Show
Patriotic Spirit by Walking with Church Float in Parade
20004 Covenant Class Confirmed
Minister's Musings
Children's Sunday
Harry Holz Begins Term as Vice
Moderator
30th Anniversary Celebration a Success
All-Church Dinner Swings Into Action
The city of Wauwatosa’s ever popular Fourth of July parade will this
year feature, for the first time, a float from Tosa’s First Church.
Jennifer and David Wareham have been busy designing and constructing a float
that features our familiar church steeple as the focal point. Members and friends
of the church are invited to either ride on the trailer that carries the float,
or to walk alongside the float as it trails down North Avenue.
The parade is actually on Monday, July 5th this year, as the 4th is on a
Sunday. The parade is officially from 9 to 11 a.m. Those wishing to participate
will
need to register in advance in the atrium, then show up at 8 a.m. at Mayfair
Mall. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and travels east on North Avenue from 105th
Street (by Mayfair Mall) to 80th Steet by Longfellow Middle School. The parade
route is 1.75 miles. There will be plenty of water provided to stay refreshed,
so those physically able to make the trek are invited to walk alongside the
float. This is a great family event, and parents are asked to walk with children
during the parade.
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After many months of committed work, students from the 2004 Covenant Class were recently welcomed into the church as members. Following is a little information about each of these young adults from those who know them best...their parents.
James Anheuser
We would like James to know how proud we are of him. We hope that he continues
to read the Bible and grow and learn about God’s plan for him. Something
that people might like to know about James is his love of music and his efforts
to teach himself to play the guitar.
Meg Baptie
Thank you First Congregational Church for welcoming our daughter, Meg, into
your church family. Meg grew up in Brookfield Congregational Church. She and
her dear friend Caroline Quinn attended church sponsored youth events, retreats,
and camp together. Meg’s involvement and commitment to First Congregational
Church grew and she has decided to join the congregation. We are proud of Meg’s
decision and thank First Church for providing her with a meaningful Covenant
Class and mentoring program. Meg brings with her an active commitment to her
church. She is a good citizen and will roll up her sleeves to get things done
for the good of her community, school, friends or family. Meg is compassionate
and kind. She is a “people” person, one who enjoys people from
all walks of life. She is a good friend and family member. Make a joyful noise
Meg! The world can’t wait to hear from you.
Makenzie Blazich
Makenzie has matured in her Christian life. She has grasped Christian and biblical
concepts and strives to better understand her responsibilities as a Christian.
She has a strong awareness of, and respect for, the needs and feelings of others.
Makenzie will continue to be a caring contributor here at FCC and in the community.
James Donaldson
Jimmy’s love of drama, comedy and performing is probably well known at
First Church and we are certainly proud of his theatrical efforts. But perhaps
less known, and more special to us, is his strong sense of loyalty. Throughout
his life, Jimmy has empathized with and stood by the “underdogs.” In
middle school, on more than one occasion, he has stood up in defense of friends
who were being taunted and poorly treated by others. Despite the middle school
pressures to conform, Jimmy has stood loyally with and for his friends.
Kyle Halvorson
We know this has been a long struggle for you, but now that you are close to
being confirmed, we hope you decide that church is important to you and that
you continue to be an active member of the church. If you believe in yourself
and your religion you can accomplish anything in life. Your family is very
proud of you Kyle, and we are with you in spirit!
Kathryn Hatch
I would like to share with you some things that perhaps you don't know about
our daughter, Katy Hatch. Because she is a quiet soul in a noisy world, it
is easier to ignore her or not take the time necessary to get close to her.
If you do take the time, you will find a girl who is honest, sensitive to others
and musically gifted. She is enthusiastic about sharing her musical gifts and
has done so since she was 6 years old by playing piano at nursing homes. Her
dedication to her studies of the French horn shows that she is a focused, determined
student. Her warmth and loving nature are shown through her love of animals
and her compassion for the elderly. The sensitivity she demonstrates as a young
musician is what makes Katy an honorable person in her dealings
with others.
Phillip Jacobi
Phillip has worked very hard and we are very proud of him. His knowledge and
faith have grown tremendously and he has enjoyed visiting other churches and
seeing other worship services. Phillip has much to offer with his kind nature,
gentle spirit, genuine caring attitude and love of people.
Caroline Quinn
Caroline has many wonderful gifts. She is a very warm, caring person. Young
children are attracted to Caroline because of her patience and ability to listen
to their needs.
Caroline is a ‘doer’ and loves to invent and create new ideas.
As an example, Caroline and Meg, along with a few other friends, created the “Miracle
Workers” which was a group that offered help to neighbors. Donations
from their efforts were delivered to local charities. Caroline is highly competitive
and excels in several sports. Much of her free time is spent playing soccer,
water skiing in ski shows and snow skiing. Courage, tenacity and trying new
challenges are strong personality traits. Caroline is also a good listener
and is a comfort to her grandparents. Her mother grew up in this church and
feels very blessed that her children have all been confirmed here. Caroline
and Meg have experienced a few years of church camp in Michigan together as
well as rallies, overnights and service projects. We are so proud of Caroline
and Meg to have made the choice to join this church. We wish for Caroline as
she continues her faith journey, that God’s love and guidance will carry
her through her life.
Melanie Schowalter
Melanie is thoughtful and compassionate. She is also fun-loving and enjoys
new adventures and challenges. She loves to be with family and friends. She
loves to sing, shop, travel, eat out, and sleep late. Melanie helps keep things
organized around the house and cleans with a vengeance when motivated. She
thinks seriously about her faith and God's place in her life, and values her
learning and fellowship experiences at FCC. Melanie loves animals, especially
the friendly beasts at home: Belle and Cider. She is very athletic and talented
in music and drama.
Kelsey Sorum
Kelsey is our last child and currently the only one living at home. We have
never compared our children with each other. We look at them as unique and
special individuals. However, being the last child has given us the ability
to devote lots of attention on her. We also realize that as she reaches various
milestones, such as finishing middle school, it will be the last time we as
parents will be involved in that activity. The expression “last but not
least” is especially true for Kelsey. She has reached all of these milestones
with flying colors. We have developed a very special relationship with Kelsey.
We respect her maturity, we admire her joy of living, we are envious of her
boundless energy, and we are proud of her compassion for others. She meets
life’s challenges with a very positive attitude and setbacks are looked
upon as opportunities to do better. Whether it is a school project, a sport
activity, or a family event, she wants to do her best! Her confirmation with
our church truly gives us cause to celebrate. It is a celebration in knowing
that our last child has reached this milestone successfully and will go forward
in life as a special daughter, a good friend, and a strong Christian.
Elizabeth Stein
From her mother: “I am very proud to have Elizabeth as my daughter.
She is an outstanding student and she has many gifts, which are broad-ranging,
from musical talent in flute and piano, to enjoying literature, and writing
and math. She has an eye for aesthetics. She has also gained a growing compassion
for helping others. Her passion for knowledge and creativity are a joy to observe.
Through Elizabeth's acceptance of others, she has demonstrated peacemaking.
Her determination will also take her far and motivate her to accomplish the
goals she sets for herself.
From her father: Elizabeth is one of the most wonderful people I have known.
It has been a joy to share in her humor and creativity and also be challenged
by her insightful thinking. She has a great ability to see things that might
not be obvious to others and her commitment to remain focused on a task is
admirable. As her father, I am always moved by her desire to try to help others
through understanding and compassion. And at the same time, her ability to
persevere through difficult challenges has always been an inspiration. The
book of Proverbs in the Old Testament says that "even a child is known
by their deeds, whether what is done is pure and right.” Words sometimes
fail to fully express our love and appreciation, so I hope that Elizabeth knows
that I am proud and honored by her continuing desire to be pure of heart and
to always do her best.
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E Pluribus Unum – Out of many, one. That motto has graced the Great
Seal of the United States since 1776. It outlines the vision of the founders
and expresses the wonder of what has been called “the American experiment.” The
melting pot idea, however, doesn’t really express the incredible diversity
and variety of the inhabitants of the U.S. I think we would better be called “the
quilt,” because many textures, colors, shapes, and sizes of fabric have
been stitched together and out of those many have come one – the American
nation.
Excuse me if I wax a tad patriotic, but I have my reasons. As I muse here in
my study on this warm June evening I am thinking about what I have just watched
on television: the reception of President Reagan’s body in the Capitol
rotunda. I watched, rapt, as the flag-draped coffin was brought in with all
the solemnity, somberness, and dignity we can muster as a people. In that coffin
was the body of a man who came from a troubled home and who had never stopped
believing in the promise that America is a land of hard work and opportunity.
A man who came from, in many ways, America’s “age of innocence;” who
had started his career not in government, but in show business. Whether you
agreed with his political and economic views or not, he was respected for his
authenticity, his integrity, and his deep belief in the America envisioned
by the founders.
E Pluribus Unum – but what does it take to bring us together again? We
no longer live in an age of innocence. Our national innocence has been stripped
from us again and again, as it was on September 11, 2001, and in footage on
the nightly news. We do not seem to have the sense of oneness, that vision
of America that so drove the late President. In fact, we are often a nation
deeply divided and less than civil in our conduct toward one another. Yet,
thousands of people braved the heat in D.C. or, like me, tuned into what Tom
Brokaw called “the electronic hearth around which people can gather in
times like these.” All to see a horse without a rider and a flag-draped
coffin move slowly toward the “people’s house.” Funerals
do seem to bring us together. They do often motivate families to put aside
differences and to remember better times and important dreams.
Commentator after commentator spoke of Mr. Reagan’s disarming wit and
his ability to compete without becoming an enemy; to disagree, but in an agreeable
manner. Bob Dole’s words struck me, “Maybe there’s a little
lesson in civility here? . . . Maybe we can learn how to get along?” Maybe
there’s also a lesson in unity here, in understanding that we are a patchwork
nation and in that stitchery is our strength? I hope as you’re reading
this that we have not forgotten what we saw, heard, and felt as we were drawn
together as a people at this national moment of mourning. I hope we’ve
not forgotten that out of many is to come one. I hope, too, that our politicians,
regardless of party affiliation, haven’t forgotten it or their obligation
to serve the common good and to do it in a civil manner.
Our Congregational forebears helped lay the foundation for this nation. The
covenant idea is at the root of the federal (foedus is covenant in Latin) system
of government: free people, freely gathered, and freely governed by consent.
I suppose my musings on unity then turn, again, to how we accomplish it and
I immediately think of this church. Out of many, one: that is what our life
together here is about. We are drawn to be one with God and, in the process,
we are made one with each other. Our quilt grows, square by square, piece by
piece; each a little different, all equally precious and all together they
make us who we are. Perhaps the way we accomplish unity, oneness, as a nation
is in the same way: piece by piece? Our church, our neighborhood, our community
and so forth are all the pieces. What I’m saying is: unity begins here
on Church Street and, potentially, it stretches “from sea to shining
sea” (to borrow the words of a famous Congregational hymn writer, Katherine
Lee Bates).
Thanks for allowing me to muse with you on this foundational notion of who
we are as an American nation: Out of many, one. God bless you and give you
and yours a safe and glorious fourth – I’ll hope to see you in
worship that day at 10 a.m.! God bless America!
As ever:
Yours for the Congregational Way,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
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Children's Sunday was held on June 6th. This year’s theme was, “And a little child shall lead them” taken from Isaiah 11: 6. Teachers were asked to have their class give a short presentation that would show the congregation what the children had learned during the 2003-2004 Sunday School year. The 3’s,4’s & 5’s led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer and sang, “Jesus Loves Me.” The 1st grade recited the first four commandments while displaying beautifully decorated posters. The 2nd grade also chose the commandments and put on a play depicting different situations in which we apply them to daily living. The 3rd grade presented many small plays depicting the Bible stories they had learned. 4th grade challenged the audience to a Bible trivia game. The 5th and 6th grade sang the books of the Bible to the tune of the “Alphabet Song.” They also presented a large and colorful quilt they had made displaying verses from the 23rd Psalm. The quilt will be donated to a sick child at Children’s Hospital.
Laura Taylor and Julie Lucey, teachers of the 5th and 6th grade, announced
that the students built a large outdoor playhouse to be raffled off the last
day of Vacation Bible School. The money will be donated to a mission sponsored
by our church. Tickets are being sold for $10 a piece or 3 for $25. The 7th
graders acted as liturgists and read the scripture they had selected as well
as the benediction and offertory prayer. The 11 o’clock “one room
Sunday School” presented to the congregation the mission totals raised
by the 8:45 and 11:00 Sunday School. The news was most impressive. To date
the NACCC Argentina Mission has received $500 of blankets, $500 of school supplies,
$500 of powdered milk and $1,440 of aid to sponsor three young children at
the mission. The Pioneer Club sang “Awesome God” during the offering.
They wore their vests displaying the many award badges they earned.
The many teachers who made this Sunday School year such a great success were
honored for their dedication and hard work. It was apparent that because
of their time, talent and tireless efforts the children have truly grown
in their
faith and love of the Lord. Special thanks to the junior and senior high
students who ushered and helped the service run smoothly.
Now filling the seat of Vice Moderator at First Church is Harry Holz. A retired
partner at Quarles & Brady LLP, he still holds an office there with his
efforts primarily focused on his position as Director and Secretary of Creative
SHARP Presentations, Inc., a nonprofit educational corporation whose mission
is to utilize art history and the visual arts as a learning tool in students’ classrooms.
Specifically, SHARP’s mission is to engage students in an imaginative
learning experience through the use of art history and the visual arts, thereby
enhancing existing science, social studies, and oral and written language
lessons.
First Congregational Church was fortunate to welcome Harry and Nancy Holz in
1998 when they came here from neighboring St. Matthews. First Church has been
the beneficiary of their active membership ever since. Harry has served on
the Board of Stewardship and the Board of Benevolence (chairperson), Church
Council, Budget & Finance and Planned Giving Committees. One of the things
they most liked about the church at that time still holds true today. “The
nature of this church and the people who make it up are incredibly welcoming,” said
Harry. He believes some of the other strengths of this church lie in its “effective
management and good natured, participatory-run style.”
As Vice Moderator, Harry views his position as supportive to the Moderator. “I’ll
work to help achieve the goals of the Moderator and keep things running smoothly.” As
an overall view, he said his role is to aid in the progress of this church,
consistent with the Long Range Plan.
Harry and Nancy have three children: Pamela (also a lawyer), married (to
a lawyer)with two children and living in San Francisco; Bradley, married
and
working in sales in Milwaukee; and Erika, living in Boston and married with
two children.
Harry also enjoys staying very active in the local and state bar associations,
Marquette University Law School Woolsack Society and Marquette University
Alumni Association.
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Congregational Home celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday, June 13, 2004,
hosting more than 150 attendees.
The Celebration Service was highlighted by observations from Rev. Steven A.
Peay, Ph.D., about the relationship of First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa
and Congregational Home. He emphasized the ongoing goodwill that has existed
over the thirty years and will continue into the future.
In his remarks, Rev. Charles E. Goldsmith, Ph.D., Chaplain at Congregational
Home, shared with the audience the importance of the ongoing support of the
organization’s mission. He suggested to all present that we look at the
palm of our hands and consider placing Congregational Home prominently in that
spot. Though only a few words, his statement contained significant symbolism
important for our future success.
Charles T. Nelson, President/COO, talked about the recent enhancements to the
building. He also shared his vision of services that Congregational Home will
provide in the future.
Susan Fischer, Director of Development and Marketing, set the stage to recognize
the generations of support for the Home. Symbolic of this, the Walter S. Davis
family shared five generations of caring. Betty Davis introduced a few thoughts
concerning her family’s support through the past 30 years and their ongoing
commitment to the Home.
The music for the service was provided by the Tres V-C String Quartet which
included Michelle Russ, Andrea Toussaint, Wendy Alsteen and Carol Wittig. The
singers were directed by Lee Jacobi. They included Gary Back, Betty Dethmers,
Dean & Marj Fowler, Roger Jacobi, Charmaine LaBelle, James LaBelle, Jessica
Stenz and Michelle Swedenburg.
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Last month’s All-Church Polynesian party provided plenty of fun, food,
fellowship and even exercise. Entertainment from the The Hale O'Malo Polynesian
Dance Performance Group kept all ages enthralled. While the little children
were dancing throughout the evening, some of the other attendees enjoyed a
lesson.
The July 14th gathering will be a sausage dinner with everything from crazy
condiments to standard ketchup and mustard. Please make your reservation by
Sunday, July 11. Adults are $5.00, children $2.00.
July 4, 5th Sunday after Pentecost/ Independence Day
Old Testament 2 Kings 5: 1–14
Psalmody Psalm 30
New Testament Galatians 6: 1–16
Gospel Luke 10: 1–11, 16–20
July 11, 6th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Amos 7: 7–17
Psalmody Psalm 82
New Testament Colossians 1: 1–14
Gospel Luke 10: 25–37
July 18, 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Amos 8: 1–12
Psalmody Psalm 52
New Testament Colossians 1: 15–28
Gospel Luke 10: 38–42
July 25, 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Hosea 1: 2–10
Psalmody Psalm 85
New Testament Colossians 2: 6–19
Gospel Luke 11: 1–13
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Contents
July Adult Education
The Rev. Kalen Fristad, author of “Destined for Salvation: God’s
Promise to Save Everyone” will be the featured speaker at a special adult
education event on July 18 at 9 a.m. in the Friendship Lounge. Rev. Fristad
is a United Methodist minister from Iowa who advocates that God will eventually
save everyone, a belief commonly held by Christians during the time of the
early church. Please come and enjoy spirited discussion!
Rev. Steven Peay, Ph.D., Minister
Rev. Samuel Schaal, Associate Minister
Rev. Carrie Kreps, 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 6
