Join us forOctober 26, 1997
A word from
Lonnie
Currier
published by Marquette
Enriching
Our Heritage
Holiday
Activity Schedule
In Brief
Kern
to attend Orff Workshop
LaBelle Scheduled to Present at November Men's Meeting
Nursery workers have a growing task
Our Church
Family
Service Time
Change
Upcoming
Holiday Highlights
Volunteer Opportunities Available
WCA
sponsors retreat day
Join us for
On Sunday, November 2nd, the 1998 Stewardship Campaign will culminate. The Stewardship Committee has chosen the title "Enriching Our Heritage" because we, at First Congregational Church, have a long and outstanding history within a community of many churches. The tiny church which began one hundred and fifty five years ago has grown to the large church family with which we presently worship. Our membership, past and present, has historically answered the call for commitment of time, talents and finances. Our Congregational Home is a superb example of one accomplishment. The beautiful restoration of our church steeple and social hall is another example of what positive work can be achieved with all of our talents working together.
The coming year promises to be an exciting and spiritual year at First Congregational Church. Our Senior Minister, Rev. Lonnie Richardson, will not only be our leader in Sunday worship but also, along with his wife, Mercedes Richardson, will lead members and friends on a tour of Greece in March, 1998. We will also find him leading the very successful Men's Ministry Breakfast on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
Our Associate Minister and Teacher, Rev. Steve Peay, offers us the opportunity to grow in our love and understanding of God's Will and the Bible along with stimulating our spiritual selves. Cultivating the three new funds inthe Growth and Development family of funds will also be on his agenda. His efforts in programming special events for our enjoyment and education are appreciated by all who attend.
The youth of our church are privileged to have as Director of Student Ministries, Chris Rygh. We can be assured that our children will benefit from his guidance and profit in adulthood from lessons learned at First Congregational Church.
While counting the many blessings we enjoy as a church family, we must surely appreciate our loyal church staff. These helpful individuals readily answer our questions and keep our church functioning efficiently.
We have programs to attract all ages and interests at First Congregational Church. Our music program, under the direction of Lee Jacobi, excels in inspiring us every Sunday in worship service with beautiful, heavenly sounds. From spiritual needs to health concerns, we are well served. Our Parish Nurse, Michelle Jackson, can provide reassurance for health problems that may be troublesome.
We are a church governed by our membership. It is the hope of the Stewardship Committee that the support of these outstanding leaders will make the decision to financially support our 1998 campaign a reflection of truly Enriching Our Heritage. We are blessed with dedicated staff who will lead and inspire us.
Please remember that the success of our church programming for next year depends on our initiative and dedication. If we follow our hearts to financially and prayerfully commit to Enriching Our Heritage, everybody wins: the church wins! You win! God wins! Congratulations! *
by Mary Jane Beiter, Stewardship Committee
The Men's Ministry is enthused to present Jim LaBelle as the program speaker on Wednesday, November 12 at their 6:30 a.m. breakfast meeting.
While many know him as the witty 'Lips LaBelle' from his past 15 years with the Milwaukee radio station, WKTI, LaBelle has been working in the industry for a total of 26 years. He said that his love of radio began when he was nine, listening late at night, under the covers, when his mom thought he was sleeping.
A graduate of Burlington High School and of Luther College in Decorah, IA, LaBelle majored in vocal music performance and fine arts administration. However, Jim LaBelle is a man of diverse interests. While he and wife Charmaine are in their eighth season with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Chamber Singers and 'dabble' in ballroom dance, LaBelle is a self-confessed computer nerd, instrumental in developing our church's website. He also enjoys downhill skiing and downhill bicycling. In fact, said LaBelle, he enjoys just about anything as long as it's downhill.
A diverse background in religion as well, LaBelle has been a Lutheran, a Catholic, almost converted to Judaism and has now been a member of First Congregational for eight years.
An intelligent, perceptive and amusing personality, LaBelle's presentation promises to be enjoyable. The meeting begins at 6:30 a.m. with an optional prayer session in the chapel at 5:30. All men, church members or not, are always welcome to attend.
Service Time
Change
Sunday October 26, not only marks the end of Daylight Savings Time, but the first Sunday that the early service will be held at 8:45 a.m. rather than 9:00 a.m.
More educational and fellowship opportunities are now available between services and attendance continues to grow. To allow a little extra time for activities and more easily accommodate the larger volume of people, the first service is being moved back 15 minutes. Please remember this time change as we celebrate our growing, vibrant ministry!
Thu. Nov. 27, Thanksgiving Day, Worhip 10:30, Dinner 12:00
Sun. Nov. 30 ,1st Sunday in Advent, Worship 8:45 & 11
Wed. Dec. 3, All-Church Dinner, Dinner/Christmas Pgm. 6:00
Sat. Dec. 6, Friendly Beast Breakfast, Program/Breakfast 9:00
Sun. Dec. 7 Second Sunday in Advent, Worship 8:45 & 11
Christmas Workshop 3 to 5, Supper 5:00
Sun. Dec. 14, 3rd Sunday in Advent, Worship 8:45 & 11, Choir - Christmas Concert 4:00
Sun. Dec. 21 4th Sunday in Advent, Worship 8:45 & 11, (includes Sunday School Pageant)
Wed. Dec. 24 , Christmas Eve , Worship 4,7, and 11 p.m.
Thu. Dec. 25, Christmas Day, Building Closed
Wed. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve, Reception 10:15 p.m., Watchnight Service 11:00 p.m.
The Thanksgiving Service is always a special occasion at First Congregational Church. As we celebrate not only all we have for which to give thanks, but also our Pilgrim Heritage. For those who have not attended in the past, you will immediately note the Pilgrim greeters and a service conducted similarly to our forefathers. It's an interesting look into history as well as a time for worship. A Thanksgiving Dinner, prepared by Congregational Home, is also offered at 12:00 for those who would otherwise be alone. Please call the church office to make reservations if you're interested.
Then early in December, don't miss the Friendly Beast Breakfast. Bring your children in their pajamas and robes with a stuffed animal to lay in the manger with Jesus. They learn the Christmas story, have breakfast, and sing carols.
The following day is the Christmas Workshop and Supper. A time for crafts and fellowship for all ages.
More information will appear in the next issue along with other Christmas activities, but look at the schedule above and mark your calendars now for these events so you're sure not to miss anything! *
Currier Published By Marquette
John Currier, a former minister at this church, recently had a book published by the Marquette University Press. It is the first novel they have ever published and is entitled Clovis, King of the Franks.
About the book: In the late 5th and early 6th centuries, Rome had fallen and chroniclers were few. Much of the information they passed along to us, whether in the form of story or song, history or fiction, was offered with a specific goal in mind, such as defending the authority of the church or confirming the power of God. In this time, before France was France,in the days of Gaul, a proud people known as Franks, played a dominant role in the history of that place. The young chieftain, Clovis, became instrumental as Gaul was transformed into France.
In researching Clovis, I discovered a story well worth telling. It is a sweeping tale of romance, treachery, and adventure. It is a story that deserves to be told, not only because of its significance, but also because it is, very simply, a good story.
From the author's Preface
Our church is growing and nowhere is this more noticeable than in the Nursery. Each Sunday, 5 - 9 people can be found, helping in the Nursery. Margie Idzikowski is the staff person who has been in charge of the increasing task of lining up volunteers and workers to assist in this area. Each month, at least one other teacher is committed to working with the 2-year-old program. Following are those who have signed up for the upcoming year. In addition, Margie wanted to recognize these faithful teen helpers: Max Idzikowski, Eileen O'Meara, Caitlin O'Meara, and Chris Pozayt.
September - Gail and Cliff Pollock who just got done volunteering in October, have been volunteering for the past eight years ever since their son was two. They say they just really love that age group. They have two kids Christopher 10, and Brian 16. Scott is a fire fighter for the city of Wauwatosa and Gail works at Aetna Insurance.
October/May - Lydia and Scott Prindl volunteered in the two-year-old nursery in September and will be volunteering for it again in May. They both agreed it was nice to spend time with other kids and a neat experience to see their 21-year-old son, Cooper, and the other kids all play together. Some of the activities they did with the kids included teaching about the church and making pictures. The Prindl's think the church is a great place to meet families with children in the same age group. Scott Prindl is a driver for UPS and Lydia works at Ameritech.
November - The love of children encouraged Ted and René Klumb to volunteer in the 2-year-old nursery for the month of November. They have a two year old boy, Will. René is in insurance claims management and Ted owns his own licensing technology company.
December - Maggie and Mike Peed have two kids. They have a two-year-old daughter Caleigh and Zachery who is one year old. December will be their second year helping out with the nursery. Their motivation was to contribute to what the kids are involved in. Their involvement includes singing songs with the children and also having a 10 minute planned curriculum. Mike is a truck driver and Maggie is a fine arts photography student at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
January - Nancy and Marty Vander Velde are in charge of the 2-year-old nursery for the month of January. The Vander Velde's feel it is a commitment as a church family to take turns and help out. They also find it rewarding to see the children playing with one another. They like to help teach the children their knowledge of the church. The Vander Velde's also enjoy meeting other parents and children of the same age group, and getting to know who their children will be interacting with in years to come. The Vander Velde's have 2 kids of their own. Stuart, who is 3 and Sydney, who is 2 years old. Nancy works at Strong Capital Management in the accounting area and Marty is a business insurance specialist.
February - Anita and Steve Houriet enjoy volunteering because their 2 and one-half year old son, Griffin, is benefiting from this service. It's a tough choice for them though, because they would also like to be in church to hear the service. The Houriet's also have another child, 5-year-old Grace. Anita is at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the System Administration and Steve is a sales representative.
March - Even though this is the first time Kathy and Rick Iuli were to help out formally, it was not their first time in the nursery. They really enjoy seeing their daughter, Emily, interact with other children her age. The Iuli's will share the month of March with Robin and Troy Peterson. Both couples were featured in last month's Columns as Sunday School teachers, as well.
April - Heather Caponi is involved in the two-year-old nursery as well as the one-year-old nursery. She likes to help out and give back to the church what they have done for her and her child. Heather is a 4th grade school teacher at Brookfield Academy and her husband is in a sales material handling business. They have a 2-year-old, Christopher, and have another baby on the way.
Kari Leon is an at-home mom with a small child care business and her husband is a social worker at Waukesha Mental Health Center. The Leon's have three children of their own. Kevin, the oldest, is six. Nicole is three and Jason, the youngest, is one year old. Kari has worked in the nursery every Sunday for the last one and one-half years. She likes observing the different kids and also watching them grow. *
Kathy Kern is the director of our Junior Choir and the Cherub Choir. She will be attending the 1997 National Conference of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association entitled, "Northwest Horizons - Exploring the Elements." The conference takes place in Bellevue, Washington on November 5-9, 1997. Kathy received Level I and Level II Orff-Schulwerk Certification through Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. She completed Level II certification this past August at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Orff-Schulwerk is a teaching and learning approach, not a method. Composer Carl Orff and his associate Gunild Keetman evolved the basic texts for the Schulwerk as models for teachers worldwide. The uniqueness of the Orff Schulwerk approach lies in the incorporation of the spoken word with singing, movement, and instrument playing as learning tools. Kathy tries to incorporate all of these tools throughout the year at rehearsals.
The church has a basic set of Orff melody instruments which includes: a soprano and an alto glockenspiel; a soprano, an alto, and a bass xylophone; and an alto and bass metalophone. The instruments were one of the things that attracted her to the position. Church music which utilizes the instruments is limited, but becoming more readily available. Kathy enjoys arranging songs using the Orff approach or creating arrangements based upon scripture. The instrument playing helps reinforce the learning of musical concepts. She often adapts activities for church based upon the elements from Orff-Schulwerk.
In addition to musical learning, the program is designed to help students learn about music in the church, its relationship to the liturgy, and its purpose. She spends a great deal of time explaining the text of both anthems and hymns at each rehearsal.
Music is one way in which children can participate actively in the worship service and the church as a whole. Fellowship at rehearsals is an added benefit.
The conference will involve: 10 selected workshop sessions given by national and international clinicians. Also performances by children's instrumental, dance and choral ensembles, and time to visit the exhibits and showcases of a variety of music stores.
Kathy started as Children's Music Director here two years ago and, as the other music staff or any member who has listened to the children perform will attest, she has done a wonderful job! We look forward to this new possibility for our youth and thank Kathy for her dedication and efforts. *
Years ago a Sunday school in Philadelphia was overcrowded, much like some of our classes today. A little girl was turned away. She began that day to save her pennies to help the Sunday school have more room. Two years later, she died. They found a pocketbook by her bed with 57 pennies and a little scrap of paper with a note saying to help the church build a bigger Sunday school.
The pastor of that church used the note to make a dramatic appeal to his congregation. People's hearts were touched. One realtor gave the church a piece of land. He said he just wanted a down payment of 57 pennies. The local newspaper picked up the story, and it was carried across the country. The pennies grew, and the results can be seen in Philadelphia today with a church that seats 3,300 people with a large Sunday school department. Temple University and Good Samaritan Hospital came about as a result of the initial effort. At the university there is the girl's picture on the wall with the reminder that she gave 57 cents with an amazing result.
The size of a gift is not determined by it's amount; it is determined by the passion behind it! For the little girl, 57 cents was all she had. It was not much money but much faith. Let's learn from this example and may our giving have this kind of passion. *
Your pastor,
Lonnie
On October 1, Don and Sarah Wohlfeil prepared a wonderful chicken dinner for the approximately 125 attendees of the all-church dinner. A program sponsored by the Deacons followed. The program was intended to educate members about the role of the Board of Deacons in Congregational churches. Jim Santelle gave the main presentation. Additionally, workshops were given by George Wells on the duties of ushers; Bill Edens and Win Williams on duties of greeters; and Jon Hanson and Roy Brouwer on the technical assistants' duties (video/audio taping and lighting). Those interested in each area were then encouraged to volunteer. Steve Peay also presented a session about worship to the children.
If you are interested in learning about any of these volunteer opportunities but missed the dinner, no need to worry! Just contact the church office. More people are always needed in these capacities. *
"Jesus said to his disciples, 'Come apart and rest awhile..."
When's the last time you had a little 'spiritual rest'? The last time you had enough quiet time apart to, in the words of the Psalm, " be still and know that I am God"? Been awhile? For many of us there is just so much to do, so many places to be that we can't make the time, though we desire it. Often, too, retreat times are whole weekends and we just aren't able to spare that many days. Here's a solution: one day -- a day of rest and reflection.
On Saturday November 8, the Wisconsin Congregational Association, in cooperation with members of the Congregational Society of Classical Retreat Guides, will offer a Retreat Day at First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, Registration/coffee will open at 9 AM and the day will begin with Morning Prayer and the first conference (retreat talk) at 10 AM. Three other conferences will be spaced throughout the day with plenty of time of quiet reflection and lunch. The day will close with Evening Prayer and Holy Communion at 3:30 PM.
The retreat 'guide' for the day will be Rev. Dr. Steven Peay, teaching minister at First Church, Wauwatosa. The theme of his conferences will be "Simple Gifts," focusing on how to come to simplicity in spirit and life. Rev. Peay, in his pre-Congregational life as a Benedictine monk, conducted many retreats for various groups of clergy, monks, nuns, and laity. If you're interested, please contact the church office at 258-7375.
Come and rest....
Our church is becoming ever-more child friendly. If you have recently been to either the men's or women's bathrooms on the first floor, you'll notice new Koala changing stations making it more convenient for parents to care for their young children.
In addition, Chris Rygh put a "Bible for Babies," program into place. A beginner Bible is now presented to parents when a child is baptized here. It's a wonderful Bible story with colorful, friendly pictures, very basic text - a great way to get your children interested at a very early age. In fact, Circle 12 thought it was such a good program, they donated $125.00 to pay for baptismal Bibles through the end of the year!
Calling All Nurses
We would appreciate volunteers to take blood pressures at monthly blood pressure clinics here at church. It is necessary to provide your own cuff that is in good working order. If interested, notify Michelle, Parish Nurse, at 258-7375.
Christmas Wreaths For Sale
Boy Scout Troop 47, sponsored by First Congregational Church will be taking orders on Sunday October 26 and November 2. Wreaths will be delivered on Sunday, November 23, in plenty of time for Christmas decorating!
The Editor Thanks:
Gordon Petersen (last month's Sunday School teachers) for pictures; Mary Jane Beiter for an article; Jim LaBelle and Kathy Kern for article information; and the office staff for their assistance.
Circle Meetings
Circle 8: meets Tuesday, November 4, at 11:30 at the Congregational Home; lunch with the Health Care Center residents.
Circle 12: will meet Wednesday, November 5, at 11:00 am, call Helen Schroeder for reservations, 259-0444.
Lenten Book Authors Needed!
Once again forty articles are needed for our annual Lenten booklet. It's a great way to express your thoughts with your church family. If you are interested in contributing to the booklet, or would like more information, please call the church office, 258-7375.
November All-Church Dinner, November 5
November is Heritage Month. Following dinner, Rev. Steve Peay will make use of slides in the archive and give a presentation similar to one he gave the Wauwatosa Historical Society.
Congregational
Columnswww.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Karl Stieghorst - Chairperson,
René Klumb, Joyce Orr,
Jeannie Sherman,
Win Williams
*
Rev. Lonnie Richardson, Senior Minister
Rev. Dr. Steven A. Peay, Associate Minister/Teacher
Chris Rygh, Director of Student Ministries
Rani Gusho, Financial Administrator
Roy Brouwer, Building Superintendent
Lee Jacobi, Director of Music
Betty Dethmers, Organist
Betsy Isenberg, Secretary
Nancy Gross, Secretary
Charles Nelson, Administrator, Congregational Home, Inc.
Rev. Norman S. Ream, Minister Emeritus
*
Vol. 6, Issue 10
