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Tower Notes –October 2019
Celebrating 174 years of Community Based Ministry
First Congregational United Church of Christ
An Open & Affirming and Immigrant Welcoming Church 54 South Jackson Street, Janesville, Wisconsin 53548
Telephone: (608) 752-8716
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.janesvilleucc.org
Like us on Facebook: Janesville UCC
Rev. Tanya Sadagopan
E-mail: [email protected]
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. Mark 16:15
Dear Members and Friends of Janesville UCC!
We have GOOD NEWS! Yes, it’s October, a time for cool nights, fall colors, pumpkins and
apples--when the Midwest really shines and shows off its beauty.
But this time Good News we have isn’t about us, it’s about what we have to share with others.
We have been given SEED MONEY from the Wisconsin Conference to give away to people so that
they can share their gifts and talents with the world. It’s like the TV show “Shark Tank” for regular
people—kids, teens, young and old. Anyone who has an idea—no matter how big or small.
‘LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR’ SOCIAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE
A Collaborative Workshop
Saturday OCTOBER 19TH 9am-5pm
Lunch provided
See the flyer on page 2 for more details!
Registration Link
https://www.wcucc.org/event/catalyst-team-social-innovation-challenge/
Our church is hosting the “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR SOCIAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE”
where we will give away seed money to small enterprises and non-profit ideas to innovators young
and old. It is a workshop designed to encourage people to think about the difference they can
make in their communities by sharing their gifts and talents.
If music is your thing, how might you use your gift of music to contribute to the people of Janesville?
If photography is your thing, how might your pictures bless others?
Pastor’s Message
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What if you see a need in Janesville and you have an idea to make your little corner of the world
better—take a risk and share it.
Get some coaching, and who knows your project may find its wings!
The church usually waits patiently for the community to walk through our doors and see if what we
have to offer will help people on their journey. What if the church listened to Jesus’s call to us to
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news!? What if we go out to the community and ask,
“HOW CAN WE HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR DREAMS?!
And we have some SEED MONEY to help make that happen!”
Your God given talents can be used to make this world a little kinder, a little more beautiful, and
little more neighborly! THAT is the ‘Love Your Neighbor’ Social Innovation Challenge
Workshop.
We need innovators, observers, volunteers, and mentors too! Contact us for more details!
Let’s see what God will do in our midst.
Pastor Tanya
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Worship in October
Oct 6: Theme: Jeremiah 32, Planning for the future Oct 20: Theme: Habakkuk-Wait for a Sign
& World Communion Day Liturgist: Nathan Roehl
Liturgist: Brittney Mansur Coffee Hour:
Coffee Hour: Consistory
Oct 13: Theme: Guest preacher-Mary Gafner Oct 27: Theme: Jeremiah 31, I will write my law
Liturgist: Barbara Bendlin upon their Heart
Coffee Hour: Mary Williams Liturgist: Pat Scott
Coffee Hour: Debi Cox
Thank you to our ushers in September: Nathan Roehl, Greg Anderson, Gary Teubert, Keith &
Bonnie Stalker.
Thank you to September coffee hour hosts: Education Ministry, Barb Werfal, Jean & Dave
Schollmeier, Ann Forbeck & Marlyn Kolinsky.
Thank you to September liturgists: Brittney Mansur, Nancy Hough, Mike Rundle, Rita Feirn,
Audrey Burhans, Nathan Roehl.
Thank you to all the acolytes, greeters, and extra ushers for stepping up at the last minute.
October BIRTHDAYS, Happy Day to All!
2 Carter Dieckhoff 18 Maxine Cox 23 Josette Scott
5 Ian Groth 18 Jeanine Fry 23 McKenzy White
6 Joan Neeno 19 Jeannine Fitzgerald 28 Debi Cox
7 Rob Swenson 22 Roxanne Murwin 29 Judith Anderson
8 Jim Cripe 23 Judy Alt 30 Dawn Endl
16 Matthew Knutson 23 Diana Kjendle 31 Katsumi Neeno
October ANNIVERSARIES, Congratulations
8 Kim & Scott Roberts 26 Mark & Marlene Gilmore
18 Tony & Jamie Dieckhoff 27 Ben & Emily Rein
21 Mark & Janet Carlson 28 Andrea & David McCabe
November Tower Notes:
Articles due ~ Oct 23
If your name ever gets
missed from the birthday
or anniversary list, please
let Becky know.
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Thought for the month: The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose
of life is to give it away. Pablo Picasso
As we are fed at Christ’s table we go out to feed others. Our total contribution
for September was 96 pounds. Thank you to everyone who contributed food
and money.
Life is an echo... what you send out,
you get back! ECHO October Needs:
Money Toothbrushes Peanut butter & jelly Feminine products Spaghetti sauce Deodorant
Mac & Cheese Dish soap Brown paper bags Shampoo
Breakfast bars Laundry Soap
Twisty Ties Fans
Razors Tuna
Toilet Paper Diapers (size 3-6)
EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER
Parker H.S. October 26th
For details, see ECHO’s website
ECHOJanesville.org
Seekers book club will begin reading and discussing the book
“The Gnostic Gospels” by Elaine Pagels in October. They meet at 4:00 on Thursdays in their new meeting room, #203. If you have questions about Seekers, contact Larry Barton at [email protected]
Golden Bandstand 1969
50th Anniversary Fundraiser
October 5th 7:00 – 11:00
Dance away the night like it’s 1969 again at
Janesville’s most popular ‘60s venue—the
Armory. Dance, sing and listen to Rockford’s #1
dance band, Big Stuff, as they play your favorite
‘60s hits.
We’re even pricing this event like it was the ‘60s
with 2 tickets for a bargain $50 or $30 for one.
Additional features of the evening include: Heavy
Apps, Deserts, Drinks, Dancing, and a very
special Celebrity Costume Contest!
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Music Scholars for 2019-2020 year.
Front row L-R: Kaiya Hutter, Kiley Thiele, Sarah Parker
Back row L-R: Kahler Thiele, Emily Babcock, Michael Rick, Dr. Brian Knutson
They will perform with the Chancel Choir and occasionally show their individual talents.
Peace Walk
Blanket of Protection—Thanks to our
own Brittney Mansur who organized the
event. I spoke at the event and told a
powerful story about a quilt that came to
life while I shared the story
The next Community Meal will be
held on Saturday October 5th
4:00.
The menu will be shredded turkey
sandwiches, chips & pickles, green salad,
fruit cocktail, cookies & bars, and a beverage.
Contact Bonnie Stalker or Nancy Stabb for more
information or to help out.
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Sunday School and Youth Group News
Collection for UNICEF during Worship on Oct. 27th Poverty, illness, and violence towards innocent children continue to plague our world. We
are called as people of faith to act against these injustices. Please consider giving
generously to help counter these threats to innocent children. The children will be
learning ways to help people in need and will be there to receive your offering in worship
Save the Date: Christmas Pageant- December 15th
All PK-12th grade students are welcome and encouraged to help us tell the story
of the miracle of Christ’s birth during worship on December 15th. We will have
rehearsals planned for Saturday December 14th and one more TBD. Please look
for information in the coming weeks as we prepare for this exciting time of year!
Questions? Contact the Jamie Dieckhoff, the Director of Christian Education at
All students in grades 6-12 are invited to Youth Group! Regular meetings will resume when Jamie Dieckhoff returns from her
medical leave in the upcoming weeks. Please be on the lookout for
meeting information to follow. Thank you for your patience as we
prepare to kick-off this new year of fun and fellowship!
Calling all Youth: “Love Your Neighbor” Challenge 10/19
What would you do to make Janesville a better place?
Put your faith into action on October 19th by coming to the Janesville UCC
“Love Your Neighbor Social Innovation Challenge” from 9am-5pm (lunch will
be served). Bring your unique ideas of how to make a Janesville a better place
for all. The top ideas will receive cash prizes, and mentors will be provided for
project guidance. Projects ideas can come from individuals or a team (including
families), and youth are encouraged to participate!
Don’t have an idea yet? That’s OK, just come to this workshop to find
inspiration. Volunteers are also needed throughout the day, so all Youth are
encouraged to reach out to Pastor Tanya or Jamie for volunteer opportunities.
More information and registration for for this free event can be found here:
www.wcucc.org/event/catalyst-team-social-innovation-challenge/
Wisconsin Conference UCC Youth Events
For more information about these events, visit wcucc.org
Knock Knock! (middle school): Pilgrim Center, November 22-24
Jesus Core (high school): Pilgrim Center, January 10-12
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Consistory News from September 24th
Consistory appreciates Ken Forbeck for his work on the climate strike, to Sunday School & nursery volunteers, to Ashley Cuevas for her Sunday media moment, and to Linda Stehura for keeping Consistory minutes.
Treasurer Bo Klotz reported that the church’s member contributions to date exceed the budgeted amount by
about $3,000. Yet Member contributions for August were almost $6,000 below the budgeted amount,
maintenance and repair costs have added to this year’s expenses.
On September 25 Pastor met with Kristi Reuter from Angus Young and VJS Construction to go over the design and build process for the historic renovation.
The Love Your Neighbor Social Innovation Challenge is set for October 19. The five top proposals will be awarded grants of $500 to $1,500 to put their ideas into action. We will have a representative from the national UCC. This idea is from the United Church of Canada, and Wisconsin UCC hopes to replicate that success here.
Pastoral care continues to be a priority for Pastor Tanya. On September 18 she led worship at Cedar Crest.
In our wider community, Pastor Tanya participated in the Fourth Ward Peace Walk on September 18 and represented the church at Trinity Episcopal Church’s 175th anniversary dinner.
Pastor Tanya has been chosen to be a mentor for UCC clergy in Wisconsin. She will be in Chicago October 10-13 for training for this new role. All expenses for this program, including a pulpit supply stipend, are paid by a Lilly Foundation grant.
Christian Education— Ruth Robinson reported that she and Joan Kalweit are planning lessons for Sunday School volunteers, that the children will have pictures and name tags to help volunteers learn names and faces, and that no adult education programs will be planned until January.
Finance— Janet Hay reported that work on the choir and handbell areas is underway, that a wall will replace an accordion door in the rotation room, that curtains are up in both the bell choir room and the Seekers room, and that Lloyd’s Plumbing will repair the boiler before cold weather sets in.
Membership Ministry— Debi Cox reported that hosts are needed for coffee hour and that coffee hour will soon stop using disposable plastic spoons, forks, and cups.
Outreach Ministry— Diane Henrichs reported that she and Nancy Stabb attended a Community Resources for Latinos meeting, that July’s homeless count recorded only 15 homeless individuals (many homeless avoid the count), and that the Community Meal fund is at $582. The pastor’s discretionary fund requires additional contributions to be able to meet current needs within the congregation.
Submitted by Linda Stehura
Outreach is looking for persons in the congregation who speak Spanish.
See Diane Henrichs or Nancy Stabb.
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Notes from Outreach Ministry:
Thanks to John Merz for mounting the outdoor and indoor Love your Neighbor No Exceptions posters.
Kudos to Brittney Mansur who organized the Peace Walk in Fourth Ward Park September 18 and for Pastor Tanya who participated as a speaker.
Kudos to Ken Forbeck for organizing the Janesville Student Climate Action September 20.
Fourth Ward Neighborhood Needs and Activities: See John Mansur for details.
Oct.12. Large Item Pickup Drivers with trucks who can help meet at 4th Ward Park 8 am.
Oct. 31 Trunk or Treat on Wilson Street. See Janet Hay or Dave Schollmeier for details.
October Giving Opportunity: Neighbors in Need (NIN), is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. There will be special envelopes in the pews or you may give online through Easy Tithe.
Immigration: This month Dr. Scott Warren, an instructor at Arizona State University is going on trial in Federal court in Tucson for the second time, for providing humanitarian aid to migrants at the border. Google his name to learn more. The first trial resulted in a hung jury, 8 for acquittal and 4 for conviction. Please pray for him and his family, that he will prevail and not spend 20 years in prison for providing food, water, rest and health care to these needy people. Talk to Diane Henrichs for more details
SAVE THE DATES: Anniversary Celebration
February 16, 2020: catered lunch after church
May 16, 2020: special music and church tours
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This page was attached
to the Tower Notes that
were mailed.
First Congregational United Church of Christ 54 South Jackson Street, Janesville, Wisconsin 53548
Telephone: (608) 752-8716
An Open & Affirming and
Immigrant Welcoming Church
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.janesvilleucc.org
Like us on Facebook: Janesville UCC Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 1 pm; Closed Fridays
Ministers All Members of First Congregational UCC
Pastor Rev. Tanya Sadagopan
Christian Ed. Director Jamie Dieckhoff
Music Director Dr. Brian Knutson
Organist David Newman
Digital Communications Ashley Cuevas
Secretary Becky Kingsbury
Bookkeeper Denise Caldwell
Custodian Andrew Driscoll
Nursery Coordinator Katie Keim
Church Leadership & Volunteers
President Mike Rundle
Treasurer Bo Klotz
Finance Chair George Tucker
Lawn Mowing Schollmeiers, Greg Shebesta, Mark Carlson, Bill Williams,
Ian & Dave Groth, Doug Newton
First Congregational Church
54 South Jackson Street
Janesville, WI 53548