Stewardship
Corner
Summer Youth Camp
Minister's Musings
Julie Anheuser Accepts Vice Moderator Position
Pioneer Club Car Wash
Youthful Reflections - Getting Started
Smile for the Church Directory
Church Gathers at Annual Meeting of NACCC
We made a paradigm shift in 2005 on how we approach Stewardship at First Congregational Church. Our goal was to look at the real meaning of Stewardship and view it in terms of how we use our time and our resources in response to the many blessings and gifts that God has given us. We no longer want Stewardship to be confused with fundraising. Stewardship, rather, should be a means to appreciate and use the gift of our relationship with God and others and become the people God calls us to be.
This resulted in the “Rekindle the Gift” series in which we took six weeks to explore our covenant with God and with each other. Rekindle the Gift was about re-learning and re-committing ourselves to live as generously as God has been, and is, toward us. In the Congregational tradition, the covenant is a commitment and it should never be viewed simply as a statement of beliefs. 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 in the way of faith and presence. While financial giving does play a part in this process, it is not the central part. We hope that message came through during the classes last fall.
Mark your calendars. From Nov. 2-4, 2006, First Congregational Church will be the host to the Fifth Congregational Symposium. The theme for the Symposium is “The Church: Born for a Time Like This.” Around the world, and especially in Europe and the U.S., the viability and relevance of the Church is being called into question. Many churches continue to debate about what they believe in and other dogma, while their membership searches for a spiritual relationship elsewhere. Has the Church lost its way and does it need to be reformed, yet again? Or could it be that, as is stated in Esther 4:14, that the Church was born for a time like this?
As Rev. Steven Peay often says, “a
spiritually healthy congregation will be a financially healthy congregation.” Our
church continues to succeed on both fronts. While last year’s Stewardship
emphasis was focused on looking at our covenant relationship, this year we
want to focus on what it
means to be part of the church and to reach out to those in need. We look forward
to continuing our journey with you in the months to come.
In the Lord’s name,
The Stewardship Board
Summer Youth Camp
Lots of Letters Lead to Leap in Pool
by Rob Brink
And all God’s people said, Wow! What a week. I don’t
think it could have worked out any better if I had planned it. Wisconsin
Congregational Association (WCA) Camp was the perfect way to get to know
a few Tosa kids and have a blast doing it. We had great weather (a little
hot, but better hot than cold if you’re going to have a summer camp),
interesting lessons, fun games, exciting music, and crafts that were actually
surprisingly cool. (I made a wallet out of duct tape!)
The highlight of the week was when all the letters arrived. Steve, Sam,
and the rest of the office crew wrote five letters each to everyone from
Wauwatosa, including me! For those of you who’ve never been to WCA
camp, five letters means you have to jump in the pool with your clothes
on. I hope someone got a picture of it; I was too busy doing a belly flop.
Reflections on the Annual NA Meeting
It’s a bit after 6 a.m. on June 28 in Costa Mesa, California.
The sun is up. Birds are singing. The 52nd Annual Meeting of the National
Association of Congregational Christian Churches is officially over. However,
the feeling that woke me, and is with me as I write, is that things are
really just beginning. There is a fresh breeze blowing in the NACCC and
I return to the work of our gathered community on Church Street more than
just a little optimistic that God still has something for the Congregational
Way to do. The theme for the meeting was, “This is the Way, walk
in it,” and we just might be getting back on the path.
This year I was privileged to give the Congregational Lecture. I focused
it on “Finding the Way, Again.” I briefly reviewed the history
and the principles of our Way of being church and then offered thoughts
on how I felt we had left the Way. I looked at elements of our history
as a National Association offering an honest assessment that there is some
dysfunction in our founding requiring further examination. I ended by challenging
the delegates to do something about it. Quite honestly, I was expecting
to be pilloried – I wasn’t. Instead there were good discussions,
sometimes even heated ones, but always a generous spirit and a willingness
to do what was necessary for us to move forward, and move forward together.
The message offered by the Bible Lecturer this year, the Rev. Dr. William
Pannell of Fuller Seminary, was also encouraging. He was articulate, gracious,
and, as my British friends are wont to say, spot on. He taught us, challenged
us, and inspired us to think about “our Zions,” the places
where God dwells among us. I know that I will approach my preparation of
worship, preaching, and pastoral care with a renewed sense of urgency,
seeking to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” I
had opportunity to spend some time with Bill and will try to get him here
when his travels next bring him our way.
The work of the Institute for Congregational Studies gives me hope, too.
This year 38 people attended our breakfast meeting. I’m not sure
how many will actually become colleagues of the Institute, but it was great
to be able to share our work and vision with people interested in studying
and continuing authentic Congregationalism. ICS is working with the Congregational
Foundation for Theological Studies developing a new Lay Ministry Training
Program. The structure and course outline has been determined and now we’re
beginning the work of curriculum development. The whole issue of ministerial
credentialing and standing is still before us – there is much to
do.
I was shocked one morning when a colleague asked if I would allow my name
to be put forward for the Executive Committee. My initial reaction was, “No.” He
then reminded me of my lecture of the night before and my challenge to
do something. So, I asked for some time to think, pray and talk with Julie.
I gave him a go-ahead, hoping that my nomination would simply serve to
offer the delegates a broader choice than the nominating committee’s
slate. There was an additional nomination from the floor and so the delegates
had to choose three of five. Thank God, I was not one of them – though
I’ve been told it was very close. But the three they chose were,
to my mind, the “right ones” who will help to keep this breeze
of change and growth blowing. My experience confirmed for me that my role
in our associational life is academic, not political. I’m a student,
a teacher, a critic, and a questioner who wants to see our Way lived authentically.
It’s a role I am increasingly happy with and find suited to my interests,
gifts, and talents.
This was a good meeting and it feels right to walk this Way. It’s
encouraging to see things one has worked for do some good. I can look at
the ICS and the symposiums with some pride. I was happy and proud when
my colleague, Rev. Samuel Schaal, became a fellow of the Arbella Society
this year. The Arbella Society is for clergy who come from other traditions
and demonstrate competence in our polity. It was a society I proposed when
on CFTS and I was among its first inductees.
So, now it’s time to get ready and head for home. There is work for
us to do as we minister to our community and far beyond. On an October
day fifty years ago the NA held its second meeting and formalized its existence
here on Church Street. First Church-Tosa (as we are known in the NA) has
been a vital part of the association from its beginning. That involvement
must continue and grow so that our Way of church life may prosper. A fresh
breeze is blowing and there is hope. It was a good meeting and it is good
to walk this Way together with you!
Peace and good!
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister
Although recently elected as Vice Moderator, Julie Anheuser’s
connection with First Congregational Church started long before she was born.
Her mom, Marilynn Smith, was a life-long member and eventually married Fred
Rennebohm in the church where they then raised their children. Likewise, after
growing up in the church, Julie married Tim Anheuser 22 years ago and they
have raised their family (Jimmy, a junior at Brookfield East and Michael, 8th
grader at Pilgrim Park Middle School) within this church family.
So it’s not a great surprise to speak with Julie, a reading and math
teacher at Dixon Elementary School in Brookfield, and feel her passion for
this church. She’s served on the vast majority of boards and committees
within the church, taught Sunday School and volunteered with Vacation Bible
School. Currently serving on Budget & Finance and Long Range Planning through
her position as Vice Moderator, Julie would like to see the Long Range Plan
tweaked and present a budget which shows global and community outreach, yet
also takes care of FCC.
Julie believes the greatest challenge for this church is in reaching and knowing
all of the members. She also believes it is the most important mission for
the church. “I want everyone from two months to 102 years old to feel
comfortable and wanted...to want to be a member here.” Julie believes
that through knowing the membership and encouraging the spreading of individual
talents that we will experience strong growth. She thinks that the greatest
strength of FCC lies in the gift of so many phenomenal people, representing
so many facets of life. “We also offer so many opportunities... from
mission trips to education to music to wonderful messages on Sunday mornings.”
What does Julie bring to the church as a leader? Both in her previous banking
career and as a teacher, Julie feels sales oriented. “And I can really
sell the church. I love it.” She also said she has a good listening ear
and while she doesn’t have all the answers, she’s good at going
to others to get them.
In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading (she’s a member of two book clubs),
exercising, and watching her kids’ sporting events and music performances.
She said that as a family they enjoy a little traveling to Door County and
Colorado for skiing and visiting family. “I also have a renewed interest
in cooking and am enjoying that a lot,” said Julie.
Julie is very thankful for our church history. “It really seems like
the right time to accept this nomination. I couldn’t do it without the
support of my husband, parents, and sister.”
Likewise, First Congregational couldn’t do without Julie and the other
volunteers who give so much of themselves.
On Saturday, June 17 the Pioneer Club held its second annual car wash in the parking lot of First Congregational Church . While it’s a toss up whether the kids or cars became more thoroughly soaked, close to $300 was raised. Part of this money will be used for the Pioneer Club camping trip at Camp Whitcomb Mason on August 28 & 29. The rest will go toward supporting the school their pen pals attend in Benin, Africa. Thank you to all the Pioneer Club members, leaders and parents who helped with this fun and worthwhile event.
Here it is, folks. You are holding in your hands the very first
Associate Minister’s column written by Rev. Robert J. Brink, head mischief
maker and mayhem manager…. Ummm… I mean, Associate Minister for
Youth and Family. To begin, thank you to everyone for the warm welcome, especially
to those of you who stopped by on our move-in day to welcome us to the neighborhood.
Now that Aiden and Eli have their rooms set up, and our dining room table has
arrived, it’s actually starting to feel like home. Aiden has taken a
special liking to all the construction equipment that is working on Hart Park.
His favorite is the excavator, but the dump truck is running a close second.
My office is slowly taking shape and work is picking up. The office staff has
been wonderfully helpful, getting me up to speed. I’ve known both Rev.
Peay and Rev. Schaal for a while and am very excited to be working side by
side with them. Many thanks to Jim VerDuin for guiding me with baby steps into
the arcane mysteries of Apple Macintosh. (When I first walked in, it took me
a minute to find the CPU and another to find the power button!) Carrie Sgarlata
has been more helpful than any three people deserve to be, showing me the ropes
for the Sunday School and youth programs of the church.
The two Big Things on the horizon are Vacation Bible School and Rally Sunday.
Carla Cummings has done a great job with Vacation Bible School, and I think
the kids are going to have fun. I’ll be there pitching in, trying to
learn the names of all these amazing children that seem to be everywhere I
look. What a blessing to have so many parents committed to bringing their children
up in the church! Speaking of blessings, we still have room for Sunday School
teachers, assistants, and workshop leaders. If you have been blessed with a
gift, don’t hide it. Shine it! Whatever your gift, we will find a way
for you to contribute.
Rev. Rob Brink
Associate Minister
There’s still time to sign up for your appointment to get
your picture taken for our pictorial directory. There will be signups in the
Atrium this Sunday, August 6 or call the church office at 414-258-7375.
If you have college students or others in your family who will be away during
these times, you may also choose to have your picture taken directly at the
photography studio, Moments and Memories. They have two office locations you
may call for address and directions: Milwaukee, 414-358-8111; and Oconomowoc,
262-560-0787. When you call, let them know you are having your picture taken
as part of our church directory.
Pictures Taken at Church
Monday-Friday Sept. 18–Oct. 2 3 to 9 p.m.
Sunday Sept 24 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday Oct. 1 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Back to the Table of
Contents
by Butch Boyd
Moderator
Why would one leave the warm sunshine of Wisconsin in late June to go to the
hot sunshine in Southern California? For the National Association of Congregational
Christian Churches annual meeting, of course.
Costa Mesa, California, is a beautiful setting for a convention, but that's
not what impressed me the most. One thing that surprised me was the attention
people paid to us. Janie and I wore badges that had “first time attendee” on
them. People continually approached us and asked how things were going, were
we enjoying the convention and was there anything they could do for us? This
happened at business sessions, workshops, seminars, in lobbies, at lunch and
dinners and even in the elevators. Another surprise for me was the enthusiasm
everyone had. Not just the hosts and people running the convention, but all
the delegates and attendees who were really happy to be back for another convention.
Finally, I was somewhat overwhelmed by all the activities going on at all times.
I found it difficult to choose what to attend between each business session.
I did have the opportunity to attend a workshop on “How to Market Your
Church,” a seminar on “Keeping the Pulpit Up with the Pews” on
keeping our ministries educated, a discussion on credentialing, and a presentation
on missions.
Janie and I really enjoyed the Bible lectures presented by Dr. William Pannell,
and the wonderful entertainment at two of the evening meals. There was video
at one of the business sessions called “Planting a Church” which
was very interesting.
Our own Steve Peay gave the prestigious Congregational Lecture and he received
a standing ovation. No one could remember the last time that had happened,
if it ever did. Steve and Rob Brink, our newest minister, participated in the
workshop on educated ministries, Steve and Sam Schaal sat on a panel in the
ministerial credentialing workshop and also co-led a church stewardship presentation,
describing our covenant renewal process of last fall. Rob also led a workshop
that offered practical advice for starting a youth ministry in a small church.
Sam Schaal received the Alfred D. Grey award from the Congregational Foundation
for Theological Studies, for the best Congregational history and polity paper
of the year. Sam submitted his paper, “Towards a Ministry of Accountability:
Why We Should Credential Ministers and Why We are Afraid of It,” to be
eligible for the Arbella Society, for clergy who come from other traditions
(named for the 1630 ship that brought the second wave of Puritans to these
coasts). Rob Brink won a scholarship for a study trip to England scheduled
for 2007.
There were 143 churches that attended and First Church Wauwatosa was tied for
sixth in representation. The state of Wisconsin was the third most represented
state (out of 29), behind the host state California and Michigan. Janie and
I stayed for a few more days to meet two of her clients, and I discovered we
were only fifteen minutes from Disneyland. So for me it was a successful convention
and a great learning experience.
How would you top this for next year? The convention is at beautiful St. Petersburg,
Florida, and I believe Disney World is just down the road.
Baptism
July 16, 2006: Caden Michael Hoffman, son of Andrew and Sarah Hoffman
Wedding
July 15, 2006: Dr. Katherine Gretchen Dragisic and William Sill Schoyer
August 6 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:26–12:13a
Psalmody Psalm 51:1–12
New Testament Ephesians 4:1–16
Gospel John 6:24–35
August 13 10th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament 2 Samuel 18:5–9, 15, 31–33
Psalmody Psalm 130
New Testament Ephesians 4:25–5:2
Gospel John 6:35, 41–51
August 20 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament 1 Kings 2:10–12, 3:3–14
Psalmody Psalm 111
New Testament Ephesians 5:15–20
Gospel John 6:51–58
August 27 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10–11)
22–30, 41–43
Psalmody Psalm 84
New Testament Ephesians 6:10–20
Gospel John 6:56–69
Back to the Table of
Contents
Mark your calendars... Sunday School and PF begin again on Rally Sunday, September 10!
Rob and Jess Brink would like to get to know the congregation, so beginning
Monday, September 11, the Brinks invite church families to come for dinner
in their home.
Sign up to “meet and eat” with the Brink family in the Church office.
Upcoming Dates to Remember for Youth & Family
Sunday, August 13, Noon
Youth & Family Open House
Held at the Brink Home
1309 N. 71st St., Wauwatosa
Enjoy this opportunity to meet and
welcome the whole Brink family
Sunday, August 27, 11:00 a.m.
or
Thursday, August 31, 6:30 p.m.
Teacher Training
If you will be teaching or helping in a classroom during the 06–07 school
year, please plan to attend one of
these meetings.
Sunday, September 10
Sunday School and PF begin
Sunday, September 17
Bible Sunday
Jr. & Sr. PF Pizza Party at Brink Home
See address above.
Monday, August 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
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. 21, Issue 7
