Thursday, September 14, 2023 - Our New Director of Music! | |
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Dear Friends in Christ,
In early July, Scott Riedel and I discussed the overwhelming success of his acoustical consulting business and the necessity for him to step down from his role as Director of Music at Christ Church. Days later I began a nationwide search, sending the job description to organ guilds, diocesan offices, and universities with graduate programs in organ and sacred music all over the country. After narrowing the
position to 2 candidates, and after multiple interviews (which included performances), I am delighted to announce Michael Batcho as our new Director of Music!
Michael served as the Director of Music for 26 years for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Milwaukee's "cathedral square." He grew up in West Virginia and began playing the organ in church while in Catholic elementary school. After earning a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) from West Virginia University, Michael moved to Maine and worked in a Catholic church and taught elementary music in a local school. He then moved to Richmond, VA to work in a large Catholic church (over 7000 members). While in Richmond he completed a Master of Music degree with a choral conducting emphasis from Virginia Commonwealth University. Michael moved to Milwaukee in 1995 to take the position at the cathedral. He went on to be the interim music director at St. Jude's, Wauwatosa and then St. Mark’s Episcopal, Milwaukee.
In addition to his church work he was an adjunct faculty member in the religious studies and music departments at Cardinal Stritch University. He and his partner James live in the town of Cedarburg. When not playing or directing music, Michael enjoys puttering in his yard and perennial flower beds, cooking and baking, and reading historical fiction.
Michael's first Sunday with us will be October 8, and I'm excited to welcome him and James among us. Meanwhile, Scott and Michael have known each other for decades and they have already begun meeting to plan the transition.
For every end there is a beginning. Just as we acknowledge the loss of Scott's leadership, we give thanks for a whole new musical chapter opening before us.
Peace and Blessing,
Seth+
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Welcome to Wesny Dubic, Our Nashotah House Seminarian
Hailing from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, Wes was informally with us for most of last year, but he has now officially begun his "Supervised Practice of Ministry." He will be involved with various ministries, including preaching. He will also present more of his story including his calling into the priesthood at an upcoming forum in October. Fr. Seth and Wes will meet weekly. We are delighted to have him, as it gives us a chance to experience his gifts and help form him into a minister of Christ's gospel for the sake of the larger Church.
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Intercessory prayer is at the heart of a Christian community.
Please offer your prayers for the following people.*
Especially Now for family and friends:
Long Term for parishioners: Gary Laev, Sonja Pavlik, Mary Meyers, Bill Foote, Chris Binder, Cindy Jensen, Barb Larkin, Pam Eversfield, Karol Rehm, Martha Vogel, Genevieve, Gigi Short, Tim Hancock, Grace Anne Cochrane, Rachel Kolb, Fran & Darrell Lile, Mark McLaughlin, Cathy Martin Braun
Long Term for family and friends: Craig Smith (friend of Seth Dietrich) Sue & Jerry Hiller, Debi Chier Schmidlkofer, (friend of Catherine Davidson), Jeff Jones (friend of Andy McKinley), Richard Morgan (father of Paula Stone), George Kashou (brother in law of Sandy Kashou), Jill, John H. (friend of Julie Thauer), Joe Rosenfield (friend of Helen & James Benton), Ann, Cameron (friend of Julie Thauer & John Andritsch), Wyatt Woods (great nephew of DeDe Pitrof), Greg Carter (cousin of Fred Delmenhorst), Dave Altick (cousin of Kitty Sturrock), Ian (friend of Willette Knopp), Christopher & Cindy and Christine (relatives of Ira Leidel), Katie & Gabe Benavides (daughter and son-in-law of Diane & Jack Holzman), TajMahal Dirbas (mother of Sandy Kashou), Danial Oakley (nephew of Sandy & Bob Kashou)
We pray for the people of Morocco and Libya, for all who have died, all who mourn, and all who are helping to rebuild.
Homebound: Grace Haydon, Joanne Smith
Serving in the Armed Forces: Teo C. Garcia (brother of Jennifer Garcia Jetton) Jacob Vogt (nephew of Bridget Elliott), Charlie Kobussen (son of Denise & Tim Kobussen), Billy Manger and Tanner Plomb (nephews of DeDe Pitrof), Matthew Herbstreith (son of Tom Herbstreith), Anthony Oakley (nephew of Sandy & Bob Kashou)
This Sunday's Altar Flowers: given to the glory of God and in the memory of Tom Birch by the Birch family
Birthdays Next Week: Charles Meyers, Michael Jent, Kate Mayer. Debbie Roesner, Susan Cushman, Monica Liberatore, Deklin Riley, Kyle Bartel, Margaret Hubing, Henry Krems, Wil Giebenrath, Emily Meyers, Jill Haverman
Anniversaries: Rochelle & Andy Van Caster, Karen & Tom Watson, Kitty & Jim Sturrock, Monica & Joshua Liberatore
*If you would like to add a name to the Prayer List:
email Fr. Seth and Heidi Behlke. You must have permission from the person you are adding. Include your relationship to the person and, if you are willing, a brief reason for the request which will be shared with the clergy and prayer team. This helps to create a connection to the person prayed for beyond simply their name and will be kept strictly confidential.
**Please let Heidi know if we have missed your birthday or anniversary.
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New Women's Book Group!
For women who want to grow in faith and make deep, prayerful connections, a new group will meet in-person on the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings of the month @6:30pm, beginning in October. Those who only want to attend once a month are most welcome. The first book for discussion will be Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans. Contact Fr. Seth with questions (he is helping to launch the group but will not participate in the sessions). See HERE for sign-up and more information (please sign-up by September 28th).
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Know the Code:
Code for all doors changing on October 1st.
Every ten years we change the code for all the doors.
We will do this on October 1st (the preschool door has already been changed). Email Heidi for the new code.
ProTip: When you receive the code, create a new contact in your phone named "Church Code" and put it where the phone # would go.
Thank you for helping us keep the building secure!
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Sunday School kicks off
this Sunday!
Kids grade K3 - 5th and their parents are invited to join us in the Great Hall at 9:15 for our kickoff event. We'll introduce this year's Formation Theme: 'Baptismal Covenant' through several sensory activities. We will then join the service for Communion.
Sign up for Sunday school here!
Sign up for Middle School youth group here!
High School Youth, please take 10 seconds and fill out this form
Contact Bailey Steger if you have any questions
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Indoor Services have resumed
16th Sunday after Pentecost
September 17, 2023
8am service Holy Eucharist, Quiet service
9:30 service - We've gone inside for the season!
Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing.
*This service is also live-streamed on YouTube
and on the Christ Church website.
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Serving This Sunday: September 17, 2023
8:00 am Service
Greeter/Usher: Randy Dean
Acolyte/Reader: Tom Tennessen
9:30 am Service
Vestry Greeters: Margaret Cooper, Steve Bruemmer
Ushers: *Lynne Schley, Steve Schley, Don Allen
Newcomer Host: Katie Hermann and Steve Bruemmer
Lector: Margaret Cooper Prayer Reader: Cindy Gault
Eucharistic Ministers: Sarah Gottlieb, Tim Kobussen, Jennifer Jetton
Coffee Hour Hosts: Jennifer & Andrew Jetton
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Sunday October 1, 10:45 am
after the 9:30 service in the Great Hall
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Coming Soon! October 1st
The What, How, Where, and Why of AI by Derek Riley Ph.D
Reading the news, visiting the doctor, responding to your messages, and many other daily tasks have all changed behind the scenes in recent years due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Most of the changes make our lives easier, but like any technology, there are limitations and side-effects. In this forum, the concepts and trends in AI will be discussed as well as their applications and impacts on society.
Derek Riley is a professor and program director of Computer Science at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. His areas of expertise include computational modeling, high performance computing, data engineering, and mobile application development. Kelly and Derek are members of Christ Church and are blessed with 3 boys: Deklin (9), Donovan (7), and Dean (3)
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Consider Becoming an Acolyte!
Acolytes play a critical role in bringing worship to life.
Torchbearers (3rd - 5th grade) proclaim the Word and sacraments to be vessels of God's light.
Those who serve close to the altar (6th - 8th grade) help the priests and deacons with a variety of tasks.
And Crucifers lift high the cross as they also supervise the younger acolytes. Kids who learn more about the textures of the liturgy are more likely to feel a part of worship. And they usually think it is quite fun. No matter your age, no experience is necessary! Dcn. Nancy and Fr. Seth would love to train as many as can make it on September 17th after worship in the nave (church). Simply show up! Jean Bieszk does the scheduling and is happy to answer your questions.
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Choir Practice is STARTING
Wednesday, September 13th at 7:00pm
Sing with us! or Ring with us!
Our first Sunday Service of the season will be on September 17th Thanks for your consideration. Contact Maureen McCabe or Scott Riedel if you'd like to try us out!
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Flower Guild welcomes anyone who is interested in creating floral arrangements for the altar. We work in teams and are willing to train anyone who enjoys working with flowers. Please contact Chris Binder or Willette Knopp co-chairs.
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Ministry Volunteer Opportunity
Bakers, food prep and/or servers needed for SVDP meal on Monday September 18th 4:30pm - 6pm.
Please contact Lynne Schley to help.
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Our Next Generation:
Consider volunteering!
Christ Church founded Our Next Generation 30 years ago to support Milwaukee students academically and socially to give them the best possible chance to get a good education and to spend time in a safe environment after school and during the summer.
We have supported this non-profit with funds and tutors in the past
and Outreach is proud to participate in their Homework Club this fall.
We are looking for volunteers to join us to work one on one with a student from 5-6 pm on Wednesdays.There will be an orientation prior to the program starting up for fall. Probably the orientation will be held the week of Sept 18 with Homework Club starting the following week. We hope to be able to carpool from church on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm but if you prefer to drive yourself or are coming from another part of town that is fine too.
Please let Betsy Head know that you are excited to work with the ONG students or if you have any questions. As the dates get firmed up by ONG Betsy will get back to you with details.
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All Peoples Church Pantry LOVES your red Sendik's grocery bags!
Keep saving them, bring them to church and drop off in the red wagon or give to Lynne Schley. Thank you!
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NEW Volunteer Opportunity for all!
Pantry Help needed
All Peoples Church Pantry distributes food on Wednesdays 11-1pm.
Brian needs help during that time.
Please email Brian at if you are available.
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Feast Funds
to Support Girls and Women
in Tanzania
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Background
Last year members of Christ Church helped start a sewing program at St. John’s parish in Tanzania. We provided funding for sewing machines, furniture, fabric and other materials. The sewing program is intended to produce feminine hygiene products for school age children. Most school age girls are forced to stay at home (during their menstrual period) for up to a week every month. The costs of purchasing imported products are prohibitive.
Locally made products have proven to be effective. There are four elementary schools in the area with approximately 1,200 female students. There are also two secondary schools with 400 female students. We have been able to make over 1000 kits of hygiene products in the past year. We are also making school uniforms for the school
children in the area.
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Feast Funds
All money collected from the various feasts all the way through 2023 will expand the sewing classes to more women and girls in the village, hopefully training 6 women/girls every year. The program is providing critical employment opportunities for these young women in the village.
Feast Funds will be used to build a new training facility where classes will be held. The
funds will furnish (tables, chairs, shelves) the new facility, and will purchase several sewing machines and fabric. Thank you for your support, and see the thermometer in the Good Shepherd Room, and help put us over the top!
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FALL
FEASTS!
Don’t forget to sign up!
Please contact Kathy or Denise
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Featured Feasts for September:
Saturday Morning Cartoons CANCELLED
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Wine Tasting Host: Elizabeth and Brian Casey
Saturday, September 16, 6-9pm. Casey Home
Channel your inner sommelier and join us for a Regions of France Wine Tasting of reds, whites and rosés. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. $30/person max 20 people
Check out our thermometer in the Good Shepherd room and help put us over the top.
Click here for the upcoming Feast Schedule
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Thank you to the Volunteers!
Many hands helped make our Annual Church Picnic a beautiful gathering inside and out!
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A Saturday Morning Contemplative Walking Offering
FREE EVENT at the Schlitz Audubon Center
Saturday, September 16, 2023 Gather: 8:45am - Program: 9:00am - Noon
with Gary Manning and Scott Stoner, Facilitators
Feeling rushed, distracted and in need of some time and space to slow down and reset? Join us for a half day "Retreat on 2 Feet". Through a series of brief meditations, prompts and walks, you will renew your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. You will learn a practice you can continue on your own.
All are welcome --including those who see themselves as. "spiritual, but not religious." We welcome return participants and first-timers. 30 person limit. email Gary to reserve your spot.
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IS THAT YOU?
HOW OLD ARE YOUR CHILDREN??
Please look at your photo in the directory to see if it needs updating. (if you need the password, just email Heidi)
It will take me ages to email each of you so it would be very helpful if you would send to Heidi, the newer photo of you and yours. – Lyn Slater
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What kind Earth Are We
handing down to our future Generations?
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K3-1st Grade: Explorers Sunday School
This pre-reader Sunday school class involves songs, Bible stories, simple activities, and free play. It runs from 9:15-10:05 AM, after which kids join their families for communion.
2nd-5th Grade: Seekers Sunday School
Formerly called "Storymakers," our older elementary Sunday school class will study the Bible more in depth through a variety of fun activities. It runs from 9:15-10:05 AM, after which kids join their families for communion.
Sign up for Sunday school here!
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9th-12th Grade: High School Youth Group
The Christ Church high school events will debut on Sunday September 24th, 2023, with a blow-out brunch feast in the youth room after the 9.30 service. Then, we will have our first encounter with youth from the other congregations on Sunday October 15th at St. Paul's Milwaukee from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Whether you can come to these events or not, would you (or your parents) please take 10 seconds and fill out this form?Thank you!
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Handing Down
the Faith Sundays
Designed to encourage deeper understanding
of and more engagement with the liturgy for children. The clergy will offer brief explanations and invite children to participate and observe in specific ways. All children of any age and ability are welcome to participate as they feel comfortable.
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Sunday School starts THIS SUNDAY September 17th
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Meetings: next meeting time and date to be determined. Team Wellness is seeking a new chair or two new co-chairs. If you’re interested in leading our efforts, please reach out to Kari Foote or Father Seth.
Future Posts from Team Wellness:
Mary Kay Anderson, Kari Foote, Betsy Head, Deacon Nancy Hills, Susan LaBudde, Maureen McCabe, Lisa O’Brien
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Walk-Run Club
Tuesday Mornings at 7:30 am
meet at red door (office entrance) of church.
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Check out New Titles!
Visit our shelf in the J.T. room, Lending Library Just sign out a book on the clipboard and enjoy a good read!
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Monthly Book Suggestion
Wellness
Reads... for kids: Weathering the Storm by slumberkins
and for adults:
The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly
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CCLC Happy Hour Thursdays
Every Thursday at Lyn Slater's home -
6350 N. Lake Dr. WFB at 4:30 pm
Christ Church Ladies Connections is open to all women at Christ Church. Please join us on any Thursday that works for you. No need to RSVP, just come when you can. We'd love to see you!
N/A beverages available; wine $3.
If you would like to receive the group email which is sent weekly, please contact Kathy Stanford with any questions.
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Christ Church Women’s Book Study Group
The Knowledge of the Holy The attributes of God, Their Meaning in the Christian Life
by A.W. Tozer
Purchase/Preview it here:
WHO: All women of Christ Church are invited (anytime)
WHEN: Mondays from 9:15 – 10:15 AM (optional social hour beforehand at 9:00), and every Monday thereafter
WHERE: On zoom
Zoom link HERE Password: “study”
Meeting ID: 837 0526 9913
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click to Contact The Rev. Mary S. Trainor
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Men's
Book Group
led by
Greg Bell
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Making Sense of God
Finding God in the Modern World
by Timothy Keller
Available at Boswell Books,
PLEASE NOTE: This title also appears with another subhead and identical cover, so be sure to purchase the "finding God in the Modern World" This eliminates page number confusion during the discussions.
Contact Greg for information.
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See below for other ongoing opportunities for connection. (Book Groups, Evening Prayer, Wednesday Contemplative service...etc).
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PLEASE NOTE:
This group will not be meeting during September
Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Join us through ZOOM for a short session of Lectio Divina followed by 15 minutes of Centering Prayer.
Lectio Divina: listening to a short passage, often from a psalm, and then, without comment, sharing the words or phrase that spoke to you.
Centering Prayer: a gentle, silent prayer in which individuals often use their own 'sacred word' to which they return when their thoughts wander - as thoughts always do. Beginners most welcome!
ZOOM
Join Zoom Meeting here
Meeting ID: 827 8771 3769
Passcode: CENTER
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Wednesday AM Contemplative
Eucharist
Service
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Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 9:40. A short retreat in the middle of the week. So many of us are searching for a bit of peace in our busy lives. Even a few moments of deep connection with God, ourselves, and others can profoundly recharge us for the journey.
2nd and 4th Wednesdays there will be an opportunity in the Chapel for the laying on of hands and healing prayer. contact Fr. Oswald with any questions
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Wednesday + Thursday Evening Prayer | |
Wednesday and Thursday - 5:30pm
To call into Evening Prayer, call 312 626 6799
Type in Meeting ID 847 2947 4435
Passcode: 019453
The service is a beautiful expression of peace and calm at the end of the day and lasts only 20 minutes
On ZOOM: Join the meeting here
Newcomers are especially welcome.
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85th Anniversary of Kilbourntown House at Estabrook Park
Bring your picnic supper
Saturday, September 16, 5:00-7:00pm
Estabrook Park
Music by The Ukuladies
FREE
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Did You Miss It?
Those at Tuesday's screening of My Ascension, were able to watch the journey of Emma Beniot, a suicide survivor, as she shared her message of prevention and hope.
If you were not able to come to the screening of this impactful film, there's another opportunity for you to see it. As it's Suicide Awareness Month, PBS is broadcasting this documentary mulitple times. Check your TV listings for "My Ascension" and set your DVR!
Thanks to REDgen and the Charles E. Kubly Foundation for bringing this film to us.
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All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral Celebrates 150 Years with Community Events
Open to the public
150th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENTS:
• Milwaukee Episcopal Parish Organists Concert
Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:30 PM
Concert Program Link: - https://ascathedral.org/music
• Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
Doors Open Milwaukee – September 23-24, 2023
www.historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open/
• All Saints’ Cathedral Choral Evensong & Reception
Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 4:00 PM www.ascathedral.org
• All Saints’ Cathedral 150th Anniversary Choral Eucharist Service Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 10:00 AM www.ascathedral.org
For more information download the flyer here
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North Shore School for Seniors gears up for fall 2023 session
North Shore School for Seniors (NSSS) organizers are planning 50+ exciting classes for fall 2023. That’s the most since the school’s post-Covid reboot! Participants can stretch their muscles and minds, while meeting others AND having fun.
The fall session is Sept. 18 – Oct. 10 (first term) and Oct. 23 – Nov. 14 (second term). (There are no classes Oct. 16 & 17.) Classes meet at United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, 819 E. Silver Spring Dr. on Monday and Tuesday. They cover a wide range of subjects including exercise, arts, local topics, languages and history. Classes meet from one to eight times, and start at various times throughout the session.
Class information and online registration is available at nss4s.org beginning Aug. 1. Fall 2023 catalogs also will be available Aug. 1 for pick-up at United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay. Cost is $10 per class meeting. Email questions to nssbxt@gmail.com or phone (414) 292-0960.
The mission of the NSSS is improving mind and spirit through learning and friendship. The North Shore School for Seniors is an adult outreach program of United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay.
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Download the latest Martha & Mary newsletter here | |
eWeekly Broadcast submissions
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The church office is open Monday - Thursday from 10am - 3pm
Please call ahead, 414-946-3368, if you need to see someone in person. Staff may be contacted by email throughout the week.
Email or call Heidi for Parish Administration issues such as:
Membership, Directory updates, prayer requests, columbarium, building use, calendar scheduling, as well as for business and giving or pledging questions.
Heidi is in the office Monday - Wednesday. 10:00 - 3:00pm
eWeekly Broadcast Submissions: SUBMISSIONS DUE WEDNESDAY NOON. (earlier is appreciated!) Please email both Julie Thauer and Heidi Behlke. As always, submissions are due by noon on Wednesdays to make it into the Thursday e-Weekly Broadcast for that week.
Please Note:
Julie Thauer publishes the scheduled events and posts publicity for all group notices (i.e. Team Wellness, Green Team, Youth and Family, Outreach, Beloved Community, The FORUM). in the eWeekly Broadcast and prints the weekly Sunday bulletins and special services. If your group is looking for additional support in Social Media (Facebook and Instagram) contact Julie.
Julie is in the office Thursdays 10:00am - 4:00pm
Alex Konkel is available for for building and grounds issues.
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Continue to watch this weekly newsletter for the most recent updates and changes.
The clergy are available by email:
The Rector - Fr. Seth Dietrich at seth@christchurchwfb.org or
The Associate Rector - Fr. Oswald Bwechwa at oswald@christchurchwfb.org.
In the case of a pastoral emergency,
contact Fr. Seth at 414-630-6143 or Fr. Oswald at 414-750-7165.
Email Julie for communication issues such as the e-Weekly Broadcast newsletter, the Sunday Bulletin, media, website or anytime or by phone on Thursdays in the office.
Email Alex for building and grounds issues
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Get the latest on your 'feed' through our posted photos and videos
on Facebook and Instagram
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To join the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee e-news mailing list, click here.
To read the latest news from the Haiti Project, click here.
To download the Mary and Martha newsletter for Episcopal Women click here
Submissions for the weekly broadcast and the Sunday bulletins must be received
by the office no later that Wednesday at noon.
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