Thursday, December 7, 2023 - The Cross is Home! | |
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From Fr. Oswald
Dear Friends in Christ,
In the season of advent, we are spiritually called to return home. Home is where God is. Home is where we encounter love, peace and joy. Home is where we find a resting place.
After a long-winding journey of 8,500 miles from Chicago to Dar es salaam, Tanzania, the cross that Christ Church donated to my home parish of St. John’s (Yohana) has finally arrived “home”. This cross has a long history. It has traveled from different sanctuaries. It is a witness to many worship services at Christ Church and has been a focus symbol on our chapel altar for many years. It is our hope that the cross has finally headed to its final destination and home.
The final home for this cross is not in Dar es salaam. It has to travel another 800 miles northeast of Dar es salaam to St. John’s parish. I am trying to figure out the safest way to ship it to St. John’s. It would be very tragic if it got lost or damaged in transit to St. John’s. Shipping in Tanzania is not reliable. Things disappear enroute or get damaged. It is better to be safe than sorry. But it's my hope that the cross will be in the sanctuary at St. John’s for Christmas. That is going to be our Christmas gift to the parish of St. John’s.
Wishing you a grace filled Advent Season
Thanks to Christ Church!
Oswald+
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Intercessory prayer is at the heart of a Christian community.
Please offer your prayers for the following people.*
Especially Now for Parishioners: Chip Morris, Tim Hancock, Seth Flanders
Especially Now for family and friends: Olga Edquist (friend of Kathy Stanford), Skeeter Lambach (RIP) brother of Sonja Pavlik,
Long Term for parishioners : Elizabeth Casey, Darrell Lile, Isaiah Dietrich, Gary Laev, Mary Meyers, Chris Binder, Barb Larkin, Pam Eversfield, Karol Rehm, Martha Vogel, Genevieve, Gigi Short, Tim Hancock, Grace Anne Cochrane, Rachel Kolb, Mark McLaughlin, Cathy Martin Braun
Long Term for family and friends: Mark (Friend of Robin Perdersen) Helga Rikkers (mother of Ben Rikkers), Jay, (friend of Kathy Stanford) Colin Brewer (friend of Maureen Oster) George (brother of Mary Kay Anderson), Kathy Kant (friend of Kjell Johansen), Craig Smith (friend of Seth Dietrich) Sue & Jerry Hiller, Debi Chier Schmidlkofer, (friend of Catherine Davidson), Jeff Jones (friend of Andy McKinley), George Kashou (brother in law of Sandy Kashou), Jill, Joe Rosenfield (friend of Helen & James Benton), Ann, Cameron (friend of Julie Thauer & John Andritsch), Wyatt Woods (great nephew of DeDe Pitrof), Greg Carter (cousin of Fred Delmenhorst), Dave Altick (cousin of Kitty Sturrock), Ian (friend of Willette Knopp), Christopher & Cindy and Christine (relatives of Ira Leidel), Katie & Gabe Benavides (daughter and son-in-law of Diane & Jack Holzman), TajMahal Dirbas (mother of Sandy Kashou), Danial Oakley (nephew of Sandy & Bob Kashou)
We also pray for the people in places shattered by war, especially Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. We pray for all who have died, and all who mourn. We pray for the end of the killing of the innocent, and for all those leaders discerning the path of peace and justice.
Homebound: Grace Haydon
Serving in the Armed Forces: Jeffrey Ryan (grandnephew of Ira Leidel) Josh Currier, (grandson of Elizabeth Klijnsmit) Teo C. Garcia (brother of Jennifer Garcia Jetton) Jacob Vogt (nephew of Bridget Elliott), Charlie Kobussen (son of Denise & Tim Kobussen), Billy Manger and Tanner Plomb (nephews of DeDe Pitrof), Matthew Herbstreith (son of Tom Herbstreith ), Anthony Oakley (nephew of Sandy & Bob Kashou)
Parents expecting: Sally & Trevor Adams (daughter of Debbie & John Roesner)
This Sunday's Altar Flowers:
are offered to the Glory of God
Birthdays This Week: Mike Ruetz, Tom Content, Randall Kunkel, Alan Forristall, Jack Miller, Donald Allen, Brigid Miller, Steve Schley, Samuel Harshner, Robert Bardunias, Margaret Marshall, Barbara McLaughlin, Jack Thome
Anniversaries: Rosemarie & Oswald Bwechwa
*If you would like to add a name to the Prayer List:
email Fr. Seth and Heidi Behlke. You must have permission from the person you are adding. Include your relationship to the person and, if you are willing, a brief reason for the request which will be shared with the clergy and prayer team. This helps to create a connection to the person prayed for beyond simply their name and will be kept strictly confidential.
**Please let Heidi know if we have missed your birthday or anniversary.
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THANK YOU!
for your generous support of this year’s Gifts of Hope.
Stay tuned for results in next week’s broadcast!
If you have made a donation in someone's honor and would like note cards to give your friends/relatives, please contact Cabrini King and she will arrange a way to get them to you.
Questions? Email Cabrini King OR Sandy Kashou
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THIS SUNDAY:
December 10th 2023
10:45am in the Great Hall
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Be a Good Story
Chris Smith, MDiv, MFT speaker
The well-known indigenous journalist, Richard Wagamese wrote “All that we are is story.” In this presentation, Chris Smith will share stories from his life as an invitation for you to consider the stories in your life. Together, our stories matter. The world is in deep need of them.
Chris has an undergraduate degree in religion from Iowa Wesleyan College, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He holds a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy and has completed training in health coaching. Chris has co-authored several scientific papers with bringing mindfulness into Law Enforcement and is currently working with UC San Diego Health and the VA to develop health and well-being curriculum for the Law Enforcement community. Chris lives in Glendale with his wife, Ann, and Pomeranian, Vinny. He has two lovely grandchildren.
Click here on Sunday Morning if you are unable to join us in person
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Past FORUM presentations are recorded and stored for later viewing here and here | |
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Thursday, December 14th at 5:15pm at Christ Church
Fr. Seth convenes a casual "pub conversation" one Thursday a month at 5:15pm.
Next Topic:
More Christ in Christmas?
What do you think about the ways Christmas has become such a cultural phenomenon? Do the cultural traditions (tree-decorating, cookie-baking, gift-giving...etc) detract from the spiritual dimension of Advent and Christmas?
Do they ever enhance the season, perhaps bringing in the Light of Christ for you?
Thursday, Dec 14 at 5:15pm in the Good Shepherd room at church (our usual room at Three Lions Pub is booked). Light snacks and beverages of all kinds will be provided.
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2nd Sunday of Advent December 10, 2023
8am service Holy Eucharist, Quiet service
9:30 service - Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing.
*All services are also live-streamed on YouTube
with the upcoming service posted on the Christ Church website.
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Serving This Sunday: December 10, 2023
8:00 am Service
Greeter/Usher: Denton Jones
Acolyte/Reader: Randy Dean
9:30 am Service
Vestry Greeters: Rob Draper, Patrick Foley
Crucifer + Torchbearers: Julian Worthy, Hattie O’Connor, Sully O’Connor
Ushers: *Rick Donner, Patrick Foley, Gary Laev
Newcomer Host: Sarah Gottlieb
Lector: Bo Beal
Prayer Reader: Maureen McCabe
Eucharistic Ministers: Clergy, Wes Dubic, Fran Blom
Altar Guild: Team 2 - Cindy Jensen, Kay Antonelli, Rosemarie Bwechwa, Lydia Gone, Penny Ziegler
Hospitality: Service - Mary Kay Anderson
Clean up - Luanne Schiff and Elizabeth Draper
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• CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE •
December 24th - 8:00 am and 9:30 am Advent IV
4:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service & Children’s Pageant
9:00 pm – Christmas Concert and Festive Choral Eucharist
December 25th 10:00 am – Christmas Day Eucharist (with carols)
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Advent Devotions for 2023
Living Compass Devotions for Advent will be available on the shelf connected to the back pew on both sides.
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Dear Christ Church Community,
On December 4, the stewardship committee will begin making thank you calls and very gentle reminder calls to the whole parish.
Pledging can be done by 1) mailing the pledge card you received, 2) snapping a photo of your pledge card and sending it to Heidi or 3) or filling out the online pledge card found here.
We are so grateful you would consider a pledge for 2024.
2024 Stewardship Team
Beth Durant (Chair), Steve Bruemmer, Loni Hagerup, Joan King,
Julie Thauer, The Rev. Seth Dietrich
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Stewardship Moments
Randy Dean shares his story for Christ Church on October 15, 2023 here. Read Anna Floch Arcello's story from October 22, 2023 about how she came to Christ Church in the transcript here. See the video here:
Hear George Marek's stewardship moment here
Hear Dolly Grimes-Johnson's stewardship moment here
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Deadline for donations is Sunday December 10th
Sojourner Coat Drive Off to a great start!
We learned this week that many of the women and children at the shelter have no winter coats.
As you know, many of the residents leave their abusive situations very quickly, often with little or no time to gather clothing and other necessities. If you have any warm, gently worn winter coats or jackets, we will take them to the shelter.
If at all possible, please dry clean or wash the coats first, and bring them on hangers.
We also need gloves, hats, scarves, mittens and boots. If you have these, please be sure they are clean and that the boots, gloves and mittens are pinned together as a pair. If you are willing to purchase a new coat, please think in terms of larger sizes for women and medium sizes for children. Most importantly, think warm!
Contributions may be placed near the red wagon in the Good Shepherd Room by December 11th. (we're in need of a garment rack Got one??) Questions? Contact Meredie
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All Peoples Church Christmas Bags
We are Collecting 5-12 .lb hams for All Peoples Church Christmas bags. (We now have enough turkeys! THANK YOU!)
The donations are needed for families in the Harambee neighborhood. Please contact Lynne Schley to make arrangements for donating.
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All Peoples Church Pantry LOVES your red Sendik's grocery bags!
Keep saving them, bring them to church and drop off in the red wagon or give to Lynne Schley. Thank you!
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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. Contact Betsy Head if interested
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.
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The
FEASTS!
Don’t forget to sign up!
Please contact Kathy or Denise
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Check out our thermometer in the Good Shepherd room and help put us over the top.
Click here for the current Feast Schedule with lots of fun activities scheduled into the new year.
DECEMBER Featured Feasts
Christmas Cookie & Candy Making
Let's get together to make 6 different kinds of Christmas cookies and candy. All baking ingredients and recipes will be provided. Each person should have approximately 4 - 4.5 dozen cookies/candy to take home, depending on how large we make them!
Host: Kay Antonelli
Wednesday December 13, 9am - 1pm
Great Hall $50/person max. 12 people
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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!
Additionally: for the next three Thursdays, please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to help stock the All Peoples Church Food Pantry. There will be bags out in Lyn's foyer for collection.
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.
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This Sunday!
December 10 after the 9:30 service - in the Youth Room
Questions of Revenge and Forgiveness
High School Youth gathering and Discussion after 9.30 service
The high school youth will gather this Sunday at 10.45 in the youth room. We will watch the Nooma Rob Bell video exploring the questions of revenge and forgiveness: How do we let go of the burden of anger and revenge that we carry around? How do we set ourselves free from our burdens?
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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 basement youth room. Click here for this semester's overview for Seekers.
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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.
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Tips for Sustainable Giving
This Christmas
Consider:
• SERVICES instead of goods
(i.e. massage – teaching a skill etc.)
• HOMEMADE Edibles
• OLD” GOLD Jewelry
• BATTERY-FREE Giving
• GIFTS of Social Service and Animal Welfare (Gifts of Hope)
• EXPERIENCES to enjoy and remember
• FLOWER POWER
• “USED” Gifts
• SOUVENIR buying on your trip
• THINK outside the box! – or a big box so kids can build a house!
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Recycle your old electronics THIS Saturday in Whitefish Bay | |  |
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We Need Your Help
Date to be announced
The fluorescent bulbs are due to be replaced in all the basement classrooms
soon. Only bulbs need replacing.
We are looking for volunteers to help install the new LED lights.
Contact Ira Leidel or Jim Benton if you'd like to help!
LED bulbs will help the Church reduce it's carbon foot print too!
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Meetings: next meeting time and date to be determined. Team Wellness is seeking a new chair or two new co-chairs. If you’re interested in leading our efforts, please reach out to Kari Foote or Father Seth. | | |
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Check out Titles!
Visit our shelf in the J.T. room, Lending Library Just sign out a book on the clipboard and enjoy a good read!
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Christ Church Women’s Book Study Group
Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
by John O' Donohue
WHO: All women of Christ Church are invited
WHEN: Mondays from 9:15 – 10:15 AM (optional social hour beforehand at 9:00), and every Monday thereafter
WHERE: On zoom
Zoom link HERE Password: “study”
Meeting ID: 837 0526 9913
on Amazon here - new or used
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click to Contact The Rev. Mary S. Trainor
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Monday Evening Women's Book Group
Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans.
For women who want to grow in faith and make deep, prayerful connections. This group will meet in-person on the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings of the month @6:30pm.
Those who only want to attend once a month are most welcome. The first book for discussion will be Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans. Emilie O'Connor is leading this book study and she is happy to provide more information.
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Men's
Book Group
led by
Greg Bell
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Making Sense of God
Finding God in the Modern World
by Timothy Keller
Available at Boswell Books,
PLEASE NOTE: This title also appears with another subhead and identical cover, so be sure to purchase the "finding God in the Modern World" This eliminates page number confusion during the discussions.
Contact Greg for information.
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See below for other ongoing opportunities for connection. (Evening Prayer, Wednesday Contemplative service...etc).
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Wednesday AM Contemplative
Eucharist
Service
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Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 9:40. A short retreat in the middle of the week. So many of us are searching for a bit of peace in our busy lives. Even a few moments of deep connection with God, ourselves, and others can profoundly recharge us for the journey.
2nd and 4th Wednesdays there will be an opportunity in the Chapel for the laying on of hands and healing prayer. contact Fr. Oswald with any questions
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Wednesday + Thursday Evening Prayer | |
Wednesday and Thursday - 5:30pm
To call into Evening Prayer, call 312 626 6799
Type in Meeting ID 847 2947 4435
Passcode: 019453
The service is a beautiful expression of peace and calm at the end of the day and lasts only 20 minutes
On ZOOM: Join the meeting here
Newcomers are especially welcome.
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Resuming in January 2024
Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Join us through ZOOM for a short session of Lectio Divina followed by 15 minutes of Centering Prayer.
Lectio Divina: listening to a short passage, often from a psalm, and then, without comment, sharing the words or phrase that spoke to you.
Centering Prayer: a gentle, silent prayer in which individuals often use their own 'sacred word' to which they return when their thoughts wander - as thoughts always do. Beginners most welcome!
ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting here
Meeting ID: 827 8771 3769 Passcode: CENTER
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Family Fun Swim
Whitefish Bay High School Field House Pool Saturdays Now through December
Bring up to 15 family members. The swim time includes access to fun pool noodles, toys and the diving well for swimmers who pass the swim test. To register for a Saturday timeslot, please compete a Family Fun Swim Request form on our department website or
Call for registration; 414-963-3947
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Download the latest Martha & Mary newsletter here | |
eWeekly Broadcast submissions
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The church office is open Monday - Thursday from 10am - 3pm
Please call ahead, 414-946-3368, if you need to see someone in person. Staff may be contacted by email throughout the week.
Email or call Heidi for Parish Administration issues such as:
Membership, Directory updates, prayer requests, columbarium, building use, calendar scheduling, as well as for business and giving or pledging questions.
Heidi is in the office Monday - Wednesday. 10:00 - 3:00pm
eWeekly Broadcast Submissions: SUBMISSIONS DUE WEDNESDAY NOON. (earlier is appreciated!) Please email both Julie Thauer and Heidi Behlke. As always, submissions are due by noon on Wednesdays to make it into the Thursday e-Weekly Broadcast for that week.
Please Note:
Julie Thauer publishes the scheduled events and posts publicity for all group notices (i.e. Team Wellness, Green Team, Youth and Family, Outreach, Beloved Community, The FORUM). in the eWeekly Broadcast and prints the weekly Sunday bulletins and special services. If your group is looking for additional support in Social Media (Facebook and Instagram) contact Julie.
Julie is in the office Thursdays 10:00am - 4:00pm
Alex Konkel is available for for building and grounds issues.
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Continue to watch this weekly newsletter for the most recent updates and changes.
The clergy are available by email:
The Rector - Fr. Seth Dietrich at seth@christchurchwfb.org or
The Associate Rector - Fr. Oswald Bwechwa at oswald@christchurchwfb.org.
In the case of a pastoral emergency,
contact Fr. Seth at 414-630-6143 or Fr. Oswald at 414-750-7165.
Email Julie for communication issues such as the e-Weekly Broadcast newsletter, the Sunday Bulletin, media, website or anytime or by phone on Thursdays in the office.
Email Alex for building and grounds issues
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Get the latest on your 'feed' through our posted photos and videos
on Facebook and Instagram
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To join the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee e-news mailing list, click here.
To read the latest news from the Haiti Project, click here.
To download the Mary and Martha newsletter for Episcopal Women click here
Submissions for the weekly broadcast and the Sunday bulletins must be received
by the office no later that Wednesday at noon.
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