Technology Tip
The Our Daily Bread App
We all enjoy thumbing through the Our Daily Bread devotional booklets. The daily scripture and stories are an easy way to grab a few moments getting connected with God. But, did you know that Our Daily Bread has an app too? At Our Daily Bread, they want to encourage you to spend time with God daily and the app is a great tool to do just that!
Here are some features of the app:
READ OR LISTEN
- Read Our Daily Bread devotionals online or offline.
- Grow through daily scripture insights.
- Join the conversation on each day’s reading and engage with believers around the world.
ACCESS READING PLANS
- Access seasonal, topical, and exclusive content from across Our Daily Bread Ministries.
NOTIFICATIONS AND REMINDERS
- Stay current with the latest content, news, and updates from across Our Daily Bread Ministries with in-app notifications.
- Easily track your progress and set daily reading reminders.
Download the app and try it out! Email communications@myfpc.org with a review. We’d like to share your experience in an upcoming Connector.
Or Get it old school…
Our Daily Bread – Large Print is now available for September/October/November for pick up. Stop by the church to pick up a regular or large print version in the tote outside the front door or in baskets inside the building at the front entrance and south entrance in the educational wing.
Health Update
In light of the new local public health requirements, we want to update what you can expect at FPC:
Starting Thursday, August 19, we ask anyone who enters the church building to wear a mask. This includes children age 2 and older.
We know another mask update is not what anyone wants to hear, but we are following the requirements of the Dane County Health Department. Our outdoor services are not changing and remain available until September 5 and as always, you can worship online. We’re so glad you’re a part of our church family both in-person and online.
Shepherding the Flock
August Session Meeting Summary
Submitted by Dianne Larson, Clerk of Session
Rev. Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter of John Knox Presbytery, attended our August Session meeting. Rev. Ruark was there to discuss pastoral transition. The Presbyterian theology of call believes the Holy Spirit works in the lives of the pastors and between the pastor and congregation. It can take awhile to find a new pastor. The Presbytery will assign someone as liaison. FPC will prepare an information form and Rev. Ruark thinks we will get lots of good candidates. We will have an interim pastor and we cannot hire this person to be our new pastor. We will negotiate pay and benefits for the interim pastor. We can request an interim pastor, church leadership will match us with potential candidates, and pastors can submit their names for interim. Pastor Kirk will not be allowed to perform any pastoral duties at FPC after his retirement.
We will need to get permission from the Presbytery to form a pastoral nominating committee which would start after the interim pastor has arrived. The committee must be representative of the congregation, no more than 9 members (seven is a good number), and have two elders with the rest congregational members.
Rev. Ruark is retiring in March and there will probably be an interim for his position next spring. We are hoping to arrange a question and answer for Rev. Ruark and our congregation before he retires.
Ezrah Schmeelk presented information on Student Ministry programs.
Motions passed include the Children’s Ministry calendar, a list of programs to be presented by Adult Nurture & Spiritual Growth, a new member class in September, one service on Sunday, December 26, an addition to our gift acceptance policy stating we will not accept bitcoin, acceptance of the gift of 98 folding chairs, and multiple motions on face masks with the final motion that face masks are required in our building unless a person is actively leading a worship service.
Lori Phelps is stepping down from her volunteer VBS position because of needed time for family care. Mission giving has risen slightly in spite of several slow months of giving. Please continue to support FPC.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | August 22, 2021
Serving Opportunities at FPC:
Greeters Needed!
Are you interested in volunteering as a greeter? Email Wes Ray at wesray603@gmail.com or Rebekah Temple at rebekah.temple@gmail.com.
Volunteer for the Children’s Ministry
Are you someone who likes to work with kids, plan events like Trunk or Treat or the Easter Trail? Do you enjoy working in the background to make events successful or just want to have a great time praising God? Children’s Ministry is looking for you! We have several areas in need of volunteers! Follow the link below to find service areas that might interest you. If you have any questions please contact Patricia Coley, Director Of Children’s Ministry at pcoley@myfpc.org.
The Adult Nuture and Spiritual Growth committee is looking for new members
Elder Scott Legwold is encouraging anyone in the FPC congregation to consider joining the committee for Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth. Exciting opportunities are in the works for this area of ministry. Get involved today! Interested individuals can email Scott directly at: scott.legwold@gmail.com.
Communications Volunteer:
Are you tech-savvy and interested in learning aspects of updating the FPC website and other entry-level tasks of communications at FPC? We are looking for someone high-school age or older for this internship-like position.
Camera Operators:
Our online service video team is looking to add camera operators to our Wednesday morning recording sessions. This volunteer position requires experience with different camera settings and lighting situations, and some production experience would be helpful.
If you are interested in either of these opportunities, send an email to communications@myfpc.org to learn more.
Baby Congratulations
Renee and Ben Natzke’s new son, Isaiah Duane Natzke, was born August 6. Isaiah weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz. Renee is a former FPC Director of Children’s Ministry. The proud grandparents are church members, Clare Zaiman-Keen and Larry Keen
September 5 | 9 am INDOOR Sanctuary Worship
September 12 – Our New Fall Schedule:
- 8:45 am Blended Service
- 10:45 am Contemporary Service
Memory Café
Thursday, September 2 | 9:30-11 am
Steeplechase Condominium Clubhouse
The Café provides a social gathering place and programs for those with mild cognitive impairment or early to mid-stage dementia, along with their family members or friends. More information on the café and support groups can be obtained by calling the Waunakee Senior Center at 849-8385.
Back to School Blessing
Sunday, September 12 | During Both Services
4K-6th Grade Sunday School
Sunday, September 12 | 9:45–10:40 am
Attention all 4K-6th Graders! Sunday School is back beginning Sunday, September 12 from 9:45–10:40 am. Come join us for Popcorn and Praise to celebrate the beginning of the new school year! We will have some activities, music, time to play on the playground, popcorn! So ‘pop’ on in to see what Sunday School is all about!
Sunday School Registration:
Please help us plan for this year’s Sunday School. Click the link below to register your child/children for this school year! This will also make sure you continue to receive FPC Children Ministry’s email communications.
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.
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
