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Council President
​Tom Scherbert

Keeping in touch with the living body at Resurrection

​May Recap & Looking Ahead to Summer

5/29/2025

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Dear Resurrection Family,
Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and like many of you, I’m looking forward to the joys of summer. There is a lot going on in our congregation in the coming months—some familiar events returning and some new opportunities for connection and growth.

One exciting development is the continued momentum of our Mission Renewal efforts. Since I last wrote, we’ve had excellent participation in the video and discussion session held after worship on May 4th. A good number of folks stayed to engage, and I believe many came away with a clearer understanding of how this renewal process works. At its heart, is the cycle: listen → try → reflect → share—and at its roots a set of beliefs including: God is active in the world, The Church’s renewal comes as it joins people in the world, God always begins with us where we are, We have much to learn, Nothing is a “failure.” God can and will teach us if we stay curious.

We’re now beginning to assemble a team to help guide this work on behalf of the congregation. If you feel called to be part of that journey, please reach out to Pastor or to me directly.
Our Tuesday evening Community Yoga class continues to be a great way for members and neighbors to recharge midweek. Looking ahead, we’re considering a cookout after one of these yoga sessions in June—stay tuned for details!
We’ve also set the date for our Community Picnic: Sunday, July 20th, right after worship. The church will provide meat and buns, and we’ll ask members to bring sides and desserts to share. Keep an eye on your email and the Sunday announcements for more information as we get closer.

Planning is also just getting underway for this year’s Community Pet Blessing, which will take place on Sunday, September 14th. Holding it earlier in the season gives us a better chance to enjoy the event outdoors with our furry (and not-so-furry) friends.

​And speaking of the outdoors, we’ve set the dates for our Outdoor Worship Services:
  • June 22nd
  • July 20th (same day as the picnic!)
  • August 10th

This summer is shaping up to be another meaningful and active season for our Resurrection family. Thank you for all the ways you show up, serve, and grow together.
Blessings,
Tom
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April 2025

4/24/2025

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Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Dear Resurrection Family,

As we move deeper into this glorious Easter season, we are reminded of the promise of rebirth and new life that Christ’s resurrection brings. Just as the earth is renewing itself in spring—buds unfurling, grass greening, and warmer breezes blowing—we, too, experience a spiritual awakening that fills our hearts with hope and joy.
Celebrating Holy Week and Easter SundayI want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Holy Week and Easter Sunday so meaningful:
  • Pastor, for leading us through the drama of Holy Week and proclaiming the Good News with passion and grace.
  • Julie, our gifted musician, whose skill and dedication uplifted every service with beautiful song and accompaniment.
  • Choir, for their beautiful Easter anthems.
  • Anita M. and the Worship Planning Team, for crafting such meaningful liturgies that guided us through the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection.
  • Decorators of the Church and Hall, especially those who arrived early on Easter morning to prepare the hall after Saturday’s event. Your attention to detail created a sacred and welcoming space.
  • Easter Breakfast Volunteers, who cooked, arranged, and shared a bounty of delicious food—truly a feast of fellowship and love!
Adventures in Renewal: Rooted in Love
Last month, I reminded you of our church's participation in the Adventures in Renewal process - a Spirit-led journey of listening, ministry experimentation, reflection and sharing. I'm excited to tell you that our current ministry experiment is the Rooted In Love  Community Yoga Class, beginning May 6th at 5:15pm. This class is a wonderful way to nurture both body and spirit, and to invite friends, neighbors and newcomers to the warmth of our Resurrection family.

On Sunday, May 4th, following the service, we will show the second video in the Greater Milwaukee Synod’s Adventures in Renewal series. This session will:
  1. Emphasize that mission renewal is a process, not a program.
  2. Deepen our understanding of the cycle: listen → try → reflect → share.
  3. Explore the core beliefs that guide our work: Including God is active in the world (and not just in the church); The church’s renewal is tied to joining God in the world; God always begins with us where we are—no shame, no blame; We have much to learn; and Nothing is a “failure.” God teaches us when we stay curious.
A brief discussion will follow the video, and we’ll begin forming a team to oversee this vital work of renewal. Your insights and enthusiasm are key—please plan to stay and share your thoughts. Remember “We don’t think our way into new behaviors. We behave our way into new thinking.” - Father Richard Rohr. Please join us if you can. Resources are available at https://milwaukeesynod.org/adventures-in-renewal-video-2/
Thank you all for your ongoing faith, service, and love. As spring bursts forth around us, may we live into the resurrection promise with fresh eyes and open hearts, sharing Christ’s life with our community and world.
In Christ’s Service and Easter Joy,
Tom
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March 2025

3/18/2025

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​Last year as both a congregation and council we began the first steps in what would be a part of what our synod calls Adventures in Renewal. Among the steps we took as a congregation was to view one of the synods video resources. That video introduced the concept that the social landscape of our world is changing and discussed how churches can respond to these changes. Adventures in Renewal is a spirit lead process that empowers churches to be renewed through listening, ministry experimentation, and deep connections in the community. As hopefully people will recall, in 2024 we made our first ventures into ministry experimentation with Suds and Stories of Faith, Coffee and Conversation, and our Community Pet Blessing.  

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This year we have a few ideas that we are developing including Rooted in Love Yoga, a community yoga class that will be offered in our building. This will be a “gentle yoga” class suitable for beginners, that will include a brief spiritual message by Pastor Matt at the end. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in participating in this contact Pastor Matt. It is also our hope to assemble a small team of people to help engage the rest of the congregation in the work of following the Spirit’s lead into future listening activities, ministry experiments, and building relationships in the community. I am reminded of one of Pastor Matt’s favorite quotes “We don’t think our way into new behavior, we behave our way into new thinking”. It is through going out into the community and listening to the stories of others that we will find ways to engage with them as the body of Christ. With the ultimate goal of sharting the freely-given, love and redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior. More information about Adventures in Renewal is available at by clicking here: Adventures in Renewal Resources If you are interested in being a part of this team please speak to Pastor, myself, or Sally Weiland, our Building Relationships Council Chair​.

Looking ahead:
●   Simple Soup Suppers and midweek Lenten Services have begun and will continue on Wednesday evenings through            April 9th with soup at 6 and service at 7pm.
●   Just a reminder that there is now a Thursday 10 am and a Sunday 8:45 am Bible Study!
●   Learning Together intergenerational in person education session March 23rd after worship.
●  The most sacred part of the church year will be here before you know it:. April 13th is Palm Sunday and we will gather            to recount the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His passion and crucifixion.
●   The story flows into our Holy Week services, which are really one service over three days (the Triduum).
      On Maundy Thursday (4/17 @ 7pm), we will remember the last supper and Jesus’ establishment of the Eucharist.

●   Good Friday (4/18 @ 7pm) will bring us back again to Calvary in a solemn service commemorating Christ’s crucifixion.
●   But then, Easter Morning (4/20 @ 10am) brings a festival worship service celebrating Jesus’ resurrection from the dead!

​We will also enjoy Easter Breakfast together (watch for sign up for attendance and to help out in the announcements and your emails).

 
Blessings,
Tom

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December 2024

12/18/2024

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Thanksgiving Message

11/21/2024

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​As you drive through Wisconsin farm country this time of year the seas of green from soybeans
and swaying corn stalks have given way to planes of barren earth. The farmers that have planted
and tended the seeds have brought in the harvest. What remains is the brown earth and the
promise that the cycle will begin again in spring. That may be all we see out the window of the car
as we pass by, but lessons from our upbringing remind us that this time of year we should also be
grateful for that harvest. Memories of Thanksgiving past and sharing “what we are thankful for”
around the table also reminds us of the many other objects of our gratitude. There are many things
that we are thankful for. I often see gratitude as a two-fold gift. Our heart is warmed by the memory
but also gratitude opens our hearts to the many other things God has so generously provided. I
would like to share some of the things that I am grateful for this year.
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with
thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer. – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
I am thankful for who we are. We are God’s people, both broken and blessed. We recognize that
we are a gift and that even our flaws are part of a beautiful story. In response to the questions
“Who we are?” and “Why are we here?” on our Ministry Site Profile the MET said we have a feeling
of family that is shared with members and visitors alike. Individuals are accepted where they are,
broken and blessed and that we extend our love to our community. I am grateful for us.
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever. – 1 Chronicles
16:34
I am thankful for what we have. Out of love, God richly provides. I could not share the things for
which I am grateful without acknowledging the positive aspects of our lives together and
recognizing the blessings we possess. You are an extremely generous people. When there is a
need or a job to do, you always amaze me. From financial appeals to the little things you do for
your Resurrection family that nobody knows about, you are a gift from God. I am grateful for the
good things we have together no matter how big or small often because of your generosity.
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1
I am thankful for all God has done for us, his beloved children. Just pause for a moment and think
about what God has done around Resurrection Lutheran Church this past year: Experiments with
being more present in our community, the work to improve our grounds, development of a campus
plan, the work of the Mission Exploration Team, the work of the Call Team, and the calling of a new
pastor just to name a few. God has done marvelous things for which I am truly grateful.
May your gratitude be a two fold gift this Thanksgiving that transforms your perspective and fills
your heart.
Thanksgiving Blessings,
Tom

(Please note that ways to get involved or help out are in italics.)
Calendar in Brief:
● Thanksgiving Service Sunday November 24th 10:00 am. Come ye thankful people come.
● Baked Goods Auction to benefit our partners Sunday November 24th 11:00 am. Come
for the fun – bid high!
● Midweek Advent Service Wednesday December 4th and 11th at 7:00 pm. Come enjoy a
break from the hectic holiday rush. Refresh yourself with the Holden Evening Prayer.
● Thank you Lunch for Pastor Steve Sunday December 8th 11:00 am. Come show your
appreciation for Pastor Steve before we bid him farewell.
● Longest Night Service Thursday December 19th 6:30 pm. Experience this special
Christmas service for those coping with grief and loss during the holiday season. Fellowship
with friends during the warm cider and cookie gathering after the service.
● Intergenerational, No Rehearsal, Christmas Program 2.0 Sunday December 22nd 10:00
am. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate.
● Christmas Eve Service Tuesday December 24th 5:30 pm.
● Pastor Steve’s Last Sunday with us December 29th.
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October 2024

10/21/2024

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Well, this October newsletter is late for a couple of reasons. First, your Church Council and Call Team have been very busy the last couple of weeks. Second, I wanted to wait to write this letter  until that important work had been completed. By now hopefully most of you have heard that the Call Team and Church Council are excited to present Pastor Matt Short as the recommended candidate to be our next pastor. Pastor Short has 19 years of pastoral experience. Pastor Matt’s wife, Jessica, is also a Pastor. They have two children ages 17 and 19. The Short’s first calls were in North Dakota. They have been in Milwaukee since 2008. Pastor Matt’s first call in the Greater Milwaukee Synod was at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Slinger. For the past 7 years he has been Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Mission at the Greater Milwaukee Synod.
 
Some of you may remember Pastor Matt from his visit with us last November. He was here to preach and present information about the synod’s program for Adventures in Renewal. At the time he said we were a very joyful church, with a good sense of humor and that he could feel  our energy. Pastor Matt shared a story about that day with the call team. He said that he remembered going home that day and telling his wife that if he could get back into congregational ministry at a congregation like Resurrection, he would.
 
The Call Team had the opportunity to interview 5 candidates, all of which expressed a strong desire to be our next pastor. This was a lot of work and required a great commitment of their time and energy for which we all owe them an extreme debt of gratitude. When the Call Team met with the Council to present Pastor Matt, it was clear that they were all very excited about their choice. They each spoke of his infectious enthusiasm for ministry and his genuine enthusiasm for who we are as God’s people. Pastor Matt liked that, because of our size, he would be able to connect with members of the congregation directly. He was very supportive of our status as a Reconciled in Christ congregation and was excited about our ministry partnerships. The Call Team all viewed Pastor Matt as fitting well into our Resurrection Family.
 
The Call Team also viewed Pastor Matt as an excellent resource to meet the goals put forth in our Ministry Site Profile. He brings lots of synod experience and resources from contacts with other congregations over the past 7 years. He emphasizes teaching people to live their faith outside the walls of the church in very positive ways in his ministry. Pastor Matt has lots of ideas about community building and he is passionate about it. He describes his mode of operation as blurring the line between church and community and modeling ways of grace and love.
 
A long list of Pastor Matt’s positive personal and professional qualities were identified by the Call Team including; compassion, collaborative skills, organization and preparedness, dynamic speaking and preaching skills, and a good sense of humor. It was said that he clearly loves the Lord, is authentic about God’s love, and speaks so very positively about the gift of grace.
 
Everyone will have the opportunity to meet Pastor Matt at a Meet and Greet event on Friday November 1st at 6:30 pm. Pastor Matt will be introduced by members of the Call Team and there will be time for those in attendance to meet and visit with him. (There will be a sign up for a few people to bake some treats for that evening.) Then, we will have a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 3rd (immediately following the service) so that the congregation can vote to authorize us to extend a call to Pastor Matt Short to be our next pastor.
 
We are nearing the end of a long process that has involved the work and support of each and everyone of you. I am so grateful to have been on this journey with such a great group of loving and caring children of God. Peace and Blessings,
 
Tom
 
(Please note that ways to get involved or help out are in italics.)
Calendar in Brief:
  • Suds & Stories of Faith  Wednesday October 23th. at 4pm at the Cleveland Pub. Come join the discussion and we discuss the question, “What one word describes your spiritual/faith journey?” Bring a friend or neighbor.
  • Funeral for John Immel Saturday October 26th; visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 am, with the service immediately following.
  • Meet and Greet for Pastor Short Friday November 1st at 6:30 pm. Members of the congregation will have the opportunity to meet and visit with Pastor Matt.  There is a sign up for members to bake treats for refreshments that evening.
  • All Saints Sunday Service November 3rd at 10:00 am.
  • Special Congregational Meeting The Church Council is calling a special congregational meeting on Sunday November 3, 2024, immediately following the worship service. The purpose of this meeting is to obtain congregational authority to extend a call to Pastor Matt Short to be our next pastor. This is the only business that will be conducted at this meeting.
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September 2024 Newsletter

9/16/2024

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​In preparation for the Outreach for Hope bike ride, I’ve been trying to get out there and pedal a bit each week. I was conveniently using the wet spring and hot summer as an excuse for my laziness. But the ride is coming up and there is no putting it off. I was riding along a heavily wooded segment of the Oak Leaf Trail. Parts of it sometimes make you forget you are riding in the city. I came across a tree. All of its leaves had already turned the brightest yellow. That was the trigger for me that, despite the warm temperatures, fall is here. Intellectually I know it’s fall but I always try to hang on to summer until something tells me otherwise. 
I guess there is no reason to doubt the calendar as we have had a very productive summer and are looking ahead to our usual many fall activities. Summer progress includes the significant work of the Call Team. By the time you are reading this they will have completed their first round of interviews with the pastoral candidates. They are excited by the quality of the candidates and the desire of each of them to be our pastor. This summer we have also been actively reaching out to our community. We offered outdoor services and hosted a very successful Food Truck Night and Community Picnic. We have also begun experimenting with being present in our community through our Suds & Stories of Faith and Coffee & Conversation events, held in local businesses. We rekindled our relationship with Reformation in Milwaukee by hosting a Faith Fellowship Dinner with them. On top of all that, we made significant improvements to the look of our campus by cutting and trimming trees and bushes that were dead, overgrown, and/or too close to the building. Last weekend (though this is really a fall event) we donated, made, and delivered 100 bag lunches to Street Angles as part of our God’s Work Our Hands service. Whew, I thought summers were supposed to be quiet. I am grateful for each of you that have played a part in any of these accomplishments, thank you!
Looking ahead to fall, after service on September 15th we will view a video and discussed how the church and the world are changing and just what God is calling us to do in response. We will continue to make brief presentations about our ministry partners at the start of Sunday services. This is both part of our stewardship emphasis leading up to Harvest Sunday in November and an effort to explain to newer members how these partnerships have developed over the years. We have a Coffee and Conversation scheduled for 10am on September 25th and will be scheduling a Suds and Stories of Faith event in October. Also in October we are hoping to put together a “Trunk or Treat” event for the community. For those not familiar, we will have this event in the parking lot. We’ll be asking members to decorate their vehicle trunks (we may have help for that) and hold a trick or treat-like event for kids from the community. We are looking for a food truck to be a part of this event too. Also this fall, Bible study is back on Thursday mornings as is our Learning Together intergenerational Sunday School. The choir is back rehearsing, and Dart Ball will begin on Monday, September 23. There is lots going on so pay close attention to the announcements and emails. 
(Please note that ways to get involved or help out are in italics.)
Calendar in Brief:
  • Video and Discussion – How the church and the world has changed and what God is calling us to do in response Sunday September 15th after service. Come join the discussion.
  • Coffee and Conversation Wednesday September 25th. at 10am at the Sunny Side Up Cafe. Come join the discussion and we discuss the question, “What encourages you to pray and worship?” Bring a friend or neighbor.
  • Outreach for Hope Bike Ride, Run, Walk; Saturday September 21st. Ride, Walk, or Run to raise funds for the many ministries that Outreach for Hope supports or pledge your support for our Team Curly. https://ofhrrw.softr.app/all-teams-list
Gentle Reminder: Though we are one in our belief in our Lord and savior we are not necessarily one in our political beliefs. During this election season, please keep your political discussions private while at church. Thank You.
Blessings, Tom
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August 2024 Newsletter

8/12/2024

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(Please note that ways to get involved or help out are in bold italics.)
 
Calendar in Brief:
  • Outdoor service; August 18th 9:15am Tent set up 8:30 am
  • Community Picnic; August 18th 11:00 am - We will cook out. Of course there will be silly games! We are asking members to bring side dishes and desserts.
  • School Supply Drive; Beginning August 18th bring in school supplies to donate to Journeys Lutheran School.
  • Suds and Stories of Faith Wednesday August 21st. at 4pm at the Cleveland Pub. We will be discussing the question, “What helps and strengthens you in your faith life?”
  • Return to 10:00 am Worship Sunday September 1st!
  • God’s Work Our Hands Sunday; September 8th We will participate by making 100 bag lunches for Street Angels after our worship service.
  • Outreach for Hope Bike Ride, Run, Walk; Saturday September 21st. Ride, Walk, or Run to raise funds for the many ministries that Outreach for Hope supports or pledge your support for our team.
 
Pastoral Transition Updates:
  • The Call Team has completed their mock interview and, in the coming week, will be meeting with synod to receive input about that process and to receive names  and information about candidates for actual interviews.  Please continue to pray for these individuals and their work.
  • As I indicated last month we are looking for volunteers to examine our relationship with Kikwe and Karangai in Tanzania. Questions could include: What do we want our relationship with the Kikwe and Karangai Parishes in Tanzania to look like?; How can we build relationships with them and what would that look like?; Would we like to plan another Tanzanian trip?; If we go, would we piggyback on the synod trip early next year or would we plan our own trip? We are looking for volunteers to form a small Resurrection Tanzania Committee to look at these questions and others. Reach out to Dave C. Sally W. or Tom if you are interested.
 
Events in More Detail:
  • Sunday August 18th will be a big day at Resurrection! The day will begin with an Outdoor Worship at 9:15. Our Community Picnic will follow at 11:00 am. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk for set up help, volunteers to grill, and people to bring side dishes and desserts to go with the brats and hot dogs we will be grilling. Don’t worry about the sign up just come and help out or bring whatever dish you would like to share. (The sign up sheet was pretty evenly split between sides and desserts on 8/11 so bring what you like.) We will play some classic games like Clothespin Drop, try some new ones like This Blows, and may even see the return of the Wet Noodle Relay. It should be a great time for all!
  • Beginning August 18th we will conduct a School Supply Drive to benefit Journeys Lutheran School. Please bring in school supplies. Journeys have indicated a particular need for Sharpie markers and colored pencils. Cleaning supplies (dish soap, window cleaner, paper towels, Kleenex, and Lysol wipes) and individually wrapped snacks would also be appreciated. 
  • Our next “Suds and Stories of Faith” will be Wednesday August 21st. at 4pm at the Cleveland Pub. The question for discussion will be “What helps and strengthens your faith life?” Please attend if you are able and bring your neighbors and friends.
  • On September 8th our Resurrection family will participate in God’s Work Our Hands Sunday. Please come and help make 100 bag lunches for Street Angels, a mobile outreach program, based out of Wauwatosa, that serves the homeless in Milwaukee County. We will be meeting after service to make the lunches and there will be a sign-up for donation of items needed to make those lunches.
  • On Sunday August 11th we began our series to highlight our outreach partners. Prior to service a brief review of Outreach for Hope’s ministry was presented (please feel free to view it online). Our congregation's involvement with Outreach for Hope was reinvigorated by Jim Bendtsen. For the last several years we have formed a team to be part of the Outreach for Hope Bike Ride, Run, & Walk. Growing out of his love of cycling and his commitment to Outreach for Hope’s ministry Jim has been instrumental in the formation of our combined Resurrection & Reformation team, known as Team Curly. Thanks to Jim’s efforts, Team Curly provides an opportunity for some of our less able friends to participate in the ride on adaptive bikes. The ride, run, walk is coming up on Saturday September 21st. Ride, walk, or run with us to raise funds for the many ministries that Outreach for Hope supports or pledge your support for Team Curly here: https://ofhrrw.softr.app/all-teams-list​
Blessings,
Tom
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July 2024 Newsletter & Summer Update

7/9/2024

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​This month updates on a medley of topics. Please note that ways to get involved or help out are in italics.
 
On the calendar this summer:
  • Food Truck and Music Night; Monday July 15, @5:30pm. KT's Wok will be on hand to sell their delicious Asian Fusion cuisine and we are asking members to bake hand-held desserts (cookies, bars, etc.) to share. Coltyn VonDeylen will provide live music.
  • Outdoor service; July 21st 9:15am
  • Blood Drive; afternoon and evening of July 31
  • Outdoor service; August 18th 9:15am
  • Community Picnic: August 18th 11:00 am - We will cook out and ask members to bring side dishes and desserts. Of course there will be silly games!
  • Suds and Stories of Faith is slated for Wednesday August 21st. at 4pm at the Cleveland Pub.
  • Food Truck & Music Night II; TBD in September
 
Pastoral Transition:
  • Call Team has submitted its interview questions to synod and made a few edits. They are looking ahead to a mock interview some time in early-mid July. Then synod will begin the process of providing names for actual candidate interviews. Please continue to pray for these individuals and their work.
  • At the request of both the MET and the Call Team, council has been working on examining and determining the status of our 3-way covenantal partnership with Reformation in Milwaukee and the Meru Diocese in Tanzania. After meeting with the leadership of Reformation it was determined that both them and us would like to reactivate this partnership at some level. As a first step Reformation invited us to participate in one of their “Faith and Fellowship Dinners.” So on Monday evening June 10th we hosted the event here at Resurrection. The dinner was attended by nearly 60 people from both of the congregations. It was an excellent event and was called “a family reunion” and “a homecoming” by attendees. This was a great first step toward reestablishing our relationship with Reformation. However, the council has also determined that it is important for us to look within ourselves and make some determinations about what we want our relationship with the Kikwe and Karangai Parishes in Tanzania to be. How can we build relationships with them and what would that look like? Would we like to plan another Tanzanian trip? If we go, would we piggyback on the synod trip early next year or would we plan our own trip? We are looking for volunteers to form a small Resurrection Tanzania Committee to look at these questions. Reach out to Dave C. Sally W. or Tom if you are interested.
 
Clearing up misconceptions about the Campus Plan
There is a lot of misunderstanding and resulting negative feelings out there about the Campus Plan. I feel this stems from several issues. First, everyone should be viewing the Campus Plan as a very long-term plan. The objective is to evaluate our outside spaces and make some determination about how we can use that space to better do ministry in the next 10, 15, or 20 years. It is not something we are looking to implement tomorrow.
 
Second, there is the notion that this is just a landscaping plan. In fact it would be better to consider it a land use plan. It includes; using native plantings in various places to improve drainage and cut down on lawn care and landscape maintenance, evaluating and adding a few ADA and some "reserved for senior" parking spaces, building a structure that is already partially funded as a memorial to a member, improving the appearance of the Community Garden, as well as dreaming a little bit about decks and other hard scape, construction, and garden projects. The timetable for any and all these projects is undetermined and would certainly be in stages as we could afford them (like I said a long-term plan). For right now it is important to have a cohesive plan so that if we are in a position to do even one of these projects, we won’t regret location and placement of that aspect of the design down the road.
 
Third, there seem to be concerns about the impetus and motives of the “Cutting and Chopping Crew.” In the early stages of the Campus Plan Committee work, it was acknowledged during brainstorming sessions that there were some things we could do ourselves to improve the look of our exterior spaces that wouldn’t cost a lot of money. Those ideas included some simple signage and removal of overgrown and dead trees and bushes around the building (many of those trees were too close to our foundation as well). I am grateful to Ron R. and his crew for the work they have completed so far this summer. There is only a little bit of that work left then attention will be turned to trimming up some of the remaining bushes. We are not clearing things out because we are going to turn around and plant some more. For right now less is more.
 
Fourth, some have indicated a concern that we are pursuing this Campus Plan and ignoring other significant buildings and grounds needs we have at this time. The truth is that we are in need of major parking lot repair (or replacement - probably not financially viable) and the asphalt shingle roof on the church is in need of replacement. These are both very costly items and will likely require us to look at financing those expenses. This is just like when we used our current mortgage to buy new windows and replace the mansard and the flat roof years ago. Such financing will require congregational approval when the time comes. We have just begun to investigate our options and like many homeowners we are hoping the rates will go down a bit.
 
Fifth, there are concerns about implementing any land use plan that would create more work for an already strapped crew of volunteers that maintain the landscape we currently have. This is a very legitimate concern! There is definitely a need for more “Weekly Weeders” and volunteers to trim and maintain our bushes. Here I would like to thank the ladies that have stepped up to beautify our memory garden. They have, and are, working very hard to make that space back into something we can be proud of. They would also welcome some more help and are looking for perennial plants. I have asked the Buildings and Grounds Chair and his committee to prepare a comprehensive list of the things that need to be done and a schedule of how often those tasks need to be completed in order to maintain our grounds. We will be looking to have informational meetings to share these needs, recruit more volunteers, and discuss concerns people may still have regarding the campus plan in the not-too-distant future.
 
Hopefully, this helps to clarify things regarding the Campus Plan. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to reach out to me. I would much rather talk about things face to face than hear about grumbling second hand.
 
Reaching out to be present in our community (Faithful Innovations):
  • Thanks to those that attended our first “Coffee and Conversation” in June at the Sunny Side Up Cafe to discuss the question “What would you like to see in the churches in your community?”
  • Our next “Suds and Stories of Faith” is slated for Wednesday August 21st. at 4pm at the Cleveland Pub. The question for discussion will be “What helps and strengthens your faith life?” Please attend if you are able.
  • In response to the teen mental health crises in our community we have reached out to the New Berlin School District to examine ways we can help. We are currently working with the school district’s police liaison officer to plan a presentation on the dangers of social media to be co-presented with a representative of NAMI (National Association on Mental Illness) who will present on mental health issues. We are trying to schedule the presentation in the schools in fall.
 
Blessings, Tom
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May 2024 Newsletter

5/15/2024

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​Garrison Keillor used to begin his stories by saying, “It’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon.”  I think it’s appropriate to begin this month’s letter by saying, “It is not going to be a quiet summer at Resurrection Church. We have much planned and even more planning is still in the works. In addition, our pastoral transition process has reached a very active phase as well.
 
Regarding the transition, as most of you know the Mission Exploration Team has completed its work and their Ministry Site Profile (MSP) has been reviewed by council and the congregation, accepted by the bishop, and published on the ELCA web site. The completion of their work puts us solidly into the call process. The Call Team has been installed and has begun their work. I would like to again thank the following individuals who have stepped up to do this important work: Kat Woods, Andy Toth, Arlene Tesmer, Karen Mannisto, Melissa Leighton, Aidan Leighton, Sue Koloske, and Larry Gnatzig. I had the opportunity to sit in with them on their first organizational meeting as well as their training with Pastor Afi Dobbins-Mays from synod staff. They are a spirit filled group with a sincere drive to select the right candidate to be our next pastor. At this point, the team is meeting to review the MSP and draft interview questions for candidates that will be sent to us by the synod. Please pray for these individuals and their work.
 
The calendar is full of activities and events this summer (and there are a few others still in the works)!
 
May 15th will be our Suds and Stories of Faith Event at Cleveland Pub. This will be an opportunity to listen to God, one another, and our neighbors while being present in the wider community. The discussion question for this event is “Where do you see God in your life?” We would like to plan a similar event at a local coffee shop and call it Coffee and Conversation. If you would be interested in helping to plan this event, please speak to a council member.
 
As a trial for the summer only, we will be switching to an earlier worship time. From June 2nd to August 25 worship will begin at 9:15 am.
 
June 2nd during the worship service we will be welcoming 6 new members into our Resurrection family. Some of these folks have familiar faces that have been around for a while, but it is exciting to formally welcome them into our community. Please also join us after the service for some fellowship and to listen as mentors introduce us to our new partners in faith.
 
Jane Fredach was an active and loved member of our Resurrection family for many years. On June 9th during the worship service we will have a brief remembrance of her and a prayer in her memory.
 
Monday evening, June 10th (6 to 7:30pm), we will be hosting a Faith and Fellowship Dinner with our partners from Reformation Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Long time members of Resurrection will remember we have an extensive history of partnership with Reformation including active participation in various aspects of their ministry (meal and food pantry programs, women’s Bible study, summer youth programs, and more) as well as hosting and facilitating events (evenings in the garden, partnership worship services and fellowship, an annual Christmas event, and more). Most recently we have officially been in a covenantal three-way partnership between us, Reformation, and our Tanzanian partners. This three-way partnership has languished a bit during and since Covid. On June 10th, our goal is to rekindle old friendships and make new ones with members from Reformation and begin discussions on how we can reactivate our three-way partnership with them and Tanzania. We will be providing the main dish that evening and Reformation will be bringing sides and dessert. So even if you are a newer member to Resurrection, and don’t have “old friends” to catch up with, please come and join us for what promises to be an evening of good food and fellowship.
 
June 16th will be the first of our outdoor services for the summer. The other outdoor services will be July 21st, and August 18th.
 
In place of a June Community Picnic, we are working on a Food Truck night on a weeknight evening during the week of June 17th. We are still putting together the details, including some ideas about exciting live entertainment during the event so watch your emails, announcements, and my June message for details! It should be great fun, and who doesn't enjoy an evening when you don’t have to cook dinner? (We are hoping to be able to have a second Food Truck Night in September. More to come on that as well.)
 
Mark your calendar, our Community Picnic will be after the outdoor worship on August 18th. We will cook out and ask members to bring side dishes and desserts. Of course there will be silly games!
 
There will also be opportunities for those that want to roll up their sleeves and do a little work this summer. May 19th after service will be a Spring Cleaning Day for the interior of the church. May 25th, June 22nd, and July 27th (from 8-11:30am), weather permitting, are designated as Landscape Clean Up Days. We will continue to remove old, overgrown or dead bushes & trees to continue our work to beautify our church and church grounds setting us up to implement future landscape and hardscape plans being developed by our Campus Planning Committee. If you have questions about the spring clean-up day contact Brad Nelson and for the landscape days Ron Reichert.
 
As you can see. There is a lot going on and, as they say in the commercials, “We hope to see you there.”
 
Blessings, Tom
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RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH
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Matthew Short, Pastor
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