February/March Community News Issue 57: Feb./ Mar. 2013

As We Grow Bigger Together, Let's Grow Deeper TogetherA recent issue of the Lutheran magazine had an article on church renewal that quotes Dave Daubert, the pastor/consultant who led our Faith Works retreat in the fall of 2012 and who has continued to advise FaithWorks as we move forward. In the article, Pastor Daubert makes a statement that could become a “treasure map” to guide us in our growth together: The central part of renewing church is renewing our spiritual life �rst, then mission work second, vibrancy third, and maybe then growth. It’s not a numbers game, it’s spiritual belief and passion. (“Renew and Renovate,” by Jane Oppermann, The Lutheran, January 2014, p. 22)

The article goes on to talk about the need for ongoing transformation, indeed conversion, in our life together as congregations. In our merger of Emmaus and St. Andrew, we are so fortunate to be experiencing combined numbers and lots of vibrancy. We are also experiencing a renewed sense of mission as we embrace each other’s passions for serving the neighborhood of Emmaus and adopting the commitment to share food from the Saint Andrew garden with those less fortunate in the Racine community. In all of this expansion, let us not forget that renewing our spiritual life must undergird all the rest. In addition to going bigger, let’s also go deeper, deeper into the life of the Spirit and into our relationships with each other. We are in process of solving some of our �nancial problems. But that is no reason to rest on our laurels. Rather, that can free us to pursue more fully the strengthening of our faith as we revitalize our experience of community.

There are so many opportunities in activities that already exist for us to be intentional about growing deeper: new worship experiences, hearing new pastors and voices of the laity, meeting and making new friends, chances to talk at the co�ee hour, the St. Andrew Bible study on Thursday mornings, the Emmaus educational programs on Wednesday evening, the combining of committees, the small groups provided by the green team Cool Congregation program, the joining of youth groups, the shared work on mission projects. We can see these as opportunities to share our faith commitments with each other.

And there can be many new opportunities with a community large enough to sustain programs: Bible studies, prayer groups, spiritual support groups, retreats, discipleship programs, shared meals, and many others. Let’s be intentional about creating new gatherings that dig deeper.

Let’s use all of these as fresh opportunities to learn more about our faith, to renew our prayer life and our love of God, to deepen our love for one another, to care for those among us who are ill or troubled or struggling, and together to �nd new ways to care for God’s creation. Let’s be intentional about talking with each other about what matters most to us in our e�ort to �nd our renewed identity as people of God in this corner of the world.

As Paul said in Romans: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.”

Sandy Roberts and Dave Rhoads

Dave Rhoads and Sandy Roberts sitting on bench outside St. Andrew Spring 2013.

From the Desk ofthe President

A recent issue of the Lutheran magazine had an article on church renewal that quotes Dave Daubert, the pastor/consultant who led our Faith Works retreat in the fall of 2012 and who has continued to advise FaithWorks as we move forward. In the article, Pastor Daubert makes a statement that could become a “treasure map” to guide us in our growth together: The central part of renewing church is renewing our spiritual life �rst, then mission work second, vibrancy third, and maybe then growth. It’s not a numbers game, it’s spiritual belief and passion. (“Renew and Renovate,” by Jane Oppermann, The Lutheran, January 2014, p. 22)

The article goes on to talk about the need for ongoing transformation, indeed conversion, in our life together as congregations. In our merger of Emmaus and St. Andrew, we are so fortunate to be experiencing combined numbers and lots of vibrancy. We are also experiencing a renewed sense of mission as we embrace each other’s passions for serving the neighborhood of Emmaus and adopting the commitment to share food from the Saint Andrew garden with those less fortunate in the Racine community. In all of this expansion, let us not forget that renewing our spiritual life must undergird all the rest. In addition to going bigger, let’s also go deeper, deeper into the life of the Spirit and into our relationships with each other. We are in process of solving some of our �nancial problems. But that is no reason to rest on our laurels. Rather, that can free us to pursue more fully the strengthening of our faith as we revitalize our experience of community.

There are so many opportunities in activities that already exist for us to be intentional about growing deeper: new worship experiences, hearing new pastors and voices of the laity, meeting and making new friends, chances to talk at the co�ee hour, the St. Andrew Bible study on Thursday mornings, the Emmaus educational programs on Wednesday evening, the combining of committees, the small groups provided by the green team Cool Congregation program, the joining of youth groups, the shared work on mission projects. We can see these as opportunities to share our faith commitments with each other.

And there can be many new opportunities with a community large enough to sustain programs: Bible studies, prayer groups, spiritual support groups, retreats, discipleship programs, shared meals, and many others. Let’s be intentional about creating new gatherings that dig deeper.

Let’s use all of these as fresh opportunities to learn more about our faith, to renew our prayer life and our love of God, to deepen our love for one another, to care for those among us who are ill or troubled or struggling, and together to �nd new ways to care for God’s creation. Let’s be intentional about talking with each other about what matters most to us in our e�ort to �nd our renewed identity as people of God in this corner of the world.

As Paul said in Romans: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.”

Sandy Roberts and Dave Rhoads

Photo taken after joint Congretional meeting at Emmaus, January, 26th.

2014 is starting out cold and snowy and the weather worked against us for the Annual Meeting on January 26th. We met quorum with one member to spare and were able to approve the 2014 budget. Again, we are approving a de�cit budget, but with no other areas to cut expenses, we will have to work hard this year to cover those additional costs. We did receive an anonymous gift in December which enabled us to cover our 2013 de�cit and end the year even income to expenses.

Unfortunately, we did not have any nominations for the Congregation Council and had to table electing and con�rming a 2014/2015 council until February 23, 2014. Marilyn Beck, Jan Kasbeers and Pastor Carol agreed to act as a nominating committee to speak with potention members to �ll the following open position: Treasurer….Property….Vice-President…..Member at large Since that meeting we have candidates for all positions with the exception of Member at Large. We are really looking for 2 members who wish to serve on the Council and help guide us through 2014 and the changes that are coming with our Emmaus partners and FaithWorks.

As always, if you are interested in serving on the Congregation Council, please call either Pastor Michael or myself for information.

We also spent some time hearing about FaithWorks and our current worshipping partnership with Emmaus. There is enthusiasm and positive feedback for our partnership with Emmaus and hopes of more blending of missions and day-to-day operations in 2014. Stay tuned!

In January, Emmaus and St. Andrew’s Congregation Councils began joint meetings. We will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month and the meeting will take place at the church we are worshipping at during that month. We plan to meet together for about 45 minutes and then break out for our individual business meetings. It is the hope of both councils that we can begin to blend missions, committees and administrative tasks.

2014 is shaping up to be one of excitement and change. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Are you happy with that we doing: worshipping together, alternating month to month between St. Andrew and Emmaus, planning ways to blend administrative duties, sharing with mission responsibilities.

We want to hear if you are happy, we want to hear from you if you unhappy. We cannot address your concerns if we do not know about them! As we move headlong into 2014 we want to make sure all of our members know and understand the steps we are taking AND we want to make sure everyone is comfortable with these changes.

Please take a few minutes to drop a note in the o�ering plate, leave a message for a call-back with Christina in the o�ce, or give Pastor Michael a call……..let us know how you feel!

Annual Congregational Meeting

2014 CouncilAfter our follow-up cogregational meeting held Sunday, February 23rd after worship, the congregation approved the following members for the 2014 Council. In the April Epistle there will be a meet the council artlcle.

Pam Robers – President(262) 681-6213; auntiebunny5@wi.rr.comDon Peterson – Vice President(262) 554-8599; dandlpete@yahoo.comMargie Hamers – Treasurer(262) 989-3856; margiems@gmail.comLinda Peterson – Secretary(262) 554-8599; dandlpete@yahoo.comMike Metz – Public Relations(262) 752-9997; mikem@design-partners.comMatt Savagian – Propertycall church o�ce; mattsavagian@yahoo.comMichael Mueller – Pastor(262) 930-2072; pastormichael@tds.net

Mark Trinklein in the St. Andrew Garden Summer 2013.

As many of you know, Mark Trinklein, the originator and leader of the St. Andrew Community Garden, is stepping down from that role. Mark was the primary leader for the garden from its start. He will still be a part of our community and will continue to maintain the berries and the orchard. He will also make himself available to mentor new leaders.

Since last fall the St. Andrew council has been considering what is next for the Community Garden. The Garden has been a popular centerpiece in our community and a piece the council felt strongly about keeping. So starting back in November we have had additional meetings to discuss the 2014 Garden and Farmers Market.

The 2013 council met with Core Team members and Green Team members, as well as with Mark to plan the 2014 Garden and Market. The Garden Committee, led by Pastor Michael, includes the following members: Pam Robers, Jane Witt, Linda Peterson, Don Peterson, Jan Brunnelson, Jan Kasbeer, Greg Kaser, Michael Metz, Donna Lathrop, Lou Barrera, Mark Trinklein and Marilyn Beck.

Mark Trinklein arranged a Garden partnership with Milaeger’s. Mileager’s will use the north half of the garden this 2014 growing season to plant tomatoes and peppers for restaurants they supply. In exchange Milaeger’s will do all the necessary spraying in our orchard for the season and will pay a portion of the watering bill for the season. They may also be able to help us out with plants. The Garden Committee approved going ahead with this one-year arrangement. In this transition year we’ll have less garden to maintain. Also a generous donation makes it possible to install a permanent irrigation system this spring.

The plan is to break up the so many things Mark did into a few leadership roles. The following two positions will require the most investment of time.

The primary leader position we need to �ll is Garden Supervisor - We are looking for someone with botanical education and gardening experience. This person will also need to have good communication skills to work with the other leaders in coordinating Garden with Market and other outreach e�orts. The Garden Supervisor may be a paid position.

Garden Supervisor - responsibilities • Plan what is to be planted and when. • Oversee irrigation of the garden and orchard. • Analyze soil and oversee soil amendment. • During the growing season, the Supervisor will need to make nearly daily visits to the Garden to plan necessary tasks. • Plan with the Volunteer Coordinator in scheduling garden workers to complete tasks. • Show and teach the volunteers to do all the gardening tasks (planting, weeding, cultivating, plant care and harvesting). • Work with Farmers Market Supervisor planning what produce is ready and what will be next Making a plan for future plantings based on what sells well. • Work with Maintenance Coordinator in planning garden structures needed (fencing, cages, stakes, etc.) and to have tools ready for the volunteers when needed.

2014 CouncilAfter our follow-up cogregational meeting held Sunday, February 23rd after worship, the congregation approved the following members for the 2014 Council. In the April Epistle there will be a meet the council artlcle.

Pam Robers – President(262) 681-6213; auntiebunny5@wi.rr.comDon Peterson – Vice President(262) 554-8599; dandlpete@yahoo.comMargie Hamers – Treasurer(262) 989-3856; margiems@gmail.comLinda Peterson – Secretary(262) 554-8599; dandlpete@yahoo.comMike Metz – Public Relations(262) 752-9997; mikem@design-partners.comMatt Savagian – Propertycall church office; mattsavagian@yahoo.comMichael Mueller – Pastor(262) 930-2072; pastormichael@tds.net

In The Garden

2014Season

St. Andrew Farmers Market Summer 2013.

Some of the pepper plant seedlings, February 26, 2014.

Starting plants for the garden, Michael Metz family basement.

Seedlings under lights, February 26, 2014.

Farmers Market Supervisor - responsibilities • Will need to be available on Thursdays to oversee all aspects of the Farmers Market. • Oversee the recruitment of vendors for the Market and act as the vendors “go- to” person. • Work with the Public Relations Coordinator in developing marketing strategies. • Planning the logistics of the Market (the set up). • Work with Garden Supervisor, planning what produce is ready and what will be next. Making a plan for future plantings based on what sells well. • Work with Maintenance Coordinator, getting structures needed for the Farmers Market and maintaining them. • Ensure that left-over produce gets distributed to the food pantry or to the volunteer cooks and canners.

The next leader role is Volunteer Coordinator - A person who oversees volunteer groups from St. Andrew, other church volunteers, student groups, etc. This Volunteer Coordinator will need to work the Supervisors to schedule volunteers for current garden and market tasks.

Mark Trinklein volunteered recently at the Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church’s Let Your Light Shine Ministry Fair to line up volunteers for the coming 2014 gardening season. Pam Robers set up the St. Andrew Garden/Market display at a Carthage College volunteer recruitment fair February 7. Marilyn Beck, Don and Linda Peterson staffed this display.

A Financial Coordinator - This person will plan budgets, process weekly money, expedite billing, track spending and income. This person will work with the St. Andrew Financial Coordinator (JaneMarie Schatzman).

These two positions (Volunteer Coordinator and Financial Coordinator) will require a certain dedication of time as well. It’s vitally important to have these filled soon. The garden committee has already started some work in these areas including a proposed budget for 2014.

Other leadership roles: Maintenance Coordinator - A person to maintain the equipment for the garden and the market. A handy man volunteer who is mechanically inclined. Garden tools and equipment maintenance, garden structures and market structures are the responsibility of this person.

Public Relations Coordinator has a volunteer, me (Michael Metz). I will work with the Farmers Market Supervisor in promoting Marketing opportunities for our Farmers Market, as well as promoting other outlets for raising awareness to support the Garden mission. For example: I created promotional posters and flyers to reach possible volunteers for our 2014 Community Garden.

A Berries/Orchard Supervisor is already in place -- Mark Trinklein. Mark will oversee the care of the Orchard as well as the raspberries and the aronia berries.

The final leadership role is a Perennial Plant Coordinator. This person will network with other gardeners in our congregation and outside. They will oversee the propagating of new perennial plants that will be sold at the Farmers Market. This past year Mark was very successful in selling plants at the market. There is little cost, so nearly all money made from the sale of plants is profit. Mark Trinklein will be available to mentor this leader; he also has lots of perennial plants for propagation.

These 8 leadership roles are vital to the success of our Garden mission. These 8 leaders will be joined by teams of volunteers to make our 2014 Garden a success. Please consider filling one of these leadership roles. If you are interested in being a leader, you can talk to anyone in the Garden Committee or contact Michael Metz at mikem@design-partners.com

We will need lots of volunteers for maintaining garden, staffing the market, baking, cooking and canning. If a leadership role is not for you, please sign up for a volunteer team today! Keep up on all the latest Garden and Market happenings at our website. standrewracine.com

Michael Metz

As many of you know, Mark Trinklein, the originator and leader of the St. Andrew Community Garden, is stepping down from that role. Mark was the primary leader for the garden from its start. He will still be a part of our community and will continue to maintain the berries and the orchard. He will also make himself available to mentor new leaders.

Since last fall the St. Andrew council has been considering what is next for the Community Garden. The Garden has been a popular centerpiece in our community and a piece the council felt strongly about keeping. So starting back in November we have had additional meetings to discuss the 2014 Garden and Farmers Market.

The 2013 council met with Core Team members and Green Team members, as well as with Mark to plan the 2014 Garden and Market. The Garden Committee, led by Pastor Michael, includes the following members: Pam Robers, Jane Witt, Linda Peterson, Don Peterson, Jan Brunnelson, Jan Kasbeer, Greg Kaser, Michael Metz, Donna Lathrop, Lou Barrera, Mark Trinklein and Marilyn Beck.

Mark Trinklein arranged a Garden partnership with Milaeger’s. Mileager’s will use the north half of the garden this 2014 growing season to plant tomatoes and peppers for restaurants they supply. In exchange Milaeger’s will do all the necessary spraying in our orchard for the season and will pay a portion of the watering bill for the season. They may also be able to help us out with plants. The Garden Committee approved going ahead with this one-year arrangement. In this transition year we’ll have less garden to maintain. Also a generous donation makes it possible to install a permanent irrigation system this spring.

The plan is to break up the so many things Mark did into a few leadership roles. The following two positions will require the most investment of time.

The primary leader position we need to fill is Garden Supervisor - We are looking for someone with botanical education and gardening experience. This person will also need to have good communication skills to work with the other leaders in coordinating Garden with Market and other outreach efforts. The Garden Supervisor may be a paid position.

Garden Supervisor - responsibilities • Plan what is to be planted and when. • Oversee irrigation of the garden and orchard. • Analyze soil and oversee soil amendment. • During the growing season, the Supervisor will need to make nearly daily visits to the Garden to plan necessary tasks. • Plan with the Volunteer Coordinator in scheduling garden workers to complete tasks. • Show and teach the volunteers to do all the gardening tasks (planting, weeding, cultivating, plant care and harvesting). • Work with Farmers Market Supervisor planning what produce is ready and what will be next Making a plan for future plantings based on what sells well. • Work with Maintenance Coordinator in planning garden structures needed (fencing, cages, stakes, etc.) and to have tools ready for the volunteers when needed.

Farmers Market Supervisor - responsibilities • Will need to be available on Thursdays to oversee all aspects of the Farmers Market. • Oversee the recruitment of vendors for the Market and act as the vendors “go- to” person. • Work with the Public Relations Coordinator in developing marketing strategies. • Planning the logistics of the Market (the set up). • Work with Garden Supervisor, planning what produce is ready and what will be next. Making a plan for future plantings based on what sells well. • Work with Maintenance Coordinator, getting structures needed for the Farmers Market and maintaining them. • Ensure that left-over produce gets distributed to the food pantry or to the volunteer cooks and canners.

The next leader role is Volunteer Coordinator - A person who oversees volunteer groups from St. Andrew, other church volunteers, student groups, etc. This Volunteer Coordinator will need to work the Supervisors to schedule volunteers for current garden and market tasks.

Mark Trinklein volunteered recently at the Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church’s Let Your Light Shine Ministry Fair to line up volunteers for the coming 2014 gardening season. Pam Robers set up the St. Andrew Garden/Market display at a Carthage College volunteer recruitment fair February 7. Marilyn Beck, Don and Linda Peterson staffed this display.

A Financial Coordinator - This person will plan budgets, process weekly money, expedite billing, track spending and income. This person will work with the St. Andrew Financial Coordinator (JaneMarie Schatzman).

These two positions (Volunteer Coordinator and Financial Coordinator) will require a certain dedication of time as well. It’s vitally important to have these filled soon. The garden committee has already started some work in these areas including a proposed budget for 2014.

Other leadership roles: Maintenance Coordinator - A person to maintain the equipment for the garden and the market. A handy man volunteer who is mechanically inclined. Garden tools and equipment maintenance, garden structures and market structures are the responsibility of this person.

Public Relations Coordinator has a volunteer, me (Michael Metz). I will work with the Farmers Market Supervisor in promoting Marketing opportunities for our Farmers Market, as well as promoting other outlets for raising awareness to support the Garden mission. For example: I created promotional posters and flyers to reach possible volunteers for our 2014 Community Garden.

A Berries/Orchard Supervisor is already in place -- Mark Trinklein. Mark will oversee the care of the Orchard as well as the raspberries and the aronia berries.

The final leadership role is a Perennial Plant Coordinator. This person will network with other gardeners in our congregation and outside. They will oversee the propagating of new perennial plants that will be sold at the Farmers Market. This past year Mark was very successful in selling plants at the market. There is little cost, so nearly all money made from the sale of plants is profit. Mark Trinklein will be available to mentor this leader; he also has lots of perennial plants for propagation.

These 8 leadership roles are vital to the success of our Garden mission. These 8 leaders will be joined by teams of volunteers to make our 2014 Garden a success. Please consider filling one of these leadership roles. If you are interested in being a leader, you can talk to anyone in the Garden Committee or contact Michael Metz at mikem@design-partners.com

We will need lots of volunteers for maintaining garden, staffing the market, baking, cooking and canning. If a leadership role is not for you, please sign up for a volunteer team today! Keep up on all the latest Garden and Market happenings at our website. standrewracine.com

Michael Metz

Cool Congregations Program Coming to Our Churches

Emmaus and St. Andrew are gearing up to participate in a cool program to help us lower our carbon use (and our utility bills) in our homes. The program, called “Cool Congregations,” began in Iowa and has now been tried by over 250 faith communities.  We’ll divide up into small groups with members of both congregations so we can get to know each other better. An organizing meeting will be held on March 2 after church. Then each of the groups will be invited to three house parties over the course of the year--one in April, one in May, and one in May 2015. We will calculate how many pounds of carbon your household is using and how it compares to the average amount used by families in the United States as well as to a recommended international standard. You can then choose steps that you will take toward fulfilling a faith-based pledge to cut your energy use, often saving money in the process! At the end of a year, we’ll see what we have been able to save. Sign-up sheets for the program can be found in the narthex at St. Andrew, or call either of the church offices (Emmaus 634-5515 or St. Andrew 639-2072) to reserve your place. Please sign up by Sunday, February 23 so we can begin planning our parties.

Environmental Stewardshipby John Berge, Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church Green Team

With the weather we have experienced this winter, locally grown food is probably not on your list of what to look for or what to do to support sustainability -- being a good environmental steward when it comes to food. Yet spring will come and farmers will be bringing their locally grown produce to farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Buying locally grown food is the first of several choices you can make to support a sustainable food system on a list prepared for the National Town Meeting Shallow Footprint Working Group.

Other things they suggested you choose are:Certified organic foods, Farmers’ markets, food co-ops or community agriculture programs, Food that has been processed as little as possible, Products fairly traded to guarantee farmers and food workers a living wage, Eat less meat and dairy products, choosing pasture-fed, organic or free

range, Support sustainable food production to reduce environmental/social impacts, Grow your own and cook at home -- fast food is some of the worst food, Teach family and friends that food choices impact society and environment, Encourage public officials to support a sustainable food system.

Palm oil is an example of the effect of our food choices on society, the environment and our health. It must be the cheapest of all cooking and baking oils, because you find it on all sorts of ingredients lists -- cookies, crackers, other baked goods and many packaged meals. (We are slowshoppers as we read ingredients lists.) For your health, other vegetable-based oils generally have less or zero trans fats and saturated fats. Part of the health attributes of the Mediterranean diet is its use of olive oil, but corn oil and canola are probably just as good for you and the environment. Much of the palm oil is coming from areas where rain forests are being cut down to put in palm trees, removing the natural habitat for such animals as the Orangutan and wiping out the small farms of the natives, driving one to extinction and the other to poverty. The loss of rain forestsis a major contributor to climate change. Thus, a simple choice to not buy palm oil or products containing it can be a win-win-win situation if we take the time to read the ingredients and make a sensible choice.

Thrivent Financial Support

Thrivent Financial will match fund raising activities at a rate of $1 for every $3 raised. Requests will only be accepted for raising $1000 or more. Activities may be grouped together to reach this goal. Requests must be sent in 30 to 60 days before the event. In 2013, the Racine County Thrivent Chapter funds available were depleted by August. Please consider the fund raising events St. Andrew will have for 2014 and let Marilyn Beck, St. Andrew’s Thrivent Advocate, know as soon as possible. She made be contacted at 639-9636 or beckm@wi.rr.com.PS For those of you eligible for Thrivent Choice Dollars, please contact Thrivent for distribution of your remaining 2013 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2014. You may contact them on-line or call 1-800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” Thank you!!!!

Easter BloomsOrder Easter Flowers By April 1: Do your part to make our sanctuary Easter-beautiful.Easter Flowers - Tulips, Da�odils and Hyacinths in 7 inch pots are $9.00 each Easter Lily are in 6 inch pots and are $ 8.00 each. You can �nd an order form in the Narthex return it along with payment in the o�ering plate any time now through March 30 / April 1 weekend. You can you take your �owers home after worship on Easter Sunday.Thank you!