[E&R Displacement & Rebuilding Plan ] [ Rebuilding Updates]

Seasons of Love

By Pastor Jim Gorman

The song “Seasons of Love” from the great 1990s musical “Rent” is ringing in my ears these days.

five hundred twenty five thousand six
hundred minutes
five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear
five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
how do you measure…
measure a year
in daylights,
in sunsets,
in midnights,
in cups of coffee,
in inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
five hundred twenty five thousand six
hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in a life?

How about Love?

The number they’re singing about is the number of minutes in a year. Seasons of Love. How do you measure it?

For us, since the fire of December 4th of 2005 it’s been-- get this:

One Million Five Hundred Fourteen
Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Minutes.
Two years, 10 months, 22 days. How do you measure such a season?

How about love?

A season of Love.

Lots of cups of coffee, Lots of bad coffee in the VJS trailer to be perfectly honest.

Lots of measurements in inches, in feet, in laughter, and in strife.

But always in love whether we meant it to be loving at the time or not.

Love has brought us to this point and its mysterious movements, beyond our imaginings, have made us Christ’s own treasure.

Christ’s love is measured out in
in daylights,
in sunsets,
in midnights,
in cups of coffee,

Ready to move us into a new time and place that God has devised for us ready or not.

I just can’t wait for the day when the measuring is over and we move in to a home of God’s own choosing by God’s own grace.

Minister of Visitation

“The Deacon and the Boy”

Last month’s Trumpet article by Pastor Jim, “Our New Building and Hospitality,” recalled a story I had placed in an illustration folder. It is called, “The Deacon and the Boy.”

His name is Scott. He has wild hair, wears a t-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant, kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go about it.

One day Scott decided to go there. He walked in with no shoes, jeans, a t-shirt, and wild hair. The service had already begun, so Scott started down the aisle looking for a seat. The church was completely packed and he couldn’t find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Scott got closer and closer to the pulpit, when he realized there were no seats, so he simply squatted down on the carpet. By now, the people are really uptight and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Scott.

He is a godly man, elegant, dignified and very courtly. He walks with a cane and as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves, that you can’t blame him for what he is going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and background to understand some shabbily dressed college kid on the floor at the very front of the church as worship is taking place?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent, except for the clicking of the man’s cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can’t even hear anyone breathing. The minister can’t even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

Now, they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits

down next to Scott and worships with him, so he won’t be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion.

When the minister gains control, he says, “What I am about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget! Amen!!” And he sat down.

End of worship, but beginning of new insight into what it means to be Christ to another!

Sunday School
Pastor Jim Gorman
We extend a warm welcome to our new “Director of Christian Education”, Teri Launius. Teri has a Master’s Degree in Religious Education and has worked in building up Sunday Schools in various locales. Her most recent employment was at St. Mathias Church where she implemented the Workshop Rotation Sunday School Model that we are implementing for our Sunday School. Those who have access to the Internet might check out the website for the Rotation Model

www.rotation.org

We recommend clicking on the Flash Presentation to get a good overview of what we intend to do in our new building.

Teri will begin work on September first.

While we bid Teri welcome, we extend to Kristin Sasse a sad farewell. Kristin worked hard on getting our Sunday School through the most difficult time in our church’s history. For two years, she worked under trying circumstances to keep our school together. Kristin is getting married October 4th to fellow member, Joe Weber and is working full-time. Thanks Kristin!

From the President’s Pew #1

Hi!
Please remember if you have any concerns about the church please contact Pastor Gorman. If this is not possible please contact someone on the Pastoral Relations Committee, or an Elder.

The next Trumpet will have a list of Council and Committees in it. If there are any errors please let Diane or myself know. Photo of Council is below.

Thanks
Brian van Buren

Music Leadership

We need to think about how to shape our music ministry here at E&R. Rueck is doing a great job with his aspect which is playing of the organ and keyboard and the Band of Praise. We need to think how to shape the rest of our ministry.

Anyone interested in helping think these things through, please contact our Elder, Erik Olson at (262) 524-1986 or by email erik9000@gmail.com
Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County
David Tennyck, Director of Community Outreach

YOU CAN HELP SOCK IT TO POVERTY!

Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County (CCWC) is launching its Sock It To Poverty campaign on Sunday, September 21 and we invite you to get involved in fighting poverty and homelessness in our community!

Cooperating Congregations offers help to Waukesha County’s needy with basic needs so people can become self-sufficient. Each year there is a growing number of families that come to CCWC for help. Take for instance the young man who was about to be evicted because he had lost his job. He had found another job, but there was a gap in his income which left him short on the rent. Our Good Samaritan Fund was able to provide some rent assistance so that he could avoid becoming homeless.

Getting involved in the Sock It To Poverty campaign is simple. On Sunday, September 21, socks will be available for pick up at the church. Take the socks home and have family members put their loose change in the sock. Family members can take the socks to work and school and collect change there too. Then bring the socks back to church for collection on Sunday, October 19. It’s that easy!

All the change collected will be used for CCWC’s Good Samaritan Fund to help qualified needy persons with rent assistance to prevent homelessness.

Start saving your change and help Sock It To Poverty!

E & R Church Opening Events
Celebration Committee

September 21, 2008: Breakfast with the Mason’s following worship

September 28, 2008: First Sunday Worship in the
new church
We will meet at the Lodge in the back parking area and we will have a procession to the new church. Those unable to walk that distance are very welcome to go directly to the new church and be seated.
After the service, anyone who wishes may meander through the new building and then enjoy some fellowship over coffee and cookies.

October 12, 2008: “Community” Open House
11 am – 2 pm
(A thank you to vendors and the community)

November 16, 2008: Thankoffering Sunday with
Speaker, David Moyer, Conference Minister and President

December 7, 2008: Dedication Sunday
9 am Regular Worship Service
3 pm Dedication Service, catered dinner to follow

Please mark these important dates, in the life of the church, on your calendar and be watching for more detailed information.

Sunday AM Choir News: September 14 & 21
Rueck Ruecktenwald

The AM Choir has been sharing God’s message about twice a month. We still have space for you. Please come and sing with us. We generally sing known hymns.
We practice on our assigned Sundays after 8:30 am. Come join us even if you aren’t able to practice.
We would like to add your voice.

Let us know of your favorite hymn(s) that you haven’t heard recently. We want to include them in a service. God’s word comes in many special musical pieces. We will find your favorites, so they can be shared.

College News
Andrea DeKarske was awarded the 2008-2009 Mildred
Averill Scholarship from the UW-Madison Department of Kinesiology and School of Occupational Therapy at a ceremony in May.

Marriages

Congratulations to Alyssa (DeKarske) and Travis Knutson on their marriage at the Lake Edge UCC in Madison on July 12, 2008 by Rev. Paul Shupe.

Keeping Our Ministries Strong
“Our regular offerings to support the ongoing ministries of our church need to continue being our first priority in giving. We ask everyone to keep their regular (current) giving strong.”

Church Attendance
July 27: 111 August 17: 126
August 3: 119 August 24: 112
August 10: 123

Church Women United

The Waukesha and Northern Waukesha Units of Church
Women United will celebrate Human Rights Day, Friday,
September 12 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 300 Carroll
Street, Waukesha.
Pastor Kathy Boadwine of St. Luke’s will present a Bible
Study on the theme, “God’s Wisdom Honors Children,”
at 10:30 am. There will be a luncheon at 12 noon. There
is no charge for the lunch but participants need to make a
reservation by calling the church office at 262-542-2545
by Tuesday, September 9th. Kris Lombardi, Director of
Christian Education at St. Luke’s will speak at the 1 pm
celebration. For child care, call 262-542-4032.
For more information, contact Shirley Harrits at
262-542-4032 or aharrits@execpc.com

Thank You’s Received

Amy Lenz sent a thank you for the scholarship money
to help in her biomedical engineering degree studies.
“It is very encouraging that all my hard work is paying
off when it is recognized by such an important part
of my life.”

Dorothy Graham sent a thank you to Pastor Gorman
and Rev. Schultz for their visits and to Barb Golding
for the cards.

Tony Spadanuda sent a thank you to Rev. Schultz
for his visits to the hospital and his get well-wishes.

2008 Down Syndrome Buddy Walk
“He has taught us all the true meaning of love and of life and has given us all insight on how to live.” – Lenora Murad, mother of Anthony Murad a 3-year-old with Down syndrome.
E&R UCC is blessed to have as part of its congregation two beautiful girls who just so happen to have Down Syndrome (DS). As Ms. Murad said in the above quotation, we can all learn so much about love, life, and God’s grace from having these girls as part of our church. Grace Proffitt and Quinn Brey’s families are partnering together for the 1.5 mile 2008 Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) Buddy Walk at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Sunday, September 28. The Buddy Walk will be from 12:00 – 3:00. Our dream team, Quinn’s Crusaders and Grace’s Kritter Krew, would absolutely love it if you could support us! We would greatly appreciate any donations to DSAW to benefit children and adults with DS in WI. Checks can be made out to DSAW and can be placed in the offering plate, donations can be given directly to the Brey or Proffitt families, or electronic donations can be made at the following website:
http://www.firstgiving.com/quinnscrusadersgraceskritterkrew We would also welcome anyone interested in walking to join us; information on registration is also available at the above website. Lastly, we would like to thank you all for your love and support when it comes to our daughters and greatly appreciate any continued support and prayers as they develop and become active members of this church. We truly thank God that our daughters were brought into our lives to enrich us all. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Neal Brey at (262)548-3763.

In Loving Memory

We remember with a sweet sadness the life of
Betty Tews.

Church Building Update
Kristi Davis, Communications Chm.

Brief slide shows showing the current status of our new church building and grounds will be shown and narrated by Sue Manzke at the September 14th and 21st church services during the announcements. We are hoping that we will be in our new church for the September 28th Sunday church service!

Ralph and Ruth Ley Chapel at Green Lake

Groundbreaking for the new Chapel at Pilgrim Center was on July 12. Roy and Jo Ellen Meidenbauer were there as Ruth Ley turned over the first piece of turf. The building of this new Chapel will begin in September and it is expected to be finished by the camping season next summer. The Rev. Ralph Ley was the minister at E&R Church from 1945 to 1962. Roy Meidenbauer notes, “Rev. Ley married Jo Ellen and I 52 years ago in Waukesha. He must have done a good job, as we are still married.”

Donations to the fund to help build this Chapel can be made to E & R Church as the council has approved sending $1,000 per year for five years.

From the Back Pew

An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps, “Where would you like to sit,” he asked politely. “The front row please,” she answered. “You really don’t want to do that,” the usher said, “The pastor is really boring.”
“Do you know who I am?” the woman asked. “No.” he answered. “I’m the pastor’s mother!” “Do you know who I am?” he asked. “No,” she answered. “Good!” he responded.