Christus Lutheran Church ELCA

N1915 Julius Drive

Greenville, WI 54942

Phone: 920-757-7775

Email: christuschurch@christuschurch.org

Web: christuschurch.org

Facebook: Christus Lutheran Church-Greenville, WI

P A S T O R ’ S

M E S S A G E

2 - 3

C A L E N D A R 4

V O L U N T E E R

S C H E D U L E

5 - 7

S T E W A R D S H I P 7

C H R I S T U S N E W S 8 - 1 0

F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T 1 0 - 1 1

V O L U N T E E R /

D O N A T I O N

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

1 1 - 1 2

C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H 1 3

N E W S F R O M A R O U N D

T H E S Y N O D

1 4

O F F I C E H O U R S &

C H U R C H L E A D E R S

1 5

C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S 1 6

“Christus is a growing body of Christians who share the good news of

God’s grace with all people through courageous love with a purpose.”

In This Issue

C H R I S T U S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

Christus News 2017

M E M O R I A L D A Y I S M A Y 2 9

The days following Jesus’

resurrection from the dead were

surely a combination of thrilling,

confusing, and terrifying. The

post-resurrection stories the

Gospel writers have recorded

show us this. Sometimes Jesus

shows up incognito, as he did in

the garden outside the tomb with

Mary Magdalene and on the road

to Emmaus with Cleopas and his

friend. Sometimes Jesus

surprises his disciples by

appearing before them, even

though they are well-hidden

behind closed doors. And, in one

poignant scene remembered by

the Gospel-writer John, Jesus

blesses his disciples with a hot

breakfast after a long night of

fishing, then bids Peter three

times to, “Feed my sheep.”

Indeed, the experiences of the

disciples are not far off of what

our lives as Easter people are

often like. Sometimes Jesus

seems to quietly walk beside us,

waiting for us to recognize his

presence in our midst. He

speaks to us through wisdom

from a friend, an insight during

Bible study, an “aha” moment in

worship. We think we are on our

own, and then suddenly we

Page 2

realize that Christ has been with

us all along.

Other times we may be in hiding

– the world has dished up too

much hurt, too much fear. We

lock the doors of our hearts and

minds figuring that’s the safest

place to be. Yet, Jesus finds a

way to show up anyway –

breaking through the barriers we

put up, even reaching out to us

in our doubt as he did with

Thomas.

Still other times, Jesus finds us

about our everyday business and

provides for us there. Yet, he

does more than just provide, he

also recommissions us, or

rather, reminds us of our true

calling. When Jesus asked Peter

three times to feed Jesus’ sheep,

he was not only gently forgiving

Peter for his three-fold denial of

Jesus. Jesus was also reminding

Peter of his new Easter calling –

the calling to go and spread the

Good News about the kingdom

of God Jesus had brought near,

and the Good News that even

the power of death had been

vanquished.

Easter is more than just a day in

the Church Year; it is, in fact, an

entire season, stretching from

Easter Sunday all the way

through the Day of Pentecost. It

is in this time we, as the Church,

remember what it means for us

to be and live as Easter people,

to be and live as people who

belong to a Lord

and Savior more

powerful than sin

and death.

Sisters and Brothers in Christ –

we are people of the

resurrection. We know that Jesus

lives, and because he lives, we

live also. Let us live that truth

and let us proclaim that truth.

Let us be the way Jesus quietly

shows up in the lives of others,

the way Jesus breaks through

barriers of hurt and fear, the way

Jesus calls people to new life

and new meaning.

Happy (Season of) Easter to one

and all. Alleluia!

Pastor Jen

P A S T O R ’ S M E S S A G E

F R O M T H E D E S K O F P A S T O R J E N

“...we are people of the resurrection.”

2017 S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T

1 6:30 pm Pub Theology @ the StoneYard

2 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres

3 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group 6 pm Confirmation Mentor Meeting

4 TBD Christus Sowers 5:15 pm Mutual Ministry Team Meeting 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting

5 6

7 Affirmation of Baptism Food Pantry Food Drive Blood Drive @ FCUMC Ice Cream Social After Services 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service, with Communion Weight & Strey Baptisms 9:45 am Sunday School, 3rd Grade Family Class 10:35 am Contemporary Worship Service, with Communion & Affirmation of Baptism

8

9 4 pm 25th Anniversary Team Meeting 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres 6:30 pm All-Ministry Team Meeting

10 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 11:45 am Daytimers’ Pot-Luck Luncheon 6 pm G2 Youth Group

11

12

13 9 am Flower/Plant Pick-Up

14 Mother’s Day 4th Grade 1st Communion 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service, with Communion & Sunday School Sings 9:40 am Adult Education? 9:45 am Sunday School Party 10:35 am Contemporary Worship Service, with Communion & Sunday School Sings

15 6:30 pm Pub Theology @ the StoneYard

16 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres 6 pm New Member Class 6 pm Business Management Team Meeting

17 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

18 TBD Christus Sowers 6 pm Ladies’ Night Out

19 9 am Synod Assembly

20 9 am Synod Assembly

21 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service, No Communion 9:40 am Adult Education? 10:35 am Contemporary Worship Service, No Communion

22

23 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres 6 pm New Member Class

24 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group

25

26

27

28 9 am Worship Service, with Communion

29 Memorial Day Office Closed

30 4:30 pm God’s Green Acres

31 9:30 am Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study 6 pm G2 Youth Group

C A L E N D A R

V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 4

May 7 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Jamie & Brice Richardson

Jerry & Dawn O’Dell

Dawn O’Dell

Gary & Patti Ruhle

Ron Toshner

Pastor, Kristin & Julia Wenzel

Patti Ruhle, Alex & Benjamin Wenzel

Dan & De Dalum

Linda Mix

Lauren Mertz (8:20-11:45 am)

Kim Lee Family

Scott Kolbeck

Amy Wierschke

Ed Fiestedt Family

Marilyn Beyer

Pastor, Kathy Forst & Marcus Christenson

Kelly, Riley & Rowen Taube

Jason & Valarie Wunderlich

May 14 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Missy Tassone Family

Tim Calder

Bob Hicks

Randy & Rochelle Heider

Ed Bush

Pastor, Tim Calder & Blake Krueger

Bob & Sandi Luedke, & Kaylee Krueger

Amy Klitzke & Jeremie Birch Families

Ben Lucia

Anna Shepro (8:20-11:45 am)

Jim & Carrie Bolssen

Warren Beske

David & Amber Zuleger

Warren Beske & Mindy McNab

Gary Timm

Pastor, Kathy & Maddie Brazil

Luke Zuleger, Angie Brazil-McMillan & Lexi Braxil

Miranda Voelz & Taryn Gervais

May 28 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Mike & Dakota Snyder

Travis & Cindi Zaloudek

Nile Beck

Nancy Kuettel & Carol Beck

Carol Beck

Pastor, Cindi Zaloudek & Tanya Arps

Ed & Helen Adams, & Brianna Prochnow

Mark & Jill Beyer

Brian Falk

Lexie Wagner (8:45–10:15 am)

May 21 8:30 Service 10:35 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Ron & Karen Toshner

No Communion

Brad Lotto

Keven & Rachel Sprehe Family

John Conrad

No Communion

No Communion

Dawn & Jerry O’Dell

Jarrod Osborn

Lauren Mertz (8:20-11:45 am)

Vicki & Matthew Sigl

No Communion

Brad & Ashley Fischer

Craig & Bobbie Nielsen

Tom Mischka

No Communion

No Communion

Laura Michels Family

V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 5

June 11 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Toby & Cheralee Marcks Family

Rod & Phyllis Paul

Patti Ruhle

Mark & Jill Beyer

De Dalum

Pastor, Tina & Eli Hanson

Holly Wiesler, Jamie & Brice Richardson

John & Kris Forsling

Ben Lucia

Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)

June 18 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Michelle Nelson

Michele Reagan

Amy Wierschke

Brad & Ashley Fischer

Julia Martinson

Pastor, Julia Martinson & Tyne Michels

Lisa Ahles, Kathy Forst & Ayla Michels

Lisa Ahles

Jarrod Osborn

Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)

June 4 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Kimberlee Selfridge Family

Jackie Krieglstein

Kelly Taube

Jenny Cesar Family

Kelli Celsor

Pastor, Christine & Emma Loppnow

Kelli Celsor, Sue DeSautel & Kiley Hansen

Sue DeSautel

Linda Mix

Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)

June 25 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Tom & Barb Flanagan

Steve & Shirley Carlson

Brad Lotto

Jerry & Dawn O’Dell

Bard Flanagan

Pastor, Patti Ruhle & Brooke Prochnow

Ed & Sandy Bush, & Josh Giese

John & Pam Conrad

Brain Falk

Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)

Page 6 V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E

July 2 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Jason & Pam Schroeder

Craig Nielsen

Janet & David Zuleger

Tom & Laure Mischka

Kelly Taube

Pastor, Lisa Ahles & Simon Posselt

Luke & Amber Zuleger, & Alison Posselt

Jenny Cesar Family

Linda Mix

Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)

July 9 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Steve & Kim Maertz

Suzanne Nuernberger

Bob Hicks

Dick & Eileen Steingraber

Craig Burow

Pastor, Ron & Karen Toshner

Larry & Terrie Bentle, & Brianna Prochnow

Steve & Shirley Carlson

Ben Lucia

Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)

July 16 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Traver & Jackie Krieglstein

Gary & Wendy Bekx

Brad & Ashley Fischer

Scott Kolbeck & Ralph Tellock

Kathy Forst

Pastor, Kelly & Emerson Shattuck

Jackie Krieglstein, Julie & Eli Shattuck

Mindy Roever

Jarrod Osborn

Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)

July 23 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Jeff & Tanya Arps

Bob & Sandi Luedke

Dawn O’Dell

Robin Krause Family

Tina Hanson

Pastor, Barb & Connor Krause

De & Dan Dalum, & Cole Krause

Holly Wiesler

Brian Falk

Anna Shepro (8:45–10:15 am)

The nursery is available Sunday mornings from 8:20 am until 11:45 am for infants through kindergarten-aged-

children. Or, if you prefer to bring your children to worship with you, they can help themselves to a blue bag

located just outside the Sanctuary doors. Blue bags contain paper, crayons, little toys and trinkets to help

keep small hands and brains busy during worship services. Please help us conserve offering envelopes and

other things in the pew pockets by using the supplies in the blue bags.

N U R S E R Y H O U R S & B L U E B A G S

G O D ’ S G R E E N A C R E S

S T E W A R D S H I P

O N - L I N E G I V I N G J U S T G O T E A S I E R W I T H

O U R S M A R T P H O N E Q R C O D E

You can be routed directly to the mobile version of our on-line-giving

page by scanning this image.

Or log-on to our website: www.christuschurch.org and click on the

DONATION page.

Year-to-Date information through March 31, 2017

General Fund Activity

2017 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Budget

Income - contribution $100,078 $95,411 $91,350

Income - designated $2,860 $10,787 $6,919

Income - Scrip $2,564 $2,507 $2,550

Income - other $2,570 $6,514 $3,270

Expense $116,231 $113,877 $108,490

Surplus (Shortfall) ($8,159) $1,342 ($4,401)

May 2: Sue & Jack DeSautel May 9: Can You Help?

May 16: Can You Help? May 23: Can You Help?

May 30: Gary Bekx

July 30 9:00 Service

Greeters:

Altar Care:

Multimedia:

Ushers:

Reader:

Comm. Distr: Group 1:

Group 2:

Hospitality:

PowerPoint:

Nursery:

Jenny Cesar Family

Kelli Celsor

Kelly Taube

Jerry & Marilyn Beyer

Wendy Bekx

Pastor, Can You Help? & Marcus Christenson

Kelly, Riley, & Rowen Taube

Kelli Celsor & Joyce Johnson

Cathy Mertz

Lauren Mertz (8:45–10:15 am)

V O L U N T E E R S C H E D U L E Page 7

PLEASE NOTE: If you are not available to volunteer on the day scheduled, please swap Sundays with

someone. Please let Melissa Prochnow know of any volunteer schedule changes. Thank you!

M U S I C N O T E S

April was filled with lots of music at Christus, with

extra services during Holy Week,

Easter and the new Holy

Humor mini-musical.

Much appreciation is due

to the many singers and

instrumentalists who

made all this happen. Christus is truly

blessed to have such talented and

enthusiastic people. Thanks to them and the excellent

support from the entire congregation!

If you would like more information on the

music program at Christus or would like to be

included in the weekly Christus Music Update

email, please contact Bruce Koestner at

christusmusic@christuschurch.org, or

920-209-5932.

“Christus is truly blessed to have such talented and enthusiastic people.”

C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 8

The Council has developed the process for congregational discussions regarding same gender weddings at

Christus.

In mid-September, members will receive an informational handout offering a brief summary of the different

positions on same gender weddings. The two consecutive Sundays, Council members will be available in

The Center for questions and discussion.

In early October, the congregation will then vote on the issue at a special congregational meeting. Meeting

dates will be finalized later this summer.

The council appreciates your patience and prayers as we consider together this very important issue.

Won’t you join us?

Daytimers is a social

group for everyone!

If you are retired,

working close, living

close, or just have

the day off, then the Daytimers’

pot-luck is for you! The 2nd

Wednesday of each month, at

11:45 am, the Daytimers meet at

Christus for a pot-luck luncheon.

Stop in with a dish to pass and a

friend, if you wish, and join other

Christian-minded friends for our

next monthly luncheon on

May 10th. Don’t miss out on the

fun!

S A M E G E N D E R W E D D I N G S U P D A T E

I C E C R E A M S O C I A L

D A Y T I M E R S ’ P O T - L U C K L U N C H E O N

The Fellowship Team will be having

an Ice Cream Social on Sunday,

May 7th to help celebrate the

Affirmation of Baptism. This will be

happening after both services! There

will be a sign-up sheet on the Kiosk

for volunteers to sign up to bring in

all the fixin’s to top your ice cream.

C H R I S T U S N E W S Page 9

S U M M E R W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E

This Summer, starting May 28th and continuing through September 10th, there will be ONE Sunday Worship

Service. The service will be held at 9:00 am with nursery care from 8:45-10:15 am. Service volunteers will be

alternated between 1st and 2nd service volunteers, every other Sunday. This is what it will look like:

May 28th, 1st service volunteers August 6th, 1st service volunteers

June 4th, 2nd service volunteers August 13th, 2nd service volunteers

June 11th, 1st service volunteers August 20th, 1st service volunteers

June 18th, 2nd service volunteers August 27th, 2nd service volunteers

June 25th, 1st service volunteers September 3rd, 1st service volunteers

July 2nd, 2nd service volunteers September 9th, Pet Blessings Service 4:00 pm,

July 9th, 1st service volunteers Volunteers Needed

July 16th, 2nd service volunteers September 10th, 25th Anniversary Celebration.

July 23rd, 1st service volunteers w/ Bishop Mansholt, Volunteers Needed

July 30th, 2nd service volunteers

September 17th will be back to the original worship times of 8:30 am and 10:35 am, with the first day of

Sunday School starting between services at 9:45 am.

As always, please send Melissa Prochnow your “Do Not Schedule” dates.

Beginning May 30, summer office hours

at Christus will begin. The office hours

will be Monday through Thursday,

8 am-3 pm.

New Member Classes are scheduled for:

Tuesday, May 16th & May 23rd at 6 pm, with light refreshments and childcare provided.

The New Member Reception is Sunday, June 4th, during and after each service.

Register online at the Christus Website, christuschurch.org, click on the New Member

Registration in the announcement’s section. Contact Pastor Jen or Melissa, at

920-757-7775, with any questions. Spread the word!

N E W M E M B E R C L A S S E S

C H R I S T U S L A D I E S ’ N I G H T O U T

Christus Ladies’ Night Out meets on the 3rd

Thursday of the month. The next night out

will be May 18th at 6 pm, at Famous Daves. All women 18 and older are welcome!

Watch the Kiosk to sign up.

Normal office hours of Monday through

Friday, 9 am-3 pm will resume

September 5.

S U M M E R C H U R C H O F F I C E H O U R S

W E D N E S D A Y M O R N I N G W O M E N ’ S B I B L E S T U D Y

Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am, faithful

women, led by Pastor Jen, meet in

The Center to discuss Bible readings

each week. You do not need to register

Page 10 C H R I S T U S N E W S

Join us Saturday, June 3 at 6 pm, for a viewing of the movie, The BFG (Big Friendly Giant). A young orphan

named Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) spends a sleepless night wandering (as she does quite

a bit) and catches a glimpse of a big friendly giant (Mark Rylance) roaming the town.

Terrified, Ruby runs to her bed and pretends to go back to sleep, but the giant, knowing

that she's seen him, takes her away to giant country for fear that his kind would be

discovered by humans. Together, the pair form an unlikely friendship and a giant

adventure ensues.

Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. Feel free to bring your own drinks and extra

snacks as well. Parents MUST accompany their children. Viewing will be held in the Sanctuary.

M O V I E N I G H T

or be a member of Christus to join the

fun, so invite a friend and share the

Good News!

C H R I S T U S ’ 2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y U P D A T E

It’s time to celebrate 25 years!! Can you believe it?? 2017 marks 25 years of Christus

being a recognized body of Christ by the ELCA.

We have set the date! It will be September 10th. Worship will be at 9:00 am, with

Bishop Mansholt presiding. A celebration will follow. More information on the

celebration plans to come...

Whether you’ve been with Christus from the start, or just joined the family, we are

looking for your help. We want to celebrate this wonderful journey, but need you to do it. It’s time to go

through those old photo albums and closets! We want to share your memories! So if you want to help us

travel down ‘memory lane,’ or like to plan awesome parties/activities, now’s the perfect opportunity! If you

have any ideas, memories, trinkets, or want to learn about, or share, where Christus has been, please

contact Pastor Jen, Melissa Prochnow, or Jackie Krieglstein.

B A P T I S M C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

We welcome into the Christus faith family through baptism, Brooklyn Rae Heegeman,

daughter of Greg & Lisa Heegeman. May her parents, sponsors, and our church family

nurture her through her faith journey.

F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T

As a faith community, we will walk together to dig deeper into what it is we believe, not only as individuals, but

as a community of faith. We hope you’ll join us on our faith journey. Sunday mornings, for adults,

between worship services, at 9:40 am, in The Center (unless otherwise noted).

May 7: Confirmation Sunday-Open Sunday

May 14: “The Prodigal God: Finding Your Place at the Table,” DVD Series #6

In six captivating sessions, pastor and New York Times best-selling author,

Timothy Keller, opens your eyes to the powerful message of Jesus' best known---

and least understood---parable: The Parable of the Prodigal Son.

May 21: “Rainbow Garden,” by Kathy Forst

Have you ever thought of how God’s light shines through the tears of our troubles

as through a rainbow to produce flowers that beautify His world? This will be an interactive project for the

entire congregation.

May 28: Open Sunday

B E T W E E N - S E R V I C E S A D U L T E D U C A T I O N

Page 11 F A I T H D E V E L O P M E N T

“The Wired Word”

"The Wired Word" is an

adult curriculum that effec-

tively applies the Bible to

current event stories you

read and watch in the news

media. Each lesson promis-

es to spark lively discussion

and relates the messages

contained in Scripture pas-

sages to current headlines.

Pub Theology at The Stoneyard meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the

month, @ 6:30 pm. All are invited to join us and enjoy open-ended conversations,

fellowship and drinks with other Christians. Check out our Facebook page and like

us! www.facebook.com/pubtheologygreenville. We will continue to discuss the book,

“The Story of Christianity, Volume II, The Reformation to the Present,” by Justo L

Gonzalez.

P U B T H E O L O G Y

V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Thank YOU for participating in The Family’s 25th annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive! You ROCKED

it! Please share these results with your members and friends! Here are the stats:

·245 Fox Cities employers, businesses, and school hosted 359 collection boxes.

·19 Fox Cities crisis agencies benefitted from your donations.

·16,000+ Fox Cities neighbors in need will receive them in the coming year.

For more details, go to http://www.thefamily.net/blog/2017/04/18/the-familys-2017-help-for-the-homeless-

tops-377000/

H E L P F O R T H E H O M E L E S S H Y G I E N E D R I V E : T H A N K Y O U !

Page 12 V O L U N T E E R / D O N A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Thank you to all those who donated blood on March 12th. The

next blood drive will be hosted at Faith Community United

Methodist Church (across the street) on May 7th, from 7:30 am

until 11:30 am. You will still be able to sign up online and on the

Kiosk. We are partnering with FCUMC because the Community Blood Center is now

requiring 20

May Grocery List for the Food Pantry

Peanut Butter

Jam/Jelly (small, plastic)

Canned Fruit

Pork & Beans

B L O O D D R I V E

Your surroundings set the mood on your way to worship. Beginning May 2nd , the Christus

ground’s brigade will once again be starting their weekly meetings. If you are willing and

able, we need your help for a few hours on just one Tuesday night each week this season to

help keep up with the growing grass, landscaping and general maintenance of the property.

This is a great way to help your church by lending a hand. We start Tuesday evenings at

about 4:30 pm. Sign up on the Kiosk.

G O D ’ S G R E E N A C R E S

THANK YOU, Christus for your donations to the

Community Clothes Closet.

TWO CARLOADS DELIVERED!

C O M M U N I T Y C L O T H E S C L O S E T C L O T H I N G D R I V E

Thank you to all

Christus children and

adults who donated

shoes for our volunteer

prosthetic trip .Your

generosity is greatly

appreciated by clinicians

S H O E D O N A T I O N : T H A N K Y O U !

and patients at

Protesis Imbabura

in Ilbarra,

Eqaudor!

Amy and Maggie

Paulios

Page 13 C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H

G 2 Y O U T H G R O U P

G2, (high school youth group) meets Wednesdays, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm in The Center at

Christus. Come for fun and faith, and a chance to chill with your friends.

G R A D U A T I N G ?

August 7 thru 11

Come to SonWorld Adventure Park. Take a thrilling ride with Jesus!

More information to come.

V B S : S A V E T H E D A T E

H O W T O R A I S E M O N E Y F O R T H E S U M M E R M I S S I O N T R I P

Help, I need to raise money for the mission trip. How can I do that?

You could go on a mission trip for FREE if you participate in the following fundraisers:

May 12: 4:00 pm Flower Unloading

To sign up for a certain fundraiser, call Christine at 757-7775, or email her, at

christusyouth@christuschurch.org.

Attention Parents: You can help raise money for your son or daughter, too, by participating in the

fundraisers. You will earn a 1/2 credit for every hour you work. For example, if the youth makes $5.00 an

hour, you will make $2.50 an hour. Unless you are raising money for your own trip; in that case you will earn

exactly what the youth earn.

Attention all Parents and Grandparents. We’d love to recognize your high school or

college graduate on June 4, during the 9 am service. Please call or e-mail Christine

with the graduate’s name and future plans not later than May 28. Christine can be

reached at 757-7775, or christusyouth@christuschurch.org.

N E W S F R O M A R O U N D T H E S Y N O D Page 14

Bishop Gerald Mansholt

We are in the midst of Holy Week and about to enter the season of Easter. Holy Week takes us into the Son of

God’s suffering and sorrow, and death on the cross. There is a growing heaviness through the days and events of

the week. But just when it looks as if our hopes have been dashed yet again and death indeed has the upper hand

and final word, a light flickers and a candle shines in the darkness of the Easter Vigil. Water splashes and we hear

again the Good News of God who raised Jesus from the dead. The wounded Lord who suffers with us and walks

with this weary world even into the horrible death of the cross is confirmed in the resurrection as Son of God,

Savior and Lord, and hope and life for all the world.

On Palm Sunday, Coptic Churches in Egypt were bombed, the targets of terrorists: the historic St. Mark Cathedral

in the ancient city of Alexandria and St. George Church in Tanta. Just a few days earlier, the world was shocked

and outraged at the chemical attack in Syria that killed scores of civilians, many of whom were children.

Some days it seems as if the world is spinning out of control--senseless killings, hateful words thrown around,

political paralysis in the face of terrible disasters, numbness to global suffering, and divisiveness in partisan

politics. Beyond that, I know that on a very personal level there are wounds of relationships gone sour, pain from

feelings of being unwanted and unloved, and the difficulty of finding one’s place in this world of chaos and

confusion.

Easter proclaims that God raised Jesus from the dead and there is a promised future for all of us – for you as a

person, for us as a church, for the world of God’s creation. The angel who rolled back the stone proclaimed that

Jesus who was crucified has been raised from the dead. His message of love did not die. His ministry of serving

did not end. His words of mercy and healing for you and me and all the world continue.

This is the kind of news that shakes the very foundations of our being. As Matthew tells the story, the earth quakes,

the guards shake before going catatonic, while the lightning-like angel says, “have no fear.” This mixture of fear

and joy is exactly what the resurrection does to believers because we know the world has been changed, the

normal forever undermined. And the Spirit of God keeps this resurrection faith alive in the hearts and souls and

minds of faithful Christians. Love keeps on giving, hope remains strong, backbones are steeled for the courageous

work of serving and advocating for the least among us. We never give up hope, never despair, never completely

cave in to the challenges around us, even in the most horrific times of suffering and death.

** Note: This letter was written by the Bishop “in the midst of Holy Week.” **

Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my

message for you.” 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy…

(Matthew 28:7-8a)

O F F I C E H O U R S & C H U R C H L E A D E R S

Church Council

Amy Wierschke, President

Larry Bentle, President-Elect

De Dalum, Liaison to Service Team

Jennifer Christenson, Liaison to Worship Team

Jeff Arps, Liaison to Outreach and Membership Growth

Team

Lois Posselt. Liaison to Fellowship Team

Luke Zuleger, Liaison to Faith Development Team

Bob Hicks, Liaison to Youth Team

Jennifer Christenson, Pastor

Staff

Jennifer Christenson, Pastor

Bruce Koestner, Director of Music

Christine Loppnow, Director of Youth Ministry

Melissa Prochnow, Ministries Coordinator

Kim Lorenz, Office Administrator

Calder Family, Cleaning

Ministry Team Coordinators

Lisa Ahles, Worship Team

Rae Tyriver, Service Team

Ministry Team Coordinators, continued

Tom Mischka, Outreach and Membership Growth Team

Jenny Finerty, Fellowship Team

Jill Beyer, Youth Team

Lisa Borowski, Faith Development Team

Other Church Leaders

Jan Mallmann, Business Management Team Coordinator

Adam Hanson, Technical Coordinator

Tina Hanson, Scrip Coordinator

Adam Hanson, Treasurer

Nile Beck, Stewardship Coordinator

Cathy Mertz, PowerPoint Coordinator

Vacant, Multi-Media Coordinator

Suzanne Nuernberger & Betty Urbanek, Church Kitchen Co-Coordinators

Kelly Taube, Drama Coordinator

Mark Beyer, Building & Grounds Coordinator

Jim Borowski, Land Use Coordinator, Long-Range Planning Team Chair

Vacant, Communications & Website Coordinator

Vacant, Wedding Coordinator

Suzanne Nuernberger, Funeral Coordinator

Suzanne Nuernberger, Rod Paul & Gary Timm, Mutual Ministry Team

Pastor Jen Christenson

Monday: Off

Tuesday through Thursday: In at 9 am

Friday: Work from home (church secretary has contact information)

Youth Director: Christine Loppnow

Tuesday: In at 9 am

Wednesday: In at 1 pm

Thursday: In at 10 am

Friday: In at 9 am (depending on weekend work obligations, may not be in the office on Fridays)

Parish Secretary: Kim Lorenz

Monday through Friday: 9 am—3 pm

Ministries Coordinator: Melissa Prochnow

Tuesday through Thursday: 8 am—2 pm

Director of Music: Bruce Koestner

Works off-site; call 920-209-5932.

Weekly Staff Meetings are generally held 10:30 am—noon every Thursday.

NOTE: The above noted days and times are when we generally expect to be in the office. However, our

schedules can change quickly, based on what is happening in the life of the congregation. Occasionally, we

need to be away from the office for meetings, hospital visits, home visits, and more. Therefore, we strongly

encourage you to call ahead and/or make an appointment if you are planning to stop by for a visit, or

need to have a face-to-face meeting with the pastor or staff.

W E E K D A Y O F F I C E H O U R S

C H U R C H L E A D E R S

Page 15

C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S A N D S E R V I C E S Page 16

YMCA Bus Tours: Kohler Summertime, Tuesday, August 18

It’s the Y’s annual excursion to Milwaukee to root for the home team (or the visiting team if you want!) Head to Miller Park for game between the Brewers and the Atlanta Braves. Lunch is on your own, so you can choose ballpark fare or bring a brown bag to enjoy before entering the stadium. The “Selig Experience,” is expected to be open at Miller Park by this time. Your loge bleacher seat down the first base line is situated to give some shade from the afternoon sun. The parking area and stadium are large spaces and there are some steps to negotiate getting to your seat. Fee: $51 or $56. Includes transportation and game ticket. Leave MSC 9:30am; Return 7:15pm

GermanFest: Culture and Church Service, Sunday, July 26

Get on the coach in downtown Appleton and be delivered to the gate at the Henry S. Maier Festival Grounds. We’ll arrive in time for the church service in Marcus Amphitheater. This year the service is Catholic Worship, in both German & English. An alternative to church attend-ance is to sit behind the amphitheater hill, gaze at the blue of the lake and watch the boats sailing or motoring. Afterwards, transition to the Festival grounds and enjoy everything German that the festival has to offer. Enjoy numerous stages of entertainment; catch the breezes along the lakeshore; shop in the marketplace; enjoy the demonstrations of skilled craftsmen and purchase something special from them; trace your family tree in the genealogy section, and, of course, try your choice of national beverages. Fee: $25 or $29. Includes transporta-tion and admission. Leave TCC 7:30am; return 6:15pm

For more information on these tours and to register, go to the YMCA of the Fox Cities, scroll down to programs, and click on Adult Bus Trips, or call the YMCA.

Fox Valley Lutheran Home (FVLH):

We are so blessed! At our Volunteer Luncheon on April 3, it was amazing to see the Commons filled with so many people and to know all of those people volunteer in the ministry of FVLH. Many of those people are you, and I know some of you weren’t able to be there, so thank you again to those who were there, and to those who weren’t.

The big push right now is in conjunction with the Human Race. Besides walking, running, rolling or being pushed through the 1 mile or the 5k parts of the Human Race, we have set our own personal goal for FVLH of what we want “our portion” of the proceeds to go for…a defibrillator! That means we have to have a LOT of supporters and earn LOTS of money! Please support us for the Human Race and help us earn our defibrillator! Thanks!!!

Thanks to all of you for what you do to support us and our ministry!

Becky Luett, Deacon Executive Director

Educational Offerings

Mon., May 8, 10:30 am, a guest speaker will present, “Unlocking the Past” This presentation will deal with the informative and interesting history of the Fox River Locks.

Mon., May 15, 10:30 am. “Don’t Drain the Brain,” is a review of brain function and the fascinating research done in the past few years. It is never too late to learn new things; you can make your brain “smarter” and offset some of the effects of brain aging.

All are welcome for both presentations! Call 734-7225 or email ruth@fvlhomes.org, to reserve your spot.

2017 Alpaca Shearing Day: Kruzicki’s Kemo Kritters, LLC, W9813 Cherry Road, Bear Creek, (715) 752-3508, is hosting a free family event. On Sat., May 6, 8 am-3 pm, the apacas will have their once-a-year shearing done, veterinary care and demonstrations. See the spinning of the raw alpaca fiber into yarn. Wander the farm to see the other farm animals, and watch a local blacksmith demonstrate his skills. Grace Lutheran Church of Bear Creek will be providing food and drinks (proceeds of food/beverage sales go to the Grace Lutheran Building fund).

Crossways Camping Ministries: Bringing people together in Christ so lives are changed and communities enhanced. At Crossways, we believe in the partnership between the ministry of the congregation and the ministry of camp! Will you join us in bringing people together in Christ in 2017? We offer a variety of programs designed specially for youth & congregation groups. Visit us online to learn more about programs, dates, rates & location for 2017. www.crosswayscamps.org.

Hortonville’s Chocolate Fest: This year, the event will move to Alonzo Park, and includes events Fri. night, June 2, and all day Sat., June 3. Fri. includes a fish fry, 5-8 pm, at the pavilion hosted by the Hortonville Lions Club and live music by the Star Fire Family band, 6-10 pm. Fri. evening and all day Sat., there will be a carnival with a midway to entertain. There will be an Artisan Village (arts & crafts); Vendor Village (businesses) and Confectionery Village (all types of chocolates). A Family Fun area with games will be hosted by the Friends of the Library Sat. The 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, by Fox West Academy, and the Bike Safety Event will return on Sat., however, bingo, the bake-off and the chocolate eating contest will not be part of the event this year. For more information, contact the Hortonville Civic Association, at 779-4500, or Peter Olk, at peter.olk@hotmail.com. To register for the various events, click on the respective links: Vendor Village Registration Form Artisan Village Registration Form Confectionary Village Registration Form 5k Run/Walk & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run Registration Form