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Gathering the Graces
As you know, my time as your Interim Minister is coming to a close.
Pastor Kirk gave this church a strong foundation; COVID knocked us all for a loop; my time during this interim has been to watch how the Holy Spirit has guided and is reviving this church.
During my two weeks of Interim Training, I was taught that saying a good goodbye is as important to a congregation as it is to the Interim Minister. If a congregation is able to say a good “Goodbye”, then their “Welcome” to the new Pastor will be said with an open expectancy.
Another lesson that I have learned comes from my final meeting with my retreat director. Each year, we begin with a ritual called “Gathering the Graces.” We reflect on where we have seen God at work during the retreat.
As I “Gather the Graces” of my time at FPC, I am filled with gratitude at the many occasions where I have seen God at work:
• In the fall of 2022, Network 56 students were given $20.00 to do with what they would like.
- Several gave FPC $5.00, saved $10.00 and spent $5.00 on themselves.
- One purchased groceries and made two pies which they FaceBook auctioned off making $180.00 which they donated to the FPC Youth Mission trip to Guatemala. That one also purchased donuts to enjoy.
- One ran a lemonade stand and donated that $100.00 to hurricane relief.
- One donated the $20.00 to Gilda’s Club.
Those Network 56ers taught us all about the variety and power of Stewardship– using the gifts that we have been given.
• During the 2022 4pm Christmas Eve, the children went to 3 stations: Astrid Faust (England), Karen Tack (South Africa), and Sandrine Lengue (Cameroon) told about their family Christmas traditions. So meaningful. Gifts were shared.
• The funerals of Pat Ronspiez, Ted Cash, Norm Parsons, Jay Reed, Penny Holum and Betty Reed were moving and tender.
• The MIF Committee was appointed: Joan Cable, John Strangfeld, Angela Himegarner, Joel Lewis, Julie Cable, plus me. For 6 months we worked hard to listen to and help this church put onto paper our gifts and challenges.
• Several services for Healing and Wholeness were offered.
• Twice, Forgiveness Sunday and Baptism Sunday were celebrated.
• We went through the FPC church rolls and discovered that we really are a church of 470+ members (and growing.)
• Liz Weller retired. Alka Van Haren and Sue Gade retired. We gave thanks to God for all of the gifts they gave to our church.
• We welcomed Jamieson Wendlandt as our new Choir Director. Chris Drake’s job responsibilities grew. Christa Schmeelk’s job was redesigned. Kristina Maher was hired. Grateful for these new (and redeveloped) FPC Staff folks.
• Small Talk videos were offered in the summer of 2023 as a way to experiment with Adult Education in the summer months. They are still on our website.
• ChristCare small group training was offered.
• The Pastoral Nominating Committee was nominated, voted on and commissioned: Angela Himegarner, Mark Mathwig, Alan Roberts, Mary Currie, Travis Serebin, Kate Dietry and Brice Wallace. They had lots of help from Reverend Sue Melrose who is our John Knox Presbytery (JKP) Committee on Ministry (COM) Representative. JKP’s support and guidance has been vital to our congregation during this interim time.
• The FPC Staff began to collaborate: One result–a unified 2024 Lenten theme.
• The Video and Sound Board in the Sanctuary was updated. Fluorescent lights became energy efficient LEDS. Upgraded SMART Thermostats appeared.
• Stewardship Videos were produced and shown. Thanks to Bob and Lynda Bennin, and Brayden Scullion who spoke by video and Milana Lutes who spoke in person.
• Two Introductions to Centering Prayer were offered. There is now a solid group of 7 FPCers who meet monthly.
• My wife Christine and I led a Marriage Retreat (18 couples). A deepening experience for all involved. Honesty and vulnerability happened.
• For Christmas Eve 2023, Bella Lutes drew the manger scene as she took suggestions from the children present. So meaningful.
• The FUN Group brought back all sorts of fellowship opportunities including Lenten Suppers, “What’s Cookin’ FPC”, and a family movie night and campout. Yearly Bingo happened as well.
• The 2024 Confirmands led us in a worship service that I will never forget.
• A men’s small group was started as well as the GROW group.
• Several spoken dialogues were presented within Sunday Worship including the Reading of the Passion at the end of Palm Sunday.
• Live Nativity was reinvigorated.
• Reverend Will Wilson came to preach and the congregation voted to call him as our new Senior Minister (Head of Staff). Reverend Wilson accepted our call and will begin in September 2024.
• On May 21, John Knox Presbytery held its quarterly meeting here at FPC. Many people marveled at our gracious hospitality and the warm welcome that they received.
On a more personal note:
➢ 5 times, I hosted the monthly Region 4 meeting of the local PCUSA pastors here at FPC. This had not been done before.
➢ When I joined my adventurous daughters on the South Africa leg of their 2023 5-month adventure, I took a trip to Robben Island off Cape Town. Inspiring.
➢ Christine and I traveled to see the Celtic group called “The String Sisters.”
Jaw dropping.
➢ My daughter Molly, my son-in-law Marcus and their son, Cyrus, moved to Madison.
➢ I am part of the JKP Committee on Preparation for Ministry and Commissioned Ruling Elder Committee. I serve with great joy.
➢ On Labor Day 2023, I joined other PCUSA pastors to provide the meal at Pres House.
➢ Molly and Marcus finally sold their house in the Chicago Area. TBTG
➢ Our granddaughter was born on April 14th. Miriam Kathryn Thomas. TBTG.
These are the graces that stand out to me as we have walked together during this interval between Pastor Kirk and Pastor Will.
I wonder what your list might look like?
I invite you to name those graces as best you can, then let us thank each other and God for the gifts God has given us during this time together.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
“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 | June 2 – 22, 2024
Saturday, June 1, from 3-6PM – MOMco Summer Picnic!
Join us for food and family fun in the FPC outdoor space on Saturday, June 1 from 3-6pm.
This is MOMCo’s final get together of the year!
Questions? Email Patricia Coley.
Sunday, June 2, following worship – All Church Congregational Meeting
For the purpose of electing Elders, Deacons and members of the 2025 Nominating Committee.
Monday, June 3, 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.
Sunday, June 9-Tuesday, June 11, from 5PM-7:30PM – VBS 2024!
We are bringing back dinner this year! Dinner will be served from 5:00-5:25 p.m.
Look forward to the usual favorites of Opening and Closing with amazing music, silly skits, singing, dancing, Bible Adventures, science experiments, Games, Bible Buddies, and so much more!
Join our dive team! Join us on our underwater journey and help create an unforgettable experience!
Saturday, June 15, 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:
Saturday, June 15 at 3pm – Location TBD
Sunday, July 14 at 3pm – Location TBD
Sunday, August 18 at 3pm – Bennins’ Condo
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.
Tuesday, June 18, from 6-8:30PM – Men’s Ministry BBQ and Fellowship Night
The Men’s Ministry will be providing and grilling hamburgers and brats. Bring a dish to pass if you choose as well as your own beverage of choice.
Location:
Host is Bob Bennin. Address is; 5240 Bishops Bay Parkway, Apartment #112. It is east of the Northlake development on Highway Q, just before entering Middleton. The party will be at the outdoor BBQ area between buildings 2 & 3. Parking is available west of the (3) large brick buildings.
For more information, or to RSVP, please email Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com
Monday, 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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Thursday, July 4 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Independence Day.
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.
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 Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com
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.
October 18-20 – Women’s Retreat
Ladies! Join us October 18-20 (7pm, Friday evening- 11am, Sunday Morning) at the Green Lake Conference Center. Our speaker Natalie Handley will be speaking 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
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
Are you someone who is gifted in organizing spaces?
If this would bring you joy, we could use your help with our front office at FPC. Please contact Christa Schmeelk for more information: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Many Hands Make Light Work!
Need a “porpoise”? Want to make a di”fin”erence? Help us submerge the church into a Scuba Diving Adventure for VBS (Vacation Bible School)! Decorators of all or no skill level wanted! (You could come up with your own ideas, adopt a project of ours, and/or be on the set-up or take-down team! This is something families can also do together.)
The amazing decorations are always a huge part of our VBS charm! We’d love your help, so just dive in by reaching out to Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@charter.net, text at 608-235-7899, or sign up in the church Lobby and Lori will reach out to you. Thanks mates!
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
Our Children’s Ministry needs more monthly volunteers and subs in the Nursery. We are still building our foundation in this Ministry and we need more folks- teens and adults. Please consider contacting Patricia Coley to help and please pray for this vital ministry to our littlest ones and their families. pcoley@myfpc.org or call the Church Office.
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
Thank you FPC
Dear friends of FPC Waunakee–
Thank you for your gracious hospitality for our Presbytery meeting this week [May 21]. Your volunteers were warm and friendly, the food was delicious, and the building was clean and comfortable. The meeting participants were blessed by your kind and welcoming spirit. We are one body with many parts, and I thank God for you.
Grace and peace,
Charlie Berthoud
JKP Moderator
Pastor/HOS Covenant Presbyterian, Madison
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
“Home. Yipee. Happiness. Community. Healing. Welcoming. Fun. Friendly. Relief. Chill. Amazing. Minty. Relief. Authentic. Jesus.”
— written by students at the last youth group of the season.
Look for our summer schedule beginning June 26!
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: June 2 – 8
This Week’s Anniversaries: June 2 – 8
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.
Kingdom Kids
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.
Kingdom Kids will be closing for the Summer after Sunday, June 16!
Music in Worship
June 2 – Jamison Wendlandt, vocalist and Ying Wang, pianio
June 9 – Mary Kay Burton, guest organist
June 16 – Natalie & Derek Handley
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
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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.
