martyr monthly - ssmelca.orgssmelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/august-news-2015.pdf · pel....

US POST PAID

Non-Profit Org.

Permit No. 23

Greendale, WI

Martyr Monthly

Newsletter Crew:

Diana Gastrau

Karen Hoffman

Nancy Hoffman

Shirley Rau

Diane Stojanovich

The September Martyr

Monthly

Article Deadline:

NO LATER THAN

September 15th

CHANGE SERVICE

REQUESTED

8-1 M-Th

8-12 F

Rev. Brian Hooper, Pastor

[email protected]

Debbie Ehemann, Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Bill Bravener, Music Director/AIM

[email protected]

Char Guiliani, Shared Ministry

[email protected]

Bob Brownell, Maintenance

Bob De Frank, Sunday School

Superintendent

Mark Breutzmann, Saturday

Musician

the Martyr Monthly

Place label here

SSM WEBSITE: www.ssmelca.org

E-mail: [email protected]

Summer Schedule

Saturday

5:00 pm Holy Communion

1st, 3rd & 5th of month

Sunday

9:30 am Holy Communion -

every Sunday

Pastor’s Page 2

Stewardship 3

Women’s Ministries 4-5

Family Ministries 6-7

Calendar 8-9

Music & Worship 10-11

Human Concerns 12-13

Opportunity Corner 14

Council Highlights 15

Pastor’s Ponderings

Dear Faith Family,

Do not be alarmed; you are looking for

Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He

has been raised; he is not here. Look, there

is the place they laid him. But go, tell his

disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of

you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as

he told you –Mark 16: 6-7

This past Sunday, July 19, I returned

home with three of our youth and adult

leader from the 2015 Youth Gathering

in Detroit, MI. This was a powerful

faith building experience with some

30, 000 youth from around the

country. We met under the theme,

“Rise Up!”

Each day of the gathering had a

different focus. Our first day was

“Proclaim Story” day. We met with

youth and leaders from the Greater

Milwaukee synod. We learned this

day that we all are unique witnesses as

part of God’s story, and living together

in the resurrection promise, we rise up

and build bridges, bear burdens, break

chains and bring hope.

Our second day of the gathering was

“Proclaim Community” day. This was

a day of interactive learning doing

different activities. We experienced

activities that encouraged us to act in a

way that reflects God for everyone,

engaging each other’s story with

respect and love. During this time

youth could experience walking for

water and we also did some fun activities including

volleyball and basketball.

Our third days of the gathering was “Proclaim

Justice” day. On this day the youth got

to experience Detroit’s unique story through

service, and saw themselves as agents of change

in Detroit.

Our service day included clearing out an alley way

that was full of over grown tree limbs, weeds,

and garbage. Our service project took place with

youth from California and North Dakota. It was

a big project and hard work with the hot weather

in the 90’s. The alley was cleaned out so the

power company could get in if there was a down

power line. Howard who was a resident of the

community said that having a clear alley way was

important for community as neighbors could see

one another, offer a wave to each other, and

support one another. Howard shared that the

alley had not been cleared since 1977.

It was nice to hear Howard’s story and stories of

the people of Detroit. I know our youth were

changed from this experience. There initially

was some fear from youth before entering Detroit,

but they came away with the recognition that we

all have a story and we are all God’s children no

matter where we live and serve.

Thank you to the congregation of St. Stephen the

Martyr and friends for supporting this trip and

helping to make a reality for our youth. We

will be sharing our experiences in worship the

weekend of August 9. God is good all the time!

Peace, Pastor Brian

PAGE 2

Minutes of the Church Council Meeting

June 9, 2015

President Eric Sanders called the meet-

ing to order at 6:55 P.M. Adam Woerpel

led devotions. Council members present

were: E. Ankebrant. J. Bugajski, C. Birk,

J. Covert, B. Daleness, H. Mayer, J. Mil-

ler, E. Sanders, J. Schultz and A. Woer-

pel. Pastor Brian was also in attendance.

P. Burns was a guest.

PASTOR'S TIME: Pastor Brian stated

that Debbie is settling in. Training is on-

going for assisting ministers. The

Holy Communion sessions have begun

and will continue.

OLD BUSINESS:

Council Terms – Nominating will be

held at a special congregational meeting

on June 14. So far the following have

agreed to run:

Youth and Family – Lisa & Troy

Lisiecki

Stewardship – Pat Burns

Finance – Jason Covert

Evangelism – no nominees

Treasurer - no nominees but John

Bugaski will continue to serve.

Eric thanked Jane Miller and Jim Hen-

nessey for their service.

Mega Meetings – Most feel these meet-

ings are beneficial but some committees

feel they need more time for their

PAGE 15 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR

Condensed Minutes of Council Meeting

meetings at certain times of the year.

There will be no Mega Meeting in July

but at least one committee will meet.

NEW BUSINESS:

Seminary Support – We have three semi-

narians at SSM. Char Guiliani and Joe

Hackett at Wartburg and Isabella Barry at

Luther. Congregations are often asked to

provide support to the seminarians. Coun-

cil approved a motion to give $200.00

each to the three for books. One opposed.

FELLOWSHIP: E. Ankebrant men-

tioned that SSM has an account at Gor-

dons Food Service so when someone

shops there they should mention it. We

get points for dollars spent. She is prepar-

ing for Rally Day food.

SAFE WORSHIP: J . Cover t said they

are trying to set up a CPR training class.

Cost would be $30.00 but some assistance

would be available.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Daleness, Council Secretary

Shared Ministry

Opportunity Corner

"Like good stewards of the

manifold grace of God,

serve one another with

whatever gift each of you

has received." - 1 Peter 4:10

NRSV

(https:www.biblegateway.co

m)

We are to share the 'gifts'

God has given us, to uplift

and inspire and challenge

each other. Our gifts are

meant for encouraging

others to rise to their full

potential in God. We all

have been given a gift that

we can use to help someone

else along the way. No

matter what it is – big or

small – we have a part to

play and we can use our

gifts for God's glory.

If you are not sure what 'gift'

or 'talent' you may have that

God has given you – ask

[God] to reveal it to you. It

Reminder to ALL

Ministries…

As you begin meeting

again please start planning

for Rally Day.

As we continue our

Jubilee Celebration of 50

years we are asking each

ministry to “sponsor a

booth” and have an

“activity” or game

introducing others to your

ministry. Children of

ALL ages will be

attending so we are asking

that this “activity” be as

Cross + Generational as

possible! Who knows,

you may help others find

their God given gift and

talent they didn’t know

they had!

Let us use our gifts and

talents to encourage and

inspire others to find and

use theirs!

God’s Blessings, Char

may be what you consider

a 'natural ability' or 'talent',

but when it's dedicated to

the Lord, He can use it for

His purposes. After all,

even our natural abilities

and talents are a gift from

God. [God] has given it to

us so we can use it to

encourage and inspire

others, and therefore

glorify God.

We should use our gifts to

encourage each other

For through them, we can

bless our sisters and

brothers.

© By M.S.Lowndes http://

www.heavensinspirations.

com/our-gifts.html

I Peter 4:10

This month your stewardship team feels especially blessed to share reflections of our

faith and stewardship through the poetic talents of two of our St. Stephen the Martyr

members.

It is our shared belief that their poems below are the essence of the “In” and “Out” of

our 2015 stewardship theme. Indeed, Mary and Isabelle show us the variety of talent

that God entrusts us to share with others.

Thank you, Mary and Isabelle!

Your Stewardship Team

Stewardship News

Stewards of God’s Love in Poetry …


So Much Depends by Mary Kling

So much depends on belief

on faith

on God

So much depends on love

of God

for Man

So much depends on you

your belief

the empty tomb

So much depends on just

what you wish

to embrace.

Thirst by Isabelle Barry

Isabelle’s Note: This poem was inspired by one

from Mary Oliver who penned, “Another morning

and I wake with thirst for the goodness I do not

have.”

Time for morning intimacy with God, this

heart yearns for strength but also gentleness

I pray for the qualities I do not have

request the gift of kindness while I wonder whether

silence speaks for those who have no voice if

thy justice can be achieved through these hands and

tears.

Time for introspection, gratitude as the sun sets

sanctuary for a shattered soul as I express

regrets for what I did and what I failed to do

I pray for the qualities I do not have

hope to come to terms with my own frailty

trustful that in the end all is in thy hands.

http://www.heavensinspirations.com/our-gifts.html



Women’s Ministry at SSM

so that by the power of the

Holy Spirit you may abound

in hope.”

As of now, the known

workshop leaders are:

Pastor Jim Bickel –

Outreach for Hope

Pastor Sandra

Chrostowski – Living

Hope

Cindy Arnett – Hope in

Action

There will be opportunities

to shop at the Faith and

Giggles Book/Gift Shoppe,

along with visiting with

long-time friends and

making new ones.

Teri Peterson from SSM

will represent all St.

Stephen the Martyr women

as our voting member to

this Convention. Please

contact Carole Ropel or

Karen Hoffman with any

questions regarding this

event.

The Greater Milwaukee

Synod SWO will be

granting four (4)

scholarships for those who

want to attend but are

unable to do so financially.

If you wish to apply for a

scholarship, application forms

are posted on the kiosk. This

deadline is August 17, 2015.

IT’S TIME TO HELP

WITH THE SEWING OF

SCHOOL BAGS

The Women of the ELCA at

SSM have traditionally

helped with the preparation/

sewing of school bags, a

long time project of our

Human Concerns

Committee, led by Shirley

Lieske. On the morning of

August 5, 2015, we hope

you will join us as we cut

the material to size, iron and

press material, sewing, if

you have that talent, and

other small needs connected

with the project. It’s fun, it’s

rewarding and the fellowship

and lunch are great! Starting

time is around 9 a.m. A

sign-up sheet is in the

narthex.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

The women’s Bible Study

usually held on the 2nd and 4th

Wednesdays of the month

will not be held in August.

We will resume our regular

schedule beginning with

September 9th and 23rd.

PAGE 4

Women’s Bible Study MONTHLY LOOSE

ENDS LUNCHEON:

Loose Ends Luncheon will

be held on August 12, at

12:00 pm at the Brass Key

Restaurant located at 4952

W. Forest Home Ave.

Please contact Ruth Hoppe

at 281-5896. There is a

sign up sheet in the

narthex.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION October 3, 2015 This annual event is being

held at Norway Lutheran

Church, 6321 Heg Park

Road, Wind Lake, WI

53185. The early bird

registration fee is $50

through August 17, 2015.

As of August 18, 2015, the

fee increases to $60.

Registration forms are on

the kiosk in the narthex.

The Convention theme is

“Bold Women Hope”.

The Convention Bible

verse is from Romans

15:13, “May the God of

hope fill you with all joy

and peace in believing,


August Update The Prayer Garden is blooming and looking great. We have some “Friends of the

Garden” that volunteered to water and weed for one week. We would like to thank

Julie Starks, Shelly Rosenstock, Petriceks, Kelly Sachse, Jason and Tracy Covert,

Lorrie Heins, Carol and Dave Birk, Dick and Betty Kroll, Pastor Brian and family,

and Judy and Roger Lehman. All their efforts have enabled us to enjoy the beauty of

the Prayer Garden. Thank You! There are still a few weeks left in August if you can

help us out. Check out their efforts and take time to enjoy the garden.

Prayer Garden Committee

Prayer Garden

50th Anniversary Updates

September 13, 2015 - Rally Day. Lots of intergenerational activities sponsored by

various groups & committees in the church. Door prizes.

New For You:

The summer is a great time to try out new things to strengthen your discipleship.

Please consider some of the following:

Sign up for the Simply Giving Program

Read a book from the church library

Meet new people by attending a service different from the one you usually go to

Join the summer choir no previous experience necessary

PAGE 12

Human Concerns

SCHOOL BAG GATHERING

We will gather at the church on August 5, 2015 at 9:00 am to start work on the school

bags. There is a sign up sheet outside the office on the bulletin board and lunch will

be served. W are in need of the following items: 4 notebooks (70 pages), 1 scissors, 1

pencil sharpener, 1 ruler, 5 #2 pencils, 1 eraser and 1 box of 24 crayons. Contact

Shirley Lieske with questions at 414-761-0734.

Thank you & blessings!

Shirley Lieske, Human Concerns

Fellowship News


Women of the ELCA, cont. YOUTH GATHERING 2015

SSM Youth

Youth and Family

Beginning Youth Group will start up again on September 20th. BYG meets the 3rd

Sunday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30. The group is tailored for kids in grades 3rd

through 6th grade. We start with a meal then let the kids have fun with a game and

a faith activity. We ask that parents rotate volunteering to lead either the meal, game or

faith activity each month to make planning easy and fun.

I will communicate mostly through e-mail to send out reminders and help with planning.

If your child is entering 3rd grade or you are new to the church please let me know

and I will add you to my list. You can reach me at (414) 687-4871 or

[email protected] The kids have a great time each month at BYG and I can't

wait to start up again this September. Jenny Resterhouse

Family Gathering

Come join us for the Family Gathering on Saturday, August 8th, 2015 at 6:15pm. We

will be meeting at the new Youth and Family Co-Chairs Troy and Lisa Lisiecki’s home

10601 S. Farmdale Dr., Oak Creek. The theme for dinner is “State Fair”…we will be

grilling out and if we can figure out how to deep fry butter and Twinkies on the grill, this

too may happen! The sign up sheet is on the kiosk, please let us know if you are coming

and let us know if you could bring a dish to pass. Please bring a lawn chair and your

swim suits!! Hope to see you there!

Please contact Troy and Lisa at [email protected]

if you have any questions.

Vacation Bible School

Everest Vacation Bible School was held July 20-24. We had kids from SSM, Faith/

Santa Fe, and Unity Lutheran churches join us for this special week and we learned

how to conquer challenges with God’s Mighty Power!

Thank you to everyone who contributed time, talent,

and treasure to make this a fantastic week!

Watch your September newsletter for pictures and more

details.


As summer winds down and students return to school

please look out for buses and students walking to and

from school. Often times children will run into the street

without looking and we want to ensure that all children

have a safe and happy 2015-2016 school year.

God bless all students and their families as some journey

on to new endeavors in their lives like high school and college.

As Students Return to School…...

Summer Bible Study

We will still be recharging our spiritual batteries in August as we gather for evening

Bible study where together we will continue to read and learn about the importance

of creation in our everyday lives. Bible study is open to all members of the congre-

gation and starts at 6:30. Do not feel you have to come to every session. Just bring

your Bible! Sessions will meet 7/28, 8/6 and 8/18. If you want more information,

see Isabelle after church or email her at [email protected].

Personal Growth Opportunities

mailto:[email protected]



Ushers needed for all services

Music Notes from Bill Bravener,

Director of Music/ Associate in Ministry

Summer Choir will rehearse at 9:00 a.m. on August 2 and will sing at the 9:30

worship service that day. All are welcome.

Summer Handbell Choir will rehearse at 8:30 a.m. on August 23 and 30 and will

provide music for the 9:30 worship service on August 30. All are welcome.

Looking ahead - The choir potluck will be held at church on Wednesday, September

2, at 6:30. All choir members and their families are welcome. Regular choir rehears-

als will resume on September 9 with Handbell Choir at 5:30 p.m.

and Senior Choir at 7:00 p.m.

See you at worship.

Schedules will soon be prepared for people to usher for the coming church year

starting after Rally Day. It is hoped that most if not all of the veteran ushers will

volunteer to serve again. However, some individuals have "retired" due to age or

illness.

Accordingly, new volunteers are needed for both Saturday and Sunday

services. Men, women, teens, new members who have recently joined our

church ...all are welcome to volunteer to usher. No experience is necessary, just a

willingness to help at services on a once per month basis or so. Training will be

provided. Somewhat interested? Give it a try and become more involved in your

church and meet new people to keep as friends. To apply, contact Bob Rasmussen-

Usher Coordinator at 414-421-5170, or place a note in my SSM mailbox, or see me

personally.

Thank you, Bob Rasmussen, Coordinator


RISE UP 2015!!!

PICTURE FROM YOUTH GATHERING

AUGUST 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed

2

9:00 am Summer Choir 9:30 am Communion

3

4 9:15 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Mega Meeting

5

11:45 am Loose Ends Lunch

9 9:30 am Communion /Intinction 1:00-3:00 pm APL School Open House

10

11 9:15 am Staff Meeting

12

16 9:30 am Communion/Pulpit

exchange celebrating our 50th. Pastor Kevan Penvose from Unity

will be preaching at SSM 10:40 am Sunday school teachers mtg

17

6:30 pm Quilting Group

18 9:15 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Bible Study

19 3-7 pm Unity Soup Supper

23 8 am Summer Handbell Choir 9:30 am Communion/INT 30

8 am Summer Handbell Choir 9:30 am Communion

24 31

25 9:15 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Caring Visitors Meeting

26

St. Stephen the Martyr

Lutheran Church, ELCA

AUGUST 2015

Thu Fri Sat

1 5 pm Communion

Loose Ends Lunch

6

6:30 pm Bible Study

7 8 5 pm Worship 6:15 pm Family Gathering

Lisiecki Residence

13 10-11:00 am ELCA Steering

Committee Meeting 6:30 pm Safe Worship

14

15 5 pm Communion/Pulpit

exchange celebrating our 50th. Pastor Kevan Penvose from

Unity will be preaching at SSM

Unity Soup Supper 20

21

22 5 pm Worship

27 28 29

5 pm Communion

6101 S. 51st St.

Greendale, WI 53129

Phone & Fax: 414-421-3543

E-mail: [email protected]

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