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Guest Pastor: Sue Ellis Melrose
We welcome back the Rev. Dr. Sue Ellis Melrose. Retired from full-time ministry, she is currently serving part-time as the Committee on Ministry Coordinator for John Knox Presbytery. She has served as pastor of churches in the Bronx, New Jersey, and Michigan and post-retirement service as part-time interim for several churches in the presbytery.
She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (B.A. 1970), Union Theological Seminary in New York City (M.Div. 1973), and McCormick Theological Seminary (D. Min. 1992). Long active in presbyteries, she recently advised the PNC in the search for our new pastor as Committee on Ministry Representative.
She and her husband, Paul, retired to Madison in 2015 to be closer to family in Sun Prairie. High school concerts and musicals, swim meets, and soccer matches now fill their schedule.
“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.
Coming Events | July 14 – August 3, 2024
Monday, July 15, from 12:30-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Monday, July 15 from 12:30-5:30PM.
Wednesday nights in July, from 7PM-8PM – S’mores, Games and Flames with FPC’s Student Ministry
Join us for an unforgettable evening of s’mores, games & flames in the backyard of FPC! Middle school and high schoolers are invited to gather around the fire pit for s’mores, exciting games, and laughs. Bring your friends along for a night of fun and fellowship under the stars. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event – see you there!
Thursday, July 18, First pitch: 6:05PM – Men’s Ministry Mallards Game Night
The Men’s Ministry has reserved two tables @ 6 men per table for a total of 12 men. Depending on level of commitments we can adjust number of tables up to one week before the game.
Location: Warner Park, Madison WI
Cost: $42 per person which includes game ticket (reserved table in the Duck Blind) along with an all-you-can-eat food buffet and soft drinks (adult beverages not included)
For more information, or to RSVP, please email David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com
Sunday, July 21, at 3PM – Theology on Tap
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. If you have any questions contact Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Summer Schedule:
Sunday, July 21 at 3pm
Schmeelk’s backyard – 500 Hillcrest Drive
Sunday, August 18 at 3pm
Bennins’ Condo – 5240 Bishops Bay Parkway, #112
Monday, July 22, from 9:30AM-11AM – Light Team Coffee at MNM’s
Light Team Coffee at MNM’s on Monday, July 22 from 9:30AM-11AM.
Friday, July 26, from Noon-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, July 26 from Noon-5PM.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, August 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 Judy Fitzgerald.
Saturday, August 10, at 10AM and Monday, August 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.
Friday, August 23, from Noon-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, August 23 from Noon-5PM.
Monday, September 2 – FPC Church office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed Monday, September 2 in observation of Labor Day.
October 18-20 – Women’s Retreat
Ladies! Join us October 18-20 (7pm, Friday evening- 11am, Sunday Morning) at the Green Lake Conference Center. Natalie Handley will speak on Creative Embodied Faith: Discovering Christ in our midst by exploring a variety of spiritual practices that involve movement, creativity, and other every day activities that will help connect us to Christ. We are excited to offer this opportunity to the women of FPC (and their friends and family!) on this special Women’s Retreat weekend. Join us as together we create this safe and sacred time together to explore creative connections with ourselves, each other, and with God.
Opportunities to Serve
A Note from the PNC: Welcome Will to Waunakee!
Imagine with me for a moment. You’ve taken a new job. You’re leaving your home and the people you’ve known, and you’re traveling nearly a thousand miles to get there. Oh, wait a minute! You and your spouse also have a brand-new baby, which is a blessing indeed, but doesn’t make moving any easier.
Now, imagine that your new employer has funded all your moving expenses…you not only realize how eager they are to have you on board, but you breathe a sigh of grateful relief at the welcome you’re already receiving!
This is what we can all do, together, with a generous Love Offering, to give a great big welcome to Pastor Will, his wife Abby…and little “Guess Who?”
Love offerings will be collected from now through July 30. Please use the button below to donate today. Thank you!
We’re Hiring: Nursery Coordinator
FPC of Waunakee has a part-time position available Sunday mornings 9:30am-11:30am (job sharing considered). Main responsibilities include love and care for our littlest ones, absolute compliance with safety policies and cleanliness, and supervision of Nursery assistants. Additional fun may include Bible stories, activities, music, and crafts. With assistant, oversee 2-10 children ranging from ages newborn-2 years. Pay is competitive, and you can bring your own children or grandchildren with you to play on Sunday mornings! Christian faith, self- motivation, love of children, and warm teaching spirit essential!
Apply soon by emailing resume and cover letter to info@myfpc.org or to request an application.
Hammers with Halos
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.
We’re Hiring: Children’s Ministry Director
We are hiring a Director of Children’s Ministry! We are seeking a 3/4 time (30 hours/week) professional who is eager to create, manage, and administer our successful children’s Christian programs. The position offers flexible scheduling and a hybrid work model with a blend of onsite and work-from-home. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more or applying (candidates don’t have to be a member of the church), please check out the full job description here.
To apply, please click the button below to complete the job application (fillable pdf) and email the completed application along with your resume to the Church Business Administrator Kristina Maher.
Sunday Worship House Manager
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.
Sound Desk Assistant Needed
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 Christa Schmeelk at cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Agrace Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to assist customers and operate the cash register at the Doc Rock Café located inside the Agrace Madison campus or make companionship visits to local Agrace hospice patients in patients’ homes, nursing homes or assisted living centers.
Schedules are flexible, and free training is provided. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Agrace at (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer to apply online.
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.
News and Announcements
Congregational Meeting – June 16, 2024
The special called Congregational meeting was called to order by Pastor Glen Reichelderfer at 10:03 a.m. on June 16, 2024. Pastor Glen Reichelderfer opened in prayer. Session Clerk Lolly Lawrence declared a quorum. Pastor Glen explained that the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new elder for Worship and Music to succeed Erik Cushman.
Amy Lewis was presented as the nominee for the office of elder of Worship and Music.
There were no nominees from the floor. A motion was taken and seconded to accept Amy Lewis as the elder for this role and passed unanimously.
A motion was taken and seconded to close the meeting at 10:05 and passed unanimously.
Pastor Glen closed the meeting in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Lolly Lawrence, Clerk of Session
FPC Waunakee
Session Meeting – June 17, 2024
Report of the Clerk
• Brief update from JKP meeting held at FPC on May 21. Thanks to everyone from FPC who was involved in set-up and support the day of the meeting. Great lunch provided by the deacon group.
Deacons Report
David Good has agreed to be moderator for the deacons.
FPC Intruder Committee
Sam Robinson provided a report and update from the FPC Intruder Committee.
Accomplishments:
1. Updated intruder/active shooter portion of the FPC “Emergency Action Plan”
2. Designated church entrances for staff, members, visitor and deliveries
3. Installed room window numbers and door numbers, done by Jim Steffenhagen
4. Installed door magnets in classrooms
5. Purchased a second story fire/emergency escape ladder for southside classrooms
6. Locking exterior doors at 10:15 a.m. during Sunday worship service
7. Established house manager volunteers and guidelines for Sunday worship service
8. Educating church members of changes (on going)
9. Conducted 2-hour active shooter training for staff (April 2024)
10. Consulting periodically with Dane County Sheriff’s Department liaisons
11. Planning to install defibrillator sign
Actions that need to be taken:
1. Session decision regarding no concealed carry recommendation
2. Session ownership
3. Building maps showing emergency evacuation routes
4. Window coverings for classroom doors
5. Outdoor sign updates
6. House Manager sign-up/coordination
7. Continuing education
8. Church member active shooter training
Sam provided a sample of a sign provided by PCUSA “No Guns in God’s House.” Do we need insurance or legal review of implications of posting such a sign?
Session agreed to handle this in two parts. Part 1: Post the sign provided by PCUSA. Part 2:Work on supporting policies and legal review, to come later.
Sam will contact Tony Tomaselli (church legal consultant) for a legal opinion and report back to Session.
Seminary Update from Ezrah
Ezrah provided an update on his seminary work. He is currently an Inquirer: “Is this a call that I might have.” This takes Ezrah through an exploration process of mutual discernment where he and others consider his fitness for ministry. Next step would be a move from Inquirer to Candidate.
Ezrah is enjoying what he’s learning and the process, as well as his internship work with a smaller church. JKP requires two supervised practice ministries, one with a congregation and the other entrepreneurial. Ezrah is doing a good job of juggling and managing his continuing full-time work with FPC, as well as the demands of his training, and feels that he is able to bring his training in to support his work at FPC. He believes there has been no negative impact to his FPC work, and positive impact from his ability to apply his learning here.
Pastor’s Moment
The Session and Pastor Glen reviewed the Separation Ethics Policy and Covenant of Closure, required by JKP upon the departure of a pastor. The Covenant of Closure was read aloud by Session members and was signed by Pastor Glen and clerk Lolly Lawrence. Glen will forward the signed copy to JKP. There was discussion of the Covenant of Closure, with some noting benefits of the boundaries, and others feeling they are too rigid.
Pastor Glen reviewed his activities for the months of May-June:
• Coordinated and hosted the May 21 John Knox Presbytery Meeting
• Met with Sam Robinson, Liz Weller and Jamison Wendtland to reflect on Jamison’s first year as FPC Choral Director.
• Attended the last FPC Wednesday Youth Night and spoke his “goodbye” to them.
• Held his second-to-last staff meeting
• Coordinated with the Matt Family, Eileen Mathwig and Harvey re: particulars for Paul Matt’s funeral, presided at Paul Matt’s funeral
• Led his last FPC Centering Prayer time (2 sits)
• Received new members
• Moderated FPC Congregational meeting to elect new Elders, Deacons and the next Nominating Committee
• Completed reviews of eight staff members
• Called a meeting between Patricia, Lori Phelps and Christa to sort out coverage once Patricia leaves, Patricia has left Children’s ministry well organized
• Held the last staff meeting in the Chapel answering the question: “Where have you seen God at work this year?”
(God moved during that time)
• Wrote three Connector Articles re: Saying Goodbye
• Wrote a “Blessing of Release” for the June 16th Worship
• And other miscellaneous items (cleared out his office, various visits with church members, talked to the PCUSA Board of Pensions, etc.)
Recognition of Elders Who Are Completing Terms
Recognized Brice Kettner and Scott Legwold for their work on Session. Pastor Glen asked the group to share a couple of things that we appreciated about each person’s service.
Welcome New Elders
Welcomed Julie Cable and Jim Fitzgerald. We anticipate that Sue Melrose, who will be moderating the next two Session meetings, will be able to provide some Elder training.
Consent Action Items
• Approved of baptism of Harper Fisher
• Deferred Phil Greenwood application to next meeting, due to his availability
Finance Report
Alan reported given vs. pledged for May was 89%, year-to-date is 96%. Income vs. expense for the General Fund was -$73,490.36. Will find ways to address the income vs. expense shortfall, which could include:
• Asking members for more contributions
• Write-ups for Connector and bulletin (Barb and Alan have written a bulletin insert). Move the article “above the fold” in the Connector.
• Short-term loan
• Slow down payables
• Move some special funds, if Session approves with a vote
Session approved the plan to provide for Pastor Will’s ordination service and other welcome events on October 13, 2024:
1. Pastor Craig Barnes (former Christ Presbyterian Madison Senior Pastor and former President of Princeton Seminary) will lead and preach a Sunday afternoon installation service (event run by and with numerous guests from JKP)
2. Pastor Craig to also preach at the morning worship service and baptize expected Baby Wilson at that service
3. FPC will provide fellowship elements of the installation service (treats, dessert, TBD)
4. We will provide an honorarium and travel cost reimbursement to Pastor Craig, to be paid from the Pastoral Welcome Fund, which has recently received two donations.
Children’s Ministry:
1. Approved of the establishment of a special fund to support the hiring of a paid/staff nursery coordinator. This will be funded by an anonymous donor at the rate of $200/month. FPC policy requires the special fund per the FPC Gift Acceptance Policy.
2. Approved the initiation of a search for a paid, part-time nursery coordinator at ~2 hours per week and total estimated annual cost of $2400.
Building and Grounds
RJ reported that volunteers were able to clean up after the last hard rainstorm that blew down the outdoor shed. Thanks to those who helped with clean-up and put the shed back together. Bernie Gehrman refurbished and sold some items that had been stored in the shed and are no longer needed.
Planning to sell some of our old chairs or offer to nonprofits. Getting bids for replacements.
Trying to get bids/ideas on renovating outdoor family area to make it low-maintenance. Having some issues with getting companies to call back with prices and availability.
Student Ministry
Emily noted that they are currently focusing on preparation for the mission trip to Milwaukee. We will send them off at the service on June 16, they leave town on June 18, and some students may share their experiences at the service on June 30.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth
Nine women have signed up for the women’s retreat in October.
Pam Knutson and Clare Zaiman-Keen have volunteered to manage the library, continuing the work of Booth Fowler and Alice Honeywell. Becca Gottwald will manage the children’s library.
Stewardship
Barb will continue working on ideas and communication to encourage giving throughout the year. There will be a campaign in June for on-boarding funds for Pastor Will and his family, and another ask for funding the completion of the parking lot.
Mission
Will reinstate funding ($1000) for one mission that had been eliminated for 2024. Will also define and communicate clear expectations for what is required for continuing support for all FPC missions.
Personnel
Amy reported that they continuing to work on finding a CM director. They have received 6 resumes and done some phone screening.
Amy thanked everyone for their participation in Pastor Glen’s and Patricia Coley’s going-away celebration.
We will increase Ezrah Schmeelk’s monthly cell phone reimbursement to $40/month, currently at $35, and provide a continuing education budget of $500/year for 2024 and beyond.
Closing
Pastor Glen distributed a poem, The One, written by Heather Halweg on April 14, 2003. He thanked the Session for their partnership during his interim pastor term.
Need help around the house?
The Deacons provide a ministry of sharing time and service to others called “Hammers with Halos.” This ministry is intended to be a short term or occasional way of helping out someone in need, not a long-term solution. Minor household repairs or maintenance, yard work or other small tasks are things that we can help with! Write it in the friendship pad, contact the church office or any of the Deacons and they will share the need with Beth Mueller, the current Deacon in charge of the program.
This Week’s Birthdays: July 14 – 20
This Week’s Anniversaries: July 14 – 20
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.
Music in Worship
July 14 – Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble & Ying Wang, pianist
July 21 – Christa Schmeelk
July 28 – Mary Kay Burton, guest organist
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
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.
