Monthly Publication Volume 5, Issue 2 September, 2017

Worship ServicesTypically two styles of worship, Traditional at 9:00 a.m. and Contemporary at 10:30 a.m.

Communion is typically offered on the first Sunday each month. Professional childcare is offered during each worship time. Plan to stay or come early for refreshments and fellowship between services. Don’t forget to

wear your name tag! One Joint Worship Service September 10 th at 10:30 a.m.

Praise Reports

Rally Sunday & Church Picnic September 10 is the start of Sunday school classes; to help celebrate the kickoff we will have our Rally Day/Community Picnic from noon-2:30 p.m. after one special blended worship service at 10:30 a.m. Come enjoy yard games, a bounce house, fellowship and food. Meat

and drinks will be provided, bring a dish to pass if you can.

We are collecting video responses from the

congregation on why you love Sundays. Stop in the chapel on Sunday morning

and share yours!

In August kids learned about God’s love at Vacation Bible School. Thanks again to all who helped make it happen. The kids had a great time!

Rev. Rich Rubietta, the Northern Illinois Conference Evangelist, led us in a special

worship gathering and shared a word about worshiping God in

Spirit and Truth.

Our Mission: Love God, Love & Serve Others, Make Disciples of Jesus ChristTHE ANNOUNCER is a publication of Christ Church United Methodist, 5109 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53406

Christ Church United Methodist - Phone 262-632-1607, Fax 262-632-1609

www.christchurchracine.com, E-Mail address: christchurchracine@tds.net

From the Pastor’s DeskThere was a time in our culture when Sundays were predominantly set aside

for worship, connecting with family, and taking a rest. For many though now days Sunday has become just another busy day of the week, but after a while things catch up with us, our bodies get stressed, our relationships get strained, and our soul gets focused on the wrong things. God created us to function with a rhythm of work and

rest and even rested Himself after creation to model for us just how important Sabbath time is. We were created in such a way that we need intentional time for rest, for relational connection and for spiritual renewal every week. Taking time for Sabbath the way God meant for us to has a way of bringing benefits into many areas of our lives and helps us to be more productive in our times of work while keeping a balance that helps us also give attention to God, family, and self-care. Our relationships, work, finances, health can be transformed by a decision to let Sunday become a Sabbath day and the right way to start your week.

On September 10 we begin a new sermon series and all church campaign titled “I love Sundays.” We begin with a look at how Sundays can surprise you; whether you have been attending church regularly, occasionally, or hardly at all, your Sundays can be better if you decide to start investing something great into them. We’ll see that Sundays can change your whole week; by preparing for worship, family time, and rest. Sunday can become the highlight of your week, and provide an important rhythm of rest and renewal for the rest of your life. We’ll also discover how Sundays can change your whole family. Worshiping together, becoming grounded in the same values, serving together at church and into the community can bring individual faith growth, but also a special closeness for members of the family. Living the faith together as a family can bring meaningful and memorable experiences and conversations that will help set a foundation for your children and/or grandchildren to build their own faith and life upon in to the future

Sundays can change your and others eternity; by receiving Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and new life, you are invited to become a member of God’s family here and for all eternity. Sundays help remind us of this new identity and encourage us to celebrate and share the story. As we do we can invite others into Sunday experiences where they too can hear the good news and respond to Christ’s call and secure their eternal home. Finally, we will see that Sundays have changed the world; the church has changed and still is changing the world, and you and I are a part of it! We not only inherit this legacy, but are called to help continue it by being the hands and feet of Christ in our community. By witnessing to the love of God in word and deed to those around us. We go to meet the needs of people and help build up our community according to God’s kingdom values.

Along with Sunday Sermons around these themes small groups will also be offered to discuss together how we can implement them into our lives. I hope you’ll stop by the Connection Table in the south entrance and sign up for a group. I look forward to sharing in the new series with you and seeing what God will do in our lives as we learn to love Sundays and embrace His call!

God Bless, Pastor George J. Kafer

ministries of Christ Church. If you have a story of how your life or someone else’s has been blessed by God or affected by a ministry at Christ Church please share it with Pastor George so God can be glorified.

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September BirthdaysKathy Peterson 9 3Trish Poole 9 3Dave Dobrowski 9 4George Kafer (Jr) 9 5Marjorie Engaas 9 8Alyce Hermanson 9 8Vince Pagliaro9 9Adam Tatro 9 9Barbara Walker 9 9Sabrina Lucas 9 11Kyle Swiggett 9 14Jerome Cain 9 15David Snyder 9 17Tanya Eastman 9 19Cassandra Kafer 9 19 Doris Windsor 9 20 LeRoy Bertelson 9 24 Willie Poole 9 26 Gary Kuhl 9 29 Gil Bachmann 9 30 Allen Conley 9 30 Kaylee Harrison 9 30 Guy Vining 9 30-------------------------------------------

Special collection of funds to resource Starbuck teachers on September 3rd & 10th to provide

10,000 sheets of paper.

ministries of Christ Church. If you have a story of how your life or someone else’s has been blessed by God or affected by a ministry at Christ Church please share it with Pastor George so God can be glorified.

CollectionsIn the south entrance

there are bins for collecting various items for mission projects and

ministries. You can drop off items for the local

food pantry, Campbell’s soup labels, and supplies

for school.

Staff EmailsKendra O’Connell (Office)christchurchracine@tds.netPastor George Kaferrevkafer@outlook.comRyan O’Connell (Youth)christchurchracineyouth@gmail.com

Liz Martin (Discipleship)lizkmartin@msn.comMerry Kris Demske (Adm.)mkdemske@gmail.com

Join us in making shawls for those going through tough times. The shawls serve as a reminder of God’s love and the prayers of God’s people. We gather at 1:00 p.m. on the second Friday of each month in the Friendship Room at Christ Church.

Reminder: If you know someone who could benefit from receiving a Loving Arms Prayer Shawl, please contact the church office at 632-1607.

Your Giving Makes a Difference!

In Addition to the ASP teams that served two families in June, in August we sent a team of youth

along with volunteers from Trinity, Faith, and First UMC’s in

Racine to serve at the Christian Disciple Farm in Sullivan WI. There about 100 special needs

kids come for a week of a V.B.S. like experience. Volunteers from around the state serve as buddies for each child and event workers.

Thank you to those who offer support for vital, life

changing ministry.

To give online go to www.christchurchracine.com and click “give” or text “give”

to 1-262-631-3012

Community Meal September 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Help donate, transport, or serve food for those in need from our community.

Servers will be fed before guests arrive and then serve others from the area. The

meal is served at the school located at 1032 Grand Ave. Racine WI. 53403

Starbuck School PartnershipPastor George and the Leadership Board have sensed

God calling Christ Church to invest in our local community by supporting Starbuck Middle School.

This school is struggling academically, in staffing, in budget, and because many of the kids are from

families of lesser means. We invite the congregation to pray for the school staff, students and their

families. We will also seek to encourage staff, supplement supplies, and support kids and their

families. In doing so we share Christ’s love while building trust and relationships in the community.

SundayAdult Sunday School

“Milk to Meat” A study of the principle teachings of Jesus that every Christian needs. 9:00 a.m. in Rm. 16 “I Love Sundays” We are wired to rest, connect relationally, and renew spiritually weekly. 10:30 a.m. in Rm. 16

WednesdaySeptember 13-Oct. 11 “I Love Sundays” 11:00 am & 2 classes at 6:00 p.m.

We are wired to rest, connect relationally, and renew spiritually weekly. Friendship Room

Men’s Bible Study (Chapter by Chapter)Led by Brian Crowe at 6:00 pm in the Conference Room

(Meets September – May)

ThursdayAdult Coloring Group

6:00-8:00 p.m. Meets on the Fourth Thursday

FridaySeptember 15-Oct. 13 “I Love Sundays” 9:30 a.m.

We are wired to rest, connect relationally, and renew spiritually weekly. Friendship Room

Prayer Shawl MinistryMeets at church every 2nd Friday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Friendship Room

SaturdayKindred Hearts Breakfast

For women who live alone, we meet to share a pot-luck breakfast.Generally meets every other month. Next breakfast: September 16

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THE NEW CHRIST CHURCH SIGN UPDATENeeded: Landscaping and Gardening Help! After completion we will need to create an area 12ft x 8ft edged with retaining wall block and will put in 2 boxwood plants and 4 hydrangea plants. If you would like to help please contact Dennis Dahlen by calling 262-598-0851 or by email, drdahlen@aol.com . Thanks! Dennis

What Will Your Legacy Be?Have you considered your legacy; how about continuing to let God use you to transform lives by adding a line to your Will that gives 10% of your estate to Christ Church. Estate

funds have helped us with much needed building repairs or improvements so that our building continues to support vital ministry.

New All Church CampaignFrom September 10 – October 8, we’ll talk about how:

Sundays Can Surprise YouSundays Can Change Your Whole Week

Sundays Can Change Your Whole FamilySundays Can Change Your EternitySundays Have Changed the World

In addition, you’re invited to join a small group to discuss these topics. Sign up at the “Connection Table” in the south

entryway. (Group times found on the group’s page)

We are on a journey of discipleship!Let us run the race of faith well, connecting with God and

others, growing in faith and understanding, serving in Jesus name, and going to invite others to join us!

Need a Visit?Gifted lay people along with

the Pastor extend the Church’s presence to the homebound and others

through visits. If you have moved, are ill, having

surgery, or need a visit for any reason please call the church office to keep the

Pastor and lay visiting team informed. If we do not

know we cannot go!

Consider ThisIf you desire to give to specific ministries beyond your general offering here are some areas:

Apportionments, Building Fund

(helps with: painting, siding, repairs, parking lot…),Compassionate fund,

Roof Fund, Youth Ministry,Audio/Visual Fund,Camp Scholarships ($100 per camper).

We have bundles of worship invite cards in the entryways to take and give out: Put a stack at your office, store or place of work. Ask if you can set a stack out in a business that you frequent. Give them to neighbors, friends and co-workers. Leave them on tables at restaurants to invite your server (leave a tip, too). Give them out in drive thru lanes. Ask God to give you an opportunity to give them out. Keep a few in your wallet, purse or car.

Christ Church’s Vision

A church that seeks,

Music Ministryat Christ Church

Message SystemText “connect” to 262-631-3012

Follow the instructions once you receive a reply back. This

communication system will allow us to send special messages (meeting cancelations…) or

reminders to you. Sign up today.

Apportionment GivingChrist Church has a history of 100% apportionment giving, allowing us to help transform lives by God’s love. Apportionments provide for ministries that directly help over 50,000 people in Wisconsin and many more beyond. In 2017 our apportionment is $44,220; if we each give faithfully to the general fund and if able a special gift for apportionments, $200 a year per member, we can continue to support connectional ministries and free up more of our general funds to increase outreach and ministry in our local area.

Stewardship Makes a Difference!Thank you for all the ways you support ministry. This newsletter has examples of how our church is making a difference in people’s lives through your giving! It is good to see people trusting in God and answering His call to give. People are offering themselves to serve and their financial giving (several tithing 10% of income, or working toward tithing)! Check the connection table for Electronic Fund Transfer forms and ways to give of your time and talent as well. As you respond to God’s call in the giving of your time, talent, and resources remember if you have a need contact Pastor George.

Friendship Luncheon Wed., Sept. 13th & 27th at 12:30 p.m. Make your reservations:

Call Billie Stilley at 554-8801. Open to all and friends of our community.

Christian Education, Children’s, Youth & Family Ministry

Sunday School September – May On Sunday morning grade level classes are offered for kids age 3 – 5th grade.

Students are dismissed during the 10:30 worship to attend classes in the north and south hallways. Preschool-K – Room 14 led by Angela Furuglyas

1st – 5th Grade Room 17 led by Samantha Wallenta & Beth Green Middle & High School (6th-12th Grade) are invited to attend worship.

Wednesday Kid’s Club A gathering for K– 5th graders in Room 17 from 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. where kids grow to follow Jesus as they learn Biblical teachings through hands on activities like: songs, videos, drama, crafts, Bible stories,

games, and mission projects. Classes are right after a free meal (5:15 p.m.)

New Confirmation Class Starting in OctoberA two year class meets on Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m. Classes start October 4, 11, 18,

Using classes, youth group, mission trips, and participation in church life confirmation helps youth learn

Christ Church’s Vision

A church that seeks,

Music Ministryat Christ Church

September 1On the first Friday of the month,

parents are invited to drop off their kids (3 months-5th grade) at Christ Church for free child care from 6:00-8:30 p.m. where games, activities, and snacks will be provided.

This is a way to support families in our congregation and community by allowing parents to have time for themselves and their relationships.

Please sign - up children at the connection table or call the church office at 632-1607. Those wishing to help may sign up at the connection table as well.

Chris Bahr, PNO Director

‘FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN’ TO BENEFIT FROM SEPTEMBER’S

CHANGE FOR CHANGE The last two years we have sent groups to the Feed My Starving Children’s Libertyville, IL

packing site to help pack meals for children all over the world. In addition to relying on

volunteers to pack meals, they rely solely on monetary donations to be able to ship those meals to those in need. They will benefit

greatly from the generous giving of your change in September. As always, you may make a

donation beyond your change. Thank you for making a difference, one meal at a time.

Christian Education, Children’s, Youth & Family Ministry

Sunday School September – May On Sunday morning grade level classes are offered for kids age 3 – 5th grade.

Students are dismissed during the 10:30 worship to attend classes in the north and south hallways. Preschool-K – Room 14 led by Angela Furuglyas

1st – 5th Grade Room 17 led by Samantha Wallenta & Beth Green Middle & High School (6th-12th Grade) are invited to attend worship.

Wednesday Kid’s Club A gathering for K– 5th graders in Room 17 from 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. where kids grow to follow Jesus as they learn Biblical teachings through hands on activities like: songs, videos, drama, crafts, Bible stories,

games, and mission projects. Classes are right after a free meal (5:15 p.m.)

New Confirmation Class Starting in OctoberA two year class meets on Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m. Classes start October 4, 11, 18,

Using classes, youth group, mission trips, and participation in church life confirmation helps youth learn

Church Safety Task ForceThe Leadership Board would like to form a Church Safety Task Force. The role of this task force will be to investigate creating a Safety Ministry Team and necessary policies. This task force may bring in experts and together their recommendations will help the Leadership Board move forward into formation of a formal ministry team. A signup sheet will be on the Connection Table if you would like to be a part of the task force.----------------------------------------------------------

Ladies! Remember our retreat, “Learn to Lean” is on SEPTEMBER 30th 9am-3pm!

Christ Church United Methodist

5109 Washington AvenueRacine, WI 53406

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDRacine, WI

Permit No 24

Church Safety Task ForceThe Leadership Board would like to form a Church Safety Task Force. The role of this task force will be to investigate creating a Safety Ministry Team and necessary policies. This task force may bring in experts and together their recommendations will help the Leadership Board move forward into formation of a formal ministry team. A signup sheet will be on the Connection Table if you would like to be a part of the task force.----------------------------------------------------------

Ladies! Remember our retreat, “Learn to Lean” is on SEPTEMBER 30th 9am-3pm!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

6 pm – Parent’s Night Out

2

39 am Traditional Worship & Adult SS Rm 16

10:30 am Contemporary Worship

4

Closed for Holiday

5

5 pmEvangelism Room 16

5 & 6 pm Praise Band

6

12:30 pm UMW Bd Mtg

6 pm Fusion

7

3 pm Connection

8

1 pm Prayer Shawl – FR

9

9 amWitness - FR

10

10:30 am Blended Worship & SS

12 pm Rally Day Picnic

1110 am Circuit Laity - CF

1 pm Racine Garden Group – FH6:30 pm Scouts6:30 pm Leadership Bd.-Rm 16

12

4:30 pm Community Meal

5 & 6 pm Praise Band

1311 am I Love Sundays - FR12:30 pm Friendship Lunch5:15 pm Meal5:45 pm Kid’s Club6 pm Fusion6 pm MIM - CR6 pm I Love Sundays – FR & Chapel7 pm Choir

14

3 pm Connection

6 pm Christian Life – Library

6 pm Family Ministry - CR

15

9:30 am I Love Sundays Small Group - FR

16

9:30 amKindred Hearts Breakfast- Rm 16

17

9 am Traditional Worship & Adult SS – Rm 16

10:30 am Contemporary Worship & SS

18

6:30 pm -Scouts

19

8 am Special Election - FH

5 & 6 pm Praise Band

6 pm Trustees

20 11 am I Love Sundays – FR 1 pm Childcare Bd - Library5:15 pm Meal5:45 pm Kid’s Club6 pm Fusion6 pm MIM CR6 pm I Love Sundays Sm Groups FR & Chapel7 pm Choir2 pm -9 pm Directory Photos – Rm 16

21

3 pm Connection

2 pm-9 pm Directory Photos – Rm 16

22

9:30 am I Love Sundays” Sm Group - FR

2 pm-9 pm Directory Photos – Rm 16

23

Saturday Sack Lunch – 1st UMC

8 am – 4pmDirectory Photos – Rm 16

249 am Traditional Worship

10:30 am Contemporary Worship & SS

25

6:30 pm -Scouts

26

9 am Hospitality & Membership – Library

5 & 6 pm Praise Band

6 pm PEO – Rm 16

27

11 am I Love Sundays - FR12:30 pm Friendship Lunch5:15 pm Meal5:45 pm Kid’s Club6 pm Fusion6 pm MIM 6 pm I Love Sundays – FR & Chapel7 pm Choir

289 am Announcer Folding – RM 16

1 pm – Ellen UMW Circle

3 pm Connection

6 pm Coloring Group

29

9:30 am I Love Sundays Small Group - FR

30

9 am – 3 pmWomen’s Retreat

September

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Worship Schedule September 2017 Sunday, September 3 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“One Body in Christ”Communion Offered

Sunday, September 10 10:30 a.m. Blended“Sundays Can Surprise You”Psalm 122

Sunday, September 17 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“Sundays Can Change Your Week”Mark 2:27, Joshua 1:8, Isaiah 58:13–14

Sunday, September 24 9:00 a.m. Traditional & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary“Sundays Can Change Your Family”Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 6:33, Deuteronomy 6:6–9