July 27, 2003
First in faith, freedom, fellowship, and Wauwatosa
Rani Gusho Moves Toward Retirement
Brewers Sausages Race at July All-Church Dinner
Mobile Meals Ministry Needs Driver Coordinator
Variety Show at Congregational Home
Rani Gusho. Where to begin? In the center is probably the most appropriate, as that is the spot she has occupied in the life of this church for nearly 30 years. A member of the church for approximately ten years prior to her employment here, Rani began working for the Church in 1974 as the bookkeeper. She eventually took on the role of Church Administrator, as well, when Les Grube retired. No one before her had taken on the dual-role.
Rani's role in the church office took on a much greater depth than can be described by her job title. Referred to by Rev. Steve Peay as "she who must be obeyed," Steve also said that Rani "has been the heart and warmth of the church during difficult times...she really held everything together." When Rani started, Dr. Norman Ream was the Senior Minister. Since then, she has worked with Phil Muth, Bob Wilch, Lonnie Richardson, Doug Lobb, and finally Steve Peay....an impressive run! She has also outlasted all of the office staff. Her dedication and commitment to First Congregational Church go without saying.
"I don't think anyone will ever comprehend all that Rani has given to this church in her 29 years of service," said Cindy Payette who is taking over the position of Administrator and also worked extensively with Rani during her recent term as Moderator. "After a few short weeks of working with her, I am in awe of all that she juggles in a day's work. Her dedication, unselfish attitude, and the countless hours she has served have made her tenure at First Church invaluable. Her strong faith and love for our church are evident in everything she does. When I applied for the Administrator's position she told me that she has always seen her work as 'ministry' and never looked at it as a job. We are all so blessed to have had that 'ministry' touch our lives for almost three decades."
In true Rani-fashion, when she decided to retire, she didn't set a date to leave. Giving notice, she waited through the interview process and is currently working as the bookkeeper again, training Cindy and handing over the responsibilities gradually for a smooth transition again serving the best interests of the Church.
Certainly those who work with Rani will miss her vast knowledge of the Church as a whole and her warm management. Anne Callen, office manager said, "It has been a pleasure to work with Rani over the past three years. She dispenses much asked for advice, always thoughtfully and honestly. You always know where she stands on an issue, a positive attribute in my estimation. I know I speak for the office staff when I say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Enjoy your retirement, Rani! We will miss you.'"
Rani didn't make any less of an impression on those who work with the church from the outside. "I began working with the church ten years ago as the Columns editor," said Beth Linscott. "From the beginning, I have been able to go to Rani with any and every question...and she knows the answer! I can also count on her for help when articles are missing at the last minute. More than that though, with an office piled full, she always makes time for a friendly 'hello' and makes certain I have felt appreciated. I will truly miss working with this extraordinary woman."
So, what will Rani do with all the day, evening and weekend hours she'll soon have to herself? "She told me she just wants to do 'whatever she feels like,'" said her daughter Kari Leon. With three children, eight grandchildren, and her husband already retired, she'll likely have more than enough to keep her hands full. "My niece wants to learn to sew and my mom has already begun helping her with that project," said Kari.
Recently, Rani said she was looking forward to coming to church purely for enjoyment. While her presence in the office will certainly be missed, we can count it a huge blessing that she will still be a part of this church family. *
"Stewardship." Most of the time when we hear that word we cringe, don't we? Come on, now. Be honest with me. When ministers, and others, begin to talk about "stewardship" we might as well be hearing the word "TAXES" because it has the same effect an immediate protective reach toward the checkbook. Well, I am hopeful that we will learn together that the word "stewardship" is about a great deal more than just funding the church's annual budget. Stewardship, as many folks are telling us, is about life itself.
I have been surprised, but not overly so, by the number of professional publications I've received recently with stewardship as their topic. Obviously stewardship must be a pressing issue in the life of churches at the beginning of the twenty-first century. What is pleasing, however, is to see that the discussion is turning not to money, not to fundraising, but to spirituality. At last we're beginning to get it! The core values of our faith, of our approach to life aren't about funding budgets. Rather, they're about relationships, with God and others, about values, and about their appropriate management.
Now, why did I say "management"? Because the Greek word for "steward" used in the New Testament is oikonomos (economos), the word from which "economy" is derived. What does the word mean? Well, the word economia comes from the word for "house" and literally means the administration or management of the house. A steward, and Jesus uses the word in this way especially in Luke chapter 12, is one who manages the house. When we think about what Paul says that we are "living stones" that make up the "house of God," then we all have some managerial responsibilities. The implications of what this means for the way we think about our daily life, and our lives together as a covenant community, are staggering. Then we could add the Old Testament concept of humanity as the "stewards" of creation itself and off you go!
So, how are we managing our lives from the inside out? That's got to be the question we ask ourselves over and over. What do we value, what do we hold dear, and how do we show it? If we say we "love God" and "love our neighbor," does it show in our everyday actions? Asking those questions, managing both our spiritual and material houses, is the core of stewardship. It's my prayer, my hope, that in the weeks and months ahead we'll learn and grow in that direction together. Stewardship is about more than money it's about life. If we're living in right relationship with God and with our sisters and brothers in faith, if we have set our priorities in concert with our faith values, funding is, pardon the term, a "no brainer."
As the summer days continue (and I want to know what ever happened to the "lazy" part of "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer"?) look at the world around you and ask the important questions. What is of value? What counts? How do I use all the good things God has given me and how do I reflect that in the way I live? Ask those questions, be honest with God, your brothers and sisters in faith, and yourself, and you'll be a good steward. Jesus asks in Luke 12:42 "Who then is the faithful steward...?" I think I see a whole congregation of them and am grateful.
Continue to have a blessed summer! As ever,
Yours faithfully,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D., Minister
P.S. This year's NACCC meeting here in Milwaukee was a great success, thanks to over 150 dedicated volunteers from Wisconsin Congregational Association Churches. Many of those volunteers were from First Church -- Wauwatosa. I want to thank those of you who took the time to help make the meeting a success. Special thanks to Mary York who served as the co-chair of the Host Committee. To all -- job well done! You make me proud to be your minister!
by Katy Chapman
The July All Church Dinner hit a 'home run' for all who attended. Held on Ridge Court on Wednesday, July 9, the theme was a Sausage Picnic featuring the Milwaukee Brewers' Sausages.
The menu held a selection of sausage choices for the main course including 1/4 pound wieners, beer brats, hot links and Cajun sausages. A full array of gourmet salsas such as mango tomatillo salsa, tropical fruit salsa and roasted tomato garlic relish, were additional choices to the usual condiment toppings of sauerkraut, onions, ketchup and mustard.
The sausages were teamed with John Sgarlata's Famous Beans, Jennifer Wareham's Macaroni Potato Salad with Mint, fresh fruit salad, and vegetables with dip. Desserts were birthday cake for Rod Schmidt and his daughter an dgrilled pineapple sundaes.
All children who attended had their very own kids' meal of hot dogs, veggies, jello sticks and juice boxes.
Barb Dunham, Ruth Dunham, Rod Schmidt and his daughters, Sue Melby and Karen Schmidt, and Jennifer Wareham prepared the delicious meal. Val Blazich, Tammy Bokern and Jennifer Wareham served.
But the fantastic meal was not the only attraction. We were fortunate to have the entertainment of the Milwaukee Brewers Sausages: FrankieFurter (Scott Rondeau), BrettWurst (Bill Bokern), Stosh (Mark Melby), and Guido (Michael Sgarlata). They ran First Church's first sausage race on Ridge Court with FrankieFurter (Scott Rondeau) prevailing as the winner who crossed the finish line marked by Jeffrey D'Ambrisi.
All who attended were able to have their picture taken with the sausage guys as a memento. Kids enjoyed shaking hands with the guys too. All photos were nicely framed in photo jackets compliments of the Church.
Between the meal, the race, the memento snapshots and the kids playing football on Ridge Court, the event was a real 'hit'!
Old Fashioned Picnic set for
All-Church August Dinner
Dress in old fashioned attire August 6 and bring your favorite picnic blanket as we fill Ridge Court with good food and games. Grab a partner for the three-legged race. There will also be sack and hoops' races. Spectators can lounge at tables in the shade.
The menu will include: fried chicken and biscuits, along with old-fashioned potato salad, and old-fashioned ice cream cones. Special kids' meals will also be available.
The best part is saved for last, a good old-fashioned pie eating contest. Don't miss it! *
Mobile Meals is a joint effort by the Congregational Home and First Church to provide meals on a temporary basis to those who need them. A hot meal is provided at mid-day and a sandwich and fruit cup for the evening meal. Some of the people we serve are church members and others are referred to us by Mayfair Interfaith. We serve those who live in the Brookfield and Wauwatosa areas. The staff at Congregational Home prepares the meals and we at First Church provide the people who deliver the meals. Jennifer Wareham has coordinated drivers for the past five years but due to her additional duties with the Fellowship Board and Circle 13, she is giving up this responsibility. A list of regular volunteers and substitute volunteers is already in place.
Our need is for someone to co-ordinate the drivers so that the meals, which are delivered Monday through Friday, except holidays, can go on. If you like to talk on the phone and enjoy getting to know other church members, then this is the job for you! Please feel free to call Jennifer for more information. She can be reached at 262-827-9992. Our church has a need; will you be the one to fill it?
Rally Sunday, September 7, is coming closer and closer! Last year we put "Hands to Work and Hearts to God" and this year's theme will build on that idea as we develop "Covenant Community FOR Common Good." The recipients chosen by the Board of Benevolence for our Rally Sunday offering reflect our theme and give us a wonderful opportunity to live out our Covenant and to promote the common good.
This year we will continue to fund a scholarship through the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies. Since the churches of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches do not have a seminary of their own, CFTS provides scholarship aid and educational opportunities for our students preparing for the ministry. The First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa Scholarship, given for the first time this June, is among the larger scholarships for CFTS Fellows. The Board of Benevolence hopes that we can continue to fund this scholarship and to build a relationship with its recipients for years to come. Given the shortage of qualified clergy, it is important that we work together to offer opportunities for those who feel God's call to respond with open hearts.
The Piney Woods Country Life School in Piney Woods, Mississippi is our other chosen recipient for the Rally Sunday offering. Founded in 1909 the Piney Woods School has distinguished itself as a boarding school primarily for poor and disadvantaged African-Americans. The school is dedicated to continuing the dream of the "Little Professor," Dr. Laurence Jones, who founded the school with students learning to read sitting on a log under a cedar tree. Dr. Jones' goal was to educate students' "Head, Heart, and Hands," an objective which flowed from his Christian faith. To this day students continue to work on the school's farm, raising much of their own food and helping to defray their own tuition, to study, and to worship together as a community. One half of the students come from outside Mississippi and 73% are from poor, single parent families. The success of the school's dedication to educating head, heart and hands is evident in that over 90% of the students pursue college education. The Piney Woods Country Life School has been one of the domestic missions approved by the NACCC Missionary Society for many years.
We covenant "as followers of Jesus Christ" who, the Scriptures tell us, "went about doing good." In the year ahead there will be many opportunities for this covenant community to work for the common good and the Rally Sunday offering is a good place to start! *
by Char Schweitzer
Happy summer to all the fans and friends of Breakfast with the Girls! I know, I know, summer is nowhere near over but for publication purposes we do need to get an early start on letting you all know we are getting things under way for our fall start.
Our new season is going to have a few changes in response to our past attendance and everyone's seasonal schedules. We will start our breakfasts in September as always, but this year our midwinter break will have no programming for December or January, and we will end the season in April. We hope this will work and as always we are open to your comments and suggestions, and we will review it as we have been doing.
We are especially excited about our opening September breakfast. The program will be internationally-known inspirational, art-of-living writer and speaker Patricia Lorenz. She's one of the top contributors in the country to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and a contributing writer for the Daily Guideposts as well as authoring four of her own books. She is also an award-winning columnist for two newspapers. Last, but never least, Patricia raised four children as a single parent. I know we are all going to enjoy her talk "Humor for the Health of It." Plan to join us and bring a friend or neighbor and, if you can, let the office know you'll be there. For this most special morning we are inviting our neighbor churches and our sister Congregational churches, as well, so we just might need some extra bakers. Let us know if you would like to help. Mark September 6th on your calender and we'll have the coffee pot on at 9:00 A.M. as usual. I love it that some good things don't change! *
The K.I.S.S. program is about to enter its third year at First Church and it is doing well. To those who don't know, K.I.S.S. stands for Kids In Special Service. The program was started to offer Junior High and Senior High school students an opportunity to become interactive with the residents at the Congregational Home. It has been a success! Twice each month Carol Wittig transports 2 6 students to the Home. Their goal when they arrive is to locate the residents who want to attend the chapel service given by Charlie Goldsmith on Sunday mornings. This is a win win situation. The residents need assistance in getting to the service (as many of them are in wheelchairs), and the students have the strong healthy bodies to do so, plus the added bonus of great conversation for the residents. This also helps the nursing staff as they are very busy in the mornings getting people up and doing a multitude of other chores. Rev. Charlie is thrilled with the inter-generational time and also seeing the youthful faces of the up and coming generation learning to "help out" when needed. There have been some wonderful friendships formed as the residents look forward to the youth escorting them to and from chapel.
As they grow in their daily lives with Jesus, the youth also learn from the older generation that "giving" any amount of their time is most appreciated by those who cannot do for themselves anymore.
Along with helping the residents to church, many of our youth have played their instruments for the residents at the service. This too is a great addition to the resident's daily lives. They are always very thankful that the youth share their talents with them.
To demonstrate their appreciation, the residents donated a portion of their Sunday offerings to the Youth fund last year for the students to go to camp.
As the youth co-coordinator of this program, Carol Wittig hopes that each Junior and Senior High student will take adavantage of this opportunity to volunteer. It is an experience that they will never forget and could lead to a life long commitment of helping others!
God's Blessings.
Vacation Bible School is fast approaching. Mark your calendar for August 4th through the 8th for an action-packed, fun-filled journey. We will meet each morning from 9:0011:30. If you have not already signed up to participate in this great event, now is your chance. Registration forms are available in the front office. "Treasures of the NileOn an Expedition to Jesus" is an exploration into some of the mysteries of ancient Egypt. As the children learn about these mysteries, they will also uncover the real treasures that lie hidden in the awesome Bible stories that took place in that land. This summer, kids entering junior kindergarten through those entering sixth grade will have the chance to participate in an exciting week.
Sign your child(ren) up now so he or she doesn't miss the fun. The cost is $20.00 for the first child in a family aid $10.00 for each additional child. In addition, if anyone is interested in helping with VBS, please indicate your area of interest to Carla and Carrie. (Childcare will be provided for those volunteers who have children not yet old enough to participate in VBS.)
We are looking forward to seeing you there. Don't miss all the fun surprises waiting for you when you uncover the "Treasures of the Nile."
Melissa Coppage
Melissa and her husband Rich reside in Wauwatosa with their four year old son Adrian. Melissa is a Long Term Care Insurance Agent with John Hancock and is also an aerobics instructor. Her other part time job is as an officer in the Air Force Reserves. Melissa first found out about our church through Bev and Rube Ziehlsdorf and she is looking forward to becoming involved in the life of First Church.
A great time was had by all on the evening of June 25th at the Congregational Home. Several of the children from our church participated in a special variety show. The residents of the Home were treated to Irish, tap and ballet dancing. In addition, the residents heard some wonderful piano music and witnessed a very creative magic trick. The show concluded with all the children singing "Jesus Loves Me." Following the show, the children and the residents enjoyed cookies and punch.
We are planning another show for the fall. If you think your child(ren) would be interested in participating, please see Carla or Carrie for more information. Thanks to the following performers; Madeline Cummings, Ben and Emma Hudson, Ginger Johnson, Morgan Lucey, Barbara Pierson and Hailey Sgarlata. *
If you attended the recent Pig and Chicken Roast all church dinner, then you were witness to history. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of our presence on Church Street, Rev. Peay, along with others, planted Blackberry bushes on the property facing Ridge Court. The property was previously owned by Charles Hart, one of the founding brothers of Wauwatosa and contained a large blackberry patch.
Deacon Milton B. Potter writes in the 1892 Semi-centennial of First Congregational Church:
"On January 26, 1853, the trustees met and selected the site on which the church now stands, and purchased it, paying $50 for it. Deacon J.A. Warren tells me that he made out a bill of the timber for the frame, and went around getting this one to furnish this stick of timber, and another one that, and another one this part of the frame, and another one that. And I find in the record credits given for timber and lumber so furnished. I recollect as a small boy, assisting my father in getting in the woods and loading a stick of timber for the church. The contract was let to Martin & Rayne. The church was completed and dedicated on the 27th of October, 1853. Rev. Z M. Humphrey preached the dedicatory sermon.
Looking over the record of bills authorized to be paid, I find the cost of building the church was $3,185.45, to which add the amount contributed by the ladies' department for carpets, $162.35, we have the total amount of $3,347.80. This building was used as then built until 1870, when the inside was somewhat remodeled and a lecture room built on, at a cost of $2,076.29.
In the year 1884, we built our parsonage at a cost of $2,200. In the spring of 1887, an informal meeting was held at the house of Mr. W.E. Lewis, one of the trustees, and a few others, to talk over the need of reseating and repairing the church building. As a result, a meeting of the society was held April 28, 1887, to take action on reseating and repairing the church. It was deemed advisable, and to repairs which were expected to cost $3,000, we continued to add, until in the end, we found our repairs and furnishing cost us about $8,000. Through the kindness of the school district, while the repairs were made, we held our Sunday services in the public school building, for which we were thankful. Thus you have our church edifice as it stands to-day; and to all who have helped or aided in this work we offer our sincere thanks, and to the Triune God who has prospered us in this work, may the services which are held within these walls, ever be services of Honor, Thanksgiving, and Praise."
Next time you have a free moment to ponder, stroll past the new blackberry plantings and imagine the history that has gone on around and throughout our meeting house. Think about all of the dedicated people who have served this gathered Church from the time prior to the Civil War until the cyberspace age of today. Oh, and dust off those recipes; the berries should be ready for picking again, in a few short years. *
A new policy has been created regarding childcare in the nursery for certain church events. Please read the following information carefully. First, depending on the church event, the Christian Education Directors will determine if childcare will be offered. If it is determined that childcare is necessary, one must sign up for childcare at least three days in advance of the church event. If no one has signed up for childcare by this deadline, NO childcare will be available. In addition, if you do sign up for childcare, but then decide you will not be attending the church event, please call the church office to cancel your childcare request. We appreciate your understanding as we implement this policy. If you have any questions, please see Carla Cummings or Carrie Sgarlata.
Circle 8 will meet at the Congregational Home on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. for dessert and to play Bunco with the residents.
Jr. High Students, come help pack food at the Hunger Task Force on Saturday, August 9 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. We'll meet in the parking lot of the Task Force (201 S. Hawley Court, 414-777-0483) by 8:45 a.m. Please ask your parents to pick you up by 12:15 p.m. Release forms must be signed when you are dropped off. Contact the church office at 414-258-7375 if you can help.
Please join us in the Social Hall for a special coffee hour to welcome Rev. Steven W. Godfrey, his wife Heather and their children, Nathan, Karcher and Noah following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, July 27.
Does your neighborhood publish a newsletter that accepts advertising? Please let the church office know the neighborhood and contact person/information. The marketing committee would like to let our neighbors know of all we have to offer here at First Congregational Church.
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,
Barb Dunham, Rod Schmidt, Bill Edens,
Arlette Lindbergh, Bill Edens
*
Rev. Steven Peay, Ph.D., Minister
Rev. Steve Godfrey, Associate Minister (Interim)
Rev. Charles Goldsmith, Ph.D., Congregational Home Chaplain
Cindy Payette, Administrator
Rani Gusho, Bookkeeper
Lee Jacobi, Director of Music
Betty Dethmers, Organist
Sally Boyle, Secretary
Anne Callen, Office Manager
Charles Nelson, Pres./CEO, Congregational Home, Inc.
*
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. 12, Issue 7
