WAUMC to welcome potter Ryan Pederson as guest artist in worship, launch Habitat for Humanity penny challenge

Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church, 1529 Wauwatosa Ave., will celebrate Rally Day on Sept. 8 by welcoming Ryan Pederson of The Potter’s Shop in Waukesha as guest artist in worship during the 9:45 a.m. service.

Pederson will create an object on his potter’s wheel while Pastor Sue Burwell addresses the topic, “As Workable as Clay” based on the Jeremiah 18: 1 – 11 Bible passage.

About his work as an artist, Pederson said, “I have had a love affair with motion since as far back as I can remember. At the age of four I spent $3 on a motor from the local surplus store. That little motor kept me busy for hours! In middle school I got my first chance at working on the potter’s wheel and I was hooked.”

“Everyone is invited to attend WAUMC and experience the scripture come alive, as Ryan shares his skills right in front of our eyes,” Burwell said.

Parking is available behind the church off Underwood Avenue in the ramp and surface lots across from the fire station. Individuals may also enter off of the courtyard on Wauwatosa Avenue.

Rally Day also marks the kick-off of the WAUMC Sunday school “See the Change” 2 Million Penny Challenge for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. Throughout September, children in the church school will collect pennies to help support Habitat for Humanity International’s global mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness.

Sunday school families will save their pennies in little, cardboard, house-shaped collection banks and a large, wooden "house" bank will be displayed in the sanctuary during Sunday
worship to encourage adults to contribute their pennies to the cause.

Joining with four other area churches last April, WAUMC blessed its 13th Habitat for Humanity house in the city of Milwaukee. Together, the congregations raised approximately $60,000 to fund the project. More than 50 volunteers contributed approximately 960 hours to build that Habitat house.

Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church dates back to 1848 and began with 42 members. Today, the congregation is more than 400 strong and firmly committed to inclusiveness, celebrating a diversity of people, ideas and cultures.

WAUMC offers two Sunday services, Christian education classes for individuals ages 3 through adult, a variety of adult and youth music programs and Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops.

The congregation is involved with more than a dozen local, national and international mission outreach efforts.

The Mary of Magdala, Apostle to the Apostles, inclusive Vatican II Catholic Church celebrates Eucharist every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Wesley Hall on the WAUMC campus, as of Jan. 13, 2013.

For more information, call 414-453-0700 or visit www.waumc.org.