First Congregational United Church of Christ - First Congregational UCC
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March 2022 Branches Newsletter
No Fellowship Hour during the month of February due to Covid
First Congregational United Church of Christ
To engage and Inspire All Generations to Connect with God through Love and Service
815 S. Concord Rd. Phone: 262.567.4461
Oconomowoc, WI 53066 Fax: 262.567.5533
www.oconomowocucc.org Email: uccoffice@oconomowocucc.org
Page 2 March 2022 Branches Pastoral Ponderings . . . Are we frozen? Can we thaw? In the face of trouble we can run away, confront, or freeze. Doesn’t matter if the threat is to our bodies, our self-esteem, our finances, or our very lives. Currently we confronted by Covid; and its variations is on our minds – and it should be. Climate change is on our minds – and it should be. Other concerns might be the cost of childcare? Lack of after school programs? Computer issues? Our nation’s divisions? Discord at work? Disagreements within social groups? Disharmony at home? Coping with angry drivers? Dissonance within our souls? How can we deal with our anxieties? Any of these may cause us turmoil. And the avalanche of many of these troubles can cause us to freeze. Many have stopped listening to or reading the news. How do we deal with so many problems? How can we cope? How can we personally heal so we keep our balance? We know that our mind / body / emotional equilibrium is key to our happiness – and so important to our spirituality. Jesus told us many times: “Do not be afraid; you are of more value . . .” [One example: Matthew 10:31.] Yet it is so hard to really place our complete trust in God. In another passage Jesus tells us to take the long view of life and comforts us by telling us, “… strive for His kingdom … ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12.27-32. But what if during our crisis we forget we are members of God’s church? What if we forget God’s enduring long-view plan for us? Perhaps one approach made by Jackie Hallbert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill, a not-for-profit company. as it responded to crises may help. She stated, “In 2020, we actually started to engage in a long-term strategic planning process to say, ‘What does Goodwill need to look like 10 years from now?’ It's really easy to get caught up in the crisis of the day, which you have to manage, and you can't downplay that. ... But when there is a crisis, there's also opportunity to really change direction, if necessary, to focus on things that become really important.” What about us? What about when we feel unsteady? We somehow know it is the time to trust in God’s Holy Spirit. We somehow know it is the time to listen to what St. Paul declares to be how to live one’s life when we practice “the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22b-23a. We somehow know how personally satisfying our own lives would be if we lived in and with God’s Spirit. What contentment could we bring to those we love most dearly? And then spread to all we encounter? Even if we have positions of political or religious authority and use our public influence positively we can only work to heal ourselves first - then spread God’s love to others. We must remember that we are members of a large body. When St. Paul wrote to one of his congregations, he reminded them that “Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12. One way we can approach life’s troubles might be to avoid looking at every matter in life in black and white. Life is grey. When we accept this, we adopt God’s world as He created it. In response to an inquiry columnist Carolyn Hax offered this opinion when we try to make life crystal clear: “The clearer we draw our distinctions, the less gray we need to navigate, the fewer unknowns we need to face, the less we need to learn about ourselves or others, and the less we have to try. Trying, on the other hand, is scary.
March 2022 Branches Page 3
Pastoral Ponderings . . . continued
Physically, it’s when you fall. Professionally, it’s when you look inept. Emotionally, it’s when you get hurt.”
[Originally published July 29, 2007.]
Perhaps one of the best ways we can avoid the fear and anxiety which can steer us to run or freeze is to
strive to live in peace within ourselves – and work to be more accepting of both ourselves and others. If we
believe Jesus is with us, as we should, then we His words are reassuring, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them
be afraid.” John 14:27. We must not let fear, anxiety, worry overtake us. Fear keeps us from healing. Fear is
an awful motivator, yet it does influence so much of what we do or avoid doing. We should take life’s
opportunities and use them for God’s Kingdom. Because of life’s concerns there is so much on our minds
and in our hearts [and even our guts]. May I suggest that this the time to continue to trust in God and
faithfully work with God’s Holy Spirit to strive to live in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This might revolutionize our lives. And the people we live with.
And everyone we encounter. --- A Reflection by Pastor Barry
We need your announcements, articles, news, and/or thank you notes you
wish to communicate to your church family and friends!
We have created a Communication Submission Form to guide you on the
various ways you can spread your news, along with timing and due dates.
Communicate Here Questions: rochelle.behling@gmail.com
Or jennifer@oconomowocucc.org
Page 4 March 2022 Branches
Youth News
Sunday School News!
Each of us are called to love others just as much as ourselves. We are to take care of our neighbors and show
kindness to all we encounter and share what we may have. This month our children and youth will be exploring
the parable of the Good Samaritan. We will be engaging in different activities to explore this message and find
ways of how the children can show their love and what they may have with others.
As we begin our journey through Lent the parable of the Good Samaritan is a great reminder of instead of giving
up something for Lent but to do something more for others during the season of Lent. So, what can you do to
spread more of your love to your “neighbors” and to share what you may have with others?
Come and join us in this season of Lent in the classroom as we have fun and engage in this parable!
Virtual Young Adult Gatherings
We are continuing to offer weekly Virtual Young Adult Zoom gatherings Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. As we begin
Lent we will begin a Lenten Devotion of Vincent Van Gogh and the Beauty of Lent. This is a great opportunity for
us to come together as a Christian family from many different paths scattered all over to connect with one other
and participate in this Lenten study. These are very informal so pop in for a quick moment or stay as long as you
can. Click here access the meeting or go to the Zoom app and enter Meeting ID:859 4199 6806 and
Passcode:044377. Contact Amy Drewa at amydrewa@oconomowocucc.org with any questions. We look forward
to seeing you!!
Youth Group (3rd-12th Grade)
In February we offered two fun events. At our first event we enjoyed the outdoors by snowshoeing and sledding.
We truly do have beautiful grounds to enjoy all year long. The sledding hill is pretty fun too!
During our second event we had a blast participating in some indoor Wild Winter Olympic Games. Our youth en-
gaged in some competitive games of curing, snowboarding, bobsledding, downhill moguls, hockey, cross country
skiing and snowshoeing. It truly was a fun day filled with plenty of fun and laughter!
These gatherings are always great opportunities for our youth to come together and have fun. Watch your emails
for our next gathering!
March 2022 Branches Page 5
Lent Activities
As we Journey through Lent there are a few opportunities and events for you
and/or your family to participate in:
• Join us for an interactive, family friendly Ash Wednesday service for ALL
ages. This year we will be partnering with Emmanuel UCC in Dousman to
explore Ash Wednesday through our senses on March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
• Create a Story Garden with our Lent Kits! Each week there is an object to add to your garden along with a
scripture, discussion, and prayer card. These kits are FREE for all individuals, couples, and families. Pick a
kit up before or after church on the old communion table in the narthex. Or contact Amy Drewa,
amydrewa@oconomowocucc.org to get one.
• There are also some Lenten Devotional books available for you to enjoy at home. You may pick one up
from the Welcome Table in Fellowship Hall.
Confirmation
Our Confirmation class is still going well! In February we gathered
for a fun filled day of learning and exploring the history of the
UCC. We had some wonderful discissions of the future of the
church. These young adults have some wonderful insight!
This month we will be gathering to explore the sacraments and
engage in a scavenger hunt around the church grounds. We can’t
believe how quick this journey is going and how much these young
adults are growing in their faith
in such a short amount of time!
We would like to thank our Sunday School Volunteers from last month.
Thank Without amazing volunteers wouldn’t be able to offer these sessions to our children and
youth. We are truly blessed to all those who join us by teaching in some capacity! Thank you,
you! Rochelle Behling, Deb Bursinger, Lois Jackson, Melissa and Jason Rheineck, and Barb Rux.
Have you checked out our Youth Mission Fundraising Wall yet??? Take a look at our
Virtual Fundraising Wall which is basically a virtual wall with dollar amounts from $1-
$100. An individual/couple/family can sign up for any of the available dollar amounts
but only one individual/couple/family can sing up for a specific dollar amount to do-
nate to the youth mission team. However, you can sign up for as many as you want!
The goal is to get the wall cleared by each dollar amount; $1-$100 signed up for. So
please CLICK HERE and help us clear our Virtual Fundraising Wall!!! For those who
are unable to access the “Virtual Wall” and would like to participate please contact
Amy Drewa at amydrewa@oconomowocucc.org.
Page 6 March 2022 Branches
Pull Tabs Please continue to save your pull-tabs !
A big THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed pull tabs.
Last week we made a drop – off at the Ronald McDonald House that included a kitchen size garbage bag, a plastic
grocery bag, and a large plastic container each one full of pull tabs. It was great to be able to fill one of their collection
bins! Please continue to bring your pull tabs from beverage cans, soup cans, pet food cans etc.
FYI it takes approximately 1,128 tabs to make 1 pound and each pound generates about
fifty cents (0.50) from the aluminum recycler. Each year the RMH earns an average of
$6,000 from pull tabs which all goes to providing services for the guests at the Ronald
McDonald House.
Piggly Wiggly Receipts
Please remember your Piggly Wiggly receipts. In order for us to receive monies, we need to collect and turn in
January’s receipts by March. There is a collection area in Fellowship Hall or drop them off with Jennifer in the
Church office.
One Great Hour of Sharing
is one of four special mission offerings of the United Church of
Christ. This Lenten Offering supports the disaster, refugee, and
development ministries of the United Church of Christ within
Wider Church Ministries.
Look for more information before our March 27th offering .
Food Pantry Sundays - First Sunday of Every Month (but welcome anytime )
On the first Sunday of every month, you are invited to bring items for the Food pantry and put them in the baskets at
the entrance to the sanctuary. These donations are delivered to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry during the week.
Items that the Food Pantry accepts are: Non-perishable food items; Baby items - diapers, wipes, baby food, formula;
Personal hygiene items - soap, shampoo, tampons, sanitary pads, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent, toilet
paper. Please be sure all perishable donations are within use dates and have not expired.
March 6 August 7
Oconomowoc Food Pantry: Did you know
April 3 September 4 - Is a non-profit organization,
- Is run by volunteers with no paid staff,
May 1 October 2 - Receives no government subsidies,
June 5 November 6 - 100% of your donations go to servicing
July 3 those in need.
December 4
March 2022 Branches Page 7
Mission & Outreach
Singing Collection
Every time we worship, loose coins in the offering are donated to a Mission Partner.
The coins in the metal plates make a “joyful noise,” so we call this our Singing Collection.
March’s Singing Collection: Hearts & Hands Preschool
“Behold, children are a gift from the Lord” - Psalm 127:3
Hearts and Hands Christian Preschool’s mission is to provide a nurtur-
ing and safe environment offering play-based
opportunities that will enhance each child’s developmental, spiritual,
and physical growth.
The Preschool's philosophy is that all children are valued
children of God, and Preschool is the stepping stone to a
successful future.
We are so lucky to have Hearts and Hands Christian
Preschool in our church! Let us support them.
Our preschool program has been running since 2005 and keeps getting
better! We are known as one of the best in the area:)
Did you know:
• The preschool tithes 10% of it's tuition back to church?
Since we started tithing in 2007, we have given the church almost
$62,000!
• We offer families up to a 50% needs-based scholarship. This year, we
have 2 families attending who receive 50% off of their tuition. This
school year, we have already given $900 in scholarships!
• Our staff loves their jobs so much, that together, they have over 45 Going forward Book Club will only be at
1pm. (in-person and/or Zoom, if needed).
years of experience at Hearts & Hands! Now that's loving your job
Page 8 March 2022 Branches
Rummage Sale News
The Rummage Sale is fast approaching - April 30th
Please mark your calendars. Now we have a target date as we continue to solidify our planning.
HOW YOU CAN HELP . . .
Bring us your rummage
Bring your rummage to the unfinished space as soon as you can start gathering it. We have several students from the
alternative high school who are in need of volunteer hours and they are going to begin to help us with sorting.
Ask your friends and family if they're willing to donate items they no longer use
Drop off used items from your friends and family. Donation receipts are found on the table right inside the office.
The unfinished space is locked. Grab a key from the office or leave it outside the door. We'll make certain the items
get inside and sorted.
This year we'd really like to identify a Communications Specialist, Recycling champion and Volunteer Coordinator.
If your personal gifts align with any of these specialties, please contact Jill Riemann at 262-719-3823.
New Member Sunday – coming soon !
The Membership Committee is anticipating another New Member Sunday in the not too distant future and we
are looking for additional sponsors for the new members. The role of the sponsor is to assure that the new mem-
bers feel welcome joining them at Fellowship Hour and introducing them to other members of our congregation.
Sponsors will invite new members to church activities and events and answer questions and address concerns or
direct them to someone who is able to respond. The sponsor's role will be to serve as a church companion for
the first six months following New Member Sunday to assure that they feel welcome and that they know that
they are an important part of our church family.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact
Linda Davis at pldavis.pd@gmail.com or 207-985-9186.
Hearts & Hands Open House
We had so much fun at our Open House! For the first time, we also
offered a Zoom option. Here are pictures of Mrs. Schuyler and Mrs.
Schmeling interacting on Zoom as well as the luminaries that the
kids made for our entrance
If you missed Open House, give us a call and we’ll set up a tour
(262-567-4461). The registration link for Fall 2022 is now available
on our website www.heartsandhandspreschool.org
March 2022 Branches Page 9
Hearts & Hands Preschool
For more information: e-mail: preschool@oconomowocucc.org
To schedule a private tour , contact Cindy Meckl 262-567-2558
or themeckls@gmail.com.
Now registering for Fall 2022!!
See our website for more information www.heartsandhandspreschool.org
Here is the registration link Click here to register:
Friday Fun is BAAACK!
Our next Friday Fun Class, "My 5 Senses" starts January 21st Open House
and runs every Friday through February 18th from 9-
11am. This 5 week class is open to ALL children ages 24
months - 5 years old and the cost is $125. Keep in mind that
church members get 20% off of tuition meaning church
members can take this class for $100!
Did you wonder who made all of the snowmen in front of
church? Our preschool families had so much fun sledding and
making snowmen a few weeks ago! The front yard of church
make the perfect winter spot for this much fun!
Our Public Open House was a huge
success on February 2nd. The kids
made ice luminaries for our walkway
to highlight our entrance. This year,
we even offered a Zoom option for
2 perfect days for sledding and snow fun with the kids.
Parents and siblings joined in on the fun too❄️
Staying Connected ...
Rev Dr. Barry W. Szymanski, Bridge Pastor bwslmp@gmail.com
Amy Drewa, Dir. of Ed. & Youth amydrewa@oconomowocucc.org
Jennifer Arnold, Office Admin. jennifer@oconomowocucc.org
Cindy Meckl, Hearts & Hands Preschool themeckls@gmail.com
Dates Events
March 2 Ash Wednesday @ UCC Dousman
6:30pm
March 13 Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 17 St Patrick’s Day
March 27 One Great Hour of Sharing
April 10 Palm Sunday
April 15 Good Friday (no services)
April 17 Easter SundayYou can also read
