May 26, 2002
Everyone's Swarming to Bug Safari
Steve Fisher Elected Vice Moderator
DLLines - Goodbye and a Million Thanks!
Nursery Updates Nearly Complete
Confirmation Students' Mission Reports
Benevolence Board Supports Youth Servants
Rygh Serves as Missionary to Dominican Republic
We are very excited for this year's Summer Sunday School program to begin. There are many meaningful activities planned for those who attend. This program is for children who are three years old to children who are entering third grade. Students who are entering fourth grade and above are encouraged to attend church with their family. In addition, nursery care and the two year old room will be open for business this summer. No one wants to miss the fun, so make getting to church this summer a top priority.
The following is the summer schedule of events focusing on each Sunday's theme and Biblical foundation. Parents, make sure to keep this schedule handy during the summer months. It will be a helpful reference as you discuss what your child has learned during class.
Summer Schedule
May 26th, June 2nd, and June 16th
Theme: God Knows Us
Bible Verse: "Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me." Psalm 139:1
June 16th, June 23rd and June 30th
Theme: God Helps Us
Bible Verse: "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
July 7th, July 14th and July 21st
Theme: God is Our Friend
Bible Verse: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." Psalm 23:1
July 28th, August 4th and August 11th
Theme: God Forgives Us
Bible Verse: "Create in me a pure heart, 0 God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10
August 18th, August 25th and September 1st
Theme: God Shows Us How to Love Others
Bible Verse: "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to show anger and rich in love." Psalm 145:8
The crickets are chirping, the grasshoppers are hopping, and "everybuggy" is buzzing about the fun at Bug Safari. So grab your butterfly net, and get ready for a big adventure learning about God's love. Anyone interested in volunteering to help out, please see Carla or Carrie.
See you there!
At the May 19 All-Church election meeting, Steve Fisher was elected Vice Moderator of First Congregational Church.
Here at First Congregational, Steve has chaired the Board of Trustees and finished a term on Church Council one year ago. Steve and wife Nancy have been members here for 26 years. They have one daughter, Katie Doyle.
As a church leader, Steve hopes to continue to bring the congregation together, a task he feels will be made easier under the leadership of Rev. Steve Peay, Ph.D. "I believe the congregation is a major strength of this Church."
Steve is also interested in working on an effective Long Range Plan to better integrate the Church and its programming into the community specifically social service groups in Milwaukee. "I would like to see more opportunity to become involved inside some of these (established organizations) to learn how we can help."
Steve is also quick to point out the strength of the music program here at First Congregational Church and recognizes the importance and influence of that portion of the ministry here.
Steve has been an attorney for the past 27 years at Foley and Lardner. Now a partner, his legal work centers mainly around tax planning, estate trust administration and work with charitable organizations.
Steve's volunteer work with charities also seems to be a passion. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood, and is a board member for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the International Crane Foundation.
With much practical experience to his credit, we are fortunate to welcome Steve to this position. *
The worst part of being a minister is that periodically, I have to say goodbye. Sadly, that time has come again, and even though it has just been one year, already I am in mourning because you have made this year something very special to Chris and me.
I cannot express adequately to you, how grateful I am for having this opportunity to minister in your midst. You have become very dear to me and I am so pleased that there has been an "attitude adjustment" in this fellowship; and it is more than a late afternoon hour reality. I truly believe that this place is ready to "go" and Steve Peay is the right selection to be the motivator for that growth.
There is now a "spirit" here that is wonderful and even contagious. It is not a coincidence that each Sunday we are seeing new folks coming to experience worship. From the growing Sunday school to the vibrant youth program; from the superb music to the work parties, dinners, and even meetings, there is fun and a sense of progress. You can just feel it.
I ask you to keep that spirit alive: love Steve and Julie as you have Chris and me. Continue to seek for openness of thought and excellence of process and First Church will be a tour de force in this area and in our National Association.
Chris and I are excited about this next chapter in our lives. After many years, we are going home to the beauty of British Columbia. We have a house that is currently being constructed, but we do have the address and letters can be sent to that address.
Our address is:
Doug and Chris Lobb
15500 Rosemary Heights Crescent #87
South Surrey B.C. Canada
V3S 0K1
We will not have a telephone until we move in this new townhouse in September. We are near Vancouver, the airport and the ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria AND we have guest rooms so, we expect to see some of you in the future.
Thank you for being you. That's the best I can say. You are a great group. God bless you all. *
Rev. Dr. Doug Lobb
Have you seen the nursery and two year old room recently? It's brighter, safer, more organized and better supplied.
Several months ago, the Church Council voted to use a portion of a large bequest given to the church last year, for the purpose of updating the nursery and two year old room. A committee was formed and began working immediately. The committee met often to discuss the priorities and needs in the two rooms. It was determined that both rooms were in need of new ceilings, flooring, carpeting, sinks, cabinetry and countertops. In addition, both rooms needed to be painted and several supplies needed to be purchased for each
room. The committee carefully considered which projects could be completed using volunteers and which ones needed to be done by contractors.
Thanks to a great group of volunteers, both rooms were painted during the month of March. Workers from outside of the church completed the ceilings and flooring. Several other projects have been done, little by little, by the church staff and families who have volunteered their time on Saturday mornings. There are still a few more things that need to be completed, but the committee is happy to report that the main projects are finished. Make sure to stop in and take a peek next Sunday. You will see that our children can now enjoy their newly updated Sunday morning home thanks to several volunteers and to the individual who gave such a generous bequest. *
Memorial Day seems an appropriate time to reflect on those who we have memorialized in the past year and to explain our Memorials and Special Gifts Fund.
Donations can be made in honor of someone or a special event as well as memorials for a deceased friend or relative. Often church families designate the church to be recipient of memorials; other times people make donations for friends who may not be church members.
Everyone who has memorials given to the church will have his or her name and date of death listed in the permanent record book which can be viewed in the glass case in the Narthex. The church keeps a list of suggested items for families who want a specific item purchased with the memorial funds. It is also a good idea to designate the money to be deposited in one of our special funds, such as the Heritage Endowment, Facilities Renewal, Programs and Special Events, or Scholarship. More information on these funds is available in the literature racks.
Some of the established funds for Memorial Gift use are to benefit the Music Program, the Christian Education Library, the Bibles given at Baptisms and to 3rd Graders, and the outdoor flags. Recently money was specified for the flower garden behind the church on the Ridge Court Circle. We have also purchased the new, sturdy high chairs for the Social Hall, the fabric for the little Baptismal napkins, the beautiful outdoor summer flower baskets, and provided for some of the special musicians who take part in Sunday Services. Years ago Memorial monies purchased the bells in the steeple.
Following is a list of those memorialized in 2001 and to-date in 2002:
Edward H. Dornbush
Elizabeth A. Kuss
Karl W. Stieghorst
Janet Grede Jacobs
Gunhild Marie Horton Kamerling
Charlotte Eggebrecht
Margaret Shewan
Philip A. Muth
Clara Buchmann
Jean C. Bailey
Edna M. McCoy
Earl F. Williams
Robert Kuchler
Thomas L. Dineen
Marvin D. Miller
Edward G. Fenelon
Mavis Rose Holtan
Walter D. Pett
Elizabeth Cherwick
Fred Altman
Lucile N. Landis
Margaret E. Schoneck
Walter Stewart Davis
Helen R. Stencel
Mary C. Loughney
Norma Mountain Wilson
Jon R. Bilda
Thank you to all who took part in the "experimental" evaluation of Dr. Lobb. This was an opportunity for the congregation to express their opinions about the Senior Minister and his performance. The results have been tabulated and will be part of the final evaluation before Doug leaves in June. The Personnel Committee will decide if the process was successful and will be a part of our regular evaluation of the Senior Minister and/or Associates in the future.
All members were offered the opportunity to pick up the evaluation form in the office and submit it by April 30. 77 people requested forms, 44 were turned in by the deadline and are included in the results, 1 was not signed so was not included, 2 were turned in after the results had been tabulated, and 30 were not returned.
The Feedback Analysis and Results is available for anyone to review in the office. There are not copies available to be given out.
This month we finish 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.
Katrina Esser was stumped. For many months she wrestled with what she would do with her $100 blessing. "It was such a hard decision for me," said Esser. "I know some of my classmates were frustrated because they didn't have any ideas. I had the opposite problem; I had too many things I wanted to do with it!"
After considering her long list of worthy projects, she decided she'd contribute the money to a cause somehow connected to her family. Initially, Esser considered the Cancer Society because she has had family members touched by cancer and knows how awful that can be. But eventually, Katrina settled on the National AIDS Foundation. "In 1991, my uncle died of AIDS. It is a tough thing," said Esser. "Knowing a little bit about how devastating AIDS can be, I decided that is where I wanted the money to go. So many, even here in Milwaukee suffer from this disease and I wanted to help end the suffering." Katrina doubled the gift before donating.
Thanks to Katie Rowbottom, residents in the Alzheimer unit at San Cammilo's will soon have their very own video library featuring some of the all-time classics. "We often go to visit my grandmother," said Katie, "and I know how much she and the others on her floor enjoy watching movies, especially the old ones. I learned from the staff that someone always has to make a trip to Blockbuster to rent a video before anyone could watch a movie."
Rowbottom and her mother decided Katie could use her $100 to purchase video tapes for the residents to watch on special occasions, not only saving staff members from the hassle, but also saving on San Camillo's budget. "I've shopped around and think I can buy about 10 tapes. Sometimes it is difficult to find the old ones--you know, the ones with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers--but that is what they watch."
Rowbottom is one of the few to target the older generation with her money. "I'm glad I was able to do something for people like my grandma," said Rowbottom, "It seems like they often get left out." *
Saturday May 4th closed out Breakfast with the Girls until fall. How quickly this season went (or is this me and the aging process talking?). Bea Dorsey from Alverno College was our speaker for the morning and what a challenging, thoughtful teacher she is. Her talk focused our minds on Mary of Magdala and how inaccurately history and many scholars have portrayed her. We all gained a new appreciation for the role played by women in the early church.
We will be taking our usual summer respite as we plan for next season. We hope to sell breakfast ticket packages once again and will let you all know via the Columns when they'll be available to purchase. The information forms we had at the last meeting are available in the church office for anyone who missed the meeting and would like to help us out with their thoughts. Take one, fill it out at home and turn it back in to the office--we'll get it! Have a fun and healthy summer and we'll see you in September. *
Char Schweitzer
The Benevolence Board collected nearly $3,200 in its special Mother's Day offering on May 12. According to chairman Bill Rose, the Board intends to channel approximately $3,000 toward the 16 short-term missionaries traveling to Alaska this summer, and approximately $200 toward the PF Book Bank.
Thirteen students and three adult chaperones will travel to Anchorage, Alaska this July where they will spend the better part of one week engaged as Christian servants. Money collected in the Mother's Day special offering will be used to purchase materials the kids will use as they complete several construction projects.
"Right now," said Chris Rygh, Associate Minister, "the plan is to serve at a Christian camp outside of Anchorage, building new facilities in order to expand the capacity of the camp." Provided that there are enough materials, all 80 missionaries will work at the one location, a Christian youth camp that hosts kids from many different Anchorage churches. Said Rose, "We're very pleased to know that the money we collected will completely cover each student's portion of the material cost. We've done our part to make sure our kids will have the lumber and nails they need for those projects."
"I'm very proud of our students," said Rygh. "They really want to be part of this, and they are doing a great job of raising the money for air travel and personal expenses. They are contributing their own money and working hard at the various PF fund raisers this year. Having the Benevolence Board help with the materials lightens the financial burden considerably."
The Benevolence Board has also committed to assisting the on-going PF ministry called Book Buddies. Led by Children's Ministry Co-director, Carla Cummings, this team of high school students visits Joy House each month in order to read to the children living there. "This little idea has really grown. It seems like every month we have a new high schooler or two who come along to read."
Inspired by the work our students are doing, the Benevolence Board voted this spring to create a book bank, literally a collection of books at the church which our students could gift to the children of Joy House.
"It is pretty neat to see the look on the children's faces when we show up to read," said Book Buddy regular, Paul Lewis. "And when we pack up to go, sometimes it is hard for them to let go of the books. They tug at the books because they want to keep looking at the pictures."
According to Benevolence Board member, Jane Jacobson, gently used books donated to the church will be recycled and given to children each time the Book Buddies make a visit. The $200 collected in the Mother's Day offering will be used as seed money to purchase new books, "especially" said Cummings, "for the older readers, because we seldom get good books for older children."
"We're proud of our teens and what they do through this ministry," said Jacobson. The Board wishes to equip the readers with books they can leave as gifts. "This will ensure that our work continues on Sunday nights," said Lewis, "Even after we've left Joy House, I know those children will still be turning the pages . . . of their very own book." *
In June of 1996, the first summer Rev. Peay was with this church, he and Rod Schmidt organized a group of volunteers to introduce our congregation to the idea and fun of a Chicken/Pig Roast. It was such a popular event that we have had one every June since. Even during the years when Steve was not a pastor here, the volunteers continued the tradition which has become a wonderful fellowship event in the life of this church.
This year's dinner will be the traditional first Wednesday of June, at 6:00. Steve and Doug Lobb will both be helping in the serving line. The Ray Newman Big Band, that practices here in our Social Hall, will provide the entertainment. Each attending family unit should bring a dessert for eight. Coincidentally, the very first Chicken/Pig Roast was held on Wednesday, June 5 and this year as Steve returns, it is also on Wednesday, June 5.
We still have space for more people, so call the office now to sign up. We hope to see many of you there to say "Farewell" to the Lobbs and "Welcome Back" to the Peays. *
Earlier this spring, Associate Minister, Chris Rygh traveled to the Dominican Republic with a team of medical missionaries representing VisionTrust International. Following are some of the entries from his journal and some photographs of his adventure.
Saturday, March 16
The family gathers at O'Hare. First time in the air since 9-11.
Joined the rest of the team including sister, Jill and niece, Jessica. Ten of us fly on to Santo Domingo where we are met by Nelson. At the baggage claim area, my checked suitcase slides down the shoot and hits bumper. Packed so tightly in Milwaukee, it explodes, sending hundreds of brightly colored toothbrushes in every direction. Fellow passengers are gracious and help me collect my loot. We travel across dusty roads in the dark and almost crash into a barricade because of poor lighting.
Sunday, March 17
After breakfast, Nelson and VisionTrust President, Ernie Taylor take us by van to the school on the outskirts of town where we will be working. We gag from the stench. Though the school is clean and tidy, it sits amidst a smoldering garbage heap. We have to tiptoe around the dead animals in order to walk our supplies from the vans to the make-shift pharmacy inside. From the roof of the school we survey the acres of cement block homes of which most are only one room and have no running water. Our host, Dr. Enerio, tells us the television antennae we see are only for show. "They give the illusion of wealth," he said, "It is sort of a crude way of showing up the Joneses next door."
Monday, March 18
Since before sunrise, mothers have been forming a line outside the gate to the compound. By 7:00 hundreds are waiting with their crying babies to see the American doctors. As we pull up in our vans, we wonder collectively whether God has adequately prepared and equipped us for the enormous task at hand. We pray and then send our Dominican nurses, Luchi and Jumi, to the front of the line where they begin to interview each woman before sending her to the physicians for a consultation. I meet my interpreter, a local pastor in his 40's named Pedro. Together we approach the line and begin introducing ourselves. Over and over we are asked to lay our hands on the children and pray blessings on them. Boy, I wish I knew more Spanish!
Tuesday, March 19
This morning Dr. Enerio had to call in the National Guard because so many were pushing at the gate! I see some familiar faces. Some mothers have returned bringing different children today. Again Pedro and I spend the morning praying. Most will not see a doctor until we've prayed with them. Dios te bendiga.
Thursday, March 21
Today we are working out of the Grace School in Santo Domingo. Each of these children receives a uniform, vitamins, food and instruction for a mere $28 a month. Early in the morning these children arrive at the school. Their smiles are broad and their shoulders square. They stand proud in their bright orange camisas . . . because they've been given the gift of hope. The cycle of poverty, for these kids, is being broken.
In a different part of the school, where we've established our clinic, mayhem! We aren't ready when the first fifty lift the gate and flood into our simple waiting room. Hundreds more crush in behind, desperate to see the physicians.
Our dentist, Larry Kennedy, has been hunched over four days now. The poor man was forced to use an old recliner as his dental chair in San Pedro. Now he works over an office desk sometimes pulling as many as five or six rotten teeth. And yet, these children hardly ever flinch. "Quantos niños mas?" he asked each mother as he counts out the appropriate number of toothbrushes for her children.
In the late evening, after the kids have finished work, Nelson invited me to preach at a youth meeting he holds for the neighborhood kids. I can't believe how many come and how many stick around late into the night to talk. "Many," he tells me as we are leaving, "have no place to go and will wander the streets tonight."
Friday March 22
An emergency call to a supply warehouse for more drugs. We budgeted for 800 visits, but the count is at 1100 and rising. God is faithful; Jill and Nelson rush off to pick up several cases of antibiotics we've been able to purchase at a deep discount. My new interpreter, Daniel, is 22 and studying to be a music teacher. He works at the Grace School, he tells me, "in order to pay back some of the love I received here." How's that for grace?
Welcome Reception for Peays,
Farewell to Lobbs
Please be sure to attend the June 2nd joint worship service over which Rev. Steve Peay and Rev. Doug Lobb will both preside. Following the service there will be a reception in the Social Hall to say your "hellos and goodbyes."
Ice Cream Social
Our annual ice cream social is scheduled for Father's Day, June 16. Join us at 11:00 for ice cream sundaes on Ridge Ct. Circle. We guarantee good weather - or at least a good time!
Circle 8 will meet Tuesday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m. at Congregational Home. Bring a sandwich and play Bunco with the residents.
Picture taking dates for a new Church Directory are as follows: August 19, 20, 21, October 15, 16, 17 and November 18 & 19. Check your calendar and see what date will work for your family. You will be contacted later this summer for a specific appointment. Times will be 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day. Watch for more upcoming information.
PF Goes to Great America
All Jr. & Sr. High students are invited to join us for a day at Six Flags Great America. We'll leave from church at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 13 and return to church at midnight. The cost is $42.00 including transportation and a picnic lunch. Friends are welcome to join us. Everyone must have a signed permission form returned to the office with your check no later than Sunday, June 9. Forms may be picked up at the Church office.
Church Office Summer Hours begin Monday, June 3. The hours are 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday.
The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is
www.FirstChurchTosa.org
Editor, Beth Linscott
Communications Committee
Mary York - Chairperson,
Barb Dunham, Bill
Edens, Nancy Fisher,
Arlette Lindbergh, De McDermott, Rod Schmidt
*
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 5
