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

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
   We begin October on the 4^th with the Feast of St. Francis, who is probably remembered above all else as the patron saint of animals. At this time many churches hold a service of Pet Blessing; and ours is at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 3^rd, the eve of St. Francis Day. At the same time we need to be reminded that we share this world with all manner of other living creatures whom we do not think of as pets. It is easy to picture the farm animals and those of the woodland and jungle, and if we think a bit we can conjure up images of the mighty beasts that inhabit the deep waters of the seas and oceans. That is usually the limit of our picture of the animal kingdom, and we tend not to think of the tiny insects and the other creepy crawlies of the world (except when we swat them or squish them). I have gradually come to the conclusion that the animals people sometimes urge us to save or protect are either those that are warm and fuzzy, or those that we think of as somehow having minds like our own. Years ago I was stopped and urged to support saving the sperm whale. I was happy to do this as the sperm whale is a splendid beast; but I could not help noticing that no-one was urging me to save the giant squid, which is the favorite food of the sperm whale. Whales are noble, squids are wiggly.
   I don’t think that God looks at animals like that. However the multifarious species came about, however short or long it took, they are all living creatures and I suspect loved equally by God. I feel some sympathy with the Buddhist monk who sweeps the jungle path ahead of him to avoid stepping on some tiny insect. At least it is a recognition that the life which moves in them is the same life that moves in us. Life is life. It is a gift of God which all living things have in common. What creatures can do with that life varies from species to species and perhaps even individual creature to individual creature; but the starting point is the same for all – namely, being alive.
   We are reminded of this shared quality that we have with all other living creatures in Psalm 104, verses 25-32; and in the opening part of "Eucharistic Prayer D" (BCP p. 373) we read that God gave the whole world into our care so that we "might rule and serve" (my italics) all his creatures. We are also told that He marks the sparrow’s fall. In other words, God loves all his creatures not just the human ones. We might reflect that of all the creatures that live upon this planet, only human beings are capable of sin. Animals will follow their instincts and kill and injure; but that is inborn instinct not malice.
   There is no doubt in my mind that the love which God has for all creatures is something which we are bound to imitate as best we can. Obviously, it is easy with pets, and obviously we are designed to eat meat as well as veggies; but apart from food, need, or danger, we should pause before contemplating taking the life of some other creature. Finally, I find it very hard to think of Heaven without all of the animals we have known and loved; and which have given us such total love in return. Perhaps St. Francis Day every year is a good reminder of how much love we receive from them, and how much we need to give back.
   Yours in Christ, Fr. Michael +

First Tuesday Bible Study Join us as we continue the journey through St. Luke’s Gospel., first Tuesday of each month.
Pet Blessing October 3^rd 6pm
Rummage Sale October 6^th 9-1
Diocesan Convention Italian Community Center 10/12-10/13 – non-delegates encouraged to attend.
Bishop Miller’s visit & Packer theme pot luck October 14^th
Spaghetti Dinner & Bazaar November 3^rd
Children’s Christmas Pageant December 16^th

Treasurer’s Report
August: Income $9596.32 Expense $8845.93 net income $750.39

ECW RUMMAGE SALE –relief for mess stress!!!
Bring items to church for Saturday October 3rd sale or call the Kuenstlers at 744-5499 for a pick-up. We sell your stuff and you help us reach our outreach goals. You can have fun with us too: Calling gals & fellows – to organize, sort, price, sell, buy and load up after the sale.

September weddings
Congratulations to the newly wedded:
Jeffrey Orlowski and Erin McKenna
John Kittelson and Christine Schlaikowski

PET BLESSING
Our friends from the animal kingdom are true sources of enjoyment. Come celebrate the wonderful gifts their companionship brings. Every pet welcome – cats, dogs, turtles, snakes, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, lizards, fish…….All creatures great and wonderful, God made them all! Wednesday October 3^rd at 6pm. Like all St. Luke’s fellowship your family, friends and their pets are welcome.

Mitchell - Susedik lead Alumni
Mark Mitchell a 2006 South Milwaukee H.S. graduate was a repeat winner as the South Milwaukee cross country team held its 21^st Alumni run and time trial August 17^th. Mitchell won in 16 minutes 39 seconds and Courtney Susedik a 2004 grad won the girl’s race in 16 minutes 50 seconds. Way to go Courtney, you almost beat the boys.

Camp Webb New Beginnings Jesus is the Way program for youth
A special weekend for youth to grow in love of self, others and Jesus. Activities include games, laughing and sharing with singing, kits, talks and group discussions. Who? Any young person in grades 6-8 – with a sponsor responsible for bringing you to the weekend and participating in activities.
How much? $25 for participants and sponsors.
When? 9am Saturday to 3pm Sunday October 20-21
Forms available in Guild Hall or call the church office

THE PLATE
We are having a very serious cash flow problem. If everyone who is able could give an extra $5 on the plate each Sunday it would help a lot.
Fr. Michael

Marge's Path to Ministry
   As I write this update on my journey to ordained ministry, my classmates and I are already nine chapters behind in our church history class. And we have a 1500 word paper due on the development of servant ministry, specifically the order of deacon during the period we are studying.
    In our aesthetics class we have a super major project: a complete presentation of a spiritual master or a Christian tradition. We have to lead the class in a prayer exercise based on the master or tradition we have chosen. (Don’t be surprised if I tap you on the shoulder for some feedback.) I am scheduled to do my presentation the 5^th class.
   In our scripture class, we have to reread/read the first five books of the Bible and the prophets (all 17 of them) I think. Also within the first year we have to volunteer 200 hours in a clinical pastoral setting. It is a wise and wonderful thing I did to semi-retire. Please forgive me if at times I look a bit shell-shocked. I truly appreciate your prayers and know that you are in mine. Marge Kiss

Interfaith Services
Thanksgiving Celebration November 18^th 6:30pm at St. Veronica's, Whitnall & Norwich: "Breaking Bread Together" with readings and testimonials. Donations to Hunger Food Task Force appreciated. Taize Advent Service hosted by St. Charles, 5571 S. Marilyn, Dec. 2^nd 6pm. All congregations invited to join in the music. Contact Fr. Tony with questions: 414.281.8115 azimmer@scbmil.org. Hospitality follows services and all are welcome.

MEMORIAL GARDEN
I strongly recommend reading the opening piece in the current ABBEY LETTER in the Guild Hall (pity we only have one copy). Especially, I would point out the last part about visiting (in our case) the Memorial Garden from time to time and saying a prayer. God Bless, Fr. Michael

LENTEN PROGRAM
Looking way ahead…….Marge Kiss, who is starting on the process leading to eventual ordination as a deacon, has agreed to lead our Lenten Program next year. We look forward to this. More details will follow later.

OUTREACH
Meeting: Monday Sept 10, rain did not stop the few faithful who showed up. Subject was Bay View Bash Sat. Sept 15. St Luke's will have a presence with information about our church. We have special tee shirts for the occasion, look for them on Sunday at church.
Bishop visitation/potluck: Another potluck on Oct 14 with the theme of Go Packers, all are encouraged to wear whatever Packer garb you have. Food fare to include brats and hot dogs. Please bring a dish to pass as a compliment to the brats. We also will be hosting the Bishop on that day. Bring a friend and enjoy the day with us.
What do you have to share: We have many good ideas for the coming year, so it’s a good time to join us in the planning. We need participation of all ages. Let’s show others what a great, loving church we have.
Social outing: The theatre performance with John McGivern at the So. Milw. PAC*has reached 25. I purchased the tickets and will hand them out soon. We obtained good seats because of early reservations. Another great response for these fun events. Submitted by Marge Lower
*Future SMPAC Programs New Orleans Jazz Celebration 9/20 $20.00

Cherry Tree toys – We welcome all donations of new toys, which can be small, simple and inexpensive for this ever popular kid’s activity. It makes an appearance each year at our fall bazaar and families truly look forward to it. Many thanks, just bring them to church anytime labeled, ‘for Cherry Tree’.

Spaghetti Dinner & Bazaar
Saturday November 3^rd 4:30-7:00pm.
$7 adults $4 children
New this year: a ‘large ticket item’, never before offered, will be raffled. Come join the fun and good eats.

EPISCOPALIAN PRESIDENTS Recently departed President Gerald Ford was one of 14 Episcopal churchmen. In fact there have been more Episcopalians than from any other denomination. George Washington (member of church of England until it became Episcopal Church) – James Madison – James Monroe – Martin Van Buren – William Henry Harrison – John Tyler – Zachary Taylor – Franklin Pierce – Chester Alan Arthur- Grover Cleveland – Theodore Roosevelt (participated w/ several denominations and while at Harvard taught Sunday school at Christ Episcopal until it was discovered he was not formally Episcopalian and was dismissed, TR believed strongly in separation of church and state and tried unsuccessfully to have the words ‘In God we trust’ removed from currency) – FDR – Gerald Ford – George Herbert Walker Bush.

And now a word from ECW
   Finally the dishwasher is installed and in working order!! A new heater unit, an unplanned expense but for which the treasury was able to pay, was also installed. Watch for the ‘training schedule’. Thanks to Ed Mueller for overseeing installation.
    The freezer has a new outlet and is plugged in and we are going to try something new. John Halvorsen has graciously offered to donate excess sweet breads from his job. They will be put in the freezer and the last Sunday of the month will be designated as ‘BREAD DAY’ IN LIGHT OF THIS WE STILL NEED PEOPLE TO SIGN UP FOR COFFEE HOUR. This truly creates camaraderie after services. What better way to welcome new members; Please consider hosting a Sunday. The sign up sheet is near the kitchen. Let’s not have any blank spaces!
   The ‘Fall rummage sale’ (a major fund raiser) is scheduled for Saturday October 6 from 9-1. Some of our ladies will be on vacation so we will need help, especially on Saturday to pack the leftovers and carry them out to the Salvation Army truck. Please consider donating your time. Remember ALL LADIES are members of ECW and the men belong to the auxiliary for which we are grateful.
   In closing we need to think about where we see ECW in the future. Watch this space for news of a general meeting to discuss many issues. Pat Kuenstler ECW treasurer

   They are a wonderful family: Marilyn and Ross Lanza are our star couple for this month. They have worked in so many capacities for our church it’s hard to know where to begin. An interesting beginning for their connection to St. Luke’s as a couple is that they were married Dec. 6, 1952 in the undercroft of St. Luke’s before the upper church was constructed. They had met at their work places, Jim King Chevrolet when it was housed on KK just south of the fire station, where Marilyn was the cashier and Ross was a mechanic. Three years later on Jan 3, 1955 Ross joined the fire department. He worked in actual fire fighting for 10 years after which time he went to the repair shop and eventually was promoted to battalion chief and then ended his career as assistant superintendent of the Bureau of Construction and Maintenance. He retired in 1989.
   Marilyn and Ross’s activities in church are legend. Ross had been active in the boy scouts from the time he was eleven years old: 1936. After his stint in the Air Corp during WWII, Fr. Harding asked him to be assistant camp director for the boy’s camp activities at Camp Webb. Soon he was camp director for the boy’s week. Pop had added a girl’s camp week and a family week. Ross then became scoutmaster and worked with the scouts for 47 years. In the last 10 years of that time he was advisor for the Explorer post at church. He remembers that Dick Klaesing was one of his scouts as well as Fr. Terry McCall, deceased, and Ken Jacobus, brother of Bishop Russell Jacobus. Russell was in scouting with Nestor Ostrowski while Ross was working with the Explorers.
    Ross was a member of Vestry for 25 years, always returning after the required year off between terms. He served as Jr. and Sr. Warden. He did innumerable maintenance jobs. Marilyn remembers the many times he was up on the roof of the church replacing shingles. That had to come an end! Even after his operations and illness we still see him working as an usher on Sunday mornings with his daughter Susan………always doing what he can.
   Marilyn has worked just as hard at women’s jobs in church. She was always available for kitchen duty, bazaar projects, etc. She is famous for her quilts which were auctioned off at bazaars. She has been a member of the altar guild for many years and remains in that post.
   Most obvious to all church members is that she is always with the choir leading it with great enthusiasm and skill. She remembers a few years when she stepped forward to help with the choir when it was at very low ebb. It grew in size, and was then directed by a vocal music teacher from Fritsche Jr. High for about 2 years until he became a Mormon and left the church. Joan Luetzow who had been directing the children’s choirs took up the slack until 1977 when Marilyn again became director for what has become 30 years of continuous direction right up to the present. She has always donated her time. Add it up and it is 33 years of directing. In those years the choir not only sang on Sundays but also went out to nursing homes to entertain. Marilyn has been so dedicated and loved by all. Submitted by Joan Luetow

Hi Dear Ones:
   Well, all the boxes are not unpacked, lots of necessaries yet to be found! (I discovered the only tools I have brought are two screwdrivers – the same size). I’m using the meat cleaver to pound stubborn windows, hang pictures and sometimes to tenderize meat… Miss the hustle, bustle of Parish life. One Sunday we had visitors with kids – I almost cried with joy to hear them wiggling in the pews. Communion is administered for 3 times longer in the pews due to – well guess?? It is nice to get to church on the elevator. Cutter remains at about the same level of activity, but he is doing therapy twice a week and trying on his own on the other days. Haven’t driven the car in over two weeks. Shuttles to Pick n Save, Wal-Mart, Trader Joe’s etc. Too bad the bus driver is such a sober ol’ poop! (Hey, however this is not the kind of crowd where we’ll be singing on our way).Love all of you and miss you. Come and see us – the view is BETTER (than the picture on the front of the card in G. Hall).Cutter & Jan Scherr phone 414.220.9225