Minister’s Musings
Living
Toward God and Others - Minister's Musings
Vacation Bible School
Board of Benevolences Announces Recipient
Breakfast with the Girls
PF Place
Sunday School Classes Resume
Church Street Historic Tour Volunteer Meeting
Minister’s Musings
I am pondering those words from Second Timothy 1:6, “…rekindle
the gift of God that is within you.”
“
Re” implies again or anew. “Kindling,” my dictionary tells
me, is “easily ignited material, such as dry sticks of wood, used to
start a fire.” So, what we’re seeking to do here at First Congregational
Church is to re-light the fire of covenant of relationship – which is
God’s gift to us – because, perhaps, we’ve become just a
tad dry.
Now, what does that mean? It means that we’re going to look at what being
a “follower of Jesus Christ” requires of us. We’re going
to stop confusing stewardship with fund-raising. Every year we look to fund
the operation of the church and, unfortunatley give the impression we’re
only concerned about money. I know I’ve heard that on more than one occasion
and from more than one church member who is either disgruntled or, more likely,
feeling slightly guilty for some reason or other. So, we’re going to
instead look at the real meaning of stewardship.
Stewardship is about how we live our lives. Stewardship is about how we use
our time and our resources in response to God’s blessings and gifts of
life, faith and relationship. Stewardship, then, is appreciating and using
the gift of relationship with God and others to become the people God calls
us to be.
Right now the news media, Christian and otherwise, is telling us about denominations
on the verge of war over questions of doctrine and sexuality. I follow those
reports with a sorrowful heart because the arguments are really over the wrong
things. If you do just a quick read-through of the Gospels you’ll find
that Jesus talks a great deal more about how we are to use our money and how
we should live in right relationship with God and other people in daily life,
than he ever does about doctrine or sex!
What this tells me is that Jesus is concerned with the “real theology” (as
one of my friends used to say) of how we go about living every day – that’s
what stewardship is about. We’re supposed to be using the gift of God
that is within us to make the world around us a better place – it’s
not just about, as the Wobblies used to accuse, “pie in the sky when
you die bye-and-bye.” No, we’re supposed to be living as generously
as Jesus did right now.
Our church covenant is what makes us a church. In the Congregational tradition
it is the covenant that binds us rather than a statement of beliefs (though
a church may choose to have one, they are always understood as testimonies
rather than tests). The covenant in the Bible is God’s constant expression
of presence. God says, “I will be with you” and we say that we
will live toward God in response. By “owning” the covenant, saying
that we agree to it, we tell God and the world around us that we understand
it and that we commit – “to do, perform, to pledge or obligate
one’s self” – to live and act in a certain manner as a result
of it. What we say we’ll do when we covenant as a member of this church
is to make a pledge to God and to others that we will be with them and walk
with them the way of faith and presence.
Some folks, I believe, have just forgotten what this means, or just how serious
an obligation it is. To covenant as “a follower of Jesus Christ” isn’t
like joining a club or civic group, no matter how noble the cause or work they
undertake. To covenant and become part of the living Body of Christ that is
the church is to be serious about living toward God and toward others. To be
a Congregational Christian is to be someone who is dedicated not only to holiness
of life, but also to making a different, better world.
Rekindling the gift, then, is about all of us re-learning and re-committing
ourselves to living as generously as God has been, and is, toward us. I’m
not going to deny that money plays a part of this whole process, but I don’t
believe that it’s the central part. I say over and over that healthy
churches grow – and they do. In the same way I would say that healthy
churches don’t have money problems either, they pay their bills and do
good works because their people know that what they give is more than just “dues” or “payment
so I can be buried from there” or any of the other things I’ve
heard. Quite honestly, I’m more concerned that people who have said, “I
own the covenant and I am a follower of Jesus Christ,” do it for real.
If we truly rekindle the gift, money isn’t an issue. Rekindling the gift
is relighting the fire of generosity – “unselfish, abundant, bountiful” – in
us all.
I look forward to seeing not only our “regulars” in worship and
in our six weeks of classes, but seeing some folks we’ve not seen in
a long time. To take our covenant seriously and to open ourselves to God’s
presence in this way is no small thing and I believe, with all my heart, that
God will honor it. God keeps the covenants God makes – the record of
Scripture and history shows that – now the question before us is, do
we keep ours? Together let’s rekindle the gift and see the difference
it makes in people’s lives – including ours.
Yours in the Lord’s Service,
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Senior Minister
Wow! What a week! Vacation Bible School wrapped up on Friday,
August 5th and church members; kids and adults are still talking about it.
More than 70 children and 40 volunteers helped to make Vacation Bible School
the best it could be. All who participated enjoyed exploring Jerusalem, The
Marketplace as they learned more about Jesus and his life. The Social Hall
was transformed into a marketplace that was amazing. Cathy Denny and Claudia
Scholl went above and beyond in their efforts to create an authentic marketplace
environment.
Kids entering senior kindergarten through those entering sixth grade participated
in this exciting week. In addition to learning more about their faith, the
students were able to make unique crafts, play energetic games, sing new songs,
enjoy snacks and make new friends.
Our service project for the week was collecting money for the Heifer Project.
This organization is committed to alleviating hunger and poverty worldwide
by training hungry families to become self reliant by raising their own livestock.
$159.61 was raised through the children’s contributions.
The week concluded with a family program, where the children shared the songs
and dances they learned during the week, and a picnic.
A big thank you to all those who volunteered to make this a successful event.
We could not have done it without you. We were excited to have many new volunteers
join us this year. Plans are already in the works for next year’s Vacation
Bible School.
The Board of Benevolences chose the Congregational Foundation
for Theological Studies (CFTS) to be the recipient for our Rally Sunday Special
Offering. Through CFTS our church offers an annual scholarship to a promising
candidate(s) preparing for ministry in a Congregational church. This year’s
goal is to raise $5,000.
The Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies is the only program in
existence today whose sole purpose is preparing men and women for ministry
to churches committed to the Congregational Way. As our National Association
grows, the need for Congregationally-trained ministers grows as well.
Since 1961, the CFTS has served the National Association of Congregational
Christian Churches in the absence of an Association-affiliated seminary. While
allowing students the freedom and flexibility to attend the accredited seminary
of their choice, CFTS provides financial aid and academic support. Its goal
is to provide specialized preparation for the church ministry for member churches.
This is accomplished under the close supervision and support of the CFTS dean
and the CFTS board of directors. Almost 200 men and women have completed their
training as CFTS "Fellows." They have made a lasting impact on continuing
Congregationalism.
The CFTS Board of Directors has awarded the First Church – Wauwatosa
scholarship to two people for 2005-2006. The first is Jeremy Woods who was
the recipient last year. Jeremy is a member of the McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Congregational Church and is serving the First Congregational Church of Bunker
Hill, Illinois. He is attending Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis.
The second is Seth Jones whose home church is Colonial Church of Edina, Minnesota.
He will be attending the Luther Seminary beginning in the fall of 2005. (See
letter above.) We hope to have Jeremy and Seth come and visit with us at some
point in the near future.
Watch your mail for a letter and special Rally Sunday offering envelope. For
more information on CFTS go to the web at: www.naccc.org/CFTS/PurposeAndHistory.htm
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On Sat. Sept 10th at 9:00 a.m., we'll be plugging in the coffee pot for our
Breakfast with the Girls season. We've put our heads together this summer to
come up with a fun group of programs (and we'll hope you agree).
Starting us off will be Barbara Brown Lee from our own Milwaukee Museum of
Art. Those of you who have heard of the Barbara programs know why we are so
excited about this. Those of you who have not don't know what you have missed
and you don't want to miss her again! This delightful lady will
bring us a program on American decorative arts. The Art Museum has an amazing
collection of slides she will share with us in her own inimitable way. You
know we're going to have fun! Don't miss this one.
If you can bring a goodie to share, call Jennifer Wakefield (414-771-0951)
or Char Schweitzer (414-771-6216). We also appreciate it when you sign up at
the office ahead of time, so we can better prepare.
Char Schweitzer
September is one of the most exciting months in the year. Not
only do you get to go back to school and see all your friends, PF also starts
back up with weekly Sunday night meetings. Even if you have never come before – try
PF for the first month. You just may be surprised!
Thought for the month -
“
Despise school and remain a fool.”
There is a lot going on in September.
Check out the PF Place Calendar for events (Tip: cut out the calendar for handy
reference). Our last summer event is really the first “Second Saturday” of
the year. Come with your friends for Create-a-Game. Junior and Senior high
are welcome.
Families with youth – Hear about the PF year and meet each other at our
Kick Off on September 11th. Please bring a dish to share. Drinks and table
settings provided.
Don’t forget to check out the PF Bulletin Board between the Christian
Education office and the nursery for up-to-date reminders and consent forms.
Also, get your email address on CKW’s list to receive the “FCC
PF Weekly Update.” You can email her at: KrepsWegenastC@firstchurchtosa.org.
Youth Calendar
September
10 2nd Saturday Games, 6–9 p.m.
11 PF Kick Off with Families (potluck) 5-7 p.m.
18 Junior PF, 4:30-6 p.m. and Senior PF, 6:30-8 p.m.
25 Junior PF – 4:30-6 p.m. and Senior PF – 6:30-8 p.m.
Looking Ahead…
Oct 8 Second Saturday Movie
Nov 4-5 Junior PF Overnight
How to reach Carrie Kreps Wegenast
Phones: Church – (414) 258-7375
Cell – (414) 467-3874
Home – (414) 476-8213
Email: KrepsWegenastC@firstchurchtosa.org
AIM: revkw1511
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Class Placements for the 8:45 a.m.
Sunday School
Infants – Nursery, Room 106
Two Year Old Atudents – Room 107
Three and Four Year Old Four Students –
Room 202
Five Year Old Students entering Senior Kindergarten – Room 201
First Grade – Room 200
Second Grade – LL 2
Third Grade – LL 3
Fourth Grade – LL 4
Fifth Grade –LL 5
Sixth, Seventh and Eight Grade – Room 302
Class Placements for the 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 students will meet in rooms 106 and 107 for Sunday School. Nursery care
is available.
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Your 2005 First Church softball team finished the Wauwatosa Church League season with an 8-5-1 record. That’s a third place showing! For the second time in three years, the team was invited to play in the city softball tournament that follows the regular season. They beat both of their higher seeded opponents in rounds one and two of the tournament. About 80 teams play summer ball; 27 were invited to play in the tournament (of which only three were church-sponsored teams). At the August 3 church Sausage Fest, a collection was taken to pay the entry fee for the city tournament and we collected $70. The team is grateful to all who helped and we hope to see more fans at the games in 2006. —Coach Scott Rondeau
On the evening of Wednesday June 22nd, The Reverend Kenaz Solomon
paid a personal visit to FCC to give first-hand testimony to the destruction
of the December 26 tsunami and to thank us for our very generous support for
relief.
Rev. Solomon oversees 40 Congre-gational churches, a 40-bed hospital, and 14
daycare facilities in the southern tip of India. It was in this area that one
of their churches and the town of Puthalam Beach, which it serves, were hit
by the tsunami. The devastation that followed left 80 people homeless and most
of the villagers lost everything they owned except the clothes on their backs.
In addition the church received major damage to its interior and exterior.
The money that they received has been used to purchase land 1500 feet away
from the beach for those who lost their homes. The homeless have received assistance
in building new homes. Funds have also been spent to restore the church.
While much work remains to be done, First Church has shown how well it can
respond to unforeseen missionary efforts. Rev. Solomon welcomes any questions
you may have by e-mailing him at satyanes_ngc@sancharnet.in.
There will be a brief meeting on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m.
for those who volunteered to serve during the historic tour on Saturday, Oct.
1. We will meet in the Friendship Lounge for distribution of assignments and
for any necessary instructions. If you would like to participate in this special
event at First Church you are welcome to come and join us. Docents are needed
for various stops around the building.
Bakers are needed to provide refreshments which will be sold to our visitors
with the proceeds forwarded through our Board of Benevolence to the Wauwatosa
Food Pantry. The Historical Society reports that in previous years approximately
500 visitors participated in this event. What a wonderful opportunity for First
Church hospitality! If you would like to be involved contact event coordinator
Julie Peay at 414-258-2986 or juliepeay@aol.com.
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September 4 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Exodus 12:1–14
Psalmody Psalm 149
New Testament Romans 13:8–14
Gospel Matthew 18:15–20
September 11 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Exodus 14:19–31
Psalmody Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21
New Testament Romans 14:1–12
Gospel Matthew 18:21–35
September 18 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Exodus 16:2–15
Psalmody Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45
New Testament Philippians 1:21–30
Gospel Matthew 20:1–16
September 25 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Exodus 17:1–7
Psalmody Psalm 78:1–4, 12–16
New Testament Philippians 2:1–13
Gospel Matthew 21:23–32
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Intern Needs Weekend Housing
Our ministerial intern for the upcoming program year needs
a church family to provide housing for him during the weekends, on Saturday
and Sunday nights. Each week during the program year (September through May,
with some time off during holidays), he will arrive on Saturday and leave on
Monday. This is an opportunity to get to know a minister-in-the-making and
help our church provide a good experience for the student. Our congregation
is known as a teaching church and provides an excellent laboratory setting
for ministerial students. Please contact the church office.
Board of Fellowship Wants Your Ideas!
Do you have a fun idea? The Board of Fellowship wants to work
with any person, couple, family, or group that has an idea for a monthly fellowship
function. It could be a meal, dessert, or snack evening with or without a program.
You come up with the idea and some workers, the board will provide logistical
help and some funding. Call Lissa Edens at 262-786-6196 or contact her at chateau@wi.rr.com.
Come “rally” behind this idea.
Select Your Fall Mums on Rally Sunday
On Rally Sunday, Sept. 11, you may purchase beautiful mum plants. The sale
benefits Greater Tosa Interfaith, an organization that provides important
services for local seniors living at home. The plants are unusually large
for the price and a real bargain: $6 each or 2/$10. This year we are not
taking advance orders, so first-come, first-served! Look for the spread of
gorgeous fall colors in the Atrium on Rally Sunday.
Interested in Joining the Church?
If you are interested in exploring church membership, the fall covenant renewal
classes will serve as our new member orientation. Please let the church office
know of your interest and register for a class. In addition, we will offer
an extra one-session class on Sunday, Nov. 6 for those wishing to join the
church, covering points not discussed in the other classes. We will welcome
new members in our worship services on Nov. 13.
Old Fashioned Potluck Supper Picnic
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
6:00 p.m. on Ridge Court
Bring a dish to pass for 8-12 people. Beverages provided by the Board of Fellowship.
Please sign up at the church office with the number in your party and the dish
you will be bringing.
Monday, September 12, 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
Anne Callen, Office Manager
Sharon Cook-Bahr, Secretary
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. 20, Issue 8
