RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 23 July 2003 Number 7

My husband Jim and I would like to thank everyone at Reformation Lutheran for their continued thoughts and prayers for our infant son Dylan. Dylan has been through a lot in his young life, but with the many prayers he has received, he has made it through; he’s such a fighter. He’s now home and thriving—so much energy. We would like to say a special thank you to Jette for the time she has devoted to us; i.e., visiting us in the hospital and calling us at home for continuous updates. Also, thanks to Pastor Tom for coming by the house to pray with us before Dylan’s surgery.

Sincerely, Erin Mach (Jim & Dylan too)

* * *

I would like to express my appreciation for the prayers and cards sent during my illness. I’m sure that I’ll be completely well before long. I’m especially thankful for Jette Mortensen and Barb Lee—you surely are two of God’s angels! Charlotte, thank you for all the wonderful food and for grocery shopping; also, thanks to Mary Lou.

A special thank you to Pastor Tom for your visit when I was feeling low. You were so inspiring! I feel so fortunate to be a member of the

Reformation family. May God bless all of you.

- Sylvia Stevens

* * *

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for the beautiful cards, calls, visits, prayers and concern during my recent surgery and recuperation. Special thanks to Pastor Tom and Jette and Barbara for their prayers and visits. Thanks also to the ladies who brought us such delicious food. Bill sends his many thanks, too.

God bless, Betty Hayenga

* * *

In the Fall . . .

A special event for personal reflection, meditation, and prayer will be held at Reformation in September. This event will be sponsored and coordinated by our Reformation Stephen Ministers. More information will be available later this summer.

The Parish Record

APRIL - JUNE

BAPTISM

• Blake Lee Basgall, April 19
• Henry Owen Knudtson, May 18
• Nathan Ryan Rohrberg, June 8
• Claire Elizabeth Flippen, June 15
• Ian Mathias Flores, June 15

MARRIAGE

• Hillary Heine and Brad Raple, June 7

TRANSFER

• Jeff & Judy Flack, Jessica to Covenant United Methodist, Greer, SC
• John & Kathleen Haeker, Allison to Holy Cross Lutheran, Wichita
• Phil & Carol Kinast to Christ Lutheran, Wichita

DEATH

• Emalyne “Em” Terry, March 20 (omitted from report in April Re-Focus)
• Reola Lerager, June 4

Staff Positions at Gloria Dei

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Wichita, is seeking to fill two staff positions: Director of Parish Music and Director of Youth Ministries. Information is available in our church office. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please call the office at Gloria Dei, 263-0872.

Women of Reformation

CIRCLE MEETINGS

• Dorcas Wednesday, July 16 1:00 p.m. at the home of Carol Ott, 8201 Limerick St. Lesson Leader: Doris Steg
• Sarah No meeting in July
• WELCA Board Meeting will be Monday, July 7, 10:00 a.m., at the church.
• Blanket Makers will meet Mondays, July 7 & 21, 9:00 a.m., at the church.
• Monthly Outreach Ministry: We’ll meet at Cornerstone Assisted Living, south of our church, on Tuesday, July 8, 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. Come help us play “Wheel of Fortune” with their residents.
• Please join us for Women’s Night Out. This month we will have a family barbecue at the home of Marcie & Butch Fosdick, 14231 E. Grand in Wichita. We will meet on Saturday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the nursery door, or call Marcie Fosdick, 733-0340, to let her know you will be coming.
• Oaks Indian Center: Our WELCA Board would like us to help them by donating shampoo, bath soap, boys & girls socks, etc., cleaning supplies of laundry soap, comet, Pine-sol, etc. There is a complete list on the WELCA bulletin board in Parish Hall. There will be a basket in the narthex to put them in until the end of August. Your help is needed and very appreciated.
• Synod Meeting will be August 1-3 in Atchison, KS

Quilt on Display

The quilt to be auctioned at Camp Tomah Shinga on Saturday, August 2, will be on display in the narthex July 1-13. The quilt-top materials were donated by Barbara Woodard.

Best Times of Life

Best Times of Life, Reformation’s fellowship group for those 55 years and over, will meet Monday, July 14, at noon in Parish Hall. The program will be presented by representatives from Venture House. Come join us for lunch, good fellowship, and a program. Bring a covered dish to share, your table service, and call Pauline (942-4885) or Charlotte (684-9165), saying you will be there, so the hosts will know how many tables to prepare.

Altar Flowers

Beginning in July, one small change will be made in our handling of the flowers that are given by members for use on the altar. The members of the altar guild have, for many years, often been asked to deliver the flowers to a member who is homebound or hospitalized. This is in addition to their other duties which require that they come on Saturday, work between services, and stay after second service to put everything in order. The individual or family who provides the flowers will now be asked to take responsibility for the flowers after the second service. If you provide flowers and are out of town, they will be placed in the narthex (where they can be enjoyed by those who come and go) and may be picked up when you return. The congregation sincerely appreciates the generosity of those who provide flowers for the altar each week. The altar guild appreciates your willingness to assist them in this way.

Youth & Education Ministry Search Team Update

The Youth and Education Ministry Search Team has continued to meet. We have written a job description for the position and are preparing for the interview process. We have been receiving responses to our advertisement and have reviewed the applications as they have been received. We are currently setting up interviews with some of the candidates. We will, however, continue to accept applications until the position is filled. If you know of someone who would be great in this position, please contact Rhonda Larma (788-1973) or a member of the Search Team. Thank you for your continued prayers for God’s guidance in our search

Health Ministry Minute

If you are interested in healthy eating and/or weight management issues (loss, gain, or maintenance), this article is for you!

First, let’s talk about weight loss or weight maintenance: There is no magic potion or pill for weight loss, so please stop looking for one. Healthy eating, along with a healthy exercise program, is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. There are MANY weight loss programs, books, and fad diets available, but the majority of them are expensive, unrealistic and/or unhealthy, and no one benefits from them except the authors or manufacturers (weight loss is a multibillion dollar business—you spend it, and they make it!!) You didn’t gain weight overnight, so don’t try to lose it overnight. Excess fat does not come off in a hurry—so BE PATIENT!! A weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week is recommended. Those losing 5-10 pounds or more per week are not losing fat, rather they are losing fluid and oftentimes protein. Ask your physician to refer you to a registered dietitian and seek the help of an exercise physiologist or specialist to help design an exercise program that’s right for you. If you have not been exercising, you should seek medical clearance from your physician before you start, especially if you have any health problems, e.g., diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Don’t waste any more money on fad diets, packaged foods or shakes, powders, pills, machines, fat burners, etc., that promise quick weight loss and a beautiful body in 7-10 days (it just isn’t going to happen, and the only thing you will lose is money). Get a copy of the Food Guide Pyramid, a publication of the United States Department of Agriculture (available in most physician’s offices and health clinics and from the USDA—call the Sedgwick County Extension Office at 722-7721 to request a copy) and set an exercise goal of 20-30 minutes at least 5 days a week. Remember to start slowly and increase exercise time as tolerated. It may be necessary to seek some psychological counseling as well. Ask your physician or friends, co-workers, etc., to recommend a good counselor. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help!

Next, let’s talk about gaining weight: See your physician to determine if there is a medical problem, or perhaps a prescription medication, that may be causing weight loss or loss of appetite and go from there. If there is no medical problem, then begin with the Food Guide Pyramid and try to eat the minimum number of servings recommended each day. You don’t need special foods or products, like canned liquid beverages that you see advertised on TV each day), just go to the grocery store and spend your money on healthy foods. Try to eat a small nutritious snack between meals and at bedtime. If needed, as your physician to refer you to a registered dietitian for assistance and ideas. Don’t let someone swindle you into buying powders, pills, or other magic potions because, once again, the only ones who benefit are those manufacturing and selling the products.

Susan D. Martin, R.D./L.D./C.D.E.
Health Ministry Team Member

30 Million at Risk of Starvation

A crisis of enormous human proportions in southern and eastern Africa continues as more than 30 million people struggle against starvation in the midst of failed harvests. Drought and erratic rains, coupled with civil strife and government policies in some areas, have contributed to this food crisis—along with a less-than-adequate response from the international community.

In many areas, livestock are dying, and people are eating anything available to stave off hunger. Malnutrition is rising, especially among children, and people are on the move, searching for food and work. The heavy toll of HIV / AIDS on breadwinners is making the crisis worse.

The ELCA, together with its partners, Lutheran World Relief and the Lutheran World Federation, is helping through Action by Churches Together (ACT), an international disaster-response coalition. Since last year, the ELCA has sent $205,000 through ACT, to be used on the “front lines,” helping people at risk of starvation. And when the drought ends, the ELCA will work with local partners to provide the animals and supplies survivors need to rebuild their lives—and the longer-term development assistance that can pre-empt famine when the next drought hits.

Please pray for brothers and sisters in Africa who are at risk of starvation. And please give generously. A little money goes a long way—$20 to $30 helps feed a child for a month! You may give through the church or directly to: ELCA International Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694 -1764; give by credit card at (800) 638-3522 or www.elca.org/disaster.

Community Ministries

Local Community

…I was hungry and you gave me food…Matthew 25:35. Members of Reformation respond to the needs of hungry people through volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels. Members respond through Local Benevolence gifts to United Methodist Urban Ministry, Inter-Faith Inn, and The Lord’s Diner; by participating in CROP Walk; and by bringing Yellow Bags of food to support the Yellow Bag Food Ministry.

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Many children who receive their one nutritious meal for the day at school during the school year don’t have that meal during the summer. We can help. Be sure to take home a Yellow Bag and shop for the suggested menu items or bring other foods from your pantry. Sometimes grocery stores have specials that make it easy to buy a case of canned food. All canned or packaged food items are appreciated.

Planning Ahead

CROP Walk – The 2003 CROP Walk will be Sunday, October 12. Plan now to be a CROP walker or supporter. Watch for more news about how we can raise awareness about hunger here in Wichita and around the world. 25% of funds raised are returned to our community. Deanne Fortney and Randy and Sharon Fornshell are our CROP Walk coordinators.

Michele Groves
Community Outreach Coordinator
634-0553

From Our Graduate Seminarian . . .

Dear Reformation Friends,

It seems as if I just began my “Lutheran year” at LSTC only to sit here today knowing all my class papers and exams have been completed, turned in, and accounted for. It is now time for me to be in the final stretch toward the completion of my candidacy process.

By the time you read this article in the July newsletter, I will have moved a portion of my things to my internship site in Ann Arbor and will be taking a summer rest at my parents’ home for the next few weeks following. My move to Michigan will take place in mid-August. This campus ministry site serves both undergraduates and graduates at the University of Michigan. It is a vibrant college town with many possibilities for ministry. I look forward to my time of service there.

As always, I am most grateful for all the care and support that I receive from the members of Reformation. I ask that you would continue to keep me in your prayers throughout the year, asking that the Lord would bless my ministry endeavors to those He places before me.

Sincerely in love and gratitude,

Laura Ulicky-Weerts

Youth to Atlanta

After 3 years of hard work, many, many fund-raisers, and much anticipation, the time has finally come to wish our youth and sponsors “God’s Blessings and Safe Travel” as they head for the National Lutheran Youth Gathering in Atlanta, GA. From July 13 - 20, nine youth and five sponsors from Reformation, along with others from our Area 5 churches, will share worship, fellowship, music, and service projects with 30,000 others as they experience “Ubuntu - Do Life!” Bishop Mansholt and Anita will also be attending and plan to spend time with them. Those attending include: Sponsors, Dan & Kathy Wegner, Tina Alstrom, Tom & Jill Pletcher; and Youth, Julie Buxton, Jenny Larma, Lauren Lofing, Hillary Pfeiffer, Emily Johnson, Sara Koepsel, Sam Martin, Ryan Woodard, and Stephen Lofing. They sincerely appreciate the support, encouragement, and generosity of the Reformation congregation and ask for your continued prayers.

First Grant From Mission Endowment Goes To Youth Group

Reformation’s Mission Endowment Fund, established in 2000, announces its very first award.

This historic first grant of $500 goes to Reformation’s high school youth to help fund their trip to the ELCA National Youth Gathering this summer.

Income from the Fund (not principal) may be disbursed by the governing committee “to further the stated vision and mission of Reformation Lutheran Church and churchwide ministries of the ELCA.” Fund income may not be used for regular operating expenses of the congregation.

Mission Endowment Fund Committee members are: Clarence Koch, Chair; Michele Groves, Secretary; Carl Nelson, Financial Secretary; Jeff Larma, and Nina Stallwitz. Pastor Hallstrom and Dallas Cronk, Congregation President, are advisory members.

Vacation Bible School: July 27-31

We are close approaching Vacation Bible School time again. It’s time to dive into S.C.U.B.A.! (Super Cool Undersea Bible Adventure) We are still looking for volunteers to work with us to make VBS a success! We have openings in the following areas to complete our team:

• 8 S.C.U.B.A. leaders
• 2 lesson leaders
• 2 snack helpers

If you would like to help us out, please contact Katie Johnson at 733-9830. We will also be posting a sign-up sheet for donations to help us with snacks, games, and some crafts. The sheet will be posted in the narthex beginning July 12.

Finally, we will be having Pre-registration on July 13 and July 20 after the 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services. Ages 3 years through 5th grade (as of next fall) are invited to participate.

Thank you for all your help!

- Katie Johnson

News for Camp Tomah Shinga

Six confirmation students and Pastor Tom attended Confirmation Camp the week of June 22 - 27. Attending camp this month are Joey Davis, Brett Shields (Joey’s cousin), Adam, Aaron, and Bryan Watkins. Nancy Watkins will also be serving as Camp Nurse that same week. Mark your calendars for Tuesday evening,

August 5. Reformation has been asked to host the Wichita-area appearance of the “Joyful Noise” concert tour from Tomah Shinga. This concert will be presented by middle and high school youth who have spent a week at camp preparing music. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and will be followed by an ice cream social. Please watch for more information about signing up to bring ice cream and other goodies. We will be publicizing this throughout the area, so please help “Spread the word!”

If you would be willing to help provide a light supper for the musicians before the concert, please contact Ruth Koepsel in the church office.

Stephen Ministry Training

Reformation Lutheran and Gloria Dei Lutheran Churches will together offer a Stephen Ministry Training Course, beginning in September. If you are interested in learning more about one-on-one Christian caregiving and want more information, please contact one of the following Stephen Leaders: Rich McDiffett, Lotus Gerards, Marjorie

Bender, Jerry Whetstone, or Pastor Tom.

New Members

On Sunday, June 22, the following were welcomed into the membership of Reformation Church:

• Erin Hallstrom 687-3135, 5311 E. 27th St. N., Wichita 67220
• Roger Williams 617-2035, 1000 S. Woodlawn St., Apt. 1404, Wichita 67218

Welcome!

Last update August 03, 2008