April 28, 2002
New Directors of Student Ministries
DLLines - A Salute to First Church
Roxanne Trump-Miles Directs Junior Choir
Confirmation Students' Mission Reports
Deacons & Christian Ed Seek Your Input
Condos and Kringles and Golf, Oh My!
A Note from the Children's Library
Global Outreach - The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) has, for more than 20 years, been sponsoring Pilgrim Missionary Voyages (PMV). This July, immediately following the NAPF conference in Spokane, Washington, 16 from our youth program will join approximately 80 students and chaperones from Congregational churches across the country on this year's PMV to Anchorage, Alaska. Hosted by Mary and Rick Koch's Congregational church in Anchorage, they will help build cabins for Camp Meyer, an area-side Christian youth camp. Honor your special someone this Mother's Day by helping to sponsor our youth on FCC's first youth Pilgrim Missionary Voyage. Your contribution will help cover travel expenses to Anchorage (from Spokane), registration fees, and building supplies used by our youth. Your gift will not only benefit our youth but also the youth who attend Camp Meyer truly a living memorial to your special 'someone'!
Local Outreach - Every third Sunday of the month, Carla Cummings and Rev. Chris Rygh take youth from our church (Book Buddies) to read to the children of Joy House. Many of these children have never owned a book! It is the wish of the Book Buddies to create a Book Bank at FCC so that these children could receive a book at the end of each session. The need is great! (They could use as many as 80 books each month that's 960 books a year!) Consider donating new or 'gently used' children's books in honor of your special someone this Mother's Day. If FCC could create a Book Bank for the children of Joy House and possibly others in the future, it would be a wonderful way to honor your special someone! A portion of this Mother's Day Special Offering will be used to purchase additional books for these children in case you are unable to donate books directly. Bring your books to the box outside the CE office now and throughout the year. This will be an ongoing project. Give the gift of reading!
This Mother's Day, consider honoring your special mother
(Mom, Momma, Mommy), grandmother (Nana, Oma, Grammy, Grandma), great-grandmother
(Great-Nana, Great-Gran, GiGi), aunt, sister, wife or special someone in
the following two ways. The Board of Benevolence offers a two-phase Special
Offering this Mother's Day in conjunction with the Board of Christian Education
and its desire to involve our youth in mission outreach work both globally
and locally.
Give lovingly because it helps!
Final update of Lenten Offering $12,184.11
God Bless!
In a recent shift of ministerial responsibilities, FCC added a lay position of "Director of Student Ministries." This part-time position focuses on directing the church's overall ministry to children including, nursery care, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and summer programming.
Responsibilities include: recruiting, training, scheduling and caring for Sunday School staff, selecting and implementing curriculum in consultation with the Sr. Minister and CE Board, and working with the nursery attendants.
FCC is extremely fortunate to have Carla Cummings and Carrie Sgarlata job-sharing to fill that position. It doesn't seem possible that anyone would be more qualified or better suited to lead our Student Ministries.
Carrie is a teacher, currently at Jefferson Elementary with a fourth grade classalso a job share position. A member of FCC since she was in third grade, Carrie has always kept church as a very central focus. She met her husband, Nick, in PF. They now have two children of their own: Hailey, 3 and Madeline, 6 months.
Carrie has served for a number of years on the CE Board, worked as Interim Youth Director, taught Sunday School and served on Council. Her dedication to the Church and the value she places on children made this position a natural fit.
Carla has been involved with nearly every aspect of the youth program ever since her children became involved. Carla and Bill have two daughters: Amanda, 8 and Madeline, 5. Carla chaired the CE Board twice in the past seven years. Carla has also been in charge of or involved with Vacation Bible School for the past eight years and taught Senior Kindergarten Sunday School for the past three.
Carrie and Carla have collaborated on many projects including the Children's Library and Vacation Bible School, so working together in the Director of Student Ministries position comes easily to them. "We're very aware of each other's strengths and seem to naturally know who should focus on each area right now," said Carla.
Carla and Carrie each have voicemail at the church if you need to get in touch with one of them. They have a lot in the works including Children's Sunday, new Summer Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.
Children's Sunday is Sunday, May 19, with the theme of "Awesome God." Plays and music will be presented by each of the Sunday School Classes with the Junior and Senior High students assisting with readings and music.
Following the service will be a first-ever, end-of-year social for kids in the Social Hall, especially nice for those parents who would like to attend the election meeting in the Nave.
An all-new Summer Sunday School program will be launched May 26th. The curriculum is titled, Bug Safari, and will be for children from age 3 to grade 2. Carrie and Carla will rotate teaching the class, but they are still looking for adult and teen assistance. If you're interested, call the church at 258-7375.
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for August 59 for children having completed 4KGrade 5. The theme for this summer is, Faith Mountain: An Extreme Adventure with Jesus. Again, Carrie and Carla are looking for lots of volunteers to help with planning or assistance during the week. Please call the church if you're interested, 258-7375.
With plenty of work ahead, it couldn't be in more capable hands. *
As my days wind down to a precious few, I am aware, once again, of the powerful history of First Congregational Church. Even a cursory visit to the archives reveals the fact that the history of this community, in fact the entire west side of Milwaukee, is tightly wound within the history of this Church.
The years of this Church's existence have seen thousands of people impacted by its ministry and program. It is impossible to think how different the well being and caring concern of a large portion of Wauwatosa and environs would be had it not been for this church.
Like few Churches I have known, you can look back at your history and quickly identify with clergymen who have made an indelible mark of leadership, not just within the church itself, but within the entire Milwaukee community. That is, indeed a history of which every member and acquaintance should be intensely proud.
But when it comes to real impact, think of the thousands of Congregationalists who have learned and been inspired by this church; who have served the community on councils, schools boards, numerous committees and community ventures. No person can correctly assess the constructive influence they have had.
In this place children have been taught, youth have been challenged, and adults have fellowshipped and served. Thousands have been exposed to the best of religious music, the richness of Christian liturgy and the power of the spoken words.
From our midst have come clergy persons, professors, teachers, social
workers, journalists, lawyers, doctors and an innumerable host of professional
business people and concerned and caring mothers and fathers.
Preachers come and go. Some leave prints in the sand, others inspiration on the human heart. Congregants come in, stay, move, go to school, leave for what ever reason; yet none passes through here without their life being changed to some extent.
So, next time you are feeling like your time in this Church is not significant, think of all that has made this area a better place. Think of what is happening right now and how we are becoming a loving caring community and think of what you will be under the leadership of the Peays. As far as I can see, you have every reason in the world to be happy, proud and immensely hopeful.
Chris and I will look forward to hearing about you in the years to come. I fully expect, First Church Wauwatosa will be looked to as "the place to be in '03." May God bless your future. *
Rev. Dr. Doug Lobb
With the energy and enthusiasm of the children she teaches, Roxanne Trump-Miles leads our Junior Choir of 3-year-old through 5th graders in song. The choir performs four times a year, practicing for 45 weeks prior. While a challenging position, Roxanne enjoys giving the children an opportunity to sing.
Roxanne has been an MPS teacher at Lloyd Street Elementary School for 17 years, moving from the first and second grade levels to become the music teacher four years ago.
Roxanne grew up as a member of North Shore Congregational Church. She and her husband Dave became members here eleven years ago. Roxanne and Dave are both choir members and have two children; Daniel, 10 and Emily, 6.
To be sure she's directing groups of children in all aspects of her life, Roxanne is also a Scout leader to her daughter's Girl Scout troop.
Roxanne is well loved by the children she directs in our choir and those feelings are reciprocated. "The kids are so sweet," said Roxanne, "The little ones love to sing. Even if it's not perfect, they enjoy it because they don't sing to perform, they sing to God." And when Roxanne teaches, there can be no doubt that this is one of her gifts from God. *
We continue following last year's confirmands who report on how they were challenged to make a $100 gift increase in value and help those in need.
Schowalter Builds a Strong Future
Ryan Schowalter served on the mission teams to San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Mazauha outside Mexico City. He noticed that a lack of more advanced equipment hindered their efforts in both cases. So Ryan had an idea. "My dad told me that Milwaukee is home to the best power tool company in the world. I wrote to them to ask for some help. I described the kind of work we did in Honduras, sending photographs of us cutting the pipe." Ryan asked in his letter if the company might be willing to give him a discount on one or two tools, making them aware of his $100 Confirmation grant.
After writing the letter, Ryan waited. "I was about to give up and try something else when Chris called from the Church. He said there was a huge box in the office and it was for me!" In the box Ryan found six reconditioned tools. Milwaukee Electric Tool sent two professional grade circular saws, two reciprocating saws and two half-inch hammer drills. "I couldn't believe it!" said Ryan, "and neither could Chris. He kept saying, 'There's got to be an invoice. Keep looking.' We even called the company to see what we owed, but they said there was no charge."
Back to square one, Ryan now had to decide how he would use his $100. Smiling, Ryan admits, "I thought, 'Oh no. I still haven't spent the money! Now what am I going to do?'" He began to explore how much it would cost to ship the boxes to the two missions. When he called the NACCC office in Oak Creek, he discovered it might be possible to send the tools--free of charge--with other teams that are traveling to the missions later this spring. Still burdened by the money, Ryan formulated yet another plan. He eventually realized that he could spend it on accessories. "I'm very pleased with how this has worked out. And I'm excited to think about how these tools will be used over and over again for projects at these missions."
Wehr Collects Food for the Hungry
Andrea Wehr watched last fall as millions of dollars flowed into New York City after the attacks on September 11. "I was concerned that so many people were sending money and material to New York while people here in Milwaukee were still going hungry," said Andrea. "Obviously the people in New York were really hurting, but we have people in Wisconsin who need help too."
After talking it over with her family, Andrea decided she would use her $100 to purchase food for two Milwaukee food banks. She contacted Second Harvest Food Bank of Wisconsin and the Hunger Task force of Milwaukee and told them about her project. Both organizations were very supportive.
"Some of the other confirmation students were able to increase their money. So I began to think of ways I could do that too. Eventually, I decided to approach some grocery stores to see if they would help me." Managers at three area Sentry stores were very enthusiastic about helping. They allowed Andrea to advertise her project at their stores.
So Andrea picked three Saturdays and set up booths at Sentry stores located at 7101 W. Lisbon, 7550 W. Perkins and 6627 W. Fond du Lac. To help her, she recruited her older sister, Melanie as well as her mother.
"We made signs to let people know what we were up to. Then, as shoppers came in to do their shopping, we asked them to consider picking up something for our project," explains Andrea. "A few people would just hand us a sack of stuff. I didn't really expect people to be so generous."
When Andrea finally made her deliveries, she was able to give each organization approximately $200 in cash and groceries. "I'm glad I did this. For one thing, I know that I am more likely to give next time I see someone collecting food or money like the Salvation Army. I want to be like the people who shared with me."
Locks of Love Update
Word of Kira-Lynn Reeve's project has spread to Hawaii! You may recall that Kira is collecting hair for an organization called Locks of Love which makes hair pieces for children who because of medical conditions have lost their hair. In addition to the samples she received locally, she received encouragement from several who read about her project on the web as well as a box this week from a salon in Honolulu! Another box arrived from a woman who cut her long hair many years ago when she entered a convent. She herself had also undergone chemotherapy a few years ago. She saved her locks all these years and after reading about the project sent her contribution. *
As part of our covenant, we seek to "grow in the knowledge and expression of our faith." While Congrega-tionalism encourages individual responsibility in spiritual growth, the Boards of Deacons and Christian Education are entrusted to assist our fellowship in fulfilling this mission. To remain faithful in this effort, board members have recently considered many issues related to the Sunday morning experience at First Congregational Church. Given the diverse needs and desires that exist within our church, many possibilities related to worship and education are available.
It is the desire of the Boards at this time to encourage individual members to consider what we, as a congregation, are looking for as we gather together. This effort would seek to examine many issues--for example, volunteers, adult and children's education, time and format of worship and more frequent church meetings. The goal is to prompt full discussion in the desire to create the best possible experience for all who attend First Congregational Church.
To further this effort, a joint committee representing the boards has been formed which has conferred with our new Senior Minister, the Rev. Dr. Steven Peay. The committee will facilitate the process of gathering information, which may take the form of surveys, focus groups or other means deemed appropriate. We trust that this will allow for the fullest participation and sharing of information.
As we begin to identify the important issues, please take the opportunity to explore the possibilities. The committee members listed below are available to answer any questions and we look forward to hearing your ideas. *
Board Members: Sarah DeYoung, Cheryl Hokenson, Julie Smith , David Wareham, Paul Stein
This year's Gourmet Dinner and Auction proved to be worthy of being called "The Best Ever." Delicious food prepared by noteworthy cooks, eye-appealing display of silent auction items, and beautiful set up and decorations adorned the Social Hall accompanied by the sounds of a strolling violinist.
Servers for dinner were PF students who wore their black and white attire and served tables like pros, thanks to Nancy Quinn's quick "food serving etiquette" training.
M.C. Keith Harmon came sporting a tuxedo and a bundle of energy. As the silent auction tables began to close, many members shuffled to the item of their choice making one last offer, hoping their bid would be the winning bid.
With microphone in hand, Keith began the voice auction. Leading off with such items as airplane rides, condo stays and concert tickets, Keith's high energy kept things moving along at a fast pace.
During the course of the evening bid wars turned into excitement as bids for a foosball table donated by the Kelling family rose to over $200.00. A personal parking space and introductory flight lessons were among the new entries in this year's auction. Many other items met the delight of their new owner and most exceeded the minimum bids.
Special thanks to Scott and Carol Wittig, Denise and Caitlin O'Meara Nancy Quinn, Kaitlin Lemke, Diane and Dan Schowalter, John Sgarlata, the maintenance crew, Kandi Udesky, the PF students, Keith Harmon, Pam Parker, Amanda Collis and the many other people whose hard work and dedication is so greatly appreciated.
With a goal of $10,000 this year, the dinner/auction topped that by raising nearly $14,000! This money of course helps support the upcoming trip to Alaska, summer camp, conferences and other events in which many students would not otherwise be able to participate. May we continue to allow our youth to participate in "Missions of Christ." *
by Terri Hoerz
You may have noticed a few changes in the Children's Library over the past couple of months. As a service project, the Mom's Covenant Group has been working in the library creating new signs, repairing damaged books, and making sure everything is in order.
While reviewing all the books and going through the records of checked out books, the group discovered that many materials are overdue and difficult to track due to insufficient information on the check out cards. In fact, some books appear to have been checked out two years ago and have not yet been returned! Please take some time to check your bookshelves, closets, and under the couch to see if your family has any books or videos that need to be returned. The library typically collects overdue fees on the honor system, but in an effort to have as many books and videos returned as possible, no fees will be due on any overdue materials if they are returned by the middle of April. So, now is the time to find and return those books!
To make it easier to track books and videos in the future, please be sure to write your first and last names on the check-out card and place the card in the check out box. Also, stamp the due date on both the check out card and the card pocket.
Reading and watching videos is a fun family experience and a great learning tool, so be sure to visit the Children's Library and browse through the shelves next time you are at church!
Just a reminder: books can be checked out for three weeks and videos for one week.
Each winter since we began Breakfast with the Girls we've been so fortunate not to have to deal with a "weather issue" that I for one got complacent until March, of all months! The no-go decision was mine-mea culpa and I guess it was warranted but it broke my heart and I do apologize! Acacia Theater (who were concerned too) will be back next year --I promise!
Coming up on April 6th, we've asked Melody Narr, a landscaper and member of First Church to bring us a program sure to fire up our spring feeling. It is titled "Come to your Senses in the Garden"...Exploring plants that will delight your 5 senses.
Her letter to us is so perfectly descriptive I quote it verbatim!!
Melody Narr and her husband Tim are co-owners of Landworks, Inc., a landscape maintenance company in Sussex.
A self taught gardener, she is one of those lucky people who was able to turn a passion into a career. Looking for a mid-life career change, she decided to follow her heart and make a jump from advertising to horticulture (and hasn't looked back once!).
Landworks comes in #2 behind her family-sons Jack, 13 and Joe, 9 -her husband, Tim and two step-children, Amy, 13 and Tyler, 10.
After family and Landworks, any time left is spent enjoying photography, golf and their newly acquired farm animals stray cat, ducks, chickens, and a pot-bellied pig)."
I don't know about you but I can't wait! See you all in April.. *
Char Schweitzer
Moderator
Cindy Payette
Vice Moderator
Steve Fisher
Treasurer
Diane Houriet
Assistant Treasurer
Jim Walsh
Church Clerk
Sally Boyle
Council
Nancy Cleveland
Barbara Dunham
Steve Russ
2 year term
Sue Rowbottom
1 year term
Julie Anheuser
Benevolences
Bill Donaldson
Mary York
Nancy Vander Velde
Christian Education
Sarah DeYoung
Paul Stein
Caroline Wells
1 year term
Michelle Russ
Care Board
Margaret Brown
Ruth Dunham
Scott Rondeau
2 year term
Sally Wells
Elaine Wieand
1 year term
Janice Wittig
Pam Parker
Fellowship
Becky Cummings
Tracy Lockhart
Charlie Thombs
2 year term
Traci Elliott
Valerie Blazich
1 year term
Lucy Miyazaki
Deacons
Lois Ashley
Harry Collis
Matt Johnson
Pat Reddy
Brian Turner
2 year term
Ken Wendt
Stewardship
Butch Boyd
Nick Sgarlata
Trustees
Steve Bergum
Bill Cummings
Tom Tanger
2 year term
Jeff Saeger
1 year term
Joan Halvorson
George Janssen
Nominating Committee
1. Sue Boettcher
2. Phil Landis
3. Jennifer Wakefield
Bylaws 6.d: Additional nominations for any such positions may be made only by petition, signed by ten (10) active members and filed with the Clerk at least two (2) weeks in advance of the Election Meeting; and they shall be published to the Membership at least one (1) week prior to the Meeting.
Official Notice is hereby given that the annual Election Meeting of the Church will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 11:15 a.m. in the Nave. Children will have supervised activities in the Social Hall. The nursery will also be open.
All-Church Workday
Our Spring clean-up is scheduled for May 11. There is something available for EVERYONE! Whether you can come for the day or an hour sometime during the day, your help is appreciated. Work inside or out, whether permitting. Melody Narr, a member who owns a landscaping company will be there to assist.
Daycare services and lunch are provided. It's fun as well as a great service to the church, so come join us!
In Honor of Mother's Day
On Sunday, May 5 and May 12, the Board of Christian Education will sponsor a Mother's Day book dedication for our Library Resource Center. Each book you dedicate will be marked with a personalized bookplate to celebrate and remember Mom on her special day. You will also receive a card for Mom to recognize your generous contribution. Payment can be made by cash or check. Selected titles, including biographies, inspirational literature, devotionals, and personal enrichment literature will be on display both days. Please consider participating in this special Mother's Day event.
St. Vincent Meal Program
Our church participates in this fine benevolent organization the first Friday of each month. We next served on Friday, May 3. Please call Barb or Ruth Dunham, 774-7147 to volunteer in meal preparation at 8:15 a.m. or call Pam Parker, 475-0044, to serve.
The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is
www.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Mary York - Chairperson,
Nancy Fisher, Sue Rowbottom,
De McDermott, Bill Edens
*
Rev. Dr. Douglas Lobb, Interim Minister
Rev. Chris Rygh, Associate Minister
Rev. Dr. Charles Goldsmith,
Congregational Home Chaplain
Rani Gusho, Administrator
Lee Jacobi, Director of Music
Betty Dethmers, Organist
Michelle Jackson, Parish Nurse
Sally Boyle, Secretary
Anne Callen, Secretary
Charles Nelson, Administrator, Congregational Home, Inc.
Rev. Dr. Norman S. Ream, Minister Emeritus
*
Congregational Columns (USPS 010-493) is published monthly by The First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, 1511 Church St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213-2593, 414/258-7375. Periodical Postage Paid at Milwaukee, WI 53203-9998. Postmaster: Send address changes to Congregational Columns, 1511 Church St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213-2593.
Vol. 11, Issue 4
