On June 10th, 2007 a congregation from as far away as New York and as close as next door gathered at First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay to ordain, Judi Holmes-Jensen to the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament. It was a joy-filled service and a joyful occasion! Judi is a graduate of St. Francis Seminary of Milwaukee and has accepted a position as chaplain at Wheaton Francisican Healthcare in Milwaukee. Congratulations Judi!

On Sunday, June 10, Union Congregational Church of Green Bay (home congregation of his spouse, Barbara) and the Winnebago Presbytery recognized the Rev. Dr. Michael B. Lukens’ 45th Anniversary as a minister of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church

(U.S.A.). This surprise celebration included the presentation of a commemorative plaque by Pat Shafer, the congregation’s moderator, and a recepton held in the Courtyard Garden.

Dr. Lukens was ordained on June 10, 1962 in Evansville, Indiana. His first call was to the position of Assistant Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Northport, New York.

Since 1971 Michael has served on the Religious Studies Faculty of St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI. Additionally he became Stated Clerk of the Winnebago Presbytery in 1973, a position he still holds.

Pictured with Michael are: His spouse, Barbara McClure Lukens, the

Rev. Dr. Charles E. Mize, pastor of Union Congregational, and the Rev. Dr. Lucille K. Rupe, Executive Presbyter of the Winnebago Presbytery.

That’s right - If you were at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Schofield last week, you had to bring your own chair! Elder Curt Kolberg wrote us saying

“This past Sunday we celebrated “Bring a Chair Sunday” at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in Schofield. We recognized that it has been one year since our official ground breaking. We had a huge turnout in the unfinished sanctuary and gave tours of the soon to be completed lower level classrooms. We will hold Sunday School in the lower level as the fall session begins. Our goal is to celebrate Advent in the new sanctuary.”

Judi Holmes-Jensen proudly smiles as she introduces her family and those accompanying her to the Presbytery Meeting where she was approved for ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Judi is a graduate of St. Francis Seminary of Milwaukee and has accepted a position as chaplain at Wheaton Francisican Healthcare in Milwaukee. Judi’s ordination will occur on Sunday, June 10, at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay.

Pieces of cake were enjoyed by all the presbyters as the Personnel Committee acknowledged and celebrated the ministry of Lucy Rupe, Executive Presbyter of Winnebago Presbytery for the past 10 years.
A gift of a handmade necklace was presented to Lucy by Anne Dropp, chair of the Personnel Committee. In her comments, Lucy highlighted many events during the past 10 years, but particularly emphasized the Presbytery’s commitment to reach out to others both locally and globally.

During the recent Presbytery-wide, “Spring Thing”, a worship service was designed by the youth participants . Susan Phillips, pastor of First Presbyterian Church Shawano, incorporated many of these components for worship at the Presbytery meeting. Pictured here are Judy Bond, Director of Music at Frame Memorial, Stevens Point; Susan Phillips; and Susan Zencka, pastor of Frame Memorial. They are leading the presbyters in an African song that highlights our journey of faith.

Reflections by Lucy Rupe

Walking into the sanctuary of the Melnik Church building on Sunday, April 15, was a new and bright experience. Why, you might ask, since this building dates back to the 1800s?

The sanctuary of this 116 year old congregation with Bohemian roots had just been remodelled and re-painted. It literally glistened. According to the organist, Lorraine Krummel, it had been almost sixty years since the sanctuary was last painted.

The front of the sanctuary has been updated by the removal of the heavy velvet hangings, the addition of recessed lighting, the re-structuring of the ceiling, and the placement of a handcrafted wooden cross. Elder Don Schanke obtained the wood and finished the cross which had been notched by Elder Erv Kettner. These improvements present a feeling of openness and spaciousness in an area that once appeared closed and uninviting.

The freshness of this refurbished sanctuary contributes to the warm hospitality one receives when worshipping with the Melnik congregation.

Serving the pastoral needs of this congregation are: the Rev. Nelson Craig, Moderator and Elder Phil Kintzel, Commissioned Lay Pastor student.

Pictured at the communion table are: Harold Krummel (right) and Erv Kettner (left)

Pictured at the organ are: Lorraine Krummel (right) and Ruth Prochazka (left)