September 24, 2000
Intergenerational Bike Ride - A fun event for all ages
Demonstrate your commitment at Work Day
Care Board Coordinates Many Ministries of the Church
Trustees Caring for God's House
On the weekend of October 7 & 8, First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa and Faith Community Congregational Church, Franklin will be combining for an Intergenerational Elroy-Sparta Bike Ride. Faith Community has been doing this ride for several years. So, they will be our guides on this first-time adventure.
We are encouraging children, teens, and adults to join in this fun ride. The Elroy-Sparta ride is meant for ALL groups of riders. You do not have to be an experienced rider and certainly do not have to "train" for this ride. You may take the SAG (Supply and Gear) car/van if and when you get tired. We will also need some people who do not ride, to help with the SAG.
The trail is 32 miles in length with towns located about 6-9 miles apart along the way. It is a leisurely ride with lots of stops for food, ice cream, and FUN! Round trip will be 64 miles. The trail passes through three rock tunnels, Kendal and Wilton tunnels are 1/2 mile long and Norwalk tunnel is 1 mile long.
One of the nice things about this event, is the cost. It is $10.00 per person and $6.00 trail pass for the two days. We will be staying overnight a the Congregational Church in Sparta. Dinner will be pizza. Breakfast will be cold cereal and fruit. Day two lunch will be sandwiches prepared the night before. There will be intergenerational evening activities planned, ending with evening vespers. Sunday morning we will have breakfast and a brief worship and then be back on the trail for the 32-mile ride back to Elroy.
Sign up TODAY!!! The deadline is Monday, September 25. If you think you possibly can attend but cannot commit by that date, call Rev. Kathy Rust to let her know so we can put you on the Very Possible List.
There will be a brief meeting on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 10:15 a.m. for all those who will be attending. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, do group planning for the ride, bike transportation and last minute preparations. See you on the trail! *
by Doug Jacobson
Now is the time for ALL church members to set aside some time on Saturday, November 11 to help make your church ready for our busy winter season!
Our Fall Work Day runs from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. But you are welcome and encouraged to come for as much or as little of the day as works with your schedule. Even an hour of your help is an hour's work that someone else has to do without you.
We have more than enough jobs for EVERYBODY, young and old alike. Inside or outside, take your pick. Not only does your church facility benefit from your efforts, you'll enjoy the fellowship which goes hand-in-hand with working together with fellow members in caring for our Church.
Some of the possible projects include:
cleaning pews
painting benches
cleaning the kitchen
cleaning windows
raking leaves
preparing flower beds
... and many other general
winter preparations
You are encouraged to sign up ahead of time at the church office for a task which interests you. However, if you cannot commit ahead of time, you're still encouraged to come. We'll go ahead regardless of the weather and if you signed up for an outside task, we'll simply find something else for you.
We'll have breakfast (coffee, juice & donuts) as well as lunch (pizza) ready for you. Additionally, we'll provide child care for those who need it.
This is your church and your commitment to help keep it in shape is as valuable as a financial contribution. We're hoping for our largest turnout yet, so take some time to stop in the office and pick your task! *
I recently learned at an institute for church leadership that the average attendance of the Christian church in America is 90. Last year it was 105. Regular church members today miss an average of 15 Sundays per year. That's 31 months! Seventy churches close each week. Thirty-two new churches start each week. Three thousand five hundred people leave church each week. The United States is now the third largest mission field in the world for number of non-Christians, led only by China and India. I am startled by the trends in this land of "In God We Trust." Today's religious environment begs the question, "What's happening in the church?" I am convinced the reason for this general decline (primarily in mainline Protestant churches) is because primary attention has shifted from mission to maintenance.
We are not settling for this at First Congregational Church. Consistent parallel tracks of building renovation and program development are serving God's church well. Rally Sunday was a phenomenal success in the midst of negotiating with the lower level renovation. We will continue to be intentional in assuring excellent facilities as we sharpen the mission of connecting people to God. Renovation is also a matter of the soul.
Sincerely in Christ,
Lonnie
A great family event has been planned for Saturday, October 21, from 5:008:00 p.m. Presented by the youth groups, our Fall Festival welcomes everyone.
Parents are encouraged to bring your young children dressed in costumes. Fun is the word as you participate in games, listen to stories, decorate cookies (and of course eat your project), enjoy the cake walk, and more. In years past, Pilgrim Fellowship sponsored a similar event called Spooks Night Out. This will operate much the same. Participants will need to purchase tickets for a minimal fee for some of the activities to help cover costs,
Light refreshments will also be available for those who might like a bite to eat.
The festival will be help upstairs in the Social Hall. It's a great chance to get to know other families in the church as well as enjoy some fun family activities.
Adult volunteers are still needed to help with this event. If you're interested, or have questions about the Fall Festival, contact Carrie Sgarlata, 302-1143. *
The Caring Ministry contacts individuals who are in the hospital or who are recovering at home or confined to their home with a long-term illness. Cards are sent and phone calls and visits are made. If someone is alone, we try especially hard to help, occasionally calling upon a church member to help with a meal. If anyone would like to help with meals, please call Doris Nolinske, Care Board chairman and she would be more than happy to add you to her list!
The Prayer Ministry prays for requests entered into the prayer book located near the chapel. This book was formerly in the narthex, so please look for it in its new location. Rev. Kathy Rust will also be available Wednesday evenings to pray with anyone who wishes to attend no prayer request is too small or too complex. Come and share your concerns with the Lord you'll feel better.
The Bereavement Ministry duties involve contacting families that have experienced serious illness or recent death. They offer comfort in the form of a meal, visit, or note of encouragement. Receptions which take place after funeral or memorial services are also coordinated by this ministry.
The Nursing Home Ministry coordinates a communion visit four times a year to nursing homes. The residents are notified in advance of the visit, which is open to everyone.
The Visitation Ministry focuses on general caring through visitations. Ongoing training sessions are conducted for volunteers of the church who are interested in becoming part of this ministry.
The Parish Nurse Ministry provides health oriented and life education programs conducted by our parish nurse. She is also available for blood pressure and diabetes checks and to answer your health-related questions/concerns.
If the Care Board can be of help to any of you in our church family, please call Doris Nolinske. She would also like to hear from you if you'd like to volunteer to help in any capacity with these ministries. *
Doris Nolinski
October 7th Barbara Brown Lee
November 4th Jacqueline Baumgart
January 6th Melodie Wilson
February 3rd Acacia Theater
March 3rd Mia Kosta
April 7th Sister Karin Cauley
May 5th Holly Whitcome
Barbara Brown Lee is the next featured speaker for Breakfast with the Girls. As chief educator for the Milwaukee Art Museum, Barbara will delight the women of the Church on October 7th with her presentation, "Religion in Art." She will be using examples from the permanent collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Barbara has been a prominent speaker on art in the Milwaukee area for many years. Her knowledge and entertaining presentations are known and appreciated by many. Join us on Saturday, the 7th, for fellowship and what promises to be an interesting program. She will also be able to answer any questions on the Calatrava addition to the Art Center.
Join us on each of these "first Saturdays" at 9. Please R.S.V.P. to the office if you can, but you're always welcome even if you can't !
Tori Holtz, Sarah Berte, Amanda Gruebling, Stacy Reddy and Megan Hassett comprise the teaching team in the 2-year room. Having grown up at First Church, Tori is a product of our Sunday School as well as our PF and BASIC ministries. She's served on several VBS teams and knows many of the families she will be serving. She is a sophomore at Tosa East.
Sarah is is a freshman at Tosa East. She's been involved at First Church since birth, but has been a particularly enthusiastic participant in the PF ministries,rallies and camps.
Amanda is a sophomore at Tosa East, and is a committed soccer player who plays year-round.
Stacy, a freshman at Tosa West is a recent Covenant Class graduate. This is her first year teaching.
Megan has been a part of our Sunday School as well as our PF and BASIC ministries. She is a sophomore at Tosa East.
Margaret Brown returns, this time co-teaching a large class of three-year olds. In addition to serving as a teacher at FCC, Margaret is also a volunteer coordinator for Easter Seals and has two children, Andy and Elizabeth. Lydia Prindl joins Margaret Brown in the 3 year-old room. Lydia played a major role this summer, helping to create the set of VeggieTown, then also serving as a volunteer staff member during the week of VBS. Lydia and her husband, Scott, have one son, Cooper.
The 4-year-old teaching team consists of Julie Sheridan-Smith, Laura Daigneau, Missy Owen, Kirsten Sorum and Caitlin O'Meara.
Julie is a licensed day care provider and has run an in-home business since 1993. She has her Early Childhood Certificates I & I, and has attended and presented at Early Childhood conferences. Beside serving on the CE Board, Julie ran the Art Studio in VBS's VeggieTown. She and husband Tom have three children, Charles, Max, and Margaret.
Laura has been attending First Church since fifth grade and was confirmed two years ago. She taught 3rd grade with Missy Owen last year. Laura is a sophomore at Brookfield Academy where she also plays field hockey.
A 3rd-grade teacher last year, Missy is a junior at Tosa East where she enjoys playing flute and softball.
Kirsten has been assisting with our Children's Ministry for several years in different capacities. She's helped with VBS and served as a teaching assistant in the Kindergarten room last year. Kirsten is a junior at Tosa East and enjoys playing soccer and tennis.
A regular in our Nursery ministry, Caitlin worked last year as a teaching assistant in Mr. Roger's room. She is a baby sitter for many First Church families and when she is not studying, she is likely playing in the band or life guarding at the Highlander.
Nastassia Richardson has taught for the last three years at 11:00, but this year will move to 8:45 to team teach Kindergarten with Carla Cummings. Nastassia, who is a senior at Brookfield Academy, has been deeply involved with the PF and BASIC programs and has contributed regularly to the Columns and LBQ newsletters. She plans to pursue a career in communications.
Carla Cummings (not pictured) returns to the Kindergarten
room. Within the past several years, Carla has not only served on the Board
of Christian Education, she has also been instrumental in creating our Children's
Library, leading our annual Christmas Workshops and helping to coordinate
Vacation Bible School. Carla and her husband Bill have two daughters, Amanda
and Madeline.
Laura and David Mott are becoming more and more involved at First Church all the time. This past summer Laura taught in the Doctor's Office of VeggieTown, while David has assumed a teaching role on Wednesday mornings as one of our men's groups work through The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. The Motts have two children, Stuart and Leah.
Karen Schmidt brings her gifts as a teacher and artist to the 2nd and 3rd grade classroom. Karen, who is a long time member of FCC, is currently an art teacher for the Milwaukee Public Schools. Besides serving in the classroom, Karen also sits on the Board of Benevolences and heads our outreach ministry to St Vincent DePaul.
Laura Taylor (not pictured), Caroline Wells and Jeremy Schowalter will team teach the 4th grade class this year. Jeremy served as a teaching assistant to Laura Taylor last year and knows the curriculum well. Caroline taught 1st grade last year and is similarly well suited for the classroom. Jeremy is a student at the Prairie School in Racine. Caroline is a marketing director for Pepsi Cola Bottlers of Milwaukee.
Laura wears many hats here at First Church. She has been highly involved with VBS, instrumental in developing a program for training high school students to be Sunday School teachers, and is a veteran Sunday School teacher, Laura also serves on our Board of Christian Education
Carolyn Simpson and sister, Julie Anheuser, teach the 5th and 6th graders in a combined class in room 302. Both women are life-long members of First Church and have served in almost every imaginable capacity since their days as PF students. Carolyn and her husband, Tom, have three children, Jenny, Scott and Matthew. Julie and her husband, Tim, have two boys, Jimmy and Michael.
Keith Harmon teaches 7th grade in room 301. Keith is the Director
of Marketing for WVTV, WB Channel 18. He is a huge Packer fan, and enjoys
frequent trips to Green Bay during the fall season to watch his team in
action. Keith and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters,
Molly and Zoe.
Paul Stein teaches the Life's Big Questions (LBQ) Class and edits the LBQ Newsletter. A member since 1989, Paul has served on the Board of Christian Education, as a small group leader in the BASIC ministry, as a regular contributor to the Wednesday morning men's group and also attendee of Family Camp. Paul has an 11 year-old daughter, Elizabeth. *
The role of the Board of Trustees is to provide and maintain a fully functioning and usable facility for God's work. As the chair of the Board of Trustees, I will be periodically reporting to the congregation the state of the facility. I will also report on our current projects and near-term plans. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please relay them to me through the Church office. Please let us know how well we are doing at keeping God's house ready for your use.
We have basically a sound building. Our systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, phones, kitchen, computers, etc.) are in pretty good shape. However (there always seems to be a "however," doesn't there?) all of these systems are in constant use, most are getting old, and they are starting to wear out. We are presently inspecting the church building and its systems, carefully evaluating the condition of each to plan future repairs and maintenance projects. Our goal is to locate and plan repairs before they surprise us. However, surprises do happen. In the past several months, we have replaced two air conditioners, had major repairs on the refrigerator in the main kitchen, replaced the phone system, and filled in an old well in the parking lot.
In addition, we have a lot of work to do to establish standard procedures for getting work done and keeping track of the way we do our business in the most professional manner possible. Just because we are a church does not mean that we don't have to be good business people at the same time. It is important for the Board of Trustees to let all of the congregation know what these procedures are so we can all do things right.
This was a very busy spring and summer for the Trustees. Although not a really hot summer, it was very humid and our air conditioning systems have been working hard. Several of the older units couldn't keep up with the demands on them and broke down. We spent approximately $3,000 to give the Christian Education office and kitchen new air conditioning. Those of you who have worked in either of these areas know that without air conditioning, no one would be able to last.
The main refrigerator in the kitchen also decided that it had had enough and stopped functioning. In order to keep our food preparation clean and safe, we were forced to dispose of some food items so we would have no health risks. Several major components of the refrigerator were replaced and it is now functioning properly.
One of the more visible repair projects this summer has been the repair of the hole in the parking lot. The repair took much longer than we had expected because it involved a number of people and organizations including the Wauwatosa City Engineer and the Public Works Department. The City had to excavate part of Church Street to find and repair a leaking water main which caused part of the problem. The city then checked the sewer lines, but found them to be in good shape. Tom Jarchow, a Trustee, then visited the city engineer's office to review old city maps, charts, and other records to try and locate the cause of the hole. We then contracted with a paving company to dig out the hole, find the cause, fill it, and repair the parking lot. When the repair was started, we found that an old well had not been totally filled when the house which previously stood on the lot was torn down in the 60's. There was a brief consideration of rebuilding the well and using it as a Wishing Well to collect funds for future Board of Trustees' projects, but that idea lost out. The well was filled and paved over. We fully expect that this will permanently solve this problem. The cost of this repair was just under $1,000.
In closing, I want to remind all of you that Saturday, November 11, is our All-Church Work Day (see article on page 2.) You can help keep God's house looking good and have a good time. Thank you for your help and support Forward together with Christ. *
Harry Collis Chair, Board of Trustees
Circle 8 Meets on Tuesday, October 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Activity Room at Congregational Home to play Bunco with the residents. Please bring a small prize.
St. Vincent Meal Program
A van is needed to transport food from church to the St. Vincent Meal Program at 931 West Madison Street (one block north of Greenfield) on the first Friday afternoon of each month between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. (Note: we will not be serving in October, so the first time a driver will be needed will be Friday, Nov. 3.)
If people who own vans would each drive one Friday during the year, no one driver would feel overburdened. Call the church, 258-7375 and volunteer your services. You may even want to serve meals and get to know some of the people while you're at St. Vincent's. It's very rewarding!
Volunteers needed also for meal preparation here at the church at 8:00 a.m. Call Barb or Ruth Dunham, 774-7147.
Mom-to-Mom Kick Off, Oct. 9, 7:00 p.m.
A new monthly group for mothers of young children (birth to age 6) is based on values from the Bible. It begins Monday, Oct. 9, at 7:00 p.m. in Friendship Lounge. Share ideas, faith and yourself. Come for dessert, meet an old friend, make a new friend, and hear a speaker or do a craft. October's speaker is Nancy Payne, R.N./B.S.N.
Nancy is a health educator at St. Joseph's Hospital/Milwaukee, Women's and Family Resource Center. Her topic will be "Self Care for Health and Wellness." It's sure to be a great beginning.
Moms need not be members of First Church, so please come and bring a friend. Please sign up through the office, 258-7375 for set-up/dessert count.
The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is
www.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Char Schweitzer - Chairperson,
De McDermott, John O'Meara, Felicia Thomas-Lynn, Mary York
*
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
Anne Callen, Secretary
Charles Nelson, Administrator, Congregational Home, Inc.
Rev. Norman S. Ream, Minister Emeritus
*
Vol. 9, Issue 9
