Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Seeking a Spiritual Home | |
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Throughout the year, I'm in conversation with newcomers to the parish, many of whom marvel that they've found a new spiritual home.
It is so hard to try a new church, especially a whole new spiritual tradition. People can remain "stuck" for many years, the Spirit prompting them to explore while fear and guilt pin them down. So often, it takes a gentle personal invitation from a friend or family member to get people to cross the threshold of a new place. Only then do they truly realize there is this whole new realm of Christianity that has been here the whole time: inclusive, warm, ancient yet alive.
Is there someone in your life who is currently spiritually homeless and who is a bit stuck? You could be just the person to simply invite them to cross the threshold of a new place. Maybe they end up coming here, or maybe simply trying something new helps them get unstuck, and the Spirit leads them in other directions. Personal challenge that will make every Episcopalian quake a little in their boots: forward this email or send a quick note with our service times to one other person in your life. Your invitation may be the most lasting, life-giving Christmas gift you could ever give.
The Living God draws near to us in love, in the fragile flesh and bone of a child. I look forward to celebrating with you soon!
With Advent Blessing Christmas Cheer
Seth+
P.S. Every 7 years the fourth Sunday of Advent lands on Christmas Eve. It makes things a bit confusing. The morning Sunday services are Advent IV services. The 4:00pm and 9:00pm services are Christmas services. If you are new to the parish, know that you need to come EARLY to the 4pm service.
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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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Intercessory prayer is at the heart of a Christian community.
Please offer your prayers for the following people.*
Especially Now for Parishioners: Tim Hancock, Ken Baumeister
Especially Now for family and friends: Joan Spector, sister of Lyn Slater
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: Olga Edquist (friend of Kathy Stanford), 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), 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), 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: Catherine Skoog & Willie Jolly, Sally & Trevor Adams (daughter of Debbie & John Roesner)
Thanksgving: We give thanks for the birth of Oliver George Schley born to Taylor and George Schley on December 12th. He is much loved by grandmother, Lynne, and he shares a birthday with grandfather, Steve!
and for the birth of Micah Walter Buie to Becky and Clay Buie on December 3rd.
This Sunday's Altar Flowers:
are offered to the Glory of God
Christmas Flower memorials are published in the
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Bulletins
Birthdays This Week:
James Hobbs, Kara McMahon, Ruby Donner, Emily Schley, Stuart Cushman, Emmerich Steger, Jim Sturrock, Steven Haberman, Victor Strickroot, Karen Lange
Anniversaries: Frances & Tom Galten, Jane & Peter Tomasi, Cheryl & Bruce Dunn
*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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Parish Administrator Opening
After almost a year with us, Heidi Behlke has decided to pursue other opportunities. We will miss her! Thankfully, she is here through Feb 15. If you or someone you know might have interest in the position, please see the job description here.
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Scripture, Song and Silence
Beginning Friday, January 12 from 12:00-12:30 p.m., and running for 4 consecutive Fridays, come to the nave for a reading from scripture, contemplative music, poetry by poets such as Mary Oliver and Rumi, and times for silence. Contact Mark Hilgendorf or Tom Herbstreith for details.
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New Memorial Garden!
We are pleased that the plans for the memorial garden have been enthusiastically received by the congregation. At this time, we are in the process of finalizing the necessary documentation. If you are interested, you may send Heidi your name with an indication of interest. You will be contacted after February 1st, once the official documents are completed. To see the presentation to the parish on the Memorial Garden go here.
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Past FORUM presentations are recorded
and stored for later viewing here and here
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4th Sunday of Advent December 24, 2023
8am service Holy Eucharist, Quiet service
9:30 service - Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing. This service is live-streamed on YouTube
and the Christ Church website.
NOTE: if you'd like to receive a Sunday morning email with just the links to the Sunday livestream service and scheduled FORUM presentations,
send your request to Julie
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Serving This Sunday: December 24, 2023
8:00 am Service
Greeter/Usher: Christopher Hagerup
Acolyte/Reader: Sue Toman
9:30 am Service
Vestry Greeters: Margaret Cooper
Crucifer + Torchbearers: Seth Flanders, Emily Flanders, Patrick Bieszk
Ushers: *Bruce Dunn, Don Allen, Margaret Cooper, Gary Laev
Newcomer Host: Lynne Schley and Kathy Stanford
Lector: Margaret Cooper
Prayer Reader: Donna Recht
Eucharistic Ministers: Ben Rikkers
Altar Guild: Team 4 - Pam Eversfield, Carol Crowley, Gretchen Holder, Christine Walker
Hospitality: Service - NO COFFEE SERVICE Clean up -
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Christmas Eve services, 2023
4:00 pm - Pageant
Livestream Link to 4:00 pm service:
Vestry Greeters Steve Bruemmer and Lynne Schley
Eucharistic Ministers Clergy, Fran Blom, Luke Sinclair,
Anna Floch Arcello
9:00 pm Choral Concert Light Refreshments to follow!
Livestream Link to 9:00 pm service:
Vestry Greeters: Tom Tennessen and Jeff Evans
Newcomer Host:
Lector: Concert Reading Micah - Michael Batcho
Concert Reading Isaiah - Maureen McCabe
Old Testament - George Marek
Epistle - Lyn Slater
Prayer Reader: Jeff Evans
Eucharistic Ministers: Clergy, John Hinchey, Cheryl Dunn, Susan Lovern
Altar Guild: available members
Hospitality: Service - No coffee service
Clean up -
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10:00 am Christmas Day
Vestry Greeters: Steve Bruemmer
Crucifer + Torchbearers:
Ushers: *Gary Laev, Margaret Cooper
Newcomer Host:
Lector: Bailey Steger
Prayer Reader: James Flynt
Eucharistic Ministers: Clergy, John Hinchey, Cheryl Dunn, Susan Lovern
Altar Guild: available members
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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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Total:
150+ Coats!
We sent 60 children's jackets to Our Next Generation with Betsy Head.
70 to Sojourner Peace Center,
and a
Big load to Hospitality Center in Racine.
Final load will go to St Vincent de Paul.
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Thank you for
your generosity!
Your Contributions
are greatly appreciated!
Generosity overflows at Christ Church! Thank you to everyone who donated coats, hats, scarves, boots and gloves to our recent collection. Almost 100 coats were donated. Some of them were purchased brand new. Some of them were from your closets or purchased at Goodwill, and then lovingly laundered and hung up. The women and children of children of Sojourner Family Peace Center will be warm and cozy this year, thanks to your donations. In addition, we were able to provide coats for both Our Next Generation and All Peoples Church.
Now it is time to stop! if you have already purchased or packaged a final donation, please put it in the Good Shepherd room, and it will be delivered early next week. However, if a coat donation is still on your to do list, it is not needed for this collection.
Who knew? Our goal was 20 coats. The final number is close to 100. Many, many thanks to everyone. With prayers for warmth and safety for all in need.
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Volunteers Needed!
... for our next in-person meal for Saint Vincent De Paul at All Peoples Church on Monday December 18 from 430-6pm.
Please consider a dessert offering, prepping on site or serving the meal. We are very excited to be serving our guests again but it does require help. Contact Lynne Schley if you are available.
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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.
January- February Featured Feast
Family Board Game Night
Beat the post-holiday blues with a fun family feast. Parents/grandparents/kids!! Enjoy the big assortment of games for all ages and snacks and drinks, including a hot chocolate bar!!
Hosts: Kathleen and Rob Bardunias
Saturday January 6 2 - 5pm
Great Hall $15/family unlimited
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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 TWO 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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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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The Earth is God’s gift to us …may we care for it for generations to come!
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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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NO MEETINGS FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS
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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Sharing our Journey of Faith in books
The men’s group is taking a temporary break from reading a book together. We are individually sharing where we are on our journey of faith, the books and authors that have made a difference, and the questions we grapple with. For more information, Contact Greg.
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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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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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