First

October 29, 2000


Table of Contents

Tom Stacey leads successful lower level project

Board of Christian Fellowship: the social link between church and members

Book Buddies

A Word from Lonnie

Meet John Sgarlata

FCC Hosts WCA Rally for Senior High Students

Breakfast with the Girls

Intergenerational Bike Trip

Holiday Calendar

Events around the Church

In Brief/ Our Church Family


Tom Stacey, leader of a successful project

For many years to come, members of this church will always have something that they can easily associate with Tom Stacey ­ the stunning renovation of the Lower Level of our church building. As a professional architect with years of experience in church building design, Tom was not only an invaluable member of the Renovation Committee, he was the creative drive behind the project. What was formerly a dreary and neglected part of our church building is now a bright, cheerful and energized space in which to carry out our missions of music and education.

Most of the credit for this successful and worthwhile project is due to Tom, for his very generous contribution of professional time and talent. Tom's initial efforts were the conceptual drawings and floor plans that were revised dozens of times following almost every meeting with church members, boards, committees and staff. Then came an exhaustive study of old building plans and on-site inspections of electrical wiring, heating ducts, crawl spaces and storage areas as Tom devoted countless hours to the detailed task of developing the demolition and reconstruction plans for this project. Finally, the fun part, where Tom led the committee through the interior design phases of lighting, windows, floor treatments and wall treatments. Admittedly, Tom had help with this last part ­ from his wife, Ann!

Tom and Ann have been members of our church for 3-1/2 years and were married here in 1997. They live in Wauwatosa with their two children Shaun and Sam and are expecting their third child in March of next year. They keep quite busy, not only with their growing family, but also in their professional lives. Tom is an architect with the firm of Epstein-Uhen and Ann is a commercial interior designer with Building Service, Inc. They met each other when they were co-workers for a former employer. With the little time they have left over after juggling their professional deadlines and the kids' schedules (and church renovation projects), they enjoy bicycling (with Sam in tow), golfing, and occasional vacations in Florida. Tom also finds time to serve our church as a member of the Board of Trustees. Our church is truly blessed with many caring, talented and generous members ­ Tom and Ann Stacey are another wonderful example.

Thank you, Tom, for a job well done. *

by Doug Jacobson

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Board of Christian Fellowship: the social link between church and members

The Fellowship board has long been a pillar of fulfilling the social needs of this church. Although best known for sponsoring such events as Brat Fest, the Fish Boil and Children's Sunday Ice Cream Social, the board is about more than just good food.

Our main objective is to provide Christian fellowship to members of our church and guests through social activities. This is accomplished through gatherings, whether it's Sunday coffee hour between services, monthly meals held on the first Wednesday of each month, or other special events held throughout the year.

This year, we've also taken on the Adopt-A-Pilgrim program. Designed to offer warm food and fellowship to those who may not have anyone to share Thanksgiving with, we've extended our fellowship beyond the walls of this church.

True, this may be one of the most enjoyable boards to serve on (in my opinion), but putting on the social events you see each month can be challenging. That's why our long-range goals are to pool a group of volunteers that we can contact to help us continue providing the high quality social events offered here at First Congregational Church.

So you might be saying "I want to volunteer, but I don't know what to do." I want to personally assure you, you will never be asked to do anything alone. We use the buddy system to make sure you know what needs to be done no matter what event you're helping with.

If Fellowship means companionship, friendship and harmony, then I think this church is indicative of the meaning. Sure we offer good food, but more importantly we offer the opportunity to meet new friends, strengthen existing relationships and live up to the Covenant we all own.

My term on this board has been very rewarding, and with my children by my side at each event, I'm sharing with the next generation of church leaders one of the most valuable gifts, the gift of service to others.

Many thanks to the hardworking people of this board, their commitment and dedication each month makes every event a joyous occasion. And a special thanks to the Schmidt family, who's involvement means so much to the Fellowship board.

In closing I'd like to offer you my take on Fellowship:

F-is for my church family
and friends

E-is for Christian education so vital to our youth

L-is for the love that surrounds us when we walk into the building

L-is for the leadership, given the awesome responsibility of taking this
church into the next millennium

O-is for owning the Covenant

W-is for worship we share each week

S-is for sharing our experiences

H-is for health and happiness

I-is for involvement through service

P-is for the many pioneers who "blaze the trail" for future leaders.

by Terri Biloff

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Book Buddies Make a
Great Story

On Sunday, October 15, ten senior high students were "Book Buddies" to children at the Joy House shelter. The children chose from a wide selection of books (which were borrowed from the FCC Children's Library) and picked a senior high buddy to read it. The reading program lasted for approximately one and one-half hours and a great time was had by everyone involved judging by all of the smiles and hugs. Book buddies will meet at church every third Sunday of the month at 6:30 p.m. to travel to Joy House

Extra readers and drivers are needed, so if you're interested, please contact Carla Cummings at 414-774-4756. On December 17, we will be taking crafts left over from our Christmas Workshop to have a special program for the children of Joy House. *

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A Word from Lonnie...

Stewardship and the Power of Compassion

 

Jesus had compassion for them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

(Matthew 20:34)

Jesus renewed people with the power of his compassion ­ like the ancient legend about the monk who found a precious stone. A short time later, the monk met a traveler who said he was hungry and asked the monk if he would share some of his provisions. When the monk opened his bag, the traveler saw the precious stone and, on an impulse, asked the monk if he could have it. Amazingly, the monk gave the traveler the stone.

The traveler departed quickly and was overjoyed with his new possession. However, a few days later, he came back, searching for the monk. He returned the stone to the monk and made a request: "Please give me something more valuable, more precious than this stone. Please give me that which enabled you to give me this precious stone!"

The traveler realized his hunger and its satisfaction required something more than a temporal object of beauty and value. Satisfaction lies in the act of compassionate sacrifice and service. We have an opportunity as a congregation to experience the power of compassion in our giving. What will you give to the hungry traveler?

In Him,

Lonnie

 

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Meet John Sgarlata

Currently serving his fourth year on the Board of Fellowship, his second consecutive year as chairperson, John Sgarlata has been a vital link to strengthening our church-family bond.

Family has always been very important to John. A very "proud papa," he has served as a terrific role model to his four sons who are also active church members. John's oldest son Nicholas is currently chairperson of the Board of Deacons (and Nick's wife Carrie is on Church Council). His second son, Michael is on Fellowship. (Mike's wife Sarah has served on the Care Board). His third son, Jonathan, is the state PF representative and his youngest, Christopher, is involved in PF. John is also a grandfather to Hailey, Sophia, and Josephine.

In addition to John's regular responsibilities as a board chairperson, church members have also been treated to the labors of one of his hobbies...cooking. For the past three years, John, with the help of his sons, has prepared gourmet Italian dinners for the PF Dinner/Auctions held each February. In addition to making the dinner, he has auctioned off his skills by cooking for others. In addition to that annual dinner, John recently prepared a Southwest Flavors All-Church Wednesday night dinner and has been an active PF parent for as long as his kids have been involved.

John was married in this church in 1971 and officially became a member in 1996. He grew up in the area and attended Christ King School, then Pius. After finishing school, he served three years in the Navy as an aircraft electrician. He left the service in 1970 and became an electrical apprentice at AO Smith. At that point, he became a maintenence electrician for Miller Brewing Company, where he has been employed for the past 25 years.

A care-free, easy-going spirit, John enjoys a number of hobbies, many of them with his sons who are a priority in every aspect of his life. As a golfer, John decribes himself as, "an avid hacker." He also enjoys bow hunting and has vacationed in Colorado, Arizona and Utah hunting a variety of animals including deer, elk, and javelina (wild boar). His newest hobby is biking ­ Harley style. In September of 1999, John purchased his bike and last year took a road trip to South Dakota for a bike rally in addition to the shorter rides he enjoys around this area.

John said that this church has been like a second family to him. Certainly both families have benefitted from his involvement and caring leadership. *

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FCC Hosts WCA Rally for Senior High Students

On September 29 and 30, First Church hosted the WCA Fall Rally which drew nearly 50 students and leaders from various Wisconsin churches. Thirteen members of the First Church PF group attended the rally, the largest number in several years.

PF members, Nastassia Richardson and Jonathan Sgarlata, both serve on the state's executive team. As officers, they were responsible for organizing and delivering the weekend event. "I'm pleased," said Sgarlata, "by the number of students we had here this weekend. I think things went very well."

The program, entitled "Influences," was led by the student leaders and provided the attendees with much they could reflect on. In their small discussion groups, students were challenged to identify certain influences and determine just how these factors contribute to decisions that are made daily.*

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Breakfast with the Girls

November 4 will be our next gathering for the women of this church. Bring your daughters and granddaughters, friends and neighbors because we have a very exciting program planned. Jacqueline Baumgart will be sharing her life and faith journey with us. Jacqueline played for the Women's Baseball teams in the early 1950's. She has a part in the movie "League of Our Own." If you get the chance, rent the video before you attend the morning program. It is a compelling story of courage, about a group of women who opened the door for all our young women today, not only in the athletic world but in the world at large.

Just a reminder, we will not be gathering during December. However, we will be back on January 6th to hear Melodie Wilson, a Milwaukee TV personality share her story about her life experience battling breast cancer. *

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Sun, Wind, Snow Flurries and Lots
and Lots of Fun!

Clear your calendars for the fall of 2001... To all who stayed behind in your WARM, COZY homes, wow, did you miss a powerful fellowship experience! It seems there is still a little Pilgrim blood flowing through the veins of the First Congregational Church people. The weekend weather report of frigid temps, rain and snow did not deter a hearty group of souls tackling the Elroy/Sparta Bike Trail on Oct. 7 & 8. Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. we gathered 15 people from eight to eighty years of age, from two Congregational Churches. "I would encourage members to seek out those from our church (Jean Millard, Jim and Dan VerDuin, Hank Collis, and Will Quinn) and just ask them to tell about one of their special experiences during that weekend ride," said Rev. Kathy Rust, who also made the trip.

The days were filled with scary stories in the long, dark, damp tunnels; climbing rock cliffs; sharing hot chocolate to warm bodies from the inside which where chilled to the bone; and getting lost in Sparta after a long, hard day of riding. All turned out well as the group found the church and there was "room in the inn." The riders peeled off their wet and cold clothes and changed into whatever warm and dry things we had along. Then the group shared pizza and snacks and lots of good laughs. Next came time to bed down on the "soft" basement (concrete) church floor for a much needed sleep. Early to rise, they downed a hearty breakfast of cold cereal and juice, then packed lunches for the ride back home. After gathering for worship, they packed the SAG cars and hit the trail in a balmy 34 degrees with snow on the rooftops.

Through it all, riders had a great time and encourage others to join next year. While you don't need to be a Greg LeMond, a robust constitution or good sense of humor can't hurt! *

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Holiday Calendar

THANKSGIVING DAY - NOV 23

Worship Service 10:30

CHRISTMAS

Dec. 2
Friendly Beast Breakfast 9:00

December 3
2nd Sunday in Advent
Worship 8:45 & 11:00

Christmas Workshop 3:00
Supper 5:00

Dec. 6
All-Church English Dinner 6:00

Dec. 10
3rd Sunday in Advent
Worship 8:45 & 11:00

Christmas Choir Concert 4:00

Dec. 17
4th Sunday in Advent
Worship w/ Pageant 8:45 & 11:00

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services
Worship 8:45 & 11:00

Family Service 4:00
Communion Service 7:00
Candle Light Service 11:00

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Events Around the Church

Sunday School Students to Dial for Diapers

Our Sunday School class will be dialing for diapers during the month of November. Each Sunday School student will receive a blank phone book in which they can write down the numbers of friends and relatives they call to ask for a donation of diapers. The diapers will then be collected by the children and brought to the church throughout the entire month of November and sent to the Joy House shelter as part of a special Sunday School mission project. During the calling, we ask that participants let donors know that medium, large, and extra-large are the target sizes for the diapers.

Book Study

Monthly Book Study meets the second Wednesday of the month. Our next book is "The Congregational Way of Life," by Arthur A. Rouner, Jr. (only 179 pages.) We will be reading and discussing the first 4 chapters. We will then read and discuss chapters 5 through 8 in December. Call the office to pick up your book ($3.00). The dates and times are7:00 p.m., November 8 and December 13.
Come join in the study of our Congregational Heritage.

Adopt-A-Pilgrim

Looking for a great Thanksgiving dinner to eat? Consider having dinner with a First Congregational family. Due to the Congregational Home's renovation, the church will be unable to offer dinner in the Lounge.

However, with the help of the Fellowship Board, several volunteer families are opening their doors to anyone who would otherwise be alone for Thanksgiving.

Pick up will be at church after service on Thanksgiving Day, while drop off time will be determined by the family and guest(s).

If you are willing to share your table with one or two members, or if you're a member and would like to go to someone's home, please call the church office at 258-7375 or Terri Biloff of the Fellowship Board at 476-2174. We are seeking 8 to 10 volunteer families to share in this responsibility. Please open your hearts and your doors.

Mom to Mom

Family physician and active church layman Dr. Russell Robertson will present Mom to Mom's November 13, 2000 program. His talk, "Laying the Foundation," is about parenting during early childhood. Dr. Robertson feels a few well conceived decisions implemented consistently in early childhood will pay dividends for you.

Dr. Robertson is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He holds a BA in elementary education. He taught grades K­3 three years and one year of eighth grade math prior to entering medical school. He and wife Sandy have two college-age children. Please sign up through the church office by Sunday, November 12.

Intergenerational
Winter Event

Set aside January 26­28, 2001 for a Winter Intergenerational Gathering at Pilgrim Center in Green Lake. We plan to go ice skating, sledding, cross-courntry skiing and have fantastic fellowship experiences. We will have hotel-like accomodations. Anyone who would like to help with planning, call Rev. Kathy Rust, 258-7375. And YES, we will be home before the Superbowl game. *

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In Brief/Our Church Family

Holiday Faire

at Congregational Home

Wednesday, December 6, 11 a.m. ­ 3 p.m.

Christmas holidays at Congregational Home will begin on December 6th. the chapel/dining room will be transformed into a mini-mall with a dozen vendors selling their gifts and craft items including paper goods, books, jewelry, wood carvings, quilting and candies. It will give residents, their families, guests and staff a wonderful opportunity to browse and shop. In addition, there will be a Bakery Shoppe filled with goodies donated by Friends of the Home.

Visitors are urged to park on the Lilly Road side and to use that entrance. The lobby elevator will take you directly to the Faire.

 

Church Dinners

November 1, 6:00 - Come join us for a true home-cooked meal. Pork chops and mashed potatoes will headline this dinner. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Reservations need to be in the office by October 30.

December 6, 6:00 - This holiday feast will feature roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. It will be held in the Social Hall and is only available to the first 200 people to reserve spots. The cost is $8.00 for dinner. Special musical entertainment will be provided. Reservations are absolutely required.

 

Adult Forum - Sunday, Nov. 19, 10a.m.

Rev. Kathryn A. Rust will be reading her paper on the Ordination of Clergy Women from the perspective of the Puritan/ Congregational Tradition. This paper grew out of her study at the Boston Conference in late August. Rev. Rust will be presenting this paper to the Wisconsin Congregational Theological Society on Nov. 16 at the National Office in Oak Creek.

Senior Women meet Monday, November 13, at 10:00 a.m. The program will be presented by Peggy Bell who, accompanied by her bloodhound dog Hoover, will speak on "Search and Rescue." Please come and bring a friend. If you need a ride, call Holly, 262-662-4196 or Kris, 262-695-1059.

Birth

Tatyana Lynn, daughter of Felicia and Nathaniel Lynn, born 10/15/00.

Baptism

Danielle Lynn Porter, daughter of John Winfield Porter and Deborah Lynn Nelson Porter, was baptized October 15, 2000.

Don't Forget Fall Workday

November 11, 9 a.m. ­ 3 p.m. Please sign up in the church office for a job of your choice. If you miss the sign-up, don't worry...we'll be happy to find some work for you.

The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is

Monday, November 13

 

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Congregational Columns

www.FirstChurchTosa.org

Editor, Beth Linscott

Communications Committee

Char Schweitzer - Chairperson,

De McDermott, John O'Meara, Felicia Thomas-Lynn, Mary York

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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

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Vol. 9, Issue 10