St. Stephen the Martyr Lutheran Church ELCA

6101 South 51st Street, Greendale WI 53129; 414-421-3543 www.ssmelca.org

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JOIN US FOR WORSHIP Saturday------------------------------------------------------5:00 pm Sunday--------------------------------------------------------9:30 am Sunday School Hour---------------------------------------9:30 am

MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

Monday, September 10th Open to ALL---------------1:00 pm

Men’s Bible Study Wednesday, September 19th---------------------------9:00 am

Women’s Bible Study Wednesday, September 12th & 26th-----------------10:15 am

Sunday, September 9, 2018

This is the first day of the new Sunday School Year. Please be here for Sunday School pictures!

PASTOR’S PAGE...

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Dear Family of Faith, It is almost hard to believe that we turn the calendar to Septem-ber. Many are saying, “Where did the summer go?” However, as we move to the fall I sense some energy in the air. The 'back-to-school' phenomenon has begun which sweeps the country just as temperatures begin to drop, and as days get shorter.

Mission and ministry will kick into high gear beginning with our Rally Day celebration on September 9th. A lot of engaging

activities will occur this day with a bags tournament and a bouncy house for the youth (and maybe some youth at heart). There will be a Blessing of Backpacks during the children’s sermon. Youth are invited to bring a backpack this day, and anyone is invited to bring any tools of their trade (laptops, work boots, PDA’s etc.) for a blessing during this time. Bible studies are continuing in the fall, and look for more information about the group study, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times, which begins in September. Our Sunday school youth will use the lectionary Spark curriculum this fall. This means that our youth will hear and engage in the same readings that are heard in the worship service. This presents a great opportunity to discuss with each other what you heard in church in the car ride home or around mealtime. In the fall with our local churches we are also working on setting up a potential Habitat for Humanity build on October 13th. More details to come. Yes, things are kicking into full gear at SSM, look through this newsletter at the listing of events, announcements, and programming we have coming up! It's all very exciting, but can also be a bit overwhelming. As we step into this new time and season, be sure to take a moment to breathe. It will all be okay! Appointments will be met, events will take place, homework will get done, meetings will happen. Just take each in stride and do the best you can! God is good. All the time! Peace, Pastor Brian

STEWARDSHIP….

It’s New Shoe Time!!!

As a child growing up in North Central Wisconsin during WWII, shopping for school shoes was a time of ‘over-the-moon’ excitement for me. As the summer of 1944 was ending, my daily routine included checking the kitchen calendar and counting the days until the last Saturday in August. This was the day when Dad would take me shopping for new school shoes and new big rubber boots with shiny silver buckles to fit over my new shoes. War time meant rationing leather shoes –three pair per year. Thankfully, boots not rationed. It snowed a lot in Wausau! Thus, boots were a big deal, too.

Adding to the new shoe excitement was the much advertised “Shoe-Fitter X-Ray” –a contraption the size of floor-mount podium. The objective was to stand me, with my new shoes on, with my feet inside the x-ray unit, while Dad and the sales clerk checked the fit through a view box located on both upper sides of the unit. I had a great front and center view to look through my view-box to see my greenish bones within the frame of my new shoes. Much to the chagrin of my dad and the sales clerk, I asked to try on multiple shoe styles just so I could see my green toes wiggle in the x-ray unit. Clearly, we were unaware of the ionizing radiation hazard.

My research found 36 references to shoes (or sandals) in the NIV Bible. Thankfully, last year I began a study of the Book of Acts here at St. Stephen the Martyr with the awesome Women’s Bible Study Group. As I remember, Acts is about the beginning and vital importance of the church and the spread of the work of our risen Lord and the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 7:33, Stephen, spoke to the Sanhedrin, “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals (shoes), for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Reflecting on these words, I am reminded of the times when attending worship or meetings at our church, I feel the inner joy that I too am on holy ground. Still, I keep my shoes on –old or sometimes new.

For me, each time I visit our church it is a new beginning in my faith journey. Why? Because I continue to see renewed evidence of your stewardship in action: your exchange of warm greetings; the bins of your donated food, clothing, and school supplies; your signatures on volunteer programs in service to others, and so much more.

In my view, ‘new school shoe time’ also means a new beginning for our congregation. Let’s all turn out for Rally Day on September 9th with prayer and support for our youth. This is a great time to also consider the many faith-building stewardship opportunities at and through our church.

Please consider giving of your valuable time and talent to our youth and beyond. New shoes not required.

Blessings in abundance,

Marion Walton

2018 September Martyr Monthly—St. Stephen the Martyr Page 2

Because of God’s

Great Mercy

MUSIC NOTES FROM BILL BRAVENER DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/DEACON

It’s time for choir to start! All are welcome. Give choir a try.

The Choir family potluck dinner will be Wednesday, September 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Choir rehearsals will begin Wednesday, September 12th with Handbell Choir at 5:45 p.m. and Senior Choir at 7:00 p.m. See you at worship.

YOU ARE NEEDED!

Outdoor Sign Would you like to share your creativity by periodically updating the outdoor sign? A person (or team) is needed to keep the sign up-to-date with information on special services, as well as sharing messages with the community.

Choir Concert Reception Organizer Are you a party planner? We need an individual to organize an hors d’oeuvre and dessert reception to follow the annual choir concert on Saturday, December 8th. Responsibilities include planning the reception, recruiting and supervising volunteers (including youth), and promoting the event.

Flower Coordinator Do you love flowers? Would you like to help adorn the church for Christmas? An individual is needed to take care of flower orders for the holiday season (tasks are October-December).

Worship Team Want to learn more about what it means to be an acolyte, assisting minister, reader, communion server, usher, or greeter? In September you can sign up to “TRY IT ONCE.”

Music Team Want to join the choir, the handbell choir, or provide solo or small group music for worship services? All musicians are welcome!

Behind the Scenes Who sets up communion? Who takes care of all those linens? Who changes the colorful banners and altar pieces? Who makes decisions about various worship services? You can!

FOR MORE INFORMATION on any of these volunteer needs, stop by the Music & Worship table in the gathering space throughout the month of September or contact Denise Sanders (the.family.sanders@gmail.com or 414-423-0608).

MUSIC & WORSHIP

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STRONG BABY SANCTUARY

During the month of September, the SSM Women of the ELCA will be joining other faith communities by setting babies, mothers, fathers and families as a top priority. Hephatha Lutheran Church in Milwaukee is the sponsor of this on-going project, known as Strong Baby Sanctuary. They serve the community through monthly meetings of their Women/Moms gatherings. Those attending these gatherings receive diapers and wipes. They also have an Infant Pantry which provides emergency infant supplies to families in need. They provide Strong Baby Boxes which are filled with infant supplies and reference manuals to each expectant/new mom’s who completed the Milwaukee’s Education Syllabus through Baby Box University. Our part in this project is to collect donations of:

Diapers (sizes newborn, 1,2,3,4,5, & 6) Baby hooded bath towels Onesies (sizes newborn through 12 mos.) Baby wash cloths Digital thermometers with covers Baby blankets Baby head-to-toe wash Baby snugglers

A collection box will be in our narthex the entire month of September. All donations from SSM will be taken as In-Kind gifts to the WELCA Convention being held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on October 13, 2018. In-Kind gifts are “material type gifts” that we bring for a specific cause or charity. By making a donation, you are able to be part of this mission, even though you may be unable to attend the convention. Any questions – see Carole Ropel, Bonnie Daleness, Karen Hoffman or Pam Maschke.

PIECE MAKER’S QUILTING GROUP Monday, September 17, 2018 is the last quilting session for this year. In early October, the quilts made over this year will be sent to Lutheran World Relief and Milwaukee Lutheran Social Ser-vices. We will resume our regular quilting schedule on Monday, January 21, 2019. Next year’s Quilting Bee will be held on July 8, 2019, a week earlier than previously announced.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA GREATER MILWAUKEE SYNOD CONVENTION Saturday, October 13, 2018, is the date of this years convention being held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, on the southeast corner of Davidson & Barker Roads, 20275 Davidson Road, Brookfield WI. This year’s convention theme is “Women Create Change”. Registration forms are posted on the kiosk. The fee, which includes lunch, is $60. A few of the highlights of the convention feature several workshops that will include Pastor Kathy Jacobson who will not only be the convention Keynote Speaker, but also will do a work-shop. Carla Schultz, an IRIS Consultant with the IRIS Agency, which is part of Lutheran Social Services, “Styles that Flatter Your Figure”, presented by Cheryl Groth, “Street Angels”, will be presented by Shelly Saarasin, and “Face to Face” with Bishop Paul Erickson. Preaching at the exciting opening worship service at 8:30 am. will be Pastor Angela T. Khabeb. Several of us who attended last year’s Triennial in Minneapolis heard her preach. You will not want to miss this powerful, fun preacher. Refer your Convention questions to Pam Maschke, Karen Hoffman or Carole Ropel.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

HUMAN CONCERNS

FOOD PANTRIES Our food pantries are still in need of food or cash. All donations are greatly needed. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are always needed for our Unity dinners. Please contact Shirley Lieske (414-761-0734) if you have any questions. You can volunteer at three different times during the evening: Set-up & Prepare the food - 3 pm - 4 pm Serve - 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm Clean-up - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

THANKOFFERING WEEKEND This year’s Thankoffering weekend is being held on September 22nd and 23rd. This is a time for us to reflect on our many blessings, including those of family, friends and our church. With our offerings, we show our support for the many functions of Women of the ELCA at the Church-wide level, the Synod level, and the local church level. On that weekend, you will enjoy the display of quilts and school bags. A special offering envelope will be distributed in mid-September.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Our Bible studies in September, will take place on the 12th and 26th, beginning at 10:15 a.m. On the 12th we will begin our study of Mary, mother of Jesus. Bonnie Zimmermann has agreed to continue as our study leader. Many thanks to Bonnie for her commitment.

LOOSE ENDS MONTHLY LUNCHEON The September luncheon follows the September 12th Bible study, at noon, at Meyer’s Restaurant on Forest Home Avenue and Cold Spring Road. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the kiosk under Women of the ELCA. Make sure to sign up so we have a count for the restaurant. Any questions, call Carol Birk, September’s luncheon coordinator, at 414-231-9121.

BAKE AND CRAFT SALE

The annual Women of the ELCA Bake and Craft Sale at SSM will be held on November 17th and 18th this year. In addition to the bakery, crafts and theme baskets, we will be introducing a Christmas Kid’s Corner and a Quilt Raffle this year. Beginning September 22nd there will be bins in the Narthex to collect baskets and items to be donated for theme baskets. The items for the baskets should be new and unused. We also encouraged you to create your own theme baskets. Please consider donating. All proceeds go to charities chosen by the Women of SSM.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONT.

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YOUTH & FAMILY

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU! Thanks to everyone who donated items for the school bags, and those who donated time to sew, iron, cut and assemble the school bags. They will be filled by our Sunday School children on October 7th. Still need help with many bags ready to sew.

Our goal is at least 250 bags.

An update list on supplies already donated & what is still needed is on the table near the collection box.

Need boxes for packing the filled bags for shipping - boxes that copier paper comes in are great - Also Pick-N-Save boxes work well!!

We will also need help to transport the packed bags and quilts on Saturday, October 13th, to the Box Cars.

HUMAN CONCERNS CONT.

Youth and Family earned $196.85 at our first Sendik’s Community Grill on August 5th.

Second event will be held on August 19th.

Youth and Family would like to gauge interest in a visit to Apple Holler for apple pick-

ing, pumpkin picking or hayride this fall. There will be a survey sheet on the kiosk in

the Narthex for families or individuals to sign up that they are interested. If enough

people show interest, then an event will be planned.

A listing of Youth and Family traditionally held events will be posted on the kiosk

looking for volunteers to lead or assist. Please consider giving your time to organize an

event that you enjoy or would like to share with others.

We are always seeking input and ideas for events. Please contact Patti Nelson

(plbnelson@gmail.com or 414-399-0593) with any suggestions.

DATE GREETERS USHERS ASSIST MINISTER

09/01 - 5PM Don & Carol Manning Herb Leppien, Jim Palasz Brian Stoddard

09/02 - 9:30AM Jane Miller Kimberly Carroll, John Hoffman,

Dennis Lucchesi, Bob Rasmussen

Mary Luedtke

09/08 - 5PM Pam Maschke Jay Rosiewski, Cathy Peterson

09/09 - 9:30AM Faith O’Connell, Nancy Mineau Jack Kalman, Dan Resterhouse,

Adam Woerpel, Tom Zuleger

Eric Sanders

09/15 - 5PM Shelly Rosenstock

09/16 - 9:30AM El & Nancy Schneider, Doug

Winter

Bob Billmann

09/22 - 5PM Bonnie Zgola

09/23 -9:30AM Mark Winter Family, Adam &

Andrea Woerpel

Bonnie Zimmermann

09/29 - 5PM Bonnie Court

09/30 -9:30AM Pam Gustafson, Gail Zuleger

COMMUNION SET-UP COMMUNION SERVERS ACOLYTE

09/01 - 5PM Shelly Rosenstock Shelly Rosenstock

09/02 - 9:30AM Karen Miller, Jean Switala Diane Moraza, Faith O”Connell Leigha Andersen

09/08 - 5PM Bonnie Zgola Joanne Hoeft

09/09 - 9:30AM Covert Family Covert Family Julia Mayer

09/15 - 5PM Betty Kroll, Carol Mueller Heidi Hennessy

09/16 - 9:30AM Sweet Family Sweet Family Abby Hanna

09/22 - 5PM Joy Kilimann Bob Brownell

09/23 -9:30AM Dana Gorecki, Lyndia Johnson Mayer Family Angie Carchesi

09/29 - 5PM Bonnie Court, Bonnie Zgola Bonnie Court

09/30 -9:30AM Cathy Peterson, Lori Salas Al Behling, Stephanie Falksen Jenna Mayer

SEPTEMBER 2018 LAY PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

We have exciting stuff coming up and I can’t wait to get started. Beginning September 23rd, join us for a study entitled “Unafraid”, a very timely topic in these troubled times. It is a 5-week series put together by Adam Hamilton. If you were able to participate in the study of John presented by Pastor Brian during Lent you may recognize his name as he presented that series as well. We will meet 5 Sundays after church in the Luther Room beginning promptly at 10:50 and ending promptly at 11:50 so you won’t miss kick-off.

Future topics may include a review of what we as Lutherans believe. If you have other topics that you would like to see included let me know. You can put a note in my mail-box.

Also picking up in September will be the Men’s Bible Study on the 1st and 3rd Wednes-days of each month at 9 am, continuing their look at the synaptic gospels. The Women’s Bible Study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 10:15 am. We will be looking at Mary the Mother of Jesus. The Monthly Study meets the first Monday of each month. (In September we will meet the second Monday 9/10 due to Labor Day) at 1:00pm and will be looking at John. Every one is invited to attend this monthly Bible study.

Looking forward to learning with you, Bonnie Zimmermann

RALLY DAY 2018 IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH!

We will have fellowship, food, a Bounce House, and our 1st Annual Corn Hole Tournament! We are also looking for volunteers to help keep the day running smoothly. All sign-up sheets, including the Corn Hole Tournament, are posted on the bulletin board outside the office.

Any questions or suggestions please reach out to Andrea Matusiak at 414-698-5936.

RALLY DAY 2018

NEWS & NOTES CONT.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Rally Day is fast approaching...Sunday, September 9th. It is a time to become reconnected to your church and your Creator.

One way to be connected is to become an usher serving either at the Saturday 5 pm service or at the 9:30 am Sunday service. You will work about once a month, depending on the number of volunteers.

All are welcome to usher: Men, Women, Teens, even families serving together. No experience is necessary as we will team you with an experienced usher. Duties will include: handing out bulletins, taking the offering, guiding people to take communion, lighting candles, controlling lights and fans, and monitoring doors. All are important tasks to provide comfort for our congregation.

New usher schedules will be created soon. If you are interested, contact Bob Rasmussen by note to his SSM mailbox or in person at the Sunday service.

Your help is needed. Get involved. You’ll experience satisfaction in serving others.

GRANDPARENTS DAY FLOWER SALE Southwest Interfaith Neighborhood Outreach Program will have a Mum Plant Sale September 8th & 9th. SSM is a sponsoring congregation and supports Southwest Inter-faith’s work. By purchasing a plant in honor of or for a grandparent, you will be supporting our mission to provide services to local seniors. For more information call Bob Lieske at 414-761-0734.

NEW ARRIVAL!

Kyle and Stephanie Julseth are pleased to announce

the birth of

Paisley Grace July 19th @ 8:50 am.

7 lbs. 12 oz. 21 in.

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SHIPWRECKED

Vacation Bible School

SSM’s Vacation Bible School was held July 23rd-27th. Thank you to all of the parents, caregivers, and neighbors who brought 49 children to VBS to share in this adventure. The kids learned that when you’re lonely… when you worry… when we struggle… when you do wrong… when you’re powerless… Jesus Rescues! They heard Bible stories, sang songs, played games, watched skits and videos, did science experiments, and more, all related to daily Bible verses.

Our outstanding station leaders led many enthusiastic activities! Thank you Erin Ankebrant, Judith Hryniewicki, Dick Kroll, Julia Mayer, Patti Nelson, Eric Sanders, Julie Starks, and Andrea Woerpel. And our crew leaders were fabulous! Thank you Kaitlyn, Pr. Brian, Billie Jo, Cherish, Pam, Kelly, Nancy, Elyse, Emily, Sherry, Rachel, Jackson, Bonnie, Kipp, and our many friends from Faith-Santa Fe: Alyssa, Bryan, Carlos, Denice, Dianely, Isaiah, Janet, Oscar, Rosa, and Saul.

Many others volunteered. Thank you Carol Birk and Carol Manning for serving up fantastic snacks! Thank you Annie, Charlie, Duncan, Emma, Faith, Greg, Isaac, Jenna, Joe, Kelsey, Laura, Montana, Owen, Sarah, and Sierra for assistance throughout the week!

Thank you to the entire SSM congregation for your continued support and giving of your time, talents, and treasure! Thanks to everyone who purchased a cupcake, donated supplies or funds, or sponsored a student! To those who helped turn the church into deserted island before VBS and back again afterward, we greatly appreciate your gift of time! Thanks especially to Amy Billman, Tracy Covert, Sandy Wesolowski, and Amy Ziegert for baking talents.

A special thank you to Pastor Brian for his support and enthusiasm throughout this endeavor. Also greatly appreciated is the collaboration and support of Faith-Santa Fe Lutheran Church, their leaders Alejandra and Pastor Suero, as well as Unity Lutheran Church and Pastor Kevan.

Denise Sanders, VBS Director

MEN’S BIBLE CLASS The Men’s Bible Class will resume for the fall on Wednesday, September 19th. The group meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. Topics/themes for the year will be decided at the first meeting. We are always looking for new participants to share coffee and donuts, camaraderie, and a lively discussion of various books of the Bible. So give us a try, come as often as your schedule permits, with no long-term obligation. For additional information please contact El Schneider at 414-762-4823.

NEWS & NOTES CONT.

CONDENSED MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 08/07/2018

President Jason Covert called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Council members present were: J. Covert, B. Daleness, B. Fritschel, J. Konop, A. Matusiak, J. Muroni, N. Mineau, P. Nelson, D. Sanders, J. Schultz, L. Sweet and B. Zimmermann. Pastor Brian was also in attendance. Special guest was Larry Petricek.

June council minutes were approved with corrections.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND TREASURER REPORTS:

Giving was down again in June and July but no significant concerns.

Although giving does traditionally go down in the summer some expenses also do. Our disburse-ments are in line with this time last year. Synod Benevolence is paid through August. Checking and Savings accounts are in good shape. Council sent a donation of $250.00 for the Mt. Meru Golf Out-ing. It was noted that for our budget next year, the income from the Cell Tower should be entitled ‘Land Lease’.

Treasurer’s report was approved.

Jason called on Larry Petricek to discuss some issues regarding our HVAC system. After numerous issues with cooling and heating in both the Narthex and Sanctuary and limited resolution from Nimmer, Ed Dowling suggested we have Dilette Mechanical come in to assess our situation. They determined that the unit over the Narthex is not set to run at full capacity and the unit over the Sanctuary was not placed in the same position as the old unit, resulting in a huge gap between the unit and the roof and belts not correctly placed. Jason will contact Nimmer to let them know what we have discovered and see what they are willing to do for us before taking other action.

PASTOR’S TIME:

There will be no Churches Caring Together event this year but possibly a Habitat Build on October 13th. The National Youth Gathering was a wonderful experience for all. New materials have been ordered for Sunday School. A backup may be needed for Mimi in church office for a few weeks. We will celebrate Bill Bravener’s 10 years at SSM on August 26th. The Council will present Bill with a card and a gift in his name to ELCA Good Gifts.

NEW BUSINESS:

A class, Effective Communication in Congregations, will be held on October 6th in Greenfield. Let Jason know if you are interested in attending.

Julie Starks requested that the Council consider another gift to the Mbasseny Parish to help pay down their roof loan. After much discussion Council approved a $3,000.00 donation to the parish for this purpose.

Betty Kroll requested that we obtain a Raffle License from the State as the Women of SSM would like to raffle off a quilt as part of their Bake and Craft Sale. The cost is $25.00 for a year. Council approved.

Midwest Roofing indicated that there are approximately 2 to 3 years left on our existing roof. We have obtained two quotes for replacement and are waiting for a third.

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CONDENSED MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING CONT.

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OLD BUSINESS

The cell tower should be completed by the end of August. The tower height will not change from the current state. Some repair of the parking lot will be done when they are finished.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

YOUTH & FAMILY:

Youth worked at Sendik’s grill earlier this month and will do so again next Sunday. Fall activities are being planned.

STEWARDSHIP:

Pledge cards will now be called Estimate of Giving Cards. Time and Talent Sheets will be used in the stewardship drive this year. The drive will be the first three weeks in November and Children’s sermons will relate to the themes.

EVANGELISM:

There is now a message directing people to the official SSM Facebook page from the page created by Facebook. New web designs are being reviewed by Joe and Pastor.

FELLOWSHIP:

Rally Day will be September 9th. There will be a bounce house again this year. Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board by the office. There will be a corn hole tournament. The new grill will be used this year. There will not be a Dunk Tank.

HUMAN CONCERNS:

The committee will prepare bag lunches Sunday, August 19th, for the Larry Under the Bridge project that works with the homeless.

WORSHIP & MUSIC:

The Bishop will be here to preach on August 26th. In September the committee will encourage people to Try It Once. They can sign up for service related tasks to see if they like them without obligating themselves. The outdoor service in Greendale on August 12th went well.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

Adult Education classes will resume after Rally Day. The first will be a study called ‘Unafraid’ and will be held at 10:50 on Sunday mornings. Perhaps a study of the Catechism will also be scheduled.

Next MegaMeeting will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Next Council Meeting will be Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Daleness,

Council Secretary