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Guest Preacher: Odin Ehrets
Hello everyone, this is Pastor Ben giving you some background on my son, Odin; Odin will be giving the sermon message this Sunday, July 28.
Odin was born in 2001 in my hometown, Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 2004 we packed him in his child seat, lined up with three cat carriers, to bring him to Stoughton, Wisconsin, for my wife’s new call. He’s lived his life with us in the parsonage there since, aside from living on campus at UW Whitewater.
Having graduated with highest praise from UW Whitewater this May with an undergraduate psychology degree, he is aiming for a psychology PHD degree. For now, he is experiencing an “involuntary gap year,” which is what happens when you aren’t accepted to the programs to which you applied and are advised that you should get more experience before applying again. He’s currently working part-time jobs while doing unpaid research work.
For fun, Odin enjoys time with a pack of friends. They get together in person when they can, including a once-per-year game vacation, but most of their time together is online. They play dungeons & dragons (Pathfinder) and an ever-evolving and revolving list of video games. His mom and I are grateful for whatever time he is moved to share with us!
Odin’s experiences at FPC have included Guatemala and Milwaukee mission trips and a chunk of our confirmation program. He semi-regularly accompanied me to FPC in younger years, but, since high school, he is a “weekend custodian” at his mother’s church which, together with singing in their praise band, means for him church duties there most Sundays.
Things that make me proud of him include his thoughtful kindness to others, his top-tier perceptiveness and creative, critical thinking, and his ever-maturing engagement with his faith.
Odin’s journey has included living with social anxiety disorder. That’s a long story made short and very understated – ask either of us about it sometime. The relevance here is that the lectionary text which the Holy Spirit helped fall before him in putting his message together was Matthew 6:25-34, a passage all about worry, a subject with which, it’s safe to say, he is more than passingly familiar.
Come this Sunday to hear his sermon “How Worried Should We Be?” I’m super pleased to have this opportunity to share him with you!
-Pastor Ben
“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 28 – August 17, 2024
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!
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
Sunday, August 18, 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, August 18 at 3pm
Bennins’ Condo – 5240 Bishops Bay Parkway, #112
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
July 15, 2024 Session Meeting
This meeting was moderated by Pastor Susan Ellis Melrose, Interim Session Moderator
New Member
Phil Greenwood, new member candidate, attended and introduced himself to session. Session accepted Phil Greenwood via transfer, as a member of FPC with a unanimous vote.
FPC Intruder Committee: Concealed Carry Update
Sam Robinson consulted with church lawyer, Tony Tomaselli, on posting “no concealed (gun) carry” signs at entrances to the church. Mr. Tomaselli responded with some concerns around what we are doing for enforcement and potential liability without enforcement. We are locking doors after the service starts and have initiated the role of house manager. The house manager is not a security guard and will not be checking for guns as people enter, but will instead be watchful for any suspicious/dangerous activity from those who enter the building. The session discussed and decided that the motion from the last meeting will carry, which was to post the sign provided by PCUSA. Supporting policies are still needed. Members and friends should be instructed to leave their guns at home or in their cars.
Regarding liability, the church, as a corporation, is liable, and not any one person on staff or session.
Update regarding potential sale of land on west and north borders of FPC property
RJ Binau, Bernie and Sheryll Gehrmann and Steve Sash provided background on what initiated the discussion to sell the property and what the current status is. Please see email dated July 23, 2024, for full details, including updates from a later session meeting. This information is also included in this week’s Connector. Additional related information:
- The current parking lot loan balance is $180k, we need an additional $125k to finish work on the lot. We currently have about $38k pledged with $143k remaining to pay.
- There will be a new access road to the new subdivision from Woodland. Mr. Tierney has committed that the property in question will not be connected to our parking lot or using our driveway.
- The FPC sanctuary was built in 1994. The second building was built in 2006. Research was done on building an additional building with a larger fellowship hall or sanctuary and possibly a gymnasium. We don’t expect that this will be done in the foreseeable future. The land in question will be not needed for this expansion, regardless.
The session authorized Building and Grounds to enter into continued negotiation with Don Tierney toward possible sale of church border property. 7 voted yes, 4 voted no. The session agreed that more info is needed, use of the land is a concern, uncertain that we will be able to meet the July 29 deadline, and the appraisal will determine next steps in negotiation.
Session voted unanimously that the negotiated price for the proposed land sale will be no lower than $225k and up to the appraised value, if higher. If negotiations continue, we authorize Building and Grounds to obtain an appraisal and a land survey, which will be paid for by FPC out of B&G budget.
Session voted unanimously to cancel the congregational meeting for Sunday, July 14.
This meeting was initially scheduled in case we needed to take a vote on the land sale. Now, more information and activity is needed prior to meeting with the congregation. The meeting will be rescheduled for a later date. Notification of this change will be communicated in this week’s Connector, this Sunday’s bulletin and will be announced from the pulpit by Pastor Ben
Pastor Ben Update and Deacons Report
The deacons do not meet in July. All usual deacon activity continues.
Chris Drake will be updating the FOOF wall and has sent 59 emails to members to get updated photos. Please do your part in responding to Chris if he asks for a photo, or take the initiative and send an updated photo to use on the FOOF wall.
Pastor Ben reviewed the discussion he had with the Gryses on their transfer. They assured us that they enjoyed their time at FPC very much, but with life and location changes, they are transferring their membership to Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, which is now their home and church family. They assured us their transfer has nothing to do with pastoral leadership and upcoming changes.
Ben is also working on a Venn/Ben diagram which considers the intersection of session, staff and others. He also provided an update on his activities as interim head of staff:
- Oversee the planning and execution of each Sunday worship service
- Being more physically present and available in the church office
- Checking in with staff and elders
- Making sure guest preachers and lay leaders are oriented and smoothing any rough edges
- Baptism of Harper Fisher on June 30
- Many visitor drop-ins and phone calls
- Pastoral care, including homebound and hospital visits and phone check-in care
Something to consider – Pastor Ben could be allowed to moderate at session meetings. Session would need to send a request for this to John Knox Presbytery. Hold for future discussion with Pastor Will.
Pastor’s Moment
Pastor Sue Melrose described some of the changes to the percentage of medical insurance paid for pastors and their families. She encouraged us to pray for smaller churches and the financial burden of medical insurance. Pastor Melrose also mentioned that she had enjoyed preaching at FPC the previous Sunday, as well as her interactions with members of our congregation.
Session also approved:
- Membership transfer of Scott Legwold to First Presbyterian Church in Chippewa Falls, WI
- Membership transfer of Ed and Gloria Grys to Oakwood Lutheran in Madison, WI
- Children’s ministry authority to search for two paid, part-time nursery coordinators at ~2 hours per week and a total estimated annual cost of $5,000 (donated)
Finance Report
Alan Roberts reported giving vs. pledged for June was 126% and year-to-date is 100.5%. Income vs. expense for the General Fund was -$62,707.75.
Worship and Music
New elder Amy Lewis is meeting with previous W&M members and leaders, and working on forming a team. Question about ordering mums for the fall (note that Felly’s is a higher-cost vendor). Session advised skipping the mum order this year. Preaching and music is set for July and August. Waiting on general W&M direction until Pastor Will arrives.
Children’s Ministry:
Peter Bergman notes that they are still conducting interviews and reviewing applications for the Children’s Ministry director. Starting search for nursery staff positions, which are being funded by a donation.
Building and Grounds
RJ Binau reported that he’ll be reviewing the proposal for new chairs and tables with Alan Roberts next week. Hopes to have the new chairs and tables in place by fall.
Personnel
Amy Chavez reported that the Personnel team has the following activities underway:
- 2024 and 2025 focus for Personnel
- Christa Schmeelk 5-year anniversary
- Children’s Ministry and Nursery Coordinator roles and next steps
- Performance review template improvements
- Volunteer background check policy
- FPC staff salary survey
- Noted many process and other efficiency improvements that Kristina Maher, the new Church Business Administrator, is making in her role:
- Maximizing use of Auto Pay
- Credit card consolidation
- Non-profit Amazon account
- Review of many policies and flagging policies for revision
- Working on personnel onboarding needs for Pastor Will, including pension enrollment, benefits enrollment, and ensuring we’re meeting all the details in the formal offer.
- Noted that Pastor Ben is on vacation from October 3-17
Student Ministry
Emily Bauer noted that they are working with a local artist to create a mural for the students’ meeting room. They are also putting together their roster of fall leaders, including current and new leaders. Will bring a student mission proposal to the September meeting.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth
New elder Jim Fitzgerald has been meeting with Scott Legwold and individual ANSG team members to gain perspective around the ANSG ministry area.
Noted that 12 women have signed up for the women’s retreat in October. Will finalize room count and confirmation by 8/15/24.
Working on plans/curriculum for fall, including adult Sunday school, existing men’s/women’s small groups, existing Bible studies and other small groups (i.e., Heavenly Stretch, Theology on Tap).
Stewardship
Barb Cash will continue working on ideas and communication to encourage giving throughout the year. Reviewing seminars from Vanco and beginning planning for pledge season.
Mission
New elder Julie Cable is working on creating a mission committee. She currently has 2 accepted members. She is working to understand the history of mission and mission budget, and creating a structure under which missions and funds can be purposefully guided to fulfill FPC’s purpose of demonstrating Christ’s way of love in service to the world.
Julie created a new mission application form and brought a template for review. Session approved without needing to take a formal vote.
Fellowship FUN Team
Currently working on Fall Kick-Off Event, planned for September 8. Wes Ray will provide BBQ. This will also be a welcome for Pastor Will. There will be a Sunday school students rally, where students will meet their teachers. Sunday School classes will start the following week. A band will also play as a thank-you for allowing their practices to take place at FPC.
New Member Outreach
No report, aside from new member vote tonight and thoughts for upcoming All About FPC classes.
Closing
Pastor Sue Melrose and the session prayed for people on the Care list.
July 18, 2024 Special Session Meeting
Agenda:
- Update on the appraisal, appraisal timeline and meetings with Don Tierney
- Approve moving the congregational meeting to 7/28/24, immediately after the service
- Authorize RJ Binau to retain a real estate attorney to help us navigate the issue of memorializing the easement for the entrance
- Determine wording for the motion we would be asking the congregation to approve in the 7/28 meeting
Sheryll and Bernie Gehrmann provided an update on discussions with Don Tierney, their work on finding an independent appraiser and reviewer, and getting a survey/legal description of the property.
They believe the survey results will be available by the middle of next week. They are working with Kevin Meicher on the appraisal. This will be expedited and best case is for it to be completed by July 23. Sheryll and Bernie are doing their best to find providers who can get the work done within the aggressive timeline.
Pastor Will has been notified of the potential sale by Alan Roberts.
Session approved proceeding with sale of 2.64 acres bordering FPC’s property on the north and west to Donald C. Tierney for $225,000. The vote was not unanimous.
Session approved holding a congregational meeting on July 28, 2024, to vote on sale of land. The motion the congregation votes on will be: “Approve the sale of FPC land (as described in the legal description) to Donald C. Tierney, for a minimum price of $225,000.”
If the sale is completed, session approved moving net proceeds from the sale to the endowment fund.
- Discussed what the endowment fund is and what it could be used for, as well as discussing how much can be moved out per year to pay down debt, or for other purposes. We currently have $18k in the endowment fund.
- There are several trustees for the endowment fund, who are empowered to make decisions on where/whether to use the money in the endowment fund. Session can override the trustees’ decisions.
- The parking lot interest rate is 5.375. We are paying $1,800 a month on the loan, with some portion going to interest and some to principal.
- We will provide a write-up for the Connector to educate the congregation on the endowment fund.
Session approved authorizing RJ Binau to retain a real estate attorney to help us navigate the issue of memorializing the easement for the entrance.
Lolly Lawrence will work with Sue Melrose and members of John Knox Presbytery to get Presbytery’s approval of the sale, if the congregation votes yes. They have been kept apprised of the potential sale and are prepared to respond.
The congregational meeting will be announced in this week’s Connector, and from the pulpit for the next 2 Sundays. A detailed information document will be written next week and sent to the congregation, either via email or Connector.
The following is more information on the endowment fund, provided by Alan Roberts, our finance elder:
Facts on Sources and Uses of Funds in FPC.
- FPC is a relatively wealthy church in that it has very little debt.
FPC’s physical assets (land, building, equipment) has a value of several million dollars. Against this asset base FPC only owes One Community Bank $180,368 for the recent parking lot improvements. Members have pledged a further $37,900 over the remainder of the parking lot funding campaign to pay interest and principal on this loan.
2. FPC is a relatively poor church in that it has a miniscule endowment. Many Presbyterian churches have endowments in the millions, given by member bequest and memorials to fund long-term sustenance of land, buildings and ministries. Traditionally FPC resisted an endowment in the interest of spending your gifts for immediate ministry needs. An FPC endowment was established in 2020, and has been used to fund improvements like the recent AV makeover in the sanctuary. However, with a current balance of $18,332 the Endowment is woefully inadequate relative to the size and value of our land and buildings.
3. Session considered many options for use of the land sale proceeds. Options included:
A. Paying off the entire parking lot loan
B. Doing further parking lot paving and improvements
C. Placing the funds in the Building Fund for future use
D. Placing the funds in the Endowment for future use.
4. Session believes the Endowment is the best destination for sale proceeds.
The Endowment gives the Session and congregation the most flexibility to apply the funds to whatever the most urgent future need is (buildings, ministries, staff, etc.). Additionally annual income from the Endowment can be used to gradually pay off the modest current parking lot balance, while still honoring the pledge and intent of those who have already given to the parking lot.
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, July 28, following worship
Regarding the proposed sale of FPC land bordering our property on the north and west.
A congregational meeting is planned on Sunday, July 28, at 11 a.m., after the service. At that meeting there will be time to provide more information and again, follow-up with Q&A. Following discussion, members will vote on whether or not to approve the sale of the land. We aren’t able to accept absentee votes, members must be present to vote. That way, members hear the discussion and get questions answered. If you vote without attending, you’re voting without having full information.
If approved at the congregational meeting, the next step would be to gain approval from the Presbytery.
Here is background that will be helpful for you to have in advance of the meetings:
On June 27, it was brought to our attention that Don Tierney contacted FPC asking if we had any plans for FPC’s extended property to our north and west. In previous years, this land was rented to a local farmer. Tierney was simply asking, as it was not being farmed and full of weeds. He offered to plant a cover crop at no cost to us. He was concerned about the rough appearance of the land that will be near his housing development.
A small team of members was formed, with guidance from RJ Binau, building and grounds elder, and Pastor Ben Ehrets. The team looked at the extra property FPC owns, which is adjacent to Tierney’s development. The team walked the property and agreed it is unsightly and something needs to be done. After further discussion, in an effort to evaluate the best use of this land, they talked about many options and narrowed it down to two:
1. Do nothing, aside from figuring out a way to maintain the land.
2. Approach Tierney and see if he would be interested in purchasing the field land.
If we were to do nothing, FPC would have to figure out how to care for the 2.64 acres of land. The team felt we do not have the need, or resources, to keep this piece of property. Previous plans to expand the building and parking lots do not require the land in question. The area used for the Live Nativity is on FPC’s side of the boundary line of the land proposed for sale. We struggle to maintain the property we currently use, and keeping this land would add to that burden.
The team then approached Mr. Tierney to see if instead of planting a cover crop, he would be interested in purchasing our property as part of his development. After meeting with Tierney on-site, discussion went to the area we would consider selling. Remember, we approached Mr. Tierney and he said he has no strong opinion either way on acquiring this property. The land outlined would be an all-or-nothing sale.
Some of the factors in the recommendation stem from believing Don Tierney is the only person that would want to purchase and develop the land, as it butts up to his planned development and requires redesigning several cul-de-sacs. It is seen as a one-time opportunity for the church to gain income that could be used to meet many needs at FPC. It is likely that Mr. Tierney’s offer of $225k (about $84k/acre) is a fair one. Consider that this is currently unimproved land, and Tierney will make a non-trivial investment as part of his development. The current plan for the area shows 7 lots for single-family homes, so his offer may be around 20% of what the lots will sell for.
The building and grounds team brought their proposal to a session meeting on July 15. After much discussion and weighing of pros and cons, the session voted to continue discussions regarding the sale. We agreed that we need to get our own appraisal, to ensure that we are getting a fair price. That is (we are hoping and praying) going to be available to us this week.
The session met again on July 18. Again, after much discussion and getting updates from the team, we voted to go ahead with the sale of the land for a minimum of $225k. It could be more, depending on the results of the appraisal. We also voted to:
• Move the congregational meeting to July 28
• Authorize RJ Binau to retain a real estate attorney to ensure the continuing use of the easement from Hwy. Q to FPC
• Place the proceeds of the potential sale into the endowment fund. From there, the proceeds could be moved to pay down the parking lot loan or for other church needs.
We would all prefer to have more time to work through this, but the offer from Mr. Tierney expires on July 29. That is why we hurried to get a congregational meeting scheduled on July 28. Mr. Tierney needs to know if the offer is approved in time for him to get on an upcoming agenda with the village board(s) — his deadline for that is July 29.
Thanks for your understanding, prayers and continued support of FPC. We are trying to do what is in the best interest of our church, which we all love, and FPC’s future ministry. Last Sunday’s sermon seemed very timely … let us find ways to avoid building walls that divide us and instead seek to understand each other, as brothers and sisters in Christ.
In His Service,
Lolly Lawrence
FPC Clerk of Session
New Rust Free Railing Installed!
FPC has so many folks donating their time, their talents, and their treasures as we care for our building and grounds together. A member of our GROW Group gave us a tour of our newly installed rust free railings out front. What a blessing!
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 28 – August 3
This Week’s Anniversaries: July 28 – August 3
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 28 – Mary Kay Burton, guest organist
August 4 – Brooksy Beilke-Skoug, pianist & Janson Beilke-Skoug, cellist
August 11 – 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.
