Pastor's November 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! Now which way do we go? – that was the question on my mind as I came to an intersection on the north side of Chicago. It was dark and I simply could not figure out which way was the right way. Thankfully we had our Garmin plugged in and the voice of this women that we call Myrtle was able to guide us safely on our way. If it had not been for Myrtle I would still be lost on the north side of Chicago. I needed help to know which way to go. Atonement finds itself at the threshold of an exciting adventure. We have seen much growth in this ministry over the last few years: *Worship attendance is ahead of last year by 1865. *First Communion Classes have grown from 4 or 5 to over 20. *Hope For All – our ethnically mixed worship service has grown from an average of 17 to an average of 30 in less than two years. *We ended 2011 with a balance of $81,652 and we meet our budget for the first time in a few years. *United2Serve continues to grow as we focus on three specific areas of mission & ministry. Total gifts through U2S as of September of this year is $15,489. *The small group ministries continue to grow. There are 35 to 40 adults gathering each month around the Word of God to explore what God is up to in their lives. *Vacation Bible School has grown from 65 to over 110 children this summer. *Community Outreach continues to expand as we see the importance of Walking Together with Preble Hive, Freedom House, Martin School, Spanish A.A. Group, NEW Shelter, Just Drive, Annual Festival & Rummage Sale just to mention a few. *Our passion for ministry has also gone beyond our community as we see growth in our support of LWR, Mission Trips, Seminarians, Malaria, Crossways Camping Ministries and many others. *There has also been an increase over the last two years in our membership. Last year we welcomed 14 new families and this year we have welcomed 23 new members. The Atonement Community is growing. *We have been blessed with the financial support of other churches, individuals and the synod as they have gifted us with over $23,000 this year alone for our MultiCultural Ministry. *Our confirmation classes have seen growth as we have a total of 13 young people in grades 7-9. *In 2010 we celebrated 4 baptisms and this year we have celebrated 11 baptisms with the possibility of 3 more. *Facility upgrades with a new roof, carpet and windows over the last few years. Growth in volunteers coming forward to help in the upkeep of our grounds and building. *and… What more have you seen in regards to our growth these last few years? The Walking Together in Mission & Ministry wants to hear what you have to say about what has taken place these last few years and how we can continue this growth. There will be two LISTENING TIMES between services on Sunday November 4th & 11th. This will take place in the parish hall. Please come and participate in this conversation. “Effective mission planning is the work of an entire congregation. There may be a small group of people involved in the hands-on work and planning activities, but the WHOLE CONGREGATION is engaged through prayer, discernment and other forms of participation and support as well as sharing a commitment to the actions that emerge from the planning process.” It has been exciting to see this growth and we Praise God for how the Holy Spirit has helped to move us forward as we discover what it means to WALK TOGETHER in mission & ministry. So what is the next step? Your participation in the conversation about what has been taking place and how we can build on this growth. One thing we will be asking you to consider is the expansion of staff to include a full time Lay Associate in Ministry. Let me leave you with these words from Paul in Ephesians – “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15 Peace through Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's October 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! Read the following to prepare for our Harvest Festival Ephesians 2: 19-22 I Peter 2: 4-6 Luke 10: 1-2 It is coming soon! The last of many 50th Anniversary events will take place on Sunday – October 21. This will be our 50th Anniversary Harvest Festival. Just think – it was over 50 years ago at this time of year that farm workers would show up on this land to bring in the harvest. Yes – it was on this section of land that a farmer grew tomatoes. I can seem them in my mind’s eye harvesting all those beautiful and ripe tomatoes. Now as we look back for the final time there is reason to celebrate for another kind of harvest has been taking place – it has been the harvest of the heart and soul of the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. Just like those farmers would sow the seed so have we been sowing the seed of God’s love and grace and look at the harvest God has made possible. Wow! It is time to pause and celebrate that as Paul wrote in Philippians 1: 3-6 – “that God who began this good work in you will bring it to completion.” God has done this through the power of the Holy Spirit at work through you. It has been that Holy Spirit that has nurtured and called for the harvest in the lives of so many. This is what will take place on Sunday October 21. We will gather for worship at 10:00a.m. Yes that is right – there will be only one service that morning at 10:00a.m. Paul Kacynski will be with us that Sunday morning to lead us in worship using the liturgy he shared with us in August. The focus of the worship will be to give thanks to God for the harvest these last 50 years and to prayerfully look to the future. We will seal the cornerstone at worship so be sure to share with us your ideas for what to put behind the cornerstone. Sunday school will take place during worship – it will begin after the children’s sermon. The worship & Sunday School hour will be followed by the Harvest Festival Meal – homemade booyah, homemade breads, desserts and something to drink. (No Takeouts please). We began our 50th Anniversary year in prayer and we plan to bring it to a close in prayer. There will be a 50th Anniversary Prayer Journey that I invite all to participate in. This will begin on October the 17th and end on November 25 (the last day of this liturgical year). It will take you 8 to 10 min each day but what a blessing it will be to you and to the future of Atonement. This will be on facebook, our website and in paper form. Each day you will be asked to read from the bible a certain verse and then pray. Yes it is time to Celebrate the Harvest. If you would like to help with this celebration please contact the church office! “O give Thanks to the Lord for God is good and God’s steadfast love goes on forever!” Peace in Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

P.J.'s September 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! THE STORY has been put on hold until January of 2013 so that we can continue a conversation on POWER SURGE. I encourage you to participate in this very important conversation that will take place each Sunday morning – starting on September 16th – during the Sunday School hour in Herbie’s Café. Each Sunday morning I will be preaching on one of the Marks of Discipleship that Michael Foss sees as being very important for the future of the church. September 16 Matthew 18:21-35 PoWeR SuRGe: Flying Blind September 23 Luke 18:1-8 PoWeR SuRGe: P for Prayer September 30 Hebrews 10:19-25 PoWeR SuRGe: W for Worship October 7 2 Timothy 3: 14-17 PoWeR SuRGe: R for Read October 14 Matthew 25: 31-46 PoWeR SuRGe: S for Serve October 21 I Thessalonians 1: 1-10 PoWeR SuRGe: R for Relationships October 28 Malachi 3: 8-12 PoWeR SuRGe: G for Give November 4 Luke 7: 18-23 PoWeR SuRGe: Commitment Michael Foss said this in his book, “Christian leaders are looking for new, dynamic, and effective ways of being the church, ways that are faithful to the call of God and that will energize them and their ministries. Pastors and lay leaders are longing for a spiritual spark to ignite the passions of God’s people once again. This deep longing on the part of Christian leaders is accompanied by a growing sense of urgency, a growing sense that the time may be running out on American Protestantism.” Consider the following: *91 percent of all households own at least one Bible. *80 % of adults name the Bible as the most influential book in human history. *Yet, only 38 % of adults read the Bible in any given week. *Only 24% of adults volunteer to help a church. *96% of adults believe in God. *Yet 39% say Jesus did not have a physical resurrection. *61% say that the Holy Spirit is not real. What is going on here? How has this happened? And what can we do about it? It is time for a new vision of what it means to be part of the body of Christ, the church in the world. Join us on Sunday mornings as we discover together the six Marks of Discipleship in our own personal walk of faith and in the mission of Atonement Lutheran Church! See you at Herbie’s Café! In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

P.J.'s August 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! I love a good story – don’t you? There is something about a good story that draws you into the drama of people, places, and things that it become hard to put it down. Well – there is a story that we are going to explore this fall and winter that you will not want to miss. It is simply called – “THE STORY”! We will explore stories like stubborn Jonah and his improbable fish tale or a family patriarch named Abraham whose filled with surprises and hope, or Ruth who showed such courage when life seemed impossible or Peter who was willing to except an invitation to step out of a boat or Job who struggled to understand the reason for suffering and how God was present in it. Yes these are the stories of faith that shape who we are as children of God. But among all these remarkable stories we will come face to face with God’s Son. We will look long into the eyes of Jesus Christ and hear his claim that he is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. It will be in The Story that we will come to discover together how our stories of life are found in God’s Story. Our journey will begin on August 12th as we begin a 40 day period of prayer. We will pray that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to this journey! Each day an email will go out to the members of Atonement and will be posted on my face book inviting you to be in prayer for a few moments. There will be a short devotional and some suggested things to be in prayer about during the day! The 40 Days of Prayer is followed by a kick off Sunday that will take place on Sunday – September 16th. The sermon that Sunday will be an invitation to join thousands of others on a journey that will be life changing. We will open THE STORY together to discover what God is doing and how we are part of God’s Story. Each Sunday The Story for the week will be preached on and a number of small groups will gather during the week to explore further The Story. There will be small groups at a number of times and places: *Sunday morning during Sunday School *Sunday late afternoon in a member's home *Thursday morning at 6:30AM in Herbie’s Café *Thursday evening at 6:30PM in Herbie’s Café *Others (Maybe you would like to host a small group in your home). Your help is needed as we hope that every member of the Atonement Church Family will participate. I need helpers to work with me in preparation for this remarkable adventure in the following areas: *Prayer Ministry Organizer *Small Group Organizer * Publicity Coordinator *Sunday Morning Worship Planning *Food Organizer *Face Book Coordinator *Other Please give me a call if you would like to help me prepare for this churchwide campaign as we walk together through THE STORY!! You can reach me at 920-468-0713 or james.gerth@yahoo.com In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

P.J's July 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! I chronicled my walks with emails. Here is a recap of that spiritual 50 mile journey: Greetings from the 50 mile walkers, Thankful that the heat is gone and we have cool temps for our first day of walking. Yes we are all Walking Together. We are taking with us part of the prayer cards from Sunday as we walk along we will be praying. Our day began as my days have begun preparing for this walk - devotional time and prayer. The title for the May 29th devotion in the Christ In Our Home is "Walking Together". WOW! I find that so encouraging. We are WALKING TOGETHER! That is the gift and the joy that God has given us at Atonement. The devotion is based on Isaiah 2:1-5. Isaiah invites us to walk in God's path, to be shaped by the Lord's ways, and to learn of God's vision that all creation live in harmony and peace. Yes we are WALKING TOGETHER - people of God from many different backgrounds. But we WALK TOGETHER all to the Glory of God! Join us on the walk through the rest of the week. We would love to see you along the way. We can only do this with your prayers and God's help! You can call me at one of the following #'s 920-660-1516 or 920-370-5031. Let us by the grace of God continue to WALK TOGETHER!! Peace of the Lord be with You! P.J. & Walkers Day 2 began with a devotional reading entitled "Called and Sent". It was based on Isaiah 6:8 "Here I am send me". Wow! It just so happens that this was the bible verse placed on a walking stick by a very dear friend that I still use when I walk. May we also respond like Isaiah did with faith saying, "Here am I; send me!" We have now covered a total of 21 miles. Praise God! Thursday will be a short walk - only 7 miles to the Frosty Tip. We should arrive at the Frosty Tip by about 10:30 - 11:00AM. Thank you to all who walked with me on Wednesday - there was a total of 8 walkers and three people helping with water! Thanks! We have now in cash & pledges about $2,600. You can still support this 50 mile walk with your prayer and financial gifts. Let us continue to Walk Together With Jesus all to the glory of God! P.J. Dear Friends, Wow! It is hard to believe that we are now at the 43 mile marker! 43 Miles! With God all things are possible - this is so true. Thank you to all the walkers and those who helped with water and prayed for us on Friday. Thank you to all who have given gifts to support the paying of our mortgage and support our Multi Cultural Ministry. Last time I looked we are close to $3,000 in gifts and pledges. Thank You! We do this to the Glory of God in thanksgiving for God's gift of peace! God is Great! P.J. With God all things are possible! Really? Yes - with God all things are possible! When I started this journey I was not at all sure that I would make it all the way. 50 miles is a long way. But God sent many to pray, to walk, to run to bring water and with all that holding me up we made it. Thank you to all who participated! It has been a blessing to me and I trust it has been a blessing to you. It is amazing how God walks with us on this journey of life. I know that the Holy Spirit is guiding Atonement and each of us into the next 50 years! Praise God! P.J.

P.J.'s June 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, June 2012 Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! There is a Vacation Bible School song that I have been thinking about as I prepare for the 50th Anniversary here at Atonement. The words to this song are: “Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate shout and sing. Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love declare it joyfully!” Yes now is the time to CELEBRATE and GIVE THANKS to God for all that has taken place these last 50 years at Atonement! There are a number of special events being planned for May & June that you will want to attend! They are: *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* Pentecost Sunday 50th Anniversary Celebration * Corner Stone Opened* Sunday May 27, 2012 7:30-8:45AM Anniversary Breakfast (Freewill Offering for 50th Anniversary) 9:00AM Pentecost Worship with U2S & Holy Communion (The Corner Stone) *********************************************************************** *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday - June 3, 2012 9:00AM Worship & Holy Communion Special Guests: Bishop James Justman & Pastor Roald Harswick 11:00AM Reception at Riverside Ball Room 12:00 Noon Anniversary Meal Children 12 and Under are .50 per year Adults $11.00 each May we continue to grow in the love of Christ for the next 50 years. Be sure to share your ideas with the Anniversary Team about what we might place into the corner stone for the next 50 years! I am also asking for your prayers and support as I Walk 50 Miles in Celebration of God’s Love. You are invited to join me and others as we Walk Together With Jesus in Celebration & Thanksgiving of 50 years of Living the Gospel at Atonement Lutheran Church. The plan is to walk 16 miles a day starting on May 31st. We will start at Hainesville Lutheran Church outside of Sturgeon Bay. I am doing this for the following reasons: 1. Pray the Holy Spirit will continue to Guide Atonement into the next 50 years. 2. Raise funds for A.D.R. (church mortgage) & Multi Cultural Ministry. 3. Celebrate the Love of God in Christ! 4. Care for the gift God has blessed me with of my body! This is all being done that we might grow in what it means to Walk With Christ Jesus! Let’s Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate Shout and Sing! In Christ, Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's May 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, May 2012 Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! There is a Vacation Bible School song that I have been thinking about as I prepare for the 50th Anniversary here at Atonement. The words to this song are: “Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate shout and sing. Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love declare it joyfully!” Yes now is the time to CELEBRATE and GIVE THANKS to God for all that has taken place these last 50 years at Atonement! There are a number of special events being planned for May & June that you will want to attend! They are: *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* 50th Anniversary Ball Saturday—May 12 Atonement Lutheran Church 2132 Deckner Ave Green Bay, WI 6:00-7:00PM Dance Lessons 7:00-10:30PM Anniversary Ball $5.00 Single $7.00 Couple Join us as we celebrate 50 years of ministry all to the glory of God! *********************************************************************** *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* Pentecost Sunday 50th Anniversary Celebration * Corner Stone Opened* Sunday May 27, 2012 7:30-8:45AM Anniversary Breakfast (Freewill Offering for 50th Anniversary) 9:00AM Pentecost Worship with U2S & Holy Communion (The Corner Stone) *********************************************************************** *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday - June 3, 2012 9:00AM Worship & Holy Communion Special Guests: Bishop James Justman & Pastor Roald Harswick 11:00AM Reception at Riverside Ball Room 12:00 Noon Anniversary Meal Children 12 and Under are .50 per year Adults $11.00 each Yes there is even more to CELEBRATE ! Be sure to join us on Sunday May 6th as the following youth celebrate God’s Love by affirming their faith in Jesus Christ - Autumn Frerk, Hailey Huebner, Alexis Krenke, Jared Pike, Megan Zentmeyer, Savanah Gunderson And Karla Lopez. We also have four adults who will be Celebrating God’s Love by affirming their faith on Sunday – May 20th. They are Tiffany Wiebel, Michael & Emily Dagner and Randy Reeves. WOW! There is much to Celebrate as we can see how God’s Love continues to touch the hearts and minds of many! Let’s Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate Shout and Sing! In Christ, Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's April Blog 2012

Dear Friends, April 2012

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

It seems as though no matter where I look I see info about the new movie coming out called “The Hunger Games”. Now I must admit that I know nothing about the plot. But the title intrigues me – “The Hunger Games”. It must have something to do with a game and it must be a game that one wants to win because we have a hunger for it. Well, I am not at all sure that I am close to the plot but it has clearly got the attention of people around the world. Everyone is excited about the release of this movie at mid night – March 22nd. I find this all rather interesting because we are in the midst of another kind of event that will having a lasting impact on the world. In fact the event I am thinking about will also touch the lives of people all over the world. It is not the release of another movie or the Final Four or some other type of game. The event that has caught my attention is the empty tomb on Easter morning.

Luke recounts the events this way in Luke 24 – “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.’ And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.” Wow! That is what the world is truly hunger for – NEW LIFE! This is no game what Jesus has done! This is no movie that Hollywood has produced to entertain us. No – this is real! Death could not hold Jesus in the tomb. The victory over sin and death has been won by Jesus!

We are told that after they saw the empty tomb and heard the word from the messengers of God that they went out to tell other what they had seen and heard about Jesus. What story are you sharing with your neighbor or coworker who is hungry for peace? What story are you giving witness to with those loved ones who are sick or grieving? Let us share with the world the Good News about Jesus Christ who lives! Let us tell others about the one who can satisfy the hungers of our hearts. Let us invite them to worship this Easter so that God’s Spirit can touch them with a peace that is beyond all human understand. Remember? Remember like those early followers of Jesus did. They not only remembered but they went out into the community telling others about Jesus Christ! Worship times on Easter Sunday are as follows:
SUNDAY – APRIL 8
8:00a.m. Easter Celebration & Holy Communion
9:30a.m. & 12:30PM Easter Egg Hunt
10:30a.m. Easter Celebration & Holy Communion
11:30a. m. Esperanza Para Todos & Holy Communion / Easter
CHRIST LIVES!!

In Christ,
Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's March Blog

Dear Friends, March, 2012

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

Be sure to join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent (begins on February 22) as we discover together what it means to “GET OUT OF THE BOAT”! Let’s go for a walk this Lent. The Bible is, among other things, a list of unforgettable walks. The first one was taken by God himself, who, we are told, used to walk in the garden in the cool of the day. But as a general rule, God asked people to walk with him. Perhaps the most unforgettable walk of all was taken by Peter the day he got out of a boat and walked on the water. Join us as we explore this familiar bible story in Matthew 14 and what it means to walk together with Christ!
Our evenings during Lent will begin with a SOUP & SANDWICH MEAL served by the youth of Atonement from 6:00-6:45PM. A freewill offering will be taken to help support our youth ministry. Worship will follow the meal at 7:00PM and will focus on the Matthew 14 texts of Jesus walking on the water.

SOUP SERMON THEME

March 7 / Beef Vegetable Soup “COME FOLLOW ME”
March 14/ Potato Soup “HELP!”
March 21 / _________________ “IS GOD ENOUGH?”
March 28 / _________________ “WAITING”

I am also looking for volunteers to share about how Christ has been present for you in the storms of life and the impact that had on your life. These would be reflections on the Matthew 14: 22-33 story of Jesus walking on the water. They would be no longer then 7 min. Let Pastor Jim know if you would like to share your story.
There will also be “Get Out Of The Boat” small group gatherings each week where we will view a DVD and talk further about walking with God. They are:
*Sundays at Herbie’s Café during Sunday School at 10:15AM
*Sunday afternoon at Reeve’s home at 5:30PM
*Thursday mornings at 6:30AM at Herbie’s Café at Atonement
The Sunday morning focus during Lent will be on prayer. There will be a prayer room set up that will be open though out the week for you to stop by and have a quite time with God. There will also be a prayer wall where you can share your prayer concerns with others who come to this quite place to pray.
Come and join us during Lent as we go for a walk with God. Remember - You’re One Step Away From The Adventure Of A Life Time”

In Christ,

Pastor Jim (P.J.)

P.J.'s February 2012 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

“Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” Philippians 4: 4

It is time to Celebrate! “Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate Shout and Sing! Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Declare It Joyfully!” Yes now is the time to Celebrate! Even though Christmas has come and gone – Now is the time to Celebrate! Even though we are in the middle of winter with short days and long nights – Now is the time to Celebrate! Even though the Green Bay Packers did not make it to the Super Bowl – Now is the time to Celebrate! What am I talking about? It is time to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the very first worship service at Atonement Lutheran Church. It was a cold winter day with a fair amount of snow on the ground when over 278 people gathered to Celebrate! The date was February 25, 1962. There where people from Calvary, Trinity, Grace and other Lutheran Churches in the area that joined us on that special day to Celebrate the start of a new ministry!

It is time to gather once again to celebrate what God has done in the past and to look forward to the future and what God will continue to do in and through the Atonement community. You are invited to come to a special Party to Celebrate our 50th Anniversary on Saturday – February 25th at 6:00PM. This is going to be a party! Come ready to CELEBRATE! There will be food and drink and story telling and prayer! Yes it is time to have a Party to give thanks for all that God has done!

REJOICE IN THE LORD!! See what good things God has done and continues to do at Atonement! See you at the Party on Saturday – February 25, 2012!

In Christ,
Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

Pastor's January 2012 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ!

This has been a wondrous Christmas! It all began on Christmas Eve at about noon. Word came to Jim that Jessica’s water had broke and they were on their way to the hospital. Jim was making final preparations for the three Christmas Eve Services and the one on Christmas Day. Karen was at St Vincent Hospital as the day & night chaplain. Everyone was waiting for the word that Charlotte had been born – but just before the first Christmas Eve Service at 4:30 pm Jim called to see how things were progressing. Charles answered and mentioned they were all settled into a room and things were moving forward.

Just like we had been doing with Advent we continued to WAIT with a growing amount of anticipation. But no word came from Troy as the second Christmas Eve Service was getting underway. This was the Spanish service and the children helped Jim tell the Christmas story. By the end of this service it was close to 8:30 pm and still no word about the birth of Charlotte.

The last service was to take place at 10:00 pm and included the Atonement Choir sharing the Christmas Story through readings and music. Charles did call to say it was going to be soon. WOW! The waiting was almost over. I gave my cell phone to one of the ushers asking they take the call for me.

The 10:00 pm service had just begun and I saw the usher step out of the worship area. I looked to see where he was and noticed he was standing in the hallway. He saw that I was looking and gave me the thumbs up that all was ok and Charlotte had been born. It was at about this time that Karen arrived from the hospital for worship and found out from the usher that we were grandparents! WOW! Praise God! It was at about 11:30 pm after worship that we finally talked with Charles and found out that Charlotte Elaynne Gerth had been born on Christmas Eve at 9:45 pm at Anderson Hospital. 5# 13 oz. and 17” long.

It was after Christmas Day worship that we (Karen & Jim) got into our car at about 12:30 pm and drove 514 miles to arrive at Anderson Hospital around 8:15 pm to see and hold our very first Granddaughter! What a joy to see this little one that God has created and blessed us with on this Christmas Eve. It was a joy to also see how excited Jess & Charles are about their first baby.

Karen & I had breakfast with Charles & Jess & Charlotte on Monday morning as we spent time holding and taking pictures of Charlotte. We went over to the house to see the nursery and then stopped back at the hospital to see Charlotte and the blessed parents one more time. We then drove to Chicago to see Nathan & Laura as Nathan was to be in the air going back to Russia on Tuesday morning for another 5 months.

Yes – this has been a remarkable Christmas! We thank God for all the blessings of this Christmas time as we see the wonderment of God’s love and creative grace in our Granddaughter!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.) and Karen

PJ's December Blog

Dear Friends,

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 6

I was reading the Letters To Santa in the Daily Journal from 2003. It amazing me what children are hoping for this Christmas. Here are just a few of them:
Dear Santa: I want Barbe, I want a clok. I want a pal. Love, Maribel (age 6)
Dear Santa: I hope you come to me. I wesh for a cat. Hav a happy new year you are my favorite Santa. From, Samantha
Dear Santa: I hope you git me lots of toys. I hope you com my way. Mary Crissmiss. Nic

These are some of the sort of things you might expect a child to write in a letter to Santa. But then I came to these short yet powerful letters.

Dear Santa: I want My family to be Happy and I want My family to Hav food and I Love My family and My family love me. Love, Lolita (age 6)
Dear Santa: Please I was good I wish my family could get back together, So we could be the happiest family we would go to Kmart. Takeyah (age 6)
Dear Santa: Will my mom have a happy Christmas? Will my Puppy Get? Kan I Git Nomkos? Love, Megan

There is no doubt in my mind that there are countless children who are hoping for something of love this year. Not a love that is found in gift wrappings but a love that is found in a child – the Christ Child. Megan and Takeyah and Lolita are hurting. They are hoping for joy and peace to come to their families. How about you? What are you hoping for this Christmas?

Maybe we should encourage our children to write a letter to Jesus this Christmas. I wonder what the children would ask Jesus for this Christmas. What would you ask of the son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Alpha and the Omega, the great I am?

It is Jesus Christ who said to his followers in the upper room after His death and resurrection – Peace be with you. Wow! What a gift Jesus bring to a world that is hurting. This is my prayer for all the hurting children and adults this Christmas:
“Dona nobis pacem, pacem. Dona nobis pacem.” It means – Grant us Peace! Grant us Peace! It is Jesus who is the one and only Prince of Peace!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's November 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31

I recall as a young child always looking forward to the arrival of the Sears Christmas catalog. The day it would arrive in our home my older brother and I would page through the toy section dreaming about what might be under the Christmas tree. It was our hope book. What do you hope for this Christmas? The people of God that we meet in the Old Testament were hoping for the coming of a new time – a new kingdom – a new King. They also had their hopes about how life might be different. What are you HOPING for this Christmas?

I invite you to join us on Wednesday evenings during Advent as we explore the question – “What do you HOPE for this Christmas? The first Wednesday Advent Soup Meal & Service will be November 30th. The evening will begin with a Soup meal that will be served from 6:00- 7:00PM. During the meal time you will have the chance to make an ADVENT DECORATION that will remind you just what we HOPE for this Christmas. The meal time will be followed by a Service of Light & Darkness with Holy Communion. These services will be held in the parish hall. Let us join the prophet Isaiah as he reminds us to place our HOPE in the Lord!

I am looking for four or more people who would be willing to share what they are HOPING for this Christmas as part of the Wednesday evening service. The offering on Wednesday evening will go to the Malaria Campaign. In Africa, a child dies every 45 seconds from Malaria. Our gifts during Advent can help bring HOPE and make a healthier future possible. These gifts will provide mosquito nets, spray homes and provide necessary anti-malarial medication, support water treatment projects and help raise awareness about how to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.

What do you HOPE for this Christmas? See you the Mid-Week Services as we explore that question.

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth

Pastor Jim's October Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 3: 10-11

It was on a Sunday afternoon in October of 1961 that a group of people gathered to celebrate the Ground Breaking for Atonement Lutheran Church. Pastor Obert Lowe from Calvary Lutheran Church gave the invocation. Pastor Henry Kurtz, Pastor T.S.Hanson, Pastor Roland Hansen and Pastor Clarence Solberg read from scripture on that special day in Atonement’s history. The sermon was given by Pastor Dean A. Kilgust from Grace Lutheran Church. It is very clear that Atonement had it’s beginning because area churches came together to help it become a reality. We are so thankful for those pastors and charter members who followed where God was leading in starting a new congregation.
Now it is time to celebrate and dream about where God is calling Atonement to continue to grow in mission and ministry. You are invited to come and join in this special celebration on Sunday / October 23rd and Monday / October 24th.
Sunday / October 23 9:00a.m. Worship Celebration with Holy
Communion & United 2 Serve Offering
Sunday / October 23 10:00a.m. Dessert Feast & Booyah Sale
Sunday / October 23 11:15a.m. Esperanza para todos with Holy Communion &
United 2 Serve Offering
Monday / October 24 7:00p.m. The Luther College Concert Band Concert at Resch Family Auditorium Preble High School – The Concert is in Celebration of Atonement Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary.
Come and join us on Sunday October 23rd and Monday October 24th as we celebrate and praise God for the blessing of 50 years of Mission & Ministry and look to the future with Hope!

HELPERS are needed in preparation for this celebration. What follows is how you can help:
*Lodging is needed for the Luther College Concert Band on Monday night. They are lodged in groups of 2 or more.
*Ushers & Greeters are needed at the Concert at Preble.
*Prepare and serve the meal for the Concert Band on Monday at 5:15p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church.
*Clean-up crew for after the meal and the Concert.
*Send out invitations for Sunday Worship & Dessert Feast and Mondays Concert.
*PR for the Concert to area schools, churches, & media.
*Do fall cleaning inside the church the week before Sunday October 23rd.
*Set up displays & create power point about what the ground breaking was like.
*Plan the Sunday morning Celebration & invite special guests.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL – I ask that all be in prayer for these days and for Atonement’s future. God is not done at Atonement. Like Paul said in Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

God is Great!

Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's September Blog

Dear Friends,

“Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5

What a joy it has been to see so many gather on Wednesday evenings during the summer around these amazing stories of faith This last week our attention was focused on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. He once said, “The churches should be the first to champion the cause of the oppressed, but they fail to support the oppressed until it becomes fashionable to do so.” Is that still true today? Are we ready to pick up the cross and follow where Jesus is going? I wonder – just what is Jesus’ dream for Atonement? Just what is Jesus’ dream for the neighborhood around Atonement?

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said this about a dream he had for all people:
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all people are created equal’.”
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
“I have a dream today.”
“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

Do you see how God is bringing this dream into reality here at Atonement? The walls that divide because ethnic background are coming down as the Holy Spirit brings us together as one people. WOW! Last Wednesday evening was one such time when people who came from so many different ethnic backgrounds came together around the table of the Lord. It did not matter if we were German, Irish, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, or _______. In God’s eyes we were brought together around the table of grace and forgiveness! The dream is coming true! Praise God!

In the months to come the Atonement Family will look different on the surface from what it looked like 50 years ago when the ground was broken and this church was started. But – have you noticed how the neighborhood has changed? Yet with all that is different the message we proclaim is the same. It is a message of grace and forgiveness for all people. Do you see what God is doing? The dream of Isaiah and of Martin Luther King Jr is starting to become a reality! Praise God!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth

Pastor's August Blog

Dear Friends,

“When He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them.” Matthew 9:36

What do you see when you look at our neighbor? What do you see as a person of faith? We read in Matthew 9 that Jesus saw a people in need and was filled with compassion. It was a deeply felt compassion that moved him into action. What do we see? Let me share with you a story about how our eyes need to be opened to see what Jesus sees.

“I remember a mini-paradigm shift I experienced one Sunday morning on a subway in New York. People were sitting quietly-some reading newspapers, some lost in thought, some resting with their eyes closed. It was a cal, peaceful scene. Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed. The man sat down next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people’s papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did nothing. It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild like that and do nothing about it, taking no responsibility at all. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, with what I felt was unusual patience and restraint, I turned to him and said, ‘Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of people. I wonder if you couldn’t control them a little more?’
The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciousness of the situation for the first time and said softly, “ Oh, you’re right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don’t know what to think, and I guess they don’t know how to handle it either.” Can you imagine what I felt at that moment? My paradigm shifted. Suddenly I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn’t have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior; my heart was filled with the man’s pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely: ‘Your wife just died? Oh, I’m so sorry! Can you tell me about it? What can I do to help?’ Everything changed in an instant.”

I invite you on a journey that will help open our eyes to see the world around us the way Jesus does. It is a 40 Day Journey that will change the way you live. Sign up today! It will take only 10 to 15 min a day & a weekly gathering at church with others who are on this 40 day journey! Our goal is to have 50 people participate in this exciting adventure! This is one of the ways we are gearing up for the 50th Anniversary of Atonement!! THE JOURNEY WILL BEGIN SEPTEMBER 11, 2011. In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

July 2011 Blog from Pastor Jim

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1: 8

DO YOU REMEMBER????
“In 1960 plans were laid for the establishment of one new congregation in each of the 19 districts of the proposed new American Lutheran Church. The Preble area of Green Bay was chosen as the site for the new Jubilee Congregation in the Northern Wisconsin District. Each of the 19 new mission congregations were named Atonement Lutheran. A church site was chosen and purchased, and building plans were drawn and approved. A parsonage was built on the corner of Deckner and Danz Avenue.
Ground breaking took place on Sunday, October 22, 1961. Construction began on the church building in the Fall of 1961. When Pastor and Mrs. Hjemboe and family arrived in January of 1962 the parsonage was ready for occupancy, but the church building was far from completion.
The winter of 1961-1962 was very cold and brought with it a near record snow fall complicating the building of the church. On the day of the first service snow was bull-dozed away to provide for parking and access to the building.
When Spring arrived it became impossible to drive into the area planned for parking. It was necessary to park on the streets and walk to the building on sections of crates and on planks.
The first service was an especially significant day in the life of Atonement. Two congregations, Grace and Trinity, arranged for their choirs to attend the service and to sing. With limited seating, it became necessary for one choir to leave the sanctuary before the second choir could be seated. “

Each month there will be more of what we remember about those early years of Atonement Lutheran Church. If you have a story to share about what the Holy Spirit was doing in those first 5 to 10 years please send it to me at james.gerth@yahoo.com I would imagine that there are many stories to be told. I also want to encourage you to join us for the 50 days of prayer that begins on August 24th. I am looking for at least 50 people to pray about what future God has in store for Atonement Lutheran Church. Each participant will have a Prayer Journal as a guide for this amazing 50 Days. Be sure to sign up now on the bulletin board outside the church office. Also – remember that I am looking for more stories to share about those early years of Atonement!

Yes, the Spirit of God continues to call us to share the Good News about the kingdom of God!
In Christ,
Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's June 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus the Christ!

It is time to CELEBRATE! It is time for a PARTY! Did you hear the news? Atonement is gearing up to celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary! Yes, it was 50 years ago that people of faith gathered together to start a new worshipping community on the east side of Green Bay.
“in 1960 plans were laid for the establishment of one new congregation in each of the 19 districts of the proposed new American Lutheran Church. The Preble area of Green Bay was chosen as the site for the new Jubilee Congregation in the Northern Wisconsin District. Each of the 19 new mission congregations were named Atonement Lutheran. A church site was chosen and purchased, and building plans were drawn and approved. Ground-breaking took place on Sunday, October 22, 1961. Construction began on the church building in the Fall of 1961. When Pastor and Mrs. Hjemboe and family arrived in January of 1962 the parsonage was ready for occupancy, but the church building was far from completion.”
The winter of 1961-1962 was very cold and brought with it a near record snow fall complicating the building of the church. On the day of the first service snow was bull-dozed away to provide for parking and access to the building. When Spring arrived it became impossible to drive into the area planned for parking. It was necessary to park on the streets and walk to the building on sections of crates and on planks.”
Wow! What an amazing time that was 50 years ago as the Holy Spirit was calling and gathering people together to form a faith community called Atonement. So much has taken place over these 50 years as God’s Holy Spirit has called people together to celebrate – baptisms, weddings, confirmations, new members, funerals, calling of Pastors & Youth Workers & more. I wonder what the future holds for Atonement?
I find it amazing that as we are about to celebrate the birth of Atonement that God is giving birth to something new once more in “Hope For All”. We had always hoped & prayed that some day we would have a Bilingual Worship Service - since the neighborhood around Atonement is now 30 to 35 % Hispanic. But the vision for this seemed to be nothing more then a dream. But then Holy Spirit stirred and sent us Paul and then Jairo and then Bethany and then…? What was God getting ready to do? It was clear now as I look back that God was bringing together all that was needed for that Monday evening when an Hispanic Family stopped at Atonement looking for a church family. WOW! Praise God!
Now some months later we have an average of 20 to 25 people gathering for worship on Sunday morning to hear in English & Spanish the Good News of a loving God that has come for all people. But the Holy Spirit was not done yet for it was just last week that 12 children celebrated their first communion (9 are Hispanic). Now the families are asking about instruction for confirmation. WOW!
There is so much to give thanks to God for as we look back over these 50 years and as we look forward to the next 50 years. I trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to call & gather people together to hear the Good News of a God who so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ!
If you have any questions about “Hope For All” please share them with me.
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:3-6

COME HOLY SPIRIT – COME!
Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's May 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!
“And then they remembered”. Luke 24: 8
So how is your memory? It seems that there are some days that I have no problem remembering people’s names, appointments, special dates and so forth. But I have noticed as time marches on and more gray hair appears on my head that remembering has become more challenging.
This is the season to remember! It is time to pause and realize that God does not forget like you and me. God has acted once and for all by raising Jesus from the dead. He lives! The tomb is empty!
Yet this fulfilled Easter promise seemed hard for those early followers of Jesus to believe. Death is death! They saw him carry the cross out to Golgotha to be crucified! They saw the soldiers nail his hands and feet to that cross! They saw the spear go into the side of Christ! They saw him breath his last. So it is understandable that on that Easter morning it was going to take some time before this truth would sink in and they would remember. They would remember what Jesus said to Mary and Martha as they grieved the death of Lazarus – “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me though he die yet shall he live. And who ever lives and believes in me shall never die.” They would remember that Jesus said he would rebuild the temple in three days. They would remember that Jesus had come for just this reason.
Yet – like the disciples we seem to live as though we have forgotten the promise of Easter morning. We live as though death has the final word and that is that. We seem to live as though seeing is believing. Well, I am here to say that believing is seeing. I believe that the tomb is empty and that truth changes the way I live today! I believe that Jesus is the resurrection & the life! I believe not because I see but because of what God promised!
We live at a time that seems to be driven by fear and not by hope. It is time that we as people of faith start to remember! Recall what Paul wrote in Romans 6 – “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” WOW!! A New Life!
Do you want to know what that New Life in Christ is like? Then come and join us as we explore together “A LIFE WORTH LIVING”. We will explore together how it is possible to live the Christian Life positively, practically and joyfully. It is time to remember what Jesus said and did! It is time to REMEMBER!!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth

March 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

The Church season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9. Lent is a season which prepares us once again to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Easter. Lent is a time for us to remember the passion and death of Jesus and to reflect on our lives and our need for the Savior. This year at Atonement Lutheran Church we will be conducting a series of services called CROSS/PEACE.
At the Sunday morning worship service on March 6th, each family will receive a twelve inch tall wooden cross. This is the beginning of your CROSS/PEACE display. At each of the mid-week services, each family will receive an additional piece of the CROSS/PEACE display. Each piece will serve as a reminder of the central message of the mid-week service and be a reminder of some portion of the Passion History. At the end of the six week series, you will have a completed and attractive CROSS/PEACE display which you will be proud of and will be able to use as an evangelism aid in sharing the Gospel.
Many members of our congregation are working together in an effort to make this Lenten season and our CROSS/PEACE series a most memorable and inspirational season for you and your family. Be sure to check out the display at church and volunteer to help with our Lenten Services. Make every effort to attend every service. And pray for our congregation and all of our families, that during this special holy season all of us will move closer to Jesus.
Remember that our youth and their families are serving a Lenten Soup & Sandwich Meal each Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 6:45p.m. A free will offering will be taken to help with our youth ministry!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)