Dear Friends in Christ,

Our children's ministry is in top shape thanks to the work of Bailey Steger, who oversees all things children, and Julie Davis, who oversees Sunday school in particular. There are new special events for kids/families; they mapped a comprehensive 4-year cycle to make sure everything from sacraments to saints to the Bible are covered; they have trained a huge group of Sunday school teachers along with nursery volunteers to supplement the newly recruited, highly-qualified nursery staff; last week they led a Service Sunday for All Peoples Church in the Great Hall. I could go on.  

Sometimes the rector gets credit for the hard, thoughtful work of many other people. When you see the parade of kids come into the nave at the Peace, know that it is both the work of the Holy Spirit AND the work of a small army of people nurtured by strong leaders who are tracking a1000 little details week-to-week.

If you would like to stay on top of the specifics, feel free to reach out to Bailey to get the weekly Kid/Family newsletter. 

Lastly, I'm so blessed to be in a community that actively embraces the way ALL of us play a role in "handing down the faith." From your collective embrace of monthly "HDTF" Sundays to watching your small interactions at coffee hour: you all are playing a critical role in affirming kids' God-given dignity, and signaling they have a place and a people who will have their back no matter what enters their lives.  

With Immense Gratitude, 

Seth+

Diocesan Convention in Madison this Saturday 9am to 4pm

Please pray for your diocesan delegates and for the Diocese of Milwaukee as we head to Madison for our annual convention. The biggest item of discussion will be whether to formally endorse a resolution to pursue the creation of a new Diocese of Wisconsin from the 3 separate dioceses which exist now.  To watch the livestream on the diocesan YouTube channel, click click here.  A schedule of the day is here. 

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

Middle School Youth meets this Sunday 10:45am - See more below.

Who is the Flawed King? and why did God use him?

JOIN US!

21st Sunday after Pentecost

October 22, 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 22, 2023

8:00 am Service

Greeter/Usher: Christoper Hagerup

Acolyte/Reader:  Jill Haberman

9:30 am Service

Vestry Greeters: Jeff Evans, Dolly Grimes-Johnson

Crucifer + Torchbearers: Emily Flanders, Seth Flanders, Connor Bieszk

Ushers: *Lynne Schley, Steve Schley, Tom King

Newcomer Host: Lynne Schley, Kathy Stanford

Lector: Anna Floch Arcello 

Prayer Reader: Maureen McCabe

Eucharistic Ministers: Wes Dubic, Anna Floch Arcello

Coffee Hour Hosts: Mary Kay Anderson

Clean up: Kelly and Eric Ayala

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 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.

If you are unable to join us in person to view the FORUM this Sunday click here on Sunday morning at 10:45 am

Sunday October 22, 10:45 am

after the 9:30 service in the Great Hall

THIS SUNDAY:

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)

Click here for the 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.

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. 



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 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

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.

Middle School Youth

Middle school programing will continue this Sunday October 22, 2023. We will meet immediately after the 9.30 AM service. Our program starts at 10.45 A.M and ends at 11.45 A.M. We will begin with food and refreshments followed by “Our Ancestors” video Our first session this year will be on KING DAVID. King David is known as the Beloved King who was also flawed. David is one of the ancestors that is exciting to learn about. Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday. +Oswald

A BIG Thank You

to Lynne Schley, our Sunday school volunteers, and Brian Bolling from the All Peoples Church food pantry for running last week's Service Sunday!

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 after 10am and Miss Julie T will inscribe your name with fancy calligraphy!

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.

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, so here's your official heads-up to start thinking about simple saint costumes!

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 NEW EACH WEEK!

Parishioners have suggested:

·      Use powdered laundry soap in NON plastic containers

·      Hang sheets outside or basement to dry- Finish drying clothes on hangers

·      Have a single plate induction burner for efficient heating of pot only

·      Use plant based non-plastic trash bags (Hippo SAK)

·      Use less, reuse and repurpose

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

Church Directory Photos: 

IHAVE 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

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