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Walking Through the Dark Night into God’s Light
When the FPC staff recently met, we talked about what Lent might look like this year. We used that time to ponder together where the Spirit might be leading us and this church of ours.
All Christ Followers know that Lent (Ash Wednesday- Easter Sunday) is a special season of the church year when each of us takes time to reflect on and dig deeper into our walk with Jesus. Simply put, every year, the season of Lent gives each of us the opportunity to purposely and deliberately set aside time to reflect on and deepen our faith.
In our staff discussion, we focused on these questions:
- Where are we as individuals called to grow?
- How might the Spirit be challenging our church to grow?
- As we think about Lent, where is God speaking to us?
There were many twists and turns to our conversation that morning. We are blessed with a prayerful and creative staff. Eventually, we came up with the idea of walking with Jesus through the events that happen “on the night he was betrayed”.
Walking with Jesus through that dark night into God’s LIGHT resonated with us.
In other words, we will be walking with Jesus through the events of Maundy Thursday night. Each Sunday will focus on a different, specific moment during that night. In a sense, during Lent, we are pulling an “All-nighter” as a church family.
The theme for this Lent is “Walking Through the Dark Night into God’s Light”.
I wonder how each of us will be drawn closer to Jesus this Lent?
I wonder what God has in store for you, for me, for us?
Blessings.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
Video Devotional: Jesus – An Immigrant in Egypt
Matthew 2:13-23 tells us the story of Jesus as an immigrant in Egypt. Leviticus 19:33-34 tells us how we are to treat the alien among us. Nearly all of our forebears were aliens in a new land. What can we learn from all of this, and how can we apply it today?
Soli Deo Gloria!
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
Reed Baptism
Last Sunday, January 28, FPC was happy to baptize Logan Eugene Reed, son of Tiffany and Spencer Reed. We welcome Logan into the family of faith through the Sacrament of Baptism!
Amazing Volunteers
FPC is blessed to have such amazing volunteers!
These fine folks are hard at work stuffing the Lent Mailer that should be in everyone’s mailboxes in the next couple of days.
If you are interested in volunteering with FPC, we have a number of opportunities and we can always use the help! Email us today!
Student Ministry Band Performed
Thank you to the Student Ministry Band for leading us in worship last Sunday!
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 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
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
February 4 – FPC Choir and Ying Wang, pianist
February 11 – Ying Wang, pianist and Joyful Noise
February 18 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | Feb. 4-24, 2024
Mondays thru Feb. 12 from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
We will start off the new year with “You Were Made For This Moment” by Max Lucado.
Light Team is open to all women on Mondays @ 1 pm. There will be time for lots of fellowship, treats, and no homework!
Starting February 19 we will be starting “Why Easter Matters” by Andy Stanley. Andy looks at the lives of several key people in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.
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, February 5 at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM for 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.
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 Fellowship Hall in the lower level of FPC. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
Wednesdays at 7PM – Men’s Ministry
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 8:15PM 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.
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, February 10 at 10AM and Monday, February 12 at 6:30PM – FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Someone to share ups and downs with, and possibly offer advice.
Are you or were you a caregiver? Let’s lean on each other and learn from each other as a group of Christians. Our FPC group is small but mighty, always welcoming any newcomers. The group is offered once a month. Stop in when you can, you choose to share or listen, it’s up to you. We meet in the Chapel, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential, people can speak freely.
Attendee Lori Phelps has said, “This is my therapy and is so helpful for my mental health as I care for my parents! I walk away with a clearer mind and fresh ideas (an indoor garden kit for my dad! I didn’t know these existed! And a binder for my mom titled, When I start feeling bored, I can…). I’m so grateful for Marcia creating and conducting this group! She is a great listener, and she cares. She’s been through the same experiences so we can talk, laugh, or cry through the ups and downs. I feel like this group is so beneficial but seems to be the best kept secret. We should spread the word for others to benefit too!”
Caregivers (current or previous) – join us any month you can! 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.
Wednesday, February 14 at 7:30AM-8:30AM – Drive Through Ashes
Can’t make the Ash Wednesday service? Drive through ashes will be provided by Pastor Glen again this year! Simply pull up to the front of FPC between 7:30AM-8:30AM on Wednesday, February 14th and Pastor Glen will bless you with ashes.
Wednesday, February 14 at 6PM – Ash Wednesday Service
Join us on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, on Wednesday, February 14 at 6PM in the Sanctuary. Lent is the forty days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. The number forty is significant as it refers to Jesus’ forty days in the desert prior to beginning his ministry of teaching.
Thursdays, starting February 15 at 5:15PM – Heavenly Stretch
Heavenly Stretch returns with a 6-week Lenten series of yoga classes for Christians. Classes will be held Thursday evenings from 5:15-6:00, starting on February 15 and ending on March 21.
If you have questions please text Lolly at 608-658-0895.
Sundays, starting February 18 to March 31 at 9AM – Adult and Student Lenten Sunday School!
All 7-12 graders and adults of all ages are invited to join Pastor Ben and Ezrah for a cross-generational Lenten Sunday school offering. We will be following the Lenten sermon series, “Walking Through the Dark Night into God’s Light.” This will take place in the Youth Space.
Sunday, February 18 at 3pm – MOMCo
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:
- March 17
- April 21
- May 19
Wednesday, Feb. 21-Mar. 20 at 6PM – Lenten Dinners
Bring friends, family, and neighbors! All are welcome to these Lenten Dinners. Dinner will be served from 6-7pm with a short Devotional from 7-7:30pm: Adults with Pastor Glen, Children with Patricia, little kids with Christa. Teens will go upstairs to youth group. Please sign up and let us know you are coming!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Friday, March 15 at 11AM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Opportunities to Serve
Volunteers and Subs needed in the Nursery
Our Children’s Ministry needs more monthly volunteers and subs in the Nursery. We are still building our foundation in this Ministry and we need more folks- teens and adults. Please consider contacting Patricia Coley to help and please pray for this vital ministry to our littlest ones and their families. pcoley@myfpc.org or call the Church Office.
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. 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.
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
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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.
