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Cross Lutheran Church October Newsletter 2013

Blessed and Highly Favored We here the phrase I am blessed and highly favored all the time these days. It seems to be the common response when asked how are? As if others may not be, but perhaps even worse answering with those words and not even being faithful to them and/or acknowledging the blessings on our lives. I am reminded of the Virgin Mary in the book of Luke when the angel, Gabriel, came and told her she was blessed and highly favored. (Luke 1:26-28). Over the past few months there have been many times that we as Christians have had to face some challenges which resulted in dejection, rejection and sorrow. Some of us even felt like we were at the end of our rope and wondered if we had enough faith to make it. This is when in our midst we see the hand of God and realize we have been blessed and highly favored! That was the good news the angel brought to Mary--that she was favored because God had chosen her. The same good news is relevant and true for us today. God has chosen us and has been faithful to us. He sends the Holy Spirit to share a part of that spirit with us. It is the same spirit that gave precious life to Mary in the form of Jesus. And it is through his Spirit that we birth ministries and not simply programs that enrich the lives of others and empower us to live into his mission. To that end , in the past several months we stepped up and raised money for an unplanned major expense in the repair for our elevator and realized we were living and operating out of faith and abundance was there. Through God's generosity he showered us with 2 blessings and affirmed how rich we are--not just in gracious financial support from many sources, but also with a final candidate for ministry in a relatively short time that spoke to our Wednesday and Sunday congregations. Rev. Arlen Solem and his family will be joining the Cross family in the near future. And like Mary, we fully understand just how blessed we are. Let us continue in the same manner as the Virgin Mary. Our souls have magnified the Lord; let us rejoice in the abundance of the harvest. We have no room for scarcity, so let our faith and actions continue to reflect this as we act in the world.

In Peace,

Pastor Michelle

to start October 16, 2013

Group Sessions: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 noon Location: Cross Church, 1821 N. 16th Street

Individual Employment Prep Sessions by Appointment

For more information please contact: A Stepping Stone LLC Phone: 888-698-0111 Email: [email protected] Website: ASteppingStoneLLC.com

The 33rd annual “Celebrate the Return” will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Marquette Alumni Memorial Union. Meet & Greet and Silent Auction is at 5 p.m. with the banquet to follow at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person. Project RETURN was founded at Cross by Pastor Joe many years ago—let’s show our continued support by attending this event. The keynote address will be given by Marc Mauer, 3 Executive Director of the Sentencing Project and author of “Race to Incarcerate.” Ms. Lydia McCoy is the contact person for Cross. Please see her to purchase tickets or contact the church office (344-1746).

Tutoring will begin this fall on Tuesday, Oct 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. We offer a meal, fun activity and emphasize reading proficiency, math and science. Vocational career field trips are part of curriculum.

Time and Talents  Sign up to donate a meal for the Bridges Tutoring Program  Facilitators for Choices Girls Group  Facilitators/mentors for Challenges Boys Group  Adult Center Facilitator (Part of a Team--Monthly and/or Quarterly)

Goods  Hygiene for Bread of Healing Ministry (Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion)  Food for Bread of Healing Ministry (Canned Veggies, Soup, Mac n Cheese, Peanut Butter, Rice, Noodles)  White Grape Juice for Communion  Dry Erase Markers/Wipes for Conference Room

I have been writing about living with arthritis in the last 2 newsletters and want to discuss the use of medications for arthritis in this month’s newsletter. You’ve tried all the lifestyle changes recommended in the previous newsletter articles, however, you feel you still need more relief from

4 the pain of your arthritis. What can you do? What is safe to take and will work and what is a scam? The most important aspect of using medication to treat arthritis is to find the lowest dose of medication that has the fewest health risks. I’ll discuss some of the common medications first--these are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, the more common form of arthritis that occurs as we age. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES 1) NSAIDS

This class includes: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, other brand names);

Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, other brand names);

Ketoprofen (Orodis KT, Oruvail, other brand names);

Many others available by prescription.

Advantages: As effective as COX-2 for pain relief

Risks: Stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney problems

Increase in high blood pressure, worsening of heart failure

Possible increase in heart attack and stroke risk. Taking this medication

with a blood thinner can increase the risk of internal bleeding.

2) COX -2 Inhibitors: Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Advantages: Less risk of stomach bleeding than with NSAIDS when using on a short 5 term basis. With longer use, risks may increase.

Risks: May increase heart attack and stroke risk. Can also cause kidney problems and worsening of high blood pressure and heart failure.

3) Aspirin: Bayer, Bufferin, other brand names.

Advantages: Helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by making your blood less able to clot.

Risks: Stomach ulcers and bleeding. High doses can cause ringing in the ears.

4) Corticosteroid injection: Triamcinolone (Kenalog, Aristocort, Aristospan); methylprednisone (Depo- medrol); other brand names.

Advantages: Often dramatically reduces pain and inflammation for weeks to several months. Risks: Can cause various side effects, especially with frequent use. Best to limit injections in the same joint to three to four times/year. PAIN RELEIVERS Acetaminophen: Tylenol, other brand names. Advantages: Safe when taken according to label directions. Touted as one of the safest non-prescription drugs on the market. The recommended maximum dose per day is not to exceed 4,000 milligrams (mg) a day. Usually the medication is taken six hours apart. If you drink 6 alcohol or have liver problems, you probably should NOT exceed 3,250 mg. per day. Risks: Liver toxicity with overdose. Long term use may increase risk of kidney problems. Narcotic-related meds: Tramadol (Ultram, and other brand names). Advantages: Similar pain relieving effect as narcotic drugs, less risk of addiction. Risks: May include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation and nausea. May interact with certain antidepressant drugs. ANTIDEPRESSANTS Tricyclics: Amitriptyline; desipramine (Norpramin); imipramine (Tofranil); nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor). Advantages: Can reduce chronic pain and improve sleep even if you don’t have depression. Does treat the depression and inability to sleep that may occur with arthritis pain. Risks: May experience dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, nausea, and constipation. Some may cause heart and blood pressure problems. OTHER AGENTS Duxoxeline (Cymbalta); venlafaxine (Effexor), Trazodone (Desyrel). Advantages and risks as above with antidepressants. There are also topical (medications that you put directly on your skin) NSAIDS (Voltaren Gel) that might help and that may or may not have the same side effects as the oral NSAIDS. This is a fairly new drug, so the side effects on the heart and kidney have NOT been well studied. A recent study has shown that there may be a benefit from glucosamine sulfate--1,500 mgs. taken once per day for people who have arthritis of the knee. You may also see something called SAM-E

7 being marketed. Long-term benefits and risks are still unknown and a certain dose has NOT been decided on. As you can see, there are so many different drugs and treatments that can be used for osteoarthritis. If you have any questions, please contact your health care provider. Next month we’ll finish our discussion of arthritis by discussing options for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as surgical interventions for arthritis.

Blessings always to you and your families. Your Parish Nurse Linda

The book club is now reading All the Lonely People written by Jess Riley. We will be discussing the book on Friday, Nov. 8, at 1:00 p.m. at Sandy Adams’ home, N68W15463 Tartan Circle, Menomonee Falls. All are welcome, even if you haven’t read the book. Please bring a dish to share if possible.

The Cross Adult Center is up and running every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome! If you are in need of transportation to or from the center, please give Les Brockman a call at 871-6784.

Oct. 6 Carolyn Jackson, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Oct. 13 Tom Jackson, 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Oct. 20 Cynthia Mounger, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Oct. 27 Gwen Mounger, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 15-18

8 Tues., Oct. 1 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m. Bridges Tutoring, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 2 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Sat., Oct. 5 Trustee meeting, 9 a.m. – noon Cross Youth Praise Team practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11 a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30 p.m. Sun., Oct. 6 Worship, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School/AdultForum at 11:15 a.m. Mental Health Advisory Comm. will meet after the service. Tues., Oct. 8 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m. Finance/Stewardship Comm. meeting, 5:45 p.m. Bridges Tutoring, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 9 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Sat., Oct. 12 Caregivers meeting, 9 a.m. Quilting, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cross Youth Praise Team practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11 a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30 p.m. Sun., Oct. 13 Worship, 9:30 a.m., Sunday School/Adult Forum at 11:15 a.m. Tues., Oct. 15 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m. BOHEM Volunteer meeting, 1:30 p.m. BOHEM Advisory Committee meeting, 3 p.m. Bridges Tutoring, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 16 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Sat., Oct. 19 Cross Youth Praise Team practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11 a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20 Worship, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Forum at 11:15 a.m. Mon., Oct. 21 Church Council, 5:30 p.m. Tues., Oct. 22 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m. Bridges Tutoring, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 23 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Sat., Oct. 26 Quilting, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cross Youth Praise Team practice, 10 a.m.

9 Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11 a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30 p.m. Quilting, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 27 Worship, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Forum at 11:15 a.m. Tues., Oct. 29 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m. Bridges Tutoring, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 30 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m.

Cross Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ ELCA Congregation 1821 N. 16th Street Milwaukee, WI 5320 Phone: 414-344-1746 Fax: 414-931-0537 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.crosslutheranmilwaukee.org

Michelle Townsend de López, Pastor Pastor Michelle’s Email: [email protected]

Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Study: 11:15 a.m. Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.