RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 23 February 2003 Number 2
A Thank You To Our Office Volunteers
Week-in and week-out throughout the year, members of Reformation share
their time and their gifts in assisting in the church office. Some come on a regular
basis, some come when called on short notice if there is an unexpected need. Often the
work they do is not the most interesting (such as folding hundreds of
bulletins/inserts, applying seals to newsletters, sealing envelopes, etc.), but it is
essential for weekly worship and the communication that must go out to all members. They
all have our sincerest thanks and appreciation for their service to the church.
- Don and Virginia Arnold
- Marjorie Bender
- Emma Born
- Mark Dickerson
- Sheryl Johnson
- Arlene Langland
- Barbara Lee
- Jan Moyer
- Carol Ott
- Dorothea Rindt
- Harvey and Jane Sanders
- Jeanne Tiller
- Iva Volbrecht
- Eva Whetstone
This Month’s Health Ministry Message . . .
(Brought To You by Our Health Ministry Team)
Over- the-Counter Cold Medications (OTCs)
When choosing OTCs, consult a pharmacist and try to avoid combination products
that treat multiple symptoms (i.e., a cold medicine which includes a cough suppressant,
expectorant, antihistamine and decongestant).
If you feel all "clogged up," try a saline nasal spray (salt water) which can
moisten your nasal passages and get your nose running. If you have a runny nose, an antihistamine
might be best. Antihistamines and decongestants work in different ways, so decide if you
want to "dry it up" with an antihistamine or "get it running" with a decongestant.
Expectorants and cough suppressants also work against each other. An expectorant
(e.g., guaifenesin) is designed to "loosen up" the mucus in your lungs so
you cough it up and clear out the lungs. However, a cough suppressant (e.g., dextromethorphan)
will interfere with this process. Remember that many cough syrups are high in sugar and/or
alcohol and can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Sugar-free, alcohol-free
products are available. Ask a pharmacist for help.
Health and fitness are better than any gold, and a robust body than countless
riches. There is no wealth better than health of body, and no gladness above joy of heart.
- Sirach: Chapter 30 (15-16)
Lenten Lunches
Once again this year, lunch will be served on each Wednesday during the
season of Lent, immediately following the 12:00 Lenten worship service. The lunches are
simple (usually soup and/or sandwich and salad), and disposable table service is used for
quick and easy clean-up. Lunch is served in the narthex, and the average weekly attendance
is about 25-30. The dates this year are: March 5 (Ash Wednesday), March 12, 19, 26, April
2 & 9. If you would like to host (or co-host) one of the lunches, or if you have
questions, please contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office. All those who indicated an
interest in helping on their "Red cards" (Volunteer Ministry) will receive
information by mail.
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
- Sarah - Monday, February 17 - 7:00 p.m. at the home of Kathy Drake, 1550
Floberta. Lesson Leader: Iva Volbrecht
- Dorcas - Wednesday, February 19 - 1:00 p.m. at the home of Nora and Doris Steg,
7002 Magill. Lesson Leader: Barb Everson
- WELCA Board Meeting will be Monday, Feb. 3, 7:00 p.m., at the church.
- Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, Feb. 3 & 17, 9:00 a.m., at the
church.
- Monthly Outreach Ministry: We will meet at Cornerstone Assisted Living, next to
our church, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3:15 - 4:00 p.m., for refreshments and fellowship
with their residents. Please join us.
- Please join us for Women’s Night Out. We will be meeting at Kwan Court, 1443
N. Rock Rd., on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 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 will meet at our church for "World Day of Prayer"
on March 7, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- WELCA Board Members for 2003 are:
- Shari Ryding President
- Nadine Norton Vice President
- Kathy Drake Secretary
- Eva Whetstone Treasurer
- Janice Barr Community
- Mary Ann Mercer & Janis Peter Action
- Sandy Muse Courtesy
- Carol Ott Prayer Chain & Receptions
Groceries for the Homebound
Reformation Church has a ministry team to do grocery shopping for the
homebound when a person cannot get out because of the weather, health, etc. Eva Whetstone,
681-2007, and Janis Peter, 686-8513, are co-coordinators. Please call Eva, Janis, or the
church office if you have a need. for this service.
Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55 and over, will
meet Monday, February 10, at noon in Parish Hall. Come and join us for a potluck luncheon
and Penny Bingo. Each person needs to bring 10 pennies for the game. Also bring a covered
dish to share, your table service, and call Betty (682-2030) or Pauline (942-4885) so the
hosts will know how many tables to prepare. We’ll be looking for you.
Chili / Soup Lunch Planned for February 9
Boy Scout Troop 523 will celebrate Boy Scout Sunday on February 9 with
their annual Chili / Soup Lunch after the 11:00 a.m. service. The congregation is invited
to join us. A freewill donation for the lunch will help the troop acquire camping and
program equipment.
2003 Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the congregation was held Sunday, January 26. The
results of the election were as follows:
- Elected to Church Council: Galen Blume, Susan Cherches, Ken Lang, Marla Schmale.
- Elected to Mission Endowment Committee: Michele Groves, Jeff Larma.
- Elected to Nominating Committee: Bruce Brittain, Holly Coleman, Gary Hoepner,
Susan Martin,
- Carol Ott, Paul Ryding.
- Elected Synod Delegates: Tom and Dottie Caplan, Kathy Drake, Carl Keith.
The following council members, who have completed their terms of office, were thanked
and recognized: Mark Hansen (Council President), Waldo Gerards (Council Vice-President),
Dottie Caplan, and Byron Folkerts.
The new council met following the Annual Meeting and elected officers: Dallas Cronk
(President), Greg Keith (Vice-President), Al Flores (Secretary), Mike Lofing (Treasurer).
Our Mid-Week Children’s Program
Building Christian relationships in a four-part 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 February LOGOS themes will be as follows:
- Feb. 5 - Traveling to Asia
- Feb. 12 - Heart of the Congregation
- Feb. 19 - All Mixed up
- Feb. 26. - Happy Birthday
Join the fun on Wednesday nights . . .
Bring a friend!
Sunday School Open House
Come one, come all! Reformation's first annual Sunday School Open
House will be Sunday, February 2. Have you ever wondered what Christian fun
and learning goes on behind the closed doors? Now is your chance to find out. Join us in
the sanctuary with your child or loved ones at 9:45 a.m. for the Opening and then follow
the children to their classrooms. It's an opportunity to thank our volunteers for their
devotion to our children as well as show support for your child's Christian development.
Join us!
February Choir Schedule
- Feb. 2 - 8:30 & 11:00 - Cantor & Instrumentalists
- Feb. 9 - 8:30 - Cantor & Quartet. 11:00 - Parish Choir
- Feb. 16 - 8:30 - Cantor. 11:00 - Parish Choir & Handbell Choir
- Feb. 23 - 8:30 - Parish Choir. 11:00 - Youth Choir & LOGOS Choir
(grades 3-6)
Thrivent Financial For Lutherans Leadership
As you have heard, Aid Association for Lutherans and Lutheran
Brotherhood have merged into a new entity called Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Both had successful volunteer systems that benefitted congregations and communities.
In 2003, the new chapter structure will be introduced to everyone who is a member of
the new organization. The new chapters will be geography-based. Each chapter will elect
leaders who will help organize chapter activities in the community and take care of legal
reporting requirements. Volunteers will still be able to do activities which benefit their
congregations. More information will be coming out very soon. In addition, please visit
www.thrivent.com.
In the meantime, chapter leaders are needed. Each chapter must have a president, vice
president, records director, financial director, and a congregational service team
director. At this time
I do not have any details of where Reformation members will be assigned. I have been
asked by Ros Thorpe, agency resource manager for Kansas, to make you aware of these
leadership positions. Please give Ros a call at 888-801-9194 or e-mail her if you have any
interest in these positions. She can give you additional information. (The phone number is
toll-free, Ros is in Kansas City). Marsha Meili Former Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator
Inter-Faith Dialogue
Everyone is welcome to participate in these upcoming Inter-Faith
Round Table Dialogue Events at Inter-Faith Ministries, 829 N. Market, Tuesdays,
7:00-9:00 p.m.:
- Feb. 18 - "Predestination vs. Free Will"
- Mar. 18 - "Why Human Suffering? Did God Create Evil?"
A panel of varied faith traditions will share their perspectives on the topic.
Following this, everyone will be invited to join in the dialogue.
Community Ministries
Local Community
Yellow Bag Food Ministry - We continue our efforts to help feed the hungry in the
Wichita Community. Many of those in need have a baby in the family. For February, the menu
suggestions include baby food and care items for babies. Any and all of the items
suggested will be appreciated. Thank you for your continued strong support for the hungry
in our community.
Global Community
ELCA World Hunger Appeal - A portion of Reformation weekly offerings, as well as
special appeals, go to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. People who live in extreme
poverty receive food, clean water, medicine, shelter and clothing as they rebuild their
lives. The programs supported by World Hunger Appeal help people help themselves.
Poverty-focused development is the best way to fight hunger among families in the long
term. Most of our contributions go toward helping poor people improve their lives in their
communities. The cycle of chronic hunger and poverty can be broken when poor communities
find solutions to their problems that are based on their own assets, resources, and labor.
The ELCA World Hunger Appeal also works for justice in government policies and
programs through the ELCA’s Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs in Washington
D.C., 20 state-public policy offices around the country, and Bread for the World, a
Christian citizens group that seeks to bring an end to chronic hunger.
Approximately 60 percent of the ELCA World Hunger budget is channeled through
our key partners, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and for Lutheran World Federation (LWF), for
their relief and development work.
If you would like to make a special contribution to ELCA World Hunger, you can
do so with a check made out to Reformation and annotated for
- ELCA World Hunger Appeal or contribute directly to:
- ELCA World Hunger Appeal P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764
Michele Groves
Community Outreach Coordinator
634-0553
From Our Graduate Seminarian . . .
Dear Reformation Friends,
As we hibernate in these mid-winter months we often take time for personal reflection
on where we've been, where we are, and where we have yet to go. It's a time to be cozy and
rest, even as we anticipate the warm rays of the spring sun.
As a congregation, you have likely experienced this solace as you have taken the time
to get to know your new pastor and his family and settle in to the reality that God has
sent you this Shepherd as one called to lead you into the embrace of the spring. Enjoy the
adventures and challenges of the new season to come!
I, too, find myself amid the winter scene. I am enjoying my Lutheran year at the
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, even as I anticipate the final phase of my
seminary journey: Internship.
I recently completed my pre-internship interview last month and will go through several
one-on-one interviews with site directors sometime in February. By early spring I will
know where my internship site will be. I am excited about where I might go and what
experiences I have yet to encounter! In the process of it all, I know the Lord will be
with me. At the same time, I ask that all of you at Reformation would also continue to
walk with me through these final phases of my seminary journey. As my preparation for
ministry comes to its forte, I look to you for support and encouragement as I "move
into the spring." For only with your support have I come this far... and only with
your support can I finally embrace the goal.
May God abide with you all,
Laura Ulicky-Weerts
New Books in the Church Library
There are three more new books in the library:
- The Art of Abundance by Candy Paull
- Why Not Women? by Loren Cunningham and David Joel Hamilton
- A Place of Rest by Nancy Leigh Moss
A few words about these books-the first one is a collection of short paragraphs and
quotes that offers a fresh look at everyday blessings. I found it refreshing to
contemplate the good among all the negativism in the world.
The second book offers a study of the Bible along with historical writings concerning
the role of women in the church from ancient times until today. It emphasizes the equal
role of women in all areas of ministry while explaining some of the reasons for
limitations given by various Christian denominations.
The third book encourages the development of a focused devotional life. If you are like
me, you struggle with the time commitment and discipline of a daily devotional life. The
author offers some suggestions to help with this very important and life changing time
spent with our Lord.
If you have suggestions for additional books, videos, etc., for the church library,
please contact Marsha Meili or Marsha Sears.
Last update
August 03, 2008
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