underwood tidings - april 2010

8/9/2019 Underwood Tidings - April 2010

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The Tidings Rev. Jamie P. Washam, Pastor

“We are living proof that Jesus Christ is our peace who makes April 2010

strangers into friends, breaks down dividing walls and builds up real persons.”

F r o m t h e P a s t o r

Performance or Offering?

As a people, we may be more familiar with entertainment and performances than we arewith religious offerings and sacred ceremony. When we go to the theater or to a concert, andare moved by the performance, it is common to applaud, stand, and maybe even to hoot andholler. Does the same hold true in church? When we are inspired by a piece of music, do weapplaud in the same way? If so, what are we applauding? Is it the musician or the delivery, orare we applauding and affirming, with our response, their offering to God?

Amongst the Pueblo people of the Southwestern United States, strict rules governbehavior during religious ceremonies. Guidelines vary by pueblo, but most do not allowphotography or applause during their dance ceremonies, since these are religious ceremonies,not arts performances.

I realize applause is not necessarily one of the major issues of worship, but I think it doesdeserve some comment. Although it might seem arbitrary, much consideration goes intoshaping the order and flow of our worship. On one hand, the notion of our being so awed oroverwhelmed or moved by an aspect of worship that it can’t but be transformed into aspontaneous outburst of appreciation is appealing. However, if this reaction is merely a roteresponse [I hear a singer, therefore, I clap.] then its meaning begins to leach away. Why do weapplaud one portion of service and not another? We don’t applaud hymns, but the music,scripture, and other elements of worship are no more or less collective and collaborative effortsof all of us to grow closer to God.

Laurence Wagley observes that, “Congregations are not audiences, andleaders of worship are not performers. The role of the liturgist (and of the choir,organist, and ushers) is to enable the congregation to participate, not to winpeople's approval. … What if the congregation applauds a sermon? That meansthe sermon was pleasing to the congregation. Now, preachers need approval, but Ithink most would not welcome the implication that their sermons are preached towin people's approval. Instead, they think a sermon is successful if the people—farfrom judging the performance of the preacher—consider how pleasing their ownlives are to God. Leaders of worship encourage people's participation in worshipso that in that participation the people may respond to God.

Underwood Memorial Baptist Church

1916 Wauwatosa Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI 53213

(414) 258-4246

[email protected]



Applause may, in fact, have a negative effect, making us self-consciousabout our performances. And too little applause may make us feel unappreciated.Applause may communicate approval and support, and often an individual or agroup needs that. People do come to church seeking a sense of worth, wanting to

be loved. But applause is too cheap a response to those needs. If that kind ofsupport is all that worship has to offer, then worship has been impoverished. Thepoor, those robbed of self-esteem, those who are oppressed—they, too, needapproval and support, and the good news of God's love is their best hope. If theysee concrete signs of the church's concern and are enfolded into the Christiancommunity, they will feel supported in a way far beyond the effect of applause.

Applause can also lead to a sense of competition. If we applaud the choir'santhem today, why didn't we applaud last Sunday? Do we applaud every Sunday,every event, every person? Do we withhold applause for a particularly goodanthem so the choir will work harder?

It is appropriate to show honor to one another but not at the cost of denyinghonor to God. To applaud a solo, a dance, or a sermon is to draw attention to themeans rather than to the end.”1

I am not calling for an abolition of all applause and appreciation in worship, but I amcalling for us to be mindful of who and what we are celebrating. Is it the person who sings or theGod they sing about? Let us not become so enamored with the finger that we miss what it ispointing us toward. Next time you are moved by music or an aspect of worship, feel free to addyour offering of applause in service to God. It is merely of matter of where your heart and mindare directed. May all aspects of our worship serve to bring us into a closer, deeper, and more

joyful union with God.

from The Christian Century, December 3, 1986.



BULLETIN BOARD

THANK YOUThe Hunger Task Force expresses itsgratitude for Underwood’s monetary gift tofeed families in need. This need has grownby 24% over last year, and the demandshows no sign of slowing down. HungerTask Force thanks you for your help.

DEAR UNDERWOOD CHURCHYour support of your church’s World Mission

Offering has helped to make a difference inthe lives of thousands of families in over 70countries around the world.

with gratitude, Reid Trulson

THINK WINTER!!!!!!Do you enjoy the toasty fires on Sundaymornings? Then perhaps, you would bewilling to purchase a load of firewood for usenext winter. If you are interested and willing,

call the church office for more details. Thankyou!

CHOIRFEST

MAY 2nd

7:00 p.m.Tabernacle Baptist Church

11530 W. National Avenue,

West Al l is

BETHANY SHERRYSENIOR RECITALYou are invited to hear Bethany Sherryperform her senior recital in voice, at RiponCollege on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 7:30p.m. The recital will be held at the Rodman

Center for the Arts, N Union St. at W ThorneSt., in Ripon, Wisconsin. The recital is freeand open to the public. There is a parkinglot right outside the door of the concert hall,so it is very convenient!

If you know Ripon at all, the easiest way tofind Rodman Hall is to take Hwy 23westbound through Ripon to the Pizza Hut,and turn right at that light. Drive about 5 or6 blocks and the hall is on the right. Hope

you can join us!

PALM SUNDAY, March 28th

10:00 a.m. Worship with Praise Team& Children’s ChoirSinging!

MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1st

6:00 p.m. Service

GOOD FRIDAY, April 2nd

12:00 p.m. Bethany-Calvary United

Methodist Church7265 W. Center St,Wauwatosa

EASTER SUNDAY, April 4th

8:00 a.m. Early Service9:00 a.m. Breakfast10:00 a.m. Easter Worship



THE

L I B R A R Y

C O R N E R

Thanks to our Patrons

In spite of the 2010 budget cuts, we have“new” books ready for our library. Severallibrary fans have donated books. You willfind them on the “New Books” table.

Highlighting those gifts: Nancy Fritterdonated several children’s books. Threemore suitable for very young children wereplaced in the nursery room.

Ashley Flegler gave us Girl Friends byCarmen Berry and a question and answerbook about the Bible.

Cindy Woodsmall’s final book in the Sistersof the Quilt Series, When the Soul Mends, was given by Robin Jeske.

Marcus J. Borg’s newest book, The FirstPaul, was provided by Kathie Hanold. It is agood addition to our religious section.

Greg Mortenson’s very popular new book,Stones into Schools, was purchased byDee Schowalter and then donated toUnderwood. Maybe you saw him on Bill Moyer’s Journal on PBS a few weeks ago.Mr. Mortenson’s Central Asia Institute hasbuilt over 130 schools in Afghanistan andPakistan, where girls are allowed to study.Before reading Mortenson’s newest book, Isuggest you read his Three Cups of Tea. Itwill give you a good background for thesecond book. Both books are captivating.

We appreciate their generosity.

Coming in May

A book sale is planned for Sunday, May 23 to provide funds for our library. More detailswill be published next month.

Unplug your media and read!

Carolyn Sanders, Librarian

T H A N K Y O U

A big thank you goes to everyone whocontributed things for the MilwaukeeChristian Center. Our small AB women’sgroup appreciates your help in providingvarious items such as toothbrushes andtoothpaste, combs, men’s socks, plastic

tableware, and kick balls for the clientsserved by the Milwaukee Christian Centeron West Greenfield Avenue. Yourassistance made it easier for us to completeour white cross quota this year.Everything will be delivered to MCC beforeEaster. The center will be grateful.

2010 AMERICA FOR CHRIST

OFFERING

You still have time to give your over-and-above gifts to the America for Christcampaign. We will accept yourcontributions into early April. Help us meetour $800 goal.Part of this offering will go to help ChristianCenters just like our own MilwaukeeChristian Center.

INTERFAITH EARTH

NETWORK

ABC/Wisconsin is seeking an individual witha special commitment to the stewardship ofthe earth to be our representative on theInterfaith Earth Network. This groupaddresses a wide range of issues such asrenewable energy resources, recycling,energy conservation and other "green"practices.

If you have a passion for this, and would bewilling to serve, please share your name andcontact information with Arlo Reichter. TheInterfaith Earth Network meets the 3rdTuesday afternoon of each month at theUrban Ecology Center.

Arlo R. Reichter, Executive MinisterAmerican Baptist Churches of [email protected]



ARE YOU THIRSTY?

“LET EVERYONE

WHO IS THIRSTY COME”

AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S

MINISTRIES of WISOCONSIN RETREATJUNE 4-6, 2010

AtCAMP TAMARACK

See Bulletin Board for more detailsand applications.



PRAYER CONCERNS

Members: Eva Berry, Jim Christenson, Carole Elizabeth, Marge Gaeth, Steve Glodoski,Margaret Jeske, Joyce Johnson, Marilyn Mee, Janice Melcher, Eugene Pramenko, Pat Ransom,Neil Rosenow, Carolyn and Joe Sanders, Dee Schowalter, Eileen Seeger, Ken Smith, AdinaTarpley, Pat and Llew Walker, Shari West, Wyla Wong, Millie Youngquist.

Friends and Others Known to the Church Family: Joe Gleesing’s brother, Dan; LindaLandis’ mother, Kathy Hink; James Ingbretson; Grace Morgan’s son, David; Sandy Sherry’ssister, Jan; John & Bonnie Sorenson’s daughter-in-law, Jennifer; Colleen Sprague’s brother,Mark Ashworth; Walker family; Jamie Washam’s grandparents, Weldon & Virginia Fikes; and allsoldiers on active duty.

Sympathy: Underwood Church expresses sympathy to Hope Marusic and her family, upon theMarch 4th death of her father, Carl Hatley.

Our prayers include Janelle Trulson and family, who lost Janelle’s father, Paul Losh, onFebruary 27th.



PALM SUNDAY, March 28th 10:00 a.m. Worship with Praise Team

& Children’s Choir Singing!

MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1st 6:00 p.m. Service

GOOD FRIDAY, April 2nd 12:00 p.m. Bethany-Calvary United Methodist

Church, 7265 W. Center St, Wauwatosa

EASTER SUNDAY, April 4th 8:00 a.m. Early Service

9:00 a.m. Breakfast10:00 a.m. Easter Worship

ATTENTION COOKS! Mary Ann Hand is organizing the Easter morning

breakfast and looking for men volunteers to help. (But we will take all help.)Please speak to Mary Ann if you are interested. Thank you.

EASTER LILIES

Lilies are a beautiful part of our celebration of Easter. We invite everyone to make a donation for the plants which may be given as a memorial,or in honor of someone or some occasion. If you would like to make a donation, please complete the form below, place it in an envelope along

with your donation, and return it to the church office NO LATER THAN MARCH 28 th .THE COST OF EACH LILY IS $12.

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AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION_______________________________________________

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR(S) _______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________ _

NAME (OR NAMES) OF THOSE YOU WISH TO REMEMBER WITH YOUR GIFT: (in Memory) OR (in Honor) ____________________________________________________________________________________ _

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underwood tidings - april 2010

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