Mission Mazahua Provides Many Lessons

On December 27, 16 of our youth and adults joined 9 others and traveled to Mission Mazahua, a holistic Christian mission in the highlands of Mexico. Run by Lisa and Norberto Cortez, the mission has outreach ministries in the areas of education, wellness and spirituality.

The majority of the work that the group provided included painting, playground equipment repair and general cleaning for 7p;8 hours per day. Camping at the mission (with 75° days and nights down to the 30°'s) students also participated in daily devotions.

"It was a very rewarding experience," said Scott Donaldson. "It felt good to do a lot of work p; it's not often that we have the opportunity to make such a big difference."

While the group as a whole found the work extremely rewarding, one of the favorite experiences of many of the youth was helping to deliver mushrooms to area families. "As we drove around the country, we got a real good feel of the culture," said Leslie O'Meara. "Norberto stopped to talk to everyone he knew. They seem to have no pressures. We even saw some of the other mission work."

As a veteran missionary, Leslie was still able to take something new from this experience. "This was the first time I realized the vastness of the poverty. Yet, while they don't have all the same things we do, they are so thankful. It makes us feel so privileged in our lives." Leslie was also impressed with the connections and friendships they were able to make. The youth spent one evening playing basketball, teaching songs and playing Concentration with a few of the girls who staff the kitchen there. (Incidentally, it seems our boys lost to the Mexican girls...they say it was the high altitude!) No matter what the difference in lifestyle, the whole group shared similar interests and enjoyed making a connection.

Diane Schowalter, coordinator from FCC said, "I think the students took away several life lessons. They learned how differently time is experienced in the Mexican culture; that the process can be as important as the product; and that people can live very happily with less."

This experience was supported, in part, by proceeds from the PF Auction. In addition, the Board of Benevolence provided funds
for our group leader, Donna Williams, the costs of our materials and to support the mission's programs, including the pottery and stained glass crafts. Thank you!

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Vicinage and Installation Slated February 15

Service of Installation
of Rev. Schaal, Associate Minister
February 15, 2004

Vicinage Council 3 p.m.
for delegates of local Congregational Churches to grant approbation to Rev. Schaal

Service of Installation 7 p.m.
Service of worship celebrating our expanded ministry

Autonomy of congregations is a trademark of Congregationalism. Just as important, but frequently not emphasized, is the relationship between congregations, so that churches might support each other. You will have a chance to see this in action on February 15 at the Vicinage Council and Installation of the Rev. Samuel Schaal, our Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Spiritual Formation.

At their November meeting, our Church Council issued a call to Rev. Schaal following the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and the Senior Minister, both of whom had interviewed the candidate. Rev. Schaal agreed to the call and has been at work since December 1. The final step in settling a new minister is the service of installation. A letter of invitation was recently sent to area Congregational churches for an ecclesiastical council and installation service.

This ecclesiastical council, called a vicinage council, will convene at 3 p.m. in our chapel on February 15. There, each local Congregational church has been invited to bring its pastor and one lay leader. In the council, Rev. Schaal will present his academic credentials, summary of experience and understanding of the Christian faith, since he is seeking approbation among the Congregationalists because he is transferring from the Unitarian Universalists. The council will vote on giving Rev. Schaal approbation, with an eye not to any sort of doctrinal purity, but to judge if the candidate is a good match for this congregation. The council is advisory only. The congregation retains the sole right of call, but seeks the wisdom of other churches in settling a new minister.

Following the council and a dinner for delegates, the council and all members and friends of the church are invited to a special service of installation at 7 p.m. in the Meeting House.

Many special guests will be in attendance. The Rev. Shawn Stapleton, minister of First Congregational Church in Beloit, is the moderator of the council. The Rev. Kathryn Rust, minister of First Congregational Church of Mukwonago, is the scribe of the council and will report the council's vote during the installation service. At the service, the Rev. Dr. Don Olsen, Secretary for Ministerial Development and Information Services at the NACCC, will offer the sermon. Giving the charge to the minister will be the Rev. Tom Schade, Associate Minister of First Unitarian Church (Second Parish) of Worcester, Mass. (and current national president of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship), and the charge to the congregation will be given by our own Dr. Peay. Ministers of neighboring churches of various faiths have been invited as well. Please come to worship God, celebrate the expanding ministry of our church, and see our tradition at work.

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The Da Vinci Code Presentation
Draws Masses

The first session of The Da Vinci Code discussion brought in approximately 170 people to dinner and 400 to the lecture. The Nave was "standing room only" as Rev. Peay provided some historical background and facts from his research which poked holes in some of the information presented in the controversial book, The Da Vinci Code.

Reaction to the program was very positive as attendees were still discussing the topic on their way out the door.

Part II, delivered at North Shore Congregational Church one week later, provided more history as well as theological implications and the feminine side of spirituality.

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Minister's Musings

Now that we have gotten through the holidays and are well into the new year, I'd like to spend some time talking about the things that are important to us as followers of the Congregational Way. As always, first things should be first, so I want to talk about worship p; the primary reason we exist as a church.

The word 'worship' derives from the Old English word 'worthscip' and denotes the 'ascription of worth.' So, when we come to offer worship we are coming together to say that God is worthy of our praise, worthy of the time we are taking and that we are witnessing to our faith in the loving God. The Purpose of our church is "to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the object of sharing in the worship of God. . ." Our Covenant p; the statement that makes us a church p; says that we "commit ourselves to share in the worship and service of God." In other words, worship is the most basic thing that we do as a church. And worship is the task for all of us, not just the minister, the musicians, the deacons and the ushers. The reason we talk about 'liturgy' (the work of the people) is precisely to remind us that worship is the 'work' or duty of all who are followers of Jesus Christ. Worship, then, is important to us p;
or, at least it should be.

So, what is worship? Romano Guardini, the great liturgical scholar of the last century wrote: "Such is the wonderful fact that the liturgy demonstrates: it unites art and reality in a supernatural childhood before God. . . [Worship] has one thing in common with the play of the child and the life of art p; it has no purpose, but is full of profound meaning. It is not work, but play. To be at play, or to fashion a work of art in God's sight p; not to create, but to exist p; such is the essence of the liturgy. From this is derived its sublime mingling of profound earnestness and divine joyfulness." [The Spirit of the Liturgy] Worship is an opportunity for us to simply be ourselves p; with the God who has invited us to come and with those who also respond to the invitation. It is, as Marva Dawn the contemporary liturgical scholar says, "a royal waste of time."

Sometimes we come to worship so concerned about "what I'm going to get out of it" that we miss the whole point. (Truth is that some don't even bother to come because they've already judged that there is nothing there for them p; how sad!) What is the point? That worship isn't about us. Worship is about God. We should be less concerned about what we're going to get out of worship and more concerned about what we're going to put into it p; namely, ourselves. Worship is our opportunity to come, at God's invitation, and to rest in God's presence surrounded by those who have heard, and heeded, the same invitation. If we think of worship as a performance we have to understand that we're not the audience p; God is. Worship isn't simply the 'work' or the 'play' of the ministers, the musicians, or whoever is involved. Worship is all of us coming into God's presence and realizing, as did the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, "Lord, it is good to be here."

Several of our goals we're taking on as a church over the next four years involve worship. We're seeking to increase our membership, better involve current members, and reactivate inactive members p; that's a matter of worship. There is also the specific goal of broadening our educational and worship activities p; which includes 'alternative worship services.' If we are to accomplish these goals we need to understand what worship means, what it does, and commit ourselves to it in a new way.

We also have to be open to that lurking specter that scares congregations p; change. We may be called upon to try something new, sing hymns or songs that are different, or even be invited to approach the Lord's Table to receive communion in a way we've not experienced before. I hope we can approach these things as sisters and brothers in a loving manner and not allow our concern for our comfort to get in the way of our growth as God's people. Change is never easy, but there is no growth p; and no life p; without change. John Henry Newman said it so well, "I know not how it may be on other worlds or higher planes, but here below to live is to change; and to be perfect is to have changed often." Lent is great season to reflect on where we need change in our lives and soon it will be upon us.

Marva Dawn writes: "Our world is desperate for God . . . in the face of escalating despair and chaos, the escalating gap between rich and poor, the intensifying violence and global political and economic confusions, our world desperately needs worship where God is encountered in as much of his fullness as is possible." [A Royal "Waste" of Time: The Splendor of Worshipping God and Being Church in the World] Amen, Dr. Dawn, I agree. It is my prayer that as a congregation we learn and grow in our worship so that we do encounter God in as much of his fullness as we can handle. Ultimately, I pray that we learn how important it is just to be p; to be with God, to be with one another, to be with ourselves. Then, perhaps, we'll understand just how much worship really is an opportunity for 'holy leisure,' and we'll play with abandon before the God who says to us, "With you, I am well pleased."
Next month: Worship the Congregational Way.
Yours in the Lord's service,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister

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Adult Education Lineup

February 1
"Credo in...?" - A talk about what it means to believe
Steve Peay

February 8
"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Bible, But Were Afraid to Ask!"
Steve Peay, Sam Schaal, Dan Schowalter, Phil Landis

February 15
"Son of God and Savior: How the Romans Honored the Emperor"
Dan Schowalter

February 22
"Another Opening, Another Show: The Jesus Tradition in Film"
Sam Schaal

February 29 no adult education.

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Lenten Activities

Ash Wednesday Services
Feb. 25
Noon Communion Service, Chapel
7 p.m. Communion Service, Nave

Wednesday evening activities
March 3 through March 31
6 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Vespers Service
7 p.m. Adult Education offerings:

· Rev. Sam Schaal leads a "Bible Workbench" study of interactive explor-ation of lectionary Biblical texts for
"living our story through God's story."

· Rev. Dr. Steve Peay leads a study of "Basic Spirituality" focused on prayer, reading and developing spiritual
discipline.

Sunday evenings Feb. 29 through March 28
"Cinematic Views of Jesus"
Since the silent picture era, Hollywood has
pictured Jesus in various ways.
We will view a complete movie each evening
to study these various views.

A personal Lenten devotional manual
"Renewed for Life," with readings from Henri Nouwen, will be available for private study through the Lenten period.

Watch for more information in the weekly Congregationalist.

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Jim Walsh Provides Balance

Nearly 50 years ago, Jim and Gloria Walsh joined First Congregational Church and we've been incredibly blessed by their presence and contributions every since. Now while living in state only 6 months of the year, we still benefit from the participation of Jim as assistant treasurer of our church and treasurer of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

Jim and Gloria began dating their senior year of high school. They lived in Madison at the time and continued on to UW. Enrolled through ROTC, Jim was a student in the School of Business for accounting. Gloria was an English major. After graduating in '52, Jim served in the Army, including one year in Korea (post War), until he was discharged in 1955.

At that time, Jim took a position with the Arthur Andersen accounting firm where he worked for 37 years, as a partner for 25. During that time, Gloria was at home raising their three children: Dave, Tom and Janet (Schalmo). Dave passed away in 1996, leaving behind a wife and two children. This proved to be one of the many times in which the love and support of FCC was invaluable to the family. Tom lives in Rockford and has three children. Janet is a church member at FCC along with her three children who are now active in church themselves.

Throughout the years, Jim and Gloria have both been of tremendous service to this church. Gloria was a Council member, on the Board of Christian Education and involved with some women's groups. Jim was Moderator, chairperson for a Search Committee, served on Long-Range Planning and more. Additionally, he served as treasurer for about 7 years and has continued to serve as assistant treasurer, aiding Diane Houriet. Readily accessible by phone and email, Jim doesn't take a break from helping even when out of state.

Jim and Gloria now spend Januaryp;April and Octoberp;December in Sarasota, Florida, returning home for the holidays and the better weather. In Florida, they found a Congregational Church (UCC) which they can attend and enjoy the many new friends they have made. "First Congregational Church will always be the church we consider home," said Jim. "We miss church when we're gone. We value the fellowship and relationships." The feeling from the church is mutual.

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Sunday School Teachers

While many of you have already appreciated the talents of one or more of these individuals as they have taught and cared for your children, we wanted to recognize their commitment throughout the church.

Nursery p; Kari Leon p; Kari has been working in the nursery for several years now. She always has a helpful smile and warm way with the littlest ones of our church. Several youth students, Bryn Callen, Kelsey Sorum and Makenzie Blazich are Kari's helpful assistants and rotate helping each Sunday.

Two Year Old Room p; This room is staffed with three wonderful teachers, Sarah DeYoung, Laura Anderson and Lisa Hendrickson. In addition, high school students Leslie O'Meara and McKenzie Wray assist in this room.

Three Year Old Room p; Brother and sister team, Tim and Betsy Holtz teach the three year old class. Both are long time members and enjoy working with this age group. High school student, Jessie Reddy is a dedicated assistant every week.
Four Year Old Room p; Julie Smith and Carol Hudson make a fabulous team in this room. Julie has been teaching many years and this is Carol's first time. High school student, Sarah Schalmo is a terrific help.

Kindergarten p; Paige and Tom Galfano and Troy and Robin Peterson rotate Sundays to teach this class. This talented foursome has taught for many years. High school student and P.F. member, Erin Callen assists each week.

First grade p; Missy Owen and Lindsay Wittig work together each Sunday to guide this group. Missy and Lindsay bring a caring way and engage the students each week.

Second grade p; Tracy Lockhart leads this group each Sunday. Tracy has been very involved over the past few years teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Tracy has also assisted with the 11:00 program this year. She is a very dedicated teacher.

Third grade p; Veteran teacher Margaret Brown leads this big class each Sunday. Margaret brings warmth and kindness to her class each week. High school student, Stacey Reddy offers her assistance each week.

Fourth grade p; Teaching as a team again, Nancy Harmon, Lisa Mauer Probst and Nancy VanderVelde rotate Sundays to instruct this large class. They bring many years of teaching experience with them and are always finding new and creative approaches.

Fifth and Sixth grade - Julie Lucey and Laura Taylor team up to teach this combined class. Julie and Laura consistently introduce lessons is unique and creative ways.

Seventh grade p; Keith Harmon and Tim Anheuser have teamed up again to help with this pre-covenant class. They bring thoughtful insights as the children begin the confirmation process.

11:00 Sunday School p; Sue Rowbottom has been very helpful in coordinating a variety of people to teach the 11:00 students. Sue has spent many Sundays teaching the class herself.
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First Church Peddles for MS

This was the beginning of something wonderfulWell, I don't think I'd go that far. But it was the beginning of a really great experience. Tom (Lance Armstrong) Stacey, Scott (Greg LeMonde) Wittig, Drew (The Turtle) Collis, and I (The Tortoise) started out on Saturday, August 2 from the Waukesha County Fairgrounds. We, along with 1500 other riders, were on a mission to fight Multiple Sclerosis by participating in a two-day bike ride from Waukesha to Whitewater to Madison.

On Saturday, Tom soon left Scott, Drew, and me in the dust. We didn't see him until lunch in Dousman. Scott would meet Drew and me at the rest stops. That just means he was smart enough to go a bit faster, then wait for us, getting that much more rest than we did. Seventy-five miles later, in Whitewater, we found Tom again as we signed up for our dorm rooms and prepped for dinner. Drew and I are certain that the route organizers tried their hardest to search out every rise, every hill and every incline between Waukesha and Whitewater. I did not realize that there are mountains in Wisconsin, but, believe me, my body tells me there are several.

Sunday, we all started out together again, meeting for lunch in Deerfield which is somewhere between Whitewater and Madison. Again, we met up with Tom and delayed his ride by making him pose for a picture. I don't think we embarrassed him too much!

Tom sprinted home; Scott pulled ahead and was there to meet Drew and me at the finish line, where Scott was rested, refreshed, and wearing clean, dry clothes. Drew and I did finish, but it sure seemed like "they" kept moving the line further and further. At one point, I thought it had found its way to LaCrosse!! And guess what? It was all up hill, even the finish line.
But, you know what? When you find yourself peddling along with someone who is cranking their bicycle along because they can no longer use their legs due to MS, you begin to see the good you are doing. Not only that, it gives you another reason to finish the ride and earn that pledge to beat MS!

The Wisconsin Chapter of the MS Society has been sponsoring this ride for twenty years and this was one of the biggest and most "profitable" yet for the Society. The reason for the ride is to raise money for the MS Society so they can help find a cure and assist those with MS. Last year we raised over $1 million for the chapter. Your generous contributions helped The Captain's Crew raise over $4500 putting us in the 44th spot out of the top 100 teams. Also with your help, I was 55th out of the top 100 individual pledge raisers this year. There is lots of room for improvement as the number one rider raised almost $25,000!!!

This year's ride is August 7p;8. Call me at 262-781-6705 or email me at hcollis@wi.rr.com. I know that Tom, Scott, Drew, and I will welcome any and all company on the ride (or whatever support you would like to provide).

Contact me so I can get you on the mailing list.

In between now and then, and as a lead up to the National Association Annual Meeting in Providence, there will be a special event for bicyclists. In June, Pastor Craig Walker, a cancer survivor, will be riding his bike from Los Angeles to Providence. That's nearly 3400 miles. The goal is to raise $50,000 for The Congregationalist national magazine. The first weekend in June, there will be an adjunct ride from Milwaukee to Chicago to meet up with Pastor Craig. This 75-mile ride would be a great tune up for the MS ride. I do not have all of the details regarding the June ride at this time, but will let you know if you have an interest.
Yours in Christ.
Harry Collis
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Lectionary Readings

February 1
Old Testament Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm Psalm 71:1-6
New Testament I Corinthians 13:1-13
Gospel Luke 4:21-30

February 8
Old Testament Isaiah 6:1-13
Psalm Psalm 138
New Testament I Corinthians 15:1-11
Gospel Luke 5:1-11

February 15
Old Testament Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm `Psalm 1
New Testament I Corinthians 15:12-20
Gospel Luke 6:17-26

February 22
Old Testament Exodus 34:29-55
Psalm Psalm 99
New Testament 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Gospel Luke 9:28-43a

February 25-Ash Wednesday
Old Testament Joel 2:1-2;12-17
Psalm Psalm 51:1-17
New Testament I Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Gospel Matthew 6:1-6; 15-21

February 29- 1st Sunday in Lent
Old Testament Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm Psalm 91:1-2;9-16
New Testament Romans 10: 8b-13
Gospel Luke 4:1-13

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In Brief/ Our Church Family

Pilgrim Fellowship Super Bowl Subs
It is not too late to order. Pick up an order form in the front office. You may chose from a variety of items. Your sub will be made fresh the morning of the Super Bowl and you may pick it up in between the services on Feb. 1st. Thank you for supporting the PF!

Congratulations - Mark Hendrickson is the winner of the 2004 Chili Cook-off with his Buffalo chili recipe.

Circle 8 will meet at the Congregational Home on Tuesday, February 3, at 1:30 p.m. for dessert and Bunco with the residents.

Breakfast with the Girls Resumes!
February 6th: The Hat Lady
Pat Borkowski

March 6th: Mary, Mother of Jesus
Janet Peterson, Acacia Theater

April 3rd: Secret Gardens
Melody Narr

February Dinner and Variety Show
The Wednesday night dinner on February 4th will be a real treat. Come enjoy a Mexican flare and be entertained by the Pilgrim Fellowship students. To show their appreciation and gratitude for all your support, the students will put on a small variety show for the members of the congregation. You won't want to miss this evening of fun, laughs and quality entertainment. The ticket prices for dinner will be slightly higher with a small portion of the proceeds going to support future youth programs and events. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you there. Sign up in the church office now!

The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is

Monday, January 12, noon

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Congregational Columns

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. Samuel Schaal, Associate Minister

Rev. Charles Goldsmith, Ph.D., Congregational Home Chaplain
Cindy Payette, Administrator

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. 13, Issue 1

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