CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Reverend Michelle Townsend de López, Pastor

Email: mytmich@gmail.comWebsite: www.crosslutheranmilwaukee.org

Church Office Email: crosslutheranmke@gmail.com

1821 N. 16th StreetMilwaukee, WI 53205

414-344-1746

PASTOR’S CORNER

We Talk. We Listen.Conversations about Diversity

Dear LSTC Community and Friends,

Pastor to the Community and Director of Worship at LSTC – the Rev. Erik Christensen – preached a marvelous sermon last week. Pulling on everything from the Boston Declaration, to a painful family story, not to mention the immortal and disquieting Gospel text Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the sheep and the goats. Caring for each other, loving our neighbors as ourselves, aiding any and all who suffer – these are things that we must do, and do now, Christensen reminds us. This is an especially poignant message after recent steps by our nation’s Congress – advancing a tax proposal that overwhelmingly enriches the powerful at the expense of the least of these. So please, read, comment, and share.

Rev. Dr. Linda E. Thomas – Professor of Theology and Anthropology, Chair of LSTC’s Diversity Committee, Editor – “We Talk. We Listen.”

UNAPOLOGETICALLY DIVISIVE – Rev. Erik Christensen

“What I think, is that this is hell,” is what my sister told me.

(Me and Tara, ca. 1985. Arriving in the United States from Thailand.)

By this point, I’d already gone to seminary. So it occurred to me, in the moment, that my sister was articulating a very present eschatology. By this point, she’d been living with a dual-diagnosis of persistent mental illness and mild developmental delay for a few years. She’d experienced the primal wound of being abandoned by her birth mother, raised in a foster home for the first six years of her life, and then torn from the land of her birth by loving, well-intentioned people who, nevertheless, did not look like her, or speak her language. By this point, my sister, Tara, who is Thai by birth and gifted with beautiful, lustrous brown skin, had experienced a childhood filled with racism both ignorantly casual and pointedly vicious. She had spent years running away from home, running toward danger. She’d been exposed to the violence that comes with life on the streets. She’d been beaten, she’d been exploited, and when

she turned to the police in a life-or-death moment looking for help escaping the horrors of her immediate surroundings, they’d taken one look at her and saw only a disheveled, disorganized, dirty, brown-skinned girl with a funny way of talking and they told her to get lost, as if she wasn’t already.

Tulips, breaking through topsoil. So we were talking, she and I, about resurrection, and what hope we may have for the future, for a life better than the ones we’d known. I was talking to her about the miracle of tulips, which seem to die over and over, only to break free from the earth again and again to show their beauty in their frailty. And that’s when she told me, “what I think, is that this is hell.” So, my reflection on this passage from Matthew has to start there, in hell, though the text itself does not use that word.

This scene of final judgment, which is unique to Matthew’s gospel, is “the only scene with any details picturing the last judgment in the New Testament.”[1] Here we hear Jesus speaking in the voice of the ruler of heaven and earth seated on a cosmic throne before all the nations, rendering a judgment that addresses each person, each of us, on the basis of how we have responded to the human beings in our midst who are experiencing on a daily basis the depth of the hells this world has to offer: hunger, thirst, hostility to all that is strange or foreign or different, the bare naked exposure of poverty, the wretchedness of disease and illness, the graceless confines of our retributive justice and our merciless prison industrial complexes. In this scene of final judgement, the Lord of the universe says nothing about people’s personal sentiments, or public proclamations. The Lord gives no consideration to who you have claimed as your “personal Lord and savior.” The Lord of time focuses, like my sister, on the present and the fires to which we have consigned each other and asks what we have done for those whose daily reality is a burning hell.

I haven’t always known quite what to do with the festival of the Reign of Christ at the end of each liturgical year. Over time, however, I’ve come to appreciate the opportunity it provides for us to consider the distinctive voice of the synoptic gospel assigned to the year now ending. For this last year, it has been the Gospel of Matthew. So we have been hearing the good news of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ in a recognizably Matthean mode. Matthew’s theological world draws us into a recognition of the reign of God in clear opposition to the reign of Satan; it is the only gospel to speak explicitly of the “church” as a description for the community of believers, and so it invites us to give consideration to what we think the church is and who is part of it; it insists that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, not the abolishment of it, and in doing so it ties the ethical life of those who follow Jesus to the ethical demands of the prophets of Israel. Then there is the thorny matter of Matthew’s relationship to the rest of Judaism, as this gospel preserves the memory of a religious community divided within itself over the nature of the covenant, the revelation of the messiah, and the imperative of the present moment to acknowledge and respond to what God is doing now in human history.

These themes and tensions are always with us, and I was reminded of that fact as I read and re-read the Boston Declaration, a theological statement released last Monday at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature that publicly calls out American Evangelicalism for the ways that it has stoked the fires of a very real and present hell for millions of “the least of these” who suffer under the tyranny of intersecting ideologies of

oppression that have interlaced racism, colonialism, and environmental degradation in ways that have created a living hell for the peoples of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the US territories; that have privileged and prioritized profits for gun manufacturers over the lives of human beings; that have supported the violent hetero-patriarchy evident in the daily revelations of rampant sexual misconduct and abuse by men against women and girls in workplaces and in homes; that has scapegoated Jewish people, Muslim people, Black and Brown people, and Queer people for the sins of White Christian Patriarchy; for elevating the economic appetites of nations by respecting national borders more than the lives of those who cross them as immigrants or refugees from the living hells created by those very same nations.

The stark and unapologetically divisive nature of the Boston Declaration very much reminds me of the stark and unapologetically divisive nature of this scene from Matthew of the final judgment in which all the nations are gathered before God and the people are surprised once more to hear that God takes sides.

That our apathy and misconduct cannot be dismissed or justified by our claims to ethnic or national or religious exceptionalism.

“The Last Judgment” by Fra Angelico, ca. 1395-1455

We all recoil from this scene, or should if we are in the least bit self-aware. The on-going presence of hunger and thirst, violence and poverty, malicious neglect of the ill and obscene incarceration of our neighbors who are, in fact, our siblings, indicts us all as complicit in the dominion of “the devil and his angels.” (Mt. 25:41) And it simply will not do to dismiss our discomfort with reminders of our Lutheran doctrine of justification by grace through faith; to let ourselves off the hook with reminders of God’s unceasing mercy, because it is God who addresses us here. It is God who speaks these words of judgment.

So we are left to grapple with the purpose and function of this eschatological vision and the tensions it produces. It is a tension that brings me back to my sister’s own declaration: “What I think, is that this is hell.” A very present eschatology, not unlike, I think, Jesus’s own eschatology. After all, it is in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Mt. 4:17) This is Matthew’s Christology, that Jesus brings the reign of God, the fulfillment of God’s promises in the past, into the present moment with consequences for all of human life, for all of creation, here and now. Now is the moment of judgment. Now is the assurance that God does, in fact, take sides. Now is the promise that the hells in which we are burning cannot stand against the waters

of the Christ into whom we are baptized. Now is the moment of our salvation. Now, not in the words we say or the identities we claim, but in the acts of loving kindness we perform for one another, for the needless misery we relieve, for the welcome we offer, for the liberation we effect.

Now. Now. Now.

Hell is not a threat of future punishment by our God. It is now. Or at least that’s what I heard when I listened to my sister, one of the least of these, and I believe her.

What do you suppose might happen if you, if all of us, believed the voices of the women and girls, of the strangers and foreigners, of the masses that are incarcerated, of the legions of the sick and dying, of those who hunger and thirst?

A final word before I say goodbye to Matthew for a couple more years: We struggle with the vitriol Matthew voices against those he calls “the Jews” because of the long history of Christian anti-Semitism, which the Boston Declaration rightly both laments and condemns. In its own context, however, what Matthew gives witness to is an intra-religious conflict among people who understood themselves as belonging to the same faith, yet who still drew very different conclusions about what God was doing in the present moment and what their faith required of them as a result. Here, again, the Boston Declaration provides a timely example. We might wonder what this present moment will look like two thousand years from now to those who have the advantage of that perspective, who will be able to look back and see what this one group called Mainline Protestants said about another group called American Evangelicals. We cannot know how these divides will deepen, or heal. Perhaps we will continue to drift away from one another to such an extent that we can no longer even recognize ourselves as belonging to the same religion.

Here Matthew shows us the righteousness of God, in that, no matter how much Matthew the evangelist might wish to claim superiority over the other sects of Judaism on the basis of his theological declarations, in the end God once again confounds our ideas of righteousness by disrupting the borders we draw around nations, tribes, religions, identities by lifting up those who do what is needed to meet the needs of the wounded neighbor, the suffering sibling.

We, too, should hear this word: that God cares less for our Boston Declarations than for ouractual presence with those who suffer. God cares less about the accuracy of our theological ideas than the impact of our public witness. Just as fifty years of dialogue with the Roman Catholic church has led us to a new commitment to shared acts of proclamation and service, we might imagine and should already be looking for ways to heal the rifts that divide us from the very people we now condemn. For surely, in the moment of judgment that is always already happening, we will discover once again that we are all a part of the same family, that we all bear Christ to one another, that we are all standing before the throne of God, and that we are all in this together. Amen.

Pastor Erik Christensen serves as Pastor to the Community and Director of Worship at LSTC. He joined the staff this fall after previously serving as the redevelopment pastor with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square (Chicago) for the past eleven years.

[1] “The Gospel of Matthew: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections,” by M. Eugene Boring in The New Interpreter’s Bible, v.8, p.455 (1995: Abingdon Press)

Notes from the Parish Nurse

VISION TIPS TO STEER SAFELY THROUGH THE DARK AND THE SNOW

Most people don’t like driving at night and the reason is simple – you can’t see as far or as well as during the day. Darkness makes driving a challenge. Snow compounds the problem. Soon winter will be upon us. However, the

following facts and tips can help keep you and your vehicle safer on the road.

The Vehicle

Keep your head and taillights clean. If you aren’t washing the whole car, occasionally use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the film of dust and dirt that accumulates on the lenses of the lights. The better you can see and be seen, the better your chances of avoiding a crash. In winter, make sure they are clear of snow and ice.

Keep your windshield clean inside and out. Dirty streaks will seem even worse in the glare of oncoming lights. Take the time to scrape the windows. Don’t rely on just your defroster and wipers to do the trick. Ice can quickly build up and the wipers can drag the ice back and forth, reducing your visibility to tiny open patches of light.

Several times a year, have someone stand outside of the car while you check that all lights and turn signals are operating properly.

The Driver

Problems with glare and seeing to drive at night usually start when people are in their early 50s. The average 60-year-old needs seven times as much light as a 20-year-old to perform the same task.

Many older adults also experience a reduction in their reaction times. These facts, however, can be counterbalanced by the number of years of experience spent behind the wheel, as well as being alert to one’s surroundings.

Don’t wear any kind of sunglasses at night. There are NO glasses that can reduce headlight glare. Any lens that reduces the brightness of headlights also reduces the lights reflected from dimly lit objects at the side of the road, particularly pedestrians.

Don’t drink and drive. Besides obvious reasons – alcohol can drastically slow visual recovery from the effects of glare.

Tips and Techniques

Since you can’t see as well at night – you have less time to stop when you spot trouble as you would in daylight. Reduce your speed accordingly.

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s dark enough to turn on your lights – it is!!!!! They may not help you see better, but they will make it easier to see you – thus reducing the chance of an accident.

Never flash your brights at oncoming drivers with their high beams on. Switch your own lights to low, then avoid the approaching glare by looking at the right edge of the road and use it as a guide.

Look Ahead

When you look ahead, don’t look only as far as your headlights light up the pavement. This limits your visual range. Instead, peer ahead into the area that is only faintly lit up. By doing this, you may pick up the faint glow of a distant headlight or some movement that will alert you to a possible hazard.

Take curves slower at night. Since your headlights point straight ahead of the road, your actual view of the curve is greatly reduced.

Get a checkup!!!!

Regular eye exams are important for protecting your vision and the safety of you, your passengers, and your fellow travelers on the road. Cataracts and glaucoma increase car crash risk, so it is important to get checked especially for these common eye problems in older adults. If the clouding becomes advanced enough, it can cause significant blurring and glare that may make driving more dangerous. Results from the University of Alabama at Birmingham study noted that older adults have a crash rate nearly equal to that of younger drivers. Older adults are the fastest growing group of drivers on the road today. Older adults who are in a car crash are more likely to incur a disabling injury or die than younger drivers. The Birmingham researchers highlighted treatment of chronic diseases and conditions that cause functional impairments as

another way to reduce the accident rates of older adults – so make sure to get a medical checkup, as well as regular eye exams!!!!!

Winter will be upon us soon and I wanted to make sure everyone drives as carefully as they can and also realize the role that vision plays in their driving safely.

There are safe driving courses available throughout Milwaukee County. If you have any questions about eye exams or safe driving courses, please contact Linda, the Parish Nurse, at the church office Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Have a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!!!!

Your Parish Nurse,

Linda

Vicar Gina

Now that December is here, many of us are busy with all of the preparations that the Christmas season involves.  There are trees to decorate, cards to send, cookies to bake, and gifts to buy. And in the midst of our ever-growing to-do lists, it is easy to overlook the season of Advent that we have entered into.  In our eagerness to skip ahead to the “main event,” I doubt that we will be seeing any Advent movies on TV, Advent sales in stores, or Advent cards in the mail.  But Advent is a special time for us who orient ourselves around the calendar of the church.

Though the commercialized version of this season is all about preparing the gifts we will give, Advent reminds us that this time really should be about preparing to receive the most important gift that is coming -- that of the Christ Child.

This gift, like every gift, comes to us from God, who created us and all that is, and to whom all that we are and all that we have belongs.  And this gift, like every gift, is not one that we are to keep to ourselves, but is one that we steward by sharing with others.  In this light, everything that we do with our time, talents and treasures can be a way of stewarding God’s greatest gift to us -- that of Jesus Christ.

So how can you prepare yourself to receive, and to steward, the gift of Jesus Christ during this Advent season?

As I reflect on the gift of Jesus in my life, I’m reminded of the name for him that we hear most often during Advent -- Emmanuel -- which means God-with-us.  In the past year, there have been many ways, big and small, that I have been offered the gift of God-with-me each day.  Through every up and down of my life, each new day has offered the gift of Jesus’ presence with me.  So by seeking to receive each moment of my life as a gift from God, I receive the gift of Emmanuel himself, and I try to share this gift with others through my participation in the life of the church.

During all of the preparations that the next few weeks may involve for you, don’t forget to let Advent have its moment as we prepare our hearts for what God is about to do next.  In the midst of our busy lives, may we turn our attention back to the greatest gift that we are about to receive anew -- God-with-us -- and may we faithfully steward this gift by sharing with others all that God has given us.

Vicar Gina

EXPLORING FOOD JUSTICE

The new entrance to our community garden

Where’s the snow? We’ve certainly had an atypical start to the winter months, but the upside of that has been an opportunity to spend a bit more time outdoors. And that time was certainly utilized! On November 19, a crew of eight people came together to start putting up the fence around the Cross Lutheran Community Garden in hopes of better defining the area as a cared after growing space. From its start in October to its end in November, the entire project involved just under 50 hours of help that came from 12 different dedicated individuals. These people came from Cross’ Wednesday BOHEM program, our church congregation, our partner congregation at Unity of Brookfield (thank you so much Paul!), and some of my family and friends. And our group effort paid off! The fence is up and, once the garden sign is installed on the corner this spring, the garden’s border will be officially complete. I don’t think I can express enough gratitude for the dedication of the “fence crew,” from their help with material pickup to their perseverance in finishing up the last post by the light of a phone flashlight. God is so good and fills the world with wonderful people right when they’re needed!

Part of the crew takes a hot chocolate break while others continue their

work on the fence

While urban farming spaces like our community garden are certainly an important part of the food justice movement in Milwaukee and elsewhere, there are plenty of other pieces involved. From food acquisition to fresh food access to local sourcing to nutrition education and beyond, there are a great deal of food justice topics that deserve recognition as this movement continues to grow (in both a literal and figurative sense). For example, November brought us Thanksgiving, a day often filled with family and food. But where did your food come from this year? How local were your producers? Where did you go to buy it and how did you get there? Was the meal nutritionally balanced?

Simply being aware of these questions and recognizing how food fits into your life is an important step in creating a more just food system that better serves all people from any and all walks of life. Food is so central to our lives. Without it, we simply cannot function. We are all connected very intimately in this way, but food is also a very dividing factor in our society today. If you have a car and/or the ability to purchase the foods you like, realize that this is not the reality for all people. If you attend food pantries regularly and/or take a bus to get groceries, realize that this too is not the reality for all people. Neither of these ways is better than the other, but each has unique considerations and shows how food fits differently into everyone’s life.

As the year comes to a close, I ask that you put yourself in the shoes of somebody whose food situation is unlike yours. When you do this, ask yourself, “Am I participating in a unifying and just food system or am I part of what divides our society and creates food (and other) injustice?” Reflecting critically on this question will hopefully lead you to acknowledge your present behavior and maybe you will even start a habit, stop a habit, or change a habit. Maybe you will buy more ethically produced foods, get more locally sourced foods, give that spotted apple a second chance rather than throwing it out (FYI: Expiration dates don’t always mean the food is immediately inedible!), be grateful for a meal shared with others, get creative with the foods you currently have rather than acquiring new ones, make an effort to limit your food waste, or start composting for your own or a friend’s garden. (Also, see the end of this article for a Cross Lutheran Food Pantry donation list and consider that too.) You may do some of these things already, but the possibilities are pretty endless if you take a few moments to notice how you fit into our current food system. Nothing will be perfect, but we can each make efforts toward changing our food system for a better, more just future!

Source: http://carrotmuseum.co.uk/photos/grimmwayxmas16.jpg

I wish a very merry Christmas to everyone in the Cross community and a happy New Year to one and all! See you folks in 2018! Wyatt Meyer

FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Provided by Linda Carr-Carlson

First of all, I want to be sure to extend my greetings of “Happy Holidays to the Cross Family, Partners and Friends!”

My second thought is to share a chronicle I received from a long-time teacher, friend and business associate, Professor Luis Rios. On the very first day I arrived on the job (October 1986) at the VA/Loan Guaranty Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I was met by Professor Rios who had been hired as my Spanish Professor. As Ed (my husband) and I have made attempts (to no avail) to contact our friend, Professor explains why in the letter we recently received from him. It is this letter that I thought you might find interesting.

After multiple hurricane events in the region, Professor writes:

“Sometime Between Turkey and Mistletoe

If you are reading this, two things at least are certain:

(1) you now personally know of another living survivor of a pair of back-to-back, category-five hurricanes;

(2) the island’s carrier pigeon service is more or less functioning, weather permitting.

Not much else is even minimally operative at present in Puerto Rico.

The basic problem is the lack of electricity for over two months -- and still counting. The electricity service is slowly frequent and prolonged blackouts are routine. No one really knows when the electricity system will be at par level -- despite the hopeful promises and wishful predictions of government authorities.

In addition to no refrigeration nor hot water nor electric stove cooking -- and neither micro- nor macro-wave options -- there is no landline telephone, nor even wireless communication yet for most people since the digital cloud, emails, internet, Wi-Fi, and anything else wandering around in cyberspace, all need electricity for transmission. There is no television reception, whether by cable, dish, satellite, or whatever.

The only one-way receiving link with the rest of humanity is a battery-powered radio, unless you happen to have on hand a two-way military-style radio set. Then you can enjoy sharing your troubles with another lone ham radio operator who is in the same miserable situation as you.

At one point, for several days, there was only one radio station still broadcasting. Eventually, this radio station also collapsed, literally. Luckily, another station almost immediately afterward was able to go on the air and inform listeners as to everything that was no longer going on around the island.

Also NOT in acceptable operation are government agencies, post offices, banks, automatic teller machines, credit-card services, gas stations, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, supermarkets, schools, barber shops, beauty parlors, movie houses, shopping malls, pubs, restaurants, and so forth.

The few places struggling to maintain a minimum of business and services going require cash only, of which most customers and consumers have little or none at all on hand or in their pocket, wallet or purse.

In theory, islanders have access to first-world technology. In practice, islanders are currently living under third-world conditions.

Some rural population areas are temporarily -- for many weeks now -- back in pre-historic times: no usable roads, no drinking water, no adequate shelter, no access to groceries nor to medical services and no communication with neighboring communities.

Hundreds of businesses -- big, small, and middle size -- are going bankrupt and are closing down permanently. Thousands in the private and public sectors are losing their jobs and positions. Property values are down. Mortgage foreclosures are up. Many thousands are leaving the island for the States, with no foreseeable plans about someday returning.

Plane flights leaving the island are jam-packed, even though fares are at present stratospherically high. Plane flights arriving on the island are almost totally empty, although fares are enticingly low. Potential passengers, however, do not seem particularly interested at the moment in coming to a prostrated island -- neither touristically nor for some other reason.

If you are thinking about visiting the island in the near or distant future, a modest recommendation is that you give the matter more serious thought. If you do insist on traveling to the island, it is strongly suggested that along with your toothbrush you also pack a powerful flashlight with very long-lasting batteries.

True, an island recovery effort is now gradually underway, thanks to the joint input of federal and state agencies and services as regards monies, material and personnel. Yet, to those undergoing sustained suffering, the supposedly conjoined activity often appears disjointed. Slow progress is delayed or derailed by needless bureaucracy, in-fighting, illogical logistics, ineptitude, and persistent corruption. It seems forever true that some people just never learn -- even if whiplashed by hurricanes.

The populace sees no glimmer of real light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Violent crime has not gone down. From younger to older ages, suicides are up. Tons of debris, rubbish, and garbage have still not been removed. Drainage systems have not been unclogged. Persistent torrential rains regularly deluge the island. Public health is at serious risk. Some incipient diseases threaten to become endemic. What was once advertised as Beautiful Boringuen is now lamented as a Mega-Ugly Disaster.

Within the context of the above-sketched grim and grimy scenario, my personal status is viable. At my tropical barracks, located in the center of the devastated metropolitan area, my small second floor apartment fortunately suffered no structural damages. Not a single one of my books got wet.

Basic Boy Scout survival skills have come in handy. Drinking water has so far been available (and can be gratefully drunk even in the dark). A gas stove permits cooking simple

meals and enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea. Taking a shower and shaving with cold water has never killed anyone -- at least not to my knowledge.

Dirty clothes -- one or two articles at a time -- are soaked overnight in a pail of soapy water, then rinsed, wrung, and hung out to dry, ready to wear again in no time.

The pantry is stocked only with canned or boxed food having a relatively long shelf life or not quickly perishable: mixed vegetables, salmon, tuna, sardines, precooked chunk chicken breast, powdered milk, dry cereal, and the like. Small-quantity cans are bought in order to consume the contents entirely in no more than two meals within a 24-hour period. Eating any unrefrigerated leftovers beyond that time span runs the risk of botulism, or worse. (Rumor has it that in a couple of weeks a shipment from Costa Rica of fresh bananas will arrive in Puerto Rico. That will be nice).

A trusty flashlight and a sturdy lantern not only allow me to get around in the darkness without stumbling and stubbing my toe (or banging my nose), but also to read my books to my heart’s desire. My mental lifestyle has never depended on looking at screens: television screens, game screens, computer screens, laptop screens, smartphone screens, kindle screens, tablet screens, radar screens ….

Books -- all kinds, even comic books -- have nourished my spirit throughout my life. Books have helped me to remain sane during insane times and have enabled me, when necessary, to come psychologically indoors from the outside harsh reality. You can keep your screens. Give me a good book anytime!

As you can see, a healthy positive mindset can help a person get through just about anything. You know the standard catchphrases:

*Light a candle, instead of cursing the dark.*When the going gets tough, the tough get going.*A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits.

You can add to the list your own favorite slogan. Whatever the motto, it’s the right attitude that counts, not the verbal expression.

That’s it for the moment, regarding this brief debriefing. This electrically typed report has to be finished and sent on its way before the next blackout at any minute takes over the island. (My pre-vintage manual typewriter of decades ago is sorely missed.)

Also, the idea is to mail it to you (along with the traditional season’s greetings) extra early, so as to make it more probable (but not guaranteed) that you received the mail pouch by this Christmas. The local postal service is still basically nonexistent island-wide, for both incoming and outgoing mail.

The carrier pigeons can do just so much: They cannot fly at night and they refuse to fly in nasty weather. Something about rights acquired last century by the ACPU (Allied Carrier Pigeons Union).

If you do not get a reply from me, to your response to my correspondence to you, by next spring, approximately around Eastertime, hopefully you will patiently and graciously understand what’s going on (or not going on -- depending on your viewpoint).

Meanwhile, may your New Year be free from disasters, natural or otherwise.”

MARDI GRAS

FEBRUARY 9, 2018

There will be two dates for line dancing classes for the ball.

The two dates for the line dancing classes are as follows:Saturday, January 6, 2018

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Both are from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Come One, Come All, Have A Ball!!

CAREGIVERS

Gloria Wright

Again, thank you for your salads, presents and your love which was extended Sunday, November 12, 2017, as we celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day.

We look forward to wishing all of our shut-ins a happy holiday. We will visit you in the near future.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

General Labor Construction Help Needed Immediately.Minimum starting salary $11.50/hr.

Some experience preferred.Downtown Milwaukee location.

APPLY HERE: http://www.resourceassociatesllc.com/job-seekers.html

Milwaukee Public Schools is accepting online applications by   11:59 pm   on January 5 th   2018  for a Planning Assistant in their Department of Recreation and Community Services. The Planning Assistant will provide vital support in the department’s recruitment and hiring process. Salary range stands between $42,985 and $60,098 depending on qualifications and experience.Carefully review the attached announcement for additional information. For further information call Kasi Toga at 414-475-8224 or email at cutlerkx@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Foxconn is accepting online applications for a Shipping Supervisor. The incumbent will prepare work schedules, expedite workflows and standardize procedures among other duties. Minimum requirements include an Associate Degree in Supply Chain, Warehouse Operations or related majors with three years of experience. Click on the hyperlinked heading in the announcement attached, or visit www.indeed.com to apply.

ICM Corporation has job openings for Warehousing, Customer Service, Shipping, Assembly and more. (See attached flyer).ICM is located on a bus line at 500 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. Wages start at $8/hr. with 401K available for employees working 20+ hours per week. Upon reaching full-time status, staff will qualify for health, dental and vision benefits.Apply online at catalog-sales.com.

Employ Milwaukee is hosting job opportunities on behalf of a growing business seeking to employ a Parts Washer, Dissembler, Transmission Packager, Pump Builder and an Auto Service Technician. Send your resume toBiz.Services@Employmilwaukee.org. (Place “Auto” in the subject line). See attached flyer for details on qualifications and experience.

 

Provided by Common Council - City Clerk's Workforce Development Office

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative presents The Woodlands Area Community Engagement Mini Summit, hosted by Alderwoman Chantia Lewis.  This mini Fatherhood Summit will take place at Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School, 9550 West Brown Deer Road, on Saturday, December 16, 2017, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm.  If you know someone that needs child support and/or driver’s license assistance, municipal court case reviews, legal assistance, expungement assistance, employment, etc., please share this opportunity with them.  I have attached a flyer to distribute as you see fit.  If you have specific questions, please contact the Milwaukee Fatherhood Office at 414-286-5618.

Milwaukee Area Technical College is launching a new program for people who live in the 53206 ZIP code that want to return to college.  If the person (1) lives in 53206, (2) has at least 24 college credits, and (3) has been out of school for two or more years, here is an opportunity to finish their degree at MATC.  I have attached the flyer for you to distribute accordingly.   More information can be found here.  If you have specific questions, please contact Walter Lanier, Director—MATC’s Multicultural Services and Community Engagement at 414-297-7710 or lanierw@matc.edu.

December 2017

14 Closed - Marquette Clinic for Women and Children

17 Children’s Christmas Program

19 Adult Center

BOHEM Volunteer Party, Conference Room, 11:30 am

BOHEM Partner Meeting, 3:00 pm

20 BOHEM – No Pantry, Meal Only

23 No Quilting

24 Cross Christmas Service, 9:30 am

25 Cross Christmas Service, 9:30 am

26 No Adult Center

27 Pantry Closed