December 2007

Decking the Halls at Advent/Christmas

Join your church family throughout the Advent and Christmas season to discover anew the joys of the season.

Christmas Workshop
Sunday Dec. 2
3-5 p.m.
Pizza dinner 5 p.m.

If you’ve never been, you’re missing out, especially if you’ve got elementary age kids. It’s Christmas chaos as kids move from table to table crafting their own ornaments to have or give as gifts. Each table has a ready-to-assemble ornament, and adult supervision, so the kids can have as much or as little help as they want. Most crafts range in price from 25 to 75 cents, with a few special items costing a bit more. Young people from Pilgrim Congregational Church will join us again this year. Stay for pizza—$5 for adults and $2 for children. Please RSVP in advance to the church office, 414-258-7375. For more information or to volunteer, call Jennifer Wareham at 262-827-9992.

Family Christmas Dinner
Wednesday Dec. 5
6 p.m.

Enjoy Christmas dinner in the American traditional style with mulled cider, glazed ham, roasted vegetables, and apple pie. Dinner is at 6 p.m. The Steeple Belles will entertain at 7 p.m. After that, Christmas Carols! It’s a festival of festive family festivities. Prepaid reservations must be made by Sunday Dec. 2. The cost: $8 for adults, $3 for children three years old and younger, no cost for kids under three years old.

Choir Concert
Sunday Dec. 9
4 p.m.

Music Director Lee Jacobi again showcases our church’s musical richness with the performances of our combined choirs. After the service, pick up some cookies to deliver to homebound church families to assist the Care Board’s “cookie ministry.”

“Blue Christmas” Group
Sundays Dec. 2 & 9
10 a.m.

If you struggle with past grief, loss or any feeling of being “blue” at Christmas, drop in as we gather to share our feelings and learn coping skills to stay more grounded during the holidays. Rev. Schaal facilitates.

Advent/Christmas Worship

Dec. 2

1st Sunday in Advent

Worship & Sunday School........................... 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Dec. 9

2nd Sunday in Advent

Worship .................................................... 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Christmas Pageant both services

Dec. 16

3rd Sunday in Advent

Worship & Sunday School........................... 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Lessons and Carols

Dec. 23

4th Sunday in Advent

One service only.................................................... 10 a.m.

Godly Play for ages 3 to 2nd grade

Dec. 24

Family Service......................................................... 4 p.m.

Communion Service................................................. 7 p.m.

Candlelight Choral Service...................................... 11 p.m.

Dec. 30

One service only.................................................... 10 a.m.

Godly Play for ages 3 to 2nd grade

Nicolas Sluss-Rodionov Follows His Voice to FCC

In mid-October, Nicolas Sluss Rodionov (Nick) started at First Congregational as the new bass soloist. With such an established choir at FCC, it may be suprising to learn that voice work is relatively new to Nick.

Nick grew up Cudahy and attended South Milwaukee High School. From there, he went to Carthage College to major in French and Music with an emphasis in piano. He was alson in the Air Force Reserve for six years and studied in France for one year. It wasn’t until his sixth year at Carthage that one of his teachers, after years of prodding, convinced him to take voice lessons. He began to study organ at the same time.

Through a grant the choir director at Carthage received, Nick got a music internship at St. Andrew’s Church in Racine. He found that to be an amazing experience where he had the opportunity to play the organ and piano, direct the bell choir and become involved in various other ways with the services.

Nick has now been in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for two years and is the bass section manager. It was through that connection that Nick learned of the open bass section leader position at FCC. “I went to school as a piano person and finally realized I have a usable voice.” Nick has been astonished at how quickly he’s been able to move in the music field with his voice and seems to welcome every moment of it.

Nick believes the choir at FCC is built on a very strong foundation. “There are two choirs with their hearts filled,” said Nick. “Learning new music week by week...it’s great to lead in a choir that’s so fluent with Lee who is so knowledgeable. It’s a really solid reportoire week after week.”

Additionally, Nick works full time at Cascio music and accompanies a voice studio at Carthage College. He loves reading and learning about history.

An engaging individual, Nick makes a wonderful addition to the choir. Make sure to look (and listen) for him on Sunday mornings.

Minister’s Musings

The Holidays: Time to Take Time

Tempus fugit – Time flies. How true that is! I sit here in my study with Thanksgiving just a week away and how quickly the year has gone by! It’s hard for me to believe that I have been your minister for five years now. It’s even harder for me to believe that it was thirty-five years ago that I graduated from high school, or that I have been ordained now for twenty-five years! How time does fly and how times do change – because when I was ordained the LAST place I thought I would ever end up was as a Congregational minister and a married one at that! However, as I muse on the end of the year and its significant occurrences I am reminded again and again of God’s Providence, of God’s constant love and the promise of our Christian faith. So, time flies and the holidays are upon us again and it’s good.

Not long ago I read an essay in Time lamenting “Hallowmas,” the commercial mushing-together (if I may make up a word) of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think it might be more accurate to call it TrickorTreatGiveHoliday. Few remember that “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows Eve” (the eve of All Saints). Most spend little time giving thanks on “Thanksgiving” and “Christ’s Mass” just doesn’t seem to have the same import it once did. Yet, I wondered and I chuckled – perhaps there is hope? Maybe, finally, we’re beginning to understand that rushing and pushing things together in a never-ending search for ever more instant gratification may not be what our society and our souls need? Perhaps the flurry and the rush may not be what will feed our souls, deepen our intellects or strengthen our society? Maybe, just maybe, we need to slow down and wait a bit... and wonder a bit... so that we’ll come to know what God has for us.

Advent is a good season for learning to wait a bit. It’s a season that is all about waiting, about watching, about longing and it’s good. Advent is a season much misunderstood. Some just see it as the “run-up” to Christmas, but Christmas itself was only originally celebrated as the logical “run-up” to Easter. We know that there were celebrations of Advent as early as the fourth century and in the next two it would come into its own as a preparation for Christmas and a celebration of Christian hope. The teachers of the early Church, like Leo the Great, linked the birth of the Lord in Bethlehem to his second coming in glory at the end of the time. Christmas, like Easter, is thus a celebration of God’s love expressed in the Christ and the hope that love and faith holds out to humanity.

The term adventus was borrowed from other religions of the Roman Empire and means “coming,” and over time has come to mean “expectation.” So the season takes us through the experience of Israel longing, waiting, and hoping for the promised Messiah. In Israel’s expectant waiting we should see our own. That’s why some of the music of Advent appears mournful and played in a minor key, because there are times when even our hope is a little subdued as the waiting goes on.

We should be able to see a bit of Israel’s situation, waiting for the promised Messiah, in our own. We live in an uncertain time. Violence continues abroad and at home. The economy is shaky and the dollar weak. Perhaps, then, it’s not a bad thing to slow down and to make sure our lives and our priorities line up with what matters most, with what is of ultimate value to us. Take time this Advent to wait on the Lord. Take time with family. Look for God’s coming . . . and you’ll be blessed.

I wrote this prayer for the new hymnal and pray it for all of us this Advent and Christmas season:

O God of power and might, creator of light and of darkness, of the earth and the stars,
speak anew to your people gathered to worship you and sing your praise.

Like Israel of old we wait in darkness, anticipating the Light who will dawn upon us and lift us from shadowy gloom into your glowing splendor of your presence. So, we ask you, speak to us a word of comfort, a word of hope, a word that will keep our anticipation alive as we wait for the Coming One who brings your creative Word into our very flesh. Enable us, in turn, to be bringers of comfort to those who long and wait for you and prepare the way of your kingdom, already present and yet to come. All this we ask in the name of him whom prophets foretold and who speaks comfort to the troubled, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A holy Advent and joyous Christmas to you and yours! The Lord of time bless us every one!

Steve

Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Minister

PF Place

Home For the Holidays Party

Dec. 21 at 6 p.m., Rob and Jess Brink will host a party at their house for FCC college students who are home for Christmas break. This is a great chance to reconnect with old friends and get to know the Brinks while enjoying food, games, and a movie. If you have a child or grandchild who is away for college right now, please remind them. Shifting gears from school to home means opportunities like this can slip through the cracks without a gentle reminder.

PF Play Rehearsals Start Dec. 8

Last year’s play was a great success. We had a blast putting it together, and the audience response was strong. Practices this year will be Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. starting Dec. 8. Lunch is included. Please bring $3 for pizza and some quarters if you want a carbonated beverage from the machine. We’re looking for set artists, costume designers, light and sound technicians, team leaders…oh yeah, and some actors too. ;-)

Mission Mazahua Leaving

All the work, the planning, and the fundraising is finally about to pay off. Our mission team will meet up with compatriots from North Shore and Ozaukee to fly to Mexico on Dec. 26. There is absolutely no way we could have pulled this off without the support of this church. A huge thank you to everyone who pitched in with donations and with purchases. One last request before we leave, though. Please pray for us. Pray that this trip changes lives.

Saturday Come-As-You-Are Worship

Join us Saturdays 5 p.m. in the Lounge for an exciting concept in hands-on worship for all ages. This third service is small, with the congregation gathered in a circle.It’s informal, but all the elements of worship are present: hymns, prayers, Bible study, a hands-on message in the Godly Play concept, a time of response, and communion. It’s small group worship that is touching the hearts and minds of all ages. God loves you as you really are, so you are welcome as you are!

Check It Out

The Faith Questions series focuses on issues in Christian faith. Read on your own or start a small group discussion. See Rev. Schaal to order books for a group. All in Theology unless otherwise indicated.

Who is God in Three Persons?

John R. Tyson
Where did we get this doctrine? What difference does it make in our contemporary faith?

What About Religion & Science?

Paul E. Stroble
How might we remain confident in our faith and appreciate the discoveries of science?

How Can I Forgive?

Joretta L. Marshall
Sometimes it is difficult to forgive others, or ourselves. What does the Bible teach?

What Do Other Faiths Believe?

Paul Stroble
How do other faiths agree with or differ from Christianity? Explores Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Baha’i.
World Religions

What About the Devil?

Douglas E. Wingeier
Explores understandings of Satan as presented in the Bible and in Christian tradition.

What About the Rapture?

Denise Stringer
Where does end-time teaching come from? What does the Bible teach?

What Happens When I Die?

George Hover
Explores personal experiences related to life after death in light of Biblical teachings.

What About Divine Healing?

Susan Sonnenday Vogel
What is divine healing? Does prayer make a difference in healing?

Breakfast With the Girls
Saturday Dec. 1

Diane Buck is director of Save Outdoor Sculpture, the Southeast Wisconsin project led by the Smithsonian Institution to identify and inventory outdoor sculpture. She is an art educator with the Milwaukee Art Museum as well as with the Milwaukee Public Library. Join us for an interesting and informative Saturday morning.

Meetinghouse Landmark

Citing our meetinghouse’s architectural and historical significance, the Milwaukee County Historical Society named FCC a Milwaukee County Historical Landmark at its annual meeting Nov. 12, held at our church. L to R: County Supervisor Jim “Luigi” Schmitt, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the county board, Vice Moderator Jim Benz, Moderator Julie Anheuser, Dr. Peay.

Munchkin Matters

Christmas Tips for Busy Families

• Make reading the original Christmas story part of your family tradition.

• Work with your kids to pick a theme for this year’s gifts (Examples: All gifts are homemade. All gifts should include yellow. All gifts are fair trade.)

• Go to the Christmas Worship to make homemade ornaments (see cover article).

Children’s Pageant: Not Just for 8:45 Anymore

The Children’s Pageant is a strong tradition here at FCC. There just isn’t a whole lot that’s cuter than a five year old dressed up like a sheep going “BAAA! BAAA!” and frolicking down the aisle. Rehearsal will be Dec. 2 between services and the pageant will happen Dec. 9 at 8:45. But this year, the Godly Play class will be bringing a story of their own into the 11 a.m. service. Curious? Come and see.

Bakers Wanted
Spread Holiday Joy to Shut-ins

Once again, the members of Circle 7 have volunteered to pack boxes of cookies for our shut-ins. It has become an annual tradition that on the day of our choir concert, these boxes are packed and labeled with the names and addresses of the recipients. Members of the congregation are asked to pick up a box or two (or more) on their way out of the concert. Cookies are delivered that day or the next, and the shut-in has a “surprise” visit from a church member during the holidays.

In the past few years we’ve had an increasing number of people in need and therefore, we are looking for as many bakers as possible. If you enjoy holiday baking, please make an extra batch (3 to 4 dozen cookies) for the church. Cookies should be delivered to the office or catering kitchen before 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9.

Remember, if you are not able to bake something, be sure to grab a box when you leave the concert and deliver Christmas greetings to a member of your church family. Your kindness will be much appreciated!

Operating Statement Summary

Year to date as of October 2007

Current Year Prior Year

Pledge Base Received 79.6% 77.9%
Pledge Income $601,014 $591,072

Total Income $700,703 $695,275

Total Expense $668,588 $671,521

Net Income $32,115 $23,754

Detailed financials available at office

Paul Meets the Barbarians

Prof. Glen L. Thompson of Wisconsin Lutheran College will speak on “Paul Meets the Barbarians: Lystra and the Lycaonians in Acts 14,” on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Wisconsin Lutheran College Science Hall, Room S105. According to Acts, the people of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas were gods and tried to offer sacrifices to them. The event is sponsored by the Milwaukee Area Biblical Archaeology Society.

Lectionary Readings

Dec. 2 First Sunday of Advent
Old Testament Isaiah 2:1–5
Psalmody Psalm 122
New Testament Romans 13:11–14
Gospel Matthew 24:36–44

Dec. 9 Second Sunday of Advent
Old Testament Isaiah 11:1–10
Psalmody Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19
New Testament Romans 15:4–13
Gospel Matthew 3:1–12

Dec. 16 Third Sunday of Advent
Service of Lessons and Carols
Gen. 3:8–15; Gen. 22:15–18; Isaiah 9:2, 6–7; Isaiah 11:1–9; Luke 1:26–35, 38; Matt. 1:18–23; Luke 2:8–20; Matt. 2:1–11; John 1:1–14

Dec. 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Old Testament Isaiah 7:10–16
Psalmody Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19
New Testament Romans 1:1–7
Gospel Matthew 1:18–25

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve
Old Testament Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalmody Psalm 96
New Testament Titus 2:11–14
Gospel Luke 2:1–20

Dec. 30 First Sunday After Christmas

Old Testament… Isaiah 63:7–9
Psalmody… Psalm 148
New Testament… Hebrews 2:10–18
Gospel … Matthew 2:13–23

Our Church Family

Baptisms

Benjamin Walker Hayes, son of Emily and Andrew Hayes, baptized November 4, 2007.

Marriage

Cade Wakefield and Jenna Kroeger, married November 10, 2007.

Death

Ione Olson, died November 9, 2007.

The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue of the Columns is Monday, December 17 at 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.

Congregational Columns

Communications Committee
Arlette Lindbergh-Chairperson, Marilyn Auer, Sally Wells, Paige Galfano

Rev. Charles Goldsmith, Ph.D., Congregational Home Chaplain

Cindy Payette, Administrator

Lee Jacobi, Director of Music

Thomas Gregory, Organist

Anne Callen, Office and Administrative Coordinator

Kelly Turner, Office and Financial Coordinator

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. 24, Issue 11