Can an
average heart follow an
exceptional God?
Can an
average heart follow an exceptional God?
Pioneer Club Kicks Off Sept
27
Minister's Musings
George Washington to Visit FCC
Breakfast with the Girls
Rally Sunday
PF Place
Fall Workday Set for October 30
Can an
average heart follow an
exceptional God?
The dictionary defines the word average as “a number that typifies a
set of numbers of which it is a function.” I believe no one wants to
be average, yet we hear and use the word all the time—she is an average
golfer, the performance review was average, he has a .322 batting average.
Would you ever use the word average to describe God and all that God has done
for us? It is my opinion that anything less than exceptional would be unacceptable.
As we turn our hearts to God how do we, as individuals and as a church, go
beyond being average? It says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, “Remember this:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously
will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his
heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Our church is blessed to be fully staffed with three wonderful ministers, a
music program that is second to none, a children’s ministry program that
is full of life with children learning about God, a youth program that is growing
and an adult education program that helps us grow closer to and build a stronger
relationship with God. Our church provides countless other acts of service
and benevolence. However, as good stewards, we need to be better than average
to see that what we have at First Congregational Church continues to flourish.
One of the objectives set forth by the Long Range Planning Committee is for
the membership of the church to achieve a nine percent year-by-year growth
in the pledge base. The initial proposed budget for 2005 is approximately $935,000,
which well exceeds this objective. There is no doubt in my mind that we, as
a congregation, can achieve this goal. But we have work to do. As I refer to
the step chart that gives the breakdown of what each unit pledged for 2004,
the average commitment was $1,783. Of the 405 pledging units, 283 were below
that average. 103 did not pledge at all.
We are all blessed by God’s endless love for us. It says in Deuteronomy
16:17, “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord
your God has blessed you.” It is important for us to remember all we
have was given to us by God. Now it is our turn to give back. As it says in
our Covenant, “and to return to God a portion of God’s gifts.”
Whether you are a fourth-generation member or a new member of First Congregational
Church, it is time to open and give our HEARTS TO GOD. As you prayerfully consider
your stewardship gift for 2005 ask yourself, is my pledge better than average?
Am I doing my part or could I do better? If you do not pledge, ask yourself
could I give one percent or two percent of my income to start myself on the
path to giving?
Together, we can do it! Will your heart be following an exceptional God?
God Bless,
Nick Sgarlata
Chair, Board of Stewardship
Back to the Table of
Contents
Pioneer Club will kick off its 2004–2005 year with a “Welcome
Back Luau Party” on Monday September 27th.The party will begin at 5:30
and will include special food, games, and music as we welcome new and returning
members.
Pioneer Club is a faith-based club open to boys and girls in 1st through 5th
grade. Children earn patches, do community service projects, art and crafts,
sing and play games, all with themes that help them grow closer to God. Meetings
are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6 until 7:30 p.m. An
optional dinner is provided at 5:30 for a fee of $3.00. The registration for
new and returning members is taking place now. The fee is $20.00. Pick up your
registration form at church and return it to the front office by Sunday, September
26th. If you have any additional questions, please contact Carla Cummings.
Back to the Table of
Contents
Rally Sunday has come and gone. Children are back in school. Leaves are beginning
to change as the days grow shorter and the air chillier. Yes. Unmistakable
signs that it is time to begin to talk about our annual stewardship campaign
here at First Congregational Church!
This year we’re focusing on “Hearts to God.” When the Board
of Stewardship first met to begin our planning for this campaign I asked them
a question, “Can an average heart serve an exceptional God?” In
asking that question I unwittingly was echoing something the Puritan preacher
Thomas Brooks wrote, “God loves adverbs better than nouns; not praying
only but praying well; not doing good but doing it well.” So how can
average or “good enough” suffice when it comes to our service of
God and our support of God’s church and its work?
Through the acts of creation, redemption and grace God shows us again and again
what it means to do something well, to do something of excellence and beauty.
Part of our call as Christ-followers is to live in response to what God has
done. As another Puritan preacher, Thomas Goodwin, said, “The object
matter of all religion is reduced to credenda (believing) and agenda (doing).” When
we come as believers our agenda, what we do and how we do it, should be different
and should reflect our relationship to God. Part of our agenda should be to “return
to God a portion of God’s gifts.” We are able to do the work we
do here on Church Street only because those who have entered into covenant
relationship take seriously what they have pledged to God and to their fellow
members.
I am convinced that many folks simply haven’t given much serious thought
to what it means to be a faithful steward of God’s gifts of life and
goods. We look at the pledge card and the budget and then give the minimum
(while incomes and the cost of living have risen over the years most pledges
have remained the same…some are stuck in the 1950s!) and some don’t
even bother to respond. I am certain that these folks aren’t “bad
people” or even deliberately negligent, it simply hasn’t occurred
to them that part of saying “I’m a member of First Congregational
Church” means that I express how I value that membership and its importance
to me through my giving.
As I move about our community and have contact with sister churches I am touched
by how many people tell me of what this church has meant to them. Whether it
be a couple back for a visit celebrating their golden wedding anniversary,
a man or woman who grew up here and remember one of the ministers or a particular
Sunday School teacher, or even colleagues who have served here and remember
it as both a good and formative experience. None of this happens if we don’t
do the practical thing of seeing to it that the meeting house and grounds are
maintained and the programs staffed. It’s simply a question of if we
value what this place has meant, means, and will mean, we will give and will
do so generously.
I have been asked what I think is appropriate to give to the church. While
I’m reluctant to talk about telling others what to do, I can tell you
what Julie and I try to do. My wife and I work hard to give between five and
six percent of our income to the support of this church. Additionally we give
four to five percent to various charities to make our “tithe.” We
find that giving that amount has not hurt us a bit – in fact, we believe
we’re better off because we do. Regardless, it’s between you and
the good God what you and your family do in support of the church. My only
request to you is that you do it thoughtfully, prayerfully, deliberately and
don’t reject the notion of giving generously out of hand. After all,
if God wasn’t generous where would we be?
I leave you with one last thought from our Puritan forebears, this one from
Henry Smith who gave this good advice: “Thy alms to the poor, thy counsel
to the simple, thy inheritance to thy children, thy tribute to Caesar, but
thy heart to God.” Can an average heart serve an exceptional God? Can
any heart that is given to God ever be average again? n
Blessings!
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Senior Minister
Pastor George W. Washington will visit FCC on Sunday, October 24th. During the 8:45 Sunday school Pastor Washington will speak to the Sunday school students about his mission work in Africa and the people of the Dodji village. This promises to be a fascinating and educational experience for all who attend. After the 8:45 service Pastor Washington will give a presentation for the adults during the regularly scheduled education hour.
Breakfast With the Girls got off to a wonderful start on Sept.
11th in spite of the sad and unforgettable nature of the day. With an uplifting
program called “Growing Older-Growing Wiser” Molly O’Connell
provided the balm of warmth and shared experience that soothed our souls and
reminded us at the same time that laughing – especially at ourselves – does
have a healing power.
Next month promises further fun with quilt teacher, lecturer and collector
Chris Kirsch. Her program is titled, “But I Still Love You” which
all by itself speaks to my heart. So come and join us on Saturday, October
2, and bring a friend. Please sign up in the office and let us know if you
can bring a goodie.
See you then, Char Schweitzer
The halls and classrooms were buzzing with excitement as we began another church
school year at First Congregational Church on Sept. 12, 2004. We are grateful
to have so many talented volunteers helping with our Sunday School program
this year. We have many veteran teachers on board and are thrilled to have
many new faces as well. We will be featuring these volunteers in upcoming
issues of the Columns.
In keeping with our church theme this year, “Hearts to God,” the
children and teachers started the year off by thinking about how each child
could offer his or her heart to God. The children wrote down or drew what they
could on a heart shaped piece of paper. Please take some time to read these;
they are posted on the bulletin board outside of the Sunday School office.
The teachers and staff have many engaging activities planned for the year.
For instance, we are working on a special service in the chapel in which the
older students may participate for World Wide Communion Sunday. While the adults
of our church are partaking in communion, Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast will lead
the young people of our church in a service tailored to the children in order
to help them better understand communion.
As we forge ahead into this year, we ask you to keep the volunteers and the
children of our Sunday School program in your prayers. We know it will be a
great year!
Do I see something new in the Columns? Could it be? Yes! A page full of youth
related stuff. Each month this page will have the latest details from the
PF room (including a handy calendar that can be cut out and put in the place
where everyone in your family looks!) Parents – make sure your PFers
see this page too!
PF News – An assortment of salads, breads, pasta dishes, main entrees
and delicious desserts graced the table at the fall kick-off and potluck on
Sept 12. At the kick-off we highlighted several goals for the year: encouraging
and engaging in relationships, participating in service projects, having fun,
and providing a place the youth want to come to. Do you have others to add?
If you missed filling out an information sheet (for parents and youth), contact
Carrie KW in the church office.
October is packed with activities. You will not what to miss the hot topic
discussions, the first Second Saturday of the year, the Goat Game, or planning
for Spooks Night Out. See you on Sunday Night!.
Interview of the Month
Markus and Carrie Kreps Wegenast
Interviewed by Die Kleine Kirchen-Maus (The Little Church Mouse)
Die Maus – Thanks for meeting with me!
CKW – No problem! We are happy to be the first interviewed for The PF
Place.
Die Maus – I heard you just got married?
MW – That’s right. We will celebrate two months of married life
on Oct 14.
Die Maus – What have you enjoyed about being married?
MW – Having dinner together
every night.
CKW – Markus is a great cook.
Die Maus – Markus, you are new to the country, aren’t you?
MW – I moved to the United States a few weeks before we were married.
I was born and raised in the Schawtzwald (Blackforest) of Germany.
Die Maus – Is there one thing that is really different here from Germany?
MW – Free refills of soda at McDonald’s.
Die Maus – You don’t get free refills at McDonald’s in Germany?
MW – Nope, that’s something Carrie taught me when we first started
dating in Evanston.
Die Maus – How did you meet?
CKW – Markus was the German foreign exchange student at the seminary
I attended. We met on the first day of new student orientation.
Die Maus – And the rest is history.
CKW – Yup! Well, history in the making…
Die Maus – Carrie and Markus can be reached at: KrepsWegenastC@firstchurchtosa.org
or 414-476-8213.
YOUTH CALENDAR
Junior PF
Oct. 3 Regular Meeting
(4:30–6p.m.)
Oct. 9 Second Saturdays @ the Church (7–10p.m.)
Oct. 10 Regular Meeting
Oct. 17 Regular Meeting
Oct. 23 Spooks Night Out @ the Church (5:30–7:30p.m.)
Oct. 24 Regular Meeting
Oct. 31 NO MEETING!
Looking Ahead…
Nov. 13 Second Saturdays @ at the Church (7–10p.m.)
Nov. 19/20 Wisconsin Congregational Association Fall Rally @ Heritage CC in
Madison(Information to follow – Mark your Calendar! – to replace
FCC overnight)
Senior PF
Oct. 3 Regular Meeting
(6:30–8p.m.)
Oct. 9 Second Saturdays @ the Church (7–10p.m.)
Oct. 10 Regular Meeting
Oct. 17 Regular Meeting
Oct. 23 Spooks Night Out
at the Church
(5:30–7:30p.m.)
Oct. 24 Regular Meeting
Oct. 31 NO MEETING!
Looking Ahead…
Nov. 12/13 WCA Fall Rally @ Bryon, IL
Nov. 13 Second Saturdays @ at the Church (7–10p.m.)
Fall work day set for Saturday, Oct. 30
It’s time to put the fall clean-up and fix-up day at church on your
calendar. This is a day (or more) of work and fellowship with volunteers from
across the congregation’s age and skill levels.
Children are welcome. They can work with their parents, other adults, older
youth or on independent tasks as age and skills permit. Child care will be
provided for young children. Please register for the work day event with the
number of children requiring child care. We need to know how many childcare
givers are required and give them proper notice that they will be needed. Register
by e-mail or by signing up on the sheet at the office.
Donuts and drinks at 8 a.m.
The work will start at 9 a.m.
Lunch will be served at about 1 p.m.
The day should finish at 3 p.m.
We need to get jobs finished, put supplies away and get the church back in
order for Sunday. This is always a sparse crew. Your help after lunch will
be greatly appreciated.
Please place this date on your calendar and join us for a day of fellowship
and the great First Church tradition: food! If you have other commitments that
day, give us a morning or an afternoon.
Outside projects
Summer has provided beautiful flowers around the church. Perennials need to
be removed along with the accumulation of leaves, twigs and other debris. The
parking lot perennial beds are in need of some tender trimming and shaping.
The lawns need trimming, edging and repairs.
Inside projects
The inside of the church needs cleaning after a summer of heavy use. Here are
some of the tasks:
• Wash the pews, choir seats, the radiator covers and the window sills.
• Wash the handrails and the wall caps in the balcony.
• Wash the windows, trim, doors and furniture in the balcony lounge and
second floor hall.
• The furniture and toys in the classroom and nurseries need cleaning.
Some of them may need repair.
• The first and second floor kitchens need cupboards and appliances cleaned.
• Clean storage room under the front stairs off the music room.
• Clean out the window wells along the south side of the church. Windows
included.
• Install shelves and brackets in LL-5 storage.
• Window cleaning inside in all of the rooms, window wells and doors.
• Window cleaning outside (weather permitting) for all of the first floor
windows.
• Painting classrooms and stairwells.
And if you’re really energetic…
For those who have special skills and would be willing to take on a larger
project, these are a few of the possible projects:
• Paint classrooms.
• Paint stairwells.
“Beginnings,” our new small group spiritual formation program,
has begun. Several small groups began meeting on the week of September 19 and
will conclude the week before Thanksgiving.
Here are the groups currently active:
•
Sunday morning 10 a.m. Young Adult Group (Margaret Daigneau leads).
•
Tuesday 1:30 p.m. at Dunham home (Barbara Dunham leads).
•
Wednesday 6-7:45 p.m.: Several groups gather at church at 6 p.m. for a potluck
meal, then go to their small groups for reflection. (Leaders and assistants
are Jennifer Wakefield, Bonnie Ornst, Jim VerDuin, Maurie Daigneau, Sarah De
Young.)
•
Circle 13 and husbands also meet Wednesday evenings. (Jennifer Wareham leads.)
Beginnings will also be offered in the Spring and for as long as there is interest.
For more information call Rev. Sam Schaal.
Anyone who walked up to the second floor Sunday School rooms during the past
few years probably noticed the rooms needed some sprucing up, to say the least.
Due to careful planning and quick work on the part of our custodial staff,
the rooms have been renewed! New paint colors, wallpaper borders, carpets and
window treatments have helped to make these rooms fresh, warm and inviting
for our students. Please feel free to stop up and take a look at these wonderful “new” rooms.
Back to the Table of Contents
October 3, World Communion Sunday
Old Testament Lamentations 1:1–6
Psalmody Psalm137
New Testament 2 Timothy 1:1–14
Gospel Luke 17:5–10
October 10, 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7
Psalmody Psalm 66:1–12
New Testament 2 Timothy 2:8–15
Gospel Luke 17:11–19
October 17, 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Jeremiah 31:27–34
Psalmody Psalm 119:97–104
New Testament 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5
Gospel Luke 18:1–8
October 24, 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Joel 2:23–32
Psalmody Psalm 65
New Testament 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18
Gospel Luke 18: 9–14
October 31, Reformation Sunday
Old Testament Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4
Psalmody Psalm 119:137–144
New Testament 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, 11–12
Gospel Luke 19:1–10
St. Vincent Meal Program
Our church participates in the St. Vincent Meal Program the first Friday of
each month. We next serve on Friday, October 1. 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 September 3:
Ken and Lois Wendt, Bruno and Mary Ann Mauer, Bill and Lissa Edens, Phil Callen,
Doris Nolinske, Marty, Nancy, Stuart and Sydney Vander Velde, Mike, Alissa, Michael & Ryan
Elwing, and Jim VerDuin.
Where Do Ministers Come From – A Supplement!
We have received word that our list of folks who had entered the ministry from
First Church was somewhat deficient. Our sincerest apologies to these good
folks and to their families…..If there are others, please let us know
and we’ll soon have an accurate list!
CFTS Graduates:
Rev. Dr. John Doud
Rev. Robert Summers
Rev. Dr. Daniel Schowalter
Rev. John Moore
Serving in Other Churches:
Rev. Eric Schlieter, Waukau United Methodist Church, WI
Service of Ordination and Installation
of Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast
October 2, 2004
Vicinage Council 10 a.m.
for delegates of local Congregational churches and observers
Service of Ordination 2 p.m.
Sunday Symposium Adult Ed. Schedule for October
October 3
Rev. Dan Schowalter
Corinth AD 50 and You Are There
October 10
Angela and Benhi Khabeb
African Worship Music
October 17
Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast
Prayer Through the Five Senses
October 24
Rev. George Washington
Mission Experiences in Dodji Village, Africa
October 31
Rev. Steve Peay
Mystic of the Month: Julian of Norwich
Friday, October 15 , noon.
Please email to Beth Linscott at ddinc.wi.rr.com or Sam Schaal at schaals@firstchurchtosa.org.
Hard copy may be brought to the church office and left in the Columns mailbox.
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 9
