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THIS IS CHURCH: Outward
FPC Family –
Last week Pastor Ben kicked off the sermon series “This is Church: Inward,” talking about Body Building– about our connection together within Body of Christ. As a symbol, Christ is the head of the Church and we, the church, are the body. We’ve needed to do some “Body Building” as a church in the last few years, haven’t we? We’ve walked through the pandemic together where we were forced to work on Body Building. It was hard– our muscles were sore. We’ve gone through transition after transition– in fact, we are still in transition as we wait for our new senior pastor who is coming in one month!
When I’m in a time of transition, my natural inclination is to play it safe. I hunker down, I make sure things are stable– and that’s actually not a bad thing.
But.
As I’ve been praying over the last few months, I’ve felt this stirring: It’s time for us, for FPC specifically, to turn Outward. Picture it, instead of holding hands in a circle facing inward, we begin holding hands in a circle facing outward. How can we become an outward facing Church– as we are right now. Not comparing to what we used to have, or do, or be– but FPC right now, in August 2024.
It’s time to discover what that looks like– for all us. In our Ministry Information Form (MIF) Survey we took a while back, and one of our areas of improvement was the agreement that we wanted more “opportunities to plug into service projects within the church and the greater community.” So here we go! It’s time to face Outward so let’s start this week:
I am thrilled that we are collaborating with Crossroads Methodist Church and the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection for this year’s “Fill the Bus Campaign” where we will literally fill the bus in our parking lot with back to school essentials for students in need in our district from August 5-19. Click here to view their wish list!
We are also joining with Crossroads Methodist Church and other churches in Dane County to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our schools and communities! Through the LOVE DANE initiative, we were invited to join in a county-wide ecumenical push to love our community in a tangible way. In Waunakee, join us in weeding and mulching for the district on Monday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 21 for an 8-10am or 10-12pm shift! Click the link to sign up!
These are just two examples of what it might look like for us to be an Outward facing church in this season. What else could that look like for you? I invite you to come discover some possibilities on Sunday. I’m preaching on “This is Church: Outward.” Bring a phone or tablet if you can – I have a surprise in store!
“Let us not tire of preaching love; it is the force that will overcome the world.”
“No nos cancemos de predicar el amor; es la fuerza que vencerá el mundo.”
~San Oscar Romero
“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 | August 11 – 31, 2024
Saturday, August 10, at 10AM and Monday, August 12 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.
Sunday, August 18, at 3PM – Theology on Tap
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. If you have any questions contact Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Summer Schedule:
Sunday, August 18 at 3pm
Bennins’ Condo – 5240 Bishops Bay Parkway, #112
Monday, August 19, 9:30AM – Light Team Coffee
The Light Team is meeting at MNM’s Coffeehouse on Monday, August 19 at 9:30AM for coffee and fellowship. For more information please contact Lynda Bennin.
Friday, August 23, from Noon-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, August 23 from Noon-5PM.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, September 2 – FPC Church office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed Monday, September 2 in observation of Labor Day.
Sunday, September 8 – Fall Kick Off with BBQ Potluck, All that Jazz & Welcome Pastor Will!
Monday, September 9, 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.” September’s Centering Prayer session will be held on the second Monday due to Labor Day. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Judy Fitzgerald.
Mondays, starting September 9, from 1-2:30PM – Light Team
Light team is a small women’s group that emphasizes fellowship with a Bible study. Meetings take place Monday afternoons in the Gathering Place from 1-2:30.
No homework is required and open to all. Our time together is enhanced with coffee, tea, and delicious snacks.
The first meeting will be Sept. 9 with an emphasis on fellowship and getting back together after the summer break. The Bible lesson this fall will be a video from Laura Story, “So Long, Normal”. Nothing about life with God is normal. Can we live an abundant, adventurous life in Christ? Who knows? God may have a new adventure for us! Do we need to let go and trust Him?
If you are interested in joining, or would like more information please email Lynda Bennin.
Wednesdays, starting September 11, from 7-8:30PM – Men’s Ministry Meeting
Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of Faith, Purpose and Connection. The group meets on Wednesdays from 7PM to approximately 8:30PM at the church and also plans off-site opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and community service. All men are welcome.
Join the group in the Gathering Space by the fireplace. At our first meeting of the fall, we will be wrapping up the DVD Video series “Love Does” by Bob Goff, which we started in late spring.
We will have a table setup at the September 8th Fall Kick Off Event hosted by FPC. So if you would like to hear more about our group please stop by and see us. Otherwise please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com for carpooling information and to find out more about FPC’s Men’s Group. All men are welcome to join us!
Friday, September 27, from 12:30PM-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, September 27 from 12:30PM-5:30PM.
October 18-20 – Women’s Retreat
Ladies! Join us October 18-20 (7pm, Friday evening- 11am, Sunday Morning) at the Green Lake Conference Center. Natalie Handley will speak on Creative Embodied Faith: Discovering Christ in our midst by exploring a variety of spiritual practices that involve movement, creativity, and other every day activities that will help connect us to Christ. We are excited to offer this opportunity to the women of FPC (and their friends and family!) on this special Women’s Retreat weekend. Join us as together we create this safe and sacred time together to explore creative connections with ourselves, each other, and with God.
Opportunities to Serve
We’re Hiring: Nursery Coordinator
FPC of Waunakee has a part-time position available Sunday mornings 9:30am-11:30am (job sharing considered). Main responsibilities include love and care for our littlest ones, absolute compliance with safety policies and cleanliness, and supervision of Nursery assistants. Additional fun may include Bible stories, activities, music, and crafts. With assistant, oversee 2-10 children ranging from ages newborn-2 years. Pay is competitive, and you can bring your own children or grandchildren with you to play on Sunday mornings! Christian faith, self- motivation, love of children, and warm teaching spirit essential!
Apply soon by emailing resume and cover letter to info@myfpc.org or to request an application.
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.
We’re Hiring: Children’s Ministry Director
We are hiring a Director of Children’s Ministry! We are seeking a 3/4 time (30 hours/week) professional who is eager to create, manage, and administer our successful children’s Christian programs. The position offers flexible scheduling and a hybrid work model with a blend of onsite and work-from-home. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more or applying (candidates don’t have to be a member of the church), please check out the full job description here.
To apply, please click the button below to complete the job application (fillable pdf) and email the completed application along with your resume to the Church Business Administrator Kristina Maher.
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 Christa Schmeelk at cschmeelk@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:
1. Toilet Paper
2. Bar soap
3. Cereal
4. Ritz type crackers
5. Canned Tuna
6. Ketchup & Mustard
7. Pancake Mix
8. Canned fruit (pears, peaches, mandarin oranges)
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
BE SURE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS UPDATED!
FPC will be e-mailing your giving statements for the first half of the year the week of August 12th. The message will come from FPC Waunakee- churchwindows@myfpc.org and the subject will be FPC- Waunakee Giving Statement.
If we have a personal e-mail address on file for the primary person in our records, you can anticipate receiving your giving statement electronically. To confirm or update your e-mail address for this purpose, please drop a note to info@myfpc.org before August 12th. We would like to consider moving to all electronic statements in 2025, but for now, if you don’t have a personal e-mail address on file or your e-mail bounces back, we will mail your statement.
Land being cleared
Exciting changes are underway! On Wednesday, August 7, trees on the property north of FPC were removed to make way for the Kilkenny West development. This marks a significant step forward in bringing new growth and opportunities to our church. Stay tuned for more updates as we watch this transformation unfold!
Intruder Committee Update
Hello FPC Family! As you may be aware, the FPC Intruder Committee has been making updates, changes and recommendations to Session as part of the church safety plan for over a year. This month, the Session approved the Intruder Committee’s recommendation of not allowing Concealed Carry in our church building. This is consistent with the PCUSA recommendations from 2010 and means no weapons are allowed. Law enforcement officials are the only exception. We wanted to make sure and communicate this to our whole church family but, in addition, signs will be posted at all church entrances.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Ben: behrets@myfpc.org
Need help around the house?
The Deacons provide a ministry of sharing time and service to others called “Hammers with Halos.” This ministry is intended to be a short term or occasional way of helping out someone in need, not a long-term solution. Minor household repairs or maintenance, yard work or other small tasks are things that we can help with! Write it in the friendship pad, contact the church office or any of the Deacons and they will share the need with Beth Mueller, the current Deacon in charge of the program.
This Week’s Birthdays: August 11 – 17
This Week’s Anniversaries: August 11 – 17
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.
Music in Worship
August 11 – Mary Kay Burton, guest organist
August 18 – Sonia Driskill, harpist; Ying Wang, pianist
August 25 – All That Brass, brass quintet
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.
