Redeemer Lutheran Church
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Newsletter
September 2010 ________________________________________
FROM PASTOR KOLONICH…
The WHY? for Short Term Missions
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod mission statement calls for us to, “vigorously make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world.” The Global Gospel Outreach of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, LCMS World Mission, “exists to strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world.” (Bylaw 3.8.8, Constitution, Art III)
In Acts 1:8, Jesus, while commanding the disciples to await the gift of the Holy Spirit, says: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." As Redeemer seeks to fulfill the Great Commission, God has given us an opportunity to serve him in Hong Kong.
A very common and valid question and concern is often: What can a short-term mission team really do in 10 days? It is the responsibility of the sending agency (in Redeemer’s case, LCMS World Mission) to make sure that short-term mission teams are sent to areas where the team would benefit the long-term mission effort. This is why teams are given specific duties, dates are coordinated, and mission expectations are communicated between the team and the long-term and career missionaries residing and serving in that particular area of the world.
Short-term teams often will ignite an interest in the mission work that is continually taking place. For example, in Macau, when short-term teams visit the English center there, they lead Bible studies, Vacation Bible Schools and other special programs they are able to draw in a large crowd for the special short program. After that special program, the English center has new contacts to pursue and many who attended the special programs will continue at the English Center in regular classes and activities, thus creating more opportunities for the Gospel to be shared.
In our world of mass communication and networking, tools like email and Facebook relationships formed on the other side of the world can be continued via the internet. Memories are created in a short one-week stay that last a lifetime, especially for students.
I and other people that have gone to Hong Kong are currently still in communication with students and teachers that we met in 2008 through social networking tools. .
Lastly, I know that there are opinions that a short-term mission trip, like Redeemer’s trip to Hong Kong in October, is a vacation – simply a relaxing, sightseeing tour. I will be the first to tell you that that is not the case. The best way for you to realize this is to be a team member yourself. However, that is not a reasonable answer; therefore, I will give you a quick rundown of what our trip schedule is going to look like in October.
First of all it is important to remember that we are serving a school of the Lutheran Church—Hong Kong Synod a sister church of the LCMS. The name of the school we will be serving is Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College or MCDH. Redeemer’s mission team is participating in a program called International Interface. The aim and purpose of International Interface is to bring short-term mission teams from LCMS churches into the Hong Kong Synod secondary schools for intense English programs, relationship building and to share the love of Jesus Christ.
Student Ambassadors are specifically assigned to each team by the schools. Student Ambassadors are chosen based on their English level. Conversations in English with these students can sometimes be a challenge, but generally it is easy to talk to them. These ambassadors lead the group in sightseeing and care for the general needs of the team.
We leave on 10/21, and will arrive in Hong Kong on the evening of 10/22, due to the time difference and crossing the International Date Line. After we arrive, we will be situated at the school where we will sleep on cots and gym mats.
On Saturday (10/23), our team will likely be participating in an open house for the school we will be serving. This open house is for prospective students and families. Our team will participate and answer questions to help the community realize the benefits of the International Interface program. MCDH is a lower budget school compared to others. However, the International Interface program is a main advantage over the other area schools. The afternoon and evening may have opportunities for sightseeing with some of the student ambassadors.
On Sunday (10/24), our team will attend Cantonese worship hopefully with student ambassadors at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, the church that is located in the school. After worship and lunch, Sunday afternoon and evening is spent planning and prepping for a week of English teaching.
Monday thru Friday (10/25-29) the team will be up early, greeting students as they arrive at the school, visiting and talking with them before classes, etc. We will basically be looking for any and all opportunities to talk with them, encourage them, and talk about Jesus Christ. We will be divided into two teaching teams teaching and assisting different classes throughout the day. After school, many kids go home, but many stay at the school to “hang out” with their friends. Many students particularly enjoy hanging out with the mission teams. These create more opportunities to develop and further relationships. The team will likely eat dinner, which might not be until 8 pm, with many of these students. After dinner, students need to go home, and we need to get back to the school to rest for the next day. One of the days, likely on Wednesday, our group will be divided into pairs or trios to have dinner at a student’s home. In the homes we eat, socialize, play games and continue to further and develop relationships. Typical days in Hong Kong will begin at 6am and do not end until 10 or 11pm.
On Saturday (10/30), the student ambassadors will lead our group in a day of sightseeing around Hong Kong. This is not limited to only the ambassadors, many other students tag-a-long with the group, particularly if we have developed a relationship with them over the course of the week. This will be a bittersweet day because it is our last day in Hong Kong. It will likely be a very late evening, spent talking with students and visiting with them. On Friday evening, we will be participating in their second annual “American Fun Fair” where they have various booths about the United States for the students to learn and experience special foods etc. This fair will give us many more opportunities to build relationships with the students and then share our faith in Jesus Christ with them.
While team members may come back physically exhausted, it has been my experience in past short-term mission experiences (Philippines, Haiti, Alaska, Hong Kong) that our amazing God enriches and strengthens the team members spiritually as they are serving Him. Having so boldly proclaimed the love of Jesus in far away lands, they are encouraged and motivated to seek out local mission opportunities. In short, what will happen in Hong Kong is brought home to Manitowoc. The financial support that is offered to the 2010 Hong Kong Mission Team is helping spread the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is my hope and prayer that short-term mission teams become a regular aspect of Redeemer’s ministry and mission.
September dawns with plenty of work for your Board. As many of you know, the voters, at the August voters meeting, approved initiating the call process to make a call to fill the position of Senior Pastor that will be vacated in January due to Pastor Miller’s retirement. As such, the Board must begin work as the call committee. At the voters meeting, I invited any member of the congregation to contact me if they are interested in serving on the committee. The Board makes the decision as to whether invitations to serve on the committee will be made, but I will bring to the Board the name of any person who contacts me regarding serving on the committee. Also, it is important to stress that at this time any member of the congregation can nominate an ordained, Missouri Synod, pastor to serve as our senior pastor.
Our By-Laws have a strict procedure regarding the call process. Your Board is well aware of the process and is prepared to follow our By-Laws to the letter. This brings me to an important issue. In my last newsletter article I wrote that it is my impression that the Board would recommend a call to Pastor Kolonich. I did not use the correct terminology in my article. The Board will follow the procedure carefully and submit a slate of candidates to the voters. The correct phrase should’ve been: It is my impression the Board will support a nomination of Pastor Kolonich. Please know that your Board has not made any decisions regarding the call process nor has it reviewed any candidates. It was my impression from discussions at our June and July meetings that gave me the impression that the Board believed Pastor Kolonich would be nominated. The Board and I know full well that it is the voters who choose to whom we extend a call. I apologize for any confusion I caused with my previous article.
I intend to get started on the call committee meetings right away. It is my intent to call a meeting for September 2, 2010. The purpose of the first meeting will largely be organizational. I have already advised the District of our impending opening and President Wille has instructed his staff to forward to me an informational package. As such, we are in compliance with the By-Laws for initiating the process. At this time, any member may submit a nomination to me or any other Board member. You may also deliver a written nomination to Mary in the Church office.
Please pray for our congregation as we enter this transition. Pray for God’s blessings and guidance on our work. Proverbs 16:3 tells us: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Let us all join in that prayer together. God’s blessings on you all.
In Christ, Basil Buchko
PRESCHOOL NEWS
This year Preschool is turning to our congregation to reach out to children and families in our Preschool. This program will be called PRESCHOOL PRAYER BUDDIES. We will organize an anonymous partnership between our preschoolers and congregation members. Each member of Redeemer will promise to pray for the child daily. The Prayer Buddy can also send out Birthday Cards, a special note, and then in return the preschooler will send something special to their Prayer Buddy. What a blessing to provide an opportunity to connect with the mission of children ministry. Please contact Mary Orth, Penny Schneider, Jerri Rathjen or, Pastor Kolonich to become a PRESCHOOL PRAYER BUDDY.
MINISTRY IN PRESCHOOL:
In August, Pastor Kolonich, Angie Ausprung, and Mary Orth attended the National LCMS Children’s Ministry Workshop: The Ministry workshop gave us insight to share the message with all children and families of Redeemer. We have an opportunity to connect with children, and to motivated missions and ministry in homes, next door, across the street, and around the world. With this commitment to children’s mission, we will inspire energetic leadership for positive changes. The preschool staff (Penny Schneider and Jerri Rathjen) attended a conference at Concordia University WI on “Early Childhood Literacy”. The teachers received information in science, math, literacy, and more. It was exciting conferences!!
REDEEMER 3K/4K PRESCHOOL EVENTS:
As we are entering our 22nd school year at Redeemer Lutheran 3k/4k Christian Preschool, with 45 children attending the 2010-11 school year. With the economies, and the age population of the 3-5 we had to cancel a P.M. class. With the grace of God we will hopefully rebound in 2012.
· This year in preschool the children and families will see the growth in their child through socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. God placed Redeemer Lutheran 3K/4K preschool in our community to provide an opportunity for people to grow spiritually through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.”(Ps.8:2)
· School starts with a parent meeting on September 7th and an open house September 9th, 3-6pm. Classes begin on September 13 & 14.
· The children will be learning through units such as friends, pirates /chick-a-chick Boom/Boom, and transportation. For Jesus Time we will share the word through stories, song, and finger plays. Stories include” Jesus Love the Children”, “Come to me”, “Jesus Makes a Little Boy Well”, “God cares for You” and “Jesus Feeds 5,000 people “
The staff and children are exciting and would like to share this new school year with you! Come in and see the classroom filled with art, science, math, and the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Orth, Mrs. Schneider, and Mrs. Rathjen.
NEWS from Pastor & Jennifer Kolonich…
Jennifer is pregnant! It was always a dream of ours to grow our family through adoption. In fact, that was our first choice when we looked at starting our family! God opened the doors for us to fulfill that dream when we were able to bring Josiah home in 2006!
We were so content with our family of 3, so much so that we
donated the remainder of our “baby items” for the Hong Kong Rummage Sale in June!!! We are very excited about this blessing from God! Jennifer’s due date is currently set for February 26, 2011.
FALL YOUTH RETREAT—CAMP Y-KODA, Sheboygan Falls, WI
DATES: Friday, October 1-Sunday, October 3, 2010
Leaving Redeemer at 4:00 pm on 10/1
Arriving back at Redeemer by 12:00 pm on 10/3 (approximately)
WHO: Redeemer Youth 7-12th Grade, & their FRIENDS (with parent permission)
RSVP: SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 to Myrna Krajnik or the Church office.
Cost: $60/per person
Cost includes lodging, food, and a Full High Ropes & Team Building Course activities
Registration Forms will be made available in the church office and in the rack next to the RYMS bulletin board.
**Parent Chaperones needed: 2 Mom’s and at least 1 Dad.**
***The deadline to have parent chaperones is also set for September 12, 2010.
IF the 3 chaperones are not lined up by this date,
the Youth Retreat will be cancelled.***
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Kolonich or Myrna Krajnik.
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Confirmation Instruction Begins
Wednesday, September 8, 2010: 7:00-8:30 pm (new time!)
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RYMS ROOM REPAINTING--SPLATTER PAINTING!!!
Saturday, September 11, beginning at 9:00 AM the RYMS room will be repainted, per the request of Redeemer Youth.
If you have any extra "colored" paint laying around the house, bring it by the church and the youth will be able to use it!
RYMS Senior Youth (9-12th) will be meeting regularly with Pastor Kolonich on Sunday evenings. Due to scheduling conflicts, we will not be able to have our first get-together until October 10. Sept 12 & 19--Pastor K in Thailand; September 26--Pastor K @ a Pastor's retreat in evening; October 3--Fall Youth Retreat.
Sunday School Begins Sept. 12
Children age 4 by September 1st through 8th grade are invited to attend Sunday School. Classes start at 9 a.m. with Cherub & Harmony Choir included in the class time.
REMEMBER!!!
Cherub & Harmony Choirs Sing on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month! They will be singing during the 10:30am worship on Sunday, October 3, 2010. Please make sure that your children are able to attend!
5-6th Grade YOUTH:
Do you want to ACOLYTE for worship services? On Sunday, September 19, your teacher, Mr. Hilgendorf will be training you on how to acolyte during your Sunday school class. Make sure you are there so you know how it is done, and get your name on the acolyte schedule for the year.
Bible Classes at Redeemer
Sunday Mornings beginning Sept. 12 at 9 a.m.
Pastor Miller – (Fellowship Hal)l will be studying the next week’s Gospel lesson.
Pastor Kolonich – (Conference Room) will discuss the Book of Revelation
Monday Nights!!! JAVA & the WORD—Monday Nights at 7:00 pm
An informal Bible study that meets at Manitowoc Coffee (across from the Library downtown).
Basil Buchko leads this study, and everyone is welcome. Stop in, have some coffee (or another beverage), make some new friends and learn more about the Bible!!!
Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible study—meeting at 7:00am beginning Sept. 7(NOTE NEW TIME) Leader: Bill Hilgendorf
Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study—meeting at 9:15 am beginning Sept. 7. Leader: Pastor Miller or Roberta Hilgendorf
Family Bible Study—this study is intended for couples with young children. Have you ever wanted to go to a Bible study for fellowship but don’t want to find a babysitter after a long day at work? This one is for you! Bring your children, let them play together while the parents can fellowship and study the Bible together. Pastor & Jennifer Kolonich will be leading this study at Michael & Madri Gregurich’s (1009 Sarah Miles Ln) home. This study will be 2x a month on Tuesday evenings. Stay tuned to the church bulletin for further details and when this study will begin!
Women’s Bible Study—not everyone is able to attend the Tuesday morning Bible study held here at church, so we want to make a study available for working mom’s. It is hopeful that this study will be meeting in a home. More details coming soon. Stay tuned to the church bulletin for further details.
Men’s Bible Study—Let’s face it guys… not a lot of us are “morning people” to be able to come early on a Tuesday morning for a study. Why don’t we try Saturday mornings at 10am! Pastor Kolonich will be leading this study, location TBD. Stay tuned to the church bulletin for further details.
Hong Kong Mission Team Luncheon & Silent Auction—
September 12, 2010 after the 10:30a worship service
ú Hamburgers Hot Dogs
ú Salads Beans
ú Chips Deserts
Silent Auction items also available from area businesses!
Check them out a week before!!!
Children’s Videos
In loving memory of Myron Cegielski, forty (40) new children’s videos have been added to the church library. Take a moment to look them over and check them out for your children. We thank Rose Cegielski and her family for making this gift to Redeemer’s children’s ministry. Myron served as Redeemer’s janitor by cleaning the lower level Sunday School rooms as well as the preschool for many years. He enjoyed working with the children of Redeemer. Remember to return the videos in a timely manner so that others can enjoy them.
Thrivent Members – You should have received a mailing explaining the new Thrivent Choice program where you can direct funds to either Redeemer or the preschool or many other Lutheran organizations at no cost to you. If you don’t use it, you lose it. If you received your letter but thought it was “junk” mail, you can still participate by calling 1-800-847-4836.
LWML NEEDS….
© fabric for quilts
© batting for quilts (mattress pads, flannel sheets, light blankets, etc.)
© items for baby layettes up to size 24 months (shirts or onesies, gowns or sleepers, receiving blankets, cloth diapers and pins, sweater or sweatshirts, washcloths, and gentle bar soap)
Bring any of these items to church, and place them on the bench outside of the secretary’s office.
LWML
The next meeting of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League is Tuesday, Sept. 14th. They will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief. All ladies of Redeemer are invited to help. No sewing experience is necessary.
The Fall LWML South Wisconsin District Retreat will be held on October 15-16 at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc. Watch for more details in the So. Wis. District NEWS.
Vacationing Members
Community Lutheran, McAllister, WI: Kautzer
Immanuel Lutheran, Richton Park, IL: Canty
Our Father’s Lutheran, Greenfield, WI: Mueller
St. John’s Lutheran, Fall Creek, WI: Strasburg
Gethsemane Lutheran, Wallace, MI: Kautzer
Christ Our Savior Lutheran, Dixon, IL: Beke
Immanuel Lutheran, Fairmont, MN: Hilgendorf
Trinity Freistadt Lutheran, Mequon, WI: Hilgendorf
Bethel Lutheran, Gurnee, IL: Schneider / Berres
As you travel out-of-town this fall, bring back a bulletin from the churches you attend and we’ll list your name here next month. Remember to put your name, the name of the church, city and state on the cover of the bulletin.
Newsletter Deadlines
October – Sept. 21 November – October 20 December – November 18
Nursery During Education / Worship Hour
During the school year (September – May) a nursery is available for children under 3 in room 109 (Preschool Room) from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Carrie Dunphy is the coordinator of the volunteers for the nursery and she is waiting for you to give her a call at 686-0417 or email at pc4l@milwpc.com to offer your services. Helpers are needed from 9 – 10:15 a.m. and from 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Men’s Club Fryout
The Redeemer Men’s Club has planned an organizational meeting for the 2010-2011 year on Thursday, Sept. 16th. It will begin with a fryout at 6:30 p.m. We ask that you sign up on the lobby bulletin board so that enough food will be available for everyone. Questions??? Call Byron Kowitz at 682-6382.
Thailand Mission Visit
Pastor Kolonich and Pastor Her will be traveling to Thailand September 9-19, 2010. The purpose of this visit is to encourage, train, and install the missionary identified for the Thailand Mission: Cher Yang. It was the hope of the Thailand Committee that this would have taken place during the March Thailand trip, but due to other circumstances, it did not take place. Pastor Miller and Howard Hamann have generously donated the funds to make this previously unplanned trip happen. Please keep Pastor Kolonich and Pastor Her in your prayers.
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