December 19, 2024 - The Spirit at Work | |
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From Dcn. Nancy
Dear Friends in Christ,
In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear of a time before Jesus’ birth when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, also pregnant. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, both she and the baby she carried were filled with joy – overcome with the knowledge that God himself had come right next to them through the child Mary carried in her womb. It says that “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?’”
In all the times I’ve read that scripture passage, I think I went straight to the words that were at the end of the sentence, and skipped over what might be the most amazing part. How could I have missed that Elizabeth, three decades before the Pentecost, had been filled with the Holy Spirit as a direct encounter with Jesus? Elizabeth, a lowly woman, was not only the first person to address Jesus in Mary’s womb, but also was light years ahead of the disciples in receiving this gift of grace. God came near, she knew it, and she proclaimed it.
I love this. I love that it shows that God can come near and break through to any one of us at any time, in any circumstance. We can’t make it happen. We can only receive it with joy, and acknowledge it when it does. Sometimes it comes as a direct encounter from God to us, and very often the Holy Spirit comes near to us through other people. I’ve experienced it both ways.
And over the last month I’ve experienced it a lot through the love of this Christ Church family. The recovery from November’s shoulder operation has been more painful and debilitating than I expected, and having to be away from church has really pulled at my heart. But I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the many, many ways people have reached out to me to let me know I am loved, and missed, and prayed for. I have been fed (literally!) and nourished spiritually by this care. This, indeed, is the work of the Holy Spirit using human hands. And I am even more grateful to know that this outpouring of love isn’t just for me. I see so many faithful people here reaching out to others with cards and prayers, flowers and food, phone calls and rides, hospital visits and helping those in need however that may present itself. These are the everyday things that keep Christ active in the world. This is the Incarnation in Action – this is being “God with skin on” to the world. Jesus came to show us how it’s done, and how amazing is it that by God’s spirit, we have the privilege of allowing another to recognize through our hands, that God has indeed come right next to them!
Peace,
Dcn. Nancy ><>
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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:
Especially Now for family and friends: Robert Hinca (friend of Kathy Stanford),
Long Term for parishioners: Jean Dodge, Terry Neesley, Nancy Morris, Mary LaPorte, Gretchen Mayo, Alex Bardunias, Scott Riedel, Ken Baumeister, Elizabeth Klijnsmit, Pam Eversfield, Katie Hermann, Tim Hancock, Barb Larkin, Karol Rehm, Genevieve, Mark McLaughlin, Cathy Martin Braun
Long Term for family and friends: John Evans (father of Elizabeth Draper), Deborah Hudgins ( mother of Amy Junker), Rich Gray (friend of the Dietrichs); Jason Diederichs (friend of Kathy Stanford); Marc Mclening (brother of Renate Flanders); Jackie and Leslie McCormick (friends of Susan LaBudde); Mary Smothers (sister of Pat Delmenhorst); Arturo Ayala (father of Eric Ayala); Christopher Hagerup Jr. (son of Loni and Chris Hagerup); Sharon Leidel Ryan (relative of Ira Leidel); Helga Rikkers (mother of Ben Rikkers); Leslie Grajewski, (Daughter of Kari Foote); Andy McKinley; Sue Hiller; Mthr. Amy Heimerl and the youth and staff at Lincoln Hills school; Lineve Redlin, Ashley Runnels (friend of Em Schley); Marcia House (mother of Kari Foote); Shannon Reading (sister of Patrick O’Connor); Steve & Margie O’Connor (Parents of Patrick O’Connor); Pamela Gustafson (aunt of Kari Foote); Elizabeth, Mark (friend of Robin Pedersen); George (brother of Mary Kay Anderson); Debi Chier Schmidlkofer (friend of Catherine Davidson); Jeff Jones (friend of Andy McKinley); George Kashou (brother in law of Sandy Kashou); Joe Rosenfield (friend of Helen & James Benton); Cameron (friend of Julie Thauer & John Andritsch; Wyatt Woods (great nephew of DeDe Pitrof); Dave Altick (cousin of Kitty Sturrock); Ian (friend of Willette Knopp); Christopher (relative of Ira Leidel)
We also pray for the people in places shattered by war, especially Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. 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: Charles Cushman (son of Susan and Stuart Cushman), Tiernan Wilkinson (son of Chantal Knier), Jeffrey Ryan (grand-nephew of Ira Leidel), Joshua 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)
This Sunday's Altar Flowers:
Offered to the Glory of God Offered to the Glory of God In memory of Bill Rooney
from Beth Hagen and Family
Birthdays This Week: James Hobbs, Kara Mcmahon, Ruby Donner, Emily Schley, Stuart Cushman, Emmerich Steger, Jim Sturrock
Anniversaries: Frances and Tom Galten
*If you would like to add a name to the Prayer List:
email Fr. Seth and Lori Sinclair. 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 Lori know if we have missed your birthday or anniversary.
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NEW Directory Password for members! Due to recent breaches in security, the online parish directory password has been changed.
Please contact Lori Sinclair - Parish Administrator or Julie Thauer for the new one.
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Save a life!
Friday, January 10, 2025
1:00PM until 6:00PM
Christ Church Great Hall
Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcomed
For an appointment call 1800-REDCROSS - 1-800-733-2767
or visit Red Cross Blood.org
and enter sponsor code:
ChristChurch WFB
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Stewardship 2025
Thank you for helping Christ Church nourish the branches for another year!
Click here to pledge online
Stewardship Moments:
Kent Lovern, Lori Sinclair, Alex Rikkers, Andrew Jetton
2025 Stewardship Team Beth Durant (chair), Steve Bruemmer, Laurie Hobbs, Joan King, Debbie Roesner, Julie Thauer, The Rev. Seth Dietrich
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Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 22, 2024
8am service - Holy Eucharist, Quiet service in the chapel
9:30 service - Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing. This service is also live-streamed here
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
See our Youth & Family special events coming up in the Special Section below
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Serving This Sunday: 12-22-24
8:00 am Service
Greeter & Usher: Denton Jones
Acolyte & Reader: Sue Toman
9:30 am Service This service is also live-streamed here
Greeters: Alex Rikkers, Jeff Evans
Ushers: *Rick Donner, Jack Holzman, Diane Holzman
Torchbearers & Crucifer: Hattie O’Connor, Maddie Tomasi, Luke McMahon
Lectors: Lyn Slater, Lee Dryfus Jr.
Prayer Reader: Jeff Evans
Newcomer Hosts: Lynne Schley and Luke Sinclair
Eucharistic Ministers: Lee Dreyfus, Maggie Dietrich, Tim McMahon, Penny Cruse
Altar Guild: Team 4 - Pam Eversfield, Carol Crowley, Christine Walker, Paula Hogan
Flower Guild: Team 4 - Dorothy Kerr*, Paulie McCown, Sandy Mueller
Coffee Hospitality & Service: 8:00 Paula Stone, Jackie Keene
9:30 Karen Lange and Susan and Lee Dreyfus, Jr.
Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License # A-714398. All rights reserved.
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Past FORUMs are archived here
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Outreach Coat Drive Update:
Thank you for all the coat donations of 141 this fall. An All Peoples Church little girl was so happy when she got her new coat!
Thanks, everyone!
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Music this week at Christ Church
Michael Batcho - Organist & Choirmaster
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is arguably the most well-known Advent hymn. One can't imagine going through the season without singing or hearing it. That being said, there are many compositions based on this tune for the organ and/or other instruments. The postlude on the First Sunday of Advent was a roaring toccata by Hailstork based on this hymn. Last Sunday the Handbell Ensemble played a simply beautiful arrangement of it by Hal Hopson. This coming Sunday's prelude is one more setting of this iconic hymn. The composer is Alec Wyton, a British-born and educated Organist/ Choirmaster. In 1950 at the age of 29 he "crossed the pond" to assume this music position at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. Four years later he moved to NYC where he served at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for thirty years. His composition is slow and haunting, evoking a quiet yearning for the coming of the Messiah. Its key feature is a 5 note ostinato (repeating pattern) which is played throughout the four minute piece.
Our choir and other musicians have been working hard for the upcoming Christmas liturgies. The 4:00 service will feature trumpeter Don Sipe and soloist Abby Frieder. At the 9:00 Festive Choral Eucharist the choir and Handbell Ensemble will be joined by guitarist Tom Herbstreith, flutist Marie Sander, oboist Margaret Butler and cellist Adrien Zitoun. In addition to familiar and well-loved carols, music by Ivo Antognini, Andrew Carter, Steve Warner and Carl Schalk will be presented. Music on Christmas Day will include carols and organ voluntaries.
Special Music donations in memory of thanksgiving are welcome and very much appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! And a blessed Christmas to one and all!
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Kathy and Denise will be back at the table in the Good Shepherd room in January, Please contact them by email with any questions or to sign up to be a host.
Sign-up for Feasts
Every Sunday!
Thank you to everyone who has committed to hosting a Feast! We are off to a good start and look forward to hearing from others about hosting Feasts.
Click on the link to see the New and UPDATED feast list each week. Let us know what you would like to sign up for or host.
The proceeds for funds generated by your participation in a feast go to Outreach causes. Check the linked doc above for details or stop by the feast table in January.
Email Denise Kobussen or Kathy Stanford if you have questions or would like to host.
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Sunday school is this Sunday from 9:15-10:05 AM.
There will be no Sunday school or nursery for Christmas services or December 29th. Nursery resumes on January 5, and Sunday school resumes on January 12.
Middle school and high school youth group resumes Sunday, January 12 from 5-7 PM.
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Next HDTF Sunday:
January 5, 2025
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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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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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REAL vs. FAKE
There is a debate about whether it's more sustainable to purchase a live Christmas Tree or an artificial tree. Here is an article from the Nature Conservancy: Real vs.Fake—Which Christmas Tree Is Better for the Environment? (nature.org) We seem to be in a culture of “go big!” on decorations. I’m planning to keep mine simple and natural.
Merry Christmas from the Green Team!
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ON Christmas BREAK
resuming on Thursday January 9th
CCLC Happy Hour Thursdays
Every Thursday at Lyn Slater's home -
6350 N. Lake Dr. WFB at 4:30 - 6:00pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Christ Church Ladies Connections is open to all women at Christ Church. Please join us on any Thursday that works for you. Come when you can anytime between 4:30 and 6:00. No need to RSVP. We'd love to see you!
N/A beverages available; wine $3.
To receive the weekly group email, please contact Kathy Stanford.
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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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RUN Club
Please join Kari Foote and Maggie Dietrich at 7:30 am on Tuesday mornings for a run! Meet at red door (office entrance)
WALK Club
Help! Seeking a new leader for a weekly walking club! Reach out to Betsy Head or Kari Foote for more information!
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The Monday MORNING Women’s Book Study Group (zoom)
Bright Evening Star
by Madeline L'Engle Perfect timing for Advent!
Purchase option here:
WHO: All women of Christ Church are invited
WHERE: On zoom
Zoom link HERE Password: “study”
Meeting ID: 837 0526 9913
MONDAYS on zoom
from 9:15 – 10:15 AM (optional social time beforehand at 9:00)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click to Contact The Rev. Mary S. Trainor
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The Monday EVENING Women's Book Group
1st and 3rd Mondays (in person)
Surprised by Hope
by N.T. Wright (2008 edition)
We will read chapter 4 for our meeting on December 16th.
Meetings will regularly be at the home of Lyn Slater, 6350 N. Lake Drive. Those who have questions or need more information can email Penny Cruse.
The fellowship of women is a cornerstone of this book group. (If you can’t make every meeting you are still welcome.). We meet at 6:30pm and conclude at 7:45pm. Come, sip a beverage, and explore with us!
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Men's Book Group led by Greg Bell | | |
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The Road to Wisdom:
On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust
by Francis S. Collins.
We’ll be reading a chapter a week and discussing the chapter for that week on both the Monday Zoom call and the Thursday in-person meeting in the Good Shepherd room. Both meetings begin at 9 am.
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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In-Person Centering Prayer group
This group will meet on Fridays throughout the year and will be led by Janis Blean-Kachigan and Helen Benton. Meetings will begin at 11:15 am and will end at 11:45 am.
Leaflets will be available about Centering Prayer, based on the teaching of Abbot Thomas Keating as found in his book, Open Minds, Open Hearts.
We especially welcome people who have had no experience of Centering Prayer and would like to learn this ancient way of praying.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact
Janis Blean-Kachigan or Helen Benton.
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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.
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Wednesday + Thursday Evening Prayer | |
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Wednesday and Thursday - 5:30pm
To call in to 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.
Email Randy Dean if you're interested!
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FRIDAYS in the Nave - Noon to 12:30
Music and Meditation (formerly Scripture, Song and Silence)
Silence will be accompanied by flute, piano and guitar offerings by Greg Bell, Tom Herbstreith and Mark Hilgendorf. Readings of scripture and poetry will be offered.
Please come and contact Mark Hilgendorf if you have any questions.
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News from the Diocese and Around the Community | |
If you have news you'd like shared in our e-Weekly Newsletter please contact Julie | |
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 Lori Sinclair 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.
Lori 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 Lori Sinclair. 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. Green Team, Youth and Family, Outreach, 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 and always available via email
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 - The Rev. Matt Phillips at matt@christchurchwfb.org.
In the case of a pastoral emergency,
contact Fr. Seth at 414-630-6143 or Rev. Matt Phillips 773-480-4590
Email Julie anytime during the week for communication issues such as the e-Weekly Broadcast newsletter, the Sunday Bulletin, media, website or by phone on Thursdays in the office.
Email Alex for building and grounds issues
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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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