Worship Opportunities

Please join us for Sunday Worship at 9:15am

in Person and also Live Streaming on YouTube.

Log on to www.Gethsemane-ELCA.org 

> One Click Link on the Home Page. Look for the YouTube button. <

Why “Dinner Church”?

“They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers”.  – Acts 2:42

For five weeks during Lent of 2024, we played around a little bit with what it might look like to harken back to the early church – to break bread together and eat together, to pray together and to learn together through scripture study.  Those who were able to join us loved the conversation and invitation to the Spirit to speak through one another as we shared our stories of faith and human experiences.

The ‘churches’ that the first disciples of Jesus started where just that – dinner within community and conversation, prayers, and stories of their own human experiences.  These churches were places where people were nourished not only spiritually, but physically and psychologically too. 

In May, we kicked off the first of 4 Wednesday night “Dinner Church” scripture studies in the famous Gethsemane parking lot.  We studied Genesis 19:15-26:  the story of Lot, his family, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot’s wife.  And we looked at the question “Why did Lot’s wife look back?” 

That night, a question arose that I did not have an answer to: When Lot’s wife looked back, why was she turned to salt?  Why not rock or ash or… something else? 

I found this in a resource called the Jewish Women’s Archive:

“Lot’s wife, known to the Rabbis as Idit, was rescued from the upheaval of Sodom. Jealous of others, however, she did not want to offer hospitality to guests. When she goes to her women neighbors for salt to give her husband’s guests, she makes it known to the town that Lot is harboring guests. The townspeople storm Lot’s house and remove his guests. Lot’s wife sinned thus through salt, and for this she is turned into a pillar of salt.”  - Lot’s wife: Midrash and Aggadah

The story of Lot and his family remains one filled with many questions… and questions are how we learn together!  

My hope is that your summer schedule will allow you the space to come and join us at one of the Dinner Church events happening this summer!  Come and see how the Spirit of God speaks to us through the power of the Word… and each other! 

Future dates and scriptures: 

June 12 - Genesis 32: 1-30  (Jacob wrestles with an angel?)

July 10 – Genesis 50: 15-21 (Joseph, his brothers and forgiveness)

August 14 – Exodus 1:15-22 (A midwife named Puah)

In love and light,

Pastor Perrie

The Next Volunteer dates for Mr. Bobs are

June 15th July 27th & August 17th

Please see sign-up sheet in Narthex if you are interested in volunteering your time!

Lunch Bunch will meet Tuesday June 4th at 11:30am at

Brass Key 4952 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53219.

If interested in joining please sign up in the Narthex. This group is open to all Gethsemane women. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. Please contact Joni Tombari 414-412-9410 with any questions

Our final fundraiser for the Youth Gathering will be a car wash during the church service on Youth Sunday, June 2nd. Leave your keys with us, go in and enjoy the service, and come out to a clean car to start your week off right! A free will offering will be accepted for washing your car. We invite all high school youth and young adults to join in the fun washing cars with us on June 2nd! For now, we can also use prayers for good weather that day!

Dee White - 6/03

Mary Hall - 6/04

Scott Ebben - 6/07

Cheryl Perra - 6/11

Mateo Peterson-Burke - 6/13

Easton Wendorf - 6/19

Dawn Engler - 6/20

          Ben Marek - 6/20

          Abby Andino - 6/20

          Sandra Knutson - 6/22

         Heidi Ebben - 6/23

         Joann Douglas - 6/24

         Mary Gemignani - 6/26

         Beth-Ann Piette - 6/30

Let’s get to know Heidi Swartz

How long have you been a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church? Since January 2023

What is your current occupation or volunteer position? Retired HR leader after 35 years at Fiserv.

What do you love most about your industry? Fiserv offers technology solutions to financial institutions and small businesses. I loved the laser focus we had on helping our clients be successful. I can now also enjoy attending events at the Fiserv Forum.

Who inspires you in your life? My parents. They are the model of what faith, love, marriage and family should be. Their unconditional love for everyone is an inspiration.

What is one piece of advice you can give someone? Forward ever, backward never. My grandfather shared that piece of advice with me when I was a little girl and it has been relevant many times in my life.

What are your gifts or hobbies? I have a passion for music and I enjoy sharing my gift of flute playing. Some of my other hobbies are hiking, reading, and yardwork.

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be? Wow! That is difficult since there are so many delicious choices. It would have to be ice cream.

Tell us about your family or loved ones. I have been married to Keith for almost 42 years. We have two beautiful daughters who have blessed us with son-in laws and two active delightful grandsons. The six of them live in Carlsbad CA which we visit a couple months a year. My parents, Neal and Sandy Buntrock, are members of Gethsemane. I have three sisters and a large extended family. I love my family dearly.

What are your hopes and dreams that you would like to see in the future? That I can continue spending time with my family and friends making memories!

Tell us a special story or memory about you! In September of 2016, the CEO of Fiserv invited me to go to New York with a number of executive to ring the opening bell at Nasdaq. In addition, Fiserv recognized my 32nd anniversary with the company by putting my picture and name on the Nasdaq building. It was a bit overwhelming.

(If you are interested in participating in our member spotlight or nominating someone to be, please see the sign-up in the Narthex or you can always email the office)

office@gethsemane-elca.org

The fabulous Gethsemane Dart ball team joined together for food, fellowship and festivities to culminate their year on Sunday May 19th.  A special thanks to Tom Spohn who organized the event at The Golden Key restaurant.  Every year, the coveted “William Tell” trophy is awarded to a deserving new team member who played well; this year the honor went to Deb Stolz!  Doug Dralle decided that the team needed even more recognition so this year trophies for most Singles (Ray George), triples (Tom Spohn) and home runs (Susan Psaris) were presented along with the “just a little bit outside” award (Matt Cohen).   We are proud of you team Gethsemane!

We will be serving dinner at the Hope Center on June 19th at 5:30pm. If you are interested in donating or volunteering please contact Gladys O or Joy Clark or see sign-up in Narthex.

May 19th was a beautiful day for the opening of the Sprecher Traveling Beer Garden at Greenfield Park.  Thanks to the efforts of Mary Felkner and Nic Dominick, Gethsemane enjoyed a fun afternoon of fellowship, fun and hot dogs on the grill!  Thanks to all who came out to enjoy the day!

Every year the Greater Milwaukee Synod meets in its entirety for a special ‘annual meeting’ called Synod Assembly. Every congregation is invited to attend to catch up with the business of the church as well as learn more about possibilities to accompany other organizations such as Mt. Meru coffee growers, Lutheran Campus Ministries, Wartburg Seminary and many more. This year, President Gladys Oerichbauer and Council member JJ Sherman attended with Pastor Perrie. This picture was taken with our future partners in ministry, Lutheran Church of the Great Spirit. Pictured here (from left) Pastor Char (LCGS), Bishop Paul, Vince B Blackfox (keynote speaker), JJ and Gladys. (Pastor P was taking the picture)

In the middle part of January 2024, my phone rang, and a sweet voice asked me if we had thought anymore about the choir loft renovation. I began to explain that plans were in the works and that we would most likely be working with the Mission Team to plan a capital campaign for the project in the future. The voice asked me if I knew what we would need from a dollar standpoint, for the loft renovation and perhaps to upgrade our sound system. I knew the figure - it totaled about $30,000.

A little later that afternoon, I received a call. That same sweet voice was calling to tell me that they would like to give the entire amount so that the project might begin.

The Spirit of God works like this… we are truly so very grateful that the sweet voice of generosity chose Gethsemane ELCA as the recipient of their benevolence.

Much work has already been done to begin clearing out the choir loft. Travis Kraft has drawn up plans for the new space and he and Eddie Gonzalez will continue to move the project forward. Look forward to monthly updates on this outstanding labor of love.

Please join me in asking God’s blessing on all who give to this place we call Gethsemane – The Garden of Hope!

One of our very own, Don Adams, was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Elm Grove Memorial Day parade. A very private and humble gentleman, Don is a bit hidden in this picture – he is seated next to the driver. Here is what the organizers of the parade had to say about Don:

“This year’s honored Grand Marshal is Don Adams, United States Marine Corps 1965-1969. Don received two Purple Hearts, Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service. A resident of Brookfield since 1979, Don was an elementary teacher with Elmbrook Schools and is a member of VFW Post #8320 in Brookfield.”

Don, we are so very blessed to have you among us as a disciple of Jesus and one who teaches us the value of humility and courage. Thank you.

Join us June 15th from 10am – 12pm for a craft day!

Bring your own project and a dish to pass around if you would like!

Enjoy some fun and fellowship with your fellow craft friends.

Gethsemane Baptism Sunday

We celebrated Mateo Peterson-Burkes baptism on May 12th what a beautiful day to celebrate such a joyous occasion!

June 20th from 5:30-8pm we will be hosting the

Wartburg Alumni Burger Bash!

Pastor Perrie’s alumni friends and others will be coming together for fellowship and food provided by Wartburg. The social room will be occupied during this time and we thank you Gethsemane for your hospitality.

Come, just as you are, to the annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Worship Service hosted by our synod’s Reconciling in Christ Ministry Team!

Learn more about baptism and a church for all. Following worship, there will be family-friendly activities and snacks. Bring one friend (or more)!

June 13th 6:30pm-8:30pm Mt. Hope Lutheran Church – West Allis

To celebrate Pride month in June and to honor our siblings in Christ who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, the Champions of Grace ministry team invites you to join us and "Feed Your Mind".

We will host two interactive conversations on topics related to the intersection of Christian faith and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sessions will be held on June 5th at 6pm, here at Gethsemane, and on June 19th at 6pm - location TBD.  Dinner will be provided by C.O.G.

To help us prepare, we're asking that questions or discussion topics be submitted, anonymously, before the session.

You'll find a box in the Narthex where you can drop those off.

You can also submit your questions & topics electronically at https://forms.gle/1vEvs73R5ExLcUYC8.

If you're interested, and we hope you are, please sign up in the Narthex and let us know what questions you have.

The 2024 scholarship committee has awarded two scholarships to students in our congregation.

Congratulations Ben Marek and Luke Gonzalez.

Scholarships will be awarded June 2nd during our worship service.

Thank you to Jim and Donna Zarek for coming to clean up the

Garden outside.

It looks beautiful, healthy and green!

On May 19th we celebrated Pentecost & Affirmation of Baptism Sunday

Congratulations Harper, Noah, Phoenix, and Kara our confirmands,

on their special day! May you hold the love of Jesus Christ in your heart forever.

We wish you all a life full of faith and love and that you be blessed in everything you do!

Office Talk with Autumn

Happy June Everyone!

Summer and Sun and all things warm! We are here friends! We might see some thunder storms here and there but we made it to summer! I hope everyone has lots of beautiful plans enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.

We are adding a little more to our Here at Gethsemane emails, and we will also have announcements under the weekly events. If you have an announcement you would like to add please send an email with details to the office. Along with the email you are still able to find information on the Narthex TV’s, the Garden Notes and print outs found on the front table of the church.

Any questions please feel free to reach out <3

office@gethsmeane-elca.org

Have a beautiful June!

Please keep our Gethsemane Family & Loved ones in your prayers!

… Dian Ferch … Paul Johnson … Aaron Kittson … Judy Piotrowski

… Pat Lambrecht … Anne Frost  … Tracy … Warren Windau … Mikey

… Melissa … Community of St. Camillus … Aimee … Jessica

 … Peg & Vicki … Brian … Dave Wolber

… Dan Boyd … Zachary … Community of Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge

… Women of the Freedom House

If you need prayer requests added or removed or

would like it sent to the Prayer Chain Group,

please contact the office at 262-782-8370 or

send an email to the church office.

June 2024 Calendar

June 2nd - Sunday

Youth led service – Car Wash fundraiser

June 3rd – Monday

Community Chapel 10:30am at St. Cam’s – Worship & Music meeting 6:30pm

June 4th - Tuesday

Lunch Bunch 11:30am Brass Key

June 5th - Wednesday

Bible Study 10-11:30am – Feed Your Mind 6-8pm

June 8th – Saturday

Property meeting 8:30am

June 9th – Sunday

Chris Manke preaching (Director of Outreach for Hope)

June 11th – Tuesday

Busy Bee’s 9:30-12pm

June 12th – Wednesday

Bible Study 10-11:30am - Dinner Church Summer Series

June 13th - Thursday

Pride Worship mount hope in West Allis 6:30pm

June 14th - Friday

55 + club 1-4pm

June 15th - Saturday

Mr. Bobs meet at park at 7:45am – Craft & Fellowship 10-2pm in social room

June 16th - Sunday

Faith Connections serving treats for Fathers Day – Baptism for Riley Jo – Social Hour will be in the Fellowship Hall following worship

June 17th - Monday

Community Chapel 10:30am at St. Cams

June 18th - Tuesday

Council Meeting 6:30pm

June 19th - Wednesday

Bible Study 10-11:30am – Hope Center serving 5:30pm

June 20th – Thursday

Wartburg Alumni Burger Bash (social room being used from 5:30-8pm)

June 25th – Tuesday

Busy Bee’s 9:30am-12pm

June 26th - Wednesday

Bible Study 10-11:30am

June 28th - Friday

55+ Club 1-4pm

June 29th – Saturday

Men’s Breakfast 8am at Pallas

Please note all events are as of 6/1/2024, please double check that your event/meeting has not changed or confirm with the Here at Gethsemane email weekly to make sure nothing has been rescheduled within the month.

Thank you! Have a beautiful June!

Our Mission Statement

To Spread God's Life Changing Message,

We will

Keep God's Word

Reflect God's Love

Preserve God's World

Share God's Bounty

Do God's Work

Office@gethsemane-elca.org

Pastor@gethsemane-elca.org

Musician@gethsemane-elca.org