Chapel Chimes Newsletter
"Sharing faith, lifting up, reaching out and growing together."
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October 2020
VOLUME 70 No. 10
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SPONSORING (ALTAR FLOWERS, BULLETINS, RADIO BROADCASTS)
If you would like to honor someone you love, or mark a special day, you can sponsor the bulletin ($20), radio broadcast ($50) or you can purchase the altar flowers ($20). There is a binder which is located east of the Gathering Area on the table or use the link below. The church office is also available to help you reserve your day.
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RSVP REQUIRED TO ATTEND
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES
Seating in our sanctuary will be limited in order to provide for social and physical distancing. We are asking that persons interested in attending in-person worship RSVP by calling the church office at 892-7456 or by clicking on the box below no later than by noon on Wednesday prior to worship that you plan to attend.
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USHERS NEEDED FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES
Three volunteer ushers are needed each week. The usher responsibilities have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a training session is required to ensure the safety of our parishioners, volunteers and staff. Please contact the church office (892-7456) if you are willing to serve as an usher for in-person worship. You can also click on the box below to direct you to SignUpGenius.
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FIRST NOTES
By: Rev. Jim Hoppert
The calendar on the wall informs me that we will soon be heading into October. The march of time has happened one day at a time, one week at a time. I wish that I had something profound to write about the things that have happened at church since the writing of the last newsletter in mid-August, but I don't. Like the passage of time itself, things have happened one step at a time, and sometimes one small step at a time. We continue to hold in-person worship. Church school and Confirmation classes have started up online. We have taken a number of steps forward and none backwards. That sort of thing would indicate progress of some kind.
Some three weeks into the start of the schools, colleges, and universities, there has been an uptake of coronavirus cases in our area, but what that will look like in two to three weeks (at this writing) is another guess. What impact that will have on what we do at church is uncertain. Still, in spite of the unknowns, we have begun to plan ahead. At a recent Worship Team meeting we looked ahead to Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. That sort of advanced planning isn't uncommon: church worship people are always thinking about Advent and Christmas worship even when folks are wearing shorts and polo shirts. This year isn't going to be an exception.
The planning ahead is a sign of hopefulness. Not knowing exactly what the future will bring us, we make our preparations, anyway. It's an act of faith.
When we get to the end of the tunnel on this whole business is another guess, but each day we get one day closer to it. In the meantime, it's good to be prudent but it's not wise to be fearful.
And one last word: we are approaching another national election. Feelings and opinions run strong, as they did back four years ago. No matter who any of us votes for and no matter how the whole matter turns out, we still have to live in the same country with one another. A Jewish friend of mine back in college said that his grandmother had Yiddish word to describe the kind of behavior most of us should strive for. Whenever someone was tempted to act less than decently and honorably she would say, “Be a mensch.” Since Yiddish borrows heavily from German, some of you might recognize the gist of the expression: be a decent, honorable human being. That's my counsel for the season: be a mensch.
Until next month.
Shalom aleichem—Peace be with you.
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Sunday, October 4, 2020
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Hebrew Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9
Psalm: Psalm 19
Epistle: Philippians 3:4b-14
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Hebrew Scripture: Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Epistle: Philippians 4:1-9
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
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Sunday, October 18, 2020
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Hebrew Scripture: Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm: Psalm 99
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-22
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Hebrew Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46
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For such a time as this.
This month, when my Community of Practice (COP) peer support group met, our morning prayers and reflection came from the fourth chapter of Esther:
“When they told Mordecai Esther’s words, he had them respond to Esther: “Don’t think for one minute that, unlike all the other Jews, you’ll come out of this alive simply because you are in the palace. In fact, if you don’t speak up at this very important time, relief and rescue will appear for the Jews from another place, but you and your family will die. Who knows? Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family.”
It started a meaningful conversation within our group of faith formation leaders. We reflected on the exhaustion of wanting things to return back to the way they were before the pandemic…. the good old days when we could meet together without a second thought as to whether or not we were six feet apart. When we could embrace one another after a loss or share in another person’s joy. When we knew how to do our jobs without all of the hurdles of technology, internet, and bandwidth.
I share this reflection by Cathleen Starck Wille that was shared because it has helped me to refocus and stop complaining about the current situation we are all living in. We are, after all, children of God. We know that God shows up. We know that God gives us opportunities within our situations to make even a small difference. A single act of love and bravery mixed together has the power to transform into hope and hope makes all of the difference…
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CALLED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
By Cathleen Starck Wille
There are people who have pointed out that during this pandemic many of us feel like we are standing on a threshold, the point in a doorway where we pass from room to room, where we no longer are in the room from which we have come and are not yet in the room we are moving toward. This poem by Jan Richardson (below) may be appropriate for this season of COVID. It is an Advent poem. And no, we haven’t lost it – we are not yet in the season of the church year that celebrates Advent in anticipation of Christmas. However, I do think there are many similarities between Advent time and this pandemic time. Advent is a time of waiting. Are we not on the threshold of this pandemic time waiting for the next door to open? This time on the threshold, this in-between time, can be described as a liminal space. The practices during Advent include a time of introspection and contemplation. Is it possible that during this time we are being invited to a time of introspection and contemplation in this liminal time as we wait to move into the next room, the next phase, the next season?
Those of us who are “doers” will say, “Introspection and contemplation are not among my spiritual practices.” This probably would explain the frustration we “doers” have been experiencing during this time. Many of the things we have done in the past are not possible to do and stay safe. We have been forced to find new ways to “do” things. But after the house has been totally cleaned, purged of items that go to Goodwill and the yard is ready for the next season, it is no surprise that “doers” feel helpless during this liminal space in which we find ourselves.
In the biblical story of Esther, we hear about a young Hebrew woman, who felt helpless during the time of need for her people. She did not choose her situation; a king had chosen her to be among his many wives. She did not choose him. She found herself in a place in which she never had been before. Besides this, her people were being threatened. She and her uncle were concerned and wondered if there was something she could do to save her people. They had tried several things, but because of their status in life, they were rendered powerless to do anything. As the story progresses we find out that, even under the threat of being put to death, she risks a new behavior. She would not be the beneficiary, but her actions could save her people. As she contemplated her decision, she came to the realization that she “was called for such a time as this.” She did step forward, risked her life, and was able to save her people.
Haven’t we been called for a time such as this? That thought is both frightening, but also exciting. Our current circumstances have robbed us of life as we knew it and it has happened by no choice of our own. We are aware that, going forward, the future will not be the same. Times of uncertainties be can disorienting and feeling like we have no control. However, it also is a time we can set aside our doing, set aside our busyness, and engage in wonder. As we wander through this unknown wilderness, what we do know is that WE have been called for such a time as this. We have the opportunity to take the risk and try new behaviors. The new behavior may be to spend time in introspection, contemplation and give ourselves the space to wonder about what is on the other side of the door.
Hopefully, this poem can be a guide for us as we anticipate the next door that will open.
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Blessing the Door
by Jan Richardson
First let us say a blessing upon all who have entered here before us.
You can see the sign of their passage by the worn place where their hand rested
on the doorframe as they walked through,
the smooth sill of the threshold where they crossed.
Press your ear to the door for a moment before you enter
and you will hear their voices murmuring words you cannot quite make out
but know are full of welcome.
On the other side these ones who wait –for you,
if you do not know by now –understand what a blessing can do
how it appears like nothing you expected
how it arrives as visitor, outrageous invitation, child;
how it takes the form of angel or dream;
how it comes in words like ‘How can this be?’ And ‘lifted up the lowly’;
how it sounds like in the wilderness prepare the way.
Those who wait for you know
how the mark of a true blessing is that it will take you where you did not think to go.
Once through this door there will be more; more doors, more blessings, more who watch and wait for you
but here at this door of beginning the blessing cannot be said without you.
So lay your palm against the frame that those before you touched
place your feet where others paused in this entryway.
Say the thing that you most need and the door will open wide
and by this word the door is blessed and by this word the blessing is begun
from which door by door all the rest will come.
Peace and love,
Marsha
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Thank you all for your patience as we began our faith formation year in an unconventional way. The willingness of our church family to try something new has been encouraging in difficult circumstances. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the faith formation ministries of our church. |
Our Confirmation classes have been meeting on an alternating schedule. Years 1 & 2 students will meet one week from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and Year 3 students will meet the following week from 6:30 – 8 p.m. At this time, we will be meeting on Zoom. We are hopeful that by the beginning of the New Year we will be able to resume in-person classes at church.
Here is the schedule (for now):
9/30 YR 1 & 2 Creation & the Fall
10/7 YR 3 the Bible
10/14 YR 1 & 2 Promises
YR 3 Mentor Meal at Church
10/21 YR 3 Creeds
10/28 YR 1 & 2 Moses & Wanderings
11/4 YR 3 Creeds
11/11 YR 1 & 2 Psalms & Wisdom Lit
YR 3 Mentor Meal at Church
If you have questions regarding our program, please contact Marsha or Rev. James Hoppert.
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Children’s Bible Sponsorship |
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Putting age appropriate Bibles into the hands of our children gives them the opportunity to read and learn the stories of our faith.
Children entering Sunday School are given a Family Story Bible.
Students entering 3rd grade receive an NRSV study Bible.
Bibles can be sponsored for $25 each
To contribute to the Bible sponsorship fund, please use the section to the right, attach it to your contribution.
Thank you for your generosity
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OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
10/4 Jordan & Leslie Blad
Mike & Kelly Wolfert
10/6 Eugene & Charlene Boll
10/7 James & Pat Wachter
10/9 Randy & Denise Prange
10/13 Ray & Robbie Gremminger
10/15 Dale & Janis Knuth
10/18 Dean & Karen Buelke
Russell & Kathleen Schmitt
10/21 Tom & Jackie Veldman
10/23 David & Judy Wilmot
10/26 John & Bette Humbracht
10/28 Lyle & Kaye Theune
Wes & Cyndi Huibregtse
10/29 Kyle & Melissa Odekirk
10/30 Joe & Stacy Ausloos
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Don’t forget, Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 1st, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour.
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
10/3 Thomas Blad
Angela Hartmann
Faye Hughes
Marlene Miller
10/4 Bonnie Bermke
10/5 Amber Ausloos
10/6 Robert Schuricht
Madalynn Pratt
10/7 Elaine Kuck
Drew Hoppert
10/8 Mallory Andrews
10/9 Carole Hummell
10/11 Joey Halle
10/13 Sharon Zwerg
10/14 Michelle Mauk
10/16 Jaiden Krueger
Haley Schwantes
10/18 Kathleen Schmitt
10/19 William Lammers
Carol Lisowe
10/20 Terry Risse
10/22 Thomas LeMahieu
Paul Clarke
Zack Schwantes
10/24 Robert Groene
Isabella Gutschow
Lisa Knuth
Natalie Paulick
10/26 Cassandra Clarke
10/27 Hans Palm
Brett Pilling
Elaine Shaffer
10/30 Elizabeth Miller
Annette Ostrom
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WE EXTEND OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF Laura L. Diver who entered into eternal life on August 30, 2020. We ask that you keep the family and friends of Laura in your prayers.
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IN-PERSON WORSHIP
OCTOBER USHER LIST
Sunday, October 4:
10:30 a.m. Ushers: Kay Scheible, 2 ushers needed
Sunday, October 11:
10:30 a.m. Ushers: 3 ushers needed
Sunday, October 18:
10:30 a.m. Ushers: Kay Scheible, 2 ushers needed
Sunday, October 25:
10:30 a.m. Ushers: 3 ushers needed
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Grief Support
Leader: Barb Hengst, Grief Support Specialist
This is a one hour each week, the discussion group is open to all who have suffered a loss of any kind.
Cost: Free
Dates: Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Place: Salem UCC Library
To register call the church office (920) 892-7456. Space is limited, please call the church office to RSVP. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.
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ENDOWMENT FUND REQUESTS
Salem’s Endowment Committee meets semi-annually to grant requests for funding of mission and ministry related activities and expenses. So far this year we approved grants for Studio Computer replacement, Back Bay Mission, Electronic Funds Transfer, Grocery Ministry, and Back-to-School Ministry.
Please consider how our Endowment Fund may offer financial support for your mission and ministry goals. Request forms for funding will be accepted through Wednesday, October 14, 2020 for the upcoming round of grants. Printed forms may be requested through the church office. Requests may also be submitted online at www.bit.ly/endreq. Participants must outline the need, objective(s), budget, and anticipated results for each grant being requested. All are invited and encouraged to submit requests for funding. Related questions may be directed to Salem’s church office or members of the Endowment Committee: Tom Daigle, Wes Huibregtse, Mary Mullen, Mary Bender, Kay Scheible, and Rev. Hoppert.
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SPECIAL GIFTS TEAM NEWS
Salem’s Special Gifts Team meets quarterly to discuss and steward our church’s Special Gifts Fund which is comprised of donations in memory or honor of a loved one—or any unique gift. We work to acknowledge these gifts and consider how they impact our church’s ministries and missions. We have a goal of ensuring that gifts received are impactful toward sharing God’s love and care within our congregation and our broader community.
To further the goals of our ministry, the Special Gifts Team of Cindy Conrad, Michelle Mauk, Rachel Risse, Mary Mullen, Kay Scheible, Mary Bender and Rev. Hoppert encourages you to consider the opportunities available to you. In addition to acceptance of donations (which may be categorized as designated or undesignated gifts - see Donation PDF form), our team also encourages you to take advantage of funding available for support of new or existing ministries and missions, as well as scholarships (see Scholarship PDF form).
The Special Gifts Team welcomes your inquiries and invites you to bring forth requests for consideration of funding, as well as donations, along with your wishes for their use. Please reach out to any of our team members or contact the church office at churchoffice@salemuccplywi.org or (920) 892-7456 or for more information.
Thank you, on behalf of Special Gifts Team,
Mary Bender, Chair
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CHURCH ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
If there is something that you need assistance with (groceries, prescriptions, errands, etc.) please reach out to the church and we will find a way to help.
Robbie Gremminger, parish nurse (920-980-3977)
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HOSPITALIZATIONS
If you or a family member is hospitalized, please contact the church office (892-7456). The hospitals no longer supply us with that information.
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THESE DAYS
The October/ November/December issue of the daily devotional “These Days” is available in the Literature Rack.
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THE UPPER ROOM
The September/October issue of the daily devotional “The Upper Room” is available.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
If you have prayers you would like included in worship, please contact the church office or add your concerns in the comments section of our live stream worship. Prayers can also be submitted to our Prayer Chain Group. If you would like to be added to our Prayer Chain Group, simply call the church office.
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The following is a letter Salem received from Safe Harbor of Sheboygan County.
Dear Friends of Salem United Church of Christ,
Thank you so much for your recent gift to Safe Harbor of Sheboygan County on August 23, 2020. Our board of directors and staff appreciate your support of our work and mission, especially during a time of such of great need.
With the recent developments of COVID-19, we recognize the ongoing need for services and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This is an unprecedented time, and we know that home is not the safest place for everyone.
We are continuing to provide the necessary services victims need and it’s because of community support like yours that we are able to fulfill our mission. We are grateful to know of your confidence and support in our work and the victims that we serve.
Thank you again for supporting Safe Harbor of Sheboygan County. Together, we can work toward a safe and respectful community free of interpersonal violence.
Warmest Regards,
Deborah Lee
Executive Director
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The following is a letter we received from Back Bay Mission for the gift received from September 3, 2020.
Dear Salem UCC,
Thank you for your generous gift to Back Bay Mission! Your gift makes it possible to ensure help for the low-income and homeless people that are being seriously impacted by this pandemic.
As we move through this pandemic to a place of relative stability, the needs of the people we serve will be deeper. Many will not be able to return to their old jobs due to the loss of businesses and we will be assisting many new clients looking for restorative resources to resume their lives. As demonstrated after Hurricane Katrina and the Deep Water Horizon Oil Disaster this is a resilient community that will need support to find new pathways to sustainability. So, with you help, we can be there for people struggling to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, the utilities on. Homeless residents will continue needing basic necessities such as showering, having clean clothes, respite space as well as access to case management.
The vast majority of the people we serve do not want to live in poverty and they don’t want a handout. They want the chance to move forward. And your gift provides the chance.
Thank you for your generous gift!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Alice Graham, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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Join us for Worship
Live Stream on Facebook on Sundays at 8:30am
(You do not need a Facebook account to view worship on our page and to see content there)
In-Person worship is on Sundays at 10:30am.
(Must RSVP by Wednesday before noon. Please call the church office to reserve a seat.)
Worship is also posted to our YouTube page on Sunday afternoons
(Worship can also be accessed by going to our website salemuccplywi.org by clicking on online worship)
For those without internet access,
you can call-in on the phone to listen to worship by
calling toll free: 888-958-7272
*there is an access code that needs to be entered and it changes weekly*
(Updated codes will be included in our weekly worship bulletins or by contacting the church office)
Our weekly worship services will continue to be available on: TV 14 on Wednesdays at 5pm and on the radio 1420am on Sundays at 9am.
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Follow us on Facebook or YouTube
Click on the links above
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2021 ANNUAL MEETING to include Consideration of Amendments to Salem’s Constitution
The Consistory has decided to include the proposed amending of Salem’s Constitution (addition of Article X, as described below) as part of the agenda for the Congregation’s 2021 Annual Meeting. If the proposed amendment is approved, a motion to suspend portions of the Constitution will also be considered at the same meeting. The portions of the Constitution being considered for suspension deal with size and elections of the Consistory and Officers of the Congregation. It will allow us to try a different approach to how we structure and manage church activities and mission and test it before we decide whether to change the By-laws or Constitution. Copies of the existing Constitution with highlights and notes explaining the proposed changes are available. You may contact the office to request an email copy. If you are not able to accept email, the office can mail a hardcopy version to you. The proposed text of the amendment follows:
Article X. SUSPENSION OF ARTICLES
Section 1. Any Article(s), Section(s) or Subsection(s) of the Constitution may be suspended for a period not to exceed one year, if approved by a two-thirds majority.
Section 2. The suspension of any Article(s), Section(s) or Subsection(s) may be continued (for the same or a different period of time), provided it is approved by a two-thirds majority, at a meeting as specified in the By-laws. If the period of suspension lapses without further action, the Constitution will revert to the language of the original Article(s), Section(s) or Subsection(s).
Section 3. The membership shall be informed of any meeting as specified in the By-laws.
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MINISTRY TEAMS TAKING SHAPE IN NEW GOVERNANCE MODEL:
October Focus – Hospitality Team
Salem’s Governance Restructuring Team is pleased to share a diagram which shows how each ministry team is in relationship with the others – all working together for the love of God and all within God’s creation. The purpose and leader are listed for each of the ministry teams. Month-by-month, we intend to focus on one of our six ministry teams…
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This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine… These simple lyrics can help remind us that we are all created in God’s image and as such are filled with God’s love and light. We shine our inner light and reflect the gracious love of Christ when we open and extend ourselves to others by actively inviting, welcoming, receiving and caring for them. This is the purpose of the Hospitality Team and it is the way that each of us is called to serve in Christ’s name. Led by Mary Bender, Marsha Meyer, Anna Cortez and Rev. Hoppert, the Hospitality Team is working to encourage integration of love, kindness and care throughout all of Salem’s ministries and missions. Some of the hospitality we have grown accustomed to before the COVID-19 pandemic is now transforming. Exchanges of handshakes, hugs and other gestures of peace have been replaced with waves and smiling eyes peeking over masks from a respectable distance. Intimate visits during coffee fellowship and meals shared among many are swapped for a grocery ministry, Zoom sessions, a drive thru brat fry and drive-in movies. Worship and faith formation programs took unexpected turns and we found ways to stay connected online, via TV and radio broadcasts and utilizing tablets.
Although we may not always be in control of our circumstances, we can choose our responses. Hospitality is taking lemons and making lemonade and serving it to those around us. It is taking steps to be the change we wish to see in the world. How we do what we do is pivotal to all relationships within our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, churches, etc. This is a ministry team everyone can and should participate in. Let’s choose love and light and see where we can go together!
The Hospitality Team encourages everyone to prayerfully consider ways to contribute to AND utilize our many gifts and resources. Please contact Salem’s church office at (920) 892-7456 or churchoffice@salemuccplywi.org, if you have interest in participating in and/or wish to learn more about the Hospitality Team or any of our ministry teams. Please join us next month for a focus on Salem’s Mission & Service Team.
On behalf of the Governance Restructuring Team, we thank you for your continued prayers and support of Salem’s Ministry Teams! – Terry Risse & Mary Bender
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FROM THE PARISH NURSE...
By Robbie Gremminger
The Parish Nurse found this article on Mayo Clinic Family Health Book and its worth reading.
Cardiomyopathy
Signs and Symptoms
- Brief episodes of rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Breathlessness
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Fluid retention (edema)
When the muscle of the heart is damaged or defective, the disorder is termed cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease. The term “cardiomyopathy” comes from Greek roots for “heart” (kardia), “muscle” (myo), and “disease” (pathos). Cardiomyopathy may appear in one of several forms.
Forms of Cardiomyopathy
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
In dilated cardiomyopathy (also referred to as congestive cardiomyopathy), the heart muscle is weakened and is unable to pump efficiently. This may produce symptoms of congestive heart failure including breathlessness and retention of water, which results in a swelling (edema) that is most evident in the feet and ankles. Dilated cardiomyopathy also causes enlarged heart compartments and may lead to the formation of clots (thrombi) within the enlarged compartments. The clots may travel to other parts of the body (emboli). Dilated cardiomyopathy may occur at any age and run in families.
Alcoholic Heart Disease
Alcoholics may develop dilated cardiomyopathy after they have consumed large quantities of alcohol over many years. If the problem has not advanced to the point of heart failure, cessation of the drinking may halt the progression of the disease.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
If you have this form, the muscular walls of your left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of your heart) become thickened and stiff. This may impair the flow of blood into your heart as well as the ejection of blood out of it. This disorder often runs in families.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
This condition is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle and a decreased ability to expand and fill with blood between contractions (the portion of the cardiac cycle termed diastole). Development of blood clots within the heart chambers, water retention (edema), and a tender liver are other common signs.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), your physician will consider your symptoms, especially breathlessness and chest discomfort, and may perform X-ray and electrocardiographic examinations. Your physician also may obtain an echocardiogram to observe the motions of your heart at work. The echocardiogram often can determine what form of cardiomyopathy is present. In some cases, a heart catheterization may be performed by passing a flexible catheter through a large vein into your heart. Your physician may also obtain a biopsy specimen (tissue sample) from your heart for microscopic examination during this procedure.
How Serious Are Cardiomyopathies?
In most cases, there are no symptoms of cardiomyopathy until the disease is quite advanced. Sometimes, sudden death is the only indication of the presence of the problem.
Often, drug and other treatments can be used to ease the symptoms and improve life expectancy. There may be improvement over time. In some instances when the heart is badly damaged, heart transplantation is an option.
Treatment
Although it may be valuable to maintain a good level of overall fitness, strenuous exertion should be avoided. Treatment must be individualized to the type of cardiomyopathy.
Medication
The choice of drugs for treatment depends on which type of cardiomyopathy is present. The possible drugs include diuretics (water pills to decrease water retention), calcium channels blockers, blood vessel dilators, drugs to control irregular heart rhythm, and digitalis and beta-adrenergic blockers.
In some cases, heart muscle disease is a secondary result of another ailment, and the symptoms may improve after effective treatment of the primary problem. Examples of this include hypertension, sarcoidosis, and hemochromatosis.
Prevention
Certain of the cardiomyopathies may put you at greater risk of infective endocarditis. As a precaution, prophylactic use of antibiotics prior to dental and certain surgical procedures is appropriate (see Infective Endocarditis: Protection and Prevention.
In cases of alcoholic heart muscle disease, complete and permanent abstinence form alcohol is essential.
Litin, S. C., & Nanda, S. (2018). Mayo Clinic family health book. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic.
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Salem United Church of Christ
217 Salem Drive, Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone: (920) 892-7456, Fax: (920) 892-4238
Rev. James Hoppert - Pastor, pastorjim@salemuccplywi.org or (920) 838-0405
Marsha Meyer - Dir. of Youth & Family Ministries, marsha@salemuccplywi.org
Anna Cortez - Office Manager, churchoffice@salemuccplywi.org
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