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US POST PAID
Non-Profit Org.
Permit No. 23
Greendale, WI
Martyr Monthly
Newsletter Crew:
Diana Gastrau
Karen Hoffman
Nancy Hoffman
Shirley Rau
Diane Stojanovich
The September Martyr
Monthly
Article Deadline:
NO LATER THAN
September 15th
CHANGE SERVICE
REQUESTED
8-1 M-Th
8-12 F
Rev. Brian Hooper, Pastor
Debbie Ehemann, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Bill Bravener, Music Director/AIM
Char Guiliani, Shared Ministry
Bob Brownell, Maintenance
Bob De Frank, Sunday School
Superintendent
Mark Breutzmann, Saturday
Musician
the Martyr Monthly
Place label here
SSM WEBSITE: www.ssmelca.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Summer Schedule
Saturday
5:00 pm Holy Communion
1st, 3rd & 5th of month
Sunday
9:30 am Holy Communion -
every Sunday
Pastor’s Page 2
Stewardship 3
Women’s Ministries 4-5
Family Ministries 6-7
Calendar 8-9
Music & Worship 10-11
Human Concerns 12-13
Opportunity Corner 14
Council Highlights 15
Pastor’s Ponderings
Dear Faith Family,
Do not be alarmed; you are looking for
Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He
has been raised; he is not here. Look, there
is the place they laid him. But go, tell his
disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of
you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as
he told you –Mark 16: 6-7
This past Sunday, July 19, I returned
home with three of our youth and adult
leader from the 2015 Youth Gathering
in Detroit, MI. This was a powerful
faith building experience with some
30, 000 youth from around the
country. We met under the theme,
“Rise Up!”
Each day of the gathering had a
different focus. Our first day was
“Proclaim Story” day. We met with
youth and leaders from the Greater
Milwaukee synod. We learned this
day that we all are unique witnesses as
part of God’s story, and living together
in the resurrection promise, we rise up
and build bridges, bear burdens, break
chains and bring hope.
Our second day of the gathering was
“Proclaim Community” day. This was
a day of interactive learning doing
different activities. We experienced
activities that encouraged us to act in a
way that reflects God for everyone,
engaging each other’s story with
respect and love. During this time
youth could experience walking for
water and we also did some fun activities including
volleyball and basketball.
Our third days of the gathering was “Proclaim
Justice” day. On this day the youth got
to experience Detroit’s unique story through
service, and saw themselves as agents of change
in Detroit.
Our service day included clearing out an alley way
that was full of over grown tree limbs, weeds,
and garbage. Our service project took place with
youth from California and North Dakota. It was
a big project and hard work with the hot weather
in the 90’s. The alley was cleaned out so the
power company could get in if there was a down
power line. Howard who was a resident of the
community said that having a clear alley way was
important for community as neighbors could see
one another, offer a wave to each other, and
support one another. Howard shared that the
alley had not been cleared since 1977.
It was nice to hear Howard’s story and stories of
the people of Detroit. I know our youth were
changed from this experience. There initially
was some fear from youth before entering Detroit,
but they came away with the recognition that we
all have a story and we are all God’s children no
matter where we live and serve.
Thank you to the congregation of St. Stephen the
Martyr and friends for supporting this trip and
helping to make a reality for our youth. We
will be sharing our experiences in worship the
weekend of August 9. God is good all the time!
Peace, Pastor Brian
PAGE 2
Minutes of the Church Council Meeting
June 9, 2015
President Eric Sanders called the meet-
ing to order at 6:55 P.M. Adam Woerpel
led devotions. Council members present
were: E. Ankebrant. J. Bugajski, C. Birk,
J. Covert, B. Daleness, H. Mayer, J. Mil-
ler, E. Sanders, J. Schultz and A. Woer-
pel. Pastor Brian was also in attendance.
P. Burns was a guest.
PASTOR'S TIME: Pastor Brian stated
that Debbie is settling in. Training is on-
going for assisting ministers. The
Holy Communion sessions have begun
and will continue.
OLD BUSINESS:
Council Terms – Nominating will be
held at a special congregational meeting
on June 14. So far the following have
agreed to run:
Youth and Family – Lisa & Troy
Lisiecki
Stewardship – Pat Burns
Finance – Jason Covert
Evangelism – no nominees
Treasurer - no nominees but John
Bugaski will continue to serve.
Eric thanked Jane Miller and Jim Hen-
nessey for their service.
Mega Meetings – Most feel these meet-
ings are beneficial but some committees
feel they need more time for their
PAGE 15 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR
Condensed Minutes of Council Meeting
meetings at certain times of the year.
There will be no Mega Meeting in July
but at least one committee will meet.
NEW BUSINESS:
Seminary Support – We have three semi-
narians at SSM. Char Guiliani and Joe
Hackett at Wartburg and Isabella Barry at
Luther. Congregations are often asked to
provide support to the seminarians. Coun-
cil approved a motion to give $200.00
each to the three for books. One opposed.
FELLOWSHIP: E. Ankebrant men-
tioned that SSM has an account at Gor-
dons Food Service so when someone
shops there they should mention it. We
get points for dollars spent. She is prepar-
ing for Rally Day food.
SAFE WORSHIP: J . Cover t said they
are trying to set up a CPR training class.
Cost would be $30.00 but some assistance
would be available.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Daleness, Council Secretary
PAGE 14
Shared Ministry
Opportunity Corner
"Like good stewards of the
manifold grace of God,
serve one another with
whatever gift each of you
has received." - 1 Peter 4:10
NRSV
(https:www.biblegateway.co
m)
We are to share the 'gifts'
God has given us, to uplift
and inspire and challenge
each other. Our gifts are
meant for encouraging
others to rise to their full
potential in God. We all
have been given a gift that
we can use to help someone
else along the way. No
matter what it is – big or
small – we have a part to
play and we can use our
gifts for God's glory.
If you are not sure what 'gift'
or 'talent' you may have that
God has given you – ask
[God] to reveal it to you. It
Reminder to ALL
Ministries…
As you begin meeting
again please start planning
for Rally Day.
As we continue our
Jubilee Celebration of 50
years we are asking each
ministry to “sponsor a
booth” and have an
“activity” or game
introducing others to your
ministry. Children of
ALL ages will be
attending so we are asking
that this “activity” be as
Cross + Generational as
possible! Who knows,
you may help others find
their God given gift and
talent they didn’t know
they had!
Let us use our gifts and
talents to encourage and
inspire others to find and
use theirs!
God’s Blessings, Char
may be what you consider
a 'natural ability' or 'talent',
but when it's dedicated to
the Lord, He can use it for
His purposes. After all,
even our natural abilities
and talents are a gift from
God. [God] has given it to
us so we can use it to
encourage and inspire
others, and therefore
glorify God.
We should use our gifts to
encourage each other
For through them, we can
bless our sisters and
brothers.
© By M.S.Lowndes http://
www.heavensinspirations.
com/our-gifts.html
I Peter 4:10
This month your stewardship team feels especially blessed to share reflections of our
faith and stewardship through the poetic talents of two of our St. Stephen the Martyr
members.
It is our shared belief that their poems below are the essence of the “In” and “Out” of
our 2015 stewardship theme. Indeed, Mary and Isabelle show us the variety of talent
that God entrusts us to share with others.
Thank you, Mary and Isabelle!
Your Stewardship Team
Stewardship News
Stewards of God’s Love in Poetry …
PAGE 3 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR
So Much Depends by Mary Kling
So much depends on belief
on faith
on God
So much depends on love
of God
for Man
So much depends on you
your belief
the empty tomb
So much depends on just
what you wish
to embrace.
Thirst by Isabelle Barry
Isabelle’s Note: This poem was inspired by one
from Mary Oliver who penned, “Another morning
and I wake with thirst for the goodness I do not
have.”
Time for morning intimacy with God, this
heart yearns for strength but also gentleness
I pray for the qualities I do not have
request the gift of kindness while I wonder whether
silence speaks for those who have no voice if
thy justice can be achieved through these hands and
tears.
Time for introspection, gratitude as the sun sets
sanctuary for a shattered soul as I express
regrets for what I did and what I failed to do
I pray for the qualities I do not have
hope to come to terms with my own frailty
trustful that in the end all is in thy hands.
Women’s Ministry at SSM
so that by the power of the
Holy Spirit you may abound
in hope.”
As of now, the known
workshop leaders are:
Pastor Jim Bickel –
Outreach for Hope
Pastor Sandra
Chrostowski – Living
Hope
Cindy Arnett – Hope in
Action
There will be opportunities
to shop at the Faith and
Giggles Book/Gift Shoppe,
along with visiting with
long-time friends and
making new ones.
Teri Peterson from SSM
will represent all St.
Stephen the Martyr women
as our voting member to
this Convention. Please
contact Carole Ropel or
Karen Hoffman with any
questions regarding this
event.
The Greater Milwaukee
Synod SWO will be
granting four (4)
scholarships for those who
want to attend but are
unable to do so financially.
If you wish to apply for a
scholarship, application forms
are posted on the kiosk. This
deadline is August 17, 2015.
IT’S TIME TO HELP
WITH THE SEWING OF
SCHOOL BAGS
The Women of the ELCA at
SSM have traditionally
helped with the preparation/
sewing of school bags, a
long time project of our
Human Concerns
Committee, led by Shirley
Lieske. On the morning of
August 5, 2015, we hope
you will join us as we cut
the material to size, iron and
press material, sewing, if
you have that talent, and
other small needs connected
with the project. It’s fun, it’s
rewarding and the fellowship
and lunch are great! Starting
time is around 9 a.m. A
sign-up sheet is in the
narthex.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
The women’s Bible Study
usually held on the 2nd and 4th
Wednesdays of the month
will not be held in August.
We will resume our regular
schedule beginning with
September 9th and 23rd.
PAGE 4
Women’s Bible Study MONTHLY LOOSE
ENDS LUNCHEON:
Loose Ends Luncheon will
be held on August 12, at
12:00 pm at the Brass Key
Restaurant located at 4952
W. Forest Home Ave.
Please contact Ruth Hoppe
at 281-5896. There is a
sign up sheet in the
narthex.
WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION October 3, 2015 This annual event is being
held at Norway Lutheran
Church, 6321 Heg Park
Road, Wind Lake, WI
53185. The early bird
registration fee is $50
through August 17, 2015.
As of August 18, 2015, the
fee increases to $60.
Registration forms are on
the kiosk in the narthex.
The Convention theme is
“Bold Women Hope”.
The Convention Bible
verse is from Romans
15:13, “May the God of
hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing,
PAGE 13 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR
August Update The Prayer Garden is blooming and looking great. We have some “Friends of the
Garden” that volunteered to water and weed for one week. We would like to thank
Julie Starks, Shelly Rosenstock, Petriceks, Kelly Sachse, Jason and Tracy Covert,
Lorrie Heins, Carol and Dave Birk, Dick and Betty Kroll, Pastor Brian and family,
and Judy and Roger Lehman. All their efforts have enabled us to enjoy the beauty of
the Prayer Garden. Thank You! There are still a few weeks left in August if you can
help us out. Check out their efforts and take time to enjoy the garden.
Prayer Garden Committee
Prayer Garden
50th Anniversary Updates
September 13, 2015 - Rally Day. Lots of intergenerational activities sponsored by
various groups & committees in the church. Door prizes.
New For You:
The summer is a great time to try out new things to strengthen your discipleship.
Please consider some of the following:
Sign up for the Simply Giving Program
Read a book from the church library
Meet new people by attending a service different from the one you usually go to
Join the summer choir no previous experience necessary
PAGE 12
Human Concerns
SCHOOL BAG GATHERING
We will gather at the church on August 5, 2015 at 9:00 am to start work on the school
bags. There is a sign up sheet outside the office on the bulletin board and lunch will
be served. W are in need of the following items: 4 notebooks (70 pages), 1 scissors, 1
pencil sharpener, 1 ruler, 5 #2 pencils, 1 eraser and 1 box of 24 crayons. Contact
Shirley Lieske with questions at 414-761-0734.
Thank you & blessings!
Shirley Lieske, Human Concerns
Fellowship News
PAGE 5 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR
Women of the ELCA, cont. YOUTH GATHERING 2015
PAGE 6
SSM Youth
Youth and Family
Beginning Youth Group will start up again on September 20th. BYG meets the 3rd
Sunday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30. The group is tailored for kids in grades 3rd
through 6th grade. We start with a meal then let the kids have fun with a game and
a faith activity. We ask that parents rotate volunteering to lead either the meal, game or
faith activity each month to make planning easy and fun.
I will communicate mostly through e-mail to send out reminders and help with planning.
If your child is entering 3rd grade or you are new to the church please let me know
and I will add you to my list. You can reach me at (414) 687-4871 or
[email protected] The kids have a great time each month at BYG and I can't
wait to start up again this September. Jenny Resterhouse
Family Gathering
Come join us for the Family Gathering on Saturday, August 8th, 2015 at 6:15pm. We
will be meeting at the new Youth and Family Co-Chairs Troy and Lisa Lisiecki’s home
10601 S. Farmdale Dr., Oak Creek. The theme for dinner is “State Fair”…we will be
grilling out and if we can figure out how to deep fry butter and Twinkies on the grill, this
too may happen! The sign up sheet is on the kiosk, please let us know if you are coming
and let us know if you could bring a dish to pass. Please bring a lawn chair and your
swim suits!! Hope to see you there!
Please contact Troy and Lisa at [email protected]
if you have any questions.
Vacation Bible School
Everest Vacation Bible School was held July 20-24. We had kids from SSM, Faith/
Santa Fe, and Unity Lutheran churches join us for this special week and we learned
how to conquer challenges with God’s Mighty Power!
Thank you to everyone who contributed time, talent,
and treasure to make this a fantastic week!
Watch your September newsletter for pictures and more
details.
PAGE 11 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR
As summer winds down and students return to school
please look out for buses and students walking to and
from school. Often times children will run into the street
without looking and we want to ensure that all children
have a safe and happy 2015-2016 school year.
God bless all students and their families as some journey
on to new endeavors in their lives like high school and college.
As Students Return to School…...
Summer Bible Study
We will still be recharging our spiritual batteries in August as we gather for evening
Bible study where together we will continue to read and learn about the importance
of creation in our everyday lives. Bible study is open to all members of the congre-
gation and starts at 6:30. Do not feel you have to come to every session. Just bring
your Bible! Sessions will meet 7/28, 8/6 and 8/18. If you want more information,
see Isabelle after church or email her at [email protected].
Personal Growth Opportunities
PAGE 10
Ushers needed for all services
Music Notes from Bill Bravener,
Director of Music/ Associate in Ministry
Summer Choir will rehearse at 9:00 a.m. on August 2 and will sing at the 9:30
worship service that day. All are welcome.
Summer Handbell Choir will rehearse at 8:30 a.m. on August 23 and 30 and will
provide music for the 9:30 worship service on August 30. All are welcome.
Looking ahead - The choir potluck will be held at church on Wednesday, September
2, at 6:30. All choir members and their families are welcome. Regular choir rehears-
als will resume on September 9 with Handbell Choir at 5:30 p.m.
and Senior Choir at 7:00 p.m.
See you at worship.
Schedules will soon be prepared for people to usher for the coming church year
starting after Rally Day. It is hoped that most if not all of the veteran ushers will
volunteer to serve again. However, some individuals have "retired" due to age or
illness.
Accordingly, new volunteers are needed for both Saturday and Sunday
services. Men, women, teens, new members who have recently joined our
church ...all are welcome to volunteer to usher. No experience is necessary, just a
willingness to help at services on a once per month basis or so. Training will be
provided. Somewhat interested? Give it a try and become more involved in your
church and meet new people to keep as friends. To apply, contact Bob Rasmussen-
Usher Coordinator at 414-421-5170, or place a note in my SSM mailbox, or see me
personally.
Thank you, Bob Rasmussen, Coordinator
PAGE 7 2015 AUGUST MARTYR MONTHLY—ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR
RISE UP 2015!!!
PICTURE FROM YOUTH GATHERING
AUGUST 2015
Sun Mon Tue Wed
2
9:00 am Summer Choir 9:30 am Communion
3
4 9:15 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Mega Meeting
5
11:45 am Loose Ends Lunch
9 9:30 am Communion /Intinction 1:00-3:00 pm APL School Open House
10
11 9:15 am Staff Meeting
12
16 9:30 am Communion/Pulpit
exchange celebrating our 50th. Pastor Kevan Penvose from Unity
will be preaching at SSM 10:40 am Sunday school teachers mtg
17
6:30 pm Quilting Group
18 9:15 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Bible Study
19 3-7 pm Unity Soup Supper
23 8 am Summer Handbell Choir 9:30 am Communion/INT 30
8 am Summer Handbell Choir 9:30 am Communion
24 31
25 9:15 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Caring Visitors Meeting
26
St. Stephen the Martyr
Lutheran Church, ELCA
AUGUST 2015
Thu Fri Sat
1 5 pm Communion
Loose Ends Lunch
6
6:30 pm Bible Study
7 8 5 pm Worship 6:15 pm Family Gathering
Lisiecki Residence
13 10-11:00 am ELCA Steering
Committee Meeting 6:30 pm Safe Worship
14
15 5 pm Communion/Pulpit
exchange celebrating our 50th. Pastor Kevan Penvose from
Unity will be preaching at SSM
Unity Soup Supper 20
21
22 5 pm Worship
27 28 29
5 pm Communion
6101 S. 51st St.
Greendale, WI 53129
Phone & Fax: 414-421-3543
E-mail: [email protected]