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Love Never Ends
Here is the 3rd in a series of personal testimonies during these 50 Great Days of Easter. This one comes from a woman I will call Esther:
It has been 65 years since I have seen my mother, I remember that last morning well. It was a summer morning; I was 15 years old. I remember wearing the green and blue plaid skirt with matching vest and the red Capezio flats I had whined for. My dad would take me to the train to join the group of girls going to Rhinelander, Wisconsin where I was I was going to a summer girls camp that I had gone to for three fun summers. I was excited to go.
I walked into her room where she was in bed. Wrapped in a pink bed jacket – smiling. She was just 51. She told me what a great summer I would have, she hugged me, gave a kiss – no “I’ll miss you” or last-minute advice. I never saw her again. I think she knew that it was a final goodbye. Her wisdom had already been given to me during her last year. Before one of her surgeries, she told me she would look up into the corner of the room and say “If God is with me, who can be against me?”
She was an avid reader, but the book I most remember on her nightstand was a small blue book called A Diary of Private Prayer first published in 1942. There were two prayers for each day – one for morning and one for evening. She never read them to me, but the pages were well worn so I knew she read them daily. She truly believed she was cared for by our Lord. She accepted her cancer, and she had managed to let me know that she was not afraid. That God would take care of her and me always.
There were no tears that day from her about times we would never share as mother and daughter. Instead, she gave me a line I still say in the middle of the night, “If God is with me, who can be against me?” and a small blue prayer book, that now is held together by purple duct tape, that is on my bedside table.
The way our parents can show us love even past when they are physically present here on earth reminds me of one of my favorite scripture passages: “Love never ends.” Blessings during these rich days of being with the Resurrected Christ.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
“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 | Apr. 21 – May 11, 2024
Sunday, April 21 at 3PM – Theology on Tap at Octopi Brewing
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. All Aged 21+ are welcome!
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Sunday, April 21 at 3PM – MOMCo
Attention all moms, no matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community for monthly gatherings as well as social events. Contact Patricia Coley for more information!
Future MOMCo Meeting Dates: May 19
Mondays, from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
We are currently watching Season one of The Chosen. The Chosen is a multi-season television drama about the life of Jesus Christ. The first season introduces Jesus and the calling of His initial disciples. All, including men, are invited to watch this wonderful series with the Light Team.
Light Team is open to all women on Mondays @ 1 pm. There will be time for lots of fellowship, treats, and no homework!
April 15: Watch Season 1, episode 1
April 22: Watch Season 1, episode 2
April 29: Lunch at MNM’s at 11:30AM
May 6: Watch Season 1, episode 3
May 13: Watch Season 1, episode 4
May 20: Watch Season 1, episode 5
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Wednesdays, through May 29 at 8:30AM – Women’s Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. Meet us on Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall in the lower level of FPC. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
Wednesdays at 7PM – Men’s Ministry
Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of Faith, Purpose and Connection. The group meets year round on Wednesdays from 7PM to approximately 8:15PM at the church and also plans off-site opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and community service. All men are welcome.
Join our Men’s Group on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30PM in the Gathering Area at FPC (by the fireplace.) We will be going through DVD Video series “The Discipleship Playbook” by Dr. Paul David Tripp which is a 9 session Men’s Bible Study that will share stories & testimonies from several faith based professional football players on what it means to live life as a true disciple!
Please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmsil.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail for carpooling information and to find out more about FPCs Mens Group. All men are welcome to join us!
Sunday, May 5 during the 10am service – FPC’s annual First Public Communion
FPC’s annual First Public Communion will be on Sunday, May 5 during the 10am service. For more information or to sign up, just email Christa Schmeelk! For those interested, we will have a First Communion Parent and Child Meeting following the worship service on Sunday, April 21 at 11am in the Chapel.
Sunday, May 5 – All About FPC
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, May 5. 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 Pastor Glen or Elder Wes Ray or email Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org.
Monday, May 6 at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Saturday, May 11 at 10AM and Monday, May 13 at 6:30PM –
FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Someone to share ups and downs with, and possibly offer advice.
Are you or were you a caregiver? Let’s lean on each other and learn from each other as a group of Christians. Our FPC group is small but mighty, always welcoming any newcomers. The group is offered once a month. Stop in when you can, you choose to share or listen, it’s up to you. We meet in the Chapel, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential, people can speak freely.
Attendee Lori Phelps has said, “This is my therapy and is so helpful for my mental health as I care for my parents! I walk away with a clearer mind and fresh ideas (an indoor garden kit for my dad! I didn’t know these existed! And a binder for my mom titled, When I start feeling bored, I can…). I’m so grateful for Marcia creating and conducting this group! She is a great listener, and she cares. She’s been through the same experiences so we can talk, laugh, or cry through the ups and downs. I feel like this group is so beneficial but seems to be the best kept secret. We should spread the word for others to benefit too!”
Caregivers (current or previous) – join us any month you can! If you have questions, or if these dates and times won’t work for you, please contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call 849-5683 and leave a message during work hours.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Saturday, May 18 at 9AM – All Church Spring Clean Up
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! Join us bright and early on Saturday, May 18th at 9 AM for the All Church Spring Clean Up event. Let’s beautify our church grounds together– from trimming trees to spreading mulch, every hand makes a huge impact. Contact Building and Grounds Elder RJ for more details and be part of this uplifting church-wide effort!
Monday, May 27 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Memorial Day.
Sunday, June 2 following worship – All Church Congregational Meeting
More details and agenda items to come. Stay tuned!
Sunday, June 9-Tuesday, June 11 from 5PM-7:30PM – VBS 2024!
We are bringing back dinner this year! Dinner will be served from 5:00-5:25 p.m.
Look forward to the usual favorites of Opening and Closing with amazing music, silly skits, singing, dancing, Bible Adventures, science experiments, Games, Bible Buddies, and so much more!
Join our dive team! Join us on our underwater journey and help create an unforgettable experience!
Opportunities to Serve
Are you someone who is gifted in organizing spaces?
If this would bring you joy, we could use your help with our front office at FPC. Please contact Christa Schmeelk for more information: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Many Hands Make Light Work!
Need a “porpoise”? Want to make a di”fin”erence? Help us submerge the church into a Scuba Diving Adventure for VBS (Vacation Bible School)! Decorators of all or no skill level wanted! (You could come up with your own ideas, adopt a project of ours, and/or be on the set-up or take-down team! This is something families can also do together.)
The amazing decorations are always a huge part of our VBS charm! We’d love your help, so just dive in by reaching out to Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@charter.net, text at 608-235-7899, or sign up in the church Lobby and Lori will reach out to you. Thanks mates!
Adopt-a-Spot
We are looking for outdoor caretakers for specific spots around FPC this year! Adopting a spot will include a commitment to keeping your spot weed free during the 2024 growing season. You can bring your own tools or use FPC’s tools- there is a shed out back with all the tools/wheel barrows you might need. We keep it locked, but can easily unlock it for you with notice.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please contact Christa Schmeelk (cschmeelk@myfpc.org) or RJ Binau or simply sign up in the Lobby and we’ll contact you! Thank you for stewarding the land!
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.
Volunteers and Subs needed in the Nursery
Our Children’s Ministry needs more monthly volunteers and subs in the Nursery. We are still building our foundation in this Ministry and we need more folks- teens and adults. Please consider contacting Patricia Coley to help and please pray for this vital ministry to our littlest ones and their families. pcoley@myfpc.org or call the Church Office.
Last Wednesday of each month – 4-6pm – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our FPC church has been given the opportunity to serve families at the Waunakee Food Pantry one time per month. It will always be the last Wednesday of each month from 4-6:00pm. This is a great way to connect with fellow members, while serving families in the Waunakee area. If you are interested, please stop by the Mission table after church to learn more.
News and Announcements
Called Congregational Meeting to Call New Senior Pastor
April 7, 2024
The congregational meeting to call a new senior pastor and head of staff for FPC, was called to order by Pastor Glen Reichelderfer at 11:28 a.m. on April 7, 2024. Session Clerk, Lolly Lawrence, declared a quorum. (The quorum is 24 members, there were approximately 160 in attendance.) Pastor Glen led us in prayer. Paper ballots to vote on the upcoming motion to with call the recommended candidate were distributed.
Pastor Glen recognized the work of both the MIF (Ministry Information Form) committee and the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee), and thanked them for all their efforts. Many hours of dedicated and prayerful service have brought us to this point.
Angela Himegarner, chairperson for the PNC, was asked to share the PNC journey. Highlights:
- The position went live on the CLC (Church Leadership Connection) in October.
- Initially, sixty candidates matched via the CLC, or were people that reached out to the committee directly. About half of the sixty candidates were qualified. Our qualifications (among others) required someone who was not newly out of seminary, or who had been either an associate pastor or a head of staff at a church similar to our size.
- Viewed sermons for about twenty of the sixty candidates.
- Held initial interviews with seven candidates.
- Five of the seven advanced to a second-round interview with the PNC.
- Four people, of the five, made it to the final round. Of these:
- Three were PCUSA, one Reformed.
- Two were greater than 40 years old, two were less than 40 years old
- Three men, one woman
- Three had been head of staff, and one had been an associate pastor, at a larger church.
- The committee had healthy debate about all of the candidates. They freely challenged each other and asked each other candid questions.
Angela noted that Will has received an award in the Presbytery for his speaking ability. Will prepped a lesson for the PNC group, which gave them a feel for his interaction with small groups. Will also passed the Presbytery’s COM (Committee on Ministry) interview. The Presbytery completed background checks on Will and everything came back clear. With all this review and discussion complete, the PNC voted unanimously to recommend that FPC call Pastor Will Wilson to the position of senior pastor and head of staff.
Angela shared a story about how Will came to the attention of the committee …
Fourteen people were invited to apply. Alan Roberts created a tracker where each candidate was scored. The tracker didn’t contain the name of the name of the candidate, their gender or other identifying characteristics. Each candidate was given a number. In the tracker, various qualities/skills/etc. were scored and ranked. The highest score anyone could’ve received was 21 points. After scoring, one candidate had 19 points, the highest of all the candidates. The committee was initially very interested in that candidate, but was then disappointed to learn that candidate had withdrawn from the process. The committee continued with the other candidates and at the end of December, the committee had scheduled their top three candidates for interviews in January. On January 3, the committee received an email from Will Wilson stating that he was very interested in the position. As it turned out Will, was the 19-point candidate. They questioned what had changed his mind. When the profiles were created, Will and his wife Abby had found out they were expecting. They weren’t sure at the time how much life change they wanted to pursue. They made the decision to proceed, partially because the role in Waunakee would put them closer to Abby’s family, who live in Wisconsin. The Holy Spirit was certainly guiding the PNC and Will.
Angela Himegarner made the motion to call Pastor Will Wilson to the role of senior pastor and head of staff at FPC Waunakee, and accept the terms of call sent in a letter to the congregation and approved by the Session at their March 18, 2024, meeting.
Peter Bergmann seconded the motion.
Pastor Glen requested questions or discussion. There were no comments from the floor or questions, aside from acknowledging what an amazing story the committee had shared.
The meeting proceeded with taking a vote from all members in good standing, using the paper ballots distributed at the beginning of the meeting. After completing their ballot, each member came forward to place their ballot in an offering plate.
Lolly Lawrence, Steve Cable, and Sheryll Gehrmann took the ballots to the Pastor Glen’s office to count them. Travis Serebin, for the PNC committee, observed the counting of the votes.
The vote results were as follows:
- 141 yes
- Three no
- Two abstain
The results of the vote were announced to the congregation by Lolly Lawrence, clerk of session. The results were met with applause and celebration. Angela Himegarner and Alan Roberts then went back to the session conference room to meet with Pastor Will and Abby Wilson and confirm acceptance of the call.
All four returned to the sanctuary and Angela announced that Pastor Will Wilson had accepted the call to Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at FPC. They received a standing ovation. Angela asked if there were any questions for the congregation.
Q: What appealed about this location and this church?
A: Only three hours away from Abby‘s family. Vibrant church and faith community. Intergenerational with many age groups represented.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Asheville North Carolina. Will and Abby met at philosophy camp in at Saint Olaf (Northfield, MN).
Q: What football team do you support?
A: Kansas City Chiefs?? Actually, Will follows Baylor, where he is working on his PhD.
Thanks were expressed to Pastor Glen for keeping things moving in a positive direction during his interim assignment and guiding the work of the MIF and PNC. Pastor Glen received a standing ovation.
Pastor Will closed his comments with praise for the PNC who did an excellent job. As to the future, only God knows, but he does know that Jesus Christ is going to be at the center of our worship and mission together.
Angela noted that Pastor Will’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be September 8, with our fall kick-off. There will be lots of opportunities to meet and connect with Pastor Will.
A motion was taken and seconded to dismiss the PNC with thanks. One no vote, all others yes.
Thanks was expressed to Sue Melrose, our representative from the Presbytery, for her outstanding support of the process. Sue was unable to attend the meeting.
Pastor Glen closed the meeting in prayer.
A motion was taken and approved unanimously to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lolly Lawrence, Clerk of Session
FPC Waunakee
Celebrating the Life of Booth Fowler, Alice Honeywell’s husband.
Visitation and a Memorial Mass for Booth Fowler followed by a celebration of his life will take place at two venues on the UW campus on Saturday, April 27. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m., Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center, 723 State Street. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., a light lunch will be served and a program will take place at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street, across Library Mall from St. Paul’s. All are welcome to either or both events. Carpooling is recommended because Lake Street and Park Street will be closed from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. to accommodate athletes convening for the CrazyLegs run that also begins on Library Mall. A street cut-out on University Avenue (in front on the Chazen Art Museum) is recommended for drop-offs. The race starts at 10:00 for runners, 10:20 for walkers, so soon after that time the congestion should be over and the streets will reopen.
SCAM ALERT: Fake emails from Pastor Glen
In recent weeks, there have been reports of individuals receiving fraudulent emails purportedly from “Rev. Glen Reichelderfer,” asking for a favor. The content of these emails typically requests the purchase of gift cards under the guise that Pastor Glen is busy or currently in a meeting and doesn’t have time to purchase the gift cards himself.
It is imperative to note that Pastor Glen does not and will not ask you to purchase gift cards.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that these emails do not originate from Pastor Glen’s official MyFPC.org email address. Although the scammer has not directly compromised Pastor Glen’s official email account, they have attached his name to a Gmail.com email address in an attempt mislead recipients.
It is crucial to exercise caution and vigilance when anyone asks you to purchase gift cards.
This Week’s Birthdays: April 21-27
This Week’s Anniversaries: April 21-27
FPC Nursery for Ages 2 and under
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Kingdom Kids
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.
Sunday School – Aged 3 to 6th grade – 9AM-9:50AM
Join us at FPC of Waunakee for an incredible Sunday School experience! Our vibrant program caters to children aged 3 to 6th grade, offering engaging lessons, interactive activities, and a nurturing environment where young faith can thrive. Every Sunday, we’re dedicated to fostering faith, friendship, and fun in a way that leaves a lasting impact on your child’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss out on this enriching opportunity!
Network 56 – Grades 5-6
Network 56 is a group of 5th and 6th graders who hang out together to have fun, put faith to action by serving in the community, and grow healthy, encouraging friendships.
- All 5th and 6th grade students are welcome to attend Network 56 events at any time. Interested participants are notified in advance of each event.
- All events are chaperoned by parents. There is lots of fun and room for everyone to participate.
Student Ministry – Grades 7-12
FPC Student Ministry exists to help students KNOW God, GROW in relationship with Him and each other, and to GO serve others in Jesus’ name.
Students can expect a welcoming environment with caring adult leaders who are there to support and encourage them on their faith journey, regardless of if they are exploring their faith for the first time, a committed follower of Jesus, or anywhere between.
All students are welcome!
Sundays | 9:00–9:50am
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:15pm
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, games, musical worship, meaningful messages and small group discussions, and prayer.
Music in Worship
April 21 – FPC Choir and Ying Wang, pianist
April 28 – Praise Band: Brett Cable, Jason Cable, Greg Tardiff
May 5 – FPC Choir and Ying Wang, pianist
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
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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.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.
