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Into God’s Embrace
This Sunday we will be hearing testimonies from our 6 Confirmands. We baptize infants in order for them to be nurtured in the faith so that they will confirm their faith when they are ready. This is an adult decision. A watershed moment in their lives. Here is a testimony from a young man I will call Greg.
It was my senior year at college. And yes, there was a young woman.
One Saturday, she invited me to a conference called “Prayer and the Holy Spirit”.
Now just to clarify… I was raised in a church, went to church each week, sang in the choir, became a leader in that church’s youth group.
So when this 6’5” ex-linebacker-turned-minister turned to me and said, “Greg, what is grace?”, I blurted out, “Isn’t that what we say before supper?” There was a pause…I turned red because I knew I had not nailed that answer.
To his credit, he smiled and, for the first time in my life, explained grace: God’s unmerited, unwavering, untiring love for us and our world. Needless to say, it was a revelation to me. God loved me not for what I could prove or accomplish. God was inviting me on a journey with God’s very self.
Three weeks later, that young woman asked, “Why are you running away from God?” A simple question, but a turning point in my life. With her help, I faced the fact that, indeed, I was on the run.
It was then that I walked, just as I was, into God’s embrace.
I have been on the road of growing by grace ever since. I have not finished that process nor will I on this side of life. But I am not alone. Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are with me. We journey together.
I wonder how each of us would answer the question: “When did Jesus become real to you?” Blessings during these 50 Great Days of Easter.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
Video Devotional: Secular Humanism: Something New or Something Old?
In this episode of Scriptures for Life, Pastor Jeff discusses secular humanism. Is it something new that we modern people have discovered, or does it have its roots in the distant past? Watch this episode and make your own conclusion.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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. 28 – May 18, 2024
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 29: The Lunch venue has been changed to Spring Garden at 11:30AM! See you then!
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!
Our last Men’s group meeting for this session will be Wednesday, May 22nd, just prior to Memorial Day. We’ll look to kick-off our new men’s group session in early September to align with our “All Church Fall Kick-Off.”
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.
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!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, May 19 at 3PM – Theology on Tap at the Schmeelk’s backyard
Join Christa and Ezrah’s in their backyard at 500 Hillcrest Drive here in Waunakee. For a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. Please bring your own chair and beverage! (If it rains, meet at Octopi in the back room.) cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Sunday, May 19 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!
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
Meal Train Volunteers
We need to develop a list of folks in FPC who can make meals for new parents and folks facing surgery, illness, depression, or grief. Would you like to be on the rotating list of volunteers?
Please contact Christa Schmeelk or Deacon Jannina Killian: janninakillian4@gmail.com.
Attention Book lovers
Our Church Library was reorganized and set up by our beloved Booth and Alice, we now need someone to continue an already running system. Please contact Christa Schmeelk for more information and what it would entail to use your gifts in this way: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Waunakee Food Pantry: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
When: Saturday, May 11th
What: Check out product needed by going on the food pantry website. Top 8 needs list and pantry stock items help the pantry financially.
Where: Please put the bag of groceries next to your mailbox that morning
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
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 28-May 4
This Week’s Anniversaries: April 28-May 4
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 28 – Praise Band: Brett Cable, Jason Cable, Greg Tardiff
May 5 – FPC Choir and Ying Wang, pianist
May 12 – Joyful Brass
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.
