July 26, 1998
Lee Jacobi article partial reprint
Care Board Activities/ Esther Wiegratz & Virginia Hutton Highlight
The youth of our church were given the amazing opportunity to take part in the National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship (NAPF, for high school ages), and HOPE (for college ages). They had their conference this year in San Diego, California. Many teenagers and college-goers from First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa attended. Wisconsin students totaled 23 of the numerous others present from all over the country at NAPF and HOPE.
We began our action packed activities with a Padres/Dodgers baseball game the night we arrived in San Diego. Other activities included trips to Sea World, the famous San Diego Zoo, a harbor cruise and trips to the beach. All were marvelous, and days were made spiritual with morning prayer and evening vespers.
We arrived at the conference on Saturday where we received funky Hawaii print shirts with the theme of the conference on them, "Fish Fiesta." We had our first program that evening with the extremely talented speaker, Laurie Polich, who would be our speaker for the remainder of the trip. (She has the amazing ability to be able to touch upon the most raw of teenage emotions.) These programs were a major highlight. To get us pumped up, we were all led in singing by the very talented Kenny and Johnny. Our first program was based upon how our society only gives regard to perfection and how we only look at people's physical selves, rather than their inner selves.
We had our first of many encounters with our small group. Small groups gave us the unique chance to share whatever we were thinking. It was a time for our spirituality to grow.
Sunday we had two programs. The first of which was about relationships and love. We were given the first of a few opportunities to make promises to God. We had the chance to promise God we would save ourselves until marriage. The second program was on how close we are to God; whether we have built our house on rock (God) or sand (plans, people, or things).
Later that evening we watched a great play by a professional acting group. They performed, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Jerico." It was hilarious, yet thought provoking.
Monday was devoted to mission work. Small groups undertook tasks such as painting at a park, bagging food for those in need, helping at a Christian thrift store, teaching children to swim, or just playing with some kids - offering them some companionship. We had the chance to make a difference in some lives that day. Some HOPE attendees also had the opportunity to go to Tijuana and work at a small school there. Following the mission work, we had a talent show. Acts ranged from a lip sync by New Kids on the Block look-alikes to an astonishing tap performance by our own Amanda Collis.
The following day, we attended our last program, during which time we made our final promise to God. We had the chance to promise God that we would work to make our relationship with him better all the time. This was followed by a trip to the beach. We were given six hours for activities including a volleyball game between HOPE and NAPF, a banquet, and communion on the beach. This was a very holy experience. To commune so close to one of God's most beautiful creations seemed to bring us closer to God. That night we had a dance and slide show. It was a great ending to an outstanding week.
NAPF was an experience I will never forget. The people, programs, missions and everything in between are occurrences that I will keep with me every second of every day for the rest of my life. This was my first year attending and I am bound to return for as long as I am able. My thanks goes to everyone who took part in planning this extravagant pilgrimage for our youth. *
For nearly a month now, Sarah Ornst has been serving First Church as its college intern. The internship, recently created by the Church Council, is designed to nurture college students who are considering careers in professional ministry, particularly ministry in the context of a multiple staff local church.
No stranger to the church, Sarah was baptized here, confirmed here and participated in many of our programs as she was growing. Now, as a senior at Anderson University, Sarah is studying family science and preparing for what comes next. "I know ministry is in my future. God seems to keep putting it in front of my face," said Sarah, "Right now I'm looking at graduate schools and trying to chart out the next step. Working here this summer has really helped me clarify some important issues before my senior year starts. I've learned more about my gifts, and I am becoming more aware of my future desires. I've focused my vision, and I've asked a lot of questions."
Not only has Sarah benefited from the arrangement, the church has also profited. Working primarily with Chris Rygh, director of student ministries, Sarah is helping to plan and organize the fall programs for children and youth. "How fortunate we've been to have an intern here this summer," said Chris. "We are working on some significant initiatives for fall. I really needed the help, particularly on those days I was driving to Chicago for summer school. Sarah is making some tremendous contributions."
In addition to her work planning youth programs, Sarah will present an informational seminar in August for recent high school graduates. Graduates will be invited to interact with college students and to ask questions about life beyond the lecture hall. According to Sarah,"It helps to have some idea of what a person is heading into when he or she enters college. I want the youth to hear it first-hand from some experienced college students." Summing up her intentions Sarah says, "I want it to be personal and practical."
Sarah Ornst is the daughter of Bob and Bonnie Ornst. She will conclude her intern duties in mid August. *
No one tells us what the real transition into college is like. No one gives us the inside scoop on what dorm food tastes like, how to adjust to living with another person in a very small space, and how to survive on an average of 56 hours of sleep a night. This seminar, "The Realities of College," provides the essential truths college freshman will want to know as they begin their journey. This seminar is actually more like a workshop. Instead of hearing someone preach, participants will be able to choose the discussions that pertain to their needs.
"Come hear the ins and outs of real college life from the experienced chosen few who will challenge you to think about what you want your college years to be about," said Sarah Ornst. Listen to college students honestly share with you the emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental adjustments of the many different kinds of college life.
Want a genuine grasp of what to expect in college? Join Sarah Ornst (22 years old) and other college students Wednesday August 12 from 68:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall to learn some helpful information about the transition into college. Any entering college freshman is welcomed. Come with open ears and hearts and bring a friend. Refreshments will be provided. Don't expect the normal seminar but 'expect the unexpected.' Please R.S.V.P. 258-7375 before August 5.
Perhaps one of the most gratifying ways to serve the church is on the Care Board. This group of 12, Mary Jane Montguire-chairperson, Don Koch, Gladysmae Preston, Cathy Schmidt, Arlette Lindbergh-vice chair, Janice Wittig, Alice Peterman, Claudia Rouggly, Doris Nolinski, Scott Rondeau, Sarah Sgarlata, and Sarah Wohlfeil, oversees and participates in many different caring ministry programs of the church.
The Parish Nurse program is the first of these ministries. Michelle Jackson is our parish nurse - a part-time position which was donated by Congregational Home. In addition to the health-related articles in the Columns and Congregationalist, Michelle conducts various programs throughout the year including things such as a blood pressure clinic, and the diabetes check. The parish nurse is also available to answer questions relating to physical, mental and spiritual health and provide further recommendations when necessary.
The St. Vincent Meal Program which is headed by Mary Jane Montguire is a monthly obligation. On the first Friday of each month, volunteers purchase, prepare, deliver and serve a meal to the hungry through this program. While Mary Jane said that they receive a good level of participation with this program, they are always appreciative of volunteer groups and individuals to help with this task.
The Prayer Project, currently headed by Claudia Rouggly, was featured in last month's Columns and assembles a group to pray for requests written in our prayer book.
The Bereavement Committee is headed by Cathy Schmidt. This committee calls the families of those who have lost a loved one, offers any help such as a meal or a visit, and sends out condolence cards. This committee also arranges for the volunteers to help with a reception (see sidebar about Virginia Hutton and Esther Wiegratz) at the church if the family so desires. Assisting the associate minister in the responsibility of offering any comfort the church can provide, this is a very important function of the Care Board.
Doris Nolinski heads the Shut-In Project which was established to assist those recovering from a serious illness or hospitalization. A wide range of services from babysitting, to transportation to appointments, to simply providing company is offered whatever might be helpful.
Janice Wittig is in charge of the Nursing Home Communion program. Four times a year, communion is offered at Congregational Home, Harwood Place and Luther Manor. All of the residents are welcome to receive communion and a reception follows. This is a very popular program with the residents of the various homes.
Most recently, Mobile Meals is being added to the Care Board's responsibilities. Christine Hartsuch is organizing the effort. Mobile Meals provides regular meals to members recovering from serious illness or hospitalization. This is another area which uses many volunteers.
While the members of the Care Board are very committed and involved in these ministries, the participation they receive from other church members is vital to the success of many of these programs. Certainly, it is some of the most rewarding volunteer work available. It's easy to see the direct impact on the lives these ministries touch.
There are so many ways to give, yet few which could be more appreciated than volunteering some time to one of these care ministries. If you have any interest, contact the church office, 258-7375, or any of the board members. *
Esther Wiegratz and Virginia Hutton Highlight
Esther Wiegratz and Virginia Hutton have devoted a large amount of time over the past few years to regularly arranging and serving at church receptions following memorial services.
Approximately 1-1/2 hours before each reception, these wonderful ladies can be found meticulously preparing a beautiful table complete with homemade cookies, coffee, tea, punch, nuts, mints and flowers. During the receptions, while Virginia is most often found serving coffee from the beautiful silver service with help from other volunteers, Esther keeps things moving smoothly in the kitchen.
"Generally, one of us knows the family and we want it to be nice for them," said Virginia.
"I always try to contact family friends for help serving at the receptions," added Esther, "but my husband often helps out."
Cathy Schmidt has been doing a wonderful job organizing cookie bakers to remove part of the responsibility from Esther and Virginia and is looking for more people to help in that area.
Following the receptions, Esther and Virginia clean the silver service and see that any unwanted flowers are sent to Congregational Home to be enjoyed by residents there.
While this in itself is a very generous donation of time, both ladies give in many other capacities. Esther has volunteered every Friday in the gift shop at Congregational Home since it opened 26 years ago. She also works with Mobile Meals at the Home and often helps in the kitchen for church events.
Virginia is very active with the Kneeland-Walker House, works with Mobile Meals twice a month, and is a church Deacon, preparing wine and bread for communion.
The service these ladies have provided over the years is immeasurable and certainly appreciated by the bereaved families they have touched. Our sincerest thanks.
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. *
Dear brothers and sisters in the faith,
We send you greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, wishing you many blessings in your life.
There are no words to express our gratitude for your effort and interest in our mission here in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The dental clinic is in use and very much needed. Thanks to you we have the clinic functioning with a wonderful dentist named Jose Xabier Arevalo. Enclosed are pictures of the doctor attending some patients.
Please give greetings and love to our brothers and sisters who have visited us here at the mission. There are always in our prayers as well as the rest of the congregation of First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa.
In Christ,
Margarito Enamorado Reyna Suyapa Orellana
Treasurer Administrator
The 350th anniversary of the Cambridge Platform and the experience of the past forty-three years give us a fitting occasion to consider the future of the Congregational Way. It is time to talk about what we are and how we are to continue the Congregational Way into the next millennium. "A Past With a Future: Continuing Congregationalism Into the Next Millennium," is a symposium which will be hosted by First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa in cooperation with the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Division of Ministry, November 57, 1998.
The symposium will celebrate our heritage as Congregationalists, an ongoing heritage of unity in the midst of diversity. It will bring together speakers who reflect diverse theological positions of the NACCC. Some of the speakers have been part of the NA since its founding; others have come to the Way more recently. All of the presenters are committed Congregationalists who believe that there is more than nostalgia to the Congregational Way.
The three major sessions will look at continuing Congregationalism through the lenses of "faith," "freedom," and "fellowship." (For more detail, please see the schedule in the flyer soon to be mailed to your home or get one from the church office.) After each session, the symposium participants will have the opportunity to participate in small group discussions. The discussion group leaders will be CFTS seminarians.
Congregationalism is more than just an approach to polity; it is, fundamentally, a movement of the Spirit. As a movement of the Spirit, Congregationalism is not rigid, rather it is constantly unfolding and developing. It has a rich heritage, but, like the Christian faith, it is a past with a future. The framers of the Cambridge Platform understood this, so did the founders of the NACCC. Now it is our turn to continue the movement. Join us for the conversation about what we are and what we can be as the new millennium approaches.
This symposium is attracting national attention, but members of the host church are entitled to a special reduced rate. With a maximum capacity of 300 people, approximately 50 are already registered. This is a fantastic opportunity in our own backyard....so register soon to assure a spot. *
The Wisconsin Congregational Women's Fellowship (WCWF) invites all the women of the church to attend an informal meeting on Saturday, September 12, 1998 at the Heritage Congregational Church in Madison.
Registration and social time is 8:309:30 a.m., followed by a program with songs and a special presentation. Lunch will be served at noon for $5.00 by the ladies of Heritage Church.
After lunch the group will visit the newly restored Capitol Building and the Monona Terrace Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, or you can make your own plans.
Reservations are needed by September 7 by calling or writing to Mable Meyer, 2709 Circle Dr., Stoughton, WI 53589, tel: 608-873-8360 or Helga Shultz, 201 Roberts Dr., Mukwonago, WI 53149, tel: 414-363-3240.
Information is available on overnight accommodations for anyone interested.
See you there!
Dear Family and Friends,
Happy American Family Day! In case you did not remember, it is celebrated on the first Sunday in August. It seems to me that August is a good time to take a few minutes and reflect on the value and blessings of family life. "God sets the lonely in families..." (Ps. 68:6). How empty our lives would be without the blessing of our family! I hope that during this month, you are able to enjoy some special time with your loved ones.
What do we mean when we use the word family?
It can be a difficult task to define the term family, even though it is a word we use everyday. Today we have many family forms, but I believe the core aspects remain. When I use the world family I mean two or more persons who are committed to one another. They relate to one another on an intimate level and have a sense of identity.
How can families be described?
In order for families to be healthy, the members need a strong commitment to one another. This includes both adults and children. Without this commitment, the family can't serve as the refuge that God intended it to be. "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest" (Is. 32:18). One of the most beautiful accounts of family commitment recorded in the Bible is found in Ruth 1:1-22. This passage which is often read at weddings, describes the loyalty and love of Ruth for her mother-in-law Naomi.
Families also need to relate to one another on an intimate level. God has intended for many of our personal and emotional needs to be met in families. Many family experts have written that only one basic function of the family will persist over time, and contribute to the survival of the family. This one aspect is the emotional nurturance of all persons. It is not always easy to share ourselves intimately with our family. Yet, when it seems the most difficult, or involves taking real risks, this may be when it is most important. We need the Lord's help to share unconditional love with all members of our family.
Families also need a sense of identity. This includes both their role in the family, as well as the family as a whole. The Bible provides direction for the role of children; "Honor you father and mother..." (Ex. 20:12) and of parents "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord: (Eph. 6:4). Parents and children need to feel that they are both an essential part of the family as a whole.
May you be blessed and affirmed in your family life. If you have any concerns or issues related to the family, please call me. I would be very happy to visit with you.
Fondly,
Michelleyour parish nurse
Socrates walked among the streets of Athens asking questions, puncturing pretensions, accusing his contemporaries of spending their lives in the pursuit of goals they never critically examined. "The unexamined life is not worth living," he said. Much of our contemporary life is an unexamined life. Some don't know where they are going. They are just on their way somewhere, like "Alice in Wonderland."
Remember how she asked the cat, "Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?"
And the cat answered, "That depends on where you want to go."
"Oh, I don't much care."
"Well then, it doesn't matter much which way you go."
"But," insisted Alice, "I want to go somewhere."
"Oh," the cat answered, "you are sure to do that."
Where are you going? What end do you have in view and how do you propose to get there? If you get where you are going, where will you be? Our mission is to help people connect with God. If we keep going the way we are going, will we help people connect to God? An assessment of where we are today indicates we are meeting this challenge. Let's not forget to examine our own inner lives as we invite others to join the journey of faith. Look at yourself! *
Your pastor,
Lonnie
Do you have knowledge to share?
The First Congregational College of Spiritual Knowledge needs to expand. We're looking for First Church members who have expertise from their profession or hobby or whatever that they would like to share with others. Time of meeting, size, number of meetings can all be worked out by the "professor." We'd like our college to become the First Congregational OPEN UNIVERSITY...and offer many different things to enhance the intellectual and spiritual knowledge of our folk. Contact Dr. Steven Peay if you have knowledge to share (258-7375).
Watch future issues for:
NACCC Annual Meeting report, Rally Sunday info, travel opportunities, and much more!
The editor thanks:
Nastassia Richardson for an article, Jenny Pozayt for pictures and the office staff for their assistance.
www.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
Michelle Jackson, Parish Nurse
Betsy Isenberg, Secretary
Nancy Gross, Secretary
Charles Nelson, Administrator, Congregational Home, Inc.
Rev. Norman S. Ream, Minister Emeritus
*
Vol. 7, Issue 7
