'SCOOP' on the web
On this page will be the 'SCOOP', updated as it is released.
Pastor Bob's Moment
Pastor Denise's Page
Rieke's to Washington
Consistory report
Committee Reports
Lent begins
Women's Guild Lenten Brunch
We're hosting a diabetes fundraiser
Games Night is Friday
Bible study coming to Monday evenings
Annual Meeting 2003 summary
Budget Box
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Members in Ministry leadership changes
Interested in joining our church family?
Attention Webmasters
Would you like a ride?
Sunday School news
Church camp is for all ages!
Rev. Robert and Gladys Rieke say "Thank
you"
After 6 CD is coming!
From Walter and Dorothy Wendt
From Doris Witte
We meet to pray for peace
Memorials report
Radio Ministry
In our church family
Ushers
COVER
March 2003
First United Church of Christ
"Easier than..."
As the church season of Lent approaches, we remember Christ's call to discipleship. Asking for God's forgiveness and then being reborn in newness of life is not easy. It is possible, though, through God's amazing grace in Jesus, grace that sustains us and gives us voice and courage on our journey!
Judith Clabes said it well: "It's easier to make promises than to keep commitments. It's easier to criticize than to create. It is easier to consume than to produce. It is easier to be against than to be for. It's easier to tear down than to build up. It is easier to sit back than to participate. It is easier to stand by than to stand up. It is easier to analyze than to play the game. It is easier to float than to swim. It is easier to speak in sound bites than to give a dissertation. It is easier to listen to sound bites than to hear a full story. It is easier to go for style than to wait for substance. It is easier to label than to try to understand. It is easier to make excuses than to admit mistakes. It is easier to maintain the status quo than to look for new options. It is easier to place the blame than to assume responsibility. It is easier to join a parade than to form one. It is easier to shout down than speak up. It is easier to bully than to persuade. It is easier to coast than to pedal. It is easier to create an image than to nurture depth. It is easier to be a celebrity than to be a hero. It is easier to cite options than to make choices. It is easier to complain than to build bridges. It is easier to point fingers than to offer a hand.
Jesus walked a difficult road. Jesus made defining choices. Jesus built bridges of love, Jesus calls us to responsible life and living. Jesus nurtures our depth of life and relationships. In this Lenten season Jesus calls us to break the silence and to share words of faith, hope, peace and love. May it be so as Jesus proclaimed and lived!
--Pastor Bob--
Dear Friends,
As the days begin to lengthen, we are reminded of the word Lent. The season of Lent comes in our church year at a time when the sunlight is brighter, the temperatures (we hope) warm, and our bodies, minds and spirits seem to come out of hibernation. The seed catalogs arrive in the mail. We begin to plan our summer activities and vacations. We are anxious to get out and about - symptoms of spring fever. In our Lenten worship we are given opportunities to reflect, to plan, to prepare for the coming "spring". How will we share the news of God's love, which is shown to us in Jesus?
This year our ecumenical services theme is "Breaking the Silence". These will be Lenten encounters with Jesus to empower us to act in extraordinary ways; encouragements to look for signs of hope, find voices for thanksgiving and praise, and live our faith. I hope that you find these Wednesday night services to be special markers in this season.
I give thanks daily for the ways in which each of you cares for others in Jesus name,
Yours in Christ, Pastor Denise
Pastor Bob and Sharon will be in the state of Washington Friday, March 20 - Friday, March 28 to visit with daughter Rachel, son-in-law Bill, grandson Asah, and son Nathan.
Consistory met on Thursday, February 20 with Pam Alwin, Sue Barth, Rick Breininger, Rick Chamberlin, Nadene Litscher, Herman Tschudy, Jamie Wittwer, and Pastors Bob and Denise present. We welcomed our new members and signed a card for member Linda Lange, who was in the hospital.
Pastor Bob reviewed the Annual Meeting, church attendance, and finances. 48 radio broadcasts are sponsored, with the next open broadcast March 23rd. He introduced our Cooperative Lenten
season and spoke of the upcoming church camp interpretation, rummage sale for diabetes, and Women's Guild Lenten brunch.
Pastor Denise reported the new title of the office open house will be "He-brews, She-brews." Thanks to all who submitted suggestions! She shared confirmation projects and the upcoming pancake supper for Mardi Gras/ Shrove Tuesday event and her participation in church and community programs. New upcoming programs will be a Monday night Bible study and a "Games night" on February 28th.
Christian Education/Sunday School
Souper Bowl of Caring $185 for Ronald McDonald
House
2/16 "Fun and Float" at SPHS pool--good
attendance
Adult class has started a Book of James study
Pastor Denise is starting a Monday night Bible
study class
3/2 is church camp Sunday and roller-skating
Lenten project will be the Mexican Children's
Refuge
Members in Ministry
One bread and jam basket delivered; 17 January visits milestone: Valera Accola - 150 visits
Our Cooperative Lenten series theme is "Breaking the Silence", which takes a look at women of the New Testament and their encounters with Jesus. Each Wednesday evening we gather for worship at Concordia United Methodist, First Presbyterian, or at our church. All cooperative services begin at 7:30PM and except for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, will be followed by a coffee fellowship at the host church.
March 5 - ASH WEDNESDAY - 7:30PM
host; Concordia United Methodist
message: Pastor
Bob
"Woman who anointed Christ"
Wednesday, March 12- 7:30PM
host: First UCC
message: Pastor Larry Collins
"Bent-over Woman" coffee fellowship
follows the service
Wednesday, March 19 - 7:30PM
host: Fist Presbyterian
message: Pastor Denise
"Woman who extended the Lord's Table"
coffee fellowship follows the service
Wednesday, March 26 - 7:30PM
host: Fist UCC
message: Concordia
"Woman who broke the Curse" coffee
fellowship follows service
Wednesday, April 2 - 7:30PM
host: Concordia
message: Pastor Bob
"Woman
who had near-death experience"
coffee fellowship follows service
Wednesday, April 9 - 7:30PM
host: First Presbyterian
message: Pastor Denise
"Woman who hauled living water"
coffee fellowship follows
service
April 18 - GOOD FRIDAY - 1:OOPM
host: First UCC
message: all four Pastors
" Women at the Cross"
Offerings taken at these services go to the United Church Work fund, and are divided among Vacation Bible School, Church World Service, Hope House and Habitat for Humanity
Join us on Saturday, March 15 at 11:00AM for a salad luncheon. Dr. Haakan Carlson will be speaking on the Good Neighbor Clinic and Laura Maenche will entertain us with some wonderful melodies. All women of the community are invited, so bring a friend. Please sign up at the back of church or call the church office by March 11 so we can plan accordingly.
We're hosting a diabetes fundraiser
Several of our members have organized a, winter "garage" sale in the ed. building basement to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
sale dates: Thursday, March 6 from
noon-7PM and Friday, March 7 from
9AM-3PM
if you have items to donate, bring them
to church (there's a box in the entry way)
or call Heidi Liverseed at 643-6835
Friday evenings, February 28 and March 28 will be a games nights here at First UCC. Gathering time will be about 6 pm (come when you can). Bring a dish to pass and a game to play (or play one that's here). Some play cards, others play board games -both are welcome! This fellowship time will be in the lower level of the education building.
Bible study coming to Monday evenings
A Bible study group is being offered on Monday evenings. Study begins on March 10 at 7:00 pm. We will meet in the "youth room" on the top floor of the Education Building. The group will study the book Do What You Have the Power to Do, a look at six women of the New Testament. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Pastors or church office. All are welcome!
76 of us remained after worship on Sunday, February 2 for our Annual Meeting. Consistory President Tom Litscher appointed Pat Barrett as parliamentarian. The previous year's minutes were approved as printed. Tellers were appointed. Committee reports were reviewed and accepted as printed.
Our new financial advisor Laura Stanek was introduced and explained the services that she offers for the church. Our accountant Bob Kaufman presented the 2002 final financial report. Bob Kaufman also
introduced the 2003 budget. A motion was made to give Pastor Bob and Pastor Denise a 2% salary increase. The motion was approved by ballot vote 62 in favor, 14 opposed. The budget, with this addition, was then unanimously approved by voice vote.
Sue Barth, Rick Breininger and Mike Brzezinski were elected to three-year Consistory terms. Pam Alwin was elected to a one-year term. Elected to serve on Pastor-Parish Relations were Mike Boss and Kay Roherty. Those who had served on Consistory and Pastor-Parish were thanked.
Pastors Bob and Denise presented "Plans and Goals 2003: A vision for our life together" (p. 12 of our annual report); questions were answered and comments shared on many of the items. By recommendation of our parliamentarian an Organ Fund could be set up by Consistory.
After the Annual Meeting adjourned, the Consistory held an organizational meeting. 2003 officers: President - Herman Tschudy, Vice President - Pam Alwin, Secretary -Nadene Litscher, Treasurer - Rick Chamberlin.
To meet our budget this year, we need "regular" offerings (does not include gifts to Memorial fund or other offerings earmarked for specific needs) of $14,425 per month. We arrive at this amount by dividing our total budget by twelve. Last month's regular offering was $11,271. We're thankful for any and all gifts given to our church!
Loaves and Fishes. Seeds and Tools. Miracles transform receivers into givers. It happened on the shore of Galilee long ago. Thanks to OGHS, it happens around the world every day.
Each person who receives becomes a giver. One person learns to read, then teaches another. Villagers learn to dig wells, then show another village how.
Giving to this offering, you become a link in this chain of transformation. Your gift comes back to you in love because every receiver helps someone else. This offering will be taken on March 30.
The confirmation students will be flipping flapjacks on Tuesday, March 4 starting at 6PM. Pancakes are a traditional Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday food. If you would like to join in, please call the office by noon on the 4th so we can plan. (Confirm and family reservations will be taken separately -- you need not call.)
Members in Ministry leadership changes
Evelyn Accola has served faithfully as one of our Members in Ministry coordinators for five years. Evelyn has kept records, arranged visits, reported back to the Pastors, etc!! We deeply appreciate her kind, and competent work! Linda Lange now works as a co-coordinator with Kelli Straight!
Interested in joining our church family?
We view church membership as having four parts:
Prayer - We give thanks to God. We pray for each other.
Presence - We attend worship services to give thanks, to discover God's will for our lives and to share our faith with others.
Gifts - According to our means, we support our church financially.
Service - We share the gifts God has given us within our church and our community.
If you're interested in joining our church, or know of someone who might be, contact either Pastor Bob or Pastor Denise.
Actually, anyone with web site experience— we need your help! If you are interested in helping put together a website for the church -please call the office or talk to Pastor
Denise.
Care Driver rides are available to:
-- worship services and church programs
--
appointments and errands in the community
Call Kelli Straight, 643-3719 or the church office 643-8387 to arrange for a ride.
by Margaret McFarlane
Our annual roller-skating party will be Sunday, March 2 from 4:30-7:00. We have invited Concordia and First Presbyterian members to join us. We'll meet at Jan & Deans. The cost is $3 per skater ($4 for rollerblades).
The Sunday School is planning to put together a cookbook. This project is scheduled to be completed by spring of 2004. If you'd like to help, please call me at 643-6327, or sign up on the sheet labeled "Cookbook committee" on the library counter.
There were 50 in attendance at our February Fun and Float. It was a fun afternoon of swimming and fellowship.
During Lent, the Sunday School is collecting donations for the Mexican Children's Refuge. Pastor Herb and Bev Feierabend from our church are the coordinators of this home building project. Donations can be sent to Sunday School or put in the offering plate. Donations should be turned in by April 27.
March is church camp month! Students in grades K-6 will see a video and hear about camp. The camp pot will be out in the narthex for donations which will be used to sponsor campers.
Thanks for the great choir participation on February 16. The Sunday School choir will sing again on March 16. Grades 4,5&6 will have a special part before the choir.
A new candlelighter schedule will be made for April and May. If your child would like to participate, please let me know (643-6327).
Campers gather in the community of creation to share meals, songs, campfires, star-gazing, worship, water sports, and more. Church camp really is a wonderful way to relax, have fun, learn, and enjoy fellowship.
Brochures for the 2003 season have been mailed to those who participated last year; additional brochures are available in the literature racks and at the church office. There are camps for young children all the way up to senior citizens. Register for the camp you want by sending in the form and fee. There are discounts if you register early!
The camp pot will be up at the back of church to remind everyone that we are collecting money to help our campers. Money may be placed in the pot or offering plates, or sent to the church office. A special offering will be taken on March 16.
If you want financial aid, LET US KNOW THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED. By early June we'll let you know how much money you will receive. (We divide the camp fund proportionately among all campers.)
If you have any questions about church camp, contact Margaret McFarlane, Pastors Bob or Denise, or the church office.
Rev. Robert and Gladys Rieke say "Thank you"
Dear Friends, "We thank God in every remembrance of you..." Philippians 1:3 Thank you so much for your cards, and calls and for the wonderful Well Wishers letter signed by so many church members. Bob is slowly improving and looking forward to the time he can resume full activity... God's blessings to you (and may you never get shingles!).
After 6 is pleased to announce they've reached a long-time goal -- to record a CD! Their first CD "A Christmas to Remember" will be released this spring. They're currently taking orders at the discounted price of $10.00. The CD's will be delivered upon release. If you are interested or know of someone who is, please contact Kristy Litscher (643-6199) or any member of After 6. Congratulations to this great singing group!
Many thanks to Pastor Bob and the people at First Church for their attention and concern for us when Walter was suddenly taken to the hospital for a few days of care. We know all of this, along with the help from our family and friends, has put him back on his feet. The get-well card with the many names was wonderful too. We are grateful the good Lord has done so much in filling our needs.
My thanks to Pastor Bob and Pastor Denise, the Prayer Circle, and members of First Church for their visits, cards, and prayers when I was hospitalized and since my return home. Incidentally, I am doing fine and am so grateful for my quick recovery. God was certainly on my side. May you be blessed as I have been.
It is always the role of the church, the community of Christ, to proclaim the gospel and gather up the prayers of the people. In these times, the church is especially called on to proclaim its own message for the world. For the next several weeks, you are invited to join other Christians in our community for a series of short, meditative prayer services beginning Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m. in our church's sanctuary. This will be a time to pray for peace in our world and to remember those called to military service and their families.
Sunday worship: 8:00AM
(broadcast over WRPQ AM740) and 10:30AM (childcare provided)
Sunday
School: 9:10-10:10AM for ages 3 to adult; also Teen Breakfast Club
January 2003
Memorials received for:
Clare Zerler, Audie Diske,
Helen Foye, Alice Sorg Ring,
Oscar and Agnes Becker
also:
In honor of these wedding anniversaries:
Clifford and Margaret Wittwer's 50th
Erv and Lorene Sprecher's 65th
Lawrence and Alberta Meier's 60th
We thank the sponsors of the February radio
broadcasts of our 8:OOAM Sunday worship:
Iola Kamrath and Louie Weber
Eileen Williams
Toddy Loether
Bob & Lorene Cushing
Rev. & Mrs. Robert Rieke, Sr
We need a sponsor for the March 23 broadcast.
Anniversaries
Louise and Wilbert Reuter, 52 years on March 4
Kelli and Tim Straight, 10 years on March 19
Greetings to all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in March!
(We acknowledge all birthdays 70 and over; anniversaries: first, all that
end in 5 or 0, and all 50 and over. Call the church office if we miss
yours.)
Birthdays
5th John Trueb
6th John Winiger
7th Iver Schara
8th Sally Beerkircher
9th Evelyn Kaiser
12th Franz Wyttenbach
18th Calvin Sorg
20th Lloyd Oler
23rd Irene Waffenschmidt
25th Chuck Henning
28th Lucy Coenen
30th Margaret Withington
March
8:00
Tammy Young, Jackie Sliter, Derek
10:30
Rick Chamberlin,
Margaret & Tom
McFarlane,
Kay Roherty
April
8:00
Liz Bongard,
Peggy Bongard,
Phil Bongard, Dave Ganser
10:30
Nadene & Todd
Litscher,
Kelli & Tim Straight
2003 Usher and Communion Server schedules will be mailed out soon.
Sign up to greet! We like to have two people or couples at eaeh service.
(signup sheet is on table in narthex)
March
5 Ash Wednesday Service, Concordia - 7:30PM
10 Sunday School staff- 6:30PM
10 Bible Study - 7:00PM
11 Program Committee - 7:300PM
12 Cooperative Lenten Service, here - 7:30PM
15 Women's Guild Lenten Brunch - 11 :00AM
19 Cooperative Lenten Service, First Pres - 7:30PM
20 Consistory - 7:00PM
26 Cooperative Lenten Service, here - 7:30PM
30 One
Great Hour of Sharing offering
Bible Study - Mon. at 7PM
Meditation - Wed. at
1PM
Men of A-Chord- Wed. at 5:45PM
FiNKS - Wed. at 6:30PM
Adult Choir
- Wed. at 6:30PM
Prayer & Study Group Thursday at 9:15AM
Bible Study - Thurs. at 1:00
Pastor Bob Rieke
office hours: Monday-Thursday,
9:00AM-noon
and by appointment
office phone: 643-8387
parsonage phone: 643-8050
Pastor Denise Cole
office hours: Mon. & Fri. -
10-1, Wed. 12-1
and by appointment
office phone: 643-8387
home phone: 643-0279
Sue Lloyd, church office manager
office
open: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-noon
(church answering machine is always
on to receive your messages)