From Fr. Oswald

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the gospel lesson this Sunday, Jesus is asked by one of the pharisees; 

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 

Jesus said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” 

The questions that many generations have struggled with have been, "Who is my neighbor?" "How do I love the other who does not belong to my tribe? How do I love and care about those evil doers? How do I love those that I have nothing in common with? How does a Palestinian come to love and care for a Jew and vice versa? How do we reach out to the other tribe to bring healing and bridge the widening gap in our societies?"

These are difficult questions. Maybe after all, loving our neighbor is an exercise in futility without God’s grace. But this Sunday we are blessed with the visit of Rev. Sr. Veronica (Vee). She might shed light on some of these burning questions within our hearts. 

Rev. Sr. Veronica is a native of Detroit, an ordained clergy in the diocese of Michigan. She has lived a monastic life in the Episcopal religious order of Anamchara* Fellowship. Currently Rev. Sr. Veronica serves on the Bishop’s staff in the Diocese of Michigan as the Missioner for Spirituality and Racial Repair.



Rev. Sr. Vee supports congregations in building relationships across socially constructed barriers. Her visit with us is timely. We can learn a thing or two about building bridges, racial repair, loving neighbors as we love ourselves and breaking down the barriers that get in the way of building God’s kingdom on earth. 

Please plan to be at the FORUM either in person or online.

In Christ, 

Oswald+

*Gaelic for “soul friend”

Men’s Retreat: 

A Human Fully Alive

Saturday, November 11 - 9am to 4pm (optional overnight stay on Saturday night is encouraged for those who can make it work!) Holy Wisdom Monastery, Madison, WI

Sign up here. Contact Fr. Seth for more information

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

October 29, 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 29, 2023

8:00 am Service

Greeter/Usher: Randy Dean

Acolyte/Reader:  Sue Toman

9:30 am Service

Vestry Greeters: Penny Cruse, Paula Stone

Crucifer + Torchbearers: William Draper, Alex Bardunias, Brady McMahon

Ushers: *Bruce Dunn, John Hinchey, James Hinchey

Newcomer Host: Lynne Schley

Lector: Bailey Steger 

Prayer Reader: Jeff Evans

Eucharistic Ministers: Rev. Sister Veronica Dunbar, Tim Kobussen, Wes Dubic, Jennifer Jetton

Altar Guild: Team 4 - Pam Eversfield, Carol Crowley, Gretchen Holder, Christine Walker

Coffee Hour Hosts: set up - Tom Tennessen

Clean up: Susan and Lee Dreyfus, Jr

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) 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

Stewardship Moments

Randy Dean shares his story for Christ Church on October 15, 2023 here

Read Anna Floch Arcello story about how she came to Christ Church in the transcript here

See the videos here:

Stewardship FAQs

1. What is a pledge?

A pledge is a sacred commitment to give a certain portion of household income to the parish for the following calendar year. In many ways, it is a spiritual practice. On a practical level, it helps us form the parish budget for next year.

2. What do people typically give?

At Christ Church, pledges range from $150 to $25,000. Last year, 183 households pledged with an average pledge of $3,785. Everyone is in a very different financial position, and every pledge is deeply appreciated.  

3. What is the concept of "tithing?" 

Like many Christian traditions, the Episcopal Church encourages "the biblical standard of the tithe for financial stewardship" (Canon III 6.2.iii). Tithing 10% of income comes from the practice of the ancient Israelites bringing the first 10% of their harvest to the Temple. While some of us are there; many of us are still on the journey to get there. 

4. Who knows about my pledge?

Pledging amounts are kept highly confidential. Only the financial administrator, Heidi Behlke, and Fr. Seth have access.

5. What if I have questions about parish finances?

We are more than happy to provide a copy of the parish budget as well as answer any questions. Contact the parish wardens, Steve Bruemmer or Penny Cruse for more information.

Click here for The FORUM livestream on Sunday morning at 10:45 am, if you are unable to join us in person. Recorded and stored for later viewing too at this same link.

Sunday October 29, 10:45 am

after the 9:30 service in the Great Hall

THIS SUNDAY:

Reaching Out: Spiritual Ways, Practical Connection

by The Rev. Sister Veronica Dunbar



The Rev. Sr. Veronica Mary or Sr. Vee as she is known, is a native of the Detroit area. She was a professed monastic in the Episcopal religious order of Anamchara Fellowship, with whom she began a journey in 2012, and is currently moving into life as an Episcopal religious solitary. Veronica was certified as a spiritual director through The Haden Institute in 2014. She achieved her Master of Divinity from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, a seminary that focuses on urban ministry and social justice, in 2017. Veronica was ordained as a priest in 2017 and currently serves on the Bishop’s staff in the DIocese of Michigan as the Missioner for Spirituality and Racial Repair. In that capacity, she rewrote the Diocesan anti-racism curriculum and is the lead staff person for the Diocesan Reparations plan. Part of Veronica’s efforts as Missioner has been to reframe what has been considered social justice work as the work of discipleship. Her role also supports congregations in building relationships across socially constructed barriers, recognizing that any effort must be relevant to their individual contexts. Veronica enjoys a good run along the shore of Lake St. Clair, and a weekly swim at her local YMCA; her contemplative nature finds expression through gardening, photography, and writing.

Important Update

about the Christ Church Endowment Fund.

Up until now, the Endowment has been managed through a Trust established for the benefit of Christ Church. The Trust dates back to 1983 and the terms appointed US Bank (or its predecessor company) as the Trustee. Since then, the practice of investment management has evolved considerably and many of the responsibilities of the Trustee are now placed on the investment manager by law. This has the effect of making the role of Trustee superfluous and adding unnecessary costs to the management of the Trust assets. In addition, the Endowment Board has found the investment performance to be lagging behind benchmarks and the communication with US Bank has been hampered by turnover in their trust department.

>> Therefore, the Vestry has voted to terminate the trust agreement with US Bank governing the Christ Church Endowment and voted to replace the Trust with a Plan of Operation that preserves all of the safeguards that ensure the endowment will be managed prudently. The Endowment Board will continue to oversee management of the endowment, and they have chosen, with the approval of the Vestry, the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) as the new investment manager. ECF manages the endowments of over 300 Episcopal churches throughout the USA. They partner with State Street Global Advisors, one of the largest asset management firms in the world, who manage many of the most efficient investment funds available. The Endowment Board expects the change will result in cutting in half the administrative expenses to the endowment and improving the investment management. In addition, ECF provides a variety of services to help Christ Church and the Endowment Board grow the endowment to continue to support the Church's mission. 

So Bright!

If you think last Sunday’s silver and brass shined especially brightly, you are correct! Altar Guild’s Polishing Day was held Saturday, October 21st. Members gathered to polish, buff, and touch up all the sacred vessels and other items used at services throughout the year and to share in fellowship and a light brunch. Because we work in four different weekly teams, it is a great time for all the guild members to gather and catch up with one another.

We also honored retiring member Elizabeth Klijnsmit and co-chair Mary Jones. We welcomed our new co-chair Lydia Gone as she joins continuing co-chair Bridget Elliott and our new members William Jolly, Catherine Skoog, Kay Antonelli, Denton Jones, and Gretchen Holder.

Altar Guild members feel serving on Altar Guild is an honor to God and to the people of Christ

Church. If you would like to join us in this meaningful ministry, we welcome new members

anytime; contact Lydia or Bridget. The time commitment averages two-three hours once a

month, and we offer outstanding on the job training!

Fill a Bag,

Make a difference at Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving food and hygiene bags are available to fill for the families at All Peoples Church. Each bag has a list attached, so it's easy to take with you when you shop.

Bags will be in the Good Shepard Room Sunday morning with the needed list attached. Please return to the Red Wagon by Sunday November 5. Thank you!!

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.

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 current Feast Schedule with lots of fun activities scheduled into the new year.

NOVEMBER Featured Feasts

Paddle Ball

Join us at MCC for some paddle ball! Appetizers, beer and wine will be served.

Hosts: Ben and Alex Rikkers

Saturday, November 11, 2023 6pm

Milwaukee Country Club $30/person max. 32 people

Yoga & Meditation

Do something for yourself before the holidays! Come relax, meditate and connect your body, breath and mind. All to improve your overall health.

Host: Wayne Chmiel

Saturday, November 18, 2023 9:30 - 11:00am in the Great Hall

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 Group This Sunday

October 29, 2023, after the 9:30 service

We will begin our gathering with refreshments followed by a short video by Nooma Rob Bell titled “Name”. In this short video Nooma discusses the importance of knowing who you are and what God is calling you to be. In the bible, your name is your identity. This why God has no name. We will explore what name God has given you and how do you stay true to your identity.

Looking forward to our gathering, Fr. Oswald

Tuesday, October 31st at 5:30 PM:

Family Pizza Night

Family dinner is back indoors! Back by popular demand, we'll kick things off with a Pizza Night theme. RSVP by signing up to bring a dish to share here.

All Saints' Day Kids Choir

kids in grades second and older are invited to robe and sing with the choir for All Saints' Day! The special children's anthem is "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God." Kids can use this video recording and this sheet music to rehearse.

Sunday, November 5 after the 9:30 service,

All Saints' Day Feast

To celebrate this major church holy day, we'll have a carnival-style celebration after the 9:30 service with saint-themed snacks, games, and activities. Kids are encouraged to dress up as a saint and/or bring in a completed saint fact sheet to hang up in the Great Hall.

I've attached the Saint fact sheet for your reference,

Come Pick up a Free Bible in the Good Shepherd Room!

Biblical literacy is so important, and we'd like to support that with these amazing titles. Each child who is in 2nd-5th grade can pick up their very own Deep Blue Study Bible. They're encouraged to take their Bible to Sunday school too! Each family with children in 1st grade or younger is welcome to take home the Children of God Storybook Bible. This is the same Bible used during the Explorers Sunday school program!

Bring your new Bible into the church office any Thursday from 10am - 4:30pm and Miss Julie T will inscribe your name with fancy calligraphy!

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.

We Need Your Help

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.

LED bulbs will help the Church reduce it's carbon foot print too!

Church Directory Photos: 

HAVE YOU SEEN YOUR DIRECTORY PHOTO?

 Is it OK with you?



If it needs changing just email your choice of photo to Heidi.

 Lyn Slater is helping this effort. Call her with questions.

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

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

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

Download the latest Martha & Mary newsletter here