Table of Contents

Holiday Benevolence to Afghanistan

Adult Education

Around the Circles

Minister's Musings

New Members

Sunday Symposium

Teachable Moments

Board Briefs

Munchkin Matters

PF Place

Lenten Devotionals

Our Church Family

Lectionary Readings

Holiday Benevolence to Afghanistan –
A Huge Success

by Cindy Payette

In less than a week, a number of members of the church answered the call from Major Rick Koch serving in Afghanistan. You may recall that he emailed us that he hoped to have 300 small, wrapped Christmas gifts sent for the troops so that everyone could have a package to open on Christmas morning. Your response was wonderful!

We sent six large cartons filled with nearly 180 packages. The contents included scarves, hats, gloves, a variety of clothing, books, CDs, DVDs, and other items service men and women need, along with two Bibles. One was from the congregation and a second one was a smaller pocket version that Steve and Julie purchased for him. (Remember that Rick had lost his during his harrowing river crossing experience last month during the flood.) To cover the packaging and postage, $300 was also donated. Special thanks go to Jane and Doug Jacobson for packing the food.

The word from Rick in an e-mail is that everything has arrived: “The gifts have begun arriving!... God bless you all… many thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, support and care for our soldiers. Whether it be through these gifts or even more importantly through prayer, you are appreciated.”

Rick also sent a thank-you card
regarding the Bible:

Dear Members of First Congregational Church,

It is with deep and profound gratitude that I send you this card after receiving the very special Bible from you. When I opened it I was overcome with emotion and love for you all who are faithfully supporting me and our troops during our deployment. Rest assured this Bible has now joined the United States Army and will go where I do and serve our people in their times of need. And every time I open its pages I will think of you and your generosity. When I return home it will continue to serve out of my office – the Joint Forces Headquarters Chaplain for the Alaska National Guard. God bless you all with grace, peace and love this Christmas Season.

Rick

Thanks to all for being a part of this
important ministry.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Ah, you may think I’m off a bit since Christmas has been past for days – not really. The first day of Christmas (remember “the partridge in the pear tree” one?) is December 25th and Christmas has been traditionally celebrated until the Epiphany, January 6th. So, as you read this you’ll most likely be in one of the “days of Christmas” – keep celebrating! Both Christmas and New Year have their roots in ancient customs “baptized” by the Church over time. Some would reject these customs, as did our Puritan ancestors, but most have come to accept them. I see nothing wrong with the celebrations, so long as we strive to remember to “keep Christmas” and welcome the New Year in the spirit of our Christian faith.

New Year’s celebrations always mark new beginnings and the making of resolutions to accomplish those beginnings. Many of us break them, forget them, never get going on them almost from the moment we write them down (sometimes almost as soon as we’ve thought them up). Still, we need to look at the new beginnings God offers us every day and the opportunities we have in the days ahead to make a difference. May I make a simple suggestion? Use the covenant we have made with God and one another as a guide to those beginnings.

Our covenant is simple, straightforward and based on sound Biblical and theological principles.
As followers of Jesus Christ, -- what does it mean to “follow Jesus”? It means observing his life and following his teaching. The goal of Christian life is to become “Christlike” and to have “the mind of Christ.” How do we accomplish that? Well, it is laid out for us:

First, we commit ourselves to share in the worship and service of God, -- as part of my New Year’s new beginnings how will I offer worship and service to God? Perhaps this is the time to make sure we get to worship more regularly?

Second, to grow in the knowledge and expression of our faith, – no time like the present to make it to one of the numerous opportunities our church offers to grow in our faith. Also, this might be the time to resolve to spend some quiet time each day in prayer and to take time with the Bible. Using The Upper Room or some other devotional aid can help. Lent is just around the corner and there are always even more opportunities to grow.

Third, to reach out with compassion to those in need, -- in the coming year how will I reach out in compassion as Jesus did to those in need? How will I support the benevolent works of my church and the charities that have touched my heart? One of the best things we can do is to make a plan and then weekly, monthly or quarterly check to see if we’re accomplishing it.

Fourth, to treat each other with love and understanding, – what behaviors of mine need to change to make this happen? In what ways can I be more loving and understanding of others and of their needs? Perhaps this might be a good time to give thought to the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves? If we take this seriously it can improve quality of life for us and for our neighbor!

Fifth, and to return to God a portion of God's Gifts. – this is the hard one to, as I’ve quoted, “give God what is right, not what is left.” However, it’s a great temptation to see what is the least we can do for our church – even though we always want it to be there for us. The good work of this gathered community only happens if we make it happen and that means we need to support it with time, talent and treasure. At the December Church Council meeting one of our Covenant Class students asked, “Why don’t more people support the church as they should?” It was a stunner and an eye-opener. Council members answered variously, “people don’t feel connected,” “it’s not a priority,” and there were more. I told the student to look at Matthew, chapter 6 where Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Perhaps this is the year to put heart into the way in which we support our church and its work – it’s never too late.

Here is a blessing prayer for the New Year:
Remember us, O God; from age to age be our comforter. You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and years. Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the coming of Christ. You are our God, living and reigning, for ever and ever. Amen.
May the year ahead be one filled with joy, peace, prosperity and blessedness for you and for all you love!

Yours on the journey,
Steve
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
Senior Minister

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Welcome New Members

During our two worship services on Nov. 19, eight new members were welcomed and declared that they “owned” the covenant, as is our Congregational Way. We extend a hearty welcome to them all and look forward to their being with us!

Beverly Fredricks
Beverly recently moved to Wauwatosa from the east side of Milwaukee, which is when she decided to transfer her membership from North Shore Congregational Church. She makes her winter home in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. (Not pictured.)

Lucy Hantzsch
Lucy resides in Wauwatosa with her husband Chris and their two children, Madeline and Sam. She is a Medical Transcriptionist with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. In her spare time she enjoys gardening and knitting. Lucy also volunteers with the Girl Scouts and at Roosevelt Elementary where her children attend school.

Emily Hayes
Emily is married to church member Andy Hayes and the couple resides in Brookfield. Emily attended St. Olaf College and is currently a trainer at Wauwatosa Savings Bank.

Mike Marass
Mike resides in Milwaukee and is an employee for the City of Milwaukee. He is currently a student at UWM studying for his master’s degree in information services. He has been active in the Sunday morning Lectionary Bible Study group and grew up as a Congregationalist.

Robert Meyer
Robert is attending Carroll College in Waukesha. He is engaged to church member Sarah Reuss, and they will be married in May 2007 here at First Church.

Carol Robinson
Carol is a nurse at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Downtown Health Center. She resides in Milwaukee and has joined our Pilgrim Choir. Carol attended Pilgrim Congregational years ago and has been visiting our church for a number of years before deciding to join.

Marjorie Smith
Marjorie recently moved to the area from Leesburg, Fla. She currently resides at Luther Manor where she is also a volunteer. Marjorie was a Congregationalist while she lived in New England. (Not pictured.)

Tesha Urban
Tesha is a resident of Brookfield. She is employed at GE Healthcare as a Communications Manager and has been active in the Wednesday morning Women’s Ministry.

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Sunday Symposium

Sundays 10 a.m.
Friendship Lounge

Jan. 7
“The First Greek Religions: Architecture and Cult in Minoan and Mycenaean”
Michael Nelson, Assistant Professor of Classics at Macalester College.

Jan. 14
“Before the DaVinci Code: A Brief Examination of Apocryphal Christian Literature”
Phil Landis

Jan. 21
"Everything You Wanted to Know About Church But Were Aftraid to Ask"
Revs. Peay, Schaal & perhaps others
Have a question about any aspect of church or faith? you may write it out and the panel will attempt to answer. An interesting morning of dialogue!

Jan. 28
“Church Bugs Me Because…”
The youth of our Covenant Class dialogue with interested church members about church.

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Teachable Moments
Keeping It Real

After a lifetime of thinking most of the stuff in churches was really stupid, I finally started going because our two kids were old enough to pick up theological tidbits from playground friends and we thought they needed a firmer spiritual foundation. So we went to church, more concerned with our kids' religious needs than our own.

People come to church for a lot of other reasons, too—looking for fellowship, out of habit, even to make business contacts. As Seinfeld might say, “No that there's anything wrong with that.” But none of those reasons really gets at why we are church. For me, we come to church to encounter the Living God. That means that all this stuff we read about and we create rituals from, is real in some deep spiritual sense.

But I know some of us struggle with how all this really applies to our modern lives. Because I spent most of my life doubting, I take doubt seriously. I still struggle with my faith and I still try to make sense of the nonsensical idea of how God so loved the world that God traversed the categories we call human and divine, so that divinity takes on human nature and humanity takes on divine nature.

Do you struggle with doubts and are sometimes afraid to voice them? Do you wonder in your heart, “Am I really a Christian?” If so, I invite you into a conversation that begins Wednesday Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. We’re calling it “Doubters” Anonymous and we’ll talk about whatever deep struggles you (we) are having. (See the story on page 2.) This is not to “correct” your error or to show how what you’re thinking is false. It is to face our doubts, share them, and find through them a deeper way of Christian faith.

It is to make our faith – and our church – more real. It is to move closer to the Living God. Because this stuff is real and I want it to be real in your life.

Rev. Samuel Schaal
Associate Minister

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Board Briefs

From the Board of Fellowship
It’s Chili Cook-Off Time
Our famous chili cook-off will be Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. Submit a pot of your favorite chili. Will you be this year’s winner and receive the coveted Jalapeno trophy? Or simply, come and enjoy. The menu also includes a salad bar, rolls and ice cream. Sign up in the church office no later than Sunday, Jan. 7. Adult $5 / children under 12, $2. The top three winners’ recipes will be published in the Columns.

Calling All Bowlers
Save the date: Sunday Feb. 18, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. We will have all eight lanes at the Highland Lanes, 5830 W. Vliet, for an exclusive FCC bowling party. All ages welcome!

From the Care Board
Cookie Ministry a Success
A big “thank you” to all who contributed Christmas cookies and helped deliver over 50 boxes to our homebound families after the Christmas concert. The boxes were filled to the brim and were appreciated by all the recipients.

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Munchkin Matters

Pint-Sized Performers Present Pageant
Great work, everyone! The Christmas Pageant was beautiful. You munchkins have a way of completely bypassing all our grown-up defenses. Thank you for helping us see what Christmas is really about. Thanks also to all the parents who brought kids to practices and got everyone dressed in their costumes. Special thanks to Kris Dalen-Bard, Margaret Brown, and Kelsey Sorum for shepherding shepherds, corralling little sheep, and guiding wise men. The fact that they listened so well speaks highly of the work you've done with them all year. And last but not least, thanks to Carrie Sgarlata for breaking me in on this wonderful FCC tradition.

Drive in Movie (+Pizza)
“Over the Hedge”
Jan. 26, 6 p.m.
November's movie, "Cars" drew a crowd of 40! Good thing Little Caesars is so close to the church. This month, we're sharing the new hit animated comedy, "Over the Hedge."

Whenever we show a movie, I try to warn you about the content so that you can judge for yourself whether it will be appropriate for your kid(s). It is rated PG for some rude humor and mild comic action. The Movie Mom review on Yahoo warns, "Parents should know that this movie includes a good deal of peril and cartoon violence (no serious injuries other than the zapping of a bug). There is some potty humor and schoolyard-style crude language..." Great voice-acting, lots of laughs, and a good message about family and leadership combine to make this a fun night out with the family. Please sign up at the church office so we know how much food to prep. Cost is $3, kids 5 and under eat free!

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PF Place

Jr. High Planning Overnighter
The Jr. Pilgrim Fellowship is planning an overnighter. Don't ask me when it will be, or what will be involved. I'm not making those decisions; I'm helping them to make them wisely. This is their first big step toward taking responsibility for their own group. Far too often, all we expect of kids (and adults!) is that they be passive consumers of religious product. Jesus expected far more. Obviously, these Jr. Highers are going to need a lot of help putting together an event like this. If you'd like to help chaperone, cook food, or sit in on the planning sessions, please call or send me an email. (brinkr@firstchurchtosa.org)

30 Hour Famine
Feb. 23–24
The average Tosa-ite enjoys a higher annual income than 99% of the world, but the average Tosa teen has never known anything different. The 30 Hour Famine is one way we help our teens become aware of the world outside of their day-to-day experience. We'll be working with North Shore and Ozaukee Congregational churches, and other area churches, to create an eye-opening experience for our Jr. and Sr. Highers. There are many ways to participate. If you don't feel comfortable having your teens fast from food for 30 hours, then talk with them and decide on something else they could give up. (Something that matters—if it's not missed, it's not a fast.) In years past, this has been a profound experience for our PF. Please plan ahead so that as many as possible can participate.

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Deadline for 2007 Lenten Devotional is Jan. 15

Submit your copy for our Lenten devotional by Jan. 15. (We prefer an electronic document in Word or text-only, but will accept your hard copy as well.) This year’s edition is called “Holy Conversations on Church Street.”

Each day of Lent will feature a daily reflection that you write. Select any Biblical text and write a short essay (up to 175 words) and also a prayer (up to 40 words). Select the day of Lent you wish to write on, if you have a special date in mind. Otherwise we will decide which day it will appear. If we do not receive at least 20 submissions by Jan. 15, we will not publish a devotional this year. Thanks for sharing your spiritual journey!

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Our Church Family

Baptisms:
Nov. 19: Jack Michael Hanson, son of Mike and Holly Hanson
Nov. 23: Margaret Lee Pond, daughter of Kyle and Ericka Pond
Dec. 10: Madison Emily York, daughter of David and Debbie York

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Lectionary Readings

Texts used in Sunday worship

January 7 Baptism of the Lord
Old Testament Isaiah 43:1–7
Psalmody Psalm 29
New Testament Acts 8:14–17
Gospel Luke 3:15–17, 21–22

January 14 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
Old Testament Isaiah 62:1–5
Psalmody Psalm 36:5–10
New Testament 1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Gospel John 2:1–11

January 21 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Old Testament Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10
Psalmody Psalm 19
New Testament 1 Corinthians 12:12–31a
Gospel Luke 4:14–21

January 28 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Old Testament Jeremiah 1:4–10
Psalmody Psalm 71:1–6
New Testament 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Gospel Luke 4:21–30

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Monday, January 15, 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

Rev. Steven Peay, Ph.D., Senior Minister
Rev. Samuel Schaal, Associate Minister
Rev. Rob Brink, Associate Minister
Rev. Charles Goldsmith, Ph.D.,Congregational Home Chaplain
Cindy Payette, Administrator
Lee Jacobi, Director of Music
Thomas Gregory, Organist
Anne Callen, Office Manager
Sharon Cook-Bahr, Secretary
*
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 12