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Sunday School Kick Off!
Can you believe summer is wrapping up and everyone is talking about the new school year? I know I can’t! I want to soak up as much summer as I can! However, we do have some amazing things happening in Children’s Ministry starting in September! So, mark your calendars for the Sunday School Kick Off day Sunday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. We will be holding our open house where the kids will complete a scavenger hunt through all the places in the Education Wing we use in Children’s Ministry! There will be activities to do, snacks to enjoy, and time to connect with all the kids and adults in Children’s Ministry. We will be walking in the light this year as we learn more about God and His Epic Teachings. Sunday School regular programing will begin September 17 for 4K- 6th grade (we also have a room for 3- and 4-year-olds not yet in school too). We will be starting the year learning about the Armor of God.
We also want to do a special shout-out to all the Sunday School teachers and nursery volunteers who help make all our programs a success. Thank you to our Sunday School team: Danielle Kalscheur, Mary Thomas, Anne Acker, Allie Devine, Julie Cable, Debby Ochoa, Peter Bergmann, Lori Phelps, Brice Wallace, and Kayla Wachholz. And the nursery team: Melissa Katterman, George Katterman, Leslie Strangfeld, Ivy Strangfeld, Melissa Schall, Drew Schall, Lori Schmitz, Vicki Schmieding, Mark Hensel, Marci Hensel, Cori Himegarner, and Julie Cushman.
We are still hoping to add some more amazing people to these teams to continue to grow our Children’s Ministry programing. If you would like to help with Sunday School (teaching or assistant) or cuddle and play with some adorable toddlers and babies, please let me know! We are praying for at least 5 more people to be added to our team this year to continue walking in the light with Children’s Ministry!!
Again, Children’s Ministry Sunday School kicks off September 10 at 9:00 am. Other special events this year include movie night, game day, Nativity Service, Epiphany potluck, and many more events! Check out the calendar of events for the year as well!
God Bless!
Patricia Coley
Marriage Retreat Announcement
After dinner on Friday, October 20, to before lunch on Sunday, October 22. Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin. 2 nights, 4 meals, and a deliberate time to reflect on your marriage. $199.00/ couple. (Scholarships are available.) Currently, there is room for 12 more couples. We can accommodate more folks if we know in advance.
My wife, Christine, and I have led three weekend Marriage Retreats. We are not experts and have been enriched by all three. We all know that a wedding is just a day, but marriage is an ever-changing process that requires intention and attention. So come away and nurture the relationship you began on your wedding day.
Here are two quotes to think on:
“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on those days when they struggle to like each other.” – Dave Willis
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”- Ursula K. Le Guin
“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.
News and Announcements
FPC’s Summer office hours
Monday – Wednesday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday – Admin Staff working remotely from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday – Office Closed
Need some good summer reading?
Need some good summer reading? Thanks to a number of generous donors, our FPC library has some great new titles. Check them out!.
Questions? Call or email Alice Honeywell — 608-692-5496; ajhoneywell@gmail.com
Nursery is open all summer
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Kingdom Kids this summer
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service throughout the Summer.
Summer Music in Worship
August 20 – Ying Wang, piano
August 27 – Natalie and Derek Handley, vocals/guitar/cello
Coming Events | August 20 – September 9, 2023
Sunday, August 20 during Worship – Brief Congregational Meeting
We are also planning a congregational meeting on Sunday, August 20, at which time the congregation will vote to approve the EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) statement. The approval of the EEO statement is required in order for us to proceed with the pastoral search.
Please plan to attend this brief congregational meeting on the 20th!
Monday, August 21 at 11:15AM – Light Team Lunch
Light Team will have lunch on August 21 at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse starting at 11:15 am. Regular Light Team meetings will start on September 11 at 1pm in the Gathering Space.
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Friday, August 25 at 6PM – Family Night! Outdoor Movie and S’mores
Friday, August 25 at 6PM – Children’s Ministry Summer Fun Night!
Summer Family Fire Pit, Outdoor Movie and for those who desire – a Campout at FPC! Bring your own dinner to cook over the fire at 6pm (like hotdogs!) and we’ll provide the s’mores. The movie will start at 7pm, and for those who would like to camp, please RSVP to Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org– and she’ll get you the details.
Saturday, August 26 at 3PM – Theology On Tap
Tuesday, August 29 from 2PM-4PM – Author Visit Margaret George
Extraordinary Opportunity!
Award-winning Margaret George has agreed to speak at FPC on Tuesday, August 29 at 2pm in Fellowship Hall. Although all her numerous historical novels have been New York Times Bestsellers, she will focus on Mary Called Magdalene. Reception to follow.
Wednesday, August 30 from 6PM-7:30PM – FPC Choir Potluck
Looking for fellowship and enjoy music? Come join the FPC Choir! We will kick off the year with a potluck on August 30 from 6pm-7:30pm to welcome members, new and returning. Bring a dish to pass and meet our new director, Jamison Wendlandt. The choir rehearses most Wednesdays from 7pm-8:30pm and sings twice a month. No experience is necessary, just a heart for Jesus! If you have any questions, please email Jamison at jwendlandt@myfpc.org. We look forward to having you join us!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, September 10 at 11AM-2PM – Fall Kick Off with BBQ, Potluck and Big Band!
Join us for an unforgettable day of community, music, and culinary delight – a potluck picnic like no other! Everyone is warmly invited to gather under the big open sky behind FPC of Waunakee, where the tantalizing aroma of sizzling BBQ mingles with laughter and friendship. Indulge in a spread of mouthwatering dishes lovingly prepared by your church family and neighbors, all while enjoying the toe-tapping and finger-snapping music of the Waunakee Big Band. What a great way to kick off the Fall!
Monday, September 11 – 1PM – Light Team Meeting
Light Team will begin meeting on September 11 at 1PM in the Gathering Place.
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Monday, September 11 at 7PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20-minute “sits.” For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Sunday, September 17 at 11AM – Healing and Wholeness Service
A Short Service for Healing and Wholeness will be held in the Chapel right after Worship on Sunday September 17. Since the days of the early church, Christians have used the laying on of hands and anointing with oil as a sign of the working of the Spirit. This short service allows us to bring our memories, our physical troubles, our psychological wounds to God and seek healing. We do this with one another as we walk together in the LIGHT. All are welcome to this special, uplifting Service.
Saturday, September 23 at 11AM – FPC Fall Clean-Up
Embrace the spirit of togetherness and join us for an invigorating day of community camaraderie at our Fall Clean-up event! As the vibrant colors of autumn surround us, let’s come together to prepare our cherished FPC grounds for the upcoming winter. Come help us make an impact as we ensure our church remains a welcoming haven for all seasons!
Sunday, September 24 from 11:15AM-1PM – All About FPC Class
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, September 24. We will meet right after church. Lunch is provided. If you need childcare, let us know in advance. We will meet in the Chapel. Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen or Elder Wes Ray. Or contact the church office.
Monday, September 25 at 6:30PM – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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.
Friday, September 29 from 12:30PM-5:45PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, September 30 at 10AM – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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.
Monday, October 2 at 7PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Monday, October 9 at 6:30PM – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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, October 14 at 10AM – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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, October 15 at 2:30PM – Historic Organ Presentation and Recital
Ryan Mueller will be the organist for the recital showcasing our historic Scheulke organ. At 2:30pm he will also present a pre-recital lecture on Schuelke and the history of his organ building business in Milwaukee as well as the history of our organ. The concert will begin at 3pm.
Friday, October 20 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Blood Drive at FPC
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 – FPC Marriage Retreat
About a year ago, Jack Von Rutenberg came into my office and welcomed me back here to FPC Waunakee. As we chatted that morning, he asked if my wife and I would be willing to lead another Marriage Retreat? He told me that he and Tammy had attended the previous FPC marriage retreat some 20+ years ago. It seems that retreat had a great impact on their marriage. If you are anything like Christine and I, you rarely make time to focus on your marriage. The hustle and bustle of our culture just does not allow us much time to make our marriages the center of attention. That is why we have felt the need to offer this time away. The cost is $199.00/couple. From after dinner on October 20 to before lunch on October 22 at the lovely Green Lake Conference Center. (Signup here) Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen
Saturday, October 28 – 8:30AM-12:30PM – Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday October 28 8:30am-12:30pm for the next offering by Contemplative Outreach of Madison’s Introduction to Centering Prayer. This will be the last offering while Pastor Glen is at FPC Waunakee. Those who are new to this practice are welcome as well as those who want to deepen their practice.
Opportunities to Serve
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.
Doneta Chorney
608-345-1196
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
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.
