November 30, 1997
Table of Contents
Christmas is quickly approaching and so comes our busiest time of year. Following is a list of scheduled holiday events with a little information. If you have other questions, please contact the office, 258-7375.
All Church Dinner
Wednesday, December 3, 6:00
This holiday feast will feature roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. It will be held in the Social Hall and is only available to the first 200 people to reserve spots. The scheduled program, to be held in the Nave, is a concert by the Master Singers, directed by Lee Henning. Following the concert, dessert will be served back in the Social Hall. The cost is $8.00 for dinner and dessert; $2.00 for dessert alone; and a freewill offering at the concert. Reservations are absolutely required.
Friendly Beasts Breakfast
Saturday, December 6, 9:00 a.m.
Donned in their pajamas, children bring stuffed animals to the manger (which they take back home) and learn about the story of Baby Jesus and the friendly beasts. Breakfast is included for a cost of $3.00 for adults and $1.50 for children. Tickets are available in the church office.
Christmas Workshop/Dinner
Sunday, December 7, 3:30 - 5:30/5:30
The ever-popular Christmas Workshop will again provide plenty of creative crafts for children and adults alike, featuring some new ideas as well as some annual favorites.
A pizza dinner will then be served in the Social Hall, following the Workshop. Cost for dinner is $3.00 for adults and $1.50 for children 12 and under....but the activities aren't over yet. After dinner, join us outside to decorate a Christmas tree and sing carols. It's a jam-packed day great for the whole family!
Christmas Tea/Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 14, 3:00/4:00
Share in a Christmas Tea at 3:00, sponsored by Circle 7. The Tea will be held in the Friendship Lounge. Please bring one batch of Christmas cookies to be packaged and delivered to our church's shut-ins. (The Congregational Care Board would appreciate any assistance with baking or delivering. Contact the church office for more information.)
Following the Tea is the much anticipated Christmas Concert. At 4:00, share in the beautiful music of the Season, performed by Betty Dethmers, organist; the adult Chancel and Pilgrim Choirs, directed by Lee Jacobi; Junior Choir, directed by Kathy Kern; and the Handbell Choir, directed by Kenneth Olson. This event is very well attended and doors to the Nave open at 3:30, so come early to get a good seat.
Worship Service with
Sunday School Pageant
Sunday, December 21, 8:45/11:00 a.m.
Christmas Eve Services
Wednesday, December 24, 4:00/7:00/11:00
The 4:00 service is a special Family service with traditional Christmas services at 7:00 and 11:00.
New Year's Eve Reception/Watchnight Service
Wednesday, December 31, 10:15/11:00
In keeping with one of the more ancient traditions of the church, FCC offers the opportunity to renew your covenant with the Lord at the new year. Just as Christians of past kept vigil together and 'waited on the Lord,' watching for the coming of the new year with prayer and song, members of FCC can join in a "Watch Night Service." Beginning at 11:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel (with a reception prior at 10:15), we will follow the outline of a traditional 18th century service. It concludes with communion and the "ringing" of the new year with the Church bells at midnight a nice alternative to watching a ball drop on T.V.
Of course the events listed prior are all in addition to usual Sunday Worship services. The special Christmas donations taken at the Christmas Eve services will be divided between two missions. Part will go toward the expense of shipping dental equipment to our Congregational Mission Clinic in Honduras and the other half will be given to the Imani Family Services, Inc. - a charity which aids women recovering from alcohol and/or drug abuse. *
There will be a book sale November 30 and December 7 between services and at the Christmas Workshop. All proceeds from the sale will be used for the creation of a new Chil-dren's Library in the church, scheduled to be unveiled in the Spring of 1998.
This book sale is the first in a series of events which will be used to raise money for this collection. In January, members can donate old books for a used book sale, to be held January 1125. Proceeds will be used to purchase children's books.
February 18 is Be a Sweetheart, Give a Book week. The final event an all-church Rummage Sale is scheduled for March.
Space has already been set aside for the collection. Watch for more information about this exciting addition!
As of November 19, we have received 415 pledges with a total value of $544,897. There are still approximately 100 people from whom we'd like to hear and we would like to complete this process before the holidays.
If you have not already done so, please drop your pledge card at the office or in the mail. And thank you very much to all those who have already responded.
Watch for further information. We hope to have a final count for you by the next publication of the Columns.
It has been 25 years since John Ciardi's "You Read to Me, I'll Read to You" was first published. Yet it is as delightful today as ever.
The book is a collection of thirty-five poems for children; poems about the time that Daddy fixed the breakfast, about Chang McTang McQuarter cat, about white mice and cool drinks, and bears and tigers and dreams and the sea. Every other poem is written in a basic first-grade vocabulary and printed in blue ink. The idea of the book is in the title: you read the first one to the child, and he or she reads the next one to you.
While this is in no sense a picture book, the illustrations by Edward Gorey add a lively visual dimension. For the doting grandparents of 6- and 7-year-olds, this might be a perfect Christmas gift.
Educators are agreed that the single greatest key to learning lies in reading skill, and that both reading aloud to adults, and being read to, play major roles in encouraging the learning reader. This book is a favorite with school reading specialists and children's librarians.
Each of my children, in turn, loved this book...and each claimed our one copy was his (hers)! Fortunately, the publisher still prints a soft-cover edition, so now they each have their own. The book can be ordered from the Little Read Book Store in the Wauwatosa Village, or the Harry Schwartz Bookshop on Bluemound Road in Brookfield. It costs about $7. There's a copy in the church library, if you'd like to review it for yourself. *
by Karl Stieghorst
Firefighter Chris Schultz shows everyone a firefighter's safety kit. He also dressed in his fire proof clothes and explained the importance of the outfit. The suit weighs 40-50 lbs. and costs approximately $1000.Each of the children practiced escaping from a smoke filled room. They also toured a paramedic unit.On a day off of school, FCC coordinated a House Alive program with the Tosa Fire Department. Firefighters spent time with the kids explaining the importance of fireplace safety (including how quickly a Beanie Baby heats up), how to quickly extinguish a kitchen fire, how to make a 911 call, and how to quickly escape a fire.
"How to Get a Great Job in a Career You Love," a seminar on the newest techniques in job-hunting and career decision-making, will once again be offered as a free community service by David Swanson. The program is open to anyone and will take place at the church on Monday, December 29 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. While the program is always a great idea for recent college grads, Swanson recommends it to everyone. He said there is currently a great job market and the time to prepare is before it's needed!
Swanson is an international public speaker and college lecturer on job/career development. He is the author of "The Resumé Solution" and is Chief of Staff for the career-decision-making workshops led by Richard Nelson Boles, author of "What Color Is Your Parachute?"
To reserve your spot, call the church office, 258-7375. It's a great opportunity for all ages. *
Kelly Nichols is an Educational Assistant at Milwaukee Public Schools and also a member of the National Guard. She has been a Congregationalist all her life, and decided to become a member to carry on that tradition. Kelly looked in the Yellow Pages, and checked out some other churches before deciding, but really liked FCC the best. She has already been active in the St. Vincent's Meal Program, and looks forward to volunteering in different programs. Her husband's name is Dale and he is attending Marquette Dental School.
Sarah and Rick Heins have a mixed religious background, Catholic and UCC. They came to FCC trying to find a common form of worship with which they were comfortable. They spent about one year trying out different churches in the area. They attended services for 23 weeks in order to get the feel of that particular church. Bringing up their children with a religious education was also important to the Heins. They have a fourteen month old, Katie, right now. What attracted them to FCC was the size of the church and the numerous offerings. Rick works at Millennium Partners and Sarah is a homemaker.
Jim D'Ambrisi is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Giddings and Lewis and Karen is a full time mom with their two boys. Jeffrey is 21 and David is 6 weeks. They looked in the Yellow Pages in order to find a church. Karen's parents are in the area and knew of FCC. They tried it out and felt very comfortable. They also like the strong educational opportunities for both children and adults. The D'Ambrisis are looking forward to meeting a lot of new people through the Church.
Curt Hahn is a Senior Buyer for Harnischfeger Corporation and his wife Chris is the Office Manager for Source EDP. They have an 11-month-old son, Jeremy. They wanted a church that they would both enjoy. They tried FCC and it "just clicked." They liked FCC for several reasons. One reason is that they liked both of the ministers, and found them to be very inspirational. Another reason is that they enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the Church.
"As soon as you walk in it is a warm and comfortable place. You feel welcomed." This is how Susan Sullivan describes FCC. On their first visit, they felt that the Church was alive with activity and caring people. She and her husband John were married at FCC. They were interested in returning after being away for awhile due to careers and life's changing stages. They have been coming to church for 11 years and wanted to attend all the membership classes before joining, which was a challenge with their busy schedules. John is a Milwaukee Police Officer. He has two adult daughters, Heather and Colleen from a previous marriage. Susan is a Veterinarian.
Anne Callen is an Administrative Assistant at Howmedica of Wisconsin which produces Orthopedic implants. She had been familiar with the Congregational Church. Growing up she attended North Shore Church, and was introduced to FCC by a friend, Ione Olson. Anne is looking forward to meeting many people. She and her husband, Phil, have two children, Erin 11 and Bryn 8 years old, who are enjoying the Sunday School and PF programs.
Sue Keely works for the American Society for Quality as Manager of the Membership Department. She grew up in Tosa, then lived in Southeastern Wisconsin and moved back two years ago. She knew of FCC because of growing up in Tosa and now enjoys the feeling of the Church. Sue tried other churches, but decided she would feel more comfortable in a bigger church. Sue likes the wide variety of activities and finds plenty of opportunities to participate in them.
Audrey Danielson is now retired and enjoys travel and reading. She was introduced to FCC by a close friend, Allene Kinstler, who sang in the choir. Audrey has been coming to FCC since 1994. She decided it was finally time to join this year. She enjoys the friendly people at the Church. She also appreciates the architecture and look of the Church.
Michelle and Scott Hoerig have a five month old baby, Catherine. Michelle is an Administrative Assistant at Wauwatosa Savings Bank. Scott is a Mechanical Engineer. Scott was confirmed at FCC. Michelle was raised Catholic. They decided on membership because they wanted to express their faith in a more personal way. Michelle says they have met some nice people, and feel welcomed at the Church. They find an appealing mix of traditional and contemporary in the ministers and the services. *
Our own Rev. Dr. Steven Peay will be participating in the Interfaith Radio Pulpit on WTMJ (620 AM). Steve's services will be broadcast on Sunday mornings at 6:06 a.m. throughout the month of December.
The radio services usually include prayers, scripture, music and a 10- to 12-minute sermon. They are intended to offer a worship service, in this case, typical to Congregationalism, to a wide and diverse radio audience. *
Greetings, especially holiday greetings, to each of you:
I pray that you and your loved ones experience God's gifts of peace and wholeness as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child! This special time of the year finds us with little free time. We get busy with the additional activities at church, all of the preparation activities, family gatherings, and parties at work and with friends. As I think about these many activities, I am mindful of holiday drinking. The following questions may increase our awareness of the role of alcohol in our lives.
Do your relatives drink very little, or not at all? ___Yes ___No
Do your friends drink very little, or not at all? ___Yes ___No
Is your own past free of problems (financial, legal, health, violence in the home, missed time from work, etc.) related to alcohol use? ___Yes ___No
Do you feel comfortable talking about alcohol and drinking? ___Yes ___No
If you have gotten drunk, can you remember when and where it happened last?
___Yes ___No
Are you comfortable and content at get-togethers if alcohol is not served?
___Yes ___No
At get-togethers, can you easily abstain from alcohol for personal reasons, or if you are the designated driver? ___Yes ___No
Do you abstain from alcohol in the morning? ___Yes ___No
Do you usually drink with other people?
___Yes ___No
Do you purchase and drink alcohol in the open? ___Yes ___No
Do you buy alcohol one bottle at a time, and not "stockpile" it? ___Yes ___No
Has there been a change in your capacity or tolerance for alcohol for a long period of time? ___Yes ___No
Do you have ways of getting over anger, frustration, and sadness other than alcohol (exercise, prayer, rest, talking with others), and do you turn to them often?
___Yes ___No
Do you take time to enjoy your drink?
___Yes ___No
Do you sometimes not finish it?
___Yes ___No
Do you refuse drinks sometimes?
___Yes ___No
When you stop drinking for a while are there few, if any, other aspects of your life that change as a result? ___Yes ___No
(adapted from Presbyterian Counseling Service "Social drinker self test", Hope Health Letter X (4), April, 1990).
How did you do on these questions? If you are not an alcoholic, you can answer yes to all, or almost all of the questions. Are there some changes you would like to make in your life? If you would like to talk about any of the specific questions, or about alcohol use in general, please visit with me or one of the pastors. Any of us would be happy to work with you.
It is important to remember that alcoholism is a progressive disease that affects the drinker as well as his/her family & friends, but that help is available. Your church has resources to help you. In addition, Alcoholics Anonymous can help you if you have a drinking problem, or if someone you know has a problem with alcohol. Reaching for support is not a sign of weakness: it takes a lot of strength to start back on the road to wholeness. Please let me know if I can be of any help to you or your family. *
I read recently of a principal in a high school who had an administrative post to fill. He promoted one of his teachers with ten years of teaching experience to the job. When the announcement was made, another teacher in this school came to him terribly upset. She said, "Why did you put that teacher in this position? He has only had ten years of experience and I've had twenty-five years, yet you passed me over in favor of him." And the principal said, "I'm sorry, you're wrong. You haven't had twenty-five years of experience. You have had one year's experience twenty-five times."
That is what happens when we go through the same experience again and again but never learn from our experiences. For some, instead of marching forward they are simply marking time. Someone told me the other day that he had analyzed his difficulty and had decided he was suffering from prolonged adolescence, merging into premature senility!
What is God trying to teach you through your experiences? Pay attention to these instances for they can be "God-instances." *
Your pastor,
Lonnie
Sound System Work to Begin
Thanks to some special donations including an unsolicited $2,000.00 anonymous gift which got the ball rolling, some of the much needed work on the sound system in the Nave can now begin. Hopefully, the first phase of work will be completed before the holiday services.
The Editor Thanks:
Rob Sherman for pictures (taken with the church's new digital camera); Karl Stieghorst for an article; David Mott for article information; and the office staff for their assistance.
Circle 7 Assists in Sorting Archives
Members of Circle 7 donated some time to assist with sorting the Church archives. Help on this large task was greatly appreciated!
Our Church Family
Baptism
Catherine Michelle Hoerig, born on June 7, 1997, daughter of Michelle and Scott Hoerig, was baptized on November 16, 1997.
New Thursday Women's Fellowship Forming
December 4th from 9:3010:30 a.m., there will be an organizational meeting for a new women's Thursday morning fellowship group. This will be time to pray together and to strengthen our roles as women of God. Please phone your reservations to the church office, 258-7375, by December 1. Complimentary child care will be provided. Mercedes Richardson is coordinating this new ministry.
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.
Congregational Columnswww.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Karl Stieghorst - Chairperson,
René Klumb, Joyce Orr,
Jeannie Sherman,
Win Williams
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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
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