I have been a member of this church since about 1967, almost a third of its existence. While I didn't grow up in this church, I married Joan who did, in a June, 1962 wedding that filled this church top to bottom. Her parents, Evan and Brownie, were also married in this church in 1936 and had been long time members before her. All of us have sung in the choir, and I was honored to be the choir director for about 15 years. All of us have served this church in many capacities throughout our time here. We have shared in the legacy of First Congregational Church, in its rich history and in its significant role in the spiritual and cultural life of our community. We owe much to the many past members who founded this church, built this lovely old facility and sustained it through the years. Our mission has been well established and now, once again, we must rededicate ourselves, not just to sustain our legacy from the past, but to contribute to its continued growth.

All of us who love this church, its members, programs and facilities, need to examine our role as stewards. Are we doing enough through our gifts of money, time and effort to rebuild our church into a viable and meaningful force in the lives of people in this community? I can assure you that those we have entrusted to lead this church have done all they can to pare expenses and bring in new income from other sources such as rental fees. However, we must do more to bring in new members in order to assure our future as a viable organization. Our biggest obstacle may be complacency, the kind that says Oh, it will work out some way, it always has. Hoping for a miracle or depending on temporary fixes is not a real solution; each of us as individual stewards working hard for the collective growth of our church can make it happen.

I have two visions to leave with you this morning. First, from my past, is the memory of the Methodist Church where I grew up in Yakima. It also had a rich history and my family was very involved in its programs. Unfortunately, it no longer exists; the building was torn down to make way for a downtown shopping mall, and its members were absorbed in another church in town. The second vision is very recent, being our churches sponsorship of the Tacoma Little Theaters command performance of the Wizard of Oz, and the pride we all felt in being part of the founding and ongoing support of this theater.  Which vision do you want for our church?  I know which one I want and it's life!

 

                                                                                    Gerald A. Rapp

                                                                                     December 2003

To FCC Membership
The new year for our church has begun. Let's really make it new by each of us trying to be at worship service at least ONCE A MONTH. It can be fun to come to church and see so many of your friends and your presence will encourage visitors to return, so make a point to greet and welcome new people. The church is looking vibrant and alive lately and we think you will find it a pleasant experience to worship with us. Remember, just once a month - that's all we're asking. Hope to see you some Sunday in the future.

     
'It Takes A Village!'
Some Sundays ago, I spoke briefly to our congregation about something on my mind and want to share it in the Good News.
     Bob and I are blessed to have a summer/winter home in Ashford, Wa. We are located within twenty minutes of the entrance to Paradise Park - Mt. Rainier. Our little abode is nestled in the forest and gives us wonderful opportunities to walk in the midst of Mother Nature's gardens, untouched by human hands. Several weeks ago as we hiked through the forest, I started reflecting on concerns I have for our church...as the windows of my mind opened I could hear 'It takes a village!' You have all heard 'It takes a village to raise a child'?  I attend church to worship God, support our minister and mingle with my church family, whom I love. Our church is small in comparison with the large, mega size worship centers we all see throughout the county. In a church of our size we hear about all the concerns, disappointments and heartaches our members go through. In the larger churches, it is not possible to be aware of these issues, simply because of the membership size. In my opinion, a village is all that we need to keep in our minds and hearts...to maintain the Christian structure of worship and fellowship of First Congregational Church!

Miriam (Ward) Carpmail