June 30, 2002
Congregational Home Helps Send Youth to Camp
Senior Visitation Group Going Strong
The Bible is loaded with promises. God promises to be our God in the act of creation and then enters into various promises of relationship (covenants). Part of the appeal, and the challenge, to understanding these promises is the possibility of newness. The promises may be everlasting and unchanging, but they're also perpetually new.
Again and again, we hear God saying, "Behold, I'm doing a new thing . . ." The tension between that which is firm and that which is new, unfolding before us, is creative. As we struggle with these promises, and with their seeming paradoxes, we're invited to discover more about God, ourselves, and our world. Then tension is, at once, discomfiting and comforting yet another paradox! as we're drawn more deeply into relationship with God and with others.
I suppose I'm musing on these ideas because of my situation here at First Congregational Church. I've been confronting situations that are very new and, at the same time, very familiar. I see things that have been and see the potential for a "new thing" to grow from them. I am with people I know and love, yet am discovering new things about them and about myself. It's challenging, and it's exciting. I shouldn't be surprised at this. After all, God has been doing a new thing here for a hundred and sixty years. Now, with feet firmly planted on the solid ground of that rich tradition and relationships, we look for the next wave of new things.
I am excited, honored, and humbled to be your minister. It is good to be back here, and I look forward to growing with you as we discover what God has for us. Pastor Robinson's profound statement of the Lord's having "more light and truth to break forth out of His Holy Word" seems so apt. Our faith, our relationship, is so ancient, so solid, yet it is also always new and growing. The promise of God, then, seems to be that there will always be more for us as we pursue the Divine relationship.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank all of the folks who've worked so hard to welcome Julie and me. I won't even try to name names, because the list is so long and I don't want to leave anyone out. Suffice it to say that your open arms, hopefulness, helpfulness, and expressions of genuine affection are most appreciated. We've been touched and we're grateful. In the people of this gathered church we have already experienced God's promise of more.
So, enjoy the old and new of summer and come refreshed and ready for a busy fall. God has more for us and we have to be about discovering it!
Yours for the Congregational Way,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D. - Minister
Please note: Rev. Peay's Installation will take place
on Sunday,
August 11. Watch for details.
Over the next few weeks the Wednesday morning Men's Ministry Group will be discussing the Covenant concept. We will begin by looking at the five 'classic covenants' of the Old Testament. The goal is to see how the covenant concept is foundational for the Christian faith, for the Congregational Way, and for our American way of life. As we seek background and definition we will also be trying to find applications to daily life. July meetings will be on the 10th and 24th (due to some scheduling conflicts) at 6:30 AM. Come and join us!
Next time you're at church, take a look around. Chances are that somewhere in your line of vision you can see the work of John Erdahl.
Throughout his 47 years of membership here at First Church, John has donated countless hours to a plethora of projects in which his gift for woodworking has been useful. Most recently, he put together some shelves for toys in the Nursery and before that it was the Bible racks in the pews (36 of them) and repair work on the hymnal racks. Move out to the Narthex and you can't miss the Memorial stands which he built a number of years back.
In addition to some of these larger construction projects, the Church calls on John for miscellaneous projects such as when a little framework needed to be done in a doorway. Ten years ago, John created 36 miniatures of the original church building for the 150th anniversary. The list goes on.
John's background is in engineering. Prior to his retirement, John worked as a manufacturing engineer for Allis Chalmers and then at Siemanns Engineering. During WWII, John worked as a liaison representative from Allis Chalmers to the Bureau of Ships in Washington D.C. Once a week he would travel to D.C. (via train) to work on submarine controls a schedule which was extremely tiring and busy, but interesting, said John.
John's wife Eunice was raised Congregationalist and they attended Pilgrim Congregational Church after their marriage in 1943. Active members here since 1955, two of their three children were married here, and two were baptized here. All three children --Bob, Nancy (Hartter) and Janet -- were confirmed here. Bob, a past chairman of the Board of Deacons is now living in Mequon. Nancy sings in the choir and Janet and family live in Superior, WI. John and Eunice are the proud grandparents of six.
John has served on and chaired the Board of Christian Education and he and Eunice are extremely active in the Wisconsin Congregational Association (WCA), the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), and have even been involved with International Congregational Fellowship (ICF). They attend the WCA meeting every year, have gone to roughly 15 NACCC Annual Meetings with Eunice having served on the Credentials Committee and John on the World Christian Relations Committee for three years; and have attended ICF gatherings (which meet every four years) in locations as remote as London, Holland and Wales.
For relaxation, John and Eunice have enjoyed escaping to their summer cottage on Three Lakes, near Eagle River, which they have owned for 42 years. A number of other church families also own property in the area. John likes to fish, "putter around" outside, and work on minor carpentry projects. He also takes part in the Men's Golf Outing with the First Church group.
So what has inspired John to contribute so much of his time and talent to First Church? "I do it because I like to," said John. *
Kitchen Co-ordinator
A kitchen co-ordinator is needed. It's a part-time, salaried position with the major responsibility of planning for some of the Church dinners. You will shop, cook (or arrange for others to do so), and maintain a supply of 'staples.' Call 414-258-7375.
Song Leader at Congregational Home
Congregational Home is looking for someone to lead them in song during their Sunday worship services at 11:00. You would choose hymns, lead the singing or have volunteers sing or play instruments during the service. A small stipend is paid for each service. Interested? Contact Charlie Goldsmith at 262-781-0550.
Mayfair Interfaith Clerical Help
Are you 55 years of age or older and a person who cares about others? Would you like to help older adults receive services and benefits so they may remain independent in their own homes? The office is located at Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church, 1529 Wauwatosa Avenue. The position is 20 hours per week including 4 weeks of vacation. You must meet low-income requirements. If interested, for more information call: Rose Calvanico at Interfaith Older Adult Programs, 291-7500. ext. 236.
Scott Donaldson has been a regular member of Pilgrim Fellowship since he was old enough to participate. A gifted musician, Scott has played his saxophone at church and at the Congregational Home. Scott is the son of Bill Donaldson and Pam Parker.
Though Jared Eiff and his family are relative newcomers to First Church, Jared has already distinguished himself as a servant leader. Jared has helped on Sunday mornings at the Congregational Home. He is known for his high-quality work and for his persistence. Jared is the son of Jerry and Sharon Eiff
Jacob Graber is the son of Ken and Suzanne Graber. Besides his involvement in the Covenant Class, Jacob keeps his calendar full with a variety of academic and musical commitments. In class, it was often Jacob who helped bring clarity to the discussions. His keen insights brought focus to the group.
Bryan Haas will be a freshman at Wauwatosa West next fall. Besides participating in many PF activities, Bryan has also served at the Congregational Home and at St. Vincent's. In a statement on church membership, Bryan described the members of FCC as "like a second family. . . who will help me along the way. . . and offer guidance." Bryan is the son of Larry and Connie Haas.
Heath Halvorson is the son of Joel and Lorene. Heath too has been a long-time member of Pilgrim Fellowship and has enjoyed taking part in the frequent trips the group makes. On a recent PF trip to Great America, Heath tackled his first roller coaster and then repeated the ride four more times.
Andy Klohn is a scholar, athlete and musician. Recently, Andy displayed a number of his drawings at the PF Variety Show. He has also played tuba for our Vacation Bible School and in our holiday brass ensemble. Andy is the son of John and Margaret Brown and Steve Klohn.
Kristin Lewis is the daughter of Jim and Jean Lewis. As an active member of Pilgrim Fellowship, Kristin has shared almost every aspect of church life at FCC. She has served at the Congregational Home and St. Vincent's. She's even joined the Book Buddies ministry in reading to the children at Joy House.
Kyle Meyer arrived at FCC with his family just last year. For Kyle, it was a year of getting acquainted and learning some of the background that other students took for granted. Kyle has the spiritual gifts of compassion and encouragement. He is the son of David and Corinne Meyer.
Neal O'Meara recently completed his studies at Christ King. He will enter Wauwatosa East in the fall as a freshman. Neal enjoys playing his guitar and has blessed our church by playing on Christmas Eve and at the Upper Room, a PF outreach event at Jitterzz Coffee House. Neal is the son of John and Denise O'Meara.
Chris Pollock lives in New Berlin and usually made the commute to church two times each Sunday. In a statement describing the meaning of membership, he showed deep insight when he wrote, "It means I can have my say in the church. It also means I can share my special gifts with the congregation."
Chris is the son of Cliff and Gail Pollock.
Gifted in the areas of compassion and encouragement, it is no wonder that Andy Reuss turns to the Good Samaritan as his source of Biblical inspiration. Andy grew up at FCC and attended the 11:00 Sunday School. He is the son of Bob and Jean Reuss.
Maggie Rowbottom understands the Christian lifestyle. Writing at the end of her year-long confirmation class, Maggie described living as a Christian as "always trying to please God . . . and worshipping him everyday." Maggie is the daughter of Mark and Sue Rowbottom.
July 7 Sherman Leatherberry Baritone
July 14 Christine Kieffer Mezzo Soprano
July 21 QUARTET
Diane Houriet
Nan Cleveland
Marj Fowler
Charmaine La Belle
July 28 Ryan Johnson Baritone
August 4 Gary Back Baritone
August 11 Dionne Wang Mezzo Soprano
August 18 Eleanor Quint Soprano
August 25 Kelly Fadeski Soprano
September 1 Kathleen Sonnentag Soprano
Recently the Congregational Home presented the Pilgrim Fellowship with a check for $200. This money represents a portion of the funds collected in the Sunday worship offering. According to Congregational Home Chaplain, Charles Goldsmith, "Our residents really appreciate all the young people who serve here. This money is a way of saying 'thank you' for your faithful service." The funds were given specifically to help PF students of First Congregational Church who wish to attend PF Summer Camp.
The Wisconsin Congregational Association (WCA) recently held the 42nd Annual Meeting at
North Shore Congregational Church in Fox Point.
In terms of new business, the gathering was fairly uneventful. Of special
interest to First Church Jane Jacobson (a member of First Church-Tosa)
was given accolades for her work improving the Wisconsin Congregationalist
newsletter. Sue Melby, daughter of Rod and Cathy Schmidt, will be the moderator
for 2003. Also, it was announced the June 2003 meeting of the National Association
of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) will be held in Milwaukee.
It will not be a one-church event, but rather all area Congregational Churches
will be involved in planning the meeting.
Two workshops, on Saturday morning, provided attendees with some excellent information. "That ISN'T Congregational...IT IS?!?" was presented by our own Dr. Steven Peay. The program was directed at developing and promoting Congregational self-awareness. "So What's An Interim Minister?" hosted by Rev. Robert Fleischmann walked participants through that process and clarified the purpose behind calling an interim minister. *
Join us at 6:00 p.m. on July 10 for a picnic dinner of burgers, Klements
brats and hot dogs with all the
fixins. Proceeds will go toward fees and equipment.
Pre-paid reservations are needed by Sunday, July 7. The cost is: $5.00 per adult and $2.00 per child.
Additionally, for $5.00, you can get your picture taken with two of the Miller Park Sausage guys.
And don't forget to come and cheer on our baseball team
at their Tuesday evening games. See the calendar above.
The Senior Visitation Group (SVG) is an extension of the ministry to seniors developed as part of the Care Board mission statement in 1995. Originally defined as a "Nursing Home Ministry," we had two members of the Care Board along with ministerial support who established quarterly 'Communion and Chat" visits with church members living at Congregational Home, Luther Manor and Harwood Place. These visits continue today, with a quarterly Communion service at Harwood Place attended by 25-35 seniors and visitors. Mobile residents of Congregational Home and Luther Manor residents also enjoy the Communion service because many are unable to get to church on Sunday.
In April of 2001, a small group of people had a meeting with Rev. Kathryn Rust about visitation for those living alone in their homes. The names on this list were added to those people living in remote nursing homes and were then divided up among the small group of visitors. This group has since doubled in size, both in the number of people visited and in the number of visitors.
In January of 2002, a large number of flowers were made available from a memorial service held here at church. These flowers were divided into smaller bouquets and delivered to 11 of our seniors living alone. Flowers are now available for any of the visitors to take when going to visit a senior or shut-in.
Last month a freezer was purchased by the Care Board and an anonymous donor to hold containers of food to be taken to seniors who may be sick or require food. It also is available to the shut-in ministry for those in the congregation who have been ill and need some food for themselves and/or their families. The source of the food in the freezer is leftovers from First Church dinners and breakfasts. Any food put into the freezer is labeled, dated and closely monitored.
The Senior Visitation Group began Communion visits with Rev. Rust in October of 2001 to those living alone and those living in remote nursing homes. This Communion visitation has continued with Rev. Rygh and is very much appreciated by both the visitors and seniors.
Our Senior Visitation Group needs new volunteer visitors. We not only visit and/or call those living alone, but there are several nursing homes including Congregational Home, Luther Manor and Harwood Place who need individual visitors. Also, the shut-in ministry needs volunteers willing to deliver food and/or flowers. If you are interested in helping out in these areas, please contact the Church office at 414-258-7375 or Cathy Schmidt at 414-771-2880. *
by Cathy Schmidt
Family Camp
Reserve you space now to "Thank God for Summer" at Family Camp, Friday, August 23Monday, August 26, 2002 at Camp Lucerne on beautiful Lake Lucerne in Neshkoro, Wisconsin.
Join other FCC families and Thank God for Summer by enjoying some of summer's best: swimming and boating on a pristine lake; friendship and fun with kids of all ages; campfire singing, sharing and silliness; the famous corn roast; and much more.
Accommodations are in "Ridgewood" lodges with private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living room with fireplace and kitchenette. Several families will share each of four lodges. Meals are served family-style.
Campers arrive 7:00 p.m. Friday and vacate the cabins by 1:00 p.m. Monday. The cost is $104.00 per adult, $64.00 per youth (2 12), free for under 2 and a family maximum of $384.00.
Any questions can be directed to Cathy or Gary Kebbekus at (414) 475-1634.
Check out the Camp Lucerne website at
www.wisconsinumc.org/lakelucerne. Space is limited, so get a reservation
form from the office now. The deadline to register (with $100 deposit) is
July 21, 2002.
Junior and Senior High Camps
The Wisconsin Congregational Association (WCA) will sponsor Junior and Senior High Camp Sunday, July 14 Saturday, July 20 at Camp Whitcomb-Mason in Hartland, WI.
The Junior High Camp is for students who have completed grades 68 and Senior High Camp is for those who have completed grades 912.
Seamlessly combining faith programs with recreational programs and sports, WCA camp offers a unique blend.
The Jr. High Camp will be co-directed by our own Rev. Chris Rygh and Rev. Shawn Stapleton. The theme, "That's in the Bible?!?" will focus on the surprising and even shocking aspects of scripture, and how these unconventional stories and teachings can be meaningful in our lives today.
The Sr. High Camp will be directed by Rev. Cindy Bacon, with assistance from Rob Fredrickson. The program "Fast and Furious: The Urgency of Mark's Gospel" will explore excerpts from that gospel and its relevance now.
Cost is $225.00 postmarked before June 30 or $250.00 after. Registration forms are available in the church office. *
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,
Nancy Fisher, Sue Rowbottom,
De McDermott, Bill Edens
*
Rev. Steven Peay, Ph. D., 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 6
