and all of
God’s children our highest priority. Let us pray mutually for a spirit of
courage, enthusiasm, and wisdom as we plan together for the future of our congregation.
As we assemble weekly for the "Bread of Heaven" which provides sustenance and
strength to live and love in the Spirit of Christ, let us remember how important each
and every saint among us is to our whole congregation. As we celebrate the festival of
All Saints, let us remember that you and I are a vital part of the communion of saints,
and when one of us is missing, we all suffer because of it.
Now, as God has begun a good work among us, may we look joyfully to the future
fulfillment of that work, remembering that each and EVERY saint is important to the whole
Body of Christ.
CH_RCH - The only thing missing is YOU!
Love and Peace in the name of Christ,
-Pastor Tom
I wish to thank each and everyone for their prayers, cards, gifts, and well wishes
during my stay in Little Rock and here in Wichita at Our Lady of Lourdes rehab center. You
will never know how much they made a difficult stay a positive one. A special thank you
goes to Pastor Sally. She was always in touch, bringing me good news about what was going
on at the church. May God bless her as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement. As we
embrace our new pastor, let us remember all who deserve the same thoughts and prayers that
you have given me. Again, thank you, and may we continue to do God’s will.
- Ken Woodard
* * *
Many thanks to Pastor Sally and parish nurses, Barb and Jette, for their ministry and
support after my recent accident. Also, many thanks to the many friends who sent messages
of encouragement.
- Pat Anderson
* * *
I wanted to express our heartfelt thanks for the many cards, prayers, and words of
support that were given at the time of my mother’s death. The difference that such
support makes during such a time of loss is impossible to overestimate. We are grateful
for your care and concern.
- Tom, Jill, and Amy Pletcher
* * *
Thank you to all who have helped this year to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of
Reformation. A special thank you to those who went through the old bulletins for
information; those who furnished memorabilia for display and information; those who
produced, directed, and participated in the chancel dramas; and Theatrical Services, Inc.
The BTOL Anniversary Quilt wall hanging in Parish Hall is a great addition. Thanks also to
those who helped with the banquet reservations, table decorations, and to the musicians
who provided our program, and anyone else that we might have missed naming.
- 50th Anniversary Team
Thank you! Thank you! Your many expressions of gratitude and appreciation have truly
warmed my heart as I completed the Interim Pastorate at Reformation. Thank you for your
cards and hugs, your gracious words, and wonderful gifts! I love the soft stuffed puppy
and delicious chocolates from the LOGOS people. Glenn and I will surely enjoy the season
at Music Theater of Wichita, and eating at some of our favorite restaurants. And the check
that came from your many personal gifts was overwhelmingly generous! Most of all, thank
you for sharing your life and ministry with me. God's blessings to you!
- Pastor Sally Fahrenthold
* * *
We appreciate the great welcome shown to us at Reformation. Thank you so much for all
of the kind words and hospitality and for the wonderful basket of Kansas goodies. We
already are feeling at home at Reformation and in Wichita. God bless you all!
- Pastor Tom & Marlene Hallstrom
* * *
To My Reformation Family,
Thank you for supporting me in my drive for Victory in the Valley East/West -
Walk/Run 2002. My goal was $12,000. Thanks to your generous donations, I raised
$15,255.
- Rose Fladeland
* * *
We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love expressed by way of the prayers,
cards, visits, and flowers from our wonderful friends at Reformation. Our extra special
thanks to Pastor Sally, Jette, Barb, and Pastor Hallstrom for their caring support.
- Donald & Dorothea Rindt
* * *
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Many thanks to the Golfers for God (Waldo Gerards, Dick Hasselwander, and Jerry
Whetstone) who grilled hamburgers for LOGOS and Confirmation on October 16 for our
"Baseball Night."
* * *
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Priscilla, Tuesday, November 12, 1:30 p.m. at the church
- Sarah, Monday, November 18, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Deanne Fortney, 1441 N. Rock Rd.,
#2103
- Dorcas, Wed., November 20, 1:00 p.m. at the home of Barb Lee, 6903 East 14th St. N.
- WELCA Board Meeting will be Monday, November 4, 1:00 p.m., at the church.
- Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, November 4 & 18, at 9:00 a.m., at the church.
- Monthly Outreach Ministry: Cornerstone Assisted Living, next to our church, will be
Tuesday, November 12, 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. They are needing small items such as note pads,
hand lotion, etc., to be handed out for Bingo prizes.
- Please bring any donations to your circle leaders.
Women’s Crisis Center Thanksgiving Dinner: WELCA will be providing for
their dinner again this year. There will be a sign-up sheet, with items needed, to be
passed around at the circle meetings. All items should be marked and in the church kitchen
by November 24.
Church Women United will meet for "World Community Day" on Friday, November
1, at 1:00 p.m., at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas.
WELCA has received a beautiful crystal punch bowl
and tray to be used at our receptions. They were donated by Rose Fladeland. WELCA would
like to express a very warm and appreciative "Thank You" to Rose for her gift to
our church.
Our WELCA Wellness Weekend was enjoyable and informative for everyone who
attended. Because of the special people who contributed to our program, we’d like to
say "Thank You" to Pastor Sally, Barb Everson, Susan Martin, and Anita Mansholt.
To everyone who assisted with our church services on Sunday: "Thank You" for
your help in all areas of worship. The service was beautiful.
Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55 and over, will
meet on Monday, November 11, at noon in Parish Hall for our potluck luncheon
and program. Earl and Ida Mae Wall will present the program, "Scandinavian
Immigration in the 1800's - Unto a Good Land." Come and join us for good food,
friendly fellowship, and an informative program. Bring a covered dish to share, your table
service, and call Pauline (942-4885) or Betty (682-2030) with your reservations.
Annual Progressive Dinner
It is once again time to plan for one of Reformation’s
most long-standing and popular traditions-the Holiday Progressive Dinner. Because of the
lateness this year of Thanksgiving, our dinner will be held on the second Sunday in
December, the 8th, rather than the first (which is actually part of the Thanksgiving
weekend).
Four routes, of two homes each, will offer appetizers and salads for approximately 30
people (at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.). Everyone will then gather at the church for the main
course, dessert, and wonderful entertainment. There are many, many ways to become involved
in helping with this event. Homes are needed to host the first two courses; individuals or
couples are needed to help prepare and serve in those homes; tables need to be decorated
in the Parish Hall; reservations need to be taken; and maps need to be prepared for the
different routes. If you would like to help in any way or have questions, please contact
Ruth Koepsel, by phone or e-mail, in the church office.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Pie Fellowship
Plan to enjoy dessert and fellowship following the 7:00
p.m. Thanksgiving Worship on Wednesday, November 27. This is a wonderful
time to bring visiting family members and friends. Watch for the sign-up poster in the
narthex to bring a pie or cookies.
Welcome to our New Organist and Director of
Children’s Music!
After a long search since the resignation of Mr. Clark
Rice, the Music Task Force is pleased to announce that Mrs. Marlene Hallstrom has accepted
the position as our new Organist and Director of Children’s Music, effective November
1.
Mrs. Hallstrom was born in Winner, South Dakota, and finished her bachelor of science
in music education at Northern State University, Aberdeen. She continued her studies at
both the University of South Carolina at Columbia and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
at Lincoln for two master’s degrees of music in piano pedagogy and organ performance.
She taught elementary music at Winner and Grant-Deuel public schools, and was a graduate
teaching assistant in the Music Education Department at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln.
Marlene has substantial working experience in church music and served as an organist at
Christ Lutheran Church (Winner) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Columbia); as Choral
Director and Organist at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Columbia) and Nebo Lutheran Church
(Valley City). Prior to her moving to Wichita, she was the Director of Parish Music at
Grace Lutheran Church in Lincoln for more than 13 years where she served as organist and
director for all choirs, including handbell ensembles. In addition, she held a private
piano and organ studio where she had more than 30 students.
It is a blessing to have Mrs. Hallstrom with us at Reformation. Let’s welcome her
and make beautiful music together! Our seasonal choir rehearsals for Advent and Christmas
will begin shortly after the first of November. We welcome your participation and support!
Come and join us, sharing your musical talents with many of us for the worship of God.
Spiritual Gifts Workshop
You are invited to participate in a Spiritual Gifts
Workshop on Saturday, November 2, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church,
925 N. Waco, Wichita. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Carolyn Campbell. All Area
Ministry 5 people are welcome to attend. Bring a sack lunch. Call 263-0810 to register.
This will be repeated in 2-3 months.
Where Your Heart Is
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also." Matthew 6:21
Jesus’ words are simple and yet powerfully direct. What does your heart treasure?
A perfect verse and a perfect question for helping Christians explore what it means to be
a steward and to determine what form their stewardship responses may take.
During the next few Sundays, our congregation will participate in "Where your
Heart Is," a stewardship emphasis that will help us find joy in worship and
stewardship. During this time, we will focus on Gathering, Hearing, Celebrating and
Sending in relationship to the many gifts we have been given by God. I ask that we all
recognize God the abundant Creator, to open our minds and hearts to be molded by
God’s merciful word.
On Sunday, November 17, we will celebrate our commitments to return the
first fruits of our labors in offering to God. During the worship service, we will have an
opportunity to come forward as individuals and families to place in the Commitment Box an
estimate for giving in 2003. Cards will be sent to you in the mail before this event, so
that you have time to prayerfully consider your plans for giving.
Please join me, in this joyful time for our congregation, in opening our hearts and
minds that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us all, helping us discern how best to
serve God with all the blessings He has entrusted to our stewardship.
In Christ,
Laurel Davis, Stewardship Ministry Team
Flu Season
The flu season is approaching, and regrettably the Parish
Nurses will not be able to offer flu shots at Reformation this year. The Parish
Nurses advise everyone to seek immunization elsewhere, through your healthcare provider,
as a serious outbreak of influenza is expected. If anyone needs assistance with
transportation to get a flu shot, please contact in advance either Jette Mortensen
or Barb Lee, and they will be happy to help with this.
From Our Graduate Seminarian . . .
Dear Members of Reformation,
I am now well in the midst of my first Quarter at the Lutheran School of Theology at
Chicago (LSTC). This is a warm and active place. Calenders must always be tended to as
there are both regular and sporadic meetings for Candidacy, Internship, and the like. I am
excited by the fact that although I am new here, I was elected into the SR Student Council
for the 2002-2003 school year. It is our task to guide students through the processes
required, as well as assisting in the planning and implementation of student activities
which look to foster a sense of community among our peers. It has been a delightful
challenge for me thus far. Just as I have been moving forward with new goals and
challenges - you, also, are experiencing transition as you grieve the loss of your
faithful Interim pastor, Pastor Sally, and anticipate the joy of welcoming Pastor
Hallstrom into your midst. My prayer is that you will look ever forward to the new
opportunities set before you with anticipation and
thanksgiving! Even as you begin to do just that, keep in mind that God has specifically
chosen
you, out of everyone else in the world, for specific tasks within the Kingdom of
God. Such tasks may be within the local congregation or within the world-at-large, but it
is important to note that new tasks often reveal themselves amid the process of change!
Thus, as you look forward to the new possibilities ahead, remember that you have been
uniquely created and empowered by God to fulfill a mission that you have been
called to fulfill. In the words of Meister Eckhart:
That I am human I have in common with all people; That I
see and hear And eat and drink I share with animals. But that
I am I is
exclusively mine, And belongs to me And nobody else, To no other person Nor to an angel
nor to God, except inasmuch as I am one with God.
Peace,
Laura Ulicky-Weerts
Our Mid-Week Children’s Program
Building Christian relationships in a four-par retreat
experience.
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
to 7:45 p.m. The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with a 30-minute period of recreation,
creative pursuits, and fun interaction. The development of personal relationships occurs
when adults and children are able to play together while just being themselves and having
fun! At 5:30 p.m. the children engage in a variety of age-appropriate Worship Skills,
during which they may sing, learn about the liturgy and worship symbolism, or practice for
the Bell Choir. At 6:10 p.m. a hungry crew moves to Family Time where a healthy warm meal
is served. The meal provides an arena for bonding relationships to develop between the
children and their table parents. Family Time is a time to eat, but the primary reason we
are together is to build Christian relationships. We have four cook teams who prepare the
food on a rotating basis. At 7:00 p.m. the evening is rounded out with Bible Study,
organized by age. The Bible study time is the core of the entire LOGOS program. A
dedicated group of teachers spend time preparing stimulating and interactive lessons to
help the children develop a more personal relationship with our creator. Each week there
is a different theme! In November, the LOGOS themes will be as follows:
- Nov. 6 - What’s for Dinner?
- Nov. 13 - Catching a Flight
- Nov. 20 - Giving Thanks
- Nov. 27 - NO LOGOS
Join the fun on Wednesday nights . . .
Bring a friend!
Refrigerator Needed for LOGOS Program
HELP!! An additional refrigerator is needed for storage of
LOGOS foods, condiments, etc. It must be a self-defrosting model, but it need not be very
large. The refrigerator would be placed on the lower level of the church.
If you have a working refrigerator you would like to donate, or if you are
willing to make this purchase for the church, please contact Waldo or Lotus Gerards,
683-8602, to make the arrangements. Thank you!
Calendars
Calendars for Year 2003, "God’s Creation,"
will soon be available from our middle school youth. Many Reformation members and friends
have enjoyed these beautiful calendars over the past several years. They make wonderful
Christmas gifts! The cost, once again, will be $6.00.
Annual Pop Corn Sale
Boy Scout Troop 523 will be conducting the annual Pop Corn
Sale on Sundays, November 10 and November 17. Proceeds of the
sale will assist the individual Boy Scouts in attending Summer Camp in 2003.
Youth Choir
All Reformation youth in grades 6-9, who like to sing are
invited to meet Sunday morning, November 3, at the beginning of the Sunday
school hour (9:45 a.m.) in the High School classroom (upstairs and just off the balcony)
to discuss the possibility of forming a youth choir.
Parents are also invited and encouraged to attend. We must have input from both
youth and parents on when and where to rehearse. Due to the number of activities already
occurring on Wednesday afternoon and evening, this choir would have to meet on another
day. If you have thoughts, questions, or suggestions, contact Marlene Hallstrom at
687-3135. Please, also let Marlene know if you are interested but have a conflict and
cannot attend on November 3.
Worship Assistants Training and Refresher
Pastor Hallstrom would like to meet with everyone who is
currently serving as an Assisting Minister or Communion Assistant, as well as anyone
who is interested in being trained to serve. A training session and refresher course
will be held on Saturday morning, November 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the
sanctuary. As we near the Season of Advent and the beginning of a new church year, it is
the perfect time to welcome new worship assistants as well as to reaffirm the service of
those who have served in the past. Please contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office to
indicate whether or not you can attend.
Listen! God Is Calling
Have you heard God calling your name to serve? Have you
heard others tell you that you would make a fine pastor, teacher, musician, or other
leader in the church? Do you have a willingness to explore the possibilities?
The Central States Synod Leadership Development Team will be hosting a day retreat on
Saturday, November 16, at First Lutheran Church in Topeka Kansas. All
college-age persons and up discerning their call to professional ministry in the church
are invited to participate. The participant cost is $5.00; registration deadline is
November 1. Please contact the church office for additional information and registration
form.
Art & Craft Sale
A Country Cupboard Boutique Art & Craft Sale
will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1000 W. 26th St. South, Wichita, on Friday, November
8 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Saturday, November 9 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Delicious baked goods, meals, and snacks will be served by Bethany Youth. Door prizes. All
in a colorful country atmosphere!
Thanks and Appreciation . . . .
First, to all who helped in any way in making the 6th
Annual Garage Sale a huge success! Over $2,000 was raised (and will be increased
by $450 in matching funds from Lutheran Brotherhood) for our high school youth and their
trip to the National Lutheran Youth Gathering next summer in Atlanta. In addition to the
high school youth and their parents who worked before, during, and after the sale, our
sincere thanks to the following members and friends who gave of their time and support:
Jerry and Eva Whetstone, Carl Keith, Shari Ryding, Lynette Wetta, Dorothy Rogers, Shirley
Anderson, Chris and Martha Deines. Finally, our thanks to all who donated items and to all
who came to shop.
Second, to all who worked on the Fall Festival Pit BBQ Teams and
especially to all who came, brought food to share, and enjoyed the fellowship. It was
exciting to welcome Pastor Tom and Marlene Hallstrom and their daughter Erin, who took a
short break from unpacking to join us for part of the festivities. We will be contributing
over $900 (and more with the matching funds from AAL) to support the work of the
Lord’s Diner. Thanks to all of the following who helped in many, many ways: Rich
McDiffett, Randy and Gale Worrell, Gary and Linda Hoepner, Ed and Lola Wilks, Matthew
Hultman, Rebecca Bunting, Lori Forlaw, David Day, Jane Camenzind, Waldo and Lotus Gerards,
Paul and Shari Ryding, Jerry and Eva Whetstone, Ken Lang, Steve and Faith Tucker, Amy and
Sarah Keith, Ruth Koepsel. A special "Thank you" has been sent to RUFUS the
Clown. Check the church office door for some wonderful photographs taken at the Fall
Festival by our photographer, Tom Cronk.
"Party with the Saints" at Gloria Dei Lutheran
Church
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1101 N. River Blvd., will hold
their 2nd annual "Party with the Saints" Chili Cook-off and fellowship event on
Sunday, November 3, starting at 12:00 noon. All Area 5 church members are
invited to participate in this afternoon of chili, fellowship, NFL football, and fun. This
is a fund-raising event to benefit, this year,
St. Paul’s Kids Kingdom Daycare Center and Preschool. You are invited to
participate in the Chili Competition as a provider of chili (prizes will be awarded) or as
a taster. For additional information see the bulletin board in Parish Hall.
Community Ministries
Local Community
Paint The Town - An elderly and disabled couple have a freshly painted and repaired
home, thanks to the following members of Reformation who took part in the Mennonite
Housing Paint the Town day on September 21: Korey Torgerson and Karen Pfeiffer,
coordinators; Deana Torgerson, Paul Ryding, Caroline Johnson, Neal and Kevin Pfeiffer,
Jette Mortensen, Marsha Regan, and Michele Groves. Thanks also to Teresa Mora, assisted by
Caroline Johnson, for providing lunch for our team.
CROP Walk - Reformation walkers raised $751 for the Wichita CROP Walk.
Funds raised will benefit the work of Church World Services, and locally, Inter-Faith
Ministries’ Homeless Services, and the Brotherhood Presbyterian Church food pantry.
Walkers were: Deanne and Ken Fortney, Randy and Sharon Fornshell, Coordinators; Pastor
Sally Fahrenthold, Karen and Jordan Hoyer, Amber Kershaw, Signee Fornshell, and Michele
Groves. Many thanks to the walkers and to all the sponsors for supporting this event. CROP
Walk reminds us that each day hundreds of millions of the world’s poor walk
several miles just to obtain safe drinking water.
Yellow Bag Food Ministry - This month the Yellow Bag suggested menu
includes some traditional Thanksgiving meal foods. Wichita food pantries, meal sites, and
Food Bank are seeing an increase in the number of people coming for help. Let’s take
time to share our bounty with those in need. Virginia Leikvold, 685-7993, is the Yellow
Bag Food Ministry Coordinator.
Adult Forums - 9:45 Sunday, Parish Hall
November 3 - Big Brothers and Sisters - Have you ever thought that maybe you
would like to be a Big Brother or Big Sister? A representative from Big Brothers
and Sisters will tell us how and explain this valuable program in our community. Mark
Hansen and Tanya Flores of our congregation already share their time with a Little Brother
and Little Sister.
November 10 - Inter-Faith Inn - Learn more about the many needs of
homeless people and the services provided by Inter-Faith Inn. Sandy Swank, Director
of Housing and Homeless Services, Inter-Faith Ministries, will be our speaker for this
forum. Some of our Local Benevolence Ministry offerings ($425 this year) go to Inter-Faith
Inn.
Planning Ahead
Look for the Angel Tree after Thanksgiving. We will again provide Christmas
gifts for foster care children through Lutheran Social Services and for children at the
Oaks Indian Center. Pam Adams, 733-9627, is the coordinator.
Operation Holiday Needs Volunteers - If you have a few hours, your help
is needed to take client applications, enter client data (some typing skill needed),
organize the warehouse, pick up donations, etc. A full list of Operation Holiday volunteer
opportunities is on the kiosk in the narthex under Community Outreach. Call Erin Huebert
at 264-9303 to volunteer, learn training schedules for some of the volunteer jobs, and ask
questions.
Benevolence Letters of Appreciation
A thank you note was received from the Wichita Children’s Home for our
recent donation of $400. The Wichita Children’s Home provides safety,
security, and love to children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect, and
abandonment. The Children’s Home recently had a record 25 admissions in a
24-hour period.
A letter of appreciation was also received from Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Hospice
provides care and support to those who are terminally ill and therapeutic services for
bereaved family members. Our donation of $400 helps allow Hospice to continue this
important work.
Local Benevolence Ministry funds in the Reformation budget make possible our
assistance to these organizations and others.
Michele Groves
Community Outreach Coordinator
634-0553
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!
Last update
August 03, 2008
