RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 24 February 2004 Number 8
.Special Congregational Meeting Held
At a special congregational meeting
held on Sunday, July 11, 2004 at 10:45 a.m., Council Treasurer, Sondra
Langel, gave a brief overview of information presented on a written
“Repair and Renovation Fact Sheet” which had been handed out to those who
were present and which had been made available to all Reformation members.
After a period for questions and answers, a motion was made by Sondra and
seconded to adopt the following resolution:
Resolved that the congregation authorizes
President Greg Keith to implement the plan for major repairs and
renovations described below. The plan will be funded by a bequest.
- Pave the parking lot and driveways
- Repair the leaking roof
- Renovate areas damaged by water leaks or by general wear and tear
Add windows to classroom
doors
Complete a variety of small jobs - cleaning, landscaping, repairing
Allow for possible
additional repair costs
As you can see, the painters have
already begun. They are busy painting all outside doors, window frames and
trim. In early August, you should see the work begin on the parking lot
paving.
We’d like to thank Sondra Langel for
her work with the Finance Committee in preparing the “fact sheet” and also
thank Waldo Gerards for his work with inspectors and contractors in
gathering necessary information.
The Music of the Heart
In every human heart there is always a special song.
A melody that touches the soul, a melody that can do no wrong.
Sometimes we hear a sad song when good friends part,
Or simply for a broken tired heart.
Sometimes we hear a happy song when a new baby is born.
Or simply it is just for a beautiful morn.
With any song there are many movements,
But that divine melody never ever relents.
One movement will be sad;
the next movement will make us feel glad.
Life is made up of many songs.
Each song is special. Each song belongs.
Each day is orchestrated to perfection by the divine.
But there will always be one song that is uniquely mine.
The music of the heart accompanies us throughout life.
In happiness and in strife.
But is will always be there to bring comfort and peace.
With this melody comes the greatest release.
Embrace that special song in your heart.
That divine melody and you will never ever part.
It will always be there when you need to hear it.
Be still, be at peace and listen to it.
Always give thanks for that special song from above.
Listen to the music of the heart and fill the world with love.
İAndrew Pell
I would like to thank WELCA for the
get well card. I also want to thank everyone who expressed concern for my
health in my recent bout with pneumonia and complications.
Art Latham
% % %
I would like to thank all the parents, children and
especially the volunteers for making Vacation Bible School a success. You
all put in many hours to help make “Camp Creations” a great adventure.
Thank you also to everyone who donated goods to make snack time enjoyable.
Thank you all again,
Katie Johnson
% % %
Graduating Seniors
For those of you who have recently graduated and for
those who are continuing their education away from home, we would ask that
you contact the church office with your school and address so we can keep
in touch with you in your absence.
Annual Pit BBQ
Reformation’s Annual Pit BBQ has been scheduled for
Sunday evening, October 10. Watch the bulletin for details about how you
can be involved in the planning, fun and fellowship. For those who are new
to the congregation, we dig a pit on the church grounds and roast pork and
turkey. It’s a great Reformation tradition, so mark your calendars now and
plan to attend!
Best Times of Life,
Reformation’s Fellowship group for those 55 years and over, will meet
Monday, Aug. 9 at noon in the Parish Hall. You are asked to bring and
share your hobby or tell the group about it. Bring a covered dish to
share, your table service and call Pauline, 942-4885, or Betty, 682-2030,
saying you will be there so the hosts know how many tables to prepare.
Sunday School Teachers/Helpers
We will be having an orientation for all Sunday
school teachers and helpers. Anyone who will be working with children in
any capacity will need to attend one of the two meetings offered. The
meetings are: 1) Sunday, Aug. 8 from 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. in the Parish
Hall; 2) Saturday, Aug. 28 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The
meetings are designed to cover the new curriculum for this year as well as
the Safe Haven Policy that was approved by council and implemented this
summer.
If you are unable to attend either of the meetings,
you will need to meet with Michon so she can cover the material with you.
Quilt Auction
The 4th Annual Camp Tomah Shinga Quilt Auction is
almost here! Join us for fun and fellowship at the Baptiste Memorial Hall
at Camp Tomah Shinga on Saturday, August 7. The camp is located at 6605
West Lyons Creek Road, just 3 miles south of Junction City on Hwy 77.
Quilts will be on display beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the live auction will
begin at 10:00 a.m. Concessions will be available.
Please come on Aug.7th and help support the camp
with your presence and prayers. Tomah Shinga is operated by Lutheran
Outdoor Ministries of Kansas and is a year round ministry of the Church
that provides opportunities for all ages to experience Christ’s love, grow
in faith and serve God.
Board of Directors
Camp Tomah Shinga
Nursery Committee Needed
It’s time for a change as Jane Camenzind steps down
as Nursery Coordinator. In her absence we are needing to form a Nursery
Committee so just one person is not in charge of handling all the details
necessary to run our nursery. This committee of four or five would update
the bulletin boards in the nursery as the seasons change; monitor and
restock the diapers, lotion and other nursery supplies; maintain and
restock the “busy packets;” and incorporate the Infant & Toddler Ministry.
The hiring and scheduling of the nursery attendant will be supervised by
Michon. If you have a calling for this type of ministry, please contact
Michon in the church office, 634-0586.
Greeters
A smile and a greeting are all that is needed to be
a greeter. The worship greeter uses his/her gifts in the ministry of
welcoming newcomers and members to the worship services. The goal of this
ministry is to help guests feel welcome and to provide them with
information about the congregation and its various ministries.
If you would be interested in serving as a greeter,
we have a sign-up sheet in the narthex. We still have a few opportunities
available for greeters to serve this fall and many opportunities for the
2005 year. Please see Michon if you have any questions.
Heartland SHARE
The Heartland SHARE sign-up deadline for August is
Monday, Aug. 16. The distribution will be Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 - 10
a.m. Come early at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and cookies. Watch the bulletin
board in the Parish Hall for the menu and other updates. You can also go
online for more information at
www.heartlandshare.com.
<http://www.heartlandshare.com>
To become a pallet site, we need at least 30 shares to be purchased and we
are ever so close. Those of you who have purchased SHARES, please spread
the word of the wonderful and plentiful food provided each month. Remember
this program is not just for Reformation. It is for the entire community,
so pick up a brochure and hand it to your co-workers or neighbors.
Women of Reformation
NO CIRCLE MEETINGS IN AUGUST
WELCA Board will
not meet this month. Our next meeting will be Sept. 7, 1p.m. at the
church.
Blanket Makers
will meet August 2, 16 & 30, at 9:00 a.m. at the church.
Monthly Outreach Ministry:
Please join us at Cornerstone Assisted Living August 10, 3 - 4 p.m. Their
residents look forward to our visit with them each month. All women are
invited to attend.
Looking Forward:
Our synod convention will be October 1-3 at Osage Beach, MO. If you
register by Aug. 1, the cost will be $55.00. After that date it goes up to
$65.00. For more information, contact Kathy Drake, 686-8444.
Who Likes to Sew?
Check the WELCA bulletin board in the Parish Hall for patterns to make
“cool ties.” They are used as “nice to meet you” gifts for the Triennial
in 2006. These need to be made by the first of October of this year. Any
questions, contact Kathy Drake, 686-8444.
Community Ministries
Local Community
Yellow Bag Food Ministry
- The “Food of the Month” for August is boxed dinners,
including macaroni and cheese, tuna helper, etc. Remember any
nonperishable food items are always welcome also. Also, August is the
month we help families with school-age children by providing
back-to-school items. Each year many families, especially those with
several children, struggle to buy the necessary items to begin the school
year. Let’s help needy children start the school year right with needed
supplies. Thank you to everyone for all the canned vegetables last month.
Habitat for Humanity -
Final preparations are being made for the “Blitz Build” which includes a
“Lutheran Build” home. Volunteers are still needed. A variety of tasks
must be done. Use a hammer or register volunteers for the work day,
everyone can play a part. Enjoy fellowship with other members of
Reformation and other Lutheran congregations in Wichita.
Habitat is not a give away program. Low-income
families selected for Habitat houses must pay closing costs and monthly
payments on a no interest, no profit mortgage. Families are required to
invest at least 400 hours of “Sweat Equity” in the construction of their
house, help other Habitat homeowners, or in volunteer service related to
Habitat.
Local Benevolence -
The Reformation budget includes support for local community organizations
through an amount for local benevolence. Our support, not only helps those
organizations do their work, but it also tells them our congregations
cares about the people they serve and the importance of the organizations’
work in providing care. The Local Benevolence Ministry Team determines
which organizations receive our support and how much support. The budget
for 2004 is $5000. Members of the Local Benevolence Ministry Team are
Lotus Gerards, Michele Groves, Virginia Leikvold, Judy McDiffett, Jette
Mortensen, Marla Schmale, and Nora Steg.
Designations for 2004 are as follows:
United Methodist Urban Ministry $800
Habitat for Humanity 475
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice 300
Women’s Crisis Center/Safe House 275
Inter-Faith Inn 425
Meals on Wheels 300
Good Samaritan Clinic 625
The Lord’s Diner 500
Mennonite Housing 250
Wichita Heights Falcon Fellowship 300
(Christ Lutheran)
Faith in Action 400
Operation School Bell 250
Angel Tree 100 $5000
Yellow Bag Food Ministry for August
Michele Groves
Community Outreach Coordinator
634-0553
First Communion Class
We are offering another First Communion Class on
Saturday, August 14 from 9 - 11 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 Tom, 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 August 9th to let us know how many from your family will
be attending. First Holy Communion will be received on Sunday, August 22.
Confirmation Classes
Confirmation classes for 7th and 8th grade youth
will begin with an orientation on Wednesday, Sept. 1 with a supper
beginning at 6 p.m. Classes will continue on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
Confirmation classes will be incorporated into the Luther’s L.I.G.H.T
programming.
Third Grade Bibles
The workshop for third graders and their parents
will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. Bibles will be
presented during worship on Sunday, Sept. 12.
Acolyte Training
Sunday, August 29, we will have acolyte training for
any student going into the fourth grade and up. We especially want to
focus on those students who will be taking confirmation classes in the
fall, as it is a requirement to be involved in the service. The training
will begin at 10:45 a.m. following the service. If you have any questions,
please contact Michon at 634-0586.
August Youth Activities
High School:
- Aug. 12 - Paint the High School Room, 6 p.m.
Middle School:
- Aug. 15 - Fellowship, 1 p.m.
- Aug. 28 - Heartland SHARE Distribution, 8:15 a.m.
Garage Sale
As you begin sorting through your stuff this summer,
please remember that we have our Annual Garage Sale scheduled for
September 30 through October 2. This is the major activity we do each year
to raise funds for the National Youth Gathering. The next national
gathering will be July 2006 in San Antonio, Texas.
Don’t Be Left Out!
A new directory will be printed this fall and we
want to be sure the information printed is correct. So, if you have any
changes in address / phone number / name / e-mail, please get this
information to the church office as soon as possible. You may call,
634-0586, or leave a note in Debbie’s mailbox.
Last update
August 03, 2008