August 31, 2003
First in faith, freedom, fellowship, and Wauwatosa
Minister's Musings: Rally SundaysSept 7th and 28th!
Sunday School Beginning Again/Room Assignments
A Church Family Legacy Godfreys
'Sweet Treats' Coffee Hour to Begin
"Hands to Work, Hearts to God"
Wednesday Evening Women's Bible Study
Breakfast with the Girls Fall Lineup
Summer is rapidly slipping away from us and the first day of school is drawing closer and closer, so it can only mean -- Rally Sunday is upon us! September 7th we return to our 'normal' schedule of two services (8:45 and 11 AM), to Sunday School, and to the start of a new programming year for First Congregational Church.
I'm not sure where the term 'Rally Sunday' came from, but it's been around for a long time and the term is found in a wide variety of churches. I thought it might be fun to look at what 'rally' means. According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 'rally' means: "to muster for a common purpose; to recall to order; to arouse for action and to come together again to renew an effort, to join in a common cause." What seems clear to me is that the definition of 'rally' certainly fits our theme for the coming year: Covenant Community FOR Common Good. We are coming together for a common purpose and we are renewing an effort to be followers of Jesus Christ.
Our Church Covenant, which takes us from being individuals and makes us into a church, a covenant community, serves as our 'mission statement' and is our rallying point. The common good we covenant to do involves the worship and service of God (which is what a Christian Church exists to do), growing in the knowledge and expression of our faith (so that we can deepen in our relationship with God and with one another), and out of our worship and growth in spiritual maturity we are empowered to reach out with compassion to those in need. The final two clauses of our covenant remind us of how we are to constantly 'rally' that is, renew our covenant community by treating each other with love and understanding and returning to God a portion of God's gifts (being good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure).
In more than one way September 28th will be a Rally Sunday for us, too. During Lent we began our "Visioning Process" and now it's time for us to use what we've learned about ourselves to take the next steps forward. Our next step is to gather on September 28th to set four goals for ourselves that we'll seek to accomplish over the next four years. We'll gather for lunch following the 11 AM service and begin our "Visioning Session" at 1 PM and will finish by 4 PM. (Child care will be provided and don't worry there's no Packer Game that afternoon.) Our process will be facilitated by Raquel Lauritzen, a professional in the field of long-range and strategic planning. It's very important that every active member of the church be a part of this process please mark your calendar and set the time aside. The Long Range Planning Committee will then take the goals and devise action plans which will be presented to the members at the Annual Meeting in January.
Copies of the results from the Lenten "Visioning Process" will be available on the name tag tables in the narthex and the atrium on Rally Sunday. It would be very helpful to have read over the material before the visioning process on September 28th. Also, if you'd like to join us for lunch on that day, please sign up at the church office by Wednesday, September 24th.
The 'common good' is not the priority it once was in American life. If it is to be restored and made a part of people's thinking and action, a rally has to begin somewhere for the year ahead, I pray, it will be at First Congregational Church. If a church community begins to live the common good it should catch on in the community around it. So, it's time to rally....to renew our efforts and arouse ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ. Rally 'round the covenant, beloved and let's see what God has in store for us! As ever,
Yours faithfully,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
Sunday, September 28
noon lunch and meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Please sign up at the church office for the luncheon portion no later than Thursday, September 25.
The Adult Education sessions at First Congregational Church will be resuming on Rally Sunday, September 7. Dr. Daniel Schowalter and Dr. Steven Peay have again collaborated to plan the sessions, and they have a great line-up of speakers and topics scheduled. Like last year, the series will offer a variety of topics by experienced presenters on a rotating schedule.
September 7
Dan Schowalter
"Summer of Discovery: Autumn of Possibility"
Dan shares pictures and ideas from his summer studies, and talks about plans for adult education in 2003-2004
September 14
Steve Peay
Which one of Steve's potpourri of Adult Education subjects will he talk about? Come and find out!
September 21
Jeff Snell
"A Passion for the Pavement Boys: How a Local Congregational Woman Shaped a National Youth Movement"
Jeff will talk about Annabelle Cook Whitcomb who started a street outreach called the Boys Busy Life Club for 12 boys (and a budget of $11.22) on September 30, 1887. Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee serve over 22,000 members on a $11 million budget with 500 employees.
September 28
Steve Godfrey
"Adventures in Siberia"
Steve will share stories and lessons from his time as a missionary in Siberia.
by Katy Chapman
As summer is wrapping up, many plans are in the works for a new Sunday School year. Join us and get set to begin on Rally Sunday, September 7. We are anxious to see everyone's smiling faces. Our theme this year is "A Covenant Community for Common Good." A great team of teachers and support volunteers is on board to help the young people of our church learn more about God and strengthen their faith. These faithful volunteers will be commissioned during worship service. In addition, the children who participated in Vacation Bible School will be singing during the worship service. Parents, please have your children meet in B-3 for a quick practice at 8:15 before the service. Children should go to church with their parents first, and will be dismissed to class during the service. Don't miss this exciting morning.
The following is a list of this year's room assignments for Sunday School. Please check to see where your child/children will be located during the service.
ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Nursery: Infants Two years old
Two year Old Room: Two year olds
Room 202: Three Year Olds
Room 201: Four Year Olds
Room 200: Five Year Olds
B-4: First Grade
B-3: Second Grade
B-5a: Third Grade
B-6: Fourth Grade
B-5: Fifth Grade
301: Sixth Grade
302: Seventh grade
by Rev. Steve Godfrey
Introduction
It is awe-inspiring for me to be serving at the church that has left a legacy on my extended family's life for six generations. Might I briefly recount for you how First Church has been a blessing to the Godfrey family?
'Godfrey' derives from the words 'God' and the old Saxon word 'frede' meaning peace, so to say Godfrey is to allude to God's peace.[1] This will, I'm sure, descend on my own little brood of three raucous sons at some point.
Beginnings
The beginning of the Godfreys' relationship with the church may have begun with a good woman, Susan A. Rogers, whom Edwin Rogers (E.R.) Godfrey, Senior married on Christmas Eve, 1863. The church membership rolls record a number of Rogers families who joined the church prior to when E.R. joined on May 3, 1885 as member number 311.
E.R. and Susan were apparently active members of the church. Susan was called "Aunt Sue" by many in the community because of her cheery personality and dedication to the community. A year and a half after her death from cancer in 1908 E.R. married Susan's sister, Isabel Rogers Hart. Isabel was the widow of Thomas Watson Hart, the son of Benjamin Hart, who was one of Wauwatosa's founders. Isabel then moved from her home at 1609 Church Street and into E.R.'s home on N. Main Street (now Harwood Avenue).
E.R. was a creature of habit who ate at the Women's Exchange every day, sitting at the same table, and ordering the same lunch. Every Sunday he bought one quart of ice cream to cover dessert no matter how many guests were expected. He wanted his car kept clean and polished, but because he always entered on the same side of the car, when time was short, his chauffeur would polish only that side.[2] After working for a number of years for others, in 1889 E.R. incorporated E. R. Godfrey & Sons, a wholesale produce business. E. R. Godfrey & Sons was later named the Godfrey Company, out of which came a retail division named Sentry Foods. E.R.'s reason for starting the business was to help others. He thought, "What better way for me to help others than to provide employment for them?" A big reason for his success may have been the trust that his devotion to his people engendered.
Three of E.R.'s sons joined the church with him on very the same day: Edward R. Godfrey Jr., William A. Godfrey, and Charles H. Godfrey. Later, the fourth and last of his sons to reach adulthood, James Dudley, joined the church on May 14, 1893.
75th Anniversary
The Godfreys find gracious mention in the 75th anniversary (1917) publication in a poem by Mrs. Carrie Warren Harwood called "Outstanding Characters":
Some of our very best were gone.
We had not long to wait
When others came to compensate.
Yes, old and new worked hand in hand,
A matter plain to understand.
They were like us of similar creed,
The names of Lewis, Benson, Breed,
Wheeler, Gregg, Morton, Fowler, Myers, Godfrey, lo![3]
I'm not sure what purpose that last 'lo!' serves but let's keep moving.
During the World Wars
When the United States entered World War 1 in 1917, two Godfreys were listed among the 53 members of our church who served. They were Frederick Godfrey and Howard Godfrey. As far as could be ascertained, all 53 of these men returned safely from the war.[4] The World War II church honor roll contains the following names: Dudley J. Godfrey, Jr., John A. Godfrey, and William G. Godfrey.
The 125th Anniversary
My grandmother Jean W. Godfrey wrote "A Look Into the Past" as part of the church's 125th anniversary in 1967. She includes the following in a closing paragraph:
Our country has changed in 100 years from a nation torn apart by civil war to a state catapulted . . . into the position of first power in the world. We are all mixed up and confused as to how to use our power wisely. We are still trying to help the colored people in our population become responsible citizens. That job is far from done. Our country has been highly successful in (producing) goods and technology, but no so successful in ethical, moral, or spiritual development. The spiritual side needs to catch up with the material side.[5]
Conclusion
The church now has three smaller bells to accompany the main bell given in 1974 in honor of another Godfrey, Ruth Godfrey Davidson. Whenever I hear those bells I will think of the way God has blessed our family through this church. Thank you, First Church, for leaving a legacy in our family's life, and for letting us be a part of your legacy. Together, may we be God's legacy in this too often cold and cruel world. Some lyrics from Christian singer Nicole Nordeman's song "Legacy" seem a fitting way to close:
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me,
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest.
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much.
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights.
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl,'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world.
I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering,
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically,
And leave that kind of legacy.
[1] "The Godfrey Family: A Wisconsin Dynasty", Jeanne Schmidt, Wauwatosa Historical Society, Sep. 1987.
[2] Ibid.
[3] The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, 1917.
[4] Centennial History, Alice H. Hawks, First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, 1945.
[5] Jean W. Godfrey, "A Look Into the Past", March 1, 1967, in 125th Anniversary (1842-1967)
by Betty Blank
Twenty two years ago this decidedly amateur singer, impelled by a love of choral singing, joined the choir here at First Congregational Church. The Bible tells us to sing praises to His name and to make a joyful noise. Impartial visitors have said that we do this uncommonly well.
Each September I return for a number of soul sustaining reasons. I am challenged to learn more than I think I am capable of and I have made many beautiful friendships.
I love to hear the section leaders rehearse. Betty Dethmers' accompaniment helps us to learn new music and occasionally covers our mistakes. I enjoy tenor Roger Jacobi's puns and the easy banter between Lee Jacobi, our director, and Rev. Steve Peay when he comes to pray with us on Sunday Morning. We receive impromptu history lessons about composers and text and hymn tunes. There is a real satisfaction in knowing that you have made a contribution to the worship service.
All this plus guaranteed good seats during the Christmas and Easter Services! Come, join us! *
by Char Schweitzer.
Ten years ago, our church hired an editor for the monthly Columns newsletter. After submintting a writing sample and interviewing with the Communications Committee, she overcame a rather daunting 30 item "job description," and took us on as the first customer of her home-based business Desktop Dimensions, Inc. In the ensuing years, editor Beth Linscott's contributions to this church have gone beyond her work with the Columns (with its monthly snags ie: not enough articles, too many articles, late articles, promised-but-not-delivered articles, articles she authors, pictures she works in etc., etc.) Additionally, her help with technical support and researching paper needs and prices for the many booklets, brochures and mailings from our boards have been invaluable.
In addition to her business, Beth is married to Mike and the loving mother to Mikayla 7, Ian 5, and Eleri 2. She is past President of the Lincoln School PTO and is very active with her family in St. Sebastian Church!
On this 10th Anniversary occasion, we wanted you all to know about Beth. Her patience, forbearance, and unfailing cheerfulness have made her our hidden treasure, a jewel and a joy with whom to work. *
by Katy Chapman
Fellowship is trying something new 'Sweet Treats' Coffee Hour will be held the first Sunday of each month beginning on September 7, 2003. There has been mention in the past of incorporating home-baked goods into First Church's coffee hour, so we're giving it a try! It's a chance for ANY member to contribute to coffee hour. Our goals are to spruce up the goodies, make it a little easier on the fellowship budget and involve the church by recognizing their baking talents. What better way to produce some fantastic results?
Additionally, we'd like to have the bakers drop off the recipe at the church office. Anyone who would like the recipe can then stop by the office for a copy. We'll ask that you label your baked good with your name so a person wanting the recipe knows which one to ask for at the church office. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to volunteer together!
In celebration of 150 years since First Church was first built upon a blackberry patch in 1853, the first 'Sweet Treats' Coffee Hour on September 7 in the Social Hall will have a blackberry theme. So please bring your homemade 'berry treats.'
Please sign up to bring in your treats at any coffee hour. It will help us to plan ahead for the amount of baked goods needed. It is our hope that there will be strong enough interest to carry this on as a coffee hour tradition.
A special thanks to Julie Peay and Diane Saeger for taking time to bake a couple dozen treats for the 'favors' handed out this month at coffee hour promoting 'Sweet Treats.'
For further questions or information, please contact the church office, Val Blazich (414)771-0431 (mblazich@wi.rr.com), or Katy Chapman (414)302-0057 (chapmankrl@aol.com). *
Please consider joining your fellow church women on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 8-10 a.m. This group is open to women of all ages. "We have adopted the theme that the church used last year, because it reflects the spirit that we embrace," said Julie Smith, group facilitator.
The group spends the first hour together with coffee, fellowship and selected readings. Currently we are discussing The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus, by John Coleman. The second hour will usually be spent in a service project, complimenting the Care Board's needs.
We'd love to see you, meet you and share in the joy of working together
for God. If you're considering joining us, but have questions, please call
any of the following women (all 414 area code numbers): Julie Smith - 774-8688,
Judy Bates - 961-8706, Ruth Ehlert - 328-0829, Sarah DeYoung - 453-3652,
Pam Parker - 475-0044. *
Women's Bible Study will meet regularly again on the first and third Wednesday of the month, but please note that our first meeting will be Wednesday, September 17. Steve Peay has encouraged us to work through a series entitled "Companions" which focuses on spiritual growth.
This will be the third year Women's Bible Study has met. We are appropriate for women of varied ages and encourage new people to continue to join us. Please register at the office for materials, 414-258-7375. Call Julie Sheridan Smith with any questions at 414-774-8688. *
September 6 "Humor for the Health of It"
with internationally known inspirational, art-of-living writer and speaker Patricia Lorenz
October 4 "Putting Spirituality in Your Life"
Speaker is from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
November 1 "Best Sellers and Holiday Gift Picks"
Katherine Wallberg of Schwartz books in Brookfield will guide us through the best in books for holiday gift-giving
Wow! What a week! Vacation Bible School wrapped up on Friday, August 8th and church members, kids and adults are still talking about it. More than 85 children and 40 volunteers helped to make Vacation Bible School the best it could be. All who participated enjoyed traveling on an expedition to Jesus as everyone discovered the "Treasures of the Nile." The children explored some of the mysteries of ancient Egypt and uncovered the real treasures that lie hidden in the awesome Bible stories that took place in that land.
Junior kindergartners through sixth graders learned more about their faith, while making unique crafts, playing energetic games, singing new songs, eating yummy snacks and making new friends.
During the course of the week, the students collected money for the children our church is sponsoring in Argentina, raising more than $215! In addition, everyone brought food items for the Tosa Food Pantry, We were able to help the pantry stock up on some important goods. The week wrapped up with the long anticipated event...the climbing of the rock wall and the family picnic lunch. Adults and kids were able to enjoy the ultimate vertical expedition as they climbed to the top of the wall.
A big thank you to all those who volunteered to make this a successful event. We could not have done it without you. We were excited to have many new volunteers join us this year. Plans are already in the works for next year's Vacation Bible School where we look forward to seeing you again! *
"The Transitional Women. Learning to Manage Life's Challenges of Menopause"
Date: Monday, September 22.
Time: 6:007:30 p.m.
Where: Friendship Lounge
Don't miss this informative presentation on menopause and options for managing symptoms. Presentation by Aurora Women's Health Pavilion. Donations accepted. Pre-registration is required as seats are limited. Contact the church office for sign up.
Circle 8 will meet at Congregational Home on Tues. September 2 at 1:30 p.m. for dessert and Bunco with the residents.
September All-Church Dinner
Wednesday September 10, 2003, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for our last picnic of the season on Ridge Court. We'll have a Steel Drum Fire Pit Bake. Fresh chicken, harvested potatoes, sausages, and a medley of crisp garden vegetables will be layered in a large steel drum and roasted over an open fire pit. Fruit salad and dessert will accompany the meal. Kids' meals available. Bring your friends and family for fun & fellowship!
Adults/$5, children under 12/$2
Sign up at the church office by Sunday, September 7.
Beginning Tuesday, September 2,
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS are from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
St. Vincent Meal Program - Our church participates in this benevolent organization the first Friday of each month. We next serve on Friday, September 5. Call Barb or Ruth Dunham, 774-7147, to volunteer in meal preparation at 8:15 a.m. To help serve, meet at the church at 4:15 to go to the meal site at 910 West Madison Street, or meet us there.
This fall the Senior Women's Group will join with Circle 12 and will meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 24. Following a short meeting we will enjoy lunch ($8) and a program by Rev. Steve Godfrey. Please plan to join us for fun and fellowship. Call Martha Haagensen, 256-6905, with your reservation. If you are in need of transportation, call Kris Schulze 262-695-1059 or Holly Krull 262-560-0292.
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 8
