April 2016 - Sister Bay Moravian Church

The Moravian Star
Sister Bay Moravian Church 1896–2016
In 120 Years.
’ve been reading through some of the memories that have come to the office in advance of the
Ifriends.
congregation’s anniversary. Some have come from former pastors. Some from current members and
I’ve seen two themes…
1. It’s about people. So many of the remembrances feature people—not events. Hans Buechi,
Warren Sautebin, Mary and Art Simpson, Fuzzy Sunstrom, Don and Kathy Ray, Polly Anderson,
John Holland, Elmer Hilander, Lawrence Reinhard…. Church is a cast of characters—each with
a role. This is a relational church. It always has been. It is not a timeline of achievement that
forms this congregation’s history. It is a family tree that forms this congregation’s history.
2. It’s the little things. Too much Weed & Feed? A familiar voice singing in the hallway? Being
scolded from the pulpit? These are not the great events that make up any history…they are not
great triumphs, nor are they deep tragedies. They are every day, common, ordinary events that
have been transformed into precious, holy, and extraordinary memories. That is what “church”
is—the place where the ordinary and extraordinary come together.
In short, we have cracked the formula for what a successful congregation looks like—people and simple
things. I hope and pray that in the year 2046 or 2096, this congregation will sit back and continue to
see the blessings of its people and little things. They are the treasures with which this congregation has
been built…they are a part of the foundations upon which everything else here happens.
I’m grateful for my role, my part, here. I think of the rule of the stage: “There are no small parts, only
small actors.” We have been blessed with the vision, generosity, experience, and faith of some
wonderful people. I have every reason to believe that we will continue.
In Faith. In Love. In Hope.
Pastor Kerry
Anniversary Events
We will be observing our anniversary throughout the year,
with the worship service on April 3rd celebrating the actual
date of the church’s founding. Other events will include:
 May 29: Mortgage Burning and Open House at the
Parsonage
 July 10: Church Family Picnic
Pastor Kerry’s Office Hours: Barring emergency, I am in the office
Monday–Wednesday 9 am–12 pm
I am always available for a time to meet—my place or yours
Office: 920.854.4080, Cell: 920.854.0015
kkrauss@dcwis.com
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 2
April Servants
Lectors
Ushers
Fellowship Hosts
April 3
Naomi Thomas
The KnudsonGenames
Anniversary
Celebration Potluck
April 10
Kathy Wagner
The Maltby Family
Sue Sunstrom
April 17
Trudy Fandrei
1. Ardis Fletcher
2.
April 24
Beverly KnutsonBochek
1. Bill Surbaugh
2.
Date
Elder of the Month
Trudy Fandrei
854-7581
trudyrranch@gmail.com
The Porters
Fill in the blanks!
Contact Ardis Fletcher if you would like to read Scripture during worship.
Contact Pete Budic if you would like to usher.
Contact Sally Pfeifer if you would like to host fellowship after the church service.
April 3
April 9
April 10
April 12
April 18
April 19
April 21
April 23
Darlene Hansen
Craig Thorpe
Kathy Wagner
Anita Beckstrom
Jenifer Hilander
Faye Elquist
Kaye Lundquist
Jennifer Stultz
Ben Fitzgerald
Robert Winn
Laurie Anderson
David Mann
Richard Staver
Bill Porter
Those ill or recovering: Pat Beckstrom, Paul Lubahn,
Lucas Spence, Rick Kohn, Tessa Erickson, Vance Voight,
Kenon Bunda, Anita Anderson, Rick Gename, Nancy
Hughes, Harold & Kaye Knutson, Janet Schuster
Senior living & nursing care centers: Anita Beckstrom,
Dick Kostka, Elaine Kalms, Marjorie Nichols, Lois Rice,
Bernice Sunstrom
Serving in the military: Bryan Duff, Brian Flood, Patrick
Flood, Austin Lent, David Mann, Todd Pichette, Jimmy
Wiltse
Free Community Lunch
Noon Wednesday, April 6
April 6
Jim & Doretta Hilander
Wiley & Roselyn Krapf
April 20 Greg & Sue Sunstrom
April 22 Don & Kathy Ray
The
The Community Lunch this month will include
Booyah, corn muffins, and peach with lettuce salad,
along with some great desserts. Come by and bring friends!
Thanks to Anne Porter, Sally Pfeifer, Betty Holland, Lucille Kostka,
and Debbie Mann for spearheading this month’s lunch.
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 3
Sister Bay Moravian’s 120th Anniversary Celebration
L
On March 30, we paid off the mortgage! A “mortgage burning” ceremony will take place
on May 29. Great thanks to all who gave in testament to sowing “Seeds of Faith.”
M
any are sending in their best memories of Sister Bay Moravian, and you’ll see them throughout the
year to remind us of the blessings we have. Here’s just one remembrance:

“In the early years of my memory, we entered the Sister Bay Moravian Church through
a small vestibule at the northwest corner of the church. If while in the vestibule you
chose the door to your right, you would go toward the front of the church. There were
two pews along the right wall. The main door from the vestibule was straight ahead.
It took you to the main part of the sanctuary. To your left, then, was an enclosed area
used for overflow and for church dinners. There were separate tall hinged doors which
ran in a track on the floor and ceiling. It was like a big accordion, so some of the doors
went toward the east wall and some toward the west wall. Those doors were usually
closed.
The pews were not fastened to the floor and tended to swivel. If you were going to grasp the pew ahead of you
when you were getting up, it would pivot like a seesaw.
Looking at the front of the church, the four stained glass windows in memory of Isaac Nelson were part of the
south wall. In the southwest front corner of the church was a small choir/Sunday School room. The choir
assembled there before each service. The upright piano was located on the east wall of the sanctuary. In those
years, children occasionally provided special music for services. The children of the Axel Johnson family sang as
a group. Clyde, the oldest boy, played guitar and sang with them.
When a chicken dinner was served, tables were set up in the overflow area. Mrs. Reinhard Larson and Mrs. Sam
Nelson would be making coffee with egg in it. The kitchen was located on the northeast corner of the building.
There was a small Sunday School room next to the kitchen. There was a pass-through with a little counter from
the kitchen to the overflow area, as well as a door to the kitchen. A vestibule led to the back door to the north,
toward what is now the parsonage.
In the old days, there was a small basement room in which the Kohler 110-volt plant was located. That’s how
we got electricity when it ran. Once during an evening Mission Festival, the guest minister went on and on.
Finally, somebody went downstairs and turned off the motor. The church became dark and everybody
wondered what was wrong. They turned the lights back on, but I think the guest preacher got the message.
A kitchen stove was the heat source for catechism classes on Saturday mornings. In the winter, that kitchen was like
an icebox. By the time we left, it had warmed up. Rev. Hoesman couldn’t start the stove ahead of time because he
arrived at from the Ephraim parsonage just as we arrived. He came in a little Ford V-8 coupe with yellow wheels and
whitewalls. We went at least two years for classes. We knelt at the front of the church when we were confirmed. I
remember being very concerned because one of my shoes had a hole in the sole. I put
cardboard in it, which worked on a dry day but didn’t do much when it was a wet day.
I used to think everybody there was old. They dressed old, and the men wore dark
suits. They probably were only in their 40s.”
–Jim Hilander
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 4
Afternoon Tea
Ephraim Moravian Church is hosting this year’s Afternoon Tea. It will be held on May 11th (1–3 pm)
in memory of Sue Sherman and our many friends who have succumbed to cancer, and in honor of
others who have survived it! We rejoice in them all. Some of Sue’s delectable sweets will be served
to tempt you, and her remaining cookbooks will be for sale.
We have invited some collectors to display their objects. In that spirit, if you have an apron in your collection—fancy
or utilitarian, old or new—please consider bringing or wearing it to add to the atmosphere of the event.
We will have TREES OF MEMORY and OF TRIUMPH. Please bring a small photo to hang on the tree during the
tea (5” x 7” or smaller) of a loved one who has passed from this life, or has won his or her life back, from cancer.
The event is $15 per person. All RSVPs should be directed to Cheryl Lubahn by phone (854-0007) or e-mail
(palubahn@yahoo.com). The event will be quite popular…Ephraim Village Hall has limited seating, so don’t wait!
Volunteers for VBS
A reminder about Vacation Bible School program, to be held June 13–17. Tribal parents (read: teachers) to be
there all five days. Craft area help from 1 to 5 days—whatever time you have. Each church is asked to provide a
couple people for set-up/tear-down. We need two people to help on Sunday, June 12, with tent and craft booth setup (time TBD). Then we need two people on Friday, June 17, for tear-down. Middle school and high school-aged
actors are needed for skits. Our own Amy Ludwigsen will be working with the kids. This year’s program has a “Holy
Week” theme. Contact Sheila about your availability.
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 5
~ Upcoming
Church Events ~
Ahuas Clinic Meeting
For those thinking about going to Honduras on a 2017 Mission Trip, and informational meeting
will be held on Sunday, April 17th at 11:45 am at church. Find out what’s involved in the mission
trip or just learn more about Ahuas Moravian clinic serving rural Honduras and what you might do
to help. This is strictly for information—no obligation!
Women’s Circle
There will be no Women’s Circle meeting in April.
Spiritual Writers Guild
The Spiritual Writers Guild is skipping the April meeting…be back in May!
“Happiness is a Habit”
Offered by Barbara Houge, sessions that began in mid-March 9 (10–11:30 am) will continue
through April 27. The fee includes handouts, craft materials, and the book Happiness is a Habit:
Simple Daily Rituals that Increase Energy, Improve Well Being, and Add Joy. Contact Barb to let
her know of your interest (630-740-8948, e-mail: barbhouge@sbcglobal.net).
Choir & Bell Rehearsals
During April, the choir will rehearse on Sundays (9 am) except for April 10th and on all Wednesdays
at 1 pm. The Bells of Praise will rehearse on Tuesdays at 7 pm with the exception of April 19 th.
April 17th is Music Sunday, with choir and bells rehearsing together…time(s) TBA!
Community News
On Thursdays through May, Marcia Nickols will hold her “Coaching Artists” sessions at
Ephraim Moravian from 11 am to 3 pm. Bring a bag lunch and your current creative project (any
medium). Marcia—Ephraim resident artist and retired art instructor—will offer creative solutions
and encouragement to guide your project. Each session is $10; attend one class or all! Marcia
(Carey) Ellis can answer questions: 920-857-7852.
“Caregiving: Finding Your Way as a Caregiver or a Friend” will be presented by Northern
Door Health & Wellness Ministry at First Baptist in Sister Bay on Sunday, April 17, at 4 pm.
Whether you are currently a caregiver, anticipate being one in the future, or want to support
a friend or loved one who is a caregiver, you’ll want to attend this CHIP PROGRAM. Two Door
County locals will tell their unique stories of how they became caregivers and share their
experiences, including satisfaction, challenges, and advice for others from what they learned.
Speakers will be Kathleen Kerwin, RN, the Faith Community Nurse at Stella Maris Parish,
who serves all of Northern Door County; Carolyn Hitzeman is a Broker at Professional Realty of Door County
Inc. For more information, go to www.NorthernDoorHealthWellness.com.
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 6
Financial Update
2016 Church Directory
th
Beginning April 6 , stop by and see the draft of the 2016 Church Directory in Fellowship Hall. It’ll
be there a couple of weeks for you to review your listing make any changes or additions. For those
out of town, please e-mail the office (sbmcoffice@dcwis.com) if you suspect you need an update.
Then we’ll go to press and distribute the new version by e-mail (as a downloadable PDF) or a hard copy for those
who don’t have e-mail or would like a print version.
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 7
April 2016
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
1896 – 2016
3
SBMC 120th
4
Anniversary
9 am Sunday
School
9 am Choir
Rehearsal
10 am Service
Potluck
Luncheon
No Women’s
Circle Meeting
this month
10
11
6
7
NO Women’s
Bible Study
10–11:30 am
“Happiness is a
Habit” class
8 am Men’s Bible
Study
Pastor Kerry
gone to
Leadership
Meetings
9 am Sunday
School
NO Choir
Rehearsal
10 am Service
April Fool’s
Day
5
7 PM Bells
Rehearsal
Friday
8
Saturday
2
9
NO Spiritual
Writers Guild
12 noon Free
Community Lunch!
1 pm Choir
Rehearsal
NO Youth Mtg
12
13
14
9:30 am
Women’s Bible
Study
7 PM Bells
Rehearsal
10–11:30 am
“Happiness is a
Habit” class
8 am Men’s Bible
Study
15
16
4 pm Elders
1 pm Choir
Rehearsal
NO Youth Meeting
17
Music
18
Sunday
9 am Sunday
School
Choir Rehearsal
(tentative)
10 am Service
11:45 am Ahuas
Mission meeting
4 pm “Caregiving” at First
Baptist
24
9 am Sunday
School
9 am Choir
Rehearsal
10 am Service
Ret. Bishop
Paul Graf
Pastor Kerry
out of town
19
20
21
9:30 am
Women’s Bible
Study
10–11:30 am
“Happiness is a
Habit” class
12 Noon Open
Door Lunch at Eph
Moravian
1 pm Choir
Rehearsal
8 am Men’s Bible
Study
NO Bells
Rehearsal
22
Passover
23
9:30 am
Trustees
NO Youth Meeting
Pastor Kerry
out of town
25
26
27
28
NO Women’s
Bible Study
10–11:30 am
“Happiness is a
Habit” class
8 am Men’s Bible
Study
5 pm Loaves &
Fishes at St.
Rosalia’s
7 pm Bells
Rehearsal
1 pm Choir
Rehearsal
7 pm presentation
on Sustainability/
Bjorklunden
29
30
SYNOD (Pastor
Kerry & Sheila P)
thru May 1st
NO Youth Mtg
9 am Sunday School
The Moravian Star – April 2016 - 8
Youth Sunday School (Oct - May) 9 am
Sunday Worship Service 10 am
Cell 920-854-0015
Parsonage 854-4559 Church Office 854-4080
Secretary Kathy Kirkland: Wed/Thurs/Fri 8:30 am–12:30 pm
E-mail: kkrauss@dcwis.com Secretary: sbmcoffice@dcwis.com
Website: www.sisterbaymoravian.org
Sister Bay Moravian Church
10924 Old Stage Rd
Sister Bay, WI 54234