February 22, 1998
Thanks to the support of the whole church and the efforts of those who made the trip, this mission was a success. The dental clinic was installed in 21 days and served its first 45 patients with the assistance of our team. The apartments are coming along with ceilings completed on two more units of the six-unit building. All of the established goals were accomplished. The group worked together very well and had a great time sharing in this tremendous experience. "There are no words to express the joy I experienced. This is my third trip to the Mission, and every time I'm there I experience a deep sense of being among God's people," said Mercedes Richardson.
Learning from last year's team, this group was highly focused with a rather specialized makeup. Dr. Paul Schulze and Barb Jarchow lent their professional expertise to the Dental Clinic, Dr. John Stuhler to the Medical Clinic, Mercedes translated, Tom Jarchow provided engineering expertise, etc. However, the excellent teamwork was not isolated to the team that traveled, reminded Paul Schulze, D.D.S. "All of the time involved before we left and the efforts of so many people here made each step possible. We couldn't have accomplished our goals without the specific contributions of everyone involved."
However, many of the mission members stressed that this is just a beginning. "We have just brushed the surface," said Tom Jarchow. Using the dental clinic as an example, he noted that the facility (incidentally comparable to the private clinics in the city there) now exists, but financial support to keep a dentist practicing is vital. Lonnie's long-range goal of gaining the support and encouraging active mission teams from other Congregational churches is reiterated by many members of the group.
A good start to this end was realized when Lori Stafford of channel 12 covered the story. "I thought it was a good story about people helping people," said Lori. "Especially so shortly after Christmas, it extends the giving spirit beyond the Christmas season. As the congregation sang 'Joy to the World,' we realize bringing joy to another part of the world in a very practical way."
"The Biblical insight from Acts 20:35 that '...lt is more blessed to give than to receive,' is becoming very real to me. Since these people have so little, they take nothing for granted, and I feel that everything we gave them returned tenfold," said Mercedes.
The people of the Congregational Mission of Honduras send you greetings and thanks for all your kindness and would like for you to know that First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa is always in their prayers.
Through the capable leadership of the mission in Honduras, we are assured that the work of God will continue to be significant and faithful. *
Members of the First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa looked back at its 155 years and ahead to an exciting, growing future at the Annual Meeting held on January 21, 1998.
Following a delicious dinner and a 'mini-presentation' from the recent mission trip to Honduras, 1997 Moderator Peter Holtz called the meeting to order. Senior Minister Rev. Lonnie Richardson was the first presenter. After a brief review of the obtained goals and accomplishments of the past year, Lonnie announced his goals for 1998. Dubbing 1998 the 'Year for Task Forces,' Lonnie presented three purposes for which he believes task forces should be established.
* To study and recommend renovation options for the basement and 3rd floors. Lonnie said he believes much needs to be done with some of these areas (i.e. the choir, youth and Sunday School rooms) to make them functional for today's ministry.
* Develop and communicate opportunities through the Heritage Endowment, Program and Special Events and Facilities Renewal Funds.
* Review the organizational structure and by-laws of the church. Lonnie said we should take a close look at how the structure relates to the purpose and Covenant of this Church. While he stressed that this is something that may take time and shouldn't be rushed, he believes it to be a wise investment of time.
Following the Minister's Report were the Treasurer's Report from Butch Boyd and the Stewardship Report given by Merrill York. The Stewardship Committee was able to announce a very successful 1997 campaign with a pledge base totaling approximately $598,000. Merrill concluded his comments with a quote by Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."
Incoming Moderator, Karl Stieghorst presented a balanced budget proposal for 1998 including no significant changes. The budget passed without comment.
Dale Engstrom, chairperson of the Congregational Home Board of Directors, reported on the completed addition at the facility and also spoke of a new policy which favors acceptance of church members as residents at the Home.
Lonnie returned to the podium for a special, brief presentation on the Honduran Mission (see cover article). He noted that the March All-Church Lenten Dinner presentation will be given by members of the mission group with time for questions and answers.
Peter Holtz then made his closing comments as Moderator before retiring officers and board and committee members were recognized for their participation and the 1998 nominees were introduced and accepted. Karl Stieghorst made a very brief statement as incoming Moderator, expressing his desire to serve the Church well.
Before adjournment, Ralph Ehlert gave a report from the Music Committee discussing the possibilities of replacing the Nave piano and Chapel organ (see article on page 4).
Overall, business was conducted very quickly with no comments or questions from the congregation, resulting in a short meeting. Thanks to all of those who attended for their participation. *
Six Sundays of Lent
4:00 p.m. in the Lounge
March 1 through April 5
Child care and meal provided
Two-hour interactive workshops for parents who have children ages 2 to 12.
A long, active history with the church and caring attitude certainly are not lacking in 1998 Vice Moderator Merrill York. Married in the church in 1968, with five years away due to military service, Merrill has served First Congregational Church faithfully ever since. Serving on virtually every Board and Committee at least once since 1972, he certainly lives his belief that active participation is vital to the growth of the church.
Merrill views his role over the next few years as a support position to the professional staff. As goals are established each year, Merrill said he will aid in whatever ways he can to accomplish those goals. In fact, Merrill has already agreed to participation on the Task Force to evaluate the physical plant (namely the basement and 3rd floors) of the church one of Lonnie's goals for 1998 which he shared at the Annual Meeting.
While Merrill believes the church is currently vibrant and prosperous, he also recognizes the opportunities to improve and grow. Fulfilling that purpose is a two-fold project, said Merrill. "First, we need not only growing membership, but ACTIVE membership. Participation is what is important." Secondly, Merrill said that financial prosperity to be able to support our own programs and benevolences is a must. Merrill said that he believes Lonnie is leading the church in that direction and he is happy to support these efforts however he can.
Most recently, Merrill finished his term with the Board of Stewardship and chaired the Task Force which evaluated and restructured the Growth and Development Fund into three separate funds. Both areas emphasize his interest in the financial prosperity of the church as well as his own active participation in its future.
The Director of Automotive Sales for Grede Co., Merrill and wife Mary have three children. David is married and works as a stockbroker in Nashville, TN. Susan works for the Mortgage Trust Company of M&I Bank and is engaged to be married this August. Their youngest, Carolyn, is a junior at Miami University in Ohio.
As an ex-Navy pilot, Merrill continues his interest in aviation and also enjoys golf and travel.
Certainly Merrill's leadership role over the next few years will prove very beneficial to the future of this church and we thank him for his commitment.
Do you have clothes that no longer fit, a set of golf clubs that is never used, a pile of old games your children have outgrown, an appliance that doesn't match your new kitchen wall paper, an extra pair of cross country skis, a piece of artwork that's never really suited your taste, some socket wrenches that have never left their case?
The Young Moms Group is sponsoring an all church rummage sale March 2021. Consider making a donation to this extra ordinary event. Proceeds from this special event will be dedicated to the new Children's Library which is scheduled to open in early April. Items may be delivered to the church the week of March 8.
As those of you who attended the Annual Meeting know, the Music Committee has made a recommendation to the Church Council to replace the piano in the Nave and the electronic organ which is in the Chapel. These two instruments have helped create the music of the church for a combined total of approximately 70 years.
While neither of these projects are considered urgent, they are replacements the Music Committee is strongly urging. The piano in the Nave, said Ralph Ehlert, is not strong enough for a room of that size; especially when it is used with a big choir. The replacement of the organ in the Chapel seems an imminent necessity as the present instrument is 40 years old and the life expectancy was half that time.
A sub-committee, comprised of Lee Jacobi, Betty Dethmers and Ralph Ehlert thoroughly researched the options of each of these replacements. Their first assessment was that the Nave needs a "B-Model" Steinway (the second largest size). A new piano of that size would cost more than $50,000.00; however, they arrived at an alternative solution which would cost only half that amount.
The church currently owns a B-Model Steinway which is in the Social Hall. That piano, manufactured in 1900, was donated to the church by Isabel Skinner in 1958. A piano teacher, Ms. Skinner became a member of the church in 1903 and sang in the choir. In 1958, she donated the instrument to the church. While it would need some extensive reconditioning including refinishing the case and replacing the sound board, strings and pins, the committee believes the instrument would be "good as new," when completed. They also appreciate the historical aspect of this nearly 100-year-old instrument and certainly the dollar savings of this method. The piano currently in the Nave would then replace the instrument in the Social Hall.
The second project the committee is proposing is the replacement of the electronic organ in the Chapel. The current organ is the original instrument purchased at the time the Chapel was built in 1959. While it has already doubled its life expectancy, the technology is, not surprisingly, extremely outdated. Replacement parts for anything which breaks down are a near impossibility.
The computer age has created a revolution in electronic organ
design since that time. Digitally recorded pipe tones, stored in
the mini-computer, are called up each time a key is struck,
similar to calling up files on a PC. The sound is significantly
improved and it is a more reliable system. Most of these
instruments also come with at least a 10-year warranty.
Ralph and Betty researched and evaluated six manufacturers of this type of organ and have a model which they recommend. Ralph indicated that the two most important components are the tone source and the speaker system. While they feel they could use the existing box for some speakers, they also believe more speakers would need to be added. The total cost for the organ and components would be $30 $35,000.00.
With a grand total for both projects coming in at approximately $60,000.00, the Council will be looking into the recommendation closely. A financing method for these replacements has not been decided, but a fund drive has been discussed. As more information becomes available on these topics, the membership will be informed. *
Thirteen families gathered in the Social Hall on Saturday, January 31 to watch The Muppet Movie on the new "jumbo" screen. This special event which was sponsored by the Board of Christian Fellowship, appealed to an audience as young as four months and as old as seventy-five. "As the Fellowship Board, it is our task to make sure we are helping our members connect with one another," said Karen Schmidt, Board chair. "Movie night is an excellent way for families to meet and for children to get acquainted."
"I'm delighted with the turnout," said one father. "Our kids have popcorn, cookies, juice, and a great movie and we're only out the gas money! Not only that, but our children are having a wonderful time laughing it up with their Sunday School buddies."
One five year old smiled as he said, "I've never been to church on Saturday before, I think it's fun."
According to Chris Rygh, who surveyed the audience afterwards, "We will certainly do this again. Nearly everyone here felt it was worthwhile and wished they'd invited their neighbors!" *
Lent is the spiritual spring and this year will blossom even more at First Congregational Church. In addition to the various scheduled Lenten opportunities, a special congregational retreat is planned for March 2729. Professor Frank Thompson, emeritus professor of Philosophy and Religion at Greenville College, will join us again to lead this special time focusing on Prayer. The weekend is designed so that folks who would love to have a time of retreat, but can't get away from home to do it, can accomplish their goal.
Everything needed for a time of real spiritual renewal will be provided right at First Church: an inspiring and knowledgeable speaker, time for quiet reflection, meals prepared and shared with genial company, and child care. The only thing different from going to a "retreat house" will be that you'll sleep in your own bed! The retreat will begin Friday evening, March 27, with dinner and the opening talks. Saturday we will reconvene and go through the day together finishing by early evening. The conclusion of the retreat will be the worship services on Sunday morning.
Professor Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a student of the Bible, gifted preacher, and an earnest man of prayer. Those who heard his talks on "Covenant" know, too, that he can be entertaining, enlightening, and provocative in his presentation. So, please mark your calendars, make the time to come apart a bit from daily activities, and let the warmth of the Lenten spring refresh you! *
Last month we described four of the seven elected Boards. The other three are known, in short, as Benevolences, Stewardship and Fellowship.
Board of Benevolences and
Church Relations
This Board is instructed to "...seek out and encourage means of expanding the Christian Service of the Church beyond its membership." It investigates organizations and worthy causes seeking monetary assistance from our church, and determines whether any funds will be allocated to them. Such funds "shall be dispensed only upon the authority of this Board...". The Church's contributions to the National Association are also made through this Board. It has a 1998 budget of $58,000.; in addition, it allocates the special offerings given at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Board of Christian Stewardship
The Stewardship Board has a major project in the annual stewardship drive, soliciting your pledges to support and maintain the annual operating budget of the church. Its duties are "...to promote among the members the systematic and proportionate giving of time, talent and possessions." It also seeks to encourage development of bequests, trust funds and memorials.
Board of Christian Fellowship
"This Board is responsible for the fellowship programs of the Church." With that brief instruction in the by-laws, the twelve members of this Board arrange for the between-services coffee hours, the popular once-a-month all-church dinners, and a variety of special events to encourage social contact and fellowship among the church members.
Included in this in the past year were a Pancake Breakfast, an Ice Cream Social, a reception for the Wheaton College Choir following their concert, the Friendly Beast Breakfast during Advent, a Pig Roast and a Fish Boil. A new venture for 1998 was a Family Movie night.
In addition to the elected Boards, there are a number of appointed committees, whose members are a mixture of church officers, council members, and at-large members. Principal among these are the Budget and Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, Music Committee and Communications Committee.
All told, one hundred and twenty-five church members serve on these Boards and Committees. Certainly, the active participation of our membership is vital to the Congregational system of governance. We are thankful for the participation we enjoy and hope to see it grow as our church heads to the future. *
Karl Stieghorst
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings! I hope you and your loved ones are experiencing Christ's peace and wholeness. March is recognized as National Nutrition Month, and I would like to focus our attention on healthy eating.
Since the beginning of time, eating and diet practices have been considered from many different perspectives. Eating has provided for physical needs, social needs, and even has spiritual implications. The sharing of food historically has been associated with generosity and fellowship. (Pr. 22:9, Lk. 15:1-2). Jesus used the common diet ingredients of bread and wine when He shared the Last Supper with His disciples. Eating supports our bodies, emotions and spirits!
Nutrition Quiz
Nutrition is an important part of our eating practices. It is the real reason we need to eat. Test your knowledge on the questions below, and learn more about nutrition!
1. How much sugar does the average American eat in a year?
a. 62 lbs.
b. 25 lbs.
2. You are better off using which of the following sweeteners?
a. raw sugar and honey
b. granulated sugar
c. it makes no difference
3. Vitamin C prevents infection and promotes healthy gums and blood vessels. Which of the following is a good source of this vitamin?
a. broccoli
b. citrus fruits
4. You have a burger, fries and a chocolate shake for lunch. How many calories are in this meal?
a. 600
b. 1,150
5. Iron is important for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's cells. Not enough iron and you will be tired and run down. Which food has more iron?
a. milk
b. red meat
6. From which of the four basic food groups should everyone have four or more servings per day?
a. veggies and fruit
b. milk and milk products
7. You know dairy products are a good source of calcium, but which of the following three categories of food does provide calcium?
a. sardines
b. pasta
c. yogurt
8. What does potassium do?
a. promotes fluid balance
b. builds strong teeth
9. Which of the following two groups is the best source for Vitamin A?
a. liver, spinach, sweet potatoes
b. cereals, fish, legumes
10. Which vitamin promotes a clear, blemish-free complexion and healthy hair?
a. Vitamin D
b. Vitamin K
c. Vitamin A
(Women's Health Notes, 1989)
How did you do? The answers are available below. If you have any concerns or questions related to healthy eating, please call me. I would be glad to visit with you. Happy Healthy Eating!
Fondly Michelle BSN, Parish Nurse
Answers to the Nutrition Quiz
1. a
2. there is no difference
3. both
4. b
5. b
6. a (especially teens and nursing mothers)
7. a & c
8. a
9. a
10. c
Last summer our family visited the space center at Huntsville Alabama. While viewing a display of the space shuttle Discovery, I learned that it had been grounded not by technical difficulties or lack of government funding, but by woodpeckers.
Yellow-shafted flicker woodpeckers found the insulating foam on the shuttle's external fuel tank irresistible material for pecking. The foam is critical to the shuttle's performance. Without it, ice forms on the tank when it's filled with the super-cold fuel, ice that can break free during liftoff and damage the giant spacecraft. The shuttle was grounded until the damage was repaired.
Relationships are frequently damaged not by big things-- infidelity or abuse or abandonment--but by the little things. Criticism, lack of respect, and taking others for granted peck away at the relationship and keep us from reaching the heights. Pay attention to the little things that you do and affect you.
Your Pastor,
Ash Wednesday, February 25.
Sundays in Lent
10:00 a.m., Study of the Gospel of Mark.
4:00 p.m., Active Parenting
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, & April 1
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Program
8:00 p.m. Communion/Devotions
Program Topics
The Bible as Spiritual Resource Center
Care of Body, Care of Soul
Introduction to Spiritual Life
The Professional Women's Study Group will also continue to meet during Lent.
March 2729
Prayer Retreat
Please Submit Articles Early
The deadline for article submission for the next issue of the Columns is March 15. However, the editor is requesting that articles or article ideas be submitted as early as possible to help accommodate a tight schedule. She is expecting a second baby approximately two weeks prior to that date and would appreciate any extra flexibility possible. Thank you.
The Editor Thanks:
Karl Stieghorst for an article; Ralph Ehlert, Mercedes Richardson and Merrill York for article information; and the office staff for their assistance.
Benevolent Request
The Board of Benevolences and Church Relations is interested in hearing from the congregation about any organizations/programs that deserve consideration for support from our church. Please contact any member of the Board: Sue Melby - chairperson, Kathy Cohan, Dale Engstrom, Mark Boettcher, Steve Houriet, Sharon Raymond, Bob Ornst, Wayne Pretschold or Mary York.
Congregational Columnswww.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
René Klumb - Chairperson,
Julie Peay, Bruce Smith, Dave Swanson, Jennifer Wakefield,
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. 7, Issue 2