Vol. XXI No, 5                               www.ucccbboo.org                                        May 2012
From the Pastor’s Desk—“We Are the Church Together”

In the 1970s, the song-writing team Avery & Marsh shaped much church music especially songs sung by children’s choirs and at church camps.  Probably their best-known “hit” had the refrain that started, “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together…”

One of the blessings of being a UCC pastor, serving in the Congregational side of the UCC “family”, is being able to take solace that I am not “herr Pastor” (a familiar term in my Reformed side of the UCC family) and being able to say, “It is YOUR church.”  Rather than an abdication of authority, it is an acknowledgment of what I believe to be the proper role of the pastor.  I can express opinions (hopefully with some credence given to my place as pastor more by relationship than role) and vote as a member in congregational meetings; but I do not have, as in the majority of other Christian traditions, authority to dictate to any board, body, individual or congregation what decisions are made.  The bulk of authority rests with all of you not only for decision-making but also for taking responsibility in seeking order and exercising your cherished individual freedom of conscience in collaboration with each other and me.  This is expressed in our church’s constitution, Article IV—Faith and Covenant—Section C:  We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual and in the right of private judgment.

Note that both freedom and responsibility are mentioned.  More and more we come to First Congregational UCC from different traditions, many of which looked to the pastor (purely by virtue of position) as someone expected to say, in the words of George W. Bush, “I’m the decider.”  But I recognize and want to remind you all that, in the end, I am not “the decider”.  While I may be the church, and you may be the church, it is “we” who are the church together, led by the Spirit.

It’s not a perfect system; in fact, it’s sometimes quite messy.  But that’s nothing new.  As we work our way through Eastertide, we’re reminded of this in post-resurrection stories of fear, hiding, misunderstanding among the first disciples—stories that, to this day, reflect our own foibles in trying to be Christ’s resurrected body.  Buildings, pastors, decisions will come and go.  We will have great moments of rejoicing and achievement.  We will have moments of challenge and disappointment.  But as we draw closer to Pentecost Sunday on May 27 (wear fiery colors!) we can take comfort that we are not left alone—that we have a faithful God who believes in us, a redeemer who has shown us ways of love and justice, an abiding Spirit moving among us to shape and reshape our lives.  And we have each other to honor in freedom and uphold in community, sharing grace and forgiveness as we strive together to be the church.

See you in church!  Pastor Doug  

 

Strengthen the Church & the Blessing Bowl

Throughout May we’ll be preparing for Pentecost Sunday and celebrating the blessing of being church both here and across the UCC through the Blessing Bowl and the all-UCC offering “Strengthen the Church”.  During worship, we’ll reflect on the blessings we have received as members of First Congregational and the UCC, with time to write down what blessings we celebrate individually, to be put into a “blessing bowl” that, by Pentecost Sunday, May 27, should be full and overflowing, as we dedicate our “Strengthen the Church” offering during the 9:30 AM service to benefit new and renewing UCC congregations across the nation.         


From Our Parish Nurse                         By: Geri Schoenoff

In the news recently is the topic of computer technology and our health.  In the May 2012 issue of the Atlantic magazine the cover story is asking the question, “Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?”  In the Sunday editorial section of the April 20, 2012 Wisconsin State Journal, Arianna Huffingtron is hoping that a new piece of technology will be developed to help one, “de-stress and tap into your place of peace, you’ll be able to personalize the feed back you receive by programming the app to send you just what you need to course-correct.”

My past experience with computer equipment was not good.  Not a week went by that a computer technician wasn’t repairing one of our computers in the nursing office.  Maybe, at that time the technology was still very new and our in-servicing was not adequate.  Still, it’s a “horse” I’m loath to get back on again.

There are many questions I continue to ask myself.  Do I really need a computer?  Is this a type of connection that is truly bonding if wanting a friend?  Are feelings of obligation going to overwhelm me to answer every message sent to me on the computer?  Right now, I can barely get back to answering the blinking red light on the caller I.D.  Are knowing facts about other peoples’ lives going to make me happier or is it going to make me feel lonelier:

In the 1990’s when scholars began studying digital technology they noted a contradiction between increased opportunity to connect and a lack of human contact calling it the “internet paradox”.   From a 1998 article by a team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon, they wrote that from their findings, “increased internet usage was already coinciding with increased loneliness.”

John Cacioppo, the director of the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, is the world’s leading expert on loneliness.  In his book, Loneliness, published in 2008, he wrote how loneliness is affecting our basic functions of human physiology.   “Higher levels of epinephrine, the stress hormone, have been found in the morning urine of lonely people.  From blood samples in older adults, loneliness had affected their white blood cells to alter the way genes were being expressed.  When we are lonely our whole body is lonely.”  No piece of technology will ever fill the void of loneliness.  Only another’s touch and care can fill this void.

Like all new technology, as the telephone once was, how we use it in our homes and work places, will decide how much of our precious time will be given to this embedded piece of equipment now in our lives and homes.

To the computer gurus in my life, our daughter Amy, Rev. Doug Fauth for religious articles and Lori Rudolph, my Parish Nurse Supervisor, for nursing information through our church e-mail, my deepest thanks.  My computer anxiety is under control because of each of you.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. May the precious, priceless gifts of inner happiness and peace be given to each of you.

Shalom, Gerri, Parish Nurse

Parish Nurse Hours During May

Mondays & Thursdays, 9-11a.m. with Gentle Yoga from 9 to 10a.m.

Thursdays 6:15-7p.m. Heart Healthy Yoga

First Sunday following worship – Blood pressure screening.

Geri is looking for ideas about exercise and other possible activities during the summer.  If you have ideas speak to her at church or call at 393-9559.

Adult Nurture: Moms & Dads
Two very special 9 AM Adult Nurture sessions will end our season. After sharing Jesus The Apocalyptic Prophet in our ongoing New Testament lecture series on May 6, on May 13, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day sharing stories and perspectives on what motherhood means in the 21st Century—its joys and challenges.  Dads get their due the next Sunday as we explore fatherhood and its unique nature in the 21st Century.

Habitat for Humanity Workday
A goal has been set to have a First Congregational Habitat workday at the Reedsburg build, 227 Hill Crest Lane, Saturday, May 19.  This will include opportunities for lending a hand to the build as well as to provide lunch for workers.

If you can help in either way please sign the sheet available in the narthex.  When we know what the likely jobs are on that day we will share the news.

Our Habitat affiliate is planning a second build this summer.  It will be in Wyocena, southeast of Portage on highway 16. Groundbreaking will be on Sunday, May 20, at 2p.m. at 316 Madison Street, Wyocena.

Other opportunities to volunteer for HfH are at the ReStore as Keven Moll does, or at the office as Bonnie Manning does.

Pentecost Sunday & Summer Schedule
Sunday, May 27: Wear fiery colors (red, orange, yellow) as we celebrate Pentecost!

Summer schedule begins.  On this Sunday and throughout the summer (through Labor Day Sunday), we will have worship only at 9:30 AM.  We’ll be trying something new on several Sundays…”Summer Adventure” will take children on field trips to make connections between Jesus’ life and times and our own.  “Summer Adventure” Sundays are scheduled for June 24, July 8, July 22, and August 5.  More details to come!

Pre-Mother’s Day Potluck
We usually don’t have potluck in May because the second Sunday is always Mother’s Day.  So we’re trying something new—a May potluck on first Sunday, May 6 with a theme:  Mother’s Favorite Dish…let’s celebrate moms with their famous (maybe infamous) favorites and stories about them…both moms and their culinary creations.
A Potpourri of Music
Enjoy some fine music at First Congregational on Sunday, May 6, 2 PM, with the Cheddar Chicks a capella sextet, the First Congregational Trio and Simply Sax saxophone ensemble.
Who Are Our Grads?

Each year in May we recognize and honor our grads of ANY level—high school, college, grad school or otherwise.  Please let Pastor Doug or a member of the Christian Education Board know if you or a family member has graduated since last May or will be graduating soon.  Thanks.

Going Camping?…Let Us Help

Be sure to check out the brochures for camping at our two FANTASTIC Wisconsin UCC camps, Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center—there are camps and themes for youth, adults, families, and all kinds of themes and activities.  THEN… apply for a camp scholarship from the Ruggles’ Endowment Fund…applications in literature holder by choir room.  Camp scholarship applications due to Trustees by June 1.

Address Changes for Your Lists

Greg & Jo Hollenback—new emails:  Greg is now at hollenback@me.com, and Jo is now at johollenback@me.com.
Chelsea Couillard is now at 1624 T Street, Apt 5, Sacramento CA 95011-7249
Erica (Ley) Brinker is now at 309 9th Street, Baraboo, WI  53913-1745
Calendar of Events
Tues 1  6p.m. Trustees meet
Wed 2  11a.m. Stewardship Board meets.
             7p.m. Social Concerns/Mission Board meets
             7:30p.m. Choir rehearsal
Thurs 4  6:30p.m. Christian Education Board meets
              5-7p.m. Private event in basement Fellowship
Sat 5    9a.m. – 3p.m. SW Assoc. at Sauk City
Sun 6    9a.m. Adult Nurture  - The New Testament - Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet
            10:15a.m. Worship, Communion, Children’s Nurture
                                    Music Appreciation Day
            Potluck Lunch following worship
            2p.m. Potpourri of  Music
Tues 8  7p.m. Cabinet meets
Wed 9  7:30p.m. Choir rehearsal
Sun 13  9a.m. Adult Nurture Mothers in the 21st Cent.
             10:15a.m. Worship & Children’s Nurtured
Wed 16  7:30p.m. Last choir rehearsal of season
Sat 19     8am – 4p.m. Habitat for Humanity work day
Sun 20    9a.m. Adult Nurture Dads Get Their Due
              10:15a.m. Worship & Children’s Nurture
Thurs 24  6:45p.m. Diaconate meets
Sun 27  Summer schedule begins
             9:30a.m. Worship & Children’s Nurture
            Pentecost – Strengthening the Church offering
 

Women’s Fellowship Traveling On May 30th.

Women’s Fellowship will be traveling to Ten Chimneys in Delavan, home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine, on Wednesday, May 30.  Plan to meet at the church at 9a.m. and return about 3:30p.m.

Please sign up by Sun. May 13, as reservations must be made.  The cost will be covered by Women’s Fellowship funds but a free will offering toward the cost is suggested.

Prophecy/Legacy/Possibility

NATIONAL GATHERING 2012

JUNE 25-28, Elmhust College

Register today for the Coalition’s celebration of 40 years of LGBT ministry in our church and to welcome our newest Open and Affirming congregations—including ONA church number 1,000! Join us at Elmhurst College for inspiring worship, powerful preaching, joyful music, and workshops that will feed your mind and your soul. Don’t miss a National Gathering that promises to be unlike any other! Join us to renew your ONA ministry, and bring friends and family from your church! Registration and more info are at www.ucccoalition.org.                     


Did Jesus Wear Blue Jeans?  Book Review By Claire Obois

(As told to my mom in order to make Broadcaster deadline!)

I read this book out loud to my sister, Michon. This book is in an easy question and answer style. Even though the subtitle is “Answers to a Child’s First Bible Questions,” my mom learned new things, too.  For example, we learned that the word “Gospel” means “Good News” in Greek.

I also like learning that when Mary (Lazarus’s sister) washed Jesus’ feet, she dried them with her hair. That was interesting and kind of gross. She must have had long hair.  Also, the answer the book gives to the question, “What will happen when Jesus comes back?” sparked a conversation in our house about when that might be.  My mom said we’d be thrown out of other churches for some of our ideas about that.

I liked this book and learned a lot. Any age would enjoy it.  Check out the “Book Nook”, located downstairs by the piano. So, did Jesus wear blue jeans? If you read this book, you’ll find out!

   Greeters                     Liturgists                                           Ushers

6.  Judy Ahrend                  6.    Carolyn Kohloff                                  6. .  Dick Arend & Dale Sprecher               

13.  The Obois Family        13.  Kate Fitzwilliams                                13.  Greg & Joanna Hollenback                  

20.  Kristin Ellis                  20   Audrey Christofersen                         20.   Terry & Barb McCormick                  

27.  Earl Eckhart                  27.  Janice Eckhart                                    27.  Kevin & Luke Moll                                                             

Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Bright Stars of Bethlehem will be bringing a dance troupe of young men and women on a tour to the Midwest in May.  Their dance performance "Room for Hope" shares a slice of their reality as they search for meaning in their life in the midst of occupation.  Monday, May 7, 7 PM, at Edgewood College Anderson Auditorium in Predolin Humanities Building.  The performance is free and open to the public; a free will offering will be taken.

There will also be two other opportunities to meet and talk with these amazing young people about their life and their dance troupe: Monday afternoon, May 7, at the Lutheran Church in McFarland and Tuesday morning, May 8, at Memorial UCC, Fitchburg.  If you are interested in coming to either of these events, please contact Bonnie Van Overbeke (bonnievano@aol.com), Glen Reichelderfer (glen@cpcmadison.org) or Bruce Burnside (bruceb@scsw-elca.org).

These events have been organized through a local partnership of the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

Children of Abraham: Jews, Christians and Muslims
Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference UCC

Green Lake Conference Center, June 8-10. Annual meetings are an opportunity to renew friendships, create new connections, worship and celebrate our life together, and, yes, set a path for the year and years ahead.  There is also an optional workshop with UCC General Minister and President Geoffrey Black on Thursday, June 7.

This year, our theme focuses on our shared kinship with Jews and Muslims. We will learn how each tradition approaches its sacred texts, hear representatives of all three faiths explore a shared story with different understandings, and how young people are forging new forms of cooperation across faith traditions. And we will have workshops where participants can explore the three faiths in more depth.

Important “business” at the meeting:

Votes on: new Conference by-laws; resolutions about national UCC governance, from General Synod; the 2013 Conference budget; slate of nominees for Conference offices.

Our congregation is entitled to two “official” lay delegates.  The church provides for registration and other expenses for official delegates, with priority given to elected officers, then members of boards, then other members.  Please let Pastor Doug know by May 13 if you would like to be a lay delegate.  Of course, “visitors” (non-delegates) are always encouraged and welcome to attend all or part of the Conference meeting.  Visitors and clergy delegates may register individually—use the link from the Annual Meeting page on the Conference website:  www.wcucc.org.  You can also find more information there on specific workshops and faith formation offerings, as well as the whole schedule for plenary sessions and other gatherings. As always, the exhibit hall will be filled with information, handmade items, books, cookies and refreshments.