Christmas Letter from Tina Checkie

Hi Everyone - this card made my day today and I thought you might enjoy it as well! Blessings - PV

Hello Everyone! Merry Christmas! It's Tina Checkie! Do you remember me?! Because I remember you all!! =) I can't wait until holiday shoping season is over so i'll get a free Sunday to stop by Gloria Dei for a much needed refueling of my spirit and some much needed laughter in my heart! I never really realized just how much each and every one of you mean to me until I went away to school and to basic training/ait, and then back to school, LOL (laugh out loud) ... life can move so fast if we let it, and it's easy to let the simple moments slip past us though all they are are "simple moments" when in the long run, it's the simple moments that mean the most to us and really are the most important moments of all!! =) I love and miss you Gloria Dei and I wish you all a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart! So much of life is made of what I've learned from you and you're all with me every day, like a hand print on my heart ..... (yes, that's from WICKED, lol, but it still holds true here!) May you all never lose your own true light and wisdom and thank you all for the wonderful gifts of love, friendship, understanding, acceptance and courage that you have all given to me! Can't wait to se eyou again! Or you can write to me! We can be pen pals! (Just think of it as a text via PAPER! I've created a new communication revolution! LOL! Love, Tina Checkie (see me for Tina's address - PV)

January 2010 Newsletter

http://www.scribd.com/doc/24339705/January-2010

Please paste the above link in your browser to read the January newsletter! A new worship helpers list including February helpers will be coming soon! Please review last month's list for January helpers! Christmas Blessings :) PV

Snow Day Today!

Because of the snow and blowing conditions, and extreme temps, all church activities, including worship and carpet shampooing, are CANCELED for today, Wednesday December 9!

Up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHBOQXy9dRo

What does this song have to do with today's Advent 1 sermon?! Guess you'll have to show UP to find out!

How can you be an Up-lifting messenger of God's promises during hard times???

Newsletter Link & Worship Helpers for December 2009

http://www.scribd.com/doc/23025404/December-Newsletter-2009
(paste above in your browser)


WORSHIP HELPERS
It is difficult to conduct a service without these needed helpers. If you cannot fulfill your obligation on your appointed Sunday please make arrangements to switch with someone.

December January
Altar Set-Up Julie Schumacker Altar Set-Up Carol Field
Brenda Kobs Gladys Rickert

December 6 January 4
Greeters: Telschow Family Greeters: Agnew Family
Acolytes: Marilee Kresbach Acolytes: Nate Kornetzke
Mariah Barrett R. J. Leithold
Lector: Tim Argall Lector: Mary Agnew
Ushers: Gene Telschow Ushers: Gene Telschow
Sharon Telschow Sharon Telschow
Comm. Asst: Molly Sabel Comm. Asst: Broderick Barrett

December 13 January11
Greeters: Ruechel Family Greeters: Erickson Family
Acolytes: Emily Kolberg Acolytes: Jenna Pleshek
Emily Anderson Hanna Schumacher
Lector: Kira Ruechel Lector: Julie Schumacher
Ushers: Carol Field Ushers: Randy Schumacher
Mike Field Jerry Jensen
Comm. Asst: Barb Spiegel Comm. Asst: Anne Sellen

December 20 January 18
Greeters: Rickert Family Greeters: Fett Family
Acolytes: R. J. Leithold Acolytes: Nate Kornetzke
Christopher Jacobs Christopher Jacobs
Lector: Mike Hetzner Lector: Roxann Ruechel
Ushers: Laurie Argall Ushers: Allan Fett
Tim Argall Dianne Fett
Comm. Asst: Cheryl Heller Comm. Asst: Gene Telschow

December 27 January 25
Greeters: Sabel Family Greeters: Aprill Family
Acolytes: Dana Van Dyke Acolytes: Jenny Kolberg
Haliegh Stephany Emily Kolberg
Lector: Allan Fett Lector: Carlyn Clark
Ushers: Dean Meyer Ushers: Broderick Barrett
Jayne Meyer Jediah Barrett
Comm. Asst: Carol Field Comm. Asst: Mike Hetzner



A big thank you to all who volunteer their time and talent to assist with worship service.

November 2009 newsletter

Please paste this link in your browser to read Gloria Dei's November newsletter!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/21815320

Blessings :) PV

October 2009 Newsletter

THE DEILY NEWS-
GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2009
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Friends,

I’ve been having conversations with some prospective seminarians recently and one of the questions they never fail to ask: What is a typical work week like for a minister? I didn’t know how to describe a “typical week”, so I just gave them a snap shot of what happened during one of my weeks this month! I thought it might be interesting also for you to hear about some of the elements that can comprise your minister’s week too!

Mondays are my day off.

Tuesday begins at 8am where I respond to phone calls, emails, facebook messages and items people mentioned or inquired about on Sunday morning. I then review the Scriptures for the coming week, consult commentaries and pastor blogs and networking websites and continue my sermon preparing (started sometime midweek the week before), as I preach for the fist time on Wednesday evening. This past Tuesday, I made a hospital visit then came to the office where I had a pre-wedding appointment, a few “drop in” visits with members, spent time gathering data for the newsletter, making calls/emails/facebook messages/letters to contact every member regarding the pictorial directory, began preparation for confirmation class and prepared for the worship and music and stewardship meetings that evening. I went home to walk my dog and grab a quick supper and then returned to church for the mentioned meetings. I arrived home at about 8:30 and had a couple phone calls, emails and facebook messages to respond to that I didn’t get to during the day.

Wednesday, I had two pastoral meetings in Appleton. I was on my way back to the office when a call came in that I was needed in the Milwaukee area, so I headed that direction. I returned to the office around 4pm to prepare for confirmation class that evening. I had a brief check in with Doug as he arrived to prepare for choir that evening and some drop in visits with members, and then the kids and mentors started arriving for confirmation, as well as the meal hosting family. We had confirmation class from 5:30 until 6:45 and at 7pm I lead worship. I left church at about 8:30pm and had two phone calls to return on my way home.

Thursday mornings start early with the 6:30am Bible Study. After that, I stopped at home to begin organizing newsletter items sent to me. I received two church phone calls on my cell phone, and was wrapping one up as I came into the office at 9:30. I then caught up on my emails, facebook messages and office phone messages, scheduled an appointment for the new copier to be delivered, scheduled meetings with parishioners for next week. I try to leave the office earlier on Thursdays, since I begin so early, but it really depends on what comes up during the day and what meetings I have in the evening (often people schedule pre-wedding, pre-baptism, pastoral counseling sessions in the evening, as this is when more people are available).

Friday I finish and printed the bulletin, as my very helpful volunteer secretary (shout out to Kris Stephany!) is recovering from surgery, had a home visit, had two appointments and a lunch with parishioners, responded to calls, emails, facebook, etc. If there is a wedding scheduled I will have a wedding rehearsal.

Saturdays are often a bit more of a flexible day, if there isn’t a wedding. If I’ve scheduled appointments with people, I often meet them in the office or sometimes in their home, coffee shops or restaurants (this is true all through the week). I have Sunday worship items to prepare, my sermon to tweak and re-memorize, and calls, emails, facebook responses to make.

Sunday morning, of course, is worship. Often I connect with people following worship for spontaneous pastoral care sessions, lead adult forums, check in with folks during coffee hour. I usually leave the office between noon and 1pm. I then go home and take a minister’s sacred Sunday nap!

As you can see, it was an involved answer to give to a prospective seminarian as a minister’s life is filled with so many different tasks in any given day! I have to confess I love the variety!

Sometimes when things get busy, or when I am on the road, I worry I am missing some of you or that you think I’m too busy to connect. Please don’t hesitate to leave a message on the church answering machine (920-898-5333) call my cell phone (920-716-0661), set up an appointment, email me or give me a drop on facebook! I will always make time to share! You are the best part of variety in church life and ministry!
Blessings in Christ, Pastor Vicki
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: OCTOBER
OCT 1 Bible Study 6:30AM
OCT 3 Youth to Gamblers Game 5:00PM
OCT 4 Worship 9:00AM
Rotation Sunday School 10:15AM
OCT 6 Book Club 7:00PM
OCT 7 Olan Mills Pictures
Confirmation @ Hellers 5:30PM
Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM
Worship 7:00PM
OCT 8 Bible Study 6:30AM
OCT 9 Church Clean Up All Day
OCT 10 Church Clean Up
OCT 11 Worship 9:00AM
Rotation Sunday School 10:15AM
Adult Forum: Faith & Twitter
OCT 12 PV @ Synod Theological Conf until
Wednesday afternoon
OCT 13 Church Council 7:00PM
OCT 14 Olan Mills Pictures
Confirmation @ Hellers 5:30PM
Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM
Worship 7:00PM
OCT 15 Bible Study 6:00AM
OCT 18 Worship 9:00AM
Confirmation Sunday
OCT 20 Stewardship 7:00PM
OCT 21 Confirmation @ church 5:30PM
Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM
Worship 7:00PM
OCT 22 Bible Study 6:30AM
OCT 25 Worship 9:00AM
Rotation Sunday School 10:15AM
OCT 26 Trial/Sentencing for Break in
PV in court all day
OCT 27 PV taking off instead of Monday, as
will be in court all day
OCT 28 Confirmation 5:30PM
Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM
Worship 7:00PM
OCT 29 Bible Study 6:30AM
OCT 31 CYA Later Halloween 7:00PM
Party @ Fetts
President’s Thoughts
Summer is over and Gloria Dei managed to make it though financially! This fall we will be asking families to consider taking a step up in their giving to Gloria Dei. Please consider the gift of everlasting life that Jesus has given to us!
We have been very busy in September. We approved a new copier contract with the use of a new copier. The copier we had was on its last legs. September 13th we had our Hunger Walk. We also had our Sunday School Rally with a pot luck lunch after church on Sep 13th. We are replacing our outside locks at church for better security. There will be a signup sheet for Gloria Dei Polo shirts for those interested.The shirts the Youth are wearing got the rest of us excited! There is cookie dough still available in the church freezer.
Coming events are Stewardship Sunday on Nov. 1st, Green Bay Gamblers game Oct. 3rd, Church Directory dates are Oct. 7th &14, Church cleaning Oct. 9th & 10th, Tables of Eight will be starting in Oct., Nov. 8th Chili Supper, and a Christmas Craft Sale on Nov. 21st .
For a church our size we have many activities! I encourage you to find activities that may interest you and give them a try. It’s a good way to get to know your fellow church members!

Gloria Dei Book Clubs
We meet Tuesday October 6 at 7pm to discuss Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Our November book is A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick and our December book is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.





Lutheran World Relief Needs
The first three Sundays in October - October 4, 11, 18 - will be Soap Sundays. A basket will be in the narthex collecting new, wrapped bars
of bath sized soap for Lutheran World Relief. The School kits and soap will be shipped from First United Lutheran in Sheboygan on
Saturday, October 24. Sarah Muermann

Green Bay Gamblers Game
On October 3rd we will be going to the Green Bay Gamblers game. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and non-youth members. Youth group members will be free. Please sign up on the sheet posted at church, which also has more details on it. Mike Stephany

Youth Chili Supper – Save the Date!
Sunday November 8th the youth group annual chili supper will be held. We hope to have all of our youth group help in the event – see the kiosk for sign up details and Gloria Dei friends – mark your calendars to come enjoy meeting and eating! Mike Stephany

PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE KIOSK TO BRING TREATS FOR FELLOWSHIP HOUR FOLLOWING WORSHIP

Wednesday Worship Service
We now offer two worship services. In addition to our Sunday morning 9:00am service we celebrate worship on Wednesdays at 7pm. Holy Communion is served weekly at both services.

Confirmation Date
Our 9th graders will be confirmed on Sunday, October 18th!

2010 Confirmation Camp Dates
We have been given our week for confirmation camp 2010 - it will be Sunday afternoon, July 11- Friday 1pmish July 16! 8th graders will be attending camp.

A Confirmand’s Evening with the Bishop – Date Change!!!
The Manitowoc cluster churches have re-scheduled an evening with Bishop Jim Justman during our confirmation class time on Wednesday, November 18 at Faith Lutheran Church in Valders. We will gather for worship at 6pm and listen to Bishop Justman present on his trip from 7:15-8:15PM. All members are invited to attend!

Confirmation Monthly Mentors
Back by popular request is the monthly mentor confirmation program. The program aspires to pair an adult mentor with a confirmation student of the same gender. Once a month, the mentor and student meet to do any activity of your choice for at least, but not limited to, one hour. Some mentors have chosen always to meet at church for an hour. Some have met for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cookie baking, golfing bowling, church outings. I suggest that at least two of your meetings be working on a Gloria Dei service project together – like serving at dinner theater, the chili supper, highway clean up, Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, soup suppers, etc. The only thing you need to bring to these one hour meetings only once a month?! Yourself. The number one thing the students have reviewed as a favorite part of confirmation is getting to know an adult at church; at having someone look forward to spending time with them or just saying hello on Sunday mornings. The first meeting we will have together, to “get to know” one another and set a date for the next month’s meeting, during our Wednesday, October 21 class time. Join us for dinner. Sign up on the kiosk – we are always especially in need of male mentors – so DO IT!

***When You Desire a Hospital Visit***
Please read this!!! Because of the new changes in privacy laws, Pastor Vicki must be called by you or a family member if you desire a hospital visit. Even if the hospital asks you for your information, it is not always delivered, and when delivered, not always in a timely manner. Please call Gloria Dei’s office 920-898-5333 or Pastor Vicki’s cell phone 920-716-0661

C’Ya Later Halloween Costume Party
The Fett’s will be hosting the 5th annual C’Ya Later Halloween party. Costumes are required.
When: October 31, 7:00p.m. to ?
Where: N1636 Rabes Hilltop Road
New Holstein
What to Bring: A snack to pass
Fett’s will again provide a non-alcoholic Punch.
ALTAR SET-UP
We are in need of people to do altar set-up. Right now we only have 7 and that is definitely not enough. Two people are put on the schedule each month. These two people can work out how they wish to handle it. Sometimes one put up and the other takes down. Or you may not be at church each Sunday that month so you may work it out with the other person that you can do it the first and third Sundays if they can do it the second and fourth. Altar Set-Up is very easy to do. Dianne Fett will be holding training sections after church on Sunday October 11 and 18. Please consider helping out. If we get enough people signed up each person will only have to be on the schedule once or twice a year.

Thanksgiving Eve
Please join us for worship on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 25. We will have a pumpkin pie social following worship hosted by the worship and music committee!

Christmas Tree Decorating – Save the Date!
We are planning to have the Christmas Tree (thank you to Jerry and Pat Jensen for once again donating the tree) in the stand on Sunday, November 29 following worship! If you can help put it in the stand, please do! We will be decorating the tree following our first Advent Worship service on Wednesday, December 2!

Memorials and Gifts
Our Memorial and Gift program is one in which members of Gloria Dei can designate money in remembrance of people who have died (when you see, for example, “Memorials to be given…” in obituaries, often the option is to donate money to a specific or undesignated fund at church) or in honor of someone during a special occasion, such as births, weddings, graduations, confirmations and other celebrations of life. Dee Langohr and Mary Agnew are the chair persons of our Memorial and Gift Committee and periodically in the newsletter you will see memorial or honorarium gifts to funds such as: roof, coffee bar, worship supplies, church furniture, parking lot paving and undesignated (giving the committee a chance to confer about where the funds are most needed when distributing a gift.) We welcome you to utilize this as an option to remember and honor your loved ones. Pastor Vicki has donated gifts this month to the operating fund and building fund in honor of Chrissy and Rob Nelson’s marriage.

New Members Meal
If you are interested in exploring membership in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, please share your interest with Pastor Vicki! I’d love to set up a time to meet with you and share information about our congregation as you are our guest in a meal. Blessings and welcome! 920-898-5333

Adult Forum Technology and Faith Series
One of the things I find myself speaking with members about most frequently recently is the usage of things like facebook, Twitter, blogging, Linked in, ipod apps, texting, YouTube, Hulu, etc. Some of you probably think I’m talking another language here, but it is actually a language many of our youth, especially, are fluent in, and these sites and apps are part of their every day life. Many of these sites and apps, when used safely and properly, can be great tools for social connection, networking, job seeking, and yes, even faith enhancing. Once a month I’d like to tackle a topic people have questions about in an adult forum. We’ll start this month with the most popular one – Twitter! Join me Sunday October 11 following worship to hear me present and join in conversation.

Gloria Dei Directory
We continue to schedule time slots with Olan Mills for pictures for a new pictorial directory on Wednesdays October 7 and October 14! We would like every member to participate! You are NOT required to buy pictures, but packages will be made available to you, including Christmas cards that arrive in time for this holiday season! Olan Mills has also changed their pet policy again, and one pet is allowed for pictures. Looking forward to seeing your face!

Tables of 8
All dinner group assignments have been made! If for some reason you did not receive your information, please contact me!
Sherry Wilberscheid hrhshelw@tcei.com
Electronic Giving or Simply Giving
Please consider using "Simply Giving," or automatic cash withdrawal/deposit as your method of giving Simply Giving allows a somewhat more stable cash flow picture. Contact Colleen Allee for the "Simply Giving" info.

Glorious Young Moms
We have a wonderful group of young moms meeting once a month at 6ish (because that’s the life of a mom!) on the first Wednesday of every month at 6ish at El Camino. All young moms are welcome!

Prayers of Thanks
• To Tara Leithold for leading our Rally Day festivities!
• To Kathy Welsch, Anne Sellen and Craig Heller for being confirmation class mentors!
• To Broderick Barrett for coordinating the Rally Day pot-luck.
• To Tara Leithold, Gary Meyer and Mike Stephany for hosting the Walk for Hunger!
• To Blanche Brenwall, Bev Thoma and Karren and Jaremy Cobble, our glorious gardeners who have donated much time and talent to beautifying our landscaping!
• To Trent and Mary Agnew and Sherry Wilberscheid for providing meals to our confirmation students in September!
• To Kathy Welsch for donating a DVD player to the congregation!
• To PV for donating copy paper, communion cups, Bibles for the confirmation students, computer cords and print cartridges, cleaning and office supplies and stamps!
• To all of you who have made bags or donated items to our Lutheran World Relief appeal!
• To Jerry Jensen, Al Fett and Barb Spiegel who’ve worked to negotiate a new copy machine and contract, with savings in our payment plan!
• To the Stephany family for donating our bulletins for the first quarter of 2010!
• To Mike Hetzner for planning the golf outing!
• To Mike Stephany for planning the youth hockey game outing!

Prayers of Healing
• Payton Lenhardt, brain injury
• Jarod Sabrowsky, serving in Iraq
• Braeden Rockow, radiation for spinal cancer
• Jim Welsch, lymphoma
• Vincent Provensal, eye surgery
• Dolores Fett, multiple myloma
• Kris Stephany, ear surgery recovery

Prayers of Comfort
• Mike and Carol Field on the death of a dear friend.

Prayers of Congratulations
• Kim Simmons and Jason Riebe on their engagement!

Link to Synod Newsletter
The East Central Synod of WI (the synod we belong to) is going exclusively on-line with their newsletter!You can view their newsletter at: http://www.ecsw.org/ Choose “Visions” on the sidebar, and download any newsletter you like!

Gloria Dei on Facebook
I have created a group on facebook called “The Dei of Our Lives” – on which I post announcements every week! If you are a facebook member you can friend me – Vicki Simon in the Milwaukee network. We have quite a community OF ALL AGES on fb, so feel free to join in! Also a reminder of our blogspot in which I paste the newsletter every month and occasionally post pictures and blog:
http://gloriadei-pv.blogspot.com/
Church Clean Up
Please sign up for our annual fall church clean up on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10th! A checklist of jobs will be in the narthex!
Al Fett, Facilities and Events

Gloria Dei Wear
We’ve had so many inquiries about our youth group member’s polo shirts that we’ve decided to make shirts for sale for any member who cares to order! Mike Stephany will be in touch soon with more details!

Change for 2010
Our new Giving Envelopes will be
undated. We are diverse in how often we
use our envelopes; this will allow us to
order envelopes every 2-3 years.
Members will continue to use their box of
envelopes until the box is empty. When
the current box is empty; simply request
another box from the Financial Secretary,
Pastor or a Council Member. The new box
will have a different number. This change
in envelope number will not affect your
giving record.
PLEASE RECYCLE ALL GIVING ENVELOPES
YOU MAY HAVE AT YOUR HOME AT THE
END OF THIS CALENDAR YEAR (2009).
Starting 1/1/10 our envelopes
will no longer be dated.

Christmas Craft Sale
Annette Pleshek is heading up a task force of crafters interested in selling crafts at church on Saturday, November 21 with proceeds going to Gloria Dei! Please sign up on the kiosk or see Annette for more information! If you’re not a crafter, save the date (it’s during “Hunter’s Widow” time) to attend the event!

Golf Outing
Just a reminder that the Gloria Dei “Jim Swingin Memorial Golf Outing” is this Sunday, October 4 at noon at Badger Creek in New Holstein. Foursomes are encouraged to sign up on the kiosk! It is a “best ball” game. Please see Mike Hetzner for more details or sign up on the kiosk!


Poinsettia Order
I/we would like to order poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for the Christmas season. Plants are $10.00 each. Orders must be received by Sunday, December 6.
Name:__________________________
Number of plants you would like: _______
In memory/honor of: (please circle one)_______________________
Place order with check in the box in the narthex. Please do not place it in the collection plate.
Plants may be taken home after the Christmas Eve service. Thank you! Worship & Music Committee



Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
N1230 Seven Corners Road
New Holstein, WI 53061
(920)898-5333 princess_vicki@hotmail.com
Ministers: The People of Gloria Dei
Pastor: Victoria Simon
Keyboard: Doug Everson
Newsletter October 2009

WORSHIP HELPERS
It is difficult to conduct a service without these needed helpers. If you cannot fulfill your
obligation on your appointed Sunday please make arrangements to switch with someone.

October November
Altar Set Up: Dianne Fett Altar Set Up: Cari & Jerry Sabel
Annette Pleshek Laurie Argall

October 4 November 1
Greeters: Jensen Family Greeters: Heller Family
Acolytes: Austin Barrett Acolytes: Christopher Jacobs
R.J. Leithold Trever Agnew
Lector: Cari Sabel Lector: Gene Telschow
Ushers: Dave Leithold Ushers: Mary Agnew
Tara Leithold Trent Agnew
Comm. Asst: Gene Telschow Comm. Asst: Tim Argall

October 11 November 8
Greeters: Barb Spiegel Greeters: Ruth Camomilli
Acolytes: Max Kornetzke Acolytes: Max Kornetzke
Nate Kornetzke Nate Kornetzke
Lector: Jayne Meyer Lector: Brodrick Barrett
Ushers: Allan Fett Ushers: Coleen Allee
Dianne Fett Katherine Allee
Comm. Asst: Mike Hetzner Comm. Asst: Ruth Camomilli

October 18 November 15
Greeters: Pleshek Family Greeters: Cobble Family
Acolytes: Mariah Barrett Acoyltes: Dana Van Dyke
Emily Anderson Haleigh Stephany
Lector: Rachel Barrett Lector: Miki Wise
Ushers: Kira Ruechel Ushers: Mike Hetzner
Roxie Ruechel Jerry Jensen
Comm. Asst: Tara Leithold Comm. Asst: Jayne Meyer

October 25 November 22
Greeters: Blanche Brenwall Greeters: Fett Family
Acolytes: Trever Agnew Acolytes: Jenna Pleshek
Christopher Jacobs Abby Sabel
Lector: Coleen Allee Lector: Jeremiah Schaefer
Ushers: Heidi Sabel Ushers: Wayne Zwart
Molly Sabel Jerry Sabel
Comm. Asst: Dianne Fett Comm. Asst: Dick Welsch

November 29
Greeters: Field Family
Acolytes: Jenny Kolbert
Hannah Schumacher
Lector: Adam Ruechel
Ushers: Brodrick Barrett
Rachel Barrett
Comm. Asst: Scott Rickert

A big thank you to all who volunteer their time and talent to assist with worship
service.

September 2009 Newsletter and Worship Helpers

THE DEILY NEWS-

GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH

NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2009

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know how much I am enjoying writing to each member a letter sharing with you the spiritual gifts I’ve seen within you during our seven years together. If you have not received your letter yet, do not even consider that I have forgotten you; I’ve been putting a lot of time and thought into each one, and am realizing my original goal of completing the task in a month was far too ambitious. I started with the church council and their families and now will continue working my way through the alphabet. Please know what a gratifying experience it has been for me devotionally to remember you in prayer and recall the times in which I have witness you shining in making Christ known! I believe a more realistic goal is to have this project completed by Christmas – so look for your letter between now and then.

Considering you each as individuals has been stirring in my heart what we implore in prayer each week during our prayer time in worship – O God, what are you up to at Gloria Dei?! What ways are you calling us as a faith community and as individuals to do, as our current ELCA mission statement proclaims, God’s work, Our Hands?!

As a continuing process of the visioning process we began with Associate Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe last fall, our church council continues to listen for the ways our congregation can best use the gifts of its members to discern our call to serve.

This newsletter is full of opportunities for you to do God’s work using your hands in our faith community, in our surrounding communities and in our world! Please hear an invitation in each announcement to become involved in what captures your attention and imagination, and in what areas YOU are discerning you have gifts to share!

I look forward to sharing with you many serving opportunities, milestones of faith and always in Christ’s abundant joy!

Blessings in Christ, Pastor Vicki

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: SEPTEMBER

SEP 1 Book Club 7:00PM

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

SEP 2 Worship 7:00PM

SEP 3 Bible Study 6:30AM

@ Terre Verde

Glorious Young Moms 6ish

El Camino

SEP 6 Worship 9:00AM

SEP 7 Happy Labor Day

SEP 8 Church Council 7:00PM

SEP 9 Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM

Worship 7:00PM

SEP 10 Bible Study 6:30AM

SEP 11 We Remember Patriot Day

SEP 13 Worship 9:00AM

Alex Jeanty baptism

Rally Day Activities

Walk for Hunger 12:00PM

Ecumenical Bake Sale 1:00PM

SEP 16 Confirmation Orientation 5:30PM

Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM

Worship 7:00PM

SEP 17 Bible Study 6:00AM

SEP 20 Worship 9:00AM

Rotation Sunday School 10:15AM

Adult Forum: Facebook & Faith

SEP 23 Confirmation 5:30PM

Choir Rehearsal 6:00PM

Worship 7:00PM

SEP 24 Bible Study 6:30AM

SEP 27 Worship 9:00AM

SEP 30 Worship 9:00AM

Rotation Sunday School 10:15AM

Gloria Dei Book Clubs

The Book Club is reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett this summer. We will gather to discuss it on Tuesday, September 1.

President’s Thoughts

Is Bible Study For You?

Do you have to be an expert of the Bible to participate in the Gloria Dei Bible Study? Before Carol and I joined the Bible Study group about a year ago that’s what we thought! I thought I would be embarrassed because I didn’t know the Bible that well. Thankfully we found out that was not the case; you do not have to be an expert of the Bible to participate in Bible Study!

We at Gloria Dei take scripture from the Bible; we read it, each of us offers our understanding of what it’s speaking to us. We try to see how this scripture relates to the present. It’s surprising to me how scripture written long ago can be so meaningful today! Our Bible Study Group finds that members have different angles of hearing the scripture, which helps us to grasp a broader picture of how God’s word is heard. I’ll say I never thought of it that way before! The Bible scripture becomes very personal to each of us!

The Bible Study takes has taken three different forms! (Used at different times).

1. We read scripture and discuss its meaning.
2. We have read the book “Shack” and discussed it.
3. We have listened and discussed video tapes by Dr. Nestingen.(He has a unique way of explaining thoughts and gives easy understanding of the Bible)
1. The Ten Commandments.
2. People of God Gathering.

If this format interests you, please consider joining us in Bible Study! We meet every Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. Generally, we meet at Terra Verede Coffee House in Chilton Please check with Pastor Vicki if you are interested. Michael Field

Rally Day Sunday Festivities

Please join us for Rally Day fun on Sunday September 13! We will be unveiling a new twist to our rotation Sunday School and hope all parents and children can celebrate with us and register your kids following worship! We will also be having a community pot-luck that day to kick off the school year! Sign up on the kiosk!

Lutheran World Relief Needs

We are currently collecting school supplies and full sized bar soap to be sent around the world to bring aid to those in need by Lutheran World Relief. We also need people to sew bags to put the supplies into. Please take a supply list or a bag pattern from the narthex and return items to the red school house in the narthex. Sarah Muermann

Walk for Hunger formerly Youth Walk

Please join our area ecumenical churches in a walk for hunger on Sunday, September 13 to help support our area food pantries! The walk begins at noon.You can donate non-perishable goods to the big basket in the narthex, make a monetary donation, make baked goods to share in a bake sale that will be held at our church, the mid-point of the walk where everyone will stop for a snack and bathroom break, show your support by walking, and/or volunteer to work at the bake sale or snack tables! Please see Mike Stephany and the kiosk for more details!

Green Bay Gamblers Game
On October 3rd we will be going to the Green Bay Gamblers game. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and non-youth members. Youth group members will be free. Please sign up on the sheet posted at church, which also has more details on it. Mike Stephany

Youth Chili Supper – Save the Date!
Sunday November 8th the youth group annual chili supper will be held. We hope to have all of our youth group help in the event – see the kiosk for sign up details and Gloria Dei friends – mark your calendars to come enjoy meeting and eating! Mike Stephany

PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE KIOSK TO BRING TREATS FOR FELLOWSHIP HOUR FOLLOWING WORSHIP

Wednesday Worship Service

We now offer two worship services. In addition to our Sunday morning 9:00am service we celebrate worship on Wednesdays at 7pm. Holy Communion is served weekly at both services.

Confirmation Date

Our 9^th graders will be confirmed on Sunday, October 18^th! A confirmation worship service planning meeting will be at 5pm on Wednesday, September 30^th! Parents and students please plan to attend. Students consider songs and worship helper jobs you would like to participate in during the service.

Confirmation Class and Orientation

Confirmation orientation for 7^th and 8^th graders will be on Wednesday September 16^th at 5:30pm. A mentor huddle will be on Wednesday, September 9^th at 5:30pm at El Camino.

A Confirmand’s Evening with the Bishop

The Manitowoc cluster churches have scheduled an evening with Bishop Jim Justman during our confirmation class time on Wednesday, October 21 at Faith Lutheran Church in Valders. We will gather for worship at 6pm and listen to Bishop Justman present on his trip from 7:15-8:15PM. All members are invited to attend!

Confirmation Monthly Mentors

Back by popular request is the monthly mentor confirmation program. The program aspires to pair an adult mentor with a confirmation student of the same gender. Once a month, the mentor and student meet to do any activity of your choice for at least, but not limited to, one hour. Some mentors have chosen always to meet at church for an hour. Some have met for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cookie baking, golfing bowling, church outings. I suggest that at least two of your meetings be working on a Gloria Dei service project together – like serving at dinner theater, the chili supper, highway clean up, Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, soup suppers, etc. The only thing you need to bring to these one hour meetings only once a month?! Yourself. The number one thing the students have reviewed as a favorite part of confirmation is getting to know an adult at church; at having someone look forward to spending time with them or just saying hello on Sunday mornings. The first meeting we will have together, to “get to know” one another and set a date for the next month’s meeting, during our Wednesday, October 21 class time. Join us for dinner. Sign up on the kiosk – we are always especially in need of male mentors – so DO IT!

***When You Desire a Hospital Visit***

Please read this!!! Because of the new changes in privacy laws, Pastor Vicki must be called by you or a family member if you desire a hospital visit. Even if the hospital asks you for your information, it is not always delivered, and when delivered, not always in a timely manner. Please call Gloria Dei’s office 920-898-5333 or Pastor Vicki’s cell phone 920-716-0661

Memorials and Gifts

Our Memorial and Gift program is one in which members of Gloria Dei can designate money in remembrance of people who have died (when you see, for example, “Memorials to be given…” in obituaries, often the option is to donate money to a specific or undesignated fund at church) or in honor of someone during a special occasion, such as births, weddings, graduations, confirmations and other celebrations of life. Dee Langohr and Mary Agnew are the chair persons of our Memorial and Gift Committee and periodically in the newsletter you will see memorial or honorarium gifts to funds such as: roof, coffee bar, worship supplies, church furniture, parking lot paving and undesignated (giving the committee a chance to confer about where the funds are most needed when distributing a gift.) We welcome you to utilize this as an option to remember and honor your loved ones. Pastor Vicki has donated gifts this month to the operating fund and building fund in memory of Bob Kurowski, step-father of Greg Ruechel, in memory of Remy Field, sister-in-law of Mike Field and in honor of Amber and Danny Christel.

New Members Meal

If you are interested in exploring membership in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, please share your interest with Pastor Vicki! I’d love to set up a time to meet with you and share information about our congregation as you are our guest in a meal. Blessings and welcome! 920-898-5333

C’Ya Later Halloween Costume Party

All adults are welcome to the C’YA Later – Christian Young Adults – Later – annual Halloween Costume Party at Al and Dianne Fett’s home on Saturday, October 31! Come dressed in costume and bring a snack to share. Soda will be provided. See Al and Dianne Fett for more details!

Adult Forum Technology and Faith Series

One of the things I find myself speaking with members about most frequently recently is the usage of things like facebook, Twitter, blogging, Linked in, ipod apps, texting, YouTube, Hulu, etc. Some of you probably think I’m talking another language here, but it is actually a language many of our youth, especially, are fluent in, and these sites and apps are part of their every day life. Many of these sites and apps, when used safely and properly, can be great tools for social connection, networking, job seeking, and yes, even faith enhancing. Once a month I’d like to tackle a topic people have questions about in an adult forum. We’ll start this month with the most popular one – facebook! Join me Sunday September 20^th following worship to hear me present and join in conversation. Even if you aren’t interested in using these tools, it might be helpful for you to learn about what your children and grand-children are doing!

Gloria Dei Directory

We are pleased to announce we have scheduled time slots with Olan Mills for picture taking for a new pictorial directory on Wednesdays October 7 and October 14! Zion Lutheran Church in New Holstein is also doing a new directory, so if these time slots do not work for you, we may be able to send you to one of their available time slots! Please sign up on the table in the Narthex. We would like every member to participate! You are NOT required to buy pictures, but packages will be made available to you, including Christmas cards that can be purchased in time for this holiday season! Olan Mills has also changed their pet policy again, and pets are allowed for pictures. They must simply wait outside as to not disrupt those with allergies or who are frightened by animals. Broderick Barrett has done wonderful work spearheading this project and will with volunteers be making contact with every member to provide an opportunity to schedule a time slot. You can save him a stamp or a call by signing up on one of the sheets in the narthex! Looking forward to seeing your face J.

Electronic Giving or Simply Giving
Please consider using "Simply Giving," or automatic cash withdrawal/deposit as your method of giving. Since January we've been in a cash flow crunch with our current expenses and the building fund. Simply Giving allows a somewhat more stable cash flow picture. Contact Colleen Allee for the "Simply Giving" info.

Tables of 8

So what do I like best about Tables of 8? I know, you think it is getting to eat all those great meals. Wrong! For me the best part of Tables of 8 is getting to know other people in our congregation on a more personal level. It is an opportunity to make a friend of that person I smile at, and exchange a few words with, on a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening but really don’t get to know. I’d really like to encourage you to sign up for this year’s Tables of 8. You do not need to be part of a couple to sign up. The number 8 is just part of the name. We have had tables of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. There is a sign-up on the kiosk and I would like interested parties to sign up by September 20th. That way I can get the group assignments out to you by the end of September. If we don’t get started right away we sometimes have difficulty getting groups together. Please include your email address when you sign up, as it is less time consuming to send out an email to all interested parties than it is to make all those phone calls. If we have 4 tables like we did the past 2 years we will need 12 hosts so please consider hosting. Sherry Wilberscheid

Glorious Young Moms

We have a wonderful group of young moms meeting once a month at 6ish (because that’s the life of a mom!) on the first Wednesday of every month at 6ish at El Camino. All young moms are welcome!

Prayers of Thanks

• To Tara Leithold for conducting our cookie dough fundraiser!
• To Blanche Brenwall, Bev Thoma and Karren and Jaremy Cobble, our glorious gardeners who have donated much time and talent to beautifying our landscaping!
• To Rachel Barrett and Sherry Wilberscheid for leading worship and preaching while Pastor Vicki was on vacation!
• To all of you who donated goods to the rummage sale or worked at the rummage sale and to Kris Stephany, rummage sale organizer!\
• To Don and Coleen Allee for hosting the annual C’YA Later Luau!
• To Broderick Barrett for planning the church camp out and to Wayne Zwart for reserving our sights!
• To Fred and Sarah Muermann for donating office computers!
• To Jerry Jensen, Al Fett and Barb Spiegel who’ve worked to negotiate a new copy machine and contract, with savings in our payment plan!
• To Randy and Julie Schumacher for donating our bulletins for this quarter!

Prayers of Healing

• Payton Lenhardt, brain injury
• Jarod Sabrowsky, serving in Iraq
• Braeden Rockow, radiation for spinal cancer
• Jim Welsch, lymphoma

Prayers of Comfort

• Ruechel family on the death of Greg’s step-father Bob Kurowski.
• Salzsieder family on the death of Scott’s father, Herbert Salzsieder.
• Mike and Carol Field on the death of Mike’s sister-in-law Remy Field.
• Rev. John Horner-Ibler and members of Cross of Life and Cordero de Dios churches as they mourn the loss of two youth of Cordero de Dios.

Prayers of Congratulations

• Mike and Annette Pleshek on their 25^th wedding anniversary!
• Amber (Klingbeil) and Danny Christel on their wedding!
• Ruth Cammomilli on the birth of her grand-son!
• Fred and Sarah Muermann on the baptism of their grand-son Nicholas Girga (Beth and Kevin Girga).
• Bill and Peg Craig on Bill’s new job in Minnesota! We are also saddened by this news, as the Craigs will be leaving us. We rejoice that they will be nearer to their children and grand-children and look forward to their visits!
• Elaine Kildsig on getting her driver’s license!

Counter Schedule

September: - 6- Jerry Jensen 13 - Allen Fett, -20 - Julie Schaefer, 27 - Karen & Jaremy Cobble

Link to Synod Newsletter

The East Central Synod of WI (the synod we belong to) is currently re-structuring their newsletters and websites, also to be mostly on-line! You can view their newsletter at: http://www.ecsw.org/ Choose “Visions” on the sidebar, and download any newsletter you like!

Gloria Dei on Facebook

I have created a group on facebook called “The Deis of Our Lives” – on which I post announcements every week! If you are a facebook member you can friend me – Vicki Simon in the Milwaukee network - or just link to the sight as another means of communicating! We have quite a community OF ALL AGES on fb, so feel free to join in! Also a reminder of our blogspot in which I paste the newsletter every month and occasionally post pictures and blog:

http://gloriadei-pv.blogspot.com/

The July Book Fair and Rummage Sale

Ask the congregation of Gloria Dei to provide books for a Book Fair and, oh my goodness, did we get books,enough to fill the dining room to overflowing. Ask the Erickson and Kuske kids to help move boxes of books, furniture and then help unpack books and all was done in no time with laughter.

Thank you to all that donated books, to Adam, Amy, Jason and Carolyn for a couple of hours of work and finally to all who purchased books. The money total for just the book sale was $135.00. Many more books were then sold at the rummage sale. The remaining books are being donated to the libraries in our area for their book sales.

Then comes the cleaning out of your closets, garages and cupboards. Many thanks for all the donations. It is always an interesting mix of things when we open the doors on Friday morning. Thanks to everyone that helped sort, price and sell. The biggest job is the clean-up as everything left has to be hauled away. Hard work and we are always glad when it is completed.

The total for both sales was $1000.00. Thanks

Blanche Brenwall and Kris Stephany

A Message from Bishop Jim Justman Following the Churchwide Assembly

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ;

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Ephesians 1:2)

By now you may have heard of the decisions of our on-going Churchwide Assembly

regarding issues of human sexuality. We have:

~passed the Human Sexuality Social Statement.

~passed the “Bound Conscience” resolution.

~passed a resolution allowing our church to create a rite for the public recognition

of same sex, long-term, monogamous relationships.

~passed a resolution allowing our church to ordain persons in a same-sex, long-

term, monogamous relationship.

~passed a resolution attempting to set all this in order for our future life together.

These actions have been greeted with many emotions as you know. Some are heart-

broken. Some are filled with joy. Many are somewhere in between.

It will be good for all our leaders and members to take a bit of a breath over this. Please

consider…

~Turn the matter over to prayer between you and God.

~Find prayer partners to pray with for God’s wisdom and guidance.

~Use public worship opportunities to pray as a community of faith.

~Talk in small groups with others you respect.

~Gather information and facts. Share conversation with others.

~Talk with those who see things differently and pray together.

~Turn to God in prayer and faith again and again that you may be gifted with the

peace of Christ in all that you do and say.

Upon my return please know that I am most willing to gather with congregational

leaders, Conferences, Clusters, Rostered Leaders and congregations as we live together in this decision.

My prayers are with you. The hope of Christ is with you. As the writer of Ephesians

reminds us:

“Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head,

into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament

from which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s

growth in building itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Remember, the world watches us now to see how we will respond. Let us respond with

the confidence of Christ and the promise of his unchanging grace in all that we do and

say. Peace be with you+

In Christ’s Undying Love,

Bishop James A. Justman

The Central Lay School

of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin

presents

“Listen to My

Teaching”

- Proverbs 2:1-2

A Day of Theological and Spiritual Refreshment

Saturday, October 24, 2009

8:30-2:30

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

h

3200 South Mountain Road

Wausau, WI

Come join us for a day of learning as we explore diverse topics in spirituality, theology, Bible study, and more. There’s something for everyone! Don’t miss it!

CLASS OFFERINGS

Session #1 9:30-10:20

Genesis: Why Not Begin at the Beginning? - Pastor Sam Jackson

Tending the Ties that Bind: Your Ministry with Persons with Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease - Pastor Karen Zutz Rendall

Spiritual Gifts for “Newbies” – Pastor Al Moen

ELW - Unmined Riches Galore! Part I Gathering & Word. –AIMs Marilyn Freeman & Becky Luett

Session #2 10:30-11:20

The Bible: A Realistic View of Its Authority – Pastor Todd Murkin

Just Justice – Pastor Brian Crocker

What makes a Church The Church? – Pastor Dennis Creswell

Session #3 12:30-1:20

Paul, Luther, and Galatians - a look at how and why Galatians was central for Martin Luther and is for us today – Pastor Steve Olson

Christ Approves Expensive Funerals! Really...? – Pastor Steve Gjerde

How to Get to Love Teaching Bible School Students in Belarus – William Kamke

ELW - Unmined Riches Galore! Part II - Meal & Sending

Session #4 1:30-2:20

Revelation - Breaking the Code – Pastor Kay Richter

Why do They do That?: An Introduction to Systems Theory – Pastor John Czarnota

What is Lutheran Spirituality? – Pastor Paulette Creswell

[Full class descriptions and a registration form may be found at www.wausaulayschool.org]

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cost [lunch included]:

By October 1^st - $25.00

Between October 2^nd & October 15^th - $30.00

$35.00 at the door (Lunch is not guaranteed with same day registration.)

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

N1230 Seven Corners Road

New Holstein, WI 53061

(920)898-5333 princess_vicki@hotmail.com

Ministers: The People of Gloria Dei

Pastor: Victoria Simon

Keyboard: Doug Everson

Newsletter September 2009

WORSHIP HELPERS

It is difficult to conduct a service without these needed helpers. If you cannot fulfill your obligation on your appointed Sunday please make arrangements to switch with someone.

September October

Altar Set Up: Rachel Barrett Altar Set Up: Dianne Fett

Jayne Meyer Annette Pleshek

September 6 October 4

Greeters: J. Schaefer Family Greeters: Jensen Family

Acolytes Jenna Pleshek Acolytes: Austin Barrett

Abby Sabel R.J. Leithold

Lector: Roxie Ruechel Lector: Cari Sabel

Ushers: Jeremiah Schaefer Ushers: Dave Leithold

Scott Rickert Tara Leithold

Comm. Asst: Cheryl Heller Comm. Asst: Gene Telschow

September 13 October 11

Greeters: Wayne Zwart Greeters: Barb Spiegel

Acolytes: Emily Kolberg Acolytes: Max Kornetzke

Jenny Kolberg Nate Kornetzke

Lector: Barb Spiegel Lector: Jayne Meyer

Ushers: Jaremy Cobble Ushers: Allan Fett

Karren Cobble Dianne Fett

Comm. Asst: Allan Fett Comm. Asst: Mike Hetzner

September 20 October 18

Greeters: Argall Family Greeters: Pleshek Family

Acolytes: Hannah Schumacher Acolytes: Mariah Barrett

Haliegh Stephany Emily Anderson

Lector: Laurie Argall Lector: Rachel Barrett

Ushers: Cheryl Heller Ushers: Kira Ruechel

Craig Heller Roxie Ruechel

Comm. Asst: Sherry Wilberscheid Comm. Asst: Tara Leithold

September 27 October 25

Greeters: Barrett Family Greeters: Blanche Brenwall

Acolytes: Marilee Kresbach Acolytes: Trever Agnew

Dana VanDyke Christopher Jacobs

Lector: Jerry Sabel Lector: Peg Craig

Ushers: Dick Welsch Ushers: Heidi Sabel

Kathy Welsch Molly Sabel

Comm. Asst: Rachel Barrett Comm. Asst: Dianne Fett

A big thank you to all who volunteer their time and talent to assist with worship service.