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Out of head-thinking and into heart-living
I have been looking for the right way to pray for years.
I looked for a program, a prescription, a blueprint, a list of right and wrong behaviors or beliefs. I wanted something I could learn with my head so that my heart would follow. I read spiritual books, followed daily prayer structures, attended Bible studies and seminars, went on retreats, and sought out spiritual teachers. I knew that the key to this wonderful relationship with God was out there somewhere, but it seemed always to be just beyond reach. I searched for quite a long time but was never truly satisfied. All of this study and pondering helped prepare me for a startling conclusion that I really did not want to acknowledge:
I was scared of God. God is just too unpredictable. Not controllable.
When I got honest with myself and acknowledged my fear, two things happened:
1. A spiritual guide asked me a simple question: “What do you desire when it comes to a relationship with God, Glen?”
2. I discovered the power and presence of silence.
The first question about “what do I desire when it comes to a relationship with God?” has led me out of head-thinking and into heart-living. I am still not sure that I can definitively answer that question fully (even now) because my relationship with God, like all relationships, is dynamic. I believe, like St Ignatius, that being honest with God about what we want is crucial. As my relationship with God changes and deepens, my desires change. Pondering the question “What do you desire?” is a good beginning place if we want to form an adult relationship with God.
Then there is the power and presence of silence.
When three daughters were in the single digits, silence was a precious commodity. I am an internal processor by nature; I found that I craved silence; but silence at that point in my life was the absence of noise. Walking quietly in nature and not talking was heavenly (still is) for me, but it was a mere respite from the clamor in my life. When I spent 8 days in silence on retreat, I discovered that silence was not an absence of noise, but was a creative, healing, powerful presence. My life has not been the same since. I look forward to moments, afternoons, days, and, yes, a week+ of silence. It is there that I have the lavishness of time and space to be open and honest with myself and God.
I have grown, deepened, become more of whom God created me to be because I keep asking myself the question, “What do you desire?” and I keep immersing myself (as much as possible) in holy silence.
Peace be with you all,
Glen
Marriage Retreat Announcement
After dinner on Friday, October 20, to before lunch on Sunday, October 22. Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin. 2 nights, 4 meals, and a deliberate time to reflect on your marriage. $199.00/ couple. (Scholarships are available.) Currently, there is room for 9 more couples. We can accommodate more folks if we know in advance.
My wife, Christine, and I have led three weekend Marriage Retreats. We are not experts and have been enriched by all three. We all know that a wedding is just a day, but marriage is an ever-changing process that requires intention and attention. So come away and nurture the relationship you began on your wedding day.
Here are two quotes to think on:
“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on those days when they struggle to like each other.” – Dave Willis
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”- Ursula K. Le Guin
“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.
News and Announcements
New Choir Director
At the latest Session meeting the Choir Director position was offered to Jamison Wendlandt and we are happy to announce that he has accepted!
Jamison Wendlandt has been a Wisconsin resident most of his life, growing up near Chetek. He briefly lived in Saint Paul, MN where he worked as a Training Specialist for Infinite Campus and directed the Sanctuary Choir at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. Before moving to Minnesota Jamison taught choir, digital music, musical theater, and adaptive music at Milton High School from 2019-2022. Jamison graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Music Education with a Choral emphasis and now works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison providing precollege experiences for high school students. He is also working on a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction through the University. Jamison is so excited to be joining the FPC team, not only for his love of choral music, but also because of his pursuit of using the gifts God has given him in service to Him and others. Jamison enjoys traveling and making connections with those around him, especially when it means inspiring people to view the beauty in God’s creation and of course, music. When you see him, please say “hi” and if you have any questions about joining the choir, feel free to reach out!
FPC’s Summer office hours
Monday – Wednesday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday – Admin Staff working remotely from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday – Office Closed
Our FPC Library is a treasure
Our FPC Library has some new treasures, thanks to the generous donations of a number of people. Please stop by the “New Books” table in the Gathering Space and see what’s there. Browse! Check one out! Write a review to tell others!
Questions? Call or email Alice Honeywell — 608-692-5496; ajhoneywell@wisc.edu
Nursery is open all summer
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Kingdom Kids this summer
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service throughout the Summer.
Special Musical Guest: Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble
The Blue Skies Sax Ensemble is led by church member Dennis Bear, who also plays in our own Joyful Noise instrumental ensemble. Dennis and his friends have many years of experience playing in and around the Madison area for a variety of audiences. Their music features classical, jazz, traditional, holiday and religious genres. Thanks to the Blue Skies members for sharing their gifts with us this Sunday!
Summer Music in Worship
July 9 – Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble
July 16 – Roxanne & Alan Fauque, piano/vocal and Saxophones
July 23 – First Pres. Praise Band
July 30 – Mary Kay Burton, organ/piano and Diane Robinson, vocalist
August 6 – Mitch Richards, organist
August 13 – Sydney Ray, vocalist; Ying Wang, accompanist
August 20 – Ying Wang, piano
August 27 – Natalie and Derek Handley, vocals/guitar/cello
Coming Events | July 9 – July 29, 2023
Monday, July 10 at 7pm – Centering Prayer Group
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
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.
Monday, July 17 at 11:30AM – Light Team Lunch
Light Team lunch at MNM’s on Monday, July 17. We will meet at 11:15 – 11:30 when parking is a little easier!
“If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other.”
1 John 1:7
Monday, July 17 at 12:30-5:45PM – Madison Country Day School Blood Drive at FPC
Saturday, July 22 at 8am – Grow Group
Saturday, July 22 at 3pm – Theology on Tap
Sunday, July 23 at 1PM – Children’s Ministry Hike at Indian Lake
Meet in the main Indian Lake parking lot. Text Christa if you have a question on weather or can’t find it on the day of: 608-208-3265
Friday, July 28 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee High School Blood Drive at FPC
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, August 7 at 7pm – Centering Prayer Group
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Friday, August 18 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Blood Drive at FPC
Friday, August 25 at 6PM – Children’s Ministry Summer Fun Night!
Summer Family Fire Pit, Outdoor Movie and for those who desire – a Campout at FPC! Bring your own dinner to cook over the fire at 6pm (like hotdogs!) and we’ll provide the s’mores. The movie will start at 7pm, and for those who would like to camp, please RSVP to Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org– and she’ll get you the details.
Sunday, September 10 at 11AM-2PM – FPC BBQ with Waunakee’s Big Band
Sunday, October 15 at 12PM-3PM – Historic Organ Recital
Ryan Mueller will be the organist for the recital showcasing our historic Scheulke organ. He will also present a pre-recital lecture on Schuelke and the history of his organ building business in Milwaukee as well as the history of our organ.
Friday, October 20 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Blood Drive at FPC
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 – FPC Marriage Retreat
Pastor Glen and his wife, Christine, will lead this event at the Green Lake Retreat Center. Cost is $199 per couple for 4 meals and 2 nights’ lodging. Contact Pastor Glen or Christa Schmeelk for more information.
Saturday, October 28 – 8:30AM-12:30PM – Introduction to Centering Prayer
The next offering by Contemplative Outreach of Madison’s Introduction to Centering Prayer. This will be the last offering while Pastor Glen is at FPC Waunakee. Those who are new to this practice are welcome as well as those who want to deepen their practice.
Opportunities to Serve
Agrace: Hospice Volunteers Needed in Dane County:
Volunteers are needed to assist customers, operate the cash register and sort donations at the Agrace Thrift Stores in Madison, pack donated merchandise in donors’ homes, or make companionship visits to local Agrace hospice patients in patients’ homes, nursing homes or assisted living centers.
Agrace will host volunteer orientation Tuesday, July 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at its Madison campus. Pre-registration is required. Call (608) 327-7163 or visit agrace.org/volunteer to fill out an application.
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
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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.
