Minister's
Musings – Rally Sunday
Rowbottom Family Highlight
"Beginnings" Small Group Registration
Breakfast with the Girls
Family Camp Recap
Sunday School Year Begins
Board of Christian Education
Organ Renewal Project Completed
Sunday Morning Adult Education Resumes
St. Vincent Meal Program Gets Boost
Can an average heart follow an exceptional God?
Board of Stewardship, 2005
All around the halls of First Church there is hustle and bustle as folks get
themselves ready for RALLY SUNDAY. So where did RALLY SUNDAY come from? I know
the story of the development of the Sunday School movement – which began
in the 18th century in England to educate and edify children working in factories
and mines – and I know that the Congregationalists sponsored a “union
Sunday School” with the Baptists and Methodists back in the 1840s. The
RALLY SUNDAY part has escaped me, however. So, I “Googled” it and
came up with thousands of entries and descriptions and suggestions and not
one explained the history. Though there is evidence that the concept of a RALLY
SUNDAY does date from sometime around the middle of the nineteenth century.
I guess we get to give it our own significance – here goes.
When in doubt, look up the definition. Rally comes from the French and literally
means “to unite again.” To rally means “to call together
for a common purpose, to assemble,” or “to reassemble and restore
order,” or “to rouse or revive from inactivity or decline.” I
think all three of those definitions fit RALLY SUNDAY. On September 12th we’ll
come together for a common purpose, to begin the church program year and turn
our “Hearts to God.” After a summer of comings and goings and a
bit more of a relaxed schedule, we “reassemble and restore” the
order of early (8:45) and late (11) worship services along with Sunday School
and then adult education in-between (including the upcoming “mystic of
the month”). The lazy, though far from hazy, days of summer now give
way as we “rouse or revive from inactivity” with Wednesday
evening fellowship events, the “Beginnings” small groups, “Breakfast
with the Girls,” Pilgrim Fellowship and more. We’re going to revive
our annual Lenten devotional book from decline this year. It’s been a
number of years since we’ve done this wonderful exercise and it’s
time for it to come back. Sign-up sheets will be available on RALLY SUNDAY
for folks to sign up to contribute a devotional to the book. We will have them
printed and available immediately prior to Ash Wednesday (which is February
9 this year).
RALLY SUNDAY may not appear in the church’s liturgical calendar, but
it is an important day in the lives of many churches, like First Congregational
Church of Wauwatosa. It’s a kick-off day for important programs and gatherings
designed to draw us closer to God and to one another. Our theme for the year – “Hearts
to God” – really just encapsulates the covenant that we make with
God and with one another:
As followers of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to share in the worship and service of God, to grow in the knowledge and expression of our faith, to reach out with compassion to those in need, to treat each other with love and understanding, and to return to God a portion of His gifts.
Those 54 words say much and in them we find a practical guide, a checklist
if you will, for living out our Christian faith. Throughout the year I pray
that we will rally again and again around our covenant.
So, where does RALLY SUNDAY come from? It comes from people who are seeking
to know, to love, and to serve God. It happens when dedicated volunteers and
staff work together to make a difference. RALLY SUNDAY is just a reminder of
what we’re supposed to be about, being God’s
people, with “Hearts to God.” So, rouse, revive, reassemble, restore
and come together for the common purpose of loving God and each other – it’s
going to be a wonderful beginning to an even more wonderful year!
RALLY ‘ROUND!
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
Back to the Table of
Contents
They could easily be the poster family for First Congregational Church today.
The Rowbottoms, all seven, have been an outstanding addition to our church
family ever since they became members in 1990.
Fourteen years back, Sue and Mark were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with
their church. They decided they wanted to look for a different church for their
children and Sue began the search. While Mark’s sister had been involved
with the PF program here in the 1970’s, that wasn’t the connection
which brought the family here. It was actually the “children who led
them.”
At the time, babysitter Megan Ellis, one of many of their babysitters who attended
FCC, was regularly turning down babysitting opportunities due to PF activities. “I
thought, ‘What kind of church has kids so enthused that they would rather
go there than babysit? We have well-behaved kids and we pay well,’” said
Sue. That piqued her interest enough to give FCC a try. They attended for the
first time on the July 4th weekend. Sue said that Cathy Kebbekus was the first
person to greet her and show her where to go. “She was so warm and welcoming,” said
Sue, “it can still bring a tear to my eye.”
So, shortly after they joined, their third daughter Molly was baptized here.
Since that time, Sue has served on Church Council and Long-Range Planning Committee.
She and their oldest daughters, Katie (17) and Maggie (15) are also regular
Sunday School teachers. Mark serves as an usher and all the ladies, including
Molly (13), Shannon (11), and Colleen (8), have taught or attended Vacation
Bible School every year except for 2004, due to a family vacation. The girls
have also been very active in PF. Katie and Maggie were part of the Mexico
mission trip and also enjoy PF Camp each year. In fact, Katie is the WCA (Wisconsin
Congregational Association) Senior PF Camp Representative.
What did this family find at FCC? Mark said they liked that each person has
their own relationship with God and while there are different beliefs, the
church is open to them all. “We wanted to find something different for
our kids. First Congregational filled that need.” From Sue’s perspective, “We
love everything about it: the philosophy, the people, and I think it’s
so important that the kids can be so involved in their teenage years,” said
Sue. “I’m such a strong advocate of the youth program. It brought
us here and I don’t think its importance can be overstated.” Katie
adds that the people here make it special for her. “It’s always
a lot of fun and I get a lot out of it. I’ve really learned a lot...and
camp is the best week of the year!” Molly and Shannon sum it up with
a simple, “It’s awesome.”
Outside of church, Mark works in “human capital procurement” and
provides alternative staffing solutions for companies wanting to grow. His
company, Rowbottom and Associates, now transitioning to Myco USA.com, has been
located in the Tosa Village since 1988. In 2001, he actually purchased the
building the company occupies from Jacobus Company (the owners of which are
also church members).
Sue worked as a psychiatric nurse until 1990 and then decided to stay home
with the kids. In 1998, she began painting in oils. She paints every subject
matter. In fact, a couple years back, she was featured in the Tosa News Times
for her work.
In the Rowbottoms, First Congregational Church has a family who truly gives
of their hearts and souls and feels they’ve received nothing less in
return.
Back to the Table of
Contents
Beginnings is an adult spiritual formation program where small groups meet
weekly to share a meal, pray, watch a short video as a discussion starter,
and then share their experience of Christian living. The goal of Beginnings is simple: to deepen your religious experience and to see God in new ways.
Each group will be facilitated by a trained leader. A study guide is provided
and you may purchase (at minimal cost) an additional participant’s companion
of readings that amplify the weekly discussions.
Please indicate your interest by registering through the office, 414-258-7375.
Several groups will meet at church on Wednesday evenings, September 22 through
November 17. Other groups may meet at various times during the week, either
at church or in homes. For now, if you are interested in exploring Beginnings,
let us know. We’ll form as many groups as necessary to accommodate everyone.
For more information, contact Rev. Samuel Schaal.
Beginnings groups will meet at church on Wednesdays.
Child care will be provided.
6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:40 p.m. Welcome and video
7:00–7:45 p.m. Small group discussion
Other groups may meet weekly at church or in homes, following the same subjects.
September
22
So, Is This All There Is?
September 29
Who Is Jesus and Why Should I Care?
October 6
Why Am I Not Where I Want to Be?
October 13
What Happens When I Die?
October 20
Can I Trust God?
October 27
How Does God Speak to Me?
November 3
If I Don’t Feel Lost, Why Do I Need to Be Found?
November 10
Can I Start Again?
November 17
How Do I Speak to God?
Breakfast With the Girls has been a happening in our church for several years
now. In response to a void in programming suited to include women of any age,
this series was developed and we've been rolling along ever since.
We enjoy each other’s company. We eat multitudes of coffeecakes and muffins.
We drink gallons of coffee. And, of course, we learn something along the way,
sharing laughter and occasionally a tear with each other– the very best
way to laugh or cry.
Now with a new year ahead of us, we think we have a fun, interesting series
in the works. We KNOW we have a winner on September 11th. Molly O'Connell will
be with us for a morning she calls “Growing Older–Growing Wiser.” Songs
will be included. There is a lot about this program about which even the programming
leadership is unsure. However, knowing Molly as we do, it will be unforgettable
and maybe the most fun we have all year!
So, come! Bring a friend. If you are “newer” to the church, come
and get better acquainted. Sign up at the office and call any one of us – Mary
York, Bonnie Ornst, Jennifer Wakefield or myself if you'd like to bake a little
something. Remember, we gather at 9:00 on Saturday, Sept. 11th. See you all
then.
by Char Schweitzer
First Church Family Camp participants enjoyed beautiful summer weather and
great fellowship at Lake Lucerne Retreat Center August 13–16. Activities
included a water carnival, crazy olympics, fishing, biking, hiking, archery,
great food, and nightly campfires. An outdoor Sunday worship service, led
by Rev. Sam Schaal, got everyone, including the children, involved. Make
plans now to join the fun next year! For information on family camp 2005,
please contact Marty & Nancy Vander Velde or Ed & Lisa Probst.
Sunday School Room Assignments
Infants – Nursery Room 106
Two and Three year old students Room 107
Four Year Old Students entering Jr. Kindergarten Room 202
Five Year Old Students entering Senior Kindergarten Room 201
First Grade Room 200
Second Grade LL 3
Third Grade LL 4
Fourth Grade LL 2
Fifth Grade LL 5
Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades Room 302
Class Placements for the 11:00 Sunday School
11:00 students will meet in rooms 106 and 107 for Sunday School
We are always looking for teachers, assistants and substitute teachers to
help with our Sunday School program. Please contact Carrie or Carla at 258-7375
if you would like to participate. We are having two volunteer training sessions
on the following dates: Wednesday, September 8th at 6:45 and Sunday, September
12th at 10:00. Please feel free to join us.
Also, please remember: teachers of first graders and below will not dismiss a
child until an authorized adult picks him or her up.
In a church which highly values the educational opportunities available to
members of all ages, the Board of Christian Education (CE) is an interesting
board on which to serve. Senior Minister Steve Peay said that teaching is
the cornerstone of this church, and he has worked hard to rededicate our
efforts to the educational growth of members.
“We are truly blessed with a lot of committed, involved people,” said
Paul Stein, current chairperson. CE is charged with the educational offerings
of the church, helping members to better know and understand the Covenant,
the Bible and Jesus. Through that charge, the group really touches all members
of the church. They oversee Adult Education, which currently includes the new
Beginnings program as well as the Sunday morning series coordinated by Rev.
Dan Schowalter; Children’s Ministry, which covers the nursery through
8th grade classes (run by Carla Cummings and Carrie Sgarlata); Covenant Class
and the PF programs, now led by Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast; and the educational
resources, including both libraries. This is a board which also works frequently
in combination with other boards.
“
We have much to do,” said Paul. “Eight or nine major initiatives
from the Long Range Planning Committee involve CE.” Recently, they have
re-established active liaisons from the Board to the staff to “be the
eyes and ears” of the congregation and also help facilitate
communication.
Other recent changes include the change in the Covenant Class program back
to an older age group and the new Sunday School programming. Paul said the
Pioneer Club for 3rd–5th graders, spearheaded by Carla Cummings, has
been another extremely successful program.
As the group gears up this fall, they’ll be helping out with the Beginnings
program, working on the new Covenant Class curriculum, discussing programming
geared toward young adults (20’s), and taking a look at programming for
young parents to aide them in becoming better teachers of their children.
“There are such broad-range opportunities available through this
board,” said
Paul. “It really is interesting. There are plenty of areas for people
to be involved...either as board members or informally.”
CE meets the first Monday of each month, often with some time off in the summer.
Other current members include: Maurie Daigneau–vice chair, Sarah DeYoung–secretary,
David Wareham–treasurer, Michelle Russ, Dale Engstrom, Nancy Holz, Jennifer
Wakefield and Deborah Harding.
Organ
Renewal
Project Completed
The organ renewal project, which was described in recent articles in The Columns,
has been completed. The Music Committee is very happy with the results.
On July 5, the organ console and the remote control switch board were removed
from church. The console was taken to the Fabry shop in Northern Illinois and
a solid state switching mechanism was installed. Concurrently, Fabry personnel
were working within the organ chamber to replace the former electromechanical
switching mechanisms with solid state components. Two weeks later, the refurbished
console was reinstalled and the organ was used for the worship service on July
25.
The organ now has more preset buttons which control the selection of pipes
playing and many more levels of memory. The multiple memory levels are useful
when more than one organist plays the instrument, since each organist has his/her
own set. Multiple memory levels are also useful for making the many changes
in registration that occur for a program such as the choir’s Christmas
concert.
The project had a budget of $62,450. At this time the amount pledged is $42,367.
If you have not made your pledge as yet, please consider giving to the fund
at this time.
Adult Education Fall Series Begins
Plans are underway for this fall’s Sunday morning Adult Education series.
We will continue to offer a variety of Sunday morning programs focusing on
•
The Bible
•
Christian History and Theology
•
Religious and Social Issues
•
Understanding World Religions
As part of the “Hearts to God” theme for the church year, we will
also be featuring programs on important figures who are associated with meditation
and mysticism. This “Mystic of the Month” series should provide
a wide exposure to meditative and mystical practices.
As always, if you have any suggestions for topics you would like to see covered,
please get in touch with Dan Schowalter (262-639-8293) or (schowa@carthage.edu).
Sunday morning Adult Education will begin on September 19th at 10:00 am. Dan
Schowalter will present on the topic of "The Apostle Paul: First-century Mystic”
Phil Landis will lead the Adult Ed class on Sunday, September 26th.
St. Vincent Meal Program Running Strong with Your Help
Our church participates in the St. Vincent Meal Program the first Friday of
each month. We next serve on Friday, September 3. Please call Barb or Ruth
Dunham, 414-774-7147 to volunteer in meal preparation at 8:15 a.m. or call
Jim VerDuin, 414-302-1403, to serve. Plan to meet at the church at 4:15 to
go to the meal site at 910 West Madison Street to serve meals, or meet us there.
A special thank you to the following people who helped serve on August 6: Jim
VerDuin, Jeff, Jen and Abigail Snell, Jean Whitmore, George and Sally Wells,
Harry and Nancy Holz, Tom and Julie Smith, Rani Gusho, Kari and Nicole Leon
and Carolyn Schulz.
With the gifts received from memorials sent in memory of Wayne Gusho, we have
funds to provide meals for the people at St. Vincent's for nearly two years.
Thank you to so many of you who generously gave in Wayne's memory.
Back to the Table of Contents
September 5 14th Sunday
after Pentecost
Old Testament Jeremiah 18: 1–11
Psalmody Psalm 139: 1–6, 13–18
New Testament Philemon 1–21
Gospel Luke 14: 25–33
September 12, 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Jeremiah 4: 11–12, 22–28
Psalmody Psalm 14
New Testament 1 Timothy 1: 12–17
Gospel Luke 15: 1–10
September 19, 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Jeremiah 8: 18–9:1
Psalmody Psalm 79: 1–9
New Testament 1 Timothy 2: 1–7
Gospel Luke 16: 1–13
September 26, 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Jeremiah 32: 1–3a, 6–15
Psalmody Psalm 91: 1–6, 14–16
New Testament 1 Timothy 6: 6–19
Gospel Luke 16: 19–31
Coffee Hour Meet and Greet
September 5, 2004
We’ll be having an extended coffee hour at 11:00 with Rev. Mark Dunn.
He’ll be in town and is welcoming the opportunity to visit with those
he knows and greet those of you whom he has not met.
BEGINNINGS PREVIEW
Wednesday, September 8
7:00-7:45 p.m.
(following church dinner at 6 p.m.)
“
How Can I Make a Life and Not Just a Living?”
Presented by the Beginnings Leadership Team
So often we fill our lives with other things rather than the one thing that
was made to fulfill us. What is the source of the good life?
Rev. Steven Peay, Ph.D., Minister
Rev. Samuel Schaal, Associate Minister
Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast, 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 8
