In This IssuePage 2

Lenten Devotional Appeal

ASP Sunday

Tosa Cares

Discovery Hour

Page 3Taize Sunday Worship

What was old is new!

Operating Statement Summary

Page 4Photo Gallery

Page 5Calendar

Page 6Tom Gregory Remembered

Purls of Wisdom

Experience vs. Belief

Page 7Just for Youth!

Page 8Lectionary Readings

Church Family

October 2016

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L

C O L U M N S A newsletter of First Congregational Church – Wauwatosa

Church Picnic - Sept. 18thArdith & Aubrey Moore enjoy the great food,

conversation and super weather!

Off the Top of My Head This year’s National Association Annual meeting was held in Dearborn, Michigan just outside of Detroit. Dearborn is the home of the largest population of Muslims in the United States. Our theme for the meeting was the Pharisee’s ques-tion to Jesus, “Who Is My Neighbor?” One of the workshops gave us the opportunity to visit the local Mosque and engage in conversation about Islam. The workshop made me realize how little I really know about Islam, a world religion with common roots to Judaism and Christianity. Growing up in Bayside, people were Jewish, Catholic, or Protestant. That was as far as diversity went. I always fig-ured Christianity must be the best, and that other faiths were somehow inferior. As I grew up I was exposed to, and learned

about, the traditions of both our Catholic and Jewish friends. I went to confirmations and Bar Mitzvahs. I saw our similarities as well as our differences. The more I learn of other faiths, the more I see how naïve I was, and how dangerous the extremes of reli-gious intolerance can be. The world is very different than it was 50 years ago. Our world has shrunk. We are more mobile. There is far more diversity of religious beliefs in our communi-ties. Finding common ground among faiths can help us bridge needless divides at a time when unity is more crucial than ever. In a writing by the Dalai Lama, he states: “Harmony among the major faiths has become an essential ingredient of peaceful coex-istence in our world. From this perspective, mutual understanding among these tradi-tions is not merely the business of religious believers — it matters for the welfare of humanity as a whole.” It is our hope that the event on October 9th will help to increase our understanding of the Islamic faith and help us to build a stronger community. ~ Bill

"UNDERSTANDING ISLAM AND BUILDING COMMUNITY"Sunday, October 9, 2016 - 3:00 PM

A three-person panel from the Islamic Society of Milwaukee will discuss Islam – its history, its beliefs, and the role of women – at “Community through Understanding,” Sunday, October 9, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow. The event, endorsed by the FCC Council and offered with the support of the Board of Christian Education, is designed to answer common questions Christians share about Islam and to help us all better navigate our increasingly pluralistic society. In an interview on PBS, Diana L. Eck, Ph.D., Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University and director of The Pluralism Project said: "I think the issue is that we have so long presumptively thought of ourselves as a Christian nation, a Judeo-Christian nation, a secular nation as well, but we have never really stepped up to the plate and considered that now in the late 20th and early 21st century, we have to take seriously the religious freedom that is part of our constitution. And religious freedom brings religious diversity." Ahmed Quereshi, president of the Islamic Society Board of Directors, will lead the panel. He will be joined by two others from the Society’s leadership team who can provide further insights into Milwaukee’s Muslim community. FCC members are encouraged to attend. The program is open to the public, so all friends and neighbors are welcome. ~ Marianne King

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Congregational C O L U M N Swww.FirstChurchTosa.org

Tel: (414) 258-7375

Rev. William S. Trump Senior Minister

Rev. Barry Szymanski, J.D. Minister of Pastoral Care

Rev. Joseph Phillips Congregational Home Chaplain

Michael "Chip" Smith Church Administrator

Tonia Wallner, Director of Christian Education

Dr. Patrick Dill, Director of MusicRhonda Kwiecien, Organist

Roxanne Trump-Miles Junior & Cherub Choirs' Director

Jillian Bruss, Office Coordinator & Columns Editor

Cindy Payette, Staff SupportHailey Sgarlata, Office Assistant

Mark Lund & Aaron Sanders Custodians

Kari Leon Nursery Supervisor

*** Congregational Columns is

published monthly by The First Congregational Church

of Wauwatosa1511 Church St.

Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Vol. 31 Issue 10Like Us on Facebook

Adult Learning Hour•Sundays, 8:45 AM

Room 107

Adult Learning Hour began on September 25th, with Chapter 1 of The Story. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join us at any time, or whenever you can. Books are available in the office for $6. Come and visit, see whats happening in this fun and informative class! For more information, contact Pat Reddy at: 414-771-8292 or patreddy@deltaformsltd.com.

~~~

Women's Ministry•Wednesdays, 7:00 AMin the Parlor - 2nd floor

Our Great God never sleeps nor does He take vacation. He is calling each of us, every moment of every-day to “Come closer to Me and sit by my feet.” Consider joining other women of the church Wednesday mornings. They gather to discuss the Bible and grow in their faith. The group is currently reading the gospel of Luke. No prep work is required. Bring your Bible. All are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend.

~~~

Men's Ministry & Bible Study•Wednesdays, 6:30 AM

Room 107 Calling all men with an open invi-tation to join the Men’s Bible Study and/or Men’s Ministry group. Join us and grow in the knowledge and expression of our faith at these two unique studies. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month are led by Bruce Milne, and the men are currently studying the book of Acts. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays (Men’s Ministry) is using a DVD series titled "Jesus and the Gospels." Its focus, in short, is not simply on Jesus but also on the Gospels as literary compositions of his life and teachings.

Discovery Hour

Tosa Cares ~Christian Caring~The ladies of Circle 7 are making their annual appeal to the congregation for toiletries/personal care items that will be donated to Tosa Cares. Examples include: lotions, soap, hair accessories, dental supplies, laundry detergent, shampoo, toilet paper and any other personal care items you think would be useful. (Please, no hotel or sample-size items.) Our church is the only source for these personal care items and the families really depend on us for them. The local Fire, Police and Health Departments, as well as area schools and churches, refer people to Tosa Cares - a non-profit, 501c3 organization. Their situations are usually temporary, such as job lay-off, fire, or a health problem. Our congregation has done a wonderful job in the past and your donations, as always, are very much needed. Please bring your items to

the table in the Atrium beginning Sept. 25 thru Oct. 10. Members of Circle 7 will deliver the items to Tosa Cares on Oct. 11. Thank you for your continued support of this program. It is so appreciated.

~ Doris Nolinske, Circle 7

Lenten Devotional

Appeal

The Board of Deacons along with Pat Reddy will be do-ing another Lenten devotional this year and they are again

asking for your help. This year’s theme is “Grace, Mercy & Peace.” We would love to hear your thoughts on this subject

and encourage you to prayerfully consider sharing them with our congregation in the Lenten booklet. Using your

name is optional and your input will be greatly appreciated. Pat is asking that your pieces be to her by the end of Janu-

ary, giving you some extra time after Christmas to reflect on the gift of Grace we receive in Christ, the Mercy none of us deserve that comes only through His suffering, and the true Peace that comes from knowing our Lord. Writings can be

sent to the office, or emailed to patreddy@deltaformsltd.com. ~ Pat Reddy

ASP SUNDAY - October 16th

The 2016 ASP Mission Team will feature highlights of their exploits this year at a 9 AM Symposium in the Friendship Lounge and will also share testimonials during the 10 AM

worship Service.

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Operating Statement Summary Year-to-date as of August 2016

Detailed financials are available at the office.

Current Year Prior YearPledge Base Received 57.1% 58.0%Pledge Income $328,838 $333,410Total Income $410,682 $420,382Total Expense $416,949 $436,463

Net Income $ (6,267) $(16,081)

Average Worship Attendance:

• 9 AM: 112 •

New Member Class - November 13

Are you interested in joining First Congregational Church? We are gathering names for a New Member Class for all

those who are ready to become members or for those who want to find out more about membership in the church.

Please sign up at the Gathering Table or if you have any questions, contact Bill Trump at: 414-258-7375 ext. 227 or

email him at trumpb@firstchurchtosa.org.

The Taizé form of worshipping is returning to the 8 AM service for three Sundays in October - 9, 16, and 23.

This unique worship experience incorporates meditative, chant-like music with prayers and

time for silent reflection. All are welcome to join us!

These services will be led by Rev. Barry and Rhonda.

WHAT WAS OLD IS NEW!

Thanks to the "Loungers"...

When the Trustees determined that the Friendship Lounge needed some updating, the Lounge Subcommittee was formed - "The Loungers." We thought, "Now what? Where do we be-gin?" We determined we wanted the room to become a warm, friendly space for gathering and also for the funeral receptions that take place there. We set to work with the help of a decora-tor, Beth Schroeder, who gave us unique and affordable ideas.

The coffered ceiling makes the room unique and warmer. Opening up our spacious windows significantly lightened the

room. The floor is practical and also brightened the room. The carpeting is laid in squares that can be removed. Spills

can be rinsed off or the squares can be cleaned and then replaced. The wood border is easy to maintain, and the color

scheme added balance and serenity to the room.

All of the original furniture in the lounge was kept. We chose complimentary colors and had all the pieces reupholstered.

The rest of the furniture had been in other areas of the church. The space has been reoriented to allow for members and

friends to sit in groups for conversations or to stand and visit.

Although it took almost two years to decide on ideas, colors, etc., we hope you are pleased with the outcome and will enjoy

it for many years to come.

The Lounge CommitteeLissa Edens, Nancy Hayes, Chris Mason, DdG Wakefield,

Mary York, Chrm

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Bible Sunday

Church Picnic - Sunday, September 18

Supporting Local Foster Children

Look for The Giving Tree in November!

Communion & Chat @ Harwood

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat.1

28 AM Chapel Worship & Communion8:45 AM Adult Learning Hour9 AM Discovery Kids9 AM Junior Choir reh10 AM Worship in the Nave/Children in Church/Jr. Choir Sing/PF/SS/Nursery/World Communion11 AM Coffee Fellowship

312:30 PM Heritage Garden Club7 PM Al-Anon8 PM AA

49 AM Yoga6:30 PM Bd/Steward-ship & Benevolence6:45 PM Boy Scouts 7 PM Quilters Anon7 PM Vox Antigua8 PM AA-United We Stand

56:30 AM Men's Bible Study7 AM Women's Ministry10 AM @Cong. Home - Baking Group6 PM Debtors Anon.7 PM Personnel

69 AM Big Band10 AM Sidetracks6 PM Financial Peace University6:30 PM Handbells6:45 PM BSF7:30 PM FCC Choir

78:15 AM Cook for St. Vincent's9 AM Harmony Singers4:15 PM Leave to serve for St. Vincent's

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98 AM Taizé Chapel Worship 8:45 AM Adult Learning Hour9 AM Discovery Kids9 AM Junior Choir reh10 AM Worship in the Nave/Children in Church/Raddemann Baptism/PF/SS/Nursery11 AM Coffee Fellowship3 PM Understanding Islam4 PM Ultimate PF: Chill, Chat & Challenge

105:00 PM Faith Finders Dinner5:30 PM Faith Finders6:30 PM Bd/Deacons6:30 PM Bd/Fellowship7 PM Bd/Christian Ed7 PM Bd/Trustees7 PM Al Anon8 PM AA

119 AM Yoga12 PM Circle 7 6:45 PM Boy Scouts7 PM Vox Antigua8 PM AA-United We Stand

126:30 AM Men's Ministry 7 AM Women's Ministry9 AM Cream City Rug Club10 AM Baking Group @ Cong. Home6 PM Debtors Anon..

139 AM Big Band10 AM Sidetracks6 PM Financial Peace University6:30 PM Handbells6:45 PM BSF7:30 PM FCC Choir

14 9 AM Harmony Singers

152 PM Wedding

168 AM Taizé Chapel Worship 8:45 AM Adult Learning Hour9 AM Discovery Kids9 AM Junior Choir reh9 AM ASP Symposium10 AM Worship in the Nave/Children in Church/Kauss Baptism/PF/SS/Nursery11 AM Coffee Fellowship

1710:15 AM Music w/ Marj@Cong.Home5:30 PM Bd/Congregational Care7 PM Al Anon8 PM AA

189 AM Yoga6:45 PM Boy Scouts 7 PM Historic Heights Book Club7 PM Tosa Quilters7 PM Vox Antigua8 PM AA-United We Stand

196:30 AM Men's Bible Study7 AM Women's Ministry10 AM Baking Group @ Cong. Home11 AM Grief Support6 PM Debtors Anon.

209 AM Big Band10 AM Sidetracks6 PM Financial Peace University6:30 PM Handbells6:45 PM BSF7:30 PM FCC Choir

219 AM Harmony Singers

221 PM Wedding

238 AM Taizé Chapel Worship 8:45 AM Adult Learning Hour9 AM Discovery Kids9 AM Junior Choir reh10 AM Worship in the Nave/Children in Church/PF/SS/Nursery11 AM Coffee Fellowship

249 AM Interfaith7 PM Al Anon8 PM AA

259 AM YOGA2 PM Alzheimer's Support Group @Cong. Home - 6 PM Communications Committee6:45 PM Boy Scouts 7 PM Church Council 7 PM Vox Antigua8 PM AA-United We Stand

266:30 AM Men's Ministry7 AM Women's Ministry10 AM @Cong. Home - Baking Group6 PM Debtors Anon.

279 AM Big Band9 AM Interfaith10 AM Sidetracks6 PM Financial Peace University6:30 PM Handbells6:45 PM BSF7:30 PM FCC Choir

289 AM Harmony Singers6 PM Fab Flicks at First

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30 8 AM Chapel Worship 8:45 AM Adult Learning Hour9 AM Discovery Kids9 AM Junior Choir reh9 AM Men's Choir Reh10 AM Worship in the Nave/Children in Church/Ristow Baptism/PF/SS/Nursery11 AMCoffee Fellowship

319 AM Suburban Women's Club of Tosa7 PM Al Anon8 PM AA

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Purls of WisdomKnitting~Crocheting

Groupwill be meeting three upcom-ing Saturday mornings from

10:00 - 12:00 PMNovember 12

January 14March 11

Our goal is to encourage the FCC prayer shawl ministry, share patterns for charity baby items, teach and help others

to knit and to enjoy fellowship. ~ Prayer Shawl MinistryMargie Idzikowski, FCC Care Board

Experience versus Belief

Marcus J. Borg wrote that the “Ex-perience of God, not belief in God, is the invitation of Christianity.” This conviction of his is crucial to our daily living of our lives in the context of Jesus who lived among us in order to bring us to this very truth: we need to be with God and encounter Him. Jesus helps us come as close to be-

ing face to face with God as anyone in the history of mankind by moving us from mere religiousness into a worshipful and respectful merger of our spirit and God’s spirit. Isn’t this why the theological concept of the Holy Spirit is so important to our attempt to understand God?

We all hold a spirituality of some sort. Not to have a spiritual-ity is to be dead – and no one walking this earth is dead. But what our spirituality is, is what defines us. Marcus Borg’s spiri-tuality is one of experience. What he states is not new. When we look at the Book of Exodus, one of the books of the Torah, we learn [at 33:11] that “. . . the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” The interaction be-tween God and Moses was one of intimacy, of friendship. How many of us can say that in prayer we feel, at least occasionally, some closeness to God? Jesus helps us to feel closer to God instructing us to call upon God as Father. Can we get any closer to another person than to a parent?

Moses did not just believe in God, and neither did Marcus Borg - nor did Jesus, or Paul, or Mary, or Thomas. What all of them did have was the experience of God. The difficult question is whether we want to leave enough of what we reach for in life to instead reach out to experience God? In working toward that experience, and letting the Holy Spirit enter our very being, we can experience God. Yes, this takes time to devote to being – being ourselves and being with nature, both God’s creation. And some time in (even short) prayer. Yes, it takes some ef-fort, just like any friendship takes effort. But this is what Jesus invites us to: friendship. ~ Rev. Dr. Barry W. Szymanski

Tom Gregory Remembered... My friend and colleague, Tom Gregory, passed away on September 5, 2016 - Labor Day. He is no longer numbered among us-today he is one of the remembered. I will always remember him and miss the amazing gifts of music that he generously shared and the vital role he so capably played in leading worship here at First Congregational Church. Shakespeare said”, The man that hath no music in himself, nor is moved with the concord of sweet sound, is fit for treason, strategem and spoils. The motions of his spirit are dull as night and his affections dark. Let no such man be trusted.” Let it be known that Thomas Gregory did, indeed, have music in him. It permeated him. He became fully alive when he practiced his art. And that musician-ly art was a heartfelt gesture of love and care that he shared with all of us week in and week out. Music was what most clearly defined our friend, Tom. He was an effective music educator for more than three decades. He was an accomplished French Horn player who was justifi-ably proud to call himself a student of John Barrows, one of the great horn players, as well as an eminent French Horn teacher. And as we all know, Tom also played the organ. As I reflect on Tom’s gift to our congregation over the past decade, I will remember how he led our congregation in wor-ship. He would, week after week, wordlessly direct our moods, emotions and spirits. He could transform a seemingly simple hymn tune into an emotional experience with such apparent ease. By use of colorful and appropriate organ registrations, subtle changes of tempos that grew out of the hymn text and use of subtle phrasing - all of these elements and more - made the act of worship at First Church more meaningful for so many. I know that many smiled broadly upon recognizing a well-known UW Badgers song that he would intersperse on a Sunday morning following a UW victory at the gridiron. I will also recall the meditative improvisations on contemplative hymn tunes during communion. He brought us all closer to our God with his powerful word-less insights. For all these gifts and more, I thank Tom Gregory. He was a valued colleague. He was a loyal and depend-able friend. His good spirit, his laughter, his sincerity and his somewhat skewed sense of humor will be missed. Godspeed, my friend.

~ Lee Jacobi

We want to thank the friends and members of the congregation who have shown such warmth and support for us through your thoughts, prayers, cards, visits, calls and memorial gifts. The love and compassion you have displayed for Tom and for us throughout the year and

especially in the past few weeks have helped sustain us through this challenging time.

Sincerely, Pat Gregory and Liz & Anthony Jaffe

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Sunday School•Sunday, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 for ages 3 — 5th grade Children will begin in church with their families during 10 AM worship. They will be dismissed to Sunday School during the service.

Discovery Kids•Sunday, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 for kids of all ages in LL5Kids enjoy this special time of additional activities, led by Sarah DeYoung at 9 AM, before their traditional Sunday School at 10 AM. Those who rehearse with the choir will join them after practice. Older youth are invited to help lead.

Faith Finders•Monday, October 10th for grades 1 – 5This group meets on the second Monday of the month for singing, fellowship, games, and program time. They begin with an optional dinner at 5 PM, followed by programming from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Friends are welcome! The cost of the dinner is $3 per person. In October, come and enjoy pizza, salad and garlic bread!

Covenant Class•Will begin in November; no classes in October

(FYI - Covenant Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th from 3 - 8 PM.)

Pilgrim Fellowship (PF)•Sunday, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 for grades 6 – 12

Teens will begin in church with their families during 10 AM worship and will be dismissed to PF during the service.

•Sunday, October 9 from 4 to 6 PM with Dinner Ultimate PF: Chill, Chat & Challenge! Our monthly meeting will feature a time to talk about current topics for our middle and high school students, followed by time for games and other fun challenges. The event will begin at 4:00 PM and we will have dinner at 6:00 PM.

If you are interested in signing up for these events OR have questions contact Tonia at tonia@firstchurchtosa.org

•Friday, October 28, 6 PM – Fab Flicks at First!This month's flick: Footloose (1984)Fab Flicks at First is for our middle and high school students. Pizza and popcorn will be served along with delicious des-serts. Cost: $4 per person. You are welcome to bring friends!

About the movie: Moving in from Chicago, newcomer Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) is in shock when he discovers the small Midwestern town he now calls home has made dancing and rock music illegal. As he struggles to fit in, Ren faces an uphill battle to change things. With the help of his new friend, Willard Hewitt (Christopher Penn), and defiant teen Ariel Moore (Lori Singer), he might loosen up this conservative town. But Ariel's influential father, Reverend Shaw Moore (John Lithgow), stands in the way.

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Dated Material - Please deliver immediately.

Lectionary ReadingsOctober 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Sunday after PentecostOld Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lamentation 1:1-6Psalmody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 137New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Timothy 1:1-4Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Luke 17:1-10

October 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21st Sunday after PentecostOld Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7Psalmody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 66:1-12New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Timothy 2:8-15Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 17:11-19

October 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22nd Sunday after PentecostOld Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremiah 31:27-34Psalmody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:97-104New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 18:1-8

October 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23rd Sunday after PentecostOld Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel 2:23-32Psalmody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 65New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 18:9-14

Church Family NewsDEATHSThomas E. Gregory, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016.Lyle Dobberke, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016.Jean M. Whitmore, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016.

BAPTISMSAri James Schalmo, born July 14, 2016, to Brittany & Tom Schalmo, grandchild of Janet Schalmo and great-grandchild of Jim Walsh and the late Gloria Walsh, was baptised on Sunday, September 18, 2016.

The deadline for articles for the "Columns" November issue - is Friday, October 14th .

Please email articles to Jill Bruss at: brussj@firstchurchtosa .org .

October 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24th Sunday after PentecostOld Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4Psalmody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:137-144New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Luke 19:1-10