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Broadcast
...to scatter or sow seeds over a broad area.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
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Christ Church
Seeking God's Grace; Sharing God's Joy
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We worship together and we joyfully welcome all people.
We embody Christ's love by serving others.
We nurture children in the knowledge and love of God.
We address today's concerns in the rich body of Christian tradition.
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| Quick Links | |
Last Sunday's Sermon
The Haiti Project:
Order of St. Julian of Norwich:
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| Readings for Sunday |
Click here for Sunday's lessons. |
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Messenger
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The Winter 2015 issue of
The Messenger (our quarterly newsletter) is online and in print.
The Spring 2016 Messenger is forthcoming at the end of February!
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| Vestry, Finance & Endowment Reports |
Vestry, Finance and Endowment Reports
can now be found on the web.
For the January 2016 Vestry report click here.
For the December 2015 Vestry report click here.
For the September 2015 Finance report, click here.
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which, at the time of its sowing, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, but which grows to be the greatest of all shrubs, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.
-Mark 4:31
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A few scattered seeds . . . 
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This We Believe
In the mid 2000's, there was an occasional series published on NPR called 'This I Believe.' Famous and not-so-famous people would write and read essays about a belief they held near and dear to their hearts. The project continues online here. You can read fascinating essays about a range of beliefs and ideas. A few weeks back the confirmation class engaged in formulating their own beliefs about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Church, and Life after Death. These make up the framework of our Nicene Creed, the summary of belief for Christians. The purpose was to engage belief in new language and to take ownership of these beliefs. Although not everyone in the class holds near and dear to their hearts everything we came up with, we discussed that part of saying 'We Believe' is trusting both God and one another, that when we cannot believe, there are others who believe and trust on our behalf. Here is the result: Confirmation Creed 2016
We believe in God, creator of heaven and Earth,
Who brings light, life, and love into being,
Who allows us to be free while watching over us and teaching us through Jesus and the Bible.
We believe in Jesus, the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary,
Who is Redeemer, Messiah, Preacher, Healer, Martyr, and Man.
Jesus was charismatic, performed miracles, and taught his followers what it means to believe in God.
Jesus was crucified and died because of what he taught.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, indescribable fire, like the "Force,"
Who gives us motivation to follow Jesus,
Who is like having an Epiphany, and who makes us a part of God.
We believe in the Church, the Alcoholics (not so) Anonymous of sin,
Where we worship and learn how to spread the teachings of God.
The Church is the beginning of God's dominion on Earth.
We believe in salvation and forgiveness, that God will come again to create a new kingdom.
The all-encompassing grace of God will lead us the new kingdom where we will live with God forever. Amen.
Peace, Seth R+
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Community Formation: "Journey to Haiti" 
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Journey to Haiti- This Sunday, February 28th 
Following the 9:30 service, walk through the garden vestibule for some bake sale goodies, and up the stairs into the Great Hall for a journey to Haiti! The bake sale provides scholarship funds for Jesline Zephir, 2nd Grader at St. Marc's in Jeannette, Haiti.
There will be activities for all ages, including an Easter card station for the kids of Jeanette, an opportunity to carry jugs of water, a taste of authentic Haitian rice and beans and much more.
As our mission teams prepare for an actual journey to Haiti, we are all able to come alongside them and prepare in our own way to love and support our brothers and sisters at St. Marc's in Jeanette, Haiti. For more information or to help at a station, contact Ira or Anna.
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In our Prayers
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Especially This Week: Roger Senn, JoAnn Maier, Dan Appleby, Joan Streed, Emily, Jess.
Long term: Karol Rehm, Gene Robb, Kevin Robb, William Husi, Stanley Husi, Fran Lile, Mary Jane, Len, Annika, Barbara K., Barb, Arlo Davis Kristopeit, Jane O'Reilly, Dan, Bob Figg, Nanette Gransé, Kelly McDonald, Alice Schwarz, Mary, Doug Kloppenburg, James Sevenich, Andy Boyd, Frances Harmon, Gayle Johnson, Charty Bassett, Taj, Dustin, Phyllis C., Elizabeth Casey, Bill, Gillian Allers, Larry Moburg, Patti, PJ Lawler, Marylin Banzhaf, Anne, Drew, Ann, Eric.
Homebound: Mimo and Edith.
This week's Birthdays: Alexander Hering, Pam Twohig, Nancy Vandenberg
Anniversaries: Bryan and Rebecca House
Those in the armed forces: Tom, Nick, Davin, Jeffrey, Jack, Matthew, Scott, Bill, Anthony, Mark.
In Discernment for Holy Orders: Drew Harmon
Parents Expecting: Ingrid and Andrew Davis, Amber Wichowsky and Sam Harshner, Brittany and Tom Naleid.
Haiti Mission Participants: Beth Hagen, Liam Hagen, Dave Eurich, Ana Eurich, August Eurich, Seth Raymond, Katie Richards, Melissa Santa Cruz, Cameron Santa Cruz, Danielle Santa Cruz, Sophie Kowaliczko, David Low, Beatrice Low, Maureen McCabe, Seth Dietrich, Betsy Head, Cindy Gault, Ed Inderrieden, Jean Maier.
Serving in Worship this Sunday:
We hope this listing helps to connect names with faces. Please note that sometimes there are switches that are not reflected here.
8:00 Service: Ushers: Randy Dean, John Bryson. Acolyte/Reader: Bob Frisch
9:30 Service: Vestry Greeters: Jim Benton, Greg Bell Acolytes: Isaiah Dietrich, Evan Giesecke, Oliver Niehaus, Danny Manger. Readers: Chris Binder, Bill Foote Eucharistic Ministers: Kathy Eurich, Mike Pratscher, Nancy Hills, Mary Meyers, Sarah Gottlieb, Hillary McCown. Ushers: Beth Hagen, Mike McCabe, Rick Donner, Bruce Dunn.
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Upcoming Events
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Community Formation (All Ages)- "Journey to Haiti!": THIS Sunday, February 28, with Bake Sale. See above for more information.
Community Formation- "Stations of the Cross": Sunday, March 20 (Palm Sunday)
Small Groups:
Go Deeper Adult Class: This Sunday, February 28. Contact Seth with questions.
 Sunday Night Live: Sunday, February 28 at 7 p.m. Contact Christine. Centering Prayer: Tuesday, March 1 from 5-6 p.m. at the home of Helen Benton. Contact Helen (414) 231-3723. Tuesday Morning Women's Faith Group: March 1 at 9 a.m. in the J.T. Room. Contact Ira. Downtown Small Group: Tuesday, March 1, 12- 1 p.m. at Quarles & Brady- 411 E Wisconsin Ave, 24th floor. Contact Seth or Dan. Tuesday Evening Women's Group: March 1, 7 p.m. Contact Anna. Reading and discussing Lauren Winner's Wearing God. Wednesday Morning Men's Scripture Group: March 2 at 7:30 a.m. in the J. T. Room. Coffee at City Market follows. Beginning a new book: The Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings, by Philip Newell. Contact John. Wednesday Noon Men's Group: March 2 at noon. Contact Ed. MOPS:Thursday, March 3, 9:15-11:15 in the Great Hall. Contact Anna.
**Newcomers are always welcome to any small group! They are a fantastic way to connect more deeply with the CC community. For more information on Adult Small groups, click here.
Creating a Building Projects Committee and Next Steps
Last fall many parishioners participated in expressing the many felt needs of our facilities based on accessibility, hospitality and functionality. Are you interested in helping form a Building Committee to continue to the next phase? Please plan to attend the introductory meeting on Saturday, March 12 at 9:30 in the Great Hall. We'll discuss the vestry's vision for the role and responsibilities of the Building Committee, as well as provide a framework for prioritizing projects.
Parishioner featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show
Christ Church parishioner Ben Cheesman will be one of the demonstration flytiers at the Journal-Sentinel Sports Show at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center. Stop by the Southeastern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited booth on Thursday, March 3 between 1:00 and 5:00, or at Dan Small's Outdoor Wisconsin Pavilion from 6 until closing. He will also be at the Outdoor Wisconsin Pavilion on Saturday, March 5 from Noon until 5:00. Stop by and say hello, watch a fly or two being tied, and maybe try your hand at tying one yourself! For more information, check out the Sports Show website here.
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Holy Week 2016
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Palm Sunday, March 20 
8 a.m.
9:30 a.m.: Palm Procession and Reading of the Passion Gospel - Interactive Stations of the Cross following the service
Maundy Thursday, March 24
6 p.m.: Part Seder Meal, Part Agape Feast, Full Immersion into the Great Three Days
Vigil Kept in the Chapel, March 24-25
8 p.m. through noon on Friday
2 people each hour
Good Friday, March 25
12 p.m.
New This Year: 7 p.m.
Solemn Remembrance of Jesus' Passion
Holy Saturday, March 26
9 a.m.: Quiet Service of Waiting
Great Vigil of Easter
8 p.m.: Resurrection feast with Vigil Fire, Salvation History, Baptism, Chocolate Fountain and Champagne
Easter Sunday, March 27
8 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Festival Celebrations of the Resurrection
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Job Posting
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We are looking for a new Business Administrator! Because the position requires reviewing parishioners' sensitive financial information, I am not interviewing Christ Church members at this time. But you may know someone who would like to work in a fun, vibrant office for 25 hours a week (or someone who would like a full-time position for a modest salary and full family health coverage). If so, please forward them the job posting found here. For more information on how we arrived at this position and the hiring process, please read here. Please contact me with questions. Seth D.+
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Outreach
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Haiti Mission Participant: Cindy Gault 
My name is Cindy Gault, and I have been a member of Christ Church for 30 years. Jeff and I were married at Christ Church in 1986, and our daughter, Lauren, was raised at Christ Church. I have served on the vestry, as well as on many other committees during the past 30 years. Prior to retirement and spending a good deal of the year in Florida, I was an account executive (fancy term for sales rep) at Today's TMJ4. I love the Milwaukee community, and have served in many volunteer roles (but I was asked to provide a short bio so I won't go further with the details).
I wish I had a revealing reason why I elected to go to Haiti at this time, but it is like the time I volunteered to go on the ASP trip with the youth group - I felt the calling! It was not me that decided, it was God putting the desire on my heart. Also, just like ASP, this is out of my comfort zone and I'm a little "comfortable" right now. I hope to form new bonds with other Christ Church members, and to make any difference I can in the lives of the people we will serve in Jeannette.
On March 17th Christ Church MOPS is holding its first annual "Swap Table." We are looking for donations of new or gently used baby, toddler and/or kid items. Toys, clothes, shoes, outerwear, baby food, formula, diapers and books are all welcomed. A donation box is in the garden vestibule. With questions please contact Linnet Husi: linnethusi@yahoo.com. The MOPS swap table will be open to all moms on March 17 at 9:15, so come by and shop and then stay for a MOPS meeting if you like. Extra swap table items will be donated to the Joy House.
Pack Lunches for The Gathering
On the third Saturday of every month, all are invited to help pack bagged lunches for the homeless. Join us in the Great Hall at 8:30 a.m. Upcoming dates are March 19th and April 16th.
Volunteers from Christ Church serve meals at The Gathering. Our next dates are April 9 and June 11. If you are able to help, please contact Randy Dean, or 414-840-9979, or Peter Uihlein.
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All Peoples Church
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New Boiler for All Peoples Church
Our partner church, All Peoples, uses their large facility all week long for church and neighborhood programs. Most recently they have added a nightly meal program that feeds 200+ people per night.
Their ancient boiler has been patched up many times in the last ten years and they were recently told that it is on the verge of shut-down. They have already raised $13,000 towards the cost of a new $50,000 boiler.
Meanwhile, our own treasurer, Mike Giesecke, often refers to our "Retained Earnings Fund" as that "large pot of money that we can use in the event of an unforeseen hardship such as our boiler breaking down." The Diocese recommends that a parish have at least 10% of operating expenses in reserve. For us this would be $71,000. We are greatly blessed to currently have $85,000 in that fund.
At our February retreat, the vestry discerned that strengthening our relationship with All Peoples Church should be a priority for 2016. To that end, the vestry authorized a check for $4,000 to be given to All Peoples for their boiler as a concrete expression of our desire to share some of this burden with them. We will monitor their campaign for a new boiler and consider an additional gift when we meet again in March.
If you feel so led to make a personal donation to the All Peoples Boiler Fund, click here.
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Children's Formation
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Journey to Haiti!
Families are invited to participate in the next Community Formation (all-ages) on Sunday, February 28 as we learn more about Haiti through interactive stations. There will be rice and beans to taste, Easter cards to create for the children in Jeanette, and a chance to test your strength by carrying jugs of water through the Great Hall! All welcome.
Spring Children's Formation Calendar
Check out the updated Spring 2016 formation calendar HERE.
* Upcoming Sunday School dates: March 6, April 10.
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Youth Ministry
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Bake Sale to Support Jesline Zephir in Haiti 
Middle school students and parents are selling baked goods to raise money for Jesline Zephir, a student at St. Marc's in Haiti. Our sponsorship of Jesline provides an education and meals that she would not have access to otherwise. Please support Jesline by buying some tasty treats. Then, come to the Great Hall for a Community Formation Sunday that will immerse you in the sights, language, and experience of Haitian Culture.
Upcoming Confirmation Dates
February 28: 2-4 p.m. Faith in Action: Pain to Power with Mentors
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Adult Formation
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Adult Forums are held twice a month in the Great Hall following the 9:30 a.m. service. Upcoming forum dates: March 6, April 10, April 17. Philip Chard (psychotherapist, newspaper columnist, book author, speaker and trainer) will be speaking on March 6 on "Healing: Pathways to Emotional Wellbeing and Spiritual Renewal."
Community Formation Sundays: Once a month, we gather for a formation event for all ages.
February 28: "Journey to Haiti:" Join us in the Great Hall for Haitian rice and beans, a chance to carry buckets of water, a slide show of the Haiti Project's recent visits to Jeanette, and a chance to write Easter cards in French to our brothers and sisters at St. Marc's.
March 20: "Stations of the Cross:" an interactive journey through Christ's death.
Lenten Retreat for Women: Can you recognize God's voice? How much practice do you have discerning it? God speaks in holy conversation, through scripture, in the Eucharist, in prayer, in the activities of our daily lives as women. Come practice listening together. Saturday March 5, 9:30-3:30 p.m., at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church 670 E. Monroe, Hartford, WI. To sign up, send a check for $25 (includes lunch) to Micki Hoffman at 53 E. Rogers St., Hartford, WI 53027 Checks should be made out to Diocese of Milwaukee ECW and include name, phone, address, church. Deadline: March 1
Adult Small Groups
To view the Adult Small Group offerings, see the church website.
Diocese of Milwaukee Lay/Clergy Leadership Days
"People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity"
Saturday, February 27, 9am-3pm, Nashotah House. Explore Episcopal identity in light of a "shift in cultural and religious landscape." Dr. Dwight Zscheile will help us to reimagine what it means to be Episcopalian in America today, "carrying forward the best of our heritage while [connecting] with new generations."
"JumpStart: Mission, Purpose, and Financial Stability" Saturday, April 16, 9am-3pm, location TBD. This session is designed for congregations "ready to face their fears about finances, buildings and the future of their parish." This workshop helps congregations to take "calculated, informed risks, both in building membership and in creating financial stability."
For a registration form, click HERE. For more information or to express interest, email Fr. Seth Dietrich.
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Church Office Hours
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Pam Eversfield, Interim Parish Administrator: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bill Davies, Parish Finance: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Clergy are available Sundays through Fridays either in the office or by cell phone when they are out in the community.
*Please be sure to lock the doors of the church building when you leave.
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