February 25, 2001
Nominating Committee Seeks Involvement
All-Church Meeting, March 7, 2001
Search Committee Moving Forward
Ancient Gospels and the Modern Church
"There are No Hopeless Situations"
The 158th Annual Meeting of First Congregational Church was held January 21 at 2:30 p.m. After moderator Steve Hayes called the meeting to order, Merrill York made a special presentation to Betsy Isenberg. The Church thanked her for her nearly 20 years of service in the office and presented her with a gift.
Next Rev. Lonnie Richardson spoke of his resignation and his pride during his five years with this Church. Diane Houriet delivered the Treasurer's Report. While commending board members for remaining fiscally very responsible, she noted that the Church was able to "stay in the black," through Trustees and Benevolences holding off on planned spending, finishing 2000 well under budget.
That report set the tone for much of the rest of the meeting. As members heard from Maurie Daigneau (Stewardship), Hank Collis (Trustees), Dick Koch (Vice Moderator, reporting Budget and Finance), and Steve Hayes, one theme was resounding... the pledges for 2001 are inadequate to meet the Church's present needs. Maurie noted that despite a heartfelt campaign, we are more than $150,000 short of meeting the $775,000 goal and the Board of Stewardship would likely be charged with a further effort. He also noted that pledges have had a downward trend since 1997.
As Hank presented the Trustees Report, he noted that much work on the building in the past years has been reactive, costing more than it should. Maintenance projects have been deferred and this type of care is no longer a viable option. The building now needs $45,000 in various projects from deferred maintenance and has a list of long-range projects totalling approximately $131,000.
While a deficit budget was passed, which brings Benevolence spending back to 10% of the total budget and addresses the structural situations, it was agreed that the financial state of the Church would be reviewed at the May All-Church meeting. If the difference has not been met at that time, decisions will be made regarding cutting programming.
Dave Swanson provided a Search Committee report, then Steve Hayes gave his comments. As moderator, he noted the difficulties of the past year and the resolve to keep open communication within the Church. He noted that positive outcomes can arise from difficult situations and now is a time to move forward.
Finally, there was discussion as to the procedure followed surrounding Rev. Richardson's departure. This will be further addressed at the March 7 meeting. *
The Nominating Committee is beginning the process of filling the open positions on the Boards and the Church Council for the Election Meeting on Sunday, May 6, 2001.
If you are interested in serving on one of the Boards, the Council or Committees please sign up at church on Sunday, February 25 or March 4 at the tables in the hallway. Or you may call the church office 414-258-7375 and ask to have your name given to the Committee.
The Board members are elected at the Election Meeting, members of the Committees are appointed by the new Moderator after that person has been elected at the May 6 meeting. The office will see that the new Moderator receives the name of anyone who volunteers for Committees.
You may indicate the Board or Committee in which you are particularly interested but we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to that one. It depends how many names we receive and how many people want the same positions. All persons who volunteer will receive a response from the Nominating Committee. If you volunteer, please remember that to be an effective member of a Board or Committee you must attend the meetings regularly.
We look forward to your considering helping your church in this capacity. *
In response to a petition signed by 50 active church members, a Special Meeting has been called to further discuss the issue of the departure of our senior minister and the procedure that was followed. Under the By-Laws the congregation cannot reinstate Lonnie Richardson as Senior Minister at this meeting. He has resigned and Council accepted the resignation.
The meeting will be held in the Social Hall. The agenda will also include reports from the Search Committee and the Board of Christian Stewardship as non-action items.
The Search Committee has met regularly and has had intensive discussions regarding the religious views and theological backgrounds of people to be considered for the position of Senior Minister at First Congregational Church.
Focus Group sign-up sheets for meetings intended to be one hour in length and for smaller groups of 8--10 members have been available in the hallway between services since Sunday, February 11. If sufficient interest is shown in participating in these groups, sign-up sheets will be available for groups to be scheduled at convenient times through March. It is hoped that all groups may conclude by March 31, so that tabulation of the traits /attitudes /skills /values may begin.
Letters from members of the congregation have also bee received and are on file with the Search Committee regarding specific ministerial attributes and traits for which these members desired to express a preference. These members had preferred to not participate in the Focus Group process. A weighting process will be developed to insure that equal consideration will be given to written and Focus Group input.
Recommendation Forms for the Senior Minister position continue to be available in the church office. The search process is usually an extended one, taking anywhere from six months to more than two years; although this is early-on, the committee will appreciate having your recommendations earlier, rather than "too late." *
by Dave Swanson, chairperson
Ash Wednesday, February 28, ushers in the Lenten season for 2001. As we journey through March and the beginning of April, I urge you to contemplate your personal life experiences. The word Lent literally means "lengthening days." It comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means, "spring." Those of us with homes think about our yards. We contemplate planting bushes, flowers, and gardens. The list is endless. This is a time to reflect on the past and look toward the next year.
And yet spring comes every year. Our yards need tending every year in the same way. This is a time we return to our "spring" thoughts. In the same way, Lent in the church year is a return to reflecting on our life, reorganizing and reprioritizing our lives and reconnecting to the possibilities of life. We do all this by returning! We return to journey with Christ. Zachariah 1:3 "Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord." Henri Nouwen wrote about returning:
"The story of the prodigal son is a story about returning -- and that makes it an ideal Lenten parable. I have come to realize the need for returning over and over again. My life drifts away from God. I have to return. My heart moves away from my first love. I have to return. My mind wanders. I have to return. Returning is a life-long struggle that is renewed each Lent.
"The wayward son had rather selfish motivations-- he returned simply to survive. He had discovered that his way was leading him to death. He realized he had sinned, but this realization came because sin had brought him to ruin.
"I am moved by the fact that the father didn't require any motivation. His love was so total and unconditional that he received his son back whatever his motivation. This is a very encouraging thought. God does not demand a pure heart before embracing us. Even if we return only because following our desires has failed to bring happiness, God will take us back. Even if we return because drifting has brought us less peace than being faithful, God will receive us. Even if we return because we could not make it on our own, God will receive us. God's love does not ask any questions. God is glad to see us home and wants to give us all we desire, just for being home."
I encourage you to return to your inner journey with the Christ in you. Let Lent lead you to life. Let Lent lead you to the joy and peace of Easter morning. *
Peace in your journey!
Rev. Kathryn A. Rust
First Congregational Church is proud to be a sponsor of Ancient gospels and the Modern Church. This three-session series will serve as an introduction to modern academic study of the gospels, a discussion of how this academic study can be informative to modern churches, and a consideration of how churches and church people can inform and engage with modern Gospels scholarship.
The conference will feature three sessions each focussing on a different area of New Testament Study. each session will include a lecture by a visiting scholar, responses from a panel of local clergy, and open discussion with the audience.
Session I: The Quest for the "Historical Jesus:" What is
it, and
what relevance does it have for modern believers?
Sunday, March 25 3:00 p.m. at Marquette University
Speaker Professor Stephen Patterson from Eden Theological Seminary is an active participant in the Jesus Seminar, examining gospel evidence for the ministry and message of Jesus. He is an active educator in the United Church of Christ.
Session II: Archaeological Research and the World of the Gospels:
Can we move beyond "the footsteps
of Jesus"?
Monday, March 26 7:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church
Speaker Professor Andrew Overman of Macalester College is chair of the Classics Department at Macalester and has published two books on the Gospel of Matthew. He is currently Director of the Excavations at Omrit in Northern Israel.
Session III: The Gospel of Thomas and other literature outside of the Canon: What should we learn from documents that didn't make the cut?
Tuesday, March 27 7:00 p.m. at Carthage College, Todd Wehr Center
Speaker Professor Helmut Koester of Harvard University has been a leading scholar of the new Testament for more than 40 years. He has written widely on Gospel Traditions and is currently a Harvard University Research Professor.
More information on the speakers and complete directions to session locations are available at www.carthage.edu/~danschow/??? You may also call Dan at 262-551-5884.
I believe that there were 28 people in this church community who touched a tiny corner of heaven during the last weekend in January. That little corner had temperatures in the teens and a 12-inch snow cover. However, there were sounds of laughter, squeals of excitement and sighs of contentment emanating from the group warmly tucked away on the shores of Green Lake Pilgrim Center.
Our journey began on Friday evening, traveling north in a bit of a snow shower. We all rendezvoused at a local family restaurant for sustenance and then we continued our travel further into the central part of the state. After a tedious journey over wide-open farmland, with the wind whipping snow over the roads and visibility at a minimum, we emerged at our destination. We could hear the snow crunch below our footsteps as we walked up the path to a modern lodge, which would become our home for the next two days. Inside the lights were on and a fire was crackling in the fireplace. We were literally welcomed warmly. From that moment on, we forgot all our schedules and demands of our life back in Wauwatosa and joined in the fun of meeting new people, renewing old acquaintances and just kicking back and relaxing.
Our weekend consisted of FOOD that was out of this world...including all the snacks that we brought along. Some of us went cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, hiking in the woods, trudging out onto the ice and investigating the ice fishing shanties and introducing ourselves to those hearty ice fishing people. Yes, and a weekend of "camping" would not be complete without a campfire in the snow and s'mores over the fire. During the evenings we gathered in the living room area and played board games, put puzzles together and entertained each other with creative skits and just plain talk, talk, talk.
As we gathered for our final lunch on Sunday we all promised to talk about this weekend for next year and vowed to bring at least one other family or friend along next winter. Mark your calendar ...it has been reserved... January 25, 26, 27, 2002 !!! *
We live in a "just do it" world where commitment and action are necessary to nurture relationships that are sometimes scarce in today's mobile society. Most view mentoring as a major component that reconnects generations, cultures and social classes. It's not a new concept however. The origin of mentoring dates back to the Trojan war, where the King of Ithaca asked his friend, Mentor to look after his young son, Telemachas while he fought the war.
A more modern use of the term comes from the works of an 18th century French writer, Fenelon who was himself a mentor and scholar. He wrote "mentoring institutionalizes bonds allowing young people to ease into rites and roles of adulthood".
Whatever the origin, most adults can identify with at least one person who at some point in their life had a significant and positive impact on them. If you are a parent, you already are a mentor, for life!
The fundamental purpose of mentoring is learning. A mentor takes interest in and helps you learn what you need to know about personal development, decision making and provides social guidance in a peer pressure society.
The classic notion of a mentor being an old, wise man who takes you under his wing has been replaced with a new paradigm better suited for today's fast paced world. Our PF students are a great example of this shift. Although well on their way to adulthood, they do not fit the "traditional" mold. Wise in their years, these young compassionate students share their life experiences and teach others through reading at Joy House or serving St. Vincent meals.
At First Congregational Church we have many mentoring opportunities. Although not an established committee or posted on a board in the hallway, we have a very diverse group of individuals who need a role model, confidant, coach, a friend. Consider mentoring, it's a great life experience.
by Terri Biloff
Rev. Lonnie A. Richardson will present a series of messages on hope.
March 4 There are No Hopeless Situations Concerning Human Weakness.
March 11 There are No Hopeless Situations Among Life's Disappointments.
March 18 There are No Hopeless Situations in Matters of Health.
March 25 There are No Hopeless Situations in Human Relationships.
Is it some bad habit that enslaves you? Some weakness which irritates you? Some unfortunate proneness to do bad when you want to do good? Some feeling of bitterness you can't put behind you? Rev. Lonnie Richardson believes God made life so that we all face such situations, but they are never hopeless. There is no wrong that cannot be righted. There is no situation about which nothing can be done. God has so created the universe that no wrong is permanent in its victory. During the Lenten season, we will learn from these messages that there really are no hopeless situations. *
The Honduran leadership team had its first meeting on Thursday, February 8. At this meeting the team reviewed the logistics of the mission.
We have received confirmation from the NACCC. The Missionary Society voted in early February to accept our application for MAC (Missionary Assistance Corps) status. In practical terms this means our team will be covered by the same insurance that protects the NACCC, a savings of over $2000 to our student missionaries. The Missionary Society of the NACCC also agreed to underwrite part of the mission team's expense.
Doug Hoerz has suggested that everyone going to Honduras read the book The Volunteer Mission Experience written by former NACCC executive, Dr. Michael Halcomb. Dr. Halcomb served 10 years as the head of missions and traveled extensively to all parts of the world visiting NACCC missionaries. His book covers many issues, including leadership responsibilities, travel tips, and cultural acclimation or "what to expect when serving a foreign mission." Each student missionary will receive a copy of this helpful piece.
Now that the students have been selected, the Honduran mission team is in need of sponsors (mentors) for these students. Sponsors can provide support by praying with and for the student, assisting in fund raising efforts, providing financial contributions, and/or communicating regularly with the student to ensure he or she is not overbooked and trying to carry too many responsibilities. Please contact Terri Biloff if you would like to sponsor a student. Our hope is to have at least one sponsor per student no later than the first week of March.
Fund raising continues to play an important role in this mission as well as other potential missions. The annual Gourmet Italian Dinner/PF Fundraising Auction is the largest event sponsored by PF. The Dinner/Auction raises funds for many events occurring throughout the year including NAPF and summer camp. The Honduran team asks for your support by donating gift certificates, services, resale items or by making financial contributions. *
by Terri Biloff
Eleanor Quint and Jack Forbes Wilson will be the performers for the final 4 O-clock of the season on March 25. Eleanor has appeared in many Skylight Theater productions, including Guys and Dolls in 1997. She was in Fiddler on the Roof with the MSO Pops, and with her late husband performed all over the Midwest as a duo. For 3 years she directed the choir at Wauwatosa Avenue Methodist Church and currently leads the singing group of The Women's Church of Wisconsin.
Jack is associate music director at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Astor Street. He has a piano studio and will be musical director for First Stage Milwaukee Holiday Show. Jack has performed Billy Bishop Goes to War a number of times over the last 12 years. Jack sang and played piano in that production.
In May, Jack and Ellie will present their tribute to Hoagy Carmichael in the Skylight Cabaret following the final production of the season. *
State Rallies
On Friday, February 16, 11 senior high students traveled to Green Bay for a winter rally, lock-in. Advertised as a time of fun and fellowship, the students spent the evening bowling, eating pizza, watching movies and playing volleyball in the church's new gymnasium. Later this month, on March 23-24 our middle school students will attend a weekend rally at Ozaukee Congregational Church near Grafton. Associate minister Chris Rygh will present a portion of the weekend's program which is entitled, Unlock the Adventure.
Service
A number of students are making significant contributions to the church through their volunteer efforts. Twelve are serving in various capacities in our Sunday School ministry. Others are serving in the nursery. And on February 11, members of our Senior Pilgrim Fellowship began painting one of the lower level Sunday School rooms not included in the renovation. In addition, a team of students continues to visit Milwaukee Rescue Mission's Joy House on the third Sunday evening of each month in order to read to underprivileged boys and girls.
Upcoming Events
Besides the annual dinner/auction, students in both the Junior and Senior PF groups will be visiting Adventure Rock, an indoor climbing gym located on Capitol drive in Brookfield. The event will take place on Sunday, March 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per climber which includes instruction, equipment and 3 hours in the facility. Parents are encouraged to join their children for the event. "We had half dozen parents climbing last fall when we did this," said Chris Rygh, "and it was so neat to see the kids hollering encouragement to their parents and vice versa." Special registration forms are required. Contact Chris if you
have questions at 414-258-7375.
Field Trips
The Confirmation class will do three off-site visits this spring. On
February 18, the class visited Community Baptist Church at 43rd and North Avenue. They enjoyed the spirited worship and the warm embrace of the congregation. On March 18, the class will visit Faith Community Congregational Church of Franklin. In fact, our students will help to set up and break down the worship space as part of their visit. Faith Community is one of our sister NACCC churches. Until they can construct their new building, this start up congregation is meeting in a gym. And each week they have to create a worship environment from scratch. Finally, on Saturday, March 31, the class will visit Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL. "My hope," said Confirmation leader, Chris Rygh, "is that our students can see three very different settings in which real and effective worship is taking place. Churches that operate congregationally, can look, sound and feel very different."
Church Family Talent Show
The Jr & Sr PF groups are planning a talent show on Sunday, May 6th from 7-8:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now, and, please let us know if you have a talent to share. If the spirit doesn't move you to go on stage, please join us for a night of fun and fellowship as our lively, and multi-talented youth share their gifts. (If you want to sign up to participate, or to help coordinate this event, please email Pam Parker at pparker@mjds.org, or call her at 414-475-0044.) *
The coffee was hot, the cakes were great and the program was Awesome. February's "Breakfast With the Girls" hosted Janet Peterson from the Acacia Theater with her one-woman presentation of Handmaid of the Lord, tracing the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion through the eyes of his mother Mary. Moving, inspiring, touching were all words I heard from many who were there, but in truth, no words could really describe the feeling generated in all of us that morning.
Janet is an extraordinarily talented young woman, who was able to bring us all with her to the foot of the cross. It was a fitting start to the upcoming Lenten season and one that I'm sure we won't soon forget.
On March 3rd, we will have another unforgettable opportunity to share another woman's journey. Born in Belgium, Mia Toska will bring us her Survivor's story and take us on her path to Christianity and America. Please remember to join us then. Each month has something special for us and the fellowship opportunity with each other is the best part of all! *
by Char Schweitzer
Congregational Home Needs...
* Volunteers to drive residents to their
doctor appointments.
* Anyone who would enjoy playing games with the residents on the second and fourth Friday of the month.
* Volunteers to do programs or book reviews on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
* A volunteer to take residents grocery
shopping on Wednesdays at 1:45.
Baby Boomers Plus or Minus
will have a Game Night on Friday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. at Phil and Michelle
Jackson's home. Bring a board game and dessert or snack (a spare folding
table, if you have one.) Decaff. coffee and tea will be provided. Please
call Phil & Michelle at
414-332-1979 by March 7 for preparation purposes and directions.
Mobile Meals Needs Drivers ASAP
Mobile Meals delivers lunches and dinners to shut-ins on weekdays starting at the Congregational Home at 11:45 a.m. returning to the Home by 1:00 p.m. There is a Brookfield and a Tosa route any help would be appreciated. (Once a month, twice a month or once a quarter! - we need any driver for any number of days they want to drive.) Please call Jennifer Wareham at 262-827-9992 or email at dwareham@wi.rr.com. Teens to seniors are all welcome!
The Lenten Offering...
will benefit the Congregational Fund at the Congregational Home.
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, 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. 10, Issue 2
