Deepen
Your Lenten Experience
Church Holds Annual Meeting
Faith in Film Series
Minister's Musings
PF Place
Breakfast with the Girls
Chili Dinner
Lent is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your prayer, study and worship life.
This year we have a number of engaging programs to deepen your experience.
Ash Wednesday begins the season on Feb. 9 with worship at 12 noon in the chapel
and the service repeated at 7 p.m. in the nave.
On the five Wednesdays before Holy Week (Feb. 16 – March 16), join your
church family for a Meager Meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall, a simple meal
of soup or salad and sandwich. There will be a modest charge. Then we’ll
gather in the chapel for Lenten Vespers worship at 6:30 p.m.
At 7 p.m. you’re invited to one of several small group offerings. Drop-ins
are welcome, though you’ll need to pre-register for the book group and
beginning Bible class so we can provide materials. Child care is provided for
all activities.
Lectionary Bible Study – We continue this popular format of studying
the lectionary texts that will be used in worship the following Sunday, connecting
your classroom and worship experience. No need to pre-register. Meets in the
parlor from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Senior High Youth Lectionary Bible Study – The senior high youth are
invited to join the Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast for a study of the weekly lectionary
Scripture texts.
Each session includes reading of the texts, discussion, contemporary reflection
and application. Bring what you know and do not know. No need to pre-register.
Meets on the second floor landing next to the balcony from 7 to 8 p.m.
“
The Heart of Christianity” Book Group –What does it mean to be
a Christian today? Marcus Borg, author of the best-selling Heart of Christianity,
shows how we can live passionately as Christians by practicing the timeless
elements of our faith. Dr. Steven Peay facilitates. (The book is $10, so we’ll
need your pre-registration in the office to order the book.) Meets in the lounge
from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Bible for Beginners –The absolute basics for those with little or
no prior knowledge of the Bible, where you may ask any question you want. Who
wrote the Bible? Is the Bible true? What translations are best? What are some
essential Bible study tools? We’ll also explore specific texts to demonstrate
different ways to study the Bible. Facilitated by Rev. Samuel Schaal. (There
will be a small donation suggested to cover the cost of materials. Please pre-register
by calling the office.) Meets in the Resource Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Parlor join Rev. Kreps Wegenast in “The Art
of Doing Prayer.” This experiential class will study and practice a different
type of prayer each week. We will look at biblical, historical, monastic, and
contemporary models of prayer. Childcare will be provided. No need to pre-register.
(This is in addition to the Sunday Symposium which continues to meet at 10
a.m. in the lounge.
Lenten Schedule Summary
Ash Wednesday Feb. 9
Services at 12 noon (chapel) and 7 p.m. (nave)
Wednesday nights Feb. 16 – Mar. 16
Meager Meal 6:00 p.m.
Vespers 6:30 p.m.
Small groups 7:00 p.m.
• Lectionary Bible Study
• PF Lectionary Bible Study
• “Heart of Christianity” Book Group
• Bible for Beginners
Sundays 10 a.m. Feb. 13 – Mar.13
“Art of Doing Prayer” Parlor
Sunday Symposium Lounge
By Marilyn Auer
By Marilyn Auer
The heading on the agenda gave the information. This church has held 162 annual
meetings. It is something to consider. This gathered fellowship has lasted
a very long time. The reasons for this were evident on Sunday, Jan. 16.
There are enough members who care about the meeting to make the effort to attend,
even on a very cold winter afternoon. There are members who care enough to
serve the congregation on committees that do a great deal of work. There are
ministers who serve us with enthusiasm and dedication.
There were questions and comments from the floor that indicated a divergence
of thought and opinion, but when the questions were called, there was unanimity
of purpose.
What happened at the meeting?
It began with an invocation by Rev. Sam Schaal. Bill Edens, our Moderator,
called the meeting to order. Those in attendance read the Covenant together.
Then there were reports.
Susan Fisher reported on the Congregational Home. There have been many changes
and renovations made during 2004, especially to the original 1974 building.
First floor resident rooms were updated to current styles and standards. Lounges
have been made more welcoming with lowered ceilings. A new nurses’ station
has provided better working space and secure storage space.
The transition hallway between the older and newer buildings has had new track
lighting installed so the space can fulfill a planned purpose as an art gallery
opening the end of January. 2005 will see the continuing progress in renovation
of resident rooms.
The ministers each reported to the members. Rev. Steve Peay’s principal
report was printed in the Congregationalist prior to the meeting. He added some
comments about his contractual schedule and his service as scholar/pastor and
his work in the community to raise the awareness of this church.
Rev. Schaal spoke of his role as minister of teaching and pastoral care. During
the year several small groups have been created. There was and will be an increase
in activities during Lent. A survey of needs in adult education showed a desire
for more adult education on the basics of the Bible and Congregationalism. There
has been a use of film to teach and inspire discussion. He also noted that we
have expanded the communion services to both Harwood Place and Luther Manor.
Rev. Carrie Kreps Wegenast spoke of Youth and Family ministry. She aims for a
growing relationship with youth. She spoke of the work being done at Nehemiah
House and the changes of attitude of some of the youth as they have worked on
the project. She has questions about faith formation from the youth. She talked
of how adults help the youth become Christians and the faith persons they can
be and of a plan with another church for the youth to make another trip to the
mission in Mexico.
Michael Simmons gave the Treasurer’s report. The report looks good, but
we could always do better. Pledges have been flat for the last two years and
need to grow.
The Benevolence report was given by Ed Probst. The committee is trying to focus
the gifts so that they are providing fewer, but larger gifts that will make more
of an impact on the programs of the recipients. Additionally, there have been
fewer special collections but the total received in these collections has increased.
For the future, he said that Nehemiah House asked for physical help. The board
will encourage more hands on activities. Continuing support will help the St.
Vincent Meal Program, the church scholarship fund and the Congregational Aid
program. There is now renewed contact with the Honduran mission that we supported
in the past.
Nick Sgarlata presented the Stewardship report. There was an increase in the
dollar amount of pledging but a significant reduction in the number of individuals/families
making pledges. We need to improve our pledge base. Plans to do that have been
developed.
Harry Holz reported that all requests to the Budget and Finance Committee were
reduced. However, as the year progresses, the committee hopes to restore the
full amount requested for deferred maintenance. Bill Edens noted that the elevator
will have a state inspection this year. Should the elevator be condemned, it
will have to be replaced. He also noted that the long-range plan that was approved
in October had been started in 2002.
Bill’s Moderator’s report recognized the 4th of July float as a step
in outreach, the trip to England, Carrie’s ordination, the acceptance of
the long-range plan, and the successful Stewardship Campaign as highlights of
the year. In 2005 he looks to an increased pledge base and to the implementation
of new software that will centralize information, provide better access to historical
material, provide better tracking of activities and provide greater security.
The new business was the acceptance of the changes to the Constitution and Bylaws
of the church. The Constitutional changes will be voted on again next year before
becoming final.
Back to the Table of
Contents
Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed 1997 historical epic Amistad is a moving
and realistic film about the 1839 revolt by Africans on the slaveship Amistad.
The movie is split between the searing drama of human slaves on the ship and
their revolt, and their subsequent trial on American soil. A courageous band
of Congregational abolitionists fought the charges all the way to the Supreme
Court and helped educate the slaves with the Bible.
This is one of the best Hollywood films showing the grim realism of life on
a slaveship, so it is rated “R” for violence and some nudity. It
stars Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, Anthony Hopkins and Matthew McConaughey.
We will be viewing this film on Sunday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. in Friendship
Lounge as part of the Faith in Film series. All are welcome to attend. We view
the film then follow with a short discussion facilitated by Rev. Sam Schaal.
Popcorn is provided!
I’m not sure if children still chant that nursery rhyme as they play,
but I remember it. When I found out what it really meant years later I was
shocked. That innocent rhyme really has to do with the bubonic plague that
more than decimated late medieval Europe. The rhyme, like so many things including
dark humor, was a means to overcome devastation and panic. It was a way to
bring an unmanageable world to some kind of manageable state.
Like the rhyme, the seasons of the church year are also a means for us to bring
some sense and order into our world. We have come through a season of expectant
waiting (Advent) to one of joy and hope fulfilled (Christmas) and of new relationship
revealed (Epiphany). Now we are poised to enter a season that is itself somewhat
dark, one that calls us to serious self-reflection – Lent.
As we know, the word “lent” actually comes from the Old English
word for “spring” or the lengthening of the days (lencten). It
is a period of forty days that is to symbolically remind us of the forty years
of Israel’s wandering during the Exodus event and of Jesus’ period
of temptation before he began his public ministry. (It is actually a little
longer since the Sundays are not included in counting the season since they’re
each a “little Easter.”) Traditionally it has provided Christians
an occasion to take stock of their spiritual life and practice. It’s
also an opportunity to examine our priorities and, perhaps, to find some ways
to re-align them in such a way that they better fit our profession of being “followers
of Jesus Christ.” That’s why people talk about “giving something
up for Lent.” A beneficial form of “give up” can be what
one teacher of the early church talked about – giving up selfishness
by doing some sacrificial act of kindness for someone else. Almsgiving, the
giving of money for the benefit of the poor and disadvantaged, is an ancient
and honorable tradition practiced during Lent.
I would argue that while “give ups” can be good, especially if
it is a “give up” that helps your spiritual life, your relationships,
or your health, “take ups” can be even better! If you don’t
take the time to pray, read the Bible, or do some sort of spiritual exercise
each day – take it up for forty days. As with any exercise, as I am discovering
on a personal level, it only has an effect when we actually DO IT. So those
spiritual exercises, like prayer and reading and study-group, have to get the
same kind of use as that stationary bicycle or the treadmill or the gym membership.
Lent is the time to take them up – spiritual and physical exercise alike
and both/and rather than either/or! There will be ample opportunities for re-prioritizing
and growing in our spiritual exercise during this season here at First Congregational
Church, as you can see elsewhere in this issue.
The season begins with “Ash Wednesday,” so called because in the
Western church it was the custom to mark the forehead with ashes. The ashes
were a reminder of our mortality – “Remember that you are dust;
and unto dust you will return!” The “Ashes/Ashes/We all fall down” of
the nursery rhyme allude to death. The ashes given on Ash Wednesday were to
remind us that life here is fleeting when compared to eternity and that our
priorities should be to live in this world with an eye, and a heart, on the
next. And that is the difference between the nursery rhyme and the rhyme of
Christian living – because while we may fall down, we get up! That’s
the promise we live toward through the lengthening days of Lent that lead us
to Easter. However, until you’ve really walked the way of ashes, gone
through the Lenten season and the full experience of our Lord’s Passion,
Easter is just another opportunity for a party.
So, I invite you to enter into the rhyme of Lent. Come into this season with
its give-ups and take-ups. Be a part of a community that is trying to grow
inward so that it can really reach outward. Join us in the ashes and discover
the wonder of what it means to be raised to new life. You are welcome and we
are in this together.
May we have a blessed and a fruitful Lent that will lead us to a joyous Easter!
Yours in the Lord’s service
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
A PRE-LENTEN “TAKE-UP”
FEB. 6 is “IN-REACH SUNDAY”
On Sunday, Feb. 6 we will reach inward by providing “calling slips” – We’re
asking everyone who attends worship on that day to take home at least one slip
of five names/phone numbers to call during that day. Our goal is to reach ALL
of our members and to let them know – in church or not – that we’re
thinking of them.
PLEASE HELP!
February is an exciting month in PF! Keep reading for all the
details!
Regular Meetings
Senior PF!
Feb. 6th – Super Bowl Sunday! Instead of having a regular meeting let’s
have a Super Bowl Party! To ensure television reception the party will be held
at Carrie’s apartment (1246 North 68th Street, #107, Tosa.) Bring a snack
or drink to share. Let Carrie know if you are planning on coming. The game
starts at 6 p.m. The doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Junior and Senior PF!
On the 13th and 20th we will write our own Ten Commandments after looking at
the two sets of ten commandments in the Old Testament!
Service Projects
Second Saturday and Valentine’s Cookie Sale – During February’s
Second Saturday (12th) we will bake and decorate Valentine’s Day cookies
(in between playing games). On Sunday we will sell them during coffee hour
and donate the money to the charity of our choice. Come on Saturday the 12th
for sock baseball (make sure you are wearing socks), board games, snacks, cookie
making and a surprise game! Come on Sunday the 13th to help sell the cookies!
Did you know that 29,000 children die a day because they do not have enough
to eat? Feb. 25–26 is your opportunity to help. We will join with North
Shore Congregational PF for an overnight and the 30-Hour Famine. Starting after
lunch (1 p.m.) on Friday the 25th we will fast for 30 hours! We will break
the fast together at 7 p.m. on Saturday. In the middle we will have an overnight
at FCC (meet at church at 7 p.m.), do a service project, watch movies, and
support each other as we fast to feed hungry children. Contact Carrie for a
sponsor packet or more information.
Calling All Adults!
Adults are needed at the Junior PF meetings on Feb. 13 and 20, and March 13
and 20. We also need help with the Second Saturday and Cookie Sale and as chaperones
for the 30-Hour Famine events and overnight. Contact Carrie to volunteer. Your
help is needed to make these activities a success for our youth.
Bible Study
Senior PF, have you ever wondered who picks the scriptures that are read every
Sunday morning? What if you had the opportunity to read them before the service?
Join Carrie for a weekly study of the lectionary scripture texts. We will read
the texts, discuss them, do some historical research and apply the text to
everyday life. Be our guest for the Lenten Supper at 6 p.m. I’ll have
you home before 8:15 p.m.
Youth Calendar
Feb. 6 Junior PF – No meeting!
Feb. 6 Senior PF – Super Bowl party at Carrie’s
Feb. 12 Second Saturday cookie making and games (7–10 p.m.)
Feb. 13 Valentine’s Day cookie sale (During coffee hour: 10 a.m.)
Feb. 13 Regular meeting (Jr. and Sr.)
Feb. 16 Senior PF Lenten Bible study (6–8 p.m.)
Feb. 20 Regular meeting (Jr. and Sr.)
Feb. 23 Senior PF Lenten Bible study (6–8 p.m.)
Feb. 25–26 30-Hour Famine (Overnight 7 p.m., Jr. and Sr.)
Feb. 27 No meeting!
Looking Ahead
March 4 Serve at St. Vincent’s (4:15–7ish)
March 2, 9, 16 Senior PF Lenten Bible study (6–8 p.m.)
March 27 Easter breakfast
Back to the Table of
Contents
by Char Schweitzer
Here we are, heading into the new year with all it may hold. “Breakfast
With the Girls” wishes all of our regulars a good and healthy one. We
are excited about our first gathering of the new year—we think you will
be, too.
Who doesn't need to get organized? If you're like me, where do you start? Our
February guest, Barb Friedman, has made it her business to advise folks like
us (and others too numerous to mention—like television’s Dr. Phil)
on getting organized with her business, Organize It.
What better way to get the new year up and running and have a morning visit
with each other? Two wonderful things for the price of one: that's an organized
bargain if I ever heard one! Remember to get in touch with one of us if you
can help, leave your name at the office if you can be with us and do bring
a friend by all means. We'll gather at 9 a.m. on Saturday Feb. 5th.
See you then.
A winter-time favorite, the January All-Church Chili Dinner, provided plenty
of fun as well as a tasty night out for attendees. The chili cook-off, which
began a couple years back, saw the jalapeno trophy passed to a new winner
this year as Ken Lindl took home top honors. With plenty
of entries, the friendly competition was probably enjoyed most by all those
who got to sample the recipes. All-Church dinners are the first Wednesday
of each month. Sign up with the office (414) 258-7375 by Jan. 31 for the
next meal.
Chili Cook-Off-1st Prize Winner
Ken Lindl
2nd Prize Winner
Barbara Wells
3rd Prize Winners - 3-way tie
Lisa Hendrickson, Sally Wells & Tom Stark
The Fellowship Board is planning an outing to Sunburst for some fun and fellowship
on Feb.19th from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Tubing is $12 per person for 2 hours and $15
for 3 hours. You must be 42" tall. Please call the office (414) 258-7375
if interested.
More details to follow on the Fellowship bulletin board.
February 6, Transfiguration Sunday
Old Testament Exodus 24:12–18
Psalmody Psalm 99
New Testament 2 Peter 1:16–21
Gospel Matthew 17:1–9
February 9, Ash Wednesday
Old Testament Joel 2:1–2, 12–17
Psalmody Psalm 51:1–17
New Testament 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Gospel Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
February 13, First Sunday in Lent
Old Testament Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7
Psalmody Psalm 32
New Testament Romans 5:12–19
Gospel Matthew 4:1–11
February 20, Second Sunday in Lent
Old Testament Genesis 12:1–4a
Psalmody Psalm 121
New Testament Romans 4:1–5, 13–17
Gospel John 3:1–17
February 27, Third Sunday in Lent
Old Testament Exodus 17:1–7
Psalmody Psalm 95
New Testament Romans 5:1–11
Gospel John 4:5–42
Funds raised to date for the
relief of the Tsunami disaster:
$15,299.25
Reminder: Fill Out Database Questionnaires We need for you to pick
up your family information sheet(s) that are available in the atrium. We want
the most current information possible to update the new church database. Please
return the completed forms to the office as soon as possible.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Need a Ride to Church? Here’s a reminder that the Board of Deacons can help provide transportation to church if you have difficulty providing your own. Just call Harry Collis at (262) 781-6705 in advance of your need.
Monday, February 14, 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 10
