Thanksgiving Special
Offering Serves Those Abroad and at Home
Faith and Film Gets 'Second Chance'
The Church Born for a Time Like
This
Minister's Musings
PF Place
Teachable Moments
Congregational Home Connection
Thanksgiving Special Offering Serves Those Abroad and at Home
Our Thanksgiving Special Offering recipients this year will Associacion Civil Christiana Congregational, Caritas, and the Tosa Food Pantry.
The Associacion Civil Christiana Congrega-tional in Jardin America began as the vision of a young Congregational missioner, Teodoro Stricker, and his wife Teresa. After beginning their ministry in Brazil they turned their eyes toward home and headed back to Argentina and the work of the Congregational Churches there. Congrega-tionalism was brought to Argentina by a group of German immigrants in the 19th century and then was drawn into the circle of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The Strickers, and their then-young son Harding, planted a church in Jardin America over 30 years ago. Concerned with the plight of the thousands of poor people living in poverty on the outskirts of the city, Rev. Stricker and family began mission work 12 years ago to bring the Gospel, as well as social concern and basic health care, to these people. The mission is now directed by the Rev. Harding Stricker, M.D., who also oversees the clinic.
The mission's primary goals are to bring the life-changing news of Jesus Christ to all people through preaching the Gospel, to share the love and compassion of Christ through spiritual nurture and material assistance, and to help families become self-sufficient and gain self-respect. During the past dozen years the Strickers and members of the church have started five mission outposts around the countryside to help meet the spiritual and social needs of the community. On any given week, 300 to 500 children and adults attend the worship services, Sunday Schools and community outreach programs offered by the mission.
A new church building, measuring 12 by 18 meters, has been completed. The title to the mission was delivered by the city mayor in an expression of the city's support for its work. God's Garden Project is a community garden where residents are taught how to grow fruits and vegetables. Livestock is kept on the property to provide fresh milk (the cows were purchased by folks from FCC after a visit from Harding and we learned how their cows had been stolen and slaughtered) and eggs for babies of needy families. Teaching self-sufficiency is a goal of the Garden Project. The medical clinic does a thriving business assisting with medical needs of the impoverished and elderly.
Dick Berger, chair of the Board of Benevolence, has visited the mission and has become one of its supporters and cheerleaders. He said that while the trip is almost exhaustingly long – over 14 hours to get there – to see the work of the Mission more than makes up for it. We look forward to having Rev. Dr. Harding Stricker here with us as a Symposium V speaker and as guest preacher on Nov. 12.
Caritas has been helping people in the Stateline Community around Beloit for 32 years. Caritas provides food, clothing, and assistance with rent, prescriptions, and bus tickets. Most people who come for assistance are subsisting on low wages or are job hunting for that elusive permanent position. Many work the temporary job circuit which often provides sporadic income. Some are on fixed incomes which cover rent and utilities, leaving little for food. An increased need has brought Caritas to open its doors to families to come once monthly for food.
Our local food pantry was also a principal recipient of our lenten special
offering, so it has become our custom to collect non-perishable food donations
to help fill the pantry's shelves. Tables will be set up in the atrium,
near the elevator, to collect the food items. The Pantry is located in the
basement of St. Bernard Church and distributes to those in need in the 53213,
53222, 53225, 53226 ZIP codes, or to any church member attending a Wauwatosa
church. Eighteen Wauwatosa churches sponsor the pantry with contributions of
food, money, and volunteer help. The pantry gives food to approximately 70-80
families each month. The people receive several bags of food (of their choice)
depending on the family size. About 50 volunteers and one paid staff person
work for the pantry.
We give thanks to the Good God for what we have by giving to benefit those
who have less. Be generous, please, at this most generous time of the year!
Thursday Nov. 23
Worship Service – Puritan Style 9 a.m.
Sunday Nov. 26
Lectionary Bible Study 7:45 a.m.
Worship and Sunday School 8:45 a.m.
Sunday Symposium 10 a.m.
Worship and Godly Play 11 a.m.
Friday Nov. 10
7:30 p.m.
Lounge
Now featuring Starbucks¨ coffee!
Faith and Film returns with a powerful movie about two pastors. Ethan Jenkins is a white music minister at a thriving suburban megachurch, The Rock, pastored by his father. Jake Sanders is a street-smart African American ministering to the gang members, teen mothers and drug addicts of the urban Second Chance Community Church. Ethan is sent to the inner-city church and the two ministers are forced to work side-by-side. Can the faith these two men share overcome the prejudices that divide them?
Make Friday a date night, perhaps with dinner before coming to the movies. Popcorn is served, along with Starbucks¨ coffee!
The Fifth Congregational Symposium
First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa
Nov. 2-4
Is the church relevant? International speakers address the work of the Church in our global culture.
Registration opens 4 p.m. Thursday Nov. 2. Sessions continue through noon on Saturday.
Church members and friends are invited to all the sessions. There is no charge to attend the meetings, but if you want to eat and receive the packet of materials, register at the special discounted rate of $35 (a savings of $40). Please register at the church office.
For Congregationalists November is "Heritage Month." This is the month when we recall and celebrate our roots, which go deep into the soil of America and reach across the Atlantic to the section of Britain known as East Anglia. The cap-stone of the month is Thanksgiving Day, but it's important for us to remember that the harvest festival referred to in Governor Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, which was only discovered in the 19th century, wasn't really the 'First Thanksgiving.' As Edward Winslow's 1624 Good News From New England tells us, the first day of thanksgiving was in 1623, not 1621. Importantly, it followed one of the days the Pilgrims also observed regularly: the day of humiliation, in fact one had been observed led by Pastor Robinson in the Netherlands before embarking for the New World.
In mid-July 1623 things didn't look good for the crops and for much-needed supplies arriving from England, so they went into a day of humiliation, praying eight or nine hours for God's help. Shortly thereafter rain came (Winslow says, "distilled such soft, sweet, and moderate showers of rain, continuing some fourteen days, and mixed with such seasonable weather, as it was hard to say whether our withered corn or drooping affections were most quickened or revived.") and news arrived that the ship and new settlers were on the way. Then they had a day of thanksgiving, as the colonists thought, "it would be great ingratitude, if secretly we should smother up the same, or content ourselves with private thanksgiving for that, which by private prayer could not be obtained. And therefore another solemn day was set apart and appointed for that end; wherein we returned glory, honor, and praise, with all thankfulness, to our good God, which dealt so graciously with us;...."
While the real story may be different from the one we grew up with, the purpose is still the same – "we returned glory, honor, and praise, with all thankfulness, to our good God, which dealt so graciously with us." It reminds us that we Congrega-tionalists, at our core, are a people of prayer. Our Way is one which seeks an immediate sense of God's presence and so should turn to God, whether times are bad or good, because we acknowledge God's sovereignty over our world and our lives.
So this month we will be focusing on our heritage of service, with many opportunities to consider and be thankful. Our heritage events open with our hosting of the Fifth Congregational Symposium – The Church Born for a Time Like This – on Nov. 2-4. We will have the members of the International Congregational Fellowship Theological Commission here, Dr. Margaret Bendroth, executive director of the American Congregational Association (Boston), Rev. William Fillebrown, moderator-elect of the NACCC, Drs. Thomas Richard and Don Olsen from the NACCC, plus the board of directors of the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies and 13 of our 16 seminarians (not to mention other attendees).
Following the Symposium we will continue to celebrate service as Dr. Geraint Tudur from Wales preaches to us on Nov. 5 and the next Sunday, the Nov. 12, we will hear from Dr. Harding Stricker from Argentina. The Symposium and connection to world Congregationalism is just one example of how this gathering of Christ-followers on Church Street helps to make a difference in service to the larger cause of our Congregational Way. We can also add the work done by your ministers on the Institute for Congregational Studies, my service on the ICFTC and the ACA board, and Rev. Schaal's work on the NA Communi-cation Committee and serving as the NA delegate to the Council of Christian Churches of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The example for the service goes deep into the life of our church. Rev. Luther Clapp left being our minister to serve as the "district evangelist" for Wisconsin. His daughter, Sara, was a missionary to China. Dr. Howell Davies left being our minister to become the regional chair of the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and later the Continuation Committee. Rev. Neil Swanson left being our minister to become the first full-time executive secretary of the fledgling NACCC. Drs. Norman Ream and Philip Muth both served in multiple capacities in the NA, including serving as moderator.
We can also talk about service close to home and how Dr. Henry James Lee was a fixture in Wauwatosa life, reaching to the community on more than one occasion. Dr. Ream's work with various community organizations, including the Wauwatosa Retired Men's Club remains prominent. My predecessors' example leads me to be involved in various community service organizations – from serving as president of the Ministerial Association, to being active in the Mayfair Rotary Club, the Historical Society, and the Board of Trustees for the Wauwatosa Cemetery. I'm sure that community spirit inspires Rev. Schaal's work on the Greater Tosa Interfaith Board and its Executive Committee. Some years ago our church called itself, "The Church in the Heart of 'Tosa and with 'Tosa in its Heart!" I still believe that's true.
This month participate, learn, celebrate, serve and be thankful – ours
is a heritage of service!
Yours in the Lord's service,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Senior Minister
Sr. High Rally
Jesus is a liberal. Or is he? This year's fall rally will "explore how
faith and politics mesh in today's society." Heritage Congregational of
Madison will host the rally on Nov. 10-11. The cost is $18 per person at the
door and a registration/consent form is required. You can get more info, and
a copy of the necessary forms at the church office. If you need a ride, drop
me an email at rbrink@firstchurchtosa.org, or leave a message for me at the
office.
Covenant Class
(and an invitation to adults)
Both our first-year and our second-year Covenant Classes are off and running.
The kids are asking good questions, and many of them have already begun to
turn in the necessary outside-of-class assignments, which shows a level of
foresight I had not reached at their age. Rev. Peay will be the guest speaker
on October 22 for the second year class. He'll be speaking on Congregational
Theology and Practice. I'm intentionally opening the class and inviting interested
adults to this one for two reasons:
1. Rev. Peay + Congregational Theology and Practice = One Awesome Class.
2. Most adults could use a refresher (or a first course) on who we are as Congregationalists
and what we're about. Come prepared
to think.
–Rev. Rob Brink
Congregationalism 101 tells us that the church is not the building. The meetinghouse
is the building, but the church is the people. So we are the church. For me,
this benediction sums it all up better than anything else I've ever
found:
Depart now,
and as you go, remember:
We haven't just been to church.
We are the church.
And when the church is the church,
it is nothing more,
it is nothing less,
it is nothing other
than the presence of Christ through people.
So go into the world and be the church,
through the transforming love
of the risen Christ.
You've heard me use a version of this sometimes in worship. It's not original to me. In fact, it was a great gift to me from another minister as I was entering ministry.
After seminary, hospital chaplaincy and internship, I was the summer minister at First Unitarian Church of Austin, Texas, so the minister could take a much-needed vacation. That congregation had donated their worship space on Saturdays to another congregation which was awaiting the completion of their new building. It was a Metropolitan Community Church, a predominantly gay and lesbian denomination, folks often not welcomed in other churches. As the new (though temporary) minister of the host congregation, I went to worship once to extend my welcome to them. At the end of worship, I was struck by the power of the minister's benediction to go out and "be the church." I told him so, and he gave me a copy of it, inviting me to use it. And I have. Though it came from a non-Congregational source, it is Congregational to its core.
We have now finished another stewardship experience where we looked at how we use all our gifts to build God's household on earth. This benediction keeps me focused on why we do what we do. Because we are the church.
Peace,
Rev. Samuel Schaal
Associate Minister
Congregational Home is a non-denominational, non-profit community for older adults founded by First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa. An extension of the mission of the church, Congregational Home's purpose is to create and maintain a caring community for the elderly by offering housing, health care and other services. Listed on the right are the current members of the Board of Directors of Congregational Home, all of whom are church members.
James R. Petrie, Chairman
Susan E. Boettcher, Vice Chairperson/Secretary
Michael D. Simmons, Treasurer
Hon. James A. Benz
Mahlon J. Boyd
Richard P. Buchman
Sandra M. Davis
Edward G. Gibson
Susan Godfrey
Douglas Jacobson
Arlette R. Lindbergh
Rev. Dr. Steven Peay
Thomas S. Stacey
Charles D. Wakefield
Mary J. York
Nov. 5
"Forming of Conscience: Thinking theologically about social issues"
Congregationalists hold to freedom of conscience, but conscience must be formed
and informed. Our guest preacher that day, Geraint Tudur, joins the panel with
Dan Schowalter, Steve Peay, and Sam Schaal.
Nov . 12
"Housing Shortage: The pursuit of lodgings in Roman Corinth"
Dan Schowalter
Nov. 19
"Finding the Way Again"
Steve Peay reprises his Congregational Lecture given to the annual meeting
of the NACCC last June in Costa Mesa, Calif. In this significant talk, Steve
suggests we go back to our roots to find a more vital religious expression
instead of being the too-often reactionary group of churches that are "not
the UCC." His talk got a standing ovation – the first ever – at
our national meeting.
Nov . 26
"Acts 16: Paul in Macedonia, Part I"
Dan Schowalter
Sunday School Teachers
Go Extra Mile
Feel proud of your Sunday School–it's a good program with good teachers.
Here are just a few of the things I've seen as I've popped from room to room
each week. These are all things that the teachers have initiated above and
beyond what is required by the curriculum.
One class is working on a quilt, creating it piece by piece throughout the
year. Another class planted a peace garden which should provide some gorgeous
colors in the spring. Just last week, one class made take-home crafts to help
them remember the Lord's Prayer. We've even got a teacher who compares two
different curriculum books searching for the particular activities that her
class will really "get." If you have a child or grandchild in Sunday
School, please take the time to thank these great volunteers.
What Is Godly Play?
Godly Play (our 11 a.m. Sunday School) is much easier to experience than to
read about. An average day begins with a time for greetings, giving the kids
time to transition into a new mode. Next I tell a story of faith from the
Old or New Testament, but instead of looking at each other, we all look at
the kid-sized toys that act out the story as it unfolds. Since children still
think concretely rather than abstractly, this helps them understand the story
more clearly. Next we take time to wonder about the story and our place in
it, and then we split up to work on some sort of creative response to the
story. This helps the kids own the story for themselves. Finally, we close
with a small snack, which builds community and trust. (Besides, it yummy!)
It's much easier (and much more fun) to experience it than to read about
it, so please join us Sunday, 11 a.m. in LL4 west.
–Rob Brink
Join us for a relaxed conversation on important topics 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the Library. Delicious treats and really good coffee (made at home!) make the mix a merry morning marathon. Come early for morning prayer worship in the chapel at 9 a.m.
Nov. 1
"Mommy, What Does God
Look Like?"
with Rev. Rob Brink
A two-part discussion on how to talk about faith and spirituality with children.
We'll begin with a brief introduction to child development, leave plenty of
time for discussion, and close with some practical tips that you can use today
to initiate discussions and field questions.
Nov. 8, 15, 22
"Experiencing the Trinity"
with Rev. Samuel Schaal
Does anybody really understand the Trinity? But this is how the church has
largely experienced God. How have we (and how can we) experience (nor merely
talk about) the presence of the Creator, Son and Holy Spirit in our lives?
And why is a card-carrying Unitarian of all people leading this discussion?
(Please pick up the short paper "Walking the Trinitarian Path" from
the office and read in preparation.)
Nov. 29
"Mommy, What Does God
Look Like?"
with Rev. Rob Brink
Part two of the discussion.
10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, Parlor
The Prayer Ministry gathers in the Parlor on Sunday Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. for group prayer and crafting. We will make prayer cards and/or bookmarks for homebound church members, those who are serving our country overseas, and any others in need. Crafting supplies will be provided, so all you need to bring to the meeting are your creative ideas and thoughts of prayer. All are welcome!
Deaths:
October 18, 2006: Brain Jaeger
October 12, 2006: Ruth Raney
August 11, 2006: Mrs. Noreen Lee
December 16, 2005: Mr. Merle Lee
Baptism:
Sept. 24, 2006: Gunner Nickolas Sgarlata, son of Nickolas and Carrie Sgarlata
Work Day Nov. 11 - Join us for the fall clean up day Sat., Nov. 11, 8–3 p.m. or any part of that time. There are activities for any and all skill levels – inside and out. Children are welcome to work with their parents or others, and childcare will be available if we know in advance.
November 5 All Saints Sunday
Old Testament Ruth 1:1–18
Psalmody Psalm 146
New Testament Hebrews 9:11–14
Gospel Mark 12:28–34
November 12 23rd Sunday After Pentecost
Old Testament Ruth 3:1–5; 4:13–17
Psalmody Psalm 127
New Testament Hebrews 9:24–28
Gospel Mark 12:38–44
November 19 24th Sunday After Pentecost
Old Testament 1 Samuel 1:4–20
Canticle 1 Samuel 2:1–10
New Testament Hebrews 10:11–14 (15–18), 19–25
Gospel Mark 13:1-8
November 23 Thanksgiving Day
Old Testament Joel 2:21–27
Psalmody Psalm 126
New Testament 1 Timothy 2:1–7
Gospel Matthew 6:25–33
November 26 Christ the King Sunday
Old Testament 2 Samuel 23:1–7
Psalmody Psalm 132:1–12
New Testament Revelation 1:4b–8
Gospel John 18:33–37
Monday, November 13, 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 10
