August 30, 1998
Professional Women's Study Group
Restoring Our Musical Heritage
Chris Rygh, director of student ministries, answers questions about this year's youth programs.
Chris, I hear there are some big plans in the works. Can you give us an overview?
After two years of work--surveying parents, meeting with a study committee and studying other effective programs in Congregational churches--it is time to put our learning into action. We're really raising the bar this year. We're trying something pretty bold.
First, we're giving the Covenant Class top billing. Because we're including eighth graders this year and adjusting to a more intensive one-year format, we may potentially have forty or more students in our class. In order to maximize our efforts in this arena, we will be using a small group format called Christ Care. This is a program developed by the Stephen's Ministry people; it is a top drawer program that challenges students in four areas: building community, learning the Bible, worshiping and serving. This approach is aimed at incorporating students into the adult life of this church, giving them a role, and keeping them involved.
Second, we're adding a worship experience geared specifically for our junior high and senior high students. This thirty-minute worship will incorporate video clips, drama, some upbeat music and, I hope, a great deal of humor.
Kids today are pretty busy; when will all this take place?
Sunday evenings starting at 5:45 we'll have an informal mixing time in the Social Hall. Kids can come and mingle and dig into the refreshments. At 6:00 we'll have a half hour of worship. And then at 6:30 we'll break off into our small groups. confirmation students, and all the other senior high students will meet with their mentors in different places in the church. The younger, sixth and seventh graders will meet upstairs as they usually do. By 7:45 things will be coming to a close, and by 8:00 everyone will be headed home.
Will this replace the weekday P.F. program?
Yes, in fact, this new initiative will even have a different name. We're calling it B.A.S.I.C., which is an acronym for Brothers and Sisters In Christ. The junior high program will be called B.A.S.I.C. Elements. The Covenant Class program will be called B.A.S.I.C. Training. By next summer we intend to have another ministry component in place called B.A.S.I.C. Mission. This will be our way of equipping teens for local and international mission experiences. And of course our Sunday evening worship will be called what else, but B.A.S.I.C. Worship.
This sounds pretty ambitious. No doubt you've lined up a lot of help.
Absolutely. As soon as school starts this fall, we will have one team of volunteers meeting on Tuesday mornings in order to pray for our kids and our leaders. All told, we have over 120 junior and senior high students connected with this church. We don't see all of them on a weekly basis, but we still have a responsibility to pray for them and to reach out to them. In addition to a prayer team, we also have a team of mentors. These are the men and women who will be doing most of the leading and teaching on Sunday nights. Each mentor will be working closely with six or seven students for the year. This is an important role.
Right now, we need help orchestrating food and coordinating special events. We're looking for people who may not be able to make a weekly commitment, but who still wish to make a contribution to our students.
When will this dream become a reality?
Our kickoff will occur on Rally Sunday, September 13, 5:45 p.m. That is when we begin the great adventure! *
On July 19, First Congregational Church was host to 18 young people from Ulster, Ireland and their host families. Ulster Project is a planned four-week summer visit of Northern Irish youth to private homes in the United States. Clergy and teachers in Northern Ireland select 14-16 year old young people who they feel would benefit from such an experience. There are an equal number of boys and girls, Protestants and Catholics. Each Northern Irish teenager is matched for interests and the same religious denomination.
The terms "Catholic" and "Protestant" when used in the context of the Northern Irish conflict, do not designate sides of a doctrinal controversy with the Christian faith, but are socio-political designations. So sharply has the line between Catholics and Protestants been drawn that peaceful communication across it can be difficult.
The Ulster Project began in 1974 with an exchange of pulpits between Anglican Priest Albert Thomas Waterstone, from the Republic of Ireland and an Anglican Priest from the United States. Fr. Waterstone, now the retired pastor of St. Catherine's Anglican Church in Tullamore, continues to coordinate the project.
"The Ulster Project is dedicated to promoting a peaceful parity of esteem between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, by building tolerance, trust, and ongoing positive relationships among potential leaders from these Christian traditions."
In 1980 a group of people from the West Suburban Milwaukee area, representing both Protestant and Catholic churches, invited a group of Northern Irish teenagers to our area. The successful program has continued each summer since.
The Host Family Committee, on the basis of applications from families who would like to host a Northern Irish teenager, selects host families. A large number of host family applications is desirable in order to insure suitable matching of teenagers in families who can supply a warm home hospitality, in-town transportation and one parent available at all times.
In accepting participation in the project, all the Northern Irish youth and the American Host families agree to attend Sunday Services at both Protestant and Roman Catholic churches, as well as several planned ecumenical prayer services. The educational value is expected from the observation of differing faith communities, and the sharing of joint Christian services.
Representatives from the following churches are committed to the success of this shared project, and the ecumenical commission of the Milwaukee archdiocese has given its support: Underwood Baptist, Wauwatosa Presbyterian, Brookfield Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, St. Jude the Apostle, St. Pius X, St. Joseph, St. Bernard, Christ King, First Congregational Wauwatosa, Trinity Presbyterian, Elm Grove Community Methodist, St. Edmund's Episcopal, St. Mary Elm Grove, St. John Vianney, Calvary Lutheran, St. Therese, Pilgrim Christian Church, Brookfield Congregational, Cross of Life Lutheran.
First Congregational Church will again offer to host the Irish visitors and their host families for worship. We also hope that we can participate more fully in the project by our families hosting some of the youth.
If you have a teenager and think you would be interested in hosting a youth from Northern Ireland next summer, or if you would like more information on the Ulster Project, please contact Rev. Dr. Steven Peay. *
On Sunday, October 18, all members of the church are
being called on to join together to make a personal commitment to
be supportive of the responsibilites of membership in our very
fine congregation. This is the day that we will gather together
not only for worship but to jointly and individually commit our
time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of our church and our
community.
Each of us should prayerfully consider our decision as to the level of financial support and personal involvement that we will commit. No one can make that decision for us. We should remember the teachings of our pastors that "developing a spiritual life, like developing a garden, requires good soil. It requires personal discipline." Our church and our community need each of us to work in the "garden of growth." If we as individuals and as a congregation are to grow, we must plant our roots deeply and face with open hearts and with open minds the challenges of personal spirituality and the responsibilities of good citizenship. A complete garden needs each flowering part to face the challenges of every day with hope and concern for all in the congregation and the community.
Each of us, as members of this great congregation and our community in general, will be called upon to express our support for the future. We have a glorious and proud history of accepting challenges and meeting them by working together. Let us now, as individual members of First Congregational Church, make a renewed personal commitment of support so that as a church and as a community we will develop a spiritual garden that will emulate the wonders and beauty of God's love. *
by Jim Benz
Many have asked for a copy of Rev. Richardson's sermon at the recent memorial service for Blake Boyd and Damien Cauley. The following is a synopsis of that sermon which was delivered on August 12, 1998.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
Yesterday, a columnist in the Journal/Sentinel quoted a Milwaukeean who was no longer willing to accept floods as "an act of God." He went on to say "...an act of God is a one-time disaster..." I wonder what God thinks when we attach immense misery to Godly acts? I realize we are not really blaming God. When we approach the unexplainable we reach for a language symbolic of that beyond the routine. The death of Dane and Blake is not an act of God. It is a happening of how we live. Our freedom allows us, at times, to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and we get hurt or die. There is an insanity to that. From the insanity we learn that we live not to make sense, we live to make faith.
So what is an act of God? It is not a disaster which destroys, it is a cause which employs! It is the hugs, the calls, the caring from family, friends, and those not yet known. An act of God is the risk and bravery of those who relentlessly searched for the boys. It is the kind care and protection of the Salvation Army, the police and firefighters. An act of God is the cooperation of the media so the family could deal with this on their terms.
An act of God is a cause which employs and rallies people across this great country. Earlier today, Governor Tommy Thompson visited the families. Last night I received a call from the First Lady's office, to arrange a telephone call so she could express condolence to the family. This afternoon she and President Clinton phoned my office and spoke with the families. It is a Godly act, regardless of the situation we have placed ourselves in, when we look beyond ourselves and care.
An act of God is also a love that releases. It was a tender moment at the funeral home when the mothers and I embraced and they said they were thankful for this time to view the bodies because at this instance they realized their sons were not there. In the 23rd Psalm, the psalmist tells of going through the valley of the shadow of death. We do not stay there. We go through it and enter a dwelling with God absent from time. An act of God is a love which releases those we love to the promises of God.
An act of God is a hope that endures. We are an Easter people. It is hope in the glorious acts of God from the cross to the empty tomb which empowers us to endure the crosses we must carry. Carry them we must but never alone. You and I are acts of God!
Lonnie
Family Camp 1998 was blessed with two days of glorious sunshine for games, fellowship and beachfront fun at beautiful Camp Lucerne.
Most of the 32 campers settled in and became acquainted on Friday evening. After Saturday breakfast and devotion, with singing led by Kathy Kern on guitar, plans were made to maximize time at the beach. The traditional corn roast was Saturday evening and included birthday cake for Dan VerDuin. The older children, including Nastassia and Lonnie Richardson organized an impromptu baseball game while the adults enjoyed discussion and prayer around the campfire. The children joined in for marshmallows, a lesson and story by Chris Rygh, and a sing-along.
Sunday worship, led by Rev. Richardson, was held lakeside which illustrated the message to be open to the calm offered by Jesus. After brunch, some fished or headed to the beach while others joined in relay races as part of the "Crazy Olympics."
Each camper brought home a particular memory. Scott Donaldson's favorite activity was building sandcastles. Jimmy Donaldson will remember kayaking - by himself! Elizabeth Stein enjoyed swimming. Beth and Brian Kebbekus and Melinda VerDuin showed particular prowess in swimming across the lake from the beach to the lodge. Jimmy and Michael Anheuser displayed their tree climbing talents while Will Klumb did his best climbing on fallen logs. Alex Probst, as a grown-up 4-year-old, did his best to keep up as one of the big kids.
Monday dawned with dark skies and rain, but camp was a success with adults and children alike forming new friendships. *
by Rene Klumb
Registration activity has begun for the November 5,6,7,8, 1998 Symposium. Congregationalists from across the country have made their intentions known that they will be attending. Because of seating limitations for the banquet, prompt response is encouraged. A special registration rate is available for members of First Congregational Church. Brochures are available in the church office.
Ministers, some of whom are symposium participants, have inquired as to housing availability in Wauwatosa. Some of our guests have restricted funding, which is readily consumed by travel expenses. Adding the cost of hotel accommodations will prevent some of the ministers from attending the symposium. If you may be willing to host one of the ministers and perhaps an accompanying spouse please let Julie or Steve Peay know as soon as possible.
The Professional Women's Study Group will meet on Rally Day, September 13, from 10:15a.m. to 10:30a.m. If you are a working professional trying to balance your job, family obligations, and spiritual life, this group may be helpful to you. We will meet during evening hours to accommodate the working woman's schedule.
At the organizational meeting we will discuss meeting days and times, format of the study group and books/ topics to be discussed. All working women of the church are invited to participate. If you are unable to attend the organizational meeting, see or call Julie Peay for more information. *
This year's Vacation Bible School, held July 27-31, attracted over sixty students and required the talents of numerous wonderful volunteers. Cathy Kebbekus, (returning as the insightful inspector Madam Q,) and Tom Rondeau, (playing Noah,) led the children through a daily drama which retold the story of Noah's Ark. Along with games, crafts, snacks and a special visit from "the animal man", students collected materials which were donated to the Wisconsin and the Elm Grove Humane Societies. *
This year on Rally Sunday students will be creating special clay tiles featuring their hand prints. This special project, orchestrated by Carla Cummings and members of the Board of Christian Education, will literally capture their first impressions of our 1998 student class.
"The vision is a long-term vision," said Chris Rygh, Director of Student Ministries. "We would like to create and fire these tiles so that they can be displayed here in the building. Eventually, years down the road when students are incorporated into the membership of the church on Confirmation Sunday, they will receive their tile as a momento from the church." The Board intends to make new tiles each year as children are born into our fellowship or as new families join the church. *
Set aside Halloween day, October 31, and help us clean out the spider webs! From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we'll be enlisting the help of all willing volunteers to join in work both inside and out. The first workday was this past spring and participants accomplished a lot! At that time, the suggestion was made to add an autumn workday, rather than waiting until next spring.
General cleaning, painting, polishing, gardening, etc. are all necessary tasks which save the church a considerable amount of money when we don't have to hire help. Pick your task and we'll provide lunch and child care. If you're interested in lawn work, such as raking, we ask that you bring your own rake as the church has a limited supply, otherwise we'll also supply any necessary equipment.
If you have any questions, call the church office, 258-7375. Otherwise, we'll see you there! And spread the word "many hands make light work!" *
Come Eat With Us!
Approaching very quickly are two very popular fellowship events. This month's All-Church dinner, scheduled for Wednesday September 2, at 6:00, is the FISH BOIL! Prepaid reservations required for Fish Boil.
As authentic as any in Door County, this annual event has become a favorite. As enjoyable to watch as it is to eat, you don't want to miss out. So if you haven't been coming to the monthly dinners, this is a great time to join the fun and get to know other church members.
Following the last 10:00 service of the year, the BRAT FEST will be held at 11:00 on Sunday, September 6. It's a great way to wish farewell to summer and enjoy some good food following church. *
Comparative Religion: An examination of the notion of religion and its expressions in the world; the course will look at "native" religions and the major expressions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam, with particular reference to how these have interacted with Christianity.
Led by: Rev. Steven Peay, PhD
Meets: Sept. 20, Sept 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 15
If I Should Die...Preparing for the Future in Hope: Two sessions examining death and the grieving process in the Christian tradition. Session one will examine the topic of death and grief and their implications for the Christian believer. Session two will look at the issues of grief and loss and how one deals with them; led by Shirley Jeffrey well-known grief counselor and religious educator.
Session one led by: Rev. Steven Peay, PhD
Meets: October 4
Session two led by: Shirley Jeffrey, MA
Meets: October 11
A Study of the Gospel of Luke Five sessions on the authorship, structure, content, and interpretation of Luke's Gospel.
Led by: Rev. Steven Peay, PhD
Meets: Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13, Dec 20
Beginning Again: A Short Course in Spiritual Renewal The evening begins with prayer and Holy Communion at 6:00 p.m. followed by the class (topics listed below) which includes discussion and social time. This series is led by Rev. Steven Peay, PhD
September 13: "Telling Your Story"
September 20: "Telling Your Story"
September 27: "Listening for God" (God's story)
October 4: "Praying"
October 11: "Your Practice"
October 18: "Our Personality Patterns"
October 25: "Surrender and Control"
November 1: "Ending and Beginning Again"
Brown Bag Lunch This discussion group will continue to meet on the first and third Mondays of the month at 12:00. Pack a lunch and join us!
Spiritual Classics This group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 2:00. New members are always welcome. Check with the church office for more information, 258-7375.
Open University We are still looking for more "professors." Tentative sessions have been booked for financial planning, drawing, and needle point. Watch future issues and other publications for more news!
Report on the 44th Annual Meeting of the NACCC
The 44th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) was held in San Diego, CA on June 2023, 1998. Perhaps the most interesting fact about the meeting was that there was no significant controversy!
The sessions of the first three days were devoted to reports, budgets and nominations, as well as a series of seminars on Monday. Tuesday brought action on the budget (passed as proposed), elections and installation of officers. Dr. Mark Jensen of Farmington Hills, MI is the new NA moderator.
Two major concerns for the future were evident in reports.
The treasurer of the NACCC is Jim Walsh, of First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa. Clearly evident in his reports and budgets is the need for greater support of the NA operating budget by member churches. Fully 40% of member churches support only selected services of the NA, without contributing to the operating budget. A resolution concerning "fair share" contributions from member churches was introduced, but later withdrawn and referred to the executive committee.
A second major concern is the shortage of clergy. This is a multi-dimensional problem and no one has any easy answers.
The Saturday night "host program" (the Cal-West Association was the official host for the meeting) will be remembered by delegates long after nominations and reports are forgotten. The Samoan Congregational Church of Carson, CA presented an impressive and entertaining evening of Samoan and Polynesian dances, performed by the youth of the church.
First Congregational Church, present and past, was much in evidence. Members at the meeting included Lonnie & Mercedes Richardson, Phil & Michelle Jackson, Kenny & Joyce Orr, Jim Walsh, and Barb and Karl Stieghorst. Lonnie reported, in Monday's session, on the plans for the symposium, scheduled for November, at our church. Joyce was one of the four panelists at the moderator's seminar on "How should a Congregational Christian respond to the challenges of today's world?"
Dr. Steven Peay was elected to the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies. Fred Rennebohm and Donald Miesbauer were appointed to the NACCC Investment Advisory Board. Rev. John F. Doud (Jackson, MI) was appointed to the Communication Services Committee.
Among the clergy at the meeting, with past association to FCC-Wauwatosa, were Mark Dunn, Richard Liles and Alice Murphy, each of whom asked to be remembered to their friends in First Congregational Church.
by Karl Stieghorst
Parish Nurse Ministry's Health Thermometer
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a relaxing and peaceful Labor Day holiday. As we face the fall, we are aware of the role of education in our lives. Students and teachers are returning to the classroom, and many of the educational programs of the church are resuming. This month I would like to share with you some thoughts on intellectual health. May the Lord bless the use of our intellect!
Our intellect is one dimension of wholistic health. It refers to the creative use of our minds. A person who is intellectually whole strives to develop his/her mind and use it for the glory of God and for the benefit of the human community. The development of our minds is far too important to be limited to the classroom; it is a gift God gives for a lifetime.
God is the source of all wisdom.
The Bible has much to say about our intellect. Intellectual health starts with recognizing that God is the ultimate source of all knowledge and wisdom, "...The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding," (Ps. 111:10). Without this perspective, our efforts at intellectual development are wasted (see Isa. 29:14).
Our intellect affects all other aspects of our life. All the other dimensions (physical, emotional, spiritual, social, vocational, and environmental) of our being are affected by our thinking. For example, self-depreciating thoughts can give us a stomach ache, make us feel sad, and contribute to poor work efforts. Instead, the Bible encourages us with these words, "Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance" (Ecc. 8:1). True understanding and godly use of our intellect helps us to be whole and joyful and helps us to find a purpose for our lives.
God has provided us with delicious food for our minds.
"...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Php. 4:8). Often it seems we spend a lot of time thinking about things which are not worthy of our consideration. If only we could focus our thoughts on things which were right and excellent, what a different world we could create! "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Php. 4:7).
Fondly,
Michelleyour parish nurse
FCC Hosts Student Missionaries
Three weeks ago First Congregational Church hosted over 30 students for a Junior High Mission Experience in the inner city of Milwaukee. Students from Congregational Churches in Michigan and Wisconsin gathered for two days of heavy work in the neighborhood of Sherman Boulevard and North Avenue.
Students sorted boxes of clothes in a clothing bank, cleaned toys in several day care settings, demolished a foundation, and hauled away several tons of debris from inside three separate buildings. All the buildings in which the students worked will eventually become part of Community Village, a mission of Milwaukee's Community Baptist Church. "This was pretty amazing," said Mike Watson, "and I'm glad this was part of my summer vacation." Caitlin O'Meara, another FCC participant added, "I enjoyed meeting kids from different churches. Even though we came from different backgrounds, we found we had a lot in common. Working together, we got a lot accomplished!"
Restoring Our Musical Heritage
The music committee thanks all those who contributed to this project. We have received 220 pledges that total $59,707. A large percentage of the pledges have already been paid making it possible to make the necessary preliminary payments. We expect to have the new Rodgers organ installed in the Memorial Chapel by August 30, 1998. Restoration of the Steinway grand piano will be completed by the end of November, in time for holiday services.
Circle Meetings
Circle 7: Tuesday, September 8, at 11:45 for a luncheon in the church parlor. Our program will be at 1:30 at the Wauwatosa Public Library, for an informational update about the library and its programs.
Circle 8: Tuesday, September 8, 11:30, at the Congregational Home to have lunch with Health Care Center residents.
Circle 12: Wednesday, September 2, at 11:00. Dr. Steven Peay will present the program. Phone Martha Haagensen, 256-6905 by Monday August 31 to reserve.
Time for new pictoral directories!
Help is needed with many areas of this project. Please call the church office if you're interested in helping, 258-7375.
The editor thanks:
René Klumb, Jim Benz and Julie Peay for articles, René Klumb for pictures and the office staff for their assistance.
Marriage
Mollie Patricia Micek and Jeffrey Dale Preston were married August 15, 1998.
Baptisms
August 16 -
Amelia Marie Moore, daughter of Ardith Raymond Moore and John Christopher Moore, Jr.
and
Benjamin Louis Peterson, son of Robin Christiaansen Peterson and Troy David Peterson.
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 8
