'SCOOP' on the web
On this page will be the
'SCOOP', updated as it is released.
Also see the 'SCOOP' on the web, archives.
Pastor Bob’s Moment
Pastor Denise’s Page
On-going program updates
Memorials report
Radio Ministry
In our church family
Ushers
Mother-Daughter Banquet
We celebrate mothers
Easter flower donors
A Mother’s Day Spring Concert
Sanctuary stained glass back
Habitat for Humanity “Garage” & Bake Sale
May Schedule
Sunday School news
Camp registration continues
Vacation Bible School
No Consistory report this month
Can you recycle a piano?
Roth's will celebrate
From Rita Larsen
From Tina Wilkinson
From Bill Roth
From the American Red Cross
In our community
Take My Son
May 2003
First United Church of Christ
“A Gift from God”
She came home with us from Ohio in 1987, a small black and brown ball of fur. Nathan gave her the very feminine name “Rhiney.” The vet named her “Ms. Rhiney.” She was a mutt, a “Heinz 57,” 50% terrier and 50% this that, and the other.
She quickly became the friend of many in our church and community. A bundle of energy at 30 pounds, she would walk with Sharon and me. People who would watch her pull on her leash would slow their cars and say, “Who’s walking whom?” If I had been wearing a pair of skates, she would have pulled me the three miles we walked each day. Rhiney put that energy to good use, going on the six mile CROP walk for hunger for four years, receiving over $500 in pledges!
She was a gentle, loving companion, wearing out several pairs of my tennis shoes and numerous tennis balls. With a sparkle in her eye she would play “hockey goalie” and “find the ball” with anyone and everyone until she was exhausted. She would greet me as I awoke each morning and at the door each noon and night. Curling up at our feet, she loved us freely, completely, unconditionally …for sixteen years. Rhiney died on April 16th. She gave far more than she ever received. “Just a dog”--perhaps to some, but to us a gift and blessing from the hands of God.
Spring is here. Take time to enjoy your friends, both two- and four-footed. All are gifts from God!
Pastor Bob
Dear Friends,
What joy we have this Easter Season!
Many thanks to all who helped in our Easter celebration, those who prepared the Sanctuary, the coffee fellowship, the music, the worship, and all those who participated in the three worship services. I truly enjoyed every moment of the morning. I am especially grateful to Nina Boss who helped in planning the Sunrise Service with the youth, AND the kids: Beth & Rudy Steffen, Kevin Hardtke, Tyler Jensen, John & Chris Lendved. Also, thanks to the parents and family members who got up extra early to have them here at 6:45 am.
First UCC has joined the electronic age, in an update of our Website. We are putting the necessary work in play to have our own web domain. Currently you can visit firstucc.perrynet.org to see the beginnings of our web page. The SCOOP will be there. Please “pay us a visit”.
It seems that the church universal is challenged again to reform how it shares the gospel with world. Many times in the almost two thousand year history the Church has had to reshape the presentation of the message, i.e. the move from Greek to Latin to local languages; the move from sharing the elements of Eucharist in burial grounds to mass in cathedrals with the host lifted for the people to see but not taste to people tasting and seeing in small close sanctuaries; from the priests being the only ones to read the Bible to the educated people reading the Bible in Latin to all people taught to read and having the Bible in their own language. Now we are looking at the music, the language, the method of giving out the information via electronic and virtual media, and the stylistic choices of our worship, our education, and our fellowship. I have found that there are two constants through out the many changes in the way “we are church”. The first and most important – Jesus Christ is the head of the church, we are the body, and we are centered in Christ! The second is the church is about relationships – each one’s relationship to Christ AND to the gathered body – to each other. Someone invited a person new to the Christian faith in. That is how we all got here. As followers of Christ we are asked by Jesus to share with others the message of grace. This is our ministry and our mission.
I give thanks everyday for the works you do in Christ’s name!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Denise
EXTRA…. EXTRA…
BRIGHT SUNDAY COMING!
APRIL 27TH!!!!!!!!!
On-going program updates
FiNKS Schedule is: May 7 Theme Event
May 14 Small Group
May 21 Theme Event
May 28 FUN
ACTIVITY
June 8 Confirmation
Games Night May 23! All are welcome. Bring a dish to share and games to play.
Organ Committee will meet at 6:30 pm Thursday, May 22.
Memorials report
March 2003
Memorials received in memory of
Royal Becker,
Janet Leclair,
Al & Louise Davidson
Radio Ministry
We thank the sponsors of the April radio broadcasts of our 8:00AM Sunday worship:
Lilah Sprecher
Ruth & Evelyn Accola
Dorothy & Walter Wendt
Nina, Mike & Dylan Boss
Lilah Porter
Anniversaries
Winnie and Lowell Grass, 45 years on May 10
Irene and Lyman Waffenschmidt, 51 years on May 10
Penny and Bill Roth, 50 years on May 23
Belated wishes to Debbie and Herman Tschudy who celebrated their first anniversary on April 6!
Greetings to all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in May!
Birthdays
Buford Wicklund May 2
Daisy Patterson May 5
Liz Bongard May 16
Berenice Heiney May 17
Pastor Denise May 18
Marion Foster May 18
Ervin Sprecher May 18
Anna Zick May 22
Esta Eschenbauch May 26
VaLera Accola May 28
We welcome Linnea Nachreiner, born on March 29 to Marcia & Marty!
Our sympathy and prayers for the family and friends of Elizabeth Kirschner who died on April 3.
| Ushers | |||
| May | June | ||
| 8:00 | 10:30 | 8:00 | 10:30 |
| Sandy & Jay Jenson | Debbie & Herman Tschudy | Em & Bill Fuchs | Heidi & Shawn Liverseed |
| Sandy Cleveland | Jean Ann & Dick Breininger | Deb & Arnie Wells | Steffen Family |
| Mike Brzezinski | |||
Sign up to greet! We like to have two people |
|||
Mother-Daughter Banquet
Our May 1 Banquet will feature Lola Huber and her wonderful collection of oil lamps.
We’ll gather at 6:30 in the sanctuary basement. All women of the church are invited to attend, you don’t need to bring a mother or a daughter! Please bring a dish to share and provide your own tableware. Beverages will be provided.
We celebrate mothers
Join us for worship on Mother’s Day, May 11th. The youngest and oldest mothers at each service will receive flowers.
Easter flower donors
Pastor Bob & Sharon
Cecy & Pete Haines
Jacob & Travis Steuber
Judy Weinke
Merton & Shirley Moely
VaLera Accola
Buford Wicklund
Harland & Lorraine Hartmann
Verna & Bill Wenzel
Dorothy & Walter Wendt
Doris Steuber
Patsy Hering
Toddy Loether
Thank you for helping to beautify the sanctuary during the Easter season.
A Mother’s Day Spring Concert
Michael John Davidson will be performing a concert on Sunday, May 11 at 2:00PM in the sanctuary at First United Church of Christ.
Michael has studied the organ, both pipe and electronic, since the age of five. He is a
graduating senior from Sauk Prairie High School. Recent roles in high school music events include Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” the Major General in “Pirates of Penzance,” and with the Show Choir, “Jesus” in featured selections from Godspell and the father in “Ragtime.”
A reception will follow; all are invited!
Sanctuary stained glass back
Our middle east side sanctuary stained glass window and two bell tower windows returned just in time for Easter. The renovation work was done by Anna Sagami and the removal and replacement by Sauk Prairie Remodeling. Take a moment to look closely at our beautiful “new” windows! This work cost over $8,000. If you care to contribute to this project, you may place your gift in the offering plate (please mark it as “Stained Glass donation.”)
Habitat for Humanity “Garage” & Bake Sale
Treasures, practical stuff, and goodies for a good cause! Saturday, May 3 from 7:30am-3pm at St. Al’s school gym. Donations welcomed! Bring items to the gym on Friday from 4-8pm.
| May Schedule | |
| 1 | Mother-Daughter Banquet – 6:30PM |
| 5 | Sunday School staff – 6:30PM |
| 6-16 | Pastor Denise gone |
| 15 | Consistory – 7:00PM |
| Organ Committee – 6:30PM | |
| 23 | Games Night – 6PM |
| 25 | Dedication of Memorials, both services |
| 29 | Building & Maintenance – 6:30PM |
| June 8 | Confirmation and Holy Communion |
Sunday School news
by Margaret McFarlane
Many thanks to all the students who sang on April 20 and to those who carried palms on the 13th.
The Sunday School choir will sing at the 10:30 service on the 18th.
Our last Sunday School class will be May 18. We will have sundaes as a final treat.
Please let me or the church office know if you are going to church camp.
Please check the candle-lighting schedule- students are scheduled through May 18.
Please turn in donations for “The Mexican Children’s Refuge” by May 4.
Thanks to all who joined us for our annual Easter party. We had a great afternoon with approximately 80 in attendance. Special thanks to the Pastors, the Sunday School staff, and the Confirmation students for their assistance.
This year, the Sunday School is again sponsoring a summer fund raiser. We are scheduled to run a brat stand by Piggly Wiggly on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. Volunteers will be needed so mark your calendar!
Camp registration continues
We are aware of 3 campers who are registered for a variety of camp sessions at Pilgrim Center. (You may continue to register through the end of May.) Church
camp is great fun and fellowship. To assist
with our camping program, we continue to
accept donations to our camp fund. Our final special offering will be on May 25. If you are planning to go to camp, please let us know soon.
Vacation Bible School
Classes will be held June 9-13 here at First UCC from 9:30AM-noon. Please return your registration forms by May 18. The return basket and extra forms are available in the education building entryway.
Volunteers are needed! Please call the church office or Margaret McFarlane 643-6327.
Return to the top
No Consistory report this month - meeting was held April 24.
Can you recycle a piano?
The church has a piano with a cracked soundboard. It contains a lot of pretty wood that could be used for . . . something? If you would be interested in this piano, contact the church office.
Would you like a ride?
Care Driver rides are available for church and community trips. Examples:
--Mother-Daughter Banquet
--dentist, doctor, optometrist
--worship services
--hospital and Maplewood visits
--doctor and dentist appointments
--bank and other errands
Call Kelli Straight, 643-3719 or the church office 643-8387 to arrange for a ride.
Roth's will celebrate
In honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Bill and Penny Roth, their children request the pleasure of your company at a luncheon on May 18 from 1-4pm in the church dining room. Your friendship is a treasured gift, we request no other.
From Rita Larsen
I would like to thank everyone for all the cards and prayers during my recent surgery and recovery. Also, thank you to Pastors Bob and Denise for the hospital visits. Knowing that so many people care makes recovery much easier. It is great to be part of such a loving and caring church family.
From Tina Wilkinson
Your many cards, visits, well wishes, and prayers meant so much to me while I was in the hospital. My healing process is slow and will take many months and more surgery. I’m so happy to know I have a vast support system on my side. May God bless all of you.
From Bill Roth
Heartfelt thanks for your cards, visits, food and well wishes while I was in the hospital and recovering at home. The surgery will help me to continue to sing and to enjoy life. Special thanks to Pastors Bob and Denise for their visits and prayers.
From the American Red Cross
Thanks to all those who staffed and who shared “the gift of life” at our Good Friday Cooperative Bloodmobile. Our “target” goal was 35-50 pints. 47 people came and 40 were able to donate!
In Our Community
Sat. April 26 – Estate and Rummage Sale at Concordia, 8am-3pm
Sun. April 27 – Spaghetti Supper at First Presbyterian, 5-6:30pm, benefits the Autism Society of Wisconsin
Sun. April 27 – Chicken & Dumpling Supper at Blackhawk United Methodist, 4:30-8:30pm
Growing through Grief series at First United Methodist in Baraboo. Thursdays in May, 6-8pm
Sat. May 10 – Great Green Plant Sale at St. Al’s gym, 8am-1pm
Take My Son
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.
He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see
the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."
But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
"We have $10, who will bid $20?"
"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."
"$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?"
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.