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The Martyr Monthly

OCTOBER 2016

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT SSM Saturday 5:00 PM

Sunday 8:00 am & 9:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am

BIBLE STUDIES: Monday Bible Study: 10/3 @ 1:00 pm

Men’s Bible Study: 10/5 & 10/19 @ 9:00 am Women’s Bible Study: 10/12 & 10/26 @ 10:15 am

SSM PRAYER GROUP: 10/18 @ 6:00 pm

PASTOR’S PAGE...

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Dear SSM Faith Family,

Fall is my favorite time to go running outdoors. What I truly enjoy about fall running is the cool air and the beautiful changing landscape. This fall I will be running with Maren, and my father in law, as part of a five-person relay team up in Door County as we run 50 miles from the top of the Door (Gilles Rock) to the bottom (Sturgeon Bay).

In preparation for past races I have logged some long runs to get ready. Often I feel tired or exhausted after the runs, and occasionally I will encounter an ache or pain here or there. When I am feeling weak at the end of a run I sometimes have told myself to keep going or Press On. As my Fierce Five team runs this month there will be words of encouragement and support as we press on together.

Our brother Paul knew something about pressing on in life as he writes in Philippians 3: 13-14, “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Life poses many challenges and there are many ups and downs along life’s journeys. We may wonder if anything good can come from our life challenges, our sufferings, our brokenness. Yet St. Paul gives us advice: Press on. Paul admits that he would have every reason to be boastful. He had been what we would call a religious zealot. But he considers it all as loss compared to the joy of knowing Christ, even amid his sufferings.

Paul is able to see life in perspective. He knows he hasn’t yet arrived. He hasn’t reached the resurrection. But he presses on. For him what is most important is forgetting the past and straining forward to what lies ahead. He presses on knowing that God’s promise stands.

Through our hardships, our suffering, our pain we hold on to the past and look to the future, rejoicing in God’s forgiveness and second chances. God’s love and mercy is stretching us, outward and onward.

We press on, knowing that even from broken and crushed grapes comes wine. Wine that is the cup of salvation. Wine that makes life’s bitterness a bit sweeter. Even from our brokenness will come gifts we can’t even imagine. So we press on. Filled with gratitude and hope, we press on.

Peace, Pastor Brian

St. Stephen the Martyr Stewardship

“. . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This saying of Jesus appears in two gospel accounts, Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 and appears in the context of Jesus teaching about our relationship to our possessions. In truth, we are very centered on our possessions. We are taught to value ourselves and our standing in the world by the measure of our possessions; the brands we wear, the size of our cars, and many other indicators. When I was working in senior services in New York, some of the services required disclosure of income levels. Every six months while doing personal assessments I needed to see savings accounts and bank books to assess qualification for the services. There were some of my clients who would show me mastectomy scars before they would let me see their financial records. We keep such personal matters close to the chest because they hold a valued place in our lives. They reflect that sense of security. We are far better at the location of our treasure than fully realizing the placement of our hearts. That truth comes closer to us every year as we consider our pledge and commitment to the investment of our money. Admittedly, this is a sensitive subject as we have all seen investments rise and fall to the ebb and flow of the stock market and other financial indicators. What God is asking of us is to be closely aware of the rise and fall of our hearts as those indicators ebb and flow and to recall that the investments that we make in the kingdom of God pay dividends far beyond our vision and our expectations. These come to be investments in human lives and needs that come to be felt across the world. There is also one more dividend that pays out. It usually comes as a surprise when we see it because it is counter intuitive. The more that we give, the more we realize that God supplies all of our needs. God provides countless examples of the abundance of his supply as he repeatedly transforms the scarcity of five loaves and two fish into a banquet for thousands. God invites us into the constant reflection of the placement of our hearts, because God wants us to know the constant abundance of divine generosity. God Bless, and may you always know the abundance of God’s provision. In Christ, Rev. Dr. Kipp W. Zimmermann

2016 October Martyr Monthly—St. Stephen the Martyr Page 2

STEWARDSHIP

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MUSIC NOTES FROM BILL BRAVENER DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Our Bible Study gatherings this month will be held on October 12 & 26, beginning at 10:15am. All are welcome to join this twice a month study of God’s word. Bring a friend!

LOOSE ENDS LUNCHEON This month, we will meet on Oct. 12 at the Green Tea Garden Restaurant on 76th and Rawson at Noon. If you will attend, sign-up on the form that is posted on the kiosk in the Gathering Area. Any questions? Please contact Karen Hoffman at 414-421-9249.

THEME BASKET DONATIONS for Loose Ends Bake & Craft Sale Here’s your opportunity to use your imagination & creativity, and donate items to be

used in this year’s THEME Baskets or to create and donate a basket of your own. A container will be placed in the Gathering Area for the collection of donations. The Women of the ELCA Steering Team will arrange all donated items in various baskets. Items that you could donate would be things like non-perishable snack items, gift cards for movie theatres, coffee shops or restaurants, anything sports related, items for pets, cosmetic items, tee shirts and the list goes on. You might know a merchant in the area that would be willing to donate a gift card or certificate or other appropriate items to be put into the Theme Baskets. Please realize that we may not be able to

use every item donated, but will do our best. Please contact Julie Starks or Bonnie Daleness with questions. If you donate your own basket, give it a name such as Family Night at Home or Beauty & Spa and include an approximate value of the items in your basket. Baskets will be available for bid from Nov 26 - Dec 4 @ 10:45 am. There will be a minimum starting bid for each basket. Thank you in advance!

Our choirs are off to a great start. New members are always welcome.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers, cards, and good wishes as I continue on my journey to wellness. I hope to be at worship as

often as possible...See you at worship.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA

CRAFTERS & BAKERS Many of you have made donations of your handiwork and baking skills to past Bake & Craft Sales. We invite you to do so again this year. Bakery is always a BIG seller and we find a special need for cookies of all kinds. At the end of this month, a sign-up sheet for craft and baked goods will be posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. Please contact Judy Merritt @ 414-421-3795, Pat Rojik

@ 414-294-2169, or Sue DeFrank @ 414-761-2165, with any questions regarding donations. December 1st will be our Baking, Pricing & Set-up Day for the Sale, beginning at 9:30 a.m. We urge you to join us and help where you are comfortable. There is much to do. Please mark your calendar for December 1st.

PIECEMAKERS QUILTING GROUP Our 2016 quilts have been packed and are now in shipment to Lutheran World Relief. There will be no quilting in October, November or December. Our monthly meetings will resume on January 16, 2017.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA JOINT CLUSTER MEETING, Greater Milwaukee Synod, November 19, 2016 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church,

1615 Wauwatosa Ave-Wauwatosa WI 53213 Registration begins at 8 a.m. Welcome & opening prayer will be at 8:30, followed by breakfast. Pastor Ann Williams will lead us in Bible Study. Bonnie Lee will present the program “Learn for Life-Kenya”. Cost is $12. Registration forms will be posted on the kiosk. Send your form and check to Jan Fox, 4230 S. Carnaby Lane - New Berlin WI 53151.

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HUMAN CONCERNS

A BIG THANKS TO ALL who helped cut, sew, assemble and buy items for our yearly school bag project. We had 237 bags! Thanks to all for your generosity!!

Please think about coming to our monthly Prayer Group. We meet the third Tuesday of every month at 6 pm. It is a good time to pray for members of our congregation, family, friends and people who touch our hearts. Please contact Shirley Lieske with any questions.

Again, our Unity dinners are the fourth Wednesday of every month. With school back in session, we are in need of more volunteers. This is a fulfilling way to spend an evening!

God's Blessings...The Human Concerns Committee

OPPORTUNITY CORNER

Attention: Everyone… Rally Day was September 11, 2016 and was again a great success! A huge THANK YOU to the ministries that “sponsored a booth” and had an “activity” or game introducing others to your ministry. After some great food was shared, children of ALL ages had the opportunity to test their skills with different games; from throwing a football to placing the Books of the Bible in order! The joy of past Vacation Bible School years was shared through pictures and activities! Family photos were taken in our Prayer Garden, hands were traced, leaves were placed, book marks made and attendees helped complete the 1000th quilt of the Piece-Makers! Looking toward the future of Christian Education at SSM, surveys were offered and filled out by many. If you found a ministry you may be interested in or a new God given gift and talent you didn’t know you had, please contact the Shared Ministry Coordinator (ME) and we will help you live out your faith!

The Following Opportunities Are Available… The Fellowship Chair is still available. Would you be interested in working as a “co-chair?” We do have one individual interested in helping in a “co-chair” way.

We are looking for help with recycling! We have one family taking alternate months and are looking for another individual or family to take the other months.

Ministries are always looking for new people to join them!

Please let one of the council members know, Pastor Brian or myself, if you have any questions or are interested in helping in any way...God’s Blessings, Char

NEWS & NOTES

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CELL TOWER UPDATE Since our last update in August, the following events have occurred. A revised lease agreement was submitted by PI Telecom (“PI”) to our attorney and promptly forwarded to SSM on August 15, 2016. The revised agreement was closely reviewed by Eric, Jason and Al. In their view several changes were required to make the agreement acceptable. These changes were discussed during a conference call with our attorney on September 6, 2016. A further revised document was sent back to PI that same day. On September 12, 2016 we were informed that the SSM revisions were accepted. We are currently in the final stages of signing and executing a lease agreement with PI. Church Council was notified of this on September 13th. No specific timeline is currently set, but we expect to move into the next phase of site preparation and approving the ornate shadow box privacy fence design and associated landscaping. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Sanders, Jason Covert or Al Behling.

WEBSITE (www.ssmelca.org) UPDATE If you haven’t seen the website lately, you may want to check it out. The “Weekly Announcements” have been added under the “Resources” tab. Joe Konop is doing a fantastic (and timely) job of putting the bulletin announcements up every week (before the bulletin is printed). The Newsletter is also available in full color under the “Resources” tab. Dick Kroll is adding photos to the “Photo Gallery” under the “Resources” tab for events that take place related to the ministries of SSM.

LARGE PRINT BULLETINS SSM is now making large print bulletins available for all worship services. They are in the Gathering Area on the Usher’s Table. If having a large print bulletin (with hymns included) would enhance your worship experience, please take one.

PRAYER CARDS There are new Prayer & Welcome Cards located in the seat backs in the sanctuary. Please use these cards as a way to communicate with the pastoral staff regarding any prayer needs or concerns you have. (If you wish more discretion, you may place your card in the pastor’s mailbox or slip it under his office door.) You may also use these cards to let Glenna know of any address, phone, or email changes and to add someone to the church’s prayer list.

ALL CHURCH CLEAN-UP DAY, SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 6, 2016 Come in your work clothes, prepared to help us get the church in order and some deep cleaning done. After the 9:30 am service, we will divide and conquer. A meal of sub sandwiches will be served following our work day & you will be home in time to watch the late Packers game!

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Bread of Life service will be added to the rotation at 5pm & 9:30 am. Sept 18 was the installation of Sunday School teachers

Baptisms were held on Sept 24 & 25 for Henry Burmeister & Ryleigh Revers

Oct 1st, 2016 at 5:00pm service “Blessing of the Pets” - in the Garden, weather permitting.

Oct 30th “Reformation Sunday” - Planning for 500 years in 2017. Oct 30th “Confirmation Sunday” Nov 6th is All Saints.

We continue to schedule communion at all services, and are looking for anyone who would like to assist in its preparation or serving.

Ushers are also desperately needed.

Next Mega Meeting: October 4th at 6:30 pm ...Faith O’Connell, Music and Worship Chairperson

The committee met September 10, 2016. Attending were Dick Kroll, Chairperson Sandy Petricek, Carol Birk, and Faith O’Connell. We welcomed Julie Herman to our group with great delight.

The garden is now complete and just needs watering and weeding. A volunteer list is posted.

The memorial giving: acknowledgement; “Thank You” notes are being handled by Nancy Hoffman. There has been a lot activity these

past few months. She has been putting in a lot of time and energy keeping up with these letters. We all should thank her for her work.

Bids are being gathered for a proposed digital sign. New office windows are scheduled to be installed in October. Sandy and Larry did all the footwork on that and pooled memorial funds to complete the project. We would like to have new small tables for the sanctuary, still looking for volunteers for that project.

Our next meeting is set for Saturday December 17th, 2016 at 9:30am.

We are still looking for new members interested in joining the committee. Please ask one of us about it. We meet only four times a year, so minimal time required.

MUSIC & WORSHIP

Alert ! 2016 CHRISTMAS SERVICES: Alert! Early Christmas Eve service at 4:00 pm (Saturday),

Late Christmas Eve service at 10:00 pm. Christmas Day service at 9:30 am. (Sunday)

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE NEWS

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YOUTH AND FAMILY NEEDS EVENT LEADERS We have a signup sheet on the Youth and Family kiosk, which has several activities listed. Next on our list is a Haunted House / Corn Maze for October. We’re looking for members who are willing to help lead these events. There are dates listed on the signup sheet but they can be adjusted to meet your schedule. Sign up on the kiosk or contact Lisa & Troy Lisiecki: ph #414-570-9020 or Email: LT.Lisiecki@gmail.com FAMILY GATHERING Our next Family Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 5th. We will be discussing youth and family ideas and share a meal. More details to follow. There will be a signup sheet posted on the kiosk in October. Please contact Troy or Lisa Lisiecki if you have any questions lt.lisiecki@gmail.com or ph #414-570-9020. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP The High School Youth Group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 5:00 pm. This month, the meetings will be held on Oct 9 & Oct 23 at 5:00 pm. Watch the church bulletin for additional information.

SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH School is now back in full swing and fall school activities have begun. Please share your youth schedules for sports events, plays, concerts, ect. We can post these on the Youth and Family kiosk, so our members can come see them participate and cheer them on.

SCRIP CARDS Gift cards are available. Take a look at the list of stores and place an order for those you shop at often or buy one as a gift. You pay face value for each card and SSM receives a percentage for profit. Orders are placed the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and cards will be available for delivery the following Sunday. Forms and lists are located on the kiosk. Feel free to fill out a form and put it in our mailbox. For questions or more details, see Lisa Lisiecki.

YOUTH & FAMILY NEWS

PSALM 119:9 “How can young people keep their way pure?

By Guarding it according to Your Word!”

LAY PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

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DATE USHERS GREETERS ACOLYTE

10/1 - 5p Jim Palasz, Jay Rosiewski Ruth Hoppe

10/2 - 8a John Bugajski, Herb Leppien Nancy Mineau

10/2 - 9:30a Vic Peterson, Bob Rasmussen, Dan Resterhouse, Owen Sanders

Jim & Lisa Stark El & Nancy Schneider

Rachel Ziegert

10/8 - 5p Denice Gassenhuber Jim Hennessy

Don & Carol Manning

10/9 - 8a John Bugajski, Shelly Rosenstock Diane Moraza

10/9 - 9:30a Cathy Peterson, Doug Winter, Adam Woerpel, Tom Zuleger

Doug Winter Mark & Patti Winter

Abby Hanna

10/15-5p Janel Sweet, Jeff Sweet Joyce Miller

10/16-8a Diane Moraza, Julie Starks Dianne Niese

10/16-9:30a Christofer Rafalski, Ron Ropel, Josie Rafalski, Bob Rasmussen

Amy Ziegert Adam & Andrea Woerpel

Julia Mayer

10/22-5p Jim Palasz, Jay Rosiewski Bonnie Zgola

10/23-8a John Bugajski, Herb Leppien Faith O’Connell

10/23-9:30a Billy Burns, Kaitlyn Burns, Pat Burns, Shelly Burns

Tom & Gail Zuleger Joanne Burns

Emily Walker

10/29-5p Denice Gassenhuber Jim Hennessy

Bonnie Court

10/30 - 8a John Bugajski, Shelly Rosenstock Shelly Rosenstock

10/30 - 9:30a Angie Carchesi, John Hoffman, Bob Lieske, Dick Rutzen

Diane Gastrau Judith Hyrniewicki

Braden Andersen

OCTOBER 2016

October 2016 Readings for Worship

OCTOBER 01 – 02 OCTOBER 22-23 1st Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 1st Reading: Jeremiah 14-7-10, 19-22 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Gospel: Luke 17:5-10 Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 Psalm 37:1-9 Psalm 84:1-7 OCTOBER 08-09 OCTOBER 29-30 1st Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 2nd Reading: Romans 3:19-28 Gospel: Luke 17:11-19 Gospel: John 8:31-36 Psalm 111:1-10 Psalm 46:1-11 OCTOBER 15-16 1st Reading: Genesis 32:22-31 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 Psalm 121:1-8

Date Assisting Minister Communion Set Up Communion Servers

10/1 - 5p Brian Stoddard Bonnie Court Bonnie Court

10/2 – 8a Faith O’Connell Faith O’Connell

10/2 - 9:30a Isabelle Barry Tracy Covert & Family Tracy Covert & Family

10/8 – 5p Char Guiliani Joy Kilimann, Cindy Wagner Heidi Hennessy

10/9 - 8a John & Nancy Bugajski George Gifford

10/9 – 9:30a Mary Luedtke Bob & Shirley Lieske Mike Mayer, Steve Mayer

10/15-5p Brian Stoddard Carol Drover John Drover

10/16-8a Diane Moraza Shelly Rosenstock Shelly Rosenstock

10/16-9:30a Carole Ropel Sweet Family Sweet Family

10/22-5p Char Guiliani Betty Kroll, Carol Mueller Joanne Hoeft

10/23-8a Julie Starks Julie Starks

10/23-9:30a Amy Ziegert Kurt & Jenny Koeff Kurt & Jenny Koeff

10/29-5p Denice Gassenhuber Bob Brownell

10/30-8a Bonnie Daleness Bonnie Daleness

10/30-9:30a Bob Billman Karen Miller, Jean Switala Al Behling, Eric Sanders

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CONDENSED MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 09/13/16

ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR LUTHERAN CHURCH President Eric Sanders called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Council members present were: P. Burns, J. Covert, M. Kling, J. Konop, L. Lisiecki, T. Lisiecki, N. Mineau, J. Muroni, F. O’Connell, E. Sanders and A. Woerpel. Pastor Brian was also in attendance.

APPROVALS: The August minutes were approved with corrections.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT: August offer ings were good. No concerns, it is similar to where we were last August. HVAC donations are looking good. Overall, in good shape for the year. TREASURER'S REPORT: All bills received for the Youth Mission Tr ip have been paid. More Thrivent funds were received.

Pastor’s insurance costs will be reduced by approximately $900/month. Eric also mentioned notice was received that insurance costs will be increasing approximately 7% next year. Treasurer’s Report was approved.

PASTOR'S TIME: Pastor Br ian reviewed his repor t to council. He also noted that the HVAC installation has started.

Pastor shared pictures of a couple different columbarium’s. Research and discussions will continue. Confirmation started last week. A confirmation retreat is scheduled for Oct 15 for confirmands. Unity scholarships were awarded to five SSM members. They will be presented Sept. 18 during service. High school youth group kicked off this month. The group plans to meet the 2nd and 4th Sundays.

OLD BUSINESS: Cell Tower Status Update – We have a "final" contract for the cell tower lease that satisfies our attorney, PI Telecom, and us. There have been no significant changes to the compensation or terms of the deal -- mostly some "fine print" work to reassure both sides they are adequately protected and that we are correctly compensated.

We are finalizing our execution of the contract "now" and will have our attorney pick up the paperwork to return to PI Telecom.

May be looking at construction in spring. Nominating – We are still searching for a Fellowship chair. It would be best to find two or three who are willing to co-chair. Council Job Descriptions – Still being worked on. Constitution Review – A new version of the ELCA constitution will be coming out later this year. We will table our review until this version is available.

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CONDENSED MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING [Cont.]

Property Rental Contract Update – Council agreed that it is time to revisit our property rental agreement for non members. Pricing and a security deposit to be considered. Update: Pastor Brian contacted some other churches. Some mentioned a $300 deposit and custodial fees. Findings will be discussed further with the Property Committee.

NEW BUSINESS: Rally day review- Considering we didn’t have a Fellowship Chair, Rally Day went well. Will consider having Thankoffering and Rally Day on two different days next year and hosting committee tables every other year. Budget review will start in October. Racism Training October 20-22. Eric encouraged attending as this is an excellent session. Registration by October 8th. Church will help offset the cost. Open to congregation.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: HUMAN CONCERNS: N. Mineau reported that they had enough supplies for 230 school bags. Looking to renew Bread for the World membership. CHRISTIAN ED: M. Kling reported that limited surveys were completed during Rally Day. The surveys will be added to the weekly bulletin. During the Bible Study, interest was expressed in adding Psalms to the Liturgy. Pastor will review. EVANGELISM: J. Konop is working with Glenna to change the weekly messages on the website. Working on banners. Facebook is being used on a regular basis, no concerns. YOUTH & FAMILY: L. Lisiecki reported that the High School youth went to Six Flags on August 27th. A service project has been scheduled with Hunger Task Force for Nov 29. MUSIC & WORSHIP: F. O’Connell reported confirmands will again be wearing robes. Office window will be replaced in early October. Looking for someone with woodworking experience to make new communion tables. PROPERTY: A. Woerpel reported that they are planning a church clean-up day for Nov. 6. Oct. 1 is kitchen clean-up day. STEWARDSHIP: P. Burns reported they are working on Commitment Day. Next Mega Meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 4. Next Council Meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted...Lisa Lisiecki on behalf of Council Secretary

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