St. Thomas of Canterbury, Greendale,  hosted Vacation Bible School  August 4 - 7, 2014.  We used the God's Backyard Bible Camp - Under the Stars curriculum published by Standard Publishing.  The focus was on service.  A different aspect of service was focused on each night.

 Day 1: Serve Family
Joseph forgave and fed his brothers. - Genesis 37, 45
Day 2: Serve Friends
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. - John 13:1-17
Day 3: Serve Neighbors
Rebekah showed kindness to Abraham's servant. - Genesis 24:1-27
Day 4: Serve Community
Gideon led God's people in battle. - Judges 6:1-16; 7:9-21
Day 5: Serve Jesus
Paul told about Jesus wherever he went. - Acts 27, 28

Because we only met 4 days we incorporated the idea of serving Jesus in each and every day.  The children enjoyed learning about GOD; strengthening friendships and relationships with parish adults; creating arts and crafts and doing service projects.  One of our most memorable snacks took us to the rectory where Fr. Mark made a fire so we could enjoy s'mores!

St. Francis, Menomonee Falls, by Rev. Martha Berger

St. Francis in Menomonee Falls, like other smaller parishes, works to provide opportunities for its members to "grow in faith."  Part-time clergy struggle to resist doing it all - and sometimes miss the opportunity to let others rise up in ministry.

This fall there will be two opportunities at St. Francis. 
First, on Sunday Mornings - reflection on the readings - liturgy - sermon.  Participants need only bring a pencil and bulletin - on which they've taken notes about their observations.  Retired priest, The Rev. Sue Clark, will facilitate this 30 minute opportunity to learn from one another.
Second, Supper and Study will continue on its traditional Wednesday evening, beginning with a 6pm brown bag supper.  Craig Korn, a graduate of EFM (Education for Ministry) and COH (Community of Hope) will facilitate a study of the Book of Proverbs.  He has been leading this group for some time, and often uses study resources from The Thoughtful Christian.

You all can imagine how grateful I am for the initiative of the lay people of St. Francis, for courses like EFM, COH, and CDI, and that such an imaginative and collaborative retired priest showed up in our pews!  

First Article in a Series on Planned Giving: by Mike Hagon 

This is the first in a series of articles introducing planned giving. This month we will begin a discussion on how we can, as Christians, insure that our stewardship of God's gifts given to us during our lifetimes is continued after we are gone. All of us will die sometime; we just don't know when.

Three important areas concerning our end of life planning are:

A Medical Directive

Funeral Planning

Writing a Will

All three of these are important documents that can insure that your desires and wishes are upheld before and after you die. They also may relieve your heirs and loved ones of significant burdens at a time that they would be dealing with significant grief. The Will can insure that, after your death, your assets are passed on in a manner that respects your values and protects your heirs.

The Medical Directive sets out your wishes for medical care when you are incapacitated. You have the right to accept or deny any medical procedure when offered. Unfortunately if you are seriously ill you may not be coherent and unable to communicate your wishes. The Medical Directive sets forth your wishes in various situations and allows you to appoint a healthcare proxy who will make these medical decisions in your place and according to your wishes.

A Medical Directive may be accomplished in Wisconsin by completing a Declaration to Physician (Living Will) and a Power of Attorney for Health Care. These are legal documents and you should consider consulting with your primary care physician, an attorney and a member of the clergy when completing them.

Funeral Planning is another important part of your end of life preparation. Planning your funeral by discussing the arrangements with your priest and your family will insure that your wishes and values are reflected in this important liturgy.

The plan should include your instructions and desires for choice of funeral director, type of casket, whether you will be buried or cremated and where your remains will be placed (burial plot or columbarium). You may also wish to designate where memorials are to go.

Consult with the rector or priest-in-charge in arranging for your funeral service. The Burial of the Dead Rite I begins on page 469 of the Book of Common Prayer and Rite II begins on page 491. It is a good idea to become familiar with these prior to meeting with the priest. Such decisions as the psalms and lessons to be read, what hymns and other music will be used and whether there will be a reception at the church will need to be made.

By planning your funeral in advance you will relieve your family and other loved-ones the burden of making these arrangements within a short time period after your death.

Future articles in this series on planned giving will discuss the importance of having a will, several forms of planned giving (including the will) and how members of the parish may continue the prayerful generosity of those who have gone before us.

If you would like to further discuss planned giving and its potential for you and for the church you may contact Michael Hagon, Executive Director of Trustees of Funds and Endowments at 414-232-7358 or by email at MHagonTFE@wi.rr.com.

Training to become a SGC Trainer!

Sat, September 13, at St. Matthew's, Kenosha, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm in the Guild Hall.  Email Deacon Terry Garner to attend: dcnterry.g@gmail.com   

SGC Training for Clergy, Vestries and Sunday School Workers/Youth Workers - Sat, Sept 20th 9am - Noon, Two locations:  Christ Church, River Hills and Good Shepherd, Sun Prairie. Click here to register.   

Click here to register online to take the Safeguarding God's Children, Safeguarding God's People and A Day at Camp online training programs.

A Day at Camp is strongly recommended for all parishes leading a Vacation Bible School or other summer program with minors. This online training video is geared to safeguarding guidelines specific to leading a day camp (not an overnight camp) program.