Established 1856

You are welcome at First Congregational U.C.C., wherever you are on your spiritual journey. January 13, 2016

God’s People Gather Sunday, January 17 John 1:43-5 10:00 a.m. † Worship—Food for Pets 10:15 a.m. Children dismissed to Sunday school 11:00 a.m. Fellowship 5:30 p.m. High School Youth Group

Sunday, January 24 Mark 1:14-20 10:00 a.m. † Worship— 10:15 a.m. Children dismissed to Sunday school 11:00 a.m. Fellowship— 5:00 p.m. Games Night

In This Edition Feed My People Project….…….........page 3 A new way to get involved

JONAH Follow-up…………..…...…...page 5 Get into the discussion

New City Policy……..………….……...page 6 When it snows

What’s happening game or two if you wish, but there is also a large selection to choose from. Chris McMahon is an amazing gamer and you can be sure that he will bring several that you have never heard of as well as some old favorites. You may come and go Primetime Friends as you please and there are always Wednesday, January 20 several games going at one time so 12 noon you can transition from one game Plan to join us for the January to another as the night goes on. Primetime Friends on Wednesday, You may bring a snack for the January 20! A delicious lunch will snack table, if you wish. Bring a be prepared by Sue Webb & Helen friend – everyone is welcome. Knight. Pastor Mark is our speaker and he will talk about “who wrote the Gospels?” Mark is always open to questions and will be happy to answer other questions you may have about the Bible. As someone said to me recently, “there’s a whole lot in the Bible that is difficult to believe. I believe what I can.” What All Church Potluck do we make of the Bible and how Sunday, January 31, Following do we interpret passages that are worship difficult to understand? You may The Lay Life and Fellowship Comleave with more questions, but that mittee invites you to gather around is the journey of faith! Please call the table for a delicious meal tothe church office to save a spot at gether. And, you can contribute to the table by Monday, January 18. the food and fun by fixing your faAnd let us know if you need a ride! vorite dish to share (8 to 10 servings). Bring it to the kitchen before the 10:00 worship service. Then, Games Night bring yourself, your family and your Sunday, January 25 friends to Ingram Hall following 5:00—8:00 p.m., Ingram Hall Our first Games Night of 2016! We worship to enjoy the feast! welcome all ages. You may bring a

In Memory of

Prayer Concerns

Memorials received since November 2015: In memory of Doris Arnold Losby designated for Legacy Fund given by Dean Arnold In memory of Jaquelyn Falk Undesignated given by Joan Brown, LaVerne Miller, Lee and Sally Hofer, Janet Murphy, Katherine Shannon, William Gallagher, Steven and Ann Nelson, Kenneth Simpson, Jeffery and Cheryl Guttinger, John and Julie Folstad, Jack and Carol Bartingale, Paula Kadanec In memory of Jim and Katie Savides Designated for Music given by Randy Morey In memory of David Miller Undesignated given by Charles and Kathy Lasker In memory of Mully Brenden Undesignated given by Charles and Kathy Lasker, Paula Kadanec In memory of Bill Cigan Designated for Legacy Fund given by Patti Cigan In memory of Jeanne Andre Designated for Wheels of Welcome given by Ann Andre, Terry and Russell Dukerscheim In memory of Bill Heins Designated for Wheels of Welcome given by Pat Heins In memory of Bette Wahl Undesignated given by Diane Campbell, Joel and JoAnn Klink In memory of John and Lucille Braun Designated for Campaign to Preserve and Prepare given by Pam and Paul Braun In memory of Loraine Whelan Undesignated given by Kevin Gostomski

Please keep Linda Korpi, Loretta Young, Steve Landkammer, Audrey Henning’s cousin Ronald Garton, Don Ruth’s mother and father, Nancy McGinnis, Zoey Berger, Ben and Jan Proctor’s brother-in-law Steve Lahner, Nancy Miller’s brother-in-law Wayne Myers, Pine Ridge Retreat Center and Rev. Karen Ressel, a sister of the church dealing with long distance caregiving, Annie Bailey’s mother Olive Jean, those among us suffering with health concerns and chronic pain, victims of natural disasters, caregivers of loved ones at home, and all those affected by war and terrorism in your thoughts and prayers this week. Please alert the office if you know someone who is ill, is dealing with the loss of a loved one, or is having a difficult time in their life. We try not to miss anyone but sometimes it does happen and we do apologize. And please remember our shut-ins and our nursing home residents with your prayers, a card, a visit or a call.

Church VIPs Sunday school attendance Jan 3 — 18 Jan 10 — 26

Worship attendance Dec 27 — 111 Jan 3 — 132 Jan 10 — 129 Ushers: Jan 17—Corbet Peterson, Capt; Darrell Beeksma, Mark Haugsby, Al Mazorol, Bob Massey, Brett Schroedel, Jerry Siler, Cherie VanderVoort Jan 24— Ben Proctor, Cap; Carl Brown, Debbie Gough, Gib and Kathy Magaw, Leah Olson-McBride Liturgists: Jan 17—Will Pooley Jan 24—Susan Haake Tellers: Jan 17–Ruth Crouse, Melani Orendorff Jan 24–Jayne Woodburn, Jim Hazelton Greeters: Jan 17—Spiritual Life Jan 24— Stewardship

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Missions in motion PLYMOUTH STREET MINISTRY COOKBOOK Plymouth Street Ministry is creating a cookbook to help families that struggle to have quality meals on a minimal budget. They are looking for recipes for casseroles, breads, salads, soups or desserts that use ingredients that these families might have on hand or could obtain easily—no specialty items. Please do not send any copyrighted items. They are hoping for an April 2016 deadline for this project. Please either email them to Pastor Mike, [email protected], or mail them to Plymouth UCC, 2010 Moholt Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Feed My People needs your help Painting Bowls! You can help paint bowls for their upcoming Empty Bowls fundraiser. No experience necessary. Supplies will be provided. January 25, 2016 From the Vine Wine Room 2526 Golf Road, Eau Claire 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM Stay as long as you like! Email [email protected] or call 715-835-9415, ext 112 to reserve your spot.

FUNDRAISER FOR BEACON HOUSE Action City and Chaos Indoor Water Park are sponsoring a fund-raiser for Beacon House. In the family event for a team of 4, competitors will float down the lazy river on a tube, race on the go-cart track, take part in a pizza pie eating contest and take $30 to spend in the arcade (the goal is to obtain as many tickets as possible). Day and time: Sunday, February 21; 1 -3:30 p.m. Cost: $160 For more information and registration go to www.beacon-house.org. Joining Our Neighbors, Advancing Hope People of faith gathered for the common good.

Calling All Professionals! As our congregation seeks to be a blessing to our student neighbors, we are exploring new ways to connect. On the evening of Monday, March 7th, we will hold a NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING NIGHT at the Haas Fine Arts center in UWEC. Volunteers from our church will be paired with students with similar professional interests for a fast-paced evening exchanging information one-on-one in a structured setting (10-15 minutes per student). Both retired professionals and those currently working are invited to participate; those without current contact with students are particularly welcome. Come share your experience and advice, and support our future professionals! Appointments can be made according to your availability, with scheduled breaks for refreshments (provided) from 5:30-8pm. Contact Jennifer Eddy at [email protected] if interested in participating. Note: This idea came to us from a student neighbor who is hoping to get a job as a Spanish medical interpreter who let us know how grateful she was to have met Dave Barnes during our Scavenger Hunt. 3

CONNECT, LEARN, Learning in Jesus’ name Jill Christopherson, Director of Religious Education

UCC and Forming Faith It has been invigorating during this past year to list and discuss all the things that we do at First Congregational UCC to form faith in our families, children, and adults. The group calling themselves “Faith Formation” which includes Jeanne Herman, Jennifer Eddy, Beth Ivankovic, Penny Kolloff, Ken Snart and Pam Braun and has been poking around in the First Congo activity list. Faith Formation Members will present some of their findings to the council in February. For example: did you know that there are more than 100 opportunities to connect with one another around issues of faith at First Congregational UCC? Faith is formed in relationships, in contact with people in whom we are interested, with whom we have something in common or whom we trust. Our way forward as a community of faith is to be very interested in our quality of relationships in all contexts. We are going to share our observations with any committee of the church that is interested in hearing from us. Some of the ways in which we see our practices growing might be: 1.) more intergenerational activities that form connections between youth and adults and among families, 2.) activities that appeal to spiritual, but not religious friends in our neighborhood, and 3.) extensions of meaningful programs into on-line opportunities. It is an exciting time to be church together. If Faith Formation is interesting to you, we are inviting others to dream along. Contact: Jill Christopherson at 715-514-9419.

Looking Ahead Spelling Bee: We are invited by Unity Christ Center to field a team for a Spelling Bee, Feb 5 at 7:00 PM. You may enter as a First Congo Team or on your own with friends and family. Entry fee is $5.00 per person for competitors and audience alike. The 1st Place Prize: Metropolis overnight package with 4 Water Park passes! Get out the dictionary—this will be fun!

late to include her. This is a great opportunity for your family to wonder along with your child about how one redeems a situation about which we are sorry. There are no right answers, only great conversation. This book is available on line and in the Eau Claire Public library. Texas Trip for HS Mission, Weslaco, TX, June 14-21: Plans are in motion for our summer mission trip. If you have questions, please contact Jill Christopherson by phone or by text at 715-514-9419. Cost is $240 for each student with generous scholarship available. The permission form is due by Jan 31 with a $50 down payment. Final payment is due by March 1.

Family Reading, EACH KINDNESS: In Feb, grades 25 will be studying the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, the unexpected person acts as the caring neighbor. We will bring this parable into our own time with Jacqueline Woodson’s book, EACH KINDNESS. This story is of young girls who do not welcome the new girl in their class. They have uncomfortable feelings Your prayers for our group and our work are welcomed. when they discover that when she moves away, it is too 4

GROW - IN COMMUNITY Small Group and Family Ministry Ken Snart, Director of Small Group and Family Ministries

Covenant Groups Offer Much to Many As I look at the schedule for small groups for 2016, I see that there are several Covenant groups. There may be some people who wonder just what a covenant group is. So, I looked at several definitions and below is what I found that I liked the best: “A covenant group is a small intentional community in which members and attenders may find support, encouragement, and mutual accountability in their growth toward fullness of life in the Spirit. Covenant groups provide a place where questions and doubts can be raised in an environment of acceptance and trust, and where experiences and insights can be shared in such a way that new aspects of faith, belief, and obedience to the Light within each person may be revealed.” As I read that definition I understand that a Covenant group is somewhat flexible as to what the group members are interested in, and that there is a supportive, open environment where group members can feel safe and comfortable asking questions, sharing thoughts and beliefs and learning from each other. This week the Evening Men’s Covenant Group will meet Wednesday at 5:30 for dinner at 5:30 and then move to the Broadway room for their meeting. We’ll be starting to read “No God But God” by Reza Aslan. One of the other Covenant Groups has read it and highly recommended it so we’re cashing in on their experience. In December the men’s group met and made the swags that were in the sanctuary and on our doors during the Christmas season. We had a grand time learning how to make them and sharing refreshments and good humor. It’s always great to have new members join us.

Mass Incarceration: Follow Up Conversation Mass Incarceration is generating a great deal of attention for its costs in both state and federal governments and within communities. Use this opportunity to put into words what you think about mass incarceration and participate in the public conversation. Thursday, Jan 21, 6:30 -8:00 PM: Having just viewed “The House That I Live In”, a film by Eugene Jarecki, you are welcome to join us at LE Phillips Public Library, Eau Claire room on Thursday, Jan 21, at 6:30 PM. There are various aspects to the issue of mass incarceration. This moderated discussion will invite our personal connections to the issue, lets us get “skin in the game”. When we generate personal connection to the cost or benefit of an issue that is when an issue, becomes visible. Engage some of the broader issues and deepen your understanding of the impact of prisons on us. Questions: Jill Christopherson at [email protected] or text at 715-514-9419. 5

Opportunities in Ministry Ragtime in January First Congregational UCC will host the 2016 Youth Ragtime Recital on Saturday, January 23. Piano students of faculty of the Chippewa Valley Music Teachers Association will perform at 10:00 a.m. in our church. This event is free and open to the public. It is a great opportunity for the students to perform publicly and for the audience to hear many examples of America’s musical gift to the world: Ragtime. This is a perfect way to enjoy Ragtime music and support local students and teachers.

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If you would like to provide flowers for a Sunday morning service, there are dates open in the coming weeks. You may give in memory of, in honor of, in celebration of or just because. Please contact Margi Namejunas, 715-834-8057. When writing a check for the Campaign to Preserve and Prepare, please remember to put Capital Campaign in the memo line. The lost and found bin is overflowing. Please check for anything you just might have left at church… glasses, mugs, mittens, coats, hats, bracelets… Do you need to kill some time during the long winter? We could use your help in the church office on Monday afternoon, Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. Tasks are matched to you interests and abilities. The main duty would be at the reception desk to answer the phone and greet visitors. Give Jan a call if you would like to learn more, 715-834-2668. Check out the intricate wood carvings of Al Harper in the library! A benefit concert by the Valley Gospel Choir for Habitat for Humanity will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1315 E. Lexington on January 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door, available at Gordy’s County Market on W. Claremont and at Trinity Lutheran.

Snow Emergencies Please be aware of the following new regulation as it directly relates to where you park at church during a snow event. If you are physically able, please park farther away from the building to accommodate others: “Whenever the city of Eau Claire declares a snow event to permit a full residential plow operation, then for a period of 72 hours, alternate side parking regulations will be in effect on all streets in the city of Eau Claire. Such regulations shall apply as follows: • On odd-numbered days, vehicles shall only be parked, stopped or left standing on that side of the street having odd-numbered addresses. • On even-numbered days, vehicles shall only be parked, stopped or left standing on the side of the street having even-numbered addresses. • These provisions shall only be in effect between midnight and 5:00 p.m. • These provisions shall not supersede more restrictive parking regulations in effect in the city. Notice of the snow event shall be provided at least 6 hours prior to the regulations taking effect, meaning notice must be provided prior to 6 p.m. in order for alternate side parking to commence that night at 12:00 midnight. Notice shall be given by public press release to all interested media outlets and posted on the City’s website.”

Primetime Postings Mary Barnes, Director of Elderlife

Communication is More Than Words… In a lovely publication from the Alzheimer’s Association, tips for visiting someone with dementia are very helpful. Here are some ideas… You may wonder, “How do I communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s? Do they know me? Do they know what I am saying? Do they hear me? What do I do? What should I say? Enter their world. Meet them where they are today. Let go of expectations. Let go of who they were and meet who they are. Let go and greet them in love, gently. And remember this: People with Alzheimer’s may forget their words, their daily tasks and the most fundamental movements. They will, however, remember emotion. They will remember that you are kind, that you are gentle, that you are loving, that you care. Remember this…It doesn’t matter if they know who you are. It doesn’t matter if they know your name. It does matter that you visit. It does matter that you have taken the time to make them feel special, respected and loved.

Thanks to Curb Ushers! With cold and snowy weather upon us, a hearty thank you goes out to our faithful Curb Ushers who greet us at the curb with smiles of welcome and assistance to travel safely from the vehicles to the church building. Your dedication and warm welcome are noticed and appreciated by many!

Created with Love Thanks to the talented and compassionate members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, 325 individuals have received prayer shawls which wrap them in love and support during a time of recovery from illness or surgery or during a difficult time in their lives. This is a ministry that keeps on giving and keeps on growing. Thank you for caring and thank you for sharing. 7

First Congregational U.C.C. 310 Broadway St. Eau Claire, WI 54703

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On your new calendar, be sure to mark important dates such as National Drinking Straw Day (January 3), National Artichoke Hearts Day (March 16) and National Crouton Day (May 13). Those pseudo-holidays are now catalogued as part of the National Day Calendar, a venture by a North Dakota businessman. For a fee starting at $1,500, anyone can register a national day or even give one as a gift. Special-interest groups are discovering that national days are great for marketing. Throughout the Bible, God instructs people to set aside special days for rest and remembrance. Yet to him, every day is holy — even if it lacks a holiday, pseudo or otherwise. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Talk of the Tower... is a publication for members and friends of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Editor: Jan Smith Senior Minister: Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini

Next deadline: 10 a.m., Monday, January 25, 2016 Put items (as short as possible) in the “in” basket in the church office, fax to 715-834-0674, or e-mail to [email protected].

First Congregational United Church of Christ 310 Broadway St., Eau Claire, WI 54703 Phone: 715-834-2668 Fax: 715-834-0674 Web site: www.firstucceauclaire.org E-mail: [email protected] (office) [email protected] (minister) Office hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Staff Rev. Dr. Mark Pirazzini, Minister Jill Christopherson, Director of Religious Education Jan Smith, Church Office Manager Mary Barnes, Director of Elderlife Ken Snart, Director of Small Group & Family Ministries Brent Podhaski, Custodian Mary Ann Minton, Financial Secretary Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, Director of Music Judy Lies, Organist Pam Braun, Primary Education Coordinator Katie Griffith, Lead Nursery Teacher Susan Jewett, Social Media Coordinator Mitch Brown, Student Mentor Curtis Wetzel & Catherine Edgington, Youth Choir Directors