THE MESSENGERMay 2020

CALENDAR

BECAUSE OF THE COVID 19 VIRUS, IN-PERSON CHURCH ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN

TEMPORARILY CANCELLED. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS IT IS

POSSIBLE TO SAFELY HOLD SERVICES AGAIN.

In the meantime, find us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/christthevictorlutheranchurch

or our website @ www.ctvelca.org, or watch sermons on our new YouTube channel

@ bit.ly/CTVYouTube

Pastor Becky Fetters Church 262-782-4940

Cell 262-337-3766

Christ the VictorLutheran Church

15700 W Coffee RoadNew Berlin, WI 53151

CHANGE SERVICE REQUEST

CTV MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission is to Embody The Way, The Truth, and The Life of Christ for the

pleasure and consumption of all

people…

Phone:(262) 782-4940

__________________

We’re on the Web!

See us at www.ctvelca.org

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; 2 for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on

their part…13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between 14 your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 15

As it is written,“The one who had much did not have too much,

and the one who had little did not have too little.”- 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, 13-15

I have always found the above words to be an inspiring example of what God’s people can do, even during times of stress and struggle. The apostle Paul was writing to the church in the city of Corinth, encouraging them to follow through on their intention to raise money to give to the church in Jerusalem. He gives them the example of the Macedonian churches, who are undergoing some “severe ordeal of affliction”, and yet are moved to overflowing generosity in this appeal. What a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit at work in those people and congregations, enabling them to share generously with others in need. He reminds the Corinthian church that it is not a matter of taking care of others while leaving themselves in poverty, but instead making sure that all have enough. Those who have more than they need share so that everyone has what they need.

People of God at Christ the Victor, you live this out well! I have been thankful and amazed at the consistency of our giving over the past month and a half since we stopped worshiping in person together. I know that there have been some hiccups as people were not sure if they could or should continue to send checks in and so held on to their offerings, but as word has gotten around that mail is being checked and offerings counted and deposited, we are catching back up! Add to that the new option to give online through MyEOffering (see Scott’s article) and we are truly doing ok during our own “severe ordeal”.

I encourage you to continue to be faithful in your giving – and remind you that if your financial circumstances have changed (out of work, working less, income down because your retirement funds are taking a hit), we certainly understand. In fact, please let me know if there are ways that CTV can help to support you during these uncertain times!

If you find yourself in a place of having more than you need, consider tithing (giving 10%) of your stimulus money (assuming you are eligible) to organizations that are in need. I’m including information about ELCA and Synod options elsewhere in this

newsletter, but would also suggest giving money to local food pantries or other organizations that are providing food to families whose kids typically got many meals at school; to places like the HOPE Center or Hebron Housing Services; or to any other charitable organization of your choice who may be providing increased services at a time when giving may be down.

STAFFPastor Becky Fetters Musician Charmaine Siagian

CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERSPresident Tom HartmanVice President VacantTreasurer Scott Bruni Assistant Treasurer Sue WildermanSecretary Susan Kolberg-Gonzalez

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONSBuilding & Grounds Roger RybakChristian Education

Congregational Life Joan SwesselEvangelism Bobbe RybakSocial Ministry Lois SelleStewardship Tom HartmanWorship & Music Dick Beierle

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 2

I pray that you may continue to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit, and that we may continue to lift one another up in prayer and support as we wait with anticipation to be together again. If there is anything you need, please call or text me (262.337.3766) or email me at prbeckyfetters@gmail.com.

Living generously with you,

Pr. Becky Fetters

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Please remember that all in-person events are suspended until further notice. As we move past the peak of the coronavirus spread and as our state gears up to have the necessary recommended safety protocols in place, your CTV council will plan for how to best return to holding in-person events. We know that everyone misses each other and singing, taking communion, hearing the word of God, and we want everyone to be as safe as we can be! Though we are small and could easily space ourselves in the sanctuary to be physically distant, we are also a congregation made up of many in the higher-risk groups. Because of that, we wish to be cautious and wise in making decisions to reopen. Please be patient as we wait – and please reach out to one another to check in and support one another. Cards and phone calls are always welcome!

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Need help with errands or grocery shopping?We have a few members who have offered to help other CTV members with getting groceries or running other needed errands. If you would rather not go out in public due to health concerns, please reach out to Pr. Becky and she can connect you with someone who would like to help!

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BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS

Our best wishes to those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in May. If you would like to be included in the monthly greetings please contact Irene at ihoernke@wi.rr.com, or give her a call at 262-679-3946. Thank you.

5/29 Pastor Becky Fetters

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 3 Financial Summary through March 2020

I want to thank the congregation for the continued financial support!!We do have a year to date deficit (3/2020) of -$3484 for the year mostly due to the reduction in value of the Etrade funds and Thrivent funds which we expect to recover when the economy is starting to return to normal. Our giving is close to budget but under what was budgeted. Our expenses are less than what was budgeted, but we still have expenses to maintain such as synod benevolence, building operations and payroll.

We have started an online giving program called “MyEoffering” to offer another method of payment for our members. If you are interested in giving online, you may access the MyEoffering thru a link on the CTV website: www.ctvelca.org and “CLICK HERE TO GIVE WITH MY-E-OFFERING” which is directly below Pastor’s picture. Or sign on directly at: https://members.myeoffering.com/#/landing. You may also mail your offerings to the church at 15700 W. Coffee Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151. We are picking up the mail daily and making weekly deposits to keep us current.

We are also applying for the Cares Act, Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) but have not been approved as of April 21st. As a church we have been very resilient in these tough, Corona Virus times. If you need any additional information please email myself at scottrbruni@gmail.com. Once again thank you for your continued support!!! Can’t wait to see you in church again!!God Bless!!

Scott Bruni, Treasurer

WELCA NEWS

This time it is the corona virus guide lines that have again cancelled our Tuesday, May 4th meeting. “Wait and See” will be our answer for our June meeting.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR PRAYERS

Valerie Rieck Carol & Mike Rytkonen Paulette ConinePhoi Tran Caroline Ruud Vicky RasmussenEthel Solheim-Cole Bernie & Grace GreenMarge Gruel Richard MelmsNancy & Erv Makal Gloria Newton

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 4

WAYS TO HELP!

NEW BERLIN FOOD PANTRY

The Food Pantry is still open and assisting those in need. However, do not bring to church; deliver directly to the pantry:

Toilet Paper Almond Milk Beef StewFamily size Ravioli Tuna Spaghetti with Meatballs

They are NOT taking clothes, games, socks, etc.The pantry is open 9 to 5 Wednesdays at 14740 W. Cleveland Avenue. The pantry serves New Berlin, Elm Grove, and Brookfield. Thanks for your very generous gifts.

Doris Elias

Hebron Housing Services (AKA Hebron House of Hospitality)From their website:

“All of our shelters are open during the COVID-19 crisis, and we have expanded our operating hours at the Siena House shelter to provide a safe place during the outbreak. We are actively seeking help from our community during this time of crisis. We need funding to expand our bed space and pay our staff most of all, but we also need supplies to keep our guests healthy, and hot meals delivered to the shelters. If you can help, please contact vjenkins@hebronhouse.org.”Our most urgent items, other than cash donation, are:

1. Rubber gloves2. Hand soap in any form3. All cleaning supplies, but especially disinfecting wipes and sprays4. Toilet paper – we have over 60 guests and are not able to order more due to shortages5. Paper towels6. Garbage bags7. Hand sanitizer

OUTREACH FOR HOPE (a ministry of our synod that supports congregations doing much needed ministry in low-income areas of our synod)From their website…In the coming days, many taxpayers will begin to receive Economic Impact Payments from the IRS. If you are in a position to do so, we encourage you to consider making a gift when your funds from the IRS arrive, and to invite others in your congregations to do likewise:

SUPPORT YOUR HOME CONGREGATION . One of our pastors compared their current eco-nomic situation to the “summer slump” in offerings.

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 5

PROJECT LUNCHBOX . Outreach for Hope will fund lunches for families at five partner min-istries located in food deserts. For $39, you can provide lunch to a family of 4 for an entire week!

OFH COVID-19 RELIEF FUND . Donations received before June 1st will be distributed as stimulus checks to ministries serving low-income communities in southeast Wisconsin—so that they can continue to provide life-giving services during and after the pandemic.

GIVE NOW to PROJECT LUNCHBOX and the OFH COVID-19 Relief Fund. If you prefer to write a check, please make your check payable to “Outreach for Hope,” indicate which program you are supporting, and mail it to the Greater Milwaukee Synod office at 1212 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee WI 53215. If you have any questions or would like more detail, please contact Michael Groh, Interim Executive Director of Outreach for Hope, at 414-807-0750 or mike@outreachforhope.org.

Click here to read the full letter of how you can help in these trying times.

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COVID-19 Response Fund of the ELCA (from the ELCA website)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provides ministry to its members, to those who are hurting and searching for peace, and to those in need. To continue this important work, the church needs your help.

With congregations and ministries across the country, and a network of companion churches and partners in over 70 countries around the world, we anticipate this crisis will affect us all. In the United States, unemployment has soared. We see rising demands on our food pantries, homeless shelters and social services. Around the world, millions of people living in poverty are facing this pandemic without reliable access to sanitation and health care.

Now is a time when we need one another. Now is a time to live and act as faithful people of God.

You can help by supporting your congregation and making a gift to the ELCA’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Your donation will provide funds to the ministries of the ELCA most in need and best positioned to help. This includes our congregations as well as local and churchwide ministries capable of reaching and assisting those in need.

You can click here to give online. Or if you would rather, send in a check, make checks payable to "ELCA", note "COVID-19 Response Fund” on the memo line, and send to:  Evangelical Lutheran Church in America P.O. Box 1809 Merrifield, VA 22116-8009

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 6

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ELCA churchwide organization is here to support its members, congregations, synods and partners. Call 800-638-3522 and press #4 or email HereToServe@ELCA.org for prayer, support and answers to questions.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++WAYS TO CONNECTMissing your fellow CTV members and friends?

Come to our weekly Zoom Bible study, Sundays at 11 AM! If you have a computer with a webcam, or a smart phone with a front-facing camera, you can see and be seen by others. If you don’t have those, but are willing to make a long-distance call, you can just call in from a traditional landline or flip cell phone and just join us like an audio conference call. Or, if you’re interested, I can set up another time for a virtual coffee or happy hour for people just to chat and catch up! It is a blessing for me and others in the virtual room to get a chance to see one another and talk each week. See below to get you started; the link should work every week – and if you need help troubleshooting, let me know and I’ll do my best! Please don’t be intimidated – everyone who has “attended” so far has been able to get on the call with limited issues (and we’re learning together when we run into difficulties!)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/987911441?pwd=VnBBclBSVWdJWjduYzRMckJka2FkQT09(copy and paste the highlighted link into your browser – or check your weekly Sunday email)Meeting ID: 987 911 441Password: WdJ84Vf!twOne tap mobile+16465588656,,987911441#,,#,590532# US (New York)+13126266799,,987911441#,,#,590532# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location (from a landline or flip phone and enter the ID and password below) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)Meeting ID: 987 911 441Password: 590532

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 7 Christ the Victor Lutheran Church Council Minutes – April 14, 2020

Meeting conducted through Zoom (virtual). Present:   Pastor Becky Fetters, Tom Hartman, Scott Bruni, Sue Kolberg Gonzalez, Mike Mesich, Roger Rybak, Joan Swessel, and Sue Wilderman.

Call to Order: Tom called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Pastor opened with prayer and led the group in “Dwelling in the Word” with reading and discussing that Sunday’s upcoming reading.

Minutes:  The 3/10/20 minutes were distributed, but not reviewed or acted on.   

Pastor’s Report - Written report on file.  Pastor attended the last Flock of Three Lenten soup supper and worship (3/11/20) and the Synod Assembly Planning meeting and Waukesha cluster event (3/12). The first Sunday with no in-person worship was 3/15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic although bulletin, devotional resources and a sermon were mailed/emailed out. Pastor began recording sermons on You Tube (3/22), and Charmaine began uploading video hymns and Bible Study through Zoom launched (3/29). Pastor mailed Holy Week resources to those without email access, had a Worship Committee meeting with Sue Wilderman and Charmaine through Zoom (4/7) and collaborated with Pastor Cheri at Reformation about Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at home resources. She’s attending Zoom meetings with Synod staff and colleagues and continuing to make calls and send notes to members. She looks to how to continue to stay connected and meet needs during this challenging time. Ideas are welcome.

No President’s, Vice President’s (vacant position), Faith Formation (vacation position) Worship and Music, Stewardship, Social Ministry, Congregational Life or Outreach Reports.

Treasurer’s Report – Pastor emailed the financial reports. Scott said we have a $3484 deficit, most of which was from the ETrade and Thrivent accounts although these were coming back in early April. The “my E-Offering” online giving option began with five givers having used it to date. It is a slower process only the first time you use it. Scott reiterated that having funds come directly from your checking account has the lowest fees. Overall giving is coming in, but not as routine as usual. We are also still waiting for the Pay Pal funds to come in that were from the Mr. Tran memorial “Go Fund Me” page. Roger moved, Joan seconded, all approved that Scott finalize the application for the CARES ACT (the federal government’s payroll protection program) which we could use for payroll and utilities if approved.

Assistant Treasurer’s Report – Sue Wilderman distributed the March 2020 report, which she said was OK, but funds for April have been light to date. We had not seen St. Mark’s payment towards health insurance, which may have been overlooked with the current COVID-19 times. The online giving option is now available (link on the CTV website) or mail in giving to the church address.

Building and Grounds – No written report. Roger found cuts in the roof and repaired these, welded two blue chairs together, and made the tractors ready for lawn mowing. He asked if about $200 should be spent to treat additional trees for the ash borer disease. Scott Bruni suggested just letting

THE MESSENGER MAY 2020 PAGE 8

them die since treatment will not stop them from eventually doing so. The suggestion was instead

made to maybe use such funds to plant new trees. To date, we have not heard anything from the Skorstad family about any memorials where a thought had been to use those funds to plant trees. It was noted that the DNR gives away trees so Roger will look into this.

New Business Discussion ensued about how to stay connected during this COVID-19 “Safer at Home” time. Pastor

reiterated how she doesn’t want to encourage people to leave their houses during this time (espe-cially due to the congregation’s demographics) so no parking lot or communion distribution inside CTV would be possible when the suggestions were made. The focus is on online sermons, Bible Study and meetings for those with internet access and mailed documents for those who are not. Joan suggested using the existing Prayer Chain to make phone contacts to check on members.

Sue Wilderman will check into getting this started. Joan will send cards to those who in normal cir-cumstances would be the “shut-ins,” those who had not been attending in person services due to health concerns.

Pastor said that Synod Assembly has been moved to August, and she will contact Sondra Swessel who had agreed to be a delegate.

The ELCA started a fund to assist congregations in need during this COVID-19 crisis. Pastor will send out information related to the radio service that Redeemer Lutheran Church does on

Sundays.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. with Pastor’s closing prayer. The next scheduled meeting is May 11, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

Submitted by Sue Kolberg Gonzalez