Thursday, December 28, 2023 - Thank you notes from Christmas

From Fr. Oswald

Dear Friends in Christ,

Putting together a Christmas celebration involves a lot of planning and preparing. So many of you were involved in this planning and preparing. Thank you so much for making our celebrations a success. Thanks to the children's formation team that prepared the children for the Christmas pageant. As usual, the pageant is one of the highlights of the Christmas eve festivities.

Thanks to the altar guild. It is difficult to describe the amount of work that goes into making sure everything is ready for worship. A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure our services are conducted without a glitch. The altar guild was instrumental in making sure the five services during Christmas were set up and ready.

Thanks to the choir for providing us with beautiful music. Worship is very much enhanced by music. We are fortunate to have a skilled music director and a dedicated choir. Thanks to all the musicians who played different musical instruments.

Thanks to the Christ Church staff that worked tirelessly to ensure everything is in place for worship. Thanks to all involved in the services including ushers, Eucharistic ministers, readers, acolytes and livestream personnel. Our liv stream production is outstanding and exceptional.

I know there are many more people that I need to acknowledge. I am grateful to all for your ministry. May God bless everyone.

May God continue to bless us in the coming year. May the peace of Christ come in our hearts and in places around the world that are engulfed in conflict and war. May we be one, as Christ is one with his father. Amen!

With Thanks and Blessings for the New Year,

Oswald+

In Our Prayers

Intercessory prayer is at the heart of a Christian community.

Please offer your prayers for the following people.*

Especially Now for Parishioners: Tim Hancock, Ken Baumeister

Especially Now for family and friends: Karlene Johnson (RIP- cousin of Paula Stone), Joan Spector, sister of Lyn Slater

Long Term for parishioners: Sonja Pavlik, Elizabeth Casey, Darrell Lile, Isaiah Dietrich, Gary Laev, Mary Meyers, Chris Binder, Barb Larkin, Pam Eversfield, Karol Rehm, Martha Vogel, Genevieve, Gigi Short, Grace Anne Cochrane, Rachel Kolb, Mark McLaughlin, Cathy Martin Braun

Long Term for family and friends: Olga Edquist (friend of Kathy Stanford), Mark (Friend of Robin Perdersen) Helga Rikkers (mother of Ben Rikkers), Jay, (friend of Kathy Stanford) Colin Brewer (friend of Maureen Oster) George (brother of Mary Kay Anderson), Craig Smith (friend of Seth Dietrich) Sue & Jerry Hiller, Debi Chier Schmidlkofer, (friend of Catherine Davidson), Jeff Jones (friend of Andy McKinley), George Kashou (brother in law of Sandy Kashou), Jill, 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), TajMahal Dirbas (mother of Sandy Kashou), Danial Oakley (nephew of Sandy & Bob Kashou)

We also pray for the people in places shattered by war, especially Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. We pray for all who have died, and all who mourn. We pray for the end of the killing of the innocent, and for all those leaders discerning the path of peace and justice.

Homebound: Grace Haydon

Serving in the Armed Forces: Jeffrey Ryan (grandnephew of Ira Leidel) Josh Currier, (grandson of Elizabeth Klijnsmit) 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)

Parents expecting: Catherine Skoog & Willie Jolly, Sally & Trevor Adams (daughter of Debbie & John Roesner)

This Sunday's Altar Flowers:

are offered to the Glory of God

Christmas Flower memorials are published in the

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Bulletins

Birthdays This Week:

Amelia Kohler, Richard Mayer, Henry Robb, Jim Ballard, Edna Decker, Diane DeVane, Bridget Elliott, Tracy Geimer, Heather Green, Jeffrey Green, Sandy Honecker, David Honecker, Becky Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins, Dolly Grimes Johnson, Patricia Jorgensen, Gretchen Leanna, Sebastian Low, James Mathew, Maureen Oster, Alex Rikkers, Ben Rikkers, Ross Treffert, Whit Junker

Anniversaries: Cabrini & Tom King, Melanie & John Hinchey, Brittany & Matt Thome, Kay Lynn Antonelli & Charlie Loeser

*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.

Parish Administrator Opening

After almost a year with us, Heidi Behlke has decided to pursue other opportunities. We will miss her! Thankfully, she is here through Feb 15. If you or someone you know might have interest in the position, please see the job description here.

Scripture, Song and Silence

Beginning Friday, January 12 from 12:00-12:30 p.m., and running for 4 consecutive Fridays, come to the nave for a reading from scripture, contemplative music, poetry by poets such as Mary Oliver and Rumi, and times for silence. Contact Mark Hilgendorf or Tom Herbstreith for details.

New Memorial Garden!

We are pleased that the plans for the memorial garden have been enthusiastically received by the congregation. At this time, we are in the process of finalizing the necessary documentation. If you are interested, you may send Heidi your name with an indication of interest. You will be contacted after February 1st, once the official documents are completed. To see the presentation to the parish on the Memorial Garden go here.

Past FORUM presentations are recorded

and stored for later viewing here and here

1st Sunday of Christmas, 2023

8am service Holy Eucharist, Quiet service

9:30 service - Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing. This service is live-streamed on YouTube

and the Christ Church website.

NOTE: if you'd like to receive a Sunday morning email with just the links to the Sunday livestream service and scheduled FORUM presentations,

send your request to Julie

_____________________________________

Serving This Sunday: December 31, 2023

8:00 am Service

Greeter/Usher: Randy Dean

Acolyte/Reader: Jill Haberman

9:30 am Service

Vestry Greeters: Tom Tennessen

Crucifer + Torchbearers:

Ushers: *John Hinchey, James Hinchey, Tom KIng

Newcomer Host: Lynne Schley

Lector: George Marek

Prayer Reader: Lyn Slater

Eucharistic Ministers: Sarah Gottlieb, Jennifer Jetton, Fran Blom, Gretchen Holder

Altar Guild: available members

Hospitality: Service - Mary And Denton Jones Clean up - Susan and Lee Dreyfus Jr

Save a Life!

Whitefish Bay Community Blood Drive

Friday, January 5th 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Christ Church Episcopal - Great Hall -

5655 N. Lake Dr. Whitefish Bay 53217

Schedule your appointment today!

• Call 1-800-REDCROSS

• or schedule online redcrossblood.org

• or use the Blood Donor app

Click this link to Donate blood at Christ Church

Fill in sponsor code:ChristChurchWFB

or zip code 53217

Download the flyer here.

Dear Christ Church Community,

If you have created a Vanco online account for your pledge to Christ Church and would like to update your monthly or annual pledge, you can login to your account here to adjust your contribution.

We are so grateful you would consider a pledge for 2024.

2024 Stewardship Team

Beth Durant (Chair), Steve Bruemmer, Loni Hagerup, Joan King,

Julie Thauer, The Rev. Seth Dietrich

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!

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. Contact Betsy Head if interested

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.

The

FEASTS!

Don’t forget to sign up!

Please contact Kathy or Denise

Check out our thermometer in the Good Shepherd room and help put us over the top.

Click here for the current Feast Schedule with lots of fun activities scheduled into the new year.

January- February Featured Feast

Family Board Game Night

Beat the post-holiday blues with a fun family feast. Parents/grandparents/kids!! Enjoy the big assortment of games for all ages and snacks and drinks, including a hot chocolate bar!!

Hosts: Kathleen and Rob Bardunias

Saturday January 6th 2 - 5pm

Great Hall $15/family unlimited

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.

K3-1st Grade: Explorers

will meet in one of the basement classrooms. Click here for this semester's overview for Explorers.

2nd-5th Grade: Seekers

will meet in the basement youth room. Click here for this semester's overview for Seekers.

Next HDTF is

January 7th

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.

The Earth is God’s gift to us …may we care for it for generations to come!

We Need Your Help

Date to be announced

The fluorescent bulbs are due to be replaced in all the basement classrooms

soon. Only bulbs need replacing.

We are looking for volunteers to help install the new LED lights.

Contact Ira Leidel or Jim Benton if you'd like to help!

LED bulbs will help the Church reduce it's carbon foot print too!

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.

Walk-Run Club

Tuesday Mornings at 7:30 am

meet at red door (office entrance) of church.

Reach out to Maureen McCabe, Betsy Head, Maggie Dietrich or Kari Foote with questions!

Check out Titles!

Visit our shelf in the J.T. room, Lending Library Just sign out a book on the clipboard and enjoy a good read!

Join a BOOK Group:

Mondays on zoom

Meeting resumes January 8th

Christ Church Women’s Book Study Group

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

by John O' Donohue

WHO: All women of Christ Church are invited

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

on Amazon here - new or used

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click to Contact The Rev. Mary S. Trainor

Monday Evening Women's Book Group

Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans.

For women who want to grow in faith and make deep, prayerful connections. This group will meet in-person on the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings of the month @6:30pm.

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. Emilie O'Connor is leading this book study and she is happy to provide more information.

Men's

Book Group

led by

Greg Bell

Sharing our Journey of Faith in books

The men’s group is taking a temporary break from reading a book together. We are individually sharing where we are on our journey of faith, the books and authors that have made a difference, and the questions we grapple with. For more information, Contact Greg.

See below for other ongoing opportunities for connection. (Evening Prayer, Wednesday Contemplative service...etc).

Weekday Services

Wednesday AM Contemplative

Eucharist

Service

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

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.

Email Randy Dean if you're interested!

Around the Community

Download the latest Martha & Mary newsletter here

eWeekly Broadcast submissions

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.

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

Get the latest on your 'feed' through our posted photos and videos

on Facebook and Instagram

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.

Christ Church | 5655 N. Lake Drive Whitefish Bay, WI | 414-964-3368 | www.christchurchwfb.org