June 27, 1999
BLAST OFF Renovation project being launched
Congregational Home celebrates 25 years
Burleigh Jacobs is the YMCA's Volunteer of the Year
At the special meeting held on May 2, 1999, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to proceed with the renovation of our music practice areas and children's classrooms in the Lower Level of our building. The launch date for the all-important first phase - fund raising - has been set for July 1st.
The Facilities Renewal Committee has worked for over a year developing a plan for the renovation of this vital area of our building, which has not been touched since it's original construction in 1959. This area, which houses all of our music practice areas and most of our children's classrooms and activity areas is in desperate need of an up-grade. The floors and ceilings are in poor shape, the lighting is inadequate, storage space is insufficient and, in general, the entire area is far from the standards of the rest of our magnificent building.
The renovation plan, approved by the congregation, would include the following:
* A larger, and more flexible main choir rehearsal hall,
* Music storage area and work space for the Music Director,
* Secure storage for choir robes and choir changing area,
* Rehearsal area for our handbell choir and youth choirs,
* Secure storage area for handbells and other valuable musical instruments,
* Conversion of the old "B-6" room into a flexible arrangement that could be used as four separate classrooms or a large multi-purpose activity area,
* New lighting, ceiling and floor treatments throughout to create a bright and cheerful space that is up to the standards of the rest of our building.
In every survey the church has ever conducted asking our members what is important to them in the mission of our church, our music programs and children's education programs always rank right up at the top. While we have tackled many major improvements of our church building over the years, we have paid very little attention to the part of our facility that houses these vital programs... UNTIL NOW!
Now, we have the opportunity to invest in our future. Now, we have the opportunity to give our music programs and our children and youth programs a facility worthy of the benefit they bring to our entire congregation.
This project will also be a major benefit to our outreach program to the community at large. Our church building is heavily used by groups from our community such as, the Boy Scouts, Retired Men's Club, Master
Singers, Suburban Woman's Club, Bible Study Fellowship, and many others. Overall, more than 16,000 people from the community come and go in our building every year, many of them utilizing spaces in our Lower Level.
The estimated cost of this project is approximately $360,000. This is about the same amount as the combined cost of the steeple and fellowship hall projects. Our congregation has a long history of generosity for important projects. Now we have the opportunity to tackle another very important project for our music programs and our children and make an investment in our future.
How can you help? During the period from July 1st - August 31st, you will receive information on how you can contribute to this important project. Watch for this information in the mail and help launch this important step into our future. *
Doug Jacobson
Congregational Home is flying high after a week of celebration in honor of their 25th anniversary. To "kick-off" the festivities, all employees were invited to a picnic on June 9th in the Home's garden lounge. Management teams flipped burgers on the grill, while employees competed for prizes donated by local organizations.
The worship service and reception held on June 13th was also a success, with more than 200 people attending. Congregational Home Chaplain, Rev. Charles Goldsmith, led the service along with Rev. Lonnie Richardson, and Rev. Dr. Norman Ream, who returned with his wife Muriel for the occasion.
Dr. Ream, who pioneered the beginning of Congregational Home in 1968, spoke to guests about "A Vision Set Forth," and the Home's early years. In speaking of how the Home got it's start, Dr. Ream said, "A number of people had come to me asking for a place for their aging relatives who needed care. Our church had no great challenges at the time and had the resources to do it. I presented the idea and the congregation responded."
Administrator and Executive Vice President Charles Nelson represented "A Vision Present," speaking about the current happenings at Congregational Home. Rev. Richardson gave a glimpse into the next 25 years when he discussed "A Vision Future." Rev. Richardson suggested two areas of growth. First, strengthening the spiritual connection between the Home and Church through worship participation at the Home. Secondly, he proposed a teaching future, using the Home and Church as a joint site where graduate students can obtain clinical pastoral experience.
As a final service highlight, the quartet of Marjorie and Dean Fowler and Charmaine and James LaBelle captivated the attention of all worshippers.
After the service, guests reminisced with friends and enjoyed the delicious hors deouvres. Tours were given to many who were from out of state and had not seen the home in years.
Following the reception, past and present board members and other special guests were honored at a luncheon at the Bluemound Country Club.
Walter Davis, who was the first chairman of the board in 1968, discussed the history of the building of Congregational Home, which has served more than 1,000 residents in its 25 years.
Artist and Congregational Home supporter Jane Doud presented a beautiful portrait she painted of Dr. Ream, which will be hung in the Home's conference room.
Ending the afternoon, Charles Nelson congratulated the guests on the incredible accomplishments of the past 25 years and challenged them to continue their efforts and support for the future of Congregational Home. *
The next All-Church dinner, scheduled for July 7 will be sponsored by the sports teams. Members of the softball team will host this cookout, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
A speaker for the Miller Park construction project is expected to deliver an exciting slide program on the construction of the new stadium.
Cost for the dinner is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Reservations are needed by the morning of July 6th. Simply call, 258-7375, or stop in at the church office.
Burleigh Jacobs, throughout his life, has consistently displayed outstanding character as a husband and father, businessman, church member and a volunteer. Recently named Volunteer of the Year by the YMCA, Burleigh has devoted forty years actively serving this organization.
The level of commitment recognized by the YMCA, which many consider extraordinary, is merely par for the course with Burleigh Jacobs. "I believe it is everyone's responsibility to work hard for good causes you're missing something if you don't," said Burleigh. It is not just the YMCA which has benefited from this man's passionate spirit. Burleigh is a past moderator here at First Congregational Church and has served on countless other boards and committees here. He has chaired the Board of Directors at Congregational Home for three years and played a very active role at Brookfield Academy just some of the organizations which he strongly supports.
Burleigh first became involved with the YMCA through a man who had a 'great influence' on Burleigh's life, his father-in-law, Bill Grede. Bill Grede was also extremely active with the organization his entire life.
An excerpt from the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee's Annual Report noted all that Burleigh has meant to that organization. "There's almost nothing that Burleigh hasn't done for the kids, families and communities we serve. He's led as a chairman and in many other posts. He's spearheaded numerous fundraising programs. And, he has set a standard for others as a major contributor to our organization. Under his keen direction, numerous YMCA capital development programs have flourished and the YMCA has successfully expanded in the central city and outlying communities."
Raised in Wauwatosa, Burleigh met Jan Grede and was married in 1942. Upon returning from service in the United States Navy, he began working at Grede Foundries in 1945. Working as a Management trainee, he was off to Iron Mountain, MI before returning to Milwaukee to work in manufacturing and sales. By 1960, he took over as president, until 1973 when he became Chairman of the Board, the position he holds today. Additionally, Burleigh served on M&I Bank's Board and Executive Committee for 40 years.
While golfing is a casual hobby to many, it is one more area in which Burleigh has excelled. The State Amateur Golf Champion in 1939 in addition to some national titles, Burleigh still displays great talent for the sport.
Now a grandfather to nine children, Burleigh is father to four children: Mary York, also a very active member of the church; Bruce Jacobs, who is now following his father's footsteps as president of Grede Foundries, Inc. and is serving on the Board of Directors at the YMCA; Scott Jacobs, who is living in Chicago; and Bill Jacobs, a minister in Tucson, AZ.
"All of these areas [Church, Congregational Home, YMCA, Brookfield Academy] which are very important to society...and to life, require work. Someone has to do it," said Burleigh. Not a man to boast of his dedication and generosity, or even consider it out of the ordinary, Burleigh Jacobs displays a level of commitment to every aspect of his life, to which we could all aspire. *
John and Sylvia Arndt, with children Rachel - 121, Sarah - 8, and Amanda - 2, are the first of our new members. John is a CPA and Sylvia is a medical transcriptionist. They have lived in Wauwatosa for 3 years and were introduced to FCC through friends. Parents and children alike say they like the friendly atmosphere here.
Lesley Conger-Hatch and Wes Hatch came to FCC with their daughter Kathryn after Lesley and Kathryn played flute and piano at Congregational Home. Both Lesley and Wes are professional musicians and plan in the future to share their talents at some worship services. Lesley enjoys gardening and playing with their two golden retrievers while Wes enjoys repairing musical instruments, building french horns and freelancing in the Milwaukee and Chicago music areas.
Wendy Hinzmann, a marketing product manager for M&I Trust Company, is engaged to Mark Peperkorn, a teacher at Waterford High School. Mark comes from a Congregational background and enjoys the familiarity as well as the people at FCC. Wendy also enjoys the friendly people and finds the messages in the worship services relevant to today. In addition to work, Wendy is working on her MBA in marketing.
On the church's softball team, Mark also enjoys golf, basketball and volleyball. Wendy likes to play volleyball and time with family and friends.
Paul Sawicki is a contract engineer and wife Tina Joannides is a pediatrician. Their daughter Ellen is 4. This family drives in from Delafield and hopes to become more involved and meet more people. Gardening, home improvement and travel are among their hobbies.
Brian Kludt is a loan officer for Ameristar Mortgage and has a son, Jacob - 7. Brian was born and raised in Wauwatosa and was familiar with the church through friends. He liked the warm atmosphere, quality of musical worship and Bible-based teaching. Brian and Kathleen Strobl will be married here in November.
Kathleen works in sales for Coca-Cola. Through that, she is involved with many community activities and programs. She is also interested in the St. Vincent Meal program. New to Congregationalism, Kathleen also felt very comfortable at FCC.
Recommended to FCC by Michele Russ, Julie and Tom Smith have three children, Charles - 7, Max - 5, and Margaret - 3. Julie is a home day care provider and Tom is a first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Wauwatosa. Not surprisingly, a strong youth program was important to this family. They enjoy reading, walking and camping.
Kendall Spicer is retired from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. Recently widowed, he has two children, Kent and Marge. While somewhat new to Congregationalism, Kendall has family at the church and said he is already enjoying the company of other church members. Involved in the Wauwatosa Retired Men's Club and active in masonic bodies, Kendall also enjoys gardening.
Dennis Stern joins his wife Prudy as a member here. Dennis works for the Wisconsin Gas Company and is also a volunteer firefighter for Butler. As Dennis has been attending this church for three years with his wife, he has already been involved with the fish boil, pig roasts, and volunteers on the work days.
Feeling immediately welcome here, Jeff and April Truman joined after searching for a church for 11 years. Jeff is a manager, and April who worked as a medical secretary is now home with their son, Jackson. They enjoy biking, gardening and outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.
Charles and Joyce Goldsmith join us after Charles took over the position as chaplain at Congregational Home. *
By the end of summer, we should have our pictoral directories in hand. This was a very large project and many thanks are owed to those who helped organize it. While we can't name everyone, there are two people who committed a tremendous amount of time and energy to the project, René Klumb and Margie Idzikowski. René chaired the project, and René and Margie spent quite a bit of time completing layout in a very timely manner.
As these new directories will be in a binder format, our intention is to keep them up to date by adding new address pages (and picture pages) to stay current with new members. *
Rev. Richardson read the following poem at a recent worship service and received many requests to have it printed...
I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations, it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.
I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me. God said...
Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
Author Anonymous
If summer vacation always seems too short; if summer is hectic and you want some tranquil family time; if you love to swim, play tennis or canoe; if you love the out-of doors; if campfire singing is a favorite type of music; if you want someone else to do the cooking and cleaning for a weekend......
Sign up for Family Camp
7:00 p.m. Friday August 13 through Monday August 16, 1999.
This year's theme is Make a Joyful Noise - musical instruments are encouraged!
"Family Camp is a great place for families, especially if you don't like camp. It's way better than roughing it! It has our ringing endorsement!"
Ted Klumb
Family Camp is held at beautiful Camp Lucerne in Neshkoro, Wisconsin - about 2 hours away in Washara County. Many family campers think it has the most beautiful, clean and quiet spring fed lake in all of Wisconsin. Swimming and boating are main attractions.
"The most fun thing to do at Family Camp is to kayak around the lake!"
Dan VerDuin
All meals are served family-style in the retreat center. Camp staff does the cooking and the dishes. Meals are kid friendly camp food. Don't miss Saturday evening's campfire corn roast.
"The corn roast is the best meal of the whole summer!" -
Cathy Kebbekus
The Camp features lodges, which are shared by several
families. There are private bedrooms with 2 beds in each (cribs
are available for tiny campers),
bathrooms, a kitchenette and a living room with a fireplace. Bed
linens and bath towels are included. The cabins are nice and
comfortable, but we spend most of our time outdoors enjoying the
lake, boating, family games, nature, archery, tennis, campfires,
crafts, fellowship.....
"You sleep in, eat together, swim, do church things, talk and sing and do things that you've never tried before."
- Melinda VerDuin
Look at pictures of past Family Camp fun in the church hallway. There's lots to do for families with kids of all ages!
Join Us! Registration forms are available in the office. *
God is blessing First Congregational Church. We have already received more new members this year than in any of the last seven years. In the last four years we have received 285 new members and baptized 152 children and adults. Average worship attendance to date is 413 which is a 7% gain from the same period last year. Since 1995, 115 members have died.
The shape of God's future among us will be determined by how we allow new members with new ideas and interests to assimilate into leadership. I am asking seasoned leaders of our fine church to welcome the next generation into the core of decision making and planning. Our mission of being an historic church with a relevant message will fail miserably if relevant people do not become a part of the history. I know I can count on you to nurture the spiritual gifts of those who have covenanted with us for ministry. The momentum of years of planning and planting is starting to be realized. Let's be ready for it. *
Your pastor,
Lonnie
Blood Pressure Clinics
will be held July 11 and August 1, at 11:00 a.m. in the nurses office. Anyone is welcome to come and have their blood pressure gauged.
Think Summer!
Following are some summer dates you may want to set aside -
Jr./Sr. PF Camp: July 1824
Family Camp: August 1316
The Editor Thanks...
Doug Jacobson, Cathy Kebbekus, and Susan Fisher for article contributions and the office staff for their assistance.
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 6
