February 27, 2000
Ministers of Music, Lee and Betty
Child/Youth Ministry Help Wanted
Dr. Kathy Koch Speaks at FCC in March
Musical Production for Families, April 9
The History and Development of Lent
Lee Jacobi, Director of Music, and Betty Dethmers, FCC organist and accompanist, were honored at a special presentation at the Annual Meeting of First Congregational Church in January. David Swanson prepared a wonderful presentation which included comments from three past ministers. By request, excerpts of those comments are printed here.
From Dr. Philip A. Muth:
For Lee: My years as Senior Minister
at First Congregational Church were greatly blessed by knowing and working
with Lee Jacobi. His musical skills, his co-operativeness, his insistence
upon quality, and his persistent good humor made our planning sessions,
our rehearsals, and our worship services a real joy for me and for everyone
else.
I count myself truly fortunate to have known and worked with this very talented
man.
For Betty: What a joy it was to work with such a talented and co-operative
organist! It may be a surprise to some, but it can be a wee bit difficult
to work with some musicians on occasion. Not with Betty, however. Not even
the time I changed a hymn in the middle of a worship service without having
given her any notice. She was so talented, that I just assumed she would
play it perfectly without any problem. Of course, I
was right; she did. But as we were singing the hymn I realized how unfair
I had been to her. Betty, however, took it all in stride
and very graciously accepted my apology. One of the things I most miss
in my retirement is working with this talented and
gracious lady.
From Dr. Norman S. Ream
I am overjoyed to say a good word about Lee Jacobi and Betty Dethmers on the occasion of their 25th anniversary with First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa.
No church in the whole United States has had better musical leadership than they have provided, and I mean that . . . . most sincerely. I could write a book about the joy it was to work with two people who were excellent musicians . . . absolutely dependable . . . always pleasant and agreeable . . . and dedicated to the service of the church. Not only that . . . but they had superior patience and understanding in the difficult task of working with the clergy, who are not always easy to work with. At least, I'm sure this one wasn't. (I hope they will forgive and forget my own peculiar peccadilloes.)
Both of these fine people were not only great fellow-workers, but became and still are, good friends who have visited us out here in Estes Park, much to our delight. Muriel and I wish to congratulate Lee and Betty and wish them continued joy in their ministry at the church. We wish also to congratulate the congregation for its good fortune in having had these two superior musicians on the staff for twenty five years.
From Rev. Robert S. Wilch:
A choir for each of the 2 services? Singing 2 anthems, every Sunday? Who ever heard of such a thing? It compares to Johann Sebastian Bach writing a choir anthem for every Sunday . . . because the library of sacred music was so limited back in the early 1700's.
The loyalty of the singers to the First Congregational Church and to its choirmaster, Lee Jacobi, makes possible a real gift to all who worship each Sunday. For that loyalty to last for 25 years, is a true tribute to Lee's high standards and to his own love for sacred music.
And then there's Betty Dethmers! How often do members of churches come early for the prelude, and then stay around for the postlude? Not often . . . if at all . . . in most churches. But here, many do. And why not? Even the musically-challenged know they are being treated, Sunday after Sunday, with Betty, to a very special kind of artistry and talent.
The First Congregational Church has had unbelievably good fortune to have had such stellar musicianship as they have enjoyed from both Lee and Betty for these 25 years. My own memories of that musicianship, on the Sundays of my tenure as Interim Minister,are among the most precious I have. *
BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ our middle and high school youth groups) students will hold their annual dinner auction starting at 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 4 in the Social Hall. John Sgarlata and his sons will prepare an elegant Italian gourmet meal. Said Chef Sgarlata, "We'll do it up right, even down to the Spumoni ice cream!"
Last year students raised more than $4000 by selling such items as artwork, hair cuts, baby sitting hours, restaurant certificates, exercise equipment and food. According to student Paul Lewis, "It seems there's something for everyone. If it is baseball tickets or baseball cards, it will probably be here."
Keith Harmon, who will return this year to auctioneer the event, has contributed his clever wit and enthusiastic sales pitch for the past two years. "We've sold pottery for a few dollars and trips for several hundred. We try to match the size of the bidder's wallet to the items we are selling. We hate for anyone to go home empty handed!"
Certainly, most come for the wonderful supper and the auction. "But last year," said student Nastassia Richardson, "a lot of people came for the dinner and entertainment. They didn't come to spend as much as they came to laugh." Those who have attended the last two auctions recall just how much fun was generated. "It is wonderful to see parents and children laughing and cheering together," said Chris Rygh, associate minister. "Sure, this is about raising some money for our older students. But this event is just as much about providing a fun night for families." Whether it is watching ministers try to out bid one another for a bag of cookies or whether it is sharing the shock when a quiet woman raises her card and bids $100 for a pound of gummy bears, everyone seems to have a delightful time at the auction.
Already items are rolling in for this year's event. Currently, donations include: antiques, restaurant certificates, a custom baby quilt, building materials, merchandise, professional legal services, flowers, and baked goods. If you would like to make a donation to this year's auction, call Chris Rygh at the church, 258-7375.
Profits from last year's auction helped send students to the National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship (NAPF) conference in Silver Bay, NY and to summer camp. Profits from this year's auction will again be used to supplement registration fees at the NAPF conference in Indiana and at the Wisconsin Congregational Association camp in Hartland, WI.
Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased in the front office. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $6 for students 16 and under. *
Upper Elementary Sunday School Teacher at 11:00. Are you gifted as a teacher or as a shepherd? Would you consider team teaching a class of upper elementary students. Approximately eight students in class. Curriculum is supplied.
Parents to Serve Sunday Night Suppers. Can you prepare and serve a kid-friendly meal to 30 students? We're looking for parents to share the load by serving one 6:00 meal to our junior and senior high students. Call Cathy Kebbekus to add your names to the list.
The benefits of worship are enormous. Gregg Easterbrook reported in The New Republic that recent studies indicate that men and women who practice in any of the mainstream faiths have above-average longevity, fewer strokes, less heart disease, less clinical depression, better immune-system function, lower blood pressure, and fewer anxiety attacks, and they are much less likely to commit suicide than the population at large. These findings come from secular medical schools and schools of public health.
In the most striking finding, Dr. Harold Koenig of Duke University Medical Center has calculated that, with regard to any mainstream faith, "lack of religious involvement has an effect on mortality that is equivalent to 40 years of smoking one pack of cigarettes per day." Another new study, conducted mainly by researchers at the University of Texas, found that those who regularly attended worship services lived an average of seven years longer than those who never attended.
Besides the physical benefits, worship is a means of connecting to God. There's no better endeavor than to take time to celebrate the majesty of our Lord. Regardless of how we feel or the length of our years, life approaches its deepest meaning when we come to know and trust God with our lives. Worship more and live better it's the Congregational Way! *
Your Pastor, Lonnie
Dr. Kathy Koch, daughter of FCC member Arlene Koch and nationally recognized speaker will present a program, "How am I smart?" at First Church on Sunday, March 26, at 6:00.
How am I smart?
Too many teenagers ask the wrong questions: "Am I smart?" and/or "How smart am I?" It's more valuable and appropriate to ask and answer the question, "How am I smart?" Kathy thoroughly enjoys presenting this program because the content is so encouraging for ALL teens. To answer the question, "How am I smart? the eight intelligences all students have will be explained. Students will understand which ones are their strengths, how to think in all eight ways, and the benefits of using all eight intelligences when learning and studying anything. This understanding can also help students think about what to do after graduating from high school. Not only will students (and adults) be encouraged, they will better understand themselves and each other.
Dr. Kathy Koch, Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, Inc. speaks to students, educators, parents, women, and singles throughout the US and internationally. She has been a convention keynote speaker for the Association of Christian Schools International and the Christian Educators Association International since 1987. Since 1996, she has spoken overseas twice each year to missionaries, most of whom home-school their children, and national pastors, seminary students, Sunday school teachers, and parents. Kathy earned three degrees from Purdue University, including a Ph.D. in reading and educational psychology. She has been a tenured Associate Professor of Education, elementary school teacher, middle school coach, and consultant and school board member for a large interdenominational Christian school.
Dr. Kathy is able to hold the attention of students as they recognize the importance and relevance of her content and listen with genuine curiosity and hope. Her informal presentation style and interactive methods appeal to students and her sense of humor is well received. Her content suggestions, and examples are relevant because she has had many experiences with teens from informal and formal interviews with them and adults. *
Lenten Quiet Day, March 18, 2000
"To be a Congregationalist is to be a follower after Christ, a walker along the way he has charted. As Jesus went apart for quiet times of prayer, to connect more deeply with the Heavenly Father, so should we."
The Wisconsin Congregational Association and the Congregational Society of Classical Retreat Guides will sponsor a "Quiet Day" at the Saint Benedict Center in Middleton, WI. The theme for the day is "Following Christ Day-by-Day" The day will be facilitated by the Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D. The day will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with evening prayer and the Lord's Supper at 3:30 p.m.
The cost is $15 per person, which includes coffee and lunch. Those interested should sign up in the church office by Sunday, March 6, 2000 or call Dr. Peay at 608-274-0833. See Rev. Kathy Rust if you have questions or would like to gather and participate in ride sharing.
"Faces of Jesus in a Religiously Plural Society: An Interfaith Dialogue on Jesus"
Milwaukee Area Interfaith Relations presents this program which will feature a variety of perspectives on Jesus. Through a combination of panel discussion and small group dialogue, participants will:
* Explore the various understandings of Jesus that they bring to dialogue
* Consider how these beliefs influence our attitudes toward one another, and
* Examine how these beliefs affect our dialogue.
Following the panel discussion, participants will meet in religiously diverse small groups to consider the issues raised. Panel participants include: the Rev. Tonen O'Connor, Milwaukee Zen Center; Janan Najeeb, Director, Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition; Rabbi Ze'ev Harari, Beth Israel Sinai Congregation; and Dr. Lakshmi Bharadwaj, The Hindu Community.
The program will be Sunday, March 26, at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Ballroom, Student Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. with registration from 1:001:30. The program will end at 5:00 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person. Sign up in the church office if you're interested. Questions may be directed to Rev. Kathy Rust.
LENTEN CLASSES
The Ancient Gospels and the Modern Quest for Historical Jesus
Dan Schowalter, PhD will be leading a series of classes focused on academic approaches to the New Testament Gospels, and the modern scholarly "Quest for the Historical Jesus." The classes will meet on Sunday mornings, between services. If possible, try to read some from the Gospel in question before class. Please bring your Bibles to class with you.
March 12 The basic story of Mark's Gospel
March 19 Matthew expands on the story
March 26 Luke does it his way
*April 2 The community of John, and its Gospel
April 9 Gospel Glimpses: What can we know about Jesus?
* The April 2 class will be led by Professor Christian
vonDehsen,
also from Carthage College
The Prophets - Israel's Spokesmen for God
Also a five-week Lenten class, this one is led by Phil Landis Wednesday evenings at 7:00 (following the Lenten dinners), beginning March 15. The Prophets is an examination, against an historical background, of the calling of the prophets, their role in Israel's religious and political life, and their message, theology and relevance. *
Children's Christian Theatre will present a musical, "The Rock Slinger & His Greatest Hit," on April 9, at 4:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. A family pizza meal will follow.
Children's Christian Theatre is an ecumenical outreach of Faith Community Church. Currently, 28 children from ten churches make up the cast for the 45-minute David and Goliath-based production which is intended to get children to look at their own Goliaths. The production has a small band comprised of adults and teens which accompanies the young group.
The group has three adult organizers and is open to anyone in 3rd8th grade. While this is just their second year as an official theatre group, this is their ninth musical production.
All families and guests are welcome to the 4:00 production. The cost of the pizza dinner is $3.00 for parents and $1.50 for children. *
Chuck Swette , the newest member of our church staff, is a very welcome addition. Chuck works with Kelly part-time in maintenance, a role that is not new to him. He has worked for MATC West Campus for 25 years where he still holds a full-time position.
Born in Door County, Chuck grew up on Milwaukee's north side. He served in the Army from 19711974, stationed in Germany the majority of the time. The year following his return home, he married. He and wife Debbie will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in October this year. They are also parents of two children, Brian and Amy, and have one granddaughter, Jordyn 9 months. Chuck's daughter and granddaughter are living with Chuck and Debbie in West Allis for a few months while her husband is out of town - a situation which the proud grandpa has enjoyed immensely.
While he claims no "hobbies," Chuck likes to keep busy with projects. He said he enjoys repair/fix-it and cleaning work of all types including electrical, tiling, painting, etc. He has reportedly worked on refurbishing a number of houses. These skills have proven extremely useful for our church as he finds work for himself and has already taken on many repair projects not even asked of him. Supervisor Rani Gusho enjoys his pleasant personality, his many skills, and a wonderful work ethic. With a very quiet disposition, Chuck said he feels at home here. "The people have all been so nice and I enjoy the quiet atmosphere." When you see him in the building, take a minute to say hello and introduce yourself. *
The observation of the season of Lent as a period of devotion before Easter has taken many forms throughout Christian History. In the early centuries of the Church, baptism of new adult members was held only at Easter and Pentecost. The new members went through an extensive training period before baptism, and it is likely that the general practice of Lent developed from this time of preparation for new Christians. The earliest testimony to a time of fasting prior to Easter comes from a reference attributed to the Church Father, Irenaeus (AD 130-200). In this case, however, the period of fasting seems to have been only two or three days.
Mention of a forty-day period of denial comes first in the Canons of the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). Fasting for 40 days follows the example of Jesus in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13), Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15-18), and Elijah's journey to Mt Horeb (1 Kings 19:4-9).
Historically, there were a variety of ways in which churches in different places and times measured the span of forty days. For instance, the Jerusalem church fasted for five days a week, but observed lent for a total of eight weeks. The Western Church held lent for six weeks, fasting each day except Sunday, and came up four days short. In the seventh century, the Church decided to start Lent on Wednesday rather than Sunday, and thereby recoup the four days. This "Ash Wednesday" was marked as a time of repentance and mourning, as symbolized by the imposition of Ashes on the forehead of believers.
At first during the Lenten fast, one meal a day was allowed in the evening, and it could usually not include meat, fish, eggs, or milk products. The severity of the fast seems to have decreased over time. For instance, the single meal was moved toward the middle of the day. In order to avoid a breach of the rule that one should not eat before Vespers (the evening office of prayer), the Vespers service was held prior to noon. The practice of allowing consumption of fish also seems to have been followed throughout the Middle Ages.
In more recent times, most Christians and Churches have generalized the Lenten fast as a time of denial in which people repent from their sins, abstain from festivities, give alms and other forms of charity, and devote more than the usual time to prayer and study of the Bible. *
Adapted by Dan Schowalter from
"The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church"
The first floor nursery space is in line for a facelift. Later this spring the nursery areas for infants and toddlers will receive a new coat of paint, some new furniture and very likely a new floor and ceiling.
"The nursery could really use a bit of work," said Chris Rygh, associate minister. "Without spending a large sum of money, we feel we can update some of the features and make this a more inviting environment, a more colorful and vibrant space. We have more than 50 children under two years of age here in the church, so the space is used a great deal."
Rygh stressed that the nursery updates are not part of the basement renovation plans while the two projects might be confused because of the timing. "The plans we are developing are not connected to any of the other construction that will be going on here and do not require any additional funding."
Discussions have centered on cosmetic changes, not structural changes; therefore, costs will be kept to minimum as will the disruption. First Church is fortunate to have received several nice gifts that will allow the work to be completed quickly and easily.
"In addition to the physical changes," said Rygh "we're also looking at ways to train our volunteers and also to staff the nursery during key times outside of Sunday mornings. Parents have told us they are reluctant to serve on boards or attend evening classes because the church does not consistently offer evening childcare. Well, we're looking into that."
The first major project the Board of Trustees is undertaking for 2000, is the Refurbishing of our Memorial Chapel. The Chapel was built when the 1959 wing was added and has not been painted since that time.
We have contracted with Chris Mason to do this fairly major project. He expects it will take 4 to 5 weeks. The pews will be removed to allow easy access for painting the ceiling and walls. The appropriate area of each pew will be repainted before they are reattached.
The Chapel is used for small weddings, memorial services, some adult education classes, private baptisms, Communion on the 1st Sunday of the odd numbered months, the weekly staff communion and various other purposes.
Painting began Monday, February 14 and the Chapel will be totally unavailable throughout the refurbishing process. The floor needs to be covered with materials which protect the carpet from paint and damage from moving the pews. Therefore, we ask that you resist the temptation to peek inside which could disturb the preparation efforts of the painter.
Several items from the Chapel will need to be stored in one or more of the coat halls or perhaps the main hallway so please bear with us during these minor inconveniences. *
Women's Meetings
Circle 8: Tuesday, March 7, 11:30 at Congregational Home - lunch
with second floor residents. Please call Mercedes Richardson at Congregational
Home,
781-0550, if you will be attending.
Circle 7: Tuesday, March 14 at Congregational Home for a luncheon party with residents.
Circle 12: Wednesday, March 1, 11:00: Jane Jacobson and Mary York will take us on an African excursion. Guests are welcome. For luncheon reservation, call Evelyn 774-3733 or Margaret 453-7762.
Women's Book Club
will meet March 1 at 7:30 (following the All-Church Chili Dinner) in the Parlor. We will be studying the book, "Conversations with God."
Baptisms
Zachary Ronald Brandt, son of Ronald and Lisa Brandt, born November 2, 1999
Ryan Alexander Elwing, son of Holly & Michael Elwing, born October 28, 1999
Death
Robert Statz passed away on February 10, 2000.
All-Church Dinners
are scheduled on the first Wednesday evening of each month at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to these gourmet treats made by church members, with a short program and/or a time for fellowship. Prepaid dinner reservations are needed: Adults $5, Children, $2.
Wednesday March 1: choose from "hot," "medium" or "vegetarian" style Chili Dinner. Reservations required by noon, Mon. Feb. 28.
April 5, come and enjoy a dinner of Sauerbraten and Potato Dumplings. Reservation deadline is Sunday, March 26, so the meat can "cure."
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
Kathryn Rust, Associate Minister
Rev. Chris Rygh, Associate Minister
Rani Gusho, Administrator
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. 9, Issue 2
