Thankful Reflections

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Coming Events | June 16 – July 6, 2024

Saturday, June 15, at 3PM – Theology on Tap

Sunday, June 16, during Worship – Pastor Glen and Patricia’s Farewell Celebration!

On June 16 during worship we will be celebrating Pastor Glen Reichelderfer and Patricia Coley for their years of service to FPC. Pastor Glen has been our Interim Pastor for nearly two years and a familiar face around FPC for decades. Patricia has been our Director of Children’s Ministry for over four years.

Please join us in giving thanks to Pastor Glen and Patricia for all they have done for us collectively over the years and also to God for bringing them into our lives.

We are collecting Love Offerings for Pastor Glen and Patricia from Wednesday, May 1, through Tuesday, June 11, as we would like to present them with their gifts at the June 16th worship service.  If you would like to contribute, you can donate to their Love Offerings via check (noting “Pastor Glen” and/or “Patricia” in the memo line).  You may also donate online at myfpc.org/donate and click FPC’s Donation Page or with the button below.

Thank you, and we hope you will be able to join the celebration.

Monday, June 17, at 11:30AM – Light Team Lunch at MNM’s

The Light Team will be meeting for lunch at MNM’s on Monday, June 17 at 11:30AM. Following lunch, The Chosen, season 1, episode 7, will be shown in the Gathering Place at 1PM.

Episode 8 will be shown on June 24. July and August events will be announced later. Regular Light Team meetings will start again in September.

Contact Lynda Bennin with any prayer requests or joys to share.

Jesus – the Light of the world. We should all “shine on!”

Tuesday, June 18, from 6-8:30PM – Men’s Ministry BBQ and Fellowship Night

Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30PM and Saturday, June 22, at 10AM –
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.

Monday, July 1, 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.

Thursday, July 4 – FPC Church Office will be closed

The FPC Church office will be closed for Independence Day.

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Save the Date | More Info to come

Monday, July 15, from 12:30-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, July 18, First pitch: 6:05PM – Men’s Ministry Mallards Game Night

Friday, July 26, from Noon-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive

October 18-20 – Women’s Retreat

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Opportunities to Serve

Hammers with Halos

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

Sound Desk Assistant Needed

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.

Volunteers and Subs needed in the Nursery

Last Wednesday of each month – 4-6pm – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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News and Announcements

May 20, 2024 Session Meeting Minutes

New members approved in this meeting:

Mac Stevenson, Laurel Stevenson, Becca Gottwald, Joe Stevenson, Autumn Stevenson, David Serebin, Lynn Serebin, Kristin Sliwicki, David Sliwicki, Jim Fitzgerald, Judy Fitzgerald. Note, Carol Bleifield was voted on and approved in a previous Session meeting.

Report of the Clerk

• The John Know Presbytery meeting will be hosted by FPC on May 21
• Sam Robinson and All That Jazz will be playing at the September 8 kick-off, Mark Weller’s Big Band will play at a later date. Mark had volunteered to play for the kick-off.
• Acknowledged thanks from JKP for the $255 donation to the Ukraine disaster relief fund

Volunteer Needs and Update

Christa Schmeelk provided an update on what is going on this summer, making sure all our bases are covered and someone has accountability for upcoming programs and events.

Christa presented a proposal for moving forward with purchasing the Volunteer Accelerator software. This was approved by Session. The software will be used to gather interests and abilities of our members and will support the process of finding volunteers for various projects and ministry areas.

Christa also presented proposal to approve her turning in an application for FPC to participate in the Lilly funded grant called “Awaken Dane.” This was approved by Session. This program will lead to FPC facing out in giving love to the community. Awaken Dan is a Lilly funded grant set aside for a thriving congregation, created and led by 4 organizations in Dane County. Other churches are participating. Our church would need a leader (Christa) and 6-7 participants. This is a one-year program. It is free to FPC, funded by a Lilly grant.

Pastor’s Moment

Pastor Glen reviewed his activities for the month of April-May:

• Shared Communion with Betty and Elder Jack Reed
• Met with the PNC
• Finished the Lenten Soup/Supper Talks
• Two meetings with NomComm
• Meeting between JKP Committee for Preparation of Ministry (CPM) and the folks at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary  (UDTS) to coordinate
• Continue to help Ezrah navigate his way through JKP CPM and UDTS expectations
• Led the Maundy Thursday Service
• Was present for the “Journey to the Cross” Good Friday Worship Offering
• Led the Monthly FPC Centering Prayer gathering
• Welcomed Kristina Maher to FPC staff
• Hosted Region 4 PCUSA Ministers gathering here at FPC
• Arranged for the JKP Presbytery Meeting to be held here at FPC Waunakee on May 21
• Visited with former Pastor Eileen Parfrey when she was in town
• Coordinated worship with the PNC Candidate
• Coordinated with the PNC re: April 7
• Led the Congregational Meeting re: the PNC’s recommendation to hire Reverend Will Wilson
• Met with the confirmands to shape the April 28 Worship Service
• Went on vacation
• Praise God! Miriam Kathryn Thomas is born 4/14/24

Glen also reflected on the times he spent with FPC and Christ Presbyterian and encouraged us to speak about, and ritualize, the ending of things.

Worship and Music

Approved an organ recital to be held on August 8, 2025. The recital will be led by Dr. Andrew Schaeffer as part of the national Organ Historical Society convention.

Erik submitted materials and articles noting that in June, the PCUSA General Assembly will take up legislation at its 226th General Assembly June 25 – July 4 in Salt Lake City, voting on implementing changes to the Book of Order. The articles expressed opinion on the proposed changes.

Children’s Ministry

Peter noted that CM’s next big event is VBS June 9-11.

CM is continuing to look for a new director. Will need to increase breadth of advertising to expand the candidate pool. Peter will send the job opening information to Session for us to include on our LinkedIn and other social media pages.

Two children have signed up for First Public Communion on May 5. Last day of Sunday School will be celebrated on May 19. NW56 held an end-of-year event on May 19, with 12 attendees.

The 2024-2025 Sunday School curriculum has been selected. Still seeking volunteers. Lori Phelps will be helping in the interim between Patricia leaving and new hire starting, with about 10 hours a week.

Building and Grounds

RJ said they had very successful clean-up day on May 18. Thanks to many volunteers who helped with organizing, prep and the actual clean-up, including: Bernie and Sheryll Gehrmann, Christa Schmeelk and the GROW team, Paul Dowding, Ed Schlappi, Scott Legwold, et al. In addition to grounds and exterior clean-up, they cleared out the storage shed and will be selling some unused equipment.

An anonymous donor has volunteered funds to upgrade the outdoor railing on the stairs between the upper and lower parking lots of the church. Endres has taken the order and will be out to measure soon.

Getting bids/ideas on cleaning up outdoor play area to make it low-maintenance. Approved Kindermusik contract for summer of 2024.

Personnel

Amy reported that they continuing to work on finding a CM director. Personnel has also reviewed the update of some policies, in accordance with guidance from JKP. The team has decided to table all updates until Pastor Will arrives, to get his thoughts and direction. FPC does currently have a general harassment and child safety policy, so we are mostly covered. We will still need boundary training for the Session.

The Personnel team is also working on plans to celebrate and recognize Pastor Glen and Patricia Coley, as the leave FPC after June 16. Amy will be working with Pastor Ben, as he takes on the interim Head of Staff role.

Stewardship

Barb will be working on ideas to encourage unpledged 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.

Student Ministry

Emily noted that they are currently focusing on preparation for the mission trip to Milwaukee. We will send them off on June 16, they leave town on June 18, and will debrief on June 30.

Thanks and joy for the powerful testimonials from the confirmands during the April 28 service.

The program has seen good growth for Wednesday evening attendance, thanks in part to Christa Schmeelk’s music leadership.

They continue to recruit ministry team members and are finalizing plans for summer events and brainstorming ideas for the fall.

Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth

Scott noted that he is working on a Sunday Morning Breakfast with a speaker for fall or early winter. He also provided an update on planning for the women’s retreat in October, which is beginning to take shape. Natalie Handley will be the speaker. Christa has created a sign-up link. The theme for the retreat is “Creative Embodied Faith: Discovering Christ in our midst by exploring a variety of spiritual practices that involve movement, creativity, and other everyday activities that will help connect us to Christ.”

Mission

Brice reported that she and Chris Drake continue to update the website with changes to missions that FPC supports. Jessica Mathis from Porchlight had the Minute for Mission on May 19. June’s speaker will be David Doty from the Taiwan mission.

Fellowship

Krista and team are working on the fall kick-off. There may be a church breakfast sometime this summer, decided to avoid Mother’s Day this year.

New Member Outreach

Wes noted that the next “All About FPC” class is planned for October 6. Gratitude for new members joining in May.

Finance Report

Alan reported given vs. pledged for April was 78%, year-to-date is 98%. Income vs. expense for the General Fund was -$52,971.20. Expenses are typically down in the summer, with some programs on summer break. Will seek 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 will write a bulletin insert)
• Short-term loan
• Slow down payables

Will be making changes to Lucite donation box and handling, to make it more secure and private.

June 2, 2024 Session Meeting Minutes

First Presbyterian Church Waunakee
Annual Summer Meeting
June 2, 2024

The Annual Summer Meeting was called to order by Pastor Glen Reichelderfer at 11:15 am on June 2, 2024. Session Clerk Lolly Lawrence declared a quorum. (The new quorum is 25 members, there were over 80 members in attendance.) Pastor Glen led us in prayer. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to elect new church leaders. 

The current nominating committee was introduced. They were thanked for their work. All positions had nominees, with the exception of Worship and Music Elder.

Current elders and deacons were acknowledged.

RJ Binau, Elder representative on the nominating committee, presented nominees for the office of Elder:

Peter Bergmann
Children’s Ministry​​​​

Lolly Lawrence
Clerk of Session​​​​​

Julie Cable
Mission​​​​​​

​​Jim Fitzgerald
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth

There were no nominees taken from the floor. A motion was taken to accept these nominees and passed unanimously. The committee will continue their search for a Worship and Music Elder.

RJ Binau then presented nominees for the office of Deacon:
Paul Larson​
​Kristry Drewry
​​Cindy May
Maeline Schall
​​Beth Mueller​

There were no nominees from the floor. A motion was taken to accept these nominees and passed unanimously.

RJ Binau then presented nominees for the 2024-2025 Nominating Committee:
Carol Bleifield​​
Debbie Ochoa
Glenn Myers
​​Steve Hallweg

There were no nominees from the floor. A motion was taken to accept these nominees and passed unanimously.

Note that all motions were seconded by Jerry Ronspiez.

New Elders and Deacons will be ordained in church on June 16, 2024, by prayer and the laying on of hands. 

Pastor Glen Reichelderfer recognized outgoing Elders Brice Kettner, Erik Cushman and Scott Legwold and outgoing Deacon Eileen Mathwig.  

A motion to close was taken, seconded and approved at 11:24 a.m. Pastor Glen closed the meeting in prayer. 

Respectfully submitted,
Lolly Lawrence, Clerk of Session
FPC Waunakee

VBS-SCUBA was a TIDAL WAVE of fun!

This last week FPC of Waunakee dived deep into the fun with our three-night VBS-SCUBA event! This underwater adventure was a tidal wave of excitement, with every night overflowing with joy and discovery. Our little explorers plunged into a sea of activities, making a splash with every new adventure. It was truly a fin-tastic time, leaving everyone hooked and eagerly awaiting our next adventure!

A Note from your Stewardship Elder:

Anybody remember the old Eddie Cochran song from the late ‘50s, “Summertime Blues?” The tag line is “There ain’t no cure for the Summertime Blues!” Younger folks might have heard it sung by Alan Jackson. Reason I ask, is that FPC is experiencing its own financial summertime blues.

To make the situation more clear, here is what the numbers are showing:

1. You did wonderfully in the first quarter of 2024, when actual vs. pledged giving exceeded 100% in each month. That’s terrific! However, in April, actual giving fell far short of pledged giving—not so terrific. YTD actual giving stands at 98% of pledge, so it’s important that we pick up the giving pace.

2. YTD general fund giving through April is $238,103.00. That is $16,847.00 less than what was projected. That’s not a good thing at all, and the only thing that has saved us during this period is that YTD actual general fund spending has been $36,548 below plan. That is good in that Session and Staff have been frugal with FPC’s resources, but sadly, this means that fewer hearts are being touched through ministry and activities than we would like.

3. April was the first month of 2024 where actual general fund spending exceeded general fund income. This is worrisome.

4. The General Fund cash balance sits at $42,627. If April’s trend were to continue, we would run out of cash on July 15th, 2024.

5. Summer is generally a time where giving drops off – due to vacations, fewer people in church on Sundays, and other priorities that crowd out faithful stewardship to FPC. Yet, in Summer 2024, we need you to step up to ensure that we make it through a transitional summer (including several guest preachers after Glen’s departure and an ambitious plan to continue the renewal of VBS) and start the fall on the right footing to welcome Pastor Will!

6. You can help by:

A. Arranging for regular electronic giving by credit card (take the points!) or bank debit if you don’t already do so.

B. Considering increasing your giving, or at least ensuring your pledge commitment is met.

I am praying that you will take this to heart so we can say “There is a cure for the Summertime Blues!

Thank you for your faithful commitment to FPC!
Barb Cash

Need help around the house?

This Week’s Birthdays: June 16 – 22

This Week’s Anniversaries: June 16 – 22

FPC Nursery for Ages 2 and under

Kingdom Kids

Music in Worship

June 16 – Natalie & Derek Handley
June 23 – Ivory & Brass: Ruth & Paul Heinecke
June 30 – Second Century Brass Quintet

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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.