Nov Newsletter - FILNLSA1415Accreditation

November 2013
Issue 11-13
Inside
This Issue:
Thanksgiving Service Times ...... 2
New Members ............................. 3
FIL Cross Country ...................... 4
Calendar ...................................... 5
LWML ......................................... 6
Men’s Retreat ................................ 7
Harvest Blessings Concert ......... 8
Mom2Mom ........................................... 9
LWML Winter Getaway...……...10
River of Life Updates ................. 11
In the Word ............................... 12
Missions and Outreach ............ 13
Parents Link .............................. 14
Celebration Garden .................. 17
Ruth 1:16 ................................... 18
FIL REACHGroups
The mission statement for our congregation is and reminds us that we exist to
“reach up to God, reach in to each other, and reach out to others.”
One of the best ways we “reach in to each other” is through our REACH Groups.
These small groups provide an intentional way for us to make Christian friendships.
Some people have asked why they should join a REACHGroup. Our new
REACHGroup Director, Vicki Manzeck, gives some good reasons:
The Top Five Reasons Why You Should Join A
REACHGroup at FIL:
5. A REACHGroup is a great way to really connect with other FIL
members, get to know people, and to make lifelong friends!
4. A REACHGroup is a wonderful opportunity to really dig into
God's Word using really interesting and exciting study materials
in a smaller, more intimate setting!
3. You won't have to read, pray or sing aloud unless you want to!
2. You will be joining a group of people who truly care about you
and will always be a warm and supportive place for you to be!
Mission:
In response to God, who first reached
down to us—the mission of First
Immanuel Lutheran Church is to
reach up to God, reach into each
other and reach out to others.
And the Number One reason to join a REACHGroup at FIL is: You
will grow closer to God as you deepen your faith relationship
with Him and discover what God's plan is for you!
Those who are members of a REACHGroup can verify these reasons. Their faith has
been deepened, their relationships have been broadened, and the joy in their lives is
complete.
If you are not currently in a REACHGroup and would like more information or
would like to know how to be connected to one, please contact Vicki Manzeck
at [email protected].
Pastor Raasch
Page 2
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
Let’s Welcome our New Members!
Joe and Laura Clausing
join us from Mequon
and enjoy ballroom
dancing and are experienced with music and
volunteering their time
to church.
Bill and Lisa
Jefferis join us
from Cedarburg
and enjoy going
to the movies
and traveling
together as a
couple.
Parker Prochaska is
currently a Concordia
student. He enjoys
playing sports and
interacting with
those around him!
John and Megan Dirks
along with their two year
old daughter, Madison.
They expecting another
child in March 2014.
Jeffery and Keri
Michels and their
children Katelyn,
Nathan, and Abigail
join us from Mequon. Katelyn and
Nathan both attend
school here at First
Immanuel.
Karyn Sotiriades joins us from
Cedarburg and is a teacher.
She is married and has two
daughters. Her family attends
regularly at River of Life in
Saukville and she enjoys gardening, camping, and jogging.
Peter and Angie Kelm along with Jacob,
Caleb, and Chloe join us from Cedarburg.
Peter Kelm was a Pastor at Trinity Freistadt
and is now a Disctrict Mission Exec. They
enjoy working on crafts together as a family.
Patrick and Rachel
Drayna join us from
Cedarburg and have
one newborn son,
Charles. Rachel enjoys running, cooking
and being with her
family.
Frank James is an active participant in River
of Life’s Lifetree Café.
He has been in the
Saukville area for about
2 years.
Next time you see these folks around, be sure to give
Patsy Roeske has relocated from
them a very warm FIL welcome!
St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Blue
Not Pictured: Nathan & Mary Boeckers, Chris
Point, Altamont, Illinois and is the
Millard & family, Todd & Jaci Spykstra &
family, Kurt Buchberger, Martina Batiansila,
mother of our Missions and OutAndreanna Barth, Rachel Pokorny & family, & Sally Balkevich.
reach Director, Karl Roeske.
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 3
FILS Boys and Girls Win LSA State Cross
Country Meet;
Lindsey Weiss is State Champion for Girls
Lindsey
Weiss: FILS
8th grader
Lindsey Weiss
(center) runs
out of the fog,
setting the
pace for the
girls' race.
Weiss won the
first place
medal at the
LSA State Cross Country Meet for the second time in her career.
First Immanuel Lutheran School swept the Lutheran Sports
Association (LSA) Wisconsin State Cross Country Meet on
October 5th – taking 1st place in both the boys and girls divisions. Twenty-three schools were represented, with more
than 200 runners between both races.
As a team, First Immanuel has been runner-up in both the
boys’ and girls’ divisions in the past, but neither team has
ever won it until now.
“Our runners worked very hard this year,” FILS coach Dan
Riederer said. “We knew we had a great opportunity for success, so it was very exciting to see the hard work pay off with
both championships in the same year.”
In addition Lindsey Weiss’ top honors, eighth grader Jessie
Juergensen got First Team All-State Honors by finishing 6th,
and seventh grader Keri Walker received Second Team AllState honors by finishing 9th. Fifth grader Hope Rutkowski
earned Third Team All-State Honors with her 15th place fin-
ish. Fourth grader Ellie Juergensen was First Immanuel’s
final scoring runner finishing in 22nd place.
In the boys’ race, eighth grader Sam Schleicher took 5th
place and eighth grader Lucas Gitzlaff took 6th place, both
earning First Team All-State Honors. Earning Second Team
All-State Honors were eighth grader Grant Fox (8th place),
and sixth grader Timmy Brey (11th place). The boys’ scoring
team was rounded out by fifth grader Ty Mueller, who finished in 22nd place.
FILS Girls CC
State Runners:
The top 9 girls
competed for First
Immanuel in the
State Meet. From
left: Emma Osborne, Coach Dan
Riederer, Ellie
Juergensen, Katarina Hinck, Hope
Rutkowski, Keri Walker, Sofia Memmel, Jessie Juergensen,
and Abby Helm. (Not pictured: Lindsey Weiss)
FILS Boys CC State Runners: First Immanuel's top 8
runners competed in the LSA Wisconsin State Cross Country Meet. From
left: Ty Mueller,
Coach Dan Riederer, Timmy
Brey, Grant
Fox, Luke Gitzlaff, Joe Jurss,
Ethan Graham,
Samuel Schleicher and Nolan
Burnside.
This year First Immanuel has
fielded its largest cross country
team ever, but only the top 9 girls
and 8 boys were selected to run in
the State Meet. Running at the
State Meet for First Immanuel
were boys Timmy Brey, Nolan
Burnside, Grant Fox, Lucas Gitzlaff, Ethan Graham, Joe Jurss, Ty
Mueller and Sam Schleicher; and
girls Abby Helm, Katarina Hinck,
Ellie Juergensen, Jessie Juergensen, Sophia Memmel, Emma Osborne, Hope Rutkowski, Keri
Walker and Lindsey Weiss.
Both teams advanced to the 4th
Annual National Lutheran Cross
Country Championships, which
took place at Concordia University
Wisconsin on October 26th. Results were not available at time of
publication … stay tuned!
Page 4
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
November 2013
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Communion Schedule
First Immanuel: On 1st and 3rd Sunday, Communion is at 7:30 and 10:35; on 2nd and 4th Sunday, Communion is at 5:00 and 9:00
Adult Volleyball is
every Sunday
evening at 6:20pm
in the FIL Gym!
Feel free to drop in!
1
2
6:00am
Breakfast
Bible Study
7:30am
Men's Bible Study
NO
SCHOOL
3
4
5
6
7
7:30am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service-ROL
10:30am
Café Worship-ROL
10:35am
Contemporary Svc.
9:00am
Little Dresses for
Africa
10:00am &
7:00pm
Stephen Ministry
3:00pm
Serve a Meal
7:00pm
Lifetree Café
11:30am
Ladies Aid
9:00am
Adult Bible Study
6:30pm
Men’s Basketball
5:30pm
Confirmation Class
6:30pm
Adult Bell Choir
7:30pm
Senior Choir
10
11
12
13
14
7:30am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service-ROL
10:30am
Café Worship-ROL
10:35am
Contemporary Svc.
2:00pm
Harvest Blessings
Concert
9:00am
Mom to Mom
Veterans Day
10:15am
Thank you for Veterans Day Assembly
your service! We 6:00pm
salute you!
LWML
9:00am
Adult Bible Study
6:30pm
Men’s Basketball
7:30am
Men’s Bible Study
5:30pm
Confirmation Class
6:30pm
Adult Bell Choir
7:30pm
Senior Choir
5:00pm
Traditional Worship
Service
17
18
19
20
21
7:30am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service-ROL
10:30am
Café Worship-ROL
10:35am
Contemporary Svc.
9:00am
Little Dresses for
Africa
7:00pm
Stephen Ministry
3:00pm
Serve a Meal
9:00am
Adult Bible Study
6:30pm
Men’s Basketball
6:15pm
Glory & Praise –Cedar
Gardens
7:00pm
Lifetree Café
5:30pm
Confirmation Class
6:30pm
Adult Bell Choir
7:30pm
Senior Choir
24
25
26
27
28
9:00am
Mom to Mom
7:00pm
Lifetree Café
4:00pm
Stephen Ministry
Leaders Meeting
9:00am
Adult Bible Study
9:00am
Traditional
Thanksgiving
Worship
Service—both
FIL & ROL
7:30am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service
9:00am
Worship Service-ROL
10:30am
Café Worship-ROL
10:35am
Contemporary Svc.
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
8
5:00pm
Traditional Worship
Service
NO
SCHOOL
9
5:00pm
Traditional Worship
Service
7:30pm
Ruth 1:16 Book
Discussions at
CUW
15
16
7:00pm
Lifetree Café
7:30pm
Men’s Club Meeting
6:30pm
Glory & Praise –
Hamburg Home
6:45pm
ROL Adult Bible
Fellowship
11:10am
Early Dismissal
(School)
7:00pm
Contemporary
Thanksgiving
Worship Service at
the CPAC
22
23
5:00pm
Traditional Worship
Service
7:30pm
Ruth 1:16 Book
Discussions at
CUW
29
NO
SCHOOL
30
5:00pm
Traditional Worship
Service
OFFICE
CLOSED
NO SCHOOL
OFFICE
CLOSED
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 5
Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML)
Come and join us for “A Winter Getaway” Retreat. It’s the 26th Annual SWD Retreat for women at The
Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI. The theme for this year’s retreat is Patchwork of Friendship. Join us for this two day retreat for women ages 12 and up, as our Keynote Speaker, Amy Meyer
teaches us how to build and strengthen friendships. Look for the poster in the narthex. Invite a friend,
a neighbor, a co-worker, a sister! Open to the public! Please visit www.swd-lwml.org or call Patty
Butenhoff for more information at 262-628-4212. Also, please join us for our November Meeting on
Tuesday, November 12 at 6 PM. Meet at Lasata to sing familiar hymns with the residents. Then join
us at the First Immanuel fellowship hall for a short business meeting along with beverages and
desserts. All women of the church and their guests are invited to attend. If you have questions, please
contact the church office or call Eunice Keske at 675-6753. See page 11 for more details on the retreat!
Market Day
MARKET DAY November Bonus Days are here! The more desserts purchased
the more our school earns! Time to think about what you will serve for your
Thanksgiving desserts!!! Plus get a free dessert plate and server with a $90
online purchase with promo code: NOVBONUS. Place your order in the office by
Tuesday, November 5th or online by 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6th.
Pick up will be in the Family Life Center on Saturday, November 9th from 8:009:00 a.m. Questions? Contact Jenny Jurss at 375-0519 or [email protected].
Stephen Ministry
THE GIFT OF STEPHEN MINISTRY It doesn't
take much observation to know that the world is a broken place. Violence, racial hatred, divorce, sickness
and death - they are all daily reminders of this world's
brokenness. It's enough to make you feel hopeless.
As Christians, we believe that all this brokenness has
one origin: our brokenness from God, otherwise
known as sin. Sin is the rift, the gap that stands between us and the Creator and His original intentions
for the world. Because we are broken from God, we
are also broken from one another, hopelessly disconnected from the Source of our being, and from our
brothers and sisters. And in our hearts, we hunger
deeply to be put back together, to be reconciled with
God, and with one another. It's been said that if we
could somehow cut the heart of the world in half, we
would find a God-shaped hole. It is to bridge that gap,
to feed that hunger, to fill that hole, that Jesus Christ
came; not with power, not with great psychological
methods, not with grand philosophy or "just the right
words", but with love.
Stephen Ministers are people who know brokenness
first hand. But they are also the people who have tasted the wholeness that comes from faith in Jesus. Stephen Ministers are, to use an old phrase, "hungry people telling other hungry people where to find bread,”
the Bread of Life.
Page 6 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
Our Stephen Ministers' task is not to cure hurting people of their ills. It is not to solve their problems. It is
not even to make them feel better. Our task is to be the
loving, life-giving presence of Jesus Christ in their
midst. By that listening, caring, loving and compassionate presence, we accompany hurting and broken
people on the long journey towards wholeness.
Ours is not a haphazard presence. It is a very intentional one. One that takes both great skill and a mustard seed's worth of faith. Its effectiveness is not found
in method, but in conveying Christ's loving presence.
Its success is as sure as the Christ who promises to be
present with us.
When we establish trusting, compassionate relationships with hurting people in the name of Jesus Christ,
healing begins. How healing it is to be listened to,
when we know that we are really being heard and understood! How satisfying and liberating it is to be
loved and not judged! To be free to be who we really
are. This is the fertile soil in which broken lives begin
to grow strong. It is not salvation itself, but it can
surely open the door to faith in faithless lives.
This is the gift that Stephen Ministers offer in the
name of Jesus Christ. It is a gift without price. And a
gift with out measure.
For more information about our FIL Stephen Ministry,
please contact Pastor Reichmann at 377-6610.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED!
We now have only 13 members who have made a commitment to visit a shut-in once a month for one
year beginning in October 2013. We could use at least 20 more volunteers. If the Lord has put in your
heart to make a commitment of Christian caring, call the new one-on-one shut-in visit coordinator,
Jean Drigot at 262-375-1293 or email Betty Robison at [email protected]. Pray God would lead you
to become part of our Care Ministry to help bring His comfort and love to the shut-ins of our family in
Christ.
Ladies Aid
The Ladies Aid meeting on Nov. 5th will begin with a salad lunch at 11:30 a.m. This meeting will include the Election of Officers. The devotion will be on "A Mighty Fortress.” Our program will be "Dr.
Martin Luther" presented by David Wiedenkeller. All ladies of First Immanuel and River of Life are
welcome to join us. Questions? Contact Lois Schwarten at 262-377-7495.
Men’s Club
Men, come and hear Richard Laabs, President of the Lutheran Urban Mission Initiative (LUMIN) discuss challenges, opportunities, and success of LUMIN schools in the Milwaukee urban environment.
Mr. Laabs will be speaking at the November Men's Club meeting on Tuesday, November 12th at 7:30
p.m. A light meal and refreshments will follow the meeting.
2014 Men’s Retreat
The men of our congregation have been invited to be a part of the
13th annual Men’s Retreat to be held at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on February 28, 2014-March 2, 2014. Men from First
Immanuel in Cedarburg, Our Redeemer in Wauwatosa, and Divine
Redeemer in Hartland helped to put the retreat together. The theme
for this year’s retreat is, “gods at war.” The retreat will deal with defeating the gods that battle for your heart.
The Bible is very clear that false gods and idols have no place in a
believer’s life. For most people living in our modern day culture the
thoughts of idols like a golden calf are obsolete. When someone or
something replaces the Lord in position of glory in our lives, that
person or thing has become our god and idol. What are some of the
gods that battle for our hearts? They include: money, pleasure, sex,
entertainment, sports, materialism, comfort, success, gambling, and
technology. At the retreat we will be looking at how these things
have a big impact on our lives.
Come to the retreat and learn how to defeat the gods warring for
your heart and how you go about making Jesus number one in your
life. Questions? Contact Jim Berg at 414-462-5871. Further details
will be in next month’s newsletter.
Stop by the First Immanuel Office to pick up your book at the
“bargain” price of $10.00 until November 5, 2013.
All veterans and
members of First
Immanuel are
invited to our
Veterans Day
assembly
happening on
Tuesday,
November 12th at
10:15 a.m. in the
sanctuary.
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 7
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Harvest Blessings Concert
A Special Salute to Our Veterans and Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 10th, 2013 @ 2:00pm
Featuring
Presentation of Colors
By Army Captain Leo Lesch
Living Word Lutheran High School Vocal Choir
Concordia University Wisconsin Jazz Ensemble
Dr. Louis Menchaca, Director
Enjoy the Swing Big Band music from the 1940s and other selections saluting our veterans
Congregational Hymn Sing
Tom Giordano and Kaethe Grabenhofer, Directors
Holly Gast and Joan Scholz, Soloists
Mary Jo Wirth, Pianist
Prayer shawls and blankets will be distributed by school children to veterans who have served
in peace and war, shut-ins and homebound, people who grieve for loved ones,
and caregivers.
For more information, contact Carol at 262-243-4233 or at [email protected]
Page 8 Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 9
Page 10
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
Dear FIL/ROL Friends...
We continue channeling our energy towards the goals of our ROL Ministry Plan. In this addition we will highlight progress
around the prepositions of our Mission- “in”, “up”, and “out”. God’s blessing to you at you continue reaching “in” to fellow
believers, reaching “up” to God, and “out” to the world that needs to hear.
In His Service,
Pastor Monte
“IN” UPDATE As I write, we are about to host our third session of “Not a
Fan.” So far our group has been relatively small (8 to 10 people). The discussion, however, has been worthwhile. We continue to challenge one another
with Jesus call to follow- a call that far surpasses the level of dedication required of a mere “fan”. Our wrap up of “Not a Fan” will take place on the
third Wednesday of November (the 20th), beginning at 7pm. We will then
take a break for Advent Worship on the 3rd Wednesday of December. We will
begin a new emphasis on the 3rd Wednesday of January (January 15). Come
join us and give your input for our next topic of study.
Our Sunday School is also doing well these days. The effort is “Spear Headed by Ann Eger and Katie
Hansen. The picture shows Katie and Ann preparing for their students in our new Sunday School
Room , The Port of Call.
“UP” UPDATE
Our Lifetree Café continues. We have been averagNovember, it isn’t too early to start mentioning
ing 15 to 17 participants per week. Our topics for NoAdvent. Our plan at ROL is to enjoy traditional
vember are:
Advent worship on December 4th and December
Nov 5 - Is Church Obsolete? Has God Left the Build11th. Then on our final Wednesday (December
ing?
18), we plan to enjoy a service of lessons and carNov 12 - Getting Past Your Past And Making the
ols (no sermon). We will wrap up the evening by
Most of Your Future
traveling from ROL to a local institution to do
Nov 19 - Forgiving the Unforgivable A Son Confronts
His Mother’s Killer
some Christmas Caroling. All Advent services
Nov 26 - A Christmas Surprise Rekindling the Joy of
begin at 6:00 pm.
Christmas
We also plan to employ the gifts and talents of
Our Lifetree meets every Tuesday at 7pm in the
our children in worship on Sunday, December
Conversation Café at River of Life. These episodes are
22nd at both services (9 and 10:30). The chilthe ideal place to engage friends in faith based condren’s program will encompass about 15 minutes
versation.
of the service.
Who would God have you invite?
“OUT” UPDATE
We continue our support of the Saukville Food
Pantry through our monthly “Food Fourth” emphasis. On “Food Fourth” (the Fourth Sunday)
we send home reusable
We are also in conversation these
food pantry bags with our
days regarding establishing a Love
worshipers, encouraging
Inc. sight in our area. Local Pastors
them to bring them back
are “warm” to the idea of collaboratfilled the next Sunday. Our
ing for the purpose of addressing human care
goal is to “bury” our blue
needs. We are in the process of gathering assessbarrel with food. As you
ment materials that will assist us in identifying
can see, we are getting closer and closer to that goal.
real need. A field trip to Janesville, WI to see
their Love Inc. in action is also in the works.
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 11
IN THE WORD…
REFLECTIONS ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM LOIS GIORDANO
DISASTER AREA
Most of you have heard about the catastrophic flooding
in Colorado. Our home is in Estes Park, a picturesque
town at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
But now our beautiful town is part of a large disaster
area that stretches across the northeastern quarter of
the state.
store businesses and homes; rivers flow across new
streambeds forged by flood waters; neighbors chat
at the portable toilets that have been brought in
because the sewer system that serves much of the
community was totally destroyed by the rampaging
water.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV
No matter what happens, always be thankful,
for this is God’s will for
you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1
Thessalonians 5:18 TLB
Many homes were destroyed. Hundreds of residents of
nearby communities have been evacuated by National
Guard helicopters and Humvees with little hope of returning to their homes for months because the access
routes have been swept away. Mercifully, loss of life
was limited. But property and disrupted lives are a different story.
Let Him have all your worries and cares, for
He is always thinking about you and watching
everything that concerns you. 1 Peter 5:7 TLB
Most of the canyon roads into our area have been destroyed. The power of water on a rampage is stunning.
While we are grateful that our home was spared from
any significant damage, all of us as residents of the region share in the heartache and loss.
I rely on your constant love;
I will be glad, because you will
rescue me. Psalms 13:5 GNT
Most of the downtown streets of Estes Park became a
rushing torrent of water. Many businesses suffered significant damage from this hundred-year flood. We
know these business owners and as we now walk
through town, we are so saddened by the damage and
the struggle that faces them. Some have been able to
reopen; others will take months to do the needed repairs; still others have been forced to close permanently. And with the National Park currently closed down
by the Federal government, the streets of town are deserted by the tourists upon whom the economy depends.
And my God will supply every need of
yours according to his riches in
glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
New sights and sounds mix with the autumnal bugling
of the elk: heavy equipment grinds; teams of volunteers and workmen haul out mounds of soaked wall
board and destroyed possessions; fans blow trying to
dry out properties; saws and drills and hammers rePage 12
The disasters of your lives are probably very different from these. And yet as a result of our fallen,
sinful world, we all experience disasters—deaths of
loved ones, debilitating illnesses, unemployment,
family crises, drug or alcohol addiction, mental
illness—the list goes on and on.
Where do God and faith fit into the disasters in our
lives? First, we immerse ourselves in God’s Word
and grab hold of His promises, such as the ones
above. We reach out to others in God’s family for
comfort and encouragement. We pray, knowing
that God hears and cares.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Prayer: Dear Savior, you are the one constant
In our lives. Though floods rage and disasters
strike, you remain the same. We lean on you
for comfort and strength, confident of your
grace and providence. Have mercy on us, O
Lord, and grant us your peace. Amen.
To God be the glory!
Lois Giordano
Good News Translation (GNT). (1992). American Bible
Society.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (ESV). (2001).
Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
The Living Bible.(TLB) (1971). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale
House Publisher.
NOTE: If you wish to help the flood victims, please
donate to LCMS Disaster Relief or send checks to
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1724,
Estes Park, CO 80517. Thank you!
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
Mission of the
Month for
November:
SAUKVILLE
FOOD PANTRY
The Saukville Food Pantry, located in the basement of St. Peters United Church of Christ in
Saukville, was begun three years ago when several congregations and businesses in the area decided to fill a need in the Saukville area for such
an outreach to struggling families. Proof of its
need to the community is the fact that the shelves
of the pantry run low, and the effort to restock
them is a constant one. First Immanuel/River of
Life, a charter member of the food pantry, has
done a very good job of helping restock those
shelves. The blue barrels are constantly filling,
with their contents being delivered to the pantry
on a regular basis. Thank you for your consistent
support!
With Thanksgiving and Christmas just a short
time from now, the need becomes even greater.
Imagine celebrating either holiday without being
able to gather around the dining table with loved
ones, ready to enjoy a festive meal. It is our prayer to prevent this scene from becoming reality for
families already struggling to make ends meet.
Please help.
For the entire month, our mission focus will be
on the food pantry. If you would like to dedicate
some time working there, please contact Denise
Golownia at 375-0503. Otherwise, donations of
food and money will be greatly appreciated.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is GOOD, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalms 107:1
MISSION GUATEMALA 2014 INFORMATION MEETING Join Missions and Outreach Director Karl Roeske on Sunday, November 10th between worship services at First
Immanuel to learn
more about our
continued mission
work in LaMajada,
Guatemala and the
upcoming trip that
will
take
place
February
1-8,
2014. Is God calling you into mission? Come have your questions answered and perhaps you will find out!
The focus of this mission trip will be construction, Gospel outreach and possibly wheelchair
outreach. There will be something that everyone could do! Two informational meetings will
take place in the school library after the 7:30
and 9 a.m. worship services.
2013 GRAFTON CHRISTMAS PARADE This year, Grafton’s Christmas parade will take place on
Saturday, November 30th beginning at 11 a.m. First Immanuel will once again have a float in the parade
and we would like many members to walk along, greeting and handing out items to the thousands of
parade goers. It’s a fun way to spend an hour, spreading Jesus’ love to many, many people. A sign up
will be available in the church narthex. You will also be able to sign up on Within My Reach. Thank
you!
MILWAUKEE RESCUE MISSION We will be serving meals at the mission on November 5th and
19th and in December on the 3rd and 17th. It is a simple and practical way of sharing the love of Jesus
with those who could use our help. Sign up on the missions board located outside the church office or
contact Karl Roeske.
Many other local volunteer opportunities are available. Please refer to the booklet, Serve One
Another, available on the information desk or on the missions/outreach page of our church website. Karl Roeske – Director of Missions/Outreach – [email protected]
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 13
THE
PARENTLINK
November 2013
FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
THE VIEW
Our society sets aside time each November to count our blessings and express thankfulness. But God wants his people to embrace gratitude as a lifestyle, continually thanking him for what he’s done for us and what he gives
us.
Researchers found that the most
grateful teenagers had a 15% increase in life satisfaction, as well
as a 15% increase in feeling like
they had a meaning for life.
Some parents might say their teenagers act more entitled than grateful. Entitlement, the opposite of gratitude, leads to feelings of disappointment and
frustration. Gratitude, however, could be the key to happy, well-adjusted
teenagers, according to new research.
Psychology professor Giacomo Bono, Ph.D., found that grateful teenagers
were happier, more hopeful, and better behaved at school than their peers.
(See “The View” for more details.) “More gratitude may be precisely what
our society needs to raise a generation that is ready to make a difference in
the world,” he said.
For Christians, gratitude doesn’t depend on circumstances. Instead, we can
be thankful to God for his never-changing love and the free gift of salvation.
God promises to meet all our needs and tells us to give thanks in each and
every situation—even the tough ones. Parents can set an example for teenagers by being grateful for what they already have and for seeing the blessings in both joyful and challenging times.
They also experienced a 17%
boost in happiness and hopefulness, as well as a 15% decrease
in feeling symptoms of depression.
Additionally, teens who experienced the greatest increase in
gratefulness over a four-year period had the greatest reductions
in behaviors such as cheating,
detention, and drug and alcohol
use.
—California State University
TIPS >>>
Try these tips for reinforcing a
sense of gratitude in your family.
They’ll deepen your Thanksgiving
celebrations and also make life
more meaningful year-round:
•
•
Fill a gratitude jar. Set a jar,
slips of paper, and pens in a prominent place in your home. Have each
family member write down things
for which they’re thankful. Every
week, empty the jar and read the
reasons behind one another’s gratitude.
Provide a fresh perspective.
Have family members each write
their names on a piece of paper.
Pass around the papers, and have
each person write down what
they’d be thankful for if they were
the person named.
Page 14
PONDER THIS
•
Foster altruism and service. Helping
other people indirectly leads to feelings
of compassion, gratitude, and selfconfidence.
•
Put teenagers in charge. Ask kids to
come up with an idea or new tradition
to help your family be grateful this
season—and all year.
•
Show proof of your thanks. For
Thanksgiving dinner, ask everyone to
bring to the table three objects for
which they’re thankful. They can represent: 1) something new this year, 2)
something intangible, and 3) something basic to their lives. Take turns
sharing your objects.
•
Make it a habit. Stick with your gratitude practices, especially during difficulties. Remind kids how tough times
help them grow.
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
•
What are you most thankful
for, and why?
•
What makes you pause to
thank God for your blessings?
How can you remember to do
this more often?
•
What lessons about gratitude
would you most like your teenagers to learn, and why?
Gut-Check Gratitude
Expert Insights for Parents of Teenagers
By Mike Nappa
At the end of a recent sermon, my
husband prayed, “God, if I were
you, I wouldn’t choose me. But you
do. You already have. And it
changes everything.” Those words
shot through me, into my gut. If
I’m being honest with God, I’d say
that, too. If I were God, I wouldn’t
choose me to do any of his work.
But God has already made the
choice to love me. He has already
chosen me to be salt and light. So
it’s time to embrace this gift of
grace with thankfulness. If you’ve
felt condemned when you’re not,
try these things:
1.
Say aloud “I am loved.” You’re
a beautiful part of Jesus’ family, so express deep gratitude
for that.
2. Write down “I have a purpose.” Start digging. Unearth
the creativity that gets
squelched in fear and monotony. Do something random.
Wander around in a place
you’ve never been. Listen and
breathe. Let go in order to really grasp the way your Creator
blesses and holds you.
4. Go! You know that one thing
you keep dreaming about?
Your intentions are to do it, to
take care of it, to talk to someone about it. It lights up your
face when you talk about it. All
that is great, but it will only
begin to happen as you take
steps toward it. Take the first
step, whatever that looks like,
thanking God for your talents
and opportunities.
3. Look around and take inventory of your life. For each area,
ask how it has been affected by
God’s love and his calling. Let
that be fuel for your next steps,
your next thoughts, your next
words of thanks.
I’m thankful for gut-check prayers—and for the many ways God
showers down his love and blessings. He has made us new people
for a purpose.
RESOURCE
One of the six small-group sessions in Surrendering to Jesus, a
resource by Doug Fields and Brett
Eastman, is titled “Wild Gratitude.”
Kids will discover how they can respond to Christ for everything he’s
done for them.
BIBLE FOCUS
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his
love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1, NIV
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 15
Page 16
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter
Plans for First Immanuel’s Celebration Garden:
Celebrate life and events with a dedicated installation
Do you have a person or event you would like to celebrate?
Pergola
Pondless Waterfall
Consider donating to the Celebration Garden improvements that are planned at First
Immanuel! Continuation of the outdoor sanctuary has been planned and just needs
your donations to fulfill our vision of a peaceful place for meditation and memories.
The hardscape structures will be ideally built in three phases and will complement the
path and boulders already in place on the west side of the sanctuary.
Phase I includes a rectangular stone patio with columns, a seat wall, and a pergola
similar to the photo above. Phase II includes a pondless waterfall similar to the one
pictured above. Phase III is to include a round secluded patio with another seat wall
and columns.
If you would like to kindly support this endeavor, please contact: Lori Newhouse at
[email protected]. If you would like more information about this project, please let
her know, she’ll be happy to assist you.
Reaching You - First Immanuel Lutheran Church Newsletter Page 17
RUTH 1:16 GROUP MEETS AT CONCORDIA
Every other Thursday, a group of young women from
CUW and several FIL ladies meet in the lounge of CUW’s
newest dorm for a book discussion. This semester, we are
reading Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado. For each chapter
we read a CUW girl pairs up with a FIL/ROL woman to
meet face-to-face and prepare. It is through these gettogethers that great relationships and mentorships are
forged. These young adults are amazing to know. They
are very knowledgeable, committed to their faith, and fun to be with. A
great deal of learning takes place on everyone’s part. One FIL lady glowed
as she said, “I wish I had been as sharp as they are when I was that age.”
As you get to know them, it’s easy to love them all!
We will continue selected chapters of this book through early December.
We are also having a caramel apple decorating/game night/study buddy
gift bag evening early in December. Watch for more information on this.
All FIL/ROL women are invited to join us at any time. Contact Bonnie
Treloar at 262-375-1786 for more information.
Embassy
HOMES
Builders - Remodeling - Additions Since 1961
BEYER’S
HARDWARE
Sally E. Ghrist, D.D.S., M.S.
Specialist in Adult and Child
Orthodontics
W65 N640 St. John Avenue
Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012
Phone 262-377-2847
www.ghristortho.com
Hardware - Paint - Plumbing
Garden Supplies - Rentals
1325 Towne Square Road Mequon, WI
www.embassyhomes.com
262-241-8510
r8/
Washington Ave.
(262) 377-1423
2.5 Miles
JEWELERS
West of
Since 1884
Cedarburg on
Bridge Road
Downtown Cedarbrug
262-377-0480
Seasonal Home Grown Produce!
wittesvegfarm.com
ArmbrusterJewelers.com
Shipping & Packaging
Services
Digital Copy Service - B/W & Color
Mailbox Services
WEEDEN & ASSOCIATES
DENNIS C. WEEDEN, JACQUELINE D. WEEDEN
Individual, Couples, Family Counseling
Using a Christian Based Approach
Schmit’s Pavilion-across from The Home Depot Providing Compassionate Christian Care
1369 Port Washington Road, Grafton, WI 53024
for over 40 years
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-PDBMMZPXOFEPQFSBUFE
.'4BU
STONERIDGE OFFICE CENTER
W67 N222 Evergreen Boulevard,
North Building, Suite 111
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-9225
SHOULDN’T YOUR BUSINESS BE HERE?
GRAFTON FAMILY DENTISTRY
For information on advertising,
Scott Winter, DDS
-JWJOH8PSE-Or+BDLTPO8*
XXXMXMITDPN
please call our church representative
Either Cedarburg Location
377-0780
JEFF DUNHAM at 1-800-950-9952 Ext. 2572
PREPARING CHRISTIAN
LEADERS FOR LIFE.
www.SeekAndFind.com
'3&&$PGGFFPS$PPLJF
XJUIBE
“We’ll make you smile”
FIL Member
©2013
Open 7am-9:30pm
FOR AD INFO CALL Jeff Dunham 1-800-950-9952
r WWW.4LPi.COM
377-5202
FIRST IMMANUEL, CEDARBURG, WI
B 2C 31-1111
10-17-2013 11:01:32
Recognition
Specialists, Inc.
$03103"5&"8"3%4t5301)*&4
1-"26&4t$-0$,4(*'58"3&
3*##0/4t.&%"-4
UI"WF(SBGUPO(262) 377-5528
www.recognitionspecialists.net
Ye Olde Pharmacy
and Wellness Center
Complete Auto & Light Truck Repairs
Celebrating 10 Years of Business
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Office: 262-375-0050 Fax: 262-375-8779
[email protected]
www.treetopsinc.com
/1PSU8BTIJOHUPO3E
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GRANDSON
!"#$"%#%&#'()*%&"*#+,%-./01*.
,01/%23&&4%5)+&16"%#%7"81"'-%-09
W61 N225 Cardinal Ave.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-4555
Free Delivery
375-0010
N54 W6135 Mill St., Cedarburg
Visit us on the web at www.yeolderx.com
TED GROB
SALES, INC.
262-377-8220
FULL LANDSCAPING SERVICES
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(Please Call For Fall Clean Up &
Snow Plowing Quotes)
262-377-3951
Internal Medicine/Surgery/Oncology
Cell: 414-687-0799
Shawn Hofstad
Owner
P.O. Box 504, Cedarburg, WI 53012
BOEHLKE
HARDWARE
)&"5*/(t$00-*/(
“Serving The Community Since 1927”
1863 Highway 33
Saukville
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER
ON OUR SIDE!
Call for Fall Clean Up!
Mueller
MACHINE TOOLS 262-284-9336
Lueders Lawn Seeding
& Trucking, Inc.
Lawn Service
John R. Jankowski, R.Ph., Owner
Traditional & Compounding
Pharmacy for people & pets
Medical Equipment
Match or Better
Prescription Prices
Treetops
Landscape
Design, Inc.
George, Leah & Tanner Heimsch
:0/%#%;/""%<./3'(#)%=3&&'%>136"?
+#&&%@A@BCDDBAAEF4
Dr. Bruce Hoppe
www.parkpethospital.com
7378 N.Teutonia, Milwaukee
414-352-1470
10712 W. Freistadt Road
262-242-3050
1MVNCJOHt&MFDUSJDBMt8BUFS4ZTUFNT
*OTUBMMBUJPOBOE4FSWJDF MP226443
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Steven Sievers, FIC
Financial Associate
W67 N222 Evergreen Blvd.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
262-546-0600
Cell 414-379-6647
Registered Representatives for securities and investment advisory services
offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
27193 N10-11
Downtown Port Washington
/PSUI'SBOLMJO4USFFU
Joel Dykstra
262-284-4416
www.pwsb.com
(262)
284-4001
“We’re not just good... we’re Ideal!”
Call for discounts associated with this ad
FREE ESTIMATES
tIPVST
SHOULDN’T YOUR BUSINESS BE HERE?
262-377-1906
Now
Open!
W63 N127 Washington Ave.
Cedarburg, WI.
WHERE WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL
www.kettlemoraineappliance.com
For information on advertising,
please call our church representative
JEFF DUNHAM at 1-800-950-9952 Ext. 2572
www.SeekAndFind.com
Hours: Mon & Fri 9-8; Tues - Thurs 9-6; Sat 9-4; Sun 11-4
Call Jeff Dunham at 1-800-950-9952 x2572
or email [email protected]
©2013
FOR AD INFO CALL Jeff Dunham 1-800-950-9952
r WWW.4LPi.COM
FIRST IMMANUEL, CEDARBURG, WI
A 4C 31-1111
10-17-2013 11:01:32
FIRST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
W67N622 Evergreen Blvd.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
262-377-6610
www.filministries.org
FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 46
Cedarburg, WI
Non-Profit Org.