Monthly Publication Volume 5, Issue 9 April, 2018

Worship ServicesTypically two styles of worship, Traditional at 9:00 a.m. and Contemporary at 10:30 a.m.

Communion is typically offered on the first Sunday each month. Professional childcare is offered during each worship time. Plan to stay or come early for refreshments and fellowship between services.

Don’t forget to wear your name tag!

Praise Reports

Feed My Starving ChildrenWe have 13 spots open for Saturday, April 28th for the 2 pm-4 pm shift at Feed My

Starving Children in Libertyville, Ill. You are invited to manage your sign-up through their website.  Simply go to fmsc.org and select “volunteer”. Select “Join a Group” and enter

code – 1255044.  At that point you will enter your information. Please read all the information available, including what to do in the event that you need to cancel. We are looking forward to this fun serving opportunity! Please see Liz Martin if you have any

questions or need help signing up. Last day to sign up will be Sunday April 15th!

Our annual ASP auction/dinner helped raised funds to support mission teams that will

go this summer to repair homes.

We let people at a local laundromat know Christ Church cares about our

community by giving out bags of quarters to help pay for their laundry.

We said “thank you” and prayed for Sally, our

organist for many years who is moving out of state to be

closer to her son.

Our Mission: Love God, Love & Serve Others, Make Disciples of Jesus ChristTHE ANNOUNCER is a publication of Christ Church United Methodist, 5109 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53406

Christ Church United Methodist - Phone 262-632-1607, Fax 262-632-1609

www.christchurchracine.com, E-Mail address: christchurchracine@tds.net

From the Pastor’s DeskIn April we celebrate Easter Sunday and conclude the Lenten season which has

encouraged us to reflect on our discipleship and what it looks like to walk in the

footsteps of Jesus. Some of the ways we live “The Way” of Jesus and grow closer

with God is through the disciplines of worship, daily prayer, Scripture reading, giving, fasting, and areas of

service in the church or community. As each of us seek to live out our faith not only will we experience the

joy of true life, but those around us will too, as we connect people with God’s love through our individual

living and together through the ministries of the church.

As we seek to move into that vision, we are encouraged with the Easter story. Easter brings into

remembrance God’s great love shown through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In these

events, Jesus shows that God is love and provides for the forgiveness of our sin so that we can live life in

harmony with God and each other. That is the reason why Good Friday is called “Good.” The Good News

of Easter is that, where the world thinks death is the end, we discover that Jesus destroyed the power of sin

and death! 2 Timothy 1:10 declares that “Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to

light through the gospel.” Those who repent of sin and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior can look at the

empty tomb and find the power to be freed from sin and fear death no more, because just as Jesus promised

to rise Himself, He promises to give new life and raise us also!

In His final words on the cross, Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” That statement reminds us that God

has done the work for us and in Jesus the payment for sin is finished. In John 10:10 Jesus defined the

purpose of His coming in these words: “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full!” Not

just a little bit, not just on Sundays, but to the full every day! The Easter story tells us that our lives have

meaning (to be in relationship with God), that we have a purpose (to love others, share the good news and

make disciples of Jesus), and that we have hope (we can begin to experience salvation here and look

forward to entire sanctification in our eternal life to come).

As we prepare to celebrate Easter once again this year, reflect on the following questions: How

have you allowed what God has done in the cross and empty tomb transform your life? How are you

sharing the significance of the Easter event? In what new ways can you follow Jesus Christ as your Lord

and Savior?

God Bless, Pastor George J. Kafer

ministries of Christ Church. If you have a story of how your life or someone else’s has been blessed by God or affected by a ministry at Christ Church please share it with Pastor George so God can be glorified.

r

April BirthdaysChris Ruud 4 6Lauren Kell 4 8Michelle Milbauer 4 8Brian Wallace 4 9Paul Sapp 4 10Abe Bixler 4 11

Bob Herman 4 11Andrew Kennow 4 13Deanna Heidt 4 14Lorraine Lee 4 15Ruth Kiefer 4 17Kathy Sponholtz 4 20Mehran Balian 4 22Jeremiah Fechner 4 22Bob Stocks 4 24

Fred Valukas 4 29 Dennis Hermanson 430 Diane Rogstad 4 30

ministries of Christ Church. If you have a story of how your life or someone else’s has been blessed by God or affected by a ministry at Christ Church please share it with Pastor George so God can be glorified.

Staff EmailsKendra O’Connell (Office)christchurchracine@tds.netPastor George Kaferrevkafer@outlook.comRyan O’Connell (Youth)christchurchracineyouth@gmail.com

Liz Martin (Discipleship)lizkmartin@msn.comMerry Kris Demske (Adm.)mkdemske@gmail.com

Join us in making shawls for those going through tough times. The shawls serve as a reminder of God’s love and the prayers of God’s people. We gather at 1:00 p.m. on the second Friday of each month in the Friendship Room at Christ Church.

Reminder: If you know someone who could benefit from receiving a Loving Arms Prayer Shawl, please contact the church office at 632-1607.

Your Giving Makes a Difference!

In May we went to a local laundromat to help people

pay for their laundry as a way to help them have extra funds for food and other bills. We also received a thank you for the $700+ that was collected and sent to Africa University to help train students to be a blessing to their community.

Thank you to those who offer support for vital, life

changing ministry.

To give online go to www.christchurchracine.com and click “give” or text “give”

to 1-262-631-3012

Sign Up By April 15!

'Feed My Starving Children' Serving Opportunity!  

Saturday, April 28th from 2 - 4 pm at their Libertyville, Ill packing site.  

Sign-up online – please see front page .

Mission Project CollectionsIn the south entrance there are

bins for collecting various items for mission projects and

ministries. You can drop off items for the local food pantry,

Campbell’s soup labels, and supplies for school.

Sign up for Camp! -Get $25 off (up to 4 times) for every friend you get to register.

-Christ Church gives $100 toward registration for member families.-Conference Scholarship funds may be available to non-members by request.

Summer camp booklets are available on the hallway bulletin board.

Help with the Community Meal

Dinner is served on Tuesday May 8, at

1032 Grand Ave, Racine, WI 53403

Watch for a sign - up in the south entryway to help donate food or to serve at the meal.

Christ Church Men’s Bible StudyWednesdays at 6:00 pm in the

Conference RoomBring your Bible. Contact Brian Crowe for

the current chapter being studied. Then read in advance of coming to class. Bring a

friend with you. Let’s GROW!

The Evening Dinner Circle meets on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and a

mission program in Room 16.

The Ellen Circle meets on April 19 at 1:00 p.m. in the Friendship Room.

SundayAdult Sunday School 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Led by: Linda Wallace in Room 16

Discussion that will follow along with the sermon series.

MondayWoman’s Book Study Meets at 6:15-7:30 p.m. Led by: Merry Kris Demske in the Conference Rm.

Contact Merry Kris Demske at 262-632-1607 or mkdemske@gmail.com.

WednesdayMen’s Bible Study (Chapter by Chapter) Led by: Brian Crowe

6:00 pm in the Conference Room

“Reset” April 18-May 9 / 11: a.m. & 6:00 p.m. / Led by Pastor George in the Friendship Room Topics: Jesus, Reset My Heart, Jesus, Reset My Mind, Jesus, Reset My Voice, Jesus, Reset My Hands

“Praying With Jesus” April 11 - May 16 / Led by: Liz Martin at 6:00 pm in the Chapel The Bible says “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” so what does it mean when prayers go unanswered? The Bible also tells us to “pray without ceasing,” but what does that look like in today's fast-paced world? In this study, James Banks tackles these questions, and more, in 6 sessions. Biblical examples, from prayers of praise to “wrestling” prayers, reveal how prayer builds faith and brings people closer to God.  

Thursday“Foundations” / April 12-May 10 / 6:00 pm Friendship Room

Learn core Christian practices and the structure of the United Methodist Church. Led by Pastor George

Adult Coloring Group6:00-8:00 p.m. Meets on the Fourth Thursday

FridayApril 13 - May 18 “Praying With Jesus” Led by: Liz Martin at 9:30 am in the Friendship Room

See description above listed under the Wednesday Studies

Prayer Shawl MinistryMeets at church every 2nd Friday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Friendship Room

SaturdayKindred Hearts Breakfast

For women who live alone, we meet to share a pot-luck breakfast.Generally meets every other month. Next breakfast: April 21, 9:30 a.m.

What Will Your Legacy Be?Have you considered your legacy; how about continuing to let God use you to transform lives by adding a line to your Will that gives 10% of your estate to Christ Church. Estate

funds have helped us with much needed building repairs or improvements so that our building continues to support vital ministry.

Starbuck School PartnershipChrist Church is supporting Starbuck Middle School. This school struggles academically, in staffing, and

budget. Please pray for the school staff, students and their families as we seek to encourage staff, supplement

supplies, and support kids. In doing so we share God’s love while building relationships in the community.

Need a Visit?Gifted lay people along with

the Pastor extend the Church’s presence to the homebound and others

through visits. If you have moved, are ill, having

surgery, or need a visit for any reason please call the church office to keep the

Pastor and lay visiting team informed. If we do not

know we cannot go!

Consider ThisIf you desire to give to specific ministries beyond your general offering here are some areas:

Apportionments, Building Fund

(helps with: painting, siding, repairs, parking lot…),Compassionate fund,

Roof Fund, Youth Ministry,Audio/Visual Fund,Camp Scholarships ($100 per camper).

We have bundles of worship invite cards in the entryways to take and give out: Put a stack at your office, store or place of work. Ask if you can set a stack out in a business that you frequent. Give them to neighbors, friends and co-workers. Leave them on tables at restaurants to invite your server (leave a tip, too). Give them out in drive thru lanes. Ask God to give you an opportunity to give them out. Keep a few in your wallet, purse or car.

Christ Church’s Vision

A church that seeks,

Music Ministryat Christ Church

Message SystemText “connect” to 262-631-3012

Follow the instructions once you receive a reply back. This

communication system will allow us to send special messages (meeting cancelations…) or

reminders to you. Sign up today.

Apportionment GivingChrist Church has a history of 100% apportionment giving, allowing us to help transform lives by God’s love. Apportionments provide for ministries that directly help over 50,000 people in Wisconsin and many more beyond. In 2018 our apportionment is $44,484, if we each give faithfully to the general fund and if able a special gift for apportionments, $242 a year per member, we can continue to support connectional ministries and free up more of our general funds to increase outreach and ministry in our local area.

Stewardship Makes a Difference!Thank you for all the ways you support ministry. This newsletter has examples of how our church is making a difference in people’s lives through your giving! It is good to see people trusting in God and answering His call to give. People are offering themselves to serve and their financial giving (several tithing 10% of income, or working toward tithing)! Check the connection table for Electronic Fund Transfer forms and ways to give of your time and talent as well. As you respond to God’s call in the giving of your time, talent, and resources remember if you have a need contact Pastor George.

Friendship Luncheon Wed., April 11th & 25th at 12:30 p.m. Make your reservations:

Call Billie Stilley at 554-8801. Open to all and friends of our community.

Christian Education, Children’s, Youth & Family Ministry

Sunday School September – May On Sunday morning grade level classes are offered for kids age 3 – 5th grade.

Students are dismissed during the 10:30 worship to attend classes in the north and south hallways. Preschool-K – Room 14 led by Angela Furuglyas

1st – 5th Grade Room 17 led by Samantha Wallenta & Beth Green Middle & High School (6th-12th Grade) are invited to attend worship.

Options for Kids During Worship Worship Clipboards are located in the south entryway for children Preschool - 3rd grade.

A nursery room for 5 year olds and under is staffed with professional child care.

Wednesday Kid’s Club A gathering for K– 5th graders in Room 17 from 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. where kids grow to follow Jesus as they learn Biblical teachings through hands on activities like: songs, videos, drama, crafts, Bible stories,

games, and mission projects. Classes are right after a free meal (5:15 p.m.) On the 3rd Sunday October-May Kid’s Club kids sing at 10:30 a.m. worship.

Christ Church’s Vision

A church that seeks,

Music Ministryat Christ Church

April 6On the first Friday of the month, parents are

invited to drop off their kids (3 months-5th grade) at Christ Church for free child care from 6:00-8:30 p.m. where games, activities, and snacks will be provided.

This is a way to support families in our congregation and community by allowing parents to have time for themselves and their relationships.

Please sign - up children at the connection table or call the church office at 632-1607. Those wishing to help may sign up at the connection table as well. Chris Bahr, PNO Director

Change for ChangeChange for Change for April will be donated to the Hope Center which is an outreach of the Racine Dominicans. They provide counseling for people with mental health and addiction issues at no cost to those who cannot afford to pay or have no insurance. The Hope Center has also taken on the job of providing food for those in need on Wednesdays when the Hospitality Center is closed. This is a large undertaking and they are in need of help. Please help us to give back to a group that has been giving to this community for many years. 

Easter OfferingThe Easter offering will be sent to the United Methodist Chaplaincy Program in Madison. Our Chaplain there visits all the Madison Hospitals where people from around the state travel if they have needs that cannot be met in their own community health facilities. If you are a United Methodist you will receive regular visits from our "Chaplain" while you are there. If your family cannot be with you and your own clergy cannot come, this is a real blessing.

Christian Education, Children’s, Youth & Family Ministry

Sunday School September – May On Sunday morning grade level classes are offered for kids age 3 – 5th grade.

Students are dismissed during the 10:30 worship to attend classes in the north and south hallways. Preschool-K – Room 14 led by Angela Furuglyas

1st – 5th Grade Room 17 led by Samantha Wallenta & Beth Green Middle & High School (6th-12th Grade) are invited to attend worship.

Options for Kids During Worship Worship Clipboards are located in the south entryway for children Preschool - 3rd grade.

A nursery room for 5 year olds and under is staffed with professional child care.

Wednesday Kid’s Club A gathering for K– 5th graders in Room 17 from 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. where kids grow to follow Jesus as they learn Biblical teachings through hands on activities like: songs, videos, drama, crafts, Bible stories,

games, and mission projects. Classes are right after a free meal (5:15 p.m.) On the 3rd Sunday October-May Kid’s Club kids sing at 10:30 a.m. worship.

Sometimes you have to reset your phone when it gets stuck; you can also let God reset your life the way God originally intended. On April 15 we begin a four-week sermon series

based on the RESET theme. We can be fulfilled. We can be reset. We can be

changed, because Jesus changes everything.

Week 1: “Jesus, Reset My Heart” – It All Starts Here

Week 2: “Jesus, Reset My Mind” – I Am What I Think About

Week 3: “Jesus, Reset My Voice” –Good News to Share

Week 4: “Jesus, Reset My Hands” –Soul at Peace, Hands at Work

Christ Church United Methodist

Sometimes you have to reset your phone when it gets stuck; you can also let God reset your life the way God originally intended. On April 15 we begin a four-week sermon series

based on the RESET theme. We can be fulfilled. We can be reset. We can be

changed, because Jesus changes everything.

Week 1: “Jesus, Reset My Heart” – It All Starts Here

Week 2: “Jesus, Reset My Mind” – I Am What I Think About

Week 3: “Jesus, Reset My Voice” –Good News to Share

Week 4: “Jesus, Reset My Hands” –Soul at Peace, Hands at Work

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursdayy

Friday Saturday

1 EASTER

9 am Traditional Worship

10:30 am Contemporary Worship

2

9 am Racine Garden Group -Rm 166 pm Evening Dinner Circle- Rm 166:30 pm -Scouts

3

All Day -Spring Election - FH

6 pm Praise Band

4

6 pm Fusion

5

12:30 pm UMW Bd Mtg - CR

6

6 pm – Parent’s Night Out

7

8 9 am Traditional Worship

10:30 am Contemporary Worship & SS

9

10:30 am Circuit Laity Mtg - CR

6:15 pm Women’s Study - CR

6:30 pm Scouts

10

6 pm Praise Band

11 12:30 pm Friendship Lunch4:30 pm Confirmation5:15 pm Meal5:45 pm Kid’s Club6 pm Fusion6 pm MIM6 pm Sm Groups – FR & Chapel7 pm Choir

12

6 pm Christian Life – Library6 pmFoundations Class - FR6:30 pm Family Ministry - 16

13

9:30 am Small Group - FR

1 pm Prayer Shawl -FR

14

15 9 am Traditional Worship10:30 am Contemporary Worship & SSKid’s Club Singing1 pm – Girl Scouts- FR

166:15 pm Women’s Study

6:30 pm -Scouts

6:30 pm Leadership Bd.

6:30 pm Safety Team – Rm 16

17

6 pm Praise Band

6 pm Trustees

18 11 am Small Group - FR4:30 pm Confirmation5:15 pm Meal5:45 pm Kid’s Club6 pm Fusion6 pm MIM 6 pm Sm Groups – FR & Chapel7 pm Choir

191 pm – Ellen’s UMW Circle

6 pmFoundations Class - FR

20

9:30 am Sm Group FR

21

9:30 am Kindred Hearts Breakfast - 16

229 am Traditional Worship

10:30 am Contemporary Worship & SS

23

6:15 pm Women’s Study

6:30 pm -Scouts

24

9 am Hospitality & Membership -Library

6 pm Praise Band

25 11 am –Sm Group - FR12:30 pm Friendship Lunch4:30 pm Confirmation5:15 pm Meal5:45 pm Kid’s Club6 pm Fusion6 pm MIM 6 pm “Sm Groups – FR & Chapel7 pm Choir

26

9 amAnnouncer Folding - 16

6 pm Coloring Group - 16

6 pmFoundations Class - FR

27

9:30 am Sm Group FR

28

12:30 pmLeaving for‘Feed My Starving Children’ Packing Event in Libertyville, IL

299 am Traditional Worship10:30 am Contemporary Worship & Sunday School

1 pm Girl Scouts-FR

30

6:15 pm Women’s Study

6:30 pm -Scouts

April

5109 Washington AvenueRacine, WI 53406

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Worship Schedule April 2018

Sunday, April 1 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“The Resurrection” Easter SundayLuke 24Communion Offered

Sunday, April 8 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“TBA”

Sunday, April 15 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“Reset: My Heart”Psalm 24

Sunday, April 22 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“Reset: My Mind”Mark 5:1-20

Sunday, April 29 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“Reset: My Voice”Psalm 71:15-16

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDRacine, WI

Permit No 24