A New
Season of Worship and Sunday School
Spiritual Formaion Opportunities
Minister's Musings
Tom Gregory Joins Music Staff
PF Place
Softball Team Finishes 3rd
Viva! Fiesta Vacation Bible School
Congregationl Home Progressing with the Times
8:45 a.m. Worship, Nursery and Sunday School
11 a.m. Worship, Nursery and "Godly Play," Biblically based
Sunday School using Montessori principles (see Munchkin Matters)
Special Commemorative Service
Monday Sept. 11
7:45 a.m. Nave
A contemplative service commemorating our nation's loss five years ago.
Sunday
7:45 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study
10 a.m. Sunday Symposium
Wednesday
6:30 a.m. Women's Bible Study, Men's Ministry/Bible Study
9 a.m. Chapel Devotions
9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Mix
2nd & 4th Saturdays (starting Sept. 23)
8 a.m. Women's Group
Spiritual Formation Opportunities
Women's Bible Study
6:30 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Sept. 13
"Beginnings: The Spiritual Life"
Many in the church have completed the earlier Beginnings. This new series
explores spirituality and the habits of Christian living. Video segments
with storyteller Rob Weber start discussion. Rev. Samuel Schaal facilitates.
Wednesday Morning Mix
9 a.m. Worship, Chapel
9:30 a.m. Wednesdays
The Mix offers an assortment of friendly small group gatherings to give
you a chance to pray, study and serve. You are encouraged to come to church
at 9 a.m. for a chapel service. Childcare is provided.
Sept. 13 & 20 Mix
Clothing Drive
Throw all the clothing your kids have grown out of in a bag and bring it
to church! Circle 13 is coordinating a kid's clothing and professional
women's clothing collection to benefit the Bottomless Closet, an
organization that provides professional clothing to women just entering
the work force. They need full outfits, shoes, handbags and accessories
ready to be worn. We'll have a time of reflection, then sort and
hang the clothing for delivery. Coffee and treats provided.
Sept. 27 & Oct. 4 Mix
Why Four Gospels and Not Just One? (And Why Does It Matter?) Led by Rev.
Samuel Schaal.
What are the differences in the four gospels? Why don't we have
just one gospel? Why don't they all tell the story in the same way?
Disciple
Beginning early October
Disciple: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study is a 34-week in-depth
study of the Bible. Rev. Samuel Schaal facilitates. The aim of Disciple
is transformation, not information. It requires daily reading of Scripture
with a study guide to assist the student. At the classes, a scholar on
video presents brief ideas to aid in the understanding of that week's
readings. Several possible class times will be offered with registrants
indicating which sessions are preferred. Watch for more information.
The Church... for a time like this...
I write this having just heard of British authorities foiling a plot by terrorists planning to blow up transatlantic flights to the US in mid-air. At almost the same time I have received word from a Congregational minister colleague in Beirut that "the situation grows more and more dangerous." I've also heard from yet another colleague that Christian folk known to our International Congrega-tional Fellowship are being forced to flee their homes and head to Syria. All of this as I prepare to head for a week of teaching seminarians and others about the Congregational way of doing/being church (ecclesiology). This tells me how appropriate the theme for our program year and for the Fifth Congregational Symposium is: "The Church, Born for a Time Like This." Why?
The most cursory reading of history will tell us that our time is, in reality, not very different than any other. We may have made incredible technological and scientific advances. We may be able to communicate almost instantaneously across vast distances. We may be able to travel farther and faster than people ever imagined possible. These advances, however, have not helped us to solve one of the root problems of human existence – our inability to get along with each other. In fact, those so dedicated to the destruction of modern Western civilization brazenly use the technological means they denounce to injure innocent people. Which tells me just how misguided and, yes, hypocritical they are.
The Church is born for every age because its task is to bring reconciliation, restoring humanity to its proper relationship with God and with itself. Jesus initiated this when he appeared to the disciples following his Resurrection, as we read in John's Gospel, "Jesus said to them again, ÔPeace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.'" Jesus came, he tells us, so that we might have life and have it abundantly. Jesus came to bring peace surpassing, as Paul says, "human understanding." The Church is born to continue Jesus' mission of bringing the reign of God, the presence of God, to all people. True to his promise, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit and breathed life into the body which continues his presence in the world – the Church. That living, breathing body which continues his message of the kingdom present in our world is made up of people like you and me and is born anew for every age.
In the year ahead we'll be talking about what it means to be a church member. Being a church member is not like joining a club (like Rotary, Kiwanis, or Blue Mound). Being a church member is not like being a part of a worthy fraternal organization (Masonic or otherwise). Being a church member means being a part of the Body of Christ – the Church. It's important for us to remember that a Ômember' is a body part and that bodies do not do well when their members become detached. The Church is a living organism and is only able to be healthy, to grow, and to function – like any body – when all of its members are together.
As we look to the various works of our Church this year and how we are going to support them, we will again offer classes. These classes will focus on the Church and what it means to be and function as Church in a time and place like ours. The classes will be offered for three weeks in October, on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings. We'll also make them available through tapes, DVDs and on the internet. The ministers will also be making calls (phone and, we hope, followed by visits) to all our members. All of this activity is growing out of our examination of what it means to be the Church and with the goal of our becoming a blessed Church that is blessing our community and world.
We will be hosting the Congregational Symposium (November 2-4) and the meetings of the International Congregational Fellowship Theological Commission and the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies just prior to it. I hope that many of our folks will attend all or even part of the symposium. The presentations, the discussion, the worship, and the fellowship all promise to be challenging and engaging. I am excited to have these fellow walkers of the Way here with us, because we will all learn and grow from interacting with one another. On a practical note, to keep costs down, lodging will be needed for our international visitors. If you can open your home to someone, please contact me.
The Church is born for a time like this, when people need to learn to get
along. Our lives together here on Church Street help point the way as we
seek to live as "Followers of Jesus Christ." I look forward
to a great year as we continue to learn and to grow together as members of
Christ's Body – the Church. With a prayer for God's blessing
and peace, I remain:
Yours in the Lord's service,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D., Minister
Likely, his face will not be new to many of you, but Tom Gregory will be officially joining the music ministry as the organist on September 3.
From January through April of this year, Tom job-shared the organist position with Betty Dethmers. When Betty retired, Tom was invited to fill the position and he accepted.
After graduating from UW Madison with a double major in Music Education and Applied Organ, Tom taught in the New Berlin schools for 32 years, during which time he came to know our music director, Lee Jacobi. During those same 32 years, Tom served as the organist, choir director, and handbell director at First Baptist Church. For the past five years, he worked interim positions in the area and served summers at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.
Tom and his wife Pat, who has joined the Chancel Choir, live in Waukesha with their cat. They have a grown daughter who is married and living in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tom's main hobby isn't a far reach from his profession. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring reed organs and now has a collection of seven.
Tom is eager to officially start with the church as we swing into full action this month. "I'm looking forward to working with the staff and members and having the opportunity to replace Betty," said Tom.
We look forward to welcoming the Gregorys into our church family
This year, just like last year, Covenant Class will meet at 10 a.m. beginning on Rally Sunday. Since we have a two-year curriculum, and two separate classes running at the same time, each class will only meet two times a month. Students in the first year will go on first and third Sundays, and students in the second year will go on second and fourth Sundays.
Junior PF will meet at 4:30 p.m., and Senior PF rounds out the day at 6:30 p.m., leaving time for munchies at 6 p.m. if the kids are interested. A few college kids have already expressed interest in volunteering to work with PF, and I'll be working to incorporate any of our college kids who are still local into a fellowship group that Rob Fredrickson, youth director at North Shore Congregational has already started.
Finally, we're having a pizza party at our house on September 17. Junior and Senior High PF kids and their parents are welcome. PF will be cancelled for the night so that everyone can attend. This will be a laid-back time, a chance to get to know each other and to dream a bit about the coming year. If you could only keep one thing about PF and everything else had to change, what would you save? If you could get rid of only one thing and everything else had to stay exactly the same, what would you keep?
Rev. Rob Brink
Sept. 10
10 a.m. 2nd Yr. Covenant Class
4:30 p.m. Junior PF
6:30 p.m. Senior PF
Sept. 17
10 a.m. 1st Yr. Covenant Class
6-8 p.m. Pizza Party at Brink house!
Sept. 24
10 a.m. 2nd Yr. Covenant Class
4:30 p.m. Junior PF
6:30 p.m. Senior PF
by Coach Scott Rondeau
The FCC softball team had another successful winning season in 2006 finishing their season with a record of 9–5, good for a third place finish in the eight-team Tuesday night church league.
For the third year in a row, FCC was one of only three church teams invited to participate in the 24-team Wauwatosa City Tournament! Despite losing in the first round, it was still an honor to represent the church yet again in the citywide tournament which is comprised mostly of business sponsored teams. Highlights of the season included new uniforms with matching caps plus victories over the Catholic boys from both St. Bernards and St. Pius which was witnessed by a large gathering of fellow Congregationalists at the first annual tailgate party held in July.
The team was again comprised of a great group of guys who simply enjoy playing
softball while having fun each and every week playing together as a team! All
of the fellows would like to thank the church for sponsoring the team and giving
their financial support. Special thank you's go out to team mascot Susan "Sparky" Rondeau,
our loyal fans who week in and week out were in the stands supporting and cheering
us on, along with our many young ball-and-bat boys and girls who's assistance
every game was so very much appreciated! We are all very grateful for everyone's
contributions! Spring Training 2007
cannot come fast enough!
by Carla Cummings, VBS Coordinator
This year's Vacation Bible School was held from July 31 through August 4. First Congregational Church was turned into a lively Mexican Village. Shouts of "viva," which means to give life, were heard daily from the 83 enthusiastic children who attended all week.
Every morning the students learned a new concept, such as Jesus is our life or Jesus is our friend, during the Sing and Play Ole, a musical dance assembly. Afterward, the students ranging in age from junior kindergarten through fifth grade, would travel to different stations to have fun and learn about the daily lesson. The Hot Bible Adventure, cactus crafts, Chadder's drive-in theater, grande games and maraca munchies kept everyone busy until 11:30. Then, students would gather in the social hall for closing announcements and a daily challenge to apply at home what they had learned that day and write about it on an envelope. The following day, they were to return with the envelope and challenge experience as well as a monetary donation for students at Mission Mazahua. The childre raised $459, which is almost enough money to sponsor a student at the Mission for an entire year.
On the final day, the children were treated to a pinata celebration and a moonwalk where they were able to jump for joy about Jesus. Friends and family were treated to a special musical presentation and a build your own taco luncheon immediately followed. Many students returned to the Sunday morning worship service to sing some of their favorite songs for the congregation.
Special thanks to the 28 adult and 21 junior and senior high school volunteers and the staff at FCC.
by Susan Fisher
Congregational Home
Director of Marketing
Editor's Note: From time to time we update you on progress at the Congregational Home, one of our church's primary ministries.
June marked our 32nd anniversary of successful operation and much has happened since our opening in 1974. First Congregational Church members can be proud of providing the means by which Congregational Home became a reality and your ongoing dedication of support.
Our building site has grown from its original five acres to 13 and we opened two major additions. The 1974 building consisted of primarily private and semi-private rooms and only a few two-room suites were available. As market demand for larger accommodations became obvious the 24-unit apartment building was constructed in 1986.
Later, in 1998, again by market demand, the latest addition was built. The
newest addition provided 26 assisted living units along with a greatly appreciated
and used chapel/auditorium and new activity , therapy, lounge and dining spaces.
For resident convenience our entire building structure is connected
by corridor.
We are pleased to say that with the addition of assisted living Congregational Home offers an entire continuum of care. Our accommodations extend from apartments for independent residents to assisted living and skilled nursing care units. Within the skilled nursing area we also have developed two memory care units. Each specialized unit provides care to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other related forms of dementia. One unit is designed to provide programming and care for individuals in the mid-stage of the disease and the other for those whose disease process has advanced.
Four years ago we renovated and expanded our food service area. Since we had doubled our resident population since opening, it was a must. We were able to streamline operations and are pleased with the results.
Two years ago we remodeled the first floor resident rooms and lounge areas of the 1974 building. Within each private resident room, we updated bathrooms by replacing bathtubs with showers and installing new medicine cabinets, vanities and lighting. Our most recent remodeling project which was completed this year, renovated all second floor resident rooms in that building. Room flooring, lighting, wall and window treatments, closets and bathrooms were all redesigned for resident benefit. We can now safely say that our environment is more in keeping with our clientele, however, we also acknowledge that updating is an ongoing effort.
Should you wish to learn more about Congregational Home, please contact Susan Fischer, Director of Marketing at 262-781-0550 or sfischer@congregationalhome.org.
Where Are You on Your Journey?
Henri Nouwen says (in Reaching Out) that our success-oriented culture values progress, so we tend to ask "How advanced am I?" or "How do I move to the next level?" But for a Christian the question is "Where am I as a Christian?" Or perhaps, "Where am I on my spiritual journey?" For we know that whatever true progress we make is within the life and will of God.
Spiritual journeys are a favorite subject of mine, as mine has had all kinds of twists and turns. So where are you on your spiritual journey? Where are you going? Or are you at the same rest stop where you've been for a long time?
This year I am emphasizing spirituality. One way to think of spirituality is how we develop the habits of mind, heart and body that keep us in tune with God. There are lots of opportunities to help you develop those habits. Want to go deeper into the Bible? Check out the new Disciple class that will meet weekly over the course of the year. Want a mid-week spiritual boost? Check out the Wednesday morning chapel and the new "Mix" of short-term activities and classes. Want to go deeper in the concept of church? We are giving a three-part series in October, several different times a week (a short version of last year's covenant renewal effort). Want to experience spiritual disciplines? We will have half-day retreats at church every so often where you can refresh your mind and spirit. The first one in October will feature a Labyrinth, which is a practice of walking prayer and meditation. Our library has new spiritual resources. Of course there are the usual groups, classes and circles which are manna for your journey as well.
This all reminds us that we are on a journey, individually and as a gathered body. Though I sometimes wonder how this West Texas boy landed in Wauwatosa, I'm glad I did and that we are sharing this journey!
Rev. Samuel Schaal
Associate Minister
A library open house at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 will feature a short presentation by Rev. Samuel Schaal and librarian Claudia Scholl, highlighting the changes and showing off our new volumes. There will be time to peruse the stacks and check out books.
Librarian Claudia Scholl has been busy over the summer rearranging books and adding new ones. The most noticeable difference is that books are now categorized in 12 basic sections, with some subsections. Each section is marked with a large sign and the color of the sign is linked to the color of the spine label, making browsing and re-shelving easier. Some things that are new to the library:
• Recently published basic Bible reference materials, based especially on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation of the Bible
• Books on spirituality, prayer and practice
• "Church Life" section with a subsection on "Church
Leadership" which provides books useful to boards and committees.
• Periodicals (a small but growing
section)
• And new volumes added in all
categories
The renovation began last church year with a library task force under the leadership of pastoral intern Duane Coates and Dale Engstrom of the Christian Education Board who laid the groundwork and helped clean out some of the older volumes.
If you are interested in volunteering for the library to help maintain this ministry, please call Claudia Scholl, 414-774-8948.
by Char Schweitzer
The first article about Breakfast with the Girls is always hard for me to write because it feels like summer is over and fall is upon us. I'm never quite ready for that. But here we are talking about The Girls and our new year. First and foremost is a reminder that in September we meet on the second Saturday (the 9th) at 9 a.m. We are still nailing down the program and will publicize the information ASAP. Regardless, the coffee will be hot and the goodies good and, most importantly, the company is the best!
The October 7th program is set and you're going to love it. Manager Mark Jezo-Sywulka from the Brookfield Sendicks will speak about the best cheeses for holiday entertaining. He'll have samples and suggestions for parties as well as your personal use... all just in time for the season.
The churchÕs calendar is rather full in November so we are going to skip Breakfast with the Girls and encourage as much participation in the Congregational Symposium activities as possible.
Looking ahead to February, weÕre planning another Girls Night Out. Watch for details.
We are looking forward to seeing you all on Sept. 9, so mark it on your calendar!
On Rally Sunday, Sept. 10, we kick things off with our traditional Sunday School program at 8:45. Many thanks to everyone who has volunteered. ItÕs a mark of the strength and health of this program that so many of last yearÕs teachers agreed to come back again for this one. If you love kids and love God, then we can find a way for you to serve that fits your gifts and your schedule. Drop me an email at brinkr@firstchurchtosa.org.
VBS Thanks!
Viva! What a great week at Vacation Bible School. Thanks to everyone who volunteered
to help: room decorators, supply donators, class leaders, teachers, assistants,
song leaders, food preparers and servers, and the unheralded but appreciated
cleaner-uppers. Special thanks to parents for carting kids back and forth,
to the kids for participating with such gusto, and to Carla Cummings for
planning and directing the entire affair. You all brought a whole new level
of viva! into our church. Thank you.
Godly Play
For the Sunday School curriculum at the 11 a.m. service, weÕll be starting
Godly Play, a biblically based one-room program that incorporates Montessori
principles. HereÕs a brief quote that explains what weÕre hoping
for this program.
Dr. Rebecca Nye was teaching a Godly Play class about the parable of the Good Shepherd, using handcrafted pieces to tell the story, and encouraging the kids to use them to explore it for themselves. Her three year old picked up the pieces and began to play:
ÉÓThe shepherd led his sheep through pasture, to still waters and then through increasingly gruesome adventures in Ôdark places.' She then decided the dark places could be dispensed with, and ceremoniously sank them at the bottom of the still water. I twitched, but managed to say nothing. Now, she said to herself, these dark pieces of felt could become little duvets for her sheep who were tired and need to go to sleep in their sheepfold. A long bedtime ritual was played out as the Good Shepherd tucked in and kissed each sheep - showing limitless patience when certain (all too familiar) sheep wanted an extra kiss, a glass of water or a light left on. Finally, they were all safely asleep. She placed the Good Shepherd at the entrance to the sheepfold, looked at the scene she'd created saying ÔOh, the Good Shepherd might be lonely now. He does wish the sheep could wake up sometimes and love him back.' She'd not only found her own ways to connect with the nurturing qualities of the Good Shepherd who can meet her need to be loved so much more than her own mother often does. But she'd also reached a spiritual insight that can complete this essential relationship, not just being loved, but loving the other back.Ó
Still want more? You can find an excellent introduction at http://www.godlyplay.org.uk/whatisgodlyplay.html
Rob Brink
Wedding
July 22, 2006: Amy Patricia Brandt and Thomas Harold
Riches.
Death
July 24, 2006: Mr. James N. Santelle
Baptisms
July 30, 2006: Jessica Marie Jacobson, daughter of Kevin and Mary Jacobson
August 6, 2006: Julius Beckett Ryan, son of Michael and Stacy Ryan
August 13, 2006: William Coe Schroeder, son of Erik and Janelle Schroeder
September 3 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Song of Solomon 2:8–13
Psalmody Psalm 45: 1-2, 6-9
New Testament James 1:17–27
Gospel Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23
September 10 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Proverbs 22:1–2, 8–9, 22–23
Psalmody Psalm 125
New Testament James 2:1–10 (11–13), 14–17
Gospel Mark 7:24–37
September 17 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Proverbs 1:20–33
Psalmody Psalm 19
New Testament James 3:1–12
Gospel Mark 8:27–38
September 24 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament Proverbs 31:10–31
Psalmody Psalm 1
New Testament James 3:13–4:3, 7-8a
Gospel Mark 9:30–37
Purchase beautiful mum plants on Rally Sunday in the Atrium. The sale benefits Greater Tosa Interfaith, an organization that provides important services for seniors living at home. The plants are unusually large for the price and a real bargain: $6 each or 2/$10. All sales are first-come, first-served!
__________
Sept. 24
10 a.m. Social Hall
Come and hear an overview of our
program offerings for children and adults, as well as reports from our various
boards and committees, to see the diverse ministries of our church at work.This
is one of three annual meetings prescribed in our by-laws.
__________
Join us on Wednesday, September 13 at 6 p.m.
for an Old Fashioned Potluck Supper
in the Social Hall!
Bring a dish to pass for 8-12 people. Beverages will be 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. Come and share your summer
adventures with each other!
Did you sign up for your picture directory appointment? If not, call the church office at 414-258-7375 to make your appointment at the times listed (though many time slots have been filled). We need your smiling face!
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.
10 a.m. Sundays
Sept. 10
No Symposium
See you at Rally Sunday Coffee Hour in the Social Hall.
Sept. 17 Library
"Our Library: New Tools for Bible Study, Spirituality and More"
Sam Schaal and librarian Claudia Scholl present an Open House Tour of our refurbished
library, with new volumes in more accessible categories that support our church's
teaching ministries. There will be plenty of time to peruse the new offerings
and check out books!
Sept. 24
No Symposium
See you at the Program Meeting in the Social Hall.
Dan Schowalter returns to Symposium October 1.
__________
ROMAN LEGION XIV
ENCAMPMENT
on the campus of
Wisconsin Lutheran College
8800 W. Bluemound Rd.
Members of the Legion in full costume will be available
to discuss armor, weaponry, legionary structure, camp life and the history of
Legion XIV.
Saturday, Sept. 16
9 a.m. _ 3 p.m.
open to the general public
__________
Monday, September 11, 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 8
