Thursday, September 7, 2023 - The End of a Musical Era

Dear Friends in Christ,


After 19 years of faithful service as our Director of Music, Scott Riedel will retire at the end of September. His nationally recognized acoustical consulting firm, Scott R. Riedel and Associates, has grown busier by the year. As one example of many 

projects in the works, St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC recently asked Scott to manage the restoration of the Cathedral's massive, historic organs of over 10,000 pipes. While over the years Scott has often seemed super-human in his ability to juggle so many tasks and push through so many challenges, he is a mortal like the rest of us. And he deserves to retire from at least one of his careers!  


His departure marks an end of a musical era for the parish. Thankfully, he will remain a beloved part of our community, as he moves from sitting on the organ bench to sitting in a pew.


Scott began playing the organ in church when he was 16, and he conducted his first choir when he was 19. He then pursued degrees in both music and architecture. While building his business, Scott was the organist and choirmaster at Sherman Park Lutheran Church for 34 years. He first came to Christ Church to design our new organ in 1995. Five years after it was installed in 1997, the parish needed a new Director of Music, and he was the perfect fit.  When I first became the rector other clergy expressed jealousy that I had inherited an organist so well-known in Milwaukee for his technical excellence.


On a personal level, Scott has been a joy to work with.  Always up for a little "liturgical mischief;" rolling with the holy chaos; generating new ideas to include lay musicians and singers of all ages; the choir in particular will miss his kind and gentle leadership and his genuine pastoral concern.  Over the last 15 years, he persevered through cancer treatments, detached retinas, brain surgery which then caused a stroke, and more; most do not know he has sight in only one eye and hearing in one ear.  Perhaps above all, Scott created beautiful music less as a performance and more as a sacred offering to God.  


While we can't offer concrete plans now, we will find a way to formally celebrate Scott's ministry among us. Also, in the coming days I will share exciting news on a newly hired Director of Music. In the meantime, please join me in giving thanks for his sharing of his abundant gifts for so many years.


With Gratitude,

Seth+

P.S. Scott will be playing through Sunday, October 1st. Choir rehearsals begin on September 13 as scheduled!

In Our Prayers

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 Maui, 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 in the memory of Phillip and Jane Linscott, their daughter Kathryn Kunda and Jane’s mother Kathryn Contryman, by Phillip Linscott, Jr.


Birthdays Next Week: Ari Ayala, David Frieder, Tom Scrivner, Owen Adams, Clayton Olsta, Madeline Setliff, William Setliff, Vivienne Content, Beth Durant, Amber Wichowsky, Natalie Schley


Anniversaries: Sarah & Vik Gottlieb,Sue & Jeff Schouten


*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.

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!

Tuesday, September 12, 6:30 pm

Sponsored by:

FREE

Film Event!

Get tickets here

MY ASCENSION

DOCUMENTARY

Presented by:

The Charles E. Kubly Foundation, REDgen and Christ Church


A film to spread hope and fight suicide.

Download the Flyer here

Held in the Christ Church Great Hall

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm

(download a .pdf flyer to post in your community)

Indoor Services Resume THIS Sunday

15th Sunday after Pentecost

September 10, 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.

________________________________________________


Serving This Sunday: September 10, 2023

8:00 am Service

Greeter/Usher: Christopher Hagerup

Acolyte/Reader: Randy Dean


9:30 am Service

Vestry Greeters:  Jackie Keene and Dolly Grimes-Johnson

Ushers: Steve Schley, Lynne Schley, Gary Laev


Newcomer Host: Sarah Gottlieb

Lector: youth Prayer Reader: youth

Eucharistic Ministers: Fran Blom, John Hinchey, Sarah Gottlieb, Jennifer Jetton

Christ Church Picnic THIS Sunday, September 10th

RAIN or SHINE Following the 9:30am service, join fellow parishioners for a Back-to-Fall Potluck Picnic.Catch up on summer happenings and make plans for fall fun and fellowship. Contact Kathy Stanford for any questions


Click the sign-up link to help with a task or two and to bring a dish to share,

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. 

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!

Feast Funds

to Support Girls and Women in Tanzania

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.

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!

FALL

FEASTS!

Don’t forget to sign up!

handled via email for the summer. 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 upcoming Feast Schedule

Featured Feasts for September:

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Host:The Hinchey Family

Saturday, September 16, 8:30-10:30am - Great Hall

Calling all kids and their families!!!

Sugared cereals as well as other breakfast foods to start the day! Please come in your pajamas with blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. We will be showing cartoons.

$15/family no limit

--------------

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


From the church office:

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.

Review your directory listing: HERE

If you need the password, just contact Heidi our parish administrator. THANKS!

Summer Photos of your kids!

Our online directory needs

current photos

Lyn Slater will be emailing requests for photo updates for the Christ Church Directory. They will go mostly to those with children. Think about summer photos.  


Is your photo how you wish to appear to the church community? We are accepting updated photos AND new or changed address, phone, emails.

ALSO: Update your address!

If you have recently moved, please make sure the church has your contact information so we can stay in touch. Contact Heidi Behlke with any changes. 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.

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. 

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!

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.

Pledges to Care

For Creation  

The Green Team is starting a series of posts revolving around the pledges written on the ribbons.

Stay Tuned!

It's time to sign up for children's and youth formation!

Sunday School starts September 17th

Registration helps us staff enough volunteers and purchase enough materials for the year. We'll send out more information on curriculum and specific dates soon.

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!

6th-8th Grade: Middle School Youth Group

Middle schoolers will meet after the 9:30 AM service every other Sunday. Fr. Oswald leads this group. Middle School Calendar

Sign up for middle school youth group here!

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!

THIS SUNDAY

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.

Staffed nursery is starting up again! THIS SUNDAY

Sunday School starts September 17th

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

Check Air Quality: fire smoke.ca

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 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!

Monthly Book Suggestion

Wellness

Reads... for kids: Weathering the Storm by slumberkins

and for adults:

The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly

FALL FLOWERS AVAILABLE TO TAKE HOME!

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.

Join a BOOK Group:
Mondays on zoom

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

Men's

Book Group

led by

Greg Bell

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.

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

Weekday Services
Centering
Prayer

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

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

Common Ground needs more tutors!

You can make a difference in the life of a child.


What is Forward Scholars? A community volunteer tutoring program focused on helping K-3rd graders who are not yet reading at grade level. The program was started by Common Ground, a 15 year old community organizing group with a track record of success in a number of areas including education. Common Ground leaders listened to the community, saw a need and took action. Forward Scholars began in the fall of 2022 in five MPS schools. 


For more information on how to get involved, click here

Or email Executive Director Dr. Carrie Streiff-Stuessy


What's the commitment? Twice a week for an hour each day- 45 minutes of one-on-one time with your student and 15 minutes for prep and notes. You'll tutor the same student for a minimum of 20 weeks (40 sessions). You can be a regular tutor or a substitute tutor. 

Am I really the right person for this? If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, and you're willing to learn and ask lots of questions, it's nearly certain that you're a good fit! We provide lesson plans, resources and training. Your most important job is to be there for your student, willing to work one-on-one with a child who truly needs you. 

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

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.

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 BehlkeAs 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

Facebook  Instagram  
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