CHAPEL CHIMES
Volume 58 No. 7 July/August 2008
“FIRST NOTES”
By the time this newsletter reaches you, it will be summer by every way that we measure things, and it sure seemed like a long time in coming. Two happenings mark summer for me at church: the change in the “summer schedule” of one service of worship on Sundays and the Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting.
This year’s meeting was held from June 6th – 8th at the Green Lake Conference Center, and was attended by Rev. Boda-Mercer, Janet Veleke, and myself. The bulk of our attention (aside from the forty-five minutes that we spent in the basement during a tornado warning), was focused on the following theme: “Transforming Conflict in the Church.” In all, I thought that this was a good topic for us, in the churches, to study, since conflict is a part of any institution that has human beings in it—including the church.
Since we are people who have a wide range of opinions on any given subject, and since we sometimes hold on to those opinions very strongly, conflict is inevitable. We are not always going to agree. The trick is to transform those conflicts in positive ways. One of the keys to that transformation is the willingness to address problems when they are small and to not let levels of conflict and tension escalate. When a conflict is at the level of a “conflict to be solved,” for example, tensions are lower than they are for a conflict that becomes a “disagreement” or a “contest” (and by the way, one wants to avoid conflicts that ramp up to the “fight/flight” or “intractable” stage).
Conflict resolution becomes easier when all of the parties agree to hang in there and work on the problem (as opposed to getting angry, getting sulky, leaving in a huff, and going home) and when all of the parties listen long enough and carefully enough to see the legitimate interests that other parties may have. We are better served if we look more at the “interests” of the other person than we are setting up “positions” that need to be staked out and defended. The key is to try to arrive at “win-win” solutions and to see areas of common interest.
In short, if love among us is genuine, we can weather those conflicts and potentially transform them into something positive. Conflict can’t always be avoided: therefore it is in our best interests to transform it positively.
Here’s hoping that the Spirit of Christ may rule in your hearts and transform the conflicts in your lives in the weeks ahead.
Your servant in Christ,
Rev. Jim Hoppert
MANY THANKS
Dear Salem Members,
A number of you have asked how our therapy pool project is coming along.
We’re happy to report that we were able to get in the pool for the first time after church on Easter.
What a wonderful thing this has been for the boy’s—especially John. He relaxes in the warm water and is able to walk out some of the pain. It is such a relief that he closes his eyes and gets some of his only real rest. He has been able to eliminate one of his pain medications. He was able to postpone or cancel one of his scheduled surgeries due to the improvements he has obtained in the pool.
It has been great for Drew as a sensory aid with his autism and provides an outlet for energy. It is one of the few activities we can all meaningfully participate in as a family.
There are still ongoing aspects to the project. We are waiting for a special sling that will hold John upright so he can walk in the pool. We are working on the finishing touches to the room and will start to address the construction mud we now have for a back and side yard.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to all who have helped us with this project in any way. Thanks to the Endowment Committee. Thanks to everyone who has contributed financially, with prayers, encouragement and interest. Thanks to the Eagles Club for their fundraiser. Thanks to Sandy Kahlhamer who got the whole project started! To her mom, Karen Goetsch, who gave me space in her garage sale which was in such a prime location that it raised quite a bit to help. She also ran it for me as I was involved with John’s medical crisis.
We have been amazed and truly blessed to see the deep kindness and concern shown to our family. We have seen God working through others.
Love,
Rev. Jim, Abby, John & Drew
OUTDOOR MINISTRY
There were just a few of us at the first Outdoor Ministry gathering at Kohler-Andrae Park on June 14th. But, we had a good time, and we appreciate the beauty of the park. The morning was beautiful, and after all the rain of the week, it was wonderful to see a bright blue sky. We walked along the beach, and returned to the picnic area along the boardwalk. Sharing the beauty of God’s creation left us all with a warm, happy spirit.
Evelyn Gundersen
The second event being planned for the Outdoor Ministry will be held on Saturday, July 26th. We will be exploring nature at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. The program is “Ice Age at the Beach.” This program is age appropriate for 5 – 12 years old, but everyone is welcome. We will meet at church at 8:15 a.m. The program starts at 9:30 a.m. After the program we will have lunch.
More details will follow in the church bulletin. Please contact the church office if you have any questions or to sign up for this event.
Susie Katsma
JULY BIRTHDAYS
7/1 Gary Hanson
Marjorie Wimmler
7/2 Jarod Holdridge
7/3 Janis Jarosch
7/4 Dennis Kapellen
7/5 Janis Knuth
Ryan Halle
7/6 Marcella Hellmer
7/7 Carol Groene
Bette Humbracht
Evelyn Meinnert
Lynn York
7/8 Amy Debbink
7/9 Betty Lou Felsinger
Linda Kleinhans
7/10 Merrie Huenink
Maureen Rudebeck
7/11 Gerry Sramek
7/12 Lucille Larson
7/13 Sandra Fritsch
Cassandra Pilling
7/16 Dennis Hill
Sharon Klemme
Carmen Conrad
7/18 Aurelia Schuricht
Sandy Holzmann
7/20 Tyler Bowe
Kent Radloff
Stacy Ausloos
Florence Kleinhans
Robert Bub
7/21 Sabrina Meyer
7/22 David Lehrke
Tecwyn Roberts
Sheryl Jarosch
7/23 Megan Fontany
7/24 Glen Hembel
Chris Brooks
7/26 Kay Chiples
Camryn Meyer
7/27 Judith Rortvedt
Cyndi Huibregtse
7/28 Marianne Faas
Jean Nysse
Lauren Halle
7/29 Dolores Bohrmueller
Dorothy Baumann
7/30 Peter Hernandez
Rebekah Katsma
7/31 Willard Fenner
JULY LECTIONARY READINGS
Sunday, July 6, 2008-Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 24:24-38, 42-49, 58-67; Psalm: Psalm 45:10-17; Epistle: Romans 7:15-25a
Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Sunday, July 13, 2008-Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm: Psalm 119:105-112; Epistle: Romans 8:1-11
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Sunday, July 20, 2008-Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24;Epistle: Romans 8:12-25
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Sunday, July 27, 2008-Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm: Psalm 105:1-11; Epistle: Romans 8:26-39
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
8/1 Ken Heckmann
Savannah Johnson
8/4 Ruth Miller
Sydney Holdridge
Karly Adamson
Jessica Mehre
8/5 Sean Littlefield
Joseph Ausloos
8/6 Barbara Voelker
Janice Curtiss
Donald Conrad
8/10 Brooke Rush
Liza Thelen
8/11 Kymn Schicker
8/12 Mariann Picard
Judy Kent
Amanda Rizzi
8/13 Adam Brasser
Erica Helmer
Joshua Bender
8/14 Betty Nohlquist
Carol Bernardo
Avery Stiefvater
8/16 Linda Luedke
Pat Wachter
8/17 Gary McElroy
8/18 Kayla Buelke
Charlene Boll
Peggy Ellis
8/19 Angela Iserloth
Arlene Siebenaler
James Wachter
Tim Miller
Allie Iserloth
8/20 Lois Faas
8/21 Pat Fifrick
Adeline Gahagan
Willard Matzdorff
Kyle Odekirk
Andy Helmer
8/23 Patricia Andereck
Kaileigh Lomibao
8/24 Dolores Peters
Jason Knuth
Beth Hanson
8/25 Bob Sukowaty
Trystan Johnson
8/26 Olive Ardell
Melvin Blanke
Pamela Goelzer
Lorayn Vick
Nancy Meyer
8/27 Margaret Johnston
Donna Pfrang
Grant Sippel
8/28 Tiffany Longmuir
Taylor Knuth
8/29 Richard Wimmler
Gail Versch
8/30 Ralph Mayer
Marvin Paulson
Austin Hartmann
8/31 Irene Dessloch
Roger Eldredge
AUGUST LECTIONARY READINGS
Sunday, August 3, 2008-Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm: Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Epistle: Romans 9:1-5
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
Sunday, August 10, 2008-Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm: Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Epistle: Romans 10:5-15
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Sunday, August 17, 2008-Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm: Psalm 133; Epistle: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
Sunday, August 24, 2008-Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm: Psalm 124; Epistle: Romans 12:1-8; Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
Sunday, August 31, 2008-Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hebrew Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c; Epistle: Romans 12:9-21
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28
WILLING WORKERS
The Willing Workers met on Monday, June 9th with a potluck dinner at 12:00 noon. There were about 9 members in attendance. It was all very good.
After the meal we held our business meeting. Sharon Klemme agreed to stay on as Vice President and we elected a new secretary, Lucille Larson, to a two year term. We will sponsor the Father’s Day bulletin. It was suggested that we send a card to Virginia Ferguson, who is a resident at Pine Haven. We are also sending cards to Irene Berg & Marian Albers-Kleinhans for their birthdays. Leroy & Marilyn Reichert will have their 50th wedding anniversary in August. We will place flowers in church for them on their anniversary.
Our meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Our next meeting will be held on September 8th with a potluck dinner at noon.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Halida, Secretary
RUMMAGE SALE
The Red Tent will organize a Rummage Sale on May 29-30, 2009. Donations of gently used items will be accepted at that time. As you are going through spring cleaning we are asking you to save some things for that sale. We will be accepting items such as glassware, clothing, toys, small furniture, appliances, knick-knacks, etc. Please check with a Red Tent member if you have large furniture to donate such as a storage cabinet, bed, dresser, etc. Proceeds from the sale will be used for covering shipping costs for college student’s care packages and for other church activities such as the mission trip. We will also be asking church members to volunteer their time to make this event a success. With questions please contact Sheryl Jarosch at sarmj@excel.net or Rev. Boda-Mercer at apsalem@excel.net.
EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE
Thank you for your enthusiastic support of the Equal Exchange Coffee Program. The Equal Exchange candy bars will no longer be sold due to current price increases. However, there is a new Irish Blend Tea for sale for $2.50 and a new French Roast Coffee Bean for sale for $5.50. Check out the new items at the coffee display in the Gathering Area.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The Northeast Wisconsin Association invites Salem members to the Annual Timber Rattler Tailgate party on Saturday, August 23, 2008. This year there will be a larger tent, tables and chairs for the fun and fellowship on the grass outside Fox Cities Stadium. You’re welcome to bring a chair of your own, if you prefer. Food will be served at 4:00 p.m. At 6:35 p.m. the Timber Rattlers host the Quad Cities River Bandits. After the game you can stay and enjoy the fireworks. The cost for tickets is $12.00 per person. If you would like to attend, please turn your money into the church office by July 16, 2008.
THANK YOUS
Thank you to Rev. Hoppert and Rev. Boda-Mercer for their visits and to all the members of Salem for your prayers. Thanks also to the prayer shawl ministry for the shawl and to the care meal ministry for the delicious meal that was brought to our home.
Doris & Dennis Fuerst
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We would like to thank the Care Meal Ministry for the wonderful meal that was given to us after our daughter Haylen was born. It was very much appreciated. It is great to have people like you in the church.
Kyle, Melissa and Haylen Odekirk
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Dear Members of Salem United Church of Christ,
I would like to thank the members and organizations of the congregation who sent cards, best wishes and prayers during my recent hospital stay. And a special thank you to Rev. Hoppert for his visits and prayers.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. It was much appreciated.
John Dees
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I would like to thank the ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry for the warm and soft shawl you made. Thank you also to Rev. Hoppert for delivering the shawl to me. I am at Arbor View now and it comes in handy in this cool weather.
Thank you and God bless,
Love, Irene Berg
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Thank you to everyone who sent cards, called me and stopped by at the hospital while I was recovering from my surgery.
Thanks to the Care Meal Ministry for the wonderful food. It was all very delicious and so very helpful. Keep up the good work!
May God bless each and everyone of you.
Kay Halle
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To the members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry,
Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl.
Edna Zinkgraf
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KEEP THESE FAMILIES IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
HOSPITALIZED
Memorial Hospital, Sheboygan
Mary Kallenberg, Verona Sander, Kay Halle, Stuart Sweeney
FUNERALS
6/21/08 Donald Vorpagel at Salem UCC
BAPTISMS
5/25/08 Travis Lance Bowe, son of Tyler Bowe & Jessica Malueg*, born 3/30/08
6/1/08 Conor Daniel Kahlhamer, son of Dallas & Sandy (Goetsch) Kahlhamer, born 4/8/03
*denoted non-member
NOTES FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE
Health Ministry Calendar:
Blood Pressure Checks – Saturdays, July 12th & August 9th from 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Parish Nurse available – Sunday mornings, July 27th & August 24th
Forget-Me-Not Weekend – July 12th & 13th
Check the bulletin board by the kitchen for community health and wellness related events. To arrange to meet with the Parish Nurse at other times, please contact the church office.
Healthcare Supplies-Donations & Needs:
Donation – Hearing aid batteries, Duracell size 14, DA13B16. These batteries are available in the Parish Nurse office and are on a “first come” basis.
Donations not claimed after a month will be given to the Salvation Army Free Clinic or a mission group.
Wellness News for the Body: Relax & Enjoy Summer
by yourself or with family/friends.
Replace costly vacations with local day trips. Sometimes we overlook opportunities right in “our neighborhood” such as:
¬Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail,
Parnell Lookout Tower
¬Terre
Andre Park
¬An
afternoon walk through a local downtown
¬Museums
such as the Wade House, Henschel’s Museum of Indian History,
Luxembourg Museum; Het Museum, Above & Beyond Children’s Museum
¬Historical
Centers and Art Centers
¬Maywood
Environmental Park, Ice Age Park in Dundee,
Picnicking & playing at local parks
or listening to concerts in the park, Fishing or exploring local
rivers and
lakes or a ride in the country on some “back
roads.” You may be surprised what you find!
See the Community Focus section below to find local places of interest, events, festivals, & attractions to spend a “get-away” day relaxing. As with most outdoor activities, take along some hydrating water/beverages, sunscreen, bug/mosquito repellant, a first-aid kit, a blanket, and chairs. Properly store any food and beverages you bring along. And, don’t forget your camera for photos to enjoy later when it’s cold & blustery outside.
. . . FOR THE MIND & SPIRIT:
Instead of wasting our lives pursuing what we think will make us happy, we should concentrate on the things that money can’t buy—the things God gives us freely. Read Isaiah 55:2
Source: God’s Best for Your Success, Word Inc.
OTHER HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES:
¬Monthly health observance notes in the weekly church bulletin
¬Gathering Area display.
¬Additional resources on a variety of health and wellness topics are available in the Parish Nurse Office. These may be taken home and returned to the main office when you are finished.
COMMUNITY FOCUS: Tourist Information- Be a tourist in your own town or county. Places to start: Plymouth Chamber of Commerce- (920) 893-8473, www.plymouthwisconsin.com.
Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce- (920) 457-9495, www.sheboygan.org.
Wisconsin Dept of Tourism, 1-800-432-8747 or www.travelwisconsin.com.
Sherry Flunker, RN, Parish Nurse
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GOD’S YEARLY GIFT |
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LITTLE LAMBS CHILD CARE
Sunday, July 6th:
9:00 a.m. Vy Thiel & Laura Johnson
Sunday, July 13th:
9:00 a.m. Lisa Grall & Sydney Holdridge
Sunday, July 20th:
9:00 a.m. Debbie & Shannon Lisowe
Sunday, July 27th:
9:00 a.m. Gail Kleinhans & Faye Hughes
Sunday, August 3rd:
9:00 a.m. Stacy Picard & Pat Wachter
Sunday, August 10th:
9:00 a.m. Judi Miller & Molly Hengst
Sunday, August 17th:
9:00 a.m. Pam & Andrea Miller
Sunday, August 24th:
9:00 a.m. Tammie & Kayla Green
Sunday, August 31st:
9:00 a.m. Mary Thiel & Allie Iserloth
60TH ANNIVERSARY
The family of Melvin and Florence Blanke invite you to join them in Salem’s Fellowship Hall on Saturday, August 2nd between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Melvin and Florence. Your attendance is the only gift desired.
LOST & FOUND
The silver canopy is missing from the shelter house. If you borrowed the canopy and have not returned it please do so.
CHURCH COOKBOOKS
In case you have not heard, the cookbooks have arrived!! You can purchase your cookbooks after worship on Saturdays or Sundays, or in the church office during the week. The cost of a cookbook is $12.00.
JULY/AUGUST USHER LIST
Saturday, July 5th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Jean Halida, Al & Linda Bosman, Betty Klemme
Sunday, July 6th:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Joe Halle, Dennis Fuerst, Cheryl Rortvedt
Saturday, July 12th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Angie Iserloth, David Hengst, Bruce Hengst, Barb Smith
Sunday, July 13th:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Kim Pagel, Dale & Janis Knuth, Lucille Larson
Saturday, July 19th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Mary Bender, Leroy & Marilyn Reichert, Norbert Gumtow
Sunday, July 20th:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Terry Risse, John & Bette Humbracht, Richard Jarosch
Saturday, July 26th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Terry Risse, Lori Holzer, Danielle Holzer, Evie Gundersen
Sunday, July 27th:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Susie Katsma, Ron & Sharon Schoenfeld, Scott Miller
Saturday, August 2nd:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Terry Risse, Char Hurlburt, Pat Schoening, Trevor Thiel
Sunday, August 3rd:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Linda Lehrke, Jim Lehrke, Albert Nysse , Karen Raeder
Saturday, August 9th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Angie Iserloth, Terry Risse, Bruce Hengst, Jean Halida
Sunday, August 10th:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Joe Halle, Bill & Joanne Lammers, Mariann Picard
Saturday, August 16th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Kim Pagel, Brian Pagel, Maureen Rudebeck, Barb Smith
Sunday, August 17th:
10:00 a.m. Head Usher: Angie Iserloth, Linda Krueger, Roger Mehre, Alice Noordyk
Saturday, August 23rd:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Susie Katsma, Evie Gundersen, Ralph & Carol Groene
Sunday, August 24th:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Terry Risse, Betty Klemme, David Huibgretse, Tom Daigle
Saturday, August 30th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Jenny Velier, Al & Linda Bosman, Norbert Gumtow
Sunday, August 31st:
9:00 a.m. Head Usher: Consistory Member, Ken & Dorothy Baumann, Charlene Boll
Saturday, September 6th:
4:30 p.m. Head Usher: Susie Katsma, Lori Holzer, Danielle Holzer, Anne Hernandez
Sunday, September 7th:
8:30 a.m. Head Usher: Consistory Member, Marian Lisowe, Cheryl Rortvedt, Claude Kent
10:30 a.m. Head Usher: Terry Risse, Don Laack, Kimberly Laack, Natalie Sommer
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HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ... |
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If God gave us the same amount of time
and attention that we devote to him? |
-The Newsletter, Newsletter, July 2008