November 26, 2000
A season of celebration awaits you
Ddg Wakefield makes our church a home
Concert highlights Christmas season
All-Church Dinner, Wednesday, 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 evening also features a special musical program. Cost for the dinner is $8.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Reservations are absolutely required.
Friendly Beast Breakfast, Saturday December 2, 9:00 am - This is our answer to Breakfast with Santa. Bring your little children in their pajamas and with their favorite stuffed animal. We'll have a "real live" Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, the children will put their animals around the family while they have breakfast and, of course, take them home afterwards. Following breakfast the children will sing a few Christmas songs and you'll be on your way at approximately 10:30. The cost is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. Please register in the church office no later than November 28 so we'll have enough food for everyone.
Christmas Workshop * Supper * Tree Lighting, Sunday December 3,
3:00 pm - Kids of all ages can make their Christmas presents at our
Christmas Workshop. Use already prepared materials to create a variety of
ornaments and decorations and, of course, the ever popular gingerbread cookies
to decorate - and eat! The cost of making ornaments is just enough to cover
the supplies used (most range between 10¢$1.00). It's a great
opportunity to spend some time with family and friends and make some great
Christmas presents. With a wide variety of projects available, there is
something for everyone and enough time to complete many of the projects.
Following the workshop at 5:00, there will be a pizza supper, lighting of
the outside tree, and caroling. Supper is $4 for adults and $3 for children.
Reservations are not necessary. Come for all of the events, or any portion
you want. For further details or to volunteer to help, contact Carla Cummings
at 774-4756.
The Choir Concert and Cookie Packing, Sunday, December 10, 4:00 - The concert is free for all to come and enjoy. See the feature article on page 7. Cookie packing for shut-ins takes place prior to the concert. If you can make cookies for this project or help deliver, please call the church office at 258-7375. *
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.
From scarecrows to snowmen, Pilgrims to Easter eggs, Santas to songbirds.....The church is always festively decorated for the season. But, how do these decorations "magically" appear on our tables as centerpieces for each special event or church dinner?
Ddg Wakefield has been behind the scenes of them, all planning and organizing, setting tables, creating bulletin boards and signs so that we may all enjoy ourselves in fellowship. Ddg, a long time church member is married to Charlie and has two sons, Cade and Chappie, college students who reside in Stevens Point. Church has always been a family affair for the Wakefields. Both boys used to be the baby-sitters for many of our little ones during dinners and special events. Charlie can often be found assisting in the kitchen and helping Ddg create outside Christmas wreaths and other decorations. The Wakefield roots extend back to Charlie's grandparents, Jo and Dorr Wakefield. Their family tree, and their service to the church has continued to blossom. Charlie's Mom, Beej, is instrumental in our church kitchen activities and his sister, Jennifer, has been active on many boards and committees.
Many may also remember Ddg as coordinator of our Christian Education program or more recently as the church volunteer coordinator.
Ddg is particularly fond of The Friendly Beasts Breakfast held the first Saturday in December. This is a morning breakfast for our young families, grandparents and friends. Children come to church in their pj's or Christmas attire, bring their favorite stuffed animal, and sit by the side of the baby Jesus played by a new member of our church family. Breakfast is served, Christmas songs sung, and the Baby Jesus and live nativity all create an enjoyable and meaningful start to our Advent Season.
Ddg has, and continues to serve in many ways...always quietly and behind the scenes. We owe Ddg and her family a debt of gratitude for all they have done to help to make our church family feel at home and appreciated. So, these next weeks, when you see Nativity Scenes, Santas or even snowmen scattered in the church as decorations, reflect on how they got there and think of Ddg. Thanks Ddg, for all the things you do to help to make our church feel like our home. *
by Mary York
Where have we been and where are we going with regard to numerical impact? A study was done on the attendance statistics of our church which revealed worship attendance was at its highest in 1973 with an average of 726. Attendance steadily declined and leveled to 348 in 1994 remaining relatively flat (between 350 and 375) over the last five years. From 1973 to 1995, worship attendance decreased 50%. The good news is the rate of loss is reversed. The bad news is we have not sustained our new growth as we could.
What is our new growth? In the last five years we have received 366 new members and baptized 219. That's a total of 585 new to our community. Our total deaths for this period are 155. This data tells me that for every member we have lost to death there has been a replacement of almost four new adults or children. Where are they now? This data does not include those who have moved away from the area.
Published interviews with new members reveal the most significant influence of their decision to join or seek baptism is satisfaction with the Sunday morning experience. Interviews after eighteen months of membership with those of sparse attendance indicate a feeling of being "left alone" or "lost" by not being connected to a ministry or group in the church. Those involved in some organized activity or ministry experience increased satisfaction and a growing level of Christian stewardship.
It behooves us as a congregation to work intentionally on serving the already convinced as we reach out to the yet-to-be-convinced. Open your relational circles to include others. Invite others to participate in the decision-making structures of the congregation. Initiate vulnerable relationships that include sharing individual faith journeys and support. Remember, Jesus said disciples are made not born. It is my conviction that lasting church members are cultivated not just received.
Your Pastor,
Lonnie
At its meeting on October 30, the Board of Christian Education affirmed its commitment to an 8:45 Sunday School. However, a motion was made and passed to support an 11:00 Children's program on a trial basis through the 2000-2001 academic year.
As a result, Christian Education for all children ages 3 through 7th grade began on Sunday November 12, 2000 at the 11:00 service. Concerned parents met with the Board of Christian Education to formulate a program to fulfill the needs of families who prefer to worship at the later time.
The 11:00 program will be an intimate setting with a cross section of ages meeting together. Three qualified individuals, Chris Mason, Karen Schmidt and Mary Lou Schowalter, have volunteered to teach. Mr. Mason who currently teaches all day kindergarten at Mitchell Elementary in Milwaukee will teach K3 through K5. Ms Schmidt, an art teacher, at Lincoln Avenue Elementary in Milwaukee, will teach first through third grade and Ms Schowalter, the Title One Program Implementer, at 37th Street School in Milwaukee, will teach fourth through seventh grade. A strong group of parents have volunteered as classroom aides and substitute teachers.
The curriculum will follow the same plan as the 8:45 classes, but will be tailored to fit with the broader age groups. All students will meet in the second floor classrooms as a group for an opening prayer each Sunday and will then break off into individual classes.
We are excited about offering this program, and with the help of our qualified teachers and the whole congregation, look forward to promoting growth in the church among families whose lifestyles and distance from the church fit with a later service. Nursery services for those younger than 3 will continue to be offered. *
Larry and Katy Chapman were driving by FCC and decided to attend a service. They have been attending services off and on for about a year and have decided to become members. They enjoy the warm, friendly and positive atmosphere as well as the enthusiastic leadership. Larry and Katy are self-employed, have lived in Wauwatosa for four years and are expecting their first child. Outside of church, they devote a lot of time to their business, spend time with family and friends and enjoy golfing, boating and skiing.
Lee and Becky Cummings are married and have two children; Marisa, 6 years and Kaitlyn, 3 years. Lee works as a QA Analyst for MGIC and Becky as a Geographic Information Systems Analyst. Becky's brother (Shan Lee) and his fiancée (Holly Radtke) are also new members of FCC and encouraged Becky and Lee to join them in attending services. They also enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the congregation.
John Griffith, a business banker, and Peggy Dempsey, a bank manager, have lived in Oak Creek for one year. They come from a very traditional church background and have found FCC's services very comfortable for them. They enjoy the music, the service format and the minister, as well as the diverse group of very friendly people. For outside interests, John is a musician and Peggy enjoys reading.
Jerry and Sharon Lee Eiff are residents of Wauwatosa and have three children: James, Jordan and Jared (18, 15 and 12 years old). They previously belonged to Immanuel United Church of Christ. They were looking for a church for their son, Jordan, to be confirmed in, since their own church had decided not have a confirmation class. Sharon had done some interior designing for FCC in the past so was familiar with the church and it's friendly and welcoming atmosphere. When FCC accepted Jordan into confirmation class without membership, they were impressed and decided to become members. Jerry is a sales manager and also coaches soccer, basketball and baseball. Sharon works as a freelance designer. She also chairs the Wauwatosa Preservation Commission at City Hall. They both look forward to participating in church activities and/or special groups.
James Eiff is the eldest son of Jerry and Sharon Lee Eiff who have just become new members as well. James is a student and works at Mama's on Burleigh. Friends and family go to FCC so James decided to try it as well. He found the service traditional, but interesting and the people warm and friendly. James enjoys spending time with his friends, video games, playing soccer and listening to music.
Dave Ehlert and Kim McDevitt are getting married in October, 2001 and have been looking for a church they could join together and be married in. Both Dave and Kim have found the people of FCC to be very friendly and welcoming, especially Lonnie. Dave and Kim are both pharmacists and they hope to eventually volunteer in the FCC nursery.
William (Bill) and Sandra Griffith decided to become members of FCC because they had been looking for a church with a more traditional service such as they had been used to in the past. They are also impressed with the quality music program and the physical beauty of the church. Bill and Sandra have two sons, John and David. Bill is a commercial property and liability insurance agent and is very involved in the music business. Sandra is a homemaker and is interested in learning more about the activities and special groups at FCC.
Lee and Barbara Hutchinson came to FCC through their seven year old daughter, Hallie Ann. Hallie attended Veggie Town Bible School. They really like the welcoming and progressive atmosphere at FCC. Previously, Lee and Barbara were married in and attended a church in Boston, MA. They have been residents of Wauwatosa for 6 years now. Lee is a fundraiser for Marquette University and enjoys participating in YMCA activities with his daughter. Barbara enjoys family activities and serves as a Room Parent and Brownie volunteer at Hallie's school, Milwaukee Montessori.
Larry King and Ann Hoerig have been dating for 10 years and will be getting married May 18, 2001. They had been looking for a church to join together and were told to investigate FCC by a friend. They really liked the warm and welcoming members and also felt strongly about the messages of the services. Larry is an electrician and Ann works for WDJT-TV in sales.
Holly Radtke and Shan Lee are also due to be married soon. Their wedding date is set for July 14. Holly is a special education teacher for MPS and enjoys exercising, ballet and planning the wedding. Shan is a new construction house painter and enjoys bike riding and working on their new house. Holly and Shan wanted to find a church they both liked and could be married in. They liked the services, Lonnie and the friendly members of FCC.
Russell (Russ) Ledvina is a computer software developer and has lived in Wauwatosa for 16 months. Russ has been searching for a church that has friendly people and puts Jesus and the Bible first and was impressed by FCC. Russ would like to help with the web development for FCC. Russ enjoys spending time with his two children; Eric, 17 years and Sara, 14 years.
Patricia Roemke works in purchasing for Strong Capital Management. Patricia was confirmed at FCC and her mother was a member. Patricia has decided to renew her membership. Patricia has a 27 year old son and enjoys spending time with family and relatives.
Larry and Ann Shriner have been residents of Wauwatosa for 15 years. They came to learn of FCC because their daughter, Rachel, was married here. What they like about FCC is that it's more receptive to their personal beliefs. Larry is retired and Ann is employed at Electrochemical Products, Inc. Larry and Ann both enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with family.
Paul and Claudia Scholl have a five year old daughter, Madeline, and have lived in Wauwatosa for ten years. Paul and Claudia were married at FCC in 1989, but left for a period of time. They decided to return as members because of the Youth and Music programs. Paul is a dentist by profession, but also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity doing remodeling and carpentry. Claudia is a member of the FCC choir and volunteers as a room parent at McKinley School. She also belongs to a book club. Madeline attends Sunday school at FCC.
Jim and Susan Ziegert have lived in Pewaukee for the past four years. They were members of FCC in the past and have decided to rejoin because of the inspirational sermons. Jim, an accountant for Waunakee Manor Nursing Home, and Susan, a reading specialist for the University of WI Waukesha, have two grown children, Scott and Kim. Jim and Susan look forward to participating in activities at FCC. Susan gladly offers her services to consult with FCC children, or parent's of children, who are experiencing difficulty reading. *
The Board of Benevolences has designated the School Based Health Centers operated by Children's Hospital as the recipient of the 2000 Christmas Offering. The Health Centers are located in 16 inner city schools. Because there are literally no medical services available in some of our poorer neighborhoods, parents found Children's Hospital Emergency Department to be their only medical source. These Health Centers were designed and funded by Children's Hospital to provide basic care in health and nutrition to children in their local neighborhood. Basic medical care is now closer to their homes and through prevention and care, hopefully, bigger medical problems can be avoided.
The Thanksgiving offering benefited The Saint Vincent Meal Program and the Tosa Food Pantry. The Meal Program, long an outreach effort of our congregation, is prepared and served by members of our congregation on the first Friday of each month. The Food Pantry, located in St. Bernard's Church, serves needy and deserving families in the immediate Wauwatosa area.
The Board is excited about the giving opportunities our special offerings provide and encourages each of you to share your blessings to make a difference in the lives of families and children of our community.
This Christmas, please give from your heart! *
Funeral and Memorial Services are difficult for family members to plan. It is always comforting to know that church members and friends will be there to help when there is a loss.
We thank Esther Wiegratz for her many years of service in this area. Esther has found it necessary to "retire" from this act of kindness. We also thank her "partner" of many years, Virginia Hutton who is now looking for one or two people she can count on to help her plan receptions that are held in the church for members following a service. Virginia will work with you in finding people to bake cookies. It is also necessary to help make preparations for the reception in Friendship Lounge, to serve at the reception and clean up afterward. If you are interested in this type of service, please call Virginia Hutton at 1-262-783-4869. We will all appreciate your help. *
When asked if there is a theme to this year's Christmas Concert, Lee Jacobi, Director of Music at First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, said, "No, there isn't."
However, every Christmas seems to combine old traditions with new experiences... and this year's concert is no different. This year's selections will include traditional and old music along with some new arrangements, and music new to this traditional concert.
Of course, this year's concert will feature the Children's Choir doing a variety of Christmas Carols and songs.
In addition, Betty Dethmers and Ralph Ehlert will perform a piano and organ duet that will delight concert goers.
Our excellent Bell Choir will be performing a series of traditional and familiar Christmas pieces uniquely set for the bells.
The Combined Adult Choirs will be performing a Renaissance work, O Magnum Mysterium, and a rousing old Spanish Christmas work never before performed here.
There is a modern piece, too, that sounds old, as well as new settings of Away in A Manger and Joy to the World.
The concert will begin with the traditional candlelight processional at 4:00 on the afternoon of December 10th. The doors will open at 3:30. Put this event on your calendar now. It is not to be missed. *
by Marilyn M. Auer
Mom to Mom, a new group which meets monthly, will meet Monday, Dec. 11,
from 79:00 p.m. in Friendship Lounge. We will be sharing family traditions
& making a kid-proof nativity set. Please bring a child's shoe box or
two. Also please bring a favorite Christmas
book to share.
Sign up through the church office and indicate if you have any shoe boxes. All moms of preschoolers are welcome along with any friends! *
Baby Boomer (+ or -)
If you are part of the Baby Boomer generation or close to it and like to socialize, join our group for Game Night. We'll get together on Friday, December 8, 7:00midnight at the home of Gary and Cathy Kebbekus, 2022 Forest St, Wauwatosa. Please call 414-475-1634. Bring a favorite group game or a snack or dessert.
Circle 8 will meet Tuesday, December 5 at 9:00 a.m. at Congregational Home to trim the Christmas trees. Bring a sandwich and plan to stay and wrap gifts. Also, remember that baked goods are needed for the Holiday Fair on December 6.
Blood Pressure Clinics will be held monthly at 10:00 a.m. in the Nurse's office within the Children's Library. Upcoming dates are: December 17, January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, and May 6.
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 11
