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God is not finished
In my life, August is a time for stories. Here is a God sighting from one of my favorite people. This is her “God Story”. She told me that it was okay if I shared it with you all.
My “God story” takes me back many years to an experience I will never forget and one that has shaped my subsequent life. Here is my story:
It was Christmas Eve 1965. I had a sore throat and felt feverish, so I did not go to the service at church. By the following morning, I had a high fever. My doctor prescribed penicillin and, while I got better, I never really felt good. Several weeks later, I developed painful joint swelling in my right foot and a recurrent fever. In the ensuing days, all of my joints became hot and red. I was admitted to the hospital for the first of two lengthy stays during which an attempt was made to diagnose my illness. Finally, in late March, at the end of my second hospitalization, one of the consult doctors stopped by my room to tell me bluntly, “I think you have Systemic Lupus Erytematosus (SLE).”
He left, and my life came to a screeching halt, for you see, I had worked as a nurse on a medical unit at University of Minnesota where I took care of three women with SLE (in their 20’s like me) who died of their disease. With curtains drawn about my bed, I lay there trying to process the enormity of what this doctor had just told me. It seemed like everything turned pitch black before my eyes and life ceased.
As a believer in a God of grace- though admittedly God seemed pretty remote at that moment- I began to pray… and as I prayed for courage and guidance, a speck of light appeared in the darkness, and it continued to grow until this light enveloped my whole being. After that experience, I slept soundly for hours.
Late that night, my own doctor pulled up a chair by my bed and we talked about Lupus and my future. He told me much research was being done on diseases like this and reminded me that things were not all black or even grey. At the conclusion of our visit, he told me two things that I will never forget:
1. “you owe yourself, no more than all of us, proper rest and proper nourishment.” In other words, live responsibly in terms of your health.
2. (And the reason I believe with God’s grace I am alive today) “Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Go out and live your life.” Through the gentle love and guidance of this dedicated physician, God said to me, “I am not finished with you yet. There is a purpose for your life.”
That experience was some 48 years ago. Today I still feel satisfaction and purpose in caring for patients at the local urgent care clinic, building friendships throughout the world and enjoying the songbirds that come to my feeders. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 139: 7, 11-12 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
How has God shown up in your life? I cannot wait to hear your “God sighting” story.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
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
Video Devotional: Manna Ministries Teachers Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya
On July 30-31, 2023, we held a Bethel Bible Series teachers’ meeting with Manna Ministries’ teachers and support personnel at the Manna Ministries offices in Nairobi, Kenya. Watch the highlights from the meeting and you will see that “God is doing a mighty work in our time” through these Kenyan teachers and their mission to bring an understanding of the Bible to all of Africa. Soli Deo Gloria!
“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
PNC Update
The PNC (Pastoral Nominating Committee) met on Tuesday, August 22. Two milestones in the pastoral search have been completed since our last update: the EEO statement was approved at the congregational meeting on Sunday, 8/20, and the MDP (Ministry Discernment Profile/aka search criteria for future candidates) was approved by Session on Monday, 8/21. The MDP will be uploaded into the Presbytery’s leadership connection website this week, and will be considered for approval at their next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, 9/7.
Once the MDP has been approved by the Presbytery’s COM (Committee on Ministry), the job search will officially be “live,” and we will prayerfully wait for the applications to begin rolling in! Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 9/12.
Thank you for keeping the PNC in your prayers!
A Note from Barb Cash: FPC’s Stewardship Elder
With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, we know school, and Sunday School, are close at hand. Where does the summer go? Before we know it, we’ll be clearing snow off our driveways and sidewalks and turning up the heat.
Being in charge of FPC’s Stewardship campaign has gotten me thinking about my own experiences in Sunday School. I remember very few of my teachers, since I’m looking back from such a high plateau now, but one in particular will always stand out. Mr. Davis taught 8th grade Sunday School, and with a class of adolescents, having someone with his authority was a good thing. Especially with me as one of his students. For some reason, my 8th grade year wasn’t my best, not in public school, not in church. Those were the years when a student was in elementary school all the way from Kindergarten through 8th grade, after which we were plunked into high school. No one was talking about the changes that come along at that point in a young person’s life. So it was that I was a very disruptive kid in poor Mr. Davis’s class. I don’t recall what methods he may have used with me, except for sending me to visit with the Superintendent of the Sunday School. All I remember were the laughs I was getting with my shenanigans, and I loved it.
Then came the night of a special outing at Tenney Park in Madison. It was the dead of winter, and our class was skating on the frozen lagoon. I was a so-so skater, shlepping along near the edge of the ice, and Mr. Davis came along with one of my female classmates on his arm. He scooped me up in his other arm and masterfully skated the two of us around the pond. My thoughts were spinning as fast as we were. How could this man possibly have wanted to do anything to help me when I had consistently been such a behavior problem in his class? Yet, here he was, giving me the grace I didn’t deserve!
I don’t recall any of the Bible lessons Mr. Davis tried to teach us. But his actions that night on Tenney Pond spoke more loudly to me than anything the curriculum could have contained. Our teacher was truly walking in the light. He was a picture of Jesus to me that night, and has remained so ever since.
Dorothy’s garden refreshed
Thank you to Mark, Paul, Dianne, Vicki, Steve, Ezrah, Sheryll, Bernie, Bob, and Lynda! The garden to the right side of the main entrance, fondly known as “Dorothy’s garden”- has new life! It had been majorly overgrown, but we think Dorothy Dishno (long time member at FPC/beloved Waunakee school teacher currently residing in heaven) would be smiling.
Mark your calendars for the church-wide Fall Clean-up which will be on Saturday, September 23 from 9-12pm. Let’s be good stewards of the land together and please contact me with any questions: Christa Schmeelk: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
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 27 – Natalie and Derek Handley, vocals/guitar/cello
September 3 – Ying Wang, piano
September 10 – All That Brass Quartet
Coming Events | August 27 – September 16, 2023
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!
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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
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.
