We’ve now begun the second week of 2025, which means that God continues to give us an opportunity to reflect on the year past and look toward God for direction in this new year ahead. To that end, I share with you a prayer written by the Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield, former editor of Presbyterian Outlook. May these words help you as you approach the throne of Grace.

God of our past, present and future, as the calendar turns and we greet another year, we ask not so much for answers to those questions that perplex us, but for confidence in your never-failing care for us.

As we reflect on the year we leave behind, we begin with gratitude for the moments and the milestones in which we experienced your presence. As we look to the year ahead, we start with hope for a kinder, more just, lavishly loving world. Through all the years, we depend on the abundance of your grace, the generosity of your mercy and the unwavering promise of your compassion.

Aid us, Almighty God, when we fail to be the people you create and call us to be. Comfort us, Abba, when we face times of sadness, loss and grief. Admonish us, Lord of all, when we neglect the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Guide us, Triune God, all the days of this new year, and indeed, every day of our lives until that time when we see you face to face. Amen.

Grace and Peace,
Will

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.

The Light Team has started a new six week video series by Author & Pastor Andy Stanley called “Irresistible.” This study takes a fresh look at the earliest Christian movement and reveals what made the new faith so compelling…and what we need to change today to make it so again? All women are invited to join for connection time. Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.

There will be no meeting on Jan. 20th.

FPC Men’s Ministry Group has started a new video series by Max Lucado called “In the Footsteps of the Savior” – This is a six-week study as described on the video summary page:   “You and your small group are invited to come with Max through Capernaum, Galilee, Caesarea by the Sea and more.  As you learn more about the places where Jesus walked, you will come to understand Jesus himself, where he came from and why he went where he went.  You will better understand his humanity and his divinity with an enriched vision of life clarified for you.” All men are welcome and please contact David Sliwicki david.sliwicki@gmail.com for more info.

The FPC church office will be closed January 20 in observance of MLK Jr. Day.

Immediately following worship on Sunday, January 26. Please join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary.

Free Pizza! Free Prizes! Unlimited Fun!

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a night of laughter, community, and friendly competition. Bingo is for ALL ages, and everyone is welcome!

When: Wednesday, January 29 at 6PM
Where: Fellowship Hall

Don’t miss out on the fun, the food, and your chance to win some exciting prizes. See you there!

It’s time for our new directory! It will not be complete without you!

Follow these steps to make your appointment:

1. Visit www.ucdir.com
2. Enter Church code: WI393
3. Enter the password: photos

We will offer three photo session dates:
January 30, 31 and February 1.

Everyone photographed will receive a complimentary 8×10 portrait. Additional portraits will be available for purchase on the day of the photo session.

Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, January 31 from 12:30PM-5:30PM.

Calling all quilting enthusiasts! Our monthly quilters’ gatherings are a perfect blend of creativity, connection, and purpose. Meetings feature plenty of socializing, a fun “Show & Tell” of our latest quilt creations, and helpful discussions to tackle any quilting challenges or questions.

In addition to sharing tips and inspiration, our group supports FPC’s Deacon’s Prayer Shawl & Quilt Ministry by crafting heartfelt Prayer Quilts to bless those in need. We also host one or two Sewing Days each year for extended fellowship and focused quilting projects.

Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just curious to learn, all are welcome. Come for the creativity—stay for the community! Contact Anne Frihart for more information.

Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, March 7 from 12PM-5:30PM.

Want to help others with minor household repairs, maintenance or yard work? Contact the church office or any of the Deacons. Your name will be added to a call list and you may be contacted to see if you can help when a request is received. 

FPC of Waunakee is seeking dedicated volunteers to fulfill the role of “House Manager” during our Sunday services. This position involves ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation by monitoring our facilities and surroundings. Volunteers will be attentive and proactive, keeping an eye out for any potential concerns that may arise. We value a calm and composed demeanor, as well as strong communication and observational skills. If you are passionate about contributing to a secure and peaceful worship experience, please consider joining our House Manager team.

We invite you to join our dynamic worship team as a Sound Desk Assistant! Play a crucial role in enhancing our Sunday worship services by ensuring a seamless audio/visual experience for the congregation both in-person and at home. Take turns with fellow volunteers and enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of our vibrant worship atmosphere! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact info@myfpc.org

Did you know that the food pantry serves ~200 families each month?  Our church has a long history of supporting the Waunakee food pantry.  Our FPC church has been given the last Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm to distribute food.  This is a great way to connect with fellow members and serve the community.  If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer form on the FPC website, or talk with Sheryll Gehrmann for more details.

Unable to volunteer? Here’s the list of items most needed this month:

1. Mayonnaise
2. Pancake Syrup
3. Instant Mashed Potatoes
4. Chicken & Beef Broth
5. Refried Beans
6. Strawberry or Grape Jelly
7. Hamburger or Tuna Helper
8. Cereal (Don’t need any Cheerios)

The pantry is always looking for paper grocery bags as well.  Items can be placed in the shopping cart at the entrance by the Education wing.

Nursery Age 3 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.

This week’s praise song, Trust in God by Elevation Worship is a simple declaration of trust in God’s consistency. We live in a world where so much can feel unfamiliar, new, and irregular. Inspired by Psalm 125, this song reminds us that our God is not merely a mountain which cannot be shaken and endures forever. He is also the one who surrounds us and offers us protection within the adversity and challenges we’re facing. God offers us this unfailing promise today, just as He has for the countless people who have gone before us. Today and everyday, let us resolve to trust in God, even when it isn’t easy, even when it would feel better to do something else.