March 28, 1999
Christian Education Board gearing up
www.FirstChurchTosa.org receives facelift
Dick Vitek, a vital element of First Congregational
A letter of thanks from San Pedro Sula
Trips provide an exciting opportunity
Since 1991 when First Congregational Church funded the construction of a medical clinic building at the Mission Iglesia Congregacional Christiana De Honduras, in the Colonia Rivera Hernandez district of San Pedro Sula, aiding the Honduras Mission has been an on-going project including several hands-on outreach trips to the Mission. In November 1998, in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, a small team from First Church including Mercedes Richardson, David Hartsuch, M.D., and Tom Jarchow visited the Mission to provide medical care and assess the needs of the Mission and their programs. Each visit to the Mission has provided a better understanding of the work and needs of the Mission as well as support needed from First Church and the members of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches NACCC.
The "emergency" mission team provided medical care in rural areas, provided food and spiritual uplifting, established Internet services and worked on the Mission's well pump. While a considerable amount of work was accomplished, recovering and rebuilding the area from the flooding is viewed as a two- or three-year project.
The team established a number of short-term as well as long-term solutions. A proposal was sent to the NACCC and they have agreed to support the recommendations of the mission team. Short-term solutions include: funding for food, medicine, and clothing which is dispersed through relief trips (called) brigades in outlying areas surrounding the Honduran Mission. Additionally, funding for utilities and the repair of the feeding stations has been forwarded to the Mission during the recent months.
Long-term solutions being considered are the addition of a nurse to the Mission staff for a one- to two-year assignment. Responsibilities of this new position would include: the diagnosis and treatment of minor diseases; providing follow-up treatment to patients as needed; the gathering of information to identify and prioritize the health needs of the surrounding area; the education of residents regarding proper sanitation methods, child care, and hygiene; and the identification of community resources available to area residents. These services would be provided at the Mission Medical Clinic as well as through continuing relief brigades to persons in remote regions and to those who have no access to medical care. A communications system (a phone line at the mission and cellular phone for field personnel) was also recommended. Additionally, the purchase of a work series pickup truck with four-wheel-drive would enable mission medical personnel and relief workers to reach areas presently unattainable due to the effects of flooding.
One other long-term recommendation of the team includes implementing a rebuilding project (modeled after Habitat for Humanity) and establishing a construction school.
Continued support for utilities, food, and medical supplies will be an ongoing concern for Honduran Mission personnel in the future months. One of the goals of First Congregational has been to involve other churches and organizations in the support of this Mission. The support provided by the NACCC was sincerely appreciated by the Honduran mission and the evaluation of needs and specific proposal by our latest team is a great starting point in our ongoing efforts to provide Christian aide to our brothers and sisters. *
The Board of Christian Education is gearing up for an exciting year. We have several enthusiastic board members who are thrilled with the chance to help strengthen our Sunday School, Youth, and Adult Education programs.
As many of you know, the CE Board is responsible for helping to formulate and administer the educational programs of the church. With the help of many wonderful, talented volunteers who serve as Sunday School teachers, youth advisors, mentors, adult education teachers, and others who serve in a variety of different roles, we are able to continue to provide a nurturing Christian community for children and adults to develop their faith. In addition to assisting in the education of our children, youth and adults, the CE Board is responsible for planning the Christmas Workshop, writing and distributing the Advent booklets for the congregation, coordinating Children's Sunday and Vacation Bible School, and planning a teacher appreciation dinner for all who help with the educational programs of this church.
The CE Board met twice already and is ready for a busy year. The youth population in our church is quickly growing, so new ideas and programs are always being developed.
One major change which occurred last year was the redesign of our Covenant Class program. In previous years, the youth of our church went through a two-year program during their ninth and tenth grade years. The children were then confirmed in May of their sophomore year. The Board spent many hours evaluating this format. Through a great deal of discussion and parent feedback, the Board decided some changes needed to be made. With our support, Chris Rygh, our Youth Director, ventured into developing a completely new program, now known as BASIC. With the help of the books, "Beginnings" and "Thirty Days to Understanding the Bible," the children are learning how to become devoted followers of Christ. Achieving this is done through adults modeling an authentic Christian community which exemplifies sincere Christian living.
The children and the group leaders are focusing on the following four basic principles; care and community building, biblical equipping; prayer and worship, and missional service. In addition to these changes, children are going through this program in 8th grade and will be confirmed in May of their 8th grade year. This year's confirmation service will take place on May 23rd. We sure hope you will attend this very special service.
This year one of our major tasks will involve planning our long-term goals for the next three years. The board will be meeting in April to discuss this very important topic. Once we decide what our goals are, we will be presenting them to the Council in May.
Regarding other areas, we are currently planning our teacher appreciation dinner to recognize all of those who work with the children of our church. This will take place in April. Other exciting upcoming events are Children's Sunday, May 16th and Vacation Bible School, June 2125. Watch for registration forms which will be available soon.
In closing, the CE Board members have their work cut out for them. Currently operating with six members, the CE Board should ideally have twelve members. As mentioned earlier, the members we do have are talented, dedicated church members including: Carrie Sgarlata (chair), Leigh Eggert, Gary Hetzel, Gail Sherman, Julie Halvorson, and Laura Taylor. *
May 2 - Hymn Sing
May 9 - Piedmont Choir
May 23 - Covenant Class Joins
(11:00 a.m. only)
On April 25th, First Congregational Church will be treated to very special worship services when The Heritage Chorale of Milwaukee joins us for the day.
The Heritage Chorale is composed of singers from the Milwaukee metropolitan community who share an avid interest in performing a wide spectrum of quality choral literature - from the classics to jazz. The Chorale has a particular interest in music by African American composers and arrangers, and performs many such works in its concert series. Its repertoire is not limited to these works, however, and includes a full spectrum of traditional and contemporary choral literature.
During its fifteen year history, the chorale has performed Ellington's Sacred Concert No. 3 with Mercer Ellington and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, with the Milwaukee Florentine Opera Company, and has been featured on five occasions with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The chorale celebrated its fifteenth anniversary with a performance at Carnegie Hall on Easter Sunday, and the release of its debut recording, Our Heritage Gift to You - A Choral Celebration of Holiday Music by African American Composers and Arrangers in December, 1998. The chorale was very honored that First Congregational Church volunteered to be the host site for the recording.
All services, including those of Artistic Director, Ella J. Washington, are performed on a volunteer basis, with operating funds being generated through membership fees, occasional donations and performance honorariums from community organizations.
About the Artistic Director
Mrs. Washington, Founding Artistic Director, served for 34 years as music educator, supervisor, and school administrator for the Milwaukee Public Schools, and continues to perform and remain actively involved in numerous arts related endeavors.
Ms. Washington has received recognition for her work in Music of the World's Cultures. Being selected as a Fulbright Hays Scholar for a six-week study tour to Sierra Leone, West Africa, traveling to Port of Spain, Trinidad, to study the arts and culture of the Caribbean people, and participating in a study tour in Zimbabwe are among them. She has received numerous awards for her professional and volunteer endeavors, including the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's Music Alumnae Award for Outstanding Service to the Profession of Music.
Palm Sunday, March 28, 8:45/11:00
How can we joyfully sing hosannas in the face of human suffering? The message by Rev. Lonnie Richardson titled "Sing Hosanna" explores why people who live in hope can sing again. Palms will be given to all attending.
Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7:00 pm
Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you." What is this love? Rev. Lonnie Richardson discusses this question in his message "The Love in Your Life." The Lord's Supper will be celebrated for all.
Good Friday, April 2, 7:00 pm
"Tennebrae"
When Jesus offered himself on the cross the world grew dark. We experience the "bright sadness" of Good Friday through Scripture and song.
Easter Sunday, April 4, 8:45/11:00
Jesus leads us from doubt and fear to faith and hope. In his Easter message, "He is Alive," Rev. Lonnie Richardson shows how the Christian faith is more than a religion...it is a relationship!
Easter Breakfast, 8:0011:00
Sponsored by the
Youth of the Church
Our church Internet website, now almost three years old, is doing some remodeling. Using data about where surfing visitors go on our current website, this valuable resource is being reorganized to make finding information easier. A "cleaner" look is also apparent with lots of white space for ease of reading, and the whole project was designed to load quickly for Internet users.
An animated graphic in the upper left corner delivers the phrase:
First Congregational Church...
An historic church,
with a relevant message,
...helping people connect with God.
A menu of nine content areas, overlaying a picture of our new steeple, is always on the left of the screen. By clicking your mouse on one of the choices, the material appears on the right side of the screen. A menu of the same choices is also at the bottom of each webpage.
The nine content areas are:
Beliefs, Worship, News, Ministries, Education, Fellowship, Outreach, Leadership, and Links
Here's a brief look at each area:
Beliefs
Core Values, Mission, Vision, Purpose, Covenant, Constitution, By-laws, History
Worship
Worship Schedule, Sunday's Order of Service, Photo Tour of Church, Sermons, Music, Directions to Church
News
Calendar, Weekly Congregationalist, Monthly Columns
Ministries
Parish Nurse, Women, Men, Student BASIC, Family
Education
Sunday School, Adult Ed
Fellowship
All Church Dinner Sign-up, Circles, Retired Men, Groups and Clubs
Outreach
Honduran Mission, International Missions, Local Opportunities
Leadership
Lay Leadership, Church Staff
Links
Bible Reference, Theological Library, Cyber Hymnal
Some new features of www.FirstChurchTosa.org include a photo tour of the church, a collection of the Parish Nurse articles from the Columns, and information areas for all the different ministries of our church.
Jim LaBelle, our volunteer website designer, will give a "tour" of the new site at the all-church dinner on Wednesday, April 7.
Our church website is a loaded with information that every member can use. Next time you're on-line, check out www.FirstChurchTosa.org. *
Jim LaBelle
Many of us didn't learn much past the periodic table in high school chemistry, but Richard Vitek has spent his life focused on science.
Now with dozens of accomplishments to his credit, Richard first graduated from Albion College with an American Chemical Society Accreditation in Chemistry, followed by his M.S. in chemistry from the University of Missouri, Rolla. He then worked as an assistant instructor at the University of Massachusetts where he continued his studies.
A varied professional background, Dick worked for the Atomic Energy Commission before joining Allied Chemical Corp. in 1959 where he obtained a USA "Classified/Q Secret" security clearance for working on solid oxidizers for US rockets and missiles. This was followed by a couple more career shifts which included sales and marketing positions.
Since childhood, Dick said his two interests were science and photography and was finally able to merge them when he formed his company, VariQuest Technologies, Inc. in 1980.
While most of Dick's findings and research are significant mainly to the scientific community, his work determining total arsenic levels in food substances resulted in safer wines and fruit juices for the public.
Dick's work has been published in a significant number of formats and he has also received numerous awards with his scientific and business accomplishments recognized by both of his alma maters. Most recently, in October of 1998 he received the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Missouri, Rolla. When asked of which accomplishment he is most proud, Dick said innovative ideas which have permitted new technologies or methods to be used by other scientists.
Throughout his career, Dick and his wife Marilyn raised three daughters Christine, Debra and Evelyn and he is now a grandfather of four. In addition, he has been involved with countless community organizations, serving on the boards for many.
Dick and Marilyn have been members of First Congregational for more than 20 years. Having served on the Board of Benevolences, Deacons, Trustees, Budget & Finance Committee, and Personnel Committee, he is always ready to help where ever he can. "No matter what you do in life, God and religion are a major part of the success that you'll derive from it," said Dick. *
First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, WI San Pedro Sula
February 23, 1999
Dear brothers and sisters,
We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ wishing you many blessings upon your lives.
First of all, we would like to let you know that the container sent from you through Chiquita Banana arrived safely at the mission. You could not imagine the joy that it gave us to see such a big container full of goods to share with those who are less fortunate, who were affected by Hurricane Mitch.
We are also sending you pictures of unloading the Chiquita Banana container at the mission.
We cannot find words to express our gratitude for all your efforts and the love that you put toward our people and mission. We thank you very much for your kindness.
In Christ's love,
Julio Hernandez, President Samuel Chavarria, Vice President Margarito Enamorado, Treasurer
Carol P. Eseamilla, Secretary Gabriel Lopez, Fiscal Reyna Martinez, Administrator
"The quality of the tour was wonderful!" said Jennifer Wakefield of her recent trip to the Holy Land with Rev. Richardson and a small group of other church members. The trip which included stops at many of the 'traditional sites' in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee with an extension to Egypt brought the Bible alive, said Jennifer. It's a trip she recommends for every Christian.
Rev. Lonnie Richardson, in conjunction with Educational Opportunities Tours, has annually offered these trips which are a combination of spiritual education and vacation. The guides are known to be extremely knowledgeable and the accommodations very nice. These well-structured trips include daily tours with lectures often available in the evenings for further educational opportunities.
A "Grand Europe Odyssey" is planned for 2000, departing August 21. This trip includes tickets to the famous Oberammergau Passion Play. Presented just once every ten years, the play, originally a plea to God to stop the spread of the Black Plague, is a devoted, authentic performance with a cast of more than 1200. Only natives or those with 20 years residence in the town are allowed to audition. No wigs or make-up are used, the cast grow their hair and beards to match their roles.
With stops in Basel, Paris, Luxembourg, Heidelberg and Innsbruck with an extension trip to Italy, this tour already has many people committed. If you're interested, contact the church office, 258-7375.
There is an Hasidic story about a king who wanted his son to take a large rock to the top of a tower. The young boy wanted to honor his father and he tried everything he could. He tried levers and weights and wheels to try and move this heavy stone and he just could not do it. He said, "Dad, this is impossible." His dad gave him a chisel and a hammer and he said, "Just chip away at it, piece by piece and carry it up. You don't have to carry the load all at one time."
It is the fear of Christian discipleship. We look at the weight and react, "This can't happen." The good news of the gospel is that we don't carry the load alone. While we are challenged to take up our cross and follow, Christian leadership also realizes that our greatest ability is our availability. Remember these inviting words of Jesus:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:2830
You don't have to carry the load all at one time or by yourself.
Your pastor,
Lonnie
The Communications Committee would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who participated in our Church Fellowship Directory project. Your support allowed us to achieve our goal of qualifying for the ring binder format for our book which will make it easier to add new member updates. A special thank you goes to the volunteer phone team and the hosts and hostesses who assisted the photography team.
The layout of the directory and preparation of the introductory pages is nearing completion and will soon be sent to the publisher. We expect the proof back from them for our review about six weeks after they receive our material. We then have a week to review and return the proof. If no corrections are needed, we should receive the finished directories approximately 40 days later. If everything stays on schedule, we can look for our finished directories sometime in July. *
René Klumb
39'ers Plan Spring Outing
On Sunday, April 18, at 3:00 p.m., we will see "King David" at the Raabe Theatre at Wisconsin Lutheran College, 8815 West Wisconsin Ave. Tickets are $8.00 each with a group of 24. Following the play, we'll have supper at a nearby restaurant. Please call Vera Buczkowski, 541-6129 for reservations by Wednesday, April 7. You don't have to be a "39er" to join us.
Circles' March Meetings
Circle 8: Tues., April 6, 11:30 at Congregational Home: have lunch with the Health Care Center residents.
Circle 12: Wed., April 7, 11:00 in Friendship Lounge: luncheon and program.
A representative of Retzer Nature Center will speak on "Birds of Wisconsin."
Call Dee Jackson,
536-7570 to reserve.
Circle 7: Tues., April 13 12:00: Meet at Nancy Winkel's - social meeting and planning for next year.
May 15th All Church Workday
Be sure to set aside May 15th to come help with our spring cleaning! Help is needed inside and out. There is something available for every ability level. Watch for more information in the next issue of the Columns.
Think Summer!
While it might feel a long way off, it's time to begin summer planning. Following are some summer dates you may want to set aside -
Vacation Bible School: June 2125
Jr./Sr. PF Camp: July 1824
Family Camp: August 1316
New Member Classes
An orientation for those exploring membership will be available beginning April 18, 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor. Register at the church office, 258-7375.
April 18: What Brings Us to This Place?
April 25: A People of God in Action
May 2: Connecting to God
May 9: An Invitation and Opportunity
New Members received May 16.
www.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Jennifer Wakefield - Chairperson,
Mary York, Bruce Smith, John O'Meara, Char Schweitzer
*
Rev. Lonnie Richardson, Senior Minister
Rev. Dr. Charles Goldsmith, Minister of Pastoral Care
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. 8, Issue 3
