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Guest Preacher: Natalie Handley
Natalie Handley is a dedicated and passionate leader in the field of church music and ministry. She currently serves as the Music Director at Pres House, a role she has held since 2015. In addition to her responsibilities at Pres House, Natalie is a Candidate in the PC(USA) ordination process, reflecting her deep commitment to her faith and community. She recently graduated with a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in May 2024, further equipping her for her ministry work.
Previously, Natalie served as the Contemporary Worship Director at Christ Presbyterian Church from 2014 to 2022, where she brought innovation and energy to worship services. She is also a former student of the Living School (2020-2022) at the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Richard Rohr, where she deepened her understanding of contemplative practices and spiritual formation.
Natalie will be leading the FPC Women’s Retreat from October 18-20, entitled Creative Embodied Faith. This retreat promises to be a transformative experience, combining creativity, spirituality, and community.
Outside of her professional life, Natalie and her husband, Derek, are proud parents of two energetic young boys. Together, they write music as the duo ivory + craft, blending their talents to create inspiring music. They also enjoy spending time outdoors, embracing the beauty of nature whenever possible.
Congregational Meeting – Sunday, July 28
There will be a congregational meeting on July 28, 2024, in the sanctuary, at 11:05 a.m. This replaces the meeting that was originally planned for July 21.
The purpose of the meeting will be to obtain a congregational vote on the following motion:
Approve the sale of land bordering FPC to Donald C. Tierney, for a price of $225,000.
A legal description of the land will be available in time for the meeting. The description will be inserted into the motion. The land being proposed for sale is 2.64 acres, bordering FPC’s property to the north and west. This sale will not limit future expansion of FPC parking lots or buildings. The land will become part of Tierney’s housing development, currently underway south of Woodland Drive and west of Highway Q.
The sale was approved in a session meeting on July 18. If the sale of the land is approved, the proceeds will be placed in the endowment fund. From there, it will be used to pay down debt or fund other church needs.
More detailed information will follow in next week’s Connector.
Video Devotional: Queen Vashti
Queen Vashti is not someone most people know from the Bible, but she demonstrates qualities we should all have. Learn about her and other women like her in this episode of Scriptures for Life.
Soli Deo Gloria!
“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 21 – August 10, 2024
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.
Wednesday, July 24, at 5PM – Dining Divas
FPC Dining Divas will be meeting at Rodeside Grill in DeForest for dinner Wednesday, July 24 at 5pm.
Please RSVP to Alka: alkadaisy@gmail.com
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 and 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!
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.
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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
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
Farmland update
Session met on Monday, July 15, and they voted to continue negotiations for the sale of the farmland on FPC’s property. If negotiations go well a congregational vote will be needed to approve the sale. Stay tuned!
VBS submarine sets sail to a new port!
Ahoy, crew! Our incredible submarine created by the Gehrmanns, crafted for this summer’s VBS program, is setting sail on a new adventure! Next stop: St. Dennis in Madison, where it will dive into their upcoming VBS program, bringing a splash of nautical excitement. But fear not, shipmates! This trusty vessel will chart its course back home to us after its adventure. Let’s pray St. Dennis smooth seas and bountiful discoveries as they embark on their underwater journey!
Intruder Committee Update
Hello FPC Family! As you may be aware, the FPC Intruder Committee has been making updates, changes and recommendations to Session as part of the church safety plan for over a year. This month, the Session approved the Intruder Committee’s recommendation of not allowing Concealed Carry in our church building. This is consistent with the PCUSA recommendations from 2010 and means no weapons are allowed. Law enforcement officials are the only exception. We wanted to make sure and communicate this to our whole church family but, in addition, signs will be posted at all church entrances.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Ben: behrets@myfpc.org
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 21 – 27
This Week’s Anniversaries: July 21 – 27
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 21 – Christa Schmeelk
July 28 – Mary Kay Burton, guest organist
August 4 – Brooksy Beilke-Skoug, pianist & Janson Beilke-Skoug, cellist
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.
