I have been your Interim Head of Staff now for 16 months now. We only have a few months left. It has recently occurred to me that because of Kirk Morledge’s long pastorate, FPC has had little contact with and awareness of the helpful folks in the John Knox Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) denomination.

Most of you may not know the basics of what it means to be Presbyterian and how our church fits under a much larger umbrella of interconnectedness. Yes, we are a connectional church– intertwined with other regional PCUSA churches in what we call John Knox Presbytery and then to other PCUSA churches in the USA.

FYI– at the end of 2022, the PCUSA had 1,140,665 active members and 18,173 ordained ministers (including retired ones) in 8,705 congregations. 

How has the PCUSA and John Knox Presbytery been of help to us in the past?

A quick example, did you know from where Pastor Kirk’s retirement (and mine) comes? Answer: The National PCUSA Board of Pensions who have led the way in investing in socially responsible ways (ESG) for over 40 years.  

From where did our church leaders get help when Pastor Kirk needed to go on medical leave? The good folks at John Knox Presbytery and the helpful people in the National PCUSA Board of Pensions. These fine folks helped us apply for and receive short term disability to defray some of our costs.

When Pastor Kirk retired a year and a half ago, John Knox Presbytery helped this church again. John Knox Presbytery’s Executive Revered Chas Ruark came and preached the Sunday after Kirk’s last Sunday. John Knox Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) helped the church form a search committee to find a qualified Interim Minister.

When Session hired me, on the recommendation of that Interim Search Committee, John Knox Presbytery’s COM had already “vetted” me (background check, Statement of Faith, oral examination re: my qualifications and experiences, etc.).

It was a process to be approved by them so that I could be hired by FPC Session.

You probably know this, but I am not a member of FPC Waunakee. I am a member of John Knox Presbytery (JKP) and serve (remember there are no spectators in a PCUSA church, only people taking a breather on the sidelines, hydrating, getting ready to serve once again) and serve on the JKP Committee of Preparation for Ministry (CPM). I had the privilege to vote on whether Ezrah would be enrolled as an Inquirer. He was approved. The first step in the process of becoming ordained as a Minister of World and Sacrament. You see, we are a people who do ministry through committees.

How do we pay for all of this “at the ready” help? Well, that is next week’s article.

Grace and Peace,
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.

Did you know that jigsaw puzzles may improve memory skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, concentration, and also reduce stress? You have a chance to pick up a free puzzle in the Narthex this Sunday. Most of these have been donated by the Light Team and stored in the downstairs library. It’s now time to share these with our church family. Take one for your family and enjoy during the slow months of winter. Please do not return puzzles to the church. We will be happy to start a new puzzle library in the next few months of 2024.

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.

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

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 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.

Student Ministry Winter Retreat
Friday, January 19 – Sunday, January 21:
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!

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

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!   

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

Todd Schmidt, Waunakee Village President, will discuss the development plans for Waunakee. Potluck will follow in Fellowship Hall.

If you’d like more information please call Steve Doty at 608-849-4058.

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

We are hoping to host Communion every Sunday of Lent.
February 18 to March 17.

We will need volunteers to prep the communion, setup/clean-up communion and to Distribute the Elements (Past/Present Elders only).

If you would be interested in helping us out, please click below to sign-up.

Thank you in advance!

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.