Arlette
Lindl - Wauwatosa's Distinguished Citizen
Vacation Bible School
Minister's Musings
Gifts from the Heart
Nominations
Sr. Minister Evaluation
Baseball Schedule
Women's Service Group
Since birth, Barbara Garvens Lindl has been a recognized treasure of this
congregation. Now the City of Wauwatosa is formally acknowledging Barbara as
Wauwatosa Distinguished Citizen of the Year at an awards dinner, April 21,
at the Bluemound Country Club.
As a member of choir, Church Council, numerous boards and committees, Meals
on Wheels volunteer and Sunday School teacher, we have long benefited from
Barbara’s volunteerism. But, Barbara's efforts have been just as committed
throughout the community. Extremely active in the Wauwatosa Historic Society,
she and husband Ken founded and developed (and supplied much of the antique
equipment for) the 19th Century School House Program, which Wauwatosa second
graders view annually through the district curriculum on Wauwatosa’s
history. She has also served on the Board of Directors and teaches/provides
slide presentations in schools and leads tours of the Kneeland Walker House.
Barbara is also a longtime member of the Wauwatosa Women’s Club where
she has taken an active role in the care and maintenance of the historic museum
housed in the clubhouse. The first and only historic museum in Wauwatosa (started
in 1926), it houses documents and articles dating back to the 1800’s.
She has spent countless hours organizing these archives and newspaper clippings.
As a 25-year member of the Heritage Garden Club, Barbara has participated
in many educational and beautification projects in Tosa, including the maintenance
of the “Welcome to Wauwatosa” signs at the city borders.
Some of her other volunteer work includes service with The Symphony Children’s
concerts, scouts, PTA, Children’s Theatre, and The American Cancer Society.
Going back to Barbara’s grandparents, Agnes and Charles Hart and Edwin
and Claira Garvens, both couples were pioneers of Hart’s Mills. Garvens’ owned
the first grocery in Hart’s Mills/Wauwatosa. It is this heritage that
Barbara carries on and has successfully passed along to her own five children,
who like Barbara, attended and graduated from the Wauwatosa School system.
In fact, four of the five: Sarah (Anderson), Ann, Mary (Wray), and Nancy (Harmon)
are all also members of First Congregational Church. Paul, the youngest, has
moved to Hartford.
The Distinguished Citizen of the Year selection committee is composed of representatives
from various civic organizations in Wauwatosa. They look for candidates who
have given of themselves for the betterment of Tosa. Other church members who
have received this award in the past include: Barbara’s husband Ken Lindl,
the Rev. Norman Ream, Alice Krebs and Marion Peterson.
“Lava Lava Island” lets us watch Jesus’ love flow into real
life. Each day kids choose a specific way to live out the learned Bible lesson
at home. For example, they make a sibling’s bed, pray with a friend or
bring someone a drink of water.
Kids share Jesus’ love as they carry out their “daily challenges” at
home. Then back at Lava Lava Island (Vacation Bible School), kids will add
shiny lava to a giant volcano each day to show how Jesus’ love flows
out from all of us.
Children will also participate in crater crafts and missions, hot Bible adventures,
and jungle games. They will go to sing and play bay and enjoy tasty tropical
treats. On Thursday, they will climb the volcano (a rock wall). On Friday,
students, parents, friends and family will be invited to the Lava, Lava Luau
to celebrate the end of VBS. Children entering kindergarten through those entering
sixth grade will have the chance to participate in an exciting week.
This action-packed, fun-filled journey will be held during the week of June 21. We will meet each morning from 9:00–11:30. Sign your child(ren) up now so he/she doesn’t miss the fun. The cost is $20.00 for the first child in a family and $10.00 for each additional child. Sign up before June 6th and you will receive a $5.00 discount for your family. In addition, if anyone is interested in helping with VBS, please indicate your area of interest on the form below. (Childcare will be provided for those volunteers who have children not yet old enough to participate in VBS.)
Registration Form – VBS 2004
Complete and return to the church office by Friday, June 18
Name of child(ren)
Address:_________________________________________________ Phone__________________
Grade entering in fall of 2004 _________________________________
Allergies ____________________________
Parent(s) name___________________________________________ Phone __________________
Emergency contact____________________________________ Phone
o Yes, I am interested in helping out during VBS. (Please check area(s) of
interest.)
___ teaching ___ snacks ___arts/crafts
___ games ___ preparation ___ where needed
Any questions, contact Carrie or Carla, (414) 258-7375.
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Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians begin with this salutation: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.” There is a nice ring to that beginning. So, here goes:
Steven, Samuel, and Carrie, to the first church of the Wauwatosans in God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father
of the Lord Jesus Christ!
By the time you read this you will have received a letter announcing that,
after almost two years, we are back to our “full complement” of three ministers.
Carrie Kreps, who has worked with us during this past church program year as
an intern from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, has accepted the church’s
call to serve as Associate Minister for Youth and Family. She will begin her
duties full-time with us on an appropriate day, June 6, Children’s Sunday.
I have had many opportunities over the past several months to work as a team
with Carrie and with Sam Schaal, who joined us as our Associate Minister for
Pastoral Care and Spiritual Formation back in December. I’ve chuckled more
than once over Sam’s response to someone’s compliment on the Christmas
Eve service, “Yes. Not bad for an old monk, a renegade Unitarian and a
kid.” That statement certainly testifies to the wonderful camaraderie
and working relationship we share. However, it has become very clear to me
that we
share something even more important: a shared vision and a sense of mission
for the work of First Church.
All three of us have felt that God has called us to this place, at this time
for a reason. All three of us have said, repeatedly, that we believe First
Church is poised for its next great experience of development. All three of
us, thankfully,
understand that there must be inward growth before there can be outward growth.
And, all three of us each bring something different to the table, but have
sense enough to realize that there’s no potluck without the other ones’ offerings.
It is my prayer, then, that our ministry together will model the kind of community
we hope to achieve here at First Church – working together to build up
God’s people here on Church Street.
These goals have emerged from our visioning and self-examination process as
a faith community. The Long Range Planning Committee will soon have developed
an
action plan that will help guide us toward this completion. The three of us
will be working alongside you and the church’s elected leadership team to make
that process as smooth and growth-filled as possible. Working together we can
accomplish our vision of Faith, Freedom and Fellowship, which I could sum up
in the words of the Puritan preacher William Gurnall, “The Christian’s
life should put his minister’s sermon in print.”
On more than one occasion old Paul says of a fellow-worker or a church, “I
thank God for you.” I thank God for Carrie and for Sam; good colleagues
with deep spiritualities and strong work ethics. I thank God for all the members
of the staff who, all together, make this church a place of worship, welcome,
fellowship, and joy. I thank God for all our church leaders and church members – even
the ones we need to see around here more often – you make this place what
it is and what it can be. I thank God for all of you and I look forward to us
growing together in God’s love and God’s service in the years ahead.
There is, indeed, a nice ring to this beginning.
Now….let’s get to work building the kingdom of God here on Church
Street, shall we? As ever:
Yours for the Way,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
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of Contents
Each year Congregational Home receives numerous gifts from friends. We recognize
just how fortunate we are to be given the means by which to enhance residents’ lives
and feel an overwhelming need to say this in print. Just as last month’s
article identified how important it is to have volunteers support our efforts,
we find the gifts we receive equally as valuable.
Through monetary donations we have been able to enhance the lives of residents
by purchasing furniture, equipment and vehicles. Often times we have a Wish List
from which donors can choose. At other times, families/residents have a cherished
idea that they want to make a reality for residents. A thirty year history of
benevolence is difficult to describe in one short article. We have chosen therefore
to highlight just one area, our Chapel, including photographs of gifts in our
Chapel which opened in 1998. Keeping in mind that these gestures represent just
a few of the many extraordinary gifts given to Congregational Home, please know
how much we appreciate all donations.
All of those who have given so generously know in their hearts how meaningful
their gifts have been to Congregational Home and its residents.
Please join us for our 30th Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, June 13, 2004, at
3:00 p.m.
Chapel Window-
In Memory of William and Margaret Grede
Donated by their daughters, Jan Jacobs and Betty Davis
Organ
Donated by Charles Borgwardt
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The Annual Election Meeting of First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa will
be held Sunday, May 6, 2004 at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. Below are the
accepted nominees.
Moderartor
Bill Edens
Vice Moderator
Harry Holz
Past Moderator
Steve Fisher
Treasurer
Michael Simmons
Assistant Treasurer
Jim Walsh
Church Clerk
Sally Boyle
Council
Nancy Hayes
Tom Winkel
Sue Melby
Benevolences
Brian Bahr
Rebecca Haefner
Dick Berger (1-yr term)
Stewardship
Bladen Burns
Rob Elliott
Care Board
Jim VerDuin
Holly Krull
Julie Wills
Sarah Berte (1-yr term)
Denise O'Meara (2-yr term)
Christian Education
Jennifer Wakefield
David Wareham
Nancy Holz
Nominating Committee
Barb Holtz
De McDermott
Rod Schmidt
Fellowship
Marty Vander Velde
Kate Welch
Ed Kraus
Margaret Daigneau
(2-yr term)
Kris Dalen-Bard (1-yr term)
Deacons
Myra Miller
Gaye Clark
Nancy Restyanszki
Julie Sheridan-Smith
Susie DaigneauTrustees
Marc Blazich
Scott Wittig
Judy Bates
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In the true Congregational spirit, it is time again for you to voice your opinions
on the performance of Reverend Dr. Steve Peay. This evaluation process seeks
feedback from our members, as well as from the minister’s peers, supervisor
and subordinates (whichever is appropriate). The approach was developed in
response to comments and concerns expressed by our Congregation about having
a voice in the evaluation.
Evaluation process benefits the Senior Minister and therefore the church.
Your input in the evaluation process provides valuable and insightful performance
feedback, which the Senior Minister may otherwise not receive. It helps our
minister:
• Take a more active role in his own personal development;
• Identify, understand, and manage the expectations and perceptions others
have concerning his
performance;
• Evaluate his performance based upon an unemotional base of feedback;
• Implement improvements based upon direct member feedback.
Through this process, church members and others have the chance to offer constructive
feedback and support to Steve. He will learn to develop his full potential
and realize a higher level of satisfaction and reward from his efforts. This
feedback is not the sole basis for a performance evaluation; it is one of many
sources of input.
Feedback form gathers input from all who interact with the Minister.
A Membership Expectations and Clergy Feedback Form, or “Feedback Form” is
prepared by members, peers, subordinates or supervisors. It has numerous
questions regarding varying aspects of performance and provides space for
written comments
on strengths and areas for improvement.
Individual Feedback Forms are kept strictly confidential – even from
the minister. Responses are consolidated within the same group (member, peer,
subordinate, supervisor).
Each form must be signed and returned by the return date to be considered.
Blank forms are available at the church office. Members may call the church
office to have a Feedback Form mailed to them.
Your Senior Minister gets feedback from all groups.
When all Feedback Forms are compiled, a Feedback Analysis and Results document,
or “Results document” is produced. It shows how each group (member,
peer, subordinate, supervisor) responded to each of the performance questions.
This is compared to the minister’s self-evaluation. All comments on strengths
and areas for improvement are in the Results document. The Evaluation Committee
uses the Results document as input for the minister’s formal evaluation,
along with other sources of performance feedback. A formal written evaluation,
which is separate from the Results document, is prepared by the Evaluation
Committee. A final written evaluation documents areas and time frames for
improvement.
The “Results” document from the feedback on the performance questions
will be available to the membership, upon request.
Now is your chance to participate.
Feedback Forms for Rev. Dr. Peay’s evaluation will be available at
the office from May 1st through May 31, 2004. The deadline for returning
your Feedback
Form is June 1st, 2004.
This is an excellent opportunity for your voice to be heard. Please pick
up your Feedback Form in the office on May 1st, or call the office to have
one
mailed to you.
Your Personnel Committee
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Come on out and cheer on the 2004 Men’s Baseball team. The games are
always fun, and this year’s team will likely give fans a lot to cheer
about. Last year, the team was one of only 24 to be invited to the City League
Tournament, (1 of only 3 church teams to receive this honor.) After finishing
3rd in their 2003 league, they believe they can contend for the top spot this
year!
2004 Men’s Tuesday Church Baseball League Schedule
April 27 9:30 Hart Park
May 4 9:30 Whitman Field
May 11 7:30 Hart Park
May 18 8:30 Whitman Field
May 25 7:30 Hart Park
June 1 8:30 Whitman Field
June 8 6:30 Hart Park
June 15 6:30 Whitman Field
June 22 6:30 Hart Park
June 29 8:30 Whitman Field
July 6 7:30 Hart Park
July 13 8:30 Whitman Field
July 20 7:30 Hart Park
July 27 9:30 Whitman Field
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Women’s Saturday Group Commits “Hands to Work, Hearts to God”
Please consider joining your fellow church women on the second and fourth Saturdays
of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. to gather at church for reflection and service.
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
group facilitator Julie Smith.
The group spends the first hour together with coffee, fellowship and selected
readings. Currently the group is discussing “The Unexpected Teachings
of Jesus” by John Coleman. The second hour is usually spent in a service
project, complementing the needs of the congregation’s
Care Board.
Since forming, the group has participated in a variety of service projects.
The group has made and delivered soups, casseroles, breads and cookies. Margie
Idzikowski spearheaded the making
of bags that can be attached to walkers to donate to the Congregational Home
for Christmas gifts. And in a joint project with the Congregational Home residents,
the group made fleece baby blankets which were donated to the Stork Net Project,
a benefit of the March of Dimes.
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 Julie Smith at (414) 774-8688.
Please join us. For busy high schoolers, moms, grandmas, aunts--wherever you
are in your life--be assured that you can come and go from this group as your
family demands allow. Just bring your heart, enthusiasm, ideas and desire to
work together for God’s good.
--Julie Smith
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Carrie Kreps has become a familiar part of life at First Church during her
internship with us. Those who come to know her appreciate the depth of Carrie’s
spirituality and her sharp mind – they also appreciate her ready smile
and infectious giggle. Now we are blessed that she will continue to be a
part of life and work together. After an almost two-year search, Carrie has
been selected and called to serve as the Associate Minister for Youth and
Family.
The Associate Minister for Youth and Family will provide care and nurture to
the congregation, particularly to students in middle school and high school
and to their families. The special charge of this minister is to help the families
of the church to grow and develop in their spiritual lives. Specific duties
include directing the Junior and Senior Pilgrim Fellowship programs and coordinating
the Covenant Class, along with providing appropriate pastoral care to these
groups. The Associate Minister for Youth and Family will also work to develop
alternative worship services and ministry for young adults.
Carrie will begin her full-time work with us following her graduation from
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois on May 14. Her
official start date is, appropriately, Children’s Sunday, June 6. So
that she has time to settle-in and get married, the Ecclesiastical Council
of the Vicinage and service of ordination will take place in October. Watch
for further information in the Columns as that draws near.
We look forward to a year of celebration and growth. Welcome, Carrie!
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of Contents
May 2
Deacon Marvin Jones
Director of Piney Woods School in Mississippi
May 9
“Youth and the Common Good: Seeking Community in
the Modern World”
Paul Stein and Sr. High Youth
May 16
No Adult Education -
Annual Election Meeting
May 23
Rev. Samuel Schaal
TBA
May 30
No Adult Education
Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 2
First Lesson Acts 9:36–43
Psalm Psalm 23
Second Lesson Revelation 7:9–17
Gospel John 10:22–30
Fifth Sunday of Easter May 9
First Lesson Acts 11:1–18
Psalm Psalm 148
Second Lesson Revelation 21:1–6
Gospel John 13:31–35
Sixth Sunday of Easter May 16
First Lesson Acts 16:9–15
Psalm Psalm 67
Second Lesson Revelation 21:10; 21:22–22:5
Gospel John 14:23–29
Ascension Sunday May 23
First Lesson Acts 1:1–11
Psalm Psalm 47
Second Lesson Ephesians 1:15–23
Gospel Luke 24: 44–53
Pentecost Sunday May 30
First Lesson Acts 2:1–21
Psalm Psalm 104:24–34, 35b
Second Lesson Romans 8:14–17
Gospel John 14:8–17, 25–27
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Congregational Home is hosting a performance of classical music by Waukesha Symphony
Orchestra String Quartet, Sunday April 25, 2004 at 3:00 in the Chapel/Auditorium.
3150 Lilly Rd. Brookfield, WI, 262-781-0550. Light refreshments following performance.
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 4
