Dear Friends in Christ,

I am heart-broken and horrified by the events in the Holy Land. As stories, images and live streamed video clips emerged of massacres large and small, I sat stunned by the scale and viciousness of Hamas’ attacks. And then comes the retaliatory devastation wrought by a humiliated Israeli military. 

Killing civilians whenever and however it happens is abhorrent and morally wrong. A four year-old in Gaza is just as much a beloved child of God as a four year-old in Israel. At the same time, our own justice system recognizes the more intentional and premeditated the killing, the weightier the crime. To me there is something especially evil about a mission to kill, maim and kidnap as many men, women and children as possible. 

In the midst of such a catastrophe, I think we long for moral clarity; crisp, bright lines between the righteous and the unrighteous. But the relationship between Israel and the occupied territories has been shaped by deep moral complexity from the beginning, with no satisfying answers in sight. 

We pray: for the repose of the souls of all those killed and wounded; for wisdom for people and leaders of Israel and Palestine; for our own leaders as they discern a course of action. We pray for peace – “not an empty peace devoid of justice, equality, and hope for all people, but a deep, lasting, and just peace that addresses core systemic issues of the conflict, from Palestinian needs for self determination and freedom to Israel’s needs for safety and security.”*

With Impossible Hope, 

Seth+

*From the statement from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the Episcopal Church is a founding member.

Fr. Oswald's Trip to Tanzania

If you were unable to view Fr. Oswald's photos from his recent trip to Tanzania in last week's newsletter, click here. Be sure to watch the dancing and singing video too!

Dear Christ Church Friends,

Please accept my sincere thanks for the fantastic farewell retirement service and coffee hour on October 1^st.

The food and fellowship were all wonderful. I appreciate all your preparation work as well as your kind words and good wishes throughout the day--not to mention all our blessed times together during these 19 preceding years! 

I had always intended to continue to play the organ and direct the choir in the service of the church for a few more years, and retire from my organ and acoustic design consultation work first…but that does not seem to be the plan that was intended for me! 

My failing eyesight and hearing have turned organ and choir music making into an extremely difficult matter…but I can still function well at my office where the computer screen and phone remain adaptable. 



In as much as I am able help churches with their acoustic and organ design project needs in various places (we are extremely busy with client churches right now all the way from Miami to Seattle, in addition to the great Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York), it seems that my service to the larger church can continue yet for a few more years. 

My time as Music Director at Christ Church has been most rewarding to me, especially because of the wonderful choir, soloists, bell ringers and instrumentalists, the most inspirational clergy and worship leaders, and the entire fabulous (hymn singing!) congregation. You all have made my every Wednesday rehearsal and Sunday service a joy beyond all measure. I hope I have expressed some of that joy and inspiration to you as well via the sounds of music. I will still be amongst you on many Sundays, exchanging the organ bench for a pew in the nave. 

Thank you all again for the past 19 years, for the fantastic “sendoff”, and for the opportunity to continue to be with you for some years to come!

-Scott R. Riedel

20th Sunday after Pentecost

October 15, 2023

8am service Holy Eucharist, Quiet service



9:30 service - Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing.

*This service is also live-streamed on YouTube

 and on the Christ Church website.

_____________________________________

Serving This Sunday: October 15, 2023

8:00 am Service

Greeter/Usher: Tom Watson

Acolyte/Reader:  Tom Tennessen

9:30 am Service

Vestry Greeters: Penny Cruse, Derek Riley

Crucifer + Torchbearers: Maddie Tomasi, Lila Herman, Zella Tomasi

Ushers: *Rick Donner, Bruce Dunn, David Short

Newcomer Host: Katie Hermann, Steve Bruemmer

Lector: Lyn Slater

Prayer Reader: Tom Aldridge

Eucharistic Ministers: Rob Draper, Luke Sinclair, Wes Dubic

Coffee Hour Hosts: Paula Stone, Jackie Keene

Clean up: Jeff Evans, George Marek

Dear Christ Church Community,

The Stewardship Team is excited about this year's annual campaign:

"Faith Through Generations." We launched this past Sunday, and if you are looking to catch up on Fr. Seth's stewardship sermon, the preached version is here and the manuscript is here.

Your stewardship materials were mailed Tuesday. We are deeply grateful that you would prayerfully consider a pledge to the parish for 2024. Your generosity provides an opportunity to acknowledge our abundant blessings; it also represents a sacred commitment to continue to pass the faith for generations to come. 

Pledging can be done by 1) mailing the reply card you received, 2) snapping a photo of your pledge card and sending it to Heidi or 3) or the online pledge card here. 

(Note: even if you already give your current pledge electronically, please fill out the online pledge card to let us know what you are able to give in 2024). 

With Hope and Gratitude, 

2024 Stewardship Team 

Beth Durant (Chair), Steve Bruemmer, Loni Hagerup, Joan King,

Julie Thauer, The Rev. Seth Dietrich

Click here

on Sunday morning at 10:45 am, if you are unable to join us in person.

This Sunday, October 15th 10:45a.m.

Wes Dubic Seminarian

Our new seminarian, Wes Dubic, will show and tell about his life: growing up in Haiti, moving to Florida, working in the business world, experiencing a call to the priesthood and eventually coming to Nashotah House seminary.

Sunday October 15, 10:45 am

after the 9:30 service in the Great Hall

Sunday October 22, 10:45 am

after the 9:30 service in the Great Hall

The What, How, Where, and Why of AI by Derek Riley Ph.D

Reading the news, visiting the doctor, responding to your messages, and many other daily tasks have all changed behind the scenes in recent years due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Most of the changes make our lives easier, but like any technology, there are limitations and side-effects. In this forum, the concepts and trends in AI will be discussed as well as their applications and impacts on society.  



Derek Riley is a professor and program director of Computer Science at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. His areas of expertise include computational modeling, high performance computing, data engineering, and mobile application development. Kelly and Derek are members of Christ Church and are blessed with 3 boys: Deklin (9), Donovan (7), and Dean (3)

Flower Guild welcomes anyone who is interested in creating floral arrangements for the altar. We work in teams and are willing to train anyone who enjoys working with flowers. Please contact Chris Binder or Willette Knopp co-chairs.

Meal Volunteers needed!

Ministry Volunteer Opportunity

Bakers, food prep and/or servers needed for SVDP meal on Monday October 16th 4:30pm - 6pm.

Please contact Lynne Schley to help.

Starts this week!

Help families in Need

with new or used

coats, hats, mittens, blankets

and socks or boots.

DONATIONS can be placed in the large blue bucket next to the wagon. Questions contact Lynne Schley.

Thank you for your help!

Our Next Generation:

Consider volunteering!

Christ Church founded Our Next Generation 30 years ago to support Milwaukee students academically and socially to give them the best possible chance to get a good education and to spend time in a safe environment after school and during the summer.

We have supported this non-profit with funds and tutors in the past

and Outreach is proud to participate in their Homework Club this fall.

We are looking for volunteers to join us to work one on one with a student from 5-6 pm on Wednesdays.There will be an orientation prior to the program starting up for fall. Probably the orientation will be held the week of Sept 18 with Homework Club starting the following week. We hope to be able to carpool from church on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm but if you prefer to drive yourself or are coming from another part of town that is fine too.

Please let Betsy Head know that you are excited to work with the ONG students or if you have any questions. As the dates get firmed up by ONG Betsy will get back to you with details. 

NEW Volunteer Opportunity for all!

Pantry Help needed

All Peoples Church Pantry distributes food on Wednesdays 11-1pm.

Brian needs help during that time.

Please email Brian at  if you are available.

FALL

FEASTS!

Don’t forget to sign up!

Please contact Kathy or Denise

Check out our thermometer in the Good Shepherd room and help put us over the top.

Click here for the upcoming Feast Schedule

OCTOBER:

Halloween Boo Bash

Saturday October 28, 3-6pm

Hosts:Cabrini and Tom King, Jane and Peter Tomasi

A Halloween for all ages!

Come in costume, (or not) play games, watch movies, eat fun food and treats! Great Hall - $25/family

Feast Funds to Support Girls and Women in Tanzania

Gorgeous Fall flowers, so bring a container if you'd like to take some home!

CCLC Happy Hour Thursdays

Every Thursday at Lyn Slater's home -

6350 N. Lake Dr. WFB at 4:30 pm

Christ Church Ladies Connections is open to all women at Christ Church. Please join us on any Thursday that works for you. No need to RSVP, just come when you can. We'd love to see you!

N/A beverages available; wine $3.

If you would like to receive the group email which is sent weekly, please contact Kathy Stanford with any questions.

High School Youth Gathering at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

This Sunday October 15 th, 2023 , we will have our first collaborative initiative gathering with

other youths from four other parishes including St. Paul’s Milwaukee, St. Mark’s Milwaukee, Trinity Wauwatosa, and St. Thomas of Canterbury, Greendale. The gathering will be at St. Paul Milwaukee from 5.00 PM to 7.00 PM.

Am hoping that Christ Church will have a strong presence at these gatherings. Please

plan to attend. Food and drinks will be served. We will have fun activities and games. I

am looking forward to seeing all our high school youth at St. Paul. The address of St.

Paul is 914 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee. There are parking spaces at the back of the

church.

What happens to the food we put in the red wagon? (Find Out THIS Sunday!)

Choose an offering for the Food Pantry: Especially Requested:

Peanut Butter, Nut Butter Substitutes and Jelly

NO Sunday School this Sunday.

Kids should meet in the Great Hall for Service Sunday. Kids will also work together to bake dessert for the meal program. 

Service Sunday is for grades K3-5th and takes place during the Sunday school hour (9:15-10:05 AM, after which kids return to their families for communion). Kids do not have to be in the Sunday school program to participate in Service Sundays.

The theme of this Service Sunday is food justice. Guests from the Outreach Committee and food pantry will walk kids through how the food and money we donate to All Peoples Church help feed those in need. Kids will also work together to bake dessert for the meal program. 

Sunday school has begun for K3-5th grade!

Class runs from 9:15-10:05 AM. Afterwards, your child will be brought back to you for communion.

Didn't register? No worries! Teachers can sign your child up in person. 

Don't miss out on all of the wonderful fall programming happening this semester! Email Bailey to be added to the children's weekly newsletter. 

K3-1st Grade: Explorers

will meet in one of the basement classrooms. Click here for this semester's overview for Explorers.

2nd-5th Grade: Seekers

will meet in the youth room, also in the basement. Click here for this semester's overview for Seekers.

Next HDTF Sunday is November 5th

Handing Down

the Faith Sundays

Designed to encourage deeper understanding

of and more engagement with the liturgy for children. The clergy will offer brief explanations and invite children to participate and observe in specific ways. All children of any age and ability are welcome to participate as they feel comfortable.

Please share how you are caring for God’s Creation

for our future generations.

How we are caring for the Earth

Parishioners have suggested:

• Have ceiling fans in three rooms to lower energy use.

• Worms eat my garbage for compost

• Shopping at local farmers markets for locally grown foods

• Changed to LED lighting entirely



• Walking to church

Please send Ira Leidel how you and/or your family cares for the earth.

Church Directory Photos: 

Is yours up to date?



If yours includes children It would be very helpful if you would please send an updated one to Heidi.

Harvest of Quilts at the Fairgrounds

Friday, October 13 & Saturday, October 14.

9am to 6pm

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Ozaukee Pavilion Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Northshore Quilters Guild is hosts this every other year quilt show, featuring 100+ quilts made by members (including Christ Church members Sonja Pavlik, Mary Trainor and Mary Kay Anderson). Also includes a bake sale, vendors, silent auction, challenge quilts and a raffle quilt. 

Spend the day in Cedarburg and enjoy the art of quilting. 

For more information about the Northshore Quilters check our website: 

A Cultural Celebration

to Benefit Sojourner Truth House

Taste of Africa

Thursday, November 2, 2023

5:30 - 9:00pm

12400 N. Ville du Parc Dr. Mequon, Wisconsin

Reception 5:30 - 6:30pm African Hors d'oeuvres and music

Dinner 6:30 - 9:00pm - Catered African cuisine representing the countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Tanzania

Entertainment * Stories from Survivors * Live Auction* Raffle

This fundraising event is hosted by Dolly Grimes-Johnson, former Director of Sojourner Truth House for 36 years. All proceeds will benefit the shelter through the Dolly Grimes-Johnson Legacy Fund. Semi-formal Dress or African apparel recommended. Tickets: $150

For more information about sponsorships, please email Tonya Smith

or call 414.810-1826

All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral Celebrates 150 Years with Community Events 

• All Saints’ Cathedral Choral Evensong & Reception 

Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 4:00 PM www.ascathedral.org 

• All Saints’ Cathedral 150th Anniversary Choral Eucharist Service Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 10:00 AM www.ascathedral.org

For more information download the flyer here

North Shore School for Seniors gears up for fall 2023 session

North Shore School for Seniors (NSSS) organizers are planning 50+ exciting classes for fall 2023. That’s the most since the school’s post-Covid reboot! Participants can stretch their muscles and minds, while meeting others AND having fun.

Oct. 23 – Nov. 14 (second term). (There are no classes Oct. 16 & 17.) Classes meet at United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, 819 E. Silver Spring Dr. on Monday and Tuesday. They cover a wide range of subjects including exercise, arts, local topics, languages and history. Classes meet from one to eight times, and start at various times throughout the session.

Class information and online registration is available at nss4s.org beginning Aug. 1. Fall 2023 catalogs also will be available Aug. 1 for pick-up at United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay. Cost is $10 per class meeting. Email questions to nssbxt@gmail.com or phone (414) 292-0960.

The mission of the NSSS is improving mind and spirit through learning and friendship. The North Shore School for Seniors is an adult outreach program of United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay.

Download the latest Martha & Mary newsletter here