Cross Lutheran Church May, 2016 Newsletter
Pastor Michelle’s Corner
I am reminded of the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, Cross and her partners planted some new seeds this past fall and fertilized them in January with our Anti-Racism training led by the YWCA; and now, we are starting to see the flowers begin to sprout in a healthy and diverse garden. We continue to experience sobering reminders that strained race relations plague the city of Milwaukee and the surrounding areas in which we come and go daily.As people of faith I believe we have the power to change this reality and create a new narrative that speaks life and hope for all of God’s good creations. We can and shall do this one person, and one day at a time. I truly believe that relationships make a difference. They are the foundations upon which true friendships that have depth can be built. There has been enough of tangential friendships that are superficial at best and only last as long as the individualistic purpose. Virtuous friendships can change a community. If we are audacious enough to build them across color lines, then indeed we can make our communities stronger and more prosperous together. This is not simply theory as we already know how to do so in this synod very well. Through our sister relationships with El Salvador and Tanzania, we have over time learned what it means to accompany our sisters and brothers. That is one of the most important gifts they have given to us. Let us not dishonor them nor ourselves in not being able to do it when we are only a few miles down the street, 30, or even 60 minutes away. We all must be
2 willing to get proximate with one another. We must encourage each other to intentionally reach out to other races and ethnicities. Cross the city and county lines. Go to lunch. Go out after work. Invite each other over. Tell your stories. Listen. Be present in each other’s lives. Be intentional and proximate.We all must be deeply committed to changing the way individuals interact with one another through intentional acts of developing genuine interracial friendships; they share how to take action to shift thinking and create important relationships, and how this can impact our faith communities and in turn larger society. Presently, for many members of a majority cultural group, it may be difficult to identify certain values and norms of behavior as being connected to cultural background. We simply remark, 'that’s just the way things are'" (Ahearn et al., pg. 5, 2002). We must understand that our entry point is often different depending on at least these two factors, race and culture. We all are on a continuum from highly individualist to highly collectivist. More individualistic cultures place higher value on "individual fulfillment and choice," accordingly, while cultures that are more collectivist place greater emphasis on "interdependent relations, social responsibility, and the well-being of the group". Clearly, I subscribe to the idea that we need to find a way to get closer to the middle, so that it is a win-win because as Christians we are One body. Joe, a beloved parishioner from our partner church, summed it up by telling me and I am paraphrasing, that
“It costs us (white folks too ) economically when blacks and other folks of color do not have access to the ideas and business connections that emerge from these mostly white settings, socially as how do you experience culture when it is so homogenous and morally when it is clear that justice and ethics are not in play. That brings me back to my premise about relationships and friendships. “Perhaps then the most revolutionary thing we can do is to befriend one another, truly and fully. It's the antithesis of prejudice. It's medicine against a narrow racial perspective that can harden like arteries in a heart.”
Continue to till and water your garden. We are counting on perennial blooms of hope, peace and love in an array of colors.
Peace Be Still,
3 Pastor Michelle
I have been asked several times in the last few months about “detoxing”. I’m not talking about withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, something we may hear about in our community; but a “detox” for our bodies. The question is, Is doing a “detox” a good idea? Our bodies have built-in detoxifiers: the liver, the kidneys, and the colon are naturally designed to remove toxins (poison) and eliminate them through our waste (urine and stool). We also experience some detox effects when we sweat. Most experts report that there’s no need for additional help. Also, a “detox” can be harmful as many of the extreme programs, like fasting or juice diets, can leave the body weak without vital nutrients that you need for your body to function like protein and essential vitamins and minerals. This can happen even if you do this for only a short time. A recent trend among celebrities is the use of colonics, this is a flushing of the colon with warm water to remove a supposed build-up of waste in the colon. However, colonics can cause dehydration, infection, and even perforation (a hole) of the colon wall. Another reason not to do a “detox” is that a detox can create more toxins (poison). It severely restricts the food that is eaten; the body will burn fat for fuel. Burning large amounts of fat releases ketones into the blood. These are chemicals that can cause bad breath, loss of appetite, nausea, and in rare cases, coma or even death.
4 Is there ever any reason to “detox”? Some types may be healthy. A detox can help clear you out by getting your digestive system moving, it may even flush out toxins (poison). However, you would not want to do this for longer than a few days. Also, this detox should include some foods, like vegetable-based meals with green juices; it should have a high fiber and water content, this is what would help flush out the toxins. Many people report feeling better after a detox diet; they report having more energy, better concentration, less bloating, and fewer cravings after going on a detox diet. The detox might be just what you need to get you on a new, healthier path of eating. A detox diet may be the beginning of moving you away from bad habits like excessive intake of coffee, alcohol, or fatty or sugary foods. So here’s what is recommended. If you’ve been feeling overloaded by your intake of junk food, alcohol, additives, or extra weight, a diet of whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will be a good start to healthier eating habits. Stay away from programs that require severe calorie restrictions that will only leave you nutrient-deficient and grumpy. Drink lots of water and eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to keep your digestive system moving well. I have recently started a program that includes all of the above. I am almost a week into it and really haven’t felt crabby or deprived at all. So think about it – I also am finding it doesn’t really cost that much to eat healthier either. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the church office at 414-344-1746.
MAY is SKIN CANCER DETECTION and PREVENTION MONTH Make sure to have your health care provider take a look at your skin during your next visit. In between visits, assess your skin, looking for unusual spots or growths. If you have moles, notice if they have changed, or if they itch, or are painful. Have a friend check the areas that you can’t, or use a mirror. If you have any changes in your skin, please contact your health care provider.
Finally, May is filled with the promise of Spring and new life. There are many friends and family that celebrate birthdays during the month
5 of May and to all of them I say Happy Birthday. I, too, celebrate a birthday this month – I will turn 60 years old. The number 60 is a bit scary, however, most days I don’t feel 60 years old, whatever that means. I’ve decided my motto will be 60 and sassy!!!!!! But in a good way!!!! I am truly grateful for the life God has given me. A sincere thank-you to all who have loved me and prayed for me and make my world and the rest of the world a better place by being in it. A dear friend has on her answering machine, “Live today as if it were your last – it just might be”. The first time I heard it I was so shocked I hung up the phone. However, she’s right – of course we can’t be in Paris or Italy or Africa or Mexico or Turkey, or wherever your favorite place may be, but make a difference in your life and someone else’s life every day wherever you find yourself. That is my birthday wish for all of you.
Sincerely, Your Parish Nurse, Linda
Spring Cleanup Day Saturday May 14 8am to Noon
Join folks from our partner congregation, Fox Point Lutheran, on Saturday May 14 from 8 AM until noon for our annual Spring Cleanup. Besides a general picking of debris left from the winter we will be working on the following projects:
1. Scraping and refinishing the 3 wood doors on the front and ramp side of the church-this is a 2 day project; if we can get the wood scraped, sanded and primed before May 14 we can do the final coat of paint then. Otherwise we will start the work then and finish it the following week. We want people with some painting experience for this job. Materials will be provided.
6 2. Landscaping the front and south side of the church. This will include clean up, removing dead and unwanted plantings and adding new plants and mulch. We need lots of workers for these jobs which do not require any experience. Materials will be provided but bring your gloves, shovels, rakes,wheelbarrows etc if you can. 3. Trimming and removing trees between our office building and the school. This job requires experience and equipment (chainsaws, ladders, etc.) and will only be attempted if we have the skills and equipment to do it.
In order to plan for what we can accomplish it will be very helpful to let the church office know if you can make it on May 14 by calling 414-344-1746. If you have questions contact Carla Brockman or Tom Jackson
Greetings from MKE Plays,
As you may have noticed, some changes are happening at the 17th and Vine play area. For the past year, MKE Plays and local residents have been working together to create a new vision and design for the park. We’re almost finished - one of the last steps is the community build day. We are looking for volunteers to help put the finishing touches on the new park and playground.
On May 6 and 7, we will have build day volunteer opportunities available. Please feel free to share the attached flyer, which contains details, with your network. I will be in the neighborhood this afternoon distributing paper copies of the flyer, and plan to stop by your organization to leave a few paper flyers with you as well.
Please let me or Joe Kaltenberg ([email protected]) know if you have any questions. Thank you,
Luke Icenogle Community Engagement Specialist Zilber Family Foundation 7 Marquette Trinity Fellow
Spring 2016 Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs 8:30-3:00
NAMI WALK, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Contact NAMI.org for more information; walking for mental illness. La Causa Recovery Center M-F 4pm to 8pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun 1pm to 5pm location:804 W. Greenfield Avenue (rear entrance) 414 316-4156 (peer ran) For mental health and/or AODA diagnosis Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share God's Love
Michaeleen
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Sat. May 7th, 2016 Free to Register Call Kayelyn At
8 (866) 227-9474
Golf Event to Benefit Cross Youth Programs and the Bread of Healing Empowerment Ministry
Willow Run Golf Club
N12 W26506 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 544-8585 Friday, June 17, 2016
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Registration • Shot Gun Start @ 1:00 PM Scramble Format
Dinner buffet to follow
*See Website to download registration form
9 Caregivers Corner
Please join us for the following Blessing & Affirmation Service
Saturday, June 4, 2016 @10:45 AM Contact Pat Coleman Cross Lutheran Church If there are questions 1821 North 16th Street [email protected] Milwaukee, WI 53206
Lunch will be served after the service. We look forward to seeing you and having time to fellowship and enjoy each others company. 10 Please grace us with your presence.
The poetic cornerstone Welcome Everyone & Greetings to you all! For those whom may not know, the “Poetic Cornerstone” happens to be a segment of our informative, monthly Newsletter, where we take a moment to showcase the awesome talents of the Cross Lutheran Church Community. The individual whom has chosen to grace our presence with her wonder gift today, is none other than the creative and lovely Ms. Kelly Booker. Thus, without further ado, we present to some, and introduce to others, her poem, tittled:
You Can…… When I was young, I was full of inspiration I never had a problem writing my feelings on paper Then something happened, something I’d never had imagined The English Teacher, gave an assignment to write a poem And I thought, “wow, now I really get a chance to show him
This was supposed to be my opportunity This wasn’t the sixties and we weren’t marching for unity So, I dug deep, deep down inside of who I was…. And once I couldn’t dig anymore, all I found was love ….. …………………………….. For all the love I have to give there’s this simple thought It appears, then lingers, capture it….. In it, I give you the evidence of my love, it is a thought…… 11 Leave it and it will find another place to dwell… One of another heart…… As a title? I just sat and wondered What would be good? Then a light went on in my head and I heard a voice say ‘ I will call it a thought’, if I could So I did and turned the paper in…… I was so confident, I was like, “if this was a contest, I know I’d win” It’s not like I wasn’t accustomed to getting A’s, I was always a good student I always made good grades so when it was my turn to be graded I went right up to the desk where Mr. Goplen sat He looked directly at me and said: You didn’t right that….. The first thing I thought was……………...... God is good!!!
Kelly Booker
Book Club Update
The Cross Book Club will be meeting on July 8, 2016 at 1:00 the home of Carolyn Jackson, W340N4899 Road O, Nashotah, WI 53058. The book selected is titled THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion. Everyone is welcome and asked to bring a dish to share.
12 13 14 Walnut Way Link If you’d like to keep up on the events and programming of Walnut Way Conservation Corp., please click on the following link: http://walnutway.org/newsletter/spring-2014-newsletter-health- wellness-issue
Tues., May 3 Adult Center, 9:30a.m. Tutoring, 6:p.m. Wed., May 4 BOHM, 11:45a.m. Thurs.., May 5 Tutoring,6 p..m. Sat., May 7 Cross Youth Praise Team, practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30a.m. Sun., May 8 Worship, 9 a.m. Annual Meeting follows service Tues., May 10 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m. Tutoring, 6p.m. Wed., May 11 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Thurs., May 12 Tutoring., 6p.m. Sat., May 14 Quilting Meets at 10a.m. Cross Youth Praise Team, practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30a.m Sun., May 15 Worship, 9 a.m. Annual Meeting follows service Tues., May 17 Adult Center, 9:30a.m., Micah Task Force, 10:30a.m., Tutoring 6p.m. Wed., May 18 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Thurs., May 19 Tutoring, 6p.m.
Sat., May21 Cross Youth Praise Team, practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11a.m.
15 Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30a.m Sun., May 22 Worship, 9:30 a.m., Annual Meeting follows service Tues., May 24 Adult Center, 9:30 a.m., Tutoring 6pm Wed., May 25 BOHEM, 11:45 a.m. Thurs., May26 Tutoring 6p.m. Sat., May 28 Quilting Meets at 10a.m., Cross Youth Praise Team, practice, 10 a.m. Cross Comm. Gospel Choir practice, 11a.m. Cross Praise Choir practice, 12:30a.m Sun., May 29 Worship, 9:30 a.m., Annual Meeting follows Service. Tues., May31 Adult Center, 9:30a.m., Tutoring 6p.m.
16 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 Forum: 11:15 a.m. Office Hours: Monday--Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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