July 27, 1997
In This Issue:
August Calendar
Congregational Home and
FCC to Cooperate in Parish Nurse Project
2nd Annual Golf
Outing for Honduras
In Brief
Leaders WANTED
Major
Boiler Repairs Prepare Us for the Cold
A Message From Lonnie...
Now
Appearing on Broadway... Chad Larget
Our Church Family
Rekindling
the Gift
Trustees Update
One of the unique aspects of the Christian faith is its emphasis on the whole person as the object of God's salvific will. This is beautifully put in John's Gospel when Jesus says, "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it abundantly." (John 10:10). The rich tradition of the Congregational Way has been directed to the living of that abundant life. Thanks to the continuing partnership between First Congregational Church and Congregational Home, yet another dimension of life will be enhanced for church members and home residents alike through the ministry of a Parish Nurse.
The Board of Congregational Home has generously agreed to provide for the services of a Parish Nurse to First Congregational Church beginning this September. The Parish Nurse will serve the members of the congregation as a wellness facilitator, helping to link the congregation with the health-care system and providing a balance between the two. The role of the Parish Nurse will be to educate, refer, counsel, assess, and consult in the facilitation process. Given the unique relationship between the Church and Home, the Parish Nurse will also serve as a pastoral care liaison helping to draw the two even closer together and to assure a high quality of care for the whole person in both places.
The Parish Nurse concept was developed in the early 1980s by Lutheran pastor Granger Westberg. Westberg saw the intrinsic connection between an individual's spirituality and his or her health. At that time, the traditional health-care delivery systems had left this holistic aspect of health care behind in the evolution of ever more specialized medical practice. Westberg thought it imperative to reconnect the process of physical healing with the mental and spiritual aspects of the human person. The best place for this, he deducted, would be the local church; since the goal of each congregation is the total wellness of its members. It should also be noted that the 'parish' is not foreign to Congregational usage, especially in New England. In fact, the church in Plymouth has traditionally referred to itself as "the first parish."
Michelle Jackson, who recently did a three month internship here at First Congregational Church, will serve as the Parish Nurse. Michelle is a registered nurse who holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Massachusetts (Boston). She did her Parish Nurse training here in Milwaukee through Concordia University's program. Michelle brings a background in general nursing, geriatric nursing and service as a visiting nurse. She has been working in the health center at Congregational Home and will continue there in addition to her work as Parish Nurse.
Michelle is no stranger to the Congregational Way. Her husband, Rev. Phil Jackson, is the Associate Executive Secretary of Pastoral Services and Development for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. Michelle has two children, Leslie Anne (18) and Stephen (16) who are active in the Pilgrim Fellowship program at North Shore Congregational Church, where the Jacksons are members. Michelle brings, then, not only good background in nursing, but also a deep spirituality and lively faith to her new work among the people of First Congregational Church.
The Parish Nurse will have an office in the Christian Education area and, once "up and running," will publish office hours. Members of the congregation are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to "live abundantly" in yet another way. *
Rev. Steven Peay
Your Nominating Committee is already planning for nominations to the various Boards next January. Although the Annual Meeting may seem like a long way off, it is not too early to consider making a commitment to one of the vacancies available. This is your chance to be active in the planning and decision making process at First Church. There are over 36 positions that need to be filled. Most terms are for 3 years although some may be less.
The Board of Benevolences and Church Relations meets the second Monday of the month. Its members investigate, correlate and promote benevolent projects. The board also sends delegates to religious gatherings and is involved in Christian service beyond our own membership.
The Board of Trustees meets the second Monday of the month all year. It is responsible for the maintenance of the church property and proper accounting of monies.
The Board of Deacons meets the first Tuesday of the month. Members, together with the ministers, are responsible for activities including communion, baptisms, ushers, greeters, video-taping and other spiritual leadership in the church.
The Board of Christian Fellowship meets the first Monday of the month. This group is responsible for fellowship activities including coffee hours, all-church suppers, athletic teams, and many other programs designed to encourage the spirit of fellowship within the congregation.
The Board of Christian Education also meets the first Monday of the month. Together with the professional staff, this board formulates and administers the educational programs of the church. Responsibilities include Sunday School, adult education classes, Vacation Bible School, Christmas Workshop and the Fellowship programs for Elementary, Junior, and Senior High School youth. The board is also in charge of reference materials and all instructional supplies used in the C. E . Program.
The Congregational Care Board, meeting the third Tuesday of the month, is responsible for the caring ministry programs of the Church through program development and coordination. Committees for the "care givers" include: prayer, bereavement, shut-ins, nursing homes, and serving at St. Vincent's.
The Board of Christian Stewardship has meeting dates that are reset each year. The task of this board is to promote among the members of the church the systematic and proportionate giving of time, talent, and possessions.
The Church Council has 12 members-at-large as well as the chairperson from each of the Boards. Four new members are elected each year. The function of the Council is to correlate the work of the individual Boards and give an overall view to church planning. Sub-committees of the Council are: Budget and Finance, Communications and Public Relations, Music, Nominating, Personnel, and the Executive Committee.
Do any of these sound interesting to you? Call the Church office and let them know which board interests you. A member of the Nominating Committee will get in touch with you. Sign-up tables will also be available on Sundays later in August. *
NA Moderator Phil Muth, chose the scripture "Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you... for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control" 2 Timothy 1:6-7, as the theme for this year. It set the tone , and was repeated and referred to throughout the meeting by speakers, officers, and delegates.
Many of the committees, commissions, and officers arrived in Atlanta days ahead of the opening session on Saturday to prepare. On Friday, a quiet day of recollection was led by Karl Schimpf at the historic First Congregational Church of Atlanta.
In the meeting area, exhibits and displays were arranged to show some of the mission work being done, educational materials available, historical documentation, and of course promotional brochures for the next year's meeting in San Diego.
Included in the exhibits and displays were papers presented at the newly formed Wisconsin Congregational Theological Society, in which Dr. Peay and other members of First Church have participated. There was also a "real time" internet broadcast during much of the meeting, which was accessible through the NA web page.
Dr. Muth called the first session to order on Saturday. Introductions were made which included representatives of local and state offices of Georgia. The host committee was led by a team from Piedmont College. Minutes and reports were presented for previous meetings and activities. Jim Walsh gave a multimedia presentation of the treasurer's report. The budget presented showed a deficit.
Michael Robertson will be completing his term as Executive Secretary this year. The new Executive Secretary will be the Rev. Dr. Douglas Lobb. Moderator is Theodore Flynn, and Moderator elect is Rev. Mark Jensen. Phil Muth gave a motivational Moderator's Address and an open forum with the Executive Committee ended the day.
On Sunday, we traveled by motor coach to Piedmont College for worship with communion. It was a deeply spiritual service conducted by several NA clergy and the host committee. Following worship there were several seminars offered and a plenary session back in the Chapel with guest speaker Harry Butman.
Monday brought a continuation of the business session and election of officers. A stirring Bible Lecture was provided by the Rev Dr. Fred Braddock. After lunch, awards were given to those who have served well and long. Dr. Braddock returned to speak to a most appreciative audience.
A recognition dinner was held for Michael P. Halcomb in honor of his mission work both here and in many other countries. The evening Congregational lecture was by the Rev. Dr. Harry Clark. A reception honoring Michael S. Robertson followed.
Opening worship for Tuesday was led by our own Wendy Sue Earle. Then the business session was a demonstration of Congregationalism at work. Several changes had been proposed for restructuring of the NA. After much debate, clarification, and reminders of the theme "Rekindling the Gift", it was time to vote. Many of the changes had been approved; however, incoming Executive Secretary Doug Lobb reassured that the new structure was not written in stone and could be altered at another time if deemed necessary.
Minutes, notes and information are available in the office for your review. If you have internet access you may also gain NA information from the web page, www.naccc.org, or by linking through our church's web page.
The keynote address at the closing banquet was given by First Church member David Swanson. He was delightful and entertaining, although we did take some ribbing that he was a live commercial for First Church Wauwatosa since he dropped the names of Rev. Richardson, Dr. Peay, Dr. Muth, Rev. Koch, Dr. Lee and others.
Beside your delegate, others from First Church in attendance were Joyce Orr, Jim Walsh, David Swanson, Jay Valde, Carolyn Schulz, Nancy Smart and Steve Peay. Don Miesbauer did not attend but assisted as treasurer during the year. Greetings were extended to all of you from Rick and Mary Koch, Wendy Sue Earle, Markham Dunn, Phil and Peggy Muth, and many old and new friends in the NA. As a first time delegate to the NA meeting, I would like to thank First Church for the experience to see the Congregational Way up close and personal. *
Julie Peay
With the current weather conditions, the Church Boiler is probably the last thing on everyone's mind, but I wanted to keep you informed of the repairs we have completed to insure safe and economical heating seasons ahead. Due to deferred maintenance on our boiler that was installed in 1954, the replacement of several safety and operational items became critical. The boiler safety valve and several operating controls and fittings were replaced to insure code and insurance compliance. The compound pressure gauge was made in 1948 and gave false readings. The "guts" of the boiler were rebuilt to increase heating efficiency and prevent costly repairs during the heating season.
Last January, one of the heating tubes sprung a leak which cost about $1000 to fix. Luckily, our boiler was designed to be rebuilt. Three of 57 heating tubes had been repaired. We were living on borrowed time until we had a major calamity. We replaced all the heating tubes for about $4000 - quite a potential savings! (Forty of the replaced tubes showed signs of pending leaks!)
Other major updates include a new water treatment system to prevent corrosion of the entire heating system, a new condensate pump to conserve make-up water and increase heating efficiency, and the replacement of worn out linkages, refractory brick, and "blow-down" valves. The building's steam traps are undergoing a replacement program to eliminate the noisy and destructive "water hammer" problem.
All in all, these overdue repairs will increase our comfort level while decreasing our Church's operating expenses for years to come. I have started an ongoing preventive maintenance program so we don't have future "surprises". If you would like a brief tour of the boiler room and see how we get heat, please stop by! *
Roy Brouwer
Building Superintendent
* Exterior painting: The east side was completed, and the entire south side was painted this spring.
* Interior painting of the nave above the alter and balcony is scheduled to start Tuesday July 22.
* Combination storms/screens have been installed on both the east and south sides.
* The exterior painting and storms/screens will continue over the next two years on the west and north sides. We will receive energy credits for the storm windows.
* The Social Hall walls and ceiling have been insulated. This will result in energy saving and energy credit.
* The grid work for the ceiling is in, and light fixtures are being installed.
* The plaster on the upper half of the wall has been painted by volunteers, and the wainscot is about half painted.
* The new window cornice boards and draperies are finished and ready to be installed as the final step in this project.
It should be completed between mid August to the first of September. It will be available for Vacation Bible School.
* Air Conditioning: A preventive maintenance contract has been signed in hopes of preventing failure of the many systems which causes extra expense. The failed compressor on the nave/social hall air conditioners has been replaced.
By the first of August, new controls and dampers will be installed for more efficient operation. We will be able to cool both the Nave and Social Hall at the same time. *
Friday, August 1
St. Vincent Meal Preparation 8:30 a.m.
Car pool to serve at site 4:00 p.m.
Handbell Choir 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 3
Worship Service with Communion
Sunday School, Nursery 10:00 a.m.
Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday, August 4
Communications Committee 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5
Communion with Staff 9:30 a.m.
Board of Deacons 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6
All-Church Dinner 6:00 p.m.
Weight Loss Group 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 10
Worship Svc., Sun School, Nursery 10:00 am
Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday, August 11
Vacation Bible School 9:00 am.
Board of Trustees 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 12
Vacation Bible School 9:00 a.m.
Communion with Staff 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 13
Men Ministering to Men:
Chapel Prayer 5:30 a.m.
Breakfast 6:30 a.m.
Vacation Bible School 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 14
Vacation Bible School 9:00 a.m.
Friday, August 15
Vacation Bible School 9:00 a.m.
Handbell Choir 9:00 a.m.
Family Camp Weekend at Lucerne
Saturday, August 16
Family Camp Weekend at Lucerne
Sunday, August 17
Family Camp Weekend at Lucerne
Adult Education 9:00 a.m.
Worship Svc., Sun School, Nursery 10:00 am
Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 19
Communion with Staff 9:30 a.m.
Board of Stewardship 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20
Weight Loss Group 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 23
All-Church Golf Outing at Paganica Course
(preregistered) 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 24
Worship Svc., Sun School, Nursery 10:00 am
Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m
Tuesday, August 26
Communion with Staff 9:30 a.m.
Church Council 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 27
Men Ministering to Men:
Chapel Prayer 5:30 a.m.
Breakfast 6:30 a.m.
Sunday, August 31
Worship Svc., Sun School, Nursery 10:00 am
Brat Fest 11:00 a.m
Now Appearing on Broadway...
Chad Larget
Chad Larget, who grew up in this church (a 1988 Tosa East grad), is now appearing in the broadway musical, Candide, playing at the Gershwin theatre. Chad has a chorus role, but is also the understudy for the lead. Now auditioning for the touring company which will be performing the musical, he is hoping for the lead. If that doesn't work out, he may return to finish his degree at U.W.Milwaukee.
The play, which opened in March, will be ending in September. If you're interested in tickets, call Chad at 212-946-5141 and he'll give you the information. *
On Saturday, August 23, all church members and friends are invited to the Paganica Golf Course in Oconomowoc to support the Honduran mission. Golf is from Noon to 4:00, Supper is at 5:00. Come to part or both! If you can't attend the outing, but would like to support the mission, please contact the church office at 258-7375.
A
Message From Lonnie...
A Few Words that Make a Big
Difference
E. Larry Moles, a friend of mine from the National Speakers Association, uses the following in his talks.
The six most important words:
I Admit I Made A Mistake
The five most important words:
You Did A Good Job
The four most important words:
What is your opinion
The three most important words:
I Love You
The two most important words: Thank you
The one most important word: We
The least important word: I
I believe it makes good sense to follow this simple yet profound word formula. What words are important to you? Words are powerful, and how we use them is a witness to the faith. Let's guard our words and use these notable ones.
Your Pastor
Help Us Build a Pyramid
Our vacation Bible School students will travel to ancient Israel and Egypt, learning the Old Testament Joseph story. We will learn about the life and times of Joseph's world, including the pyramids and seven years of famine. We will build our own great pyramids-- using cans and boxes of non-perishable food -- as the bricks. Help the children learn about and do something about hunger in our community. Please donate nonperishable (non-glass!!) bricks between now and Sunday August 11th. Place your bricks outside the CE office. The whole church will be invited to tour our Egypt and view our Great Pyramids on Sunday August 17th. Following that, our pyramids will be dismantled, and the bricks will be donated to the Wauwatosa Food Pantry.
The Editor Thanks:
Julie Peay for her article, Mary Berger for a photograph and the
office staff for their assistance.
Baptism, July 5
Rocio Angelica Dunlap, daughter of Jay Alan and Bertha Velazquez
Dunlap
Birth: July 9
Maxwell Anderson Hawthorne, son of Amy and Brian Hawthorne
Marriage: July 12
Susan Elizabeth Leonard and John Francis Sullivan
VBS Needs a Music Director
If you are good at teaching songs and leading singing, if you enjoy children, and if you are available from 9:00 - 11:30 am August 11 - 15, we have got a great position for you! It's a great week with terrific, enthusiastic kids. Call Cathy Kebbekus (475-1634) to get the details of our Vacation Bible School Music Director job.
www.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Karl Stieghorst - Chairperson,
René Klumb, Joyce Orr,
Jeannie Sherman, Win Williams
*
Vol. 6, Issue 7