Christus Lutheran Church ELCA

N1915 Julius Drive

Greenville, WI 54942

Phone: 920-757-7775

Email: christuschurch@christuschurch.org

Web: christuschurch.org

Facebook: Christus Lutheran Church-Greenville, WI

P A S T O R ’ S

M E S S A G E

2

C A L E N D A R 3

V O L U N T E E R

S C H E D U L E

4 - 6

S T E W A R D S H I P 6 - 7

C H R I S T U S N E W S 7 - 9

F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T 1 0

V O L U N T E E R /

D O N A T I O N

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

1 0 - 1 2

C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H 1 2 - 1 3

N E W S F R O M A R O U N D

T H E S Y N O D

1 3 - 1 4

O F F I C E H O U R S &

C H U R C H L E A D E R S

1 5

C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S 1 6

In This Issue

C H R I S T U S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

Christus News 2017

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S F I R S T C O M M U N I C A N T S

First row: Lexi Brazil, Cale Adamovich,

Blayke Adamovich, Hannah Osborn,

Logan Peterson

Second row: Isaac Osborn,

Grayson Schmude, Karley Hackert,

Avery Lehmkuhl, Chase Osborn,

Kaley Peterson

Not pictured: Brayden Allgeyer

“The people who walked in dark-

ness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep

darkness – on them light has

shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)

We have entered into the darkest

time of the calendar year. The

hours of daylight will grow shorter

and shorter until we are deep into

December.

Before becoming a pastor, I

worked for a few years at Humana

in De Pere, Wis. In both of the

positions I held, my cubicle was

located toward the interior of the

building, away from windows. In

late November and early

December, there were many times

when I felt as though I had

become a nocturnal being – it was

dark when I drove to work and

again dark when I left. If it

happened to be gloomy and

cloudy on a weekend, it could feel

as though the sun itself had gone

into hibernation. Rare glimpses of

sunlight, therefore, were like a

refreshing balm to the soul.

Perhaps some of you experience

or have experienced this, too,

during this dark time of year.

The verse from Isaiah quoted

above wasn’t spoken to the

people during a time of literal

darkness. Rather, the darkness

they endured was the rising threat

of war, the deserved wrath of their

Page 2

Lord who was angry with them for

chasing after other gods, and the

helpless, hopeless feeling of not

knowing how they could fix any of

the issues they faced. Into this

darkness Isaiah spoke these

words of hope: A light will shine;

all is not yet lost.

This is a message many of us

need to hear yet today. Although

we are entering into the church

year season of Advent, and the

secular year season of Christmas

Madness, not all of us are in a

“holly jolly” frame of mind. We

may struggle with the darkness of

the loss of a loved one, an

uncertain economic future, worries

over health, concerns about what

feels like a never-ending stream of

violence in our nation and in our

world, and that’s just to name a

few things. Even as the world

around us appears to celebrate,

we may feel as though we are

shrouded in darkness, without

light, without hope.

In the midst of such struggles,

these words of Isaiah, spoken

over two-and-a-half millennia ago,

can still be a healing balm to us,

much like a glimpse of sunlight is

in these dark December days.

“The people who walked in

darkness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep

darkness – on them light has

shined.” The light Isaiah promised

at the time was the birth of a good

king who would lead his people

with wisdom and might. In

addition, the light Isaiah foretold

through that promise was the birth

of the King of Kings, Jesus, who

would bring a light

into this world no

darkness would

ever overcome.

It is to that light we

turn our gaze

throughout the

seasons of Advent

and Christmas. It is a light that

shines in the midst of all of our

darkness – the darkness of sin,

the darkness of sorrow, the

darkness of pain and despair –

giving us the hope and courage

we need to face one more

moment, one more day. It is a

light that reveals even as it heals.

It is a light no darkness, not even

the deep darkness of December,

can overcome.

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

cling to the light of Christ this

Advent and Christmas. Let those

glimpses of light and hope comfort

and strengthen you in this busy

time, and in every time.

Blessed Advent and Christmas to

one and all,

Pastor Jen

P A S T O R ’ S M E S S A G E

F R O M T H E D E S K O F P A S T O R J E N

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.”

2017 S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T

1

2 8 am Youth Pizza-Making 4 pm Pizza Pick-Up

3 1st Sunday in Advent Christmas Giving Project Poinsettia Orders Due Food Pantry Food Drive 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service, with Communion 9:40 am Annual Congregational Meeting-Part I 9:45 am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal 10:35 am Contemporary Worship Service, with Communion

4 6:30 pm Pub Theology @ the StoneYard

5

6 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 5 pm Mutual Ministry Team Meeting 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6:30 pm Confirmation

7 6:30 pm Congregation Council Meeting

8

9 1 pm Cookie Walk Set-Up and Drop-Off

10 Christmas Giving Project Due Cookie Walk 8:30 am High School Worship Service, with Communion 9:45 am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal 10:35 am High School Worship Service, with Communion

11

12

13 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 11:45 am Daytimers’ Pot-Luck Luncheon 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6:30 pm Confirmation

14

15

16 TBD Christmas Program Rehearsal

17 8:30 am Sunday School Christmas Program, NO Communion 10:35 am Sunday School Christmas Program, NO Communion

18

19 6 pm Business Management Team Meeting

20 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6 pm Confirmation Christmas Party

21

22

23

24 Christmas Eve 4 pm Family Worship Service, with Communion 6 pm Contemporary Worship Service, with Communion 8 pm Candlelight Worship Service, with Communion

25 Christmas Day Office Closed 9:30 am Christmas Day Worship, with Communion

26

27 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group

28 29 30

31 New Year’s Eve 9:30 am Service of Lessons and Carols, NO Communion & Hospitality Cookie Pot-Luck

C A L E N D A R

V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 4

Christmas Services are:

Sunday, December 24th: Monday, December 25th:

4:00 pm (Family) 9:30 am

6:00 pm (Contemporary)

8:00 pm (Candlelight)

Sunday, December 31st:

9:30 am (Lessons & Carols)

Click Here to see volunteer opportunities for all Christmas Worship Services.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are not available to volunteer on the day scheduled, please swap Sundays with

someone. Please let Melissa Prochnow know of any volunteer schedule changes. Thank you!

December 3 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Jim & Becky Walter

Can You Help?

Dawn O’Dell

Dick & Eileen Steingraber

Craig Burow

Pastor, Lexie & Dylan Wagner

Jan, Jenny & Lanie Mallmann

Amy Klitzke & Pamela Birch

Linda Mix

Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)

Craig & Bobbie Nielson

Sue DeSautel

Amy Wierschke

Jenny Cesar Family

Kathy Forst

Pastor, Christine & Emma Loppnow

Kelli Celsor, Sue DeSautel & Kiley Hansen

Joel & Penny Ort

December 10 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Amy & Neil Peterson Family

Tim Calder

Nile Beck

Jim & Lisa Borowski

Tina Hanson

Pastor, Tina & Eli Hanson

Holly Wiesler, Jamie & Brice Richardson

Steve & Shirley Carlson

Ben Lucia

Lexie Wagner (8:15–11:45 am)

Julie & Madison Cartwright

Jackie Krieglstein

Brad & Ashley Fischer

Scott Kolbeck & Jackie Krieglstein

Wendy Bekx

Pastor, Lisa Ahles & Simon Posselt

Jackie Krieglstein, Julie Cartwright & Alison Posselt

Mark & Cathy Mertz

December 17 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Lynn & Brice Richardson

No Communion

Patti Ruhle

Robin & Barb Krause Family

Children’s Christmas Program

No Communion

No Communion

John & Kris Forsling

Jarrod Osborn

Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)

Jim & Carrie Bolssen

No Communion

Kelly Taube

Tom & Laura Mischka

Children’s Christmas Program

No Communion

No Communion

Michels Family

V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 5

January 7 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Amy & Neil Peterson

Jamie Richardson

Brad Lotto

Lynn & Brice Richardson

Vicki Brull

Pastor, Margaret & Van Callies

Randy & Vicki Brull, & Dylan Wagner

Barb & Karl Held

Cathy Mertz

Lexie Wagner (8:15–11:45 am)

Vicki & Matthew Sigl

Kelli Celsor & Vicki Schrader

Kari Juadis

Mark Mertz & Ralph Tellock

Kelli Celsor

Pastor, Kathy & Maddie Brazil

Julie Cartwright, Angie Brazil-McMillan & Lexi Brazil

Mindy Roever

January 14 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Aaron & Melissa Lehmkuhl

Gary & Patti Ruhle

Bob Hicks

Dave & Linda Mix

Sandy Bush

Pastor, Amber & Kendra Hicks

Ed & Sandy Bush, & Riley Hicks

Tim & Dawn Mirkes

Ben Lucia

Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)

Eddie Fiestedt Family

Gary & Wendy Bekx

Brad & Ashley Fischer

Gary & Wendy Bekx

Gary Timm

Pastor, Kay Ryder & Marcus Christenson

Julia Martinson, Kathy Forst & Karlee Fiestedt

Sue DeSautel

January 21 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Scott & Becki Tellock

Travis & Cindi Zaloudek

Dawn O’Dell

Nile & Carol Beck

De Dalum

Pastor, Tim & Lauren Calder

Mark & Jill Beyer, & Can You Help?

Steve & Kim Maertz

Jarrod Osborn

Lexie Wagner (8:15–11:45 am)

Michelle Nelson

Michele Reagan

Amy Wierschke

Adam Adamovich Family

Julia Martinson

Pastor, Sheila & Tyler Olson

Jackie Krieglstein, Tom Mischka & Kyle Olson

Lisa Ahles

January 28 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Keith & Kristi Piechocki

Keven & Rachel Sprehe

Nile Beck

Keven & Rachel Sprehe

Holly Wiesler

Pastor, Cindi Zaloudek & Riley Tassone

De & Dan Dalum, & Colin Tassone

Holly Wiesler

Brian Falk

Lauren Mertz (8:15–11:45 am)

Scott & Alisha Rudie

Lois Posselt

Kim Lee

Jim & Carrie Bolssen

Kari Juadis

Pastor, Can You Help? & Alison Posselt

Zach, Kari, & Harley Juadis

Kelly & Julie Shattuck

The nursery is available Sunday mornings from 8:45 am until 11:45 am for infants through kindergarten-aged-

children. Or, if you prefer to bring your children to worship with you, they can help themselves to a blue bag

located just outside the Sanctuary doors. Blue bags contain paper, crayons, little toys and trinkets to help

keep small hands and brains busy during worship services. Please help us conserve offering envelopes and

other things in the pew pockets by using the supplies in the blue bags.

N U R S E R Y H O U R S & B L U E B A G S

S T E W A R D S H I P

O N - L I N E G I V I N G J U S T G O T E A S I E R W I T H

O U R S M A R T P H O N E Q R C O D E

You can be routed directly to the mobile version of our online-

giving page by scanning this image.

Or log-on to our website: www.christuschurch.org and click on the

DONATION page.

Year-to-Date information through October 31, 2017

General Fund Activity

**Please note: $20,000 of the shortfall is due to HWY 15 expenses.**

2017 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Budget

Income - contribution $284,154 $288,474 $295,690

Income - designated $32,764 $34,596 $30,290

Income - Scrip $7,288 $8,115 $8,500

Income - other $6,783 $16,417 $10,700

Expense $381,460 $356,458 $354,231

Surplus (Shortfall) ($50,471) ($8,856) ($9,051)

V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 6

Dec. 4-10: Jim Becker Dec. 18-24: Zach & Harley Juadis

Dec. 11-17: Robin & Cole Krause Dec. 25-31: Gary Bekx

Please shovel the walkway on the side of the building, sidewalk in front of the

church and the patio off the Sunday School wing.

S N O W S H O V E L I N G

Jan. 1-7 : Gary Bekx

Jan. 8-14 : Jim Becker

Jan. 15-21:

Jan. 22-28: Robin & Cole Krause

Jan. 29-Feb. 4: Jim Borowski

Feb. 5-11:

Feb. 12-18:

Feb. 19-25:

Feb. 26-Mar. 4: Mashlan Family

Mar. 5-11 Robin & Cole Krause

Mar. 12-18: Jim Borowski

Mar. 19-25: Mashlan Family

Mar. 26-Apr. 1: Jim Becker

Apr. 2-8:

Apr. 9-15:

S T E W A R D S H I P Page 7

Sunday School Christmas Program: December 17, at both services.

Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 pm (family) and 6:00 pm (contemporary), with a

candlelight service at 8:00 pm. All three services will have communion

Christmas Day service will be at 9:30 am, with communion.

Please see the kiosk for volunteer opportunities during the Christmas services.

C H R I S T M A S S E R V I C E S

C H R I S T U S N E W S

F A L L 2 0 1 7 S T E W A R D S H I P C A M P A I G N

Stewardship Campaign

Courage, Love, Purpose Thank you to all who gave of their

time, talent, and treasure to make our Fall stewardship

focus a success.

We will report the total number of Estimates of Giving received, and the total amount pledged

for the coming year at the December 3 Annual Meeting of the Congregation.

If you have not yet turned in a 2018 Estimate of Giving, you may still do so. Estimate of Giving

cards may be found on the name-tag table outside the Sanctuary, or to complete yours

online, click here.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of

Christus Lutheran Church

Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the

Protestant Reformation

Christus is once again ordering Poinsettia plants to decorate the Sanctuary for our Christmas Eve services.

The cost is $13.50 per plant. Order forms and envelopes are available on the name-tag table and may be

ordered in honor or memory of a loved one. There will be a special Christmas insert

recognizing your order. Deadline is Dec. 3. Please make checks payable to Christus.

You may bring your plant home after Christmas Day service, but be sure to bring home your

plant not later than December 31. All plants leftover will be donated. Thank you for making

our Sanctuary beautiful this Christmas!

P O I N S E T T I A P L A N T S

C H I L I C O O K - O F F

C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 8

The Annual Congregational Meeting

is scheduled for Sunday, December

3rd, at 9:40 am, in the Sanctuary

between services. This is a very

A N N U A L C O N G R E G A T I O N A L M E E T I N G - P A R T I

important meeting and there needs to

be a quorum representing Christus.

Please mark your calendar to attend

this very important meeting.

Thank you to those who have been participating in the Scrip program this year. As of September 30, the

program has given back $7,200 to Christus in net profit. Thank you for making this program successful.

As we near year-end, please continue to focus on how you might increase your Scrip usage as we finish out

2017! No need to purchase anything you don’t already want or need. Just purchase Scrip cards for the

stores, restaurants or gas stations you already use. Many of you are purchasing your gas and groceries with

Scrip cards. Thank you for making this choice!

Does your family go out to eat? Many restaurants in the area offer a generous profit on Scrip card purchases.

Here are a few to consider: Chipotle-10%, Texas Road House-8%, Arby’s-8%, Chili’s-11%, Buffalo Wild

Wings-8%, Domino’s Pizza-8%, Dairy Queen-10%, Applebee’s-8%. Some others are Taco Bell-5%, Wendy’s

-4%, Panera Bread-5%. Consider having a couple of these cards on hand for those days when cooking just

won’t be an option for you.

Think ahead about all the purchases you make in a week. Will you be doing any shopping at the mall or any

of the big-box retail stores? Macy’s offers a 10% profit on Scrip cards. Younker’s offers 8%. Dick’s Sporting

Goods offers an 8% rebate. Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy offers 14%!

Thinking about decorating for Christmas? Pier 1 offers a 9% profit. Do you have medical needs? Walgreen’s

offers a 6% discount. Need a Starbucks to relax after a long day? Their payback is a profit to Christus of 7%.

Consider buying small denomination gift cards to use as stocking stuffers for Christmas. Here are some

ideas: Bath & Body-13%, Cabela’s-11%, Marcus Theaters-9%, Land’s End-16%, Barnes & Noble-8%.

Christus has many of the Scrip cards mentioned above in stock. Some cards will need to be ordered for you

to pick up the following Sunday.

The Scrip program at Christus offers gift cards you purchase at face value each Sunday between services.

Our Scrip coordinator then purchases the cards from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a reduced price. The

difference is an instant rebate for Christus. It’s really that simple!

Thank you for taking time to consider purchasing Scrip. If we each do a little bit, we can make a big difference

for our church!

S C R I P U P D A T E

On January 28th, Christus is bringing back the Chili Cook-Off!!! Right after late service, at

approximately 12 pm, be prepared to serve your famous, home-made chili and compete to

be Christus’ Chili Champion! Making chili not your thing? That’s ok, because we need lots of

taste-testers to help us determine who has the best chili recipe.

If you are retired,

working close, living

close, or just have

the day off, then the

Daytimers’ pot-luck

is for you! Join us on the 2nd

Wednesday of each month, at

11:45 am, here at Christus. Stop

in with a dish to pass and a

friend, if you wish, and join other

Christian-minded friends for our

next monthly luncheon on

December 13. Don’t miss out on

the fun!

D A Y T I M E R S ’ P O T - L U C K L U N C H E O N

Page 9 C H R I S T U S N E W S

M U S I C N O T E S

Special words of appreciation are due to

Jacob Ahles, who has regularly played the

trombone at our 10:35

worship. It was originally

thought that he would be

joining the military in March,

but he was called up earlier

than expected. We thank him for his

years of musical service to Christus, as well

as for his future service to our country.

For more information on the music program

at Christus or to be included in the weekly

email update, please contact Bruce Koestner,

at christusmusic@christuschurch.org or

920-209-5932.

“We thank him for his years of musical service to Christus, as well as for his future service to our country.”

B A P T I S M C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

N E W M E M B E R C L A S S E S

We welcome into the Christus faith family through baptism, Finley William

Ryder, son of Jordan & Kay Ryder, and Aspen Sammie Mallmann,

daughter of Sam & Jenny Mallmann. May their parents, sponsors, and our

church family nurture them through their faith journey.

Aspen Mallmann Finley Ryder

New Member Classes are scheduled for:

Tuesday, January 23rd & 30th at 6 pm , with light refreshments and childcare provided.

The New Member Reception is Sunday, February 11th , during and after each service.

Register online at the Christus Website, christuschurch.org, click on the New Member

Registration in the announcement’s section. Contact Pastor Jen or Melissa, at

920-757-7775, with any questions. Spread the word!

D I D Y O U K N O W ?

On October 18th, the Confirmation youth participated in an evening of service projects. What did they do? A

few groups learned about jail/prison ministry as Jesus said in Matthew 25, “I was in prison and you visited

me,” and then wrote letters to inmates. Another group made gift bags to be given to children who are part of a

support group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren in Calumet County. Another group

decorated cookies to be sent to some of our college students. Two groups carved pumpkins with develop-

mentally disabled gentlemen and decorated their home for Halloween. And lastly, one group cleaned up the

blue bags children use in worship. Great job, Christus youth!

Pub Theology at The Stoneyard meets on the 1st & 3rd Mon of the month at

6:30 pm (5:30 pm for food & drink) at the StoneYard. November 20th, Chapter 36 is

discussed and December 4th (the last meeting of the year) we’ll finish the book with

Chapters 37 & 38.

Due to the holidays, meetings for January will be the 8th and 22nd. We’ll begin the new book,

“Creed: What Christians Believe and Why,” by Adam Hamilton, exploring the Apostles’

Creed. Contact Nile Beck for bulk ordering of the book at a lower cost. Meetings will resume the normal

schedule in Feb. Check out our Facebook page and like us! www.facebook.com/pubtheologygreenville.

Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am, faithful

women, led by Pastor Jen, meet in

The Center to discuss Bible readings

each week. You do not need to register

Page 10

P U B T H E O L O G Y

W E D N E S D A Y M O R N I N G W O M E N ’ S B I B L E S T U D Y

or be a member of Christus to join the

fun, so invite a friend and share the

Good News!

F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T

S O D A T A B S F O R R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E

As a faith community, we will walk together to dig deeper into what it is we believe, not only as individuals, but

as a community of faith. We hope you’ll join us on our faith journey. Sunday mornings, for adults, between

worship services, at 9:40 am, in The Center (unless otherwise noted).

December 3: Open Sunday; Annual Congregational Meeting-Part I,

Held in the Sanctuary

December 10: Open Sunday; Cookie Walk

December 17: Open Sunday; Sunday School Christmas Program

December:24 Open Sunday; Christmas Eve

December:31 Open Sunday; New Year’s Eve

B E T W E E N - S E R V I C E S A D U L T E D U C A T I O N

We are always continuing to collect soda tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House.

Collecting pop tabs is a great way to teach kids about philanthropy and the importance of

recycling, while raising funds to help children and their families at the same time. The tabs

are recycled and the money is donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Families either stay

at no cost or are asked to make a small donation, however, payment is NEVER

expected for those who cannot afford it. Stays can be as short as one night or as long as

several months, and sometimes extend to a year or more, depending on the child's illness and treatment.

V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Page 11 V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S

We are in need of more volunteers to help with Communion & Altar Care during the10:35

worship service. Communion volunteers would be helping Pastor distribute the bread

and wine during communion. Altar Care volunteers are the ones that set up and clean up

the bread and wine before and after the services.

I am asking to put you on a rotating schedule with our other wonderful volunteers. If you

would be interested in either, or both, opportunities, please reply to Melissa Prochnow.

Thank you to all those who donated blood on

November 5th. We met our goal of 20 units! The

next blood drive will be at Faith Community

United Methodist

Church (across the

street) on

January 21st.

Take a look at the chart to see what your blood

type is, what blood type your blood can be do-

nated to and what blood types you can receive

blood from.

B L O O D D R I V E

Did you know Christus is a drop-off site for Cell Phones for Solders? We gladly accept your used cell phones

and tablets (no cases but chargers accepted if paired with the phone/tablet), and have been for about 7

YEARS! We send in the phones and tablets to this national nonprofit organization, knowing troops and veter-

ans use the donations from the recycled phones and tablets to call home. How awesome is that! Using the

proceeds from donated phones and tablets, they send prepaid international calling cards to the troops to use

via their approved phones.

There are a lot of interesting FAQ’s here. If you have any questions please contact Melissa Prochnow.

C E L L P H O N E S F O R S O L D E R S !

C O M M U N I O N A N D A L T A R C A R E H E L P N E E D E D

Thank you for your gently used donations for the

Community Clothes Closet!!!

C O M M U N I T Y C L O T H E S C L O S E T C L O T H I N G D R I V E

G 2 Y O U T H G R O U P

C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H

The Service Team will once again be

sponsoring a Christmas Giving

Opportunity by “adopting” ten children

associated with the Hortonville

Community Food Pantry and ten seniors

at Brewster Village. Giving tags are

available in the Gathering Area Sundays

through December 3 and are due with

tags attached December 10.

C H R I S T M A S G I V I N G P R O J E C T

C O O K I E W A L K

Thank you to everyone who gave generously toward Thanksgiving

turkeys for the Hortonville Area Community Food Pantry. We raised $1,228

for 81 TURKEYS for area families. What a great way to give Thanks!

V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S Page 12

The Hortonville Community Food Pantry is asking for donations of food items:

H O R T O N V I L L E C O M M U N I T Y F O O D P A N T R Y

G2, (high school youth group) meets Wednesdays, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm in The Center at

Christus. Come for fun and faith, and a chance to chill with your friends.

On Sunday, December 10, Christus will hold its annual Cookie Walk. Proceeds go to the Fox Valley Warming

Shelter. To contribute to the Cookie Walk, bring two dozen cookies to church on Saturday,

December 9, from 1-3 pm, or bring your cookies on Sunday morning, December 10 before

first service.

It’s a great opportunity to get out Grandma’s special recipe, or showcase your own unique

Christmas cookie to exchange with other Christus members, and raise money for a good

cause at the same time!

D R E S S T H E T U R K E Y W I T H T H A N K S

Canned Fruit

Canned Veggies

Canned Pie Filling

Canned Soup

Page 13 C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H

S U N D A Y S C H O O L G I F T S H A R I N G

On December 17th, during the worship services, we will be having a special processional

as part of the Sunday School Christmas program. We would like to ask all children,

including our toddlers, to please bring a new, unwrapped toy, or canned food to church on

Sunday, December 17th. The children will be invited to come forward to

place their gift on the altar. The toys will be donated to the Salvation

Army and distributed to families, and the food will go to the Hortonville Community Food

Pantry. Toys can be purchased for young children all the way up to teenagers.

S U N D A Y S C H O O L C H R I S T M A S P R O G R A M

Sunday School Christmas Program, December 17th

Attention parents of Sunday School children:

We will be practicing for the Christmas program during Sunday School times December 3rd

and 10th. And, we will be having a very special rehearsal on Saturday, December 16th, in the

morning. Times of the practices for that morning are still being determined. It is important for

your child/children to be here to practice. Thanks so much in advance for all your support and

help with this. What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior by having our children at Christus tell

the story.

N E W S F R O M T H E E A S T - C E N T R A L S Y N O D O F W I S C O N S I N H U N G E R T E A M

1 in 6 children in Wisconsin live in poverty. Why? What are we doing about it? Visit www.wichurches.org/

resources/combating-poverty, www.elca.org/advocacy and www.facebook.com/ELCAworldhunger

Why is advocacy important? Isn’t our direct service work enough? We believe God is calling us into the

world to serve together. Through our direct service, we aid immediate needs before us. Our advocacy work

impacts systemic, long-lasting change. By telling our lawmakers how Lutheran ministries believe, we are

helping create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and defend God’s creation.

Why does the ELCA understand advocacy to be part of its mission? We serve in response to God’s love

to meet human needs and protect creation. When you write your public official, you are uniting with an

apostolic community of Lutherans concerned with how public policies work for our neighbors as a matter of

faith. In our first social statement, “The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective,” from 1991, we committed

to “work with and on behalf of the poor, the powerless and those who suffer, using its power and influence

with political and economic decision-making bodies to develop and advocate policies that seek to advance

justice, peace and the care of creation.”

Does the U.S. Constitution permit religious bodies to advocate? Yes. The First Amendment of the U.S.

Constitution guarantees the exercise of religious freedom, including the public witness of religious bodies. The

Church in Society social statement describes our church’s relationship with government as one of

“institutional separation and functional interaction.”

N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D

N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D Page 14

“I ask …that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

~ John 17:21-23

** Note: This article is taken directly from the November ECSW Missions & Ministry Connections newsletter.**

At a recent meeting I was asked why I was passionate about the work of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Actually it was the new Executive Director of the Council, the Rev. Kerri Parker, asking all the members of the Board why we were committed to this ecumenical work and willing to give of our time and energy. She wanted to know with whom she was working and what was in our hearts.

When it was my turn I said something like this. First of all, Jesus commands that we seek the unity we are given, even prays for the healing of divisions among us. In John 17, the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays that his followers might be one, enjoying the communal life of the Holy Trinity as he and the Father enjoy the oneness. And then Jesus adds, “the world might believe.” Overcoming divisions and showing the life we share in the Good News of Jesus Christ is a powerful witness to the world and to the members of our own churches as well.

At the recent Service of Common Prayer in Green Bay, Roman Catholic Bishop David Ricken and I both preached at the service commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, both lamenting the pain of our divisions and the hurt caused over the centuries since. In a workshop following two couples in “mixed marriages” of Lutheran and Catholic families shared stories and facilitated conversation about the joy and struggles, blessings and pain of living in a divided communion of faith.

At our Wisconsin Council of Churches meeting I shared a few other reasons as well. Others had already spoken about the rich variety of gifts in the ecumenical settings. I spoke of how we are impoverished when we do not claim the gifts of other Christian traditions. Personally I was raised in a congregation and church body that looked with deep suspicion upon Christians from other traditions. In my life through seminary and now after more than 40 years of pastoral ministry I have been deeply enriched, sometimes by being pushed out of my comfort zone, by the experience and witness, the insights and perspectives of those in other traditions.

I also think we must be involved ecumenically to hold one another accountable. No church body or tradition is the Church unto itself. We are all part of the vast Body of Christ, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. We all are called to remember that decisions we make and positions we hold must stand the test and be informed by the theological perspectives of our brothers and sisters in other churches as well.

Finally, in the Beatitudes Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, which might also be understood as bridge-builders. We are called to help people overcome divisions, to reconcile differences, and be a leaven for such work in the world around us.

I remember Dr. Michael Kinnamon, former General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, reminding a group of us at an ecumenical meeting years ago that unity is not something we must work for. Unity is God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ. Those who are baptized in Christ Jesus are one in faith, one in Spirit, one in baptism. The work in ecumenical circles, he said, is for us to realize that gift among us, to keep walking into the communion where the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are indeed one.

As this Church Year comes to an end and we begin praying for the Advent of our Lord, I pray for the unity of the Church and the healing of divisions among us. As we say in the Kyrie, “For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.”

Bishop Gerald Mansholt

O F F I C E H O U R S & C H U R C H L E A D E R S

Church Council

Amy Wierschke, President

Larry Bentle, President-Elect

De Dalum, Liaison to Service Team

Jennifer Christenson, Liaison to Worship Team

Jeff Arps, Liaison to Outreach and Membership Growth

Team

Vacant. Liaison to Fellowship Team

Vacant, Liaison to Faith Development Team

Bob Hicks, Liaison to Youth Team

Jennifer Christenson, Pastor

Staff

Jennifer Christenson, Pastor

Bruce Koestner, Director of Music

Christine Loppnow, Director of Youth Ministry

Melissa Prochnow, Ministries Coordinator

Kim Lorenz, Office Administrator

Calder Family, Cleaning

Ministry Team Coordinators

Lisa Ahles, Worship Team

Rae Tyriver, Service Team

Ministry Team Coordinators, continued

Vacant, Outreach and Membership Growth Team

Jenny Finerty, Fellowship Team

Jill Beyer, Youth Team

Lisa Borowski, Faith Development Team

Other Church Leaders

Jan Mallmann, Business Management Team Coordinator

Adam Hanson, Technical Coordinator

Tina Hanson, Scrip Coordinator

Adam Hanson, Treasurer

Nile Beck, Stewardship Coordinator

Cathy Mertz, PowerPoint Coordinator

Vacant, Multi-Media Coordinator

Betty Urbanek, Church Kitchen Co-Coordinators

Kelly Taube, Drama Coordinator

Mark Beyer, Building & Grounds Coordinator

Jim Borowski, Land Use Coordinator, Long-Range Planning Team Chair

Vacant, Communications & Website Coordinator

Vacant, Wedding Coordinator

Vacant, Funeral Coordinator

Gary Timm, Mutual Ministry Team

Pastor Jen Christenson

Monday: Off

Tuesday through Thursday: In at 9 am

Friday: Work from home (church secretary has contact information)

Youth Director: Christine Loppnow

Tuesday: In at 9 am

Wednesday: In at 1 pm

Thursday: In at 10 am

Friday: In at 9 am (depending on weekend work obligations, may not be in the office on Fridays)

Parish Secretary: Kim Lorenz

Monday through Thursday: 8 am—3 pm

Ministries Coordinator: Melissa Prochnow

Tuesday through Thursday: 8 am—2 pm

Director of Music: Bruce Koestner

Works off-site; call 920-209-5932.

Weekly Staff Meetings are generally held 10:30 am—noon every Thursday.

NOTE: The above noted days and times are when we generally expect to be in the office. However, our

schedules can change quickly, based on what is happening in the life of the congregation. Occasionally, we

need to be away from the office for meetings, hospital visits, home visits, and more. Therefore, we strongly

encourage you to call ahead and/or make an appointment if you are planning to stop by for a visit, or

need to have a face-to-face meeting with the pastor or staff.

W E E K D A Y O F F I C E H O U R S

C H U R C H L E A D E R S

Page 15

C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S A N D S E R V I C E S Page 16

YMCA Bus Tours: Kohler Summertime, Tuesday, August 18

It’s the Y’s annual excursion to Milwaukee to root for the home team (or the visiting team if you want!) Head to Miller Park for game between the Brewers and the Atlanta Braves. Lunch is on your own, so you can choose ballpark fare or bring a brown bag to enjoy before entering the stadium. The “Selig Experience,” is expected to be open at Miller Park by this time. Your loge bleacher seat down the first base line is situated to give some shade from the afternoon sun. The parking area and stadium are large spaces and there are some steps to negotiate getting to your seat. Fee: $51 or $56. Includes transportation and game ticket. Leave MSC 9:30am; Return 7:15pm

GermanFest: Culture and Church Service, Sunday, July 26

Get on the coach in downtown Appleton and be delivered to the gate at the Henry S. Maier Festival Grounds. We’ll arrive in time for the church service in Marcus Amphitheater. This year the service is Catholic Worship, in both German & English. An alternative to church attend-ance is to sit behind the amphitheater hill, gaze at the blue of the lake and watch the boats sailing or motoring. Afterwards, transition to the Festival grounds and enjoy everything German that the festival has to offer. Enjoy numerous stages of entertainment; catch the breezes along the lakeshore; shop in the marketplace; enjoy the demonstrations of skilled craftsmen and purchase something special from them; trace your family tree in the genealogy section, and, of course, try your choice of national beverages. Fee: $25 or $29. Includes transporta-tion and admission. Leave TCC 7:30am; return 6:15pm

For more information on these tours and to register, go to the YMCA of the Fox Cities, scroll down to programs, and click on Adult Bus Trips, or call the YMCA.

ELCA Good Gifts Advent Calendar: Each day is a reminder of the reason for the season with hymns, prayers, Bible verses and stories of how ELCA Good Gifts make a difference in the world. Order here.

Streets of Bethlehem: You, along with your family, friends & neighbors are invited to walk the Streets of Bethlehem at Appleton Alliance Church. As you stroll the village streets and shops, you will see, hear, smell, touch, and taste what life was like the night of Jesus’ birth. This event is free and open to the community. Bring your friends and family! Dec. 14-17, 5:30-9 pm. No cost or registration.

Educational Offerings

Mon., May 8, 10:30 am, a guest speaker will present, “Unlocking the Past” This presenta-tion will deal with the informative and interesting history of the Fox River Locks.

Mon., May 15, 10:30 am. “Don’t Drain the Brain,” is a review of brain function and the fas-cinating research done in the past few years. It is never too late to learn new things; you can make your brain “smarter” and offset some of the effects of brain aging.

All are welcome for both presentations! Call 734-7225 or email ruth@fvlhomes.org, to re-serve your spot.

Fox Valley Lutheran Home (FVLH):

Linwood Place: When you see the name “Linwood Place,” don’t be confused. That name has been the name of our apartment building since 2009. We are now officially using that name in our business for marketing purposes. The names Linwood Place and Fox Valley Lutheran Homes will be used much more interchangeably, so don’t be confused. We are still talking about the same wonderful place to live at 425 N. Linwood Place!

Apartments for Rent: 1 & 2 BR apartments available mid-November at Linwood Place. Call Becky, John, or Brian to arrange a tour. The 2 BR even has 1½ bath! Becky (734-7225), John (419-5754), Brian (840-3578.)

Becky Luett, Deacon Executive Director

Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA: As of September 30, the campaign has received more than $128.3 million in cash and multi-year commitments, representing 64.8% of our $198 million goal. Read more about campaign progress in the 2016 Annual Report. Thank you for your continued support!

ELCA World Hunger Advent study: The study is perfect for Wednesday worship, adult study or devotions at home, this study takes you through each week of Advent. Download Advent Study.

Appleton Boy Choir: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: Featuring the Copper Street Brass Quintet & Kathrine Hanford, guest festival organist. Dec. 2, 1 pm & 4 pm, Lawrence Memorial Chapel. Reserved Seating: $15 or $20. For more information or tickets, call 955-2224, or AppletonBoyChoir.com.

newVoices: Christmas at the Chapel: Join us for one of the most joyous Christmas traditions in the region as we present a concert of sacred songs and hymns. Celebrate Christmas with 75 voices lifted in praise and joy as they ring through the beautiful Lawrence Chapel to proclaim the true meaning of the season in jubilant song! Dec. 16, at 2 & 7:30 pm. Tickets $25, senior, student & group discounts available-call 832-9700 for details, or online at newvoiceschoir.org.