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Ministers: The People of the Church Pastor: Kevin Clark
FCC associates with sister churches in the Wis. Congregational Association & National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
Our Covenant Connections
January 2020
A Big Thank You and a Look Ahead
As we wrap up 2019 and look ahead to 2020, I would like to say thank you. This is truly an amazing church. I find
myself saying that about once a week. I continue to be awed by the faithfulness of this church, by the generosity of
this church, by the dedication we show to walking together in all of the Lord’s ways as He reveals Himself to us
through Scripture.
We could not continue to be the Body of Jesus in this world if it wasn’t for each member of this church responding
faithfully to God’s call in their lives to be part of this community. Thank you, everyone, for an awesome 2019!
I would especially like to thank the leadership of the church. Our church Council has led us bravely this year as we
consider our God-Sized Dreams. We have dreamed big, we have prayed, we have pondered, and because of this we
have many plans that are either in the works or have already been accomplished to fulfill these God-Sized Dreams.
I would like to especially recognize Jim Schuett and Cindy Wendlandt as outgoing members of the Council for their
efforts the last couple of years. In addition, I would like to thank the members of the Council who are continuing on:
Prakash Mathew, Pat Parr, Joanne Himebauch, Linda Haeger, Ryan Venema, Bob Brandemuehl, Jan Snavely, and
Diane Williams. I cannot say enough what a joy it has been to work, pray and plan with the Council this last year – as
we listened for God’s voice and direction for the church.
In addition, I would like to welcome our new Council members for next year: Karen Jones and Sue Roberts. Our
church is blessed to have so many people willing and called to serve in leadership. But what’s more, every member
of this church has been given amazing talents, passions, abilities and insights to keep this church going strong in
2020!
For my part, I’d like to share a few highlights to look forward to as we jump into 2020:
New Sermon Series – Having wrapped up the Gospel of Mark, we will turn our attention to the book of
Hebrews. Hebrews is a book in the New Testament that was written to help the early Christians understand
how Jesus relates to the Old Testament. It has been said that Hebrews was for Jewish Christians what Romans
was for Gentile Christians – the theological treaty par excellence. I am excited to study this with you as we
continue to discover the treasure of God’s Word and see how the Old Testament and the New Testament are
both witnesses to the glory of God in Jesus Christ!
New Adult Bible Study – Our Sunday morning adult Bible study just concluded the book of Galatians. And
with the new year, we will be starting a new book. We have decided to study the book of Esther. Join us as
we study the life of this young woman who courageously saved the lives of her people. See God at work in
one of the two books in the Bible that God isn’t even mentioned!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin
Church Council / Staff
Moderator- Prakash Mathew ................. 262-436-4025
Moderator Elect-Pat Parr ....................... 262.806.2243
Treasurer-Linda Haeger ........................ 262-642-7723
Secretary-Joanne Himebauch ............... 262-363-8144
Budget & Finance-Ryan Venema .......... 262-749-8380
Property & Grounds-Bob Brandemuehl . 262-662-3436
Worship-Jan Snavely ............................ 262-720-3018
Congregational Care-Karen Jones ........ 262.470.7538
Missions-Diane Williams ....................... 608-274-5597
Christian Education-Sue Roberts .......... 262.378.4695
Staff
Organist/Choir Director-Marni Wiggins .... 262-521-1406
Office Admin. - Judi Weyer ............... .... 262-363-7249
Pastor
Kevin Clark ............................................ 262-975-1026
January Birthdays Reyna Taggart .................................................... 1/7 Wil Manion ........................................................ 1/12 Pat Parr ............................................................. 1/12 Connie Porter .................................................... 1/14 Warren Kufalk ................................................... 1/28
Please drop a note to the church office to have your birthday or anniversary included here.
Janine and I would like to thank those of you that faithfully bring food every week or donate cash to the Backpack Program. With funds that we have in the Backpack account,
we purchased a $35.00 Pick N Save gift card for each family. These were mailed out before Christmas so they had the opportunity to pick out things that they would like for their special meal at this time of the year. God Bless You! Beth Petersen
Group 3
2/2
1/19
1/26
26
12/24-11:00
Women's
Fellowship
12/24-4:30
57
12/15 12/22
86
Janine C
Date
Front
Porch Ushers
Group 1
Group 3Rowntree1/5
1/12
Reyna /
Terry
Lydia Prakash M
Joanne /
Karen
Liturgist
Paige Chris W Sara / Diane
Ryan V Sue / Tom
93
Servant Schedule
Articles for the February Newsletter are
due in the office by 8:00 am on Fri. Jan. 24
Attendance
Group 1Claire /
Linda
Notice: Photographs taken at church events are
included in the newsletter, on our website and our
Facebook page. If you would prefer not to have your
photo posted to any of these forums,
please contact the church office.
Group 2 Paige
Sunday
School
Nursery
Helper
First Congregational Church of Mukwonago 231 Roberts Drive Mukwonago, WI 53149 www.fccweb.net
Church Office .................................... 262-363-7249
Pastor Kevin Clark ............................. 262-975-1026
Marni Wiggins
Organist/Choir Director ........... [email protected]
Prayer Chain ............................. [email protected]
Visitation Ministry ......................... [email protected]
CONTACT US
Financial information is available in the binder on
the Connection Table. If you have any questions,
please contact the church office.
Greetings church family,
As I pen this over the Christmas holiday, I am struck by the fact that God has seen it fit for FCC Mukwonago to make it past 160 years. This kind of feat is way beyond the ability of any single generation or lifetime. It is an enduring blessing from God that multiple generations have shared in.
During this time, undoubtedly, there were periods in which this local congregation saw many ups and downs. Surely, there were breaks in the terms of councils, administrations, leaderships and even pastors. I wondered how our local body made it intact through all these periods What was one congregational activity that continued without a break?. After some reflection, it occurred to me that the answer lay in its ministries. Throughout the past 160+ years, someone, somewhere in the church was involved in some form of ministry activity. Whether it was caring for the buildings, preparing music for a service, teaching Sunday school or missions work, there was always an unbroken chain of ministry work that endures to this day. There was NEVER a moment in the life of FCC Mukwonago where there was zero ministry activity. Ministries are the lifeblood of our congregation, and along with the grace of God, our ministries are what keeps us healthy, vibrant, and relevant as a church.
In the days and months to come, I invite you to share a deep and growing appreciation for all our current ministries. May we be grateful for the ministries we labor in, and consider means to strengthen and grow them. The FCC Council will discuss formal ways to make some of this happen, but it starts with you sharing in the realization that our church's ministries embody the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In His name, Prakash Mathew
Blood Drive
A big thank-you to everyone who helped with the blood drive. It was a great success. We collected 28 pints of blood (our goal was 25), including 3 first-time donors. Thanks to everyone who helped with loading and unloading the truck, bringing in refreshments, and helping during the drive. Diane Williams
Looking For WCA Officers
Moderator-Elect: This person will serve on the Executive Committee as Moderator-elect for one year and then succeed to the office of Moderator. As Moderator, the person will be responsible for overseeing WCA activities and being the official representative for the WCA. As Moderator-elect this person will be responsible for coordinating pulpit exchanges among member churches. This office rotates between clergy and laity, men and women. Our first choice would be to have a lay nominee. Secretary: The secretary responsible for taking the minutes of the Annual meeting and Executive Committee meetings, keeping the list of active and inactive member churches, and sending out the official call for the Annual meeting. There is a one year term of office with no limit to the number of terms. Any member of a WCA member church is eligible for this office. The incumbent is not seeking re-election. Treasurer: This person is responsible for receiving all money due to the Association, paying all bills of the Association, and facilitating the annual audit of the books. Any member of a WCA member church is eligible for this office. The incumbent has not yet decided if he will be a candidate for another term. Lay Ambassador: This person is responsible for being a liaison between member churches and the WCA. Contact with the member churches, including visits, is encouraged. This is a two-year term and the office holder is eligible to be elected to two two-year terms. Any lay member of the Association is eligible for this office. The incumbent is a candidate for re-election. The following will also be elected to the Youth and Camp Committee: Chair, a one-year term, and Clergy representative, a two-year term. Both offices are limited to two terms. Traditionally the Youth and Camp Committee will forward the names of candidates for these positions from the adults who are active in the Youth and Camp programs. Diane Williams
THANK YOU!!! Christmas Giving Tree – To all of you who have so generously given
to the Salvation Army and the Mukwonago Food Pantry for our Christmas project this year, we wish to thank you. We are so blessed to have such a giving congregation, and we wish you all many blessings in the New Year!
Disbursements for December were:
Seniors on the Go – $1,500 to help them in acquiring three wheelchair vans.
Mukwonago Catastrophic fund –$1,500 to help fund any School District of Mukwonago residents who have overwhelming medical bills.
CEF – Children’s Evangelical Fellowship – $1,000 to help fund a Good News Clubs in the Milwaukee area. We are so blessed to be able to fully fund our own Good News Club at Clarendon Elementary.
Kitchen Kupboard Food Pantry -- $250
Mukwonago Food Pantry -- $$250
Life’s Connection, Mukwonago -- $500
Thank You’s Received From: Hope Center – “Thank you for your recent support during the Annual HOPE Dinner & Auction on November 21, 2019. We are grateful for your donations of the two baskets which were auctioned off and earned a total amount of $180. Hope Center is dedicated to preventing homelessness by providing basic needs – food, clothing and shelter. With your continued support, we are making a difference. We appreciate your support!” Salvation Army of Waukesha County – “We would like to thank you on behalf of those we serve. Your kindness in giving $500 will greatly assist in helping those who are struggling to meet the day to day demands. We are so grateful for your partnership in helping us help others. Your gift came at a time of great need. You are Amazing!! Thank you and may God be with you.” Mukwonago Catastrophic Medical Fund, Inc. – “To the Members of the First Congregational Church: Thank you very much for your recent $1,500 donation to the Mukwonago Catastrophic Medical Fund. Your donation is very generous! We very much appreciate your financial support. Thanks to donations like yours, we are able to continue to assist Mukwonago area community members who are unable to pay their medical expenses.”
Linda Garasimowicz
Experiencing God: Knowing and doing the will of God
The books have been ordered and we will begin our study on Monday, January 6th at 5:30. A light supper will be provided. We plan to complete each lesson around 7:30.
If you still want to join in, please contact Rae-Ellen Preuss at 262-594-2740. No extra books were ordered, but there is still time for you to order on your own.
Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministry is offering two workshops this spring. One of them is on Feb 22nd in Arlington Heights, IL The other is on April 25th in Waunakee, WI. (near Madison) Both workshops are on Saturdays from 9:00 to 1:00. There is a small fee to attend. Interested? See Rae-Ellen Preuss.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for your continued support of our annual
Christmas bake sale. There was so much to choose from . Thank you for all who baked and for all who bought the yummy treats. Don’t forget we meet the 3rd Tuesday every month. You need not join or commit to anything, you are welcome to come as much or as little as you schedule allows . There is always coffee, dessert to enjoy. Our next gathering is on Jan. 21st in the lounge. Hope to see you there. Have a safe and blessed New Year!
Sue Roberts
Plastic Bag Cutting
We will again be cutting plastic bags on January 7 from 10:00 to 2:00. Lunch will be provided. Thank you to everyone who has been donating their used plastic bags. We have now completed 5 sleeping mats. Each of the mats needs 500-700 bags. In a pile of strips, that is a fairly small bag of strips. In our collection bin filled with bags that are rumpled up, it is a large mountain of bags. I think most of us have a large number of bags as a result of Christmas gift and food shopping. If you can take home some bags to cut off the handles and open the bottoms, there are packets of bags ready to take home in the adult Sunday School room. Please talk to Diane or Janine if you would like more information.
Diane Williams
231 ROBERTS DRIVE
MUKWONAGO, WISCONSIN 53149-1129
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January, 2020
10:00 Brolen Service
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
6:30 Men's Bible Study
10:00 Worship 6:30 Scouts 10:00 Bag Cutting 6:30 Council
9:00 Bible Study 8:00 Men's Breakfast 5:00 Quilters 6:30 Men's Bible Study
11:00 Front Porch 6:30 Choir
9:00 Bible Study 6:30 Scouts 6:30 Choir 10:00 Brolen Service 6:30 Men's Bible Study
11:00 Front Porch
10:00 Worship
10:30 - 1:00
10:00 Worship 6:30 Scouts Family Led Network
9:00 Bible Study MACC Rehearsal 6:30 Choir 6:00 Addiction Ministry 6:30 Men's Bible Study
1:00 Linden Ridge
11:00 Front Porch
9:00 Bible Study 6:00 MACC Rehearsal 6:30 Choir 6:30 Men's Bible Study
11:00 Front Porch 6:30 pm Scouts
10:00 Worship (in the Lounge)
