July 30, 2000
Students Take Active Role in Renovation
New Sunday School Schedule Announced
Report from NACCC Annual Meeting
Make a Joyful Noise - Family Camp
The project to renovate the Lower Level of our church building is underway. On July 1st, under the supervision of the Selzer-Ornst Co., crews began the task of removing old ceilings, flooring and moving some walls. It will probably be noisy and dusty for a while, but certainly worth it in the end.
Specifically targeted for renovation during this phase of the project are the choir practice areas (rooms B-1 & B-2), classroom B-3, the corner entrance to B-6 and all of the lower level hallways. These areas will all have new flooring and ceilings as well as new and improved lighting. The main choir practice area will be expanded and space added for a Music Director's office, music storage, robe storage and changing areas. The main hallway will include windows and a wider entrance into the choir practice areas and wider entrances to rooms B-3 and B-6. Also a much needed secure storage area will be created in the back third of room B-6.
Unfortunately, our fund drive fell short of allowing us to complete the
entire project at this time. Therefore, rooms B-4, B-5 & B-6 will not
be renovated during this phase of the project. However, plans for renovating
those areas were completed and hopefully this will be something we can accomplish
in the future. We expect completion of this phase of the project by approximately
October 1, 2000. *
Doug Jacobson
On June 20 and 21 several BASIC members gathered at First Congregational Church to help prime the lower level for what will be a major renovation of the Sunday School and BASIC rooms. Youth arrived in the early afternoon decked out in their grunge clothing and ready to work. And there was plenty of work to be done! The classrooms were completely emptied and all materials were boxed and carried up to the social hall. Boxes upon boxes of classroom supplies acquired from past years were moved. Items which didn't fit in the elevator were carried by hand. Fourteen students participated and completed nearly thirty hours of service within the two days. "It was a lot of hard work, but it was fun," said Senior High BASIC member Christopher Sgarlata. Nastassia Richardson, another BASIC member, said, "It was a good opportunity to be able to give something back to the church." *
Nastassia Richardson
In July, Anne Callen joined the church staff as an administrative assistant, replacing Nancy Gross.
Already members of the church, Anne joined First Congregational Church Wauwatosa October, 1997. Anne grew up in Whitefish Bay as a member of North Shore Congregational Church. Anne, her husband Philip and their two daughters Erin and Bryn are residents of Wauwatosa, Erin is a freshman at Wauwatosa West and Bryn a sixth-grader at Whitman Middle School.
Anne has worked in various positions including: a sales assistant for Merrill Lynch; an office administrator for Howmedica, a manufacturer/distributor of medical implants; and most recently as an assistant office manager for Thompson Consulting, an outplacement firm. Obviously, all of these positions have served as great experience for her position here at the church. While she has had experience working with a database and other software, she said that all the work here is new in some respect and it's been challenging learning all her new responsibilities. She said that she enjoys the atmosphere in the office and mentioned that she is grateful to Nancy for returning to help with her training. "Anne is learning everything very quickly," said Rani Gusho, administrator, "I'm sure she will be a wonderful addition to the office staff."
In her spare time, Anne enjoys reading historical fiction, watching sporting events, sewing counted cross-stitch, and spending time with her family.
We welcome Anne to this new position in our ministry. *
A pastor was preaching a children's message at his church one Sunday. For this part of the service, he gathered all the children around him before dismissing them for Sunday School.
On this particular Sunday he was using squirrels as an object lesson for industry and preparation. He started out by saying, "I'm going to describe something and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is." The children nodded eagerly.
"This thing lives in trees (pause) and eats nuts (pause)..." No hands went up. "And it is grey (pause) and has a long bushy tail (pause)..." The children were looking at each other, but still no hands were raised. "And it jumps from branch to branch (pause) and chatters and flips its tail when it's excited (pause)..."
Finally, one little boy tentatively raised his hand. The pastor breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. "Well," said the boy, "the answer must be God, but it sounds like a squirrel to me."
During the building of the Golden Gate Bridge over San Francisco Bay, construction fell badly behind schedule because several workers had accidentally fallen from the scaffolding to their deaths. Engineers and administrators could find no solution to the costly delays. Finally, someone suggested a gigantic net be hung under the bridge to catch any who fell. Finally, in spite of the enormous cost, the engineers opted for the net. After it was installed, progress was hardly interrupted. A worker or two fell into the net but were saved. Ultimately, all the time lost to fear was regained by replacing fear with faith in the net.
It's never too late to regain time lost to fear-filled-living. When we decide to live by faith an enormous resource becomes available. What seemed impossible takes on a perspective of refined possibility. Clement of Alexandria expressed it well in the second century when he said, "Faith is a voluntary anticipation." The undeserved gracious love from God only has appropriated power when we volunteer to live in it by faith. Believe in the God who believes in you and live by faith in God's secure net. *
In Him,
Lonnie
On Monday, June 5, the Board of Christian Education voted to consolidate our two Sunday School ministries into one. Scott Wittig, chairman of the Board of Christian Education, reported the decision to the Church Council at the June 8 meeting where it was well received.
Many factors contributed to this decision. The rationale for the change is as follows:
* Fewer than 20 students regularly attended the 11:00 Sunday School and despite broad age grouping, class sizes sometimes fell as low as two or three.
* Our system did not encourage familiarity. Sometimes students didn't meet their classmates until confirmation year.
* We can eliminate an enormous duplication of effort on Sunday mornings and pour our best energies into one, high quality program.
* We can avoid splitting grade levels.
* We can avoid the hassle of reconfiguring rooms between Sunday Schools each week.
* We can do a much better job of following up with absent students.
* Our program wins, our teachers win, our students win.
Moderator Steve Hayes said, "Elimination of 11 am Sunday School has been debated for the last decade and was a subject of the last Long Range Plan completed in the early 90s. The Church Council would like to thank the Christian Education Board for its careful evaluation of the issue before making the forthright and difficult decision to have one Sunday School at the first service. Thanks also for the cooperation and understanding demonstrated by the 11 o'clock families."
The combined Sunday School hour will be 8:45 a.m. beginning on Rally Sunday, September 10, 2000. *
On June 24, six of our youth (Kaitlin Lemke, Paul Lewis, Chris Pozayt, Jeremy Schowalter, Christopher Sgarlata and Jonathan Sgarlata) traveled to DePauw University, located in central Indiana. There they learned about God and associated with two hundred and fifty other people wanting to do the same thing.
The conference program (NAPF "Indy 200": the Race of your Life) came from Hebrews 12: 13. This verse set up our guest speaker, Jesse Smith, who was married only three weeks prior to the event. Jesse is a 27-year-old youth pastor who was raised as a pastor's son. His energetic presentation gave new meaning to the word "speaker" as most of the students said they felt "touched" and "alive" as he spoke. His message focused on commitment, sin, the four keys of Christian life (scripture, prayer, worship and love for one another), and sharing our faith. His delivery was strong and from-the-heart, engrossing his audience.
However, NAPF meetings aren't just about passive listening. The conference incorporated activities, music, and small groups into the mix to keep everyone's blood flowing. After the speaker finished each lesson, 19 groups were formed to talk about the messages and enjoy friendly activities.
The program also treated attendees to musical performances. Moongroov, the same band from last year, was back by popular demand. Moongroov is a young Christian rock band gifted by God with extraordinary talent. They played all the "normal" songs to accompany the speaker's presentation and also performed a concert that "rocked."
On the third day there, small groups of students traveled to 17 different sites in Indianapolis to participate in mission projects. The project not only helped those in need, but satisfied our souls. Some of the projects included: helping the Salvation Army, packing diapers, painting houses, gardening, cleaning basements, and visiting Boys' and Girls' Clubs.
Last but not least, NAPF students got to view a talent show and take part in a last day dance.
NAPF is an event that people anticipate every year and it shouldn't have disappointed any because it was spectacular. NA is an experience that becomes a priority because it rekindles faith and friendship like nothing else. It's fabulous, so experience it!
Jonathan Sgarlata
The following is a report of the 46th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Christian Congregational Churches held June 24--27, 2000, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The theme for this year's annual meeting was from John 13:34 "A New Commandment... Love One Another." More than six hundred and thirty people were in attendance at this, the third annual meeting which has been held in Green Bay.
The meeting was called to order by our moderator, Mrs. Anne Kuestner from Plymouth Congregational Church in Green Bay. The constituting prayer was offered by the Rev. Karl Schimpf from North Shore Congregational Church in Fox Point. Minutes from the 1999 Annual Meeting were approved and the Rev. Dr. Doug Lobb gave the report of the Executive Secretary. The keynote address was presented by the Rev. Dr. Roy Backus, Burlington, Iowa. Our Bible Lectures were presented by Dr. Frank Rogers, associate professor at Claremont School of Theology and the Congregational Lecture was presented by the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Bingham from Pomona, California.
Saturday evening began with reports from the executive committee; Jim Walsh, our treasurer; and the recommendation for new member churches. Sixteen churches were added to the membership of our association. Two of which were from Milwaukee Pilgrim Congregational and Community Baptist Church.
The meeting continued Sunday with a communion service, reports from our division of ministry, Congregational Church Development, and the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies. A presentation was then given by the strategic planning committee. They provided an overview of their proposal which led to more discussion late into the night on Monday and voting on Tuesday. A great deal of planning went into the "plan." Information gathering was the first phase. Dr. David Roozen was commissioned in 1997 to conduct an objective study of our member churches. One hundred and nineteen churches were surveyed about how they ranked current services provided by the National Association and what services they desired in the future. After more discussions at both the 1998 and 1999 annual meetings the executive committee began to prepare a strategic plan in the fall of 1999. Some of the proposed changes appeared minor at first glance. After much thought and discussion it was realized that many of these issues, such as The Congregationalist, are very important resources and should not change.
In conclusion, the proposed budget for 20002001 is not balanced. There is an anticipated shortfall of $200,000. "Fair Share" has been raised to $10.00 per member. But this alone will not make up for the difference. The association asks that we as church members think about and pray for the association and the services they provide; education through CFTS, missionary support, new church development and revitalization, and communication through The Congregationalist. *
submitted by Karen Schmidt, delegate
Following are the recommendations from the Strategic Planning Committee which passed:
* Reduce membership of the Executive Committee from 12 to 8.
* Increase fair share allocation to $10.00
* Cap "draw down" on invested funds (non-designated funds) at 6%. Allocate 1/6 of the 6% "draw down" of divisional funds to the general operating fund to cover administrative overhead costs. Remaining 5% to be used by the divisions, not including missionary society.
* Reduce the membership of the church services commission from 24 to 18.
* Reduce membership on the following divisions and committees:
CFTS
Financial Services Committee 7 to 5
* Allow ambassador program and the library board to expire
* The divisions, church services commissions, and financial services committee will meet face to face at the annual meeting and may meet at one other time during each budget year.
* Maintain membership and establish a liaison with the Congregational Christian Historical Society and American Congregational Association
* Pursue developing articulation agreements with institutions of higher education to assist and promote the Congregational Way.
* Amend charge to Congregational Church Development Division to include church revitalization activities as well as new church development.
* Terminate the status of the immediate past moderator as member ex-officio of the executive committee
* Provide expenses for the historian of the The Congregationalist to attend the annual meeting only.
Family Camp is drawing near, the weekend of Friday, August 11 through Monday, August 14 at Camp Lucerne on beautiful Lake Lucerne in Neshkoro.
Contact Cathy and Gary Kebbekus, 475-1634 with your reservation while there are still openings.
All-Church Dinner, Wed., August 2, 6:00
Everyone is invited to "TACO NIGHT" prepared by René Klumb and Michael Sgarlata. Both hard and soft tacos with all the fixin's will be served. Following the meal, there will be discussion and planning sessions for those whose children will attend Vacation Bible School from Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 11, 9:0011:30 a.m., and for those attending Family Camp the weekend of Friday, August 11 through Monday, August 14. Make your pre-paid reservations for the dinner no later than Monday, July 31. Adults $5; children $2.
Moms of Infants & Children (thru age 6)
Monthly evening meeting for fellowship and encouragement as Christian Moms begin the 2nd Monday of each month from 79:00 p.m. in the church parlor. Have dessert, make a friend and hear a speaker. The program is called Mom to Mom and is based on values from the Bible. The first meeting is Mon., Oct. 9. Call Bonnie Ornst, 262-367-6293 or Michelle Jackson, 332-1979 for more information.
Birth
Abigail Elizabeth Schmitt, daughter of Julia and Eric Schmitt was born June 23, 2000.
Baptism
Kaela Rose Preston, daughter of Mollie Micek Preston and Jeffrey Preston
was baptized
July 16, 2000
Marriages
Miguel Angel Rivera and Rachel Ann Shriner were married July 14, 2000.
and
Daniel Leonard Pavletich and Michelle Marie Graham were married July 14, 2000.
Death
Eleanor Schmidt passed away on July 17, 2000.
The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is
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 7
