April 26, 1998
Clifford the Big Red Dog Visits FCC
FCC to Host Wisconsin Congregational Association
Continuing Congregationalism
Into the Next Millennium"
It's the stuff of common sense...you have to know where you've been to know where you're going. That bit of common sense is also the essence of Congregationalism; a movement which has looked to the historic Christian faith as a 'way' to live in the present, and toward the future. Three hundred and fifty years ago the delegates to the Cambridge Synod stood within the tradition, and looking to their future, published their "Platform," the first articulation of American Congregationalism. Two hundred years later First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa called its first settled minister. To celebrate these events and the Congregational Way itself, the people of First Congregational Church, in cooperation with the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies and the Division for Ministry of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, will sponsor a symposium November 5, 6 and 7, 1998 designed to explore the 'Congregational Way.'
"A Past With A Future: Continuing Congregationalism Into the Next Millennium," will bring together a number of speakers who will offer thoughts on how this historic movement can continue vitally into the future. Three sets of papers will be offered focusing on the themes of Faith, Freedom, and Fellowship. A special address will be given by Dr. Leland Ryken, Professor of English at Wheaton College, author of Worldly Saints: The Puritans as They Really Were. Following Dr. Ryken's address there will be a panel discussion looking at the future of Congregationalism. The thrust of this event is to spark helpful conversation about the Congregational Way of being church. Rev. Dr. Douglas Lobb, newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches will give the Banquet Address entitled, "Eggheads,Chicken Fryers and Enthusiasts -- Spiritual Snakehandlers."
The first gathering of this type, the symposium is expected to draw a large national crowd and is open to all who are interested in attending. More information is available in the Church office and will be published as the event draws near. *
During the Lenten season, several families participated in the Active Parenting Today class. The class, designed for parents of two- to twelve-year-olds, was graciously facilitated by John & Denise O'Meara. The participants ranged from lifetime members to soon-to-be members and from couples with as many as four children to two dedicated couples expecting their first children.
The class provided an opportunity for discussion among parents who are dealing with similar daily challenges. It helped participants become more conscious of the type of parents they are and the type they want to become. In addition to providing a support group, it also offered a fellowship opportunity to meet and get to know the parents of other children who are growing up within the church at the same time.
Some of the topics covered in the class included offering your child choices to build independence, instilling courage and self esteem through encouragement, and developing responsibility through natural and logical consequences.
Many of the parents reported improved communication with their children and a new level of mutual respect. "Marty and I have focused on communicating the expectation that when we ask our children to do something, such as pick up their toys, they do it the 'first time.' If they choose not to, they know the consequence will be that Mom or Dad picks up the toy and puts it away for one week," said Nancy Vander Velde. "By adding the 'first time' rule, we do a lot less nagging."
"During the class I was reminded that I control my emotions, and no one, including my children, can make me angry unless I allow them to," said Nancy. "I had heard this many times as it applies to customer service, but never thought of it applying to my reaction to my children's behavior. This had helped me maintain control and more calmly deal with behavior problems."
Although the Active Parenting class has been completed, the group decided to continue meeting on a monthly basis. May 17, the group will meet at the church for discussion between 4:00 and 5:00, followed by supper. If you have children between the ages of two and twelve and would benefit from a parent's support group, please feel welcome to join the Active Parenting group. *
At the March Council Meeting the
Music Committee was given the approval to head up the fund
raising campaign to replace the piano in the Nave and the
electronic organ that is in the Chapel. The total cost of the
project is approximately $60,000.
Information explaining these needs was outlined by Ralph Ehlert at the Annual Meeting and further details were printed in the Columns in February. Thorough research wa done by our own Lee Jacobi, Betty Dethers and Ralph. The Music Committed took their final recommendations to the Council. It is hoped that funds collected will pay for the complete restoration of the Steinway Model B piano, currently, in our Social Hall, and also allow us to purchase a new Rodgers electronic organ, with digital capabilities and a more sophisticated sound system.
Music is a vital part of every worship service, in the Nave and in the Chapel. We at First Congregational Church are extremely blessed and proud of the musical leadership and the talent of our membership. As we approach the next millennium, we want to be assured that the quality of our music program will continue. That includes upgrading and replacement of instruments that will enhance the vocal music our choirs provide, as well as providing a meaningful, spiritual tone for every worship service. Be a part of this wonderful project! Make your pledge now and show your support for "Restoring our Musical Heritage!" *
"Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro?" On Thursday, April 2, nine members of the Thursday Morning Women's Group, 21 inner-city first graders, and their teacher Mary Lou Schowalter all sang that song taught by Marj Fowler. The song was very apropos, as the theme of the party was "Your Friend Clifford the Big Red Dog," and the whole group wore long red Clifford ears for the day.
This yearly event started at 9:45 a.m. when the yellow bus drove up to FCC and the children from 37th Street School entered wide-eyed. This Thursday Morning Group had planned quite a day for these very needy boys and girls. After a warm welcome, all of the children
received their own Clifford ears and got to pat Clifford.
Next the whole group trooped down to B-6 where the children decorated their own Clifford puppet for spring. Clifford wore a variety of spring hats, boots, and jackets, and carried balls and other toys. The most popular materials for the children were the glittery sequins that they used for his collar. (Sorry Roy).
After playing dog cookie relays, the class returned to Friendship Lounge where each student received his very own Clifford book. For many of these children, it would be the only book they have ever owned. Each adult took a small group to a quiet place in the church and read with them.
By 12:30 the boys and girls were very hungry. The lunch menu included hot dogs, bone shaped peanut butter cookies, specially cut finger Jell-O, carrots, and milk. FCC's two big Clifford's, Lonnie and Steve, both stopped by to welcome the class and join in the festivities.
There were many hugs, thanks, and a few tears as Mary Lou and her class boarded their bus at 2:15. The Thursday Group hopes that this one special day made just a little difference in the lives of these first graders. They know that their caring, dedicated teacher, Ms. Schowalter, makes a huge difference in their lives. *
by Nancy Fisher
For many years Howard and Kay Millen were "in charge" of our St. Vincent food program for the needy. They shopped for the groceries, helped cook the meals, lined up servers, and always attended to help with the meal serving. Even as their health was failing, this was a vital part of their lives and they were faithfully there on the first Friday of every month.
When Kay passed away on May 8, 1996 her family established a special endowment fund as a memorial to her. The interest from the fund was specified to be used to fund the meal on the first Friday of May as a memorial to Kay and her devotion to the meal program. Later, when Howie passed away on May 30, 1997, his memorials augmented the fund. This year in addition to the regular menu of fish, coleslaw or salad, Jell-O and macaroni and cheese we will be serving sheet cake to all that come for the meal. Usually, the dessert is something simple like cookies so the cake will be a special treat for the participants.
Others have taken over the responsibility of the meal but Kay and Howie will always be remembered for their devotion and hard work to feed the hungry of the community. *
The All-Church Workday, previously scheduled for May 9 has been moved to SATURDAY, JUNE 13!
The plan is to accomplish lots of much-needed work around the church, saving considerable money from hiring out and enjoying the fellowship as we go. We plan to work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. Childcare and lunch will be provided.
There is plenty of work for all, both inside and out. Some of the scheduled projects include:
Choose what you like, or we will be happy to give you some work. (If you're interested in raking, please bring one.) See you June 13! Please sign up in the church office. *
Inside
wash/polish Pews
wash chairs in
Social Hall
wash toys in Nursery
wash woodwork
paint SS rooms
wash windows
remove wall paper
refinish floral pedestals
install new lights
Outside
trim hedges
clean flower beds
repair pillars
paint doors
rake
clean vines off building
remove grounding pipe
paint shed
paint windows
Since our retirement in 1991, Sally and I have spent six months in Wisconsin, six months in Florida. It makes long-term church and community initiatives difficult to assume and carry out. But, we've discovered there are many short-term commitments we can embrace in the Congregational community.
Last summer, I volunteered to help Kathy Kebbekus, Carla Cummings and their workers teach the story of Joseph at Vacation Bible School. I taught high school students at Tosa East for over 30 years and wasn't sure I'd be much help with K-5 students. Because Sally and I traveled so much last summer, I didn't make any of VBS staff meetings, so I wasn't able to contribute anything to planning the week.
I can't say enough about the curriculum that was selected and the way it was implemented. It was impressive! VBS week, '97 was a rewarding and meaningful experience for both the students and staff!
I was made "Inspector: of the 1st/2nd grade "Gumshoes" who were "investigating" the story of Joseph. What a neat group of kids I worked with: excited, creative, energetic and enthusiastic. It took a while for me to get used to their perpetual motion. I don't believe that any of them sat still for more than a minute. I kept thinking: "What if I had 25-30 of these kids 5 days a week, 10 months a year?" By the end of the week, I even considered asking the Pope to canonize all primary teachers!
All that aside, it was thrilling to see my "Gumshoes" at work and at play. It was uplifting to share with them the primary message of the story of Joseph: that no matter what happens to us, God is always there for us. It was meaningful to them. It was especially meaningful to me. Our spiritual journey was lightened and brightened that week together.
I was so impressed by what happened that VBS week that I have volunteered to run the program this year. We've chosen the Story of Noah and have selected what looks like another beautifully constructed curriculum. A number of last year's staff have already volunteered to help out again this year, but we're looking for more volunteers. The dates are July 27-31.
Call the Church and leave a message if you'd like to help, 258-7375. We'll get back to you. Moms and Dads: Look for VBS sign-up sheets in the Columns and Congregationalist. More information about the program will appear in these pubs and before Sunday services. Start now to study the story of Noah with your students (K-5) Genesis, chapters 6-9. Think about this question: "What is the message of the Noah story for our times, for ourselves?"
Tom Rondeau
A play group for children ages birth through preschool and their parents was started in March. It is held in the nursery every second and fourth Monday of the month from 9:30 until 10:30 am. Play groups are a great way for young children to interact with one another while the parent is still there to guide them. They are also a good way for parents to get to know each other, to trade parenting tips and to laugh at the many new challenges parenting brings. The play group introduces new and prospective members to other members of our church. The play group will meet here at the church through May. Then in June, July and August we will meet at Hart Park by the playground. Pack a lunch and stay as long as you like. Everyone is welcome so we hope to see you there. For further details contact Carla Cummings at 774-4756.
First Church is honored to be the host site for the 1998 annual meeting of the Wisconsin Congregational Association (WCA) on May 1-2. Wisconsin has one of the more vital state associations and our participation in the sessions will serve to further enhance the WCA. This is an excellent opportunity for First Church to move to greater involvement in the WCA and fellowship with Congregationalists from throughout the state.
Are you interested in what other Congregational churches in the state are doing? How many members do they have? Do their worship services compare to ours? Which youth programs have been successful? How is adult education being offered elsewhere? Time is built into the program to allow for conversation and fellowship, so that you can learn about other Congregational churches and they can learn what a wonderful gathering we have at First Church!
The theme of this year's meeting, "Fanning the Flames to Rekindle the Gift," will focus on the gifts of Congregationalism, and how they can be used to revitalize our churches. The program on May 2, will feature two sessions. The first: "The Gifts of Congregationalism" will focus on "Covenant" with the Rev. Karl Schimpf and "Community" with the Revs. Ralph and Carol DiBiasio-Snyder. In the second session our own Rev. Dr. Steven Peay will ask us to look at "Moving from a 'Voluntary' to a 'Missional' Vision of the Church" with discussion sessions to follow.
The daily schedule follows:
Friday May 1
3:00 pm Executive Committee Mtg.
4:30-6:30 Registration/Reception
6:30 Dinner
7:30-9:15 Business Mtg./Intro to Pgm.
9:15 Reception
Saturday May 2
8:00-8:30 Breakfast
8:30-9:00 Hymn Sing
9:00-10:00 Session I:
" The Gifts of Congregationalism"
10:00-11:15 Session II:
"Fanning the Flames to
Rekindle the Gift"
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:30 Worship and
Celebration of the Lord's Supper
12:30 Lunch and Fellowship
Registration for the entire meeting, including meals is about $40 per person. Contact the church office for more information. You may register on site. See You there! *
The 82 guests at the PF dinner/auction, held on March 28, anticipated a mouth watering Italian meal prepared by John Sgarlata, and knew they would have an opportunity to bid on a variety of donated items and services. But the lively post dinner entertainment provided by auctioneers Keith Harmon and Chris Rygh surpassed all expectations.
More than 50 items were donated for auction, including sports memorabilia, game tickets, gourmet food items, restaurant certificates, personal care services ranging from tanning to teeth whitening, weekend getaway accommodations, a computer, and the ever popular Beanie Babies. The auctioneers encouraged some light hearted bidding wars to maximize the funds raised for the PF meeting in San Diego June 17 24.
As a result of the auction and dinner, $2500 was raised to bring the students closer to their goal of $4,000.
Dear Church Family and Friends,
Greetings! Happy Mental Health Month! Our mental (or emotional) dimension is one aspect of wholistic health, and is very important to our well being. I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts on mental health, and what you can do to enhance your mental health.
What really is mental health?
The emotional dimension focuses on an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional health involves the degree to which a person feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and one's life. This includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and behaviors. The person with mental health has developed (1) a realistic estimate of one's limitations (2) autonomy (3) the ability to cope effectively with stress, and (4) satisfying relationships with others (adapted from Hettler, 1979).
What does the Bible say about Mental Health?
The Bible has a lot to offer us in terms of mental health. St. Paul encourages us with these words, "...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Php. 4:6,7) What a comfort these words are! In spite of the stressful, difficult times in which we live, God's peace can help us to be whole emotionally.
What can we do to improve our mental health?
There are many things that we can do to improve our mental health. Among the behaviors we can practice include:
First, we can develop a realistic assessment of our limitations. We can objectively look at our strengths and weaknesses. We need to talk to ourself in an affirming way, just as we would talk to a friend. Sometimes we feel very limited and worthless, because that is the message we have sent ourselves.
Second, we can develop autonomy. Once we know what our strengths are, we can work on developing them. As they are developed, we can rely more on ourself and less on others. Eventually, we would hope to develop relationships in which we were interdependent, rather than being either dependent or independent.
Third, we can develop the ability to cope effectively with stress. This may include such behaviors as (1) changing our environment to reduce stressors (2) changing our self-talk and stress behaviors to more positive patterns, and (3) changing our bodies to be healthier and learning to use relaxation techniques (Shape, 1983).
Fourth, we can develop satisfying relationships with others. There are many things we can do to enhance our personal relationships. Among these are: (1) pray for one another and center our relationships in Christ (2) freely share ourselves with loved ones (3) avoid criticizing and blaming others (4) take responsibility for our own behavior, and not assume responsibility for other's behavior, and (5) practice healthy communication patterns (adapted from Shape, 1983).
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it" (I Thes 5:23,24).
Blessings,
Michelle Jackson, Parish Nurse
There is a story of a pastor who heard that one of his church members announced that he would no longer attend worship services. The member was advancing the familiar argument that he could communicate with God just as easily out in the fields with nature as his setting for worship. One winter evening, the pastor called on this reluctant member for a friendly visit. The two sat before the fireplace making small talk, but avoiding the issue of church attendance. After a while, the pastor took the tongs from the rack next to the fireplace and pulled a single coal from the fire. He placed the glowing ember on the hearth. As the two watched in silence, the coal quickly ceased burning and turned an ashen gray, while the other coals in the fire continued to burn brightly. The pastor's silent message was effective. After a long pause, the parishioner turned to the pastor and said, "I'll be back at worship next Sunday."
One way to set yourself up for a discouraging journey in the faith is to cease the discipline of regular worship attendance. An individual is not a choir. The talents and presence of others are needed for harmony. An additional coal brightens and empowers. We do this when we worship together. Next time you are tempted to go it alone remember the image of the single coal It cannot survive. There is no limit to what a church can do that decides to do it together. *
Your Pastor,
Circle 9 Bake Sale
Circle 9 would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of the April 5 bake sale. Thank you to all those who made purchases, and those who donated goods to supplement those made by the baking crews at church. A total of about $350 was raised. The money will be contributed to a need within the church.
New Note Cards Available
with a picture of the church. Cost for a pack of 10 is $4.00 or 2 packs for $7.00.
The Editor Thanks:
Tom Rondeau, Julie Peay, Carla Cummings, Nancy Fisher, Cindy Payette, and Nancy Vander Velde for articles and the office staff for their assistance.
It's Not Too Late
You are welcome to join the Professional Women's study group, which is continuing throughout the spring. We will be meeting the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. Currently we are studying The Road Less Traveled and Beyond by M. Scott Peck. We will review Part I of the book and begin discussing Part II on May 6. There are a few copies of the book still available in the office. If you continue to struggle with your balance of work, family, and spiritual life, this is the group for you!
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 4