Jump to this week’s announcements!
Parking Lot Construction: Paving to begin next week
Work has restarted on our parking lot project. The Phase one portion of the project is underway. This phase consists of removing poor soils in the Education Wing and Lower Fellowship parking lots. The work is progressing and the soil work portion of the project is slated for completion early next week. Paving Phase One and Phase Two will start mid next week. As of this writing there has not been an assessment of the condition of the project based on Thursday’s rain. Updates will be made available as soon as possible. Any concerns or questions, give RJ Binau, Buildings and Grounds Elder, a call at 608-334-8052.
Thank you,
RJ Binau, Buildings and Grounds Elder.
Thank you: From Donna Kopan
Dear FPC family,
Wow! Should I expect anything less from the thoughtful and generous people at FPC? I want to say THANK YOU so much to all who contributed to the “Love Offering” that arrived in the mail for my retirement recently. I feel so blessed and honored by this expression of love as I departed FPC to start a new chapter in my life. Thank you so very much!
Another outpouring of love that I want to thank you for is all the prayers, cards, calls, emails, texts and memorial gifts in the passing of my dear mom on August 9. Your love and prayers during this difficult time has strengthened, comforted and encouraged me.
As I look back, only God could have known what was ahead for me and my family to perfectly place my retirement date as June 30 on the calendar. That just blows me away when I think about His timing. The Scripture that comes to mind is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
I love you all and I’m so grateful that God led me to FPC! What a beautiful community of Christ followers you are! You will forever remain dear to my heart.
With love and affection,
Donna Kopan
Library Revival!
As we sift and winnow the materials that have generously been given to FPC’s library over the last several years, one collection that is available for immediate sharing (and downsizing) is our jigsaw puzzles. Please see the table in the Gathering Space and choose one or more to take home to enjoy. Feel free to pass them on to others when you’ve finished or bring one back. Questions about the library? Contact Alice Honeywell at 608-692-5496.
The Light Team
The Light Team is comprised of women who want a chance to meet for fellowship and Bible study. We pray for each other and those in our church family and community. When possible, we extend ourselves in projects to help others. There is no homework and we include humor and laughter! We will be meeting in the Gathering Place @ 1 – 2:30pm on the following Mondays. All are welcome to attend any or all of our sessions.
Mondays between Sept. 12-Oct. 3 – “Follow” by Andy Stanley
Mondays between Oct. 10-Nov. 7, except Oct. 17 and 31 – “How Happiness Happens” by Max Lucado
Mondays between Nov. 14-Dec. 12, except Nov. 21 – “Christmas” by Ann Voskamp
Dec. 19 Fellowship only and Christmas celebration! (to be determined)
This schedule is tentative and I will do my best to stick to it. However, things happen with weather, illness, and family that could be a factor. Remember what Jesus said to the people: “I am the Light of the world. So, if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.” John 8:12
Any questions, call Lynda Bennin @ 608-849-8656 or email blbennin@tds.net
A New Hire for the Adult Choir!
We are pleased to announce that Liz Weller will direct the Adult Choir at FPC. Liz is married to Mark, and their family includes Ian and his wife, Jenna, and Garrett and his fiancé, Erin. Liz’s earliest music memory… learning “Jesus Loves Me” at VBS, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ, and then singing it again on Halloween (More details to be shared later). Liz is a retired Special Education teacher and has directed choral groups in Madison, Prairie du Sac and Waunakee. In addition to singing at FPC, Liz plays percussion in Joyful Noise and sings with the Edgewood Chorale. She loves how music can be such a meaningful part of worship and looks forward to leading singers of all ability levels at FPC beginning September 21 at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary.
Video Devotional: Do Not Repay Evil with Evil, Insult with Insult
Scripture tells us not to “repay evil with evil, insult with insult,” but how does that work in the real world? Find out how Jeff reacted, albeit, imperfectly when confronted with anger in this episode of Scriptures for Life. Soli Deo Gloria!
Invitation: Become A Sunday School Teacher!
Are you looking for a way to serve God at FPC? Do you enjoy children and seeing them learn and grow? Have you been wanting to expand and strengthen your faith? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions we invite you to consider becoming a Sunday School teacher!
As the Children’s Ministry continues its post-pandemic growth, we are looking to add more teaching teams to address different age groups. The team concept means you will never be alone in the classroom, and if you won’t be at church on a particular Sunday you are covered. The curriculum we use at FPC will not only guide you through the crafts and activities, but it also explains the Scripture behind the lesson, so you don’t have to be a Bible scholar to teach. (And you too might learn some awesome Bible stories in the process!)
This invitation is not only for adults, but we encourage middle school and high school students to volunteer as well! There is a need for classroom assistants as well as other opportunities for the youth of FPC to participate in Children’s Ministry.
Regardless of your age, please consider and pray about joining us in the Children’s Ministry program. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact FPC’s Director of Children’s Ministry Patricia Coley (PColey@myfpc.org) or Children’s Ministry Elder Peter Bergmann (pdbworkday1@gmail.com).
Save the Date – Fall Grounds Clean-up
FPC is asking volunteers to save the date of Saturday, October 8, from 9am-Noon, to help with a fall clean-up of the grounds at FPC. A rain date will be the following Saturday, October 15. If you have any questions, please call RJ Binau, Building and Grounds Elder, at 608-334-8032.
Musical Guest: Gloria Grys
Gloria Grys moved to Madison from Shawano in 2018 with her husband Ed, and they joined FPC shortly after.
They were previously active members of Presbyterian churches in VA, MI and in Shawano for 30 years.
Gloria has a degree in Music Education, was a piano teacher for over 40 years, and served as a church musician at several churches.
Currently, she plays piano for some worship services at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge (East) where they now live in an Independent Living apartment.
Gloria & Ed have two sons (one in Madison, one in Scottsdale, AZ) and four grandchildren.
Thank You!
We’d like to say a big “Thank You” to Sam Shugar for stepping up and getting the choir back up and singing again in February-May. So many of our church folks were so blessed and happy to see and hear the choir again. Sam, we are grateful that you answered the call of the Holy Spirit and appreciate all you’ve done!
“Thank You” to Audrey Manning for playing piano for the choir and many services as well as singing frequently. We are so grateful, Audrey, for using your gifts!
“Thank You” to Cherith Brown, Lolly Lawrence, Brett Cable, Jason Cable and our new pianist, Ying Wang, for sharing their musical gifts during our summer services. Ying will be officially joining us next month at Sunday services and accompanying the choir and any soloists and guest musicians.
Music Opportunties
Choir “I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing!”
You’re invited to sing with the Choir! We rehearse every Wednesday night from 7:00am-8:30pm in the Sanctuary beginning on September 21. In October, November and December we will sing twice a month at the 10:00am service, with an additional service on Christmas Eve. Unsure if you are a soprano, alto, tenor or bass? No worries, we can help and welcome all ability levels including middle and high school students! Come enjoy a great fellowship of singers! Hope to “See you…in September.” Please contact Liz Weller with any questions.
Liz Weller, Adult Choir Director: eaweller245@gmail.com
Joyful Noise “Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord!”
The Joyful Noise is our instrumental ensemble. If you play a wind or string instrument, no matter what age or skill level, please consider playing with us! We rehearse every other Thursday from 7-8/8:30 in the Music Room starting Thursday, September 15. We are encouraging middle and high school students to play with us! We also have a brass and woodwind ensemble. Contact Sam Robinson at church: srobinson@myfpc.org 608-949-9450
Vocalists and Instrumentalists (Piano too)
If you’d like to sing or play an instrument at a Sunday service, please contact Sam Robinsonsrobinson@myfpc.org 608-949-9450. You are welcome to sing and/or play a special song or two, no matter what your skill level is. We have open dates when the Choir and Joyful Noise are not playing and would like to fill those with students and adults from our congregation (as well as outside of our congregation too).
Calling All Middle and High School Musicians
We’d LOVE to see middle and high school students be part of our music ministry by singing or playing with the Choir or Joyful Noise or playing a song or two for a Sunday service. You can also play a duet with a friend! Parents, please encourage your child to use their musical gifts with our congregation! Contact Sam Robinson at church: srobinson@myfpc.org 608-949-9450
Upcoming Special Music in Worship
- August 28 – Gloria Grys, pianist, Sam Robinson, alto saxophone
- September 4 – Brooksy Beilke-Skoug, Guest Pianist
- September 11 – Ying Wang, pianist
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | August 28, 2022
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 comes out at 4pm every Friday. The deadline for submissions is Noon, the Wednesday prior.
Thanks!
Fall Worship Schedule
Our fall schedule begins on Sunday, September 11th
- Sunday School will be from 9:00am until 9:50am.
- We will continue to have one worship service, which will be starting at 10:00am.
Our Friendship Pads are back
Our Friendship Pads are back in the pews! We invite you to sign the Friendship Pad and write a note to the office if you wish. Pass it along and pass it back. Pause to greet someone following the service.
Children’s Ministry Registration is now live
Please go online to register your child if they are going to be participating in any Children’s Ministry activities this year!
Children’s Ministry is looking for teachers
Children’s Ministry is looking for teachers as well as any high school or middle school students that would be interested in assisting in 4K – 4th grade classes.
Update Contact Info
We would like to update our church database with your new contact info, for example, mailing address, cell phone number, email address. Please let Alka at the church office know by calling her or sending her an email with this information to avanharen@myfpc.org. Thank you.
Hand out bulletins on Sunday morning
If you or your family would like to hand out bulletins before the start of our summer worship services, please use the link below to sign up.
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!
