- Bay View - Milwaukee
A great place to worship and grow

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
    In July we celebrate Independence Day, a celebration of freedom and all that goes with freedom. We are rightly proud of living in a free country; and whatever we may feel about each fleeting administration, at the end of the day we are still a beacon on a hill for most people in the world. Across this globe thousands would wish to be living here in the United States of America. We should, therefore, be glad and rejoice at living in a free society; and in one that with all its imperfections still holds high the banner of freedom.
    However, as followers of Christ we need to consider what exactly ‘freedom’ means. There are basically two kinds of freedom: freedom from, and freedom to. The first one is easy; it is what we normally understand by ‘freedom’. It is freedom from shackles and dungeons, from arbitrary laws and despotic interference. It is freedom from the fears and terrors that operate in many countries in the world. It is the freedom that comes when slaves are set free and prisoners released from hell-holes. It is at the most basic level freedom from. The second kind of freedom, however, is different. It is freedom to. It is the freedom to do many things, most if not all of which involve giving up some of the freedom from. I am not qualified to be a brain surgeon. However strongly I might feel that I could poke about in someone’s head, I doubt if I could find anyone to let me unless I could produce evidence that I had spent time studying brain surgery in some approved place and had a degree to prove it. To obtain that degree, I would have to give up more time, money, and energy (assuming I could qualify at the end of it). In other words, to be free to do brain surgery or anything requiring training I would to give up some of my freedom from. Similarly, to be free to be parents we have to give up the relatively unconstrained freedom of being single. It is clear that whatever we are free to do involves giving up some freedom from.
    For followers of Christ the real freedom lies in his service, and it is freedom to. All the gifts and talents which God gives us are meant to be used to further the work of Christ’s kingdom here on Earth. Many and varied are the occasions which come along on a daily basis in which we can put to good use the gifts he has given us, often only then discovering that we have those gifts. We should never let fear of failing hold us back. If you do not enter the race (to borrow a metaphor from St. Paul) you will never know how well you could do. Yes, trying anything new involves giving up some of the freedom from; but that freedom on its own leads nowhere, and it only benefits us. They grumbled against Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. He could have kept himself free from being grumbled at by doing nothing; and the lame would still have been lame, and the withered hand would still have been withered. We need to remember that the freedom which we enjoy here reaches its full glory when it is used to do good, not in just congratulating ourselves on being free from.
    Yours in Christ, Fr. Michael +

THANKING US:
    From the Bay View Community Center comes thanks for our regular support with food donations. In June St. Luke’s sent 7 bags of food, which are delivered by Dan Miller our father of the year. There is a basket at the church entrance for donations. With support from faith communities, individuals, schools, etc. the Center was able to provide a 5-6 day nutritional supply of food to 411 people in May. Keep up your thoughtfulness.
    From UTO: ‘Thank you’. Our check has been forwarded to the national fund. The mission of UTO is to expand the circle of thankful people. To achieve this mission, we encourage daily prayers, offerings and the awareness of the abundance of God’s blessings. In 2006 Camp Webb, in our own diocese, was awarded a grant of $19,144.00 to renovate and expand the health lodge. 131 other UTO grants in 2006 totaled $2,710,247.22..proof positive that many people collecting many pennies and other coins can be part of good deeds in many, many places.
    From Chris Stringfellow: I want to thank the parish for the lovely rose bush. It was a wonderful surprise. I find it very rewarding to be able to work with the youth of St. Luke’s. I am part of an amazing journey which allows me the opportunity to help the children take their first steps of a lifetime journey with the Lord.
    THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! p.s.
Bill & Kris Wondrachek were already grateful for the surprise baby shower and many gifts, and if that was not enough: ‘We also just received an infant swing from the church, in addition to all of the other wonderful gifts you gave us! Our baby is going to so enjoy resting in the swing… and I think that mommy and daddy will enjoy it too! We can’t wait to meet our little one, and to bring her to church for all of you to meet her too (and yes, the doctor says we’re having a girl!). Thank you all again!’

ONG celebrates students and volunteers
    Along with doing some bookkeeping for Our Next Generation, I am learning about the wonderful service of this Diocesan outreach. On June 5^th volunteers and students of ONG’s many programs were honored at a ceremony at the St. Andrew’s site. This year 225 faithful servants gave of their time to tutor 600 youth. That’s a 700% increase in the past 4 years alone, and it is good news. With sites situated around 34^th and Lisbon, the old St. Andrews Episcopal Church, (where the Gathering meal program food is prepared) and West Side Academy I & II, ONG offers educational hope in what can be a ‘dicey’ neighborhood.
    Two mothers testified that evening to ONG’s strengths: One has seen her little guy develop from reading below grade level to advancing 2 years beyond his age. The resulting confidence turned him into this year’s enthusiastic ‘poster child’. He has participated in numerous ONG programs all the while serving as a role model himself with excellent behavior. The other mom whose son will graduate from high school insists that her children not ‘let the environment make them’. Her son is one of this year’s ONG 100% graduation success stories, this at a time when overall, MPS suffers a 50% failure rate.
    ONG grows and grows with support from student and adult mentors, monetarily from individuals, corporations and faith communities, with Manpower and University School recently having come on board to provide off site tutoring. These new partnerships, one with a highly successful company and the other an excellent academic institution, will expand kids’ worldview and recognition of opportunity.
    The growth of ONG exists because of a fabulous paid staff and volunteers. Some share their individual expertise and interests by offering workshops on the arts, digital photography, web design, creative writing, culinary arts, and more. Still the program would be nothing without fundamental help with the 3 R’s which anyone can provide.
    The St. Andrew’s site is a terrific example of the good work of faith communities. Summer programs abound. If you would like to be part of the life of a student ONG would love to hear from you: 414.344.2111 www.ongkids.org. Patrice

Outreach Committee keeps spirit alive
    The Outreach Committee had another busy month…
As always, our mission is to seek out new members as well as run activities to retain members of our St. Luke’s family. Here is some info on our recent and happenings:

-Father’s Day Pot Luck: June 10^th Another great potluck was organized by Mary Arriola and the Outreach Committee, despite the challenge of not having a working refrigerator! With the use of much ice, some delicious food made by Mary and many other parishioners, and wonderful music presented by Joan Luetzow a great time was had by all. The ever-present assistance around the church of Dan Miller was recognized with some special gifts for this special father. Thanks to everyone who participated!
-St. Luke’s Dinner Club: The dinners have begun. Groups are starting their meetings over the summer. To join one of these groups for fun and fellowship please contact Dana or Larry Washburn at (414) 327-0949 for more information.
-Instrumental summer music program: If you play an instrument, remember to tune up this summer! We are still making plans to get this exciting program off the ground! You could play solo or play with others– it could be in the church service or it could be a "jam" downstairs during coffee hour – all ideas are open!
-Local Events: We are looking into having a presence at some local events during summer and fall this year.
-Summer Break: After our June meeting the Outreach Committee plans a summer break, and will resume regular meetings and activities in the fall. See you then!
In the Fall, the Outreach Committee is planning a sale of St. Luke’s clothing and a Bring-A-Friend Sunday. In addition, we are always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining the Outreach Committee should contact Dana or Larry Washburn at (414) 327-0949 or larrydana@wi.rr.com.

And here is the Outreach quote of the month:
"I would rather walk with God in the dark
than go alone in the light." - Mary Gardiner Brainard
Yours in Christ, Dana Washburn Outreach Committee member

EcCo Minutes May 15 Christ Church: Represented: St. Veronica, SH, BVUM, Christ Church, Unity, IC, POP, St. Luke’s, Tippe, St. Roman, Grace, Islamic Center, with special guest: Sr. Carol Schmitz
Covenant statement –Sr. Carol provided spirited and well-reasoned talk on theme that unity does not necessarily mean uniformity, pointing out that even Christians are not ‘united’. However all faith groups can ‘unite’ to enjoy time together and encourage dialogue. Another aspect is disunity of participation –Some represent ‘ourselves’ versus support from our greater congregations when larger impact has been hoped. Perhaps a concise mission statement is needed. To that end all are asked to bring ideas/phrases as we work on this. Key concepts discussed this evening are: Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, Tolerance, Diversity, Understanding, Justice, Witnessing

YISR Approximately 50 Muslim Youth and 30 Christian comprised about 9 groups. Service with a smile turned around the attitude of at least one recipient who said "I have hope now". Those who received help were invited to closing meal at Unity. Most applicants requested via Interfaith. Once next year’s date is chosen worship sites can perhaps spread the word better. Types of service included raking, flower bed clean up, washing windows, fixing a hand rail, general bending and lifting for those unable. Too bad the media did not pick up on this. Video tape is a available. (Ziad?) Can we burn a copy for our archives? Who will spearhead next year with Pastor Miller’s departure from Bay View United Methodist?
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
11/18 the Sunday before Thanksgiving

Peace Rally & Prayers, Sept. 21: could include prayers form past picnics - plans for rally ongoing

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser for ODFC eorgia will reserve Unity for September 8^th dinner. Caroline will check with St. Roman’s to see if they will cook. EcCo folks, please be there to help serve & clear. ODFC doing well despite having just 2 providers available in May. Expect nurse practitioner providers to come on board soon. We can talk this up with our MD’s, nurses and other medical professionals to get the word out. Thanks to Don B. website is up OPENDOORFREECLINIC.ORG Telephone answering machine in place 414.481.1778 to hear about dates of service

Happenings in the neighborhood: Ice Cream social at Christ Church includes burgers and hot dogs 6/7
EcCo meets June 19^th 7pm at Christ Church – and the following 3 months at Islamic Society – anyone is welcome

Treasurer’s Report May 2007
Income $38,608.09 Expense $45,063.74 Difference $(6,455.65)

    We were all saddened by the passing of Fr. Dewey Silas and many were taken back to the evening shared with him and his new congregation when he was installed as Vicar at Holy Apostles Church in Oneida.
   This was a very sentimental occasion for St. Luke’s. The Right Reverend Russell Jacobus, who spent all of his young life at St. Luke’s, installed Father Silas who spent the first twenty years of his married life before he became a priest at St. Luke’s Church also. Father Michael Gray-Fow, the present Vicar of St. Luke’s, gave the sermon.
   Twenty-nine St. Luke’s parishioners rented a bus in order to spend the magical moments with Father Dewy and his wife Marlene. They presented him with a heavily embroidered stole purchased with money collected from many church members. Marlene’s great great grandfather, Cornelius Hill, who was the first Oneida Indian to be graduated from Nashota House as a priest, was the only Oneida Indian to serve Holy Apostles before Father Silas. It is significant that just one hundred years have gone by from that time to this time of rejoicing. Holy Apostles was founded by Episcopal missionaries in 1782. At first there was a wooden church which burned. The present stone structure was built in 1872.
   An Indian choir sang at the beginning of the service and during communion. They were part Methodist and part Episcopal. Father Dewey said all the denominations come together often for important affairs. There were many who came to celebrate with him. Jennifer Stevens, the soloist, and member of the Holy Apostles congregation, sang The Lord’s Prayer in a clear high soprano voice. Also, Kirby Matoxin did a beautiful Te Deum for the closing. At that time everyone was invited to a sumptuous meal.
   Marlene Silas’ twin sisters had connections to St. Luke’s and as little girls when they first began to come they would show up in matching beautiful little red coats. At that time, Father Harding had made a point of going to see the many families of Indians living near Mitchell Street in order to invite them to join the St. Luke’s congregation.
   Contributed by Joan Luetzow originally written in 2001

Good Luck Lynn – we’ll miss ‘ya
   Along with Yvette Presnell, Lynn Slattery from Christ Church has been a Wednesday regular helping Kids Kloset. Lynn is thrilled to have learned the KK routine. She’s had her challenging days, to be sure, but nothing impedes Lynn’s exuberance as a volunteer. Her husband is a Marquette University professor who will be on sabbatical in California for a year and of course Lynne will be joining him there. Christ Church is a longtime supporter and on her own Lynn has enjoyed shopping over the years for kids bargains. She’s delivered many donations and a wonderful relationship was made.

African Team Ministries mark your calendars
Here it is July already. Just doesn’t seem possible. At this rate, it is time to start thinking Christmas shopping and the African Team Ministry craft show. The last two years we have sent a total of: $778.50 in 2005 and $809.00 in 2006 to support the Bishops of East Africa and their various ministries, one of which is the orphans of Uganda. In the last ATM newsletter, a letter from one of these orphans was included. I thought you would appreciate hearing of his gratitude in his own words.

"I am Fred Kwiringira. Kwiringira means trust. I am 10 years old and I am in primary five at Kabindi primary school. I live in Gasenyi village with my three elder brothers, Didas, Michael, and Julius. My parents died in 1997 and 2000 respectively. My mother was the last to die. She was putting up a house which was completed by the help of the well wishers and friends and it’s where we live.

Since her death, I don’t know lunch in our home. My brothers and I get supper at my paternal grandmother’s home. She is about 85 years old. I have no uncle or aunts, all of them died of AIDS. Soap and kerosene is a rare commodity in our house.

However, I am grateful for the donors of African Team Ministries and Bishop Shalita who extended their love and care to orphans and needy children. I had lost hope of going to school because my grandmother would not manage to buy scholastic materials and uniform. I pray that God may bless you with health as you bless the orphans with what He gave you." Marge Kiss for ATM

Remembering Myrtle who loved her church
Myrtle Dostal will always be remembered because of her generosity to the church. Perhaps some of you will remember her as the little lady who sat on the aisle toward the front so that she could hear Father Michael. She couldn’t see well at all and her hearing was slowly disappearing. And she had to be picked up and taken home again.

Perhaps some of you will remember her in her ‘fall’ years when she was full of smiles and happy thoughts as she came to church. Her bible and her faith were so very important to her. Perhaps only a few remember her as an active member of the congregation, attending functions and helping and loving her church. No one remembers her as the young girl who was baptized by Father White and who enjoyed the trips he organized for the young people to go out to a lake where he had a cottage. Fr. White you say? Who was that? He was at St. Luke’s for only a few years in which time he worked hard and brought St. Luke’s out of mission status. He was a friend of Father Harding and brought that well-known man to St. Luke’s as its pastor as he, Father White, went on to become the priest of Trinity in Wauwatosa. Father Harding in the Southeast and Father White in the Northwest were a very long lasting dynasty in their time.
   And now, how many of us will remember Myrtle? Will we truly appreciate what she tried to do for us in her will? Yes, we will. What did she do?
   She gave $15,000 to Kids Kloset, $13,000 to United Thank Offering the two most wonderful outreach programs we are involved with. Then she gave $49,633.24 to St. Luke’s to use for projects as needed.
   And so, please do remember Mrytle. Keep her and all others we need to thank for their generosity both monetarily and with their time and effort in our prayers. God bless you all. Joan Luetzow