Maybe it is the gift when the year turns, but during Advent, I tend to reflect on what has happened in the past, pray for guidance and strength to face what life holds and give thanks to God for my wife, my family, my friends and you all.

I am still astonished that God has called me to minister with and among you. Here is my Advent/Christmastide offering to you from the Reichelderfer archives.

From the Letter of Taizé- December 1981 (slightly emended)

“According to an old Christian prayer, on Christmas night, while the magi bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn child, the shepherds offer but one gift: their astonishment. The Gospel is sensitive to this reality of astonishment and surprise which surrounds Christ’s birth. At the Annunciation, hearing the words, “Rejoice, most favored one” (Luke 1:28), Saint Luke writes that Mary “was startled.” Her shock and wonder will be changed into joy; Mary will soon break forth in song but first the confirmation of another believer, Elizabeth, is needed: “Blessed is she who believed!” (Luke 1:45). Then Mary’s joy overflows: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit exults in God my Savior.” Welcoming and confirming Mary, Elizabeth is surprised: “Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord’s mother should visit me?” (Luke 1:43) A fourth century Christian translates the first part of Elizabeth’s statement using these words: “What joy is given to me.”

Astonishment comes also to the shepherds. They had not expected a revelation from God. At the beginning of our age, they were often considered outsiders, without access to the knowledge of God. In the Gospel, they are the first to learn of Christ’s birth and its meaning. Their “great fear” (Luke 2:9) is the feeling of any who are surprised by the manifestation of God. They have not been prepared for this by their past or their way of life. But the angel says to them: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I announce to you good news of a great joy which will be for all people.” “With haste” (Luke 2:16) they make their way to Bethlehem and tell what God has made known to them; once again Saint Luke remarks: “All who heard were astonished.” (Luke 2:18) From fear, the shepherds pass through awe to joy: “They returned glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:20)

In nearly all these texts, astonishment precedes and, at times, accompanies the discovery of great joy- the acknowledging of God’s design of love for humanity. Through Mary, Elizabeth and the shepherds, it is as if the Gospel were giving us our first glimpse of the Church:  a people astonished by God.

Saint Luke tells us that the joy which has entered the world at the birth of Christ is for all people. (Luke 2:10) Saint Matthew will also show that Christ is present to every human through the mystery we celebrate at Epiphany: the magi do not belong to the chosen people yet come to pay the Christ Child homage (Matthew 2:1-12). Their arrival is consonant with the promise found in Psalm 98- “The ends of the earth see the salvation of our God.” Saint John will express this in his own way, “The Word was the real light, the light which comes into the world and shines in every person.” (John 1:9)

All have reason to be astonished at being called to live connected to Christ, to be reflections of Christ’s life, parables of sharing, workers of peace, bearers of reconciliation, because all know we lack the means to live a holy life. But God chose us and by offering our astonishment, we too will see our fears change into praise.”

Peace be with you all as we await how God will guide us into the future. I can’t wait to see what will unfold.

Peace,
Pastor Glen

The FPC office will be closed for winter break starting Thursday, December 21 until Tuesday, January 2. We hope you have a blessed Christmas Season and we will see you when we reopen on January 3!

“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.

FPC has begun serving families at the Waunakee Food Pantry the last Wednesday of each month from 4-6:00p. Off to a great start and enjoying the fellowship with other FPC members.  Anyone interested in joining the group or have questions, please reach out to Bernie or Sheryll Gehrmann.

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.

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.

NURSERY WILL BE CLOSED NEW YEAR’S EVE.

3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.

NO KINGDOM KIDS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

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!

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

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.

NO NETWORK 56 ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

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

NO GRACELAND STUDENT MINISTRY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

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!

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!   

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.

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

Attention all moms, no matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community for monthly gatherings as well as social events. Contact Patricia Coley for more information!

Future MOMCo Meeting Dates:

• February 18
• March 17
• April 21
• May 19

Immediately following worship on Sunday, January 28. Please join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary.

Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. All Aged 21+ are welcome!

Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org

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.