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God Has Another Light
Several years ago, I took a seminar on preaching during the Civil Rights Movement. My research focused on Martin Luther King’s Easter sermons. I’d like to share an excerpt from one of those sermons, which Dr. King preached on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959, at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. May it bless you as it blessed me.
Grace and Peace, Will
And so this morning, let us not be disillusioned. Let us not lose faith. So often we’ve been crucified. We’ve been buried in numerous graves—the grave of economic insecurity, the grave of exploitation, the grave of oppression. We’ve watched justice trampled over and truth crucified. But I’m here to tell you this morning, Easter reminds us that it won’t be like that all the way. It reminds us that God has a light that can shine amid all of the darkness. And he can bring all of the light of day out of the darkness of the midnight.
I close with this little experience some weeks ago, about four Sundays ago. Mrs. King and I journeyed down to a city in India called Trivandrum. It is a city in the last state, the southernmost point of the country of India. And then we went from Trivandrum on down to a point known as Cape Comorin. This is the point where the land of India ends and the vast and rolling waters of the ocean have their beginning. It is one of the most beautiful points in all the world. The point where three great bodies of water meet together in all of their majestic splendor: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean.
I remember that afternoon how we went out there and we took a seat on a rock that slightly protruded itself out into the waters, out into the ocean. We looked at the waves of these great bodies of water as they unfolded in almost rhythmic procession. Then we looked at the beautiful skies, all of their radiant beauty. Then we looked over at the sun, as it stood like a great cosmic ball of fire, it started setting. And you know at the setting of the sun you see that glowing fusion of colors so characteristic of the setting of the sun. We watched it. It went down. We were sitting there on that rock as the waves were beating upon it, looking at the sun. And that sun started going down and down, and it looked like it was sinking in the very ocean itself. Finally, it had passed away so that we couldn’t see any more of the sun. It started getting a little dark and hazy about. Then, right at that moment, I turned around, and I said to Coretta, “But look, there is another light.” It was the light of the moon over there in the East. And this was an interesting thing; this is, as I said, one of the most beautiful points in all the world. And this happened to be one of those days when the moon was full. And this is one of the few points in all the world that you can see the setting of the sun and the emergence of the moon simultaneously.
So often we come to those points when it gets dark. It seems that the light of life is out. The sunlight of day moves out of our being and out the rest of our faith. We get disillusioned and confused and give up in despair. But if we will only look around we will discover that God has another light….They put the light out on Good Friday, but God brought it back on on Easter morning. They’ve put the light out so many times in history. I’ve seen empires and kings and rulers put it out. But God has another light. Go into the valleys, through the hedges, and into the highways and tell men that God has another light. You can turn the light off, but he has another light to turn on. And then you will discover that He even turns that light on that went out again.
For I started thinking finally that that light which went down in India, went up in Montgomery, Alabama. The minute that the light was going out in India, the light of the sun is getting up in Montgomery because there is twelve hours difference in the time. And even that same light that will get up in Montgomery and go down, will be getting up in India again. You don’t block God’s lights. He manipulates and controls them. And we never need walk in darkness because God has a light for the night and a light for the day, and he controls both. This is our hope. This is what the Resurrection tells us.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
We exist as a congregation to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known:
- To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ so all may come to know and love Him;
- To nurture His people in joyful faith, fellowship, and commitment; and
- To demonstrate His way of love in service to the world.
We use the Connector to share news of the coming week and beyond, the activities that involve a wide range of ages and interests at FPC.
Coming Events | April 20-May 10, 2025
Sunday, April 20, 8AM or 10AM – Easter Sunday Worship
Celebrate the joy of Easter with us on Sunday, April 20! We will offer two worship services at 8 AM and 10 AM in the Sanctuary as we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death—come and worship with us as we proclaim, “He is risen!” Both services will feature uplifting music, Scripture, and a message of resurrection hope. Invite your family and friends to join us for this special morning of celebration!
Monday, April 21, 1PM – Light Team
The Light Team invites you to a powerful and moving viewing of Season 4, Episode 8 of The Chosen, titled “Humble.”
This episode sets the tone for Holy Week, drawing us deeper into the life and heart of Jesus as He humbly journeys toward the cross. Come be encouraged, challenged, and inspired as we watch and reflect together.
All are welcome—bring a friend and join us for meaningful conversation and community! Questions? Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.
April 22-23: Photo Directory Sessions!
It’s time for our new directory! It will not be complete without you!
Follow these steps to make your appointment:
- Visit www.ucdir.com
- Enter Church code: WI393 (wi as in Wisconsin)
- Enter the password: photos (all lowercase)
We will offer two photo session dates:
April 22 or 23.
Everyone photographed will receive a complimentary 8×10 portrait. Additional portraits will be available for purchase on the day of the photo session.
Wednesdays, from 7-8:30PM – FPC Men’s Ministry Group
FPC Men’s Ministry Group has started a new video series by Jon Ortberg called “Who Is This Man?” In this five-session video-based study, Ortberg shows how Jesus’ influence has swept over history, bringing his inspiration to the fields of art, science, government, medicine and education. And how his vision for us to lead lives of dignity, compassion, forgiveness and hope continues to inspire and challenge humanity today.
All men are welcome and please contact David Sliwicki david.sliwicki@gmail.com for more info.
Saturday, April 26 – 9AM-Noon – FPC Spring Clean-up
The buildings and Grounds and Grow teams are having our Spring Clean up day on Saturday, April 26th. Please come join us in Sprucing up the outside grounds of the Church after a tough winter. Bring work gloves, rakes, and clippers and we will have assignments given out once you arrive.
Monday, April 28 – 11:30AM – Light Team Lunch at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse
In lieu of the Light Team’s usual Monday at 1PM meeting, they will be meeting for lunch at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse in Waunakee at 11AM on Monday, April 28.
Questions? Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.
Sunday, April 27 – 10AM – Confirmation Sunday
You’re invited to a very special Worship service on Sunday, April 27, as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday at FPC! Come and be inspired as our Confirmands share their personal testimonies and take this important step in their faith journey.
Immediately following the service, we’ll gather for a Potluck Lunch in Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to share and enjoy good food and fellowship as we celebrate our Confirmands together!
Let’s pack the pews and show these young people our love and support—see you there!
For questions please contact Amy Lewis at amylewisfpc@gmail.com
Sunday, April 27 during the 10am service – Jesus Storybook Bible Presentations (4K-Kindergarten)
If you have a child in 4k or Kindergarten who has not received a “Jesus Storybook Bible,” please contact Peter Bergmann info@myfpc.org. Bible Presentations will take place during the 10am service on April 27. Please save the date or let Peter know if you can’t attend – we still want your child to have a Bible!
Sunday, April 27, following worship – All About FPC New Member Class
All About FPC – Have you ever wanted to know more about FPC? Are you interested in exploring membership here at FPC? If your answer is yes, then please mark your calendars for Sunday, April 27. We will meet right after church. Lunch is provided. If you need childcare, let us know in advance. We will meet in the Chapel. For more information or to rsvp, talk to Elder Wes Ray or email info@myfpc.org
Tuesdays, starting April 29 – New 5-Week Bible Study: Psalms – Led by Pastor Will
Name of Study: “Psalms as a Grammar for Faith”
When: Every Tuesday, from April 29-June 3 – 7:30 am start time with hard stop @ 8:30 am
Location: M-N-M’s Coffeehouse, 509 W. Main St., Waunakee
Bible Study Leader: Pastor Will Wilson
Overview: Pastor Will plans to begin preaching a new sermon series around the Psalms beginning in May and concluding in mid-June. Much like we did with our study on Mark, our new study around the Psalms will coincide nicely with his sermons. As we study the Psalms together, Pastor Will is recommending that along with our Bibles, we use a book he’s studied previously from his Baylor days: “Psalms as a Grammar for Faith: Prayer and Praise” by W.H.Bellinger Jr. This book has five chapters and gives good orientation to the Psalter as a whole in a scholarly way that is yet accessible for the layperson. Cost of the book is $29.95 on Amazon Prime. Please know FPC would help offset this cost for anyone who might have interest and/or a need to do so
Please contact Jim Fitzgerald if you would like to join or have any questions.
Mondays, beginning May 5, at 1PM – Light Team viewing The Chosen, Season 2
Beginning Monday, May 5 at 1PM, the Light Team will begin watching Season 2 of The Chosen together.
Come experience the life of Jesus and His disciples in a fresh and powerful way. All are welcome—bring a friend and join us for thoughtful conversation, community, and inspiration each week through June 30.
No Meeting on Monday, May 26.
Questions? Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.
Saturday, May 10, at 10AM & Monday, May 12, at 6:30PM and – FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
In the journey of caregiving, the road can often feel lonely and overwhelming. Recognizing this, FPC’s Care for Caregivers was created as a haven for those who provide care to others but often may forget to care for themselves. The monthly meetings are dedicated to providing emotional, mental, and spiritual encouragement to those who care for aging parents, family members with chronic illnesses, or loved ones with disabilities.
If you’re a caregiver (current or previous), consider attending a meeting. The meetings are drop-in style. Newcomers are always welcome. You can choose to share or just listen. Meetings are usually in the Chapel, but during Lenten Season we will be meeting in Room 204, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. If one of these times does not work for you, please let us know. To learn more, contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call/text at cell # (334)444-6610 and leave a message during work hours. Or just drop in to a meeting.
Remember: You’re not alone, and it’s okay to take time to care for yourself too!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday-Thursday, May 19-22 from 9AM-4PM – Sewing Days
Bring your sewing machine and other supplies and work on Prayer Quilts for the Church. Questions? Contact Anne Frihart.
Monday, May 26 – Church Office Closed for Memorial Day
The FPC office will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.
Opportunities to Serve
Throughout April – WNC Toiletry Drive
FPC is collecting toiletry items for Waunakee Neighborhood Connection throughout April. Drop donations in the collection box at church all month long. Thank you in advance!
Administrative Assistant – 25 hours per week, Monday-Thursday
Purpose: To perform clerical and administrative tasks that will support the overall function and activities of the church and oversee all activites of the church office. The Administrative Assistant must create an environment that is inviting to anyone calling or visiting the church office and comforting to those who may be dealing with difficult life situations.
Skills & Qualifications:
1. Is a committed Christian of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who is seeking to live a life commensurate with this faith.
2. Professional with outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to deal tactfully and compassionately with people; possess a pleasant and welcoming manner.
3. Excellent clerical, communication, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
4. Strong knowledge of computers including Microsoft office programs and internet research. Previous experience with databases is helpful.
5. Experience with and ability to use a multi-line telephone system.
6. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
7. Must be able to discern needs, take initiative, prioritize and multi-task.
8. Ability to establish and maintain consistently positive working relationships with church members, staff, visitors, officers, leaders, volunteers, and all others.
9. Must be reliable, responsible, flexible, adaptable, possess a sense of humor, and be a team player in an atmosphere that demands confidentiality, loyalty, and a true team spirit.
Benefits:
FPC offers an array of benefits for part-time employees, and are dependent on hours worked including vision insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; retirement savings plan; group life insurance; long-term disability; and bereavement leave.
Responsibilities:
• Greet and direct all visitors, members, and service technicians/vendors and assist them as needed during office hours. Program doors for building access.
• Answer office phones, ensuring that calls are answered personally during office hours and that callers receive courteous, caring, and accurate service.
• Manage phone system including accurately routing calls, checking/delivering messages, returning calls, and updating voice mail greeting and instructions.
• Maintain the Senior Pastor’s calendar, keeping it up-to-date and coordinate meetings with staff, members and others.
• Coordinate details and logistics for events such as baptisms, funerals, and weddings interacting with families/members, the pastor, staff, volunteers, and outside entities as needed. This could include the coordination of food, special bulletins, audio/visual support, etc.
• Coordinate administrative tasks for Session/officers including preparing monthly Session packets, assemble training materials, and assist Senior Pastor in coordinating training sessions for new Elders/Session members.
• Utilize church management software to maintain all membership records (including baptisms, confirmation, marriages, deaths, and membership status, military service list, etc.) and maintain contact lists for staff, Elders and Deacons.
• Pick up, sort and distribute incoming mail.
• Assist with correspondence and outgoing mailings. This includes preparing and sending out birthday cards, new member welcome letters, follow up correspondence to visitors, and full-member mailings (Advent mailing, stewardship letter/pledge cards, etc) as directed by the Senior Pastor, staff or Elders/officers.
• Maintain inventory of congregational, office, and janitorial supplies and reorder as needed. Keep office supplies organized and make materials and supplies available to staff, leaders and volunteers as needed.
• Operate and regularly clean office equipment (including copiers, printers, etc), scheduling maintenance or repairs as needed. Coordinate with Buildings & Grounds Elder to schedule repairs and maintenance and/or emergency service as needed (including elevator service, plumbers, etc).
• Coordinate building rentals/usage, advising and coordinating room setups with Building & Grounds Elder.
• Contact and schedule volunteers needed for office staff relief and large mailings; actively assist in training new office volunteers, maintaining an up-to-date contact list.
• Coordinate/schedule staff outings and birthday recognitions as requested.
• Maintain files and records as they pertain to this position.
• Other special projects or assignments as needed and/or assigned.
Join FPC Waunakee as Our Full-Time Director of Children and Family Ministry!
Are you a cheerleader for God with a love for working with kids and families? Then First Presbyterian Church (FPC) is for YOU!
As our Director of Children and Family Ministry, you’ll be:
• A fun and positive leader – ready to inspire and build on an already awesome program and community.
• Enthusiastic – leading fun programs and engaging families and volunteers
• A communicator – sharing God’s love with kids in ways that make them laugh, learn, and grow.
• A multitasker – juggling volunteers, events, and goldfish crackers like a pro.
• A guardian of safety and security – because peace of mind is priceless.
You’ll thrive here if you:
✓ Love working with kids (bonus points if you know how to turn a sticky situation into a teaching moment).
✓ Are organized, self-motivated, and great at delegating.
✓ Believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration with an amazing staff and company culture.
✓ Have a knack for listening, inspiring others, and leading change with a smile.
We’re offering a chance to lead with purpose, grow in your faith, and make a lasting impact. Plus, there’s coffee in the break room and probably some leftover cookies from Sunday school.
Ready to bring your joy, energy, and vision to First Presbyterian Church Waunakee? Let’s build a ministry that kids love and parents cheer for!
Position is 40 hours, full-time, can be hybrid-other than most Sundays. Competitive salary and benefits!
Hammers with Halos
Want to help others with minor household repairs, maintenance or yard work? Contact the church office or any of the Deacons. Your name will be added to a call list and you may be contacted to see if you can help when a request is received.
Sunday Worship House Manager
FPC of Waunakee is seeking dedicated volunteers to fulfill the role of “House Manager” during our Sunday services. This position involves ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation by monitoring our facilities and surroundings. Volunteers will be attentive and proactive, keeping an eye out for any potential concerns that may arise. We value a calm and composed demeanor, as well as strong communication and observational skills. If you are passionate about contributing to a secure and peaceful worship experience, please consider joining our House Manager team.
Sound Desk Assistant Needed
We invite you to join our dynamic worship team as a Sound Desk Assistant! Play a crucial role in enhancing our Sunday worship services by ensuring a seamless audio/visual experience for the congregation both in-person and at home. Take turns with fellow volunteers and enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of our vibrant worship atmosphere! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact info@myfpc.org
Agrace Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to assist customers and operate the cash register at the Doc Rock Café located inside the Agrace Madison campus or make companionship visits to local Agrace hospice patients in patients’ homes, nursing homes or assisted living centers.
Schedules are flexible, and free training is provided. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Agrace at (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer to apply online.
Help Needed! The Waunakee Food Pantry is looking for volunteers the last Wednesday of each month
Did you know that the food pantry serves ~200 families each month? Our church has a long history of supporting the Waunakee food pantry. Our FPC church has been given the last Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm to distribute food. This is a great way to connect with fellow members and serve the community. If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer form on the FPC website, or talk with Sheryll Gehrmann for more details.
Unable to volunteer? Here’s the list of items most needed this month:
- Toilet Paper
- Cereal
- Pasta Sauce
- Chunky Type Soups
- Dinty Moore Beef Stew
- Manwich
- Chicken or Beef Broth
- Ritz type Crackers
The pantry is always looking for paper grocery bags as well. Items can be placed in the shopping cart at the entrance by the Education wing.
News and Announcements
This Week’s Birthdays: April 20-26
This Week’s Anniversaries: April 20-26
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
Nursery Age 3 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays during Lent from 8:45 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Music in Worship
April 20: 8AM – Easter Sunday – Beth Wagner, guest pianist and Diane Robinson, vocalist
April 20: 10AM – Easter Sunday – FPC Choir, Joyful Noise, and Ying Wang
April 27 – Youth Band & Ying Wang
May 4 – FPC Choir & Ying Wang
Praise Song of the Week
This week’s praise song, O Praise the Name (Anástasis), by Hillsong Worship beautifully captures the story of Easter, leading us from the sorrow of Christ’s crucifixion to the victory of His resurrection and the hope of His return. The song’s powerful lyrics call believers to lift their voices in praise, declaring, “O praise the name of the Lord our God, O praise His name forevermore.” It reminds us that no matter our circumstances, Jesus’ triumph over death is the foundation of our faith. As Philippians 2:9-10 proclaims, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” This week, let’s reflect on the joy of the resurrection—how can we let our worship shape our hearts and actions daily?
When life is hard you need more than a cute poster.
If you are Having a tough time with:
• Dealing with family problems
• Chronic or terminal illness in your family
• Grief
• Loneliness
• Divorce recovery
FPC has a group of Stephen Minister Caregivers trained to walk with you through these problems. They help you: think things through, find resources available, look for a Biblical view of the problem, pray for you and with you if you wish. The 50 hours of training has provided them with an understanding of reflective listening, boundaries, and the importance of absolute confidentiality.
Since it’s beginning in 2017, Stephen Ministries helped hundreds of people both from FPC and the wider community journey, through tough times. If you want more information, you can talk to a pastor, a deacon, or one of the active Stephen Ministers listed below.
Tryg Knutson – 608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf – 715-360-5962
FPC Stephen Ministry is here for you!
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Connect with the Connector!
In an effort to streamline the process for submitting requests for event announcements in the Connector or spoken during the worship service, Communications has developed this easy-to-use online form to share all of your important information.
Click the link below to check out the form and if you have any feedback or questions, please send an email to communications@myfpc.org.
The Connector is available in print at the Connection Corner in the Lobby for those who would like a printed copy.
Contact the FPC Church office if you would like to be added to our home bound mailing list and receive the printed version of the Connector each week.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.
