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Roots of Faith
Dear members of FPC Waunakee (and your friends),
Here is the last reflection on how Centering Prayer has impacted a friend’s life.
About five years ago, the winds in my life blew harder than my “roots” were prepared to sustain. And, I knew it.
My assistant was diagnosed with cancer. Treatment put her on disability. At the same time my 13-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. I scrambled to keep up on work, cook a weekly hot dish for my assistant, coordinate efforts to care for her, and be a very attentive mother, while venturing into a medical arena that I had little experience or knowledge of. Can you spell “s-t-r-e-s-s”?
My life is very full in the best of times. Now it was on overload, as was I.
My life felt like chaos as I canceled meetings and booked doctors’ appointments.
I knew I needed quiet, but I had no idea how to structure those times.
The Centering Prayer workshop somehow came to my attention. It was a good day and met some immediate needs in my soul.
It has now been three years. My assistant has recovered from her cancer. My son’s health is stable.
I continue to learn and grow in the practice of Centering Prayer. As I learn to be quiet I am better able to serve others. As I return to rest in God in the midst of my practice, I learn to return to God at other times in my day. As I learn to let thoughts, feelings and distractions go in prayer, I learn to let them go in life as well.
Centering prayer has given me deeper roots so I might bear more fruit in the Lord (and to endure the whirlwinds better).
An Introduction to Centering Prayer will take place this Saturday, January 28, from 8:30am-12:30pm. Four follow-up sessions are suggested for the practice to become more firmly established. Feel free to invite a friend and just show up. The cost is $25.00/person and scholarships are available. The recommended four follow-up sessions are on Monday, January 30, February 6 and 13 and Tuesday, February 21. All follow-up sessions go from 6:30-7:30.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
This Sunday, January 29 – Annual Congregational Meeting
Immediately following this Sunday’s worship on January 29. Please join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary.
Wednesdays, February 1 – March 8 from 6:30-8:30 PM – ChristCare Small Group Leadership Training
FPC Waunakee is a congregation that reaches in and reaches out. We care for one another, help one another grow in faith, and equip one another for meaningful ministry. Then we carry the love we have received out into our world to bring Jesus’ care to people who are lonely and searching.
Healthy small groups are an excellent tool for those tasks. Beginning Wednesday Feb 1, our church will begin extensive training for small group leaders. This opportunity will probably NOT come around again. It is led by Pastor Glen’s friend and colleague Cheryl Shult. The training goes for 6 Wednesdays 6:30- 8:30pm
Video Devotional: Peace Begins with a Smile
This devotion is a story about our late friend, Bridget Faltis, who approached the world with a smile. Every day, Bridget demonstrated Mother Teresa’s point that “peace begins with a smile.” Please “like,” subscribe, and share this devotion so it will reach more people. 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
MIF Committee Members Announced
Over the next 5 months, the MIF (Ministry Information Form) Committee will be leading the church in a Mission Study. Many avenues will be available to solicit FPC members’ and friends’ input as we strive to answer these basic questions:
- When pondering our FPC history, what G.E.M.S.*/trends might we discover–past and present?
- What are our current strengths? (Who are we?)
- How do we see ourselves growing (both as individuals and as a church) as a witness to what Christ is doing now in our world?
- What attributes/ gifts are we looking for in the next Head of Staff minister?
Please pray for us all as we go through this process and especially the MIF Committee: Joan Cable, John Strangfeld, Julie Cable, Joel Lewis, and Angela Himegarner.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
P.S. *G.E.M.S. stands for Generation, Engagement, Memorable Stories.
New Members
Last Sunday, we added two new members to the FPC family. David Good and Ezrah Schmeelk.
Nursery Re-Opening February 5
Nursery Age 2 and Under Returns February 5, 2023 – Room 200
Nursery will be available from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. It is staff by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Are you familiar with FPC’s FOOF wall?
Are you familiar with FPC’s FOOF wall? It’s not just a funny name! Take a walk down to the children’s education wing, and there you will see photos of many of our church members, staff and volunteers. This is our FOOF wall – the Faces Of Our Family.
The FOOF wall is more than just a collection of photos. It helps our members recognize and get to know each other. It’s a useful tool for church leaders and staff. It’s a great connection mechanism within our congregation. And we need your help to make our FOOF wall current again!
Many of the photos on the FOOF wall were taken years ago while putting together our church directory. Most of us look very different today! Some of us have gotten married or had babies over the past few years. Some of us may be new to the church, and did not have an opportunity to submit a picture for our wall. So we would appreciate your assistance as we update the “faces of our family.”
Do you have a family photo that you used for your Christmas card this year? Or perhaps a picture taken over the holidays? Please take a moment to send the picture to us by clicking the button below. Thank you!
Connection Corner Kicks Off
FPC’s new Volunteer Coordinator, Leah Durst-Lee, is pictured at the Connection Corner in FPC’s lobby. This is a place where FPC members can come and learn how they can be more involved in the good works at FPC.
2023 Offering Envelopes
If you requested a box of 2023 offering envelopes, they are available to be picked up on a table in the Narthex near the Sanctuary entrance. If you would like a box of offering envelopes and don’t see one there for you, please fill out one of the forms on that table and place it in either the pledge or offering box, and I will prepare a box for you. You may also send an email to Sue Gade, Church Business Administrator, at sgade@myfpc.org to request a box.
FPC’s Wish List
Did you know that FPC has a Session-approved Wish List? It’s a list of things that the church needs that aren’t able to be funded through the church’s regular budget. If you are ever in a position where you would like to make a special donation of any amount, please peruse our Wish List by clicking here and consider helping to provide an item listed. Thank you!
Graceland Winter Retreat: February 3-5, 2023
All 7th-12th grade students are invited to join us this weekend that is full of fun games, great music, relevant messages, thoughtful discussions, delicious food, and more!
Regular price is $125
Upcoming Music in Worship
January 29 – Joyful Noise Woodwinds
February 5 – FPC Choir
February 12 – Joyful Noise
Coming Events | Jan. 29 – Feb. 18, 2023
This Sunday, January 29 – 9 AM – Church Breakfast
Greetings Congregation Members of FPC, we are honored to host a Sunday morning breakfast with guest speaker on Sunday, January 29th at 9 am. The breakfast food offering will be similar to that offered at our last breakfast with a guest speaker last May. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Edward Wall, a law enforcement officer with a career of over three decades in law enforcement including as leader of the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation. He also served as Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management and as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Mr. Wall is now an executive with United Way.
Sundays at 9 AM – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join us each week for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Sundays at 9 AM – Sunday School for 4K-Adults
Sundays – During Service – Kingdom Kids
During the worship service kids can leave the worship service after the Children’s Moment and need to be picked up in room 202 after the service is over.
We offer Kingdom Kids for 3-year olds – kindergarten. Kingdom Kids offers a fun, unique time for children to explore their faith and form positive relationships with peers.
This Sunday, January 29 – Following Worship – Annual Congregational Meeting
Immediately following worship on Sunday, January 29. Please join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary.
This Sunday, January 29 at 11:30 AM – Connection Corner
Please join FPC after service on January 29 as we kick off our Connection Corner, a welcoming table in the lobby dedicated to information, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities. Come meet friends, old and new, as we engage in ways to live faith together. FPC’s new Volunteer Coordinator, Leah Durst-Lee, will be there to answer any questions you may have about how to get more involved in our FPC community.
Mondays, January 30 from 1-2:30 PM – The Light Team Meeting
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 meet in the Gathering Place on Mondays at 1:00 – 2:30 PM. All are welcome to attend any or all of our sessions. On January 30, the Light Team will finish the video of “How Happiness Happens” by Max Lucado.
Wednesdays, Now – May 24 from 8:30-10:00 AM – Women’s Community Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. This season we are exploring “How Much More” by Lisa Harper. 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. We will be off Wednesdays, February 22 and March 22.
Wednesdays from 7:00-8:15 PM – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join the fun upstairs in the Youth Room for a time of connection, games, message, meaningful small group discussion with students your same grade, and prayer.
Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 PM – FPC Choir Rehearsal
“Come Now and Sing, Joyfully to the Lord”
FPC Choir is back in full swing, and you’re invited to join a fellowship group that loves to sing! FPC Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:00PM-8:30PM in the Sanctuary. We sing twice a month with songs using a variety of music styles. All returnees and newbies are welcome. Please contact Liz Weller, Choir Director at eaweller245@gmail.com with any FPC Choir questions.
Saturday, January 28 from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM – Intro to Centering Prayer
The Madison Area Contemplative Outreach Group will host “Intro to Centering Prayer” in the Gathering Place. Follow-up meetings will be held from 6:30-7:30 PM on January 30, February 6, February 13 and February 21.
Friday, February 3 – 12:30-5:30 PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, February 8 – 11:30AM-1PM – New Horizons Lunchables at Rex’s Innkeeper
New Horizons will gather for Lunchables at Rex’s Innkeeper in Waunakee for lunch at 11:30 on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. New Horizons is a gathering of First Presbyterian Church members and friends over 55 (guests of any age are always welcome). We meet for fellowship and food each month during the school year. Email Steve Doty at dotysteve2@yahoo.com for more information.
Sunday, February 12 – 4PM – Fetters Family Tailgate Fundraiser.
Please consider supporting the Fetters Family of Waunakee. Dana is the sister of Amy Lewis (FPC member) that we have been praying for. Dana and her family attend St. John’s Catholic Church, and Dana and her son Cole participated in one of FPC’s youth ministry mission trips to Guatemala a few years ago.
Saturday, February 18 – 5-8 PM – Student Ministry Guatemala Fundraising Dinner
Help provide the gift of a home through the Student Ministry Guatemala Fundraising Dinner! Taqueria Gonzalez is providing a taco buffet. Come for dessert, coffee, face painting, other fun activities, to hear about the trip, and a chance to give and help build the house! Tickets are $10 per person with kids 10 years and younger free. As an outreach, when you buy a ticket for yourself, you can get free tickets for your non-FPC friends. The event will take place at FPC on Saturday, February 18, from 5pm-8pm.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, February 19 – Network 56 Bingo at Oakwood Village Retirement and Nursing Home
Sunday, March 5 – 9 AM-10AM – Donut Breakfast
Fellowship Ministry is offering a Donut Breakfast before Sunday Worship on Sunday, March 5 in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
Friday, March 17 – 11 AM-6 PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Sunday, March 19 – 2 PM – Organ Recital
Please mark your calendars! FPC will host an organ recital on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 2 PM featuring highly regarded organist Dr. Andrew Schaeffer, Director of Music at the Luther Memorial Church in Madison. The recital will be dedicated to the life and service of Pat Ronspiez. Pat served as our organist for 46 years. She also played piano and accordion.
Our church features an historic 1890 Schuelke organ built in Milwaukee and rebuilt by Wahl Organ Builders of Appleton in 1992. You can read about our historic organ here.
A Chicago native, Schaeffer holds degrees from St. Olaf College, Yale University and a doctoral degree from the University of Oklahoma. Andrew’s responsibilities include playing organ for Sunday services, directing the children, youth and adult choirs, various instrumental ensembles and overseeing the general music ministry of the congregation. He has been at Luther Memorial since 2018. Schaeffer is also editor-at-large of The Diapason, a nationally published organ and church music magazine.
A free will offering will be collected at the recital. FPC will donate 90% of the free will offerings to the Waunakee High School Music Department’s grand piano purchase. The remaining 10% will go towards our church missions.
Thursday, March 23 – Network 56 Pres House Service Project
Opportunities to Serve
RePlanting the Nursery
We are trying to bring back FPC’s nursery! If you would like to volunteer in the Nursery approximately every 5 weeks for 2 hours, or be on the sub list, please email Christa Schmeelk. cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Volunteer Opportunities
It takes a lot people to pull together a Sunday Worship service. Pastor Glen and Pastor Ben do a great job putting Jesus front and center. But there many more in the background working hard to improve the worship experience for all of us. We need you!
Please consider signing up to volunteer to help hand out bulletins, greet folks as they come in, set up or attend the coffee table for post-service fellowship and there are many more opportunities to serve!
As Pastor Glen likes to say “There are no spectators in the Presbyterian Church, only folks on the sidelines either waiting to get into the game or who have just been subbed out.”
Shelter From The Storm Ministries Needs Volunteers
Shelter From The Storm Ministries (SFTSM), located in Sun Prairie, is currently in need of crews that can clean rooms and prepare them for their next residents. Shelter from the Storm Ministries currently has three rooms vacant and is in the process of interviewing new families to move in and welcome. A crew of four (4) people volunteering to clean one room usually takes 2-4 hours. SFTSM is extremely flexible on dates/times. For any questions or to sign up, please contact Pastor Kent Van Horn from Shelter From The Storm Ministries at kent.vanhorn@sftsm.org or call him at (608) 535-0067.
Thank you! Your FPC Mission Team
Calling Vocalists and Instrumentalists (Piano, too!)
If you’d like to sing or play an instrument at a Sunday service, please contact Sam Robinson at srobinson@myfpc.org or call 608-949-9450. We have open dates on our music calendar for January through May. You are welcome to sing/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 whenever possible.
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.
