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Healing Service
During this Christmas season, a lot of feelings– both tender and distressing– can bubble up inside of us. That is normal, inevitable, human.
Since FPC is a community of healing, this Sunday, we are invited to bring these feelings before God. Right after our 10am worship service, in our chapel is when we will hold a service for Healing and Wholeness.
What is a Service for Healing and Wholeness?
It is a safe space that allows God’s healing presence to enter our lives.
It is a time when we gather with others and ask
“What do I bring for healing today?”
During the service, as we walk with God and with each other, we will ask:
- What is the dark valley through which I walk now?
- What in my life needs healing?
- damages to my body…
- wounds to my feelings…
- injuries to my spirit?
- What are the relationships in my life that need healing?
- Where am I lost?
- How I am I being called to be a healing presence in the life of others?”
Then, when the time is right, we rise and take a seat in the front of those gathered.
We go to place before God what God has placed on our hearts.
We go to be prayed over by a fellow traveler who is on the Way.
It is a holy healing moment when the presence of God, actively working in our world, is tangible.
-Healing can be the throwing away of a crutch, but it can also be receiving the strength we need to forgive an old wound, or an old friend, or the church.
-Healing can be acknowledging our blind spots and be surprised by a different future than we had previously imagined.
-Healing in our bodies, our memories might have already taken place and this moment helps seal that realization and leads to a renewed faith. You are invited to join me this Sunday December 10th in the Chapel ~11:15 to experience the healing power of God.
Peace be with you.
Pastor Glen
“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
A Dream for a Better Church
by: Barb Cash, Stewardship Elder
When I walked into church this time, I knew things weren’t right. Oh, I’d had the feeling before. For example, the fact that coffee hour has devolved into stale, left-over Halloween candy, a pot of hot water and a jar of instant coffee. Well, Miss Pollyanna thought, that way we could each make our coffee as strong or as weak as we wanted. And who doesn’t love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
Or the time before that, when the lights were off and some people were using the little white Christmas candles to see the hymnals, because the words weren’t on the screens. Another squirrel got into a transformer, I figured. That happens. I never imagined that we couldn’t pay our electric bill.
But on this Sunday morning, we were to hear the sermon from the PNC’s choice of pastors! How exciting, and the entire congregation was looking forward to it. But, uh… it didn’t start out well at all. He’s probably nervous, I thought. That happens. As he spoke, he seemed to have no enthusiasm, his message was mediocre, there was no eye contact…as a matter of fact, I don’t think he ever looked up from his notes. It was terribly painful for everyone in the sanctuary, and I felt awful for the members of the PNC.
“What in the world happened?” I whispered to the parishioner next to me. “Where did they get this guy?”
“Well,” my friend said, “there were some really good candidates, but, uh, you know, the money just wasn’t there. You know those advertisements you used to see in magazines, LEARN TAXIDERMY IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Well, they also put things like that on the covers of matchbooks. DIVINITY SCHOOL IN SIX WEEKS—CALL THIS NUMBER!”
That’s when I woke up. It had all been a dream—no, a nightmare! What a relief! Then, in a sudden panic, I wondered, had I remembered to make my pledge to FPC? I raced downstairs to see if the pledge card was still sitting on the kitchen counter. No, relief flooded me again. I had filled it out and sent it in.
Have you sent yours in? Don’t let this dream come true!
New Horizons Christmas Carol Sing-a-long
On the festive afternoon of Wednesday, December 6th, New Horizons joyously convened to partake in a heartwarming Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, with Gloria Grys on the piano. The event brought people together, fostering a sense of the Christmas spirit as they shared in the timeless tradition. It was a delightful occasion that infused the air with merriment and marked the beginning of the Christmas season!
Advent Mailing Typo – Single Sided Sheet
Oops! We made a mistake!
In the Advent Mailing that we sent out the letter said the event portion was going to be double-sided, but in fact is was only single-sided. Sorry for the confusion!
eDevotional will resume December 20
Pastor Susan is taking a well deserved vacation and will return with her weekly eDevotional on December 20. Enjoy your vacation, Pastor Susan!
Thank you! From Bob and Lynda Bennin
Bob and I would like to thank all our friends at FPC who were involved in helping us move from our home of 37 yrs into an apartment. We needed to downsize a lot, and we appreciate all those that took items, those that sold or purchased items, and those who physically helped us pack, load, and fill our new home.
We have a wonderful group called “Hammers with halos” that also helped. Don’t hesitate to ask these men and women when you need help!
Our church family brought the “light” to us with their helping hands and feet when we felt overwhelmed. Serving in this way is truly acting out our faith.
With much gratitude and love,
Bob and Lynda Bennin
One Night in Bethlehem: Children’s Nativity Service
It’s that time of year to start thinking about the Children’s Nativity Service! There will be opportunities to dress up in costume, parts to sing, and kids can have a speaking part if they choose! We will have rehearsals during Sunday School:
9-9:50am on December 10, 17
(It’s okay if they don’t make them all.)
Performance/Service is December 17
at 4:00 p.m.
We are Hiring!
Our long-time Church Business Administrator, Sue Gade, is retiring early 2024. We are currently looking for talented, faithful candidates as we look to fill this position. If you know someone skilled in bookkeeping and accounting, please share the link to our Job Opportunities webpage on the church website.
For questions, please reach out to Amy Nelsestuen,
Personnel Elder, at 608-347-3786.
FPC’s Missions Team “Giving Trees” are back!
FPC’s Missions Team “Giving Trees” are up. Look for them December 10, or stop by before December 14 for Waunakee Neighborhood Connection and Shelter from the Storm Ministries. Check out other missions we are supporting– Porchlight Men’s Homeless Shelter and Support Our Troops (letters and cards to our service men/women overseas), whose gifts/donations will be collected until December 25th. Please contact Brice Kettner/Missions Elder with any questions: kettnerfamily5@gmail.com or (608) 770-9877
Our Live Nativity Signup is now Open
Be a part of the wonder of the season at the FPC of Waunakee’s Live Nativity on December 16th! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. This beloved community event relies on the support of dedicated individuals like you. Whether you’re interested in donning a costume, helping with setup/takedown, or preparing or serving food to our hungry volunteers, your involvement will help make this year’s Live Nativity a truly special experience. Sign up now to be a part of this meaningful tradition and share the joy of the season with all of all of our community. Let’s create cherished memories together!
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.
Kingdom Kids
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.
Sunday School – Aged 3 to 6th grade – 9AM-9:50AM
Join us at FPC of Waunakee for an incredible Sunday School experience! Our vibrant program caters to children aged 3 to 6th grade, offering engaging lessons, interactive activities, and a nurturing environment where young faith can thrive. Every Sunday, we’re dedicated to fostering faith, friendship, and fun in a way that leaves a lasting impact on your child’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss out on this enriching opportunity!
Network 56 – Grades 5-6
Network 56 is a group of 5th and 6th graders who hang out together to have fun, put faith to action by serving in the community, and grow healthy, encouraging friendships.
- All 5th and 6th grade students are welcome to attend Network 56 events at any time. Interested participants are notified in advance of each event.
- All events are chaperoned by parents. There is lots of fun and room for everyone to participate.
Graceland Student Ministry – Grades 7-12
Student Ministry Winter Retreat: All 7th-12th Graders are invited to spend a weekend full of games, music, connection with each other and God! Friends are always welcome. $100 per student if you sign up by Dec. 31 ($125 after.) CLICK HERE for info and registration. Scholarships available – please contact Ezrah: eschmeelk@myfpc.org
FPC Student Ministry exists to help students KNOW God, GROW in relationship with Him and each other, and to GO serve others in Jesus’ name.
Students can expect a welcoming environment with caring adult leaders who are there to support and encourage them on their faith journey, regardless of if they are exploring their faith for the first time, a committed follower of Jesus, or anywhere between.
All students are welcome!
Sundays | 9:00–9:50am
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:15pm
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, games, musical worship, meaningful messages and small group discussions, and prayer.
Music in Worship
December 10 – Joyful Noise Brass and Ying Wang, pianist
December 17 – FPC Choir and Ying Wang, pianist
December 24 10am– Ying Wang, pianist
December 24 4pm– Ying Wang, pianist
December 24 7pm– Choir, Joyful Noise and Ying Wang, pianist
Coming Events | Dec. 10 – 30, 2023
Sundays, December 10 and 17 at 9am – Less Chaos, More Jesus
For the next two Sundays in December (10th, 17th), Pastor Glen and Christa Schmeelk will be leading a discussion based on Walter Brueggemann’s book titled Sabbath as Resistance. We will explore what it means for us Christ followers to move from a restless, anxiety-prone existence to rest-filled moments of repair and renewal. We begin at 9am in Fellowship Hall. This is especially poignant during the frenzy of this “Holidaze” season.
So take a breather and let’s take some time to reflect together. Books are available, but not necessary, for the discussion.
Sunday, December 10 at 11am – Service for Healing and Wholeness
On Sunday December 10th, right after worship in the Chapel, Pastor Glen will be leading a service for Healing and Wholeness. During this holy time of the year, a lot of feelings- both tender and distressing- can bubble up. That is normal, inevitable, human. Since we are a community of healing, the questions we ask during this service are
- What is it that we bring for healing right now?
- Are there people or places we bring for healing?
So come and experience the God who loves us just as we are- broken and beautiful. Our God who comes to us now.
Mondays thru Feb. 12 from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
We will be wrapping up the “Women of the Bible” on December 11. Join us for Christmas at the Argues’ on December 18.
We will start off the new year with “You Were Made For This Moment” by Max Lucado. The five sessions will be:
Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12
Light Team is open to all women on Mondays @ 1 pm. There will be time for lots of fellowship, treats, and no homework!
Start the new year by shining your “light” with other Christian women.
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Monday, December 11 at 6:30PM – Care for the Caregivers
Caregiving is full of stories and life experiences. Sometimes we need somebody to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Where can one find a Christian place to tell those stories and life experiences? The Care for the Caregiver group at FPC.
The Care for Caregivers group is a small group that meets twice a month; one attends as they have time, feels the need to share, or help others walking this path. We meet in the Chapel monthly, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The group is faith based and includes those who are caring or have cared for another – in person or from afar. The group is for more than the FPC family, the meeting is open to community members that are caregivers. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential so that people are able to speak freely.
Henri Nouwen wrote, “To care is the most human of all gestures; caring expresses and expands our compassion. Care draws us into profound mutuality, both in shared vulnerability and shared gifts.”
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.
Wednesdays thru May 29 at 8:30AM – Women’s Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. Meet us on Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:00 AM in the Conference Room, entering through the west side Education Wing doors. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
DATE CHANGE: Wednesday, December 13 at 5PM-7PM – Network 56 Pizza and Project
Wednesday, December 13 from 5-7pm in the N56 Room! We will have a pizza lunch and continue working on our craft that we will be selling this year at the Children’s Nativity Service! All 5th and 6th graders are welcome!
Wednesdays at 7PM – FPC Men’s Ministry
FPC Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of Faith, Purpose and Connection. The group meets year round 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 our Men’s Group on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm in the Gathering Area at FPC (by the fireplace.) We will be going through “Life Lessons from John” by Christian author Max Lucado. We are excited to foster meaningful connections and find some service projects to work on together.
Join our Men’s Group in attending the No Regrets Conference sponsored by Elmbrook Church in Brookfield on Saturday, February 3rd. For more information and to sign up: www.noregretsconference.org. We are planning to carpool from FPC the morning of the conference. Please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmsil.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail for carpooling information and to find out more about FPCs Mens Group. All men are welcome to join us!
Saturday, December 16 from 5pm-8pm – FPC Live Nativity
Join us for a heartwarming and enchanting experience as FPC of Waunakee presents its annual Live Nativity on December 16th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as our dedicated cast members bring the story of the Nativity to life, complete with live animals and festive carolers. This beloved community tradition promises an evening of wonder and joy, perfect for families, friends, and neighbors alike. Come together with us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. We can’t wait to share this wondrous evening with you at our Live Nativity!
Sunday, December 17 at 4PM – One Night in Bethlehem Children’s Nativity Service
Wednesday, December 20 from 7-8:15PM – Youth Group Christmas Party
All middle and high school students are invited to join us in the FPC Youth Space for an eveniing of fun, food, and friends. Feel free to dress festively!
Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship
FPC will host three worship services on Christmas Eve on Sunday, December 24.
10AM – Sunday Worship
4PM – Family Service
7PM – Candlelight Service
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, January 7 at 11AM – Epiphany Brunch Potluck
Following worship on January 7, all are invited to join the Epiphany Celebration which occurs after the 12 days of Christmas. This Three Kings Day celebrates the “Wisemen” part of the Christmas story. We will have a brunch potluck together with some Three Kings activities for kids and everyone can get a piece of the famous “Kings Cake” – if the baby Jesus is in your piece, you will get a prize! RSVP to let us know you are coming.
Monday, January 8 at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group usually meets in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. But due to New Year’s Day, our January meeting will take place the following Monday, January 8. Each session consists of Two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Wednesday, January 24 at 7PM – Summer Student Mission Trip Info Meeting
Any student currently in 8th-12th grade, along with their parent(s), are invited to learn about our mission trip to Milwaukee, June 18-24, 2024. Student registration will open immediately following the meeting. Contact Ezrah with questions.
Opportunities to Serve
Last Wednesday of each month – 4-6pm – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our FPC church has been given the opportunity to serve families at the Waunakee Food Pantry one time per month, starting in November. It will always be the last Wednesday of each month from 4-6:00pm. This is a great way to connect with fellow members, while serving families in the Waunakee area. If you are interested, please stop by the Mission table after church to learn more.
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.
