New Beginnings

Dear Friends,

Fall has definitely arrived and I’m sure it will be a beautiful time of the year here in the Milwaukee area.  I’m settling in at the parsonage and the office, and truly enjoying this church and this setting!  You are one of the most welcoming and caring churches I have known, and the people are wonderful.  The work of the church is in full swing, and so many capable leaders are taking care of business on every level. Thank you!

It would seem that we are working hard on getting our priorities right, and getting all critical pieces in place to move on in our journey as Brookfield UCC – God’s church for God’s people. I love hearing about your individual journeys and the journey of this body as well.  We have many good things going for us right now, with Confirmation starting (12 members plus their mentors), new members ready to join, good attendance in church, the choir starting again, the ETC presentation of the impressive work they did in Mexico, Blast; there are too many things to list!

One thing I have observed is that you don’t know each other as well as I would have guessed.  We had a marvelous time in the Council meet and greet, and several other groups are offering opportunities for people to gather for fellowship as well.  Reach out a hand or pick up a phone to greet each other either in encouragement during hard times, or just for the joy of it.  Who doesn’t want to feel valued?  Who doesn’t want to feel like an insider rather than an outsider?  For this reason, we are setting up mentors for our incoming members, someone who will help them feel welcomed and become involved over the course of the next two years. If you can handle this, let us know. One of the deepest issues I see in this world is that so many are so unutterably lonely. Their family and friends are gone or far away. They sit alone in their homes longing for someone with whom to laugh or cry, thinking no one cares.  This leads to depression which often leads to illness. We can fix this!  What better role for a church!  We do a good job of being friendly in church on Sunday morning – let’s expand this through the week.  Scripture makes it clear that offering a cup of cold water or visiting the sick is very important. It only takes a few minutes and a little thoughtfulness. Welcome them in the name of Christ!

As the time draws near for filling the empty slots on our committees and council, consider prayerfully how you will serve. If you have the time and talents for a position, think about giving Kate or Jan a call and volunteering.  Can you imagine how that would shock them?!  We will be looking at a larger turn-over than usual as the committees all extended their terms last year. This will require communication and commitment – two good “c” words for a congregation!  I know many of you feel you have served your time – but where would we be if God got tired of serving us?  You can retire from a job but I hope we never retire from our faith!  This is an important transition time, and we need everyone to help us reach our goal and become the church we want to be. I am very privileged to walk with you at this time in your life!  Praise be to God!

          Blessings,

          Dr. Connie J. Peake

          Interim Minister

MEET THE REV. DR. CONNIE J. PEAKE

I am delighted to be here with you.  Several people have asked about my background, so let me fill you in.   I am moving here from Cedar Rapids, IA.  I grew up in northeast Iowa, and have spent all my life in Iowa and Minnesota, and this is my first experience living in Wisconsin. I am learning my way around a bit, but I have much yet to learn.

I have degrees from Luther College in music and elementary education, and my M.Div and D.Min are from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.  In fact, Dr. Jewell was one of my cohort leaders for my Doctorate, and that is the connection that led me here.   I have served two churches in my thirteen years of ministry, one in Clinton, Iowa and one in Redwood Falls, MN.  I am actually a Presbyterian minister, but I am delighted to learn more about the UCC church.

I love to sing, read, swim, and spend time with family and friends. I have 3 married children and 4 grandchildren, (9,6,3,1) with another grandson expected in November.  Two of my children are in Cedar Rapids and one is in Des Moines. My parents are vibrant and energetic, and live in Waukon, IA summers and Dade City, FL winters. Hopefully you will get the chance to meet many of my family members. 

I am excited to be here, and can’t wait to get to know you better. Feel free to stop in and talk or set up a time to meet with me.  Even if our time is short, each and every person we come to know has the capacity to enrich our lives!

            T