Celebrate
Summer with Family Camp
St. Vincent Meal Program
Peay Africa Expedition
Lessons of Love
Minister's Musings
Congregational Home Connection
Strawberry Luncheon
Organ Renovation
Family Camp is a wonderful tradition for First Church families. It offers
a relaxing respite from life’s typical routine and daily stresses. Join in the fellowship
that is unique to Camp Lucerne…campfires, corn roasts, swimming in pristine
Lake Lucerne, hiking, kayaking, tennis, canoeing, fishing, Bible study….and
reconnecting.
Located about two hours north of Milwaukee, Camp Lucerne provides an all inclusive
camp-like environment that includes cabins, meal service and other amenities.
More than 100 church families have enjoyed the experience of Camp Lucerne over
the years. Please consider joining us this August!
In an effort to ensure their long-term viability, Camp Lucerne has imposed
an occupancy/ spending minimum on groups. Therefore, we are asking for an indication
of First Church interest in attending by June 1, 2004. For more information,
please contact: Ed & Lisa Probst at 414-476-1079 or Marty & Nancy Vander
Velde at 414-475-0554.
For the past 20 years, First Congregational Church has participated in the Meal Program at St. Vincent’s, a ministry equally important to both the community we serve and to the community and vision of this church.
The St. Vincent meal program is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families
and small groups of this church to serve the outer community, the first Friday
of every month. We gather at the church to load vehicles with food at 4:15
in order to leave at 4:30. Rides can be arranged to and from both church and
St. Vincent. A volunteer is needed to transport food and containers to and
from the site. For those who can gather at a later time, we serve at St. Vincent
between 5:30 and 6:15. “We serve behind buffet tables and have an opportunity
to also sit and eat. I choose to do this with my family to help my children
understand that we all belong on both sides of the table,” said coordinator
Julie Smith. “...and my kids love the meal.”
Another option within this ministry is assistance with food preparation (contact
Ruth or Barb Dunham 774-7147). Ruth and Barb, along with Rod Schmidt, cook
earlier in the day and gather in the kitchen at 3:00 for finishing touches
on the cooking and salad making. They would very much appreciate some help.
This ministry has a wonderful history in our church and is a very accessible
ministry and great activity for our church families. Please consider giving
it a try. St. Vincent is located at 931 W. Madison - directions and information
will be posted with the sign up sheet at church or call Julie Smith at
(414) 774-8688 for information.
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Contents
As I write this we are now more than halfway through Lent. Since we’ve
been talking about worship from month-to-month, I’d like to focus a bit
on the whole idea of the church or liturgical year. It seems especially appropriate
as we come to the focal point of that year: Easter.
Our human life is boundaried by time, a concept which humanity discovered and first measured. Periods of light and darkness, the passing of seasons, and the marking of significant events are all part of time. It should not be surprising that early on there would arise not only a concept of sacred space, but of sacred time as well.
When God entered into covenant with Israel the keeping of sacred times became
an important part of the ongoing relationship. At the core of the observance
was the Sabbath. All creation was to enjoy a day of rest because the Creator
did. The weekly keeping of the Sabbath oriented the worship and domestic life
of each observant Jew – and continues to do so to this day.
The Jewish festal calendar grew out of the Sabbath observance. This calendar
provided for the commemoration of the events that had affected the formation
of Israel and its relationship with God. Chief among these feasts was Passover
-- Pesach, which annually called Israel back to its beginnings and its dependence
upon God. Other feasts developed from this primary celebration (e.g. Feast of
Weeks - Shevuot, Feast of Booths - Succoth, Feast of Joy in Torah - Simchat
Torah).
Also important to the festal calendar were the celebrations of the New Year -
Rosh Hashanah and the Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur. These “days of awe” and
the Passover celebration mark the high points of God's covenant relationship
with the people of Israel.
Early Christians observed the Jewish festal cycle, but soon began to remake
it according to their experience of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. For
Christians,
the Paschal Mystery, i.e. the death and resurrection of Jesus, fulfilled and
superseded the one celebrated by the Jews. The commemoration of the Paschal Mystery
would merge into the keeping of the Sabbath and result in worship offered on “the
Lord's Day,” i.e. Sunday, the day of Resurrection.
While Sunday stood at the heart of the Christian worship tradition over time
additional observances arose. The yearly celebration of the Resurrection (Pascha,
Easter) was enhanced by the celebration of a vigil service at which Baptism was
celebrated. The commemoration of the Lord's Passion on the Friday before Easter
quickly became a day of solemn fast and abstinence. Later the institution of
the Eucharist (Thanksgiving or Lord's Supper) would be celebrated on Thursday.
As Easter became the prime time for Baptism there developed a forty-day preparation
period for the candidates (catechumens) called Lent (from the Old English word
lencten, ‘lengthen’ or ‘spring’). The observance of the
Lord's birth and its preparatory period (Christmas/ Advent) developed at about
the same time – primarily to overcome the Roman celebration of Sol Invictus, “the
unconquerable sun,” in December.
While the Reformation tried to simplify the complicated round of “feasts
and fasts” which had grown up in the middle ages, parts of the English
church sought complete freedom in worship, which would be formative for much
of Congregationalism, both in Old and New England. Worship, in this view, was
to be patterned only after the New Testament and so any extraneous feasts, such
as Christmas or Easter, were to be avoided. Only the Lord's Day was to be observed.
The stress on the Lord's Day and the absence of a ‘Church Year’ would
dominate American Protestantism, and especially Congregationalism, until after
the Civil War. Following 1865 the mention of Christmas is made in children's
Sunday School literature. Within the same period there is a renewed emphasis
on the celebration of Easter.
After the turn of the twentieth century, there was a growing interest in things
liturgical. The period immediately before and after the Second World War was
particularly full of liturgical developments in both English and American Protestantism,
and Congregationalism in particular. It was in this period that Advent and Lent
come back into focus as observable seasons of the Church Year.
The Church Year, then, has come full circle for Congregational Christians.
Some churches keep it rather completely, others observe only the most major
days.
Regardless, the sanctifying of time and the knowledge that God's time has forever
impacted our own is what makes any observance of the church year important. The
purpose of the church year is to graphically remind believers that God's faithfulness
is great and that as keepers of the covenant we are called to like faithfulness.
With a prayer for a blessed celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection, I remain:
Yours in the Lord’s service,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
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Contents
Thanks to the enthusiastic support of First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa
volunteers, special events at Congregational Home continue to thrive each year.
This past holiday season, Circle 8 members decorated more than two dozen trees
beautifully. Circle 8 women have generously donated time to this project since
Congregational Home opened in 1974. Over the years, the number of trees and
decorations has increased greatly, giving the entire home a festive look
each Christmas.
Residents, families and guests always marvel at the winter wonderland display.
“
Friends” of Congregational Home continue to plan the annual Strawberry
Luncheon. Approximately 200 women enjoy this wonderful event each year. This
spring-time event is exceptionally well organized and requires many hours of
advance planning before the “big event.” Luncheon food is prepared
by Congregational Home staff and served by our enthusiastic volunteers. The
luncheon entertainment has typically been a style show, but in 2002, artists
from the
Florentine Opera entertained the group.
July features our annual Pig Roast, aided by volunteers. Residents and families
are extremely appreciative of the efforts made on their behalf.
Each Wednesday visitors find faithful volunteers filling Congregational Home
with tempting aromas. These volunteers, many who have been with us for three
decades, spend time helping residents bake treats and gladly offer tempting
samples to anyone passing by.
Hymn Sing, a monthly event, is well attended and appreciated by residents.
The volunteers not only provide transportation, but offer support and melodic
voices
to enhance the residents’ experience.
First Congregational Church mothers and their young children visit residents
in a monthly activity lovingly called “Hug-a-Tot.” It’s truly
a pleasure to see that a second generation now brings their children to share
time with residents (many mothers participated as children themselves).
Special Monthly Dinners are enlivened by volunteers who converse with residents
while serving as bartenders.
To thank all of the volunteers for their many hours of service, Congregational
Home hosts an annual volunteer recognition event. For many years a mid-day
luncheon was held. Two years ago this recognition event evolved into a late
afternoon
reception, in recognition of the increased demands placed upon our volunteers’ time.
A photo from last year’s celebration is shown below.
In this short article it would be impossible to mention all the things volunteers
do for residents. Saying a simple “thank you” seems totally inadequate,
but rest assured that everyone at Congregational Home is filled with gratitude
for the unending dedication of the First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa
volunteers.
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Contents
The Friends of Congregational Home
Cordially Invite
the Women of the Church
To our annual
Spring Strawberry Luncheon
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Noon Reception
Twelve Thirty Luncheon
Char Schweitzer
The luncheon is followed by
“ The Little Black Dress Show”
A Goodwill Vintage Fashion Show
A fascinating look at the magic of the perfect black dress dating from the
turn of the century to today.
Reservations Accepted Starting April 12th
Seventeen Dollars
For further information
Please call (262) 781-0550
In 1966 a new organ, built by the Moller Company, was installed in the Nave.
It has given reliable service through the years. The organ has been and still
is an important part of the worship service and the music ministry which has
been a traditionally valued aspect of our community. However, it is now in need
of repair.
The organ is one of electro-pneumatic design, which was common at the time
it was built. Controls that determine which pipes will be played, and the
relay
system that permits rapid changes of the pipes being played contain numerous
leather parts which are deteriorating. The leather gets brittle with age
due to the air pollution. Eventually some of the leather components rupture
causing
an air leak and subsequent failure of the function being controlled. This
problem arose last summer. It has been temporarily repaired. However, a
long-term solution
to the problem is required.
It is possible to replace the defective leather components. This is labor
intensive and would need to be repeated again in the future. An alternative
method involves
replacing the existing electro-mechanical switching mechanism with a solid-state
system. The air operated console combination action, console coupler relays,
and the remote chamber relay system would be replaced. In addition to replacing
the defective parts, this new, state-of-the-art design provides for a number
of additional features, which will make it easier for the organist to play.
Fabry, the company that installed and has been servicing the organ recommends
the latter.
The music committee has been evaluating these proposals and has talked
to several firms that do this type of work. The committee favors the
installation of a new
solid state system and that Fabry Inc. be contracted to do the work.
Fabry has experience with this type of work, having completed more than
100 solid
state
conversions. References that have been contacted indicate that the work
was
fully satisfactory.
These new systems will not compromise the integrity, or change the sound
of the instrument. The changes add versatility to the instrument and
are expected to
save money in the long run. An organ can last in excess of 100 years
if it is given proper maintenance.
Cost of this work is estimated at $62,500. While this is a significant
amount of money, it is small relative to the value of the instrument.
The organ
is the most valuable asset, other than the building, that the church
owns. Replacement
cost of the organ would be between $500,000 and $600,000. Various proposals
to fund such a project are being evaluated.
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Contents
Spring is a time for renewal and reawakening and it becomes truly rewarding
when you take part in that event. Join young and old in this renewal at our
annual spring cleanup day Saturday, April 24th. We start at 9:00 a.m. and
lunch will be served.
There are activities for all skill and age levels.
• Children are welcome – it is a great way for them to use their energy and give to the church.
• Indoor activities include cleaning and painting after a heavy winter schedule.
• Outdoor activities include lawn and garden work. Bring along your lawn and garden tools, carts, and ladders.
• NEW THIS YEAR –
To maximize our efforts we are asking for individuals, or families, to assemble their own work crew to take responsibility for specific tasks. Sign up sheets for these activities will be available in the office shortly and at the sign up tables in April.
Childcare will be provided for the young children. All we ask is that you
register by e-mail or at the office with the number of children coming so
we can plan
accordingly. We would love to have you for the whole day, but an afternoon
or morning, or even a couple of hours, will make a difference. Save April
24 now.
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of Contents
On Saturday March 6th, we enjoyed what has become one of the most impressive
and moving programs Breakfast With the Girls has shared since we began our
get-togethers. Janet Peterson from Acacia Theater performed her "Handmaid
of the Lord" for us and as always we were simply spellbound. It was
a wonderful inclusion in our Lenten thoughts, and one we won't soon forget.
Coming to our gathering on April 3 will be Melody Narr. Some of you might
remember the fun time we had in the Gardens of Our Dreams with Melody in the
past. This
time she will focus on "Secret Gardens" and of course there will
be time for questions and getting down in the dirt as only past, present and
future gardeners can! Let us know if you can help or be ready for our call.
This will also be our last program till fall, so we look forward to seeing
as many of you as possible. It has been a fun time with a lot of good feedback
from many of you on the things we've done this year. Please let us know how
we've done, and any ideas you have on what you would enjoy would also be helpful
Back to the Table of Contents
The CE Board wishes to extend a hearty THANK YOU to all those who responded
to its recent survey. Though the responses were fewer in number than hoped
for (81/489, 16.56%), the content of the responses will be very helpful to
the board. The Sunday morning between services hour was by far and away the
preferred “best time” for adult education classes. Wednesday
was the preferred weekday evening choice, with Monday selected as a second
option. The need for childcare was confirmed, and as always, is available
during the between services hour.
The strongest areas of learning interest were bible study, history of Congregation-alism,
and basic beliefs of the Christian faith, respectively. The balance of the
responses was fairly evenly distributed over the other available options.
Additional comments were offered that were generally very positive and
showed an appreciation
for what has been offered and a growing interest in the expansion of our
adult education program.
In the coming months, Rev. Schaal and the board will be working diligently
to expand and improve upon our overall adult education offerings. The survey
responses will provide welcome direction as we look toward our fall programming.
The survey results are available for review in the church office should
anyone have an interest.
Back to the Table of Contents
(Weather permitting -- we will gather on the Church's Front steps to begin worship.
If weather is inclement, we will gather in the Social Hall.)
Processional Gospel Luke 19:28 – 40
First Lesson Isaiah 50:4 – 9a
Psalm Psalm 31:9 – 16
Second Lesson Philippians 2:5 – 11
Gospel Luke 22:14 – 23:56
Easter Sunday April 11
First Lesson Acts 10:34 – 43
Psalm Psalm 118:1 – 2,14 – 24
Second Lesson I Corinthians 15:19 – 26
Gospel John 20:1 – 18
2nd Sunday of Easter April 18
First Lesson Acts 5:27 – 32
Psalm Psalm 150
Second Lesson Revelation 1:4 – 8
Gospel John 20:19 – 31
3rd Sunday of Easter April 25
First Lesson Acts 9:1 – 20
Psalm Psalm 30
Second Lesson Revelation 5:11 – 14
Gospel John 21:1 – 19
Back to the Table of
Contents
Adult Education
April 4
“
Death and Dying in the Modern World”
Dudley Riggle, Professor Emeritus,
Carthage College
April 11 - Easter Sunday
No Adult Education
April 18
“ Theories of the Atonement”
Steve Peay
April 25
“ Reflections on 45 years in Ministry”
Dick Buchman
Circle 8 will meet at Congregational Home on Tuesday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m.
for dessert and Bunco with the residents.
A number of our high school youth have shared their musical talent during
the Lenten vesper worship services on Wednesday evening. Thanks to Caitlin
Casey,
Neal O’Meara, Sarah Berte and Megan Casey who each provided musical interludes
for the short meditative services during Lent. We appreciate the presence of
our youth in the worship life of the church!
Coming Soon...Sharing Library
Donate your inspirational and faith based books for use by other church members.
Drop donations off at the church office. Include a sentence about your favorites.
The Sharing Library will be located in the Resource Center beginning April
15th.
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 3
